24 Best Places to Visit in Barcelona for First-Time Travellers

It's no exaggeration to call Barcelona (the city of “Barna”, never “Barça”) one of Spain’s greatest cities. When exploring places to visit in Barcelona, you quickly realise you’re somewhere special. Barcelona is a city with a self-assured identity, a huge amount of culture, and a fantastic food scene. Not to mention it’s very LGBTQ+ friendly and accepting of people from all walks of life.

The Catalan capital’s passion for art is everywhere you look. Antoni Gaudí is the man behind it all, creating his very own style, "Catalan modernisme," unlike anything else. You’ll soon stumble upon his works when strolling around the city. But this artistic spirit isn't new. With artists like Dalí and Picasso calling it home, Barcelona has been pushing boundaries for centuries. Trust us, it isn't like the rest of Spain.

Top 24 Places to Visit in Barcelona 

Book a trip to Barcelona and you'll spend your days soaking it all in. There are the big hits that the crowd flocks to (Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia), and then there are some secrets you find on your own, like the maze at Parc del Laberint d’Horta.

1. Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló - a masterpiece inspired by the story of Saint George and the Dragon. Photo by EdNurg on Adobe Stock

The facade of Casa Batlló is unmissable on the city's main thoroughfare, Passeig de Gracia. Covered in stained glass, the outside constantly shifts from blue to green, just like a sparkling lake with the dynamics of sunlight.

And there are shark-skull balconies, which make the house feel like it’s from another planet. Casa Batlló is Gaudí’s work to fulfil the desire of Josep Batlló. The textile magnate wanted a truly unique piece of art that also pays tribute to Saint George of dragon-slaying fame. 

That’s why the building’s got a distinct feel, but also some details that lend it a unique look. What you see in his rooftop design is just like a dragon's scaly back. The skeletal balconies and bone-like windows represent the victims of the monster. And there are no straight lines or sharp corners in any spot of the house.

CABINZERO Tips: Right next to the building, Faborit Casa Amatller Barcelona has pretty good cappuccinos and fresh juices for you to take a break. 

2. La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona isn’t short on architectural wonders. Photo by Florin on Adobe Stock

Antoni Gaudí’s most important masterpiece is the Sagrada Família, a massive Catholic church that started back in 1882 and remains a work in progress. The 18 molten wax-like spires, iconic in their own right, have become true symbols of Barcelona. 

We know it's cliché, but be prepared to gasp. The sheer scale and sunlight pouring through rainbow-coloured stained glass is a sight to behold. At the moment, La Sagrada Familia is known as the world's largest unfinished church. But it will soon lose the title as it's planned to finish in 2026, a tribute to the centenary of the architect's death.

3. Montjuïc

Montjuïc is not your average hill. It was one of the major hosting sites for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. From the Plaça Espanya, you can find a dramatic staircase that leads directly to MNAC (a must-visit spot in Barcelona - more on this later).

Be sure to get lost in many themed gardens, such as the Jardí Botànic and the cactus garden called Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera.

The highlight here is the top, where you will reach Montjuïc Castle with a 360-degree view of the Mediterranean Sea from above. If you come during summer (July and August), there's also an open-air cinema for sunset screenings at the fortress.

CABINZERO tips: Montjuïc is easily reached by cable car (11€  one way or 17€ round trip). However, you can save some cash by taking Bus 150 or using the funicular to get to the top.

4. Parc Guell

A view of the Barcelona skyline as seen from the terrace at Park Güell. Photo by dudlajzov on Adobe Stock

Besides weird buildings, Gaudí did have green spaces too. And guess what? Park Güell was never intended to be a park but a neighbourhood for the wealthy. Gaudí took the idea of an English "garden city" and just went full Catalan Modernism on it. 

Regardless of how it started, Parc Güell now takes pride as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors now come for serpentine benches and colourful mosaics (made of fragmented tiles that also reflect Gaudí’s no-waste ethos). You can also see the fairytale gatehouses and, especially, step into Gaudí's house to see his sketches and furnishings.

5. La Rambla

Walk along the main thoroughfare of the Old City. Photo by eskystudio on Adobe Stock

Stretching three-quarters of a mile from Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument at the port, La Rambla is Barcelona’s most identifiable landmark. This boulevard is made of five successive streets, which are always action-packed and filled with curiosity. 

It can be a bit of a tourist trap for some. However, the fragrant flower stalls, open-air cafes and mosaics by the legendary artist, Miró, dotted the pavements are still something unmissable on your first visit. In case you want something different, try walking down to gòtic, born, or Gràcia for a more relaxed time.

