21+ Really Good Things to Do in Barcelona City
- Fletch
- Mar 4, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: May 26
A Growing List of Amazing Things to Do in Barcelona: A Mix of Iconic, Local, and Laid-Back City Experiences based on our experience of living in Barcelona as digital nomads with kids who slow travel full time to find THE best things to do wherever we call home for that particular month! This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!
Barcelona is a city that invites you to both marvel and meander. The shock of arriving in a European city straight off the plane from 2 months in the safest city in the world (Chiang Mai, Thailand), the home of 300+ temples, monks, a buddhist way of life and kindness was a total culture shock. We'd been living in Hindu based Bali and South East Asia for the year prior to this too. Where crime is low by Western standards and mostly sorted out by the village Banjar (a group of village elders for each village/town - and hence hardly exists because you don't mess with your elders in those cultures). There's an element of respect, morality and connection to all living things that is lost amongst multi-cultural western cities. So, (I especially) started my time in Barcelona most definitely on the wrong foot. And desperate to get back to my peaceful, safe and kind life. I forgot just how intense Western living was. How intense the energies were. And how full on it is to walk past groups of men hanging around the streets (as a girl). Well, I'm a 42 year old Mum but I till get hassled. And I'd left the fear and agitated central nervous system back in the West in June 2024. Only to land in Barcelona, wondering why the hell we came here. But we came here as a stop off on our way to New York (an unexpected detour on our travel plans, as we'd always planned to be based SEAsia way o explore everything that way), our eldest Daughter won a competition for her art work (she's extremely talented btw) and got her artwork into a prestigious gallery to be held in New York and showcased in Times Square - and so - we could not miss her debut - and decided to half travel to Europe - rest over for 1 month - then take the onward trip to New York. We settled for Barcelona because Si's eldest Son lives there, so it would be the perfect opportunity to catch up. Anyway (in case you're wondering) I only had a few things shouted at me in the street and a ball kicked at me because I didn't give in to the intentions of a man that was shouting for me to talk to him. I realise it's no big crime, but fresh off a 20+ hour flights it caught me completely off guard and I was shaky. Plus the ball hurt me.
So, anyway, moany rant over - we're now settling into the swing of Barcelona life. And day by day the city wows us with her charm.
Whether you're here for a whirlwind weekend or, like us, spending a slow month soaking in its rhythm, pottering around it's Pedestrian-only streets, taking photo's of the graffiti shutters during the day, to find them all open by night as eateries or cool creative spaces, the city offers something for every type of traveler. Perfect for foodies - the city found renewed culinary fame as the capital of the 2025 World Region of Gastronomy (the first European region to receive this distinction). And of course the classic must do's, from Gaudí's architectural wonders to serene neighbourhood strolls, here's a curated list of the best things to do in Barcelona—perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking to go beyond the obvious. This is our list of good things to do in Barcelona, for those spending more time in the city, mixing daily life with sightseeing, and likely with kids in tow. This isn’t just a tourist checklist; it blends must-sees, slow moments, and local gems because with our guides we want to share with you all the things to do in Barcelona city that allow you to experience the city rather than just see it.
🌟 Iconic Barcelona (Yes, They’re Worth It!)
Sagrada Família Gaudí’s masterpiece is a must-see. Book tickets ahead of time and aim for a morning visit. Even kids are often amazed by the kaleidoscopic stained glass and forest-like interiors. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Park Güell Park Güell A colourful park filled with whimsical designs and storybook architecture. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ideal for a family picnic or just walk around and take in the sights. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Casa Batlló & Casa Milà (La Pedrera) Two stunning Gaudí-designed buildings along Passeig de Gràcia. The facades alone are worth the stop, but touring inside is a surreal experience. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Casa Batlló glistening in the sun Magic Fountain of Montjuïc A light and music show that feels like magic for all ages. Note the fountain is closed at the moment due to drought conditions but is set to re-open in June 2025 - Check the schedule, especially in warmer months.
