Things to do in Barcelona

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A modern building with a curved design, a beach with people, and a sunset sky.
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A cityscape with a prominent cathedral and mountains in the background.

Barcelona Attractions

Barcelona, a Spanish city that is both modern and ancient and everything in between at the same time is one of the most loved tourist destinations on the planet. Barcelona receives visits from several million guests every year, and the balmy climate and top quality Barcelona City activities ensure that they'll continue to return for many years to come.

Before you solidify your plans to visit this beautiful city in Spain, you should contact us here at Expedia and allow us to provide you with the latest information on money-saving deals on Barcelona City excursions, specials on lodging accommodations and good deals on transportation. We can also advise you which local spots offer the best value and give you a list of must see places so you and your companions will have the best possible time on your vacation.

Culture in Barcelona goes back over 2,000 years. Things to do in this city includes relaxing with a fruity cocktail on one of the most magnificent beaches on the planet, going deep sea fishing off the coast, exploring local cafes, art galleries and shops, as well as attending live theatre and musical performances. If you or your companion happen to be an ancient history buff, you will find yourself with no shortage of top quality things to explore during your visit to the City of Counts.

Although the tourist infrastructure in Barcelona is extremely well developed, you should make a point of procuring a map before you embark on your adventure. A number of Barcelona tours are available for those who would prefer an experienced guide show them around. Whether you want to explore beaches, peruse artifacts in museums, or go on a wine tasting tour, you will be able to find appealing attractions in Barcelona. Here at Expedia, we can help show you this enchanting city in Spain and make your vacation something that you will remember fondly for the rest of your life.

Things to do

cable cars riding far above ground in Barcelona

Montjuïc Cable Car Tickets

$22
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Montjuïc Cable Car Tickets
window and patio detail at detail at Casa Batlló Building in Barcelona, Spain

Skip-the-Line Casa Batlló Tickets with SmartGuide

$43
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-Line Casa Batlló Tickets with SmartGuide
Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

$87
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket
Picasso Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Picasso Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

$42
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Picasso Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Barcelona’s Park Güell: Priority Access & Expert Local Guide

Barcelona’s Park Güell: Priority Access & Expert Local Guide

$26
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Barcelona’s Park Güell: Priority Access & Expert Local Guide
Flamenco Night at Tablao de Carmen with Tasting Menu or Dinner

Flamenco Night at Tablao de Carmen with Tasting Menu or Dinner

$100
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Flamenco Night at Tablao de Carmen with Tasting Menu or Dinner
passengers boarding light rail at train station in Barcelona

Hola Barcelona : Barcelona Unlimited Transport Card

$21
per traveler
84% of travellers recommend
Hola Barcelona : Barcelona Unlimited Transport Card
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Barcelona must see attractions

1. Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most famous landmark. The huge basilica was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Its eight distinctive towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Thousands of visitors come here daily to admire the architecture and to take in views of the city from the top of the towers.
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The Sagrada Familia with a construction crane in the foreground.

2. La Rambla

Las Ramblas are a series of streets in the heart of Barcelona. The main pedestrian-only boulevard is lined with trees. Smaller streets crammed with shops and cafés branch off either side. Tourists and locals flood restaurants and cafés that have their tables on the pavement. There are flower stalls, kiosks hawking souvenirs and markets dotted among the eateries. Street performers give the area a lively atmosphere. Come at any time of the day or night to wander the 0.75-mile (1.2-kilometer) boulevard and explore the surrounding area.
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A bustling urban square with historic buildings, a central mosaic, and pedestrians.

3. Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya marks the heart of Barcelona’s city center. Surrounded by shops and peppered with monuments, this grand square is where the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and the modern 19th-century district of L’Eixample converge. King Alfonso XII unveiled the square in 1927 on the site of the former gates to the old city walls.
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A large historic building with multiple stories and a prominent tower, surrounded by a public square with people and pigeons.

4. Barceloneta Beach

Running along Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastline and just a short walk from La Rambla is Barceloneta Beach. It’s the focal point of the Barceloneta neighborhood and a place where locals and travelers alike come to experience a classic Mediterranean ambience.
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A modern building with a curved design, a beach with people, and a sunset sky.

5. Barcelona Cathedral

The Barcelona Cathedral is a classic Gothic-style cathedral dating back to the 13th century. Visitors come to watch traditional mass under huge vaulted ceilings. Decorative arts from the 1300s and onward are displayed throughout the cathedral, and a cloister, or courtyard, houses a fountain and geese. The rooftop offers views across the city. The cathedral is also known as “Le Seu,” and was named after Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona.
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A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, surrounded by tourists and modern buildings.

6. Passeig de Gràcia

It’s hard to imagine, standing on the Passeig de Gràcia, that less than 200 years ago it was a cart track connecting Barcelona and the rural town of Gràcia. By the early 20th century the sidewalks became promenades for Spain’s most elite families. That atmosphere still pervades the space, as tourists and chic locals pass buildings designed and built by some of the superstars of Catalan Modernism. Shop in the upscale boutiques or just go in search of magnificent homes.
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A busy urban street lined with luxury stores like Prada and Longchamp, with pedestrians walking along the sidewalk.

