Choose from 116 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 116 listings.
Montjuïc Castle
Looming over Barcelona city center from the 170-meter summit of Montjuïc Mountain, the forbidding Montjuïc Castle, or Castell de Montjuïc, adds a dramatic silhouette to the city skyline. Reachable via cable car from the Montjuic Funicular station, the 17th-century fortress is most popular as a lookout point and the Cami del Mar walking track affords spectacular panoramic views over the city, the distant mountains and along the Mediterranean coast.
Behind the castle’s majestic façade lies a grim and gruesome history, used mostly during the late 19th and 20th centuries to house and execute political prisoners. Anarchists, fascists and Republicans have all met their maker within these walls, most famously Lluis Companys, the President of Catalunya who was executed here by firing squad in 1940. The somber unmarked tombstones in the castle grounds offer a reminder of the castle’s sordid past, but with plans underway to transform the building, which once housed a military history, into a museum of international peace, the fortress’s future looks set to be more positive.
Be sure to take a walk around the palace gardens while you’re there, adorned with famous sculptures like Pau Gargallo’s ‘La Pomona’ and Josep Clarà’s ‘La Fertilitat’, then walk across the ancient drawbridge and climb the stone stairs to the castle’s roof top viewing terrace.
Behind the castle’s majestic façade lies a grim and gruesome history, used mostly during the late 19th and 20th centuries to house and execute political prisoners. Anarchists, fascists and Republicans have all met their maker within these walls, most famously Lluis Companys, the President of Catalunya who was executed here by firing squad in 1940. The somber unmarked tombstones in the castle grounds offer a reminder of the castle’s sordid past, but with plans underway to transform the building, which once housed a military history, into a museum of international peace, the fortress’s future looks set to be more positive.
Be sure to take a walk around the palace gardens while you’re there, adorned with famous sculptures like Pau Gargallo’s ‘La Pomona’ and Josep Clarà’s ‘La Fertilitat’, then walk across the ancient drawbridge and climb the stone stairs to the castle’s roof top viewing terrace.
Address: Carretera de Montjuic, 66, Barcelona 08038, Spain
Hours: October 1 to March 31: Every day 9am to 7pm. April 1 to September 30: Every day from 9am to 9pm.
From $ 29
Plaça del Rei
The heart of Barcelona’s Old Town, Plaça del Rei is the city’s best preserved medieval square. The 14th-century Palau Reial Major (Royal Mayor Palace), which dominates the square was home to the counts of Barcelona and the Kings of Aragon. The Plaça is now an unofficial open-air museum of fine gothic architecture.
The Basics
Any exploration of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Plaça del Rei. Historic walking tours through this atmospheric neighborhood of narrow streets almost always stop here, along with other points of interest like the Roman walls, Temple d’August, and the Palatine Chapel of Santa Agata. The plaza itself is free to enter, but some of the buildings surrounding it charge separate admissions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plaça del Rei is a must-see for history buffs, architecture aficionados, and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes when exploring the neighborhood on foot; the streets surrounding the plaza are often cobbled or uneven.
- Plaça del Rei and many of its buildings, including the Palau Reial Major, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Plaça del Rei is centrally located and easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in the Old City. To get there by public transportation, take the Barcelona metro to Jaume I station (Line 4).
When to Get There
It’s best to visit the plaza during the day when its surrounding historic structures are open to visitors. The neighborhood tends to get busy during the high season in July and August, so plan to visit during the spring or autumn shoulder seasons to enjoy the plaza and surrounding neighborhood without the crowds.
Plaça del Rei and Christopher Columbus
According to local lore, it was in this plaza in Barcelona that Christopher Columbus was received by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella when he returned from his first voyage to the New World. If the story is to be believed, Columbus greeted the Spanish royals on the steps at the corner of the square.
