19 Awesome Things to Do on Your First Trip to Barcelona

Colourful, vibrant, arty, historic, and alive… these are just a few words to describe the captivating Spanish city of Barcelona. While famous for the striking architectural delights created by Gaudi, Barcelona has a wealth of other gorgeous buildings to admire too. With beaches nearby, a palpable sense of culture that permeates the air, a thriving nightlife, excellent shopping, and delicious cuisine, there’s so much to enjoy in the Catalonian capital. Here are just a few highlights to whet your appetite for exploration and inspire a city break to Barcelona:

1. Marvel at the masterpiece of Sagrada Familia

Among the most iconic landmarks in all of Spain, Sagrada Família is one of Gaudí’s jewels. The stunning basilica attracts millions of visitors each year and remains an evolving work, even after reaching several major construction milestones in 2026.

Orb-topped spires rise from the fairytale-esque building, and there are many religious statues and carvings around the outer walls. Step inside and watch as light pours through the stained-glass windows, casting colourful hues across the pale columns and interiors.

Entry uses timed tickets, and popular slots can sell out. Purchase your ticket through the official website before visiting, particularly if you want to include one of the towers.

2. Relax in Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona’s Parc de la Ciutadella is a large and beautiful park in the middle of the city. A stunning green lung amid the urban sprawl, it occupies the site of a former citadel. There are many benches and verdant lawns where you can sit and soak up the scenery, and walking trails past the park’s many attractions. The Cascada is an ornate fountain, loosely designed to resemble Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain.

The park is also home to Barcelona Zoo, the Parliament of Catalonia, a boating lake and several historically significant buildings. The Natural Sciences Museum’s Centre Martorell d’Exposicions occupies one of the park’s 19th-century structures and hosts temporary exhibitions.

You could easily spend several hours exploring the park’s lawns, monuments, museums and surrounding El Born neighbourhood.

3. Feast your eyes on Casa Batllo

One of Gaudi’s Modernist creations, the unusual Casa Batllo is sometimes referred to as the ‘House of the Dragon’ or the ‘House of Bones.’

Once a private residence, the old townhouse has curved walls, oval and rectangular windows in various sizes and with colourful glass, multi-coloured tiles and mosaics, an arched roof that is often said to resemble a dragon’s back, a cross-topped turret, and wavy balconies. There’s also a museum inside!

A ticketed visit takes you through areas such as the Noble Floor, central light well, attic and rooftop. The experience now also incorporates digital and immersive installations inspired by Gaudí’s work, rather than functioning as a conventional museum.

4. Gaze upon the unusual architecture of Casa Mila

Also known as La Pedrera, Casa Mila is another Gaudi marvel that was once a private home. The combination of stone and metal gives it a rather sombre appearance from the outside.

Twisted iron balconies and curved walls face the outside world, while apartments can also look down onto the inner courtyards. The visitor route typically includes the Flower and Butterfly courtyards, a recreated early-20th-century apartment and the attic, where 270 parabolic arches now frame an exhibition about Gaudí’s work.

The attic has many arches, but the real joy is to be found on the roof terrace. As well as admiring the sweeping views, you can walk among the sculptural chimney stacks, ventilation towers and staircase exits that cover the rooftop.

5. Stand in front of Casa Calvet

Image credit: Spencer Means

Casa Calvet is one of the most ‘normal-looking’ of Gaudi’s buildings around Barcelona. The symmetrical appearance is unlike many of the great architect’s works, though you’ll still notice Modernist designs and unique touches.  Dating back to the late 1800s, the building was both a residential home and a commercial property.

Casa Calvet is not operated as a regular visitor attraction, so most travellers will need to appreciate its stone façade, sculpted details and distinctive balconies from the street.

6. Ride the elevators to combat the steep streets

Some of Barcelona’s streets are incredibly steep and can be rather challenging to climb. Luckily, outdoor escalators and public lifts can be found in some of the city’s hillier neighbourhoods, particularly close to Park Güell, helping to reduce the burn somewhat.

They are useful, but they will not remove every uphill walk from the journey. Wear comfortable footwear and check your route before setting out.

7. Enjoy the whimsical Park Guell

Tourist access to Park Güell is now regulated and ticketed. The ticket provides access to the park’s 12 hectares, including its monumental, green and panoramic areas. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, and visitors enter during an assigned time slot.

There, you’ll find a mosaic lizard, ornamental fountains, a pink castle-like building with a tower, and colourful gatehouses that look like they’ve come straight from the pages of a children’s fairytale book

There are also the columns and undulating ceiling of the Hypostyle Room, stone viaducts, the mosaic-covered Nature Square, and the portico with its irregular archways.

All these features are sure to catch your eye. Interestingly, the site was originally planned as a housing complex, but developments halted and it became a public park instead.

Tourist entry is generally available from 9.30am to 7.30pm, while early-morning and evening periods are reserved for local residents. Check the current schedule before visiting.

8. Soak up the sun at Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach is one of the closest stretches of sandy shoreline to the vibrant city centre. Bask on the sands in the sunshine and swim in the refreshing waters of the sea. You can also join in with varied seaside activities, including beach volleyball and paddle sports. There are many restaurants and bars close to the beach, many of which specialise in local seafood catches.

Pay attention to the beach-safety flags and lifeguard instructions before entering the water. As in other busy areas of Barcelona, keep your belongings where you can see them.

9. See the Arc de Triomf

Constructed in 1888, Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf is a ceremonial arch on the Passeig de Lluís Companys. The reddish-coloured arch is adorned with a number of friezes that depict local industry, art, agriculture, and other themes.

