Hola adventurer, welcome to your virtual guide on the best things to do in Barcelona! As a Barca local, I’m thrilled to share with you some of the best-loved touristy (and not-so-touristy) spots in the city!
From the most popular attractions for couples, to free activities, to the best things to do with kids, I made this guide suitable for all types of travelers and budgets! I’ll share my experience and give you some really useful tips I wish I had known before I visited!
Now a quick reminder to make all your reservations (hotels, tickets, tours) in advance! Beat the crowds for the best deals before they beat you!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: Serras Barcelona (luxury), Catalonia Portal de l’Angel (mid-range), Hostal Benidorm (budget)
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Tour Sagrada Familia
- 2. Visit Park Güell
- 3. Walk the Gothic Quarter
- 4. Enjoy a walk down La Rambla
- 5. Catch an event at Plaza Catalunya
- 6. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral
- 7. Explore Barcelona’s food scene
- 8. Visit Casa Batllo & Casa Milà
- 9. Go shopping on Passeig de Gràcia
- 10. Tour Camp Nou Stadium + FC Barcelona Museum
- 11. Experience the best of Barcelona nightlife
- 12. Visit Palau de la Música Catalana
- 13. Be in awe in the Picasso Museum
- 14. Stroll in the Ciutadella Park
- 15. Head to the beach
- 16. Hop on a catamaran cruise
- 17. Climb to the wonderful Montjuïc Mountain
- 18. Hike the Tibidabo Mountain
- 19. Hop on a city bus tour
- 20. Take the kids to the Barcelona Aquarium
- 21. Visit some more museums
- BONUS: Classic Barcelona itinerary (3, 4, and 5 days)
- Where to stay in Barcelona
- Practical Information
- FAQs about things to do in Barcelona
- Final thoughts
1. Tour Sagrada Familia
No visit to Barcelona is complete without a trip to Sagrada Familia (map), in the same way as no trip to Paris is complete without that Eiffel Tower visit!
This masterpiece of architecture is guaranteed to leave you speechless. This is not only the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, but it’s one of the most beautiful ones as well!
Sagrada Familia was partly designed by the famous Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi. The construction started in 1882, and is said to finally be complete in 2026, exactly 100 years after Gaudi’s death!
Book a guided tour and get inside because there’s so much history! A visit with a knowledgeable guide will add a whole new dimension to your visit. There are many tours available, but I recommend the ones that include skip the line tickets plus an actual guide, like this one! It’s definitely the best experience.
We also have a special guide on how to buy tickets for Sagrada Familia to make the most of your visit, so definitely check it out!
PRO TIP: The entry to Sagrada Familia is always filled with tourists, but I have a tip that worked for me to take some pictures without all the people in the way! Snap the pic 5-7 minutes before the closing, when almost everyone has already left. I made some amazing pictures thanks to this! Of course, still be respectful since it’s a church after all.
PRICE: From €26
2. Visit Park Güell
Park Güell (map) is that picture-perfect, colorful spot you see in Barcelona guides, and an absolute must for your visit! It’s a sprawling park with over 17 hectares of green spaces and unique architectural elements inspired by Gaudi.
I visited Park Güell on numerous occasions, and I can tell you 2 things: the place gets super busy and really hot. Bring some water and even some lunch, they have a café inside but it’s rather small and has limited options.
Also, make sure you enter the park from the right entrance (map)! A bus once dropped us at a wrong one and we had to walk forever to reach the attractions.
NOTE: We talk about all the different entrances and other useful things to know in a special ticket guide dedicated to Park Güell, so make sure to read it before your visit! It has some super duper important info.
Ideally, visit earlier in the day because you don’t want to rush. I say plan at least 2 hours, but with all the things there are to see here, you could even double that time. You can even do nice hikes and have a picnic inside if you’re up for it! You can even sit on one of the benches and listen to the buskers!
You can buy your entry ticket and organize the visit yourself or hop on a guided tour that starts from €25 (my recommendation, then after the tour just go to explore more by yourself).
