Barcelona offers a such a wealth of activities to visitors, it can be a challenge to organize your trip. In this post we’ve compiled the cream of what the city has to offer.
🐉 Things to Do for Architecture Lovers | Things to Do for Foodies | Things to Do for Lovers of the Arts | Things to Do for History Buffs | Things to do with Kids & Family | Things to Do for Couples | Things to Do Alone | Offbeat Things to Do | Things to Do on a Budget | Things to Do at Night
Things to Do for Architecture Lovers
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is an iconic modernist building designed by Antoni Gaudí, situated on Passeig de Gràcia. A remodel of a previously built house, it was redesigned in 1904 by Gaudí for textile industrialist Josep Batlló. The exterior and rooftop is famous for its dragon motif, drawing from the legend of Sant Jordi.
Park Güell
Originally intended as a housing development project for the elite of Barcelona, Park Güell instead became a much loved public park. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Park Güell now stands among the top tourist attractions in the city, receiving millions of visitors yearly.
Barcelona Pavilion
The Barcelona Pavilion was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich as the German Pavilion for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, held on Montjuïc. Built from glass, steel and different kinds of marble, the Pavilion accommodated the official reception presided over by King Alfonso XIII of Spain.
Church of Sants Just i Pastor
The 360 degree panorama from the tower of the Church of Sants Just i Pastor is truly spectacular. Pictured above is the view over the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral.
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana was designed in the Catalan Modernist style by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Masia Freixa
Masia Freixa is situated in the Parc de Sant Jordi, a short walk from Terrassa Rambla. Originally designed as a textile factory in 1896, between 1907 and 1910 the building was converted into the family residence of the industrialist Josep Freixa. The reform was led by the modernist architect Lluís Muncunill i Parellada. The building has a structure of arches and vaults in the style of Antoni Gaudí.
Casa Milà
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera (the quarry) was designed by Antoni Gaudí and built from 1906–1912. The building situated on Passeig de Gràcia in Eixample was commissioned by the industrialist Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon.
Hospital Sant Pau
The Hospital Sant Pau is one of Europe’s foremost art-nouveau sites. Modernist architect Domènech i Montaner designed the building. The hospital took 30 years to build, from 1901 to 1930.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Família is an unfinished Roman Catholic church designed by Antoni Gaudí. Construction of La Sagrada Família commenced in 1882 and its expected completion date is 2026, the centenary of Gaudí’s death.
Santa Maria Del Mar
Santa Maria del Mar is a church in the El Born neighborhood of Barcelona. It was built in only 55 years, between 1329 and 1383 at the height of Catalonia’s maritime and mercantile power. The historic church features three naves of the same height, with very tall columns set 13 metres apart, a distance unsurpassed by any other existing medieval building.
Torre Bellesguard
Torre Bellesguard, still privately owned and lived in, sits in the exclusive Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, perched in the upper reaches of the city. The name Bellesguard, meaning ‘beautiful view’ in Catalan, is said to have come directly from King Martin I of Aragón more than 600 years ago.
Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is the first house designed by Antoni Gaudí after graduating from the Escola Provincial d’Arquitectura de Barcelona 1878. He received his first major commission from Manuel Vicens i Montaner to build a summer estate in the then neighboring town of Gràcia.
Colonia Güell
Catalan industrialist Eusebi Güell launched the construction of Colonia Güell in 1890 on his country estate about 20km from Barcelona. Güell sought to create an improved environment for textile workers away from the social conflicts within the city of Barcelona. Antoni Gaudí worked on the crypt of the church, which used many of his architectural innovations and laid the groundwork for La Sagrada Família.
Casa de les Punxes (Casa Terradas)
The Casa de les Punxes or Casa Terradas is a building situated in the Eixample neighborhood, designed by the modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Casa Lleó i Morera
Casa Lleó i Morera, by architect Lluís Domènech I Montaner, is located on Passeig de Gràcia 35, in the Eixample district of Barcelona. It is one of the three important buildings of Barcelona’s Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord), next to Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí and Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia) was built over six centuries, starting in 1298. The main neo-Gothic façade and bell tower were completed around 1890. The cathedral is dedicated to Santa Eulàlia, (290 – 303 AD), co-patron saint of Barcelona.
Palau Güell
Palau Güell is a mansion designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí for the industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell and built between 1886 and 1888. The Art Nouveau inspired palace was the home of the Güell i López family until they moved to Park Güell.
