Things to Do in Barcelona: A Colorful Tour of Gaudí's City
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Things to see in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Las Ramblas, tapas spots and a Barcelona travel guide.
Places to Visit in Barcelona
The most energetic, colorful and art-filled city on the Mediterranean, Barcelona is like an open-air exhibition of architect Antoni Gaudí, a genius who walked a fine line between brilliance and madness. Here are the essential places to see on your Barcelona tour:
1. La Sagrada Familia (The Unfinished Church)
It is Barcelona's symbol and Gaudí's greatest work. Construction began in 1882 and was left unfinished after Gaudí's sudden death. Construction of this enormous basilica is still underway, funded by donations. Inside, it feels as though you are in a forest, with sunlight filtering through the trees. Be sure to book your tickets online several months in advance.
2. Park Güell
Designed by Gaudí for wealthy families but later turned into a public park, this site is famous for its benches covered entirely in mosaics, fairytale-like houses and panoramic views of the city.
3. Las Ramblas and La Boqueria Market
Las Ramblas, a long, tree-lined pedestrian street connecting the heart of the city to the sea, is always bustling. Mercado de La Boqueria, along this street, is a legendary market where you can sample fresh tropical fruit juices, seafood and a variety of tapas on the go.
4. Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
These two buildings on Passeig de Gràcia also bear Gaudí's signature. Casa Batlló (House of Bones) stands out for its roof resembling a dragon's back and skull-like balconies, while Casa Milà captivates with its unusual, entirely undulating architecture, which features no straight lines.
5. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
If you want a break from modernism and a journey back into history, lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets in Barri Gòtic, home to Roman-era walls and the immense Gothic Barcelona Cathedral. The cafés where Picasso spent his youth are here, too.
What to Eat?
A visit to Barcelona would feel incomplete without trying a selection of tapas (patatas bravas and garlic prawns) served on small plates, and washing them down with sangria, a refreshing fruity wine cocktail.