Barcelona is a vibrant city teeming with culture, history, and of course, delicious food. For those who’ve never been before, it can be a bit overwhelming to plan what to do when there. To help make your trip as perfect as possible, here’s an ultimate guide to ten must-see things in Barcelona Spain that you won’t want to miss out on. From iconic architecture and art museums to beautiful beaches and parks, this list has it all! Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or longer, these places will give you the best experience of Barcelona that you can get.
La Sagrada Família
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Barcelona is a city that has a lot to offer. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture, there is something for everyone in Barcelona. One of the most popular attractions in the city is La Sagrada Família, a large Catholic church that was designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. The church is still under construction, but it is already one of the most recognizable landmarks in Barcelona.
Parc Güell
Parc Güell is a must-see when you visit Barcelona. This public park is located on Carmel Hill, and was designed by world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. The park is full of unique features, including mosaic tiled benches, intricate stone carvings, and a beautiful view of the city. Visitors can also take a walk through the park’s many gardens and sculptures.
The Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is one of the most atmospheric and visually stunning areas of the city. Walking through its narrow, winding streets is like stepping back in time, with its medieval buildings and hidden courtyards. The area is also home to some of Barcelona’s most important historical sites, such as the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is a must-see when visiting Barcelona. This unique building was designed by Antoni Gaudí and is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Casa Batlló is located on Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s main streets, and is easy to spot with its colorful facade. Visitors can go inside the building to tour the apartments and learn more about Gaudí’s work.
La Pedrera
Few places in the world are as unique as La Pedrera. This building, designed by world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of the most visited sites in Barcelona. One of the reasons that La Pedrera is so popular is because it is one of the few remaining buildings designed by Gaudí that is still standing. The other reason is because its design is unlike any other building in the world. Its undulating facade and strange shape make it a truly surreal experience to behold.
If you are visiting Barcelona, La Pedrera should definitely be on your list of things to see. Even if you are not an architecture buff, the building is so unique that it is worth a visit just for the experience. Trust us, you will not be disappointed!
Montjuïc Castle
Montjuïc Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona. The castle is located on top of a hill in the Montjuïc area of the city. The castle was built in the 16th century by the Spanish military to help protect Barcelona from invaders. Today, the castle is open to the public and is a popular spot for tourists to visit. The castle has a museum, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The first stop on our list of things you have to see when you visit Barcelona is the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. This spectacular fountain is located in the Plaça d’Espanya and was built for the 1929 World Exhibition. It was designed by architect Carles Buïgas and has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is truly a sight to behold. It features over 50,000 LED lights and 30 water jets that choreograph a stunning light and water show set to music. The fountain performs several times each night, and it is absolutely free to watch. Trust us, this is one Barcelona attraction that you do not want to miss!
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Barcelona. The cathedral is located in the heart of the city, just off Las Ramblas. The cathedral is an imposing Gothic structure that dates back to the 13th century. The interior of the cathedral is equally as impressive as the exterior, with soaring ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. The cathedral also houses the remains of Saint Eulalia, who is the patron saint of Barcelona.
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana is one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. Designed by the Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the Palau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Situated in the heart of the city’s historic center, the Palau de la Música Catalana is a stunning example of Catalan modernism. Its unique curved façade and spectacular stained glass windows make it one of the most visually striking buildings in Barcelona.
Inside, the Palau de la Música Catalana is just as impressive as its exterior. The main concert hall is decorated with intricate mosaics and stained glass, and its acoustics are renowned worldwide. The Palau also houses a museum which chronicles the history of Catalan music and features a collection of musical instruments from around the world.
A visit to the Palau de la Música Catalana is an absolute must when visiting Barcelona. Guided tours are available in several languages, and concert tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the box office on the day of your visit.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
When you visit Barcelona, be sure to check out the Tibidabo Amusement Park. This historic amusement park is one of the oldest in Europe and features a variety of rides and attractions. The park is located on top of Tibidabo Mountain, offering stunning views of the city below. Be sure to ride the vintage wooden roller coaster, take a spin on the Ferris wheel, and don’t miss the puppet show!