Most important places to visit in Barcelona

You probably know many places in Barcelona, such as La Sagrada Familia, because of the pictures of the city. But surely you don’t know all the places that Barcelona has to offer! Barcelona is full of amazing monuments, parks and modernist architecture. So we have prepared a list for you with the most important places in Barcelona! Visiting them is a must! So if you come to the city just for a couple of days you will find this list very useful so that you don’t forget any of them. If you are luckier and your stay in Barcelona is a little bit longer, enjoy and discover the city by yourself by walking from one place to another. We hope you find this list useful!

#1 La Sagrada Familia

The most emblematic and famous monument in Barcelona. The iconic modernist Cathedral, and the most famous work of Antonio Gaudí. LA SAGRADA FAMILIA is the most visited monument in Barcelona, and one of the most visited in Spain. So of course, if you come to Barcelona you can’t miss the chance to see it with your own eyes.

The construction started in 1882. The final date is still uncertain due to the delays caused by Coronavirus. This cathedral is unique and recognisable from all over the world. It has 3 fronts. “La fachada de la Gloria” (The front of glory) representing death, the final judgement, glory and hell. “La fachada del Nacimiento” (The front of the nativity) which represents the nativity of Jesus. And “La fachada de la Pasión” (The front of passion), which represents the crucifixion.

On the inside you can find the organic forms of nature (symbolic of modernism) in the columns, which look similar to trees. You can also go up to the towers and experience the amazing views of Barcelona. Something absolutely worth doing! Definitely one of the most important places in Barcelona.

#2 The Gothic Quarter

This quarter is in the oldest part of Barcelona, “Pueblo viejo”. It is the historic part of the city full of small, beautiful streets. There you can find the Cathedral of Barcelona, and ancient walls of the city. It has a variety of gothic buildings.

Apart from that, it is a quarter full of life and with many bars and restaurants. Furthermore, in the streets you will see many local artists and small vintage shops with antiques.

#3 Parc Güell

Following with another one of Gaudí’s works, you probably recognise Parc Güell. It is another one of the most visited places in Barcelona. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside it there is a Museum House in which you can learn more about it.

Inside it you can also find many monuments of animals and an amazing VIEWPOINT TO BARCELONA! The park is also full of benches, arches, and stairs with mosaics and organic forms of nature. One of the stairs in the main square of the park has an amazing snake shape. If you buy the tickets online you will be able to choose the visit hour and it is cheaper!

#4 Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya

LAS RAMBLAS is the main street you will find in Barcelona. Not walking across it is impossible if you come to Barcelona! This street is the perfect for shopping. It is always full of people and street artists. Among the places you can’t miss on Las Ramblas is “LA BOQUERIA” market!

This street starts in the monument of Colón, next to the beach. It continues until Plaza Catalunya. In this square you will see big fountains and huge shopping malls!

#5 Passeig de Gràcia: Casa Milà and Casa Batlló

The other main street in Barcelona is Passeig de Gràcia. This street, similar to Las Ramblas is full of shops, restaurants and small businesses. It is very important that you come here because you can’t miss the two most important houses in Barcelona: CASA BATLLÓ and CASA MILÀ (“La Pedrera”). They are absolutely worth seeing. Nowadays you can visit them inside, as they are also museums.

#6 Parc de la Ciutadella and Arco del Triunfo

PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA is one of the biggest parks in Barcelona. It is also one of the most famous ones, none the less taking into account how beautiful it is. If you want to see some nature in the city, this park is a perfect choice. Located in the centre of Barcelona, and next to the “Arco del Triunfo”. Inside the park there are different sculptures and a big lake in which you can rent a paddleboat. Moreover, inside it you can find the Zoo of Barcelona and the building of the Parliament of Catalonia.

Very close to the entrance of the park you will find the “Arc de Triomf”. This monument was built in 1888 for the Universal Exposition in Barcelona. It is situated in the heart of Barcelona, in the junction between Passeig Lluís Companys and Passeig Sant Joan.

#7 Montjuïc

Perhaps you are a little tired of the city and need some fresh air? Don’t worry! In Barcelona we have the mountain of MONTJUÏC. At the top of this mountain you will find yourself surrounded by nature and many runners. People often come here to enjoy some jogging and the beautiful views!

Apart from the nature, you can visit the Montjuïc Castle. In order to get to the castle, you will have to take the cable car or bus. Besides the castle, you can visit the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, Olympic Stadium and the Magic Fountain.

#8 The Church of Tibidabo

The TIBIDABO MOUNTAIN, also called the Magic Mountain is one of the most special places in Barcelona! On the top of Tibidabo you will find the Church of the “Sagrado Corazón”. The architectural style of this church is neo-gothic.

Tibidabo is also a very famous place if you want to have a whole panoramic view of the city of Barcelona. It is also very well known for the amusement park on the mountain! A great day trip if you visit Barcelona with family, especially children! Also, there you can find the “Torre de Collserola”, built for the Olympic Games of 1992 in Barcelona.

#9 La Plaza Real

La Plaza Real (The royal square) was given its name as a result of the beauty of the square. It is a rectangular square in the centre of Barcelona, full of palm trees and porches with arches. Something really interesting about this place is that the streetlights were designed by Antonio Gaudí. You may also recognise this square for many films!

This place is great for having lunch, or drinking something with friends!

#10 Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau.

This spectacular hospital is UNESCO World Heritage site, located next to the Sagrada Familia. It is special because it is a modernist hospital composed by several “pabellions”. The most interesting fact about this hospital is that it has tunnels underground connecting the entire hospital. It is also surrounded by beautiful gardens.

You can visit it from 9:30 to 16:30 from Monday to Saturday during the months of November until may, and until 18:30 the rest of the months. On Sundays it is until 14:30. The current price is 15€ and free entrance for children younger than 12 years old.

Map of these 10 places:

More places that you may find interesting to add to your list:

• The Camp Nou
• Palau de la Música Catalana
• Picasso museum
• Basilica de Santa María del Mar
• The Skyline from the sea
• Barceloneta quarter and the beach

Are you planning a trip to Barcelona and looking for somewhere to stay? Why not take a look at the available apartment rentals on our website! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.