Barcelona is a beautiful city with a rich culture and past. It is the fifth most populated urban area in the European Union with its 4.8 million inhabitants. The story of Barcelona started when it was first built as a Roman city, and has continued to evolve through the centuries. In 2019 alone, the city received 9.4 million tourists. Barcelona attracts such a great amount of visitors due to its vibrancy and charming atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this great city, and enjoy these top 13 things to do in Barcelona!
#1 Sagrada Família
Gaudí designed the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. Its construction began in 1882 but is still not finished nowadays as various events interrupted the process, such as the Spanish Civil War. The Sagrada Família is an elaborate building due to the fact that it blends multiple styles. Indeed, we can see the Spanish Late Gothic influence, but also Catalan Modernism and Art Nouveau. This is definitely a must-see in Barcelona.
#2 Things to do in Barcelona: La Boqueria
This impressive public market is located in the older part of Barcelona. It is a very popular experience among tourists, and you will be able to find a wide variety of products in this market. The first documents that mention the Boqueria market date back to the 13th century. You will be able to enjoy the atmosphere at this traditional market while discovering local products and food.
#3 Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is in the center of Barcelona. Antoni Gaudí designed this building in the early 20th century. The style of this building can be associated with Modernism or Art Nouveau, but like every creation by Gaudí, it has its own style. Indeed, the whole place is very unusual because of its straight lines, oval windows, and mosaics. Wherever you look, you will be taken aback by quirky elements, which create a beautiful and intriguing experience.
#4 Museum of the History of Barcelona
This Museum focuses on the historical heritage of the city of Barcelona. Its heritage goes back to Roman times and stretches to the present. This museum has several sites in the city. Some of them are the Temple of Augustus, the remains of a quarter of the ancient Roman city of Barcino in the archeological underground, and the Roman funeral way. You can choose to visit all of these historical sites or select just a couple of them if you are lacking time.
#5 Things to do in Barcelona: Palau de la Música
The Palace of Catalan Music is a beautiful concert hall in Barcelona. It was built in the Catalan modernista style at the beginning of the 20th century. UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1997. Several performances are held at the Palau de la Música; classical music, jazz, and more. If this is your cup of tea, you should look at the program before choosing the dates of your stay in Barcelona so that you can attend a performance in this majestic concert hall.
#6 Things to do in Barcelona: Parc Güell
Parc Güell is a complex of gardens and architectural elements on Carmel Hill in Barcelona. This park exists since the beginning of the 20th century. The park contains various works by Gaudí, such as the mosaic salamander and mosaics at the main terrace. While you are at Parc Güell, you should take some time to enjoy the views of the rest of the city.
#7 Tibidabo
Tibidabo is a hill that overlooks Barcelona, 512 meters high, and the tallest hill in the Serra de Collserola. At the top of the hill, you will find the Sagrat Cor church built from 1902 to 1961. Near it, you will be able to have some fun at the Tibidabo Amusement Park. The two attractions are undoubtedly worth visiting. In addition to that, you will have a fantastic view of the city below you while you are on the summit.
#8 Museu Picasso
The Picasso Museum houses a great collection of artworks by Pablo Picasso. This artist lived from 1881 to 1973 and was a painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and more. The museum has more than 4,000 works by Picasso. This museum is a very important part of Barcelona’s heritage as well as a major tourist attraction, as more than one million people visit it every year.
#9 Things to do in Barcelona: Casa Milà
The Casa Milà or La Pedrera is a building that belongs to the modernist movement. This house was the last private residence that Gaudí designed. Casa Milà dates back to 1906 -1912. This construction was considered extremely controversial because of its style. Indeed, the shape of it is unique, as well as the numerous balconies. La Pedrera also comprises an underground garage and roof terrace.
#10 Parc del Laberint d’Horta
The Park of the Labyrinth of Horta is a historical garden, the oldest in the city of Barcelona. This garden has multiple parts to it: an 18th-century neoclassical garden, a 19th-century romantic garden as well as a hedge maze. Joan Antoni Desvalls d’Ardena created the design of this garden in 1791, when the work began. There are many things to see in the Park of the Labyrinth of Horta, with its pavilion, flower beds, and a waterfall.
#11 Things to do in Barcelona: La Rambla
La Rambla is the main street of Barcelona, it is 1.2 km long and is a pedestrian street. It connects the Plaça de Catalunya and the Christopher Columbus Monument which is in Port Well. This street is very enjoyable, lined with trees, charming shops, and notable sights. These include a mosaic by Joan Miró as well as a fountain named Font de Canaletes which is a popular meeting point.
#12 Parc de la Ciutadella
The Parc de la Ciutadella or Citadel Park was created in the mid-19th century, the only green space in Barcelona at the time. Inside this park, you will find a zoo and the assembly hall of the Parliament of Catalonia as well as a lake, museums, and a large fountain. Indeed, you will be able to visit the Museum of Natural Sciences amongst other things. It combines a museum of zoology and a museum of geology. The Citadel Park is perfect if you want to take a walk in nature while being inside a big city, and learn at the same time.
#13 Camp Nou
Camp Nou is a football stadium open since 1957, and the home stadium of FC Barcelona. Up to 99,354 people can sit in this stadium, making it the biggest one in Spain and Europe. If you go to Barcelona, you will realize that football is very important to the people, and going to Camp Nou to attend a game is the best way to experience the spirit around the sport.
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