Barcelona is located near the Mediterranean Coast and is a city that offers a rich cultural experience filled with diversity. The Mediterranean climate makes it a perfect destination to visit all year round.
The city is surrounded by magnificent architecture from the Renaissance, Romanesque, and Gothic periods. However, it does have a modern touch to it. Many buildings and places have been built in this last century that reflects the modern era.
If you plan on visiting Barcelona, then here is a list of some fantastic things you can see and do.
Top things to do in Barcelona
Montserrat
It is a mountain range just nearby Barcelona in Catalonia. It is the most popular place visited by tourists every year. You can go there with the purpose of a pilgrimage or to take in the beautiful site. You can visit the monastery and enjoy the fantastic surrounding views from the peak of this mountain range. An excellent place for hikers, and if you are not one of them, then you can take a cable car ride instead.
La Sagrada Familia
If you love modern architecture, then this Basilica will be a delight to your eyes. It was the work of the famous architect Antonio Gaudi and is still under construction in some areas. There is a museum inside that you can visit, or you can roam around in the Basilica and see this marvelous feat of architecture. The interior is made up of columns that are so long that they go towards the high ceiling and give a look of tree branches.
It is a feast to the eyes and should be on top of your list.
La Boqueria
It is one of the busiest markets in town. While such markets have existed in Barcelona since medieval times, La Boqueria is there for the past two hundred years. You can visit the market to look around or shop for various local products such as vegetables, cheese, meat, fruits, fish, and cheese. You can even get local street food and beer while you are here to enjoy the local cuisine.
Casa Amattler
It used to be the residence of a chocolatier Antoni Amattler now a building in the Modernisme style in Barcelona. Josep Puig I Cadafalch designed it. Along with Casa Batilo and Casa Lleo-Morera, it makes up the three most distinct buildings in Barcelona’s Illa de la Discordia
Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum houses two of Picasso’s major works, The First Communion and Science and Charity. The museum has a complete collection of works out from his 3500 pieces.
Park Güell
This attraction was also a work of Antonio Gaudi. You can hike up in this park and see the most breathtaking views of Barcelona. All around the park, there are mosaic walls, sculptures, and fountains.
Pro tip: Buy the tickets of Park Guell before you plan on visiting as it only lets in four hundred visitors every half an hour.
Parc de Montjuic
It is where The Palau Nacional is located. It is a palace now converted into the National Art Museum of Catalonia, which is devoted to exhibiting 5,000 Spanish works of arts. The palace itself is a work of art with a Spanish Renaissance style and architecture.
Columbus Monument
The monument is a symbol for Christopher Columbus first voyage to the Americas. It is a 60 m tall monument at the lower end of LA Rambla at Port Veil.
La Rambla
La Rambla is a famous street in Barcelona. It’s crowded during the peak season as it’s very popular with tourists and the locals. It’s a 1.2 km stretch from Plaza de Catalunya to the Cristopher Columbus Monument at Port Veil. Strolling at La Rambla is a must as you can see historical buildings, drop by for a Flamenco show, stop by for a bite at Royal Square and pick foods at La Boqueria.
Port Olimpic
Its a marina in Barcelona which hosted the sailing events of the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics.
Stay at Hotel Porta Fira
Check-in and experience the luxury of Spanish accommodation at this 28th storey skyscraper design by Toyo Ito. The Olympic torch is within the view. A Barcelona Metro is just a minute walk.
The Four Columns
A Josep Puig I Cadafalch creation. The Four Columns are iconic as it symbolizes the four stripes of the Catalan Senyera. It stands where the Magic Fountain of Montjuic is.
Palau De La Generalitat de Catalunya
It is a historic palace that houses the offices of the Presidency of the Generalitat de Catalunya and the seat of the Government of Catalunya. It is a medieval Gothic architecture in origin.
Flamenco
Visit a Flamenco Show in a real tablao.
The Olympic Pool
A pool with a view on top of the Montjuic Hill.
El Cap de Barcelona
“The Head” was created by Roy Lichtenstein in 1992 Summer Olympics covered with mosaics tiles.
Chill out at the Barceloneta Beach
If you want a day to relax by yourself or spend some quality time with your family, head out to the crystal clear beaches for a day of fun. Some beaches are also venues for night parties, so if you want to experience some nightlife, then make your way to the beach!
Bottom line
Barcelona has something for everyone. This city will never bore you with its vibrant and modern life with a touch of medieval charm. These are the top things to do while you are in this city that you don’t want to miss!
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