Barcelona is a city that never ceases to amaze with its world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and Gaud jewels.
There are so many exciting things to do in Barcelona that it might be difficult to choose just a few. After seeing all of Antoni Gaud's Modernisme masterpieces, including the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera, get away from the throng and discover some of the city's lesser-known architectural gems, such as Sant Pau Recinto Modernista, the largest Art Nouveau site in the world. Not in the mood to travel? Then, take advantage of Barcelona's warm, Mediterranean weather by spending the day at an urban beach, dining al fresco for a leisurely lunch, unwinding with a sundowner on a hotel patio, and continuing the celebration in a club or cocktail bar. These are our top recommendations for things to do in Barcelona, from popular tourist destinations to lesser-known hidden treasures.
Awesome Things to do in Barcelona Spain https://t.co/086pTDL7aU
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1. See Gaud by night
Even with timed ticketing systems, the two well-known residences of Gaud, Casa Batlló and House Milà (also known as La Pedrera) are sometimes clogged with people during the day. Thus, to have a more private experience, sign up for a night tour, which has a smaller group size and extras like complimentary Cava and live music. From March through November, you can visit Casa Batlló during its "Magic Nights," which feature an interactive self-guided tour of the home and a performance on the rooftop for a starting price of about £45. Small-group guided tours of the courtyard and magnificent arched attic (but not the apartment) are offered as part of La Pedrera's Night Experience, which is available throughout the year. The tour concludes with a stop at the roof terrace, where a fantastic light show is displayed across its swirling chimneys. In June and July, admission is £34 and includes access to a free rooftop jazz event.
Locations: La Pedrera, Pg. de Gràcia 92, 08007 Barcelona; Casa Batlló, Pg. de Gràcia 43, 08007 Barcelona
websites: lapedrera.com and casabatllo.es
2. Visit less-visited Modernista gems
While Gaud was the foremost practitioner of Catalan Modernism, other architects also contributed to this fantastical architectural movement. The biggest Art Nouveau site in the world, Sant Pau Recinto Modernista, was created by Llus Domènech I Montaner in 1901 and is only a short distance uphill from the Sagrada Familia. The old hospital complex is made up of several red-brick structures with extravagant spires, mosaic-tiled domed roofs, exquisite stained-glass windows, and lush landscaping that covers nine city blocks. The 1911 Casaramona factory, constructed by Josep Puig I Cadafalch, currently houses the CaixaForum Barcelona art gallery. See its undulating roof terrace, which is reminiscent of Spain's ancient castles with its crenelated rooftops, turrets, and Moorish features.
Addresses: CaixaForum Barcelona, Av. Francesc Ferrer I Guàrdia 6-8, 08038 Barcelona; Sant Pau Recinto Modernista, Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona.
websites: caixaforum.org and santpaubarcelona.org
3. Look at modern and contemporary art
The Moco Museum Barcelona's courtyard entry is dominated by a massive, six-meter-tall wooden sculpture of Mickey Mouse by pop-culture phenomenon KAWS, providing a preview of what's to come in this exciting new art venue. Modern and contemporary masters like Warhol, Murakami, David LaChapelle, and Damian Hirst, renowned street artists like Banksy and KAWS, and cutting-edge digital installations by up-and-coming artists, are represented across two floors of a 16th-century palace in the Born neighborhood. The remarkable Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), which is located in the Raval neighborhood, was built by Richard Meier and provides an excellent introduction to modern Catalan artists including Antoni Tàpies and Francesc Torres. Yet, it also has works by world-renowned artists including Basquiat, Donald Judd, and Alexander Calder in its collection. Don't miss Keith Haring's enormous Todos Juntos Podemos Parar el Sida (Together We Can Stop AIDS) painting from 1989, which is located just outside MACBA's entrance.
