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10 minutes read1. La Sagrada Familia
Where to stay: Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel
Most tourists visit Barcelona to see the famous La Sagrada Familia. After over 130 years, this architectural masterpiece, designed by Antoni Guadi, is almost complete. La Sagrada Familia is scheduled to be completed in 2026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Guadi’s death. One of Spain’s most most visited attractions, you’ll want to arrive early for the 9am opening to beat the crowds.
After over 130 years, this architectural masterpiece, designed by Antoni Guadi, is almost complete.
Photo by Amith Nag on Shutterstock
2. Casa Batllo
Where to stay: Axel TWO Barcelona Hotel – Adults Only
Casa Batllo is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and another creation by Antoni Guadi. His best-known design after La Sagrada, Casa Batllo feels like stepping into a fantasy novel with its gothic balconies and iridescent details that feel like dragon scales. It’s the perfect spot to add to a walking tour of Barcelona, or you can visit the exhibition inside, as well as the rooftop, which provides some of the best views of the city center.
Casa Batllo is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and another creation by Antoni Guadi
Photo by V_E on Shutterstock
3. Passeig de Gracia
Where to stay: Alexandra Barcelona Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
If you’re visiting Barcelona in search of designer shops, you’ll want to head to Passeig de Gracia. This 19th-century boulevard is at the heart of the city, where you’ll find a seamless blend of historic design alongside modern buildings. It’s a great option for souvenir shopping, but you can expect the place to get busy with tourists later in the day.
It’s a great option for souvenir shopping, but you can expect the area to get busy with tourists later in the day.
Photo by Marco Rubino on Shutterstock
4. Las Ramblas
Where to stay: Bypillow Twenty
Las Ramblas is a 1.2km pedestrian boulevard that is visited by almost every tourist who comes to Barcelona. While the crowds can feel overwhelming at times, there’s plenty to see in this place with restaurants offering alfresco dining, food stalls, and independent boutiques. Take your time and soak up the atmosphere as you walk towards the sea from Placa de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument. You’ll find everything from fountains to street artists and flower shops along this route.
Take your time and soak up the atmosphere as you walk towards the sea from Placa de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument.
Photo by Arcady on Shutterstock
5. La Pedrera – Casa Mila
Where to stay: Gallery Hotel
Le Pedrera, meaning “the Quarry”, is another stunning building designed by Antoni Guadi. This fortress was originally designed as a home for Pere Mila i Camps and his wife, and is famous for being the final piece of civil work completed by Guadi. Casa Mila is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and was designated by the government as a National Monument of Interest. Head to the rooftop for views of the city or book a night-time experience (from 8:40pm to 10:20pm) for one of the most unique visitor experiences in Barcelona.
This fortress was originally designed as a home for Pere Mila i Camps and his wife, and is famous for being the final piece of civil work completed by Guadi.
Photo by Jaroslav Moravcik on Shutterstock
6. Tibidabo
Where to stay: METT Barcelona
No tourist guide is complete without mentioning a theme park. Tibidabo is famous as being one of the world’s oldest theme parks, with all the rides and experiences you would expect of a traditional amusement park. It’s a popular option for families with a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and 3D shows. You can even access the Tibidabo Panoramic Area for free to see stunning views of Barcelona from above.
Tibidabo is famous as being one of the world’s oldest theme parks and offers all the rides and experiences you would expect of a traditional amusement park.
Photo by Miller Eszter on Shutterstock
7. Montjuic
Where to stay: Hotel Brummell
Montjuic is an area where you can easily spend at least half a day with various museums, a cable car, and even the Olympic Park nearby. If you’re visiting Montjuic in the afternoon, make sure to call into the open-air bar at the terrace of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, home to the world’s largest collection of Catalan art, to sink back and enjoy the peace and tranquility. This historic part of Barcelona offers 360-degree views of the city and is easy to reach by metro. Look out for the magic fountain! It’s the perfect spot for your vacation pictures.
Make sure to call into the open-air bar at the terrace of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, home to the world’s largest collection of Catalan art.
Photo by Kemal Taner on Shutterstock
8. Barri Gotic
Where to stay: Arai Aparthotel
Step into the pages of your favorite gothic romance books by taking a stroll through Barri Gotic, Barcelona’s so-called “Old Gothic Quarter.” The oldest part of the city, this area feels like a labyrinth with its historic buildings and hidden alleyways.
It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture, and the area is popular with visitors for its small cafes, multi-generational stores, and stunning architecture. While you can visit during the morning to beat the crowds, several bars and clubs also stay open into the small hours of the morning if you want to dance the night away.
The oldest part of the city, this area feels like a labyrinth with its historic buildings and hidden alleyways.
Photo by peresanz on Shutterstock
9. Park Guell
Where to stay: Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona
Visitors spend most of their time in Barcelona staring at the mesmerizing architecture of Antoni Gaudi without even realizing it. Park Guell is another Gaudi masterpiece, officially opening in 1926 and set to celebrate its 100th birthday next year. Park Guell is the largest green area in Barcelona and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like many other Gaudi places, so make sure to pack your comfiest walking shoes. Book your tickets to Park Guell in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist season.
