Choose from 116 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
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CaixaForum Barcelona
The sister museum to Madrid’s popular CaixaForum cultural center, CaixaForum Barcelona showcases a permanent collection of more than 800 thematically displayed works. This museum houses one of the biggest modern art collections in Spain, including pieces by Salvador Dalí, William Turner, William Hogarth, Joseph Beuys, and Sol Lewitt.
The Basics
CaixaForum is a hidden gem in Barcelona, often overlooked but worth the visit for modern art lovers. Museum visitors can purchase a single admission ticket or opt for a multi-attraction pass, which includes admission and skip-the-line access to CaixaForum, as well as other attractions like the Picasso Museum, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, and the Joan Miró Foundation. CaixaForum is a stop on the Red Route of the Barcelona hop-on hop-off bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The gallery is a must-visit for art lovers and those looking to get off the beaten track.
- Book your admission online ahead of time to skip the ticket line.
- CaixaForum and all its facilities are wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
CaixaForum is well-connected by public transportation. The easiest way to get there is to take the metro to Espanya (Line 1 or 3). If you’re in the Plaça de Espanya or Montjüic neighborhoods, you’re within walking distance of the art gallery.
When to Get There
CaixaForum is open daily throughout the year, with extended hours on Wednesday during July and August. The air-conditioned museum is a good place to escape the heat on a hot summer afternoon.
Modernisme Architecture
The CaixaForum building itself is as impressive as the collection within it. The former clothing factory designed by Puig I Cadafalch in 1910 stands opposite the stylish Mies van der Rohe pavilion. Resembling a modernist castle with its intricate crenellated brickwork, the dramatic building now features a striking metal and glass canopy frontage designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki.
Address: Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guardia, 6-8, Barcelona 08038, Spain
From $ 35
El Raval
Lying just to the west of Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas Boulevard, and home of the gleaming Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), the Raval is a once-tatty ‘barrio’ (district) that is rapidly cleaning itself up. Historically working class, today new boutiques, art galleries, bars and restaurants are springing up in this inner-city neighborhood at a rate of knots but neglected corners still retain an earthy air and a multicultural blend of Catalan, Arabic, Romanian, Indian and Indonesian cultures. Besides MACBA, the narrow alleys of El Raval are home to the ornate Gran Teatre del Liceu – one of Europe’s foremost opera houses and adorned with Japanese-style decoration – which opened in 1847, Antoni Gaudí’s twisting, fluid Palau Güell and the Romanesque beauty of ninth-century Sant Pau del Camp, the oldest church in the city. Contemporary additions to the Raval include the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB), which sits adjacent to MACBA and is an innovative exhibition space fashioned from a 19th-century poorhouse; close by is the smooth concrete façade of the Filmoteca de Catalunya, where art house movies are shown. The district is also site of Barcelona’s magical food market, La Boqueria, which has its main entrance on Las Ramblas.
Practical Info
El Raval is in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella (Old City) and there are certain streets in the district that are still unsafe at night. Take the Metro to Liceu.
Address: Barcelona, Catalunya 08001, Spain
From $ 9
França Railway Station (Estació de Franca)
Though Barcelona’s Sants Station gets the most train and foot traffic, the city’s França Railway Station wins when it comes to overall style. Considered by many to be the most beautiful station in town, it’s a sumptuous mix of architectural styles, featuring shiny marble floors, Art Deco detailing, and sunshine-lit, domed platforms.
The station dates back to the International Exhibition in 1929, and was later renovated for the 1992 Olympics. Once serving as the terminus for trains coming from and going to other places in Europe — namely, France — it’s now a hub for local trains (with international trains now traveling in and out of Sants).
Practical Info
Close to many of the city’s top sights, the França Railway Station is easily reachable by foot from most places in the tourist center. While there are no metro lines that connect directly to the station, it is just a short walk away from the Barceloneta stop. Additionally, many bus lines pass through here, including the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which stops at Parc de la Ciutadella-Zoo.
Address: Avenida Marqués de L'Argentera , s/n, Barcelona, Catalonia 08003, Spain
Hours: 5 a.m.-12 a.m.
