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Did you know that Barcelona has the largest soccer stadium in Europe? Or that it has not one, not two, but a whopping nine UNESCO world heritage sites? And I betcha didn’t know that the construction of the Sagrada Família is taking longer than The Pyramids? From enchanting medieval castles to classic tourist must-sees, there’s tons of stuff crammed into this coastal city.
If you read the title then you must know that I had the unbelievable privilege of calling Barcelona home for three years. So needless to say, I may know a thing or two about the Catalan capital. It’s still a home in my heart and I’m determined to help you have the best experience ever in Barcelona. I sat down and racked my brain to think of all the incredibly fun things to do in Barcelona. There were so many that it was tough narrowing it down to just 33.
People often ask me tons of questions about Barcelona regarding the culture, food, and best things to do. We will get to all of that in this post. But before we begin let’s do a little housekeeping, shall we? I would suggest checking out this post to see a full list of things about Barcelona that you should know before go. But in the meantime, I’ll leave you with a few important tips and suggestions for your Barcelona trip.
If you get to the end and realize that there is still a burning question inside of you that I haven’t answered, leave a comment below and I will be sure to hit ya back.
Looking for more info about traveling to Barcelona? Check out these posts:
- 15 Crucial Things to Know About Barcelona Before You Visit
- 6 Alluring Day Trips From Barcelona
- 6 Key Things to do When Visiting Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia
Table of Contents
Barcelona Travel Tips
Tip #1: Guard Your Belongings
I will never stop stressing this point because even after three years, I still see tons of posts from friends on Facebook saying “Me rabaron el movil…” Spanish for: “My cellphone was stolen.” Pickpocketing is as common in Barcelona as pan con tomate. Don’t leave your cell phone, tablets, or any other fancy device on tables or out in visible sight where someone can walk by and take it. This means that if you’re outside enjoying a beer with friends on a terrace, your phone should be in your pocket or bag and out of sight.
This also means that if you’re using Google Maps as you navigate through the city, you should be gripping your phone with all of your might and then putting it right back in your pocket or bag. I will forever sound like a broken record on this one if it means that one more person avoids getting their phone or wallet snatched.
Tip #2: Book Attractions in Advance
Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, if you think you’re going to rock up to the city and start seeing attractions all willy nilly without tickets, you’re in for a shocking surprise. If you plan on seeing all the amazing attractions (which you should) and living your best life while visiting Barcelona, you must book in advance.
You may just hear me say this 1,000 times but I lived in this city for three years and have seen so many people miss out on seeing things because they didn’t book in advance. There are a ton of bundles and ticket options that will save you stress, time, and money. Here are a few options you might be interested in:
The Barcelona Pass
The Barcelona Pass covers all of the most popular Barcelona attractions like Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, FC Barcelona Experience, and the Barcelona Zoo. Use this card to enjoy access to over 20 top Barcelona attractions and tours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The Barcelona Card
The Barcelona Card is a great way to get around the city and see a lot while you’re doing it. With this nifty tourist pass, you can get 3 to 5 days of UNLIMITED travel with public transportation (metro, bus, railway, and tram), including transportation from the airport with the RENFE airport train. Plus Flat-rate admission or skip the line for some of Barcelona’s best museums like the Picasso Museum, the MACBA, and more.
Barcelona Express Card
The Barcelona Express Card is a great option, especially for those with less time. Similar to the Barcelona Card, you can get 2 days of museum discounts and unlimited public transportation for €23.00.
Tip #3: Get Outside of Barcelona and Explore Catalonia
Before you head off to Barcelona you should know that similar to the 50 states of the US, Spain has 17 autonomous communities. One of the largest of these communities is Catalonia. Barcelona is the capital of this region. The region is absolutely gorgeous and I would recommend venturing beyond Barcelona and seeing more of Catalonia if you can. It is filled with everything from ancient cathedrals to stellar vineyards. I’m so obsessed with galavanting outside of Barcelona that I made a whole blog post about it. If you want to see all the exciting adventures you can have right outside the city, check it out here.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
There are so many incredible places to stay in Barcelona. Whether you are staying directly next to Sagrada Familia or right by the beach, each neighborhood offers a different side of Barcelona to explore. There are plenty of practical Airbnbs and comfy hostels. Here are my picks for some nice hostel and hotel options for where to stay in Barcelona.