Addresses: MACBA, Plaça dels ngels 1, 08001 Barcelona; Moco Museum Barcelona, Carrer de Montcada 25, 08003 Barcelona.
websites: macba.cat and mocomuseum.com
4. Wander around the Horta's Labyrinth Park (Parc del Laberint d'Horta)
Avoid the crowds of tourists and get lost inside a life-size labyrinth from the 18th century. The maze is made up of two-meter-tall cypress hedges and is dotted with sculptures and reliefs of figures from Greco-Roman love mythology. Up until you reach its center, where Eros, the god of Love, sits on a pedestal, there are many turns, dead ends, and detours. The 55-hectare park has a castle and strolling routes through a small forest, ponds, fountains, stone stairs, Roman-style temples, Italianate columns, and even a maze, yet it is the maze that makes it stand out (not open to the public). It is close to the Metro and situated in the Collserola mountain range's foothills (L3).
Address: Passeig dels Castanyers 1, 08035, Barcelona
url: barcelona.cat
5. Relax on a hotel balcony.
Relaxing with a beverage and taking in the views on the rooftop of one of Barcelona's great hotels is a popular local activity. Visit Terraza de Vivi at the hip Kimpton Vividora for the daily brunch (March to November) with endless mimosas and Bloody Marys, and stunning views of the nearby Gothic Quarter. Weekends are especially buzzy with live DJs. A small, unassuming hotel roof nearby, the Wittmore Hotel, offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, the sea, and the mountains from the top deck. Go to The Hoxton, Poblenou's Tope (open March to November), a huge rooftop taqueria and bar with thumping music and weekend DJ performances, and breath-taking views of the Sagrada Familia, especially around sunset, if you're seeking to party. Nevertheless, if you're looking for peace & quiet, the El Palace Hotel roof terrace's shaded pergolas, bubbling fountains, and lush vegetation offer a pleasant respite from the hectic Eixample streets.
6. Immerse yourself in Barcelona's nightlife.
Barcelona boasts a renowned nightlife that is worth staying up late for, with everything from live music to energized DJ sets. Within a vast industrial warehouse in Poblenou, Razzmatazz is five clubs in one: along with a major performance hall for A-list indie acts, smaller areas see DJs spinning anything from reggaetón to techno to pop every night of the week. In the renowned Plaça Reial, Ocaa provides live musical performances of soul, flamenco, jazz, rock, and other genres in the club on the first floor and the trendy Apotheke below. On Fridays and Saturdays, stroll down to the Barcelona EDITION's sensuous, red-velvet-draped Cabaret, where renowned worldwide DJs perform till the small hours.
Addresses: Cabaret, Avinguda de Francesc Cambó 14, 08003 Barcelona; Ocaa, Pl. Reial 13-15, 08002 Barcelona; Razzmatazz, Carrer dels Almogàvers 122, 08018 Barcelona.
websites: cabaretbarcelona.com, facebook.com, and salazzmatazz.com
7. Relax on a beach in Poblenou
Go east to the less-frequented golden strands of the Poblenou neighborhood, leaving the bustling Barceloneta beaches to the visitors. Bogatell, Mar Bella, and Nova Mar Bella are its three beaches, and each one draws primarily locals. Bogatell is the busiest and liveliest beach due to its proximity to the Metro, as well as its abundance of chiringuitos (beach bars) and facilities including beach volleyball courts and table tennis. Younger people prefer Mar Bella, which also has a distinct area for swimming and sunbathing in nude attire that attracts a sizable LGBT population. The most distant, broadest, and most relaxed of the three, Nova Mar Bella is popular with families and senior citizens residing in the adjoining residential towers of Diagonal Mar. It is also a premier location for kiteboarding, with beachside rentals offered.
8. The views from Mirador torre Glories will blow your mind.
The Mirador Torre Glories, perched atop Jean Nouvel's glassy, bullet-shaped tower, offers some of Barcelona's great views. The Sagrada Familia, the sail-shaped W Hotel, and the tri-towered Sant Andreu power plant are just a few of the famous Barcelona monuments that can be seen via the big windows as you ascend 30 floors in a lift for 360-degree views of the city from the mountains to the Mediterranean. From here, daredevils can wear a jumpsuit (supplied) and ascend into the dome using the artist Tomás Saraceno's 130-meter-tall piece "Cloud Cities," made of interconnected pods and steel cables.