7. Park Güell

The best way to get your bearings in Barcelona is overlooking the city from the top of the park in Gracia, north of the city center. Park Güell was designed by Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914. It’s famous not only for the incredible vistas from the top of the hill, but also for its many quirky features, including gingerbread-style houses, covered walkways and a mosaic tiled terrace.
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A panoramic view of a city with distinctive architecture, including a tower with a blue and white pattern, and a building with a mosaic roof.

8. Casa Batllo

Casa Batlló is another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, one of two private homes that are now open as museums. The modernist façade is decorated with oval windows, bone-like columns and colorful mosaics. The inside has been restored to its original condition with built-in fireplaces, arched ceilings and stained glass. The house is in Eixample, a neighborhood just north of the city center.
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A building with intricate mosaic tile work and green balconies.

Recommended things to do in Barcelona

Number of things to do
1210
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Barcelona: Haunted Dark History Walk of the Old Town: $6
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Barcelona

Free Things to Do in Barcelona

Vacationing on a tight budget in Barcelona? Spend time instead of cash on awesome experiences.

Diocesan Museum of Barcelona - Take the entire family and go on an adventure through history with one another.

Mosaïc de Miró - If you'd like to discover more of the local arts and culture scene, make sure you stop by.

Parliament of Catalonia - Admire the creativity and design of this impressive example of modernistic architecture.

Virreina Palace - Get ready to feel like you've been transported back in time while discovering the secrets of this historic attraction.

Rambla del Raval - Hang out with the local people and seek out the true character and vibrancy of this wonderful place.

Library of Catalunya - If you want to see some of the more important or unique places in the community, this is a good place to start.

Parroquia de San Agustin - Enjoy a little quiet contemplation and learn a thing or two about this site's spiritual importance.

San Sebastian Beach - Skim rocks across the water, catch a sunset or just enjoy the views from the shore.

Montjuic - Relax and let the natural surrounds here calm your soul.

Jardins de Joan Brossa - If you're into spending time in the garden, this place will appeal to your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Barcelona with Kids

Barcelona is a fabulous destination for a family vacation. Take the little ones along and try these top family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Barcelona? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Barcelona attractions

The Sagrada Familia with a construction crane in the foreground.

Sagrada Familia

9.4/10 (32,723 reviews)
Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece blends Gothic and Art Nouveau styles with intricate facades and symbolic elements. Inside, natural light through stained-glass windows creates a mesmerizing atmosphere.
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Where to stay in Barcelona

Find the best Barcelona areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Barcelona
Learn more about Barcelona
A historic European street with arches, outdoor cafes, and shops.

Gothic Quarter

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

An arched brick ceiling with wooden chairs and a stage.

Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and Sagrada Familia, and jump on the metro at Diagonal Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

A crowded street with a large, colorful building featuring a prominent sign reading "Mercat".

El Raval

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

A historic building with intricate tile work and a large clock tower.

Gràcia

Architecture, cafes, and shopping highlight some notable features of Gràcia. Make a stop by Passeig de Gràcia or Gaudi Experiencia while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Joanic Station or Fontana Station to get around town.

A beach with a tall, rust-colored structure and a modern curved building in the background.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Barcelona

A bustling urban street lined with colorful buildings, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Granollers

A coastal town with colorful buildings, a sandy beach, and rocky outcrops.

Mataro

A panoramic view of a coastal city with a prominent cathedral, dense urban area, and surrounding hills.

Caldes de Montbui

A coastal marina with numerous boats, a sandy beach, and a rocky breakwater.

Castelldefels

A coastal town with historic architecture, a stone wall, and a view of the sea and distant hills.

Sitges

A city with a prominent mountain in the background.

Sabadell

A rugged mountain range with prominent rock formations and sparse vegetation.

Barbera del Valles

A grassy field with a historic building and trees in the background.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Barcelona worth visiting?
Known for its coastal beaches and dining, discovering cool things to do in Barcelona is simple. Be sure to add Passeig de Gràcia to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Barcelona?
Once you've visited popular attractions like Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya, spend the rest of your day enjoying Barcelona's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Barcelona?
The top tourist attraction in Barcelona is Passeig de Gràcia, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Barcelona?
Three days in Barcelona is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major highlights. Many guests stay for three days on average. Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Mila and Rambla de Catalunya are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like El Prat de Llobregat.
Is Barcelona a walkable city?
That comes down to what you plan to see and do in Barcelona. Several sights, including Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Mila, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Barcelona's best neighborhoods, Downtown Barcelona is 0.4 miles away from downtown, while Ciutat Vella is 0.3 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Barcelona with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Barcelona with kids.

What to do in Barcelona for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in Barcelona for adults including Finca Viladellops and Parc del Fòrum.
Are there free things to do in Barcelona?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighborhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Barcelona. If you're in need of ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Passeig de Gràcia is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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