Address: Spain
From $ 6
Onyar River
The Onyar River will likely be your first and most lasting impression of Girona, its rainbow-colored-building-lined waters a warm welcome and unforgettable sight. Their dazzling appearance invites you to journey to the other side of the bank — the eastern side — where you’ll discover more of the city’s treasures, held within its old town.
But before you get there, you’ll likely cross one of the Onyar’s many bridges. Your eye will undoubtedly be drawn to its most peculiar and perhaps even familiar bridge, the Pont Eiffel. Indeed, this red, cage-like crossing is reminiscent of a more famous structure of the same name, the Eiffel Tower. This is, of course, because they share the same designer (the bridge was constructed in 1877, just before the tower). Once you arrive on the eastern bank, feed your river curiosity by visiting Casa Maso, the only waterside building open to the public, and once home to its namesake architect.
Practical Info
Note that if you enter the old town by crossing Plaça de Catalunya, you may walk over the Onyar without even realizing it, as the plaza literally sits atop the river. If you come this way, take advantage of your location to head to the nearby entrance to the Passeig de la Muralla – a walk on the old city walls – which is indicated by signs.
Address: Girona, Catalonia, Spain
From $ 162
Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata)
This delicious museum tells the story of chocolate across Europe, including its history, trade, manufacturing, and various uses. It traces the origins back to South America, when cacao beans were first brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadores. Since the 15th century chocolate played an important role in Barcelona’s economy, with the import and export through its port. Historically the city soldiers were even given pieces of chocolate with bread for breakfast.
It is one of the city’s smaller museums, but is in the top ten in terms of visitors. Fun chocolate experiences, from sculpting or painting with chocolate, are on display. Many of the sculptures are famous Barcelona landmarks made of chocolate. Those who visit do indeed receive a piece of chocolate upon entering, but the smell of chocolate permeates long before then. Tastings are very much part of the experience, so be sure to come hungry.
Practical Info
The Chocolate Museum is open daily at Carrer de Comerc 36, from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and from 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays, with extended hours in the summer. The closest metro stop is Arc de Triomf. Admission is 5 euro.
Address: Carrer de Comerc 36, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Vary
Admission: 5 euro
From $ 7
Port Olímpic
Facing the Olympic Village of the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, the Port Olimpic was built as a part of the redevelopment of the area in preparation for the event. With its proximity to the beach area and its iconic art and sculpture, it has become one of the most popular leisure areas in the city.
Surrounded on both sides by skyscrapers such as the prominent Torre Mapfre and the Hotel Arts, the port is a marina for over 700 boats. The view of the many yachts on the water is something to see, as is the masterful copper ‘Peix’ or fish sculpture by architect Frank Gehry. This is also the jumping off point for many sailing trips on the Mediterranean Sea.
There are dozens of dining and shopping options along the area, as well as that famous Barcelona nightlife once the sun goes down. The Barceloneta and Nova Icaria beaches can be found on either side.
Practical Info
To reach Port Olympic, take the metro (yellow line) to Ciutadella Vila Olimpica.
Address: Edificio Capitanía, s/n, Barcelona 08005, Spain
From $ 12
Monestir de Pedralbes
The oldest building in the city’s grand Pedralbes quarter, dating back to 1326, the church and monastery of Monestir de Pedralbes is now a museum and remains one of the city’s most stunning examples of religious architecture. Named for its characteristic white stones (pedres albes), the complex is acclaimed for its Catalan Gothic style, featuring a central courtyard garden, herb garden and fountain. The monastery, which once housed the nuns of the Franciscan Order of Saint Clare, was commissioned by the wife of James II of Aragon, Queen Elisenda, who famously took up residence in the monastery after her husband’s death.