6. Palau de la Música Catalana

Be here for the genius architecture by day or the concert at night. Photo by Alfredo on Adobe Stock

Half the people here come for the music, the other half for the sights. From the outside, you’ll see hefty stone pillars draped in floral mosaics, but be prepared to be blown away by the auditorium. Its ceiling has a central, golden skylight that looks like an inverted sun, pouring natural light all over everything inside. There are also 3,000 massive organ pipes, which make the place as visually powerful as it is acoustically. 

7. Santa Maria del Mar

The soaring nave and slender columns inside Santa Maria del Mar. Photo by gitanna on Adobe Stock

Did you know that Santa Maria del Mar is what inspired Gaudí to build La Sagrada Familia? And we bet that it’s also the most favourite church of Barcelonans.

While this 14th-century building may lack appeal from the outside, it is truly spectacular inside. The architecture is bold: the single nave is supported by incredibly tall columns spaced 43 feet apart. This makes the whole space feel airy, open, and calm around the altar. 

The cathedral is also famous for its stained-glass windows, and the biggest star is the rose window over the main entrance. The original 15th-century glass was destroyed by an earthquake, and the current one was installed in 1997 to honour the Barcelona Olympic Games.

8. Barcelona Beaches

Beaches are the one thing that truly sets Barcelona apart from other European cities. Photo by oleg_p_100 on Adobe Stock

Barcelona's got a two-and-a-half-mile sandy beach, which was actually created for the 1992 Olympics. You can reach the closest shores in only half an hour on foot. So, you can stroll around the Gothic Quarter and see all the towering cathedrals in the morning, and relax on the golden sand soon after. Be sure to pack your swimwear.

The first beaches you'll hit are Sant Sebastia and Barceloneta. They're in the middle of action, with paella restaurants and numerous pitches for volleyball and beach football. Keep going along the coast, and you can find the less-crowded Bogatell, with many chiringuitos (beach bars) serving great cocktails. 

Just a little further up, Mar Bella is where the younger people hang out, and it's also got a section for nude sunbathing. Nova Mar Bella, the farthest, is a go-to spot for kite-surfing for older folks from the nearby neighbourhood. 

9. Picasso Museum

Five palaces for a museum? That's how Barcelonians honour Picasso, who basically grew up in the city and kept coming back throughout his life. In fact, this museum in Spain is second only to the Picasso Museum in Paris. But here’s what you should expect when stepping foot inside: no blockbusters of Picasso are here. 

Instead, with 4,251 works laid out chronologically, the museum will show you how the artist evolves, from a classic painter to the Cubist master we all know. You’ll miss Guernica (that's in Madrid) or Weeping Woman (that's in London). The museum, on the other hand, offers a better look into his time in Barcelona through tons of family portraits and works from his Blue Period and Rose Period. 

The headliner? It should be his Las Meninas series, an obsessive take on the famous Velázquez painting and Science and Charity, painted when he was 15 years old.

10. Camp Nou

You can practically feel the heartbeat of Barcelona by just watching a game at Camp Nou. It's an absolute must for football fans from September through May. If you can't make it on a game day, a tour of the club's history will be a nice alternative. 

For about €28, you can walk the players' tunnel, check out the team's benches, and get up close to some of Messi's trophies. A major expansion is planned for completion in 2026, which will make Camp Nou the largest stadium in Europe, with a capacity of 105,000.

CABINZERO Tips: Finding tickets for a match can be tricky since all seats are held by season ticket holders. However, the club often releases tickets to the public 48 to 72 hours before a game, especially for matches against lower-ranked teams.

11. La Boqueria

A stall with baskets of fruits and local produce at La Boqueria. Photo by Shi on Adobe Stock

La Boqueria is old. It started way back in 1217 with just a humble number of meat stalls. Today, the market is bustling with over 200 stands. You can't miss La Boqueria thanks to its distinctive stained-glass entrance, which really stands out on La Rambla. 

While this front gate is a popular spot for tourists to take photos, head inside for an authentic experience, where you can see most locals hang out and try some incredible Catalan food served by vendors. 

CABINZERO Tips: The best time to visit the market is between 10 a.m. and midday, but if you want to find a bargain, check it out around closing time (8:30 pm).  

12. Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site

This architectural gem is just steps away from Sagrada Família. Photo by dudlajzov on Adobe Stock

It’s surprising to know that this building was once a hospital (it doesn’t have that clinical look that we know today). In fact, this hospital was built by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who had a completely different idea for a hospital.