Casa Bonay
Casa Bonay is a beautiful boutique hotel in the Eixample neighborhood. It’s only 10 minutes away from Plaza Catalunya and the city center. The place is decked out with a stunning rooftop terrace, free bikes, and yoga classes. And for even more fun things to do in Barcelona, they host cool events like live DJ sets and movie screenings. And here’s an added bonus, one of the best coffee shops in Barcelona is located right downstairs.
Chic & Basic Boutique Hotel
Wanna be smack dab in the middle of Barcelona’s amazing attractions? Chic & Basic Hotel is the hotel for you. This beautiful hotel is steps away from La Ciutadella Park and Arc de Triomf. Not mention, The Picasso Musem is only 4 minutes away. You see? Told ya. It’s a great spot! The rooms are small, but there are really cool glass showers in the center and a workout gym in the building.
Casa Gracia
Casa Gracia is not only stylish and chic but it is a fantastic location in the Gracia neighborhood. Their front desk is 24 hours and it’s a short walk from two Gaudi structures, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Don’t forget to ask about their shared rooms option.
Alright, so now that we’ve covered some important basics, it’s time to get ready for the good stuff. Fun things to do in Barcelona here we come! This post is a doozy. Guuuurl, I’m gonna have ya sopping up all the fun stuff gravy with a dinner roll like you just got over-served at Thanksgiving. You ready? Let’s jump in!
Learn About Catalonia at the Museum of Catalan History
In the journey of exploring and learning more about Catalonia, the National Catalan History Museum is a good place to start. This museum is only $4 and displays Catalan history from the Stone Age to modern-day. It’s closed on Mondays, but every other day of the week you can wander through all four floors and learn about the Catalan community. The history is displayed chronologically and narrates the political, social, and economic evolution of Catalonia.
Frolic Through Parc Güell
A trip to Barcelona is not complete without seeing the work of Antoni Gaudí. All of his architecture are fun things to do in Barcelona. What I love most about Parc Güell is that although it’s a hot-spot attraction, it’s also an enormous space that stands the test of time. It reminds me of Alice in Wonderland and really feels like you’re stepping into Gaudí’s magical world of bright colors and curious designs. Take your time when exploring it because there’s more to see beyond the mosaic entrance.
Here’s a special locals-only tip for you! You can get into the park for free if you go really early in the morning. The ticket guards get there at 8 am. So for all my early risers, head there for an early morning run and you can see the park for free. For all my late risers, I got your covered as well, click here for admission tickets.
See More Gaudí
The Gaudí fun doesn’t stop at Parc Güell. Barcelona is scattered with this brilliant architect’s work. His influence is so heavy in the city that you can see the homage of his work and designs all over Barcelona. My personal favorite Gaudí building is La Pedrera (Casa Mila). But there are plenty that you’re not going to want to miss including the famous Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló. To learn more about Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona, check out this post. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and need a tour to help you, check this one out.
Take a Load Off in Parc de la Ciutadella
Sightseeing and exploring a new city can be exhausting. One of the things my friends and I used to do, when we needed a chill day, was to pack a lunch and board games and head to Ciutadella Park for the day. It’s one of the fun things to do in Barcelona that is free. Admire the Arc de Triomf on your way in at the entrance, then take your time finding the perfect spot of park real-estate for rest and relaxation. But before you leave, you have to take a moment and marvel at the gorgeous Cascada Monumental, which believe it or not, a young Gaudí contributed to.
Admire the Animals at the Barcelona Zoo
While you’re out in Ciutadella Park, the Barcelona Zoo is a wonderful attraction that’s loved by more than just kids. Don’t sleep on the zoo y’all, it’s most definitely one of the fun things to do in Barcelona. It’s ranked amongst the top zoos in Spain and is home to over 400 animal species. Snowflake, the first albino gorilla, made his home here for 40 years. In 2019, Barcelona’s city council passed a new law and has a brand new model to focus on conserving biodiversity and scientific research. They will be focusing their attention on Mediterranean fauna and endangered species. Click here to get a ticket with free cancellation up to 24 hours.
