Things to See and Do in Barcelona City and Province

This unfinished Basilica is one of the most visited places in Spain, and with good reason. The ambitious project of Antoni Gaudí started in 1882 and is still under construction.

Even so the church is considered one of the finest examples of Modernist architectural and has hidden details that are worth a guided visit to understand.

Nearby don’t miss “Las Escuelas” an interesting modernist style building, built by Gaudí to teach the builder’s children.

https://sagradafamilia.org/en/

Made up of four neighbourhoods El Raval (to the south / west of La Rambla) and Barri Gotic (including the Born), San Pere and the fisherman’s quarter of Barceloneta (all to the north / east) the Old Town of Barcelona is the best place to wander and explore aimlessly.

The Barri Gotic and Born, between La Rambla and the Ciutadella Park are a labyrinth of winding lanes full of delightful boutique shops, bars and restaurants. Highlights include the Picasso Museum, the lovely churches of Sta María del Mar and Santa Maria del Pi.

Barceloneta is less interesting architecturally but a good place to head for seafood whilst El Raval (though not the no-go area it once was) has little of interest except MACBA – the modern art museum.

https://www.macba.cat/en/

Watched over by Columbus, the Old Port, now the city’s leisure marina, is a great place to stroll and look at the boats.

There’s a modern pier with a shopping centre, eateries and an excellent modern Aquarium.

History lovers should not miss Los Drassanes, Maritime Museum at the foot of La Rambla set in the Royal shipyards which were active during the 13th to 18th centuries when Barcelona was a major naval power in the Mediterranean.

The Eixample (or Ensanche in Spanish) is the ‘New Town’, built in the late 19th century when the city expanded beyond its walls.

The most prosperous part of the city with the ultra-chic Paseig de Gracia – Barcelona’s high-end fashion boulevard at its heart.

Principal amongst Gaudí’s other Modernist projects in Barcelona, Casa Batlló is the epitome of the Catalan modernist style, loaded (to the gills!) with characteristic features inside and out.

Well worth a visit at the beginning or end of a wider tour of Catalonia, for an insight into this unique and fascinating architectural movement.

https://www.casabatllo.es/en/

Nearby on the Paseig de Gracia, Casa Milá (or La Pedrera, meaning quarry in Spanish) gets its unusual name because Gaudí decided to carve the curves of this building once the blocks were placed, as a result seemed to be a “quarry” when building it.

Not so much to see inside this one but the rooftop, with its ‘stormtrooper’ chimneys is iconic without doubt.

https://www.lapedrera.com/en

Another icon of Barcelona and yet another of Gaudi’s works.

Parque Guell was originally built for the workers in Señor Güell’s factories.

Tile-mosaiced lizards and meandering benches are the stand-out images but it’s a lovely place to stroll and enjoy views of the city and make the most of the Mediterranean climate.

https://parkguell.barcelona/en

Designed by Gaudí’s contemporary Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this is one of the best examples of Catalan Modernist architecture, showing perfectly the importance of combining functionality with decoration, which was the essence of that movement.

Designed as a home for the Orfeo Catalá, the concert hall is still in use today. You can visit with or without a guide as you wish…

https://www.palaumusica.cat/en/

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The origins of the cathedral trace back to a Paleo-Christian basilica dedicated to the Holy Cross (5th-7th centuries). Remnants of this basilica can still be found beneath the current Sant Iu Square and Comtes Street, along with some sculptural pieces preserved in the Barcelona History Museum.

During the Muslim occupation of the city (718-801), the basilica was converted into a mosque. It was later restored around the year 877. Construction of the Gothic cathedral began in 1298 and took around 150 years to complete.

Make sure to visit the rooftop for a lovely view of the city, and don’t miss the peaceful courtyard. There, you’ll find thirteen white geese, symbolising the years of Saint Eulalia’s life before her martyrdom.

https://catedralbcn.org/en/

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Just south of the city centre, prior to the 1992 Olympic Games, the hills of Montjuic were unpopulated parkland and the area still houses two Botanical Gardens (old and new) as well as acres of parkland with wonderful views over the city, making it an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle.

The Olympic Ring, nowadays the main attraction, is located behind the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and is centred around the Olympic Stadium, which also houses the Museum of the Barcelona Olympic Foundation.

