I have visited Barcelona three times, twice with Roman and once with my cousin. On one occasion, we combined the visit with a trip to Palma de Mallorca, and on another with a vacation in Costa Brava. Barcelona is a city rich in attractions, excellent restaurants, tapas bars and sangria, diverse shopping stores, green parks, museums, impressive architectural buildings, and vibrant nightlife. It is a city that has everything, culture, cuisine, beaches, and a warm atmosphere. The locals are known for their joy of life and friendly attitude, making the visit especially enjoyable.
If you come to Barcelona for only one day, it is recommended to start at the colorful La Rambla boulevard, enjoy the stalls and street performances, and visit La Boqueria market for tastings of the local cuisine. With two days you can expand and visit Gaudi’s stunning Sagrada Familia church (it is advisable to book tickets in advance), and then continue with a tour of the Gothic Quarter that will take you into the history and atmosphere of the old city. For three days it is recommended to add a visit to Park Güell with the colorful sculptures and panoramic views, as well as a tapas and wine tour that will give you an authentic culinary experience. If you have four days, you can deepen the experience at the CosmoCaixa Science Museum, take a free guided tour following Gaudi’s works, and finish with a boat ride from Barcelona’s port or a relaxed picnic in Ciutadella Park. This way you can enjoy a combination of culture, food, nature, and views in Barcelona according to the length of your stay. 
Accommodation in Barcelona
During my visits to the city, I stayed in several places:
- Catalonia Plaza Hotel – a pleasant hotel with good service and a central location.
- Airbnb on a side street off La Rambla – a cozy and quiet apartment, but it is no longer available for rent.
- Boutique Hotel Catedral in the Gothic Quarter – a 4-star boutique hotel in an excellent location in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The hotel is about a five-minute walk from La Rambla and approximately 20 minutes on foot from the sea. Public transportation is very accessible from the hotel. Among the services it offers are a rooftop pool, a restaurant-bar, free cheese tasting and a glass of wine for guests, and two guided city tours on Sundays and Wednesdays. I wrote a detailed post about Hotel Catedral.
When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
For a relaxed city trip: September-October or May-June
For beaches and parties: Late May until the end of September
For good shopping: January-February (winter sales), July-August (summer sales) How did we get around the city?
Here is a list of my top recommended things to do in Barcelona. Some are popular and well-known, and some are less known but definitely worth visiting. Santa Caterina Market
Santa Caterina Market is a great option for those looking for a local market experience that is calmer and more pleasant than the bustle of La Boqueria Market. It is a small, colorful market within walking distance from our hotel and just a few minutes from the Gothic Quarter. It has stalls with fresh produce like fruits and vegetables, cheeses, seafood, and meats.
After wandering a bit in the market, we sat down at a restaurant located right at its entrance. The place is very nice, with seating outside, at the bar inside, or at tables. The menu is very varied and includes tapas, seafood, meats, pastas, and more.
We ordered grilled calamari with asparagus, which seems to be one of the recommended dishes because we saw many people ordering it. It was amazing. We also ordered pasta with shrimp which was okay but not particularly exciting, and salmon tapas. Of course, we also drank sangria.
Prices in the restaurant are not cheap, and our meal cost 40 euros, but there is no doubt that the calamari dish was worth it. If you are in the area, it’s an excellent place to stop for a tasty lunch with a local atmosphere.
La Rambla Boulevard
You can’t visit Barcelona without walking along La Rambla, one of the most iconic and lively streets in the city. It is a wide and bustling boulevard that starts at Plaça de Catalunya and continues down to the port near the Columbus statue. No matter what time you arrive there, you will always find crowds of people, and that is exactly part of its charm.
Along the boulevard, there are countless colorful stalls, souvenir shops, street performances, and local artists. Additionally, there are restaurants and bars on both sides, so you can always stop for a coffee, a drink, or a light meal while strolling.
We walked there a few times, enjoyed the atmosphere, and took photos. It is a great place to soak in the city’s vibe, especially the first time you visit Barcelona.
A little tip for food lovers: The famous La Boqueria Market is located right next to the boulevard, a colorful and tasty experience highly recommended. 
La Boqueria Market
If you are already on La Rambla, visiting La Boqueria Market is almost a must. It is one of the most famous and colorful markets in Europe, and without a doubt one of the main highlights of visiting Barcelona. The market is located adjacent to La Rambla and has been operating since the 13th century, but the current building dates from the 19th century. It offers both a culinary and visual experience.
