Exciting Things To Do While In Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe, and for a good reason. Catalonia's historic capital is jam-packed with galleries, museums, attractions, and restaurants.

Barcelona, located between the mountains and the sea, is a vibrant and buzzing city known for its famous artists, urban beaches, and unique architecture. Here are our top picks of activities to engage in Barcelona during your stay.

Experience history at the Sagrada Família

Most cities have one landmark or the other that just can't be missed, and for Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia is it. It's a stunning masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi. Construction has been going on there for over 130 years, and it's not done yet.

However, it looks nothing like a construction site as the church has two imposing facades with beautiful stone carvings, towers that sparkle with sophisticated tiles, with an interior that has columns in a tree-like fashion rising to the ceiling. Just before the pandemic mandated a break, the structure was up for completion in 2026, in time for Gaudi's 100th death anniversary. However, that isn't feasible anymore, even though construction is again underway.

Examine even more of Gaudi's work

Even though the Sagrada Familia is almost certainly Gaudi's most famous building, all his other works are worth visiting too. Some of the more well-known ones include Casa Batlló, which has notable dragon-like scales with bone and skull-like balconies, and La Pedrera, which has fanciful chimneys and an undulating stone façade. There are some lesser-known but equally stunning buildings like Palau Güell, designed for Eusebi Güell (his patron), Casa Vicens, his first house designed, and the Torre Bellesguard.

Explore the Gothic Quarter

The most atmospheric and oldest part of Barcelona is its Gothic Quarter. It's known for its hidden plazas, historic buildings, and small alleyways. Lying east of La Rambla, the street goes right through the old town's center.

It has a scattered feel and has small bars, cafes, and century-old shops. A number of the highlights of the Gothic Quarter include Plaça Sant Jaume, which is home to the historic Palau de la Generalitat, and the stunning Plaça Reial which is hedged by palm trees and cafes.

Intimate yourself with Barcelona's markets

Although La Boqueria is the most well-known of the food markets in Barcelona, every area has its own, so the options are numerous. La Boqueria is the most atmospheric and oldest, however in recent times, more of the stalls have shifted away from produce, and more towards novelty candy and tropical fruit shakes.

Visit the Mercat de Santa Caterina and explore its multi-colored roof if you want an authentic vibe. You can also go to the grand Mercat de Sant Antoni, which finally reopened in 2018 after a long period of renovations (9 years).

Enjoy a sunny day at any of Barcelona's beautiful beaches

The beaches in Barcelona will not disappoint you at any point in the year. Even in the middle of winter, it's possible to sit outside and enjoy a meal at one of the seaside restaurants, and the summertime has many things to offer, from swimming to water sports to sunbathing.

The city has a 5-kilometer (3-mile) coastline with nine distinct beaches. Sant Sebastià has a variety of upscale restaurants, Somorrostro has hip nightclubs, and Nova Icaria has beach volleyball and a classy watersports center.

Conquer Montjuïc

Montjuïc is a hill just to the south of Barcelona, and it is home to the famous Olympic Park, along with many gardens and museums. One of the first things you'll notice is the sets of fountains and stairs flowing down from the beautiful castle which houses the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. The Olympic park and the rest of the stadium are right behind that.

Have some delicious tapas

Whenever you get hungry, whether it's in the early evening or the afternoon, it's a good idea to go to the pre-dinner tapa. This entails going to the local eatery for a taste of sausage, roasted peppers, wild mushrooms, anchovies, and many other delicious snacks. Cava, beer, and wine are delightful accompaniments.

A lot of tapa spots have vibrant around-the-bar experiences. If you want a change of scenery, you can leave for another tapa and neglect the formality of a sit-down restaurant altogether.

Relive the early years of Picasso

During his early years, Picasso was a resident of Barcelona from the ages of 15 to 23, and he was influenced greatly by certain elements of the city in his pieces. Among these are the beautifully painted frescoes at the Museum Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and the creative trencadís-style of Gaudi. Picasso's Museu setting makes an extra addition to the Barcelona appeal, as well as the historic streets of El Born.

Conclusion 

It's possible not to get the most fulfilled experience when visiting Barcelona when you do not know where to start. With our guide, you'll be able to experience a lot more of Barcelona than most. Barcelona has something for everyone, from art sightings to beach trips to healthy and delicious meals.