What to Do in Barcelona for First-Timers

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Museums & Culture | Shopping | Family-Friendly | Food & Drink

Spain is overflowing with exciting destinations, but none is more renowned than the seaside city of Barcelona.

From the historic architecture and museums to its gorgeous beaches and viewpoints. You could easily spend months getting to know the best areas in Barcelona. I can attest to this firsthand because I actually lived in El Raval and still found myself craving more time there.

Not to mention, Barcelona has some of the best places to dine, drink, and party on the entire planet. You’re never far from a life-changing meal or evening. While it’s flush with activities, it can be tough to determine the very best things to do in such an action-packed destination.

Luckily, I’ve narrowed down the list to all the ‘must-do’ stuff for first-timers. After living there as a digital nomad and visiting all the top attractions, these are my recommendations for things to do in Barcelona.

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Best Things to Do in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia

Visit the most popular tourist attraction in Spain with over 3 million visitors annually.

Certain attractions are major tourist magnets for good reason and La Sagrada Família is an excellent example of this. The famous unfinished church was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and has been under construction since 1882 (supposedly it will be completed in 2026!).

Walk around the facade to see the stories built into its walls from different angles, then head inside to see the stained glass windows. One side is blue-ish green and the other is reddish orange. Together they throw rainbow patterns around the entire structure during the day.

You’ll see lots of people strategically getting a photograph bathed in the spectrum of colors. Your best chance of getting your own photo is by showing up bright and early when the church first opens in the morning.

To make your life easier, you can pre-book something like this Fast Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour. It provides quick access to the site and tons of information about Gaudí along the way. Or you can gain entry to Sagrada Familia with the convenient Barcelona Pass.

Otherwise, be sure to reserve your tickets in advance or be prepared to wait in line. After all, this is one of the most visited attractions in all of Europe.

👉 Pro Tip: Want the epic views of the photo above? Book a room at the Sercotel Hotel Rosellon, the only hotel with direct terrace views of Sagrada Familia and an excellent choice for where to stay in Barcelona. Just be aware this popular hotel does book up fast!

Park Güell

Spend hours strolling through this UNESCO-ranked park filled with unusual and colorful artistic monuments.

You’ll come to discover that some of the coolest things to see around Barcelona were crafted by Antoni Gaudi. The architectural master himself. Plan a visit to Park Güell to see another one of Gaudi’s cherished masterpieces.

This park gives you the opportunity to walk through a myriad of Gaudi’s colorful, modern-feeling buildings in an open-air setting. It’s a favorite location for snapping aesthetic selfies among the structures with Barcelona in the background.

If you’re on a budget, you can check out everything in Park Güell completely for free except the Monumental Zone. As you might guess, this is the section of the park that’s home to the park’s most famous monuments and features, like Gaudi’s house and the entrance pavilion. However, admission to the Monumental Zone is still very affordable.

👉 Pro Tip: The Barcelona Pass includes skip-the-line tickets to La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and admission to one more Barcelona attraction of your choice.

Casa Batlló

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site crafted by Gaudi. It’s highly inventive design looks futuristic even though it was built over 100 years ago.

You might be getting sick of hearing about all these Gaudi buildings, but trust me, you’ll never grow tired of seeing them.

Casa Batlló in particular is a creatively-constructed showpiece. It’s even earned the coveted title of being considered a UNESCO site. The closer you get, the more crazy little details you’ll find.

While you can visit Casa Batlló during the day, it truly comes alive once the sun goes down. During their Magic Night events in the summer, there are musical performances and immersive light shows. It’s the closest thing to being transported to another dimension that you can get.

Note that Casa Batlló is also one of the options you can select for your third attraction with the Barcelona City Pass.

La Barceloneta Beach

Eat seafood, get drinks, or simply lay out in the sun at this golden, sandy beach that runs along the edge of the city.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7, daily | Entrance: Free

One of the coolest things about Barcelona is that it’s a world-class city that happens to be right on the coast. This means that pretty beaches are never more than a short walk away.

There are a couple nearby to choose from, but my favorite is La Barceloneta Beach. It’s a clean, sandy beach that’s great for swimming or lounging. Plus, there are tons of restaurants and bars within walking distance. Making it one of the best beaches in Spain.

👉 Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit, flip-flops, and other beach essentials! Read my Spain packing list so you don’t forget a thing. You can also get a free, printable version of the Spain packing list here!