Drink Vermouth on a Lazy Sunday
This is hands down one of my favorite, quintessential fun things to do Barcelona. Every weekend the city’s bars burst with locals fulfilling their weekend ritual of unwinding with a nice glass of red or white vermouth. And if you want to drink it like a local, it must be garnished with a slice of orange and an olive. Aaaahhh, divine. Vermouth is a fortified wine and oh so tasty. My three favorite places to grab a glass are La Vermu, Moro Fi, and Bodega Sopena.
La Vermu
This local bar in the heart of Gracia specializes in home-made vermouth. Go early to grab a seat at one of their charming wooden tables.
Moro Fi
The hippest vermouth bar in Barcelona. This is a great place to spend a Sunday with friends or make friends if you’re traveling solo. It gets a bit crowded so come early, and don’t forget to try the homemade chips because they’re yummy!
Bodega Sopena
This bodega is one of my very favorites in Clot. Grab a glass of vermouth and stand outside amongst the locals. You can even buy a bottle of wine on your way out.
Feast Your Eyes on the Stunning Palau Musica de Catalana
The Palau de la Musica Catalana has got to be one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona. Plus, it’s one of the most extravagant buildings in the city. Gaudí may be the most recognized for Catalan Modernism but Lluís Domenech i Monater showed out with this building. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this music hall has held performances from the world’s most premier musical performers. Space is limited so book early. Check this out If you’re interested in a guided tour of this fabulous hall.
Photograph the Heck Out of the City
I’m sure you’ve heard me say it before and I will say it again, Barcelona is an enchanting city. From its facades to its street art, you’ll want to capture every corner of this city; and not just for the gram. I think some of the best neighborhoods in the city for photos are Gracia, Born, and my favorite Poble Nou. If you need an expert to show you around and show you some of their favorite spots in the city, I am here for everything this 2-hour tour has to offer.
Tour the Largest European Soccer Stadium
Remember in the beginning when I said that Barcelona has the largest soccer stadium in Europe? That stadium is Camp Nou, home of the famous FC Barcelona Soccer team. If you’re a soccer fan, it doesn’t get any sweeter than this. Want to breathe the same air as Messi? Then you gotta head down to Camp Nou for a tour or a game. The stadium holds close to 100,000 people and who knows, maybe you’ll land a ticket to El Clasico. (Games between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are called El Clasico for all my non-football fans.) Grab tickets for a 3-hour tour and FREE tapas here.
Go to a Soccer Game
Football is the most important sport in Catalonia. Camp Nou may be the biggest stadium in Europe and FC Barcelona may be the most popular team in Barcelona but they aren’t the only ones. Many people don’t know that FC Barcelona has a women’s team who play in the Primera División. This is the highest division for women’s soccer in Spain. Since the formation of La Liga in 1928, seven Catalan clubs have been part of the primer division including FC Barcelona’s rival RCD Espanyol, CE Europa, and CE Sabadell FC.
Gobble Down Mouthwatering Tapas
Another one of the many fun things to do in Barcelona is gobble down some yummy tapas. If you’re not sure which tapas are the best or where to start, I’ve laid out the tapas lay of the land in this post here. Barcelona has delicious cuisines and tapas are no exception. Hop from bar to bar stuffing your face with delectable patatas bravas or Spanish croquettes and wash it all down with some Spanish wine. If you’re looking for an authentic and extensive food experience in Barcelona, check out this food tour. Deciding which tapas bar in Barcelona to try first can seem daunting, click here for a full list of my favorite tapas bars in Barcelona.