Boring white walls? Nope. He used extravagant domes and beautiful stained glass for the exterior, all incorporated in the Catalan Art Nouveau style. 

In addition, buildings are even angled to get the most sun, which is a better place for the sick to heal. After moving further north in 2009, this historic site found a new purpose as a museum and arts venue. Locals love it, and they'll definitely be impressed that you found this hidden gem.

13. Parc de la Ciutadella

A bit of green and nature for your time in Barcelona. Photo by Hanna on Adobe Stock

Did you know that the Arc de Triomphe you see on the site is almost the Eiffel Tower? The city turned down Gustave Eiffel's design, so he took his plans to Paris, and the rest is history. The park is Barcelona's green lung, but it's also got a whole vibe. 

You can see folks chilling on expansive lawns and tree-lined promenades, and even running to street artists making giant bubbles. It's so big that it fits a whole zoo and a cool greenhouse called the Umbracle, which is a great place to go if you just want to get some fresh air.

Barcelona's parks are just the start. Check out our guide to Europe's best National Parks for even more breathtaking spots.

14. Tibidabo

Tibidabo Mountain is the highest point in Barcelona. Photo by Jainfo on Adobe Stock

Tibidabo is a winning mix of mountain, temple and amusement park. From the city, you can easily notice the temple high on the summit - Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor. You can even take an elevator to the top, to stand right under the bronze statue of Jesus for a perfect view. 

After going down, try a flight on Talaia, a metal arm that lifts you up 1,800 feet above sea level. If you’re craving more adrenaline rush, the Merlí, with the 170-foot freefall, is the biggest challenge on the hill. After all that, the Mirablau Bar at the base of Tibidabo is the perfect pit stop for a refreshing gin and tonic.

15. Casa Milà

Casa Milà or La Pedrera (translated to "The Quarry") is Gaudí's final civil project. The stone construction looks less like a residence and more like a vast, undulating wave on the bustling Passeig de Gràcia. The inside is equally interesting, where you can wander through exhibits and a period apartment. 

But the headliner should be the wild rooftop terrace with sculptural chimneys that look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Gaudí's last work is somewhat of an architectural outcast during the early 1900s, but it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This also means the place gets super crowded, so book fast-track tickets to save time.

CABINZERO tips: The Night Experience is a guided tour that takes you to the main courtyard and the incredible arched attic. The tour will finally lead you to the roof terrace for a light show on the famous chimneys. Admission is €39,00.

16. Gothic Quarter

Gothic Quarter -  where medieval streets and old Roman ruins are mixed right in. Photo by Jeff Whyte on Adobe Stock

You can just wander these small alleyways aimlessly to get a sense of Barcelona’s vibrant history. This quarter is the city's oldest part, where Roman ruins are tucked between medieval palaces. At the centre of it all is Barcelona Cathedral, which is just as epic on the inside as it looks from the outside. 

You'll also pass two famous spots: Plaça Reial and Plaça Sant Jaume. While you're in this area, make sure to walk down Carrer de Petritxol, a tiny street that's all about chocolate. Or you can do a Tapas Walking Tour, to taste the local tapas and learn about the neighbourhood's rich history.

17. Barcelona Cathedral

The grand facade of Barcelona Cathedral. Photo by marcorubino on Adobe Stock

This cathedral doesn't get as much hype as the La Sagrada Família, but it’s hard to ignore its imposing Gothic structure that stands out among the tiny streets. Barcelona Cathedral is sitting on the site that was a Roman temple 2,000 years ago, back when the city was called Bàrcino. 

Today, the cathedral bears the name of Saint Eulalia, a local girl martyred for her Christian faith. The legend says she was tortured 13 times before she was beheaded. That's why you can find a pond of 13 resident white geese inside the cathedral's cloisters. A ticket to the cathedral also provides access to several smaller chapels within the building. This also includes a lift ride to the rooftop, which offers a panoramic view of the city.

18. Casa Vicens

The wild and colourful ceramic facade of Casa Vicens. Photo by Steve Lovegrove on Adobe Stock

We must say Casa Vicens is the most Instagrammable spot in the arty Gràcia district. This building was very special - it’s Gaudí’s first house and first work as a young graduate. What's it like inside? Think of it as a Moorish palace with a beautiful mess of pink walls, flowery tiles and flying birds. 

That's not all for a maximalist design. You can find a terracotta roof terrace and iconic ironworks that everyone knows about Gaudí. Would it be too much or would they harmonise, you may ask? They’re a weird yet impressive harmony that well reflects Gaudí’s mastermind.

