In a nutshell
- Barcelona is the perfect city for museum lovers, with countless amazing museums to explore.
- We show you the 15 best museums in Barcelona – from art museums to history museums and some really special ones.
- Short on time? No worries! We also share our top 5 must-see museums in the article.
- If you plan to visit lots of museums in Barcelona, the Barcelona Card is worth it. It gives you access to over 25 museums.
Our Top 5 Museums in Barcelona
There are so many amazing museums in Barcelona, but these are the ones that stand out the most for us:
Moco Museum Barcelona

- Neighborhood: El Born
- Admission: from 13.95 euros
- How much time to plan: 1 to 1.5 hours
What you need to know: The Moco Museum Barcelona specializes in contemporary art and street art. It features works by big names such as Banksy, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí, as well as up-and-coming artists. Plus, you can immerse yourself in cool, interactive art installations.
Is it worth it? Just like the Moco Museum in Amsterdam, we really enjoyed the Moco Museum Barcelona. The exhibits are diverse and super creative – perfect for fans of modern, urban art.
Our tip: Moco is located right in the heart of El Born, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Barcelona. After your visit to the museum, you can stroll through the winding alleyways of the district and relax in one of the hip cafés.
Book your ticket for the Moco Museum Barcelona online
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

- Neighborhood: Sants-Montjuïc
- Admission: 12 euros
- How much time to plan: around 3 hours
What you need to know: The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is a massive museum showcasing works by Catalan and other European artists from different eras – ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque, and Modernism. One of the highlights is its Romanesque art collection, which is considered one of the largest and finest in the world.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Not only is the exhibition at the MNAC fantastic, but its location is also unbeatable. It’s situated in the Palau Nacional on the Montjuïc hill, so besides the amazing art, you’ll also get a stunning view of Barcelona.
Our tip: On Saturdays from 3 PM onwards, entrance to the MNAC is free. However, this only applies if you buy your ticket onsite.
Book your ticket for the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya online
Gaudí Houses

- Neighborhoods: Eixample (Batlló and Milà), Gràcia (Vicens)
- Admission: from 25 euros (Batlló), 29 euros (Milà), 20 euros (Vicens)
- How much time to plan: 1 to 2 hours
What you need to know: Although they’re not traditional museums, the creatively designed buildings by the famous architect Gaudí definitely deserve a spot on this list. The most well-known are Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, while Casa Vicens, for example, is still a hidden gem in Barcelona. All three former residences can be visited today.
Is it worth it? Visiting at least one of Gaudí’s works is a must on any trip to Barcelona. Each house is a unique masterpiece, reflecting Gaudí’s extraordinary vision.
Our tip: If you only have time for one Gaudí house, we recommend Casa Batlló. It is one of the top highlights in Barcelona!
Book your ticket for Casa Batlló online
Book your ticket for Casa Milà online
Book your ticket for Casa Vicens online
CosmoCaixa

- Neighborhood: Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
- Admission: 8 euros
- How much time to plan: 2 to 3 hours
What you need to know: At CosmoCaixa, you can experience exciting interactive exhibitions about science and nature that are interesting for both children and adults. One highlight is the rainforest with plants and animals, along with the fascinating planetarium. There are regularly changing exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover.
Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you’re visiting Barcelona with kids. Everything here can be touched and tried out – really cool!
Our tip: The museum is located a bit outside the city center at the foot of the Tibidabo mountain. However, you can easily reach it in about 30 minutes using Barcelona’s public transport system or – even more exciting – with the hop-on hop-off bus in Barcelona. During the bus ride, you’ll get a great view of the city.
Book your ticket for the CosmoCaixa online
FC Barcelona Museum

- Neighborhood: Les Corts
- Admission: 28 euros
- How much time to plan: around 2 hours
What you need to know: The museum is located right next to Camp Nou, the stadium of the world-famous soccer club FC Barcelona. The tour, which gives you an insight into the past, present, and future of the club, is super interactive. The highlight is a 360° experience where you are virtually transported to the heart of Camp Nou.
Is it worth it? The FC Barcelona Museum is really well done and is therefore one of the most popular museums in Barcelona. A real must-see, especially for soccer fans!
Normally, the tour also takes you into the stadium, but it’s currently under renovation. After the renovation, that will be possible again.
Book your ticket for the FC Barcelona Museum online
Art Museums in Barcelona
If you’re a true art lover and want to check out even more museums in Barcelona, we recommend these:
Picasso Museum Barcelona