Continue Stuffing Your Face at La Boqueria
If you’re a foodie, La Boqueria Food Market is sure to make you bust out in the happy dance. It’s the city’s oldest market and is filled with over 200 food stalls. This is your chance to admire fresh produce and try all the scrumptious Spanish jamón, fresh fruit juices, and finger-licking empanadillas while you take several laps around all the stalls. Try to go early though, cause it gets pretty crowded in the afternoon. To make the most out of your Boqueria experience, check this out. If food markets are your thing, be sure to check out the other great markets in the city like Mercat de Santa Caterina in El Born and Mercat de la Libertas in Gracia.
Wander Down Las Ramblas
After you’ve finished stuffing your face at La Boqueria, take a wander down the rest of Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is kind of like the main “high” street in Barcelona. It’s very crowded but this is where you’ll find all the typical souvenirs that will make your favorite grandma so happy. Be aware that there are pushy street artists and not-so-good restaurants on this street as well. I’ll admit, it’s not my favorite place in Barcelona, but I do think it’s worth a visit.
Please be very careful when walking down Las Ramblas though, pickpockets are alive and well here. Plus there are also a ton of scammers just waiting to pull one over on ya. I would also recommend NOT EATING ON LAS RAMBLAS. I don’t care what people say. The food is overpriced, not authentic, and just straight-up bad. If you’re looking for good tapas in Barcelona, check out my list of recommendations here. And if you’re wondering what Catalan food to try, check out my free Catalan Food Guide here.
Visit a Museum for Free
Stuffing your face with Spanish wine and tapas and running around town trying to see all the sights can get expensive, I know. Every month, some of Barcelona’s best museums offer free entry! *bursts into applause* I will say that although the entry is free, some of them still require a ticket.
Wander Through the Winding Roads in the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is over 2,000 years old and one of Barcelona’s most beloved neighborhoods. Every narrow street and alleyway is exciting and filled with so much Spanish charm. Here is where Picasso and other great modernist artists like Joan Miró used to hang. It’s also where you will find the famous Gothic Cathedral and the Bishop’s Bridge. There are also tons of great shops to pick up souvenirs for friends.
Bishop’s Bridge 
Visit the Barcelona Cathedral
The Barcelona Cathedral is one of the most distinct and famous monuments in the Gothic Quarter. It is famous for its facade, which is unlike any other. The inside of the church has a nice courtyard. Visitors can visit for €7. However, it is an active church and is open for worship and prayer during set hours in the week and on the weekends. And although during these hours the entrance is free, please be respectful. For €3 guests can get access to the roof which as an amazing view of the city.
See the Views at Tibidabo
Looking for good views of Barcelona? Look no further than Mount Tibidabo. At 515 meters, it’s the highest peak in Barcelona. You can see it standing tall at various points in the city. At the top, there is the Tibidabo Cathedral and an amusement park for you to get your adrenaline rush on. Views and fun! It doesn’t get any better than that. The Cathedral is free but for €2 you can take an elevator to the top of the statue for an even better view. You can hike to Tibidabo or you can take the tram and funicular. For admission tickets to the amusement park inside, I got you. Check them out here.
Visit Montjuic Castle
I often say that visiting Europe is like walking through history. Montjuic Castle is a good example of this. Montjuic Castle plays an important role in Spanish history and the Spanish Civil War. It was built in 1640 and used to be a military fortress. It was demolished in 1751 and rebuilt as a castle. And can you believe that this marvelous slice of history only costs €5 to enter?! If that isn’t enough, it’s also free the first Sunday of each month and after 3:00 pm every Sunday after. And it doesn’t stop there. There is also a fantastic 360 view of the city.
Visit the Joan Miró Foundation
While Barcelona is often known for being Gaudí’s city and Picasso’s stomping ground, there’s another marvelous Catalan artist everyone should know about. Joan Miró. Abstract. Surrealist. His work was imaginative and fanciful. He was born and raised in the Gothic Quarter before moving to Paris. His art is also scattered throughout the city. You can see his work, such as the woman and the bird structure, near the beach and Pia de I’Os.
Nestled around the corner from the Montjuic Castle is the Joan Miró Foundation. The museum is dedicated to the work of Joan Miró and contemporary art. I truly believe it is underrated and one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona. Come here to see Miró’s early sketches and work from his final years. You can get FREE access to this museum with The Barcelona Card!