Those interested in uncovering some of Barcelona’s rich religious history will find wandering the museum of the Monestir de Pedralbes an enlightening experience, devoted to showcasing the lives of the nuns who served in the building during the 14th century. The large 3-storey cloister is centered around an arcaded courtyard and the dormitories, refectory, kitchen, stables and an infirmary have been beautifully reconstructed to depict daily life within the convent. A selection of original furnishings and artwork, gold and silverware and a number of religious and personal artifacts are dotted throughout. Most exquisite is the small chapel, home to the Capella de Sant Miquel, with its 14th-century murals created by Catalan artist Ferrer Bassa, and the exceptional ornamental grave of Queen Elisenda herself.
Those interested in uncovering some of Barcelona’s rich religious history will find wandering the museum of the Monestir de Pedralbes an enlightening experience, devoted to showcasing the lives of the nuns who served in the building during the 14th century. The large 3-storey cloister is centered around an arcaded courtyard and the dormitories, refectory, kitchen, stables and an infirmary have been beautifully reconstructed to depict daily life within the convent. A selection of original furnishings and artwork, gold and silverware and a number of religious and personal artifacts are dotted throughout. Most exquisite is the small chapel, home to the Capella de Sant Miquel, with its 14th-century murals created by Catalan artist Ferrer Bassa, and the exceptional ornamental grave of Queen Elisenda herself.
Address: Baixada del Monestir, 9, Barcelona 08034, Spain
Hours: Check website for times as they change depending on the season!
Admission: Regular: 7 EUR; Reduced: 5 EUR
From $ 6
La Casa de la Seda
Dating back to the 18th century, La Casa de la Seda was once home to the guild of silk-sail-makers in Barcelona. The 300-year-old exterior reflects the elegance and social status that guilds had at the time and much of the original façade remains, rendering the home a popular stop among architecture aficionados. Visitors will encounter intricate Baroque work and a corner balcony featuring a figure of Our Lady of Angels, as well as interior rooms decorated with fine wood, silk walls and religious items, such as an ivory Christ figure and a 17th-century cabinet decorated with religious paintings.
Today, La Case de la Seda is home to the College of Mayor Art Seda de Barcelona. Guided tours take visitors through the guild hall, presidential office, meeting room and the library, which holds more than 3,000 historical documents.
Whether interested in Barcelona history or simply an admirer of beautiful homes, a visit to La Casa de la Seda is a great way to learn about the national culture of the city throughout years past.
Practical Info
Getting there
La Case de la Seda is located on the corner of Via Laietana, next to the Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona’s Ribera district. The site is accessible via metro stations Urquinaona (L1 or L4) and Jaume I (L4), as well as by bus (V15, V17 or 45). The south route of the Barcelona tourist bus also reaches the house, accessible from the Barri Gotic-Palau de la Musica Catalana stop.
Admission
Entrance to the site costs EUR 10 for adults and EUR 8 for children under 18, students, seniors and people with disabilities. It is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Opening hours
The house is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm between April 1 and October 31.
Address: Sant Pere Mes Alt, 1, Main, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–1pm (Apr 1–Oct 31)
Admission: EUR 10
From $ 8
FC Barcelona Museum
Whether you’ve managed to snag tickets for a home game or booked a behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary Camp Nou Stadium, a visit to FC Barcelona Museum is a must for football (soccer) fans. The museum sits next door to the stadium, bringing fans closer to the city’s favorite team through a series of interactive exhibits and galleries.
The Basics
One of the city’s most popular attractions, the FC Barcelona Museum draws an average of 1.2 million visitors each year. Most football fans visit the museum as part of a Camp Nou stadium tour, which grants access to the team locker rooms, presidential box, and players’ tunnel where teammates gather before games. Museum admission is also included in several multi-attraction passes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The FC Barcelona Museum is a must-visit for sports fans and families traveling with kids.
- The museum collection is wheelchair-accessible, though much of the stadium tour requires visitors to climb stairs.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera; there are plenty of photo opportunities within the museum.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the museum is to take the Barcelona Metro to Palau Reial or Les Corts (Line 3), or Collblanc or Badal (Line 5) stations. The museum can be accessed through stadium gates 9, 15, and 18.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily year-round but closes three hours before kickoff on match days. Stadium tours are not available when Barcelona is playing at home, so be sure to check the calendar before your visit.
