If you’re wondering what to see in Barcelona, this post is for you! Barcelona, Spain is a top bucket list city for anyone traveling to Europe. There are so many sites that you cannot leave without seeing! After living in this beautiful city for almost a year, I’ve narrowed it down to this list, Barcelona, Spain – Visit the Top 10 Must See Sites!
Barcelona literally has everything! Someone once compared it to the California of Europe and I can’t say they’re wrong. First off, it has the beach, the city, then the mountains. It also can be a very modern city with a young crowd. But, don’t worry, it still has the European charm with tons of history behind the city and its architecture.
Barcelona, Spain - Visit the Top 10 Must See Sites!
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What to see in Barcelona?
1. Sagrada Familia
You obviously can’t go to Barcelona without visiting the Sagrada Familia by the famous Gaudi. The church will FINALLY be finished in 2026, the 100th year anniversary of Gaudi. Remember you need to buy tickets ahead of time for a specific time slot when wanting to visit.
Travel Tip: Try to go when the sun is about to start setting, this way the sun rays will be coming through the stained glass windows at the perfect time!
2. Park Guell
Park Guell is another architectural masterpiece by Gaudi. This park offers both a free and paid version. Both offer amazing views of Barcelona, but without a ticket you won’t be able to see the intricate mosaic style of Gaudi’s designs like the picture to the left. Similar to the Sagrada Familia, you need to purchase a ticket ahead of time for a specific time slot.
3. Las Ramblas & La Boqueria
One of the most busy streets in Europe, Las Ramblas is a must visit destination in Barcelona. Starting at the busy Plaça Catalunya and ending at the Columbus statue by the marina, Las Ramblas is lined with pop-up vendors and surrounded by restaurants and souvenir shops.
Also along Las Ramblas is La Boqueria – a huge market with everything from seafood to candy to fruits and juices. (Closed on Sundays)
Travel Tip: Watch out for pick pockets on this busy, tourist street.
4. The Magic Fountain
The first time I went to Barcelona I never made it to see the Magic Fountain, but once I lived there it was a short walk from my flat. Most nights they have a fountain show with lights and music. It’s basically a mini-fantastic show from Disney World.
Travel Tip: Make sure you check the schedule for the show, times and days change along with the seasons.
5. Mount Tibidabo
You may have heard of this place before…on an episode of Friends? The infamous mountain Joey hiked up. Anyways, the Basilica of Tibidabo is a masterpiece. Your entire time in Barcelona you will see this tiny tiny church all the way on top of a mountain looking down on the city and it is definitely worth seeing. Not only does Mount Tibidabo offer amazing panoramic views of the city and a church, but there is also an amusement park up there!
Travel Tip: Make sure you have some euros on you before visiting. In order to get to the top of the church you must pay a couple of euros to go up the elevator to the next level. As far as I know, there is no other way to make it to the top without paying.
Also, find the public transportation route. Ubers or taxis will be expensive (around 30-40 euros depending on where you are) as it’s a little bit of a long journey.
6. Montjuic
At the top of Montjuic, right behind the Magic Fountain is the Museu Nacional d’art de Catalunya. If you want to go in, there is some nice art, but if not you still need to visit the building. Lined with fountains and amazing views of Barcelona, Montjuic is beautiful – and it was the view from my flat!
Travel Tip: If you do want to enter the museum it is very cheap, but on Saturday as 3pm is free and on the first Sunday’s of the month.
Fun fact! This is a main scene of where the Cheetah Girls 2 was filmed when they first get to Barcelona!
7. The Barcelona Cathedral
Oveshadowed by the Sagrada Familia, the Barcelona Cathedral is another amazing church to see! Buried in the Gothic Quarter is this huge gothic styled cathedral. It is equally beautiful and far less crowded.
Travel Tip: The Barcelona Cathedral offers multiple different times to visit for free. Typically before noon or after 5pm.
Bonus! Just around the corner is “The Kissing Wall” and El Pont del Bisbe.
8. The Gothic Quarter
Here’s where you’ll see the famous Barcelona streets. The Gothic Quarter is so unique and a perfect place to take a stroll and admire to architecture. There are trendy bars, restaurants, shops, and tons of amazing architecture. The Gothic Quarter includes: Las Ramblas, La Boqueria, the Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Maria Basilica, tons more, and our next spot… Plaça Reial.
9. Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial is a popular square in the Gothic Quarter filled with restaurants. A couple of the light posts in the plaça were designed by Gaudi. It is one of the most beautiful plaça’s in Barcelona and worth walking through.
10. Arc de Triomf & Parc de la Ciutadella
The Arc de Triomf in Barcelona was built as a gateway to the World Fair that was held in the Parc. Seeing the beautiful architecture then walking through Parc de la Ciutadella. I would describe the Parc like the Central Park in NYC of Barcelona. You can bike, jog, picnic, walk, even row a boat while feeding ducks. It is also right near the Barcelona Zoo!
There is so much to see in Barcelona! I lived here for almost a year and still feel like I haven’t done everything. What is your must see that I haven’t included on my list? Add it to the comments!
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Interested in the camera gear I use while traveling to capture my pictures?
- Camera: Canon EOS M50 with EF-M 15-45mm lense
- Small tripod: Fotopro Flexible Tripod
- Large tripod: Phopik 77”
- Memory cards: SanDisk 128GB
- Extra batteries: BM Premium batteries
- Camera bag: Bagsmart backpack
Beautiful country. I don’t think a two week vacation could do it justice. It would be like having a tiny bite of your favorite cookie and that would be all you could have. Hats off to you and all your adventures. 😘
I love how you included lots of tips for the different places, Spain is certainly on my bucket list and now that the pandemic is getting better hopefully I can make it there soon!
Love Barcelona, miss Barcelona. Absolutely brought back memories.
I have such great memories of Barcelona and would definitely go back. Good to add some new spots for a return visit. Sagreda would definitely be high on the list, especially to go inside! I think we missed Placa Reial and would love to see the light posts designed by Gaudi to complete our Gaudi education.
There is so much to see in Barcelona – no wonder it’s one of Europe’s most visited cities! I love everything Gaudi – so beautiful and impressive. Obviously, it’s also fantastic to have a long sandy beach close to the city center….true luxury!
Hola Barcelona. Indeed, the places are amazing, especially the old churches with its intricate designs.
I love Barcelona, it’s one of my favourite European cities every time I visit I just love the atmosphere and architecture. I didn’t realise how accessible Mount Tibidabo is. I’ll definitely have to visit there next time.
wowwww, how lucky are you that you got to live in Barcelona!! I have visited many times, but I have missed a few of these on your list. Montjuic is definitely on the itinerary for next time, thanks for sharing.
I will possibly, probably spend the most time at the Gothic Quarter, after Sagrada Familia and the other usual spots.
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