🇪🇸 19 Best Things to Do in Barcelona: A Perfect Weekend

Looking for the best things to do in Barcelona? You’re in the right place!

I’ve visited Barcelona three times (most recently, just last month after our transatlantic cruise). On each trip I revisit some favorites (like La Rambla) and explore new sights. We really loved the views from the cable car to Montjuic!

Barcelona definitely has something for everyone to love, whether you’re spending a day in Barcelona or are lucky enough to spend a week here.

Wondering what to do in Barcelona? I’ve got all of the city’s top attractions right here for you, from the stunning Sagrada Familia Basilica to Barcelona’s famous market, La Boqueria!

Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

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Best things to do in Barcelona Spain

1. Stroll down La Rambla

Barcelona’s famous pedestrian boulevard is known as La Rambla or Las Ramblas.  This needs to be at the top of your Barcelona itinerary, because if you haven’t explored Las Ramblas, you really haven’t ‘been’ to Barcelona.

La Rambla starts at Plaça de Catalunya, the city center. This impressive central plaza features fountains and many sculptures.   

La Rambla extends 1.2 km down to the harbor of Port Vell. At the harbor end of La Rambla you’ll find the Monument a Colom, which honors Christopher Columbus.  It depicts Columbus pointing towards the New World that he explored for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain.

Las Ramblas is a tree-lined pedestrian boulevard filled with restaurants, shops, and stunning architecture.  Follow your curiosity and discover churches, palaces, and plazas around every corner. 

(Just do be aware of your surroundings.  We found ourselves wandering a bit far from the main boulevard into a slightly questionable area.   We then quickly moved back towards a more populated zone.)

2. Shop and snack at La Boqueria

Another thing you absolutely must do in Barcelona is to visit one of the markets.  My favorite is the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, which is located about midway down La Rambla. 

Called ‘La Boqueria’ for short, this sprawling market is a feast for the senses.   Enjoy the vibrant colors of the produce, the briny fresh (and sometimes still alive!) seafood, and the aromas of delicious ready-to-eat foods at the delis and bars.   

All this with a backdrop of the noise and bustle of the market’s hundreds of vendors and tens of thousands of daily visitors!

Visit La Boqueria on this Barcelona food, wine, and history tour. Foodies will love this small-group walking tour! Nibble on local hams, cheeses, tapas, and more as you sample the culinary delights of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter with an expert guide.

Nibble your way through the market

I highly recommend eating your way through this market.  Start with a refreshing freshly squeezed juice or a cup of ready-to-eat fruit (my favorite is to grab a cup of pomegranate seeds).

Then, roam through the aisles of La Boqueria and see what looks tasty. (Warning: you’ll have some hard choices to make!) 

Many vendors have small pre-packaged nibbles that you can purchase.  Sample some jamon iberico, one of the regional specialties in Barcelona. Many vendors sell snack-sized cones filled with ham, cheeses, and breadsticks.  

You’ll find a wide array of products, from chocolates to spices. You can even find great souvenirs and gifts here to bring a taste of Barcelona back home with you!

Tip: La Boqueria is open every day except Sundays and bank holidays. Even though the market is open from 8am until 8:30pm, some of the best items sell out early. Head to the market around lunchtime for the best selection.

Admire the Architecture of Gaudí

Barcelona has one of the most recognizable architectural styles in the world.  This is thanks to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona’s most influential Art Nouveau architect. 

Gaudí’s unique style is playful and whimsical and features a lot of flowing organic forms rather than regimented straight lines.  Gaudí’s seven buildings in Barcelona have been honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(And if you’re a huge fan of Gaudí’s work, consider a road trip from Barcelona to Andorra. Along the way you can visit La Colonia Guell to see more of his fabulous architecture.)

See the best of Antoni Gaudí’s amazing architecture on these skip-the-line tours:

3. Marvel at the magnificent La Sagrada Familia

Looking for must see Barcelona attractions?

La Sagrada Familia is the top tourist attraction in Barcelona. It’s also one big reason why Barcelona is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. 

La Sagrada Familia is a unique basilica still under construction in the heart of Barcelona. The architectural details of this basilica, both inside and out, are incredible. 

