This blog post was originally posted on July 7, 2016, and was updated on December 15, 2017.
Coming to Barcelona? In a city with so much on offer, it can be hard to fit it all in. Here are a list of our top things to do in Barcelona to get you started!
With fabulous restaurants, beautiful beaches, and an endless list of monuments and places to check out, how do you know where to begin!? Here’s our complete list of things to do in Barcelona, the best of the best of everything there is to see, eat and do!
Best Attraction in Barcelona – Sagrada Familia
Without a doubt, Antonio Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is one of the most important, and famous, attractions in Barcelona. No trip would be complete without a visit to this unique church, whether or not you have the time to go inside! It’s definitely one of those things to do in Barcelona that is an absolute must-do while visiting!
Address: Carrer Mallorca, 401
Best Square in Barcelona – Plaça Reial
One of Barcelona’s most emblematic squares, Plaça Reial, or Royal Square, is a true gem. This gorgeous square is a hotspot for local musicians that play in the many bars around the square. Many people often come here to see Gaudi’s first project in Barcelona (two lampposts in the square).
Best Tapas Bar in Barcelona – Cal Pep
We’ll be honest, this is pretty unfair! There are so many amazing tapas bars in Barcelona. That said, we had to choose one so we chose a classic for both locals and visitors alike it would have to be Cal Pep. Cal Pep has everything we love about a classic Spanish tapas bar: no frills, amazing food, and a buzzing atmosphere at all hours. But believe us, choosing one is not easy! That’s why we recommend checking out a more thorough list of some of our favorite tapas restaurants in Barcelona!
Address: Plaça de les Olles, 8
Best Dish in Barcelona – Beef Cheek at Bar del Pla
If there is one tapa we want you to try while in Barcelona, it would be the beef cheek at Bar del Pla! Melt-in-your-mouth, slow-cooked beef cheek in a red wine reduction, this stuff is to die for! We would know—it’s a total show-stopper on our Tapas, Taverns & History tour! There’s also more than a few other tapas to try while you’re here, however. Check out some of our favorites in our video below.
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 2
Best Museum in Barcelona – Museu Picasso
There are many wonderful museums in Barcelona, but we love the Picasso Museum not only for the artwork inside, but also the beauty that surrounds it. Housed in several medieval palaces, the building itself is worth visiting! Plus the museum is a fantastic collection of Picasso’s work, including many pieces from his early years.
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23
Best Tour in Barcelona – Devour Barcelona Food Tours
When visiting, the best way to experience a city is to do it like the locals do! By joining one of our tours, you will not only sample some of Barcelona’s wonderful cuisine, but you will also gain an in-depth understanding of this unique city, its people, and its history!
Best Rooftop Bar in Barcelona – Hotel 1898
Gorgeous rooftop, gorgeous views, great cocktails—what isn’t there to love about the rooftop at Hotel 1898? Situated right on the famous (and sometimes infamous) Rambla, it’s also the best place to experience the boulevard, without the crowds! And while you are here, don’t miss the other fabulous rooftops in Barcelona!
Address: La Rambla, 109
Best Ice Cream in Barcelona – Sirvent
If you’re looking for a true Barcelona ice cream parlor, look no further than Sirvent in the lovely neighborhood of Sant Antoni. From sundaes to delicious Spanish horchata, join the locals as they queue up for some of the best ice cream in Barcelona!
Address: Carrer del Parlament, 56
Best Day Trip from Barcelona – Montserrat
As far as things to do in Barcelona goes, taking a day trip is a must if you have time! Whether it’s hiking, history, natural beauty, or food and wine you’re looking for, Montserrat has something for everyone. Under an hour’s drive from Barcelona, this gorgeous multi-peaked mountain and monastery are not to be missed!
Local’s Tip: Check out other fantastic day trips from Barcelona!
Best Viewpoint in Barcelona – Hotel Barceló Raval
There are so many breathtaking views of Barcelona, it’s rather hard to choose just one! But the Hotel Barceló, a rather modern hotel on the emblematic Rambla de Raval, is open at all hours to the public 360º views of the city. From Montjuic to Tibidabo to the Mediterranean sea, witness all of Barcelona from above!
Address: Rambla de Raval, 17-21
Best Breakfast Spot in Barcelona – Granja Viader
Granja Viader, a typical, Catalan-style diner is undoubtedly the best place for breakfast in Barcelona! Try freshly fried churros with a traditional suisso, a Spanish-hot chocolate topped off with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. If you’re the more savory type, go for one of their many entrepans, or little sandwiches, with a steaming hot coffee and milk.
Address: Carrer d’en Xuclà, 4-6
Best Coffee in Barcelona – Cafes el Magnífico
Quality craft coffee has become a thing in Barcelona in recent years, but before it was ever trendy, there was Cafes el Magnífico, the original coffee roasters of Barcelona. Do as the locals and grab a cup of your favorite brew and sit on the small benches they have installed for their customers. Though this isn’t necessarily a cafe, they understand that many Spaniards want their coffee sitting down.
Address: Carrer de l’Argenteria, 64
Best Market in Barcelona – Santa Caterina
Did you know that we have 43 different municipal markets in Barcelona? Santa Caterina takes the prize for the best market in the city, not only for its wide selection of Spanish delicacies and fresh produce inside but also for its gorgeous and colorful architecture on the outside! Out of all of the things to do in Barcelona, visiting a local market has got to be one of them!
Address: Avinguda Francesc Cambó, 16
Best Hotel in Barcelona – Praktik Bakery
Is there anything better than waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries? When choosing a fantastic hotel, we are always swayed by the ones that cater to our foodie tendencies, and Praktik Bakery really hits the spot! Inspired by Forn Baluard, one of the best bakeries in the city, this hotel has one of our favorite croissants in the city! Furthermore, there are plenty of other food-inspired hotels to visit during your trip.
Address: Carrer de Provença, 279