Barça Virtual Experience
Fans of FC Barcelona who can’t make it to a match can still experience the thrill of the crowd thanks to the Barça Virtual Experience. This 360-degree virtual-reality event lets fans tour the stadium, get close to the players, and feel the thunder of 100,000 fans celebrating a goal, all without leaving the museum. The VR experience is available in English, Spanish, and Catalan.
Address: Carrer d'Aristides Maillol, Barcelona 08028, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 33
Plaça Sant Felip Neri
It might seem next to impossible to find a quiet getaway in the big Barcelona city, but Plaça Sant Felip Neri offers you just the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle. This seemingly hidden square, with its trickling fountain and shade-offering trees, is located in Barcelona’s Gothic quarter and is enclosed by old-world buildings.
It’s more than just a tranquil respite, though, but also an important, albeit tragic part of Barcelona history. Indeed, this is where you’ll find the square’s namesake church, which was bombed during the Spanish Civil War in 1938, killing many people, most of whom were children. The church’s heavily bomb-pocked walls serve as a still-visible reminder of this sad event. Come here to contemplate the square’s somber past while you savor a moment of quiet and calm.
Practical Info
The almost completely wall-surrounded space is accessed via the tiny Carrer de Sant Felip Neri and the arched entrance of Carrer de Montjuic del Bisbe. Given that the square can be hard to find, and its proximity to other Gothic quarter destinations, you may wish to visit it and the neighborhood on a guided tour.
Address: Plaça Sant Felip Neri, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
From $ 41
La Monumental Bullring
Barcelona’s main bullring was built with a flamboyant neo-Mudéjar and Byzantine façade, and embellished with Iberian blue-and-white tiles. The bullring was the largest in Barcelona and could seat 20,000, plus another 5,000 standing. After bullfighting was banned in 2012, the ring was repurposed as a museum and concert venue.
The Basics
Although bullfighting is now illegal in Catalonia, La Monumental Bullring has retained much of its original character. The small Museu Taurí (Bullfighting Museum) recounts the history of bullfighting in Catalonia with displays of branding irons, classic posters, and resplendent sequined matador outfits. One weekend each month, the bullring hosts a music and street food festival, complete with food trucks, local vendors, and activities for kids. Many bike tours of Barcelona pedal past the bullring.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Monumental is a must-see for architecture buffs and anyone interested in the history of Spanish bullfighting.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection, especially if you’re attending an event on the bullring floor.
- Be sure to stop and appreciate the ornate façade of the building, even if the museum is closed.
How to Get There
La Monumental is located on Gran Via, not far from La Sagrada Familia cathedral in the Eixample neighborhood. To reach the bullring on public transportation, take the Barcelona metro to Monumental Station (Line 2).
When to Get There
The museum is open daily year-round, but to really experience the grandeur of the bullring, plan to visit during an event or concert that lets you get out on the floor with the grandstands rising up around you.
Barcelona’s Other Bullring
La Monumental was the city’s main bullfighting venue, but it wasn’t the only one. The second, the Plaça Espanya bullring, was repurposed as a modern shopping mall after bullfighting fell out of favor in Catalonia. Today, Las Arenas mall is home to international brand shops, restaurants, and a rooftop observation deck with a stellar view of Montjüic and its colorful Magic Fountain.
Address: Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, 749, Barcelona, Spain
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria, Barcelona’s busiest market and arguably one of Europe’s most popular, is a vibrant hub of Catalan culture. The market dates back to the 13th century, but today’s version is held in the Mercat de Sant Josep market hall, a Modernist iron and glass canopy built in 1914 along La Rambla. Piles of fresh fruits and vegetables, pails of glistening olives, and huge slabs of cheese and foie gras line the stalls, alongside an array of local seafood and varying cuts of meat—including the odd pig head.
