What are the Top Things to Do in Barcelona?

01 Stroll La Rambla

La Rambla is the social heart of Barcelona and a great place to hang out when you’re in town. Beautiful La Rambla is a tree-lined avenue that runs from Placa de Catalunya to the city’s port on the glittering Mediterranean Sea. With its expansive walkways, La Rambla attracts crowds of people to its many shops, restaurants, and relaxing cafes. It’s a great place to people watch or meet friends. As one of the most vibrant and popular parts of the city, La Rambla is definitely Barcelona’s number-one place to explore.

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02 Explore Park Guell

Featuring gardens and architectural installations, Park Guell was designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi and constructed between 1900 and 1914. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. As one of the city’s major attractions, Park Guell attracts both tourists and city residents alike. Highlights of the park include the Gaudi House Museum, views from the park terrace, its viaduct, and colonnaded footpath.

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03 Marvel at the Barcelona Cathedral

If you’re remotely interested in history or historic architecture, be sure to visit the Barcelona Cathedral. Of course, the cathedral has long been the spiritual heart of the city. It was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries and features classic Medieval elements like gargoyles, a high altar, crypts, and vaulting features.

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04 Visit Sagrada Familia

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Though incomplete (but scheduled for completion by 2026), Sagrada Familia is a basilica that is one of architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces. Gaudi designed the church as his reinterpretation of the Gothic style. An iconic symbol of Barcelona, the cathedral is a must-visit attraction owing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing this Gaudi stunner.

Ensure you don't miss out on the vast number of amazing details. The Go City Pass includes a guided tour of Sagrada Familia. Save on this and other Barcelona attractions.

05 Wander the Gothic Quarter

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the oldest section of the city’s Old Town. It is loaded with historic architecture, much of which dates to the medieval period. If you’re interested in Old World Europe, the Gothic Quarter is sure to delight you. It is also home to the city’s oldest restaurant (Can Culleretes), which opened its doors in 1796, and the famous Boqueria Market where you’ll find more than 200 stalls filled with delectable ingredients and farm-fresh produce.

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06 Museu Picasso

If you enjoy visiting art galleries, a visit to Museu Picasso to witness the master’s works is a must. The Picasso Museum features well over 4,000 works created by Picasso during his lifetime. Picasso spent a good portion of his life in the city. His family moved there, and then he later attended art school in the city and even opened his first art studio in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The museum features both permanent and temporary exhibits as well as a research library.

Tour Barcelona from Picasso's perspective. The Go City Pass includes admission to the Picasso Museum and a tour beforehand.

07 Eat Tapas

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Barcelona is famous throughout Europe for its amazing nightlife. How do you enjoy a great night in the city? Easy! You just wander from one tapas bar to the next. Barcelona’s tapas bars are friendly and feature some of the best tastes in all of Spain. You’ll find fresh seafood, made-from-scratch bread, and loads of local ingredients that will make your mouth water.

Sample all of the tapas with the La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour, included with the Go City Pass.

08 Catch Some Rays at Barceloneta

Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most quintessential beach, and easily it's most popular. Featuring nearly three miles of coastline, Barceloneta is a great place to walk, jog, or just catch some sun rays. During the summer, people naturally enjoy swimming and other water sports. With its many beach bars and eateries, Barceloneta is one of the city’s loveliest beaches.

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09 Taste at the Chocolate Museum

Barcelona’s chocolate museum, Museu de la Xocolata, traces the glorious history of chocolate from its beginnings in the New World to its place at the forefront of most beloved dessert ingredients. The museum features amazing exhibits that are enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Of course, the highlight of a visit to this museum is a stop at its café where you can taste why the world loves chocolate.

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10 Tibidabo Museum

The oldest continuously-operated amusement park in Spain Tibidabo opened in 1905 and has continued to delight residents and visitors to the city ever since. Tibidabo is also one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and many of its original rides still function. Highlights of this park include its carousel and Automata Museum.

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11 Sample traditional Catalan cuisine at Dos Pebrots

In the heart of Barcelona, Dos Pebrots is a culinary gem where traditional Catalan recipes are reimagined with contemporary flair. The restaurant's menu is a tribute to the region's diverse culinary history, offering dishes that blend ancient cooking techniques with modern gastronomy. Each plate is not just a meal but a story, narrated through flavors and ingredients that have been part of Catalan culture for centuries. The ambiance, combining rustic charm with modern elegance, makes dining here an experience that goes beyond mere taste.

12 Spot contemporary art greats at the Moco Museum

The Moco Museum stands as a beacon of modern art in Barcelona's El Born district. This gallery is not just about viewing art; it's about experiencing it. With works from iconic figures like Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí, the museum offers a journey through contemporary art movements. Its interactive installations and thought-provoking exhibitions challenge perceptions, making art accessible and engaging for all. The museum's dynamic approach to showcasing art makes it a must-visit for those seeking to understand the pulse of modern creativity.

13 Discover ‘El Call’ in the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter's ‘El Call’ offers a deep dive into Barcelona's medieval Jewish history. This area, with its intertwining alleys and hidden corners, is a living museum of a bygone era. Exploring ‘El Call’ is like stepping back in time, with each stone and turn revealing tales of the city's Jewish community. The MUHBA El Call museum enhances this journey with its collection of historical artifacts and narratives, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Jewish influence on Barcelona's cultural tapestry.

14 Search for hidden treasure at the Encants markets

The Encants Market, a bustling hub in Barcelona, is where history and commerce collide. This flea market, one of the oldest in Europe, offers an eclectic mix of goods, from antiques and vintage clothing to modern gadgets and artisan crafts. The market's vibrant atmosphere is a testament to Barcelona's rich trading history, and each stall tells its own story. It's a place where the past meets the present, offering a unique shopping experience that reflects the city's diverse cultural heritage.

15 Enjoy beachside paella at La Mar Salada

La Mar Salada, nestled in the picturesque Barceloneta neighborhood, is a culinary haven for paella enthusiasts. This beachside restaurant is renowned for its authentic and flavorful paella, a dish that epitomizes Spanish coastal cuisine. Each paella, whether seafood, vegetarian, or mixed, is cooked to perfection, rich in flavors and aromas that evoke the essence of the Mediterranean. The restaurant's setting, with views of the sea and a relaxed ambiance, complements the dining experience, making it a perfect spot for both romantic dinners and family gatherings.

16 Order a ‘bomba’ at La Cova Fumada

La Cova Fumada, a cornerstone of Barceloneta's culinary scene, is famous for its creation of the ‘bomba’. This traditional tapas dish, a delightful combination of spicy potato and minced meat, is a local favorite. The bar's rustic charm and bustling atmosphere reflect the authentic spirit of Barcelona's tapas culture. Here, amidst the lively chatter and clinking glasses, visitors can savor a taste of local life and enjoy other Catalan specialties, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking an authentic culinary experience.

17 Head on an alternative modernista tour

Barcelona's alternative modernista tour takes you beyond the usual tourist trails to explore the city's architectural wonders. This tour uncovers hidden gems and lesser-known works of famous architects like Gaudí, revealing the depth and diversity of Barcelona's modernista movement. As you wander through neighborhoods dotted with these architectural marvels, you gain insights into the city's artistic heritage and the visionary minds that shaped its skyline. This tour is an invitation to view Barcelona through a different lens, one that highlights the creativity and innovation of its past architects.

18 Embark on an award-winning cocktail tour

Barcelona's award-winning cocktail tour is a journey through the city's vibrant and innovative mixology scene. Each stop on the tour showcases the creativity and skill of Barcelona's top bartenders, offering a variety of unique and expertly crafted cocktails. From classic drinks with a local twist to avant-garde creations, this tour is a celebration of Barcelona's nightlife and its evolving cocktail culture. Along the way, participants not only taste exquisite drinks but also learn about the art of cocktail making, making this tour a must for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts.

19 Check out cutting-edge urban art at Bostik Murals

Bostik Murals, located in an industrial district of Barcelona, is a vibrant canvas showcasing the city's thriving street art scene. This open-air gallery features a diverse range of murals and graffiti, each piece telling a unique story and reflecting the voices of local and international artists. The ever-changing walls of Bostik Murals offer a fresh and dynamic perspective on urban art, making it a living testament to Barcelona's contemporary artistic spirit. Visitors can immerse themselves in this colorful world, gaining a deeper appreciation for the city's creative pulse and the talent that drives it.

20 Get your fill of viniculture at Can Calopa

Can Calopa, a hidden gem within Barcelona's cityscape, offers an unexpected escape into the world of wine. This urban vineyard and winery provide a unique opportunity to explore the local wine culture, from vine to bottle. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tasting sessions, and learn about the winemaking process, all within the backdrop of lush vineyards and stunning city views. Can Calopa's commitment to sustainable and organic practices adds another layer to the experience, making it a must-visit for eco-conscious wine lovers and those seeking a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle.