10 of the best things to do in Barcelona

1. Tick off Gaudí masterpieces

No trip to Barcelona is complete without seeing the genius of Antoni Gaudí up close. His fantastical forms and dreamlike designs are woven into the fabric of the city.

Top of the list is the Sagrada Família. Though unfinished, this city icon is considered a masterpiece of Catalan modernista and Spanish late gothic styles, with sky-piercing spires and intricate facades. The basilica’s exterior is set to be completed in 2026, marking 100 years since Gaudí’s death.

Other must-sees include the mosaic-covered Park Güell and the undulating stone-fronted Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera).

2. Take a ramble on La Rambla

You’ll struggle to name a more famous street in Spain than La Rambla. This lively, leafy pedestrian boulevard stretches 1.2km (0.7 miles) to connect Plaça de Catalunya with the old port.

Expect everything from flower stalls and human statues to grand buildings and busy cafés. Sure, it’s a tourist magnet – but it’s still one of the best places to people-watch or shop for souvenirs.

3. Get acquainted with world class art

Barcelona is bursting with brilliant art, and its museums showcase it with flair. Head to the Picasso Museum for five palaces worth of paintings, sketches and ceramics from the Spanish prodigy, with highlights including the Las Meninas series.

At the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, the spectacular setting rivals the art, while a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) is an insightful introduction to works by local legends like Antoni Tàpies and Miquel Barceló.

4. Sample the city’s food scene at Time Out Market

Opened in July 2024, Barcelona’s Time Out Market brings the best of the city’s food and drink under one stylish roof.

You’ll find 14 curated restaurants showcasing everything from tapas to tacos. Start with Catalan classics like paella at Can Ros and patatas bravas at Bar Nuri, then try smoky meats at Darvaza or Baja-style fish tacos at Xuba.

There are also four bars including popular Paradiso, where you can sip fantastical cocktails overlooking the sea. Find it at Port Vell, on the top floors of Maremagnum shopping centre.

5. Get lost in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is a maze of narrow lanes, hidden squares and stone archways that feel straight out of a storybook. No matter how many times you wander through, there’s always something new to discover.

Its pièce de résistance is the Barcelona Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece complete with cloisters, gargoyles and a gaggle of resident geese.

The area is also home to quirky boutiques and traditional bars. Stick around until evening for some of the city’s liveliest dance spots.

6. Tour the iconic Camp Nou

Football fan or not, Camp Nou is a Barcelona bucket-lister. Home to FC Barcelona, the stadium is Europe’s largest, with a jaw-dropping capacity of 99,354 (soon to be over 105,000).

The stadium is currently undergoing a major renovation and is expected to reopen in late 2025, but you can still learn about the club’s history at the stadium's museum and take a peek at the construction progress. Tickets start from €28.

7. Load up on local goods at La Boqueria

Looking for a memorable activity in Barcelona that will leave you wanting more? Mercado de la Boqueria is it.

This Barcelona institution dates back to the 13th century and is a true feast for the senses – think mounds of scarlet tomatoes, the salty scent of fresh fish and the holler of prices coming at you from all angles.

You can load up on produce for self-catering meals or beach picnics, or pull up a seat at one of the tapas bars for a light bite on the go. The market is open six days a week (closed on Sundays).

8. Catch the cable car to Montjuïc Castle

A major hub of museums, parks and attractions, Montjuïc is one impressive hill. At 173m tall (567ft), the panoramic views over the city aren’t bad either.

Take the Telefèric de Montjuïc to see the best of them, and look out for landmarks like the Sagrada Família and Agbar Tower as the cable car flies you to the summit. The journey starts from Montjuïc Park and costs €17 for an adult return ticket (€12 for kids).

At the top, you’ll find Montjuïc Castle, a 17th-century fortress with a storied military past. Roam the ramparts, explore exhibitions or simply admire the views from its elevated perch.

9. See a concert at Palau de la Música Catalana

Concert halls don’t get much more prestigious than the Palace of Catalan Music. This UNESCO-listed concert hall hosts everything from flamenco to symphonies beneath its stained-glass skylight.

Built by Domènech i Montaner, the hall’s ornate stone pillars and intricate mosaic facade are a prime example of modernista architecture. Inside, the auditorium’s floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows are as much a symphony for the eyes as the music is to the ears.

Check out the events programme to pre-book a show, or you can take a guided tour instead.

10. Bask on Barceloneta’s beaches

No round up of things to do in Barcelona is complete without mentioning its beaches. Barceloneta has some of the most glorious with a 2km ribbon (1.2 miles) of sand formed by three connecting beaches: Platja de Sant Sebastià, Platja de la Barceloneta and Platja del Somorrostro.

Once you’ve topped up your tan, stroll to the southern marina to yacht-watch or seek out a seafood lunch along the promenade. For something more active, there’s surfing, volleyball and parasailing.