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15 must-see attractions in Barcelona

Barcelona, the city of Antoni Gaudi will captivate you with its unique architecture, organization, the sun and the sea. The genius of modernism (Antoni Gaudi) has left his mark all over the city, creating timeless attractions in Barcelona that will make you fall in love with it. The Catalan capital is suitable for a trip with the whole family, as it offers an array of options for you as well as your children. What would you say about having a tour around Camp Nou or even better watch a game, swimming at the Barceloneta beach, visiting the Sagrada Familia, having drinks at the Passeig del Born area and wandering around the famous La Rambla?

Check out the most important attractions in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is considered to be the climax of inspiration of the great Antoni Gaudi. It is one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the most well-known attraction in Barcelona and, consequently, the main reason to visit it! Whatever you say about this church is bound to fall short. Only when you stand in front it and get inside it you will realize its magnificence. The sculpted walls with scenes from the life of Jesus Christ, the colorful stained glass windows, the huge columns, as well as the five sky-scraping exterior towers render it a church of unmatched beauty. It is worth mentioning that you can climb up one of its towers.

Tip: You will take the best photographs from the first bench at the Plaça de Gaudí park. CKECK OUT THE SPOT HERE.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: November-February 09:00-18:00, March & October 09:00-19:00, April-September 09:00-20:00
Cost: from 26€ (standard entrance) to 42€ (Entrance including climb up a tower)

 The know-it-all says: The Sagrada Familia has been characterized as the church that will never be finished, as its construction started in 1882 and it has not yet been completed (2021)!

Camp Nou

Camp Nou, the temple of football, a.k.a. the home of Barcelona FC. The Camp Nou stadium is for many the main reason to visit Barcelona, in order to watch a football match. The experience is unparalleled, as the stadium, which can fit up to 90,000 spectators, turns into a unique arena of sports events, unlike anything you have seen before. Do not miss the chance to attend one of the Camp Nou tours, during which you will learn about the team’s history, you will get in the stadium, sit on the benches and feel, be it temporarily, the greatness of this football club.

Mini tip: Book your ticket only through the official website

Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours
Open: Every day, except Sunday, 09:30-18:30
Cost: Match ticket: 100-3.000€, Tour: from 27€ to 150€

 The know-it-all says: It is the largest football stadium in Europe (98,000 seats)!

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is “simply” an architecture and design legend! Its inspirer and creator is the man who remodeled Barcelona and goes by the name Antoni Gaudi! The gem of UNESCO’s world cultural heritage has few straight lines on its exterior as well as the interior, which make it look like a fluid building, full of concavities. We should also mention that its façade is covered with colorful shards of ceramic tiles, which make it unique. The visit options are four. Choose among being the first one to enter or attend an evening, theatrical or simple tour.

Mini Tips: If you do not book the option to get in first (early entry), make sure to book your ticket on the opening (09:00) and be the first in line. In little time, every hall is flooded with people (Check out more tips HERE).

Suggested visit time: 2 hours
Open: Every day (all year round) 09:00-21:00
Cost: 25€ general entrance, 37€ to get in 30 minutes before the doors open (officially) & 39€ for an evening tour and theatrical visit.

 The know-it-all says: Its rooftop looks like the back of a dragon or dinosaur!

Park Guell

Park Guell is one of the most well-known parks in Europe. Antoni Gaudi’s creation is located on the north of Barcelona and it is dressed (this one also) with asymmetrical ceramic tiles. At the entrance you are greeted by the famous lizard, while in the main space you will find buildings with the style and architectural lines of Gaudi. The most well-known spot in Park Güell is the veranda, which offers a wonderful view of the city. In the area you will also find the famous alleys, as well as one of the houses where the artist resided (it has been turned into a museum).

Read in the Tips section how you can get inside FOR FREE!

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: from 07:30 to 20:30 (Check out here the schedule according to the season)
Cost: 10€ Standard, 7€ Reduced

 The know-it-all says: The source of inspiration for the creation of the park was the temple of Apollo in Delphi!

Boqueria Market

The Boqueria Market is one of the most famous covered markets in Europe. It is located in the center of Barcelona (La Rambla) and hosts 200 shops, with gastronomical products from Spain, as well as the rest of the world. the important point is that (almost) every store in the Boqueria Market, apart from the sale of products, also offers sampling (upon charge). This way, you have the chance to sample dozens of flavors, among them cured meats, sandwiches, shells, fish, fruit, candy and more. Finally, you can dine at one of the Seafood Restaurants. Foodies, welcome to food heaven.

Mini tips: It is best to go on an empty stomach, so that you try as many flavors as you can!

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Monday-Saturday 08:00-20:00 Closed: Sunday
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: It welcomes around 40,000 visitors daily!

Salvador Dali Museum (Figueres)

The Museum of the eccentric artist Salvador Dali is located in his birth town, Figueres (1 hour by train from Barcelona). It is the largest bank of exhibits, with Dali’s own pieces of unique inspiration, as well as of other artists. In the museum’s three floors, you will see very significant artworks of surrealism, with the largest one being the ceiling mural of the Wind Palace. On the ground floor you will also see the place where the artist is buried. The visit to the Salvador Dali Museum is among the top priority things you must do when you are in Barcelona.

Tip: Book your tickets only through the official website.

Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours
Open: Winter season 10:30-18:00, Spring-Autumn 09:30-18:00, Summer 09:00-20:00
Cost: 25€ Standard, 23€ Reduced (Students, Retirees)

 The know-it-all says: It is the largest surrealism building in the world!