The Basics
Whether you’re sourcing ingredients for the perfect paella or just soaking up the unique atmosphere, few experiences are as quintessentially Barcelonian as shopping in the city’s liveliest market. La Boqueria’s variety and lively atmosphere can be overwhelming, so consider a guided walking tour, which helps you navigate the crowded lanes and learn about the unique ingredients that form Catalan cuisine. To complete the foodie experience, combine a market trip with a tapas tasting or food tour of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Boqueria is a must for foodies.
- Most of the fresh fruits and ready-to-eat products (jamon, empanadas, candy, etc.) are in the stalls toward the front of the market; vegetables, meats, and fish are toward the back.
- Come hungry, and stop for a meal at one of several tapas bars.
- Many stalls have a minimum spending requirement for credit cards, so remember to bring some cash.
- Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a bit wet.
- Don’t forget your camera: The market stalls rank among Barcelona’s most colorful sights.
How to Get There
La Boqueria is situated along La Rambla between the Raval and the Gothic Quarter. It’s easily accessible on foot from just about anywhere in the old city, or by riding the Green Line to the Liceu metro station.
When to Get There
La Boqueria is open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8:30pm. Some of the tapas bars and fish vendors are also closed on Mondays. To avoid the crowds, go early in the day; the market is a popular lunch spot thanks to its excellent Catalan food, so expect to be elbow-to-elbow during a midday visit. In August, many Catalans go on vacation, and La Boqueria remains closed throughout the month.
Best Buys at La Boqueria
The food stalls under La Boqueria’s roof sell a staggering variety of products, some of which are of more interest to travelers than others. The fresh seafood and cow parts are fun to look at, but if you plan to buy, opt for fresh fruits and fruit juices, thin-sliced Iberico ham, dry-cured sausage, or a bag of nuts and chocolates to enjoy later. Hungry visitors can purchase and eat raw oysters on the spot or sample traditional dishes from Catalonia—fried eggs with baby squid, razor clams with white wine, or fried artichokes with romesco sauce are traditional favorites.
Address: Rambla, 91, Barcelona 08002, Spain
Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00 am to 8:30 pm. Sunday Closed
From $ 6
History Museum of Catalonia (Museu d'Historia de Catalunya)
As the capital of Catalunya, Barcelona is the center of the region’s history; and there is no better place to take it all in than the History Museum of Catalonia. Catalonia has long struggled with preserving its culture and independence, and this museum seeks to raise awareness about the heritage and identity of the Catalan people.
In-depth interactive exhibits focus on the development of Catalonia from prehistory through the growth of various industries to present day. The exhibits focused on the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s rule are particularly well done. The museum explains the occupation of the region throughout the years by the Romans, the Moors, and others — each leaving their own mark on the culture. In addition to the permanent collection, there are consistently good temporary exhibitions as well as a library, restaurant, and open-air rooftop. The museum is housed in the Palau de Mar, which has a history and significance of its own.
Practical Info
The museum is located at Port Vell in Barcelona at Moll de la Barceloneta. It is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, but is closed on Mondays. Entry is 4.50 euros and the closest metro stop is Barceloneta.
Address: Palau de Mar, Plaça de Pau Vila, 3, Barcelona 08003, Spain
Admission: 4.50 euros
From $ 8
La Roca Village
Bargain-hunters and brand-name lovers have one more destination they should add to their list of must-dos while in Barcelona: La Roca Village. Situated just over 30 minutes northeast of the coastal metropolis, and on the way to Costa Brava, the village-like shopping center is home to more than 130 boutiques, offering deals of up to 60% off retail price.
What you’ll find there is an open-air town of sorts packed with shops by high-end international brand names, and that sell products ranging from clothes to furnishings and other goods. La Roca also has a selection of quality restaurants and cafes to keep you fueled during your shopping excursion. To maximize your visit, note that there are a few stores located just outside the village as well.
