Choosing a starting point or to pick which sight to see in order to best explore the city can be difficult as there are almost too many things you could choose to do. Here are the top 10 sights you have to stop by to have a taste of Barcelona’s culture, history and lifestyle!
La Sagrada Familia
An iconic landmark of Barcelona and the incredible Antonio Gaudi is the La Sagrada Familia. This exceptional architectural wonder is set to be completed in 2026 and has been under construction since 1882. Despite it being unfinished, this well-loved UNESCO-listed cathedral brings in more than 4.5 million visitors a year and is the most visited site in Spain! Much more than just a building, this awe-inspiring work of art is the reflection of Gaudi’s most lauded innovations where almost every corner is unique and distinct on its own.
Want to get to as many iconic landmarks as conveniently as possible? Opt to explore Barcelona with the Hop-On Hop-Off bus!
Park Guell
One of the most stunning parks in the world, Park Guell is the brainchild of the artistic genius, Antonio Gaudi. Initially constructed as a private park, it is now beloved by many all around the world. Like La Sagrada Familia, this park is still under construction but is considered to be Gaudi’s most playful and exuberant creation. With its bright colors, mind-boggling shapes and impressive structures, it is not a wonder why UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site. For those who love to ponder upon the inspiration for art, this park is also famously known for its complex iconography which invites people to think about the references!
Get your tickets ready to explore this legendary park here as you bask in Gaudi’s creativity in nature!
Casa Mila
Better known as La Pedrera or “the stone quarry”, Casa Mila is a modernist building designed by Antoni Gaudi. This building is as functional as it is ornamental, making a bold statement about art. Started in 1906 and finished in 1912, the building is known for its large sculpted wave-shape face and the abstract motifs it exudes. Resembling an open quarry, the design is greatly inspired by nature with the front designed to look like massive rock decorated with bold lines and iron decorations. The facade of the building may be enough to entice you to visit, but the interior of Casa Mila is no less enchanting! A favorite feature that many enjoy is the roof terrace, with thirty chimneys, two ventilator towers and six stairway exits. It creates the illusion of a carved out garden. Be sure to catch the impressive view of the city from the terrace when you get there!
Get your hands on the tickets to Casa Mila and admire the work of Gaudi on your own!
Casa Batllo
Located within the popular district, Paseo de Garcia, Casa Batllo is another one of Antonio Gaudi’s incredible masterpieces that was initially designed by Gaudi’s architecture teacher, Emilio Sala Cortes. Gaudi transformed Casa Batllo from a classic style to a wondrous art nouveau monument to showcase his talents.
Within, almost every corner is illuminated thanks to the main skylight reflecting off the colorful tiles that Gaudi specially chose. Like Casa Mila, Casa Batllo has the same wavy facade which is further especially breathtaking to look at during dawn and dusk. Known as “House of the Dragon”, take a picture of the spectacular ceramic tiles which form a colourful mantle resembling a dragon’s back.
Enter the world of Gaudi’s architecture at Casa Batllo and get your tickets here!
La Rambla
Between the famous neighbourhoods, Barri Gotic and El Raval, La Rambla is a street that branches out into many smaller and shorter lanes where you can explore and experience life in Barcelona. To the north, you can find Placa de Catalunya, a square considered to be the city center and to the east, you can find the Gothic Quarter, home to an incredible array of exciting sights like the Font de Canaletes, cafes and a variety of stores.
You can also find historic monuments and buildings like the Palace of the Virreina and the Liceu Theatre, where you can enjoy operas and ballet performances. Grab a bite at the famed La Boqueria, a large public market, as you take your time to explore the entire street.
Barrio Gotico
Known best as the historical center of Barcelona, Barri Gotic or Gothic Quarters, is one of the oldest parts of the city and features landmarks that are loved for both its deep-rooted history and preserved beauty. To this day, the district retains much of its old labyrinth-like street structure, with many of the streets leading to peaceful squares, perfect for a day of exploration.
La Boqueria Market
Said to be the oldest market in the city existing since 1217, the market is home to 330 stores which peddle all kinds of food and scrumptious desserts. Despite the area being a tourist landmark, it stays true to its local authenticity which you will enjoy as you dive into the excellent food choices!
Also read: 8 Must-try Food in Barcelona
Picasso Museum
Are you an art lover lost in Barcelona? Make your way to the renowned Museo Picasso or the Picasso Museum where you can awe over 4,200 works by the famous 20th-century Spanish artist. Housed in five adjoining medieval palaces, this is the first museum dedicated to the late artist’s work. Some of the featured artworks that are must-sees include The First Communion (1896) and Science and Charity (1897). You will also be able to learn more about Picasso’s relationship with the city which allowed him to mold his talents and shape his youth.
Dream of seeing the artworks of the great Picasso? Get your tickets here!
Placa de Catalunya
Placa de Catalunya was designed in 1859 to carry symbolic structures as the city’s center. Around the area, you can also find gothic monasteries and 19th-century architecture, a perfect blend of old and new. As you walk around the area, two of Barcelona’s famous streets, La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia are also close by, so you can explore and enjoy Barcelona productively!
La Barceloneta
Nestled in the classic neighborhood of La Barceloneta, Barceloneta Beach is one of Barcelona’s oldest and well-loved beaches. It is located in the traditional fishing district, home to incredible food, lively beaches and of course, enchanting architecture. Undeniably, the beaches take the cake with their sports infrastructures, delicious seafood restaurants and incredible views. The beaches which you can visit here include Sant Sebastia, Barceloneta, Sant Miguel and Somorrostro. You can even ride a cable car from the beach up to a viewpoint!
