Barcelona Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Barcelona, a vibrant city on Spain's coast, is famed for Gaudí's architectural wonders like Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Explore the Gothic Quarter's narrow streets, relax on sandy beaches, and enjoy tapas in bustling plazas. Its rich history and lively arts scene make it a must-visit.
With 313+ hand-picked places to explore, Barcelona rewards travellers who look beyond the obvious. Here's our complete guide to the best of the city — organised by what you're in the mood for.
Must-See Attractions in Barcelona
The icons and landmarks no first visit is complete without.
Start with Arc de Triomf — located on Passeig de Lluís Companys, this striking red-brick arch marks a historical entrance to Barcelona. Just as worthwhile is Casa Amatller: a stop on Passeig de Gràcia, showcasing Catalan modernism through its distinctive architecture and original furnishings. Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia completes the picture: a historic square featuring a notable clock tower, central to Gràcia's local culture and community events.
Arc de Triomf
Barcelona • Monuments & Statues
Located on Passeig de Lluís Companys, this striking red-brick arch marks a historical entrance to Barcelona.
Casa Amatller
Barcelona • Historic Architecture
A stop on Passeig de Gràcia, showcasing Catalan modernism through its distinctive architecture and original furnishings.
Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia
Barcelona • Historic Squares & Plazas
A historic square featuring a notable clock tower, central to Gràcia's local culture and community events.
Columbus Monument
Barcelona • Monuments & Statues
This iconic monument seamlessly integrates into a day of exploration along La Rambla.
Museums & Culture in Barcelona
Galleries, museums and cultural landmarks for a deeper look at the city.
Top of most lists is Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar: integrate a visit to this Gothic church into your exploration of Barcelona’s rich history and architecture. Locals will also point you to Casa Batlló — located on Passeig de Gràcia, this architectural marvel showcases Antoni Gaudí's distinct style. And for something different, there's Casa Vicens: ideal for culture enthusiasts and families interested in architectural history.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
Barcelona • Historical Sites
Integrate a visit to this Gothic church into your exploration of Barcelona’s rich history and architecture.
Casa Batlló
Barcelona • Historical Sites
Located on Passeig de Gràcia, this architectural marvel showcases Antoni Gaudí's distinct style.
Casa Vicens
Barcelona • Historical Sites
Ideal for culture enthusiasts and families interested in architectural history.
Galeria Joan Gaspar
Barcelona • Art Galleries
Located in Eixample, this gallery features a mix of established and emerging artists in contemporary art.
Best Things to Do in Barcelona
Activities and experiences to fill your days.
If you only make time for one stop, make it VR Zone Barcelona — located on Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, this venue offers cutting-edge virtual reality experiences in Barcelona. Barcelona Watersports earns its reputation too — experience Barcelona's coastline through a variety of water sports for all skill levels during your city exploration. Round out the shortlist with Enigmik Escape Room — experience Barcelona's innovative escape room designs with immersive puzzles and captivating storylines.
VR Zone Barcelona
Barcelona • Indoor
Located on Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, this venue offers cutting-edge virtual reality experiences in Barcelona.
Barcelona Watersports
Barcelona • Sports
Experience Barcelona's coastline through a variety of water sports for all skill levels during your city exploration.
Enigmik Escape Room
Barcelona • Indoor
Experience Barcelona's innovative escape room designs with immersive puzzles and captivating storylines.
Parc del Fòrum Bike Rentals
Barcelona • Outdoor
A practical stop to start your cycling adventure along Barcelona's scenic coastline.
Where to Eat in Barcelona
From local classics to standout modern kitchens.
Start with Kak Koy — enjoy a memorable evening of authentic robatayaki in Barcelona's atmospheric setting. Just as worthwhile is Cinc Sentits: located on Carrer d'Entença, this restaurant merges traditional Catalan dishes with innovative techniques. Koy Shunka completes the picture: ideal for couples and food enthusiasts seeking a unique culinary experience in Barcelona.
Kak Koy
Barcelona • Asian Cuisine
Enjoy a memorable evening of authentic robatayaki in Barcelona's atmospheric setting.
Cinc Sentits
Barcelona • Local Cuisine
Located on Carrer d'Entença, this restaurant merges traditional Catalan dishes with innovative techniques.
Koy Shunka
Barcelona • Fine Dining
Ideal for couples and food enthusiasts seeking a unique culinary experience in Barcelona.
Lasarte
Barcelona • Fine Dining
Ideal for couples or fine-dining enthusiasts seeking an elevated culinary experience in Barcelona.
Barcelona After Dark: Bars & Nightlife
Where to go once the sun sets.
