35+ Fun Things to Do in Barcelona for First-Time Visitors

Things to Do in Barcelona
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Looking for the best things to do in Barcelona for your upcoming trip? You’re in the right place!

I’m a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, and I’ve put together this complete guide to help you make the most of your trip. 

From must-see Gaudí landmarks to beach spots, food tours, rooftop bars, and easy day trips, this list of the top Barcelona activities covers a wide range of experiences to suit different interests. 

You’ll find tips on what to prioritize, what’s worth your time, and a few unique ideas you might not have heard of. Let’s get into it!

Best Things to Do in Barcelona Spain

These are the top Barcelona activities that shouldn’t be missed:

1. Visit La Sagrada Familia

Starting at the top of the list of things to do in Barcelona has to be La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic creation. 

This still-unfinished basilica looks more like a surreal art installation than a traditional church, with tree-like columns, vivid stained-glass windows, and intricate religious symbolism throughout.

It’s definitely worth going inside and it honestly leaves me speechless every time I visit!

The most important thing to know is that you need to book your tickets online in advance on the official website, ideally two weeks before your visit.

Tip: If you can’t manage to get tickets in advance, Viator and GetYourGuide often have last-minute tours available!

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona reflected in a green pond on a sunny day, with construction cranes towering above the basilica and lush trees surrounding the scene.
Interior of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, showcasing towering stone columns, intricate geometric ceiling designs, and vivid stained-glass windows, with a large crowd of visitors seated and standing beneath the illuminated sanctuary.
Visitors sit and stroll beneath a wall of fiery red, orange, and yellow stained-glass windows inside the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, with the sunlight casting a warm, colorful glow across the stone interior.

2. Explore Park Güell

Another can’t-miss Gaudí site in Barcelona is Park Güell, a colorful public park filled with whimsical architecture, mosaic benches, and curving stone pathways. 

The Monumental Zone is the most famous part of the park where you’ll find the dragon staircase, gingerbread-looking houses, and terrace views overlooking Barcelona.

The park requires a timed entry ticket, so make sure to reserve ahead on the official Park Güell website

It’s a great place to wander and snap photos, especially in the morning before it gets busy.

View from Park Güell in Barcelona, showing Gaudí’s whimsical mosaic terrace in the foreground, two colorful gingerbread-style gatehouses below, and the Sagrada Familia and Mediterranean Sea in the distant skyline.
The colorful mosaic lizard sculpture, known as "El Drac," at the entrance steps of Park Güell in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí, with vibrant tilework, flowing curves, and the Hypostyle Room colonnade in the background.
Stone colonnade walkway in Park Güell, Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí, featuring slanted, rough-hewn stone columns and vaulted arches that blend organically into the surrounding natural landscape.

3. Tour Gaudí’s Houses

Barcelona is also home to several of Gaudí’s residential buildings, which you can tour to get a feel for his creative genius. 

Casa Batlló is my personal favorite–it’s playful, dreamlike, and completely different from any other building you’ve seen. 

Casa Milà (La Pedrera) is also worth touring, especially for the rooftop chimneys and attic. 

And if you want to go deeper, check out lesser-known gems like Casa Vicens, Palau Güell, and Torre Bellesguard.

Casa Batlló in Barcelona, a colorful and curvaceous modernist building by Antoni Gaudí, featuring organic bone-like balconies, mosaic-tiled façade, and a whimsical rooftop, flanked by neighboring historic structures and a streetlamp in the foreground.
Exterior of Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, in Barcelona, a Gaudí-designed modernist building with undulating stone walls, twisted wrought iron balconies, and a sculptural rooftop, seen on a bright sunny day with people and traffic in front.
Front view of Casa Vicens in Barcelona, a colorful early work by Antoni Gaudí, featuring a mix of red brick, green-and-white checkerboard tile, and ornate iron balconies, with Moorish and Art Nouveau influences evident in the eclectic facade.

4. Stroll Down La Rambla

Yes, it’s touristy, but walking La Rambla is almost a rite of passage when visiting Barcelona

This wide tree-lined promenade is pretty much the most famous street in Barcelona and connects Plaça de Catalunya with the waterfront.

