Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Football Club, excellent beaches, good weather, art, gastronomy and Gaudi’s architecture are a few of the things that attract visitors to the city of Barcelona all year round. But what are the top 10 things to do in Barcelona? What activities are the most interesting and exciting in Barcelona?

Number 10. Visit the Palace of Catalan Music

If you want to witness some modernist architecture while in Barcelona, then this is the place to go to. Located in downtown Barcelona, this building is one of the most representative monuments of the city.

Built between 1905 and 1908 by famed architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner, this place is one of the essential tourist attractions and you wouldn’t be wrong if you referred to it as an architectural masterpiece. The experience of being here is magical as everything about the building is breathtaking. Little wonder it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1997. 

Visitors have always been rumoured to fall in love with the Palau at first glance. Wouldn’t you like to discover how true this is?

Number 9. Shop at Mercat de la Boqueria

La Boqueria is a very popular food market in Barcelona. It is situated along Barcelona’s touristy La Rambla area and it is quite popular and large. I mean, it’s been around since the 13th century. It is actually the largest market in the city and has several stalls – more than 300 – where you can enjoy some of the freshest meat, vegetables, sweets and seafood.

If you would like to enjoy the delicious delicacies on display at La Boqueria and probably learn a bit about its history which will keep you enthralled, then you should hop on a metro to the market once you are in Barcelona.

Number 8. Explore Casa Milà – La Pedrera 

Unusual is the word that best describes Casa Milà but this doesn’t make it less appealing. Built between 1906 and 1912 by Anthony Gaudi, this place is the headquarters of Fundacio Catalunya La Pedrera. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inside it, you will find a cultural centre which serves as a reference point in Barcelona for the range of activities it organises and the different spaces it has for exhibitions.

You would be going on a little time travel to the era when Antoni Gaudi lived by visiting this place and trust me, it is a magnificent experience. You get to appreciate architecture and boy, it is well worth it!

Number 7. Unwind at Parc de Cervantes

A place where you can unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city is the Parc de Cervantes. It is a large park with enough green areas. Large areas of green hedges, trees, bushes, plants and even roses are everywhere in the park. 

There are activities you can enjoy in the park too. I mean, it’s all part of the experience, right?

You can go cycling. You can go on a run, a walk or a jog, whichever one you prefer. Oh, did I mention that it is perfect for a picnic too?

One thing is sure – you will leave the Parc de Cervantes more relaxed than you came.

Number 6. Explore Diagonal Mar Centro Comercial

It might take you close to a day to fully explore this incredible mall!

Located across the Hilton Diagonal, you can find everything you need in it. It contains a big supermarket where you can buy the best food, alcohol, hardware, clothes and more.

It also scores a high rating in cleanliness and every part of it is immaculate. 

Number 5. Engage in fun activities at the Parc del Forum

It is the weekend and you do not know what to do. That can’t be when you can always head to the Parc del Forum for some good fun. Skating, cycling and running are among some things you can do to unwind here.

That’s not all!

It is also the location for many music festivals and it has a swimming area too.

You thought that was all? It has a museum too.  Yes, a museum designed by Herzog de Meuron. 

If you are more of the chill type. You can go along with that book that you’ve been trying to finish up.

Is anything better than reading while catching breathtaking, beautiful views of the sea? I highly doubt it!

Number 4. Check out Mercat Santa Caterina

Located in a great neighbourhood, this market is not as large as La Boqueria. However, it is much less crowded and boasts of more organisation. It is clean too and has a lot of fruit and veggies that you will love. The prices are great too

The neighbourhood is great and you can enjoy some tasty food. It is an absolute must-visit..

Number 3. Tour the Spotify Camp Nou

Football fans would probably rate this as the number 1 Barcelona experience. I understand you, mate, for real. Because a visit to Barcelona without dropping by the Spotify Camp Nou is not complete!

The beautiful stadium is the home of Barcelona FC and is all shades of interesting. It has a nice museum which exposes you to the club’s crazy (positively, of course) history. 

You are allowed to visit all the interesting places such as the players’ change rooms, press conference room, press box, coach and reserve players’ pit. The stadium has a capacity of 99,354, making it the biggest stadium in Europe. 

Now, what excuse do you have not to visit the Barcelona FC Stadium?

Number 2. Enjoy the sights at Casa Batlló

Local textile magnate Josep Batlló wanted a house that was unique and different from other houses in the city. He reached out to famed architect Antoni Gaudi for a design and that was how the Casa Batlló came to be. 

Welcome to Barcelona’s Magical House.

This building ranks as one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions and yes, it lives up to the hype! 

It is a magnificent piece of architecture and has a warm, fantastic atmosphere too. It has an audio guide that smoothly guides you through your visit.

You might want to purchase your tickets online in advance in order to skip the long waiting lines often found at the door.

Number 1. Visit the fantastic Basílica de la Sagrada Familia

At number one, you will find the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Designed yet again by Antoni Gaudi, the church is the bomb. Well, c’mon not literally.

I’ll tell you what. Get on a lift to the top of the towers and you will be blown away. The panoramic view of the city from there is an experience you will never forget.

The interior of the church is another beautifully done stuff.  The beauty is stunning and it is very tranquil. It is also very bright as the windows allow enough light in.

You might be surprised to find a crypt inside the Basilica. There are stone carvings there and they are life-like and are in different architectural styles. 

It is Antonio Gaudi’s most famous work while in Barcelona and you just have to see it!