TIP: Consider a Barcelona Pass that grants access to major tourist attractions, free public transport, and more! Check out the different passes and which one is best for you in our special Barcelona Pass Guide!
PRICE: €10
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Walk the Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Old Town (map), also known as the Gothic Quarter and Ciutat Vella, is the beating heart of the city. It includes the most popular pedestrian street La Rambla, some iconic food markets, museums, and cathedrals.
Plus, it’s bordered by the central square of Plaza Catalunya where most of the buses (including the airport bus) and major metro lines are, making it super accessible.
This area is also super central for dining, shopping, and nightlife, and it’s actually the top area I recommend to base yourself as a tourist! You can read more about this and other cool neighborhoods in my Barcelona area guide!
Below, I’ll be talking more in detail about specific major attractions here. But in general, admire the sights of old buildings, art shops, and nice churches like the Santa Maria del Mar (map).
4. Enjoy a walk down La Rambla
La Rambla, also called Las Ramblas (map), is the main pedestrian street in Barcelona and a favorite hangout spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s 1.2 km (0.75 mi) long, lined with tall trees, shops, cafés, and all sorts of entertainment, and it connects Plaza Catalunya with the port area.
Basically, it’s the place where you go to captivate the essence of Barcelona, and usually most tourists first get acquainted with the town here.
You’ll spot so many authentic buildings as you walk here, with Casa Bruno Cuadros (map) being just one interesting example. Combination of Art Nouveau and Oriental elements and authentic sculptures – it’s the perfect introduction to all the architectural gems that are waiting to be discovered in Barcelona!
There are also loads of restaurants lining the street but they can be a little pricier (however I always stop by La Poma for a pizza)
With La Rambla being the most touristy street in Barcelona, be extra careful for scammy merchants and pickpockets. We uncover some major tourist scams common in Barcelona and the world in this article, so read to prepare ahead.
5. Catch an event at Plaza Catalunya
As you walk up La Rambla, you’ll reach Plaza Catalunya (map), the main square of Barcelona and a great place for cultural exploration! The sights of tourists and locals here are constant, day and night.
They often screen Bracelona’s football matches, host various types of events, Christmas festivals, and have tons of cool stuff going on here! When the F1 was in town, this was where the fan village was set up. And I’d highly recommend stopping by when Barcelona FC are playing major matches (the vibes in the square are unbeatable!).
You’ll also find tons of shops at Plaza Catalunya, so it’s almost impossible to get bored in the area!
I also recommend this area as a great place to stay for first-timers since it’s walking distance to the Old Town and La Rambla, plus it has a great connection to the airport!
6. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral (map) is a must-visit Gothic cathedral in the heart of Barcelona’s Old Town. The church is huge, it’s beautiful to look at! The vibe is so different from Sagrada Familia, as here the Gothic elements are much more prevalent.
Feel free to walk inside (you can enter for free until 1 PM and after 5:30 PM Mon-Sat, and until 2 PM and after 5 PM on Sundays). In between those hours, the entrance is paid and costs €14, including access to the roof and choir stalls.
HIDDEN GEM: And since you’re already here, I recommend a walk to El món neix en cada besada (map), a large artwork with kissing on the wall made of hundreds and thousands of small photos. It’s right by the church, and it’s super cool to look at!
7. Explore Barcelona’s food scene
Did you know that Barcelona is actually one of the best places to visit in the world for foodies? That’s right, there are so many delicious places here!
I divided the experiences when it comes to food in 2 parts. One is about the food markets (big thing in Barcelona!) and another has my personal recommendations on the best places to eat!
7.1. Go food tasting at Boqueria Market
Boqueria Market (map) is a gem of the Old Town in Barcelona. It’s literally a foodie’s dream! There’s an entrance just off La Rambla street, so you can’t miss it!
Now Boqueria is not just a great place to try food, but also to learn about local cuisine from a chef’s point of view! There are tons of culinary workshops here, so you can learn how to make paella and then head on a typical market tour all as part of one experience.
