Choose from 116 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 116 listings.
Las Ramblas
Barcelona's most famous street, Las Ramblas runs from the Columbus Monument in Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya. To walk its tree-shaded pedestrian expanse is to be inundated with sensation: souvenir hawkers selling beach blankets and trinkets, street performers posing for selfies with tourists, florists adjusting their arrangements, restaurants serving tapas and paella at al fresco tables, and artists painting caricatures for passersby. It's a microcosm of Barcelona, and it's almost always busy, day or night.
The Basics
Spend any time in Barcelona and you'll likely find yourself strolling this leafy pedestrian thoroughfare. It makes an appearance on just about every city sightseeing tour, such as walking, biking, and Segway tours. Several notable attractions line its sidewalks, including La Boqueria Market, the Liceu Opera (Gran Teatre del Liceu), the Barcelona Wax Museum (Museu de Cera), the Erotic Museum of Barcelona (Museu Erotic), and Plaça Reial. As the border between the El Raval and Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) neighborhoods, it passes right through the heart of Barcelona's old city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Las Ramblas is an excellent place for people-watching.
- Stay aware of your belongings when walking along Las Ramblas, as the area tends to attract pickpockets.
- Bring some cash for street souvenirs or to have your portrait drawn by a cartoonist.
How to Get There
Las Ramblas (sometimes known as La Rambla) is within walking distance of most attractions in the old city (and in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Gothic Quarter and El Raval), but it's also easily accessed via the metro at the Drassanes, Liceu, or Plaça Catalunya stations.
When to Get There
Las Ramblas can be just as crowded at 2am as at 2pm. During peak tourist season (July and August), the pedestrian walkway running between the two lanes of traffic gets especially busy, but it also makes for lively people-watching. If you'd prefer to see the street when it’s relatively quiet, plan to visit first thing in the morning when the sun is up but the night owls of Barcelona are still in bed.
Pla de l'Os: Work of Art Underfoot
Each day, thousands of people walk right over a mosaic by Catalan artist Joan Miró known as Pla de l'Os. The pavement mosaic, set about halfway along La Rambla, was installed by the artist in 1976 near the place where he was born 83 years prior. After decades of foot traffic, the mosaic became so faded that the Barcelona City Council stepped in and restored it in 2006 to mark its 30th anniversary.
Address: Barcelona, Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 14
L'Escolania de Montserrat
Add listening to the ethereal choir songs of one of Europe’s oldest boys choirs to your list of reasons to explore the craggy Montserrat mountainside not far from Barcelona. The boys choir, which dates back to the 13th or 14th century, is not only historic but also world famous, having recorded albums and toured to countries around the globe.
The boys, who range from ages 9-14, go to school here at the monastery, and sing in the basilica, where the public can come to watch. The roughly 50 singers are carefully selected based on a handful of criteria, one of course being their musical ability. Lucky for Montserrat visitors, the choir usually performs twice daily, making a visit to the mountainside getaway just that much more magical.
Practical Info
Note that getting to Montserrat from Barcelona can be a bit tricky, as it requires coordinating times between the train from Barcelona and the cable car or rack railway to the monastery. To make planning easier, you may wish to consider an organized day trip.
Address: Passeig de l´Escolania, Montserrat, Catalonia 08199, Spain
Hours: The choir performs twice daily at midday (usually 1pm on weekdays), & at 6:45 p.m. They do not perform during Christmastime, during the month of July, or during various school holidays.
From $ 64
Museu del Modernisme Catala
This small museum is the only one dedicated to displaying Catalan modernisme art. It was converted from a textile factory in 2010, and exhibits some of the finest pieces of art nouveau furniture constructed in Catalunya. Most of the collection comes from two antique dealers, who have added their private collection to be shared with the public. There are over 350 works of art across several mediums, with premier modernista artists like Ramón Casas, Joan Busquets, and of course, Antoni Gaudi. A range of everything from paintings and sculptures to decorative arts and furniture can be found. The museum has become a bit of a cultural center for the city, unique to showcasing this very specific type of art created right in Catalunya.
The museum is housed in a modernista building designed by architect Enric Sagnier, with original floors kept intact. Don’t miss Gaudi’s couch designed in the shape of lips, or the exquisite stained glass on the first floor.