Practical Info
La Roca Village can be easily reached from Barcelona by car, via the shopping center’s own Shopping Express shuttle, or by public bus (though a one-way journey will take considerably longer — roughly an hour and half versus just 30 minutes).
Address: Santa Agnès de Malanyanes (La Roca del Vallès), Barcelona, Catalonia 08430, Spain
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., with special hours during the holidays. Note that it closes a handful of days throughout the year, so be sure to consult the website before your visit.
From $ 23
Plaça Sant Jaume
As the site of the former Roman Forum, Plaça Sant Jaume used to be the center of the old Roman city of Barcino. Originally quite a bit smaller, the large square, which is situated in the Gothic quarter, was partially filled by its namesake church along with its cemetery and other buildings. These days, however, the expansive, cobbled plaza is known as the political center of the city.
Indeed, on one side you’ll set your eyes on the headquarters of local government, City Hall, which features a grand façade that dates back to the late 1800s, and whose interior can be visited once a week on Sundays. Opposite City Hall is the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya, the seat of the Catalan government, and from where 100 presidents have governed. It too is open for visits, but only guided ones, which take place the second and fourth weekend of every month.
Practical Info
Plaça Sant Jaume is an easy-to-visit stop, as it is located in one of the tourist center’s most popular destinations, the Gothic quarter. While here, take note that there is a tourism office located on the ground floor of City Hall.
Address: Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
From $ 24
Otto Zutz
Barcelona’s nightlife is well known throughout Europe and across the world, and Otto Zutz is a cornerstone of its club scene. Housed in a former textile factory, its dance floors and multiple bars are spread out over three levels and can hold more than 1,000 people.
The interior is well designed and contemporary, yet maintains an industrial feel. Each level is themed with different music and often features some of Europe’s best DJs, allowing for variety throughout the night. R&B, funk, and hip hop are most frequently played.
As a sophisticated venue, Otto Zutz tends to draw a well-dressed crowd. It is popular with locals and visitors alike and is regarded to be one of the best nightclubs in the city. Long lines are common on most nights, so it’s best to arrive early or find a way to get on the list to avoid waiting for entry.
Practical Info
Much to the surprise of first time visitors to Spain, nightlife often doesn’t begin before midnight (and often continues until the metro reopens the next morning.) Otto Zutz is open from 12-5am. It’s located in the Sant Gervasi neighbourhood of Gracia, a more residential area of the city. The nearest metro stop is Fontana (Green L3 line) and it takes about 5 minutes walking from there. Club attire is recommended.
Address: Carrer de Lincoln 15, Barcelona, Spain
Hours: Weds-Sat from 12-5am
Admission: Cover charges vary
From $ 23
Oller del Mas
There are numerous options for wine tasting trips from Barcelona but few offer such a unique backdrop as Oller del Mas, a 10th century castle set in a scenic 1000-acre estate. A popular detour for those visiting the Benedictine Santa Maria de Montserrat abbey on the nearby Montserrat mountain, Oller del Mas offers an atmospheric setting for a wine tasting session, effortlessly combining Catalonian culture, history and gastronomy.
Whether you stop by for a quick tasting session, take a half-day tour of the winery or couple your wines with a leisurely lunch of traditional cuisine, there’s something to please every type of wine lover at Oller del Mas. Those with a real enthusiasm for wine can learn the secrets winemaking from harvest to glass, strolling around the picturesque vineyards, the production plants and the wine cellars, and witnessing the winery’s popular Bernat Oller and Arnau Oller wines being produced.
Of course, tasting the wines is the focal point of the experience and the winery offers a varied selection of regional wines to sample, with the winemakers on hand to explain the significance of each glass. If you’ve got time, there’s no reason to end the visit there – the surrounding vineyards make an idyllic spot for a post-lunch walk and there’s even a public golf course on site.
