Barcelona is one of those places that simply captures people’s attention. Tourists' spots can be found worldwide, and there’s something for every kind of visitor, pretty much everywhere in the world. But there's something about this Catalan city that keeps me coming back, and once you visit it, it will do the same for you. Here are the 10 spots you can’t miss in Barcelona.
Little Chilean
@gaby.o
A tourist visit and an anniversary brought me to this Spanish city for the first time a couple of years ago. 5 visits after –the most times I’ve ever been back to the same place– and it’s still giving me that magical feeling every time I make it back.
This time around, I’m writing this as I’m sitting in a cafe looking at the Sagrada Familia whilst taking the time to absorb the city, enjoy the moment and feel the genuineness of Gaudí. And this is just one of the many landmarks you’ll find in Barcelona.
To me, Barcelona is one of those cities that simply has it all. The multicultural environment that I love to witness during my travels, good beer, weather and, of course, tapas. But all that is nothing next to the dozens of inspiring landmarks, mesmerizing architecture, museums and spots full of history you can find here, ensuring whoever visits it will never forget their time here.
I’m sure I’m leaving out ten other must-visit spots. Still, for first-timers, and based on my experience, I’ve put together the ones you should definitely consider.
Here are the 10 stops you need to include in your itinerary when visiting Barcelona:
Sagrada Familia
Gaudí's architectural jewel is probably the most well-known postcard of Barcelona and with good reason. This catholic basilic is the greatest exponent of Catalan modernist architecture. A simply mesmerizing piece of landmark that it’s just captivating to see.
On top of that, it comes with a fascinating history and some fun (not really) facts like that it's been under construction since the first stone was laid in 1882 and still has not been finished.
The current work behind Sagrada Familia is a design inspired by Gaudí’s ideas and the models and images he left, knowing he would’ve not been able to see it completed before he died. Sadly, most of these works were destroyed during the civil war in 1936 and later on reconstructed to stay as faithful as possible to the artist's original ideas.
What we should be able to see in 2026 (the estimated year to be completed) will be a temple with 18 towers. Four on each of the three façades, making a total of twelve for the apostles, and, in the centre, a dome tower of 172.5 metres high dedicated to Jesus.
The truth is, though, regardless of whether you’re a believer or have no care in the world about catholicism, having the chance to see La Sagrada Familia is a sight for the eyes. Don’t miss it.
Ciutadella Park
Staying in the line of architectural marvels, but now in an open space filled with so much nature and green areas, is Ciutadella Park. This park was created in the mid-19th century and, for quite a while, was the city's only green space.
Why you should visit it? Because it's a 70-acre park that includes the Palau del Parlament de Catalunya, a small lake, museums, a large fountain designed by Josep Fontserè (with possible contributions by the young Antoni Gaudí), and more.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic is a charming neighbourhood in Barcelona that’s famous for its (yes, you guessed it) gothic architecture. But along its narrow medieval streets, it’s also filled with trendy bars, clubs, artisan markets and Catalan restaurants.
And as if this wasn’t enough, it’s also home to Barcelona’s History Museum, the Cathedral of Barcelona, and La Rambla only a few minutes away. While strolling through these areas, make sure to make a stop at Bishop’s Bridge, a marble crossing between 2 buildings that has become an Instagram sensation. Its celebrity status comes mainly from having a skull pierced with a dagger in the middle. Quite a fascinating scene, to be honest.
An Immersive art experience
If you’ve never been to events like this, I can only describe it as a hypnotizing place you walk into (literally). It takes you into an artist’s work and creative mind, which to any art lover or creative brain is simply fascinating.
The previous times I was in Barcelona, I had a chance to visit one showcasing the work of Frida Khalo, Van Gogh and Klimt. And now, in September, I’m very excited to come back and be able to live one inspired by the Spanish surrealist artist, Salvador Dalí.
Most of the immersive experiences I’ve had a chance to enjoy in this city are organized by IDEAL, a company that works in digital events. But you might find a fair few others, and you might be able to enjoy them in many other cities too. It’s simply fun, educational and all in all, dreamy.
