Barcelona is a bustling metropolitan of the Catalan region and is a hotspot for art and architecture. Mention Barcelona to anyone and will say Antoni Gaudí as the main architectural genius contribution with modern and Gothic architecture.
Walk down Las Ramblas, devour the tapas, and soak up the atmosphere in this city. Hope you enjoy the amazing sights and things to see in Barcelona.
BEST THINGS TO SEE IN BARCELONA
Be in awe at La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Família needs no introduction as it is one of Gaudí’s most famous works in Barcelona. This place of worship has been under construction since 1882 and is finally expected to be completed by 2026. When complete, the church will be composed of three major facades, two of which — the Passion facade and the Nativity façade — have already been completed, while construction of the Glory facade remains ongoing.
La Sagrada Família is easily noticeable with the four towers on each façade represent the 12 Apostles. You can go up the towers on foot or using the lift, and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Barcelona.
Wander around Park Güell
Eusebi Güell commissioned Gaudí to create an elegant outdoor space for aristocracy with Park Güell.
The fluid design of stone structures, intricate mosaics was just another fine example of genius architecture. You will be greeted at the entrance with Gaudí’s dragon fountain that sets the scene for your mystical visit to Park Güell.
Casa Milà
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera (meaning “stone quarry” in Catalan), is Antoni Gaudí’s last civil work, which he started in 1906 and finished in 1912.
The house, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in the typical Catalan Modernisme style. He really pushed architectural limits as there was not one straight line in this structure. Take a tour around this wonderful building, you need to see it to believe it!
Visit Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is a UNESCO World Heritage site on Passeig de Gràcia in the centre of Barcelona. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, it is a truly iconic modernist building that looks like it’s been made from skulls and bones but it is actually balconies and supporting pillars.
Casa Batlló is visited by most tourists to the city so booking in advance is recommended otherwise you can marvel at the exterior for free. You will be utterly in awe at the detail and the varying materials used in a creative way!
Stroll down La Rambla
La Rambla, also known as Las Ramblas, is a fantastic pedestrian street with many off-shoot cobbled streets. It is a hive of activity with restaurants, bars, shops, tapas, flower shops…. you name it! Stop off to watch the street artists performing but do wary as the prices are hiked up in this area!
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Don’t miss Cathedral of Barcelona
Not quite as impressive as La Sagrada Familia but this is an architectural beauty all the same and well worth a visit. The ancient cathedral is located in the Gothic Quarter, the historic centre of Barcelona.
The Roman Catholic cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is still a functioning place of worship and celebration and an important basilica in the city. Don’t miss this out on your trip to Barcelona!
Take a tour of Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall that was designed by the architect and politician, Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Located in the northern part of the old town, it was built from 1905 to 1908 for a choral group named Orfeó Catalá and it was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Take a tour of the impressive building or, better still, soak up the atmosphere with a performance in this elegant concert hall.
PLANNING THE BEST BARCELONA TRIP
Plan ahead for your Barcelona trip
- Find the best hotel deals in Barcelona on Booking.com
- Get your airport transfer taxi or Aerobús booked from Barcelona Airport
- Find the best train ticket deals with Rail Europe
- Get around Barcelona with Hola BCN ticket (48, 72, 96, or 120-hour)
- Organise travel insurance to suit your needs with World Nomads
Book a tour of Barcelona
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Vanessa Ball
Vanessa is a digital marketing geek with a big passion for adventures off-the-beaten-track. She is a trekker, content creator, photographer, and an all-round travel junkie. Join her in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.
