Barcelona Travel Guide: Iconic and Hidden Gems I Fell in Love With

Barcelona. Just the name conjures images of vibrant nightlife, lively plazas, and, of course, the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí. And while this vibrant city in Spain delivers on all those fronts, there’s a certain magic about it that goes beyond the guidebooks. 

Also read: 6 Things in Spain That Surprised Me During Our Family Vacation

Travelling to Barcelona for the very first time? Don’t fret, let me take you through some of the best places in Barcelona based on my own experience of the Catalan capital!

Things to do in Barcelona

Gaudí’s whimsical world

Let’s be honest: you can’t visit Barcelona without immersing yourself in the fantastical world of Antoni Gaudí. His creative genius has left a mark across the city, transforming it into a living, breathing art gallery. Exploring his creations was absolutely the highlight of my trip.

Casa Batlló and Casa Milà

These two iconic buildings along Passeig de Gràcia are masterpieces of architecture and are are easily among the best places in Barcelona for lovers of design and modernist history. Casa Batlló (left), with its colourful mosaic facade and bone-like balconies, looks like something out of a fairy tale. Casa Milà (right), on the other hand, offers a more subdued elegance. 

I can guarantee you that Gaudí’s houses are nothing like anything you have ever seen before. What fascinated me most was learning about how deeply Gaudí was inspired by nature. There were doors shaped like butterfly wings, an entire building facade mimicking flowing waves, and much more that I absolutely do not want to spoil for any potential visitors! These buildings are the best places to discover in person.

La Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família is perhaps Gaudí’s most famous and ambitious work, and is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Even unfinished, it is still breathtaking. And this is coming from someone who has already seen my fair share of churches during my student exchange in Europe!

The way sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows and fills the space with colour is truly awe-inspiring. The scale of the building alone is staggering, but what really stayed with me were the intricate details that came together to tell a story. Gaudí somehow manages to take you to another world with this building.

Also read: 18 Picturesque Churches and Chapels in the Philippines

Park Güell

Park Güell offers a completely different but equally enchanting experience. Originally designed as a residential garden city, it has evolved into a public park that now blends nature, art, and architecture in a playful way. 

This was such a pleasant park to stroll through, and the walk was filled with interesting spots. For example, there’s Hypostyle Hall with its forest of columns and colourful terrace offering a great view of the city. This was a perfect place to sit down and relax in beautiful tranquility.

Beyond Gaudí: Hidden gems and must-sees

While Gaudí’s works are unforgettable, Barcelona also has so much more to offer!

The Gothic Quarter

Barri Gòtic, Barcelona’s old town, is a maze of cobbled alleys, medieval buildings and hidden courtyards. There is even the grand Barcelona Cathedral tucked into this historic neighbourhood, and simply strolling through the area is a journey through time. I ditched the map completely and I’d recommend you do the same! Every corner holds a new surprise, whether it is a tucked-away café or an ancient Roman wall, and really shows off the city’s character.

La Rambla

La Rambla is perhaps the most iconic street in Barcelona. A bustling, tree-lined boulevard that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the Columbus Monument by the waterfront, it is the best place to experience the spirit of the city. You can also wander into the La Boqueria Market, a feast for the senses with colourful stalls and fresh local produce.

I was lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, and walking through the iconic festive lights was a highlight in itself. Even in the daytime, the decorations still looked stunning as they reflected the sunlight. It gave the whole street a magical feel, no matter the hour.

Picasso Museum

I’ll admit that art museums aren’t usually at the top of my travel list. But the Picasso Museum genuinely surprised me. Housed in five interconnected medieval palaces, the atmosphere alone was worth the visit. 

The highlight was definitely his Las Meninas series, 44 reinterpretations of Velázquez’s classic painting. My friends and I had a lot of fun comparing them and coming up with our own (completely unprofessional) art theories. It turned out to be one of the most engaging museum experiences I’ve ever had.

Palau de la Música Catalana

Palau de la Música Catalana, or the Palace of Catalan Music, is the most beautiful concert hall I’ve ever set foot in. With its stained glass skylight, intricate mosaics and sculpted columns, the building is a love letter to Catalan modernism.

I had the chance to hear organ music here as part of a tour, and I’ll never forget the way the music filled the space. Hearing it echo through that magnificent hall was honestly a little surreal. It’s one of those rare places where both the eyes and ears are treated to something special.

Montjuïc Hill

I was originally supposed to visit this spot on my trip, but I had to give it a miss in the end. To make up for the regret of that, I’m including it in this list! Montjuïc Hill offers a different perspective of Barcelona, both literally and figuratively. You can take the cable car up for sweeping views of the coastline and city skyline, then explore attractions like Montjuïc Castle or the enchanting Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. It’s clear that Montjuïc Hill is one of the best places in Barcelona for a panoramic view.

Bunkers del Carmel

This is yet another spot I unfortunately missed. Perched atop Turó de la Rovira, these old Spanish Civil War bunkers offer what many say are the most spectacular panoramic views of Barcelona. What makes it so special is the complete 360° perspective from the sea to the mountains, with no glass, no queues, and no ticket barriers. It’s a place where locals gather for sunset picnics, musicians sometimes play, and the vibe is low-key but magical. I can only imagine how breathtaking it must be to see the whole city laid out in front of you.

A city that stays with you

This city charmed me in the most unexpected ways through both its iconic landmarks and its quieter corners. If you’re travelling to Spain, I highly recommend checking out these best spots in Barcelona! It was truly an unforgettable experience exploring a city that perfectly blends the historic with the modern, and the grand with the intimate.