Along the way, you’ll see mind-boggling street performers, flower stalls, snack stops, and souvenir stands.

Just be extra aware of your belongings here and use a phone leash, as this area is known for pickpocketing in Barcelona.

Tip: While La Rambla is lined with a variety of enticing restaurants, I wouldn’t recommend eating here because they’re typically overpriced tourist traps.

People walking down La Rambla street in Barcelona Spain

5. Wander Through the Gothic Quarter

Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter is one of the top things to do in Barcelona. 

This maze of narrow streets is the oldest part of the city and is filled with hidden plazas, cute cafes, and local boutiques. 

It feels like you’ve stepped back into medieval times, and there’s something new around every corner. 

One spot you won’t want to miss is the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, a stunning Gothic church known for its soaring columns and peaceful interior.

Don’t worry if you lose your sense of direction because that’s part of the fun!

Narrow pedestrian street in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter lined with tall buildings, colorful flags strung overhead, and a cargo bike by the curb
View through a stone archway in the Gothic Quarter into a quiet street with a few people walking and laundry hanging from balconies

6. Browse La Boqueria Market

Right off La Rambla, La Boqueria is one of the largest and most famous food markets in Barcelona

From mountains of fresh fruit and juices to jamón, cheese, and the freshest seafood, this market is seriously next level. 

Grab a quick bite from the local vendors or pull up a stool at one of the tapas bars inside the market and enjoy a local snack.

Tip: If you want to visit a less touristy market in Barcelona, I’d highly recommend checking out Santa Caterina Market, which has a much more local vibe.

Piles of fresh fruit and produce at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona Spain
An assortment of candies and sweets at a stall at La Boqueria Market in Barcelona Spain

7. Relax at the Beach

There are several nice beaches in Barcelona, and while Barceloneta is the most famous, it’s also the most crowded. 

I recommend heading to Bogatell or Nova Icària for a more relaxed vibe. 

The beach boardwalk is great for a stroll, and you’ll find tons of xiringuitos (beach bars) where you can grab a drink or snack.

People lounging on Barceloneta Beach with the W Hotel in the distance

8. Take a Day Trip to Montserrat

Montserrat is a mountain range about an hour away from Barcelona with a monastery perched high above the valley. 

This is one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona, where you can visit the Black Madonna statue inside the basilica, hear the famous boys’ choir, and take a cable car or rack railway to the top.

It’s a really incredible experience and you don’t have to be religious to appreciate it! 

Montserrat can be a bit tricky to get to on your own, so I recommend booking a guided tour so you don’t have to deal with train logistics.

The view of Montserrat Monastery from the funicular surrounded by mountains

9. Watch a Flamenco Show

Catching a flamenco show in Barcelona is a great night time activity if you want to add a bit of culture to your trip. 

This unique style of Spanish music and dance features powerful footwork, emotional singing, and live guitar. 

One of the best places to see flamenco in Barcelona is Tablao Flamenco Cordobés

The performances are incredibly moving, and the cave-like venue is intimate and atmospheric.

A female flamenco performer dancing on stage at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona

10. Take a Food Tour

If you are a foodie, definitely consider booking one of these food tours in Barcelona.

It’s honestly the best way to try the most famous foods in Barcelona without the guesswork. 

I highly recommend Devour Tours—I’ve done several tours with them and always have a great time. 

You’ll learn about Catalan cuisine and get to taste local favorites in places you might not find on your own.

Close-up of a white plate with jamón, manchego cheese, tomato bread, tortilla española, and cured sausage slices

11. Join a Paella Cooking Class

If you want a more hands-on experience, a paella cooking class is a great way to learn how to make one of Spain’s most iconic dishes from scratch. 

I had a blast at The Paella Club in Barcelona—it was one of the most fun nights I’ve had in the city! 

You’ll learn how to cook your own paella, accompanied by lively music and unlimited cava.  

Then you’ll enjoy a 5-course meal and get to sample all the different paellas family-style.

