What to Do in Barcelona: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Barcelona, a city of stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and coastal charm, offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveller. Famous for its iconic landmarks, artistic heritage, and beautiful beaches, Barcelona is a destination brimming with possibilities. Whether you're wondering what to do in Barcelona in 1 day or planning a longer visit, this guide will help you uncover what to see and do in Barcelona, from the must-sees to the truly unique experiences.
Events found for Barcelona
-
RecommendedGran Gala Flamenco: Teatro Poliorama
Barcelona, Teatro Poliorama
+ more dates
-
'Suites per a orquestra' i 'Concerts per a violí' de Bach
Barcelona, Palau de la Música Catalana
-
Los Tarantos: Traditional Flamenco Show in Barcelona
Barcelona, Los Tarantos
+ more dates
40 min -
Luis de Arquer: Solo Piano in Barcelona
Barcelona, El Teatre més Petit del Món
+ more dates
-
Venues found for Barcelona
-
Teatro Poliorama
Barcelona, Spain
The Teatro Poliorama is situated on the Ramblas in the beautiful and lively city center of Barcelona.
-
Palau de la Música Catalana
Barcelona, Spain
The Concert Hall of Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana is a magical space, conceived and designed as an enormous glass box crowned with a large central skylight.
-
Auditori de Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
L'Auditori, covering an impressive 42,000 square meters, is a modern masterpiece by architect Rafael Moneo. Centrally located on Plaça de les Glories, this venue is celebrated as the epicenter of the city's music scene.
-
El Teatre més Petit del Món
Barcelona, Spain
The World's Smallest Theater (El Teatre més Petits del Món) offers 19th century ambiance and charm perfectly suited to the music of Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart.
-
Basílica de la Mercè
Barcelona, Spain
The Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy was built between 1765 and 1775 by Josep Mas i Dordal. Located in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, it is one of the city's most representative churches.
Popular Topics in Barcelona
-
Barcelona Concerts
Find Concerts in Barcelona
All the classical music under the sun
-
Palau de la Musica Catalana
Concerts and Tickets
Where Music and Architecture Converge
-
Concerts and Classical Music in Barcelona
Enjoy the best classical and traditional music in Barcelona. Buy your tickets quickly and securely.
Tickets for Concerts in Barcelona
-
Opera Barcelona
Find Tickets and Schedule
International artists in world-class performances
-
Barcelona Church Concerts
Tickets and Schedule
Inspiring performances in Barcelona
Partner Offer
Make your stay even more unique and memorable
Book one of the experiences that other customers have liked and recommended:
-
Barcelona City Tour Hop‐On Hop‐Off with Optional Catamaran
Visit Barcelona at your own pace aboard one of our double‐decker red buses. Hop‐on and hop‐off as many times as you wish through the day with a single ticket. Switch routes and discover Barcelona with an audio guide system. Now available in 15 different languages! Make the most of your Barcelona visit choosing the combo with one of our catamaran cruises, and see Barcelona Skyline from a new point of view! Join a 60 minutes cruise or pick the premium 90 minutes cruise that includes a cocktail and chill‐out background music. Leaving from Port Vell, admire monuments such as the World Trade Center, the largest yachts in the city, Port Olimpic and much more!
-
Barcelona Gaudí: Fast Track Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
Start the tour from our office next to Sagrada Familia. Remember you must check in at least 15 minutes before the starting time of the activity. An experienced guide will pick you up from the office and walk you to the Basilica. Discover the ultimate must‐see landmark in Barcelona. Learn about the history and significance of Sagrada Familia by the hand of your local guide. Marvel at the astonishing interior, rich in symbolism inspired on natural wonders. Walk freely around the nave whilst listening to your guide’s explanations of Gaudí’s masterpiece on your headsets. Take in all the details of the perfect fusion between architecture and spirituality. Tour the outside façades and wonder at the magnificence of details. Board an air‐conditioned coach for a short trip to the Park Güell, located in the upper part of the city. Enjoy a guided tour of the park and discover why it is one of the most emblematic works by Gaudí. Wonder at the magnificent skills of Gaudí and its organic style, displayed all over the park. Did you know the Park is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO? Follow your guide and board the coach again for a short trip to the Sant Pau Art Noveau Masterpiece. The guide will give you an explanation of the exterior of the building, which will allow you to learn about the history of the site and the ideas of the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
-
Barcelona Sagrada Familia and Museum Skip‐the‐Line Tour
Select a start time to suit your schedule and then greet your guide in a centrally‐located meeting point in Barcelona. Glide past long lines of tourists at the entrance hall of La Sagrada Familia and avoid a wait of often up to two hours. Embark on your tour of the architectural masterpiece and hear intriguing anecdotes surrounding the construction of the famously unfinished cathedral. Gaze at the distinctive features of the UNESCO World Heritage‐listed cathedral as you explore every crevice with your guide. Walk beneath vaults suspended 230 feet (70 meters) above ground and appreciate the opulent ornamentation of the interior. After sufficient admiration, visit La Sagrada Familia Museum to see plaster models, drawings and pictures that articulate the development of the cathedral since the 19th century. Discover the cathedral’s projected completion date and bid farewell to your guide in the museum. Feel free to continue browsing at your own pace after parting ways with your guide.
-
Fast Track Guided Tour Sagrada Familia
Start the tour from our office next to Sagrada Familia. Remember you must check in at least 15 minutes before the starting time of the activity. An experienced guide will pick you up from the office and walk you to the Basilica. Enter the monument and discover the ultimate must‐see landmark in Barcelona. Learn about the history and significance of Sagrada Familia by the hand of your local guide. Marvel at the astonishing interior, rich in symbolism inspired on natural wonders. Walk freely around the nave whilst listening to your guide’s explanations of Gaudí’s masterpiece on your headsets. Take in all the details of the perfect fusion between architecture and spirituality. Tour the outside façades and wonder at the magnificence of details. At the end of your tour you can stay inside Sagrada Familia and visit the museum. An exhibition of drawings, models and pictures narrate the story of the Basilica. The museum also displays information on Gaudí’s life and career. Will you miss it out?
