Best things to do in Barcelona

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What are the most popular monuments in Barcelona? What should I visit in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination. From iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to its stunning beaches and sunny weather, the city combines culture, relaxation, and adventure in one place. Stroll through its historic neighborhoods, savor world-class cuisine at its many restaurants, or simply soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring its rich history, enjoying its lively nightlife, or relaxing by the sea, Barcelona promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

These are our top recommendations for the best things to do in Barcelona!

TOP 10 MONUMENTS AND MUSEUMS IN BARCELONA:

1. Sagrada Familia
2. Gothic Quarter & Born
3. Park Güell
4. Picasso Museum
5. Casa Batlló
6. Camp Nou Stadium
7. Barceloneta Beach
8. Montjuïc
9. Moco Museum
10. Boqueria Market

GAUDI’S ARCHITECTURE

SAGRADA FAMILIA: Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. This basilica is one of the most visited sights in the world. Its construction began in 1882 and the Catalan architect worked on the project until his death in 1926, in full anticipation he would not live to see it finished. The Sagrada Familia is at once surprising, austere, unusual and exuberant.

PARK GUELL: Built in 1900, Park Güell was a dream shared by the entrepreneur Eusebi Güell and Antoni Gaudí. By that time, the cosmopolitan spirit of Art Nouveau and the ambition of Antoni Gaudí . In 1984, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site.

CASA BATLLÓ: one of the houses designed by Gaudí located on Passeig de Gracia. Gaudí used colors and shapes found in marine life as inspiration for his creativity in this building. The very radical and brilliant transformation in the use of colors and shapes, which had never before been seen on a façade, quickly established this building as an icon of the new Barcelona.

CASA MILÀ (LA PEDRERA): The success achieved by Antoni Gaudí with the two residential buildings which he had built in Barcelona’s Eixample district at the start of the 20th century brought him another commission from a new client, Pere Milà. He commissioned Gaudí to build an apartment building at Passeig de Gracia, keeping the principal or main floor as the residence of his family and renting out the rest. This avenue was the main thoroughfare of the new Barcelona and it had become the most prestigious social setting of a city that was just then undergoing an unprecedented development boom.

(*Take note that these are the most visited sights of the city. This is why we always recommend either book tickets in advance or a tour in order to skip the line. We will be pleased to assist you with these reservations if you require.)

NEIGHBOURHOODS

GOTHIC QUARTER: this is the neighborhood where the hotel is located and the oldest one in the city. It’s partly surrounded by the old city walls and filled with ancient Roman remains that you will be able to enjoy in our property. Do not forget to visit the Barcelona Cathedral and stroll around the quiet street that surrounds it. This is a neighborhood of contrasts.
EL BORN: the narrow web of streets scattered around the old church of Santa Maria del Mar is known as El Born. Find some of the coolest spots in the city: art galleries, boutiques, tapas bars and a lively spot for a night out.

LA RAMBLA: laid out in 1766, this street quickly became a meeting place for all the social classes in Barcelona. Following the contours of the medieval city walls that had bound this part of Barcelona since the 13th century, La Rambla was the only space where everyone could stroll and spend their leisure time. As you walk along, you’ll see landmark buildings, such as the greatest theater of Barcelona’s opera, the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the spectacular BOQUERIA MARKET.

EIXAMPLE: the most elegant neighborhood sits in the center of the city and offers the most upmarket and luxurious boutiques and restaurants. On the main boulevard PASSEIG DE GRACIA is where you can find most of the designer’s shops and magnificent pieces of architecture, including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

MUSEUMS

PICASSO MUSEUM: a key reference place to understand the formative years of Pablo Picasso and his relation with the city he loved so much.

NATIONAL ART MUSEUM OF CATALONIA (MNAC): One museum, one thousand years of art in Barcelona. The museum is housed in the National Palace, a landmark building dating from 1929 International Exhibition of Barcelona. The great temple of Catalan art, history and culture.

FUNDACIÓ JOAN MIRÓ: 217 paintings, 178 sculptures, a variety of prints and textiles and over 8,000 drawings provide an in-depth understanding of the creative process of the contemporary Catalan genius.

MOCO MUSEUM: A must-see for contemporary art lovers. The immersive digital technology of TeamLab, Las Fantômes and Studio Irma, together with the works of Warhol, Basquiat, Banksy, Murakami and Hirst, among many others, come together in this unique space to give you an unforgettable and unique experience.
CAMP NOU STADIUM: Explore all the different parts of one of the most emblematic football stadiums in the world.