Places to Visit in Barcelona

Our Map of Attractions in Barcelona

For a quick orientation and an initial overview of the city, we’ve marked the main attractions in Barcelona on a map.

You can also download and save or print the map as a PDF.

Download the map of Barcelona’s attractions as a PDF

Sagrada Família

What do you need to know? The Sagrada Familía is one of the most unusual churches, and that’s part of why it’s one of the most famous attractions in the world. The architect Antoni Gaudí started construction over a hundred years ago, and it’s still not finished. No surprise, since it’s not only incredibly tall, but also extremely detailed, both on the façade and inside.

Is it worth it? Even if you’re not a fan of churches, the Sagrada Familía is a must-see sight in Barcelona and truly something special. You won’t find anything quite like it anywhere else.

Our tip: The Sagrada Família is the most visited attraction in Barcelona. Tickets are often sold out days or even weeks in advance. So be sure to buy your ticket as early as possible.

Book your ticket for the Sagrada Família with fast track entry + audio guide (tower visit optional)

Park Güell

What do you need to know? The Park Güell was also designed by Gaudí. This green space is full of unique stone structures, creatively designed paths, and somewhat fairytale-like buildings. There is a free public area in the park, but to see the Gaudí highlights you’ll need to buy a ticket for the Monumental Zone.

Is it worth it? Yes, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Barcelona! And the view from the large terrace over the city is amazing, too.

Our tip: The number of visitors to Park Güell is limited and tickets sell out quickly. That’s why we recommend buying your ticket online in advance. Try to plan your visit for early morning. It gets very crowded from midday onwards.

Book your ticket for Park Güell

Mercat de la Boqueria

What do you need to know? The most famous market in Barcelona is Mercat de la Boqueria, right off La Rambla. Here you can try fresh fruit juices, Serrano ham, seafood, tasty empanadas, and more.

Is it worth it? For any foodie, visiting a market is definitely one of the best things to do in Barcelona. However, keep in mind that the Boqueria is always super busy. If you prefer a less crowded market, Mercat de Santa Caterina in the El Born neighborhood is a great alternative.

Our tip: The most authentic way to experience a market is with a local. We recommend the paella cooking class from GetYourGuide, where you shop for the ingredients at the market with a guide beforehand. We’ve tried it ourselves and had a lot of fun.

Montjuïc

What do you need to know? Montjuïc is the city mountain of Barcelona, and it’s full of cool things to do. You can stroll through beautiful parks, explore the historic Castell de Montjuïc and visit museums such as the Fundació Joan Miró. Don’t miss the spectacular light and water show at the Magic Fountain in the evening.

Is it worth it? With all its attractions, Montjuïc is definitely one of the top places to visit in Barcelona. Plus, from the 173-metre-high mountain, you get an amazing view of the harbor and the sea.

Our tip: You can get to Montjuïc by foot or bus, but the cable car ride is way more fun. We recommend taking the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car up and then walking down. On the way down, you can check out the different sights along the way. Single rides can be purchased on-site.

Book your roundtrip-ticket for the Montjuïc cable car

Casa Batlló

What do you need to know? The crazy Casa Batlló is one of Gaudí’s most famous buildings. You can visit this historic house, and it’s truly one of a kind: Not only on the façade, but also inside you will find colorful mosaics, bright windows and wavy walls everywhere. Gaudí really let his imagination run wild here.

Is it worth it? The façade of Casa Batlló is super cool, but the inside is even more impressive. There is something new to discover around every corner. Plus, the ticket also includes access to the spectacular rooftop terrace.

Our tip: If you have to choose between the two Gaudí houses Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, we recommend Casa Batlló. We found both really interesting, but the imaginative design of Casa Batlló wowed us even more.

Book your ticket for Casa Batlló with audio guide

Casa Milà

What do you need to know? Our next cool place to visit in Barcelona is another famous Gaudí building: Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. You will recognize Gaudí’s typical wavy shapes, especially on the façade and on the roof with its crazy chimneys. On a tour of the house, you can see exactly how the residents used to live there.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you are interested in the history of this former residential building and its inhabitants. At Casa Batlló, on the other hand, the exhibition focuses more on the artistic and extravagant design.