Paella dish cooking in a shallow pan topped with artichoke, with wine and the sign “#THEPAELLACLUB” in the background

12. Visit Montjuïc

Montjuïc is a large hill with sweeping views and several major Barcelona Spain attractions, including MNAC (Catalan National Art Museum), Montjuïc Castle, and the Joan Miró Foundation.

And at the top of the Catalan National Art Museum, you’ll find one of the most famous photo spots in the city. 

The Magic Fountain is also located here and used to host evening light shows, but it’s currently closed due to drought conditions. 

I also recommend taking the cable car up to Montjuic Castle (one of the best castles in Barcelona) for some great photo ops.

The Montjuic cable car descending the mountain with the city and beach in the background
The entrance to the Montjuic castle in Barcelona Spain

13. Unwind in Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park is one of the top places to see in Barcelona and one of the most popular green spaces in the city.

There’s a beautiful gold-plated fountain, a small lake with rowboats, and even a greenhouse called the Hivernacle that’s free to enter. 

It’s not huge but it’s a nice place for a stroll.  And you’ll also find the Barcelona Zoo here if you’re traveling with kids.

Tip: If you’re visiting Barcelona on a Sunday, head to the fountain in Ciutadella Park, where you’ll find free salsa dancing!

Ornate golden fountain at Ciutadella Park surrounded by statues and greenery reflected in a greenish pond under a clear blue sky

14. Admire the Arc de Triomf

Just outside the entrance to Ciutadella Park, you’ll find the Arc de Triomf, built for the 1888 World Expo. 

This large red-bricked archway is a great photo spot and marks the start of a wide promenade lined with palm trees. 

It’s one of the top sites to see in Barcelona and afterwards you can walk straight through to the park.

People walking around the red-bricked Arc de Triomf monument in Barcelona Spain

15. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral

Not to be confused with La Sagrada Familia, the Barcelona Cathedral is a stunning Gothic structure that’s one of the most famous churches in Barcelona.

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, it’s a popular tourist spot and there’s often local vendors selling foods and crafts outside the entrance.

If you want to go inside, there’s a small fee and you can even visit the rooftop for incredible city views. 

Gothic-style Barcelona Cathedral with intricate stone detailing and crowds of tourists in front

16. Relax in Plaça Reial

This classic Spanish plaza just off La Rambla is a beautiful place to hang out–I love coming here on weekend mornings. 

It’s lined with palm trees, street lamps designed by Gaudí, and many different restaurants with outdoor seating. 

You can grab a drink or a coffee and you’ll often find street performers or small markets happening here.

Placa Reial in Barcelona with palm trees, historic buildings, and people walking and dining under shaded patios

17. Explore Tibidabo and Its Views

Tibidabo is home to one of the most unique attractions in Barcelona: a mountaintop amusement park that’s been around for over 100 years. 

It also has a stunning church, the Temple of the Sacred Heart, which you can see from just about anywhere in the city. 

The views from the top are some of the best views in Barcelona.

And it’s a full-scale amusement park with a ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cars, and a surprising amount of other rides.

Tibidabo Amusement Park and church in Barcelona Spain

18. Go Sailing Along the Coast

When the weather warms up, sailing along the coast is such a fun way to spend an afternoon in Barcelona. 

Most sailing tours leave from Port Olímpic or Marina Vela and include cava, snacks, and chill music while you enjoy views of the city skyline from the sea. 

It’s relaxing, photogenic, and a great break from sightseeing on land.

View from the deck of a Barcelona sailboat with a red and blue paddleboard strapped to the side, looking toward calm sea and city skyline

19. Watch the Sunset from Bunkers del Carmel

Bunkers del Carmel is a former military bunker that has turned into one of the best sunset spots in the city. 

Located on a hill overlooking Barcelona, it offers panoramic views without the crowds you’ll find at other viewpoints. 

Just keep in mind they now close the area around 7:30pm, so go earlier to avoid fines.

Views of the Barcelona city and coastline from Bunkers del Carmel

20. Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

For a fun night out, head to one of the best rooftops in Barcelona

Some of my favorites include Terrassa de Vivi at the Kimpton Vividora and the rooftop at The Barcelona Edition Hotel

You’ll get great views, creative cocktails, and a chance to relax above the busy streets below.