From $ 52
Camp Nou
Football fans won’t want to miss Camp Nou Stadium, home turf for Lionel Messi and Football Club Barcelona. It’s also the largest stadium in Europe, with 99,354 seats. Inaugurated in 1957, the famous venue has hosted a number of key international games over the years, including the FIFA World Cup, European Champions Cup, and two UEFA Champions League Finals.
The Basics
There’s no better time to experience the atmosphere of the grand stadium than on a match day. If you’ve got tickets for a home game, you’ll see Barcelona’s enthusiastic football fans at their most animated. For the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience, opt for the Camp Nou Experience, which tours the 592,015-square-foot (55,000-square-meter) FC Barcelona stadium. Stops on the tour may include the players’ tunnel, the legendary field, the chapel, TV room, press room, and the sports medicine center, plus the team locker rooms and the luxury Presidential Box. Wrap up your visit with a stroll through club history at the Barça Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The stadium is a must-see for sports fanatics.
- Visit on game day, or go behind the scenes on a stadium tour.
- Stadium tours generally last between 90 minutes and three hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Don’t forget your camera; the stadium is loaded with photo ops.
- Audio guides are available for Camp Nou tours.
How to Get There
The Camp Nou is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the metro to Palau Reial or Les Corts stations (Line 3) or to Collblanc or Badal stations (Line 5) and make the short walk to the stadium. The stadium is also a stop on the west route of the double-decker hop-on hop-off bus.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the Camp Nou depends on the experience you want to have. Nothing beats the excitement of game day (the season runs from late August to May), but if you’re interested in touring the stadium and seeing the museum, you’ll have to visit on a day the team isn’t playing at home.
The FC Barcelona Megastore
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a Barcelona fan back home or simply want to look the part while attending a match, the FC Barcelona Megastore outside the stadium has just about everything you could want, from official team jerseys and T-shirts to key chains, scarves, pint glasses, and bumper stickers.
Address: Carrer d'Aristides Maillol, Barcelona 08028, Spain
Hours: Open daily, hours vary. Closed 1 Jan and 25 Dec.
Admission: Tours: €25
From $ 12
El Born Centre Cultural
Built as a neighborhood indoor market in 1876, this iron and glass structure was repurposed as the El Born Centre Cultural to showcase archeological remains of Ciutat del Born that were buried after the siege of 1714. The center also hosts art exhibits and cultural events commemorating local and national history.
The Basics
This free attraction ranks among the most important architectural landmarks in El Born, but it’s often overlooked by visitors. Raised walkways within the center let guests walk above the excavations, and informational signage in English offers insight into the displays. The center is also home to an excellent bookstore and Catalonian tapas restaurant. Those with an interest in architecture can explore the cultural center, along with other distinctive sights, on an architectural walking tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- El Born Centre Cultural is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs, as well as budget travelers.
- The space itself is free to enter, but some special exhibitions charge a separate admission fee.
- The cultural center is wheelchair accessible, though the archeological site itself is not.
How to Get There
El Born Centre Cultural is located in La Ribera within easy walking distance of almost anywhere in the Old City. To get there via public transportation, take the Barcelona Metro (Line 4) to Barceloneta Station.
When to Get There
The cultural center is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm. The center makes a pleasant escape from the summer afternoon heat. Check the calendar of events before you visit to see what special programming might be scheduled.
Architecture of El Born Market
When El Born Market was built in 1876, it was the first example of cast-iron architecture in the city. Designed in 1871 by Catalan architect Josep Fontserè, the building was part of a larger civic project to renovate Barcelona’s markets. Other cast-iron markets followed, most notably St. Antoni in 1882 and Barceloneta in 1884.
Address: Plaça Comercial, 12, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 6
Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB)
The Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB) will give you goodreason to head into the gritty streets of the El Raval neighborhood, just west of the tourist-filled Las Ramblas. Partially located in a 19th-century almshouse, the urban culture center is a hub for discovery, debate and reflection.
