Barcelona is the capital city of the autonomous Catalonia. It is the second-largest municipality in Spain and its urban area is the fifth most populous in the European Union. There are numerous activities to do as a tourist. The proximity to the French and Andorran borders makes it a perfect destination as part of a road trip. The South of France is a nice destination for wine lovers and people looking for time well spent. The fact that Andorra is small does not in any way mean that there aren't enough things to do in the mountainous region.
Hot summers and mild winters make it great for light luggage and explain the cheerful attitude of the locals. The city also goes by Barca, as an influence by the fans of FC Barcelona, although locals commonly use Barna. One can find it abbreviated BCN after the Barcelona-El Prat Airport. There are several ways to reach the city by the airport for international travelers, while internal travelers can arrive via buses and trains.
Visitors remember Barcelona by the ease of commute, variety of shops, traditional food, scenic views, and local hospitality.
Top Things To Do In The Catalan Capital
This is a complete guide that will help travelers discover amazing experiences in one of the top Spanish destinations.
15 Rent A Boat In Parc De La Ciutadella
One of the most famous places in Barcelona is definitely Ciutadella Park. Its golden monuments and fountains are great for photos.
In order to fully experience the park, tourists should rent a boat at the lake and enjoy the peace and quiet just a few minutes away from the busy city. The tours are affordable and provide an up-close view of the beautiful Mediterranean nature.
Not far from the lake is a small zoo, and visitors can see parrots freely flying around it.
- Ticket per boat: $6
- Length: 30 minutes
14 Visit The National Museum Of Art
The National Museum of Art in Catalonia is in the Palau National with exhibits that combine medieval, Romanesque, and modern art. It is easy to follow the integration of art inside the building as some of the spaces were added later to represent the relevant period.
Gaudi and Casas are among the famous creators of the museum's works. The museum hides a lot of secrets and encourages art admirers to continue their exploration even after leaving by providing them with an online experience.
- Hours Of Operation: Tuesday - Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM | Closed Monday
- Cost Of Admission: $12
Free tickets are available every Saturday after 3 PM, every first Sunday of the month, and on open days. Preferential access is given to early bird booking.
13 Go On A Camp-Nou Stadium Tour
Camp-Nou is famous for its matches, but fans can also visit it on other days, too. It is good to plan ahead and check that the stadium and its museum are open before going there. On match days, there is limited access to the Messi Area and Trophy Room.
- Hours Of Operation: April-October, 10 AM - 8 PM from Monday to Saturday and 10 AM - 2:30 PM on Sundays and public holidays. October - April, 10 AM - 6:30 PM from Monday to Saturday and 10 AM - 2:30 PM on Sundays and public holidays.
- Cost Of Admission: $10
It is easy to get to the stadium by metro or bus. Training sessions are no longer held in Camp-Nou, therefore, football professionals are not expected there regularly. Around January 5th is the only chance to see a public training.
12 Explore Mercat Dels Encants
Fans of flea markets will fall in love with Mercat Dels Encants. There are goods such as rare movies, books, and furniture.
To avoid disappointment, tourists need to be mindful that many retailers close at lunchtime for a few hours. While some of them do not return, others have way fewer goods in the afternoon. Locals usually go there in the mornings to find the best deals.
- Hours Of Operation: 9 AM - 8 PM | Closed Tuesday and Sunday
- Address: C. de los Castillejos, 158, 08013
- Best Time To Visit: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 7 AM - 9 AM for Antique auctions
11 Stop By Arc De Triomf
Many people know about the Parisian Arc as they need to pass through the roundabout to get to the main attractions. The case in Barcelona is different as an unaware tourist might easily pass nearby and miss it. There are tall buildings surrounding the Arc, as well as famous brand outlets.
When sightseeing the Catalan capital, one must walk to the Arc de Triomf to experience its full glory. It used to be the entrance to the Universal World Fair. Visitors who look closely will see the stone bats on the arc. They are a symbol of Valencia and are typical of Modernism architecture.
10 Take A Stroll By Casa Batllo And Casa Amatller
Casa Batllo and Casa Amatller deserve to be seen at least twice—once in the daytime and once at nighttime. The colors change with the light to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. It is in a busy area, so travelers are advised to start their trip from Catalonia Square and walk to avoid the traffic.
The most eager visitors can walk inside the two buildings and enjoy their original interiors. The furniture and decoration have not changed since the beginning of the 20th century.
9 Tour Cituat Vella, The Old City
More experienced travelers can navigate the city with ease. The route from Casa Batllo and Amatller can continue to the old Gothic city. On the way, there are many buildings to be admired for their creative design and interesting incorporation of modern shops in the old facades.
The oldest part of the city usually has an open bazaar with herbs and exotic decorations. The tiny streets lead to beautiful squares. A paper or virtual map will do just fine, however, more inexperienced tourists can book a guided tour and make sure they will not get lost or miss anything important.
8 See Gaudi's Park Guell
The Park designed by Gaudi has a great view over the city, it reaches as far as the sea. Its green spaces and mosaic decorations are unforgettable. The original idea of Eusebu Guell was to establish a place that creates a symbiosis between nature and housing.
The enchanted forest area is a bonus!
This magical creation of Gaudi is one of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage sights. It is open to the public and great for long walks.