Ciutadella Park

Locals and tourists alike enjoy lounging in this ornate late 19th-century park with boats, a zoo, miles of trails, and sculptures.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 10:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Ciutadella Park is a massive park right in the heart of Barcelona, nestled between Barceloneta Beach, the Gothic Quarter, and Dreta de L’Eixample. Built during the late 1800s, Parc de la Ciutadella is home to numerous government buildings and ornate sculptures.

On weekends, the park comes alive with locals relaxing for picnics, taking long strolls and bike rides, or renting boats to paddle through the lake. There is also a zoo which, until 2003, was home to the famous albino gorilla named Snowflake.

MUHBA Turo de la Rovira

Take in panoramic views over Barcelona from these former bunkers that were used during the Spanish Civil War.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Free

When I first climbed my way up to this attraction, I thought to myself, “Oh my god, I have to move to Barcelona!” Seriously, Turo de la Rovira (also known as “The Bunkers” or “Bunkers El Carmel”) took me from liking Barcelona to completely falling in love with it.

Right before sunset, crowds of people gather around these former bunkers at the top of the mountain to relax, have a drink, and watch the day come to a close. If you’re traveling alone, this is one of those hidden gem places to make friends.

It’s a magical place to begin a night out and also happens to be located right next to Gracia, my favorite neighborhood in Barcelona.

Mercado de La Boqueria

Purchase anything from fresh fish and olives to wine and pastries at the oldest food market in Barcelona.

I’m a huge fan of wandering around a local market when you’re exploring a new city. Barcelona’s Mercado de La Boqueria is a gem and arguably the single best market in Spain. Running along La Rambla, it is actually the oldest food market in Barcelona.

If you’re cooking any meal while you’re in Barcelona, you can easily find everything you need here. Alternatively, there are tons of prepared snacks to grab on the go and even specialty items you can take home as a souvenir. One of my favorites was the exquisite olive oils that are perfectly packaged for travel.

Since it can be semi-overwhelming, I’d recommend joining a tour to explore Boqueria. For example, this Barcelona Markets Walking Tour will bring you to many of the best markets in the city with stops at their most delicious vendors.

Picasso Museum

Peruse temporary exhibits and classic masterpieces by one of the most famous artists in history.

You’re probably familiar with the famous Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. But, have you had the opportunity to see over 4,000 pieces of his legendary work? I didn’t think so! That’s why you should make some time for the Picasso Museum when you’re in Barcelona.

The Picasso Museum is located in the Gothic Quarter and it is one of the top art museums in Spain. Scratch that – in the entire world. To really get a feel for all the greatness that lives within this museum’s walls, you’ll want to join a tour.

Since it’s such an enticing attraction, there are tons of guided or self-guided tours to choose from. For instance, on this guided Picasso Museum tour, you can learn about the legendary artist in the comfort of a small group.

Palau de la Musica Catalana

Catch a show at this intricately-designed concert hall known for being one of the most beautiful music venues in the world.

I’ve been to some astonishing music venues in my life, but Palau de la Musica Catalana takes things to a whole different level.

While there are captivating shows here all the time, Palau de la Musica Catalana is best known for its design. It’s almost difficult to keep your eyes glued to the performers in such an awe-inspiring setting.

Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona

Watch a traditional flamenco show at one of the most well-known flamenco theaters in the entire world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (933) 175-711 | Website | Hours: Showtimes vary | Entrance: €50+, adults, Half-priced for ages 4 to 8

One of the most fun ways to get to know Spanish culture is by attending a Flamenco performance. t’s an activity that belongs on any worthwhile itinerary for Spain. I recommend catching a traditional show at one of the best theaters in the city, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona.

When you book this Tablao Flamenco Cordobes show at Rambla Barcelona, you’ll have the option to get a delicious brunch or multi-course dinner with drinks during the show.

Barcelona City Tour Hop on Hop off Bus

Explore the sights of Barcelona from the comfort of an open-top bus. Get on and off the route as you please.

A red Barcelona City Tour bus with the Sagrada Familia in the background — *A Barcelona Bus tour in front of La Sagrada Familia*

👉 Reserve Your Barcelona City Tour Bus Tickets Here

Does the thought of navigating Barcelona’s public transport system seem too stressful to you? Perhaps you want to save on taxi fares?

The Barcelona City Tour is a hop-on hop-off bus tour that takes you to all the main attractions across the city. You book either a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket and you can hop on and off at stops along the way as you please.

If you only have a few days in Barcelona, this is a great way to take in the sites in a short period of time. The tour also comes with an optional catamaran upgrade, which is another cool activity in Barcelona.

