What to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona is a bustling, but beautiful European city you should set out to discover.

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Years ago, my friend Cathy predicted I would fall in love with Barcelona, and she was right. Not only did I fall head over heels with the actual city, but with so much of the Spanish culture as well. The architecture, the climate, and its food, like the ever so popular patatas bravas–a simple potato tapas–made it difficult not to be smitten.

Since my first trip, I have boomeranged back to Barcelona several times. I simply can’t stay away. I took my cousin Denisa once, and my mother another time.

I want to share my tips for first time visitors to Barcelona,  however, I’m not attempting to tell you all about a city where I don’t live; you can visit Catalunya.com for that.  Nevertheless, for some basic, overall advice I give my friends and family, here are my tips for what to do in Barcelona. You could also say it’s my “don’t miss” list for this Spanish city.

Walk the Streets of Barcelona

Barcelona is a very walkable city, and I saw so much more than I would have if I’d taken a taxi or the Metro. Obviously, in most large cities you’ll have to take some form of transportation for longer distances, but if you’re someone who likes to walk (and is able), be a pedestrian as much as you can. I felt comfortable walking the city alone, but you do need to be vigilant about keeping your purse/wallet/phone close to you.

My cousins used the Metro as they stayed outside the center of the city, and they loved it to get back and forth from their hotel which was less expensive than those in the city center. The following photos give an example of some sights along the streets of Barcelona.

TIP: when you have WiFi, download the Google map of the city to which you are traveling. Then, even when you don’t have Wifi while you are in that city, you can still use your offline map for directions. 

As I’m writing this, I have my son and daughter in mind as they are both traveling in Europe next month and will meet each other in beautiful Barcelona! I’m going to buy them tickets to visit La Sagrada Familia so they can visit together. I want to make sure they don’t miss it (more to come on Gaudi and his incredible cathedral which is pictured below).

Originally intended as a housing development in growing Barcelona which didn’t come to fruition, it was turned into a park. Antoni Gaudí’s artistic talent is seen throughout Barcelona, but this park is one of his most famous attractions, although it’s not entirely his design. Read more about Gaudi before going to Barcelona.

It is the location of one of the most iconic views of Barcelona as one can see much of the city, and the sea from this vantage point. 

Gaudí actually lived in the house that is adjacent to the park for many years, before moving into accommodations at La Sagrada Familia, until his death. 

I would also plan to be there earlier than the show begins. When I visited in December, there was a sizeable crowd. I was able to go twice, once alone, and then with my husband, cousin and her husband. Everyone loved it and there is no charge. I’ve since returned during each visit. (FREE.)

The National Art Museum of Catalonia

I know some people aren’t interested in museums, but besides the fact that this one holds more than a quarter of a million works of art, the building itself and view from the top are two other solid reasons to go. It’s easy for me to say that I loved The National Art Museum of Catalonia, and my husband really enjoyed it, too. Inside and out, the building itself is simply stunning.

It was serendipitous for us that I asked a staff person a simple question about the museum.  My query led to us discovering the top of the museum which affords the most amazing views of the rear of the museum’s gardens, and the city of Barcelona from the front. Nowhere did we see that we could venture there. 

TIP: You may also want to download an app for the museum, as none of the artworks are described in English.

My husband and I hadn’t planned to spend as much time as we did at The National Art Museum of Catalonia, and in the end, we had to pry ourselves away to see other attractions. 

If you have the time, plan to spend at least 3 hours here. If it’s raining, this is the perfect outing when you think about what to do in Barcelona.

We also noticed the museum’s restaurant also has incredible views from expansive windows which we would have loved to try. 

 

(There is an admission fee for this museum.)

Speaking of views…

The Columbus Monument

Believe it or not, you can go up to the top of this Columbus monument in Barcelona. I don’t think too many people know about it because at one point, I had it all to myself! You’ll get some of the best views of the city and waterfront!

The Gothic Quarter

A central part of Barcelona, with many ancient buildings, including some from Roman times. The Barcelona Cathedral is located in the Gothic Quarter and it’s just a place with its own unique atmosphere that is different than any other part of the city.

I was there before Christmas and there was a Christmas market on, although it wasn’t anything like the markets I’d visited in Germany. 

Christmas markets in Barcelona have a very specific theme of selling mostly Christmas decor, such as nativity sets and Catalan Christmas logs for children.

A strange Spanish Christmas custom is that of the “caganer”, translated to “the pooper” which is a figurine (ranging from the traditional man, to Star Wars/movie/cartoon characters, or heads of countries) who is squatting and pooping. I must say, I was rather surprised by these stands.

This “caganer” is placed somewhere near the nativity set and it seems to be that if he/she is missing, it can bring bad luck. As I said, to me, it was very strange, but then, many customs and traditions are rather bizarre if we think about them (like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny).