These are the top activities in amazing Barcelona, which include visiting modernista masterpieces and some incredibly beautiful beaches.
Everyone ought to make at least one trip to Barcelona. Everyone. Make no excuses. The capital of Catalonia is a vibrant metropolis that lives up to its reputation as a thriving cultural hub with excellent museums, exquisite dining options, and endless nightlife. Barcelona is dazzling, ostentatious, and absolutely amazing.
What activities in Barcelona are the best? We're happy you inquired since we've done the legwork and compiled the ultimate Barna wish list. Nothing can go wrong with this location.
Top activities in Barcelona
 |
| The Top 10 Activities in Barcelona |
1. Experience awe at the Sagrada FamÃlia
What's that? The body of work of Antoni GaudÃ, the most famous architect in Catalonia.
Why leave? to recognize the labor of nearly 140 years that went into building this (very) peculiar basilica. Barcelona's striking façades, sculpted details, and stained glass are sights not to be missed.
Don't miss: Even though you'll be in awe just by looking at the building, you should go inside to see what has been accomplished over the last few decades. Don't forget to explore the crypt, which houses GaudÃ's own grave. Remember to marvel at the massive 12-point star that will be affixed to one of the towers by the end of 2021.
2. Take a tour of La Rambla, the city's most well-known avenue.
What's that? This 1.2 km boulevard, which begins at Plaça de Catalunya and ends at the statue of Christopher Columbus by the port, is undoubtedly the most well-known thoroughfare in Barcelona.
Why leave? We want to recommend some of the top things to see, eat, drink, do, and more while you're meandering down La Rambla. These are what they are.
Don't miss: A monument honoring the victims of the August 2017 terrorist attack on La Rambla has been in place since March 2019. It's buried in the ground near the Joan Miró mosaic, which you could easily walk right over if you're not looking. Keep an eye out for it.
3. Study Pablo early works at the Picasso Museum
What's that? Barcelona’s very own collection of nearly 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso.
Why leave? to view the artist's early creations and analyze the rapid development of his style, particularly between 1890 and 1904. You'll find everything from his early attempts at cubism to his rough landscapes and student sketches.
Don't miss: There are some really creative and thought-provoking temporary exhibits. "Picasso Discovers Paris" and "Picasso's Kitchen" were our favorites.
4. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral to become holy
What's that? A Gothic house of worship, the plans for which were drawn up in 1298. Not until 1913 were the last details added.
Why leave? The Barcelona Cathedral is a truly unique place to visit. It took so long to build that portions are as old as the eleventh century, the façade from the fifteenth century has elements inspired by Nordic architecture, and newly rebuilt sections use the same Montserrat stone as the original. See the remains of the 13-year-old martyr Eulà lia, to whom the cathedral is dedicated, and 13 happy geese in the crypt and cloister, respectively.
5. Visit Dos Pebrots for souped-up traditional Catalan food.
What's that? restaurants with a focus on traditional Catalan cuisine.
Why leave? Eat like the Catalans when you're in Catalonia. Sample the filling escudella stew at Ca l'Estevet or the delicious capipota with chickpeas at Can Vilaró.
Don't miss: Visit Dos Pebrots to sample contemporary Catalan cuisine derived from classic Mediterranean dishes. Albert Raurich, a Michelin-starred chef, is in charge of it.
6. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from GaudÃ's Park Güell
What's that? Park Güell, another iconic Gaudà site, is a magnificent park with vibrantly colored tiles, gardens, sculptures, and everything.
Why leave? Because Gaudà is a must-have. and to enjoy the eccentric ideas of the maverick architect by spending a day outside.
Don't miss: Keep an eye out for the woman "hidden" among the twisted stone columns and the spotless serpentine bench. And don't forget to hike up to the park's highest point, which is designated by a cross, for breathtaking views of the entire city and the ocean.
7. Explore Casa Milà (La Pedrera) to learn about GaudÃ.
What's that? This Gaudà creation, officially called Casa Milà but more commonly known as La Pedrera, began as residential apartments and is now a cultural center that holds performances and art exhibitions.
Why leave? The tour showcases a typical early 20th-century apartment, and as you ascend, you can take in iconic Gaudà details like the wavy, smooth bannisters and shapes reminiscent of snail shells. Not to be overlooked are the striking chimney designs and the breathtaking city views, which include numerous other Gaudà creations, from the rooftop.
Don't miss: Don't pass by Casa Milà ; it's the only location with a Gaudà interpretation center. This is the place to learn about the ideas and construction of his most well-known pieces.
8. Unwind in the sun on the beaches in Barcelona
What's that? Within Barcelona's city limits, there is about 4.5 km of coastline, so you have lots of options and enough beach time.
Why leave? You might want to spend some time in nature, play volleyball, go swimming in the Mediterranean, or engage in any number of other activities that involve the word "surf." Or maybe you just can't wait to get home with the ideal tan.
Don't miss: Beach bars, or chiringuitos, are scattered along many of the city's beaches. Here, you can enjoy a cool snack and a refreshing cocktail while shaded from the sun. They become fantastic little party spots at night, with perfect music and even better vibes.
9. Check out the collection of Romanesque artwork at the MNAC.
What's that? The National Art Museum of Catalonia.
Why leave? Discover all there is to know about Catalan art from the 12th through the 20th centuries. Its Romanesque collection, which includes one of the largest collections of wood-panel paintings in Europe, is the main attraction. The museum's modern art floor features decorative arts, sculpture, paintings, photographs, posters, videos, and more from the 1950s onward.
Don't miss: It's worth climbing from Plaça d'Espanya to the museum because this side of Montjüic provides even more breathtaking city views from a panoramic vantage point (plus, the MNAC is pretty impressive on its own).
10. Look for the dragon on Casa Batllós roof.
What's that? One of two stunning Gaudà creations on Passeig de Grà cia in the heart of the city, originally designed to house apartments.
Why leave? to take in the striking colors, sculptural architecture, striking balconies, breathtaking rooftops, and amazing augmented reality tour.
Don't miss: If you enjoy live music, purchase tickets for a Magic Nights performance. If you are unable to attend this series, keep in mind that Casa Batlló always dresses up for special occasions like Saint George's Day on April 23 and when mapping projections are projected onto the facade.