15 Must do’s in Barcelona

I’ve been to Spain many times and I’ve been to Barcelona twice already. The city of tapas and architecture! Here are my 15 must do’s in Barcelona.

P.S. Check out my Instagram for more photos!

1) Barcelona beach

Tired of the city? Go to the beach! I didn’t do it as I had too much joy in discovering Barcelona city. Maybe next time!

2) Mirador de Colom

When walking from the beach to the Ramblas, you’ll walk past the Mirador de Colom. This is an homage to Christopher Columbus as he visited Barcelona right before going to America.

Tip: The monument is also a panoramic viewpoint. It is accessible by elevator. It resembles the Siegesaule in Berlin!

3) Las Ramblas

The Ramblas is a shopping street in the center of Barcelona. You can shop here, buy food in the Boqueria, watch street artists, etc.

Tip: Watch out for pocket thieves!

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4) La Boqueria

Walking down the Ramblas, you’ll pass the Boqueria. The Boqueria is a little market where you can buy fruit, spices, meat, desserts and more.

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5) Sagrada Familia

Gaudi started building the Sagrada Familia in 1882 and it should be finished in 2026. The church takes so long to be built because the project depends on public donations.

Fun fact: The Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

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6) Park Güell

Let’s take a walk to Park Güell, a park designed by Gaudi. Stroll through the gardens, behold the mosaic artworks, take a photo at the gingerbread house of Hansel and Gretel, and wander through the columns.

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7) Bellesguard

The Bellesguard house can be found in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. Gaudi designed it for a family but when they wanted to move in, the house wasn’t finished yet.

8) Casa Batlló

On the Passeig de Gracià, you’ll find a building of Gaudi: Casa Batlló. The house was built for the Batlló family in the 19th century. Some call it Casa del Drac as the façade resembles a snake’s skin.

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9) Casa Milà

On the Passeig de Gracià, you’ll find a second building of Gaudi: Casa Milà. The building looks rugged and is easily seen from the street.

10) Palau Nacional

Palau Nacional was built for the International Exhibition in 1929. Today, the palace is a museum that displays Catalan art. Don’t forget to stroll around the gardens! They are also quite beautiful.

Rain fact: Can be done when it’s raining. We spent our rainy day here.

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11) Parc de la Ciutadella

This park was once a fort but is now a parc thanks to Gaudi. He built the fountains and gardens. Today you can find a zoo in it, a museum and a boat renting service. A perfect getaway from the city buzz. The original entrance of the park used to be at the Arc de Triomf but is now just a few 100 meters from the Arc.

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12) Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

The abbey of Montserrat lies on a mountain with the same name. If you want to get away from the city and hike a bit, then go to Montserrat. There is also a cable cart for those who are not hiking lovers but do love a good view.

13) Camp Nou

Camp Nou is the soccer stadium of F.C. Barcelona. I’ve visited the stadium on a school trip back in 2011. The stadium was huge and I liked it!

14) Tapas

You have to eat tapas in Spain and you’re in luck because Barcelona has plenty of tapas bars. Just walk into one and order some patatas and a cocktail!

15) Plaça d’Espanya

The Plaça d’Espanya is no square but is actually a roundabout with a gate to the hill Montjuïc. Watch out for traffic, this is a busy roundabout!

Life of a Passion