The most striking building in the complex is the Palau Sant Jordi. Designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, it was inspired by the Mediterranean tortoise, with an enormous glass shell.

For art lovers there’s also the Fundación Juan Miró. If you’re feeling energetic, at the top of the hill there’s a castle with views of the port and the city.

Take the cable car from the Old Port up to Montjuic for the very best views of the city.

https://www.telefericodebarcelona.com/en/telefericodebarcelonaen/

There’s also a funicular (or buses) to come back down – or stroll down at the end of the day to see the Magic Fountains of Montjuic, a wonderful light show with music (show starts at 21.00 / 21.30 Thu, Fri, Sat most of the year, Weds also in summer).

https://www.barcelona.cat/en/what-to-do-in-bcn/magic-fountain

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Barcelona’s other hill-top attraction, Tibidabo, hosts a fun fair and the Observatory as well as the iconic Sagrado Corazón church. It’s quite a distance out of the city, but there are buses and a funicular.

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From Playa San Sebastian, beside the Barceloneta neighbourhood, running past the Olympic Port to the Forum, Barcelona’s golden beaches stretch a total of 5km.

The Port Olímpic, halfway along, is lined with restaurants-some quite swanky-and is an excellent place to head for a paella, fideuá or seafood blowout, but there are bars and eateries all along the first few kms of the beach.

At the far end, the beach is less developed and some stretches are assigned as nudist beaches.

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Barcelona’s iconic promenade stretches from Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s central hub, to the Christopher Columbus monument at the entrance of the old port.

The central section is a pedestrian-only walkway filled with street performers, souvenir stalls, bars, and restaurants, all vying for the attention of visitors. Has to be seen but don’t get stuck here-and be careful with your wallet.

The Boquería market, the city’s main food market, is likewise converted into a tourist attraction these days but nonetheless offers a riot of colour and flavour. Plaza Real, on the other side of the Rambla, has a good selection of bars with terraces.

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The Picasso Museum is one of Barcelona’s most popular and frequently visited attractions.

It houses one of the largest collections of works by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, with over 3,800 pieces in its permanent collection.

https://museupicassobcn.cat/en

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Not far from La Rambla but somehow removed from the madding crowds, Plaza del Pi, next to the delightful church of Santa Maria del Pi, is one of our favourite little squares, with a good selection of bars just to sit and people watch (though there are often good street artists if you’re lucky).

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This park, known as the green lung of the city, is located close to the city centre. Built for the 1888 Universal Exhibition, the park has more than ten gates, two of which were designed by Josep Fontsere while Gaudí was his assistant.

The main entrance is via the unique Arc de Triomf, built in the Moorish revival Neo-Mudéjar style.

The original exhibition buildings are now used as museums, and the park has an extensive arboretum, boating lake, grand waterfall, and the city’s zoo.

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Perched high on Montjuïc Hill, at the top of the little cable car ‘Teleferic de Montjuic’ (not the one from the port), with sweeping views over Barcelona and the sea, the 17th-century castle of Montjuïc is now a peaceful spot to explore and soak in the city’s history.

A great place to combine a bit of history with some stunning scenery-and maybe get a bit of exercise along the way!

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The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is located in the Palau Nacional at the foot of Montjuïc, built for the 1929 International Exhibition.

It boasts the world’s finest collection of Romanesque mural paintings (extracted from churches around the region – do not miss this if you’re visiting the Vall de Boi during your trip), alongside works by leading Catalan modernist artists such as Gaudí and Casas.

The museum also features Gothic art, masterpieces by European Renaissance and Baroque painters including Titian and Velázquez, and an impressive photography collection.

Sant Sadurní d’Anoia and nearby Villafranca de Penedés are the main towns of the Cava region, the perfect place to explore the history and origins of this beloved sparkling wine.

Both towns have a good selection of modernist buildings, and Sant Sadurní has a striking medieval defence tower.

Look out for Casteller (human tower building) activity, which has a strong tradition in this area and is not to be missed.

