Best Things To Do in Barcelona

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Advisor - Robert Christian
Curated By

Robert Christian

  • Barcelona

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Arts & Culture

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A rocky shoreline on the water during the daytime
Curator’s statement

Barcelona has a special place in my heart as one of my favorite places on earth. The food, the nightlife, the people and the beautiful city will give you an unforgettable experience that you won’t regret. This is one destination that will make you plan a return trip as soon as you get home.

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Where to stay in Barcelona

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Things to do in Barcelona

A low-angled view of a tall cathedral during the daytime

Note, Barcelona is a walkable city! Depending on where you are, you will not need a cab to get to any of these sights

Sightseeing

Sagrada Família: Gaudí's iconic, still-under-construction basilica is a must-visit for its awe-inspiring architecture. It has been under construction for 100 years! Get tours here!

Park Güell: A colorful public park showcasing Gaudí’s artistic genius with whimsical mosaics and structures.

Las Ramblas: A bustling pedestrian street perfect for strolling and people-watching, leading down to the vibrant waterfront. This is the perfect market to get some authentic food, eat out or experience the heart of Barcelona!

Nightlife

Check out the world-famous strip of clubs on Barcelona's beaches, starting with Opium Barcelona. This club will have you dancing until the sun comes up!

El Born District: Looking for a night out with more of a local vibe? Check out El Born District to visit trendy Barcelona bars & mingle with the locals!

Barcelona is also home to the #3 speakeasy in the world. It is called Paradiso. I recommend booking one day in advance as it fills up quickly but shhh, you didn't hear this from me.

Cultural Experiences

Picasso Museum: Take a break from the heat and explore the early works and sketches of Pablo Picasso, along with a comprehensive collection of his pieces. Get your tickets here!

Gothic Quarter: Wander through this historic neighborhood filled with narrow streets, ancient buildings and charming plazas. The architecture is truly breathtaking!

Day Trips:

Costa Brava Day Trip: Take a boat or guided tour to explore the stunning coastline and beaches just north of Barcelona. The water is clear & the sun is always shining! To book your day trip, click here!

Bike Tours: Cycle through the city’s parks, coastal paths, or even to nearby wineries for a scenic adventure.

Montjuïc Hill: Ride the cable car up to the castle and explore attractions like the Magic Fountain, Olympic Stadium and botanical gardens.

Places to eat & drink in Barcelona

Unique architecture in a park with a view of the city in the background

Barcelona is world famous for its classic tapas a d wine combination, but keep in mind, siesta takes place from around 2-4 p.m.

Tapas bars and restaurants

Bar Cañete: Famous for its lively atmosphere and delicious tapas with a contemporary twist. No need to say anymore, go find out why!

Tickets: Known as the most famous tapas restaurant in Barcelona. This restaurant is an avant-garde tapas bar offering playful, artful small dishes created by the Adrià brothers.

Quimet & Quimet: A historic, family-owned tapas bar known for its montaditos (small sandwiches) and preserved seafood.

Traditional Catalan cuisine

Can Solé: An upscale traditional seafood restaurant specializing in paella and seafood dishes. If you want the taste of Barcelona, this is the place to go!

Ca L'Isidre: Another great option for an upscale night out on the town this long-standing family restaurant serving seasonal Catalan cuisine, popular among locals and celebrities alike.

Wine and cocktail bars

Boadas Cocktails: One of the city's oldest cocktail bars, known for its classic drinks and cozy ambiance. This is also rated Barcelona's top cocktail bar in 2023!

Can Paixano: This lively, standing-room-only bar will give you the real Barcelona vibes, where you can enjoy sparkling wine with cured meats and cheeses.

Need to know

Also, one of the best parts of Barcelona is that you can pick just one of these destinations and explore and you will find dozens of more thing to do or discover.

Advisor - Robert Christian

Travel Advisor

Robert Christian

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Barcelona. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Arlette Diederiks's guide, City Guide to Barcelona, Spain.