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) A labyrinth of ancient alleyways, hidden squares, and Roman ruins. Perfect for a self-guided treasure hunt. This tour takes you to La Boqueria Markets + Las Ramblas (as well as Old Town and Gothic Quarter sights). Book Now at Get Your Guide
Santa Maria del Mar - Gothic church, that was shaken by a major earthquake in 1428. Then, in July 1936, it was set on fire and burned for 11 days straight. Look inside, and you’ll still see the black scorch marks on the roof. Book Now with Terrace access at Get Your Guide
🏖️ Relaxed Outdoor Fun in Barcelona
Barceloneta Beach & Port Vell Great for a sunny stroll or seafood by the sea. It's busy, but fun, with an unbeatable atmosphere. If you walk further along the shore, you’ll get to Nova Icaria and St. Pol de Mar, both much queiter beaches
Ciutadella Park One of our favourite spots for a picnic and a relaxed afternoon. A green oasis in the city. You can hire paddle boats or rowing boats on the lake, relax on wide grassy lawns, there are children's playgrounds, and a giant mammoth statue. You can visit the Zoo there or You can also take a Segway Ride Tour through Ciutadella Park Book Now at Get Your Guide we prefer to just walk around and soak up the atmosphere with a picnic.
Montjuïc Hill Ride the cable car and visit Montjuïc Castle, or take a walk to enjoy panoramic views. There's also a botanical garden and the Olympic stadium. BOOK NOW AT GETYOURGUIDE The Magic Fountain and El Poble Espanyol is there so combine a visit.
Bunkers del Carmel A local favourite for sunset views over the city, located at the top of Turó de la Rovira in Carmel, at a height of 262 meters you can see the entire city of Barcelona (with 360-degree views). Bring snacks and a blanket for the full effect. It's a steep climb to get there, but it's worth it, as you can enjoy magnificent views of Barcelona. Bunkers del Carmel has 6 access doors to enter all free to enter but make note of the Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (summer) - 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (winter). Close by to Park Guell so you could combine the 2 in a day visit.
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
🍅 Foodie Experiences in Barcelona
La Boqueria Market Barcelona's oldest market - Iconic and vibrant. Grab a fresh juice, sample tapas, and soak in the lively chaos. This tour takes you to La Boqueria Markets + Las Ramblas (as well as Old Town and Gothic Quarter sights). Book Now at Get Your Guide
Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat de la Concepció More local, less touristy, and just as delicious. Perfect for a weekday market wander.
Tapas Tour (DIY or Guided) From patatas bravas to bombas, explore tapas bars in El Born or Gràcia for a true taste of Catalonia. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Chocolate Museum (Museu de la Xocolata) A sweet little stop, especially with kids. Bonus: entry includes a chocolate bar.
La Rambla / Las Ramblas Take a potter on Barcelona's most famous street. This one-mile pedestrianized boulevard from Plaça Cataluyna to Port Vell. Filled with florists, street artists, and stalls with sweet treats, souvenirs and ice creams. Take a walking tour with an expert guide to find the hidden gems. This tour takes you to Las Ramblas and La Boqueria Markets (as well as Old Town and Gothic Quarter sights). Book Now at Get Your Guide
🎨 Barcelona's Arts, Culture & Curiosities
Picasso Museum Focuses on Picasso’s early works. Smaller and more digestible for younger visitors or casual art fans. Book Now at Get Your Guide
MACBA (Contemporary Art Museum) Even if modern art isn’t your thing, the skater-filled square outside is a cultural experience in itself. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Palau de la Música Catalana A jaw-droppingly ornate concert hall. Take the guided tour if you can’t attend a show.
Visit Poble Espanyol Take a walk through the the open air streets and feel the architecture of different corners of Spain, from Galicia to Valencia. Walking through El Poble, you'll discover everything from a typical Andalusian neighbourhood to a Catalan Romanesque monastery, as well as traditional Galician architecture. Streets, squares, and recreations of buildings make up this unique village located in the centre of Barcelona. Check out their website to see what's on at your time of visit. The really cool things about Poble Espanyol we think are that you can potter around the streets and watch different artisans at work every day. From glassmakers, ceramists, jewellers, and other traditional craftspeople showcasing their creative processes to the public. Not only this, take part in a workshop yourself to take home a souvenir of your Barcelona visit. These are our favourites: This Mosaic Glass making workshop. This Ceramic Workshop. Cotton Printing Workshop. Available every week.
For a fun, educational, and very special family activity. Plus there are also one off events to look out for too. And don't forget to check out their outdoor cinemas in the summer months to enjoy a sunset with a view over the city and then movie time. See the art of Picasso, Dalí and Miró and more at the Fran Daurel Museum located at Poble Espanyol. Book Now at Get Your Guide . And take a wander around the sculpture garden too! We LOVED Poble Espanyol as an arty fam that loves Art Markets like Baan Kang Artist Village in Chiang Mai.