- Neighborhood: El Born
- Admission: from 14 euros
- How much time to plan: 1.5 to 2 hours
What you need to know: The Picasso Museum gives you an insight into the different creative periods of the artist. The exhibition focuses especially on his lesser-known, early works, but of course, some of his more famous pieces are also featured.
Is it worth it? The museum is particularly worth a visit if you are interested in Picasso’s artistic development.
Our tip: You can learn a lot about Picasso and his art on a guided tour of the museum.
Book a guided tour of the Picasso Museum online
Book your ticket for the Picasso Museum online
Fundació Joan Miró

- Neighborhood: Sants-Montjuïc
- Admission: 15 euros
- How much time to plan: 1.5 to 2 hours
What you need to know: Joan Miró is one of Spain’s most significant artists. The Fundació Joan Miró on the Montjuïc hill is dedicated to his life and surrealist works, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The museum also features rotating exhibitions of modern art.
Is it worth it? If you’re a fan of Miró, you absolutely have to visit this museum. With over 10,000 works, it houses the largest collection of his art. And by the way, the museum building itself is also quite a sight.
Our tip: From the museum’s rooftop terrace, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Barcelona.
Book your ticket for the Fundació Joan Miró online
Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

- Neighborhood: El Raval
- Admission: from 10.80 euros
- How much time to plan: 1.5 to 2 hours
What you need to know: The MACBA is Barcelona’s top address for contemporary art. Here you will find works by international artists from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. In addition to paintings and sculptures, there are also video art and installations on display.
Is it worth it? The exhibition changes every three to four months. It’s best to check the museum’s website to see which artists are currently featured so you can decide if it’s worth your visit.
Our tip: The square in front of the museum is a popular spot for skilled skateboarders. Take a seat here and enjoy the show.
Book your ticket for the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona online
Banksy Museum Barcelona

- Neighborhood: Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera
- Admission: 14 euros
- How much time to plan: 1 to 1.5 hours
What you need to know: Barcelona has a whole museum dedicated to the famous, anonymous street artist Banksy. The exhibition showcases over 130 of his socially critical works. These are not original pieces, but true-to-scale replicas by local artists, which are staged in a cool way.
Is it worth it? If you want a comprehensive insight into Banksy’s style and the messages behind his art, this museum is a great choice. If you prefer to see original works by Banksy, however, the Moco Museum is a better option.
Book your ticket for the Banksy Museum Barcelona online
Natural Science Museums in Barcelona
In addition to the CosmoCaixa in our Top 5, there is another great natural science museum in Barcelona: the Museu Blau.
Museu Blau

- Neighborhood: Diagonal Mar
- Admission: 6 euros
- How much time to plan: 1.5 to 2 hours
What you need to know: Under the motto “Planet Life”, the Museu Blau explains the history of the earth. The interactive exhibitions take you on a journey through evolution, focusing on nature and our environment. Along the way, you’ll see massive fossils, ancient rocks, valuable minerals, and much more.
Is it worth it? The Museu Blau is really exciting for both adults and children. It’s informative and interactive at the same time!
Book your ticket for the Museu Blau online
History Museums in Barcelona
There are various history museums in Barcelona that offer fascinating insights into the city’s and region’s past. Here are our top three favorites:
Museu d'Història de Barcelona (MUHBA)

- Neighborhood: Barri Gòtic
- Admission: 7 euros
- How much time to plan: 1.5 to 2 hours
What you need to know: The MUHBA showcases the history of Barcelona from Roman times to the present day. It has several locations spread throughout the city, but the main site at Plaça del Rei is especially exciting. There, you can walk underground through excavated Roman ruins and see actual remains of the ancient city walls.
Is it worth it? If you are interested in the history of Barcelona, definitely. Especially because of the excavation, which spans an incredible 4,000 square meters – the largest Roman excavation outside of Rome.
Book your ticket for the Museu d’Història de Barcelona online
Museu d'Història de Catalunya

- Neighborhood: Barceloneta
- Admission: 8 euros
- How much time to plan: about 2 hours
What you need to know: Right by the Port Vell (Old Port) of Barcelona, you’ll find the Museu d’Història de Catalunya. Here, you can learn all about the history of Catalonia, from the Stone Age to modern times. The exhibition includes fascinating artifacts, exciting films, and interactive areas focusing on the region’s development.
Is it worth it? Definitely, as you’ll gain great insight into the key periods and personalities of Catalonia.
Our tip: The museum has a café on the rooftop terrace – from there, you have a fantastic view of the harbor and Montjuïc.
Book your ticket for the Museu d’Història de Catalunya online
Museu Marítim de Barcelona