Don’t miss a visit to the Cava Interpretation Centre, located in an old wine distillery dating back to 1814, housed in the La Fassina building-and, of course, a bodega or two…

The headline winery visit in the Penedés area, Codorníu, boasts the largest underground cellar in the world, set beneath a beautiful Modernista building, listed as a National Monument, designed by Puig i Cadafalch.

https://www.codorniu.com/en/vi

The other big name in Cava, Freixenet, just opposite the train station in San Sadurni, is also housed in a charming building.

https://freixenet.com/uk/visit-us

One of our favourite visits, Segura Viudas is housed in a lovely building set in beautiful scenery among the vineyards.

Though the building isn’t Modernista, the workings of the winery are, with some fascinating details.

https://seguraviudas.com/visit-us/

The most important medieval fortress in Catalonia is perched on a hill overlooking the Saline Valley and the enormous Salt Mountain – source of the ‘white gold’ and the considerable wealth which built, and at the same time necessitated, the castle.

Built in 886 by Wilfred the Hairy, it features Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Highlights include the Minyona Tower (from the 11th century), standing 15 metres tall with a diameter of over 10 metres, and the Romanesque Church of Sant Vicenç de Cardona.

Today, the castle houses the Parador de Cardona. A visit to the salt mine is also not to be missed!

This characteristically shaped ‘sawtooth mountain’ massif, which rises sharply to over 1200m to the west of Barcelona, is revered as the spiritual heart of Catalonia and, though dwarfed by the Pyrenees, the region’s most iconic mountain.

Its “natural yet otherworldly beauty” is the result of millions of years of geological processes and is said to be one of the key influences on Gaudí’s architecture.

According to legend, the image of the Virgin Mary was discovered in the Holy Cave, leading to the founding of the Benedictine Monastery and linking Montserrat to spirituality ever since.

If visiting the Monastery, check the timings for the boy’s choir recitals (it’s one of Europe’s oldest and finest).

The Chapter House and the neo-Romanesque cloister are worth visiting.

For a more active visit, you can climb to the top of the mountain (or take the rack railway) to explore this unique landscape and enjoy the stunning views!

Sitges is a charming seaside town renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and relaxed atmosphere.

Stroll along its beautiful promenade lined with palm trees, explore the narrow, whitewashed streets of the old town, and soak up the bohemian vibe that has attracted artists and free spirits for decades.

Don’t miss the Maricel Museum and the Cau Ferrat, where you’ll find a mix of art and history, or simply unwind at one of its chic cafes or beachside restaurants.

Vilanova i la Geltrú is a charming coastal town known for its golden beaches, perfect for a day of sun and water sports, while the bustling Rambla is lined with shops, cafes, and a lively atmosphere.

Don’t miss Vilanova Vella, the town's historic centre, where you can wander through narrow streets filled with character, admire the medieval architecture, or dive into the town’s history at the Víctor Balaguer Museum, or take a stroll along the marina for stunning sea views.

A delightful, historic town with a stunning medieval centre set around the bustling Plaça Major, a grand main square surrounded by historic arcades and colourful facades.

Explore the Cathedral of St. Peter, with its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, and don’t miss the Episcopal Museum, which boasts a fascinating collection of medieval art.

The town’s weekly markets, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, are a special treat not to be missed.

A medieval monastery built into the cliffs, surrounded by waterfalls and dramatic rock formations, Sant Miquel del Fai is a true hidden gem nestled in the Catalan countryside, 50km from Barcelona.

The walk to the site itself is a treat. Wander through the ancient chapel and monastery buildings, carved directly into the stone, with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

South of Barcelona, just inland from Sitges, the Garraf Natural Park offers the perfect escape with its peaceful yet rugged landscapes.

Explore its diverse terrain, from vineyards to hidden caves, and keep an eye out for local flora and fauna.

For a unique experience, visit the Plana Novella, a modernist mansion which houses the Sakya Tashi Ling Buddhist monastery.

Just south of the city, the final stretch of the Llobregat River, with its lagoons, wetlands, coastal pine forests on dunes, and pristine beaches, is remarkable for its rich biodiversity, particularly its birdlife.

Barcelona’s ‘green belt’ offers a breath of fresh air and a slice of nature right on the city's doorstep.

Explore miles of well-marked trails, visit the charming Sant Cugat Monastery, or enjoy a picnic with a view from the top of the park’s highest point, the Talaia.