Considering a trip to Barcelona but not sure what there is to see? The city is full with massive monuments that draw crowds and hidden gems that only locals know about. This list details the top attractions and hidden gems of Barcelona that you shouldn’t miss on your trip!
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Top 15 Monuments, Attractions, and Things to Do in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe’s top destination for many reason. One of which is how much the city and surrounding region has to offer in terms of attractions and things to do.
15. El Gatto de Botero
El Gato de Botero is a very fun and cute statue of a cat by an artist named Fernando Botero. The larger than life statue is located in the El Raval neighborhood of Barcelona and is a local icon. If you had to choose between this cat and Park Güell, I would recommend Park Güell. That said, it is a cool statue and something you should definitely pass by if you are in El Raval.
14. Montjuïc
Depending on how many days you have planned for your visit to Barcelona you should consider Montjuïc for a few hours. It is a public park and home to its own array of attractions within Barcelona.
Things to do in Montjuïc:
- Take a cable car ride to the top
- Palau Nacional
- El Jardin Botanico
- Font Magica (really cool fountain above image)
- Parc de l’Espanya Industrial
- Poble Espanyol
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13. Nearby Vineyards
One thing Spain is known for is wine and Barcelona is not far from some of Spains most beautiful vineyard. I highly recommend setting a day aside to venture off into the Spanish countryside to visit a vineyard. Some of the most popular varietals from the area are Alella, Conca de Barberà, Montsant, Penedès, and Priorat.
12. Bar Marsella
Every historic city has a historic bar and in Barcelona it is Bar Marsella. Now, historic bars all have one thing in common–Ernest Hemingway drank there. Bar Marsella does a little better than just Hemingway, Picasso drank there too.
Bar Marsella is in El Raval district just a few blocks south of la Rambla. It is a pretty unassuming bar which is likely why Hemingway frequented it. It is not Barcelona’s #1 attraction but a good excuse to have a drink any time of the day.
Address: Carrer de Sant Pau, 65
Hours: 6pm – 1am | Closed Wednesday
11. Casa Milà
Casa Milà is a luxury palace designed by Antoni Gaudí for Roser Segimón (rich widow) and Pere Milà (party-boy). They bought the building, demolished and commissioned Gaudí to create what would become Casa Milà.
The building was not intended for single-ownership but instead to be luxury apartments. It was nicknamed La Pedrera before construction finished which translates to “the stone quarry”. This is ue to the unusual Flintstones style facade.
While the building received heavy criticism, it was extremely innovative for a turn of the century structure (1912). It offered open floor plans far before HGTV popularized them and even an underground parking garage.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92
10. Casa Batllò
Casa Batllò, located within walking distance of the above Casa Milà, is another architectural wonder from Antonio Gaudí. Unlike Milà, Batllò is a renovation and not new construction.
The structure is incredibly innovative in almost every way imaginable. It almost looks as if a massive iguana is trying to hide in front of a perfectly normal apartment building. From the rainbow colors to the textures of the roof, it is a work of art… and possibly hallucinogenics.
The building was the personal home of the Batlló family until 1954 when an insurance company purchased it and set up offices. The building was sold again to private owners and it is used for events as well as to be visited as a museum.
Significant restorations were done since the 1980s which is a gift to society. The vibrant colors and unique style make Casa Battlò one of Barcelona’s most outstanding attractions.
Address: Passeig de Gracia, 43
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Barcelona is a city that deserves an explanation. Our Barcelona in a day tour is led by one of our passionate local guides who really dives into why the city is so unique. Beyond that, it is the best way to ensure entry to these top Barcelona attractions.
9. Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Yes, the park contains a real labyrinth. No, you will not see David Bowie there. Yes, it is actually difficult but there appear to be no “dead-ends” so eventually, you will get out!
If you are visiting for your second time in Barcelona or just want to do something out of the ordinary, this is perfect. The shrubs are above head high and form a difficult maze to navigate but not so hard that you should be worried about your safety. It is a lovely area and connected by Barcelona’s metro system. One of the coolest and most different thing to do in Barcelona.
Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1
8. Citadel Park (Parc de la Ciutadella)
Parc de la Ciutadella aka Citadel Park is Barcelona’s most central large green space and quite impressive as far as parks go. It is located in Ciutat Vella north of theBari Gothic.
The park, which is now a peaceful green-space, has some rather violent origins. When Phillip V of Spain took over Barcelona and Catalonia in 1714 he built a fortress in its center and named i the Citadel.
