Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Spain so you cannot miss spending some time exploring this fantastic city. There are so many places to see in Barcelona that you need to read this list to choose what to see in Barcelona and which of these places is essential for you and make sure to see them.
Barcelona is a city where you will enjoy the Spanish culture, customs, architecture and delicious local cuisine.
I have been to Barcelona three times, and I have the feeling that after you visit this vibrant city, you will go back again in the future.
Everyone falls in love with Barcelona. It is a city to discover and enjoy for more than just a weekend. There are s many things to do and see that you will only taste the tip of what this amusing city has to offer to its explorers in only two days.
What can I see in 2 or 3 days in Barcelona?
Barcelona is a pretty big city, and there are so many incredible places to see and unique things to do that in only two days, you will only see a tiny part of it.
Suppose you have only two days to visit this fantastic city. In that case, my advice is to wake up very early and try to see at least the most famous places.
The Sagrada Familia, some of the other Gaudi buildings, the Parc Guell, walking in the city centre, and exploring the Barrio gotico (the most famous quarter and the oldest one) are some of the most visited sites in Barcelona.
Also, try as many local foods as you can because they are delicious.
If you have the chance to visit it for one week, please do so. One week is the right amount of time to see Barcelona fully, and even in one week, you won't be able to see everything unless you walk all day.
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Read 72 Unmissable Places to See in Barcelona Below
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1. La Sagrada Familia:
La Sagrada Familia is a vast religious building that began in 1882 based on the plan of Francisco de Paula del Villar. Still, in 1883 Antoni Gaudi was selected to continue this fantastic opera.
It is absolutely a must-see when in Barcelona. Before exploring the inside, take your time to enjoy the outside of this beautiful construction. Don't rush it through it. It is a majestic building, and it deserves to be admired.
The line can be more than two hours long, so I recommend you to book the skip the line tickets here in advance to save time and money.
Opening time: 8 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Adress: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona.
How to get there: Metro L2 (purple) direction Badalona Pompeu Fabra, get off a Sagrada Familia, exit via Provenca/Avinguda Gaudi. The church is right outside.
2. Placa de Gaudi:
The Gaudi Square is in the park on the east side of the Sagrada Familia and has a little lake in the middle and a playground for the kids. It is, in my opinion, the best place where to take amazing pictures of the church and relax a bit in the shadow of the trees.
It is also a good place where to eat lunch in case you have some sandwiches with you.
Do you want to see everything Spain has to offer and save money at the same time?
Check here all the activities and tours available. You won't regret it!
3. Palau de la Musica Catalana:
The famous Palace of Catalan Music is the most famous theatre in Barcelona, and it is worth to be visited. You can enjoy a concert or just book a tour and see the inside during the day.
They are two different experiences, so it is up to you to choose the best one for you.
Address: Carrer Palau de la Musica, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona.
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4. Parc Guell:
Parc Guell is the most beautiful Park in Barcelona and is described as one of the masterpieces of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi who designed it in 1900 and inaugurated it in 1926. It had also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
At Park Guell, you will spend hours walking around taking beautiful pictures.
The entrance to the Park is free, but if you want to see the monumental zone, you have to pay for a ticket that is absolutely worth it. Check here prices and availability.
How to get there: By Metro Green Line L3 direction Trinitat Nova, get off at Vallcarca exit via Avinguda Vallcarca + Parc Guell. Walk along Avinguda de Vallarca and turn left into Baixada de la Gloria. Keep walking, and you will get to the bottom of an escalator. Go up, and one of the entrances of the Park will be in front of you.
Address: Carrer d'Olot 5, 08024 Barceloona.
5. Picasso Museum:
Picasso Museum in Barcelona is the best place to learn from the marvellous art of Pablo Picasso through his 4,251 works in exposition. If you like his art, this is the right place for you.
The line to enter this museum can be crazy long (it can take the length of the whole street), so I recommend you book your ticket in advance to skip the line, save time and money.
Opening time: 9 am to 7 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona
How to get there: Metro L4 (yellow) direction depends on where you are coming from, get off station Jaume I, exit via Placa de l'Angel and walk up Carrer de la Princesa, then turn right into Carrer de Montcada, the museum is a few meters on the left side.
