Barcelona tourist attractions: 18 places not to be missed

The city of Barcelona offers more than just attractions and famous tourist attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and Camp Nou.

During your visit to Barcelona, you'll see most of them.

Let's discover them together.

Barcelona tourist site: article summary

Sightseeing in Barcelona: the Sagrada Familia

Barcelona's number 1 attraction is the Sagrada Familia. This cathedral, designed by Antoni Gaudí is a work in progress. Work is scheduled to stop in 2026.

This building should be part of your stay in the city. However, make sure you always buy your tickets for the Sagrada Familia. several days in advance!

Visit Parc Güell

Visit parc Guell is the famous park with mosaic benches and the salamander. This park is a not to be missed on a visit to Barcelona. However, only a limited number of visitors are admitted every hour. To visit the site, I advise you to buy your tickets in advance.

Sightseeing in Barcelona: FC Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium

Visit the FC Barcelona Camp Nou stadium. Take the Camp Nou Experience tour and discover the changing rooms, trophies and all parts of the stadium, or attend one of Barca's matches. The Camp Nou stadium is a must-see for all soccer fans.

To find out more about Camp Nou, I wrote an article on the subject here!

Casa Battló, a Gaudì landmark

Casa Batlló is a building with apartments, designed by Antoni Gaudí in the style of Catalan modernism. The forms of the house are based on the legend of George and the dragon.

You'll marvel at the many details, colors and magnificent mosaics. For me, Casa Batlló is Antoni Gaudí's most beautiful house.

Sightseeing in Barcelona: Casa Mila (La Pedrera)

Another fine building designed by Antoni Gaudí is the Casa Milàalso known as "La Pedrera". Translated, it means "the quarry", named after the complex's rugged appearance.

The roof terrace with its special fireplaces is well worth a visit. More about 'Casa Milà (La Pedrera)' in the article I devoted to this subject.

Picasso Museum Barcelona

The Pablo Picasso Museum is located in the La Ribera district. The Museu Picasso houses over 4,000 works of art by the painter Pablo Picasso, who spent a significant part of his life in this city.

Barcelona is full of museums of all kinds, and if you'd like to discover more, I suggest you visit to this article!

Barcelona tourist attractions: Montjuïc

Visit Montjuïc is the city's most famous mountain with dozens of sites, including the Palau Nacional, the Joan Miró Foundationthe Poble Espanyolthe Olympic Stadium, the cable car and the magic fountain "Font Magica" with its water fountains and light show.

Monjuic is a must-see when you visit Barcelona. I advise you not to miss it. It's one of the places that offers the best views of Barcelona!

The Gothic Quarter

Visit Barri Gòtic is the Gothic quarter of Barcelona's historic city center, with Barcelona Cathedral and famous squares such as Plaça Reial and Plaça Sant Jaume.

Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the historic town center near the Las Ramblas. You'll find incredible architecture and a truly medieval atmosphere on site.

Boquería market

Mercat de la Boqueriaor Mercat de Sant Josep, is a colorful produce market on the Ramblas. The Boqueria market is the ideal place to start the day by sampling and discovering Catalan flavours and smells.

Here you can find fresh fruit, as well as other typical local specialities, traditional clothing and pottery. The perfect place to take home a souvenir from Barcelona!

Barcelona tourist site: attractions and bike tours

Cycling is one of the most popular and surprising ways to discover Barcelona's tourist attractions. Barcelona boasts an extensive network of cycle paths, certainly including those along the beach.

Renting a bike in Barcelona is not at all complicated. To do so, I recommend read my article on the subject!

Parc de la Ciudadela

Next to the El BornIn the center of Barcelona lies the magnificent city park of the 1888 Universal Exhibition.

In the Ciutadella Park, you will find tourist attractions such as the Font de Cascada, the Barcelona Zoothe Castell dels Tres Dragons and theArc de Triomphethe park's former gateway.

Sightseeing in Barcelona: Port Vell, port of the city of Barcelona

At the end of Las Ramblas, near the statue of Columbus, you'll come to the Port of Barcelona. Here you'll find the marina, where you can take a boat trip, as well as the Mare Magnum shopping center and Europe's largest aquarium.

For even better views, you can take the Port funicular. 

Mount Tibidabo

Tibidabo is the 512-meter-high mountain on the outskirts of Barcelona. You can reach the top with a cogwheel train, after which you can do three things at the top of the mountain.

You can visit the amusement park You can also visit the "Parque de Atracciones del Tibidabo", visit the "Iglesia del Sagrat Cor" church, or simply enjoy the phenomenal view of Tibidabo.

Sightseeing in Barcelona: Santa Maria del Mar

The basilica of Santa María del Mar from the XIVᵉ century is located in the La Ribera district. It was built during Catalonia's heyday as a trading and maritime nation. It's possible to visit the beautiful basilica, crypts and towers.

The surrounding district of La Ribera is also a pleasant area to discover, with numerous art galleries, boutiques and bars.

Barcelona tourist site: Gracia district

One of Barcelona's most beautiful neighborhoods is the Barrio de Gracia. This district, popular with locals, is still authentic and not very touristy.

In the district, you'll find lively squares and original boutiques. You can also discover the Casa Vicensone of Gaudí's masterpieces.

After visiting all these sights, you can relax on the terrace of a café and enjoy some tapas before heading off to discover the city's nightclubs!