Things to do
Things to do in Barcelona: 12 ideas beyond the Ramblas
Barcelona has Gaudí, beaches and some of the best tapas bars in Europe. These are the twelve things we would do, with advice on tickets, timing and what you can safely skip.
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It is ten at night in Gràcia and the squares are full of families, pushchairs and friends who have just ordered the first round. Nobody in Barcelona eats dinner before dark, and after a few days neither will you.
Barcelona comes in layers: medieval lanes in the Barri Gòtic, modernist apartment blocks in the Eixample and a beach right by the centre. We have picked twelve experiences that show the city at its best and flagged what needs booking ahead.
Short answer: what should you do in Barcelona?
See the Sagrada Família and Park Güell with tickets bought in advance, wander El Born and the Barri Gòtic, and watch the sunset from the Bunkers del Carmel. Eat tapas in Gràcia or Poble Sec, and spend an afternoon on the beach at Barceloneta or further north at Bogatell.
Best for architecture: the Sagrada Família
Best neighbourhood: El Born
Best view: the Bunkers del Carmel
Best food: tapas in Poble Sec
Best day trip: Montserrat
1. The Sagrada Família
Gaudí's basilica has been under construction since 1882, and the interior is the real surprise: columns that branch like trees and coloured light from the stained glass. Book a timed ticket in advance and go in the morning or late afternoon for the best light.
The catch: queues for tickets on the day are long and often sold out.
2. Park Güell
The park with the mosaic benches and gingerbread lodges at the gate has a paid monumental zone with timed entry. The rest of the park is bigger than most people think and much quieter.
3. Casa Batlló and La Pedrera
Two of Gaudí's best-known buildings stand on the Passeig de Gràcia. Casa Batlló has the facade that looks like dragon scales, while the roof of La Pedrera has chimneys shaped like helmeted guards. Pick one if time is short.
4. El Born
Narrow streets, small shops, the Gothic church of Santa Maria del Mar and some of the best bars in the city. The Picasso Museum is here too, and worth booking ahead.
5. The Barri Gòtic
The old quarter around the cathedral has Roman walls, quiet squares and tight lanes. Walk it early, before the groups, and stop in the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri.
6. La Boqueria, early
The famous market off the Ramblas is packed with visitors at midday. Come at opening time, have breakfast at one of the bars inside and move on before it gets crowded.
7. The Bunkers del Carmel
The old anti-aircraft positions on Turó de la Rovira give the best view over the city. Bring something to drink and arrive before sunset. It is a steep walk up or a short taxi ride.
8. Tapas in Gràcia and Poble Sec
Carrer de Blai in Poble Sec is lined with pintxos bars, and the squares of Gràcia are made for a long evening out. Follow the locals from bar to bar.
9. Montjuïc
The hill above the port holds the Fundació Joan Miró, the MNAC with its Catalan art and gardens with views. Take the cable car up and walk down through the parks.
10. The beach
Barceloneta is closest and busiest. Walk or cycle north to Bogatell and Mar Bella for more space and a calmer crowd.
11. Palau de la Música Catalana
This concert hall is one of the finest modernist buildings, with a coloured glass skylight above the auditorium. The best way to see it is to buy a ticket for a concert.
12. A day trip to Montserrat
The monastery in the jagged mountains west of the city is reached by train and rack railway. Arrive early, ahead of the day trippers, and take one of the trails above the monastery.
Cotton House
Cotton House in Barcelona.
Where to stay in Barcelona
The Eixample gives you the architecture and shops, while El Born and the Barri Gòtic put you closer to the nightlife. Our guide to where to stay in Barcelona covers every area.
Cotton House: the old cotton guild
Cotton House occupies the former headquarters of the cotton guild on the Gran Via, a block from the Passeig de Gràcia. The spiral staircase, library and high ceilings survive, and Casa Batlló is a short walk away. A good choice if you want to sleep inside modernist Barcelona.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Cotton House
Majestic Hotel & Spa
Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona.
Majestic Hotel & Spa: a classic on the Passeig de Gràcia
The Majestic is one of the grand old hotels of Barcelona, right on the Passeig de Gràcia with La Pedrera a few minutes away. The roof terrace looks out to the Sagrada Família. Central and elegant, with the architecture and shops at the door.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Majestic Hotel & Spa
Good to know before you go
Book Gaudí ahead: the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló all use timed tickets.
Watch for pickpockets: especially on the Ramblas, on the metro and at the beach.
Eat late: lunch around two and dinner after nine is normal.
Day trips: see our guide to day trips from Barcelona.
Barcelona: frequently asked questions
What should you see in Barcelona?
For a first visit, the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, El Born, the Barri Gòtic and the view from the Bunkers del Carmel cover the essentials.
Do you need to book the Sagrada Família in advance?
It is strongly recommended. Tickets are timed and often sell out for the same day.
How many days do you need in Barcelona?
Four days gives time for Gaudí, the old town, the beach and a day trip.
Is Barcelona safe?
Yes, but pickpocketing is common. Keep your phone and wallet in a closed pocket in crowds.