TIP 1: Try Jamón Iberico, the iconic Spanish ham, from the small stalls on the market rather than in tapas bars to get far better deals.
TIP 2: Beat the crowds and visit Boqueria early, it opens at 8 AM. Definitely avoid after 11 AM and at lunchtime as it’ll be absolutely packed.
DISCLAIMER: Boqueria is predominantly a tourist-oriented market. For a more local and authentic experience, visit Mercat de Sant Antoni (map) and Mercat de Santa Caterina (map).
NOTE: Boqueria is unfortunately also a pickpocket wonderland, so be extra careful with your belongings here.
7.2. Eat at local-favorite restaurants
So when it comes to food, drinks, and desserts, honestly I have tons of favorite places and it’s hard to recommend just one.
If we talk about local foods, you must try tapas and paella! I love the restaurants along Rambla de Catalunya (map) for this! You’ll also be entertained by buskers while you eat.
NOTE: The restaurants here often have a fee for eating outside that adds 10% to your bill, so just beware.
For brunch, you can’t go wrong with Brunch & Cake (they have tons of locations, just Google them). I also loved Eixampeling (map), Kala Brunch (map), and EatMyTrip (map)! What can I say, brunch is super popular in Barca!
TIP: Head to your favorite brunch place around 10:30 AM to avoid the crowds and having to stand in lines. Alternatively, you can make a recommendation.
As for desserts, I love the ice cream at Lucciano’s (map)! I could eat their King Bueno flavor on repeat!
8. Visit Casa Batllo & Casa Milà
Casa Batllo (map) is one of the highlights of Gaudi’s work and another top attraction in Barcelona. It’s located in the city center, just a 10-minute walk from Plaza de Catalunya.
You can admire the building from the outside, but it’s also possible to go inside. If you’re on a budget, you can skip this part as the basic ticket is €35! I still know people who visited and don’t regret giving the money, whether or not they were Gaudi fans.
TIP 1: You can see how the building looks on the inside on the official website and decide for yourself whether you think it’s worth going in or not! Also, check our guide on buying tickets to know what to expect.
Casa Batllo is located close to other attractions like Casa Milà (map), so consider visiting in pairs. I personally loved the rooftop at Casa Mila and would recommend a visit just for it, but again, unless you’re a Gaudi fan, you don’t have to spend €28 on a ticket.
TIP 2: Casa Vicens (map) is another majestic work of Gaudi and an absolute hidden gem often forgotten by tourists. Read more about what makes it special in our guide on unusual things to do in Barcelona!
CASA BATLLO PRICE: From €35
CASA MILA PRICE: From €28
9. Go shopping on Passeig de Gràcia
The Casa Batllo and Casa Milà are both located on Passeig de Gràcia (map) known as Barcelona’s most luxurious avenue. The street is so luxurious they even call it Champs Elysée of Barcelona! It’s one of my favorite streets in all of Barcelona.
The street is 1.3 km (0.8 miles) long, and apart from the fancy modernist buildings and high-end stores, it also has tons of fancy restaurants. This was basically a showcase for the city’s bourgeoisie in the 19th century, and now almost 150 years later, you can walk around and still feel that posh vibe!
And hands down, Passeig de Gràcia has some of the coolest stores I’ve seen in my life! A visit to the Lego (map) store is a must with kids!
10. Tour Camp Nou Stadium + FC Barcelona Museum
Camp Nou (map) is the official stadium of FC Barcelona, and whether or not you’re a fan of this team, I think you’ll love seeing the place! I’m not a fan of football myself, but I have to say this stadium is spectacular. It’s no wonder why it’s one of the top attractions in Barcelona!
They have guided tours of the stadium and museum, I think this is the best way to visit especially if you’re not coming for a game. The museum is really well done with its interactive displays! It’s a thrill for kids as well! And if you’d like more ideas on places to visit with kids in Barcelona, check out our article that has 25 cool spots!
NOTE: It is currently not possible to enter the stadium due to renovation. We will remove this note when the stadium is open for visitors again. There’s a small museum just next to Sagrada Familia (map) you can visit in the meantime as well.
