Barcelona is definitely a city I keep falling in love with over and over again. In a previous article, I gave you a bit of an insight into the planning details when it comes to a trip to Barcelona, and now it’s time to dig into the city’s most popular attractions. There are so many things to do in this city, that it will probably make you come back every time, to see whatever is left. And if you’re done with all of the attractions, there is always the option to start exploring its surroundings, as there are many day trips you can do from Barcelona.
1. Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia has to be the top priority when it comes to Barcelona’s popular attractions. For me, it’s the only cathedral I’ve ever seen that doesn’t cease to impress me every time I reach in front of it. Sagrada Familia is located right in the heart of the city and its mastermind, Antonio Gaudi, dedicated an important part of his life to turn it into reality. And the sacrifice certainly paid off. He didn’t even plan to make it a cathedral in the first place, but just a building with a unique architecture. Gaudi started to build its Sagrada Familia dream back in 1882, with an initial deadline planned to be 2026. However, because of the Covid pandemic, the deadline had to be rescheduled. Currently, there is no new date, but hopefully we won’t have to wait much longer. In 2005, Sagrada Familia became part of the UNESCO heritage. It is, indeed, one of the greatest buildings in the whole world and one of the biggest tourist attraction in the world.
How much it cost to visit Sagrada Familia?
It will be 26€ if you buy online tickets, and 30€ at the entrance. For an additional cost, you can also have an audio guide. Make sure to visit Sagrada Familia on a sunny day, cuz this way you’ll get the most out of its colourful stained glass windows.
2. Park Güell
Park Guell is definitely a must see in Barcelona and you shouldn’t miss it. It is one of the most spectacular parks in Europe and its architecture will fill you with good and playful vibes. Park Guell is very colourful and joyful, just like Gaudi’s style. It’s always very busy and packed with tourists from all over the world. The park gives you a nice view over the city as well, and it’s a great picture spot. You can visit it free of charge, however, for the monumental area you need to buy a ticket.
How much it costs to visit Park Guell?
You’ll pay 10€ for the general admission ticket and you can buy it online.
3. Casa Batlló
Another Gaudi’s masterpiece, Casa Batllo will reveal an unique architecture with a lot of fantastic details, so specific to its author. You’ll find it on one of the most popular and busiest boulevards in Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia. Casa Batllo wears many amazingly beautiful shades of blue, green and purple, and its exterior design will easily make you think of the underwater life.
How much it costs to visit Casa Batllo?
The admission ticket for Casa Batllo costs 45€ when you buy it online.
4. Casa Milà
As you might have guessed, we have here another outstanding Gaudi’s work. Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is 5 min away from Casa Batllo, on Passeig de Gracia. You can admire its exterior free of charge or you can choose to visit it inside as well.
How much it costs to visit Casa Mila?
The admission tickets for Casa Mila vary from 25€ to 45€, depending on what package you choose. You can see all the options on its official site here.
5. La Rambla
Going to Barcelona without taking a walk on La Rambla, is like going to Paris without getting lost in thoughts on Champs Élysées. La Rambla is Barcelona’s most popular street, that runs through the whole city, from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya. It’s almost always very crowded and full of tourists, as there is where the city’s action usually takes place, so make sure you don’t miss it.
6. Mercado de la Boqueria
Get wild in the most popular public market in Barcelona. You’ll find there everything you can think of: from tasty street food, to delicious sweets and traditional well known Spanish foods. La Boqueria is located in the city center, on La Rambla.
7. Ciudadella Park
Take a walk in Ciudadella Park and fill your soul with street music and good vibes only. This is the first landscaped park of Barcelona and it’s present on every tourist’s to do list. You can visit it anytime, for free.
8. Arc de Triomf
Another emblematic attraction in Barcelona, Arc de Triomf is surely a must see. It’s colourful, joyful and very Spanish style with lots of outstanding architectural details, and you’ll find it very close to the Ciudadella Park.
9.Montjuïc and Plaça d’España
Montjuic Castle, located on the hill with the same name, the highest one in Barcelona, gives you the most spectacular view over Plaça d’España. You will also see from that point a beautiful city landscape, featuring the city’s jewel Sagrada Familia.
10. Barrio Gotico
Take a break from the colourful Gaudi’s masterpieces and lose yourself on the small streets of Barrio Gotico. It’s the most mysterious district in Barcelona, filled with a gothic air, where you won’t get bored for sure. It’s located right next to Plaça Catalunya, and there are a lot of small shops and restaurants where you can have a nice glass of sangria or some tasty tapas.
11. La Seu Cathedral
And since you’re in the Gothic Quarter, take some time to visit Barcelona Cathedral or Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia – it’s official name. This is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, which successfully completes the gothic look of the quarter. From Monday to Saturday, it can be visited for free from 8:00 – 12:45, and from 17:45 – 19:30, while on Sundays and Holidays it can be visited for free from 8:00 – 13:35, and from 17:15 – 20:00. The entrance tax in the other hour intervals is 7€.
12. L’ Aquarium de Barcelona
Don’t miss the chance to see one of the most beautiful European aquariums. You’ll be amazed by the gratitudine of the underwater life and you’ll have an amazing experience there. The Aquarium of Barcelona is located in Port Vell and has over 11000 sea creatures that will leave you speechless.
How much it costs to visit the Aquarium of Barcelona?
The admission ticket is 21€ and can be purchased online here.
13. Port Vell and the Olympic Port of Barcelona
Take a walk on La Rambla de Mar and get some amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea in Port Vell, one of Barcelona’s most important tourist attractions. Then go to the Olympic Port for a delicious food experience, where you’ll find a great variety of fish and seafood.
14. Barceloneta Beach
Located in the traditional district that has the same name, Barceloneta Beach is the city’s most famous beach, where tourists and locals love to come and have some fun. It has lots of activities areas such as beach and table tennis, beach volleyball and even a gymnastics zone.
15. Tibidabo
Tibidabo gives you an amazing landscape view of the whole city. I dare to say the most beautiful one. From Barcelona you can get to Tibidabo easily, by private car, public transport or taxi. There you can have some fun in the Tibidabo amusement park, you can enjoy the city view or you can visit the Sagrat Cor temple. Check its official website to find more about the ticket prices and the activities included in each type of ticket.
Enjoy your trips 🥰!