Montjuïc Castle + Cable Car
This one is very different from the last one, but it’s far from low in exciting points. Montjuïc Castle is an old military fortress built on top of Montjuïc hill in Barcelona with plenty of photo-worthy spots. It has roots dating back to the 1640s and currently serves as a Barcelona municipal facility.
But really, if castles are not your thing, one of the main perks of this must-visit stop is that it’s set on top of a hill. This means it has very cool views of Barcelona and, last but not least, it connects you to a cable car that takes you all the way up and down to the city, making you fall in love with it, but now from the air.
And, if you live in the area or are simply not loving the crowds that Barcelona place draws in, then Montjuïc Castle is a great excuse to take a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle while enjoying magnificent views of the city and its port.
Park Güell
You’ve probably heard of this one. Park Güell is another one of Barcelona’s favourite sons, Gaudí. This park is a privatized space composed of gardens and architectural elements located on Carmel Hill, which belongs to the mountain range of Collserola.
But the main attraction here is that you can find an enormous garden with stunning and distinct architectural elements designed by the renowned Catalan architect, including massive columns, mosaics, animal sculptures and colourful designs.
Casa Batlló
Just like Park Guëll, this landmark is a private space originally owned by Josep Batlló. He hired Gaudí to renovate his home after he bought the building in the renowned street Passeig de Gracia.
As you can see in the pictures, this is a very peculiar construction, worthy of Gaudí’s unconventional designs, which now makes it an interesting attraction to hundreds of tourists visiting the city for the first time.
It’s a fun experience, with some interactive spaces filled with history that allow you to dive into Gaudí’s creative geniuses. But as an architectural landmark, the truth is that it is way more remarkable from the outside. I'd even say it’s not worth the bill unless you’re really into fancy curious homes.
If you are, then save 2 to 3 hours to enjoy every bit of it and be amazed by the underwater-inspired designs and details you’ll see all over the house. The best bits, personally, are the interactive and immersive experience in the first and last rooms.
Picasso Museum
As the name states, this attraction houses an extensive collection of artwork by the twentieth-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The ticket’s average price is 12 euros, and it’s located within just a few steps of the gothic quarter.
A Tapas Bar: Any, literally!
Well, you can’t really visit Spain and not have some tapas. Although it gets slightly more challenging as a vegetarian, you do find a fair share of options all over the city. So, wherever it is that you are walking, you’ll find a cold Estrella beer and delicious tapas.
Keep the directions to La Rambla close by, as you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy these delicious little dishes any time in the day (and also very late at night, too).
Design Museum of Barcelona
The Museu del Disseny de Barcelona (as it’s written in Catalán) is a centre for the city’s Institute of Culture, which promotes better understanding and good use of the design world. Inside, you’ll find fashion history exhibitions, an inspiring showcase of Spanish propaganda and many other pieces that will tell you so much about our modern society and its evolution.
The centre acts as a museum and laboratory, focusing on 4 branches or design disciplines: space design, product design, information design and fashion.
BONUS: Veggie Garden
Located in Gran Via, just a few meters from Plaça de Catalunya, this little gastronomy gem opened in 2011. Determined to make everyone fall in love with vegan food, this restaurant has a low-key vibe filled with art and colour to showcase the best of animal-free flavours.
Its inspiration comes from the mixture of cultures, especially from Nepal, the surrounding countries and the European Mediterranean cuisine, proving that 100% vegan can be delicious and appealing to everyone, whether vegan or not.
And I can actually vouch for that, as I’ve taken fully meat-eater friends who have looked at me shocked after trying and loving a Thali or a Tempeh “bocadillo”.
Veggie Garden is growing year by year, and now it has 3 restaurants around Barcelona. So there are enough chances for you to try it, too. Trust me! You won’t regret it.
Save the list!
Sagrada Familia
Ciutadella Park
Gothic Quarter
An Immersive art experience
Montjuïc Castle + Cable Car
Park Güell
Casa Batiló
Picasso Museum
A tapas bar in Ramblas
Design Museum of Barcelona
