15+ BEST Places to Visit in Barcelona (Perfect for First-Timers!)

Perfect for first-time visitors, here are 15 BEST Places to visit in Barcelona (+ where to eat & where to stay) to help you plan your trip.

Barcelona, the sunny capital of the Catalan region is a vibrant and sprawling city that offers visitors the unique chance to experience true Catalan culture, architecture (think Gaudi) and history.

With so many fabulous things to see, explore and do when visiting this coastal gem, it may seem somewhat daunting to plan your first visit here. That’s why we’ve decided to collate this travel guide to outline all the very best places to visit in Barcelona on your next trip to Catalonia [Catalunya] in Spain!

Essential Barcelona Travel Tips: What to Know Before you Go

Getting to and around in Barcelona

Traveling to Barcelona by plane is probably the most common way to get to the city. The city’s El Prat Airport, which is located outside the city center and reachable by metro in around half an hour, receives local Spanish, European as well as international flights. If, however, you are in Spain or neighboring countries then travel by bus or rail is an alternative too.

Once you’re in Barcelona you may want to make use of the city’s comprehensive public transport system that includes a network of metro trains and buses.

Due to the city’s large size, you may be making use of these services more than you would expect to compared to other more compact European cities. When we visited, we opted to buy a T-10 Barcelona metro ticket which currently costs €11.35 for 10 journeys in Zone 1. You may also opt to buy one of the Hola Barcelona Travel Cards, depending on how often you plan on using public transport. These range from €16.30 for a 2-day unlimited travel pass through to €38 for a 5-day pass.

*Quick Tip*: Cab hailing services such as Uber do not currently operate in Barcelona, largely due to Catalan laws and policies that has forced many of these operatives out of the region. Local taxi services do however still operate within the city.

What (and Where) To Eat in Barcelona

One thing to note about visiting Barcelona is that the culture and cuisine of the Catalan region is distinctly different from the rest of Spain. Don’t be caught in the tourist traps in the known tourists’ hotspots such as Las Ramblas. Here, you will no doubt find restaurants offering paella or sangria which is not traditional Catalonian cuisine at all!

Instead be sure to enjoy a glass of Cava, Spain’s answer to sparkling wine, which is produced largely in Catalonia. Or savor some more traditional Catalan dishes such as an Esqueixada salad, Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomatoes and olive oil) or a Suquet de Peix fish stew. For those with an affinity for the sweet, try the much-loved Crema Catalana which is fairly similar in style to a Crème Brulee.

For the best in Catalan fare, sample these and other traditional dishes of the region at restaurants such as Can Valles in Eixample, 7 Portes in Ribera, Can Culleretes in the Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter) or El Glop in Gracia.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

When selecting a hotel in Barcelona we recommend staying close to the city center – and if that’s not possible, be sure to select a hotel near to a metro station to take advantage of Barcelona’s very good transport links.

Ideal areas would be Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter, Historic Quarter inc. La Rambla); Plaça de Catalunya/Plaza de Catalunya (both the city center of Barcelona and where the old and new (19th century) parts of Barcelona meet); or Eixample, the 19th Century built part of the city (specifically around Passeig de Gracia).

*Editors Note* I stayed in Hotel U232 in Eixample which had rich, comfortable rooms, complimentary drinks, and the beautiful rooftop terrace you see above. It was 15 minutes walk from the train station, and around the corner from the hop on hop off bus stop. (It would also be a great place to stay if you are traveling alone)

15+ Best Places to Visit In Barcelona

Home to some of Gaudi’s most incredible buildings, stunning beaches, and mouth-watering restaurants, this city has no shortage of amazing tourist attractions. Whether you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time or returning, here are some of the best things to do and places to visit in Barcelona.

La Boqueria Market

If you asked any locals about what to do in Barcelona, Mercat de La Boqueria would be at the top of their list. The market was started in the 1200s and has since become a popular centre. It’s made up of over 200 stands, and foodies will be delighted by all that La Boqueria has to offer.

Located in Barcelona’s city centre, it’s the perfect place to buy some groceries, have a meal or to immerse yourself in the local culture. The market sees over 45,000 visitors daily and is a delight for the senses. After exploring, you’ll even be able to cool off with a beer at one of the market’s bars.

Palau de la Música Catalana

The Palace of Catalan Music is magnificent, to say the least. This beautifully designed auditorium is picture-perfect with a mosaic of stained glass and eccentric chandeliers. It’s an incredible venue to watch an array of choral, orchestral and opera musical performances.