Practical Info
The museum is located at Carrer de Balmes 48, with hours Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. The nearest metro station is Passeig de Gracia, and the entrance fee is 10 euro.
Address: Carrer de Balmes 48, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm, Sundays 10 am - 2 pm
Admission: 10 euro
From $ 12
Maremagnum
Framed by its wave-shaped walkway leading from the city out onto the water, Maremagnum is recognizable from many sections of the Barcelona beaches. The shopping center is home to many big name brands, as well as local restaurants and a cinema. Two floors of shops range from home goods and electronics to clothing and jewelry. You’ll also find Spanish brands such as Desigual, and other European retailers.
Many of the cafes and restaurants are open-air, making them especially nice on a sunny day. People come to leisurely watch boats pull in and out of the nearby port and absorb a bit of the Barcelona waterfront. The structure itself, like many of the buildings in Barcelona, is unique and well-designed. Its curved, mirrored walls reflect the light off of the nearby water and make an interesting contrast to the natural wooden pier. Walking down the central boulevard, Las Ramblas, toward the ocean will lead you straight there.
Practical Info
Maremagnum is located on the Moll d’Espanya. It is nearby to the Barcelona Aquarium and Port Vell. The mall is open daily (including Sundays) from 10 am to 10 pm. The closest metro stop is Drassanes (Line 3.)
Address: Moll d'Espanya, 5, Barcelona 08039, Spain
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm
From $ 56
Magic Fountain
One of Barcelona’s most dazzling attractions, the Magic Fountain (Font Montjuic) was built in 1929 for the city’s World Exhibition. Travelers can still watch the fountain’s spectacular illumination displays, which feature music and a kaleidoscope of shimmering lights, all set against the majestic backdrop of Montjuic Palace.
The Basics
Designed by Carles Buigas, the Magic Fountain is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing almost 2.5 million annual visitors. Stop by the fountain after dark to enjoy a range of uniquely choreographed spectacles—soundtracks range from classical scores to a remix of Barcelona by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé, while the fountain’s water acrobatics are performed by 3,620 jets and reach heights of 177 feet (54 meters). Guided tours of the Montjuic neighborhood often include a stop at the fountain during the day, and night tours—evening bike tours, bus tours, and nightlife tours—often feature the free fountain show.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Magic Fountain of Montjuic is a must-see for families with kids and first-time visitors.
- Each fountain show lasts about 20 minutes.
- Stand upwind of the fountain to avoid getting wet.
How to Get There
The Magic Fountain is located at the foot of Montjuic Mountain, a hilltop Barcelona neighborhood, near the famous Placa Espanya square. The easiest way to get there is via the metro, getting off at Espanya station. Bus 55 also stops near the fountain, as do most hop-on, hop-off bus tours.
When to Get There
To experience the fountain in its full glory, it’s best to visit during one of the synchronized light and sounds shows. The light show schedule varies by season, with nightly shows on weekend evenings and an extended summer schedule. It’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early to get a good spot during summer.
Where to Find Great Views of the Magic Fountain
The former bullring in Placa Espanya, now a shopping center, offers excellent panoramic views of the Magic Fountain, Montjuic Palace, and the entire city of Barcelona. Ride the escalators to the top floor, where restaurants circle the rooftop and the spectacular views are completely free.
Address: Avinguda Maria Cristina, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: The fountain operates Thursday to Sunday. Times change seasonally.
From $ 39
Illa Fantasia
A fun-packed family day out can be had at Illa Fantasia Water Park, half an hour north of Barcelona city center in the seaside town of Vilassar de Dalt. With more than 20 rides and several large swimming and wave pools, the park is one of Europe’s largest; for toddlers there are gentle lazy river rides and baby pools to splash around in, while adrenaline-junky youngsters will love the hair-raising speed rides and races through tubes and spirals. As well as all the watery attractions, the park also offers mini-golf, a kiddies’ playground and a pirate ship to explore. There are also several eating options – from picnic tables and barbecue pits to stalls selling fast food or the formal EL Chef restaurant. Family-friendly facilities also include lockers, free car parking and plenty of shade for hot summer days.