As you approach the basilica more of the structure comes into view, and each sight is more impressive than the last.

Get your skip-the-line tickets to La Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell — you won’t want to miss out on these must-see Barcelona attractions!

The shorter domed building to the left is the cloister. As you get close, you can see words inscribed on it in the Catalan language, which translate to concepts like ‘praise’ and ‘thanksgiving’.

As you circle the basilica, you will note that each of its sides is in an entirely different style. 

View the unique façades of La Sagrada Familia

The Passion façade depicts the crucifixion. This façade is much simpler than the Nativity façade.  It faces west and features striking imagery with almost a skeletal appearance.

On the north side of Sagrada Familia, you’ll find the temple apse. This façade looks most like what you normally picture in a cathedral, with soaring spires and lots of gorgeous stained glass.

The temple apse supports the Tower of the Virgin Mary. Statues in white sit atop the spires, and if you look closely, you can see the stone lizards flanking the uppermost set of stained-glass windows.

The Nativity façade (the east façade) is extremely ornate with lots of statuary. This façade was built while Gaudí was still alive.

The Glory façade is striking in its simplicity and is a sheer rise from the ground straight up towards the heavens. This southern-facing façade is the main façade of the basilica. It features the ‘portal of glory’, seven bronze doors leading into the church.

To view the fantastical interior of La Sagrada Familia, you’ll need to purchase tickets.  It’s best to get your tour tickets in advance as this unique experience is very popular.

Admire the basilica’s phenomenal interior with this fast-track Sagrada Familia guided tour. Skip the long lines and learn about the history of Sagrada Familia from a local guide!

Wondering what La Sagrada Familia will look like when construction is complete? Take a look:

4. Explore whimsical Parc Güell

You’ll immediately recognize Parc Güell as the feature image for many Barcelona visitors’ guides.   Its distinctive mosaics make it one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Spain.

Its 17-hectares of gardens and greenery is the perfect showcase for the fanciful, colorful mosaic-covered Gaudí buildings.  Since it is located on Carmel Hill, it also boasts amazing panoramic views of Barcelona.   

Visiting Parc Güell is one of the top activities in Barcelona. And it’s one of the reasons that Barcelona is one of the best places to visit for your first trip to Spain.

As Parc Güell was about an hour’s walk from our hotel, we chose to take the metro to cover the distance more quickly. 

You can visit the main park for free. You’ll get some great views of the whimsical buildings, not to mention the city.   However, there is an entry fee to visit the Monumental Zone (the famous stuff).

Get your skip-the-line tickets to La Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell — you won’t want to miss out on these must-see Barcelona attractions!

5. Sample delicious tapas

Tapas, which are small plates of food typically shared among friends and family, are a great way to get a taste of the variety of flavors that Spanish cuisine has to offer.

Popular dishes include patatas bravas (potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), croquetas (fried balls of meat and cheese), tortilla de patatas (potato omelette), Gilda olives, gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic butter), pimientos del piquillo (stuffed red peppers) and calamares a la plancha (grilled squid).

I admit– I’m not a very adventurous eater, so grilled squid was not on my personal menu. But I did adore the deep fried croquetas — piping hot and delicious! 

Explore Barcelona’s neighborhoods as you savor the authentic flavors of tapas on a tapas tour of Barcelona!

View Gaudí’s unique buildings

There are seven of Gaudí’s works that are honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Of course, La Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell are tourist attractions in their own right.

You will find Gaudí’s other honored buildings sprinkled throughout the city, and a weekend in Barcelona gives you plenty of time to seek them out and appreciate the unique architecture of each building.

If you walk from Parc Güell back towards the Old City (Ciutat Vella), you can see three more buildings featuring Gaudí’s innovative architecture. They’re some of the best Barcelona Spain attractions!

6. See the colorful Casa Vincens

The first building you’ll run across is Casa Vincens.  This building has a very different style than the flowing shapes that you see in Gaudí’s other works. (If you constructed a building out of Legos, I think that this is what it would look like.) 

