Barcelona – one of the coolest and most exciting cities in the world. Every year, more than seven million people are drawn to the Catalan metropolis, located right on the Mediterranean. It’s no wonder, then, that Barcelona is one of the three most visited cities in Europe.

But what makes Barcelona in Spain so special? On the one hand, it’s the climate; on the other, it’s the food, shopping, the sea, the diverse activities, and countless attractions. Like Cape Town, the Spanish metropolis is simply a successful mix of beach, relaxation, and adventure.

Today, we’ll show you the most famous and popular attractions in Barcelona. Whether museums, churches, parks, viewpoints, football, markets, swimming, or shopping streets – Barcelona skillfully combines everything and leaves little to be desired. But be careful: Barcelona is a very expensive place when it comes to culture and sights.

• 1. La Sagrada Familia
• 2. Park Güell
• 3. Tibidabo Barcelona
• 4. Arc de Triomf
• 5. Parc de la Ciutadella
• 6. La Rambla
• 7. Palau Nacional
• 8. Mercat de la Boqueria
• 9. Camp Nou FC Barcelona
• 10. Beach & Barceloneta waterfront area
• 11. Montjuïc Park
• 12. The Gothic Quarter: Barri Gotic
• 13. Barcelona’s highlight – Casa Batlló
• 14. Barcelona Cathedral
• 15. Just go with the flow…
• Other sights in Barcelona
• Getting to Barcelona
• Accommodation in Barcelona
• Excursions and tours
• Transportation and airport transfers

1. La Sagrada Familia

One of the city’s most famous and popular highlights – the Sagrada Familia. This unfinished and unusual masterpiece was designed by the young architect Antoni Gaudi. He took over in 1883 and redesigned the existing plans. Construction is still ongoing today, and hardly anyone knows the church without construction cranes. There is still no end in sight. Completion is planned for 2026 – exactly 100 years after Gaudi’s death. Book skip-the-line tickets here*.

2. Park Güell

Looking for a beautiful view of the city? Then head to Park Güell. The green area resembles a fairytale forest with many small, lovingly crafted details. The park is home to many unique stone structures and beautiful ceramic works. For example, the dragon fountain, decorated with colorful ceramic pieces, is located in the entrance area of the park. The park also features a small house where Gaudi once lived. Today, the house is a museum with interesting furniture designed by Gaudi.

Admission: Back then, the park was completely free. Today, unfortunately, you have to pay €8 per person for the most beautiful part of the complex (Monumental Zone) (€7 online). But you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the city and stroll through the green park for free. Book your ticket including transfer in advance here*.

3. Tibidabo Barcelona

On clear days, you can see all the way to Montserrat from the 520-meter-high Tibidabo. The highest peak in the Collserola mountain range shields the city from the weather in the hinterland. This also explains why Barcelona almost always boasts great weather. I’ve never seen a single cloud in all my visits to Barcelona! Take the L7 metro to the final stop, “Avinguada del Tibidabo.” Here, transfer to the quaint and unique Tramvia Blau (€5.50).

Once you reach the final stop, take the funicular up Tibidabo (€7.70 return). Alternatively, the Tibibus runs up the mountain every 20 minutes starting at 10:15 a.m. (€3 each way). Most visitors come for the “Parque d’Atracccions,” located right at the summit. While sitting on one of the carousels, the Ferris wheel, or the roller coaster, you can enjoy magnificent views of the city. Not far from the park is the Sagrada Corazón church, which resembles the Sacre Cœur in Paris.

Park entrance fee: €28.50 per person, children pay different prices (Tibidabo Park tickets).

4. Arc de Triomf

The triumphal arch was built for the Universal Exhibition in 1888. The structure is around 30 meters high and features the stone sculpture Barcelona rep les nacions (“Barcelona Welcomes the Nations”). At the end of the expansive, palm-lined promenade is the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella.

5. Parc de la Ciutadella

What a beautiful oasis in the middle of the vibrant metropolis. The idyllic park Parc de la Ciutadella is located right at the end of the promenade by the Arc de Triomf. Whether for a picnic, a stroll, or a rowboat ride – everyone will find peace and relaxation here. There are also several attractions on site: the zoo, the Museu d’Art Modern, the Zoological Museum, and the Catalan Parliament. The park is particularly popular with locals and offers a relaxing alternative to the beach.

