18 Things to do in Barcelona, Spain
These are my carefully selected 18 travel tips & best places in Barcelona and includes gems like the Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, Barri Gothic and La Boqueria and tips for the vivid Barcelona nightlife.
- Why: Spain's most fascinating city!
- When: Summer & fall
- Best Hotels: Stay near Placa Reial (Booking.com)
- Best Attractions: Barcelona Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Park Guell
- Book Now: Barcelona Tapas Crawl for just $65 USD
Buy Tickets for Barcelona
Barcelona, a city renowned for its unique charm and vibrant culture, often gets lost in the sea of mundane travel guides. That's why this guide aims to uncover the best of Barcelona, from well-known attractions to hidden local spots.
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Best Places for Travel in Barcelona
1. Barri Gothic
The old town of Barcelona with cute squares, unique shops and its many churches.
2. Olympic Park
Known as Estadi Olimpic LLuis Companys and includes a gigantic park with great view of Barcelona.
3. Seafood Paella
Popular Spanish dish! Get it at the best tapas restaurant in town called Guell Tapas.
4. Artisa Barcelona
Famous for its local gelato flavour: Crema Catalana which is a Spanish custard with caramel.
5. Placa de Catalunya
The main square in Barcelona where you can jump onto a hop-on-hop-off bus to explore the city.
6. Casa Batlló
Gorgeous house designed by Antoni Gaudi, a Catalan architect.
Begin your adventure at Barceloneta Beach, a bustling European hotspot where tourists and locals alike enjoy the Mediterranean sun. While here, immerse yourself in the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, including the iconic Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Palau Guell, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich artistic heritage.
7. La Sagrada Familia
The most mesmerizing masterpiece in Barcelona which has been under construction for almost a century.
8. Park Guell
A giant park north of Barcelona also designed by Antoni Gaudi but expect long waiting lines.
9. Camp Nou
Soccer stadium of FC Barcelona, the best soccer team in the world. Go watch a soccer match!
10. La Rambla
Largest pedestrian street in Barcelona, slammed with tourists, street performances and pickpocketers. So stay alert!
11. Chök
Best donut shop in Barcelona, try their delicious chocolate truffles!
12. Mercado de la Boqueria
Biggest public market in Catalonia with odd items like the Spanish cow brains.
Evenings in Barcelona are particularly lively at Placa Reial, a perfect destination for savoring delicious cocktails and local dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
13. Eating Cow Brains
Be adventurous and try this odd Spanish dish Sesos, Spanish Cow Brains but you may have to prepare it yourself.
14. Palau Guell
Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi located on La Ramla street.
15. Barceloneta
Most popular beach in Spain and loved by tourists and seagulls.
16. Bo de B
Most affordable dishes with meats grilled to perfection. Try their chicken and beef platter!
17. Viana
Unique dining experience next to Placa Reial with a friendly staff and cozy atmosphere.
18. Hotel Duquesa de Cardona
Laid back roof top bar with a stunning view of the Barcelona harbor.
On a personal note, Barcelona was our choice for celebrating a special family birthday, offering a plethora of exceptional experiences. Don't miss the video overview of all the places we visited, available at the top of this guide.
A must-visit is Mercado de la Boqueria, Catalonia's largest public market, where you can explore an array of exotic meats like sheep heads and cow tongues. For a memorable dining experience, try Guell Tapas near La Rambla, where the seafood paella is a culinary delight. One of Barcelona's best-kept secrets is the rooftop pool atop Gran Hotel Barcelona, offering panoramic views of the cityscape.
Sports enthusiasts will revel in a visit to Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona. This iconic venue showcases the numerous trophies of one of the world's most successful soccer teams.
My other top recommendations include the Olympic Park, Arista Barcelona, Bo de B, and Viana, each offering a unique dining experience.
For a relaxed evening, the rooftop patio of Hotel Duquesa de Cardona near the Barcelona harbor is an ideal spot for late-night drinks.
In conclusion, Barcelona is a must-visit destination for a European trip. While a week is ample to soak in the city's wonders, its allure makes it a place you'll want to revisit. This guide is designed to enhance your Barcelona experience, ensuring your journey is as rich and diverse as the city itself.
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