15 Things to See and Do in Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona has stunning architectural diversity, interesting modern galleries, tasty cuisine and world-class weather. It's one of Europe's most popular destinations, and the local population is a diverse cultural melting pot. There's something for everyone, including clean urban beaches, renowned nightlife and endless shopping. Barcelona's must-see list is as plentiful as its sunny days.

A Catholic basilica designed by the late Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia is the world's largest unfinished church and a Barcelona icon. It has been under construction for over 100 years and is expected to be completed by 2026. Make sure to book tickets ahead of time, because the grand basilica attracts 3 million visitors annually.

Enjoy fresh seafood and coastal sunshine along Barcelona's beachfront boardwalk. Whether walking the popular Barceloneta Beach or participating in water sports, a day at the beach should be at the top of your to-do list. Barceloneta Beach is the city's busiest stretch of sand and is perfectly located close to many main attractions.

Barcelona's most famous street, Las Rambla, is a one-mile promenade through the heart of the city from Placa Cataluyna to Port Vell. A walk down the street and you'll pass by living statues, street performers, flower-stands and food vendors. Originally the area consisted of multiple mini-Rambla, but they have been lumped together to create the impressive Las Rambla. Make sure to routinely check your belongings, as this is a popular spot for pickpockets.

Covered in shards of stained glass, numerous mosaics and delightful colors, Casa Batllo is another architectural masterpiece created by Antoni Gaudi. Influenced by nature, the building has no straight lines, with contortions mimicking animal bones, dragons, the sea and forests. The twisting interior makes for a grand and interesting experience.

Barcelona's oldest and most popular market, the bustling La Boqueria is filled with over 200 stands and sits along La Rambla. The huge public market dates back to the 1200s and still sells a rainbow selection of fruit, local seafood and a collection of worldly spices. Eat at the market's central restaurant for some Spanish tapas, or venture deeper into the stalls to find something new.

Reminiscent of a fantasy landscape, Park Guell is another Gaudi masterpiece to be found in Barcelona. Spiral towers look like fairground slides and rocky walkways look like abandoned caves. Climb to the top of the park, overlooking the city below, and create your own postcard with a photo of the famous mosaic lizard. Just make sure you're fine with little wiggle-room because everyone else will be taking the same picture.

As revered as a religious site, a visit to Camp Nou is essential for every soccer fan. It has been the home to the FC Barcelona team since 1957 and is one of the biggest stadiums in Europe. Even for non-football fans, the energizing atmosphere is incredible, with the passionate fans creating a lively experience. You can buy tickets online or at the gates up to 72 hours before a match.

Barcelona has always had strong ties to the sea and Port Vell is the city's most notable harbor. The impressive harbor is filled with boats of all shapes and sizes, ranging from small dinghies to enormous yachts. Additionally, you can find many monuments and museums surrounding the harbor, such as the Columbus Monument, the Maritime Museum and the Aquarium. Make sure to stroll along the boardwalk at Port Vell or take the Port Vell Cable Car for great views of the Harbor.

The Transbordador Aeri del Port (Port Cable Car) links Barceloneta Beach to mount Montjuic while traversing the harbor below. The red and white cabins can accommodate up to 20 people and the ride is a short 8 minutes. From the top of Montjuic you can see sweeping vistas of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, on the mountain, there are many activities including hiking, garden strolls and a castle tour.

Overlooking the city from Mount Tibidabo, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is one of Europe's oldest and most charming amusement parks. There are numerous rides, some offering incredible panoramic views, as well as carnival games in the park. Additionally, you can stop by the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, with its enormous bronze statue of Jesus, for more impressive architecture and views of the city, sea and hills below.

It might not be as revered as the La Sagrada Familia, but the Catedral de Barcelona should not be missed. The giant cathedral stands out against narrow alleyways and tiny shops and its stunning architectural design highlights the beauty of the gothic quarter. While inside, make sure to take the short elevator ride to the top for a great view of the city.

Located on the shores of the Mediterranean, the cuisine of Barcelona has been shaped by its proximity to the sea. Whether eating seafood Paella, fine mussels, bright prawns or a fried basket of sardines, the food is sure to be delicious. If passing through La Mercado Boqueria, make sure to stop for some delicious seafood.

Paris isn't the only city with a famous arch, Barcelona's Arc del Triomf is quite an impressive sight. It was built as the entrance to the World Fair of 1888 and is a civil monument rather than a military one. Make sure to walk through the arch and down the palm tree-lined promenade where you'll find cyclists, skaters, street artists and more.

Located at the top of Las Rambla, the square of Placa Catalunya is a great place for an afternoon picnic and might be the best meeting point in the city due to its central geography. If you're looking for popular restaurants or luxury shopping, nothing will be far from this grand square. If you are new to the city and want to get oriented, start your journey from the Placa Catalunya.

For all the sweet tooths out there, Barcelona has its own Chocolate Museum. It's an interesting and delicious stop you must make while visiting Barcelona. You will learn the history of chocolate, from its origins as a spicy drink to its enjoyment as a French sweet. The museum is interactive and offers a different workshop for adults and kids.