Top 19 Best Things To Do in Barcelona, The Mediterranean Jewel

Find out the 19 best things to do in Barcelona. The magic of this city lies in its world-renowned food, Gaudi’s exceptional works, and centuries' worth of stories. Explore the very reasons why this city tops the list of the world’s favorite vacation spots.

Barcelona is a city you should visit at least once in your life. Surrounded by the mountains and the sea, this city offers a mix of nature and culture that makes it irresistible. The best tours and experiences in Barcelona reflect this unique beauty.

Imagine wandering through the narrow lanes of El Born or Gracia with the scent of tapas filling the air. Or, renting a car in Barcelona to catch a breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean. Doesn’t this image make you want to book the best travel packages in Barcelona now? 

To make your dream Barcelona adventure happen, just pick from the city’s top places to stay and start building your itinerary. Luckily, you’ll fill it up quickly with this list of the best things to do in Barcelona!

19. Experience the Montjuic Magic Fountain

The Magic Fountain of Montjuic is a spectacular display of water, light, and music that captivates visitors. Located at the base of Montjuic Hill, this fountain offers an unforgettable experience and is one of the best things to see in Barcelona. 

If you visit during the day, the fountain may seem unremarkable, but visiting at night is truly when the magic happens. We recommend you arrive early in the afternoon to make the most of your visit. Being one of Barcelona’s top attractions, it can easily get crowded. 

While waiting for sundown, you can take a Barcelona tour with a stop at Montjuic] and see the city. Take pictures in front of the Montjuic Castle and enjoy stunning city views from the cable car. Then, head down to the fountain in the evening to enjoy the magical fountain show. 

18. Sail Along the Barcelona Coast

For a unique perspective of the city, a sailing adventure along the coast is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. This relaxing activity offers stunning views of the skyline and the Mediterranean Sea.

Barcelona is a city by the sea, and exploring its coast comes in many forms. However, sailing will give you a relaxing treat on your holiday. Go on a sailing cruise with light snacks and an open bar for a relaxing and enjoyable time on the water. Enjoy the sea breeze, spot landmarks along the coast, and dip in the sea if the weather permits. 

Book your sailing trip in advance and consider a morning cruise for calm waters or a Barcelona sunset cruise from Port Olimpic for spectacular views as the sun dips below the horizon. Sailing is perfect for couples, groups, and solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

17. Explore Costa Brava on a Day Trip

Known as the "rugged coast" in Spanish, Costa Brava lives up to its name with its rocky cliffs and seaside views. Stretching from just north of Barcelona to the French border, this area is a haven for those who love a mix of charming towns, scenic coastlines, and rich history.

Exploring the coast is one of the best things to do when in Barcelona. Day trips from Barcelona offer a blend of sightseeing and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. 

Join a small-group guided tour with lunch from Barcelona to wander through picturesque towns and enjoy traditional food. For those seeking adventure, join a kayaking and snorkeling tour in Costa Brava. 

There is also something here for art lovers. Join a tour with a Dali Museum entry and explore the surrealist master’s ties to this region. 

16. Go on a Day Trip to Montserrat

The name “Montserrat” means "saw mountain" in Catalan, a nod to the jagged, sawtooth appearance of this rocky mountain range. Perched atop the peaks is Santa Maria de Montserrat. It’s a centuries-old Benedictine monastery that houses the famous Black Madonna and is one of Barcelona's top attractions.

Take a scenic cable car ride up the mountain or explore the trails on short hikes. If you want to make the experience even better, consider joining a Montserrat day trip with wine tasting from Barcelona. 

Visiting Montserrat is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. For many, it’s more than just a scenic retreat—it’s a spiritual pilgrimage. For others, it’s the perfect escape to soak in the breathtaking views and take a break from the city's hustle. 

15. Learn How To Cook Paella With a Local Chef

Want the perfect souvenir from your Barcelona trip? How about mastering the recipe for Spain’s beloved dish, paella, to recreate at home? Taking a paella cooking class with a Barceloni is not only one of the best things to do in Barcelona but also a fantastic way to dive into Spanish culture.

Join a local chef who will guide you through every step of preparing this flavorful dish from scratch. Normally, you’ll select the freshest ingredients at a local market and learn the techniques that make paella iconic. 

Typically, at the end of your session, you’ll sit down to enjoy your culinary creation, often paired with a glass of sangria or local wine. When you return home, you can impress friends and family with your newfound paella-making expertise, bringing a taste of Barcelona into your own kitchen.

14. Tour a Vineyard

With its stunning location between the mountains and the sea, Barcelona’s surrounding vineyards are known for producing rich and unique wines that you won’t find anywhere else. Touring a vineyard is not only a delightful experience but also one of the best things to do in Barcelona. 

If you’re up for an adventure, vineyard tours in the region offer creative twists. Hop on a 4WD tour from Barcelona with a viticulturist and get a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, from grape to glass. Or, for a truly unforgettable day, combine your vineyard visit with a trip to Montserrat for an exciting blend of nature, culture, and wine. 

