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10 Attractions You Must See in Barcelona
Barcelona might not be the Spanish capital, but it’s one hundred percent the most exciting city in the country (sorry Madrid).
Barcelona is a feast for the senses; a pleasure playground both aesthetically and energetically. But since you’re already planning a trip here you likely already know this.
Barcelona – by richard hewat – Unsplash
I’ll get right to the ten attractions you simply must see while exploring this part of Spain. You can easily see all ten in under three days if you use your time well! Let’s see…
1. La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
A lot of people come to Barcelona purely with the intent of experiencing Gaudí’s work in the flesh. The city is covered in his architecture, but the unfinished Sagrada Familia remains the most famous.
This church has been in construction since 1882. You’ll catch glimpses of it from the rooftops around the city and via various free guided walking tours, but brining yourself up close to the building is an important part of experiencing Barcelona.
The exterior is close enough, in my opinion, but you can also pay the €20 entrance fee if you need to see the inside.
La Sagrada Familia – by Isaac D. – Unsplash
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Daily
ADDRESS: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Monumental
2. La Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona
The Barceloneta Beach is the most popular stretch of sand and sea along Barcelona’s coast. It’s a space of kilometer upon kilometer of beach bars, restaurants, water sports, recreational areas and safe swimming & tanning.
The Barceloneta Beach stretch is a lively attraction by both day and night. It is also one of the best areas in Barcelona to eat seafood and the famous paella dish.
La Barceloneta Beach – by Federico Giampieri – Unsplash
3. Aquarium in Barcelona
One of the most impressive facilities in Barcelona’s Port Vell is the city aquarium. There are 11,000 animals across 450 difference species that love here; open to public viewing seven days a week.
The aquarium is a great Barcelona attraction for travelers with children. In spite of its size, a visit here won’t take longer than an hour to see it in its entirety.
There is a cafe on site (that is grossly overpriced), however Port Vell is filled with great restaurants and places to eat paella; I recommend leaving the aquarium when it’s time to eat.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10am to 9pm
ADDRESS: Moll d’Espanya, del Port Vell, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Barceloneta
4. Mercado de La Boqueria in Barcelona
This is an ancient market that has been running in Barcelona since 1217. It remains the most vibrant and colorful market in Spain to this day, and one of the number one attractions when visiting Barcelona.
It is predominantly centered around food; fresh produce, fish and ready made meals. A wonderful lunch spot between sight seeing in the city. The middle of the market is where you’ll find the El Quim de la Boquería restaurant; another well known tourist attraction.
Mercado de La Boqueria – by Banja-Frans Mulder – Wikimedia Commons
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday, Friday & Saturday – 8am to 8:30pm
ADDRESS: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Drassanes
5. Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia’s gothic sister, the Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral is a must see for lovers of ancient houses of worship.
This is one church where I will say seeing the inside is necessary. Most churches in Europe fill the interiors with opulent gold panels, colorful glass, and painted murals depicting scenes of worship.
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is absolutely bare inside, featuring raw columns and arched ceilings with just a few chandeliers to light the space. It’s breathtaking simplicity. Something unusual in Barcelona; a city where being over the top is the usual order of things.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar – by C messier – Wikimedia Commons
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Daily
ADDRESS: Plaça de Santa Maria, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Jaume I
6. Casa Vicens Gaudí in Barcelona
The Casa Vicens is also known as Gaudí’s first house. It was the first important work of the artist, who would go on to make a long lived impression throughout Barcelona following this creation.
The house was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It is situated in the very charismatic district of Gracia.
Some consider this to be the project that launched Gaudí’s career into what it eventually became. It’s definitely an unmissable attraction in the city.
Casa Vicens – by Pol Viladoms – Wikimedia Commons
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10am to 8pm
ADDRESS: Carrer de les Carolines, 20, 08012 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Lesseps
7. Ciutadella Park in Barcelona
The Ciutadella Park is right in the heart of the city and is crowned by the Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona.
The park is a beautiful and lush green space with lakes, ponds and beautiful architectural monuments. This is also the site of the Barcelona zoo; you’ll find it on the eastern end, closest to the beach.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Daily
ADDRESS: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Arc de Triomf
8. Joan Miró Foundation in Barcelona
The Joan Miró Foundation is a fantastic modern art museum in Barcelona; set up in honor of the memory and work of Joan Miró. He spend most of his life and career in Barcelona, and the locals hold is name to very high esteem.
Lovers of modern art and architecture will find a visit to this foundation pleasing in many ways. The outside is as interesting as the inside.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10am to 8pm
ADDRESS: Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Poble Sec
9. Park Güell in Barcelona
Another historic gift from our friend Antonio Gaudí, the Park Güell is one of the most impressive public parks in the world.
Often compared to an outdoor museum, the park space is something to be strolled through at a glacial pace, taking in all the components and visual stimulants left by the creator along the way.
Park Güell – by Daniel Corneschi – Unsplash
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8am to 8:30pm
ADDRESS: 08024 Barcelona, Spain
Metro STATION: Vallcarca
10. Montjuïc in Barcelona
Although this attraction sits number 10 on our list, you should exercise urgency in visiting it above all the rest. Montjuïc is one of the highest viewpoints in Barcelona.
It is the top of Montjuïc Mountain and it offers the most breathtaking view of the city below. Viewing Barcelona from this height gives astounding perspective of the city in relation to the mountains that surround it and the general landscape of the country.
With Sagrada Familia glistening proudly in the center, the sun setting in the distance, you’ll finally start to feel the true essence of Barcelona. Bienvenido!
by Toa Heftiba – Unsplash
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