Enjoy Some Delicious Coffee
Barcelona may not be known for its coffee, but I gotta tell ya, there are some really good cafes and coffee shops in the city. Because the pace of life is slower, it’s the perfect city to rest your feet for a bit and enjoy a nice coffee while you’re at it. You can get a good cup of joe at pretty much any cafe. Click here for my detailed list of the best coffee spots in Barcelona.
Soak Up the Sun at the Beach
If you’re in Barcelona, you can’t NOT go to the beach. I mean c’mon, it’s Barcelona. When I lived there, my friends and I were at the beach every weekend in the summer. You may have heard of Barcelonetta, the city’s most famous beach. Well, I hate to break it to you, but it’s not the best beach. There are way too many people and not enough sand, plus the cheringuitos (A Small bar that sells drinks and food at the beach.) are always crowded. However, Barcelonetta is a great place to sit by the water and have a beer with some friends in the fall or winter. If you’re visiting in the summer, check out one of the many incredible beaches up the coast.
Try a Barcelona Cerveza
The Spanish love their beer. Did you know that Spain has the second-largest number of employees in the beer industry in Europe after Germany? Yup, like I said, they love their beer. Lots of major cities in Spain have their own beer. In Madrid, they’ve got Mahou. Granada has Alhambra. And if you ask for a beer in Barcelona, you’ll most likely get Estrella Damm. It’s the oldest beer in Spain and the most famous in Barcelona. Another delicious beer brewed in Barcelona is Moritz. There’s nothing like a good cold Mortiz. If you want to order like a local, order a caña which is a smaller size. They’re cheap and stay nice and cold.
Chill Out in a Plaza
While we’re on the topic of beer, once you’ve got your cold cerveza in hand, head over to a Barcelona plaza. Plazas are basically town squares. They are some of THE VERY BEST places to chill out with a beer. There are tons of plazas all around Barcelona. Locals love to sit out for hours while the sun has gone down and chat with friends.
My favorite plaza in Barcelona is Plaza del Sol in Gracia. If you want a taste of how Barcelona locals spend their summer evenings, head to Plaza del Sol. Plazas are great when you’re ready for a rest and want to take Barcelona in slowly. Grab a beer from the local bodega and sit in one of the plazas. If you’re traveling solo, you are bound to make friends in one of the plazas.
Have a blast at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic
If you love free events lemme hear ya say yeeeeeaaahhh!!!! The Magic Fountain is just one of those attractions that the whole city loves. A post about fun things to do in Barcelona would not be complete without it. Three nights a week the Magic Fountain of Montjuic puts on an entertaining water show with lights, music, and the whole works. “Oh, I don’t like beautiful fountains shows with water, lights, music, and tons of color.” Said no one ever. I rest my case. Click here for the magic fountain times.
Chow Down on Delicious Catalan Food
I can’t say enough good things about Catalan food. And if I’m talking about fun things to do in Barcelona, Catalan food must be on this list. It is absolutely delicious and Barcelona is the perfect place to try it. Food is an integral part of the culture and one of the easiest ways to understand and get acquainted with a place. Chowing down the local cuisine is a must and believe me when I say, all the calories will be well worth it. If you’re interested in the real Catalan experience a.) You are my people and b.) This Spanish and Catalan Grandma cooking class looks amazing! Click here to get a free guide of my favorite Catalan dishes to try!
Guzzle Down Some Cava
This one comes with a warning. Once you try cava, your life will never be the same. We all know champagne, right? Well, cava is Catalonia’s refreshing and life-changing response to champagne—but it’s better. Yes, I just said that. Guzzling down this sparkling wine in the city is one of the many fun things to do in Barcelona. Please gulp down 1…2…3 glasses for me. White or rose.