The fortress was built to maintain control over the city of Barcelona and did so for some time. Today, it is mostly a peaceful green space but in 2018 & 2019 it had to be closed during certain periods to stop riots.
Riots!? Yes, for the same reason it was built. Catalonia has been fighting for independence since its succession in 1714 and when there are protests they normally happen in this very park.
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21
7. La Rambla (Shared with El Raval)
La Rambla is the center street in Barcelona and I imagine that you have heard of it before. It divides Bari Gothic from El Raval – not that these neighborhoods are fighting!
The street is known for shoppes, restaurants, and partying. It is lined with trees and extremely pleasant during the day. At night, it gets a little seedy but as long as you are on your best behavior it should be fine.
6. Tibidabo and the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
If you stand on the beach of Barcelona, get in a car and drive west you will leave the city and abruptly be met by a beautiful green mountain. That mountain is Tibidabo. Well, at least one of the mountains you’ll see is.
At the very top of Tiibidabo is the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a minor basilica that is beautiful regardless of your religious backgrounds.
The best way to visit is to take the funicular to the top. It is really scenic and a cool experience that will definitely gain a place in your long term memory.
The funicular has been closed during Covid but by the time you are able to get to Barcelona it will almost definitely be open. Check the “location” below for details.
Fun Tip: There is a ferris wheel randomly at the top. If you are not afraid of heights it is definitely something to mentally prepare yourself to do! It is not by any means the worlds tallest ferris wheels but I have yet to see another at a higher altitude.
Address of Tibidabo Funicular: Plaça del Doctor Andreu
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5. La Boqueria
La Boqueria is Barcelona’s premier covered market. It is a massive market which means there are tons of options inside. You can go there to get high-quality jamón to go or some seriously delicious street food.
Address: La Rambla, 91
4. Barcelona Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia aka Barcelona Cathedral is the principal Roman Catholic church of Barcelona. The cathedral was completed in 1448 after 200 years+ of construction.
That said, the facade you see today was not built until the 19th century. The facade was relatively plain up until then but now is clearly neo-Gothic which fits in nicely with Bari Gothic neighborhood.
Like Paris, you’ll find many gargoyles on the roof of the cathedral as well as animals including a unicorn!
The structure is ornate and magnificent both inside and out which is why this is at the top of our list of Barcelona’s top monuments and attractions.
Address: Pla de la Seu
3. Montserrat
Montserrat is an incredible mountain top town just under an hour’s drive from Barcelona which makes it one of the most popular days trips from Barcelona. The area is so sought after and famous for many reasons.
First, it is on the side of a mountain with stunning views. Second, the Benedictine Monastery is almost a thousand years old which makes it a significant historical site. Also, there are tons of cool tables to purchase local goods. Lastly, there are many more reasons but the mountain/rock that Montserrat calls home is oddly shaped in a beautiful way.
Check out our day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona for your next visit!
Location: Montserrat
2. Park Güell
Park Güell, like much of Barcelona, is a colorful compilation of architecture and green spaces in the La Salut neighborhood of Barcelona. The park, one of Gaudi’s early works, is as colorful as it is architecturally rich.
The area was originally an unsuccessful housing complex brought to the city by Count Eusebi Güell. There were two houses built. The first was for Count Güell and the second was to be a model home of sorts. After no buyers made offers Güell suggested Gaudi purchase it and he did in 1906.
There is much to be seen in the area and it is number 2 in Barcelona for a reason. You can join us on our Barcelona full-day tour which includes Park Güell.
Address: Park Guell
1. La Sagrada Familia
It may sound and feel a bit anti-climatic to finish with Sagrada Familia but it is undoubtedly the number one attraction in Barcelona. Antonio Gaudi had his work cut out for him with this unique and iconic church. Definitely, something to have on your radar when traveling to Barcelona.
If you’re going to visit Sagrada Familia consider taking a guided small group tour of Sagrada Familia. The history behind this structure goes far beneath the surface. Passionate local guides will explain the meaning and why it has taken so long to construct!
Address: Carrer del Mallorca, 401
Barcelona in a Day Tour with Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, & Casa Batllò
Barcelona is a city that deserves an explanation. Our Barcelona in a day tour is led by one of our passionate local guides who really dives into why the city is so unique. Beyond that, it is the best way to ensure entry to these top Barcelona attractions.
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