Moco Museum Barcelona to see works by renowned artists like Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, and many more while being located in the historic Palau Cervelló.- Book Now at Get Your Guide
Take an Artist led Street Graffiti Tour Book Now at Get Your Guide
🧱 Hidden & Local Gems in Barcelona
Gràcia Neighborhood Bohemian, residential, and full of character. You’ll find indie shops, leafy plazas, and locals enjoying life at a slower pace.
El Born District Boutique stores, tapas bars, and the fascinating Born Cultural Center built around archaeological ruins. Take a walking tour with an expert guide to find the hidden gems. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Labyrinth Park of Horta A peaceful retreat with a real hedge maze, neoclassical gardens, and almost no tourists.
Tibidabo Amusement Park A vintage theme park atop a mountain with charming rides and sweeping views. Great for kids and nostalgic adults. Book tickets Now at Get Your Guide
The magnificent roof at Els Encants Flea Market Els Encants Flea Markets A flea market with an amazing roof. For vintage items and antiques, retro arcade games, old signage, and mirrors and statement pieces. Situated in the Poblenou (literally; new village) area - a a small pearl in Barcelona, often overlooked when visiting Barcelona, but worth a visit if only for this gem. And if you have time in this area you could combine a trip to Cam Framis Museum also nearby.
Bonus: Perfect Day Trips from Barcelona
Montserrat – A monastery in the mountains with scenic hikes and a funicular ride. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Sitges – A laid-back beach town known for its artistic vibe. Take a day trip from Barcelona to Sitges. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Girona – Medieval walls, Game of Thrones spots, and great food. Take a day trip from Barcelona to Girona. Book Now at Get Your Guide
Madrid – Capital of Spain is only around 2.5–3 hours away by train and costs €40–€120+ round trip (prices vary with timing and booking), so is do-able for a day trip if you are pushed for time or an overnight/weekend stay.
Valencia – A long but possible day trip by high-speed train (approx. 3 hours each way). It's best done with an overnight stay to enjoy the City of Arts and Sciences, beaches, and world-famous paella.
The City of Barcelona is more than its famous sites. It’s the rhythm of a morning café con leche, the chatter in local markets, the evening paseo along a sun-drenched street and that's mostly what we're doing. With a tourist attraction every few days and share the best with you here. Whether you're chasing Gaudí's genius or just enjoying a quiet day at the park, there's something here for every mood.
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Check out our One day in Barcelona Itinerary
Start the day early by visiting the Sagrada Familia.
Continue to Park Güell to enjoy its colourful structures and views.
Head towards Montjuïc, passing through Passeig de Gràcia. Take advantage of this journey to make a brief stop in front of two modernist gems: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
Noon :
Have lunch around the Montjuïc area before visiting the museums.
Late :
Visit the MNAC and explore its impressive art collection.
Next, visit Poble Espanyol and enjoy its cultural activities, workshops, and unique architecture.
End the day with dinner in one of the interior squares of Poble Espanyol, where you can choose a choice of dishes from different restaurants.
Phewee! You'll be tired but you'll have got a feel for the main sites of Barcelona and got a feel for the city in just one day!
What to see in Barcelona in a weekend?
Check out of weekend guide here. If you have more time, you can expand your itinerary to include other attractions such as the Gothic Quarter, the Boquería Market, the Picasso Museum, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera. You can also enjoy Barceloneta beach or take a stroll along Passeig de Gràcia.
I hope you found this post helpful. Don't forget to keep up with our daily updates of our full time travel life below and use our handy travel planning tools below to get best prices for flights, hotels and more:
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💡HELPFUL PLANNING TOOLS FOR YOUR BARCELONA TRIP WITH KIDS 💡
✈️ - FLIGHTS WITH KIDS - We use this flight checker to search the best flight tickets fall or our Barcelona flights.
🚌🚆🚇 - TRAVEL WITH KIDS - For Europe Train Travel
🏨 - ACCOMMODATION WITH KIDS - Check our Accommodation Planning Page for more for best price hotels, hostels and longer term rentals for Barcelona
🧭🗺️👣 - BARCELONA TOURS & GUIDES WITH KIDS - We use Get Your Guide for all trips. But we also love Klook too. TIP: Use both to compare offerings as trips will be different.
Trips in Barcelona
This post includes affiliate links that we may receive a small commission from at no extra cost to you. Thank You for supporting our blog!
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