Barcelona is a huge city in Spain and, in my opinion, a very complete city to explore. You can spend weeks discovering its hidden gems, its great architectural monuments, and its beaches.
There is so much to do in this great city, which is why I recommend making a list with your priorities and interests so you can visit the points that attract you the most!
I visited all the items on the list in one week in Barcelona during the winter, but you can also visit them with fewer days without any problem.
That said, let’s start exploring the places that you can’t miss on your visit to this Spanish city!
- Sagrada Familia Basilica
What a place. I must say that, although it’s one of Barcelona’s main tourist attractions, I didn’t have many expectations before visiting this great cathedral. I’m usually more impressed by landscapes than architectural jewels, but this basilica left me speechless.
The Sagrada Familia basilica is the lifelong project of its creator, Antonio Gaudí, an artist who did many works in Barcelona and gave color and style to this great city, including Park Güell.
Nature was a source of inspiration for Gaudí’s architecture, and that is clearly visible inside the Basilica. Truly an impressive work that is still under construction and is expected to be completed in 2026.
Recommendation: hire an audio guide to understand and enjoy the architectural choices for the basilica. Keep in mind that tickets sell out well in advance to ensure your spot!
2. Aire Hotel Terrace with a view of the Sagrada Familia
Just a few blocks from the Sagrada Familia, you’ll find the Aire Hotel, which has a terrace with a direct view of the Basilica.
To enter, you have to consume something, even if it’s just a drink, and then you can go up to enjoy the amazing and privileged views of the Basilica.
I recommend this visit for at least a while to continue admiring the domes of the Sagrada Familia firsthand.
3. Gaudí Square
Once you coordinate your visit to the Sagrada Familia, keep in mind that Gaudí Square is located in front of it. The square consists of a park with a lake overlooking the Basilica.
Recommendation: to take a nice photo with the basilica in the background, walk around the lake to the middle of the park, where you’ll see the Sagrada Familia straight ahead.
4. Park Güell
The park is one of Barcelona’s icons and features numerous constructions created by Gaudí. It’s definitely one of my favorite places in all of Barcelona.
I recommend going with plenty of time to spend the afternoon there and be able to enjoy the sunset from one of the terraces.
Park Güell has many nooks, paths, and spaces to see (more than I imagined), so be prepared to spend a pleasant afternoon outdoors!
5. Las Ramblas
Part of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas is one of the city’s most touristy places. The pedestrian walk goes from Plaza de Catalunya to the Old Port.
Along Las Ramblas, there are newsstands, kiosks, and restaurants and bars on both sides of the walkway.
6. La Boquería Market
On Las Ramblas, you’ll find La Boquería Market, where there is an impressive offer of all kinds of foods, condiments, and ingredients to entertain yourself.
In the market, you’ll find everything from chocolates, candies, cured ham, and salts, to almost live crabs.
It’s definitely worth stopping by and trying various things! However, it’s always crowded, so you have to go with patience!
7. Barceloneta Beach
The famous beach with a view of the W Hotel Casino is one of Barcelona’s recreational places. Along the beach, there are restaurants, ice cream parlors, and shops to stroll and visit.
8. Paseo de Gracia
The chicest avenue in Barcelona, where all the luxury stores are located as well as several restaurants.
On Passeig de Gràcia, you’ll also find Casa Batlló and Casa La Pedrera, both works by Gaudí worth visiting.
9. Casa Batlló and Casa Milá-La pedrera
Both works by Gaudí are very close on Passeig de Gràcia. You can book a visit to see both on the same day, or enjoy them on different days.
When visiting Casa Milà, be sure to go up to the terrace and enjoy the views from above!
10. El Nacional
On Passeig de Gràcia, you’ll find El Nacional. A restaurant that contains several gastronomic offerings within the same complex.
It’s a good place for lunch or dinner, being able to choose between four different styles of cuisine and ambiance.
The La Tapería restaurant has a particular way of serving with a tapas singing system. A fun experience for lunch or dinner.
The ice creams from the central stand in El Nacional are delicious! Don’t hesitate to try them.
11. Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is undoubtedly one of the most touristy points that make up the essence of this complex and unique city.
The narrow streets, medieval and gray constructions, and trendy restaurants and bars make up this neighborhood.
Within the Gothic Quarter are, among other things, La Rambla and the Barcelona Cathedral.
12. Les Corts
At the end of Passeig de Gràcia, in the opposite direction from the sea, is the beginning of the Les Corts district. This district is one of the highest parts of Barcelona, and although it’s not as touristy, it’s one of the most elegant areas.
Personally, I liked this district more than the Gothic Quarter because it’s more cheerful and spacious.
The main avenue of Les Corts is called L’illa Diagonal and is full of original and fun shops to visit. I recommend a walk through Les Corts.
13. El Born District
The Born neighborhood is another district that you must see in Barcelona. It is located between the Eixample neighborhood, the Gothic Quarter, and Barceloneta, and is a great option to visit after strolling through the Gothic Quarter.
Personally, I liked this neighborhood more than the Gothic Quarter because it’s more open and bright. El Born is a very nice neighborhood to walk around and get lost in its streets and boutique shops. Inside the neighborhood, you’ll find the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Picasso Museum.
Walking through El Born is a nice walk to do after going to the beach, to enjoy its streets without rush and have a coffee or a sangria while you get to know this neighborhood.
14. Arco de Triunfo
Bordering the Born neighborhood, and facing the Ciutadella Park, is this imposing brick monument.
In addition to the arch, the promenade on which it is built is a nice walk to do after visiting the Ciutadella Park.
15. Park de la Ciutadella / Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park is one of the most important parks in Barcelona. It has several monuments hidden among the green space, including the characteristic waterfall of this park, and many nooks to relax and enjoy the sun.
If you have extra time after visiting the other tourist spots, it’s a nice space to relax and spend time.
16. Montjuïc / Montjuïc Castle and Montjuïc Fountains
Montjuïc Mountain, with its imposing elevation, is an ideal place to visit and enjoy the wonderful views of the city of Barcelona. On the mountain, you’ll find Montjuïc Castle and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, as well as the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Joan Miró Foundation.
Montjuïc Castle: an old military fortress located at the top of Montjuïc Mountain from where you can see impressive views of the city as well as the sea. You can reach the castle by walking, cable car, or even taxi to a certain point.
Montjuïc Magic Fountain: From Plaza España to the Museum of Catalan Art, you’ll find the Montjuïc fountains. They are the protagonists of the New Year celebrations where it is tradition to gather there to celebrate the beginning of the year with fireworks and water shows.
17. Tibidabo and Sagrat Cor
Tibidabo Mountain is the highest peak in Barcelona and from there you can appreciate spectacular views of the city.
On Tibidabo, you can visit Tibidabo Amusement Park and the Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart. Both places are worth visiting and spending time in! The sunset views with the light falling on the city are magical.
Keep in mind that you have to wait quite a while for taxis and buses returning from Tibidabo, so don’t leave too late so you don’t end up in the dark without a return!
Well, Life Hoppers, with this the list of the points you can’t miss in Barcelona ends! I hope they are helpful to you and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me.
We visited Barcelona in winter, and we were there for a whole week, which was more than enough time to do all the points on the list. In my opinion, you can also go for a shorter period. Although it has many amazing points and places with a lot of history, Barcelona is not my favorite city in Spain. In that sense, I enjoyed Madrid more.
I hope you enjoy Barcelona and everything it has to offer! I leave you options below to save the post on Pinterest for when you need it!
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