Museums & Cultural Attractions

Abbey of Montserrat

Take a day trip to the top of this gigantic mountain to find a monastery and museum with artwork from Dali and Monet.

For one last final gorgeous view over the city of Barcelona, I’m going to take you all the way up to the Abbey of Montserrat. This attraction is about a 1-hour drive from the city.

This is a huge monastery that lives on the top of the Montserrat mountain range. You literally have to drive through the clouds to reach it, so it’s like a mini Spain road trip. The monastery and art museum are very fascinating, plus you can’t get any higher so the views are pretty fantastic, too.

👉 Pro Tip: It’s fairly difficult to get up Montserrat by yourself, even if you have a car. That’s why I’d recommend joining a tour for this activity. This Montserrat Half-Day Tour is a great choice. It takes you all the way up the mountain and even comes with tapas and wine.

FC Barcelona Museum

Dive into the history and artifacts of Spain’s favorite sport at Camp Nou, one of the city’s top stadiums.

You have to check out the FC Museum if you’re a football fan (or a soccer fan for all my Americans). The museum is located in the Camp Nou stadium where the current FC Barcelona team plays.

The sport and club are a key part of Barcelona’s history. It’s kind of like walking around an art museum that’s located in the artist’s studio. There are former uniforms, trophies, and just about every type of football memorabilia you can imagine. You can even get the chance to walk around the vast field where so many historic games have been played.

La Pedrera-Casa Milà

Enjoy concerts in the summer and light shows in the evening on the epic rooftop of this distinctive building designed by Gaudi.

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is the last piece of work by Gaudi that you have to visit in Barcelona – I promise! Each one is different, so you’ll get something new here even though it might feel like it’s getting redundant.

The best time to experience the building is during the summer when light shows take place on the gorgeous rooftop. These shows play against the building’s designs, creating something most people have never experienced before. There are also jazz concerts at Casa Milà in the evenings, which is a magical start to an evening in Barcelona.

Casa Milà is another attraction that’s available via the Barcelona Pass bundle to save you the effort of booking multiple tickets.

Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor)

A 20th-century church on the top of the Tibidabo mountain peak with exceptional views of Barcelona and Tibidabo Amusement Park.

View of the intricate exterior of Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — *The exterior of the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (934)-175-686 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free

The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a church at the top of the Tibidabo mountain peak. It’s totally free to visit, which is ideal for budget travelers in Barcelona. The temple is located right next to the Tibidabo Amusement Park as well, making it easy to visit both locations in one day.

The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful paintings and stained glass windows. Visitors can purchase a cheap ticket up to the top of the church to access some of the best landscape views in all of Barcelona.

Barcelona Cathedral

Head over to the Gothic Quarter to experience one of the most important and impressive religious establishments in the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (933)-428-260 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5:45 pm daily | Entrance: €16, adults, Free under 12

The name of this magnificent church is technically “The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.” However, it’s such an iconic piece of the city that it’s more commonly referred to as the Barcelona Cathedral.

While the ground floor is stunning, the real allure is the view of Barcelona from the rooftop. Purchasing this Cathedral of Barcelona Entrance Ticket in advance will give you access to these sweeping views over the city.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

Get familiar with regional artwork from the past 1,000 years at this beloved palace and museum.

View of the majestic facade of Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya — *Visitors watching the sunset from Museu Nacional D’Art De Catalunya*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (936)-220-360 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Tue-Sat, 10 am – 3 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €12, adults, Free under 16

There are a lot of famous artists and creators from the Catalonia region. You can get a glimpse of their skills at Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, also known as MNAC. The museum has an insanely large collection of Catalan art, with over 1,000 pieces in total.

It’s all housed in a very majestic-looking palace surrounded by gardens. Even if you don’t go inside the museum, this is a popular location for watching the sunset in the evenings.

Moco Museum Barcelona

A small modern art gallery with an immersive digital art room and works by Banksy, Andy Warhol, and others.

An artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat hanged on the wall inside the Moco Museum — *Artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat at the Moco Museum*

View of the infinity light room inside the Moco Museum — *Colorful infinity light room at the Moco Museum*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (936)-291-858 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: €16.95, adults, Free under age 7

Barcelona’s Moco Museum features a handful of pieces by famous contemporary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, and Andy Warhol. It’s located inside a former palace in the enchanting El Born neighborhood.

The Moco Museum starts with an interesting mix of paintings and large statues. Visitors will reach a digital art component toward the end of the museum. This experience features a couple of vivid, immersive rooms that feel like stepping into another realm. It’s great for photos or families traveling with children.