6. Antigua Casa Figueras:
Antigua Casa Figueras is a beautiful building with "Old House of Figueras", a shop in Las Ramblas that you cannot miss. Not only because of the beauty of the building but also for the delicious cakes of the Patisserie.
Antigua Casa Figuera is the perfect place to stop for a delicious coffee and a little cake.
Plan Your Vacation in Barcelona in the Best Way
Check out all my articles in the "Most Complete Guide of Barcelona" and get all the information you need to make your next travel a success.
Opening time: 9 am to 8 pm.
Address: La Rambla 83, 08001, Barcelona.
7. Avinguda Diagonal:
Avinguda Diagonal is an 11 km long boulevard where you can have a walk enjoying some spectacular buildings in Catalan Modernism, some of the best you can find in town.
Here you can also find many shops and restaurants.
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8. Passeig de Gracia:
Passeig de Gracia is one of the major avenues in Barcelona that goes from Placa de Catalunya to Jardin de Salvador Espiru, where you can find all of the major shopping brands and most of the more admired buildings in town.
Walking along this avenue, you can admire Cases Antoni Rocamora, Casa Batllo', Casa Mila', Casa Pascual I Pons, and shops such as Zara, Mango, Stradivarius (if you like Spanish brands) but also Gucci, Tiffany, Burberry and more.
Do you want to see everything Barcelona has to offer and save money at the same time?
Check here all the activities and tours available. You won't regret it!
9. Casa Batllo':
Casa Batllo is an impressive building that will make you feel like being inside a fairytale. This building deserves to be visited, both from the outside and inside.
It is a principal sight to visit in Barcelona, so I suggest you book your skip the line ticket in advance and visit it very early in the morning to see it at your own pace, without the crowd.
Opening time: from 9 am to 8 pm.
Address: Passeig de Gracia 43, 08007 Barcelona.
How to get here: from Placa de Catalunya, walk up to Passeig de Gracia for about 8 minutes. The house will be on your left.
10. La Pedrera (Casa Mila'):
La Pedrera is another beautiful building by Antony Gaudi, where you will admire the apartment of the Mila family. During the tour, you will visit the roof, flat, attic, and courtyards, where you will be amazed by its beauty. See here prices and availabilities.
I visit it during the day, but I heard that it is also spectacular in the evening, because you can enjoy the stunning view of Barcelona at night.
Opening time: from 9 am to 11 pm.
Address: Passeig de Gracia 92, 08008 Barcelona.
How to get there: from Placa de Catalunya, walk up to Passeig de Gracia for about 10 minutes. The house is on your right.
11. Las Ramblas:
Always full of tourists, Las Ramblas is the union of 5 streets that goes from Placa de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument: Rambla de Canaletes, Ramblas dels Estudios, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins and Rambla de Santa Monica.
Rambla means a dry riverbed used as a road. And Las Ramblas was indeed a dry river where they built these five streets.
Las Ramblas is always busy, day and night. There are many shops and many restaurants that some of them are as we call tourists traps, so be aware of them.
Some of them (not all of them) will serve you warmed up frozen food, their paella is not freshly made on the spot, and it is far away from the original and delicious Spanish food. Do your research before dining in one of the restaurants on Las Ramblas.
Do you want to know more about Barcelona?
Check out all my articles in the "Most Complete Guide of Barcelona" and get all the information you need to make your next travel a success.
12. La Boqueria market:
La Boqueria is a beautiful and super colourful market in Las Ramblas, where you can buy delicious and fresh fruits (I went there for a freshly made smoothie, oh so good!), veggies, and sweets, meat and fish.
I suggest you check prices before buying anything, cause some things may be overpriced because it is a tourist spot.
At the back of the market, some food stalls cook on the spot meat and fresh fish straight from the fish stalls. There I got the best "gambas a la plancha" (grilled prawns) I had ever had in my whole life. Pricey but worth it.
13. Mirador de Colom:
Mirador de Colom is an excellent viewpoint to see the Port and the side of the city near the sea. You can take the lift to go up to the view at its top, 60 metres from sea level.
You can purchase your ticket on the spot.
Opening time: from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm.
Address: At the bottom of Las Ramblas, right at the beginning of the Port.
14. Placa del Rei:
Placa del Rei is a beautiful medieval square that reminded me of Game of Throne. If you are walking around the Barrio Gotic, don't forget to visit it.
Address: Placa del Rei, 08002 Barcelona.
