Things to do in Barcelona

Before anything else, some places are part of Barcelona’s DNA. You simply can’t miss:

• Discover Gaudí’s masterpieces: The Sagrada Família, an iconic basilica with organic shapes and deep religious symbolism. The Park Güell, a magical garden filled with colorful mosaics and fantastic structures. The Casa Batlló, a dreamlike house inspired by the marine world. And La Pedrera (Casa Milà), a masterpiece with bold curves and a spectacular rooftop.
• Las Ramblas, for the atmosphere (despite the crowds)
• The Gothic Quarter, with its medieval alleys and hidden squares
• Barceloneta Beach, to feel the Mediterranean pulse
• Boqueria Market, a sensory experience more than just a market

  To learn more, check out our pages dedicated to landmarks and museums, or to see everything at a glance our section: Things do in Barcelona in 3 days

A quick preview of your visit in pictures:

Each neighborhood in Barcelona is a city in itself:

• El Born: creative alleys, wine bars, museums, and design
• Gothic Quarter: the old town, the historic heart
• Gràcia: village spirit, shaded squares, and bohemian vibe
• Eixample: modernism and wide elegant avenues
• Barceloneta: beach, chiringuitos, laid-back and local atmosphere
• Montjuïc: terraces, parks, gardens, views, and culture

It’s by wandering through the streets that you truly grasp the soul of the city.

Here are 10 ideas for things to do that are a bit off the beaten path:

• Discover the local markets: Sant Antoni, Ninot…
• Catch a concert at Jamboree and follow it up at the Night Club
• Explore contemporary art galleries (Foto Colectania, Fundació Suñol, CaixaForum)
• Grab a drink on a secret rooftop or in a typical vermouth bar
• Visit the Hospital de Sant Pau, a Catalan modernist gem that’s less crowded and lesser-known
• Get lost in Sarrià and stumble upon a shaded little square
• Take the little train at Parc de l’Oreneta (“swallow” in Catalan) on a Sunday with your kids
• Climb to the top of the Torre de Collserola for one of the best views over Barcelona
• Stroll through El Clot and feel like a local
• Watch the Castellers de Sants and feel the true spirit of “all together”
• Enjoy a Mahou beer at Fragments Café on Plaça Concordia on a Friday night

That’s 11 great tips — but hey, we’re feeling generous!

The photo is a little blurry, but you'll understand why when you get there ;-)

Barcelona is lucky to have the Mediterranean at its feet and hills all around. To get a breath of fresh air without leaving the city:

• Relax on the beaches of Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, or Bogatell, and take a bike ride along the seafront.
• Go for a walk or have a picnic in Ciutadella Park and explore the open-air Zoo.
• Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the hill of Montjuïc, especially from the viewpoint, and take advantage of its gardens, castle, and many museums. Poble Espanyol for the kids, or the Joan Miró Foundation for the beauty of the site.
• For the best sunsets: head up to Tibidabo or the Bunkers del Carmel, which offer one of the finest views over Barcelona from a former anti-aircraft base turned popular viewpoint — especially among the younger crowd.
• For contemplative walkers, the Carretera de les Aigües is a scenic path suspended above the city, ideal for hiking, biking, and admiring Barcelona between sea and mountains.

When it comes to food, Barcelona is an endless playground:

• Try classic or creative tapas (Cal Pep, Bar del Pla, Quimet & Quimet...)
• Discover Michelin-starred restaurants (Cinc Sentits, AÜRT...)
• Eat affordably and heartily with a weekday lunch menu at a local bistro (Gatblau, Ciudad Comtal...). Step into any spot — the scruffiest ones are often the most traditional.
• Paella, zarzuela, fish, and seafood — in Spain, your diet definitely changes.

  Check out our selection of the best restaurants and the top rooftops.

A chance to discover Catalan and Spanish style, from major local brands like Mango, Desigual, and Custo Barcelona, to national names like Zara, and more under-the-radar designers. From the elegant avenues of Passeig de Gràcia to the small independent boutiques in the Gràcia or Born neighborhoods, the city blends fashion, craftsmanship, and design with a true Mediterranean flair.

For those who love authenticity and handmade goods, head to:

• The best artisans in the city: ceramics, leather, jewelry, textile design.
• The boutiques of young designers in Raval, Gràcia, or Born.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Barcelona’s neighborhoods

In Barcelona, celebrations set the rhythm of neighborhood life, each one expressing its identity through colorful festes majors: street decorations, concerts, communal meals, and Catalan traditions like castellers, giants, or correfocs bring the city to life all year round. The most famous of these festivals is undoubtedly the Festa Major de Gràcia, held in August.

Highlights include:

• Castellers, the impressive human towers built by local teams, symbolizing strength, balance, and solidarity,
• Gegants (giants), large papier-mâché figures that parade through the streets to the beat of drums,
• and correfocs, nighttime processions of devils and spark-shooting dragons that truly light up the atmosphere!

With the family

Barcelona is full of activities for kids: the Aquarium, Zoo, interactive museums, the Tibidabo amusement park, CosmoCaixa (science museum), or Poble Espanyol to travel around Spain without leaving the city!

What to do month by month?

Check out the agenda of festivals and cultural events in May, June, July, August... All the way to December. Tip:  don't miss the Museum Night  on May 17, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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