19. Fundació Joan Miró

Everyone always talks about the Museu Picasso or the Sagrada Família, but you shouldn't sleep on Fundació Joan Miró. Joan Miró is a Barcelona son and also one of the city's most celebrated artists. You can find his art everywhere at Fundació Joan Miró. It's not just his permanent collection, but also the space that he designed with architect Josep Lluís Ser. 

Walking through the minimalistic and white space, you can see how every piece of Miro's work is laid out in the exact spot he wanted. If you cannot cover the whole collection, skip anything but his Woman and Birds at Sunrise and Man and Woman in Front of a Pile of Excrement.

20. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

MNAC is all about Catalan art. Photo by Vladislav Gajic on Adobe Stock

The best way to know Barcelona’s backstory? There’s no better place than MNAC. The collection here is your one-stop shop for Catalan art from the 10th century to today. You can see everything from detailed Gothic paintings to Modernista furniture. 

Through the works of legends such as Picasso, Ramon Casas, and Gaudí, visitors can experience the richness of Catalan culture. On your visit, also make sure to find the Romanesque murals, which were painstakingly moved from old churches in the Pyrenees. With the beautiful view of the Magic Fountain, MNAC is also the best spot to hang out at night. 

21. Museu Marítim

Many people visit Museu Marítim just to see the building itself, which is a big, impressive place with Gothic ceilings and huge windows. For those sceptics about whether the entrance fee of 10€ is worth it, here is your answer. You're heading to an amazing relic from Barcelona's golden age on the seas. See with your own eyes a full-scale replica of the 16th-century flagship used by Don Juan de Austria at the Battle of Lepanto. 

All the ancient maps, fishing boats, and dioramas are also on full display. But that's not all. Your admission also covers a tour of the 1917 schooner, the Santa Eulàlia. The vessel will transport visitors from the Moll de la Fusta along the coast every Saturday morning. You can skip the museum tour and visit the schooner separately for €3.

22. Parc del Laberint d'Horta

If you think the winding alleys in the Gothic Quarter are a labyrinth, let's meet the real deal: Parc del Laberint d'Horta. Instead of getting lost in the city, you can test your senses with those turns and dead ends at this cypress tree maze. If you can make it to the very centre, the payoff would be the sight of the Eros statue, the god of love, standing on the pedestal. 

Beyond the well-known maze, you can also stroll along the walking trails through a small forest, past many stunning fountains and ponds. There are also two beautiful gardens: one from the 18th century and another from the 19th century. Horta’s Labyrinth Park is a great spot for families. 

CABINZERO’s tips: The highlight is the maze, but kids can also let loose at the play area after tackling the labyrinth. There’s also a picnic zone for the grown-ups, just past the main entrance. If possible, plan your visit for a Wednesday or Sunday for free admission. 

23. Celebrate Festivals In Barcelona

Another reason to visit Barcelona? It is a city that never stops celebrating. No matter when you visit, you're likely to catch a good festival. There are big patron-saint fiestas named Santa Eulalia in February and La Mercé in September. 

If you're looking for a more romantic experience, come in April to celebrate La Diada de Sant Jordi. This festival is all about giving books and roses. Between April and October, keep an eye out for one of the most incredible parts of Catalan festivals: the castellers. You can join the crowd to see teams of people build human towers that are, like, ten stories tall.

24. Day Trip to Sitges

Sitges is a beautiful coastal town not far from Barcelona. Photo by Mike Parker on Adobe Stock

Just a 35-minute train ride from Barcelona, Sitges is the best day trip from Barcelona. This beachside town is one of Europe's top summer destinations. Why? The town has up to 17 sandy beaches (some nudist) filled with sunbathers lounging and sipping drinks at chiringuitos (beach bars).  

Even on a cloudy day, you can still walk along the promenade leading to the 17th-century church. A short walk away, Museu del Cau Ferrat showcases works of the Catalan artist Santiago Rusiñol. If you think you've had enough architecture, you can just do some shopping in smart boutiques or simply enjoy a 2-mile-long paved seafront promenade. With all the tradition, art, and Mediterranean lifestyles, the little town is also known as the mecca for nomads. 

Let’s See the Best of Barna

Ready to see the best of Barcelona? You'll need a solid game plan. This city's cool architecture, incredible museums, and restaurants fill up fast, so you need to book ahead. The payoff? You can fully appreciate buildings that feel out of this world and have a better connection to Catalan culture.  

With a good plan, you'll leave feeling like you didn't waste a single moment. We hope our guide to the best places to visit in Barcelona helps you prepare for your visit. We welcome any questions or further suggestions you may have in the comments. Have a great trip!

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