The Best (and Must-See) Places to Visit in Barcelona

Are you planning a getaway to the Catalan capital and not sure where to start?

Barcelona is a city that captivates at first sight — a place where the modernist art of Antoni Gaudí coexists with Mediterranean beaches and medieval neighborhoods full of history.

However, with such a vast cultural offering, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve selected the best places to visit in Barcelona, combining world-famous icons with those hidden corners that only locals know.

11 Places to Visit in Barcelona

This selection blends Antoni Gaudí’s avant-garde architecture with open spaces and neighborhoods full of character.

It’s an itinerary designed to help you see the must-haves while also enjoying the Barcelona way of life.

1. Sagrada Familia

It is the city’s undisputed symbol, and no matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for standing in front of it.

What makes it unique is that it doesn’t resemble any other church in the world; its towers and façade feel like a giant organic sculpture.

Inside, the play of light created by the stained-glass windows at sunset is a spectacle worth every euro of the entrance ticket.

It’s essential to book your tickets well in advance, as they sell out quickly — especially if you want to go up the towers.

From above, you get a very different perspective on the city’s network of streets, but even if you stay below, the explanation of the symbolism that Antoni Gaudí embedded in every stone will leave you absolutely amazed.

2. Park Güell

What began as a luxury housing development project ended up becoming a public garden filled with flowing shapes, columns that resemble trees, and colorful mosaics.

The famous salamander at the entrance and the serpentine bench in the central square are the spots where everyone stops, but getting lost along the secondary paths has its own charm as well.

Beyond its artistic side, Park Güell offers one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona, with the sea as a backdrop.

It’s a perfect place for a leisurely walk, although remember that the monumental zone is protected and requires an entrance ticket — so don’t forget to book it before making the uphill walk to get there.

3. Casa Batlló

Located right on Passeig de Gràcia, this house is the ultimate expression of Antoni Gaudí’s creative freedom.

The façade, with its balconies that resemble masks and its roof that recalls the back of a dragon, is already striking from the street.

Stepping inside, however, reveals a world of details where straight lines are almost nonexistent and everything is designed so that light and air flow naturally.

The visit is well worth it, as it includes augmented reality technology that helps you understand what the architect had in mind when designing every corner.

It’s a must-stop if you want to understand why Catalan Modernism is so famous around the world.

4. La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Just a few steps from the previous stop stands La Pedrera, a work that appears much more robust and sober from the outside, yet is just as innovative.

It’s known by this name because of its quarry-like stone appearance, and its most striking feature is the rooftop.

There, the chimneys resemble stone warriors watching over the city, creating an almost lunar landscape that is among the most photographed in Barcelona.

Inside, you can see how the bourgeoisie of the time lived in a model apartment decorated with original furniture.

In addition, the attic with its brick arches houses a very interesting exhibition about Antoni Gaudí’s work, making it a very complete visit for lovers of design and history.

5. Palau de la Música Catalana

This building often goes unnoticed compared to Gaudí’s houses, yet it is a true jewel of Modernisme.

Its concert hall is possibly one of the most beautiful in the world, thanks to its enormous inverted dome of stained glass that allows natural light to flood the space.

It’s filled with sculptures and floral motifs that make you feel as if you’re inside a garden made of glass.

The best option is to take a guided tour or, if you’re lucky, buy a ticket to attend a concert.

Simply having a coffee at the bar on the ground floor already lets you enjoy the incredible decoration of the entrance without spending much, which is a great tip for travelers on a tighter budget.

6. Gothic Quarter

This is the historic heart of Barcelona and the place where it all began.

Its streets form a stone labyrinth where it’s very easy to get lost — and that’s precisely what makes it fun.

You’ll come across hidden squares, remains of the Roman wall, and the impressive Barcelona Cathedral, whose Gothic façade dominates the entire area.

It’s the perfect place to wander without a fixed plan and discover artisan shops or bars with decades of history.

Don’t miss Plaça del Rei or Plaça de Sant Felip Neri — they’re corners that preserve a very special, quiet atmosphere, in sharp contrast to the bustle of La Rambla, just steps away.

7. Bunkers del Carmel

If you’re looking for the best photo of Barcelona without spending a cent, this is the place.

It’s a former anti-aircraft battery from the Spanish Civil War that has become a favorite viewpoint among locals.

From here, you get a 360-degree view of the entire city — from the mountains to the sea — with a clear view of the grid layout of the Eixample district.

The ideal plan is to head up shortly before sunset with something to drink and enjoy the atmosphere.

It’s not a conventional tourist spot with shops or services, so be prepared to walk a bit and sit directly on the concrete while watching the city lights come on.

8. Laberint d’Horta

This is one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets and the oldest garden in the city.

Its main attraction is, as the name suggests, a cypress hedge maze where you can enjoy getting lost for a while.

It’s a very peaceful place, ideal for disconnecting from the noise of the city center and enjoying a romantic setting with fountains and neoclassical sculptures.

It’s a perfect plan if you’re traveling as a couple or with family, as it offers a refreshing alternative to the usual route of museums and monuments.

In addition, admission is often free on Wednesdays and Sundays, making it an excellent option for spending a relaxed morning without spending any money.

9. Mercat de Santa Caterina and Mercat de la Llibertat

Although La Boquería is the most famous market, it’s often so crowded with tourists that it’s hard to truly enjoy it.

That’s why visiting the Mercat de Santa Caterina — with its colorful, undulating roof — or the Mercat de la Llibertat in the Gràcia neighborhood is a much more authentic experience.

This is where locals actually do their shopping, and the quality of the produce is outstanding.

You can also take the opportunity to grab a quick bite at the stalls inside.

It’s the best way to sample local cuisine — from Catalan cured meats to fresh fish — in a far more relaxed atmosphere and at more reasonable prices than in purely touristy areas.

10. FC Barcelona Stadium (Camp Nou) and Museum

For football lovers, this is an almost religious stop.

Barça’s stadium is one of the largest in the world, and its museum is the most visited in Catalonia.

You can walk through the players’ tunnel, step onto the pitch, and see up close all the trophies the club has won throughout its history.

Even if you’re not a die-hard sports fan, the club’s cultural importance in the city is undeniable.

If your visit coincides with a match day, trying to get a ticket is an incredible experience to feel the passion of the local supporters — although the stadium tour itself is already very comprehensive.

11. Seafront Promenade and Beaches

Barcelona is fortunate to be open to the sea, and its seafront promenade is the ideal place to end the day.

You can start by walking through La Barceloneta and continue toward the Port Olímpic. It’s a lively area, with people exercising, outdoor terraces, and street performers that create a very dynamic atmosphere all year round.

If you have time, renting a bike to ride along the entire coastline up to the Fòrum area is a fantastic plan.

You can also simply sit on the sand to soak up the atmosphere or stop by one of the chiringuitos for a drink with views of the Mediterranean — a guaranteed way to end your trip with a deep sense of total relaxation.

Experience the Most Authentic Barcelona with Sazón The Folk Cook

After visiting the city’s most impressive landmarks, we invite you to discover something truly unique: the essence of Barcelona through its flavors and its people.

At Sazón, we believe the best way to understand our culture is without filters — by sitting at the table of those who know our gastronomic heritage best.

That’s why we invite you into the homes of local cooks who have inherited recipes filled with care and tradition from their mothers and grandmothers.

It’s an unprecedented opportunity to taste the most traditional dishes while living, for a few hours, like a true local.

Join us in celebrating the flavors of a lifetime and take home a memory that can’t be bought in a souvenir shop.

Will you come over for a meal?

Book your gastronomic experience with Sazón.