- Neighborhood: El Raval
- Admission: 10 euros
- How much time to plan: 1.5 to 2 hours
What you need to know: The Museu Marítim de Barcelona is all about the maritime history of Catalonia. It’s located in the city’s former shipyard. The highlight of its extensive collection of historical ship models, nautical instruments, and more is the 60-meter-long royal galley La Real. It’s a faithful replica and totally impressive.
Is it worth it? If you’re into history and ships, this museum is a must-see. Plus, the interactive exhibits are great for kids. Children up to the age of 17 can even enter the museum for free.
Our tip: You can only buy your ticket for the Museu Marítim at the ticket counter on-site.
Special museums in Barcelona
Are you a fan of unusual museums? Then we’ve got two unique museums in Barcelona for you that not everyone has on their radar:
Museu de Cera

- Neighborhood: Barri Gòtic
- Admission: 21 euros
- How much time to plan: 1 to 1.5 hours
What you need to know: At the Museu de Cera, Barcelona’s wax museum, you’ll discover over 300 lifelike wax figures of famous personalities. As you walk through various themed sections, you’ll encounter celebrities and fictional characters from film, music, and sports, and you can even pose with them.
Is it worth it? Definitely! The wax figures are incredibly well-made, and the exhibits are really creative. Sure, the entrance fee is a bit steep, but if you’re in the mood for a different kind of museum experience, this is the place to go.
Our tip: The museum is tucked away in a side street of La Rambla – perfect for a leisurely stroll along the promenade afterwards.
Book your ticket for the Wax Museum in Barcelona online
Paradox Museum Barcelona

- Neighborhood: Eixample
- Admission: 18 euros
- How much time to plan: 1 to 1.5 hours
What you need to know: At the Paradox Museum, the name says it all: It features the world’s largest collection of paradoxical exhibits. You can interact with 70 displays and snap some fun photos.
Is it worth it? The Paradox Museum is perfect for you if you’re looking for an unconventional museum in Barcelona and like to get creative. It’s especially great for cool photos with friends or the whole family.
Book your ticket for the Paradox Museum Barcelona online
Extra Tip: Barcelona Card
If you plan on visiting lots of museums on your trip to Barcelona, we’ve got a great tip for you: the Barcelona Card.
Once you have bought the Barcelona Card, you can visit over 25 museums without an additional admission ticket and receive a discount on your ticket at many more. There are also discounts at some attractions and city tours in Barcelona.
Public transport in Barcelona is also included, making it super easy to explore the city.
You can buy the card for 3, 4, or 5 days starting at 55 euros – either online in advance or at official tourist offices in the city.
Book the Barcelona Card online
The following museums in Barcelona recommended by us are included:
- Moco Museum Barcelona
- Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
- CosmoCaixa
- Museu Picasso
- Fundació Joan Miró
- Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona
- Blue Museum
- Museu d’Història de Barcelona
And for these museums you get a discount:
- Casa Batlló
- Casa Milà
- Casa Vicens
- Banksy Museum
- Museu d’Història de Catalunya
- Museu Marítim de Barcelona
- Museu de Cera
FAQ about Museums in Barcelona
How many museums are there in Barcelona?
Barcelona is home to more than 80 museums, covering a wide range of topics including art, history, science, and architecture.
Which is the most visited museum in Barcelona?
The top spot goes to the Museu Picasso, closely followed by the FC Barcelona Museum – two of the most famous museums in Barcelona, attracting over a million visitors each year.
In fact, the FC Barcelona Museum is the most visited soccer museum in the world.
When are museums in Barcelona free?
Many museums in Barcelona offer free entry on specific days or at certain times:
- On the first Sunday of the month: e.g., MNAC, Picasso Museum
- On Saturday afternoons: e.g., MNAC
- On Sunday afternoons: e.g., MUHBA, Maritime Museum
- On special holidays like International Museum Day (May 18): e.g., Picasso Museum
As you can see, visiting on a weekend in Barcelona can really pay off.
Make sure to check the official websites of the museums before your visit to confirm if and when they offer free entry.
Which museums are especially great for kids?
If you’re looking for the best museums in Barcelona for children, these are particularly exciting due to their interactive exhibits:
- CosmoCaixa
- Museu Blau
- FC Barcelona Museum
- Museu Marítim de Barcelona
- Museu de Cera
- Paradox Museum
These were the 15 best museums in Barcelona
Have you already visited any of the museums in Barcelona or know of any other exciting ones? Feel free to leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you!