Casa Fuster
Casa Fuster was built in 1908 by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and was given as a gift from Mariano Fuster i Fuster to his wife, Consuelo Fabra i Puig. Now a luxurious 5 star hotel, it has been beautifully preserved. Café Vienés, pictured above, features live jazz on Thursday nights.
Casa Macaya
Modernist building by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, 1901.
Casa Amatller
Casa Amatller was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch as a residence for the chocolatier Antoni Amatller and was constructed between 1898 and 1900. It is situated between Casa Batlló and Casa Lleó-Morera on on Barcelona’s Illa de la Discòrdia (Block of Discord), famous for its unique modernist buildings.
Pavellons de la Finca Güell
Industrialist Eusebi Güell owned an estate in the Les Corts district with a Caribbean-style mansion called Torre Satalia, which is situated roughly where the Palau Reial de Pedralbes now stands. Güell contracted Antoni Gaudí to remodel the entrance lodges and gardens for the estate. The project was completed between 1884 and 1887 and marks Gaudí’s first commission in Barcelona for Güell, who would become his main patron. This was the first project in which Gaudí used the ‘trencadís’ technique (creating a mosaic using broken tile shards).
Sant Pau del Camp
Sant Pau del Camp is a church and former monastery in the El Raval neighborhood dating back to the 10th century. The Romanesque cloister was built in the 13th century.
Things to do for Foodies
La Boqueria Market
The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is a world famous market, located just of La Rambla in Barcelona’s Raval neighborhood.
Tickets Bar
Albert and Ferran Adrià began working with tapas in 1991 in elBulli, the legendary Michelin 3-star restaurant near the town of Roses, Catalonia. Tickets Bar opened in 2011, the same year as the closure of elBulli.
Xiringuito Escribà
Xiringuito Escribà was founded in 1992, the year that the Olympic Games were held in Barcelona. Escribà offers a fantastic view over Bogatell beach and the sea. The restaurant is best known for it’s paella and rice dishes, but founder Joan Escribà is also famous for hailing from the famous baking family behind the Pastelería Escribà Gran Via which dates back to 1906.
La Plata
La Plata was founded in 1945 and sits across from the building where Picasso had his first studio at age 15. The charismatic Pepe has been welcoming in La Plata since he started in 1972 at age 14. The secret to their success is good wine and a menu of four simple tapas dishes. The four tapas served every day are Tomate de Sant Cebria with little olives, Pescado de la Llotja del Peix (Fish), Anchovies from Santoña and the Butifarra (Catalan sausage) on Pan con Tomate (bread with tomato).
Cinc Sentits
Often cited as the best restaurant in Barcelona, Cinc Sentits (Five Senses) was awarded and has maintained a Michelin star since 2008. The restaurant is owned and run by self-taught chef Jordi Artal and his sister Amèlia Artal, the maître d.
Pinotxo Bar
Bar Pinotxo is widely known as one of the best tapas bars in Barcelona. It is situated in La Boqueria, the bustling market in El Raval and has been in business for over 60 years. The 14 seat bar serves hearty Catalan cuisine and is famous for dishes such as Chipirónes con Mongetes (baby squid with white beans).
7 Portes
Restaurant 7 Portes was founded in 1836, making it one of the oldest restaurants in Barcelona. It is famous for it’s traditional rice dishes and Catalan cuisine. 7 Portes has been visited by a long and diverse list of famous people including Picasso, Che Guevara, the King of Spain, John Wayne, Ava Gardner, and Pelé.
Things to do for Lovers of the Arts
Fundació Joan Miró
The Fundació Joan Miró is a museum of modern art honoring the Catalan painter, sculptor, and ceramicist Joan Miró. The museum is situated on Montjuïc.
Picasso Museum
The Museu Picasso holds an extensive collection of his early work, including The First Communion (1896), and Science and Charity (1897). With over 3,500 works it is the largest collection of Picasso’s art. The museum occupies five medieval palaces on Carrer Montcada in the El Born neighborhood.
MACBA: Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona
The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 1995 in the Raval neighborhood. The building was designed by Richard Meier, an American abstract artist and architect. The permanent collection consists of around 5,000 works dating from the mid-20th century onward.
MEAM: European Museum of Modern Art
MEAM is housed in the Gomis Palace, in the heart of El Born neighborhood and exhibits figurative painting and sculpture of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)
The CCCB is a cultural hub that spans visual arts, literature, philosophy, film, music, transmedia activity within contemporary culture.