👉 Pro Tip: The Moco Museum is just down the street from the Picasso Museum. It’s easy to visit both of these Barcelona museums in one afternoon.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar

Experience one of the most exquisite examples of Gothic architecture at this massive church in La Ribera.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (933)-102-390 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free

There’s no short supply of mind-blowing buildings in Barcelona and many of them are churches. Such as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

Located in the Gothic Quarter, this medieval 14th-century castle is the last one left that was made in the pure Catalan Gothic style. It’s both haunting and beautiful knowing you’re seeing the only surviving architectural example of a particular style.

When you visit, make sure you get a good glimpse at the distinctive rose window. It’s one of the most treasured features of the church.

The Temple of Augustus

This small relic of Roman history dates back to the 1st century and is just a few steps from the Cathedral of Barcelona.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (932)-562-122 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Tue-Sat, 10 am – 2 pm Mon, 10 am – 8 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

The Temple of Augustus only takes a few minutes to visit as it’s a small attraction. However, it is worth checking out because it’s a very well-preserved piece of history.

The Temple of Augustus is conveniently located in the Gothic Quarter near other major attractions, like the Cathedral of Barcelona and La Boqueria Market.

Shopping

La Rambla

Walk this famous street that spans nearly a mile of Barcelona with shopping, food, and several monuments.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Head over to Las Ramblas if you get tired of visiting historical sites or architectural works. Las Ramblas is a well-known street that runs right through the city center. It’s the ideal place to walk around and simply embrace the local vibe of Barcelona.

Along this one boulevard, there are places to see live music, flower shops, and one of the country’s most famous markets, Mercado de La Boqueria. No matter what time of year you visit Spain, this part of the city will always be buzzing with energy.

Encants Market

Find second-hand treasures, vintage items, and antiques for a bargain price at this historic flea market.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (932) 452-299 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat | Entrance: Free

If you want to bring home some souvenirs, but you’re traveling on a budget, you might find a one-of-a-kind treasure at Encants Market.

This flea market has a variety of items from furniture to trinkets. Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s quite entertaining to see all the stuff that’s available at this second-hand wonderland.

Rambla del Poblenou

Stroll through a relaxed neighborhood, stopping for tapas or drinks at one of the many establishments lining this wide pedestrian pathway.

📍 Google Maps

El Poblenou is a less touristy neighborhood of Barcelona located in the east part of the city. It was previously its own separate town but today, it’s a part of Barcelona. [Source]

Rambla del Poblenou is a long bike and pedestrian pathway that stretches from Avenida Diagonal down to the beach. Along the pathway, you’ll find over a hundred shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of people-watching and soaking up Barcelona’s local atmosphere.

My favorite restaurants here include Xorús for Spanish cuisine, L’Autentic for Lebanese fare, and Vrutal for hamburgers.

Plaça de Catalunya

This plaza is the ideal starting point to reach many of Barcelona’s top attractions and restaurants.

Aerial view of people wandering in Catalonia Square — *A busy day in Catalonia Square*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Plaça de Catalunya is the perfect place to start your trip to Barcelona if you’ve never visited before. Located in the city center, this plaza is often referred to as the heart of Barcelona for its advantageous location.

The plaza itself is filled with cute little cafes, street performers, and clothing stores. There are also impressive statues like the Columbus Monument. The best part about Plaça de Catalunya is that it’s so close to many of Barcelona’s top attractions. Making it the ideal place to grab breakfast and kick off a long day of exploring.

The popular shopping streets of La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia border the plaza. The Cathedral of Barcelona and La Boqueria Market are only a few blocks away. Plus, there’s public transportation all around, so you can easily reach your next activity from here.

Family-Friendly

Tibidabo Amusement Park

The oldest theme park in Spain is perched on the highest hill of the Serra de Collserola Mountains overlooking Barcelona.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (932)-117-942 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Mon – Fri, 11 am – 10 pm Sat & Sun, Closed seasonally in the winter | Entrance: €39, adults, €15,5 if height is 90 to 120 cm

Tibidabo Amusement Park in the Serra de Collserola Mountains provides visitors with the perfect combination of family fun and scenic views over Barcelona.

It is actually the oldest theme park in all of Spain and the second oldest in Europe as it was opened 122 years ago. [Source]

There are 25 different rides at Tibidabo Park from newer roller coasters to the renovated antique Giradabo Ferris wheel. The park also has several restaurants and lots of places to sit and soak up the views.

