Explore Barcelona By Bike
Exploring Barcelona by bike has several advantages. 1) You can see a lot more of the city in a short space of time, including getting off the beaten track. 2) Its an economically friendly and sustainable form of tourism. 3) The city is flat and there are over 300km of cycling paths. Of the many bike tours operating in the city, Steel Donkey Bike Tours are definitely the most authentic. Gaudi and Las Ramblas are off the menu. Instead youll ride in a small group around the back streets of El Borne, the village district of Gracia, or the resurgent Poblenou, taking in recycled workshops, flea markets and street art en route, as well as stopping off for local snacks. Barcelonas original alternative tour, this is an action-packed day out on two wheels with rave reviews.
Embark On A Treasure Hunt
In this group activity , you race against both the opposing teams, and the clock, as you navigate the winding streets of the Barri Gotic and beyond in a bid to find the treasure in this interactive urban game. Youll have to solve cryptic clues, consult your compass and move sharpish to claim the winners bottle of Spanish champagne.
International Travel And Covid
Considering the situation generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, if you wish to travel to other countries:
- It is recommended not to travel in case of symptoms compatible with COVID-19 .
- We recommend having your vaccination schedule complete and up to date,
- Find out about the health requirements and epidemiological situation of the country you are targeting.
Please, take into account a series of protection measures that you can find in the following link:
For more health-related information on international travel, please, see the “Health also travels” website at the following
Other links of interest if you are travelling abroad:
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Challenge Yourself In An Escape Room
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Sherlock Holmes, or even Indiana Jones, then pit your wits against the puzzles and challenges of one of Barcelonas great escape rooms. There are several companies operating in the city and each has one or more interactive games where you have to frantically search for keys, crack codes and solve conundrums to progress and eventually leave the room! Some of the storylines are a lot of fun, and if youre looking for something different to do in a small group of friends this might just be perfect for you.
Marvel At Santa Maria Del Mar
So I know I said I wasnt big on religious sites, but Santa Maria del Mar is another must-see church in Barcelona for the sheer amount of manpower that went into creating this massive structure.
Each boulder used for the construction of the church was carried from the countryside by ordinary civilians. And once they saw the final product you best believe they were in awe how something so amazing could be created from simple stones.
Enjoy the stained-glass windows and soaring columns. Plus, most of the original structure has been standing since 1383.
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Magic Fountain Of Montjuc
Topping the list of things to do in Barcelona at night is watching the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, near the Plaça d’Espanya in the Montjuïc neighborhood. The large Art Deco fountain was designed by Carles Buigas for the 1929 International Exhibition, which took place in Montjuïc.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc delights all ages with its choreographed light and fountain shows that are set to music. The shows take place Thursday through Sunday during the summer and Friday and Saturday in the off-season. The evening shows last for a few hours, with music sessions every half hour.
Address: 1 Plaça de Carles Buïgas, Barcelona
Lounge Around Parc De La Ciutadella
Barcelonas largest city park is one of the best places to enjoy the great Spanish outdoors without leaving the city. Theres tons of open space , a large lake where you can take a ride on a rowboat, and even a zoo!
On a trip to Parc de la Ciutadella, be sure to make your way to La Cascada, the parks fountain that was loosely based on Romes Trevi Fountain! Its a great place for a little bit of everything the park has to offer like street performers, artists, and plenty of locals going about their business.
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See More Of Gauds Designs
The Sagrada Família may be the most famous of Gaudís buildings, but all of his wonderful whimsical designs are worth a visit. The most well-known are Casa Batlló, with its iridescent dragon-like scales and skull and bone-like balconies, and La Pedrera, with its undulating stone façade and fanciful chimneys. Some of his lesser-known but equally beautiful buildings include Casa Vicens, the first house he ever designed Palau Güell, which he designed for his patron Eusebi Güell and the Torre Bellesguard.
Visit The Picasso Museum
Take a deep dive into the world of the 20th centurys greatest artist, Pablo Picasso, at Barcelonas very own museum dedicated to the maestro. Picasso was born in Malaga, but came of age here in Catalonia, staging his first ever exhibit in Els Quatre Gats cafe. This huge palace holds over 4000 of his works, with a focus on his earlier Blue and Rose periods, but going right the way to Cubism and also his later forays into sculpture. Given this is the citys most popular art museum, its best to reserve advance tickets or even take a guided tour with an expert.
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Jet Ski Along Barcelonas Coast
For an adrenaline-filled beach day, take a jet ski tour where you can wiz up and down Barcelonas coastal waters.
You dont need any previous experience to hop on one of these bad boys and take a ride on the wide open Mediterranean. Dont worry though, youll be supervised by trained staff members who will ensure your ride is nothing but smooth sailing.