15. Plaza de Toros Monumental de Barcelona:
Bullfighting was banned in Catalonia (the region of Spain where Barcelona is) by the Parliament in July 2010. The last Bullfighting in the area was in September 2011. So you won't be able to assist one. But you can visit the magnificent Arena.
Address: Gran Via de Los Corts Catalanes 749, 08013 Barcelona.
Hot to get there: Metro L2 (purple) direction Badalona Pompeu Fabra, Get off at Monumental Station exit via Marina/Placa de Toros, walk down Carrer de la Marina and turn left into Gran Via de less Corts Catalanes.
16. Port Vell:
Port Vell is a place you cannot miss, even just for a walk. It is the old Port where boats, yachts and cruise ships are.
There is also a shopping centre, with a cinema, shops, restaurants, and the Barcelona Aquarium.
I love to have a walk around Port Vell in the evening, it is so full of lights, and the reflection on the water makes it magical.
Address: At the bottom side of the city, at the end of Las Ramblas, where Mirador de Colum is.
17. Escultura La Gamba:
Escultura La Gamba is the best sculpture to represent a city that loves so much both art and seafood. "Gambas a la Plancha" (grilled prawns) are a must when in Barcelona.
Address: Passeig de Colom, 08039 Barcelona.
How to get there: Located at the beginning of La Barceloneta, you can get there by walking on the seaside of the Port from Mirador de Colum toward La Barceloneta.
18. Carrer de Montcada:
Carrer de Montcada is a street I added because it is the street of the entrance of the Picasso Museum, and it is also where you can find:
My favourite Tapas Bar "El Xampaniet", an excellent tea shop "Tea Shop Montcada", a bakery where to buy sandwiches, pizza, baguettes and much more open 24h (for the night cravings) called MacxiPA, and a nice restaurant called Bodega La Puntual where to eat delicious Spanish food.
19. Flirty Giraffe:
The Flirty Giraffe (La Jirafa Coqueta) is part of a series of sculptures made by Josep Granyer and commissioned by the Association of Friends of Rambla Catalunya.
Address: At the crossroad of Rambla Catalunya and Avenida Diagonal.
How to get there: When walking up to Passeig de Gracia, turn left into Avinguda Diagonal, walk a couple of minutes, and the statue is on your left.
20. Arc de Triomf:
Arc de Triomf was designed in 1888 by architect Josep Vilaseca I Casanovas. It was the primary access for the Barcelona World Fair. It's a very unique Arch with its red bricks and its Gotic style.
Address: Passeig Lluis Company, 08003 Barcelona.
How to get there: When visiting Parc de la Ciutadella, walk up north along Passeig de Lluis Companys. The Arch is at the end of it. It is pretty big, so you will spot it straight away.
Plan Your Vacation in Barcelona in the Best Way
Check out all my articles in the "Most Complete Guide of Barcelona" and get all the information you need to make your next travel a success.
21. Sant Pau Hospital:
The "Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau" was built between 1901 and 1930 and designed by Lluis Domenech I Montaner, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It absolutely needs to be visited. It is a brilliant art nouveau building that will surprise you with its beauty.
Address: Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona.
How to get there: It is not too far from the Sagrada Familia (that you will visit for sure), so you can walk from there, it is only 14 minutes. Walk up to Avinguda de Gaudi until you get outside the Hospital.
22. Montjuic Castle:
The Barcelona Castle is a must-visit, the view from up there is stunning, you can see the whole city and take wonderful pictures. Inside the castle, there is a buffet restaurant, some souvenirs shops and an outdoor bar where you can get a sandwich or an ice cream before you start walking down the hill.
I suggest you walk straight up to the Castel and then slowly walk down and visit all the museums (or those you like, I honestly visited all of them).
The entrance to the castle is FREE but in case you are looking for some guided tours around Barcelona click here to check prices and availability.
Opening time: from 10 am to 6/8 pm. It depends on the season. Free entry every first Sunday of the month.
Address: Ctra. de Montjuic, 66, 08038, Barcelona.
How to get there: From Placa de Espana, catch the Bus 150 direction Castell de Montjuic (the bus stop is at the beginning of the Avinguda del Paral.lel). You will be up there in 22 minutes.
Or you can catch the cable car from the Port ( you can pay for it with your Hola Barcelona travel card)
Otherwise, you can just walk to the top as I did and stop halfway to visit some museums. If you decide to walk up straight without stopping, it will take you around 30 mins.
