Barcelona is an incredible city with enough attractions and experiences to keep you busy for weeks. But if you only have a few days these Barcelona must-dos should be the first things on your list.
I’ve made two visits to Barcelona just months apart and I now list it as one of my favourite cities. It’s vibrant and friendly, with great history, food and culture and just a little bit quirky too.
If you can add these top things to do in Barcelona to your itinerary, you will get an idea of many of the different aspects of the city.
Contents
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission. Read the full disclaimer here.
Visit La Sagrada Familia
No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Família.
If you’re like most people thinking about visiting Barcelona, it’s likely that the Sagrada Familia is top of your list – it was for me. I visited twice within a couple of months and was able to compare a guided tour with general admission.
This iconic basilica, still under construction since 1882, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Barcelona.
The structure is a fusion of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with intricate facades and towering spires that reach for the sky.
Inside, the stained glass windows bathe the interior in the m ost amazing colours, creating a surreal atmosphere.
Each visit offers a unique experience as the ongoing construction continuously adds new elements, although it has been recently announced that it will be finished in 2026, just in time for the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.
To avoid long queues, it’s wise to book tickets in advance.
Seek out even more Gaudi
While the Sagrada Familia is almost a given on your itinerary, if you love the quirky architecture you might like to seek out one or two of the other popular Gaudi sites to visit also.
Park Güell is a popular choice. Located in the foothills, it was designed as a housing estate and is now a public park filled with colourful mosaics, winding pathways, and fantastical structures.
The park’s most famous feature is the mosaic-covered Serpentine Bench, offering panoramic views of Barcelona.
Or you might prefer to visit Casa Batlló, a dream-like building on the Passeig de Gràcia and another UNESCO World Heritage site.
The third popular site is Casa Milà, or La Pedrera, another stunning building just up the road from Casa Batlló.
The rooftop, with its whimsical chimneys that resemble warriors or surreal sculptures, offers breathtaking views of the city, a great way to enjoy the panorama.
These are not all the Gaudi sites in Barcelona, there are even more to explore, but adding one of these to you itinerary will enhance your visit to the rest of the city.
Explore the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of Barcelona, a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets and hidden squares.
The quarter is home to the Barcelona Cathedral, a beautiful example of Catalan Gothic architecture, and the Plaça del Rei, where you can see remnants of Roman Barcelona.
As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll discover boutiques, cafes, bars and historic landmarks like the Pont del Bisbe, a picturesque bridge connecting two buildings.
The Gothic Quarter is also a hub for local culture, with street musicians adding to the atmosphere.
You can go it alone when you explore, or you can do what we did and join one of the many free walking tours that run every day.
I chose this tour and it was good, but if the time doesn’t suit there are many others. Just check that the tour is in English unless your Spanish is up to the task.
Eat in a Tapas Bar
No visit to Barcelona is complete without experiencing the city’s tapas culture.
Tapas bars are where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a relaxed meal, socialise, and share small plates of delicious, bite-sized dishes.
The variety is endless, from classics like patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy sauce) and jamón ibérico (cured ham) to seafood delights like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) and pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus).
One of the best ways to enjoy tapas is to hop between bars, trying different specialties at each one—this practice is known as “tapeo.”
You’ll find a tapas bar on every corner and down every laneway, but if you’re looking for recommendations, give either El Xampanyet or Bar del Pla a go.
Want to learn from a local? There are plenty of tapas tours to book that will take you to a variety of bars, teach you the process and let you taste some of their favourites.
Stroll down La Rambla
La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous street, a tree-lined boulevard that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.
I loved strolling along here so much that I did it twice, once during each of my visits – even squeezing it in during my quick one-day Barcelona stopover.
In March it was quieter, but still, there was plenty going on. In May it was bustling, with people everywhere.
It’s a vibrant, lively area filled with street performers, artists, and flower stalls, offering a snapshot of Barcelona’s diverse culture.
Strolling down La Rambla, you’ll encounter historic buildings, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu, one of Europe’s leading opera houses.
The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, commonly known as La Boqueria, is also located here—a bustling market where you can sample local delicacies.
While it’s touristy, it’s also a great place to people-watch and soak in the city’s atmosphere.
Just keep an eye on your belongings as the area can get crowded, and I know more than one person who was pickpocketed at this location.
Hit the Beach
Sadly I didn’t get to do this personally – it was too cold on my first visit and I didn’t have enough time on my second – but I’ve heard it’s worth the effort.
If you can squeeze in some beach time then Barceloneta Beach is the place to go. Located just a short walk from the city centre, this sandy beach is popular with both locals and tourists.
The area is lined with seafood restaurants and beach bars, where you can enjoy a drink and a plate of paella while gazing out at the sea.