Faqs Things To Do In Barcelona Spain
What are the sights in Barcelona?
In the list of Top 20 sights you will find buildings by Gaudi such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. Other highlights in the city are the Camp Nou stadium, the Gothic Quarter with the cathedral, the Ramblas and the Palau de la Musica Catalana. Read all about the Barcelona tourist attractions.
Do I have to book tickets for the Sagrada Familia?
Gaudi’s unfinished church is by far Barcelona’s most popular attraction and is notorious for its long waiting times. To avoid disappointment, we always recommend that you book tickets online, as the church is regularly sold out in high season. Read more about booking Sagrada Familia tickets.
Which sightseeing activities are free in Barcelona?
Unfortunately you have to buy tickets for many attractions, but you can also enjoy the city with little money. Visit the atmospheric Parc de la Ciutadella, the beautiful beaches, watch street artists on the Ramblas or enjoy the Boqueria fresh market. You get a phenomenal free view at the Bunkers del Carmel. Read all about free activities.
What can you see on the Montjuïc?
Montjuïc is Barcelona’s most famous hill. On the hill you will find the cable car to the Castell de Montjuïc, the museum of Joan Miró, the Olympic stadium and a magnificent view of the Palau Nacional with the magic fountain show. More information about the sights of the Montjuïc.
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Indulge In Churros And Chocolate
For plenty of exploring, youll need plenty of energy. This easily-distinguishable long doughnut-style dessert is a Spanish delicacy and youll be hard pushed to find better than in Barcelona.
Find a tiny cafe in the Gothic Quarter with a table outside and settle in for an afternoon of people watching. Smothering churros in lip-smackingly thick dipping chocolate is there really any better way to spend a lazy afternoon in the sunshine?
In Barcelona, we recommend these two spots:
- La Pallaresa Xocolateria Xurreria
- Churrería Laietana
If that hasnt scratched your sweet tooth, consider going on this local chocolate tour, taking you through 9 sweet stops all around the city.
P.S. Want more Spain travel tips? Check out our full page for a full breakdown on top things to do, eat, and see!
Visit The Local Vineyards
Catalonia has 12 denominacion de origen wine regions, the nearest of which is Alella just up the coast, while the most famous is the Penedes, just a short way away by train or private transport, and the home of Cava . Further afield is Priorat, which is actually considered the second best wine region in the whole of Spain . There are a number of great tours that leave from Barcelona on a daily basis, which allow you to tour the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process and of course taste plenty of the good stuff! For connoisseurs you can even embark on a private wine tour with a sommelier, who will pick you up from your hotel.
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See A Show At Palau De La Musica Catalana
A true Barcelona showstopper, Palau de la Musica is basically a concert palace, rather than hall. Its one of the best places to catch a show in the city, whether it be musical shows, operas, symphony orchestras, and even flamenco shows!
Besides being designed with impeccably clear acoustics, this performance space is a colorful wonder, complete with a chandelier centerpiece hanging from the middle of the ceiling.
Take A Trip On The Open
Steve and I dont tend to adopt a traditional tourist style, so weve rarely been on an open-top tourist bus, but its a great option when you have kids. Otis loved the novelty of being on the top deck. And I enjoyed listening to the audio guide and learning a little more about the citys sights.
The Barcelona Bus Turístic follows three different routes and you can hop on or off wherever you like. As well as being a good way to see the main sights, its also a handy way to get around the city in a way thats fun too.
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/ Watch A Fc Barcelona Match
An unforgettable evening in the lair of one of the greatest football clubs in the world. Si, Si! Family atmosphere, Catalan anthem and thrills guaranteed when Barça scores! On game nights the city stops to watch his team. For young and old alike! One thing to do and live once in a lifetime!
Tickets for next FC Barcelona match at Camp Nou
Best Things To Do In Barcelona Spain
In this post, Im going to share with you my top things to do in Barcelona.
Barcelona is a city of contrasts. Its edgy and raw, yet artistic and sophisticated. Its a place thats home to a complete melting pot of cultures, yet remains uniquely its own.
Its also a city blessed with world-class restaurants, incredible architecture, a thumping nightlife scene, and a gorgeous coastline.
With a great public transport system to shuttle you between the many neighbourhoods, and wide, pedestrian-friendly streets, getting around Barcelona is a breeze.
The city really does have a vibe of its own and there are endless things to do in Barcelona to keep you busy.
Having spent 10 days in Barcelona with Nick, we were able to sufficiently scratch the surface and discover a lot of all this destination has to offer. Without a doubt, this is now one of my favourite cities in the world.
With that, lets get started with this list of the 15 best things to do in Barcelona.