The market is very large and packed with all kinds of delicacies: local cheeses, sausages, sweets, chocolates, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, seafood, meats, pastries, spices, and freshly squeezed juices. Among the stalls are also small bars and food counters where you can sit and order hot dishes, tapas, drinks, and coffee.
Although prices at the bars and restaurants within the market are not cheap, the quality is very high, and the ingredients are extremely fresh. For those who prefer something lighter or simpler, the market also offers many stalls selling snacks, cut fruit cups, natural juice glasses, and a variety of treats to take away.
A recommended idea is to buy a variety of foods at the market and take them for a picnic in one of the city parks. Barcelona is full of pleasant public gardens suitable for this, such as Ciutadella Park or Montjuïc Hill, where you can enjoy food outdoors.
La Boqueria Market is not just a place to eat but also a place to soak in the local atmosphere, admire the design, smells, colors, and the vibrant rhythm of the city. It’s recommended to arrive in the morning or around noon when it is not too crowded yet. 
Tourist Bus – Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
After breakfast, we went to Plaça Catalunya and boarded the tourist bus. The bus is a convenient and pleasant way to tour the city, especially when the trip time is short. There are three routes in different colors, each stopping at major points of interest. During the ride, you can listen to explanations about the sites in different languages, including Hebrew, through personal headphones. The bus allows you to get on and off at various stops, so you can customize the tour according to your time and interests. Additionally, there are seats on the upper deck where you can enjoy a pleasant breeze and an open view of the city.
Tickets for the bus can be purchased with free cancellation options. 
Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous churches in the world, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and still under construction. The church is an important symbol of Barcelona and one of the main attractions in the city.
Entering the church is highly recommended but it is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially with skip-the-line options, as very long queues can form at the entrance. The interior visit is very impressive, with unique design, stunning stained glass windows, and complex architectural works that reflect Gaudí’s special vision.
During our last visit, we only toured around the church. Previously, on a Gaudí tour, we received a lot of fascinating information about the history and artistic meanings of the church.
The location has very accessible public transportation. There is a tourist bus that passes every five minutes, allowing easy arrival and return. If one bus is full, you can wait calmly for the next one and avoid overcrowding.
Sagrada Familia is an unforgettable experience, both architecturally and in terms of the feeling of visiting a place still being built after more than a hundred years.
Tickets for guided tours with skip-the-line access are available with free cancellation options.
Combo tickets are also available for a guided tour of Sagrada Familia and Park Güell with skip-the-line and free cancellation. 
Park Güell
Park Güell is one of the most iconic and spectacular sites in Barcelona, designed and decorated by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus stops about a 10-minute walk from the main entrance, which is centrally located (there is a map for arrival). Entrance through the main gate costs 7.5 euros for adults. However, there is an option to enter through the second gate, which requires a fairly long climb, and there the entrance is free. Twice we climbed the stairs through this gate, and the last time we entered through the main entrance. The park uniquely combines organic architecture with nature, featuring colorful sculptures, fountains, and terraces with stunning views of the city. Although the park is quite crowded, anyone coming to Barcelona must visit it.
Combo tickets for a guided tour of Sagrada Familia and Park Güell with skip-the-line and free cancellation are also available. 
Science Museum in Barcelona
The CosmoCaixa Barcelona Museum is a huge and diverse museum that can fill an entire day of visiting. It is one of the most impressive science museums around. The museum includes a replica of the Amazon rainforest with a complete ecosystem, consisting of crocodiles, various species of animals, and plants typical to the area. In addition, it features fascinating exhibitions in physics, robots, optical illusions, and more. The place is suitable for all ages, exciting both adults and children.
One of the main attractions in the museum is the Geological Wall, which includes seven sections of real rocks demonstrating different geological structures from around the world. The museum also has the “Room of Interest” — a fascinating journey through the evolution of matter and life on Earth, including interactive experiments, real objects, and living creatures.
Additionally, the planetarium invites visitors on a journey through time and space with special and spectacular projections.
The museum is an excellent activity for families, and we saw many families with children there. It is especially suitable for rainy or very hot days when you want a fun indoor activity. Even if you are not a big fan of museums, this one is likely to leave a positive impression.