Practical Info
Finca Mas Brassó, s/n, Vilassar de Dalt. Open from June 8 until September 13. Hours are: June & September daily 10am–6pm; July–August daily 10am–1pm. Admission costs €26 for adults and €16.50 for seniors and children. A half-hour from the city center; access is best by free Illa Fantasia shuttle bus from various points in the city or Metro Line R1 to Premià del Mar and free shuttle bus (five minutes); alternatively take the 25 km (15.5 mile) drive from the center of Barcelona along the C-32 road towards Mataró and turn off at exit 92.
Address: Finca Mas Brassó, s/n, Vilassar de Dalt, Barcelona, Catalunya 08339, Spain
Hours: Daily from June 8–Sept 13. June & Sept daily 10am–6pm; Jul–Aug daily 10am–1pm.
Admission: Adults: €26; Children & Seniors: €16.50
From $ 32
Picasso Museum
Home to more than 4,000 works by the incomparable Pablo Picasso, the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso) is Barcelona's most visited art collection. It's housed inside five Gothic mansions, meaning the museum's architecture is an attraction all on its own — but it's the artwork and Picasso's connection to the city that truly make this museum a must-see. Among the many famous paintings, you'll find some of his self portraits and his study of 'Las Meninas' by Diego Velazquez.
The Basics
Many of the museum's permanent pieces correspond with the time Picasso spent living in Barcelona, which culminated in his Blue Period. Visitors who want more insight into the art can pay a small fee for audio guides, or join a very limited selection of small-group guided tours that are included in admission (reservations required). If you want to explore with a tour guide on your own schedule, book a separate museum tour that includes admission. Your options include a private tour, skip-the-line tickets, and a combo tour that combines a guided tour of the museum with a Gothic Quarter walking tour that stops at sites important to Picasso's Barcelona, such as the famous Els Quatre Gats café.
How to Get to the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is centrally located and accessible by bus, metro, and Barcelona's public bike system. There is no parking lot at the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open year round, but be aware it's closed on Mondays and has extended hours on Thursdays. If you're willing to brave the crowds, it's free every Sunday after 3pm and all day every first Sunday of the month.
How Does It Compare to Europe's Other Picasso Museums?
Picasso has close ties to both Spain and France, and each country has two museums to honor him (the others are in Malaga, Paris, and Antibes). Münster, Germany, also features a museum in his honor. However, Barcelona's Museu Picasso was the first, and it was the only museum opened at the request of the artist.
The Basics
Many of the museum's permanent pieces correspond with the time Picasso spent living in Barcelona, which culminated in his Blue Period. Visitors who want more insight into the art can pay a small fee for audio guides, or join a very limited selection of small-group guided tours that are included in admission (reservations required). If you want to explore with a tour guide on your own schedule, book a separate museum tour that includes admission. Your options include a private tour, skip-the-line tickets, and a combo tour that combines a guided tour of the museum with a Gothic Quarter walking tour that stops at sites important to Picasso's Barcelona, such as the famous Els Quatre Gats café.
- If you want a visual memory of your trip, you'll have to buy something at the gift shop, as photography is not allowed inside the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free wheelchair service. Monthly guided tours are available for visitors with visual or auditory disabilities; they must be reserved in advance.
- A few temporary museum exhibits can be seen for an additional fee.
How to Get to the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum is centrally located and accessible by bus, metro, and Barcelona's public bike system. There is no parking lot at the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open year round, but be aware it's closed on Mondays and has extended hours on Thursdays. If you're willing to brave the crowds, it's free every Sunday after 3pm and all day every first Sunday of the month.
How Does It Compare to Europe's Other Picasso Museums?
Picasso has close ties to both Spain and France, and each country has two museums to honor him (the others are in Malaga, Paris, and Antibes). Münster, Germany, also features a museum in his honor. However, Barcelona's Museu Picasso was the first, and it was the only museum opened at the request of the artist.
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, Barcelona 08003, Spain
Hours: Open Tues–Sun: 10am–8pm, closed Mondays
Admission: Adults: €9
From $ 25
Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya
Plaça de Sant Jaume’s Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya is much more than just a building with a pretty neoclassical façade: this is the seat of the Catalan government, from where 100 presidents have governed. Constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, the building is a symbol of Catalan perseverance, having stood the test of time through many historic challenges.
It’s not just special because of its history, either. Apart from the attractive dome-topped exterior, its interior is perhaps even more impressive. It features a Gothic chapel, elaborate ceremonial halls, loads of paintings and sculptures, and a sunlight-filled Courtyard of Orange Trees, or Pati dels Tarongers — among other Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance elements.
