20 Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona, located on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, is considered to be one of the best cities in Europe. The city offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere, a rich culture, and numerous beaches to relax in addition. There are tourists from all over the world coming to visit. However, many of them have probably asked themselves what to even do in Barcelona. There are plenty of things you can do, events to enjoy, places to visit and food to try. These are some things you should definitely do during your Barcelona visit!

1. Parc Güell

Walk through the gardens of Parc Güell and take pictures in this magical place designed by Antoni Gaudí. The park was built from 1900 to 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. In 1984, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site under “Works of Antoni Gaudí”. This architectonic jewel is a must for everyone visiting Barcelona.

2. Go to Park Ciutadella

Have a picnic during the day with friends or family in the park Ciutadella while enjoying the lively atmosphere there. You can also just spend some “me time” with good reads and your favorite snacks on one of many benches or lying in the grass. In addition, the park hosts a beautiful city zoo by its very end.

3. Picnic! Picnic! in Barcelona

Bored with restaurants? Tired of the crowd? Be part of Picnic! Picnic!’s hand-delivered top quality food experience meanwhile watching the sunset and a mesmerizing view of the city of Barcelona. Have you ever been to the Bunkers del Carmel? They can deliver your picnic straight to this amazing location! A romantic dinner with dangling legs on a beautiful skyline is priceless! Choose your basket, the product that you want to taste and go to the location, everything will be settled for you!

4. Visit Camp Nou

Enjoy a Barça football match in the Camp Nou and take a tour in the museum. This is an absolute must for every football fan. Do you know that it is currently the stadium with the biggest capacity in Europe, in particular of 99,354 spectators?

5. Boqueria Market

A stroll through the famous Boqueria Market located on La Rambla is always a great idea. The first mention of the Boqueria market in Barcelona dates to 1217 when tables were installed near the old city gate to sell meat. Nowadays, the market flourishes with all fresh products you can even think of. You should definitely try one of the natural juices sold in many flavors!

6. Tibidabo

Take a panoramic photo of Barcelona at the top of Tibidabo and enjoy the amusement park, which is one of the most popular activities in Barcelona. The park is one of the oldest ones in the world still functioning. A popular ride at the park is the 1928 Avió airplane ride, a single-car carousel giving the impression of flight above the city, a novelty at the time. Riders board a replica of the aircraft that first flew from Barcelona to Madrid. The park was featured in the Woody Allen film Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

7. Magical Fountain of Montjuic

Relax on Sunday evening watching the Magical Fountain of Montjuic. The fountain, like most of the surrounding developments, was constructed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. Enjoy the spectacular show taking place every weekend. The show includes film, classical, and modern music, such as The Godfather, The Lord of the Rings, Gladiator, a Spanish zarzuela movement, “Barcelona” by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé, and modern pop songs.

8. The Born neighborhood

Take a gastronomic tour and taste the best tapas and wine in the Born neighborhood. Wander around one of the most picturesque districts in Barcelona and get lost in its narrow streets full of original shops and cafés.

9. Marseille bar in Raval

Have a glass of Absinthe in the famous old Marseille bar in Raval, where Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí used to drink when they were visiting Barcelona.

10. Palau de la Musica Catalana

See a spectacular Flamenco show at the Palau de la Musica Catalana. The concert hall is designed in a breathtaking modernistic style and attracts visitors from all over the world.

11. Gothic District

Explore streets of the Gothic Quarter and get lost in its alleys. The quarter encompasses the oldest parts of the city of Barcelona and includes the remains of the city’s Roman wall and several notable medieval landmarks.

12. Sagrada Familia

Visiting the sacrificial temple Sagrada Familia shouldn’t be missing on your list. You will be impressed by the architectural work of Antoni Gaudí. La Sagrada Família will take longer to complete than the Egyptian pyramids. It started in 1882 and is hoped to be completed in 2026 (the centennial of Gaudí’s death), though it might not be finished until as late as 2040. The Great Pyramid, by comparison, only took 20 years.

13. La Barceloneta and Barcelona Beaches

Sunbathe while you relax at one of the most beautiful beaches of Barcelona called La Barceloneta and let the warm breeze play with your hair. Additionally, you can visit the beaches Bogatell, Icaria, and Marbella.

14. Arc de Triomphe

Go through the Arc de Triomphe and enjoy the great atmosphere at its surroundings. Many artists gather nearby to sell their art or entertain both tourists and locals passing by.

15. Museums for free

A lot of museums are free on Sundays including Picasso, MNAC, MUHBA, and Frederick Mares. Museums are a perfect place to spend a rainy day in Barcelona and explore the city from a different perspective.

 16. La Rambla

Walk down the busiest street in Barcelona “La Rambla” where you can enjoy coffee, great food, and drinks in one of many restaurants and bars. You can also prepare yourself for street artists, vendors, flower shops, and stalls with ice-cream, waffles, and other treats.

17. Passeig de Gracia

If you want to go shopping, Passeig de Gracia is the street to go. The long boulevard is full of boutiques of major fashion brands.

18. Gaudi’s buildings 

And while you will be walking down the Passeig de Gracia Boulevard, take some time to admire the buildings Casa Battlo and La Pedrera.

19. Gardens of Montjuic

Spend an afternoon relaxing in the gardens of Montjuic, then take a cable car to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Montjuic was the birthplace of the city of Barcelona because of its strategic location at the foot of the Mediterranean and alongside an important river communication channel such as the Llobregat River.

20. Come back to Barcelona!!!

Here were listed 20 things to do in Barcelona. Want to see more and choose specific activities by categories? Take a look at our trip planner!