We visited the museum for only two and a half hours due to a tight schedule and were disappointed we couldn’t stay longer and explore more.
The museum has a cafeteria where you can eat lunch or drink coffee with snacks. Entrance to the museum requires a fee. Additionally, the museum offers educational workshops for children, making it very attractive for families. 
Tapas and Drinks Tour
Before arriving in Barcelona, I knew a food tour was a must. The city is famous for its tapas and excellent wine scene, and I wanted to try as many authentic Catalan flavors as possible. I searched for a food tour combined with wine and a local guide and finally found a tour with Adrian. Adrian had excellent reviews, so I just emailed him to join the tour.
On a Saturday afternoon in early September, we started the tour at a meeting point near a metro station with a group of people from different countries. The first stop was a small, hidden local bar where we tasted sparkling wine, Manchego cheese, cold cuts, and for dessert a glass of cava. Throughout the tour, Adrian told us about the history of the food, differences between types of wine and cava, and showed us authentic and hidden spots in the city. We continued tasting patatas bravas, a popular potato dish, and a spicy tapa called bomba, as well as bread with tomato in a special ritual.
The next stops included olives, chorizo, ratatouille, and excellent wine until we finished with rosé wine, tomato salad, anchovies, fried snacks, and spicy sausages. The experience was not only tasty but also immersive, with a relaxed atmosphere and a knowledgeable guide who provided a unique perspective on authentic and magical Barcelona. Detailed post about the tapas tour.
Tickets for the tapas tour with Adrian can be purchased with a free cancellation option 
Gothic Quarter Tour
We took a free tour through the Gothic Quarter organized by Hotel Catedral, where we stayed on our last visit to Barcelona. There is also an option to do the free Gothic Quarter tour even if you are not staying at the hotel. Many companies offer free tours in the city. The last time we were in Barcelona, we did a Gaudí tour with Runners company, which also offers a Gothic Quarter tour.
The Gothic Quarter is one of the oldest and most spectacular areas in Barcelona. It features narrow, winding alleys, small streets with buildings from the 14th and 15th centuries, and charming lively squares. Here you can find the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral, unique boutique shops, small cafes, and bars with an authentic atmosphere. The quarter is the heart of the city’s historical culture and is full of interesting stories from the past, making visiting it a special experience.
The tour itself is very interesting, and I personally love free tours because they allow you to learn a lot about the history of the destination and discover places worth returning to on your own. Guides always have recommendations for less-known local spots and useful tips. That’s why I always recommend doing at least one tip-based free tour in every destination you visit. 
Gaudi Tour
There are many types of free tours based on tips that you can do in Barcelona. We chose the Gaudí tour with Runnerbean Tours. The tour is very interesting and lasts about three hours. It’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Antoni Gaudí was a brilliant and innovative Catalan architect, considered one of the greatest influences on modern architecture in Barcelona and worldwide. His works are characterized by organic lines, use of natural materials, and unique shapes inspired by nature. During the tour, you visit buildings designed by Gaudí like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló, and learn the stories behind them and the unique methods he used.
Usually, when passing these buildings alone, you might not know much about them, but the tour provides in-depth information that helps better understand Gaudí’s huge influence on the cityscape and Catalan culture. The tour also offers insight into his inspirations and the special architectural art he created. We really enjoyed the tour and felt the experience was enriching and fascinating. 
Boat Tour from Barcelona Port
When the weather is nice, one of the recommended activities in Barcelona is a boat tour that offers a different perspective of the city — from the sea. There are options for a short 40-minute tour or a longer one of about an hour and a half. We chose the 40-minute tour, and I think it was just the right experience,enough time to enjoy the view and keep feeling refreshed.
Tickets can be booked online in advance, which is especially convenient during tourist seasons, or you can go directly to the port and buy tickets on site.
The tour is suitable for all ages and allows you to admire the coastline and port, modern buildings alongside historic ones, and enjoy the clear air and relative calm of the sea.
For ticket purchases, you can visit the official website to book in advance or buy on location as convenient.
Besides the basic boat tour, there are also various other types of tours in Barcelona, for example:
- Sailing tour with light snacks and an open bar
- Sunset boat tour with live jazz music
- Boat adventure with winery tasting in a small group
- Unique sunset boat experience with tapas and open bar
Tapas and Sangria
In Barcelona, it’s hard to ignore the perfect combination of tapas with a cold glass of sangria. It seems like not a day went by without me drinking sangria, it’s tasty, refreshing, and priced so you want another one. It’s simply part of the local experience.