The multidisciplinary institution is noted for its impressive offering of everything from debates, concerts, readings, festivals and exhibitions. Indeed, it’s those conversation-worthy rotating exhibitions that will draw the everyday visitor, so be sure to check the center’s schedule in advance to see what might be of interest to you. And, since the CCCB sits in the El Raval neighborhood, you have all the more reason to wander this often-unexplored part of Barcelona.
Practical Info
The CCCB is free on Sundays after 3 p.m. While in the area, you may also wish to visit the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), which is located just around the corner (MACBA is closed on Tuesdays). Note that El Raval, while a very intriguing neighborhood, can be a little rough around the edges at times, so take extra care to watch your belongings and to be aware of your surroundings.
Address: Calle Montalegre, 5, Barcelona, Catalonia 08001, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday and bank holidays: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Closed on
non-holiday Mondays.
Admission: General: €6; combined (to two exhibitions): €8
From $ 35
Cathedral of Barcelona
Standing tall over a medieval square in the center of the Gothic Quarter, the Barcelona Cathedral (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia) is the seat of the Archbishop of Spain and a major landmark of the city. The cathedral is known for its 14th-century cloister full of palm trees and a Gothic portico where 13 geese wander.
The Basics
A major landmark in Barcelona, the cathedral is featured on nearly every sightseeing excursion, from bicycle tours to tapas crawls. Worshipers can enter for free, while there’s a donation requested for cultural visits, as well as for access to the choir and rooftop terraces, which offer one of the best views over medieval Barcelona. Don’t miss a trip down to the crypt to see the tomb of Santa Eulalia and the reliefs depicting her martyrdom.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Cathedral of Barcelona is a must-visit for history buffs, spiritual travelers, and first-time visitors.
- Remember to dress respectfully by wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and extend to your knees or lower ; the cathedral is an active place of worship.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible; there’s an accessible entrance at the cloister on Carrer del Bisbe.
How to Get There
The Barcelona Cathedral is centrally located and easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the Old City. From other areas of the city, take the metro to Liceu (Green Line) or Jaume I (Yellow Line), or ride the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to Catedral-Gotic station.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily throughout the week for worship during the morning and evening hours, and for cultural visits during the afternoon. Plan to visit on a weekday during the shoulder season (October to April) to enjoy the cathedral with smaller crowds.
The Geese of Saint Eulalia
The palm-filled cloister of the Cathedral of Barcelona is home to 13 special residents, a flock of geese that have been enjoying the garden and fountains since medieval days. The number of geese is believed to represent the age of Eulalia, the city’s patron saint, at the time she was martyred.
Address: Spain
From $ 14
Els Quatre Gats
Tucked down a side street in Barcelona’s Barrio Gotico (Gothic District), Els Quatre Gats (meaning ‘The Four Cats’, or ‘a few people’ in Catalan slang) is one of the city’s most famous bar-restaurants and a memorable location to sample some delicious traditional Catalan cuisine. The Parisian-style tavern was the brainchild of local businessman Pere Romeu, taking its inspiration from Paris’ atmospheric cabaret bar, Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat), and creating a bohemian ambiance that immediately resonated with the city’s artists and writers. Opening its doors in 1897, Els Quatre Gats quickly amassed a number of legendary patrons, becoming the favorite haunt of Picasso, who held his first 2 exhibitions in the main dining room, and a popular meeting point for revered architect Gaudi.
Although Els Quatre Gats closed for much of the mid 20th-century, the iconic bistro was restored and reopened in the 1970s to charm a new generation of locals and tourists. Today, the restaurant’s artistic prowess remains intact and the paintings by Picasso, Russinol, Casas and Monell still remind customers of the greats that once dined within its walls. Antique wooden furnishings, marble columns and traditional ceramic floors keep the timeless feel of Els Quatre Gats alive, and the atmospheric dining area seats up to 120 people beneath glittering crystal chandeliers.
Although Els Quatre Gats closed for much of the mid 20th-century, the iconic bistro was restored and reopened in the 1970s to charm a new generation of locals and tourists. Today, the restaurant’s artistic prowess remains intact and the paintings by Picasso, Russinol, Casas and Monell still remind customers of the greats that once dined within its walls. Antique wooden furnishings, marble columns and traditional ceramic floors keep the timeless feel of Els Quatre Gats alive, and the atmospheric dining area seats up to 120 people beneath glittering crystal chandeliers.