-
Park Güell Guided Tour with Skip‐the‐Line Ticket
Let's discover this magnificent park designed by Antoni Gaudí more than 100 years ago. You will have the opportunity to visit almost the whole park with the magnificent bridges or viaduct and the monumental zone. Where you will see the main square with the beautiful, meandering and colorful bench and the market. We can not leave the park without seeing the staircase with the salamander and the two pavilions that were the porter house and the reception room. After you finish the tour you will have free time to enjoy this park. Join one of the most friendly, interesting and knowledgeable guided tours. The 1h and 15 minute guide guarantees skip‐the‐line access to this unique attraction as well as a personal, local and passionate expert that will take you throughout history and architecture in the most detailed and enthusiastic way possible. Experience Gaudí’s masterpiece to the fullest and thoroughly discover the Catalan modernism with its many interpretations and enigmas.
Must‐See Attractions: The Classics of What to Do in Barcelona
If you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona, start with the city’s iconic landmarks. Begin your journey at the majestic Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Be sure to climb one of the towers for panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Another must see in Barcelona is Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s famous creations, offering whimsical architecture, vibrant mosaics, and a unique blend of nature and design. For art lovers, the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation provide exceptional collections of Catalan art.
A stroll down La Rambla is undeniably one of the best things to do in Barcelona. This bustling boulevard, lined with shops, street performers, and cafés, leads you through the heart of the city. Be sure to explore the vibrant market of La Boqueria for a taste of local life.
What to Do in Barcelona by Day and Night
During the day, take a walk-through Barcelona’s charming neighbourhoods, like the Gothic Quarter, with narrow streets and hidden squares. Head to Barceloneta Beach for Mediterranean vibes or visit Parc de la Ciutadella for a peaceful afternoon.
Wondering what to do in Barcelona at night? Enjoy a walk through the illuminated Gothic Quarter or along Port Vell’s promenade. For a cultural experience, attend a concert at the Palau de la Música Catalana, an architectural gem and one of the best Barcelona concert venues. Alternatively, enjoy a classical concert at the Basílica de la Mercè or the Auditori de Barcelona.
If you prefer a relaxed evening, dine at one of Barcelona’s tapas bars or enjoy a drink on a rooftop terrace, offering stunning views. These activities help you experience Barcelona both by day and night.
Barcelona Tips and Attractions
Barcelona offers something special in every season. Whether you’re exploring what to do in Barcelona in 2 days or planning a longer stay, the city's charm never fades. During warmer months, enjoy outdoor concerts, beach days, and vibrant festivals, while winter offers quieter streets and a serene atmosphere.
Don't miss Barcelona events like the Festa Major de Gràcia in August, with its creative street decorations, or the Mobile World Congress in February, one of the world’s largest tech conferences. The Primavera Sound festival in spring adds to the city's vibrant calendar, ensuring there's always something new to discover.
Unique Things to Do in Barcelona
A must do in Barcelona is exploring the city’s offbeat attractions. Visit the lesser-known Bunkers del Carmel for breathtaking views over the city, or wander through the vibrant neighbourhood of El Raval, where you can experience the city's multicultural atmosphere.
Explore the beautiful hillside village of Montjuïc, taking a cable car to the top where you'll find the iconic Montjuïc Castle, stunning gardens, and art galleries like the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC).
For a truly different perspective, take a bike ride through the less touristy parts of the city, such as the charming streets of Gràcia or the industrial district of Poblenou, where modern architecture meets historical elements.
Exploring Barcelona’s Neighborhoods
Wondering what to do in Barcelona in 1 day? Start by exploring the historic centre, visiting the famous La Sagrada Família, then wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter. If you have more time, head to the bohemian district of El Born or the trendy neighbourhood of Eixample.
El Born is a charming area filled with quaint cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. It’s also home to the impressive Santa Maria del Mar church, a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture. In contrast, the Eixample district showcases modernist masterpieces like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, both designed by Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona’s neighbourhoods are diverse, each revealing a different side of the city’s history and character.
Food and Dining in Barcelona
When deciding what to do in Barcelona, be sure to indulge in its delicious culinary offerings. Barcelona’s food scene is a treat for food lovers. Don’t miss dishes like paella, bombas (fried potato balls), or the ever-popular tapas like patatas bravas and croquetas.
For a special dining experience, head to the Michelin-starred restaurant Moments or enjoy Mediterranean seafood at La Barceloneta. For something more casual, try a local taverna or enjoy a leisurely meal at El Quim de la Boqueria in the famous La Boqueria market. And don’t forget to end your meal with crema catalana, a local dessert similar to crème brûlée.
Why Barcelona is Worth Visiting
Barcelona captivates visitors with its stunning architecture, Mediterranean charm, and rich cultural offerings. From the grandeur of La Sagrada Família to the intimate atmosphere of its charming neighbourhoods, there’s always something new to discover in this vibrant city. Whether you’re wandering through the picturesque streets of the Gothic Quarter or relaxing on the sandy shores of Barceloneta Beach, Barcelona’s charm is undeniable.
As you think about what to do in Barcelona, make sure to also check out Classictic for tickets to the city’s top classical performances, adding a memorable cultural experience to your visit. Barcelona’s combination of history, art, food, and vibrant local life ensures it remains one of the most dynamic destinations in the world.