Practical Info
While the interior is considered by many to be the highlight of the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, it is only open to the public the second and fourth weekends of the month (except in August). It is only visit-able via prescheduled guided tour (which lasts roughly an hour), so be sure to book online in advance via the Generalitat’s website.
Address: Plaça de Sant Jaume, 4, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
From $ 68
Maricel Museum (Museu Maricel)
Escape the Sitges sun and explore an artistic delight by visiting Museu Maricel. The museum is housed in a former seaside home that was built in the early 1900s for a wealthy American. What remains is a tribute to artistic development in Sitges and Catalonia that spans medieval art to the first half of the 20th century.
What you’ll find here is everything from paintings to sculptures and furniture, which cover artistic periods such as Romanticism, Renaissance and Baroque, Realism, Modernisme and the Luminist School. The artwork isn’t the only thing that will capture your eye, either, as it is housed in a spectacular building emblematic of Noucentisme, and which offers incredible views of the sea. Come here for the art, for the architecture, and simply to wander one of Sitges’ most rich, welcoming and intriguing connections to the past.
Practical Info
Maricel Museum is located in Sitges’ old quarter, just steps away from the Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla. The entrance ticket also includes admission to the neighboring Cau Ferrat Museum. Note that both museums are closed on Mondays, and are free to enter on the first Wednesday of each month.
Address: Calle Fonollar s/n, Sitges, Catalonia, Spain 08870, Spain
Hours: Mar 1-June 30 and Oct 1-31: Tues-Sun 10am-7pm. July 1-Sept 30: Tues-Sun 10am-8pm. Nov 1-Feb 28: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mon
Admission: General: €10; Reduced: €7
From $ 98
Music Museum (Museu de la Musica)
Music lover or not, you’re bound to walk away singing a satisfied tune after visiting this museum. Barcelona’s Museu de la Musica sets out to take visitors on an educational and sweet-sounding tour through the evolution of music across culture and time — and all via its on-display collection of some 500 instruments.
While exploring the museum’s exhibits, you’ll have the chance to check out one of the world’s most important collections of classic guitars, and even play some tunes yourself on various instruments via an interactive gallery. The experience is all the more rich given the themed itineraries, including one for the general public, another for youngsters, and others that are more specialized.
Practical Info
The Music Museum is located not far from the Torre Agbar, which isn’t located in the main tourist center. A bit of a trek by foot, the journey can easily be made by various forms of public transport. Note that the museum is free on Sundays after 3pm, and on the first Sunday of every month. It is closed on Mondays.
Address: L'Auditori, Carrer de Lepant, 150, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 08013, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sat and holidays 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-8pm
Admission: General: €5; Reduced: €3.50; Under 16: Free
From $ 52
Maritime Museum (Museu Maritim)
Explore Spain’s seafaring past by visiting the Maritime Museum, or Museu Maritim, in Barcelona. Located just steps away from the waterfront, the museum takes visitors on a journey through one of the country’s richest areas of history: exploration at sea.
The museum experience begins with the Gothic building itself, which once belonged to the former Barcelona Royal Shipyard. Within the cavernous brick structure, which dates back to the 13th century, expect to find all manner of sea-related treasures, ranging from maps to weapons, paintings, and even surfboards. Then, of course, there are the boats, which include model-sized versions, and, most notably, a life-size galley warship replica.
Practical Info
If you’re in town on a Sunday, consider visiting after 3 p.m., when entrance is free of charge. Note that the museum is situated just down the street from another nautically related destination — the Columbus Monument — both of which are easily reachable on the hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Address: Avendia de les Drassanes, Barcelona, Catalonia 08001, Spain
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: General: €7; Over 65: €3.5; Under 17: free
From $ 35
Penedes
Home to more than 300 wineries, Spain’s Penedes region produces some of the country’s best cava, a sparkling wine made with the same method that’s used to make French champagne. The historic town of Vilafranca del Penedes is filled with medieval and Modernista architecture, as well as restaurants pouring locally made wines.
The Basics
Many travelers visit Penedes on a day trip from Barcelona. Though wine tasting is at the top of the activity menu, there are tours for all types of travelers. Cycle through picturesque vineyards on a guided bike tour of the region, take a food tour to sample local artisan olive oils and cheeses, or combine an afternoon of wine tasting with a morning visit to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage-listed Montserrat Monastery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Penedes is a must-visit for wine lovers and foodies.