Address: Carrer de Montsió 3, Barcelona 08002, Spain
From $ 16
Gothic Quarter
Barcelona's Gothic Quarter (Barri Gótic) dates back to the Middle Ages, and the neighborhood’s age is evident in its narrow winding roads, shady plazas, and beautiful architecture (including three major cathedrals). Passersby find gems tucked away in the nooks and crannies off the narrow streets—think trendy restaurants, chic bars, and boutique shops. The area's proximity to the La Rambla pedestrian mall also contributes to its popularity among the young, nightlife-loving crowd.
The Basics
Few come to Barcelona without spending time in the Gothic Quarter. Situated between El Born and El Raval, the neighborhood is home to the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Sant Jaume, Plaça Reial, and the city's most intact stretch of Roman wall. Its winding streets make it an easy and pleasant place to get lost for an afternoon, but seeing it with a guide will unlock the area's historic and cultural significance. Most walking, cycling, and Segway tours spend time in the Gothic Quarter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many travelers opt to get oriented with a guided tour before wandering the Gothic Quarter on your own.
- This neighborhood is a must-see for first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. The Gothic Quarter is expansive and the pavement not always even.
- Some of the shops and restaurants in the neighborhood close on Sundays.
How to Get to the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter sits in the middle of Barcelona's Old Town, with La Rambla to one side and Via Laietana to the other. The quarter itself is easy to navigate on foot, as most streets are closed to traffic, and it's accessible from other areas of the city via the metro (Liceu, Jaume I, or Plaça Catalunya stations).
When to Get There
The narrow streets can get packed with people in July and August, peak tourist season in Barcelona. Late summer is also the hottest time of year, with temperatures rising into the high 80s and low 90s F. In spring and fall, cool temperatures and sparser crowds make for pleasant exploration, while visitors who come during the holiday season can see the neighborhood lit up in colorful lights or shop at the Christmas market in front of the Barcelona Cathedral.
The Gothic Quarter and the Spanish Civil War
This neighborhood witnessed some of the most significant moments of the Spanish Civil War in Barcelona. In the now serene Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, shrapnel-scarred walls testify to the bombs dropped in January 1938. The Hotel Continental, situated along La Rambla, was where George Orwell and his wife stayed during the war; he mentions it in his book "Homage to Catalonia."
Address: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Admission: Free
From $ 10
Castellfollit de la Roca
With its jumble of stone-brick houses clinging to the edge of a soaring basalt cliff and a backdrop of forested mountains, the tiny town of Castellfollit de la Roca offers some striking photo opportunities. From afar, this is one of Catalonia’s most unmistakable postcard images, but looking out from the 50-meter-high clifftop provides an equally mesmerizing view, spanning the lush valleys of the Fluvia and Toronell rivers.
Despite its magnificent location, Castellfollit de la Roca has little more than 1,000 inhabitants, making it one of Catalonia’s smallest towns and the smallest in Girona. Visitors, however, are plentiful and the narrow streets, medieval squares and 13th-century church of St. Salvador offer a fascinating glimpse into a time long gone.
Practical Info
Castellfollit de la Roca is located around 50km northwest of Girona in Catalonia.
Address: Castellfollit de la Roca, Catalonia, Spain, Spain
From $ 116
Diagonal Mar
Barcelona visitors keen to have a shopping experience beyond the hustle and bustle of Passeig de Gracia or the tourist shops of Las Ramblas will find just what they’re looking for at Diagonal Mar. This shopping center, located north of the city’s tourist center, offers 150 different stores, including a range of Spanish and international brands.
The mall also has loads of other mall amenities, from an upper-level food court to kid play area, and even free WiFi. You can also to there for entertainment, too, by catching a flick at Diagonal Mar’s movie theater (which features movies in original, English-language version). The center’s location also provides a good excuse for you to explore this less-touristy part of town by taking a short walk to the nearby beach, or even by heading southwest along the coastline, toward the city, to explore Barcelona’s industrial-meets-innovation Poblenou neighborhood.