Address: 211 Avinguda Diagonal, Barcelona, 08018
Internet address: miradortorreglories.com
9. The Montjuc Hiking Trail
Although Barcelona is known for its beaches, the nearby mountains provide a genuine haven from the bustle and heat of the city. Nearest to the center is Montjuc, which has several free botanical gardens to explore, including the magnificent Jardines de Mossèn Costa I Llobera devoted to cacti. Paths meander through woodlands, waterfalls, pools with lilies, and even a Greek theater reconstruction. A favorite is the Mirador de Miramar, which offers views over the city, the surrounding mountains, the harbor, and the sea. It's worth the arduous hike to one of its several miradors (viewpoints), which provide various perspectives. You may also take a break from your climb by stopping at one of the several noteworthy locations scattered across the mountain, such as Montjuc Castle, the Joan Miró Foundation, or the Olympic Stadium.
10. Go shopping
Barcelona has various businesses to explore. Start the day at Casa Gispert, the famed grocer. It roasts locally obtained nuts in a wood-fired oven. Then buy a bouquet from Marea Verde, a charming flower store with trencadís by renowned mosaicist Lluís Br. u. Furniture shopping is fun, especially at Bénédicte Bodard Mesa Bonita for restored tables, consoles, and trivets and Cubiñá, which is approximately 5,000 square feet of high-design fabulousness on two levels in a wonderful 19th-century structure by Catalan-Modernism architect Domènech I Montaner. Visit the Mediterranean concept store Bon Vent on Carrer de l'Argenteria to marvel at the rich selection of Spanish-made pottery, fabrics, glassware, and natural cosmetics. Artisan jeweler Joan Rovira works in silver and bamboo from a tiny shop studio epitomizes the craft ethos gaining ground in the Born di Barcelona. strict.
From Picasso to Gaudí, Parc Güell to Parc de la Ciutadella, there are plenty of top attractions, museums, and activities to keep you busy in Barcelona. Here are 13 free things to do in Barcelona. https://t.co/ijbouwKzIB
— Michele | The Intrepid Guide (@intrepidguide) March 8, 2023
11. Eat in a renowned food market
There are 39 different food markets in Barcelona, each with its personality, but La Boquera is the biggest and best-known and has been a must-visit destination for foodies since 1836. The market, which is just off La Rambla, has over 200 merchants selling anything from regional fruit and cheeses to just-caught fish. They also sell Spanish mainstays like olives, olive oil, and of course, jamón, which is a well-known product in Spain. Tapas bars offering market-fresh cuisine are tucked away amid the stalls; try to score one of the prized seats at the historic Pinotxo Bar for traditional Catalan specialties like cap I pota, a hearty lamb stew.
Location: 91 La Rambla, 08001 Barcelona
websites: pinotxobar.com and boqueria.barcelona
12. Spend some time in Gaud's beautiful Park Güell
This park on a hill is well worth the steep climb to see one of Gaud's most imaginative works. The 1900 project, which started as a 60-villa affluent housing complex surrounded by greenery, was ultimately abandoned, but not before the architect finished many of its extraordinary aspects. The enormous main stairway, guarded by a multi-colored mosaic lizard, and Sala Hipòstila, with its 86 towering Doric columns, resemble temples while being an outdoor marketplace. The main attraction is unquestionably the expansive central plaza, which is surrounded by a 100-meter-long, wavy bench made of mosaic tiles and gives stunning views of the city and the sea below.
Internet address: parkguell.barcelona
13. See a collection of Picasso works.
The Picasso Museum in Barcelona, which does a particularly outstanding job of charting the creative growth of this Spanish maestro, received many of Picasso's early paintings that were donated when he was still a teenager and spent his formative years there. The permanent collection, which numbers over 4,000 pieces, is housed in five connected palaces from the medieval era; the breathtaking setting almost eclipses the interior pieces. Highlights include several of Picasso's early drawings and paintings from when he was just 15 years old, as well as several pieces from his Blue Period and his astonishing 1957 series Las Meninas, which consists of 58 paintings that were inspired by Velázquez's masterpiece.