The broad pedestrian promenade beneath it leads towards Parc de la Ciutadella and is lined with palm trees, ornamental lampposts and benches. It frequently hosts public events, markets and performances.

10. Enjoy the views from a cable car

Barcelona has two cable cars. The Port Cable Car, also known as the Aeri del Port, connects the Barceloneta waterfront with Miramar on Montjuïc while travelling above the harbour.

The Montjuïc Cable Car follows a separate route between Parc Montjuïc and Montjuïc Castle. On the return journey, passengers may stop at Mirador de l’Alcalde before returning to Parc Montjuïc.

Each offers great views, but they are separate attractions with different stations, tickets and operating schedules.

11. Stroll around Port Vell

Port Vell is the oldest section of Barcelona’s harbour and grew around the city’s first permanent wharf. It’s a thriving port today, with vessels big and small bobbing on the waves and moored in the waters.

It was left to fall into disrepair over the years, with old warehouses and abandoned factories lining the water. It then saw regeneration projects that completely transformed the old port.

Today, the waterfront incorporates promenades, marinas, cultural venues and leisure facilities. Walk across the Rambla de Mar towards Maremagnum, watch the boats from the quay or visit L’Aquàrium Barcelona.

You’ll find a great selection of bars, restaurants, and shops, including souvenir and gift shops, in this pretty part of the city.

12. Admire the Old Customs House

Barcelona’s stately Old Customs House stands next to the port, the pale and ornate eclectic-style building standing out among the area’s other buildings.

Built between 1896 and 1902, it was designed by Enric Sagnier and Pere García Fària. It features several interesting statues. Sphinxes with wings perch atop the towers and there are decorative balconies.

Allegorical paintings inside depict Don Quixote’s imagined visit to Barcelona. However, the building does not operate as a conventional museum, so visitors should not assume that its interior will be open to the public. The exterior is the main attraction during a typical visit.

13. Be wowed at the Guell Pavilions

While the buildings of Guell Pavilions are pretty to look at, it’s the wrought-iron gate that really impresses visitors. High walls surround the complex and the gate features a large open-mouthed dragon, said to come from Greek mythology. The site is rich in other symbolism too.

14. Stop by Barcelona Cathedral

Image credit: Sam Amil

The neo-Gothic cathedral is where a much older Gothic place of worship once stood. The original cathedral was constructed in the 1400s, later renovated and restored in the 19th century. While most of the architecture visible today comes from the latter building works, you can still catch glimpses of parts of the old building too. Regardless of its century of construction, Barcelona’s cathedral is a striking beauty both inside and out.

15. Pay a Visit to Placa Espanya’s Fountain

Standing on an island in the middle of the road, the monumental fountain at Placa Espanya is well worth a visit. Standing at 33 metres tall, the monument was built to mark the entrance to Barcelona International Exhibition, 1929. It was constructed using fine materials, including marble, bronze, and wrought iron, and a flame burns inside the cauldron. The corner statues represent health, abundance, and navigation.

16. Watch the Magic Fountain at night

Image credit: Felipe Ortega

The Magic Fountain is located in front of Montjuic Palace, itself a worthy attraction. At nighttime, the fountain is marvellously illuminated in a range of colours, with a stunning show set to music. Unfortunately, I only saw the fountain by day and, although pretty, I do wish that I’d had the time to see it fully in action. Hopefully, this is something that you won’t miss on your trip to Barcelona!

17. Wander along Passeig de Gracia

Passeig de Gracia is one of Barcelona’s main streets. The wide tree-lined avenue is one of the most expensive roads in the whole country!

 You’ll find designer boutiques and luxury stores, ideal for treating yourself or indulging in a little window shopping. Many glorious buildings stand at the side of the road and there are several interesting statues, monuments, and sculptures along its course.

Literary fans are sure to love the large statue of a book, placed on the road in 1994. The names of famous Spanish authors are immortalised in blocks on the ground.

18. Tour Barcelona’s wide selection of museums

Barcelona has a large selection of museums dedicated to various themes and catering to diverse interests. People with a sweet tooth shouldn’t miss the awesome Barcelona Chocolate Museum. If you’re into art, the Picasso Museum, Joan Miro Foundation, and MACBA modern-art museum are great additions to your itinerary.

For a journey back in time, visit the Museum of the History of Catalonia and Barcelona City History Museum. Others include the Maritime Museum, the Natural History Museum, Sant Pau Hospital, and the Museum of Modernism. FC Barcelona Museum, the Camp Nou Experience, and the Olympic and Sports Museum are firm favourites with sporting fans.

19. Eat, drink, and be merry!

There are many local specialities to savour in Barcelona… the crispy tomato-covered bread of pa amb tomaquet, the local jamon Iberico, potato omelette, the deep-fried croquetas, fried fish, and, of course, paella to name just a few. Order a selection of tapas to share and taste a wide variety of hot and cold dishes. Carquinyolis and chocolate-covered churros will satisfy any sweet tooth.

As for drinks, beer-lovers should try the locally brewed Moritz. If you’re feeling daring, how about a shot of absinthe? Wine, vermouth, and sangria are other local favourites. There are numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes throughout the city.

Other things to do in Barcelona

Stroll through the atmospheric Gothic Quarter and saunter along the busy Las Rambla, admire the gorgeous Palau de la Musica (Music Palace), visit Montjuic Castle, shop for fresh produce at the bustling market of La Boqueria, have family fun at Tibidabo Amusement Park, and much, much more. You’re sure to make many happy memories in brilliant Barcelona!

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