Practical Info
Diagonal Mar is well connected to a variety of public transportation, including both the bus and the Metro, and also offers underground parking. It is also reachable via the hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Address: Avenida Diagonal 3, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 08019, Spain
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. Note that restaurants and entertainment (such as the theater) have different hours
From $ 110
Cardona Castle
Cardona Castle sits proudly on a hilltop opposite the mines of Salt Mountain. The stone fortress was built in Gothic and Romanesque style in AD 886, and is perhaps the most iconic medieval structure in Catalonia. Inside this symbol of Catalonian identity stands the stone St. Vicenç Church, which dates back to the 11th century.
The Basics
Cardona Castle played a key role in the War of Spanish Succession; it was one of the last points of resistance before the siege of Barcelona in 1714. Day trips to the medieval town of Cardona from Barcelona usually include a tour of the castle and the historic city center. Castle tours can be combined with a visit to the mines of Salt Mountain Cultural Park, or with a stop at the picturesque Montserrat Monastery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cardona Castle is a must-visit for history buffs and families traveling with children.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Tours of the castle last about 90 minutes.
- The castle is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Cardona is located about 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Barcelona via the C-55 and C-16. If you’re not driving or joining a guided tour, take one of four daily buses from Barcelona to Manresa, then change buses for Cardona.
When to Get There
Guided tours of the castle are only available on Saturday and Sunday, or by reservation during the rest of the week. Visitors who come independently should know that tours led by castle staff are only available in Spanish and Catalan. Book a guided tour from Barcelona that offers commentary in English.
The Tragic Tale of the Torre de la Minyona
This castle tower is one of the few structures remaining from the ninth century, and it played host to one of the castle’s great tragedies. During the 11th century, a Moorish jailer fell in love with Adalés, daughter of the viscount of Cardona. When the girl’s family found out about the relationship, they imprisoned her within the tower with a mute servant as her only contact until she died not long after.
Address: Cardona, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 110
El Born
A small corner of Barcelona's Cuitat Vella, or Old City, El Born lies just south of La Ribera, close to the city’s coastal ports. With its narrow streets and historic squares teeming with cafés, El Born is full of character and a perfect place to escape the bustle of the city’s more touristy areas.
The tree-lined Passeig del Born is at the heart of the district, casting off its origins as a medieval jousting arena in favor of a modern shopping and nightlife hub, presided over by the imposing façade of the gothic St Mary of the Sea Cathedral. A cosmopolitan blend of locals and tourists fill the square’s many tapas restaurants, cocktail lounges and chic wine bars during the evening hours, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day’s sightseeing or catch up with friends in some of the city’s most fashionable haunts.
El Born also houses some of the city’s key attractions, most significantly the Parc de la Ciutadella, or Ciutadella Park, a 74-acre park centered around the striking Catalan Parliament building and fronted by the impressive Arc de Triomf. Barcelona Zoo is also part of the park, home to around 7,500 animals including dolphins, orangutans and snow leopards. The streets also harbor a collection of fascinating museums including the Picasso museum, devoted to the iconic Spanish artist; the Textile Museum, which pays tribute to the area’s humble beginnings as a textile manufacturing site; the unique Mammoth museum; and a Chocolate Museum.
The tree-lined Passeig del Born is at the heart of the district, casting off its origins as a medieval jousting arena in favor of a modern shopping and nightlife hub, presided over by the imposing façade of the gothic St Mary of the Sea Cathedral. A cosmopolitan blend of locals and tourists fill the square’s many tapas restaurants, cocktail lounges and chic wine bars during the evening hours, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day’s sightseeing or catch up with friends in some of the city’s most fashionable haunts.
El Born also houses some of the city’s key attractions, most significantly the Parc de la Ciutadella, or Ciutadella Park, a 74-acre park centered around the striking Catalan Parliament building and fronted by the impressive Arc de Triomf. Barcelona Zoo is also part of the park, home to around 7,500 animals including dolphins, orangutans and snow leopards. The streets also harbor a collection of fascinating museums including the Picasso museum, devoted to the iconic Spanish artist; the Textile Museum, which pays tribute to the area’s humble beginnings as a textile manufacturing site; the unique Mammoth museum; and a Chocolate Museum.
