Barcelona is probably my favorite city in the world! During the summer of 2017, I studied abroad in Barcelona for about a month. I later got the chance to come back in 2019 with a few friends from my study abroad. While I’m no official expert, I do think I know Barcelona better than any other city I’ve traveled to. With that being said, here is your extensive Barcelona travel guide of everything you should see and do from attractions, places to eat, day trips, bars, and more.
Attractions
Barcelona has several must see attractions, but I do have a little warning. Barcelona is the pickpocket capital of the world. All these places are touristy enough that pickpockets might be near, so hold on to your stuff. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings, Barcelona is super safe but hold onto your wallet/purse. Other tip: the metro is a lifesaver. Use it to go everywhere and buy a metro pass.
1. Sagrada Familia
This is probably the most famous attraction in Barcelona and for good reason. This church designed by Gaudi is actually not finished yet. The outside is stunning and totally worth a visit. I would also recommend getting a ticket to tour inside. The architecture is unlike any other church I’ve seen. One tip is that I wouldn’t pay extra to go up one of the towers. There are other places with better views of Barcelona that I’ll mention later.
2. Park Guell
This park was also designed by Gaudi and is the main postcard picture spot of the city. Grab a ticket to go inside and see all the mosaic tiled structures. Don’t miss the iguana on the steps and make it up to the top for that mosaic picture you see all over the Internet and Cheetah Girls 2.
3. Las Ramblas
Speaking of the Cheetah Girls, this is the main street where they “strutted” and probably the most touristy area of the city. Definitely recommend checking it out, but it will be crowded. While here, make sure to go to La Boqueria which is a large market with every food imaginable. Our favorite thing to do with a group was give everyone 10 min to split up and buy whatever you wanted then meet back up after and see what everyone got. Theres fruits, candy, empanadas, smoothies, fish, and more.
4. Fountain Show at Montjuic
This is a fun nightly fountain show with music and lit up water. It’s similar to the Bellagio fountains. It happens either at 8:30 or 9:30 pm depending on the time of year you visit. It does get pretty crowded every night so get there a little early to grab a spot.
5. Barceloneta Beach
While in Barcelona, you have to go to the beach of course. Barceloneta is the main beach of the city and a lot of fun. The neighborhood nearby is really charming too. If you are wanting to avoid the crowds, I would recommend hopping on a metro and heading a little further away from downtown. It gets less crowded the further down the coast you go.
6. Gaudi Houses
These are all over town and you’ll know when you see one because they look completely different than every other building. I never went inside one but you can buy a ticket and tour. Super cool architecture and another masterpiece of the famous Gaudi.
7. Gothic Quarter
This is my favorite neighborhood of Barcelona. I could wander these winding streets for hours. It is unlike any of the other neighborhoods and filled with good shops and restaraunts. Also go see the Barcelona Cathedral in this area. It’s not as big as the Sagrada but still really cool.
8. Camp Nou
This is the stadium of Barcelona’s soccer (or futbol) team FC Barcelona. It is absolutely massive and the tour is very immersive with several activities and exhibits to see. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during a game, you have to go. I’ve heard the atmosphere is insane and this is the one thing I never got the chance to do and need to go back for a game.
9. The Bunkers
This is a hidden secret from tourists and a local favorite. It’s a little bit of a hike up but literally one of the best sunset spots in the whole city. This was the location of old bunkers from Spain’s civil war era that now serves as a picnic spot. Bring some food and wine and enjoy the view.
10. Tibidabo
There is an amusement park at the top of the mountains overlooking Barcelona. I would definitely recommend going up and riding the ferris wheel. You can literally see the entire city from up here. There is also a church at the top to check out too.
Food
Ok get ready because I could go on and on about tapas and sangria. First things first, you have to get patatas bravas, they are to die for. It’s basically potatoes with this special sauce on them and you can find them at every restaurant. Make sure to try paella too while you’re here. Another thing to know is that dinner in Barcelona is SUPER late. Don’t expect to sit down and eat until 9 pm or even later sometimes. Also be aware of siesta hours. The late afternoons from about 2-5 shops and restaurants close down for siestas so plan your meals accordingly.
11. Tosca
Omg this is my favorite spot. It’s located in the Gothic Quarter, and I went so many times while studying abroad and went back when I returned. This is the place for the best patatas bravas, empanadas, sangria pitchers, and more tapas.
12. Da Greco
Make reservations for this nice Italian restaurant and ask if Beyonce’s table is available (yes there’s a table with her and Jay Z’s name on it cause they go here). The food is so good and when someone orders something they bring out an extra plate for the table to try too. I’m dying to go back just typing this.
13. The Box
Ok this spot has the BEST hot dogs ever. I know… not what you expected in a Barcelona guide BUT you have to go. They are served with this syringe of sauce that you spread on, guac, and potato chips. I went both times when I was in town. The owners also make their own alcohol in jars behind the bar that look really cool.
Nightlife
Barcelona is known for nightlife but here are some favorite bars.
14. La Oveja Negra
Large bar/restaurant with sangria towers that can be split with an entire group
15. El Tabernito
Small bar and the single bartender is the owner. He befriended our group and makes some awesome drinks.
16. Dow Jones
Drink prices go up and down throughout the night but rush to the bar when the “stock market crashes”
17. Chupitos
Literally has a wall full of different shot options and most include some aspect of mystery and/or fire
18. The Beach Clubs
This is the typical Barcelona clubbing experience and the most famous spot is Opium
Day Trips
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and has access to several fun day trips nearby. Catalonia is a region of Spain that has been fighting for independence for many years. I definitely recommend checking these places out in nearby Catalonia!
19. Montserrat
This is about an hour train ride north of Barcelona. You have to take a cable car up to the top of a mountain and it is absolutely incredible. There’s a monastery at the top as well as some of Spain’s coolest views. Go on some hikes around the area in the mountains and enjoy!
20. Sitges
This is a fun beach town about 30 min away from Barcelona by train. It is less touristy and has nicer beaches than Barceloneta. Escape the city and experience some fun beach vibes.
21. Girona
This is a medieval city best known for having a few Game of Thrones filming locations. It is a lot of fun to walk around and a short train ride away.
22. Costa Brava
This is a section of Spanish coastline known for large cliffs and stunning beaches. The town we visited is called Lloret de Mar, and I highly recommend coming up here to getaway if you can. There are miles of beaches and hikes along the cliffs.
One last activity that I didn’t assign a number to is the human towers from a Catalan festival. These happen at various times on weekends (mostly in the summer) and if you get lucky enough to run into one definitely stay and watch! Little girls climb up to the top of these towers that are 4+ people tall (and yes I saw some fall but everyone was ok).
Hopefully you now have an entire list of places to see in Barcelona. I absolutely love this city and had the best study abroad experience. If you’re thinking about studying abroad here too, do it. There are beaches, mountains, good food, nice people, and tons of memories to be made.
CW