PRICE: From €21
11. Experience the best of Barcelona nightlife
Barcelona is not shy of amazing nightlife spots! Whether you’re into clubbing and dancing or bar hopping, there’s always something to do in Barca at night!
Here are my top recommendations:
- Nightclubs for dancing: Opium (map) by the beach, Razzmatazz (map) with 5 different rooms, and Sala Apolo (map) famous for its Nasty Mondays
- Upscale clubs: Port Olimpia area (map)
- Bar hopping: El Born (map) area is perfect for this. Mariposa Negra (map) is one of the most popular cocktail bars, and Paradiso (map) is an iconic speakeasy
Nightlife in Barcelona (and all of Spain) starts really late. The locals usually only have dinner after 9 PM, and the bars only start to fill up around midnight. For clubbing, expect them to get crowded around 3 AM and the parties to continue until early morning!
And if you go to clubs and bars, there’s an unwritten rule to avoid beachwear and flip flops. Dress smart casual! 👗
Oh, and if you’re into something more casual and sophisticated, candlelight concerts are also a thing in Barcelona!
Local tip: The Metro runs all night on Saturday (and the night before a public holiday) BUT during the week it closes at midnight and on a Friday at 2am. So make sure to factor this in before your trip. Make sure to factor this in when you’re out at night. There are night buses but they have limited routes and don’t come as often as during the day.
12. Visit Palau de la Música Catalana
Palau de la Música Catalana (map) is one of the most charming places in Barcelona. It’s a concert hall built in the Art Nouveau style with a marvelous stained-glass dome and ornate details, a must-visit for art, history, and music lovers!
Whether you want to catch a show or tour the place, you won’t be left disappointed! I visited for a Flamenco show and had a blast. Being inside the building was something I will never forget.
TIP: Get a glimpse of the beauty of Palau de la Música Catalana in our TikTok video!
And talking about flamenco shows, they’re a big thing in Barcelona and you can catch them in many locations. There’s the one in the City Hall Theater, the one with dinner at Tablao de Carmen, or an option with drinks at La Rambla!
13. Be in awe in the Picasso Museum
Picasso Museum is probably the most iconic museum in Barcelona. If you’re a fan of the famed Spanish artist or, on the other hand, want to get familiar with his work, don’t skip this museum!
You can see the artwork Pablo Picasso created in different stages of his career (over 4,200 works), including his very first paintings and drawings! In fact, the Training Period collection is the absolute highlight of the museum.
TIP: The entry to the museum is free every first Sunday of the month. Entrance is also free on Thursdays after 4 PM, and after 5 PM from May to September (BUT you have to book online in advance, they release 4 days prior to the date of visit).
PRICE: From €12
14. Stroll in the Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park (map) is one of my favorite spots in Barcelona! This huge green in the middle of town is ideal for picnics, people watching, reading, yoga and even sightseeing! You’ll hardly find a more idyllic place in Barcelona than here!
The last time I was here there was a man playing his guitar, a group of girls hula hooping and a yoga class (and this was just in one spot).
There’s the Barcelona Zoo and the building of the Catalan Parliament, as well as the Museum of Modern Art all in the park’s premises! I love the lake where you can rent a boat and go rowing, and the epic fountain partly designed by Gaudi. It’s absolutely magical.
Whether you’re a single traveler, a couple, or a family with kids, a visit to the park is among the best free things to do in Barcelona for sure!
15. Head to the beach
If you have enough time (or are just a beach bum), definitely head for the beaches in Barcelona! Now even though Barceloneta (map) is the most popular one, I must say I rarely go there. It’s too crowded and there are much better beaches a bit further away!
My recommendations are Nova Icaria (map), Bogatell (map), and Mar Bella (map). They’re super nice and have far less people so you can actually enjoy your time at the beach!
The only downside of the beaches is that there are a lot of people walking around selling things, from pareos and mojitos to people offering massages, tattoos and hairdressing. It can be super overwhelming and it’s actually illegal to purchase from these people.