23. Anella Olimpica:
Anella Olimpica was built for the Olympic Games of 1992. This Olympic Ring, with its swimming pools, stadium and sports hall is used by locals and visited by tourists.
The entrance to the Park is free.
Address: Carrer l'Estad 48, 08038 Barcelona
How to get there: It is located only a couple of kilometres from the Castle so you can just walk around 20 minutes to get there or catch the bus 150 from the Castle and get off at Estadi Olimpic.
24. El Cemeterio de Montjuic:
Open since 1883, it is a fascinating place to visit with all its funerary art and the only collection of funeral carriages in Europe.
Address: Carrer de la Mare de Deu de Port 56-58, 08038 Barcelona.
How to get there: From Anella Olimpica, walk 30 mins, or you can catch the bus 13 or the 125 to get there.
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25. Fondacio' Joan Miro':
If you like Miro, you cannot miss this museum. Fondacio' Joan Miro' is a wonderfully designed building where you can also enjoy stunning city views.
Address: Parc de Montjuic 08038, Barcelona.
How to get there: From the Castle, it is only 18 minutes walk, or you can catch the bus 150 and be there in 11 minutes. Also, only a few mins from the cable car stop.
26. Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum:
Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum is the perfect place for sports lovers. There you can see a vast collection of information and memorabilia of the Olympic Games of 1992 and much more about sports from its origins till now.
Address: Avinguda de Estadi 60, 08038 Barcelona.
How to get there: it is located next to the Olympic Rings.
27. Carrer de Blai:
I added this street because it is full of local bars and restaurants that serve authentic Spanish food. It is located at the bottom of Montjuic Mountain, so it could be the perfect place to eat something after a long day exploring Montjuic.
How to get there: When you get to Placa de Espana, turn into Avinguda del Paral.lel and walk for about 1 kilometre till you get to the beginning of the Carrer de Blai on your right.
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28. Poble Espanyol:
Poble Espanyol is my favourite place after Montjuic Castle. Poble Espanyol is an open-air village where you will find arts, gastronomy, handicrafts and architecture from every part of Spain. It is a magical place for me, you can feel Andalusia in one place, and as soon as you turn the corner, you are in Gallizia.
Here you will admire 117 full-scale buildings, more than 300 artworks of contemporary art, boutiques and delicatessen where to buy delicious typical Spanish food and more than 20 artisan and craft workshops.
You cannot miss it! Click here for tickets prices and info.
Address: Avinguda Francesc Ferrer I Guardia 13, 08038 Barcelona.
How to get there: It is very close to Placa de Espana and the Magic Fountain. Just follow Avinguda Francesc Ferrer I Guardia at the bottom of the fountain and walk around 5 minutes.
29. Barcelona City History Museum:
Or "Museum d'Historia de Barcelona", where you can walk through the heart of the Roman ruins in Barcelona, under Placa del Rei, where you can learn about medieval and ancient Barcelona in a tour around 4,000 square metres in an archaeological site underground.
Address: Placa del Rei, Barri Gotic, 08002 Barcelona.
How to get there: it is very close to the Cathedral, a few minutes walk from it.
Planning to visit 6 Museums?
A great way to save money in Barcelona is by purchasing the Barcelona Museums Pass, which will allow you to skip the line at every museum and save a lot of money!
30. La Rambla del Raval:
La Rambla del Raval is a large street located in the Raval quarter. It is one of the lesser knows and visited streets by tourists.
I honestly went there only during my third visit to Barcelona, just because I went there with a local.
It is a nice street, where you can relax in the shadow of trees while eating some delicious Spanish food in one of its local restaurants and bars.
How to get there: when in Las Ramblas, at the entrance of the Liceu Metro Station, with your sea at your back, turn into Carrer de l'Hospital, and walk till you get there (only a few mins walk).
31. Parc de la Ciutadella:
If you are looking for a very green park, Parc de la Cuitadella is the perfect place for you to relax on a sunny day, have a picnic and walk around.
Address: Passeig de Picasso 21, 08003 Barcelona.
How to get there: Located on the Nord of the La Barceloneta, you can get there by walking from the old Port toward Port Olimpic.
