Barcelona is one of the most beautiful and popular cities in Europe and is known for its sandy beaches, stunning architecture, lively nightlife, colourful neighbourhoods and delicious cuisine. It is a destination that should definitely be on your bucket list! If you are planning a trip to Spain soon, make sure to put Barcelona on your itinerary.
To help you plan the perfect trip, we created this list with the best things to see in this stunning city.
The first thing you need to see in Barcelona is the famous Sagrada Familia. This religious complex is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city and one of the most famous works of Gaudí. Despite not being finished, UNESCO made it a World Heritage Site in 1984 because of its unique architecture and how Gaudí created something so artistic and innovative.
This famous street in Barcelona is a tree-lined boulevard featuring a wide array of architectural delights, beautifully decorated flower stalls and particularly talented human statues. It is often the first landmark that most tourists identify with the city.
This park is an enormous garden with stunning and distinct architectural elements designed by the renowned Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. It is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona and you absolutely need to visit it.
Casa Batlló is a building with apartments designed by Gaudí, completely in the style of Catalan Modernism. The shapes of the house are based on the legend of George and the dragon. You will be amazed at the many beautiful details, colours and mosaics.
Another beautiful building designed by Antoni Gaudí is Casa Milà, also known as ‘La Pedrera’. Translated, the name means the “quarry” and it was named after the rugged appearance of the complex. The roof terrace with its special chimneys is more than worth a visit.
The museum of Pablo Picasso is located in the district of La Ribera. It is a key reference for understanding the formative years of the famous artist. The museum has over 4,000 works of art by the painter Pablo Picasso who spent an important part of his life in this city.
Montjuïc is the most famous mountain of the city with dozens of sights, including Palau Nacional, Foundation Joan Miró, Poble Espanyol, the Olympic Stadium, the cable car, and the stunning fountain “Font Magica” with an amazing show of water and lights.
In the city’s Old Town you will find the beautiful Gothic Quarter. No matter how long your trip is, this area is not to be missed. It is a fascinating part of the town, with a network of narrow medieval streets and stunning examples of Gothic architecture. You’ll also find here many of the oldest churches in Barcelona.
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is the main attraction in the Old Town. This traditional gothic cathedral is totally different from Sagrada Familia, but definitely worth a visit just as much.
No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to Port Vell, the old harbour of the city. With a wide waterfront promenade leading down to the city’s famous beaches, this area is full of beautiful cafes, restaurants and the History Museum of Catalonia.
Barcelona Beaches and Waterfront
Barcelona waterfront is a large commercial and recreational coastal area, created in the early 1990s. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Barcelona and a large pedestrian area where you can admire the beautiful views.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona is the Arco de Triunfo, with a classic shape and beautiful decorative details. At the top, you can see the coat of arms of the city, under which are the shields of the 49 Spanish provinces.
Welcome to Barcelona, city of Gaudí!