“We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.”
– Ray Bradbury
Barcelona is Spain’s most popular tourist destination. Host to the 1992 Olympics, today the city draws millions of people from around the world. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it’s Spain’s second largest city, behind Madrid. Rich in culture, Barcelona is famous for its unique Gaudi architecture, historical sites and Gothic cathedrals. It’s also home to world-class museums and art galleries, sandy beaches, fun restaurants and sizzling nightlife. At sunset there’s no better place to be than along Barcelona’s picturesque waterfront. It’s magical and romantic.
Fun Barcelona Attractions
Antoni Gaudi is Barcelona’s most internationally renowned architect. It’s worth a visit to the city just to see his unique masterpieces, including Sagrada Familia (pictured at top). It’s the city’s most famous architectural landmark and its top tourist attraction. Other Gaudi works include Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Parc Guell. Must-see Barcelona attractions include:
- Barcelona Cathedral – the historic Gothic Cathedral is visited by over three million visitors a year. Take the elevator to the cathedral’s roof and see spectacular 360-degree views of the city.
- Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) – one of the oldest and most historical areas in the city. Its narrow medieval winding streets and squares are filled with stunning architecture, trendy restaurants, hot bars, and boutique shops. It’s a popular nightlife destination.
- Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar – built during the 14th century, the basilica is a rare example of Catalan Gothic architecture.
- Casa Batllo – designed by Antoni Gaudi, it’s one of Barcelona’s top tourist attractions, visited by over one million people yearly.
- Casa Mila – the popular Gaudi-designed building is also known as La Pedrera, which means “stone quarry” in Catalan. And yes, it resembles a stone quarry.
- La Boqueria Market – located in the heart of Barcelona, La Boqueria Market is the city’s most famous market and a top tourist attraction. It’s also one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets.
- Las Ramblas – Barcelona’s famous tree-lined pedestrian avenue is filled with restaurants, shops, artists, street performers, flower and craft stalls. Busy day and night, it’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Magic Fountain of Montjuic – don’t miss this spectacular display of water, color, light and music. The free water show takes place in the Montjuic neighborhood of Barcelona.
- Parc Guell – a unique, not-to-be-missed enchanting public park designed by Gaudi. Filled with gardens and colorful architecture, it’s one of Barcelona’s top attractions. The park’s whimsical fountains, mosaic benches, iconic dragon stairway and gingerbread house-like buildings are popular with locals and visitors alike.
- Sagrada Familia – Gaudi’s best known masterpiece and Barcelona’s most iconic structure (pictured at top). Don’t miss a visit to this popular UNESCO World Heritage-listed basilica. Inside and out, it’s no surprise that the breathtaking Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s top tourist attraction. Get Skip-the-Line Tickets to avoid waiting in long lines, especially during peak tourist season. Take a Guided Tour and learn all about Gaudi.
Book Barcelona Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
Get priority access with Skip-the-Line Tickets to Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s top tourist attraction. Learn all about Gaudi on this fun Guided Tour. Combine your La Sagrada tour with a visit to Parc Guell, another of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Book an adventurous Barcelona Half-Day Bike Tour and take in the city’s sights along the way. Explore the Catalan countryside on a Montserrat Tour with Lunch and Gourmet Wine Tasting. Private Tour is optional. Take an Hands-On Spanish Cooking Class, starting with a visit to La Boqueria market with a local chef. Learn to make Spanish tapas, traditional paella and sangria. Buen Provecho!
Sagrada Familia Tours & Tickets
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The Best To Visit Barcelona
Barcelona enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate. Although it’s a year-round destination, the best times to visit are late Spring and Fall, especially May-June and September-October. July and August are the hottest and most humid months, and the most crowded. January is the coldest month.
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Fun Things To Do and See in Barcelona – Spain’s Most Popular Tourist Destination