32. Castle of the Three Dragons:
The "Castell dels Tres Dragons" was designed and built between 1887 and 1888 by the architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner for the World's Fair of 1888. Inside it, you can visit the Zoology Museum of Barcelona.
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 08003 Barcelona.
How to get there: It is located on the northeast side of the Parc de la Ciutadella.
33. El Tibidabo Amusement Park:
El Tibidabo amusement park in Barcelona is famous for being one of the oldest in the world. From up there you can enjoy fantastic views. It is a park for all the family with more than 30 attractions and shows.
The Park also provides some bars and restaurants to get a break from all the fun.
Address: Placa del Tibidabo 3-4, 08035 Barcelona.
How to get there: From Placa de Catalunya, catch the urban train S1 is S2, direction Sabadell Parc del Nord, get off at Peu del Funicular Station and catch the funicular Vallvidrera Inferior (located right outside) direction Vallvidera Superior. When you get to the end of it, take the bus 111 toward Tibidabo and get off when you get at on top of the mountain.
34. Templo del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus:
In my opinion, the Templo del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus is the best view of Barcelona, the church is lovely with its stained glasses, the statue of Christ on top of it, it is a place you have to see when in Barcelona.
There is a lift inside the church that will take you to the top of it. It was pretty windy when I went there but not dangerous at all.
Address: Cumbre del Tibidabo Serra de Collserola Natural Park, 08035 Barcelona.
How to get there: From Placa de Catalunya, catch the urban train S1 is S2 in Placa de Catalunya, direction Sabadell Parc del Nord, get off at Peu del Funicular Station and catch the funicular Vallvidrera Inferior (located right outside) direction Vallvidera Superior. When you get to the end of it, see the bus 111 toward Tibidabo and get off when you get at the end, on top of the mountain.
Do you want to see everything Barcelona has to offer and save money at the same time?
Check here all the activities and tours available. You won't regret it!
35. The Barcelona Cathedral:
The Barcelona Cathedral was built on top of a Roman Temple. Its works started in 1298 and lasted 150 years. You cannot leave Barcelona without seeing this Cathedral, the entrance is free till 12.30 pm and after 5.45 pm.
To get up to the roof, the cost is 3 euros and to see the choir stall another 3 euros. If you enter the Cathedral from 12.30 pm to 5.45 pm, you have to pay for a ticket of 7 euros. But in that case, you don't pay to see the stall and the roof.
I advise you to visit it early in the morning or late afternoon when it is almost empty.
During the weekend there is a market in the front square where you can buy many handicrafts and souvenirs.
Address: Placa de la Seu, 08002 Barcelona.
How to get there: From Placa de Catalunya, walk down along Las Ramblas, turn left into Carrer de la Portaferrissa, and keep walking along this street till you get to the square in front of the Cathedral.
36. Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi:
Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi is a 14th-century Catalan Gotic church, situated in the Placa del Pi in the Barrio Gotico. It is named for the nearby pine tree. The ticket price is 4 euros or 8.50 euros if you wish to see the Bell Tower while visiting the church.
Address: Placa del Pi 7, 08002 Barcelona.
How to get there: Walking down Las Ramblas, turn into Carrer del Cardenal Casanas, walk for a few minutes, and the Basilica will be on your right.
37. Pont de Bisbe:
The Pont de Bisbe was built in 1928 and connected two buildings. It is one of the most photographed sights in Barcelona, and if you are looking to take stunning pictures of it, without all the crowd, I advise you to get there early in the morning or at night.
Address: Carrer del Bisbe, 08002 Barcelona.
How to get there: When in the Cathedral square, with the Cathedral in from of you, walk on its right side, keep walking, past the Cathedral and the bridge will be in front of you.
38. Gracia Quarter:
Gracia Quarter is an excellent quarter to go for a walk, visit Casa Vicens, eat something in one of the many local bars and restaurants, do some shopping in some independent boutiques, and get into an art gallery, away from the tourist areas.
I advise you to visit Placa del Sol, where you can enjoy something fresh while relaxing after hours of exploring. Also, walk down Carrer de Verdi, a very trendy street, where you will find most of the best nightlife spots in town.
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39. Fundacio Antoni Tapies:
Created in 1984 by Antoni Tapies to promote modern and contemporary art, it is now one of the most impressive museums in the city. Check here prices and availability.
Opening time: from 10 am to 7 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Address: Carrer d'Arago 255, 08007 Barcelona.