Top of most lists is Tandem Cocktail Bar: this cocktail bar features vintage decor and expertly crafted classic drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. Locals will also point you to BierCaB — with one of the largest selections of craft beers on tap in Barcelona, this bar attracts enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. And for something different, there's Bitter Cocktail Bar: located on Carrer de Casanova, this cocktail bar is a popular nightlife destination in Barcelona.
Tandem Cocktail Bar
Barcelona • Cocktail Bars
This cocktail bar features vintage decor and expertly crafted classic drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
BierCaB
Barcelona • Craft Beer Bars
With one of the largest selections of craft beers on tap in Barcelona, this bar attracts enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Bitter Cocktail Bar
Barcelona • Cocktail Bars
Located on Carrer de Casanova, this cocktail bar is a popular nightlife destination in Barcelona.
JazzMan
Barcelona • Live Jazz Venues
Ideal for jazz lovers seeking a cozy evening of live music in Barcelona.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Hand-picked hotels, hostels and B&Bs across every budget.
If you only make time for one stop, make it Casa Mathilda — a beautifully restored building with a mix of modern comforts and classic architectural details. Hostal Grau earns its reputation too — a comfortable stop amid Barcelona's lively streets, perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking sustainability. Round out the shortlist with Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia — located on Carrer de Terol in the artistic Gracia neighborhood, this hostel caters to a social atmosphere and modern design.
Casa Mathilda
Barcelona • Bed & Breakfast
A beautifully restored building with a mix of modern comforts and classic architectural details.
Hostal Grau
Barcelona • Budget Hotels
A comfortable stop amid Barcelona's lively streets, perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking sustainability.
Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia
Barcelona • Hostels
Located on Carrer de Terol in the artistic Gracia neighborhood, this hostel caters to a social atmosphere and modern design.
The5Rooms
Barcelona • Bed & Breakfast
Ideal for couples and families seeking a cozy retreat in central Barcelona.
Shopping in Barcelona
Markets, boutiques and everything in between.
Start with La Principal Retro & Co — integrate a stop at this vintage shop into a day exploring Barcelona's eclectic fashion scene. Just as worthwhile is Vintage Kilo: ideal for budget-conscious shoppers and vintage fashion enthusiasts looking for unique finds. Le Swing Vintage completes the picture: ideal for fashion enthusiasts and collectors seeking unique vintage finds in Barcelona.
La Principal Retro & Co
Barcelona • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Integrate a stop at this vintage shop into a day exploring Barcelona's eclectic fashion scene.
Vintage Kilo
Barcelona • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Ideal for budget-conscious shoppers and vintage fashion enthusiasts looking for unique finds.
Le Swing Vintage
Barcelona • Vintage & Thrift Shops
Ideal for fashion enthusiasts and collectors seeking unique vintage finds in Barcelona.
El Ingenio
Barcelona • Souvenir Shops
Ideal for families and tourists seeking unique souvenirs from Barcelona's cultural heritage.
Parks & Green Spaces in Barcelona
Room to breathe when you need a break from the streets.
Top of most lists is Reserva Natural del Delta del Ebro: ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking tranquility in a rich ecosystem. Locals will also point you to Turó de la Rovira — a hike to Turó de la Rovira enhances any Barcelona itinerary with its blend of history and sweeping vistas. And for something different, there's Carretera de les Aigües: this scenic trail in Collserola offers views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Reserva Natural del Delta del Ebro
Barcelona • Nature Reserves & Wildlife
Ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking tranquility in a rich ecosystem.
Turó de la Rovira
Barcelona • Hiking Trails
A hike to Turó de la Rovira enhances any Barcelona itinerary with its blend of history and sweeping vistas.
Carretera de les Aigües
Barcelona • Hiking Trails
This scenic trail in Collserola offers views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Barcelona • Parks
Ideal for families and groups seeking a relaxing outdoor experience in Barcelona.
78 Explorer Picks We Held Back
Every list above is our free tier. On top of it, our editors mark the roughly one-in-ten places in Barcelona that are genuinely special — standout stays, tables worth planning a day around, and rooms most visitors never find — as Explorer picks, with full write-ups reserved for members. A few currently on the Barcelona list:
- El Raval Self-Guided Art Tour· Self-Guided
- Plaça Reial· Historic Squares & Plazas
- Barcelona Sailing Day· Outdoor
- Cook & Taste Barcelona· Indoor
- Sant Jeroni Trail· Hiking Trails
Planning where to stay in Barcelona?
Our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide covers the best areas and hotels for every budget.
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