Barceloneta Beach
Lined with bars and tapas places, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the Mediterranean sun. Although I always believe a place has more to offer than just a beach, there’s something about Barca that requires you to sip on some sangria while dipping your toes in the water. While you can walk to the beach from certain areas of the city but I recommend taking the metro since it will bring you right there (stop Barceloneta). Even if you don’t plan on spending a beach day, it’s worth grabbing a bite to eat to soak in the views.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours (or a whole beach day!)
Plaza Espanya & Las Arenas
Plaza Espanya is home to the National Art Museum. Behind the Plaza, you’ll find the old Bull fighting ring (now turned shopping mall called Las Arenas). You can go to the top of Las Arenas for a great view of the city.
- Cost: Free (Plaza de Espanya)
- Estimated time needed: 1 hour
- More Info: Las Arenas / National Art Museum
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
If you’re able to visit Plaza Espanya again at night, we recommend checking out the Magic Fountain show. This fountain dances with music and lights to put on a show every evening in Barcelona. This is one of the best free things to do in Barcelona. (I was lucky enough to be in Barcelona on a holiday and catch fireworks there too!)
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Plaza Catalunya
While on the topic of Plazas, don’t miss Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona. It links the old parts of the city with the newer parts and is often home to public events such as rallies, concerts & festivals.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 15-30 minutes
Las Ramblas & La Boquería
I’m actually not the biggest fan of Las Ramblas but it’s home to one of my favorite markets: La Boquería. I always find that markets give you a taste of a city that you can’t find anywhere else. After you’ve walked the famous strip of shops and restaurants, make sure to pop into La Boquería and grab a fruit smoothie for a snack. (They make them fresh and you pick out the types of fruit you want added!) Be careful to watch your belongings, Las Ramblas is a notorious place for pickpockets.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
The Gothic Quarter
One of my favorite neighborhoods in Barcelona is actually in the older part of the city. It reminds me of other Spanish cities like Sevilla or Madrid. Once lost in the streets of the Gothic Quarter, it’s easy to forget you are in such a big city. I recommend grabbing a gelato and strolling the smaller roads to take in all the old architecture.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 30 minutes – 1 hour
La Sagrada Familia
Possibly one of this city’s most famous landmarks, you can’t visit Barca without stepping foot inside architect Gaudí’s (still on-going) project. It is unlike any other basilica you will visit in Europe thanks to it’s colorful stained glass and unique exterior. I recommend purchasing your tickets to visit the inside of the Sagrada Familia about a month in advance, to guarantee entrance. Typically the line wraps around the building so it’s better to plan ahead.
- Cost: €17-30
- Reserve spots online here: Sagrada Familia Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Park Güell
While staying with this Gaudí theme, you should also make your way up to Park Güell. Again, prepare to purchase your tickets ahead of time to get the day and time-slot you wish. My first time in Barcelona I was turned away because they were already sold out. If you’re on a budget, there are some beautiful areas of Park Güell that are free to walk around and visit.
- Cost: €10-22
- Reserve your spots online here: Park Güell Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
La Pedrera
La Pedrera (also known as Casa Mila) is another one of Gaudí’s famous works you might want to check out while in Barcelona.
- Cost: €24
- Reserve spots online here: La Pedrera Tickets
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Flamenco & Dinner Show
Although I will always argue the best place to see flamenco is in Southern Spain (Granada or Sevilla for example), if Barcelona is your only stop in this country it might be worth it to attend a flamenco show. On my work trip this past summer, we had a dinner & show* on Las Ramblas. The food was high quality and the show was very passionate.
- Cost: $70 (includes dinner, 1 drink & show)
- Reserve spots online here: Flamenco Show*
- Estimated time needed: 2-3 hours
Eat Pinxos
We all know Spain is famous for it’s tapas, but in Barcelona in particular, I recommend finding a pinxos bar to try some regional food! (Pinxos are open faced sandwiches on a stick). They’re normally pretty cheap (2-4 euros each) and can be a great snack or light lunch.
- Cost: €2-10
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Day Trip to Montserrat Abbey
About 1 hour outside the city, high in the mountains, you can visit Montserrat Abbey. If you’re in Barca long enough and looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect day trip. You can visit inside the Cathedral and hike the trails for free. There are some public busses & trains that will get you here, but we also recommend considering a guided tour* so you can make the most of your time in the countryside.
- Cost: €15 (round trip train tickets) / $70 (tour)
- Book tour: Montserrat Abbey Tour & Lunch*
- Estimated time needed: All day
Bunkers del Carmel
The last time I was in Barcelona, my friend who lives there brought me to the Bunkers del Carmel one evening to catch the sunset. What were once used as military bunkers during the Spanish civil war, is now a spot for locals and tourists alike to take in breathtaking views of Barcelona. This is a bit more off the beaten path and you need to take public transportation to get there (both metro & bus). However, the views of the city are so worth it. We watched Barcelona transform to night before our eyes. You can see the patterned streets of the Exiample region all the way to the sea. If you make the trek this far, I recommend bringing a bottle of wine (or two) to drink while taking in the views.
- Cost: Free
- Estimated time needed: 1-2 hours
Accommodation in Barcelona
During my work trip to Barcelona, I was lucky enough to stay in Hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864. Not only were the hotel rooms stunning but they had a rooftop bar & pool too. It was also walking distance to La Sagrada Familia and lots of tapas bars.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Barcelona has lots of studio Airbnbs & hostels as well.
Barcelona Travel Tips
Transportation
- Barcelona is surprisingly walkable, depending on where you’re staying
- The metro is also very inexpensive & clean and would be our next recommended way of getting around the city
Tipping
- Tipping is not necessary when traveling in Spain
- If you have a great service and feel like you want to leave some type of tip, no more than 5%-10% is needed
Weather
- Barcelona is fairly comfortable year round, but the best time to visit would be in the shoulder seasons (or summer if you’re looking for beach time)
- Winter can be between 40-60 F, while summer is between 60-85 F
General
- Beware of pickpockets, especially when you’re by the beach or walking Las Ramblas
- Many restaurants, gelato stands or shops have a minimum in order to use a credit card so we recommend carrying euros on hand to buy something small like a coffee or souvenir
Hope this info about Barca helped in planning your trip!
Adios, Amanda
Last edited: April 2023
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