- You can pair your wine tasting with other activities such as a bicycle ride, Segway tour, or a Monastery visit.
- Penedes day trips from Barcelona can last seven to 10 hours, depending on the activities that are included.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months.
How to Get There
Penedes is 45 minutes from Barcelona. To get there, take the Renfe train from Plaza Catalunya or Estació de Sants.
When to Get There
One of the most exciting times to visit Penedes is during the autumn grape harvest, which happens during September and October. Fall and spring both offer cooler temperatures perfect for touring the vineyards. July and August tend to be the busiest months at popular wineries and Montserrat Monastery.
Famous Winemakers of Penedes
This wine region has hundreds of wineries to choose from, but a few are such big names that you’re likely to see their labels at your wine store back home. Among those that offer tours are Codorníu with its grand Modernista building, Freixenet (the biggest cava producer in Spain), and Torres, a 17th-century family-owned winery.
Address: Alt Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 103
Joan Miró Museum (Fundació Joan Miró)
The works of Joan Miró, one of Barcelona's most famous 20th-century artists, are displayed in this museum in Parc de Montjuïc. The gallery itself is a piece of modern art, its design incorporating terraces and interior courtyards to direct the flow of visitors and give the space an open air feel. It shouldn’t be missed.
The Basics
This Barcelona museum is home to a collection of more than 14,000 pieces by Miró—one of the most comprehensive collections of his art in the world covering several mediums and all stages of the artist’s career. Spend more time enjoying the collection and less time queuing up with a skip-the-line entrance ticket, or opt for the Barcelona Museum Pass for entrance into six of Barcelona’s most popular museums, including the Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Entrance to the Miró Museum is also included on the Barcelona Card and the complex is a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Joan Miró Museum is a must-visit for art lovers and architecture buffs.
- Free Wi-Fi is available to visitors throughout the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, as is public transportation to and from the museum site.
How to Get There
The Joan Miró Museum is well connected by public transportation. Take bus 55 or 150 to Parc de Montjuïc or ride the Montjuïc Funicular from the Parallel metro station. There is no parking available at the museum.
When to Get There
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays and public holidays. There are free guided tours of the collection in English each Thursday afternoon.
Espai 13
To further promote his belief that art should not be categorized or restricted, Miró dedicated his pieces to the Fundació to be displayed only under the condition that a space be reserved to exhibit the works of emerging artists. In keeping their word, the Fundació created Espai 13, which holds exhibits of upcoming contemporary artists.
Address: Parc de Montjuïc, Barcelona 08038, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Passeig de Gracia
Passeig de Gracia is one of the most significant avenues in Barcelona. In addition to being home to some of the most celebrated architecture in the city, it is considered to be the most expensive street in all of Spain. Originally known as Carni de Jesus, the avenue began as a rural lane connecting Barcelona with the then-independent town of Gracia. Pursuant to an urbanization project in the 1820s, it was transformed into a wide avenue that eventually became a favorite of aristocrats. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, both for its architecture and for its shopping.
By the early 1900s, Passeig de Gracia featured homes designed by notable art nouveau/modernista architects such as Antonin Gaudi, Pere Falques, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Lluis Domenech i Montaner and Josep Vilaseca. Visitors should take note of the Manzana de la Discordia (the Apple of Discord), a block of Passeig de Gracia located on the southwest side of the avenue between Carrer del Consell de Cent and Carrer d'Arago. Here, you'll find buildings by four prominent architects in clashing styles: the Casa Lleo Morera by Montaner, the Casa Amatller by Cadafalch, the Casa Mulleras by Enric Sagnier, and Gaudi’s famous Casa Batlló. Also see Gaudi's Casa Milà, more commonly known as La Pedrera, with its impressive chimney pots shaped into what look like medieval knights.
Other possible stops along Passeig de Gracia include the Museu del Parfum and the Fundacio Sunol, which features rotating exhibits of 20th century art.