NOTE: The beaches in the city are free, and you can just place a towel anywhere you like. There are also tons of places where you can eat, have a drink, but you can also bring your own food if staying for longer.
16. Hop on a catamaran cruise
Boat rides are a huge thing in Barcelona! From party boats to sunset cruises with dinner to casual sightseeing catamaran cruises, you can choose your type of experience on the water!
I went on a cruise with my family and had the best time despite the ugly weather and choppy waters we had. Ideally, prepare for a potential sea sickness if you’re prone to it, as I did get nauseous at one point.
You can also read Yulia (the ultimate Miss Tourist)’s experience on a boat in Barcelona in our special article on how to see all highlights in Barcelona in 1 Day!
17. Climb to the wonderful Montjuïc Mountain
Montjuïc Mountain (map) is one of my favorite places to catch a sunset and just relax in Barcelona! I went there multiple times and absolutely loved it!
On the top of this mountain in the middle of town there is a really nice castle (map) with stunning views of the coast and the town. There are also fabulous magic fountains (map), but unfortunately, they don’t work all the time due to water shortage issues.
INSIDER TIP: Watch the sunset at Salts (a bar overlooking the Olympic pool), I had an amazing time here with friends.
GETTING THERE: Depending on your location, get to the Parallel (map) metro station, and then transfer to Montjuïc funicular just outside the station, it goes directly to the top of the mountain.
18. Hike the Tibidabo Mountain
Want to catch some amazing views of Barcelona and the surroundings? A hike to Tibidabo Mountain will be the highlight of your trip!
Tibidabo is the tallest mountain in Barcelona! It’s 512 (1679 feet) meters high.
I recommend a hike or a bus ride to the top if you don’t have the time/energy. There’s also a cathedral and an amusement park on top (by the way, the oldest one in Barcelona) so it’s also a really nice place to visit with kids.
TIP: Want to hear about some more awesome viewpoints in Barcelona? Check out our article on the best unusual things to do!
GETTING THERE: Take the FGC train from Plaza Catalunya on L7 line direction Tibidabo Avenue. Walk to the nearby Tramvia Blau stop and take the train to Cuca de Llum stop. Here, you can board the funicular that goes to the top of the mountain. Use Google Maps to find the fastest route depending on your location.
19. Hop on a city bus tour
Hop-on-hop-off buses are available in Barcelona and can take you to all major attractions and landmarks in the city. Although I’m not a big fan of these types of activities (I prefer to explore by myself!), they can certainly be a nice thing to add to your itinerary, especially if you’re short on time.
So how it works is you buy your ticket, and then you can use the bus as many times as you want for 1 or 2 days, depending on the ticket. The ticket also includes an audio guide in multiple languages, so as you pass by a place, you’ll also hear a nice summary of it.
The bus has 2 routes (covered in the price of one ticket), and each lasts for about 2 hours. You can sit for the whole 2 hours or disembark as you wish!
Apparently, the Barcelona hop-on hop-off indeed seems like a great value for money as everyone says they enjoyed the ride and the commentary!
20. Take the kids to the Barcelona Aquarium
Are you looking for some more things to do in Barcelona with kids? Because Barcelona Aquarium is totally worth the trip!
The kids can walk through a tunnel inside a tank surrounded by fish, and then there’s a moving walkway where they will feel as if they were in the sea, with sharks surrounding them!
It’s a pretty cool experience, and the aquarium has a really convenient location, too, just by the port!
PRICE: €31 for adults, €24 for children from 5-10, €13 for children from 3-4
21. Visit some more museums
Barcelona is filled with museums for every taste, so if you’d like to squeeze a few more visits during your stay, here are more nice ideas:
- Museum Nacional d’art de Catalunya – The art collections here span from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, and it’s another must for art lovers! Give yourself at least 3 hours for the visit.
- MACBA, Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona – If you’re into modern, conceptual art, this one is definitely worth the visit. Otherwise, it can seem a bit weird.
- Fundació Joan Miró – One of the museums in Montjuic dedicated to the life and work of Joan Miró, a famed modernist painter and ceramist from Barcelona.