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The Markets Of Barcelona
Food glorious food! There are very few foods more glorious than Catalan food!
Over the years Barcelona has built up an international reputation for great food and great food culture. Acclaimed chefs are popping up all over the city but you dont have to spend a fortune to enjoy the best foods Barcelona has to offer.
Head to the gourmet markets of Santa Caterina or St Josep de la Boqueria. The experience will sizzle your senses and leave you feeling like you are in food Heaven!
Its here that you can treat your taste buds and your sense of adventure by experiencing the real taste of Barcelona. It is where locals and tourists sit comfortably together and enjoy the delights of the usual Spanish cuisine and beverages, but also where the more typical Catalan dishes can be savoured.
Barcelonas proximity to the Mediterranean and the mountains means that you can have the best of what the land and the sea produce. And the good news is that you dont have to choose between the two because surf and turf is a popular choice in Barcelona.
It would be a pity to leave the market before trying some Catalan favourites Escalivada: a warm side dish of aubergines, red peppers, onions and tomatoes. Butifarra: an uncured sausage similar to Cumberland sausage. Escudella: a Catalan meat stew. Suquet de Peix: a seafood stew. For dessert, Crema Catalana, similar to a French crème brulée and Mel l Mato: a soft, unsalted goats cheese served with honey and sometimes walnuts.
/ Walking Around The Joan Mir Foundation
Located in Montjuïc, the building designed by Josep Lluís Sert is a haven of calm and softness made of large luminous spaces. The ideal cocoon to discover the work of Joan Miró painter, sculptor, engraver and Catalan ceramist born in Barcelona in 1893. Influenced by the fauvists, cubists, and expressionists, the image of the surrealist is preserved, with eventful and colorful works that today inevitably remind the Spanish soul itself. The place is magical and Joan Miró’s work to see or see again for any lover of Spain.
Buy skip the line tickets for the Joan Miró Foundation
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Cruise Around Town In A Ferrari
Its not every day you get to sit behind the wheel of a Ferrari, let alone drive one around the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A ride in a California convertible starts at just 88, whilst those with a bit more time and money can choose to motor along the winding roads of the Catalan countryside, where you can pretend youre James Bond on the way to Monte Carlo. Click on the button below for more details about these luxury supercar experiences.
Find A Lookout Point For Great Views
There are plenty of great lookout points from which to view the whole city!
One of the more popular ones is Bunker del Carmel.
These former anti-aircraft bunkers from the Spanish Civil War now offer a high vantage point. It is a bit of a strenuous hike to the top.
If youre looking for views with a little less effort, why not ride a cable car up to Parc de Montjuïc?
Youll get 360-degree views on your quick ride to the top.
And if you go into the nearby castle, you can scale the parapets and be at the highest point in the city.
These are great activities to do with the kids!
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See More With A City Pass
There are multiple major attraction passes that can help you get the most out of your time in beautiful Barcelona.
If you go for an all-inclusive pass, youll get free entry into multiple attractions in addition to discounts on more activities and tours.
Other passes are designed to let you pick a specified number of attractions and get up to 40% savings on entry to those.
Attractions Available for Discount Include:
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Park Guells Monumental Zone
- Montserrat Morning Tour
- Hard Rock Cafe
If youre really looking to maximize the time you have in Barcelona, using a tourist pass is the best way to do that.
See our Barcelona Tourist Pass comparison here.
Make Your Way To Gracia
As you venture outside of Barcelonas city centre, youll find the hip neighborhood, Gracia. Known for its funky bars, interesting shops, and eclectic street performers, this is a great place to enjoy a sunny afternoon for a change of pace.
Hang out in the neighborhood squares, sit on a terrace for some tapas, and take in the local vibes of the place to get a sense of what its like to live in a quieter part of Barcelona, away from the hustle and bustle of everything.
Insider Tip: If youre visiting Barcelona in August, head up to Gracia to witness Festa Major, where residents in the town decorate streets in fun different ways to see who can come up with the best idea!
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The Camp Nou Experience
Obviously, the best way to experience Camp Nou is to buy tickets for a Barça home fixture . But if your travel dates dont align with the fixture list, then you can still revel in the glory of FC Barcelona by signing up for the clubs famous Camp Nou Experience. Your ticket includes a stadium tour that takes you to the stands, players tunnel and away dressing room, before you head to the FC Barcelona Museum to see the array of glittering silverware and the dedicated Lionel Messi room. Tickets are just 28, although a fun new upgrade exists which includes audio guide and Robokeeper Challenge . Mega fans should consider the Players Experience Tour, which is led by an official club guide and takes you to the pitch, press room and home dressing room.