The beach is also a hub of activity, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like paddleboarding.
There’s a promenade where you can rent bikes, rollerblades, or simply stroll along, taking in the views of the coastline.
A visit to Barceloneta Beach is certainly on my list for my next visit.
Watch a football game
If you are even slightly into football and there is a game on at Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona FC, then you should really try to get some tickets.
I didn’t have the opportunity, but I did get a small glimpse at how passionate the fans are when I saw the crowds at Plaça Catalunya the night the women’s team was in the UEFA Women’s Champions League grand final on the other side of the country.
Barcelona won, and the place went wild. Imagine it it was the men’s team!
If you can’t get to a game, you can still visit Camp Nou and do a stadium tour, which is impressive enough as it’s the largest stadium in Europe and a place where football history has been made.
The tour also includes a visit to the FC Barcelona Museum, where you can see the club’s many trophies, learn about its history, and get a closer look at memorabilia from legendary players like Messi.
Visit the markets
While there are lots of markets around Barcelona, here are two I recommend for different experiences.
Located off La Rambla, La Boqueria is Barcelona’s most iconic market, with a history dating back to the 13th century.
It’s a bustling hub of activity, where colourful stalls overflow with fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local delicacies. There are even a few small bars in the back to grab a meal.
Today it’s much more a market for tourists rather than the locals, but the lively atmosphere, combined with the rich aromas and vibrant displays, makes it a must-visit.
Mercat de Santa Caterina offers a more relaxed and authentic experience just across the road in the El Born neighbourhood. This is where you are likely to find the locals doing their shopping
Recognised by its colourful, wave-like roof, inside, you’ll find top-quality produce, meats, seafood, and gourmet products.
Less crowded than La Boqueria, it’s ideal for leisurely exploration, chatting with vendors, and enjoying the flavours of Barcelona at your own pace.
In the back, you will also find Bar Joan, recommended as the best place for Tapas by our walking tour guide. Sadly I can’t confirm, as it is very popular and there was a long wait for a seat when we tried to eat there.
Explore the markets yourself, or join in on one of these tours
Taste Vermouth in a local bar
I had no idea that drinking vermouth in Barcelona was a time-honoured tradition.
Vermouth, or “vermut” in Catalan, is a fortified wine infused with herbs and spices, usually enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal.
In Barcelona, locals gather at neighbourhood bars on weekends to sip vermouth over ice, often garnished with a slice of orange and an olive, while catching up with friends.
We stopped into a small local bar called Bar el Born to try the Vermouth, chosen simply because we were walking past.
Another option is Bodega La Palma, tucked away on a quiet street just a short walk from the bustling heart of the Gothic Quarter.
Bodega La Palma has been serving locals since 1935, and it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of vermouth in an authentic setting.
Visit the Picasso Museum
If I have to recommend just one museum in Barcelona, then for me, it’s the Picasso Museum.
Housed in five interconnected medieval palaces in the Gothic Quarter, the museum boasts a huge collection of over 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso.
The museum’s focus is on Picasso’s early years, providing a look at his development as an artist from his early sketches and paintings to his Blue Period and beyond.
A visit here offers a deeper understanding of Picasso’s genius and also a chance to explore the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings that house the collection.
You can pick up tickets in advance directly from the museum’s website or pay at the door on arrival. They are open every day except Monday and have free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
I hope you enjoy this varied array of activities to add to your Barcelona adventure.
Don’t forget that this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of all there is to do in this fantastic city, so use it and this guide as a starting point to plan your own amazing visit.
Do you still need more inspiration? Read these next
Things to Know Before Going to Barcelona
Barcelona Hostels
How to Get from Barcelona Airport to the Gothic Quarter
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Find flights – I always use Skyscanner as my starting point when searching for flights. One search will give many options including airlines I may not have thought of. This means I can find the best possible flights to suit my needs
Book accommodation – my go to is always Booking.com for the best places to stay. It’s not just hotels anymore, but hostels, apartments, B&Bs and more. I love that the bookings are usually cancellable, and that I can book now and pay later.
Hire a rental car – RentalCars.com is my go to here. It allows me to do just one search and it finds cars from many of the different supplies, so no checking multiple websites to compare.
Get travel insurance – you would have heard by now that saying “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. If we’ve learnt anything from the last couple of years it should be how essential travel insurance is. I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – I tried an eSIM on my last trip and it was fantastic. I set it up before I went so it was ready as soon as I landed, and I still had access to my home number for emergencies. Get your own eSIM at Airalo.
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator and Get Your Guide tend to be the first places I look. In Asia, Klook often has more options, and in Australia it’s Experience Oz.
Manage your money – the best way to manage your different currencies is with an account from Wise. You can hold money in many different currencies, and use them with the ATM card or from your phone.