Our tip: We actually liked Casa Batlló even better than Casa Milà. But if both houses catch your interest, you can easily visit them together. They are just an 8-minute walk apart.

Book your ticket for Casa Milá with audio guide

Barcelona Cathedral

What do you need to know? One of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the Barri Gòtic is the Barcelona Cathedral. The intricately decorated façade alone is a real eye-catcher, but the interior is also totally impressive. There’s even a pretty courtyard with palm trees and 13 geese. Just remember to cover your shoulders and knees if you plan to visit the cathedral.

Is it worth it? The entrance fee isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s worth it for all you get to see: Besides the cloisters, choir, etc., you also get access to a small museum in the chapter hall and the cathedral’s rooftop.

Our tip: Be sure to take the elevator up to the roof terrace. From there you have a great view of the Gothic Quarter.

Book your ticket for the Barcelona Cathedral with audio guide

Palau de la Música Catalana

What do you need to know? The Palau de la Música Catalana is a truly extraordinary concert hall that almost looks like a piece of art with its many decorations. The highlight is definitely the colorful glass ceiling that lights up the whole place. You can either attend a concert there or take a tour of the building.

Is it worth it? Yes, because you’ve probably never seen a concert hall like this before. Even from the outside, the colorful, stucco-covered façade stands out in the historic Old Town. But the real magic happens when you step inside – the atmosphere is incredible.

Our tip: You can explore the Palau on your own (with or without an audio guide) or – even better – join a guided tour. With a guide, you’ll get to see areas that are usually off-limits to the public.

Book the self-guided tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana
Book the guided tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana

Palau Güell

What do you need to know? Quite hidden in the El Raval district is one of Gaudí’s earlier works: the Palau Güell. The former private house looks pretty understated from the outside. But once you step inside, you’ll get a better sense of Gaudí’s style as you walk through creatively designed rooms and onto the roof with its colourful, imaginative chimneys.

Is it worth it? If you have already visited the much more extravagant Casa Batlló, for example, the comparison with the Palau Güell is really interesting. You can see that this is where his eccentric ideas slowly began, but hadn’t fully developed yet.

Our tip: If you prefer less crowded places to visit in Barcelona, Palau Güell is perfect. You won’t have to wait in long lines and it’s much cheaper than Casa Milà or Casa Batlló.

Book your ticket for Palau Güell

Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

What do you need to know? A former hospital as a tourist attraction might sound strange at first, but it actually makes perfect sense. The whole area is uniquely designed in the Modernisme style – with lots of light, bright colors and green gardens. The beautiful surroundings were intended to help patients, who were hospitalized here until 2009, recover faster. Today you can visit the Sant Pau.

Is it worth it? The Sant Pau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and for good reason, as the architecture is really impressive. Some of the buildings are even connected by underground passages. A pretty cool place to visit in Barcelona!

Book your ticket for the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

Arc de Triomf

What do you need to know? For a second, you might think you’ve landed in Paris. But nope, Barcelona actually has its own Arc de Triomf. It’s located at the start of the wide promenade Passeig de Lluís Companys, which leads to the Parc de la Ciutadella (our No. 17).

Is it worth it? The Arc de Triomf is definitely a beautiful photo spot. Plus, the palm-lined promenade is perfect for a relaxing stroll. There are often street musicians and other artists around, creating a great atmosphere.

Barri Gòtic

What do you need to know? The Barri Gòtic is the historic heart of the Old Town and one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Barcelona. Here, you’ll find many of the city’s top attractions, such as Plaça Reial and the cathedral.

Is it worth it? Since some of the best places to visit in Barcelona are located in the Barri Gòtic, you’ll be passing through here anyway. But it’s also well worth just wandering through the winding alleyways without a plan. You’ll discover lots of great boutiques, street art, and pretty buildings.

Our tip: Take a guided tour to get insider tips and fascinating info about the medieval history of the district.