Address: Spain
From $ 6
Cau Ferrat Museum (Museu Cau Ferrat)
Don’t be fooled — the beach isn’t the only reason to make it to Sitges; in fact, it might not even be the top one. A visit to the city’s Cau Ferrat Museum will quickly prove this is to be the case given its eclectic collection of art, odds and ends that will keep your eyes dazzled for days.
Relatively small in size, the museum’s venue was originally founded in 1893 (later opened to the public in 1933) by Santiago Rusiñol as a fisherman home-turned-home workshop. What awaits visitors now is a veritable temple of Modernisme times, which includes a seemingly never-ending collection of items ranging from ceramics to medieval doorknobs and keys, colorful tile work, artwork by Rusiñol’s contemporaries (such as Picasso), and what is said to be the world’s largest collection of wrought iron — among a lot more. Between the items on display, the historic home, and the unbeatable views of the sea, you’ll be glad you found your way to this impressive treasure in Sitges.
Practical Info
The museum is located in old town, just steps away from the Church of Sant Bartomeu and Santa Tecla. The entrance ticket includes admission to the neighboring Maricel 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, Barcelona 08870, Spain
Hours: March 1st-June 30th and Oct 1st-31st: Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 1st-Sept 30th: Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov 1st-Feb 28th: Tues-Sun, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mondays year round.
Admission: General: €10; reduced: €7
From $ 98
El Tablao de Carmen
El Tablao de Carmen is a top-rated flamenco show that plays tribute to one of the world’s greatest flamenco dancers, Carmen Alaya. She once performed at this very site for King Alfonso XIII of Spain during the opening of the Poble Espanyol for the 1929 Universal Exposition. Known for her skill, passion, technique, and fiery personality, Carmen Amaya was widely adored for her dancing. Born in Barcelona, she danced internationally including across Europe, South America, and Central America before returning to the stage at home.
Visitors now can experience the allure of an authentic flamenco show in an intimate venue. Often the show of live music and 10-12 different professional dancers includes tapas, drinks, and/or dinner. In the spirit of true flamenco, no choreography or rehearsal is done — everything is wild and improvised.
Practical Info
El Tablao de Carmen is located in the Andalusian section of the Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc. It is open nightly Tuesday to Sunday from 6:15 to 10:30 pm, with shows both at 7 and 9:30 pm. Shows last for approximately one hour, and booking ahead in recommended. A visit to the Spanish architecture of Poble Espanyol earlier in the afternoon is included in the price of a ticket. Placa Espanya is the closest metro stop.
Address: Avda. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13, Barcelona 08038, Spain
Hours: Tue-Sun 6:15pm-10:30pm
Admission: Prices Vary
From $ 50
El Poblenou
In the northeastern suburbs of Barcelona, El Poblenou (‘new village’ in Catalan) is sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Avinguda Diagonal, which slices through the modern heart of the city. As one of Barcelona’s former working-class districts, Poblenou had a somewhat neglected feel prior to the 1992 Olympic Games, which saw vast swathes of the city scrubbed clean and regenerated. It was given a thorough facelift and today the chimneys of the former textile works stand side by side with warehouses converted into gentrified loft apartments. Along with the advent of the gleaming Torre Agbar – brightly illuminated at night – and other sleek modern skyscrapers, Poblenou has gained a reputation for being the home of technical innovation and sparkling creativity, evidenced in the galleries and hi-tech businesses opening up in its busy streets; a new addition to its cultural repertoire is the Palo Alto Market, held every first weekend of the month in a former factory and showcasing funky crafts and designs. The barrio’s main, tree-lined artery of Rambla de Poblenou is lined with tapas bars and boutiques and leads down to a seafront peppered with sandy beaches.
Practical Info
El Poblenou is just north of the center of Barcelona. Access is by Metro to Selva de Mar.
