With Gaudí's dreamlike buildings, medieval lanes, golden beaches, and some of the best food in Europe, Barcelona is a city that has it all. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, there's always something new to discover. Here are the best things to do in Barcelona, plus what you need to know about tickets and tourist taxes before you go.
Gaudí and Modernisme
1. La Sagrada Família
Gaudí's masterpiece has been under construction since 1882. The forest-like interior, lit by rainbow stained-glass windows, is breathtaking. Book a timed ticket well in advance, and add a tower visit for the views.
2. Park Güell
A whimsical park of mosaic benches, gingerbread-style houses, and the famous dragon staircase, with views over the city. Entry to the monumental area requires a timed ticket.
3. Casa Batlló
Nicknamed the House of Bones, Casa Batlló has a shimmering, scale-like facade and a magical interior inspired by the sea.
4. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Gaudí's wavy stone apartment building has a surreal rooftop of sculpted chimneys that look like warriors. Visit at night for special light shows.
5. Casa Vicens
Gaudí's first major house, in the Gràcia neighborhood, is covered in colorful tiles inspired by Moorish design.
6. Palau de la Música Catalana
This modernist concert hall by Lluís Domènech i Montaner has a spectacular stained-glass skylight. Take a tour or see a concert.
7. Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
A former hospital complex of colorful pavilions and gardens, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. The Block of Discord
On Passeig de Gràcia, compare the work of three modernist architects side by side: Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, and Casa Lleó Morera.
Historic Barcelona
9. The Gothic Quarter
Get lost in the narrow medieval lanes of the Barri Gòtic, with hidden squares, Roman remains, and the Plaça Reial.
10. Barcelona Cathedral
See the Gothic cathedral and its cloister, home to 13 white geese, and take the elevator to the rooftop.
11. El Born and the Picasso Museum
The trendy El Born district is home to the Picasso Museum, with more than 4,000 works, and the beautiful Gothic church of Santa Maria del Mar.
12. MUHBA (Barcelona History Museum)
Walk through the excavated streets of Roman Barcino beneath Plaça del Rei.
13. La Rambla and La Boqueria
Stroll Barcelona's famous boulevard, about 1.2 kilometers from Plaça de Catalunya to the port, and stop at La Boqueria market for fresh juice, jamón, and tapas. Watch your belongings, as pickpockets are common.
14. Gran Teatre del Liceu
See opera or ballet in Barcelona's grand opera house, founded in 1847.
Montjuïc and the Views
15. Montjuïc Castle
Take the cable car up Montjuïc hill to this hilltop fortress, with views over the port and the sea.
16. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
The grand Palau Nacional houses a superb collection of Romanesque murals and Catalan art. The steps outside have one of the best views in the city.
17. The Magic Fountain and the Olympic Ring
See the Olympic Stadium and the Calatrava communications tower from the 1992 Olympics, then catch the evening light-and-music show at the Magic Fountain when it's running.
18. Poble Espanyol
An open-air museum with replicas of buildings from all over Spain, plus artisan workshops.
19. Tibidabo
Barcelona's highest hill has a vintage amusement park, a striking church, and panoramic views.
20. Bunkers del Carmel
A former anti-aircraft battery with a 360-degree view of the city, especially popular at sunset.
21. Mirador Torre Glòries
The observation deck of this colorful skyscraper offers views from 125 meters up.
Beaches, Parks, and More
22. Barceloneta Beach
The city's most famous beach is perfect for a swim, a beach bar, and a seafood paella. For quieter sand, walk north to Bogatell or Nova Icària.
23. Parc de la Ciutadella
Rent a rowboat, see the grand Cascada fountain, and walk to the Arc de Triomf, built for the 1888 World Fair.
24. Camp Nou
FC Barcelona's stadium, one of the largest in Europe, has been reopening in stages after a major renovation. Take a museum tour or catch a match.
25. Els Encants Flea Market
One of Europe's oldest flea markets, under a striking mirrored canopy.
26. CosmoCaixa
An interactive science museum with a planetarium and a flooded Amazon rainforest, great for families.
27. MACBA
The Museum of Contemporary Art, in a bright white building in El Raval, where skateboarders gather outside.
28. Gràcia
This village-like neighborhood is full of small squares, independent shops, and bars. In August, the Festa Major de Gràcia fills its streets with decorations.
29. Go on a tapas crawl
Try patatas bravas, pan con tomate, croquetas, and Catalan dishes like crema catalana. Head to El Born, Poble-sec, and Gràcia for great bars.
30. Take a day trip
Visit the mountain monastery of Montserrat, Dalí's museum in Figueres, or the seaside town of Sitges. See the best day trips from Barcelona.
Good to Know: Barcelona Tourist Taxes and Rules
Barcelona is working to manage overtourism, and it's worth knowing the rules before you go.
- Tourist tax: Overnight visitors pay a per-person, per-night tax made up of a Catalan regional tax plus a city surcharge. The amount depends on the type of accommodation, with higher rates for luxury hotels, and it is usually added to your bill at checkout. The rates have risen in recent years, so check your booking for the current amount.
- Cruise passengers stopping for less than 12 hours pay a higher city surcharge.
- Tour groups are limited in size in the old town, and some streets around Park Güell and the Sagrada Família have visitor management measures.
- Behave respectfully: Don't walk around the city in swimwear away from the beach, and keep noise down at night in residential areas.
Tips for Visiting Barcelona
- Book ahead for the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló.
- Watch for pickpockets on La Rambla, the metro, and at the beach.
- Eat late. Lunch is around 2 pm, and dinner after 9 pm.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Spain eSIM keeps your tickets and maps on hand. See our Spain eSIM guide and the best European travel apps.
Plan your trip with our Spain travel guide and the best time to visit Spain.
FAQs: Things to Do in Barcelona
What is the number one thing to do in Barcelona?
Visiting the Sagrada Família is the top experience for most visitors, followed by Park Güell and the Gothic Quarter.
How many days do you need in Barcelona?
Three to four days is enough to see the main sights, with an extra day for a trip to Montserrat or Sitges.
How much is the tourist tax in Barcelona?
It depends on your accommodation type and is charged per person, per night. Rates have increased recently, so check your booking for the current amount.
Do I need to book the Sagrada Família in advance?
Yes. Tickets are timed and often sell out, especially in summer.