Whether you stop by for a quick tasting session, take a half-day tour of the winery or couple your wines with a leisurely lunch of traditional cuisine, there’s something to please every type of wine lover at Oller del Mas. Those with a real enthusiasm for wine can learn the secrets winemaking from harvest to glass, strolling around the picturesque vineyards, the production plants and the wine cellars, and witnessing the winery’s popular Bernat Oller and Arnau Oller wines being produced.
Of course, tasting the wines is the focal point of the experience and the winery offers a varied selection of regional wines to sample, with the winemakers on hand to explain the significance of each glass. If you’ve got time, there’s no reason to end the visit there – the surrounding vineyards make an idyllic spot for a post-lunch walk and there’s even a public golf course on site.
Address: Ctra. de Igualada, Km 3,4, Barcelona, Manresa 08240, Spain
Admission: Contact the winery for details
From $ 78
La Sagrada Família
La Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Antoni Gaudi’s magnum opus, is undoubtedly the most iconic structure in Barcelona (and the most popular, with nearly 3 million visitors per year). Construction has been ongoing for more than 135 years, and the surreal structure, with its rainbow-hued stained glass windows, is slated for completion in 2026. Even in its unfinished state, it remains an absolute must-see for every visitor to the Catalan capital.
The Basics
While the Sagrada Familia looms large over Barcelona—it’s visible from many parts of the city—the cathedral should be seen up close and from within to truly be appreciated. Visitors can tour the interior on their own, on a guided tour, or with an audio guide. It’s also possible to take an elevator up one of the towers for sweeping views over the city.
Just about every sightseeing tour in Barcelona includes a stop here, as do hop-on hop-off bus tours, which also stop at Park Güell, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and Plaça de Catalunya. It’s possible to combine a visit to the Sagrada Familia with a half-day trip to the nearby mountain abbey of Montserrat or the medieval city of Girona.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is a must-see for first-time visitors.
- Ticket lines can get long, so it’s a good idea to book in advance and consider skip-the-line admission.
- Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited on the basilica grounds.
- While photography is permitted, the use of a tripod is not without prior permission.
- Much of the basilica and museum are wheelchair accessible, but the towers are not.
How to Get There
The Sagrada Familia is centrally located near the Sagrada Familia metro stop on lines 2 and 5. It’s also easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in the old city. The main entrance sits along Carrer Marina in front of the basilica’s nativity facade.
When to Get There
The Sagrada Familia is open throughout the year but can be extremely busy in summer, so a skip-the-line ticket is recommended. The facade looks markedly different when illuminated at night than it does during the day, so plan for at least a short visit during both periods. Note that the basilica holds an international mass each Sunday morning in several languages; entrance is free, but space is limited.
Visiting the Sagrada Familia Museum
The basement beneath the passion façade houses a museum covering the temple's construction through drawings, photographs, and plaster models. Entry to the museum is included in basilica admission, and visitors can see the working modeling studio where Gaudi’s restored maquettes are reproduced to aid in the structure’s ongoing construction.
Address: Carrer del Guadiana, 13, Barcelona, Catalonia 08014, Spain
Hours: Opens at 9am daily; closing times vary by season (6pm Nov–Feb; 7pm March, Oct; 8pm April–Sept)
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Placa Espanya
A large and significant square lined with trees and fountains, Placa Espanya is one of the busiest, most central hubs of activity in Barcelona. Many main roads intersect here, including Para•llel and Gran Via. As it is both a main metro and train stop, it is a common meeting point for travelers and locals alike. It is known for its beautiful architecture, statues, and nearby shopping as well.
The Placa Espanya ends on one side with the Font Magica, or Magic Fountain, a large fountain that becomes a light and sound show in the evenings. On the opposite end lies the Palau Nacional (National Palace,) with excellent city views from its steps. It is scenically set against the tall mountain Montjuic, with the National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) located just inside. Two towers on the Avinguda Maria Cristina, reminiscent of those in Venice, stand tall over the square.