6. La Rambla

What would Barcelona be without “Las Ramblas“? The approximately 1.3-kilometer-long street is the city’s landmark. It stretches from Plaça Catalunya to the harbor. At the end of the street stands the beautiful Columbus Column. The Rambla is divided into several sections, each with its own unique character. La Rambla also divides the unique old town into the Barri Gotic and the Barri Raval.

There’s always something going on here: artists, vendors, musicians, families with children, tourists from all over the world, living statues, and much more. The Rambla is a lively place when It’s also very touristy. Nevertheless, a stroll along Las Ramblas is a must, as you’ll discover several sights to the left and right.

7. Palau Nacional

This beautiful building with its many towers and domes was completed in 1929 for the 2nd World Exhibition in Barcelona. Located at the foot of Montjuïc and not far from the Olympic Stadium, the complex impresses above all with its many attractions and green spaces. Whether museums, nature, or magnificent views of the city – you should allow yourself enough time for this area.

Entrance to the Museu Nacional d’Art De Catalunya: €12 per person (free on the first Sunday of every month). However, the beautiful park is freely accessible and worth a stroll. Admission to the Fundació Joan Miró: €7 to €12 per person.

8. Mercat de la Boqueria

One of the most famous and popular markets in the city is definitely the Mercat de la Boqueria, located right on the Rambla. Here, the senses are stimulated by smells. Whether fruit, oils, honey, vegetables, cheese, fish, meat, spices, chocolate, or other delicacies – you’ll find just about anything your heart desires at this market. At many stalls, you can enjoy food on site and watch the hustle and bustle of the market.

Insider Tip: The market is very touristy and usually crowded. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, head to the Mercado de Santa Caterina. Here you can stroll leisurely and sample the delicacies and shop in peace.

9. Camp Nou FC Barcelona

Football fan? Then a visit to Camp Nou should not be missing from your list. FC Barcelona’s football stadium is the largest stadium in Europe with almost 98,000 seats. Camp Nou can be visited on non-match days. During the guided tour, you’ll get a glimpse into the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, the press rooms, the press room, and much more.

Camp Nou Tickets: Book yours here 3-hour stadium tour*. Match tickets: from €75 depending on the match (FC Barcelona tickets).

10. Beach & Barceloneta Harbor District

Barcelona boasts a stunning location directly on the Mediterranean. After a stroll through the city’s many alleys, you can find the relaxation you need here on the beach. In summer, enjoy swimming, in winter, spend relaxing hours on the harbor promenade. In the many fish restaurants, you can mainly get seafood and paella. Young people, tourists, and families alike meet on the beach. People play volleyball, meet for sunset, drink cocktails, or grab inline skates or a Longboard.

Tip: Simply rent a bike and cruise along the promenade. Bikes are available from 5 to 6€ for 2 hours, 10€ for the whole day.

11. Montjuïc Park

Barcelona is not exactly known for its many green spaces. Nevertheless, you can find some great parks in the city. The Parc de Montjuïc is located directly on the local mountain Montjuïc. The mountain is almost 170 meters high and can be reached on foot or by funicular and harbor cable car. Here you will find many large parks where you can relax. From the mountain, you also have a Magnificent view of the city, the sea, and the harbor.

Funicular cost: €11.25 return (tickets for the Parc Montjuïc cable car).

Insider tip: You can also get a beautiful view of the city from “Els Búnquers del Carmel” (the Carmel Bunkers). This bunker is located above the Guinardo and Carmel districts. Simply take bus 24 from Passeig de Gracia to Carmel-Mühlberg. From there, go up to the bunker.

12. The Gothic Quarter: Barri Gotic

One of the most beautiful and oldest quarters in the city is by far the Barri Gotic. Here, in the center of the old town, there’s much to see and discover. The charming, narrow streets with their shops and boutiques are simply a delight. You’ll quickly become lost in the incredible beauty of the area. On a walking tour, you’ll discover great shops, cool cafés and restaurants, as well as many highlights such as: Plaça de Catalunya, Santa Maria del Pi, the Church of Sant Just i Pastor, the former Jewish Quarter, Barcelona City Hall, the Bridge of Sighs, and much, much more.