🚆How To Get There: Reach Tibidabo Amusement Park by riding the metro 15 minutes from Placa de Catalunya to Peu Del Funicular. Then, ride the funicular up and take the 111 bus up to the top of the mountain.

Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Wander a labyrinth of paths in this prim and proper lush green garden that is also the oldest park in Barcelona.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (931) 537-010 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: €2.23, adults, Free on Wed & Sun

If you’re on the hunt for an easygoing outdoor activity that won’t be overflowing with tourist crowds, stop by Parc del Laberint d’Horta.

This manicured park features the city’s oldest gardens and a winding cypress tree maze that you can walk through. The park evokes an element of royalness, almost like you’re stepping through a queen’s grounds.

Take a Bike Ride Around Barcelona

With lengthy dedicated bike lanes and an easy-to-follow city layout, Barcelona is perfect for exploring on a bicycle.

View of the lined bikes at the biking station in front of Sagrada Familia — *Bicing stations in Barcelona in front of Sagrada Familia*

Out of all the cities in Spain, Barcelona’s layout was practically made for biking. The city was built in a grid scheme, which means that there are long stretches of uninterrupted pathways, many of which have dedicated bike lanes.

If you live in Barcelona, you can take advantage of the city’s public bicycle system, known as Bicing Barcelona. Unfortunately, Bicing is not available to tourists as the registration process takes two weeks.

Still, tourists can rent a bike at numerous shops around the city, like Bike Rental Barcelona or A-Bike Rentals. Alternatively, you can join this Barcelona City Bike Tour that will provide everything you need from equipment to a guide.

Telefèric de Montjuïc

This is the most efficient way to reach Montjuïc Castle at the top of the hill and see expansive views of the city along the way.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (934)-655 313 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: €16, adults, $11.60, children Free under 4 (roundtrip)

This attraction in Barcelona is a two-for-one. It’s convenient transportation up the mountain. But it’s also an exciting little ride in itself with some of the clearest visibility of the entire city. It’s an especially fun way for kids to experience Barcelona.

L’Aquarium Barcelona

This aquarium’s transparent tunnel allows visitors to walk through tanks with fish, sharks, and morays.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (932) 217-474 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: €29, adults, €22 aged 5-10, €14 aged 3-4

If you’re traveling to Barcelona with children, you won’t want to miss out on L’Aquarium Barcelona. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of aquariums but this one is a cut above the rest.

It’s the largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world and it has one really special feature. A lengthy tunnel that goes right through the tanks of sharks, rays, and all types of fish. That’s what I call a core memory.

Food & Drink

Disfrutar

Taste experimental delicacies unlike anything you’ve ever tried before at this recently named “Best Restaurant in the World.“

A close-up of a gourmet dish being served in an elegant restaurant — *Visit Disfrutar to try delicious and inventive seafood dishes*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (933) 486-896 | Website | Hours: 12:30 pm – 1 pm & 7:15 pm – 8 pm Mon-Fri, Closed Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free, Reservation Required

The food in Barcelona is so good that it might even change the way you look at food altogether. If you’re hungry for the best of the best when it comes to Barcelona eats, you’ll want to make a reservation at Disfrutar.

This legendary experimental seafood restaurant was ranked #1 as the best restaurant in the entire world in 2024. It’s certainly one of the top Barcelona restaurants. Due to this surging popularity, you may need to get a reservation to Disfrutar way in advance. Maybe even before you get on the plane. [Source]

Paradiso

Party until the sun comes up and indulge in Barcelona’s legendary nightlife at the #1 ranked best bar in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 2 am Mon, 4 pm – 2 am Tue & Wed, 8:30 pm – 2:30 am Thurs, 4:30 pm – 2:30 am Fri-Sun

Barcelona is known around the world for its wild nightlife scene. Travelers who plan on taking advantage of this feature will want to add Paradiso to their Barcelona itinerary.

Not only is it the best bar in the city, but it was also ranked as the #1 best bar in the world in 2022. Who doesn’t want the right to say they’ve been to the world’s best bar? [Source]

👉 Read Next: Best Day Trips from Barcelona

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You’re officially in the loop of all the best things to do in Barcelona. Which attraction are you most looking forward to visiting? Let us know in the comment section below!

Planning on extending your trip past the boundaries of Barcelona? Don’t forget to read my article on the best places to visit in Spain before you commit to an itinerary!

Nate Hake contributed to this blog post.

31 Things to Do in Barcelona for First-Timers