Even though Barcelona is known for the Sagrada Familia and its eccentric creator, touring the city hides many surprises for every traveler. The long history of the Catalan capital, in combination with the architecture and talent of great Spanish artists, has “created” tens of attractions in Barcelona that are worth your attention. Visit the world’s most unique hospital, climb up to the city’s highest point, try Catalan products at one of the local markets and relax at one of its squares. Meet the city’s street art and watch a different show with colors and music, or attend a local festival with traditional or modern character.

Discover many more attractions in Barcelona

The Barcelona Cathedral is located in the Gothic Quarter and…it is not the Sagrada Familia, as many believe. Even though it is not that impressive, it stands as an excellent example of Gothic Catalan architecture that deserves to be on your list. Inside the Cathedral you will find stained glass windows, statues and one of the strangest crosses in the world (ask about its history). Its tall towers can be visible from many spots in the city, while its rooftop offers a 360° view!

Mini tip: During the sunset, sit on the deck of the Hotel Colón and enjoy a cocktail with the temple at the background.

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: Every day 12:30-19:45, Sunday 12:30-17:30
Cost: 9€, 11€ with audioguide. Free for children under 12 years old

 The know-it-all says: In the church there is a pond with 13 geese, which symbolize the age at which Saint Eulalia (the patron saint of Barcelona) was martyred!

Casa Mila a.k.a. La Pedrera (the quarry) is yet another great piece by Gaudi, which adorns the busy Passeig de Gracia street. The eight-storey apartment building stands out for its rocky exterior, but also for the groundbreaking, for the era, amenities (elevator, ventilation and underground parking). In the first building, apart from the Gaudi Museum, you will have the chance to see only one furnished apartment, as the rest of them are occupied! The most impressive spot of Casa Mila is the terrace with the strange chimneys and the view of the Sagrada Familia (insta spot).

Fast tip: You save 3€ on your ticket via electronic booking.

Suggested visit time: 1-1½ hour
Open: Every day 09:00-18:30 (November-February), 09:00-20:30 (March-October). Evening tours 19:00-21:00 (November-February), 21:00-23:00 (March-October)
Cost: General entrance 25€, Reduced 9€, Retirees 20€

 The know-it-all says: It was Gaudi’s last piece, before he took on the Sagrada Familia!

The Montjuic Hill is one of the highest spots in Barcelona, on the top of which stands the homonymous castle that has operated as a fortress as well as a prison. You can get there by bus, cable car, or even on foot through cobbled streets, lush green gardens, ponds, and parks (ideal choice). From the top you will also enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city, while on different levels of the hill you will find the Botanical Gardens, the Joan Miro Foundation, the Jossef Mossen Gardens and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always, Castle: Every day 10:00-18:00 (November-March) & 10:00-19:30 (April-October).
Cost: Free, Castle: General entrance 5€, Reduced 3€. Free entrance every Sunday after 15:00 & every first Sunday of the month.

 The know-it-all says: The name Montjuic means “the hill of the Jews” in Catalan and “the hill of Zeus” in Latin!

Apart from the touristy La Boqueria in Barcelona, there are many outdoor and covered markets for you to enjoy some shopping like a local. If you are looking for small furniture or decorative items and antiques, visit the Mercat dels Encants with the impressive mirror ceiling. For fruit, vegetables, meats and seafood walk to the Sant Antoni and Santa Caterina market, which stands out for its colorful roof. In all of the local markets in Barcelona, you will find cafés and restaurants for a small break in between your shopping and touring!

Suggested visit time: 1-3 hours
Open: Mercat dels Encants: Every day except Thursday 09:00-20:00, Sant Caterina market: Monday 07:30-14:00, Tuesday-Wednesday-Saturday 07:30-15:30, Thursday-Friday 07:30-20:30, Sant Antoni market: Monday-Saturday 08:00-20:00. Closed: Sundays
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The roof of the Santa Caterina market consists of 325,000 colorful tiles!

Barcelona is full of squares, which stand out for their architecture, decoration as well as for their size. Some are quiet and others more tourist-oriented, but each one is different and they are all integral parts of the city. In the Catalonia Square you will be impressed by the fountains, the statues and the number of people crossing it. At Plaҫa Reial you will travel to an exotic place and enjoy a meal under palm trees and arches. In the Sant Jaume square you will gaze at the buildings’ imposing architecture, while, finally, in the Monumental Square you will see one of the largest and most well-known bullfighting rings in the city!

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The Catalonia Square covers an area of 50,000m²!

The Joan Miró Foundation is located in the Montjuic Park and it is dedicated to the famous Catalan painter Joan Miró. Inside the bright halls of the modern building, you will find a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, designs and ceramics created by the talented artist. The museum is interactive, with video projections and work desks, so that you can learn about his life while expressing your own talent. Apart from the permanent exhibition, there is also a temporary one, which hosts artworks of other famous painters.