7 Witness Sagrada Di Familia's Construction
La Sagrada di Familia is a main attraction in Barcelona. Its main architect was Gaudi as well. Architects and civil engineers alike dream of visiting this monument. Its construction started in 1882 and stopped in 1926 with Gaudi's death.
This cathedral is under construction again. It is common to see big new additions to it every year. The plans are ever-evolving, as they try to accommodate the city's needs.
In 2021, there was a proposition that some of the near buildings should be demolished to open space for new stairs to the cathedral, however, this was never agreed upon and plans are still pending.
The best view of the building is at Golden Hour, as it changes its colors. It is not necessary to enter the building to fully experience its beauty.
6 Best Time To Visit
Barcelona is always great to visit. In general, it could be very hot in the summer, so for those looking for moderately warm weather, it will be best to go in March-May and October-December. It is rare to experience cold weather even in the winter.
Football fans should aim to visit when their favorite football club is playing. In this way, they can see their idols while also enjoying the city.
The most popular months to visit are June and July, but those might be very hot for many travelers. Planning a trip to Barcelona could be challenging for those coming from afar, however, there are ways to plan in advance and choose a more suitable month of the year.
5 Best Ways To Get Around
The best way to get around Barcelona is by using the metro. Its buses can be confusing for newcomers as there are rarely signs around the city. Travelers need to be aware that last-minute changes are usually communicated only in Spanish. In case of anything uncommon, non-Spanish speakers need to make sure to find a local who can translate.
The underground almost feels like teleportation, as it moves super fast. Those who are not used to the transportation culture of the big cities need to allocate more time to navigating inside the metro that has numerous lines and elevators.
It is not uncommon to have a small live concert on the train as local youth practice their music in public (and work for tips).
4 Best Places To Eat
Dining out in Barcelona can be pricey, but it's totally worth it.
Breakfast
The Coffee House
- Address: C/ de Valencia 143
- Cuisine: typical Spanish light sandwiches, both sweet and salty options
Eat My Trip
- Address: C. del Consell de Cent, 378, 08009
- Cuisine: variety of Spanish dishes covered with cotton candy caps
Lunch
Macchina Pasta Bar
- Address: C. del Consell de Cent, 378, 08009
- Cuisine: Variety of pasta dishes, DIY style
The Green Spot
- Address: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 12, 08003 Barcelona
- Cuisine: calm restaurant with a rich menu, many vegetarian choices
Dinner
La Selva
- Address: C. de la Indústria, 138, 08025
- Cuisine: seafood specialties, typical Spanish food as well
Machete
- Address: Carrer Ample, 20, 08002
- Cuisine: tacos for $1 on specific days, vegetarian options available
3 Where To Stay
Finding a place to stay in Barcelona is easy, no matter travelers' budgets.
Budget: Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia Hostel
- Address: Passeig de Gràcia 33, 08007
- Amenities: Breakfast, Roof Terrace, Licensed Bar, Social Zones
Mid-Tier: Arc House Barcelona
- Address: Carrer de Buenaventura Muñoz, 16, 08018
- Amenities: Walking Tours, Airport Transportation, Luggage Store, Shared Kitchen
Upscale: Sercotel Ámister Art Hotel
- Address: Av. de Roma, 93, 95, 08029 Barcelona
- Amenities: Business Center, Room Service, Parking, Laundry, Meeting Rooms, Rooftop Bar
2 Tips To Know When Visiting
It is important to realize that Barcelona is not typical Spain. Its influence by France, Andorra, and seaports has made it more diverse and unique. It also has two official languages — Catalan and Spanish.
Catalonia's Parliament is near the seaside. While there are many attractions in the city, the nearby villages and towns are also welcoming and easy to access by train.
To avoid expensive restaurants and bars, look for social hostels and private bookings that offer facilities for cooking.
1 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Barcelona
A perfect day in Barcelona should start early. The siesta time around lunch will prevent a tourist from visiting some of the main attractions, as well as going shopping in local stores.
These times around lunch are part of Spanish culture and don't change to accommodate tourists.
In the morning, a quick stop at the pastry shop could be followed by a nice outside breakfast by the seaside.
Next, from the touristic part of the seaside, it is easy to continue by visiting Ciutadella Park and Arc de Triomf. The nearby outlets and local stores can offer great souvenirs and local hospitality. Lunch and light non-alcoholic cocktails by the Sagrada di Familia let the visitor rest and explore nearby alternative medicine shops before siesta time.
Siesta time is for rest and building the energy to visit the mountain park. Dinner in any local restaurant in the city center is the perfect finish to the day for those who prefer quiet nights.
Others may continue exploring nightclubs and unconventional event venues for the rest of the night. Barcelona is one of those cities that cannot sleep.
FAQ
Q: What is worth visiting in Barcelona?
Barcelona is part of Catalonia, which has its own language and culture. Therefore, one can see the difference in its tradition and way of life from the rest of Spain.
There is so much to see in Barcelona that visitors can plan to explore something new in every season.
Q: Is 2 days in Barcelona enough?
Any traveler would argue that two or three nights in Barcelona is hardly enough, but even one night in Barcelona can be memorable.
Q: What is the most famous thing in Barcelona?
Barcelona is known for many iconic attractions, from La Sagrada Familia to the Picasso Museum and the football club.