Casa Vincens is a colorful building influenced by Moorish architecture. Note the checkerboard-like tile patterns and the stylized arches in the door frame and corner tower.

From here, make your way to Passeig de Gràcia, an upscale avenue filled with high-end shopping and lot of restaurants.   You can follow this boulevard all the way back to Plaça de Catalunya.  

7. Enjoy a rooftop concert at Casa Milà

Next, you’ll find the flowing curves of Casa Milà.  This imposing building is known as ‘La Pedrera’ (the stone quarry) for its unusual looks.  Unlike many of Gaudí’s other buildings, Casa Milà is monochromatic other than its striking tangled wrought-iron balcony decorations. 

You can enjoy magnificent city views from the rooftop of Casa Milà. Or visit in the evening for the magical La Pedrera Night Experience, a multi-sensory and multi-media immersive experience!

Get your skip-the-line tickets to Casa Milà and immerse yourself if the incredible architecture of one of Gaudí’s most iconic buildings!

8. Admire the beautiful Casa Batlló

And lastly, we have my personal favorite, the truly unique Casa Batlló.   Its shimmering multicolored roof tiles look like the scales of a sinuous snake — some call this building ‘dragon-roofed’. 

The use of color extends down the walls of Casa Batlló.  It looks like purple, blue, and green lichen are growing on the building.  The balconies are reminiscent of the skeletal style Gaudí featured in the Passion façade of La Sagrada Familia.

Get your skip-the-line tickets to Casa Batlló and immerse yourself if the incredible architecture of one of Gaudí’s most iconic buildings!

9. See a flamenco show

The art of flamenco is an important part of Spanish culture and history, representing the passionate and creative spirit of the country’s people.

The traditional flamenco dance style is based on movements that evoke emotions such as joy, sadness, and anger. Flamenco dance is typically accompanied by guitar music and singing, as well as hand-clapping and foot-stomping.

This combination creates an atmosphere that is highly expressive and captivating. Flamenco dancers often have their own unique interpretations of the traditional steps, making each performance truly one-of-a-kind.

Although the art of flamenco originates from Andalusia, there are many excellent tablaos in Barcelona where you can see an authentic flamenco performance. This is a great way to spend an evening in Barcelona!

Check out these amazing options for flamenco shows in Barcelona:

10. Relax at Parc de la Ciutadella

The Parc de la Ciutadella was Barcelona’s first green space. It is a great place to take a breather from exploring the hustle and bustle of the city.  It is located on the northeastern edge of the Ciutat Vella (Old City), and is named for the fortress that originally stood here.

The fortress, once part of Barcelona’s defense system, is now gone.  The center of the park is now anchored by a grand landscaped plaza and the Catalan Parliament building.   There are lots of classical statues and fountains dotting the park. 

The Parc de la Ciutadella is also where you will find the Barcelona Zoo.

You can’t miss the Castell dels Tres Dragons at the park’s northwest corner, which looks like a medieval castle or fortress.   It was originally built as a café/restaurant for the 1888 Universal Exposition.  

This was the first time that Barcelona hosted a World’s Fair, and it brought two million visitors to the Parc de la Ciutadella.

Be sure to view the stunning Cascada del Parc de la Ciutadella.  Our good friend Gaudí had a hand in designing this gorgeous fountain, with inspiration from Rome’s Trevi Fountain.

This magnificent two-level fountain is embellished with many fantastical statues.  Take a good look at the creatures at the base of the fountain – all manner of mythical beasts stand guard. 

The higher levels of the fountain feature Venus arising from a shell, with winged horses rising from the cascading waters.  The crowning glory is a golden statue of Aurora in her chariot pulled by the four horses of the dawn.

Whiz through the streets of Barcelona on this fun electric bike tour. See Barcelona landmarks such as the El Born Cultural Center and natural attractions including the Parc de la Ciutadella and La Barceloneta. You’ll also enjoy tapas and drinks in an authentic wine cellar in the Gothic Quarter!

11. See the Arc de Triomf

Be sure to leave the Parc de la Ciutadella from its northwest corner.  From here you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Arc de Triomf.  This red brick triumphal arch is framed by the palm trees lining the Promenade Passeig de Lluís Companys, a grand pedestrian boulevard.

Don’t forget to look down as you walk down the promenade towards the Arc de Triomf.   You’ll be walking across the Planell de Barcelona, a colorful map of the city’s neighborhoods, roads, and attractions (seen in the foreground of this picture).

The Arc de Triomf was built as the gateway to the Parc de la Ciutadella for the World’s Fair.  (Unlike most cities’ triumphal arches, which celebrate military victories.) 

If you look closely at its friezes, you will see depictions of awards being granted to exhibition’s participants.  You may also notice stone bats decorating the Arc de Triompf – these were an emblem of King Jaume I.

12. Take a paella cooking class

Paella is an iconic Spanish dish renowned for its combination of vibrant colors and flavors. It typically includes an array of ingredients such as saffron-infused rice, a variety of fish, shellfish and vegetables.

The traditional preparation involves slowly sautéing the ingredients in a large paella pan over an open flame, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen. This slow cooking process allows for a perfectly cooked paella with a golden crispy bottom. (The crispy bottom is essential!)

While Barcelona isn’t the most famous location to enjoy paella (that would be the Spanish city of Valencia), you’ll find many excellent paellas in Barcelona.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make paella, Barcelona is the perfect place to take a paella cooking class!

13. Tour Castell de Montjuïc

To the south of Barcelona’s Old City, you will find the Montjuïc neighborhood.  Named for the mountain, this area has many attractions. You could easily spend your entire weekend in Barcelona just exploring the Montjuïc neighborhood.

We only had a little time to spend here, and my significant other is a sucker for military history, so we visited the Castell de Montjuïc.  There are convenient metro stops at the base of Montjuïc, and it’s easy to use the metro in Barcelona.

We walked uphill to reach the hilltop fortress along paths zigzagging through gardens.  In retrospect, we should have saved some wear and tear on our feet by taking a Montjuïc tour via cable car!

You’ll enjoy some fantastic panoramic views over Barcelona and the harbor from the top of the castle:

14. View the art museum at the Montjuïc National Palace

Palau Nacional de Montjuïc, or the Montjuïc National Palace, was the main site of Barcelona’s 1929 International Exhibition.    This palace now houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia.  The palace itself is a neo-baroque beauty.

15. Enjoy the nightly Magic Fountain water show

If you are in the Montjuïc neighborhood in the evening, you won’t want to miss the Font Màgica de Montjuïc, or Magic Fountain. 

Barcelona’s largest ornamental fountain puts on a nightly show of lights, music, and water. 

Showtime varies through the year so check the schedules before you go.  And yes, it was also created for the 1929 World’s Fair. 

16. Explore Montjuïc: Museums, Gardens, and more

Fundació Joan Miró:  Modern art museum featuring the works of artist Joan Miró.  It houses over 10,000 of his works – paintings, sculptures, and more.

Jardí Botànic de Barcelona:  Barcelona’s 14-hectare botanic gardens showcase plants from many different climate zones.  It also focuses on conservation of rare plant species.

Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys:  The stadium built for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics is now used for concerts and events.

17. Visit the Cathedral of Barcelona

In addition to the world-famous Sagrada Familia, Barcelona has many fabulous churches, cathedrals, and basilicas. They’re definitely a highlight of Barcelona sightseeing!

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as the Cathedral of Barcelona, is one of the most impressive. Locals refer to this cathedral as ‘La Seu’, as it is ‘the seat’ of the Archbishop of Barcelona.

The Cathedral of Barcelona dates from the 13th century and was built in the Gothic architectural style. (The embellishments on the spires remind me a lot of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the best attractions in Paris France — and one of my personal favorites!)

You’ll find this cathedral in the heart of Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter.

You may tour the Cathedral on your own or take a guided tour. (Be sure to wear appropriately modest attire if you wish to enter.)

When we visited the Cathedral of Barcelona, we were disappointed to see this large advertisement across the central spire. I know they want to block the view of the construction activities, but I really hate this new trend of putting up ads.

If you’ve visiting Barcelona over the holidays, you won’t want to miss the Fira de Santa Llúcia. This is the biggest Christmas market in Barcelona, and it is held in the prime location of Cathedral Square.

