Things to do in Barcelona [2024]

A city with a beach is my dream situation. Which is why Barcelona is probably top on my list of cities I'd move to after London. But that said… There is so much culture, art, and atmosphere in Barcelona. So I’ve managed to drag myself away from the sea to experience some of the top sights in the city, too. These are my highlights.

The best things to do in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudi’s famous cathedral is never truly complete. Which means you’ll never see it without scaffolding over at least one area… But that doesn’t make the Sagrada Familia any less impressive. From the outside, the imposing structure is amazing to look at. But inside, the vast stained glass windows and more subtle design details make it worth the entry fee. There is also a museum on site. As well as a lift that takes visitors up into one of the spires for panoramic views of the city.

Park Güell

To the north of the city, Park Güell is a series of gardens, parks, and pathways on the edge of the Sierra de Collserola mountain range. It is most notable for the building in the entryway, designed by Gaudi. You might recognise its iconic terrace with ceramic walls, roman-style pillars, and a large mosaic salamander.

It's worth a visit just to walk around the peaceful (though busy) park itself. But Parc Güell is also a great place to explore Barcelona’s iconic architecture. You can also to learn more about Antonio Gaudi in the on-site museum. Entry is now ticketed and often sells out in advance.

To get to Parc Güell, you can catch the metro to Gracia and walk the rest of the way. Or you can get a taxi. However the roads around the site are very busy, often one-way, and don’t allow taxis to drive up to the entrance.

Picasso Museum

If you thought Picasso didn’t really know how to draw, the Picasso museum will set you straight. Documenting the famous artist’s life including work from his childhood sketch books, this is a truly amazing museum. Not least thanks to its extensive collection of Picasso’s original works. 

This is a brilliant way to spend an hour or two in a cool, modern building that’s right in the centre of the city. I was able to get a ticket on the door, but in peak tourist seasons booking in advised.

Wander the Gothic Quarter

The streets of Barcelona do something to me. The sun, the architecture, the combination of old and new. The proximity to the sea and palm trees. I love it! So wandering around the city is a brilliant way to spend a day... If you ask me.

And if you want to avoid the tourist hotspot of Las Ramblas, check out the Gothic Quarter instead. It’s still popular and buzzing, but its narrow alleyways feel a touch more authentically Catalonian.

Casa Batllo

Another work of Gaudi, Casa Batllo was originally designed for the owner of the home in one of Barcelona’s richest districts. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s best known for its iconic facade with balconies in the shape of masks. 

And if you’re impressed by the frontage, you’ll be blown away by what’s inside. Casa Batllo was carefully designed to feel like a natural space, where perfect lighting, wooden fixtures, ceramic tiles, and stained glass windows work together to give the interiors a feel of flowing water.

Of all the things I’ve done in Barcelona, I think Casa Batllo has stuck with me the most. Book in advance to secure your entry, and pay for an audio guide to get the full history of the house and Gaudi’s vision.

Ciutadella Park

For decades, Parc de la Ciutadella was Barcelona’s only green space. And while that’s no longer true, it’s still a beautiful and impressive place to visit. As you wander around, be sure to check out the impressive fountain, the stone archway, and the statue of a woolly mammoth.

The park is free to enter, though some of the attractions on the site, like the zoo and the Museu de Geologia are ticketed.

Go to the beach

From Platja de la Barceloneta to Platja del Fòrum, the 5 km stretch of beach that runs along the southern edge of Barcelona has plenty to offer for all kinds of visitors. From beach bars to relaxed restaurants, a gated dog-friendly area, a nudist zone, and a skate park. 

Our favourite thing to do was wander down with some beers and snacks in the late afternoon, and sunbathe and swim until it was time to get ready for the evening. Even in November, we were able to enjoy a couple of beach days. It was even warm enough to go in the sea.

Eat and drink

From tapas to seafood to international cuisine, you won't be short on excellent places to eat and drink in Barcelona. Afternoon ‘vermut’ followed by evenings in some of the world’s best bars are interspersed with delicious dinners and speedy pintxos stops.

For our favourite spots, read my blog: the best places to eat and drink in Barcelona.