Location: Barcelona, Carrer de Montcada, 15–23
Site address: museupicasso.bcn.cat
14. Drink award-winning cocktails
Barcelona's finest cocktail bars rival those in other renowned drinking hubs like London and New York. But don't take our word for it: Three Barcelona bars made the top 10 list of The World's 50 Best Bars in 2022, including the number-one bar, Paradiso. Although being deftly hidden behind a pastrami store in the Born neighborhood, the ever-present line that snakes around the block makes it simple to locate. Be prepared to be amazed by the crazily imaginative ingredients (mushrooms! seaweed sorbet!). On your cocktail crawl, you should also stop at the vibrant, divey Two Schmucks (#7) and the subtle, exquisite Sips (#3), both of which are award-winning bars.
Addresses include Two Schmucks, Carrer de Joaquin Costa, 52, 08001 Barcelona, Sips, Carrer de Muntaner, 108, and Paradiso, Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona.
Websites include facebook.com, sips.barcelona, and paradiso.cat
15. Attend a performance at the Palace of Catalan Music.
This performance theater, created in 1905 by Lluis Domènech I Muntaner, is a visual feast with its vibrant mosaic tilework, colorful sculptures, and exquisite stained glass. And that's just the outside; on the inside, things are even OTTer. With intricate, mosaic-covered columns and arches, sinuous ironwork, and flowers everywhere, from the carved roses gracing the ceiling to the floral designs on the towering stained-glass windows, the main auditorium is a veritable kaleidoscope of Art Nouveau features. All of this is topped by a beautiful inverted skylight with multicolored glass that lights up when the sun goes down. The compact setting (around 2,900 seats) and superb acoustics of the venue further contribute to the allure of attending a piece of music there; most of the concerts are classical, opera, and choral, while there are occasionally jazz performances.
The following address is in Barcelona: Carrer Palau de la Msica, 4-6
Site address: palaumusica.cat
16. Explore the plazas of Grecia
This lovely, quaint, almost village-like area to the north of the city center is dotted with dozens of pedestrian plazas or plaças in Catalan. Some are pocket-sized squares, with a few seats covered by trees; others are enormous, busy meeting spaces, flanked with bustling terraces and full of local youngsters running and playing. With its towering trees, fountain, and imposing stone church, Plaça de Virreina is one of the nicest. If the terraces on the plaza are full, there are a few extra terraces close to the church. The Plaça de la Rovira I Trias, which has several cafes with outdoor tables nearby, is where the 19th-century architect Antoni Rovira I Trias, who created many of the city's marketplaces, is shown in a sitting bronze statue. Visit the bar-filled Plaça del Sol for a rowdier atmosphere, where you can spend a hot summer night drinking under the stars.
17. Take the train to Sitges
Sitges, which is only a 35-minute train journey from the city and is now one of Europe's most well-liked summer resort locations, is a fantastic day trip alternative once you've finished the main Barcelona attractions. There are many eating alternatives, ranging from traditional tavernas to expensive restaurants to hip beachside chiringuitos, trendy shops, and art galleries give lots of shopping options, and narrow winding lanes and whitewashed buildings exude charm. There are many kilometers of broad, sandy beaches and a nearly 2-mile-long paved seaside promenade, all against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. The nightlife scene picks up in the late evening, with hundreds of dance clubs and pubs targeting the LGBTQ+ community. If you want a calmer atmosphere and fewer people, plan to go on a weekday or during the off-season.
How to get there: Trains to Sitges run routinely from numerous stations in Barcelona (including Sants and Passeig de Gracia) on the Renfe Rodalies R2 line
Website: visitsitges.com
Study Barcelona is back on the agenda.