Practical Info
Placa Espanya is in the Sants-Montjuïc district of Barcelona. The L1, L3, and L8 lines all run to stops here. The Font Magica shows run nightly, and are free to enjoy. The center of Barcelona is a short ten minute metro ride, or about a 35 minute walk from the plaza.
Address: Sants-Montjuïc District, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 35
Port de Barcelona
Down the centuries the Port de Barcelona has played a strategic role in the development of the city it serves; its geographical location on the Mediterranean Sea made it an important trading port that brought great wealth into Catalonia. Today it is a major stopover on cruising itineraries as well as the base for ferry services to the Balearic Islands and Mediterranean ports such as Rome, Genoa and Algiers; it is currently being extended in a development that will see it double in size and capacity.
Port Vell is adjacent to the ferry port, an historic area of fishing fleets and marinas into which new life was breathed in 1995; it is Barcelona’s number-one spot for destination shopping and dining, strolling along the seafront promenades and taking boat trips out onto the Med. It’s also the place to learn about Catalan history in the sprawling 19th-century Palau de Mar and travel by cable-car high above Barcelona to the museums and Olympic stadium at Montjuïc; to enjoy wrap-around movies at the IMAX; and to catch the sharks and rays in Europe’s largest aquarium.
Practical Info
Plaça Portal de la Pau, 6.
Address: Plaça Portal de la Pau, 6, Barcelona, Spain
From $ 78
Montserrat
Located about 30 miles (50 km) northwest of Barcelona is Montserrat, the 'Serrated Mountain.' This unique rock formation, sawed and sculpted by thousands of years of wind and rain, is most famously home to a Benedictine monastery, an important Catholic pilgrimage spot thanks to its 12th-century wooden statue of La Moreneta (The Black Madonna), Catalonia's patron saint. Aside from its religious and cultural importance, the mountain also boasts unbeatable views from its peaks.
The Basics
Montserrat is one of the most popular full- or half-day trips from Barcelona. Located mid-cliff, the monastery is reachable via cog railroad or cable car, and from there, visitors are free to explore the monastery grounds, hike the numerous trails winding up and around Montserrat mountain, or ride two funiculars to a scenic lookout or a holy cave believed to be the spot of a miraculous sighting of the Virgin Mary. Montserrat's location in Spain's cava-producing region means many travelers combine a visit with a tour and tasting at one of the several nearby wineries.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Choose a half-day Montserrat tour or a full-day excursion with a stop at a cava winery for wine tasting.
- Trips last anywhere from four to 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.
- Montserrat Monastery is wheelchair accessible, as is the cog railway leading there. Other parts of the mountain, including the funiculars, are not accessible.
- Bring layers, as Montserrat is cooler than nearby Barcelona.
- Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes, especially if you plan to make use of the trail network.
How to Get to Montserrat
The easiest way to get to Montserrat is with a guided, small-group tour that includes round-trip transportation from Barcelona. Independent travelers can reach Montserrat by catching the R5 train from Plaça d'Espanya station. Those wishing to take the cable car should get off at Montserrat-Aeri, while those taking the cog railway should get off at Monistrol de Montserrat. The journey from Barcelona takes about 90 minutes one way.
When to Get There
Montserrat is open throughout the year, but it can get very busy in summer, particularly in July and August. This time of year also brings the hottest temperatures—expect highs in the upper 80s. On a clear day, the monastery affords panoramic views, so it’s a good idea to check the weather and visit on a sunny, cloudless day.
Hear the Boys Choir of Montserrat
Santa Maria de Montserrat is home of the famous L'Escolania choir, a boys choir of altos and sopranos who perform in the Basilica of Montserrat each day. The midday performance by one of the oldest boys choirs in Europe has become one of the most popular activities at the monastery, with seats filling up well before the singing begins.
Address: Bages, Catalonia, Spain
Hours: Daily 8am-10:30am and 12pm-6:30pm
Admission: Free
From $ 18