Many of my adventures to European cities have been super quick, like a day in Copenhagen, 36 hours in Stockholm, or if I’m lucky, a full weekend in one place like Marrakech (that’s not actually Europe, but you get the picture). When I have limited time, I’m always searching for the top things to do and try to squeeze in as much as possible into each day. If you plan right, you can see so much even in one day.
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, my hope for you is that you have at least 2-3 days to explore. However, even if you’ve only got 24 hours you’ll be able to see and do a ton. After living here for a few months and practicing my tour guide skills on all our visitors (11 and counting), here’s what you can’t miss while visiting Barcelona.
Hi, hello, welcome! We’ll be your tour guides for today!
Top Things to do in Barcelona
Walk along Las Ramblas
Total tourist trap, I’m aware. But it would be like like going to NYC and never seeing Times Square. You’ve got to check it out at least once. Walk along Las Ramblas, wander into shops and do some people watching. Keep an eye on your bags as it’s a place known for pick pocketing. Don’t eat on Las Ramblas as there are better options off the beaten path.
Visit La Boqueria Market
Take a turn off Las Ramblas to visit this famous market. Buy some fruit or snacks, or even have a full meal at one of the restaurants located within the market. The market is closed on Sundays.
Tour Gaudi’s Works
His most popular are La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and Park Guell. Read more about these places in Must-See Gaudi Spots around Barcelona. Buy tickets ahead of time online for a better price and to avoid the lines.
Shop on Passeig de Gracia
If you’re in the mood to shop, along Passeig de Gracia you’ll find high end shops as well as more affordable options (make sure to visit Zara, Zara Home and Mango, all Spanish-owned stores).
Walk Through the Gothic Quarter
All the windy streets you’d expect from a Spanish city. Make sure you wind around to see the beautiful Basilica Cathedral.
Explore the Gracia Neighborhood
Avoid the touristy crowds and check out Gracia, a neighborhood that’s a bit hipstery, full of narrow streets, cute shops and excellent restaurants (our favorite is La Pepita).
Hike (or bus up) Tibidabo
Visit this interesting mountain in the city that has a church and a little amusement park at the very top. If you need a breather along the hike, make a midway stop for a drink with great views at Mirablou. The hike can be somewhat strenuous depending on where you start. One option is to hike up and take the bus or funicular down. Note that if you’re hiking with a dog, they are not allowed on the bus or funicular so you’ll have to hike both ways (we learned that the hard way!), or take a taxi home. I used this blog post as my guide and it was super helpful.
Visit the Beach
If you’re here in the summer, check out the crowds at the beach, lay out for a bit, surf, or just eat some seafood.
Bike Around
Stop by one of the many bike rental shops and tour Barcelona on wheels. There are excellent bike paths throughout the city and there’s great riding down by the beach.
Hang in the Plazas
There are so many little squares you’ll stumble upon as you wander around Barcelona. Take some time for a coffee or a drink as you people watch.
See a Flamenco Show
Check out a Flamenco show featuring music, singers and dancers. This traditional Spanish dance show is a fun experience for a night in the city. Check out Palou Dalmases in El Born.
Take a Cooking Class
If you haven’t noticed, the food in Barcelona is insanely good. If you want to learn more about the cuisine culture, spend some time at a cooking class and take some tapas knowledge home with you. We did our class through Just Royal and had a great experience making Spanish tortilla, paella and crema Catalana.
Hike (or train up) Montjuic
Montjuic is another city hike option. The hike isn’t too strenuous, but you can opt for a train if you prefer. You’ll be treated to nice views along the way, pretty gardens (if you go at the right time of year) and a castle at the top. You can pay for entry or just walk around and see the exterior sights.
Visit the Olympic Stadium
Love the Olympics like me? They were hosted here in 92, you can visit the stadium and take a tour.
View from the top of Tibidabo
Candy at La Boqueria Market
Beach biking
Basilica Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter
This is probably just the tip of the Barcelona iceberg. There is so much to see and do here. My suggestion is to walk everywhere to feel the vibrancy of the city. If you have any favorite activities or sights to see in Barcelona that I missed, please share them below!