13. Savor Tapas and Wine

Sampling tapas and local wine is a quintessential Barcelona experience. The city is brimming with tapas bars where you can enjoy small plates of delicious Spanish cuisine paired with regional wines.

Consider joining a tapas walking tour in Barcelona that takes you to some of the best eateries in the city. You'll learn about the cultural significance of tapas and taste various dishes, from patatas bravas to jamon iberico.

For an authentic experience, visit bars frequented by locals and ask for recommendations. As one of the best things to do in Barcelona, a tapas experience is one you can’t pass up. 

12. Tour Barcelona on a Bike and Take Pictures

Walking isn’t the only way to explore Barcelona’s top attractions. For a fun and relaxing alternative, hop on an e-bike for a photography tour! It’s the perfect way to cover more ground while getting an up-close view of the best things to see in Barcelona. 

Plus, you'll get stunning photos to remember your trip, and a professional photographer will join you to capture all the best moments. If you want a not-so-tiring tour and great photos to take home, add this experience to your list of things to do in Barcelona.

11. Relax on Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach is one of the best places in Barcelona to unwind and soak up the sun. This lively beach, just steps from the city center, is one of Barcelona’s top attractions.

Spending time at this beach is easily one of the top things to do in Barcelona. Stroll along the promenade, try paddleboarding, or simply sink into the golden sands with a good book.

For an unforgettable end to your beach day, head barely a kilometer away from Barceloneta to the dock and join a guided sailboat adventure for small groups. Gather your friends and family and set sail at sunset, sipping on cava as you enjoy panoramic views of the Barcelona skyline. 

10. Get Lost at Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Looking for a fun way to spend the day on your one-week city break in Barcelona? One of the more unique things to do in Barcelona is getting lost in the maze at Parc del Laberint d’Horta.

This beautiful park is home to Barcelona’s oldest garden, one of the best things to see in Barcelona. It was designed in 1792 by Italian engineer Domenico Bagutti. The highlight is the maze, where you can challenge your friends to see who can reach the center first and find the statue of Eros.

Take a stroll through the green areas, have a picnic at one of the tables, or let the kids play in the nearby playground. With fountains, a romantic canal, and an array of beautiful trees, including a sequoia and camelia plantation, it’s a perfect spot for a private photography session in Barcelona.

9. Take a Break at Mirador Del Migdia Park

For a peaceful escape from the busy city, one of the most relaxing things to do in Barcelona is visiting Mirador Del Migdia Park. Located on Montjuic Mountain beside the historic Castell de Montjuic, this serene spot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Barcelona coastline. 

It’s the perfect place to unwind on a nature walk. Enjoying a quiet picnic under the trees or simply soaking in the stunning sea views are also perfect options. If you’re up for more exploration, you can stroll along the pathways that lead around Montjuic Castle, eventually bringing you back to the Mirador. 

To make the most of your day, browse through affordable medium rental cars or minivans from Barcelona. Renting one will allow you to explore Montjuic and other best things to see in Barcelona at your own pace.

8. Go Museum Hopping (Picasso, FC, Erotic Museum)

For culture lovers, one of the top things to do in Barcelona is to explore its diverse range of museums. Start at the Picasso Museum, a Barcelona top attraction that houses an impressive collection of the artist's early works. 

For a hassle-free experience, join a Picasso walking tour with skip-the-line tickets to the museum. Located in the Gothic Quarter, this museum showcases Picasso’s journey from realism to cubism. 

If you’re a football fan, buy a ticket for an immersive tour of the FC Barcelona Museum, located at Camp Nou. At this interactive museum, you can dive into the history of one of the world’s greatest football clubs. The museum is among Barcelona’s top attractions, and features trophies, multimedia exhibits, and memorabilia that honor the iconic team.

For something a bit more unusual, purchase a fast-track ticket to the Erotic Museum. Located near La Rambla, this quirky museum offers a playful and intriguing look at the history of erotic art and culture. It features exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. 

7. Experience the Barcelona Nightlife

One of the most exciting things to do in Barcelona is to experience its bustling nightlife. Start your evening at a rooftop bar, like Sky Bar or Terraza Martinez, where you can sip cocktails while taking in panoramic views of the city’s skyline and the Mediterranean Sea. 

If you’re looking to dive right into the action, consider joining a Barcelona pub crawl with free shots. This activity takes you to some of the best bars and hidden spots in town. If you’re into dancing, hit the clubs in El Raval or along the Port Olimpic, where venues like Opium and Pacha feature top DJs and an electric atmosphere.

With its endless options, Barcelona's nightlife promises an unforgettable evening that stretches well into the early hours. For convenience, make sure to check in to nearby stays. Fortunately, the city has a wide variety of hotels and stays to choose from.

6. Take Tango Lessons

Barcelona might be known for its flamenco, but tango has a passionate following here too. Why not step out of your comfort zone and take a rooftop tango lesson with drinks? It’s one of the coolest things to do in Barcelona. 

