10 amazing things to do in barcelona

best of the popular spanish city of barcelona, spain

Barcelona, Spain is located along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in the autonomous community of Catalonia. Originally founded as a Roman city, the region’s history in the Middle Ages is tumultuous. After joining with the Kingdom of Aragon to form the Confederation of the Crown of Aragon, Valencia gained control. Thereafter, the city changed control several times, even briefly becoming part of France. Following the Spanish Revolution and Spanish Civil War, Barcelona once again became the capital of an autonomous Catalonia in the 1970s. Today, Barcelona is an epicenter of economics, sports, finance, and fashion. It is home to several UNESCO world heritage sites and played host to the 1992 summer Olympics. The city itself is a beautiful clashing of old and new in architecture, language, and customs. The main languages spoken in this region are Spanish and Catalan, with English widely spoken.

This vibrant city has laid back vibes of midday sidewalk cafe sits, afternoon siestas, and a nightlife scene that peeks into the wee hours of the morning. It is a melting pot of locals, travelers, and expats alike, creating a mixing bowl of culture so deep you will want to return again and again. Barcelona has an incredible number of features on display- where does one begin? Here are my top 10 things to do in (and around!) Barcelona.

1. gothic quarter

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is an area frozen in time. Considered the historic city center, many buildings here date back to the Medieval period. Some even trace back as early as the Roman settlement of Barcelona. In this area, you can find restaurants, bars, and shopping along the narrow streets. Though the streets look and feel quite old, the Gothic Quarter has undergone a massive restoration in an effort to draw tourism. Restoration here began in the 19th and early 20th centuries into the 1960s. Still, there is a feeling of authenticity here- an old world air that echoes down the high walls, urging you to explore.

One of the most popular and intriguing bars I’ve ever been to is in the Gothic Quarter, named Dr. Stravinsky. Named among the top 50 best bars in the world, this upscale bar serves craft cocktails and bar bites with an exploratory twist. The menu displays a sort of cosmic-looking diagram linking flavors, scents, and mouthfeels together to match you with your perfect cocktail. Dr. Stravinsky is very popular, so be sure to arrive early if you wish to avoid waiting.

2. Barcelona cathedral

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral, is the current seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia who suffered martyrdom during Roman times in the city. According to Catholic tradition, Eulalia was exposed naked in the public square, covered only by a miraculous spring snowfall. Afterwards, angry Romans put her in a barrel stuck with knives and rolled her down a street. Her body is said to be entombed in the crypt of the cathedral.

Barcelona Cathedral was mainly constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. The Neo-Gothic façade was constructed later, during the late 19th century. Today, the cathedral is a gem in the Gothic Quarter and a tourist attraction well worth the entry ticket. Tickets include different levels of access and can be purchased here. I purchased the basic ticket which includes access to the chapter hall, the Diocesan Museum, and the rooftop. Pro Tip: Once inside, head straight to the rooftop or you will wait in a long line!

3. Sagrada família

centerpiece of barcelona

Anybody who knows Barcelona knows Sagrada Família is the city’s crown jewel. The basilica is a manifestation of the Catalan architect and artist Antoni Gaudí. His masterpiece has been under construction since 1882 and is projected to be finished in 2026, and is still funded solely by private donations. Today, it remains the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world. Consequently, it is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona. The familiar spires of the massive structure tower above surrounding buildings, making it an iconic fixture in Barcelona’s skyline.

Tickets to enter Sagrada Família sell fast, so purchase them ahead of time and arrive early.

4. Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is another historical landmark from the mind of Antoni Gaudí. Emilio Sala Cortés built the original casa in 1877, one of Gaudí’s architect professors. It was built along Paseo de Gracia, which is a street originally constructed to connect the city with Villa de Gracia. Paseo de Gracia began as a desirable place for upperclass important families to buy and build homes. Josep Batlló purchased the original building in 1903, a prominent businessman who owned several textile factories. Batlló then granted Antoni Gaudí full artistic freedom to design his home.

After the Batlló family, the house changed hands several times and eventually opened to the public in 1995. At present, the house is available for tours, even acting as a venue for live music on the roof. Visiting Casa Batlló is a step inside the mind of Antoni Gaudí. I found the experience immersive, educational, and visceral and it was one of my favorite sites in the city. The home is one of Barcelona’s 9 UNESCO world heritage sites.

5. girona

day trip from barcelona

Girona is a medieval walled city located about 1.5 hours on the local train or just 40 minutes on the high-speed train from Barcelona-Sants station. Girona’s history is unique, including a Jewish quarter that is considered the largest and best preserved in Europe. Its old city is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and homes. Though you will still encounter tourism here, Girona is a quaint and quiet easy day trip from the bustling Barcelona.

My draw to visit Girona was the Girona Cathedral. Perhaps I’m a glutton for medieval history and gothic cathedrals, but this one is special. Girona Cathedral is not only ancient (it’s earliest form dating to the early 700s), it is absolutely stunning inside. The Gothic nave is the widest in the world and only second to naves of all types- an architectural feat of its time. The interior consists of the Romanesque cloister, treasury and museum, bell tower, and nave. Each section has its own unique history, taking today’s visitors through over 2,000 years of history.