It’s the largest green area in Barcelona and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo by V_E on Shutterstock
10. The Palau de la Musica Catalana
Where to stay: Ohla Barcelona
No trip to this city is complete without catching a theatre show or live music. The Palau de la Musica Catalana opened in 1908 and is known for hosting classical concerts, operas, and symphonies. It’s a great option for date night with over 100 events in their calendar annually.
The Palau de la Musica Catalana opened in 1908 and is known for hosting classical concerts, operas, and symphonies.
Photo by peresanz on Shutterstock
11. Escape the City for the Beach
Where to stay: Axel San Sebastian Hotel
If the city becomes too much, head to the beach instead! One of the reasons that millions of visitors head to Barcelona every year is that the region offers more than just a major city. If you’re staying in Barcelona, you can easily take a day trip to the beach, with nine beaches located along the city’s coastline.
Sant Sebastia is one of the most popular beaches, famous for its high-end restaurants. Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute train from Barcelona to El Masnou if you want to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy a laid-back day at the beach.
Sant Sebastia is one of the most popular beaches, famous for its high-end restaurants.
Photo by Dishev on Shutterstock
12. Picasso Museum
Where to stay: Hotel Santa Marta
Art fans are in for a treat with a trip to Barcelona. While it’s easy to get swept away by the city’s architecture, you’ll also want to pay a visit to the Picasso Museum. The famous painter called the city home when he was a teenager and for his early twenties. Some of his most famous pieces were influenced by his time in Barcelona. It’s important to note that the museum operates with seasonal opening hours and is closed on Mondays year-round. Tickets are just €14 online and include access to the current exhibition.
Art fans are in for a treat with a trip to Barcelona.
Photo by Salvador Maniquiz on Shutterstock
13. Barcelona Cathedral
Where to stay: Mercer Hotel Barcelona
Any trip to a European city must involve a visit to a cathedral. You’ll want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately, including having your knees and shoulders covered, before entering the cathedral. Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, this cathedral is the perfect example of the Catalan Gothic architecture style and offers a chance to step into the pages of history with its stained-glass windows, interior chapels, and crypt.
Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, this cathedral is the perfect example of the Catalan Gothic architecture style.
Photo by Evannovostro on Shutterstock
14. CosmoCaixa Museum of Science
Where to stay: Bonanova Suite Hotel
If you’re traveling with kids and need to escape the heat, head to the CosmoCaixa. You’ll find a range of permanent and temporary interactive exhibits focused on a variety of niches, such as human evolution, astronomy, and biodiversity. The site even has its own imitation of the Amazon jungle with a flooded rainforest. It’s one of the most prestigious science museums in Europe and costs just €8 for a ticket.
The museum even has its own imitation of the Amazon jungle with a flooded rainforest.
Photo by VTT Studio on Shutterstock
15. Indulge Your Tastebuds at La Boqueria
Where to stay: Yurbban Ramblas Boutique Hotel
You’ll spend your days in Barcelona enjoying the famous Spanish cuisine, from tapas to paella and croquetas. Follow your taste buds to La Boqueria, one of the city’s most popular food markets with several nearby restaurants. While you’ll see a few modern stalls, you can still expect to be served classic Spanish dishes and snacks. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon, or if you need to fill a few hours before your hotel check-in.
Follow your taste buds to La Boqueria, one of the city’s most popular food markets.
Photo by Angela Cini on Shutterstock
16. Attend an FC Barcelona Match
Where to stay: Arya Stadium Hotel
If you’re a football fan, you’ll want to head to FC Barcelona’s home stadium, Camp Nou, to catch a game. Most football matches are held between September and May, with tickets available through the team’s official website. If your visit doesn’t coincide with a home match, you could also take a tour of the stadium and museum.
If you’re a football fan, you’ll want to head to FC Barcelona’s home stadium, Camp Nou, to catch a game.
Photo by Krzysztof Dubiel on Unsplash
17. The Chocolate Museum
Where to stay: Mirro Borneta
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to see the larger-than-life sculptures at the Chocolate Museum. This small museum showcases the history of chocolate in Europe and turns the sweet treat into an art form with chocolate sculptures of everything from Minnie Mouse to the Sagrada Familia. Make sure to stop by the gift shop to satisfy your chocolate craving!
If you’re a football fan, you’ll want to head to FC Barcelona’s home stadium, Camp Nou, to catch a game.
Photo by Pit Stock on Shutterstock
18. Ciutadella Park
Where to stay: Catalonia Born
Looking for something to entertain the whole family? Head to Parc de la Ciutadella – also known as Ciutadella Park. This park offers everything from a lake to hiking routes and romantic picnic spots. Ciutadella Park is also home to several major tourist attractions, including the Museu d’Art Modern and Barcelona Zoo.
This park offers everything from a lake to hiking routes and romantic picnic spots.
Photo by LuisPinaPhotography on Shutterstock
Plan Your Dream Vacation to Barcelona with ZenHotels
At ZenHotels, our expert-curated travel tips will help you get the most out of your Spanish holiday with advice on affordable family vacations and which international airlines are worth your money. Start planning your vacation to Barcelona by searching for accommodation to suit every budget and travel style.