Book the guided tour of the Gothic Quarter

Plaça Reial

What do you need to know? Plaça Reial is located in the Gothic Quarter. With its huge palm trees and the arcades lined with one restaurant after another, it’s one of the most beautiful squares in Barcelona. Look out for the eye-catching street lamps on the square. Guess who designed them? Yep, Gaudí, of course.

Is it worth it? Yes. We found the atmosphere on the square really cool, especially in the evening. But it’s also worth taking a break from sightseeing here during the day with a glass of sangría.

Our tip: Plaça Reial is home to some trendy clubs and bars. Perfect if you want to go out in the evening.

La Rambla

What do you need to know? La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous promenade. This wide avenue, running from Plaça de Catalunya to the harbor, is lined with plenty of shops, cafés, and stalls selling flowers and souvenirs. Plus, it’s always buzzing with street artists.

Is it worth it? La Rambla is surrounded by various must-see sights in Barcelona such as the Boqueria market or Plaça Reial, so you’ll be walking along here anyway. However, we wouldn’t plan to spend too much time here. It’s pretty crowded and touristy at any time of day.

Caution: Keep a close eye on your valuables – unfortunately, pickpockets are known to frequent the area!

Barceloneta Beach

What do you need to know? You want to spend some time by the sea during your Barcelona trip? No problem, the city has several beaches of its own. Perfect! The most central and famous one is Playa de la Barceloneta. There’s always a lot going on here: People are swimming, dancing, chilling on the sand, or playing beach volleyball. And there are plenty of great beach bars too.

Is it worth it? City trips can sometimes be exhausting. To balance all the sightseeing with some relaxation, Barceloneta beach is just perfect.

Our tip: Since Playa de la Barceloneta is so central, it can get pretty crowded. If you prefer something a little quieter, we’ve got a hidden gem in Barcelona for you: Playa de Bogatell. This beach is located in the Poblenou neighborhood, a bit outside the city center. You can reach it in 20-30 minutes by public transport.

Port Vell

What do you need to know? Port Vell is the oldest part of Barcelona’s harbor and a lively leisure district. Walking across the Rambla de Mar bridge, you’ll get a great view of the sailboats and reach a peninsula. There, you’ll find the Maremagnum shopping center, the aquarium (our No. 22) and lots of good restaurants. If you keep walking, you’ll see the docks for huge luxury yachts on your right.

Is it worth it? If you like strolling along harbor promenades as much as we do, definitely. We especially loved the atmosphere in the evening.

Our tip: From Port Vell, you can also catch the Golondrinas – small excursion boats that offer tours through the harbor and along the coast.

Book the Golondrinas boat tour

Parc de la Ciutadella

What do you need to know? We immediately fell in love with Barcelona’s largest and greenest city park. You can stroll through beautiful gardens, rent a boat on the lake, or simply relax in the sun. Such a nice place to visit in Barcelona! The park is also home to Barcelona Zoo, the Catalan Parliament and several museums.

Is it worth it? The Parc de la Ciutadella is ideal for relaxing a little on your city trip. We also loved that it wasn’t too crowded and is mostly popular with locals.

Our tip: Bring a blanket, some snacks and drinks for a cozy picnic – just like many locals do. There is also a kiosk at the Font de la Cascada fountain if you need refreshments.

Tibidabo

What do you need to know? Tibidabo, along with Montjuïc, is one of Barcelona’s two major hills. But at 512 meters, it’s significantly higher, making the view even more spectacular. Up there, you’ll find the pretty Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor church and the oldest amusement park in Spain.

Is it worth it? The park’s nostalgic rides can’t compete with modern amusement parks. The vintage look has its charm, but we wouldn’t head up Tibidabo just for that. However, it’s totally worth it for the view over Barcelona.

Our tip: A funicular railway takes you up to Tibidabo. You can easily reach the lower station using Barcelona’s public transport system. Depending on the connection, it will take you 30-40 minutes to get there from the city center. A more convenient option is the hop-on hop-off bus, which also offers great views of the city along the way.

Columbus Monument

What do you need to know? If you walk down La Rambla towards the harbor, you’ll reach the 60-meter-high statue of the great navigator Christopher Columbus. A small elevator takes you all the way up to the sphere, where a viewing platform is located.

