Best things to do and see in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city so rich in nuances that, when thinking about activities to enjoy on vacation, what prevails is just that: variety. In Barcelona you can make other trips within your visit: from traveling back in time to the medieval version of the city with a night walk through the Gothic Quarter to move to the modernist city with the architecture of the great Antoni Gaudí. And, of course, you can also take your sense of taste on the expedition with the paellas of Barceloneta or the tapas of Poble Sec. It’s all here for you to build your own itinerary.

Walking at night in the Gothic Quarter

The medieval charm of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter takes on a special magic at night, when we can transport ourselves to those years when it was completely walled. In fact, medieval Barcelona was only what is now called the Gothic Quarter, until it began to grow and expand and its walls had to be demolished.

To enjoy the true medieval magic of Barcelona, the most recommended is to walk around the cathedral area, Plaza del Rei, Plaza Reial and get lost in El Call, the old Jewish quarter.

Climbing the Carmel bunkers

Far from what its name may suggest, here you will not be locked underground. On the contrary, what you will find is a viewpoint that offers incredible views of the city. Curiously, although they are popularly known as Carmel bunkers, there is no subway shelter at the top of this hill.

What this site knew in its history were anti-aircraft batteries during the civil war and, later, it housed the shacks of needy people who had nowhere to live. A small museum on site tells this particular story. After some decades of abandonment, today the Carmel bunkers are a must for those who visit Barcelona and seek to discover all its secrets.

On your way down, don’t forget to eat some patatas bravas at Bar Delicias. They are the best in Barcelona.

Eating a paella in Barceloneta

The Barceloneta neighborhood has its charm as the old fishing area and has the best seafood restaurants, fish and paella in the city.

All along the coastline of Barcelona there is a great variety of gastronomic proposals, but if you want to eat well and cheaper, you can avoid the restaurants that are in front of the beach: there are even better options and for less money if you go a few streets inland. If you prefer to eat just as well, but facing the sea, you will have to pay a little more.

Tip: if you want to eat a good paella in Barcelona, avoid the Ramblas.

Stroll and drinks in the neighborhood of Gracia

It was a medieval village near the capital until the late nineteenth century, when the Eixample was built, became part of Barcelona, but always maintaining a unique charm of its own. Gracia is a different neighborhood and ideal for a good afternoon stroll in which to feel the local life and stay for dinner in its many restaurants or go for a drink in its rock, salsa, electronic or indie bars. If you are staying in the center, take the metro and get off at the Fontana (green line) or Joanic (yellow line) stop. And let yourself go.

Visiting the Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudí dedicated practically his entire life to designing and building this church. He set out to do nothing less than create a building that would not look much like a building, but rather recreate a forest, adopting organic and flowing forms typical of nature. Although, as we know, the temple is still under construction (since 1882!), this does not detract in any way from its ability to leave any visitor speechless when contemplating it. And this is true for both its exterior and interior. From the outside, you can appreciate its two elaborately detailed facades, with a number of truly dazzling sculptures, and its tall towers. If you decide to visit it also inside, which we definitely recommend, it is preferable that you get your tickets online to avoid problems of capacity and long waits.

Tapas in Poble Sec

If you feel like going out for tapas in the neighborhoods of Barcelona, the best option is Poble Sec, especially the places around Blai street and its surroundings. Gastronomic options of all types and regions: from Japan to Peru, of course, including the best alternatives of Catalan and Spanish cuisine in general.

In addition to tapas, Poble Sec also offers a wide variety of Italian restaurants with pastas and pizzas, burgers and grilled meats for you to get lost in its streets and try everything.

And in Poble Sec you will always find cheaper prices than in restaurants in the city center.

Discovering the multicultural charms of Raval

Of all the neighborhoods in Barcelona, the Raval is undoubtedly the most multicultural and diverse. Muslim culture is predominant, especially from Pakistan and Morocco, so you can learn the secrets of its exquisite and spicy cuisine, and soak up their customs and typical attire.

In the Raval you will also see many references to the Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese communities, among many others that make this corner of the city one of the richest and most captivating.

Visit the Temple of Augustus

When Barcelona was called Barcino and was one of the many cities within the orbit of the Roman Empire, what is now the Plaza Sant Jaume was the Forum and what remains of it is part of the Temple of Augustus, an enclosure dedicated to the worship of the emperor.

It can be visited free of charge to see the magnificence and imposing Roman architecture in its columns. And travel back in time for a moment, to Roman Barcelona.

See the Battló House

You can’t leave Barcelona without seeing the most famous house built by Antoni Gaudí: Casa Batlló. Located in the heart of Paseo de Gracia, one of the most beautiful streets in the city, it was built by order of a textile industry businessman of that surname.

In its famous façade, Gaudí recreates the myth of St. George fighting the dragon in a very original way and in a way that no one had thought of before. Inside, all the decoration is designed with maritime motifs.

It’s not a cheap ticket, but it’s worth paying for. Only at Casa Battló will you be able to travel, from the same place, to worlds that one would think only exist in literature. You’ll be lost halfway between Alice’s Wonderland and Tolkien’s Shire.

Strolling through the Boqueria Market

One of the most beautiful markets in Spain and, probably, in the world. Each stall itself contains a family history and here you will not only find fresh local products, but also delicatessen products from all over the world; a variety rarely found in a market.

It is a good opportunity to take a gastronomic stroll and enjoy good wines and cavas in the nearby bars. Don’t forget to visit the stalls at the back of the market, where people who live in Barcelona go to buy vegetables, meat and fish, as it will be a good opportunity to feel the local life.

Visit Els Encants

Els Encants is one of the oldest flea markets in the world and in Barcelona it is set up in Plaza Glòries, which brings together the modern and the classic in one place. In this market you will find antiques and rarities of all kinds, and you can exercise your bargaining skills.

And around the square you can see some of the most important technological buildings in Barcelona, forming the iconic “District 22@”, the technological district of the city.

Climbing Tibidabo

The best panoramic views of Barcelona are at the top of Tibidabo, the mountain that crowns and watches over the city from behind, from the side opposite the sea. Once at the top, you can visit the impressive Temple of the Sacred Heart, which can be seen from any point in Barcelona, and also have fun in a spectacular amusement park.

The best option to climb Tibidabo is by funicular, a dazzling ride in which you will discover other panoramic views. If you want the most economical option, you can take the T2A bus.

Watch an FC Barcelona match

FC Barcelona is one of the biggest soccer teams in Europe and the world. Whether you follow all the major soccer matches or prefer other sports, a visit to Camp Nou, Europe’s largest stadium (it can hold nearly 100,000 fans!), enriches any traveler’s experience.

The best way to do this is to watch a soccer match, to feel the charm of its fans live and direct. If you go during the week, from Tuesday to Thursday, it may coincide with a Barça cup match (Champions League or Europa League). And if you go on the weekend, you can surely enjoy a game of the Spanish league.

And you can’t miss the Barça Museum, where all the trophies the club has won throughout its history, old jerseys and historic photographs are on display.