Sala Parés
Sala Parés has been located at Carrer de Petritxol, 5 in the Gothic Quarter since 1884, making it one of the oldest art galleries in the world. Pablo Picasso had his first commercial gallery exhibition at Sala Parés in 1901 at the age of 20.
Palau de la Virreina
The baroque and rococo Palau de la Virreina was built between 1772 and 1778 by architect Carles Grau for Manuel d’Amat i de Junyent, Viceroy of Peru. Housed in the palace, La Virreina Centre de la Imatge displays works by some of Catalunya’s leading contemporary artists. Entry is free.
Fundació Setba
Setba Foundation works with culture as a vehicle for integration, devising and coordinating artistic projects that enhance and raise awareness about the social value of culture.
Gran Teatre del Liceu
Barcelona’s opera house, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, was founded in 1847 and is situated on La Rambla. When it opened the Liceu was the largest opera house in Europe with 3,500 seats. The first complete opera performed at the theatre was Donizetti’s Anna Bolena.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) resides in the Palau Nacional of Montjuïc, built for the International Exposition of 1929. Situated on Montjuïc at the end of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, the museum overlooks the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, the twin Venetian Towers and Plaça d’Espanya. When it opened in 1934 as the Museu d’Art de Catalunya it featured the medieval collection. In 1995 the new rooms of Romanesque art were introduced and in 2004 modern art was added to the museum.
Museu Frederic Marès
The Museu Frederic Marès is an art and sculpture museum, housed in the Royal Palace of the Counts of Barcelona, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The original courtyard garden is still intact and lies at the entrance.
Teatre Nacional de Catalunya
The Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (TNC) was inaugurated in 1996 and occupies a building designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill in 1988. Its program ranges from classic theatre to contemporary dance.
L’Auditori
Founded in 1999, L’Auditori is the home of the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra, the Barcelona Symphony Band and the Museu de la Música. L’Auditori is a modern building of 42,000 square metres, designed by the architect Rafael Moneo.
Sala Beckett
Sala Beckett in Poblenou is a space for creation and theatrical training focused on playwriting. It was inaugurated in 1989 and plays by Samuel Beckett, David Mamet, Lluïsa Cunillé, Harold Pinter, Josep Maria Benet i Jornet, Sergi Pompermaier, Tom Stoppard and David Plana, have been performed in the theater.
Teatre Grec
Teatre Grec is a theatre made in the style of ancient Greece and set on Montjuïc, surrounded by parks and gardens. It was built out of a disused quarry for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition by the Catalan architect Ramon Reventós i Ferrerons.
Fundación Foto Colectania
Situated on Passeig de Picasso in the El Born neighborhood, Foto Colectania is a non-profit with interesting photography exhibitions covering both local and international artists. The foundation also has an archive containing more than 3,000 works by 80 Spanish and Portuguese photographers.
Mercat De Les Flors
The Mercat de les Flors is a municipal theatre in Barcelona, dating back to 1983 and situated in building of the Palace of Agriculture built on the Montjuïc for the International Exhibition of 1929. The theatre is famous for contemporary dance and movement arts.
Design Museum of Barcelona
The Museu del Disseny de Barcelona serves as a museum and laboratory for the world of design. It focuses on four major areas: spatial design, product design, information design and fashion. The Design Museum of Barcelona opened in 2014 and is situated on Plaça de les Glòries in a striking modern building.
CaixaForum Barcelona
CaixaForum Barcelona is an art gallery sponsored by La Caixa bank, situated in a former textile factory designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
Things to do for History Buffs
Montjuïc Castle
Montjuïc Castle is an old military fortress that traces its history back to 1640, situated at the top of Montjuïc hill.
Temple of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus was built in the late first century BC in the Roman colony of Barcino. Many temples dedicated to Augustus, the first Roman emperor, were built in the territories of the Roman Empire. The remains can be seen inside the medieval building at Carrer del Paradís number 10, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
Sant Jeroni de la Murtra
The monastery of Sant Jeroni de la Murtra was built in the Gothic style at the beginning of the fifteenth century. It is situated in the Sierra de Marina park to the north of Barcelona, near Santa Coloma de Gramenet. While it is lesser known it has a rich history. After King Ferdinand II of Aragon was wounded by an assassination attempt in 1492 on the steps of the Royal Palace of Barcelona, he spent a few days recovering in the monastery with his wife Isabel of Castile. Sant Jeroni de la Murtra was also the setting where Catholic Monarchs received Christopher Columbus in April 1493 on the return from his first voyage to America.