Bunkers de Carmel

Bunkers de Carmel is the most well-known spot to admire Barcelona from above. It is located on the top of La Rovira Hill, and offers visitors a 360° panoramic view, from a 262 meters altitude! Bunkers de Carmel welcomes tons of people daily, who take their company and a bottle of wine (necessary “tool”) to enjoy the breeze, the Mediterranean and a wonderful amphitheatrical view of the city. The best time is one to two hours before the sunset.

Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: It used to be an antiaircraft base during the Spanish civil war!

La Rambla

La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous street and one of the attractions with the highest visitor rates, as it gets flooded with thousands of people on a daily basis. The 1.2km-long street is consisted of the pedestrian walkway (which is located on the center) and two single traffic lanes. Right, left as well as on it you will find many cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and shows performed by street artists. The buzzing La Rambla street will captivate you and lead you to the Gothic Quarter, the covered Boqueria Market, as well as Barceloneta beach.

Mini Tip: It is the most touristy and, at the same time, most dangerous street in Barcelona (theft-related).

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Although it is a single road, it consists of five different streets (Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins και Rambla de Santa Mònica)!

El Born Neighborhood

Most people know el Born as the neighborhood who sleeps late at night, due to the vibrant nightlife. However, you must also explore it in the morning, in order to get lost in its unique medieval beauty. Walk along Passeig den Born, enter the imposing gothic church of Santa Maria del Mar and visit the old market, which nowadays has been transformed into a cultural center (Born Cultural Centre). Drink a cup of coffee at the charming Plaça de Sant Pere and sit under the trees at Carrer de Santa Maria to enjoy the city’s best croissant.

Suggested visit time: 5-6 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Passeig del Born used to host jousting matches with lances!

Placa de Josep Puig i Cadafalch

Barcelona’s pleasant surprise comes from the Placa de Josep Puig i Cadafalch. It is located in front of the National Art Museum of Catalonia and it is an unknown “tourist” spot to spend one or a couple of your afternoons. The view from the steps of the museum while the sun is setting, in combination with the music of the street artists, will fill you with joyful images. The square comes alive mainly at night, as hordes of people flood it to watch a show of Barcelona’s musical fountain.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The Four Columns symbolize the red lines of the Catalan flag!

Gothic Quarter

It is Barcelona’s most tourist-attracting but also historic neighborhood. The Gothic Quarter, or Barrio Gotico according to the locals, attracts many people on a daily basis. As one can easily realize, the gothic architecture is prevalent on the buildings, shops and cafés. Get lost in its streets, explore alleys that no-one visits and feel its medieval magic. At the Gothic Quarter you will also find some of the most important, historically significant buildings in Catalonia, many cafés, restaurants, as well as shops with pinchos to enjoy a quick snack.

Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The masks (carassas) existent on some of the quarter’s streets, would always be “facing” some brothel (Look up on the corner of Carrer de Flassaders and De les Mosques)!

Picasso Museum

The museum of the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso is one of Barcelona’s greatest and most important attractions. The artist might have originated from Málaga, but he always held great love and respect for Barcelona. This is why he chose to build there one of the most interesting museums (Pablo Picasso) in the world. Its interior is spacious and very bright, while it hosts the permanent collection with 4,251(!) artworks, temporary exhibitions and various events.

Mini Tip: Check out in Tips Barcelona the days when entrance is free and how you can book a ticket!

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-19:00, Thursday 09:00-21:30, Monday Closed
Cost: 12€ Standard, 7€ Reduced

 The know-it-all says: The artist’s full name is… Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso (Oh Lord)!

Catalan cuisine

The Catalan cuisine is an experience worth trying out. It has Mediterranean character with influences from France and Italy. The menu includes local vegetables (eggplants, tomatoes, artichokes), legumes (beans – chickpeas), virgin olive oil, wine, meat and, of course, the fresh fish coming out of its seas. Meat dishes like the Escudella, vegetable dishes like the Escalivada or a combination of the two (Ollada) will offer you wonderful local flavors. Do not forget the dishes based on fish, like the Esqueixada (cod) as well as the Fideuas (paella). To satisfy your sweet tooth, order a Crema Catalana, something like the French crème brûlée!

Cost: Around 30€/person

 The know-it-all says: The term paella refers to the way the dish is cooked (in a round, wide pan!

Barceloneta beach

Barcelona is boarding the Mediterranean and, of course, a dive in (probably) the world’s best sea is necessary. Devote one morning to go down to the Barceloneta beach and watch the surfers play with the waves, while you get your tan on, lying on the golden sand. The scene reminds of the Caribbean, with thousands of visitors covering every square meter of sand. Also, plenty of people practice nudism!

Suggested visit time: 5-6 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Barcelona’s coastline is 4.5km long!

Ciutadella Park & Barcelona Arc de Triomf

The Ciutadella is the most beautiful park in Barcelona. Every now and then, the park hosts events and happenings that spark the interest of children and adults alike. What steals the show at the Ciutadella Park is the huge waterfall, which was created by Josep Fontserè in 1875, and the lake where you can have a boat ride. In the park you will find more than one hundred species of plants, interesting sculptures, a playground, public bathroom, picnic areas and dog play area! Close by, you will find the arc de triumph…Not the one of Paris, but that of Barcelona (Arc de Triomf Barcelona)!

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day 10:00 to 22:30
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: It was the first place to be designed specifically as a public park (in the late 19th century)!


Travelen.eu is regularly updated on ticket costs and operating hours, but you should always visit your choice of destination’s official site for confirmation.