While you’re in Barcelona, it’s definitely worth taking a tour of the Palace. During the day the concert hall is magnificent, but it’s after dark that it truly comes alive, especially when there’s a show. It’s one of the top things to do in Barcelona at night.

If you’re able, it is worth getting tickets to watch one of the concerts hosted throughout the year. The venue boasts phenomenal acoustics, and there’s no better place to watch the tale of the Spanish gypsy girl, Carmen.

Las Ramblas

Strolling through Las Ramblas is an essential Barcelona experience. The extensive pedestrian boulevard is located in the heart of the bustling city and is Barcelona’s most famous street. You’ll find a mixture of both tourists and locals exploring the mile-long avenue.

This street is full of some of the best Barcelona things to do. Along the boulevard, you’ll find various talented human statues and Spanish artists (who will happily draw your portrait or caricature). There are also plenty of shops and restaurants and it’s the perfect place to enjoy some sangria while people watching.

You might even be able to catch a street performance underneath the shade of the trees. This gorgeous street will keep you busy for hours, and is a great place to get a feel for Barcelona life – just be wary of pickpockets in this area.

Explore the Gothic Quater

The Gothic Quarter – “Barrio Gotico” in Spanish & “Bari Gotic” in Catalan – is an absolute must-visit on your trip to Barcelona. It is the oldest district in Barcelona and with all its narrow streets, squares and famous gothic architecture buildings it is a great place to explore on foot. And when you’re ready for a break, there are plenty of cafes to grab a drink or a bite to eat in the area.

Barcelona Cathedral

No – it’s not another name for the Sagrada Familia! The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (or Barcelona Cathedral for short) is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
Impressive during the day, and equally so when lit up at night, grab a beer at one of the bars around the square and soak in the atmosphere.

Arc de Triomf / Arco de Triunfo

Built of red bricks in the New Moorish style, the Arc de Triomf stands proudly at the end of the Passeig Lluís Companys. In 1888, the arch served as the main entrance to the World’s Fair and the arms of the city of Barcelona and of the 49 Spanish provinces were placed around it.

Citadel Park

Just beyond the Arco de Triunfo, you’ll find the beautiful green space and the impressive fountain of Citadel Park. A perfect spot for enjoying Barcelona’s sunshine or a spot of people watching.

Visit One of Barcelona’s Beaches

Visiting a beach is a must-do in Barcelona. The city’s boardwalk continues for miles with plenty of different beaches to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a place to soak up the sun, catch up on your reading or go for a surf, there’s a beach for you.

Barceloneta is a bustling, lively beach that’s exceptionally popular. There’s a line of trendy shops and bars along the boardwalk. You’ll even be able to look at Frank Gehry’s 52-meter long golden fish sculpture.

Make sure you don’t forget anything with this ultimate beach packing list.

Montjuïc

From the Magic Fountain to the incredible museum and exotic gardens, this historic hill has so much on offer. At the top of Montjuïc, you’ll find a 17th-century fortress which served to protect the city during the Catalan Revolt and the Civil War.

A great place to see a panoramic view of Barcelona is from the steps of the National Museum of Catalan Art de Montjuic. It’s also an incredible place to take travel photographs.

Monjuic Cable Car

Take a ride on the Montjuïc Cable Car for some incredible views of Barcelona. From here you’ll be able to see both the city and Barcelona’s coastline, and get a spectacular aerial view of the fountains and the National Museum of Catalan Art (above).

Parròquia de Sant Francesc de Sales Church

If you have space in your Barcelona itinerary for a little more religion, be sure not to miss the Parish of Saint Francis of Sales. It was built between 1878 and 1885 by an architect named Joan Martorell, who was born in Barcelona and happened to be Antoni Gaudí’s teacher.

Located in the Eixample District, it is easy to include on your Barcelona trip, especially if you are staying in that area.

We hope this guide to 16 Best Places to Visit in Barcelona Spain (perfect for first-time visitors) has been a huge help planning your Barcelona trip, and has shown you all the best things to see and do in Barcelona while you are there!

If you know of anyone else that needs a little bit of inspiration or assistance in planning their Barcelona vacation  (or how to explore Barcelona while they are there!), please be sure to share this post on social media: Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter or grab one of the images from below for Pinterest. And remember – sharing is charing (and we thank you in advance!)

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