Set against a backdrop of city lights, dancing above the city offers a memorable way to learn the basics of tango while enjoying panoramic sights. You’ll also get to see one of Barcelona’s top attractions, the Sagrada Familia Basilica, from a different point of view. 

5. Watch a Flamenco Show

No visit to Barcelona is complete without experiencing the raw passion and energy of a flamenco show. As one of the top things to do in Barcelona, flamenco is a cultural treasure that captures the spirit of Spanish tradition and artistry. Be captivated by the rhythmic guitar strumming, powerful vocals, and dance moves that tell stories of love, heartbreak, and joy. 

For an even more unforgettable experience, enjoy a flamenco night paired with a tasting menu. Savor traditional Spanish flavors while enjoying the passionate rhythms and movements of a live flamenco performance.

4. Uncover Barcelona’s Dark Secrets

Some places in Barcelona carry eerie tales of love, loss, and curses. The Alchemist’s House, a mysterious dwelling hidden in the Jewish Quarter is one of them. In the 14th century, a Jewish alchemist lived here with his daughter, who fell in love with a Christian man.

When she refused to ask her father for permission to marry him, he ended their relationship. In revenge, he offered her a poisoned rose crafted by her own father, leading to her tragic death. Heartbroken, the alchemist abandoned the house, leaving behind a curse that many believe still haunts it today.

If stories like this give you goosebumps, then you'll love diving into Barcelona’s haunted past on a ghosts and legends tour. Wander through the darkened streets and hear spine-chilling tales that bring the city's eerie legends to life. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Barcelona. 

3. Explore the Gothic Quarter

Exploring the Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic, is one of the best things to do in Barcelona for history enthusiasts. This medieval neighborhood is a maze of narrow streets, charming squares, and historic landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral.

This is also a playground for street musicians. You can easily spend hours here enjoying a serenade. Don’t miss Placa del Rei, where you can almost feel the echoes of medieval Barcelona or the Roman walls that still stand proudly today.

For a more immersive experience, visit the Museu d'Historia de Barcelona, another Barcelona top attraction. Here, you can descend underground to see well-preserved Roman ruins, giving you a unique glimpse into the city’s ancient roots. 

A walking tour that combines history with tapas tasting is a great way to experience all the Gothic Quarter has to offer. Prepare for hours of discovery and fun in Barcelona’s beautiful streets.

2. Wander through Park Guell

Park Guell, another of Gaudi's iconic creations, offers a whimsical escape in the heart of Barcelona. This public park is filled with colorful mosaics, imaginative sculptures, and architectural elements inspired by nature, making it a top attraction for visitors. It is an experience worthy of a spot on your list of things to do in Barcelona.

A Park Guell tour with skip-the-line tickets ensures a hassle-free exploration of this enchanting space. As you stroll through the park, don't miss the famous dragon staircase and the vibrant terrace that offers panoramic views of the city.

Walk along the colonnaded pathways and spot the playful mix of nature and architecture that defines Gaudi’s distinctive style. With its vivid colors and unique designs, Park Guell is truly a place like no other.

1. Admire the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece that has become synonymous with the city’s name. Visiting this architectural marvel is one of the top things to do in Barcelona. 

Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudi, this basilica is a breathtaking blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Its intricate facades and towering spires are not to be missed. Inside, the Sagrada Familia captivates with its stunning stained glass windows and unique columns that resemble trees. 

To fully appreciate its deep symbolism, consider joining a Sagrada Familia guided tour with optional tower access. Selecting a tour with tower access provides an unforgettable view of the city and a closer look at Gaudi's design elements. 

If you love Gaudi’s style, you’ll adore another of his brilliant creationsーCasa Vicens Gaudi. As Gaudi’s first major project, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers great insight into the origins of his iconic style. Just a 30-minute walk from the basilica, this gem is a must-see after you visit the Sagrada Familia. 

Want to see both gems in one tour? A bike tour through Barcelona's top attractions is a great pick. You can even customize private tours like this to make the experience truly your own.

Is Barcelona cheap to explore?

Barcelona can be surprisingly affordable to explore, especially if you take advantage of the city’s free attractions. In fact, some of the best things to do in Barcelona are free activities. Wandering through the Gothic Quarter, relaxing on Barceloneta Beach, and watching the Magic Fountain show at Montjuic are some of them.

To save even more on your trip, consider using public transport or exploring on foot—Barcelona is very walkable! Many museums, like the Museu Picasso and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, offer free entry on select days each month. For food, try local markets like La Boqueria for affordable snacks and meals. Browse for cheap hostels in Barcelona and other budget-friendly accommodations to help you keep the costs down. 

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

The best time to visit Barcelona is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October), when the weather is warm but the city isn’t as crowded. These seasons offer a perfect balance of pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and plenty of events. For more details on each season, check out this complete guide to the best time to visit Barcelona. 

Is Barcelona a walkable city?

Yes, Barcelona is a walkable city with major attractions like the Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, and the Gothic Quarter, all accessible on foot. Some of the best things to do in Barcelona are just a short stroll away from each other. You can easily reach 10,000 steps and more by just strolling around the city.