Is it worth it? The view of the harbor and the city from the top is nice. However, you don’t step out onto an open terrace but into a relatively narrow space with windows, so it’s not ideal for photos.

Book your ticket for the Columbus Monument

Museu Picasso

What do you need to know? The Picasso Museum is one of the most popular museums in Barcelona. It displays artworks from various phases of the artist’s career. The focus is on his earlier, less famous, but still very impressive works. Of course, more well-known pieces are also included in the collection.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you are interested in how Picasso’s style evolved over time. You can observe this very well here.

Our tip: It’s best to visit the museum early in the day when it’s not too crowded, allowing you to enjoy the art in peace. A guided tour of the museum is also a great way to learn more about Picasso’s background.

Book the guided tour of the Picasso Museum with fast track entry

Camp Nou - FC Barcelona

The stadium is currently closed for renovation, but you can still visit the museum.

What do you need to know? Camp Nou is the soccer stadium of FC Barcelona. With nearly 99,000 seats, it’s the largest stadium in Europe. If you want to watch a match, you can buy tickets here. Otherwise, you can also visit the super popular FC Barcelona Museum there. The interactive exhibition features legendary jerseys and trophies, for example.

Is it worth it? If you’re a true soccer fan, visiting Camp Nou is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. After all, FC Barcelona is one of the most famous soccer clubs in the world.

Our tip: A guided tour of the stadium gives you the chance to stand on the hallowed pitch where even Messi has worked his magic. You’ll get a look into the changing rooms, the press room and much more.

Book your ticket for the FC Barcelona Museum

Aquarium Barcelona

What do you need to know? At the Barcelona Aquarium, you can see 450 different species with over 11,000 marine animals in total – that’s quite a lot! The absolute highlight is the 80-meter-long underwater tunnel made of glass, through which you move on a conveyor belt. Sharks, rays and much more swim right above your head.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you are in Barcelona with kids. There are interactive exhibitions and a special area for kids to learn more about the sea in a fun way. But the aquarium is also exciting for adults. However, admission is quite expensive.

Our tip: It’s best to avoid weekends and public holidays if you plan to visit the aquarium. In addition to tourists, many locals go then, which makes it especially crowded.

Book your ticket for the aquarium with skip-the-line access

General Tips for the Places to Visit in Barcelona

To make sure you’re perfectly prepared for your city trip to Barcelona, we’ve put together a few general tips for you.

Tip #1: Buy tickets in advance

Think about which places you definitely want to visit in Barcelona and buy your tickets online in advance.

For the most popular attractions, tickets often sell out quickly for specific time slots or even entirely. And even if they don’t, you’ll still have to wait in long lines at the ticket counter.

You can purchase tickets online either through the provider’s website or via third-party providers such as GetYourGuide.

Tickets on the provider’s website are sometimes a little cheaper. However, with GetYourGuide, you get the advantage of more flexible cancellation policies in some cases.

For these places to visit in Barcelona, you should buy tickets in advance:

Tip #2: Use a city pass

If it’s your first time in Barcelona, you want to visit many of the more expensive attractions, and you’d like to take a tour of Barcelona by hop-on hop-off bus, a Barcelona city pass is worth it.

A city pass simplifies planning, saves time and sometimes money, while offering many attractions and experiences, such as excursions from Barcelona.

Tip #3: Avoid peak times

Visit the most popular attractions in Barcelona at times when there are the fewest people around. It might sound obvious, but it can really be much more relaxing to swim against the tide.

Most tourists start their day around 10 a.m. So many sights and museums tend to be quieter either early in the morning when they first open or later in the evening.

Tip #4: Let yourself wander

Of course, it’s important to have a rough plan for when you’d like to see which highlights on a city trip. But make sure to also let yourself wander spontaneously through the city.

You’ll discover hidden alleys, local markets, and cozy cafés that aren’t in any guidebook. This way, you’ll get to know Barcelona from a more authentic side, away from the tourist hotspots.

FAQ about Sightseeing in Barcelona

These were our 22 best places to visit in Barcelona

What are your must-see attractions in Barcelona? Are there any other nice places to visit that you know of? We look forward to your comment!