What to see in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world due to its unique and singular beauty, in addition to its rich traditional gastronomy. If you are one of those who wonder what there is to see in Barcelona and you don’t want to miss anything this city can offer, stay with us and we'll show you the 13 most iconic places that you should visit during your stay in Barcelona.
You will also be able to visit the whole city more comfortably with the Barcelona City Tour. These two routes let you make the most of Barcelona by getting on and off as many times as you like to discover all the iconic places the city has to offer.
13 Sites to see in Barcelona
Visit the Gothic Quarter
This historic enclave of the Ciutat Vella is the oldest area of the city and is characterized by a large number of buildings of Gothic and Neo-Gothic style and, by its narrow streets.
The cathedral and Casa Padellás are just two examples of the architectural beauty of this iconic neighbourhood of Barcelona.
Source: Pixabay
Museo Picasso in Barcelona
Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s Picasso Museum brings together a collection of 4249 works of this famous artist born in Malaga. Due to the expansion of the collection, it currently occupies a total of 5 mansions in Calle Montcada, all of Catalan civic Gothic style.
This is an obligatory stop for art lovers and a fixture when planning what to see in Barcelona.
Source: Tripadvisor
Els Quatre Gats
This old hospitality establishment was one of the landmarks of Catalan modernism. During the 6 years that it was open (1897-1903) it held art exhibitions, literary and musical gatherings and all kinds of shows.
Among its most famous clients were Pablo Picasso himself, the architect Antonio Gaudí and the musician Isaac Albéniz.
Visiting Barcelona and having a coffee in this bar will transport you back in time.
Source: Tripadvisor
Walk down Passeig de Gracia
This luxurious avenue of the Catalan capital stands out for its unique modernist architecture, whose main exponent in the city was Antonio Gaudí. As you walk along it you will find the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, or Casa Milá.
You can also see other more contemporary examples of modernism, such as the Toyo Ito building and the Antonio Tapies Foundation. Definitely a place to see in Barcelona if you visit the city.
Source: Pixabay
Galería Palau Robert
This old neoclassical building, work of the French architect Henry Grandpierre, is today an exhibition hall.
If you are looking for what to see in Barcelona for free, you're in luck! Because the temporary exhibitions at the Palau Roberts can be visited free of charge.
Source: Tripadvisor
Walk the promenade of La Barceloneta
Despite having a more modern style, this neighbourhood has a long seafaring history that dates back to the 18th century, when sailors began to settle in the area. A stroll along its crowded beaches, its narrow streets, churches and premises will definitely fascinate you.
The Clock Tower and the Museum of the History of Catalonia can be visited in this area of Barcelona.
Source: Pixabay
Visit the Sagrada Familia
The Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia is without doubt one of the architectural symbols of Barcelona and the greatest work of the genius Gaudí, albeit a project that he was unable to see to its completion.
This icon of Barcelona was started in 1883 and is still under construction. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the building stands out for its three main façades: the Birth, the only one that Gaudí was able to see completed, the Passion and the Resurrection of Christ.
Without a doubt, this is one of the
greatest treasures you can see in Barcelona.
Source: Pixabay
Go to the Plaza de España
Built during the International Exhibition of 1929 by the architects Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Guillem Busquets, this imposing plaza is an important transit centre in the city because of its size and the beautiful fountain that presides over the square.
Source: Unsplash
Visit Park Güell
Located in the upper part of the city, this is another of the great projects that Gaudí gifted to the city of Barcelona. The unusual naturalist architecture of Güell Park and its stripped back volumes makes it a place like no other in the world, and is a must-see included in this article about what to see, in Niza Cars’ totally free Barcelona Guide.
Initially the park was built at the orders of Eusebi Güell to form part of a residential area for wealthy families that he planned to start building on undeveloped land.
The frustrated residential project meant the magnificent park was converted into the residence of Güell and his family for a few years, until, after his death, the park was sold to the City Hall and opened as a public park in Barcelona in 1926.
You will be able to visit the mountain with the Tibibus.
Source: Pixabay
Go down La Rambla to Plaza Colón
La Rambla runs between Plaza de Catalunya and the old port, and is a central point to see in the life of Barcelona. The streets are filled with people at all hours of the day and as you walk you can enjoy numerous street shows.
Along the Rambla you will find several places well worth a visit: the Virreina Palace, the Liceo theatre, the Boquería Market, the Plaza Real and the statue of Christopher Columbus.
Source: Pixabay
Have breakfast in the Boquería Market
La Boquería is an open market in the heart of Barcelona. This is a local reference point for selling high quality products and for its multitude of local food stalls where you can enjoy the best of the gastronomy of the area.
Among the most popular stalls to see in Barcelona are those of Quim de la Boquería and the legendary Bar Pinotxo.
Source: Pixabay
El Palau de la Música
Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the Palau de la Música is a great exponent of Catalan modernism and the only concert hall declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
If you're passing through Barcelona, we recommend you check out the programme at the Palau de la Música.
Source: Tripadvisor
Admire the views of Barcelona from Monte Tibidabo
At 512 meters above sea level, Monte Tibidabo is the highest peak in Barcelona and boasts the best views of the city. If you are exploring what to see in Barcelona... from here you can see it all!
It is possible to get to the top with the old blue tram and funicular railway which climbs the mountain. In addition to the views, the impressive church of the Sacred Heart and an amusement park are located at the top.
The number of places to see in Barcelona can seem endless and the fact is that this great city has little reason to envy the country’s capital. We hope you have a great stay in Barcelona and that you have the chance to visit the incredible places that we have mentioned.
If while exploring what to see in Barcelona, you need to find out about the best places to eat in Barcelona, don't miss out on our guide to eating tapas in Barcelona, and enjoy the best cuisine this gastronomic capital has to offer.
Source: Pixabay