Find Your Way Out of the Parc Labrinynth
Horta’s Labyrinth Park is next up on my list of fun things to do in Barcelona. It’s the city’s oldest garden. It was originally created for a private estate owner and was turned over to the city of Barcelona in 1967. The labyrinth park only about 6 square feet but it’s full of hidden corners and twists and turns. Inside the park is a 14th-century house called Torre Soberana. Admire it after you’ve figured out how to get out of the labyrinth.
Shake Your Bootay in a Nightclub
If you love dancing, you’re going to love Barcelona nightclubs. Dancing the night away in one of these gems is another one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona. There’s no sitting around hugging the wall and no pretentious attitudes. It’s just plain, good ‘ol fashioned fun. Everyone just wants to have a good time. Here are a few of my favorite spots to shake your groove thang:
Jamboree
If you love partying until the wee hours to 90s and R&B music, Jamboree should be first on your list. It’s small and underground and completely packed on the weekends. The good kind of packed. The kind of packed that temporarily erases all your problems and replaces them with an epic beat that your body can’t help but dance to. They also have live Jazz and spoken word shows.
Sala Apolo
Foster the People. The Black Keys. Arctic Monkeys. If any of those bands give you butterflies in your tummy and the sudden urge to dance, Apolo is for you. This rock n roll club is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. Nasty Mondays are where it’s at. Every Monday night, the crowd comes out to Apolo to dance up a storm. The night started in 2004 and has been showing up for the city ever since. It’s €15 to get in, but worth every penny.
Razzmatazz
Razzmatazz is the only nightclub in Barcelona where you pay for one club and get five clubs in exchange. That’s right. There are five different dance floors and each one has a different vibe. From hip hop to electronic. There are also tons of concerts and cool events here that make for some memorable nights. This spot is sure to make a fun night.
Hike Around Montserrat
Ya’ll, I know I keep saying each place is my favorite, but can you blame me? This city is a magical place! Are you ready for another one of my picks for fun things to do in Barcelona? Drumroll please. Next up is none other than Montserrat. A beautiful mountain range in Catalonia. Talk about magical. I’m thoroughly convinced that this place is where fairy godmother’s go to retire.
It’s an easy day trip and only about 30-45 minutes outside of the city. Located on top is a Monastery with a statue of the Virgin of Montserrat. Lots of people make it an overnight trip and enjoy the sunrise. There are several long and short hikes through the hills. You can hike to the top, take a cable car, or the funicular to the walking trails. If you love nature and hiking, Montserrat is absolutely the spot for you.
If you need some guidance from a local, this half-day tour includes a pickup and includes the holy cave. And if you’re looking for more incredible Barcelona day trips, check out this post.
Enjoy a Catalan Festival
Spain has some next-level festivals and traditions. Some of the best nights and most memorable times of my life have been in Barcelona, taking part in some of the most unique festivities. For example, in September there’s La Merce, one of Barcelona’s biggest, best, and free festivals. It’s annual and has been around since 1871 to observe the Catholic Our Lady Mercy.
This is where you can see the giant paper mâché statues known as gegants i capgrossos and the castells (human towers). Yes, humans compete and pile on top of each other and make the most spectacular human towers you will ever see. These are traditions that you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
Enjoy the Picasso Museum
Pablo Picasso may not have been from Barcelona, but he sure left his mark on the city. The Picasso Museum is one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona. At the museum, you can see over 4,000 of this artist’s legendary works. This is one of the most extensive and permanent collections of his work. Make your way through his career and see everything from his sculptures to paintings and even ceramics. Oh, and did I mention, that the museum is in connecting medieval palaces? Yeah, no biggie right? You can get a SKIP-THE-LINE ticket to this museum with The Barcelona Card!
Lavish in the Greenery at the Cactus Gardens
Looking for a zen place to collect yourself during your trip? You won’t have to look far. There is a quaint little cactus garden at the foot of Montjuic that is one of my favorite fun things to do in Barcelona. There are around 800 different types of cacti ranging from big to small. It’s one of those hidden gems that I love in the city. The perfect place for some quiet time away from all the hustle and bustle.
Did you enjoy this list of fun things to do in Barcelona? Which one do you think you’ll do first? Let me know in the comments!
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