People sitting at tables at La Terrassa de Vivi rooftop bar in Barcelona Spain

21. Check Out an Art Museum

If you’re into art, head to one of the many excellent art museums in Barcelona–it’s also a good way to escape the heat!

The Catalan National Art Museum (MNAC) is known for its impressive Romanesque collection and stunning building. 

The Picasso Museum in El Born is one of my personal favorites and focuses on the artist’s early works.

And the Joan Miró Foundation and the Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA) offer more modern perspectives. 

Exterior of the grand neoclassical Catalonia National Museum of Art with wide stairs, domed roof, and rows of lampposts
Interior stone courtyard of a Gothic building with arched windows and balconies at the Picasso Museum
Modern white concrete Joan Miro Foundation art museum building with a tree-lined path leading to the entrance

22. Attend a Candlelight Concert

One of the best things to do in Barcelona at night is attend a Candlelight Concert

These classical or modern string performances take place in gorgeous settings like the Sant Pau complex, Gaudí’s crypt, or churches in Barcelona.

I went to a Taylor Swift Candlelight Concert and loved every minute—it’s got a romantic Bridgerton vibe.

Intimate indoor concert scene with musicians on stage surrounded by glowing candles under a vaulted ceiling

23. Sample Traditional Tapas

Trying traditional tapas (small plates) is a must when visiting Barcelona. 

Local favorites include patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and potato bombas. 

You can hop between different tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter to sample different styles or settle in at one spot for a full tapas dinner. 

Pair it with vermouth or cava (Spain’s version of champagne) for the full experience.

Plates of tapas and glasses of sangria at Tapeo tapas bar in Barcelona Spain

24. Go Shopping in Local Boutiques

If you’re looking for the best places to shop in Barcelona, head to El Born and the Gothic Quarter. 

You’ll find independent boutiques, jewelry shops, and unique local brands. 

It’s also a great place to pick up Barcelona souvenirs that are a little more special than the usual tourist fare.

Display of colorful ceramic coasters and boxed Barcelona souvenirs with floral and geometric designs on a green table
Custom leather bags displayed outside of a boutique in Barcelona Spain

25. Cruise the Coast on a Sunset Jazz Sail

For something a little different, book a spot on a sunset jazz sail in Barcelona

I did this with a few friends, and it was such a fun and relaxed way to end the day. 

The catamaran has live jazz musicians and a bar onboard, so you can sip a drink while watching the sun go down over the city. 

It’s a mix of live music, scenic views, and good vibes.

Crowd of people relaxing on a catamaran deck while live musicians perform near the Barcelona harbor

26. Visit Casa Amatller

Right next to Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller is often overlooked, but definitely worth checking out. 

It’s not a Gaudí building (it was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch), but it’s just as unique, with more of a medieval and gothic feel. 

Inside, you’ll find historic interiors and a beautiful stained-glass skylight. 

And if you love chocolate, don’t skip the gift shop—the family was known for their chocolate business and they sell artisanal chocolate bars that make great souvenirs.

Ornate modernist façade of Casa Amatller with patterned tiles, green shutters, and intricate iron balconies framed by trees

27. See a Performance at Palau de la Música Catalana

One of the most famous buildings in Barcelona, Palau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall that is just as impressive inside as it is outside. 

The stained glass, detailed columns, and colorful mosaics make it a visual masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I saw a flamenco performance here and it was incredible! 

They host all kinds of concerts, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time.  You can also tour the building during the day.

Seating in front of the stage inside the ornately decorated Palau de La Musica Catalana

28. Catch an FC Barcelona Game

If you’re a soccer fan, catching an FC Barcelona game is an unforgettable experience. 

The season typically runs from August to May, and tickets can go fast for big matches. 

Camp Nou is currently closed for renovations, so games are taking place at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Montjuïc. 

Even if you’re not a huge sports person, the energy in the stadium is contagious.

Wide-angle view of the Camp Nou football stadium with rows of red and blue seats and tourists along the field barrier

29. Check Out Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site

Recinte Monderista de Sant Pau is a former hospital and one of the most underrated architectural gems in the city. 

Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, it’s now open for tours and is full of color, tilework, and peaceful courtyards. 

I also went to a Candlelight Concert here at night, and the setting was stunning. It’s a nice combo of history, design, and tranquility.

Night view of the illuminated Sant Pau Recinte Modernista with its red brick walls, colorful tile work, and palm trees

30. Take a Ride with GoCar Barcelona

GoCar rentals are a fun and quirky way to see the city if you’re up for a little adventure and aren’t afraid to get behind the wheel. 

These tiny yellow cars come with GPS audio guides, so you can drive yourself to different landmarks while learning along the way. 

They’re a great option if you want to cover a lot of the top sites in Barcelona in one afternoon.

Small bright yellow GPS-guided tour car with branding and contact info parked on a shaded street with tourists nearby

31. Snap a Photo at the Kiss Mural

“The World Begins With Every Kiss” is a famous mural in Barcelona and is made up of thousands of tiny tile images submitted by locals and forms one big image of a kiss. 

It’s located here near the Barcelona Cathedral but can be a bit tricky to find on your own.

It’s a meaningful piece of public art and a fun hidden gem for a photo stop.

Large mosaic Kiss mural in Barcelona showing a close-up of two people kissing, made from hundreds of small tile photographs

32. Shop at Els Encants Market

One of the oldest flea markets in Europe, Els Encants is a huge open-air space filled with everything from antiques and furniture to vintage clothes and random odds and ends. 

It’s open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

Some stalls are full of junk, but if you enjoy hunting for treasures, you might come across something really cool.

Crowds browsing dozens of vendor stalls under the mirrored canopy at Els Encants Flea Market in Barcelona

33. Visit the Barcelona Aquarium

Located near Port Vell, the Barcelona Aquarium is a solid option for a rainy day or if you’re traveling with kids. 

The highlight is the underwater shark tunnel that lets you walk through while fish and rays swim overhead. 

It’s not the biggest aquarium out there, but it’s well laid out and one of the best rainy day activities in Barcelona.

Close-up of a spotted moray eel swimming in a tank at the Barcelona Aquarium with other fish in the background

34. Marvel at Torre Glòries

Torre Glòries (formerly Torre Agbar) is one of the most recognizable buildings in the Barcelona skyline. 

This bullet-shaped building is made of aluminum sheets that illuminate the surface in millions of colors.

And if you want to see some of the best views in Barcelona, you can buy tickets to the observation deck on the 30th floor. 

Colorful bullet-shaped skyscraper Torre Glòries rises above a green lawn with blue sky and city cranes in the distance

35. Take a Day Trip

If you’re spending more than 3 days in Barcelona, taking a day trip to nearby towns is a nice way to escape the city.

One of the easiest day trips you can take is to Sitges, a laid-back beach town known for its whitewashed buildings and seafront promenade. 

Blanes and Tossa de Mar are also beautiful coastal spots on the Costa Brava that are pretty easy to reach. 

And if you want something a bit more historical, Girona is another one of the best day trips from Barcelona—and it was a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Scenic beach at Tossa de Mar with sunbathers on the sand, boats in the turquoise water, and a medieval castle wall overlooking the coast

36. Visit an Alternative Barcelona Museum

If you’re looking for something off the typical museum trail, Barcelona has a few quirky options. 

The Moco Museum features contemporary and street art, the Chocolate Museum is small but fun (especially if you’re a fan of sweets), and the Museum of Forbidden Art shows provocative pieces that were once banned. 

There’s even a place called the White Rabbit Museum that blends art with immersive experiences.

Large KAWS Companion sculpture in the stone courtyard of the Moco Museum Barcelona as visitors enter the exhibit

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Barcelona

I hope this list helped you get a better idea of what to do in Barcelona on your first trip!

From iconic spots like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter to fun activities like food tours, beach time, and rooftop cocktails, there’s so much to experience. 

Just don’t forget to book your tickets to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell in advance—they really do sell out! 

No matter what kind of traveler you are, I think Barcelona has something you’ll love.

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