Puig Castellar
Puig Castellar is located at a peak of the Serralada de Marina Park, 303m above sea level, covering an area of 5,000 m². The site belonged to the Laietani, an ancient tribe of Iberian people. The site dates back to the beginning of the 4th century BC. Historians believe that the settlement was abandoned because of the Second Punic War.
Refugi 307
During the Spanish Civil War the city of Barcelona endured 192 bombing attacks. The Passive Defence Board was established to protect the civilian population. Initially the basements of houses and metro stations were used, but as the bombings increased elaborate air-raid shelters were built. Among the largest was Refugi 307 in the Poble Sec neighborhood, consisting of 400 metres of tunnel measuring 1.6 metres wide and 2 metres high. The shelter was lit by oil lamps and could accommodate 2000 people sitting on wooden benches. It also had various rooms including a kitchen and infirmary.
Museu Marítim de Barcelona
The Drassanes, or Royal Dockyards of Barcelona have a history of over 700 years. Construction began at the end of the 13th century when Pere II ordered the creation of the site to build a fleet to serve Catalan-Aragonese interests in the Mediterranean. In 1568 the Galera Reial (Royal Galley) was built at the site and a replica (pictured above) remains in the Main Slipway.
Monastery of Pedralbes
The Royal Monastery of St Mary of Pedralbes was founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada in 1327. Catholic nuns belonging to the Poor Clare order lived continuously at the monastery from 1327 until just recently. The monastery now houses collections from the Barcelona City History Museum.
Museu d’Història de Catalunya
Set inside the 19th century Palau de Mar, the museum guides you through 2,000 years of Catalan history. A cannon from the War of Succession (1701–1714) is pictured above.
Barcelona City History Museum
The Barcelona City History Museum (MUHBA) exhibits Barcelona’s historical heritage, ranging from the Roman era to modern times. The museum’s headquarters are located on Plaça del Rei, in the Gothic Quarter.
Things to Do with Kids and Family
Tibidabo
Tibidabo is a mountain of 512 metres, the tallest in the Collserola range that overlooks the city of Barcelona. Sagrat Cor church and Tibidabo amusement park are perched on the top. For over a century Tibidabo has been a classic day out for the people of Barcelona.
Camp Nou
Camp Nou has been the home of FC Barcelona since its completion in 1957. It is the largest stadium in Spain by seating capacity, with the ability to hold 99,354 spectators.
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is Barcelona’s largest ornamental fountain. Designed by the engineer Carles Buiga and built in 1929 for the International Exhibition, it was later restored for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. The fountain’s famous show combines music and jets of water illuminated in changing colors.
Barcelona Aquarium
Barcelona Aquarium is situated in Port Vell and is home to 11,000 marine animals from 450 species.
Barcelona Zoo
Situated in the Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona Zoo dates back almost 125 years.
Museu de la Xocolata
The Chocolate Museum in El Born is situated in the former Sant Agustí monastery which dates back to the 14th century. The museum explores the origins of chocolate, its arrival in Europe, medicinal properties and nutritional value.
La Puntual
La Puntual is a puppet theatre offering weekend performances for family audiences. The unique 50 seat theatre is situated in the El Born neighborhood.
Parc de Torreblanca
Situated in Sant Just Desvern, Parc de Torreblanca contains a 19th century romantic garden. It has waterfalls, caves, rose gardens and even its own maze. The park sits on the grounds of the former manor house of the Marquis of Monistrol, which was damaged during the Civil War. On Sundays, a local farmers market takes place.
Things to Do for Couples
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
The Parc del Laberint d’Horta (Labyrinth Park of Horta) is the oldest park in Barcelona. Located on the former estate of the Desvalls family, it dates back to 1791 when marquis Joan Antoni Desvalls i d’Ardena collabated with Italian architect Domenico Bagutti to create the neoclassical garden.
Bunkers del Carmel
Bunkers del Carmel are a remnant of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Here you can see the anti-aircraft batteries that were built in 1937-1938 after a severe wave of fascist bombings in 1937. The unobstructed 360 degree panoramic views of the city have made the spot a popular place to watch the sunset and hang out with friends.
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The plaça is named after an Italian Jesuit preacher who was made a saint. The façade of the church is heavily pockmarked as a result of a bombing raid that took place during the Spanish Civil War on the 30th of January 1938.
Roof Terraces
Plenitful sunshine, enchanting architecture and fun loving locals make rooftop terraces a unique experience in Barcelona. The terrace of Grand Hotel Central, pictured above, has splendid views over El Born and Santa Maria del Mar.
