Skip to main content

Top things to do in Barcelona

Attractions, tours and activities in Barcelona

Recommended museums in Barcelona

Where to discover culture and the arts in Barcelona

Barcelona: the city's best neighbourhoods

Find a great area to stay in Barcelona

About Barcelona

Including tips for the best time to visit Barcelona

Cultures melt together in Barcelona, a lively metropolis of mesmerising architecture, medieval streets and top museums on the coast of Catalonia. Its most celebrated figure, Antoni Gaudí, takes all the credit for the city’s most outstanding monuments. From the twisting facade of stone-hewn Casa Milà to the monumental Sagrada Familia, the work of this world-famous architect can be found all over the city.

In the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find centuries-old tapas bars set among old haunts and a gargoyle-adorned cathedral. Fill up on staples like ground-beef stuffed croquettes and salt-cod fritters under this dramatic backdrop, and wash it all down with a glass of fruity Rioja. Nearby, an amble along the lively, tree-lined promenade of La Rambla will bring you to the coast, where the crowds start to thin out.

Find a slice of beach in Barceloneta or a shady patch of grass in Parc de la Ciutadella, and soak up the year-round sunshine. Alternatively, take a stadium tour of Camp Nou, or climb Carmel Hill for sweeping views and the iconic mosaics of Park Güell – another of Gaudí’s fantastical creations.

Tonight

From £138 per night

This weekend

From £451 per night

Next weekend

From £276 per night

Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency € 10 = £8.58
Language Spanish
Average weekend price £151 per night
Average weekday price £132 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Barcelona

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Barcelona

Barcelona reviews

What other travellers say about Barcelona

6.0

Enjoyed the city and enjoyed the historic culture and the...

26 April 2024

Enjoyed the city and enjoyed the historic culture and the sights I saw. Did not however enjoy my experiences as a solo female traveller in Barcelona. Any time I was not in the company of at least one other person, I was hassled by men to an unbelievable degree. Whether it was comments on my appearance, inappropriate touching, attempts to follow me to my accommodation or even predatory-style men waiting outside venues at night, my experiences have definitely led me to recommend that females not walk ANYWHERE unaccompanied from sundown to sunup. Not even a very short distance. The amount of revoltingly creepy men I encountered was simply unparalleled by anywhere else I’ve travelled to and, despite being a very capable female, I definitely felt unsafe and took evasive action on multiple occasions. I wanted to love this Barcelona, and I did in part, but this particular subset of the population really tarnished my experiences in what is actually a wonderful city.

Anonymous
6.0

Nice architecture, clean city.

25 April 2024

Nice architecture, clean city. Beach is very nice. But on top of these 3 things, nothing really stood out. Generally a nice city, but felt like I could spend 3 days instead of 7 days and fully discover the city.

Kamran Samadli
Kamran Samadli Netherlands
10

An extensive city with many wonderful historical buildings...

23 April 2024

An extensive city with many wonderful historical buildings and intersting Archietecture. Palais de. music was a highlight without many tourists. Timed entry tickets with a guide made the sightseeing easy Some wonderful tapas bars found away from the tourist routes in local neighbourhoods

Jude
Jude New Zealand
10

Packed most places into our 4 days.

23 April 2024

Packed most places into our 4 days. You must book ahead to visit museums etc. loved restaurant nuria on la rambla, best paella. Red and blue hop on off busses are a must to get your bearings. Try to get to cafes balto early as it’s sooo busy. Maritime museum was excellent. Sagrida well that is a must. A lot of museums are closed on a Monday so check before going. Went to a flamenco dance on Sunday night was well worth it.

Barbara
Barbara United Kingdom
10

We loved our trip.

22 April 2024

We loved our trip. The locals were friendly and the atmosphere was fun and calm. We enjoyed delicious tapas and paellas at both big and small places, with good prices. Getting around the city was easy by walking or taking a cheap taxi. Three days is enough to see everything, but families might need more time. Don’t forget to buy tickets online for La Sagrada Familia and book early for drinks or dinner at the Terrace of Sercotel Rosellón, as it gets booked up fast. Will absolutely visit again, we had a great time 🙌

Dardan
Dardan Sweden
10

Lots of interesting art galleries, museums and architectural...

21 April 2024

Lots of interesting art galleries, museums and architectural curiosities to visit. Easy to get around on the Metro and bus system. A lively city centre with lots of restaurants, snack bars and crowds enjoying the many open spaces.

Richard
Richard United Kingdom

Popular places to stay in Barcelona

Stay in some of the best accommodation Barcelona has to offer

Other attractions and activities in Barcelona

More things to see and do in Barcelona

gogless