The Best Places To Visit In Barcelona
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Park Güell
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to Gaudí’s former playground, which is home to some of his most famous buildings. The 100-year-old architecture flows around the park, including colourful mosaic-covered lizards and curved walls. Follow the various trails and you’ll also enjoy some of the best views in the city. Just keep in mind that it’s a steep walk along winding streets to the entrance, and you now have to buy tickets online in advance – anyone who turns up without one will be disappointed. It’s worth getting a ticket that includes entry to the Gaudí House Museum, which is filled with his personal belongings and furniture he designed over the years.
Visit ParkGuell.barcelona
La Sagrada Família
The city’s most famous landmark can be spotted from the best rooftop bars, but it pays to see Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece up close. La Sagrada Família was designed to be a Roman Catholic church, but Pope Benedict XVI declared it a basilica in 2010. The building has been under construction for over 140 years (you’ll still see the odd bit of scaffolding) partly because of its intricate design and geometric shapes. Visitors can access four spaces: the Basilica, the Towers, the School (for the original workers’ children) and the Gaudí Museum.
Visit SagradaFamilia.org
Mercat de la Boqueria
One of the oldest and most impressive food markets in Europe, Mercat de la Boqueria is fun, organised chaos. Weave between stalls that sell everything from locally grown vegetables to seafood – this is where locals stock up on the freshest produce in the city. It’s best to give yourself free rein to wander the maze-like market without purpose, taking in the sights and smells, and trying free samples. There are numerous bars and tapas stalls for cold beers and artisan cheeses. Get Your Guide offers a guided tour and cooking experience during which you can try various snacks and learn how to make paella from the pros.
Visit Boqueria.Barcelona
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Beaches
Barcelona has over 2.5 miles of golden sandy beaches to explore. The most obvious choice is Barceloneta with its palm tree-lined sidewalk, beach bars and silhouette of the W Hotel. Platja de Llevant is another scenic spot you can walk to, with the same buzzy vibe during the summer months but slightly less chaotic. If you’re after clearer waters and near-white sand, catch the train north to Caldes d'Estrac, where you’ll find a mostly flat beach with bars serving white sangria.
La Pedrera-Casa Milà
Passeig de Gràcia’s most famous landmark is another Gaudí. The modernist building went up between 1906 and 1912 to house Barcelona’s creative community, and was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in the 1980s. Today, visitors can walk around Casa Milà’s courtyard, rooftop and balconies. In summer, you can book to see jazz concerts on the rooftop.
Visit LaPedrera.com
Poblenou
Poblenou is one of the city’s most creative neighbourhoods. Visit Palo Alto to browse vintage clothing and handmade homeware; go to the BD Barcelona Design warehouse to shop contemporary home accessories; and stop for craft beers at one of the many breweries. IDEAL Centre has a rotating collection of art on display, while Xiringuito Escribà serves excellent paella.
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Casa Vicens
The fourth of Gaudí’s big four landmarks is his old home, Casa Vicens in the Gràcia neighbourhood. Containing some of his most beautiful designs, the mansion is easily spotted from down the street, thanks to the striking terracotta and mint tiling which continues inside. Here, it’s easy to see why the architect was considered to be ahead of his time: the geometric shapes and colourful bathrooms with freestanding baths retain all their appeal today. Once you’ve explored the rooms, stop for iced coffee and snacks at the lovely on-site café.
Visit CasaVicens.org
Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter dates back over 2,000 years. Over the centuries, it’s been home to countless artists including Picasso. The original Roman wall and medieval landmarks sit side by side with boutiques, restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the cathedral with its subterranean crypt, the beautiful Santa Maria del Pí church, the Jewish quarter, and Can Culleretes – the city’s oldest restaurant.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
This gallery in El Raval shines a light on contemporary artwork by Catalan photographers, sculptors, and large-scale artists, as well as emerging names from around Europe. The permanent collection focuses on the second half of the 20th century, and features pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Joan Rabascall. There are regular performances and talks in the auditorium and library, and the museum is currently working on an expansion project, with new buildings in the works.
Visit MACBA.en
Picasso Museum
One of the many reasons to visit the El Born neighbourhood, this museum zooms in on Picasso’s early work. The great cubist moved to the city aged 14 and stayed for nearly 20 years. During that time, he entered his ‘Blue Period’ and painted the city’s landmarks in various media. Entry to the museum is free on Thursday afternoons and the first Sunday of each month; otherwise you can buy tickets to see the exhibitions or main collection.
Visit MuseuPicassoBCN.cat
Palo Market Fest
This festival takes place on the first weekend of each month and combines, culture, music and food. In an abandoned warehouse in Palo Alto, you’ll find rotating stalls sell vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and books, while DJs and musicians play live. Food vendors dish up tacos, paella and churros – fresh out the fryer and dripping with hot cholate sauce. The early session is from noon to 5pm, and the late session is from 5.30pm to 10pm.
Visit PaloMarketFest.com
Joan Miró Foundation
Joan Miró is widely recognised as one of Spain’s great artists – and one of the last modernist trailblazers. The sculptor and ceramist was born in Barcelona and went on to receive numerous awards for his abstract and avant-garde paintings. This museum in Poble Sec was designed by the man himself, who wanted a dedicated space to display his own art and champion emerging Catalan artists. The museum houses many of his masterpieces across its galleries and gardens, including large-scale sculptures and paintings.
Visit JMiroBCN.org
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Flamenco Show at Tablao
Dramatic, suspenseful and celebratory, a flamenco show is a must. For an authentic performance, try Tablao Cordobés in the Gothic Quarter which has been laying on flamenco for over 50 years. Today, it hosts local dancers and collectives from around Spain. Guests can enjoy early or late-night performances, with the option to include dinner.
Visit TablaoCordobes.es
Monastery Of Pedralbes
The Royal Monastery of St Mary of Pedralbes was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada nearly 800 years ago. The grand institution is set across two buildings in Pedralbes, a quiet neighbourhood known for its palatial homes. Visitors can look inside the cloisters as well as seeing the old infirmary and stables.
Ciutadella Park
After the Spanish War of Succession in the 18th century, the city’s rulers ordered a citadel to be built to restore order. Today, it’s a symbol of peace, and one of the city’s most beautiful parks in downtown Barcelona. Locals gather around the fountain to listen to musicians in the summer months, while families take shade under the trees with picnics. It’s also home to Barcelona Zoo – worth the visit if you’re travelling with kids.
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