13. Barcelona’s Highlight – Casa Batlló

500 meters above Plaça de Catalunya is the Casa Batlló. This building was rebuilt by Antoni Gaudì in the Modernist style between 1904 and 1906. The colorful façade is hard to miss. Gaudí’s unique style is also immediately recognizable. The roof is said to represent the scales of a dragon, and the cross on the roof is said to be his spear. The galleries on the first floor depict the dragon’s mouth, and the balconies represent skulls. Book tickets for Casa Batlló here*.

14. Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral is located in the Pla de la Seu square, right in the Gothic Quarter. Many eras of European architecture and art can be found here. In the small square in front of the cathedral, the Sardanas (traditional dances) take place every Sunday morning in the summer. This is the typical Catalan dance. A few musicians will play original Catalan instruments.

Cathedral Admission/Donation: Various times with free admission, see overview of prices and times.

15. Just go with the flow…

Barcelona is a great city to simply stroll through the streets without a plan. You’ll continually discover small boutiques, unique corners, delicious cafés, unassuming restaurants, and designer shops. If you just go with the flow, you’ll discover the city’s most beautiful places. If you want to enjoy and experience Barcelona, you should allow yourself at least 5 days, ideally more. You can’t fully absorb the charm and flair in just 2 or 3 days. It’s better to plan a longer stay and explore the city more intensively.

Other sights in Barcelona

• Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona
• Plaza de España
• Palau de la Música Catalana
• Museu Picasso
• Palau Güell
• Casa Mila
• Casa-Museu Gaudí
• Montserrat (outside Barcelona)
• Basilica of Santa María del Mar
• CosmoCaixa Barcelona
• El Born District
• Romantic Square – Placa Sant Felip Neri
• Gracia District
• Street Art in the City’s Alleys
• Port Vell Harbor
• and much, much more!

Getting to Barcelona

With low-cost airlines like Vueling, Ryanair, and EasyJet, you can now fly to the Spanish metropolis for as little as €20 or less. Just check Skyscanner for the cheapest dates (see flight examples from Germany here).

Accommodation in Barcelona

In Barcelona, you can find everything from cheap to expensive. Hostels start at €15 a night, and good 3- to 4-star hotels start at €50 and up. If you don’t want to miss out on comfort and luxury, the sky’s the limit. A huge selection of accommodations can be found here on Booking.com. We book many of our properties through Airbnb. If you don’t have an account yet, you can create one using our invitation link. This will give you a whopping €25 discount on your first booking.

The Hundredrooms website is also cool. This portal compares all vacation homes and apartments on one page. You’ll find offers from Airbnb, Booking.com, fewo-direkt.de, and Wimdu. This way, you can compare the offers and choose the best accommodation for you.

Excursions and Tours

Looking for tours and guided excursions in and around Barcelona? Then check out Get Your Guide. Here you’ll find a wide selection, from cooking classes to stadium tours and even city tours and boat excursions.

Transportation and Airport Transfers

Train: The best way to get to the city center from the airport is by Renfe (train). The train runs approximately every 20 minutes, taking 15 to 20 minutes. If you get the Barcelona Card or the Hola BCN! card in advance, the trip is included. It’s best to go to the “Barcelona Sants” station. From there, you can continue on buses and the metro.

Tickets: A one-way ticket costs €2.15 (bus, tram, train, metro). If you’re traveling multiple routes, get the T10 ticket for just €9.95. With this ticket, you can travel 10 times in Zone 1 (perfectly sufficient) and save more than 50% on a single ticket. This ticket can be used by any number of people. We shared the ticket on site. The day ticket costs €7.60 per person.

Private Aerobus: The airport shuttle runs from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. every 5, 10, or 20 minutes. These depart from Terminals 1 and 2 to Plaça de Catalunya. They stop at Plaza España, Gran Via Urgell, and Plaça Universitat. Tickets are available here.

Public Bus: Bus 46 runs between 5:30 a.m. and 11:50 p.m. between the airport and Plaza España (approximately every 20 minutes). You can use your Barcelona Card, your T10 ticket, or your day ticket for this journey. From Plaza España, you can then take the metro to all corners of the city.

Taxi: The most expensive but also most comfortable option is a taxi. A ride from the airport to the city center costs around €20-25.