At the Fira de Santa Llúcia you can find traditional holiday favorites including nativity scenes, so it’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs and gifts!

18. Savor churros con chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely want to sample some churros!  Churros con chocolate is a staple in Barcelona, with many churrerías serving up this favorite.  The chocolate is in the form of a thick hot chocolate for dipping. 

You can also find churros filled with cream, chocolate, or dulce de leche.  Churros con chocolate is a common breakfast in Spain – what a tasty way to start the day!

19. Walk on the beach at Barceloneta

You certainly can’t visit Barcelona without taking at least one trip to the beach!  In addition to its spectacular architecture and culture, Barcelona is one of the best beach towns in Spain.

We visited Barceloneta, which had a conveniently located nearby Metro stop.  Barceloneta is a lovely sandy beach—perfect for walking along the water’s edge and having the surf wash over your toes. 

Barceloneta is probably the most popular of Barcelona’s beaches due to its location – so if you want less crowds, work your way north along the string of beaches.  From the beach you can look back and appreciate some of Barcelona’s architecture – both classical and modern.

The sea is an excellent vantage point to view Barcelona’s attractions. Book this romantic sunset sailing experience for an evening you’ll never forget!

Barcelona Attractions Map

Barcelona Travel Tips and Resource Guide

Where to stay in Barcelona

We stayed at the Hotel Jazz, right in the heart of Barcelona. The Hotel Jazz has a perfect location, just minutes from Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, tons of great restaurants, and the metro. Plus they have a rooftop pool and bar, a great place to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing in Barcelona!

The neighborhoods in Barcelona each have a unique vibe, so use neighborhood info to help you determine where to stay in Barcelona. And if you’re looking for a touch of luxury, take a look at these boutique hotels in Barcelona.

Book your stay at the Hotel Jazz, or check out other great Barcelona hotels here:

The Barcelona Explorer Pass and the Barcelona All-Inclusive Pass by Go City

Are you the kind of person that wants to see everything when you’re visiting a new city? With Go City, you can choose between two options:

With the Go City: Barcelona All-Inclusive Pass, you can see as much as you want within the number of days you have selected for your pass. Or choose the Go City: Barcelona Explorer Pass, and select how many attractions you want to see from within the list.

Be sure to do your due diligence on pricing — if you buy the Explorer Pass for 3 attractions, don’t use the pass for the cheapest attractions on the list. Make sure the pass is the best choice for you based on which attractions you want to see.

We purchased Go City’s Chicago Explorer Pass for our recent visit to Chicago. I did my homework on which attractions we wanted to see and there was a significant savings using Go City’s Chicago Explorer Pass instead of buying tickets individually.

And using the Explorer Pass couldn’t be easier. Just download the app on your phone and show your code when you arrive. The app also lets you know which attractions require reservations in advance. Easy peasy!

Make the most out of your trip to Barcelona! See more and spend less with Go City. Go on an epic Barcelona sightseeing spree with the All-Inclusive Pass or choose your favorite attractions with the Explorer Pass.

Barcelona airport transportation

Arriving to Barcelona by plane? The Barcelona airport is located several miles from downtown Barcelona.

If you’re on a budget, you can take the metro/train. This option works if you are traveling with only carry-on bags but is a hassle you have full-sized luggage (or a lot of it!).

If you want a stress-free trip, book this airport transfer with Welcome Pickups. You’ll get an English-speaking driver who will monitor your flight for delays.

Book your Barcelona airport transfer here!

Final Thoughts:

There are so many amazing things to do in Barcelona! Whether you have just a day in Barcelona or have more time to explore, it’s easy to fall in love with this Spanish city.

To get a flavor of the city, you’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring Las Ramblas! (We spent our entire day there last time we visited Barcelona on a cruise.)

I must say that our pre-cruise weekend in Barcelona was amazing! We loved our stay in Barcelona, and I think you will love this city too!

If you have even more time to spend in Barcelona, check out this 5-day Barcelona itinerary!

Pin this for later! You won’t want to miss out on all these great ideas for visiting Barcelona!

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