Classic Sail Barcelona
Classic Sail Barcelona has been offering 3-hour day trips on the classic wooden sailboat “Gemini” since 2010. Groups number from 1 to 7 people. The layout of the boat offers a large deck area to occupy, separate from the cockpit and the skipper, Dave. Children up to 16 years old go for free. The trips offer the possibility to stop for a special swim while miles out in the Mediterranean sea.
El Molino
El Molino is a theatre and concert hall on Parallel Avenue in Poble Sec, a neighborhood historically known for the performing arts. It opened in 1898 under the name of Aviary Catalana. In 1910 the name to changed to Petit Moulin Rouge, but with the arrival of the Franco dictatorship in 1939, the regime forced the name to be changed, removing the word “red” for its political connotations. Since then it has been called El Molino and the venue is known for its performances of music, theater, flamenco, burlesque and cabaret.
Jardins del Palacio de Pedralbes
In the affluent Pedralbes neighborhood, behind a long wall draped with bougainvilleas lies a majestic garden. It is set on the former local residence of Spain’s royal family and was opened to the public in 1931. The gardens contain a fountain designed by Antoni Gaudí, Himalayan cedars and several beautiful sculptures.
Telefèric del Puerto
The cable car going between Port Vell and Montjuic was built to connect the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition with its maritime section. The distance covered is 1292 meters and the ride lasts approximately ten minutes.
Jardins de Joan Maragall
These beautiful gardens on Montjuïc originate from the 1929 International Exposition. They were built around the Royal Pavilion for Alfonso XIII. The gardens were extended in 1970 and named after the poet Joan Maragall.
Things to Do Alone
The Beaches of Barceloneta
The beaches of Barceloneta are easily reached from the city center, a short walk from the nearest metro station of Barceloneta (L4).
Parc de la Ciutadella
The 70 acre park was created in the mid-19th century and includes the city zoo, the Parliament of Catalonia, a small lake, museums and an ornate fountain designed by Josep Fontserè.
Pont del Petroli
The Pont del Petroli in nearby Badalona juts 250 meters out to sea and was originally built for unloading petroleum products from tankers. Since 2009, the bridge has been remodeled for recreational and scientific use. It makes the perfect destination for a sunset stroll and is one of the most popular photographic settings near Barcelona.
Street Art
Discover Barcelona’s vibrant street art scene. Pictured above is a work by surreal artist Miss Van in the El Guinardó neighborhood.
Offbeat Things to Do
Prisión La Modelo
The infamous Modelo prison was in use from 1904 to 2017. It’s design was inspired by the panopticon: a building in which all prisoners could be observed by one guardsman in the center. Lluís Companys, the president of Catalonia during the civil war was held here before being executed by firing squad at Montjuïc castle.
Fabra Observatory
The Fabra Observatory is an astronomical observatory that stands 415 metres above sea level. It was established in 1904 and is the 4th oldest functioning observatory in the world.
Biblioteca Pública Arús
The Biblioteca Pública Arús (BPA) was founded in 1895, the legacy of Rossend Arús, a Catalan journalist and playwright. Arús donated his house and library to to the city of Barcelona to be used as a public library. He was an important figure in modern Catalan Masonry and the library is specialised in Freemasonry.
Torre de Collserola
Torre de Collserola, situated near Tibidabo was designed by the British architect Sir Norman Foster and by the Spanish civil engineers Julio Martínez Calzón and Manuel Julià Vilardell. The tower was built in 1991 for the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Parc de la Creueta del Col
Set in a disused quarry, Parc de la Creueta del Coll in Gràcia features an expansive, shallow bathing pool and a striking sculpture by Eduardo Chillida called “In Praise of Water”. The work resembles a giant claw and uses 50 tons of concrete suspended by steel cables over a reflecting pool.
Can Calopa de Dalt
The farmhouse of Can Calopa de Dalt in Collserola dates back to the 16th century and is surrounded by a beautiful vineyard. Can Calopa is a winemaking cooperative and part of L’Olivera, a non-profit that helps integrate people into society and employs people with disabilities. You can taste the wines of Can Calopa along with traditional Catalan food and it makes a great nearby escape from the city.
Montjuïc Cemetery
Several artistic and design movements are reflected in the monuments of Montjuïc Cemetery, including Gothic, Art-Nouveau and Modernisme. Notable figures at rest there include the pianist and composer Isaac Albéniz (1860 – 1909), painter and sculptor Joan Miró (1893 – 1983) and Lluís Companys (1882 – 1940), President of Catalonia, from 1934 and during the Spanish Civil War.
