Barcelona, one of the world’s great cities and a popular destination for city breaks and as a base for exploring the cities, beaches and hinterland of Catalonia in northern Spain. A beautiful and vibrant city Barcelona is the heart of Catalonian culture and life.
For a guide to the city please click the image below.
This is my top 10 places to see in Barcelona. There is so much to see your top 10 may be different!
Click the images in each section for more information on visiting the featured attractions or click the Barcelona image link in the sidebar on our home page for an overview of all the sights, tours and attractions you can book.
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Sagrada Família
One thing is for sure, any guide to the top attractions in Barcelona will always include the fabulous Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family).
The Sagrada Familia is Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece. The very symbol of Barcelona. Construction began in 1882 and it is still to be finished. Gaudi himself died in 1926 and is buried in the crypt. Its exceptional architecture and stunning use of stained glass is a must see visit.
Park Güell
Visitors and locals alike love Park Güell. The waving balcony and the colorful Guard’s House, with the imposing Barcelona skyline and sea in the background, is the city’s favorite postcard. It’s also a great summary of what the Catalan capital is like: a creative, cosmopolitan city with a Mediterranean lifestyle.
Antoni Gaudí created Park Güell, an architectural masterpiece, with tree-shaped columns and undulating forms that merge in perfect harmony. Originaly designed as a residential area for the wealthy. Fortunately for us, if not for Eusebi Güell whose project this was, the venture failed and he turned over to the city to become the public park it is today. The park is situated on a hill top in the middle of the city. Its position affords a fantastic view over the city. In 1984, Park Güell became a UNESCO World Heritage site
Font Magica
Originally created for the 1929 World Exposition, the huge Font Magica (Magic Fountain) has again become a magnet since the 1992 Olympics. Located on Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina to the grand Palau Nacional. The coloured fountain erupts into a feast of musical, backlit aquatic life; it’s a unique 15-minute night performance in which the water can look like seething fireworks or a mystical cauldron of colour.
On hot summer evenings especially, this spectacle (repeated several times) mesmerises onlookers. On the last evening of the September Festes de la Mercè and on New Year’s Eve, the particularly beautiful displays feature fireworks.
La Pedrera’s
Undoughtaably one of Gaudi’s greatest achievements, this madcap Unesco-listed Modernista masterpiece (officially called Casa Milà) was created in 1905–10 as a combined apartment and office block.
La Pedrera’s entirely unique use of light, space and movement remains just as astounding today as when Barcelona’s premier architect first dreamt it up. It’s impossible not to be stopped in your tracks by La Pedrera’s glowing grey-white facade – a wave-like, Catalan-stone wonder wafting around the corner of shop-lined Passeig de Gràcia onto Carrer de Provença. Most visits also include a visit to El Pis de La Pedrera, a fourth-floor apartment styled as it would have been in the early 20th century.
La Rambla
One of the most famous places in Barcelona is La Rambla. A tree-lined boulevard featuring a wide array of architectural delights, beautifully decorated flower stalls and particularly talented (and certified) human statues. Shops, bars, restaurants, markets they are all there. Linking Plaça de Catalunya, the central square in Barcelona, with the old harbour, strolling or promenading La Rambla is a tourist tradition.
Museu d’Història de Barcelona
One of a number of great museums in Barcelona, Museu d’Història de Barcelona, is fascinating. This museum will take you back to the founding and the foundations of the Roman city of Barcino established during the reign of Agustus around 10BC. Below ground, under Plaça del Rei, lies a remarkable walk through 4 sq km of excavated Roman and Visigothic Barcelona. The museum above ground is housed in the impressive 16th century Casa Padellàs.
Museu Picasso
Located along the grand, medieval street of Carrer de Montcada, the Museu Picasso is dedicated to one of the world’s greatest artists, Pablo Picasso.
Although born in Malaga Picasso moved to Barcelona with his family when he was only 14 years old.
The museum holds some of the painter’s earliest works. The museum occupies five Medieval palaces, providing an immense setting for visitors to take in the 4000 or so original works on display.
City Sightseeing Bus
Ok, so not really a site of course but the open topped sight seeing bus is an attraction in its own right. The bus visits many of the attractions already listed here and is a wonderful way to view the city.
Switch between two different bus routes as you wish and explore different areas and aspects of the city, or stay aboard for the full loop to gain an overview of the city’s sights and landmarks. You can hop on and off at will.
Olympic Museum
Another must see you can get to on the city bus tour. Barcelona hosted a hugely successful games in 1992. How could it fail with the wonderful theme song ‘Barcelona’ sung by the great Catalan opera singer Montserrat Caballé and the legendary Freddie Mercury.
The Olympic Museum’s state-of-the-art facilities and engaging exhibitions captivate visitors from around the globe. The museum has wonderful interactive displays, historical artifacts, and multimedia presentations. One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of memorabilia, including Olympic torches, medals, and uniforms worn by legendary athletes. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about the spirit of the Olympics, the Olympic Museum in Barcelona is a must-visit destination
Port Vell
Port Vell, the ‘Old harbour’, is the oldest part of Barcelona’s harbour. The harbour was completely restored as part of an urban renewal project ahead of the 1992 Summer Olympics. Before that, the harbour area used to be run down with empty warehouses, marshalling yards, and harbour factories.
Now Port Vell harbour is an important tourist attraction with the Maremàgnum (a shopping centre that also has a cinema, bars, and restaurants), an IMAX theatre and Europe’s largest aquarium. A pedestrian bridge called the Rambla de Mar connects the busy Rambla street to the harbour. You can find the bridge to the harbour near the statue of Christopher Columbas.
The Port Cable Car
For a great view of Port Vell that showcases the best of Barcelona from a unique vantage point, look no further than the Transbordador Aeri del Port cable car. One of two cable cars in Barcelona this exciting attraction, suspended high above the bustling port, offers you a thrilling ride, stunning views, and an unparalleled perspective of the vibrant waterfront below. Easily visible from the port area, you only need look up to be reminded of an interesting option for a way to spend a sunny afternoon.
So there’s my top 10 places to visit in Barcelona. You may agree or disagree with some or all!, of my choices but one thing is for certain Barcelona is a magical place to visit. Happy travels!