By the early 1900s, Passeig de Gracia featured homes designed by notable art nouveau/modernista architects such as Antonin Gaudi, Pere Falques, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, Lluis Domenech i Montaner and Josep Vilaseca. Visitors should take note of the Manzana de la Discordia (the Apple of Discord), a block of Passeig de Gracia located on the southwest side of the avenue between Carrer del Consell de Cent and Carrer d'Arago. Here, you'll find buildings by four prominent architects in clashing styles: the Casa Lleo Morera by Montaner, the Casa Amatller by Cadafalch, the Casa Mulleras by Enric Sagnier, and Gaudi’s famous Casa Batlló. Also see Gaudi's Casa Milà, more commonly known as La Pedrera, with its impressive chimney pots shaped into what look like medieval knights.
Other possible stops along Passeig de Gracia include the Museu del Parfum and the Fundacio Sunol, which features rotating exhibits of 20th century art.
Address: Spain
From $ 25
Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
A soaring, shimmering glass and concrete edifice in the Raval, Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art was designed by US architect Richard Meier and completed in 1995, spearheading the once-tatty district’s revival. Its matt-white interior is flooded with natural light and creates the perfect backdrop for the museum’s 5,000 paintings, sculptures, images and conceptual pieces, which are shown in ever-changing temporary exhibitions running for between three and six months. Featuring avant-garde artists from the latter half of the 20th century, the collection is rich in international names such as Paul Klee, Dieter Roth and Jean-Michel Basquiat – among many others – but specializes in the works of celebrated Catalan artists including Antoni Tàpies, Miquel Barcelò, Susana Solano and Pere Jaume. The museum also has a library, a well-stocked bookshop and café as well as Saturday morning workshops for families visiting with young kids. The vast piazza leading to MACBA’s entrance is a popular meeting place for Barcelona residents and skateboarders congregate daily around the museum’s sleek ramp.
Practical Info
Plaça dels Angels 1. Open Mon, Wed–Fri 11am–7.30pm; Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 10am–3pm. Admission adults €10, seniors & students €6.5; under 14 free. Metro to Plaça de Catalunya or Universitat.
Address: Plaça dels Angels 1, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Varies by day
Admission: Adults: €10: Seniors/Students: €6.5; under 14 free
From $ 9
L'Eixample District
Meaning “extension,” L’Eixample neighborhood was built in the 19th century to enlarge the city of Barcelona so that it connected with smaller surrounding towns, such as Gracià (now a neighborhood itself). Ingeniously designed, the upscale district displays long avenues with cut-corner, octagonal blocks that allow for openness, light and ventilation.
The area is also home to some of the city’s most popular tourist draws, particularly along its bustling avenue, Passeig de Gràcia. This is where you’ll find Gaudi’s famous La Pedrera, a building known for its undulating façade and spectacular rooftop views. Then, not too far away await more architectural favorites, including Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló, as well as the Flemish- and Catalan-styled Casa Amatller. Meanwhile, the masses come here for more than just sightseeing but also for shopping, as Passeig de Gràcia is packed with Barcelona’s top high-end shops.
Practical Info
L’Eixample spans a great deal of the city just north and west of the old quarter, thus connecting it to other Barcelona neighborhoods, such as Gracià. Its most well known street is Passeig de Gràcia, which is easy to find as it extends from Plaça de Catalunya (and leads toward Gracià).
Address: Barcelona, Catalonia 08007, Spain
From $ 19
Parque del Laberinto de Horta
Barcelona is filled with parks and unique art, and the Parque del Laberinto de Horta is one of the city’s oldest and least well known. The historic artistic gardens are part of a large former estate, containing both an 18th-century neoclassical garden and a 19th century romantic garden. The neoclassical garden was designed with the help of an Italian architect, while the romantic garden added details such as gazebos, waterfalls, and additional beds of colorful flowers.
Once the site of garden parties and socialite events, it was handed over to the city of Barcelona by the Devalls family in 1967. Visitors can still see the original mansion that the family once lived in, built in neogothic and neoarabic styles. A stroll throughout the grounds offers views of the many classical statues, fountains, Italian-style pavilions, and the hedge maze that gives the garden its name.
Practical Info
The park can be found in Barcelona’s Horta-Guinardó district at Passeig dels Castanyers 1, with the closest metro station being Mundet (Green L3 line.) It costs two euros to enter, and is free on Sundays. In order to preserve the delicate nature of the garden, no more than 750 people are allowed inside at once.
Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Open Monday through Sunday, 11 am - 9 pm
Admission: €2
From $ 219
Mountain of the Jews (Montjuïc)
This hill, southwest of Barcelona’s old city, gets its name from a Jewish cemetery flowing down its slopes. After hosting both the World Exhibition in 1929 and the Olympics in 1992, the neighborhood is home to numerous attractions, including a castle, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, the Miró Museum (Fundació Miró), and the Magic Fountain.
The Basics
As home to some of Barcelona’s best museums and attractions, Montjuïc features on many sightseeing tours of the city, including the double-decker hop-on hop-off bus (with stops at Plaça d’Espanya, the Miró Museum, cable car station, and Olympic stadium). Once in the area, it’s easy to explore the attractions that most interest you on foot, or simply soak in the views from Montjuïc Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Montjuïc ranks among Barcelona’s best spots for panoramic views.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do a fair bit of walking.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection for exploring Montjuïc’s parks and outdoor areas.
- The Montjuïc cable car and funicular are both wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Getting to Montjuïc is half of the fun. A funicular railway takes passengers up to the top of the hill and offers spectacular views along the way. There’s also a cable car connecting Montjuïc to the main beach area, and several walking paths leading up from the streets of Poble Sec.
When to Get There
The best views from the top of Montjuïc come around sunset, when the city is painted in shades of pink and orange. You could easily spend an entire day in the neighborhood (try to hit the museums first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds), finishing off with the sunset and Magic Fountain show.
Travel Through Spain at Poble Espanyol
Situated on the hillside of Montjuïc, the Spanish village (Poble Espanyol) is Spain in miniature. This open-air museum was built for the World Exhibition to show off the range of Spanish architecture through some 115 different buildings, from a Galician townhouse to a Jerez sherry cellar. Visit to get an overview of Spain’s cultural and architectural diversity, especially if you have limited time in other parts of the country.
Address: Barcelona, Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 15
National Art Museum of Catalonia
Housed in the neo-baroque National Palace (Palau Nacional), the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) occupies a spectacular location, atop a hill in Montjüic. Inside is one of Catalonia’s largest museum collections: 260,000 works of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque art.
The Basics
The majestic palace of the National Art Museum of Catalonia towers over Barcelona from its perch above Plaça Espanya and the Montjüic Fountain. The building is an attraction in its own right and many sightseeing tours of the city stop there. Visitors can choose between a single admission ticket to the museum or a museum pass that grants skip-the-line entry to six Barcelona museums, including the Picasso Museum and Joan Miró Foundation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is a must-see for art lovers and architecture buffs.
- Book your entrance ticket ahead of time to skip the line at the ticket office and spend more time enjoying the collection.
- Most of the museum spaces are wheelchair-accessible, and wheelchairs are available to rent from the cloakroom.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on both floors of the museum.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to the hilltop museum. Ride the funicular from Parallel metro station, or take the Barcelona metro to Plaça Espanya (Line 1 or 3) and walk up the hill to the museum entrance. The Barcelona hop-on hop-off bus stops at the museum as well.
When to Get There
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday year-round, though hours vary from season to season. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, when the museum can get rather crowded. Plan to visit first thing in the morning on a weekday for the best experience.
Famous Landmarks in La Ribera
The extensive museum collection can be overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to pick out a few highlights you’d like to see before you arrive. Visitor favorites often include the collection of Modernista design pieces by Antoni Gaudí, Zurbarán’s Immaculate Conception, and works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Rubens.
Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuc, Barcelona 08038, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Mosaiccos
Many come to Barcelona to see the structures of the city designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudi, with his distinct vision and trademark use of intricate mosaics (called trencadis.) Not many get to learn about the process and create their own mosaics, which is where the Mosaiccos workshop comes in. With classes and activities suited for all ages, participants learn the technique, choose their design, and then craft a unique handmade souvenir. The most popular workshop is called the “Gaudi Experience,” which allows visitors to not only see but create the art itself.
There is also a shop on site with unique gifts all crafted in this broken tile and glass style. Culturally decorative mosaics have been a tradition for more than 1,000 years. It’s a hands-on way to experience the distinctive design and style that has shaped the city of Barcelona.
Practical Info
Mosaiccos is located in the historic El Born district of Barcelona on Carrer de Corders 11. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. Call ahead to reserve a spot in one of their workshops.
Address: Carrer de Corders 11, Barcelona, Spain
Admission: Varies by workshop
From $ 52