If you fancy a trip to Barcelona Spain, there is so much to experience regarding architecture, art, food, and culture. The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona speaks both Catalan and Spanish and is proud of its rich heritage.
Prepare to eat lunch around 3 pm and dinner no earlier than 9 pm when visiting restaurants. Caution should be taken when traveling along the narrow streets, as noise can echo and disturb residents. Expect crowds everywhere in Barcelona, as the city is a destination for people around the world. When you can, purchase tickets to events or must-see attractions in advance.
Ideally, the best time to visit Barcelona is in the early summer or fall. For the most part, Barcelona enjoys a temperate climate, but it can be hot and humid in July and August. People who enjoy swimming at the beach will love that the water is still warm up until early October.
Visitors will want to be cautious about traveling to Barcelona in August, as it is high tourist season from nearby European countries. Many shops may close their doors for a holiday when the weather is ideal, and waiting until last minute to book a hotel can prove folly.
Barcelona is an international city that caters to tourism year-round, so there is always something to do in the metropolis. Many popular Barcelona Spain attractions that have long lines of visitors, so plan to beat the crowds by purchasing tickets ahead of time.
How We Choose Our Ratings
We investigated the merit of attractions based on their historical significance, reviews from locals and tourists, and their intrinsic value to Barcelona. We wanted to compile a list of Barcelona Spain attractions that we felt were bucket list worthy, and gave travelers a well-rounded experience of Barcelona Spain.
Top 10 Attractions to See in Barcelona Spain
If you want to get a feel for Barcelona, you will want to at least check out some of these top attractions on our list. There is something for everyone, with many budget-friendly options, architectural gems, and places to grab a bite to eat or souvenir.
MACBA
The Museum de Arte Moderno de Barcelona was designed by Richard Meier and opened its doors to visitors in 1995. The museum is dedicated to showcasing both Catalan and Spanish art, with a focus on all that is contemporary.
Serious art lovers will appreciate the layout of the museum and may be eager to join art walks or events. There is a library, auditorium, and well-stocked bookstore for selecting a gift or building your at-home art library.
South of the museum is one of the best places for skateboarding locations in Barcelona.
PROS
Free admission Saturdays between 4 and 8 pm
Contemporary art collections
Enjoy tapas tasting or walking tours
CONS
Plan before you visit because of hours and price
La Sagrada Familia Cathedral
This is one of the top destinations to visit in Barcelona, as La Sagrada Familia is an unfinished church still in the stages of completion. Over a period of 130 years, this magnificent structure was conceived by architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882.
Over 3 million people travel to La Sagrada Familia annually, and it is projected that the building will be completed in 2026. Antoni Gaudi was tragically killed in 1926 after being hit by a tram, but he realized his masterpiece would outlive him.
You can take a look around the outside of the towering cathedral free of charge but plan to grab skip-the-line tickets to take a peek inside. Feel awed and inspired by the natural light that shines through the windows of the interior during the morning or afternoon hours. Make sure to dress conservatively and leave the skimpy clothing at home.
It is best to give yourself 1 to 2 hours to enjoy surveying the interior of this cathedral, which has 8 out of 8 spires completed.
PROS
An architectural gem that has taken over a century to complete
Free to view on the outside
Open year-round for visits, except for specific occasions or religious observance
CONS
Ticket price determines your time and views spent inside and prepare for a line if last minute trip
Mercat de la Bouqueria en La Rambla
La Rambla also called Las Ramblas consists of several streets, and is famous for its walking thoroughfare. Be careful about pickpocketers when traveling through crowded areas, but otherwise, the area is fairly safe.
La Rambla begins at Plaza Catalunya and comes to an end at the Columbus Monument at the Port Vell marina.
When you visit La Bouqueria plan to come early right after opening at 8 am. Avoid buying fish on Mondays, but try the local ham and cheese. Be aware that the market can get pretty crowded, but everything is for sale, so happy shopping.
The market is open until 8 pm, but stalls will close for the lunch hour. If you want to scoop up the best deals, try to go closer to closing time. The market is a great place for tasty tapas, smoothies, and is well worth the price.
PROS
Budget-friendly destination
Excellent for shopping at stalls and viewing street performers
Lots of historical value for marketplaces and commerce
CONS
Risk of pickpockets
Mirador de Colom
The Mirador de Colom or the Columbus Monument stands at the end of La Rambla nearby the sea. The monument was built in 1888 and has a viewing gallery that offers selfie-worthy views.
Inside the viewing gallery, you can view the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and the Santa Maria del Mar to the north. If you look to the south, you can get a view of the castle atop Montjuic Hill.
At the top of the column, there is a statue of Christopher Columbus pointing toward his route to America.
You will have to pay for tickets to visit and take the elevator to the viewing gallery, but the landmark is open every day except for New Year’s Day and Christmas. This location is accessible for people with hearing impairment or physical disabilities.