The city is full of tapas restaurants of every kind, and if you love tasting a variety of small dishes instead of ordering one main course, Barcelona is a culinary paradise. The world of tapas is not just food but away to socialize, drink, share, and feel part of the local culture.
One restaurant I really liked is Cerveseria Catalana, they have a large selection of tapas, a great atmosphere, and the place is always full of locals and tourists alike.
And don’t forget to finish the meal with the classic Catalan dessert, crema catalana, a dessert similar to crème brûlée but with a local twist. Definitely a sweet ending to a delicious meal. 
Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park is one of the greenest and most pleasant places in Barcelona, considered the city’s green lung. It is a huge and well-maintained park suitable for resting, a relaxing walk, a picnic on the grass, or just sitting in the shade and enjoying the atmosphere.
The park includes open spaces, shaded lawns, pleasant walking paths, and even a beautiful lake where you can rent paddle boats and row among the swans. In the park, you will also find the Barcelona Zoo, considered one of its main attractions and especially suitable for families with children. Additionally, there is the Zoological Museum, a magnificent fountain partially designed by the young Gaudí, and small bridges that add to the magical atmosphere.
Entrance to the park is free, and it is suitable to visit at any time of the day. Many local residents come there in the late afternoon and evening to relax from the busy city. If you are looking for a quiet natural corner in the heart of Barcelona, this is the perfect place. 
The Cable Car and the Magic Fountains
One of the beautiful experiences in Barcelona is riding the cable car that leads up to Montjuïc Hill. It is highly recommended to do this during the day to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the entire city, including the sea, the port, La Rambla, and the Sagrada Familia. The ride itself is short but impressive, and the views are worth every moment.
After finishing the cable car ride, you can continue on foot to the Magic Fountains of Barcelona (update 2025: the fountains are currently not operating) — one of the city’s most beloved attractions. This is a water, light, and music show held in front of the Palau Nacional, not far from Plaça d’Espanya. The fountains change colors, move to the rhythm of the music, and create an exciting and impressive experience for all ages. Each show lasts about 15 minutes, and in the evenings the place fills up with people, both locals and tourists, who come to watch and be amazed.
The fountain’s operating hours vary depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check in advance on the tourist information center’s website.
You can return down by cable car or walk down through pleasant paths that lead back to the city center. The whole experience combines nature, views, architecture, and art — making it a perfect end to a day of sightseeing in Barcelona. 
Football Match at Camp Nou Stadium
If you happen to visit Barcelona during a Barcelona FC game, don’t miss the chance to watch it at Camp Nou stadium. Even if you’re not a football fan or used to watching games at home, it is a completely different experience. The excitement in the air, the fans’ songs, the crowd’s energy, and the electrifying atmosphere all create an unforgettable evening.
Camp Nou stadium, which was formerly the home of the Barcelona team and is considered one of the most iconic stadiums in the world, holds nearly one hundred thousand seats. Seeing it full of fans, especially during an important game, is an experience that’s hard to put into words. You just have to be there to understand.
We bought our tickets through Barcelona’s official website, which is important to avoid scams or inflated prices. Tickets can be collected on the morning of the game, and there is also an option to buy digital tickets in advance and receive a scan code. Getting to the stadium is simple and convenient — there is a very close metro station with direct and easy access.
Currently, the stadium is undergoing renovations (as of 2025), but home games are held at the team’s temporary stadium, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, located on Montjuïc Hill. The atmosphere there is also excellent, and the views from the field are amazing. In any case, if there is a game in the city, it’s worth planning your evening around it. It’s one of the most authentic ways to experience Barcelona’s local culture. Other Things to Do in Barcelona
Whether it’s your first time in Barcelona or you keep returning, the city always manages to surprise, excite, and leave you wanting more. With a rare combination of breathtaking architecture, colorful markets, sunny beaches, fascinating museums, rich cuisine, and vibrant nightlife — Barcelona offers a complete experience for every type of traveler. From wandering the Gothic Quarter to a Gaudí tour, from a harbor boat ride to tasting tapas and wine, every moment in the city feels like a new discovery. Barcelona is not just a tourist destination, it is an ongoing celebration of culture, flavor, scenery, and people.
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