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-18:00 (November-March & 10:00-20:00 (April-October) Sunday 10:00-15:00 (November-March) & 10:00-18:00 (April-October). Closed: Monday
Cost: 13€ standard & 7€ reduced (foundation and temporary exhibition), 7€ standard & 5€ reduced (temporary exhibition). Free for children under 15 years old.

 The know-it-all says: The collection includes 14,000 artworks!

Casa Vicens is another masterpiece of Gaudi, located in a quiet neighborhood in Gracia. Despite not being as famous as Casa Battlo and Casa Mila, it is equally impressive. The red house is consisted of four floors with rooms, salons, bathrooms and gardens, which combine different styles, having influences from all over Europe and the East. As on the exterior, the interior is also dominated by vivid colors, while the wood, the ceramics and the wall paintings adorn its every inch. Among the most beautiful spots in the house are the indoor veranda and the garden with the fountains.

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: October-March: Monday 10:00-15:00, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-19:00. April-September: Monday 10:00-17:00, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-20:00. (Last entrance 1 hour and 20 minutes before closing) Closed: December 25th, January 1st & 6th.
Cost: General entrance 16€, Students (12-25 years old) 12€, People with Disabilities & Retirees 14€, Senior (65+) 14€, free for children under 11 years old.

 The know-it-all says: It is the first building Gaudi constructed!

The Magic Fountain is a special spectacle in Barcelona, which you can watch for free. It is located between the Plaҫa d’Espanya and the National Art Museum of Catalonia and it is one of the best spots to spend a wonderful evening. The reason? But of course the water that dances to the rhythms of classical, modern and Spanish music, “painted” on every moment with a different color. In order to enjoy the spectacle, sit on the museum’s steps with a glass of wine or a beer.

Note: If you have watched the respective shows in Dubai and Las Vegas, it will not impress you that much.

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: Winter season: Thursday-Saturday 20:00-21:00 Spring-Autumn: Thursday-Saturday 21:00-22:00 Summer season: Wednesday-Saturday 21:30-22:30 Closed: December 26-31
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: It can create up to 7 billion combinations!

The La Merce Festival is Barcelona’s largest and most important celebration. The five-day party includes events derived from the Catalan tradition, as well as from modern life, with parades, concerts, exhibitions and more. The neighborhoods, the parks and squares fill with artists and shows for all ages, while there are plenty of stands for food, drinks, and shopping. One of the most wonderful moments during the festival is the dragons’ parade, as well as the famous human tower. Finally, a reference point is the conclusion of the La Merce Festival, which is accompanied by thousands of fireworks that light up the city’s sky.

Suggested visit time: 5 days
Open: Late September 
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The La Merce Festival includes more than 600 events!

In the city of strange buildings and unique architecture, we find probably the most beautiful hospital in the world. The Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau is located in the heart of Barcelona, a few meters away from the Sagrada Familia, and it impresses with its size as well as its individuality. In the 24 wings of the old hospital you will not see white rooms and narrow wards, but elaborately painted walls, statues, stained glass windows and colorful tiles. Nowadays, it is open to the public, while tours and art events are organized in the premises!

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: Monday-Saturday 09:30-17:30 (April-October), 09:30-19:00 (November-March) Sundays and Holidays 09:30-15:00 Closed: December 25th
Cost: Standard ticket 15€. Free entrance: April 23rd, September 24th and every first Sunday of the month.

 The know-it-all says: Its front side was constructed in a way that it resembles a person that spreads their arms to hug the patients!

The Street art walk in Barcelona will add color in your exploration and will offer you a tour in a different world. Walk around the Gothic quarter, in Born and in Raval and reach up to Poble Nou and Gracia. Search for abandoned buildings and walls and don’t be afraid to get lost in the alleys, as it is there you will find the most impressive works of street art. In order to make sure that you will not miss any spots, opt for a tour, while make sure to visit the Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies park in order to see the artists at work!

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free. Tour: from 18€ per person.

 The know-it-all says: The Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies park is the only spot in the city where they can paint without running the risk of being fined!

Tibidabo Hill or the magic mountain, as the locals call it, is known for the imposing Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as well as the amusement park with the dozens of games. As you can see, it is the ideal place for endless play, as well as for taking some of the best panoramic images of the city. During the sunset, go up to the top of the temple, where the statue of Jesus stands, and enjoy the red-orange view of Barcelona.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Temple: Every day 11:00-18:00, Summer Season 11:00-20:00 Amusement park: 11:00-20:00
Cost: Temple: Free, 4€ to get to the top. Amusement park: Adults 28€, Children 10€

 The know-it-all says: The temple consists of two churches that are built one on top of the other!

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