Barcelona

A trip to Barcelona – the city break for everyone

Almost 16 million tourists visit Barcelona every year, and the Catalan capital is one of Europe's most beloved destinations. That is about ten times more visitors than the city's own population of about 1.7 million inhabitants! Still, Barcelona doesn't feel like a city that has been taken over by tourism. The city has retained its own rhythm, with food markets, local bars you'll just stumble upon in the back streets and a Catalan pride that is felt everywhere.

Few cities manage to accommodate so many travellers at once. Football fans can see a Barcelona match at Camp Nou, which is already Europe's largest stadium and is now in the middle of a historic renovation that will provide space for over 100,000 spectators. Many head to tapas restaurants, beach clubs and evenings that never quite end. Families enjoy La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Tibidabo amusement park and long days at the beach. You can also have girls trips with shopping, sangria and a city that never ceases to surprise. Barcelona has all this and then some.

Sights in Barcelona

Barcelona has enough sights to fill a week. These are the places we think you shouldn't go home without having seen.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Família is the very symbol of Barcelona. Construction began in 1882, and in February 2026, exactly 100 years after architect Antoni Gaudí's death, the church finally reached its full height after 144 years as an active construction site. The central Christ Tower was completed on February 20, 2026, making the Sagrada Família the world's tallest church with a height of 172.5 meters. The interior is more beautiful than what photos manage to convey. The light streams in through the stained glass windows and colours the entire room in warm shades. Buy your ticket in advance. The queues are long and the tickets are often sold out.

Park Güell

Gaudí also left his mark on Park Güell, and the result is something completely different. The mosaic-clad terraces and stone structures that look like they have grown out of the ground offer views of the whole of Barcelona. Parts of the park are free, but the central zone with the iconic mosaic stairs requires a ticket.

Barri Gòtic

The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is Barcelona's most charming labyrinth. Narrow streets with medieval architecture, cafés, wine bars and shops you won't find anywhere else. A night here, with a glass of cava in hand and no plan, is Barcelona at its best.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta is Barcelona's city beach, and one of Europe's most famous. Here, there is life, music and people all day along a shoreline that stretches for several kilometres. You can easily spend the whole day here, between the beach, fresh seafood and tapas in the local bars in the nearby streets. Behind the beach lies a separate neighbourhood with streets and an atmosphere that reminds you that Barcelona is a real city, not just a tourist destination.

Taste your way through Barcelona

In Barcelona, the food is part of the experience, not just a meal between sights. Tapas can be found everywhere, but you should also try pa amb tomàquet, bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil that Catalans eat with almost everything, and fideuà, a paella-like dish made with noodles instead of rice. If you want to drink like a local, cava is the answer. Cava is the Catalans' answer to champagne and tastes best cold in a glass in a sidewalk café on a hot afternoon.

La Boqueria market on Las Ramblas is the tourists' favourite, and for good reason. Colourful fruit counters, fresh seafood and Catalan specialties all under one roof make it easy to understand why everyone ends up here. If you have time to explore some more, Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat de Santa Caterina are also worth the trip. Both give a calmer and more everyday picture of the food markets in Barcelona.

Everything you need to know before you go

The best time to go

May, June, and September are the best months to visit Barcelona. The summer heat in July and August can be intense, and Barceloneta becomes densely packed with tourists. If you want a comfortable temperature, shorter queues and a city that still has its own rhythm, early summer or early autumn is the right choice.

Getting around

Barcelona has an efficient metro and bus network that covers most of the city. The T-Casual card gives you ten trips at a fixed price and is the best option once you're in town. El Prat airport is about 35 minutes from the city centre by Aerobus or train. Please note that T-Casual is not valid on the metro line to the airport, so please purchase your airport ticket separately upon arrival.

Safety and security

The city is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets, especially on Las Ramblas, Barceloneta and in metros with many tourists. Keep your bag in front of you and keep an eye on your phone in outdoor restaurants.