Jardins de Ca n’Altimira
Josep Altimira was an eccentric Freemason stock market investor with businesses in Cuba, who returned to Barcelona in 1860. The mysterious gardens of his estate in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi are now a small park open to the public.
Mirador del Semàfor
The Mirador del Semàfor in El Prat de Llobregat was built in 1887 to regulate coastal shipping traffic. The building was designed to communicate with the castle of Montjuïc through the use of flags to warn of possible incidents or shipwrecks.
Mirador de Colom
The viewing gallery at the top of the Columbus Monument offers 360 degree views of Barcelona, from a height of 60 meters above the ground. The monument was constructed for the 1888 Exposición Universal de Barcelona in honor of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas.
Things to Do on a Budget
Estació de França
One of the most beautiful train stations in the world. From here you can make an easy escape to coastal towns like Sitges.
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
Established in 1999, the Botanical garden of Barcelona is located at the top of Montjuïc, near the stadiums used in the 1992 Summer Olympics. The garden features plants and trees from places with Mediterranean climates including Australia, Chile, California, South Africa, the Canary Islands, and the western and eastern Mediterranean.
Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial (Royal Square), honoring King Ferdinand VII, is situated in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, next to La Rambla. It was completed in 1848 and was formerly the site of a convent. Confiscated in 1835, the convent was one of several destroyed along La Rambla as a result of laws that forced the Church to give up property.
Street Music
Barcelona has some wonderful street musicians, often situated in the Gothic Quarter. The New Orleans Ragamuffins pictured above are performing on Plaça Nova. Porta Praetoria, one of the gates to the Roman town of Barcino, stands behind them.
Mercat dels Encants
The market is located near Torre Agbar and sits under a spectacular mirrored roof 24 meters high. About 500 merchants offer a miriad of unique items, both old and new. Encants is one of the oldest markets in Europe, dating back to the thirteenth century.
Jardines de Mossèn Costa i Llobera
The Jardines de Mossèn Costa i Llobera is one of the most important gardens of cactus and succulent plants in Europe. The gardens are situated on Montjuic, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc
The Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc has a truly spectacular panoramic backdrop and it was used by Kylie Minogue in the music video for her song “Slow” in 2003. The venue dates back to 1929 when it had a single 50m pool. It was refurbished for the 1955 Mediterranean Games and later for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The diving section is closed to the public, but there is an adjacent pool available. The Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc is only open to the public during the months of July and August.
Human Statues
Living statue on Las Ramblas, inspired by Salvador Dali’s Burning Giraffe painting.
Things to Do at Night
Pacha Barcelona
Pacha Barcelona overlooks the beaches of Barceloneta and the Mediterranean sea, set on a famous strip alongside leading restaurants and nightclubs such as Opium. Pacha brings the style of Ibiza to Barcelona, offering a different musical style every night of the week and attracting top national and international DJ’s and artists.
Casa Almirall
Founded in 1860, Casa Almirall is a beautifully preserved bar on El Raval’s Carrer de Joaquín Costa. The antique decoration takes you back to 19th century Barcelona. The bar combines marble and wonderful woodwoork in the Modernist style, with a predominance of the curve over the straight line. Perched on the bar there is a cast-iron statuette holding a lamp, which is a relic from Barcelona’s 1888 World’s Fair.
La Confiteria
La Confiteria was originally a confectionary store and it has been around since 1912. Today the beautifully preserved interior houses a cocktail bar and restaurant.
Live Jazz at Jamboree
In 1960, entrepreneur Joan Rosselló converted a bar called Brindis, located at Plaça Reial number 17, into a jazz club called Jamboree, a Zulu word meaning meeting of tribes. Legends such as Bill Coleman, Kenny Drew and Chet Baker took to the stage at the club or in larger auditoriums under the organisation of the Jamboree managers.
Razzmatazz
Razzmatazz, often referred to as “Razz” is an iconic nightclub and concert venue that was established in 2000. The club is located in the industrial landscape of Barcelona’s Poblenou neighborhood. It’s name is said to be derived from the song of the same title by the British band Pulp.
Apolo
Sala Apolo is a historic nightclub and concert venue situated in the Poble Sec neighborhood. The notorious ‘Nasty Mondays’ nights offer a wide mix of styles including Rock, Pop, Indie, Garage, Electro Rock. Having a good time is the top priority and there is no dress code to worry about.
📱 If you are planning a visit, also check out our list of the best Barcelona apps