- Banksy – Absolute recommendation for street art fans with a rich collection of his legendary street art work, plus a spray-paint workshop!
- Moco – the Modern, Contemporary Artists & Rising Stars Museum is one of the best museums you can visit for those Instagram-perfect pictures! It’s a small one too, and you can squeeze a quick trip after visiting the Picasso Museum, they’re on the same street!
🏛️ Best museum: | Picasso Museum |
🎢 Top paid attraction: | Sagrada Familia |
🚶🏽♂️ Best free activity: | La Rambla |
👧 Best attraction for kids: | Park Guell |
🕺 Nightlife: | Old Town |
🥟 Must try food: | Paella |
BONUS: Classic Barcelona itinerary (3, 4, and 5 days)
So you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time and you’re overwhelmed with all these attractions, not knowing how to organize your stay?
I’ve got you covered! Here are my quick itinerary suggestions for 3, 4, and 5 days in Barcelona! Each itinerary complements the previous one!
3-day Barcelona itinerary
For this itinerary, I imagine that you have 3 days and 2 nights total during your stay. I’m providing activities for 2 full days considering that you’ll spend one day (or at least a half) on the journey there and back.
Day 1:
- Visit Sagrada Familia (remember to pre-book)
- Explore Casa Batllo and Casa Milà
- Shop at Passeig de Gràcia
- Walk in the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla, visit Barcelona Cathedral
- Dinner in a local tapas bar
Day 2:
- Visit Park Guel
- Take a guided tour of La Palau de la Música Catalana
- Eat at a local market of choice (Boqueria, Sant Antoni)
- Nightlife in your spot of choice from Heading 10
4-day Barcelona itinerary
Repeat Days 1-2, then:
Day 3:
- Relax on the beach (Barceloneta, Nova Icaria, Mar Bela)
- Explore the Barceloneta area, grab lunch in a seaside restaurant
- Head to Montjuic Hill
- Dinner in Old Town
5-day Barcelona itinerary
Repeat Days 1-3, then:
Day 4:
- Visit Picasso Museum
- Catch a catamaran cruise
- Relax in Ciutadella Park
- Flamenco show in the evening
Where to stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is a big city, and the location of your hotel can really make or break your vacation! If you’re in town for active sightseeing, you want something that’s either close to the city center/the attractions, or has a metro/bus stop nearby.
I always say stay in the Gothic Quarter (the Old Town) because you’ll be able to walk everywhere! I have a special area guide for Barcelona, so feel free to check it out for more details!
And for now, here’s a quick overview of the best hotels in Barcelona for all budgets:
Luxury (€250 and up)
- Serras Barcelona – I just love this boutique hotel! It’s full of history (Pablo Picasso lived here!), charm, and it has an amazing interior. They have an outdoor pool too, which is quite the perk when staying in the Old Town of Barcelona!
- Ohla Barcelona – Another really chic boutique hotel in Barca’s Old Town with a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and modern rooms! The hotel is just 300 m (985 feet) from the Plaza Catalunya, one of the central squares in Barcelona!
Mid-range (€150 – €250)
- Catalonia Portal de l’Angel – Another historic hotel set in a 19th-century building just a minute’s walk from La Rambla, and also featuring an outdoor pool. This one is just perfect for couples!
- Room Mate Pau – These rooms are just steps from Plaza Catalunya, have jacuzzi baths on the terrace, a buffet breakfast, and the most hospitable staff! What else do you need for an ideal romantic getaway to Barcelona?
Budget (up to €150)
- Hostal Benidorm – One of the most popular hostels in Old Town Barcelona with free Wi-Fi, super modern rooms, luggage storage, and a 24-hour reception!
- Hostal Lausanne – This hostel has the cutest rooms with small terraces overlooking Portal de l’Angel shopping street. They have rooms with private or shared bathrooms, AC, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk as well.
Practical Information
Before I let you go, I wanted to give you some more useful info about Barcelona!