Address: Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
From $ 28
Catalunya Square
Strategically located at the meeting point of La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, two of Barcelona’s busiest boulevards, Catalunya Square (Plaça de Catalunya) makes a strategic starting point for walking tours of the city. More than just a navigational landmark, Catalunya Square is also the symbolic heart of Barcelona and the large, tree-lined plaza is abuzz with activity both day and night.
As well as being surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars, including the iconic Cafe Zurich and the Hard Rock Café, Catalunya Square is also home to large department stores like El Corte Inglés, FNAC and Habitat, a pair of dramatically illuminated fountains and a number of monumental sculptures, including the white marble La Deessa by Josep Clara and Josep Subirachs’s Monument of Francesc Macià.
Practical Info
Catalunya Square is located at the center of downtown Barcelona, with La Rambla to the south and Passeig de Gràcia to the north.
Address: Between La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona 08206, Spain
From $ 28
Arc de Triomf
With its signature red and white brickwork, the Arc de Triomf of Barcelona stands tall in the center of a wide boulevard as a unique piece of architecture in a creative city. Designed by Catalan architect Josep Vilaseca, it was originally meant for an exhibition entrance to the 1888 Universal Exposition, which took place at the nearby Parc de la Ciutadella. It was created with Islamic style influences in the Neo-Mudéjar style, which originated in 12th-century Iberia, and now stands in tribute as a memorial.
Various friezes in stone and tile along the sides of the arch represent advancements in technology, the arts, and agriculture. At the top of the arch are the coats of arms for 49 provinces of Spain, overseen by the coat of arms for Barcelona. Another relief is a symbol meaning "Barcelona welcomes the nations." It now marks the passage of a promenade which is pleasant for long walks. Classical in shape, it now stands as a landmark for the city of Barcelona.
Practical Info
Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf lies just north of the Parc de la Ciutadella on Passeig de Lluís Companys. The nearest Metro stop is Arc de Triomf.
Address: Passeig Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 12
European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM)
Discover an unexpectedly delightful corner of Barcelona, and at the same time a world of figurative art, by visiting the European Museum of Modern Art. Located in the Born neighborhood, and just steps away from the Picasso Museum, this isn’t your average modern art museum, featuring only on the finest of contemporary figurative art from the 20th to 21st centuries.
The MEAM’s art collection focuses less on the abstract and instead on other curious pieces such as sculptures, photorealistic paintings, and more. Many of these works have been created by living artists, to which the museum extends support. MEAM’s venue is a delight, too, as it is housed in the Gomis Palace, a neoclassical building erected in 1790. Expect your relatively quick visit there to both rewarding and relaxing thanks to the intriguing artwork and the music-filled and crowd-free galleries.
Practical Info
Note that the museum closes on Mondays. Additionally, it hosts concerts on Fridays and Saturdays. You may wish to check their website for upcoming events and exhibitions.
Address: Carrer de la Barra de Ferro, 5, Barcelona, Catalonia 08003, Spain
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Admission: General: €9; reduced: €7; children under 10: free
From $ 10
Egyptian Museum (Museu Egipci)
Though Egypt may not come to mind when you think of Barcelona, think again, as the city’s Egyptian Museum displays an impressive collection of some 1,000 ancient artifacts from the African country. The pieces once belonged to the museum’s founder, Catalan Jordi Clos, and are now on display in the intimate and relatively crowd-free galleries found just off the main drag of Passeig de Gracia.
The diverse permanent collection spans everything from ceramics to jewelry, mummies, and a host of items related to the culture and funeral practices. Meanwhile, rotating exhibitions offer other themed looks into Egypt’s distant past. Cap off your visit with a snack at the outdoor terrace and a visit the museum’s Egypt-inspired store.
Practical Info
The Egyptian Museum is situated just steps away from popular Passeig de Gracia sights such as La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, and is also close to the hop-on hop-off bus tour stop Gràcia. Note that during several off-season months the museum closes between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Address: Calle Valencia 284, Barcelona, Catalonia 08007, Spain
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; The museum closes from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on Monday-Saturday during January 7th-June 21st and September 12th-November 30th
Admission: General: €11; reduced: €8; kids aged 6-14: 5; under 5: free
From $ 13