It was such a pleasure to walk along the quaint Girona streets. Apart from the spectacle of Girona Cathedral, I highly recommend walking along the walls of the city. There are several parts you can walk on top of, granting incredible views of the city between the Cyprus trees. Additionally, there are several Game of Thrones filming locations around Girona. So, lace up your walking shoes and create your own “GOT scavenger hunt!”

6. circuit de catalunya

day trip for the motorcycle enthusiast

MotoGP is the World Series of motorcycle racing. Except every race is the Super Bowl. And the stadium is an AI generated post card.

MotoGP racing take place all over the world, including Barcelona. Circuit de Catalunya is just a 30 minute train ride, taking you into the town of Montmeló. The town itself consists of small shops, pubs, and roadside sandwich stands, and largely caters to the race spectator crowds. Attending a MotoGP event is considered a privilege that is enhanced by the location of this racetrack. It is not hard to find the Circuit, just follow the hoards outside the train station. The atmosphere is electric here, with fans proudly bearing the numbers and colors of their favorite rider and team. My seat was between turns 12 and 13, giving me an elevated vantage point of four exciting turns and a spectacular view of the distant mountains. The only thing better than the races was the celebration that followed!

If time allows, plan your Barcelona trip around a MotoGP or F1 event!

7. Montserrat

day trip from barcelona

Montserrat is the highlight of Barcelona for many travelers, and for good reason. These beautiful mountains are home to the Benedictine monk mountain retreat. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene against a backdrop of rugged columnar mountainface. To get the best views, you can take the funicular to the top of the mountain and choose from several scenic walks. Montserrat can be reached with a tour on a bus, self-driving, or hiring private transportation. I recommend getting up early to grab transportation and beat the tour bus crowds. Pack a few snacks and spend the day taking in some incredible views.

You can get tickets online for each activity at the monastery. The boys’ choir is one of the most popular things to see while visiting Montserrat, as well as the Throne of our Lady and the Basilica.

8. la boqueria market

One of my favorite ways to experience the true vibe of a place is to visit the local market. Visibly apparent in any city, culture is widely expressed through food. Markets are a great place to observe how locals eat and live and get a little slice of everyday life through locals’ glasses.

La Boqueria is Barcelona’s most famous market and dates to the 13th century. Originally, the market consisted of carts set up along the city walls and mainly sold meat. Today, you can find stalls selling everything from fresh produce, bottles of wine, to hand made pastas, fish, and ready to eat tapas. It is located on Las Ramblas, the famous tree lined walking street in central Barcelona. The perfect afternoon is meandering through the expanse of the market, collecting your favorite items, and people watching in this vibrant area. Who doesn’t love a charcuterie board and a glass of wine paired with free entertainment? Keep in mind, credit cards can get you by, but some stalls still accept cash only.

9. las ramblas

Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s famous walking street. Lined with trees on both sides, it offers a multitude of shopping opportunities, restaurants, and is a hub for public transportation at Plaça de Catalunya. The street is home to the famous Liceu Theater, the Maritime Museum, hotels, hostels, and a colorful nightlife. It is centrally located adjacent to the Gothic Quarter and connects Plaça Catalunya at the north end with Port Vell at the south. Las Ramblas’s fame makes it akin to a tourist trap, whilst maintaining charm. Hence, it is a good idea to start your day here and move on to less crowded area as the street gets busier. Some travlers skip this street altogether, but I thought it was worth seeing. Grab a café latte and have yourself a little stroll!

10. eat, Drink, & take it slow

Spain is well known for its wine and tapas. A memorable moment from my trip to Barcelona took place only hours after stepping off the plane, when my travel companion and I dropped our bags at the hotel and set off to find lunch. Luckily, it only took a jaunt around one single block to find an amazing tapas spot. As one should, we did as the locals do and claimed a sidewalk table. The weather was bright, the midday sun was peeking through the manicured tree tops, and the city was beginning to buzz against the early afternoon quiet. We ordered Iberico ham, pan con tomate, Spanish olives, hard cheese, and of course, a glass of white wine. Undoubtedly, this was the perfect way to spend a couple hours unwinding after a long travel day.

If you prefer a bit more structure and education, try booking a food and wine tour through Viator. These tours not only provide insight to the area’s local cuisine, but likely will book with a small group of like minded travelers. This is especially good if you are a solo traveler. Otherwise, you will have no problem finding great food and wine anywhere in Barcelona on your own!

Barcelona: choose your own adventure

Without a doubt, Barcelona has endless things to do and see. The city has rich old world history with new world overtones, creating a melting pot of culture and stimulation for the senses. Whatever you decide to do, you will not be disappointed with your visit to this amazing city. Above all, Barcelona is a city for everyone. With a little planning, a lot of wandering, and a good pair of walking shoes, you will fill your memory bank with once in a lifetime moments to carry forever.