How to get around
Barcelona is super walkable, but you may still have to use transport to get to places, so here are my best recommendations.
Public Transport
The city has a wide network of public transport! Think metro, buses, scooter sharing (Lime, Bolt, and Cooltra are the most popular options), and bikes. From my experience, you can literally get to any part of town in 30 minutes, which is amazing!
TIP: Use Citymapper and Google Maps to plan your journey across town! These apps will show you the quickest route and transport option and lead you to the closest station.
You can purchase your transport ticket at the metro station or with a bus driver (it’s €2.55 at the time of writing), but I definitely recommend the Hola Barcelona Card for savings! This tourist card costs from €17 (for 2 days) to €38.20 (for 5 days), and it includes unlimited travel on all buses and metro lines throughout Barcelona!
Consider this card if you’re staying outside of the city center and you know you’ll have to rely on public transport a lot.
NOTE: Rush hour in Barca is from 8 AM to 9:30 AM and from 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Definitely avoid public transport at this time!
As for getting to/from the airport, I definitely recommend private transfer or the Aerobus if you’re on a budget! I have a special Barcelona airport transfer guide, so check it out for more details! You can also get an Hola Barcelona Card with an airport trip included.
Taxis/Ride Sharing
Taxis are very common in Barcelona, I’d say even more popular than ride-sharing apps.
It’s easy to hail a taxi on the main streets of the city. Taxis are generally safe and the drivers will turn the meter as soon as you start the ride. You can pay with cash or card! Any Spanish skills you may have will be useful here as I have met many drivers with really poor English (some don’t speak any, so get Google Translate ready).
You can also use the Freenow app (iOS, Android) to book a taxi, but I found that in some places it just doesn’t work. I was trying to book a ride from Poble Sec, and it took forever to load, never finding a driver. But it worked for me in both Poblenou and Barceloneta. So it really depends where you are.
In this case, if no taxis are in sight, I suggest trying alternative ride-hailing apps. Uber, Bolt, and Cabify are all available.
All about SIM cards
Airalo’s eSIM plans are the absolute best deal to stay connected in Barcelona!
I’ve been using Airalo for all my travels abroad and never had an issue. You activate your eSIM plan before departure and have access to data as soon as you land! It’s super convenient because you can check your emails and get all your hotel or transfer reservations right away.
They have a free welcome eSIM for first-time users with 1 GB of data for 1 day, but also tons of flexible plans that start from €4.50!
If you’d still prefer a physical SIM card, you can get one from the airport, in official stores of mobile providers in town, and in some convenience stores.
FAQs about things to do in Barcelona
✅ Is 3 days enough for Barcelona?
Yup, 3 full days can be enough to see most of Barcelona’s attractions if you’re a first-timer! Just plan your schedule wisely and consider walking tours to make the best use of your time!
🇪🇸 What’s Barcelona’s biggest attraction?
Sagrada Familia is the biggest, most popular attraction in Barcelona! Basically every tourist that comes to the city visits this iconic cathedral, and so should you!
🌃 Is it safe to walk in Barcelona at night?
Yes, you can totally walk in Barcelona at night, especially around the Old Town, Downtown, and seaside. Just exercise usual caution and stick to well-lit areas and places where there are people.
🚸 What are the best things to do in Barcelona with kids?
Most of Barcelona’s attractions are 100% kid-friendly, including Sagrada Familia and Gaudi-inspired Park Güell. You can also take the kids to the Ciutadella Park, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Aquarium Barcelona, and Barcelona Zoo.
Final thoughts
Aaand, that’s it! You’ve made it to the end of today’s guide on the best things to do in Barcelona! I truly hope you enjoyed the read and that it gave you some new inspo for your upcoming stay!
I’d just like to give you one final reminder to book your hotels, tickets, and tours in advance! Barca can get super crowded, you don’t want to miss out on the best deals just because you came to the party late!
I absolutely love exploring Barcelona and helping others do the same, so I would be happy to answer all your questions related to the city! Just drop me a comment below and I’ll be quick to answer!
Adios,
Kathryn
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