PROS
Budget-friendly destination
Excellent for shopping at stalls and viewing street performers
Lots of historical value for marketplaces and commerce
CONS
Risk of pickpockets
Santa Maria del Mar
If the crowds at La Sagrada Familia are too much, check out the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. This majestic cathedral was built in 55 years when most Gothic architecture style churches would often take over a century to erect.
Built between the years 1329 and 1384, this is the sole surviving cathedral that is built in pure Catalan Gothic style.
PROS
Fewer lines and crowds
An architectural gem of Catalan Gothic style
Guided tours available
CONS
Book in advance
Montjuic Castle
Visit the Montjuic Castle to get 360-degree views of the city and capture stunning photos. This castle has seen a lot of battles and history, being a military fortress, and survived the War of the Spanish Succession.
The castle has been used as a prison, executions of public officials have taken place there, and it even housed a weapons museum. Today, the Montjuic Castle serves as a reminder to Barcelona of the oppression of military might and violence.
PROS
Free admission on Sundays after 3 pm
Guided tours available
Excellent views from the castle
CONS
Pricey admission for the experience
Casa Batllo
Architect Antoni Gaudi is not only recognized for La Sagrada Familia, as he is responsible for the Casa Batllo.
The Casa Batllo is located on one of Barcelona’s most famous streets, the Passeig de Gracia. Before you make your way to the architectural landmark with a ticket purchased in advance, feel free to go shopping or enjoy nearby Modernist buildings.
People who have physical disabilities, hearing impairment, or vision impairment can be comfortably accommodated.
Anton Gaudi used his genius to remodel a preexisting house in 1904, and the house has been restored and refurbished countless times after its completion. Some believe that the house was designed to honor St. George slaying the dragon. The structure is noteworthy for having organic, irregular windows, lacks straight lines, and utilizes ornate, colorful mosaics.
PROS
Iconic Antoni Gaudi building that features Modern Art Nouveau style
Varying ticket price offerings or free admission depending on party
Enjoy viewing 20th century period furniture
CONS
Viewing time about one hour
Park Guell
Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, this fascinating park has been touched by the visionary designs of Antoni Gaudi.
Visitors can enjoy walking along winding paths, interact with playful sculptures and mosaics, and relax among peaceful green spaces. The park was inaugurated for public use in 1926 and received its UNESCO heritage site status in 1984.
PROS
Guided tours available
Most of the park is free
Easily travel to the park via bus or walking
CONS
Prepare to get tickets in advance to beat the lines
Barceloneta Beach
Barcelona didn’t boast any beautiful beaches until 1992. Once the capital city decided to host the Olympic Games, they transformed the waterfront choked with industry into a coastline worth envying. Today, Barcelona is known for having fabulous restaurants, bars, and hotels near its 4.5-kilometer coastline, featuring seven beaches.
The Mediterranean climate is perfect for beachgoers to take advantage, as the summers are mostly warm and dry.
The Barceloneta Beach is perhaps Barcelona’s most popular and oldest beach. The beach is believed to be connected to the fishing quarter that bears the same namesake, as the vacation spot is located in the fishing district.
There are plenty of amenities for everyone at the beach, regardless of disability. Visitors can enjoy rubbing shoulders with tourists and locals, play volleyball, enjoy some tapas, or relax in the sun.
PROS
Free to visit all day and night
Great for sightseeing and people watching
Plenty of amenities
CONS
Individual vendors can be pricey, and the beach is a busy spot filled with activity and people
Camp Nou & FC Barcelona Museum
Footballers and Messi fans rejoice, as you will most likely want to check out the FC Barcelona Museum.
Camp Nou is one of Europe’s largest stadiums, with enough space to seat 100,000 eager fans.
There are tour guides available at the FC Barcelona Museum, but you can enjoy taking a self-guided tour within the mecca to football. Depending on what type of ticket you purchase, you can get an audio guide as you walk through the space. If you need help, security and staff are available to be of assistance, but no one can answer trivia questions.
You can check out the player’s changing room, see what it feels like to be behind the scenes at the club from a player’s point of view. There’s a chapel, a press room, and the President’s box to visit. Travelers to this holy grail for football can enjoy feeling what it’s like to run onto the pitch in front of a roaring crowd, check out historical tidbits from the football club, and mingle with fans.
You will want to grab tickets to enter Camp Nou and the FC Barcelona Museum anywhere from 4 days to a week in advance to avoid long lines.
PROS
Feel what it’s like to be a professional footballer
Lots of interactive exhibits and memorabilia
Self-guided tour for people who want to be independent
CONS
Prepare for long lines if you didn’t plan your trip ahead of time
Buyer’s Guide
You know you won’t have time to see everything, but you can plan out your itinerary around visiting some key locations of interest. Give yourself plenty of time for the best Barcelona Spain attractions which may require standing in line, paying for tickets, or have set visiting hours.
Make the most of your visit to Barcelona by fully immersing yourself in the language, music, food, and people. Barcelona is home to many UNESCO heritage sites, ancient ruins from the Roman empire, and divine food options. You don’t have to break your bank to enjoy the capital city of Catalonia if you know where to find the best deals for food, fun, and shopping.
