Barcelona Cathedral Tours and Activities

Barcelona Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a square or plaza and religious aspects
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral


This beautiful building in the heart of the Gothic Quarter dates back to the 13th century.

Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter contains its fair share of awe-inspiring buildings, but perhaps the most impressive of all is the striking cathedral, where you can visit the remains of Saint Eulalia, the city’s patron saint.

The cathedral is a fine example of the classic Gothic style for which this historic area of Barcelona is world-famous. The original building has its roots in the 13th century but has been added to in different eras and adorned according to different styles this is most noticeable in its ornately carved neo-Gothic façade which dates from the 1800s. Every Sunday the square in front of the cathedral fills with local worshippers waiting for the start of mass. You might be lucky enough to see a group of women performing the traditional Catalan “Sardana” dance here before everyone piles inside for the service.

The vaulted interior of the cathedral dates from the 14th and early 15th centuries and the ornate choir stalls decorated in the Catalan Gothic style are of particular note. Under the high altar is the sarcophagus containing the remains of Saint Eulalia. Many of the cathedral’s treasures are housed in its museum, including a lavishly bejewelled monstrance, the sacred vessel that contains the Eucharistic host during Catholic ceremonies, as well as valuable paintings and sculptures dating from the 11th century onwards.

The cathedral has some unusual residents, too – thirteen white geese, marking the age of Saint Eulalia when she was martyred, roam freely among the trees and fountain of the cloister. During the feast of Corpus Christi the ritual of the “dancing egg”, or “L’ou com balla”, takes place whereby the monks leave an eggshell to “dance” on the top of the fountain. This charming tradition has it that if the egg remains on top of the fountain for a whole day without falling, it is a good omen.

Don’t leave without taking the lift to the roof, where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the city. The cathedral is open every day but there are special opening times on Catholic holidays, so check the website for full details. Visitors are welcome to attend mass for free and there is a small charge for the choir stalls, museum and rooftop visit.

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Top Barcelona Cathedral Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Lamaro Hotel

Lamaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Catedral, 7, Barcelona
Lamaro Hotel
Rialto

Rialto

3 out of 5
Carrer de Ferran, 40-42, Barcelona, Barcelona
Rialto
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo

INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo

4 out of 5
Avinguda del Paral.lel, 57-59, Barcelona, Barcelona
INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only

3 out of 5
Carrer del Rec Comtal, 19, Barcelona
Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults only
Barceló Raval

Barceló Raval

4.5 out of 5
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona
Barceló Raval
Hotel Gotico

Hotel Gotico

4 out of 5
Carrer de Jaume I, 14, Barcelona
Hotel Gotico
Arc la Rambla

Arc la Rambla

3 out of 5
La Rambla 19, Barcelona
Arc la Rambla
El Avenida Palace Hotel

El Avenida Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 605, Barcelona
El Avenida Palace Hotel
Hotel Monegal

Hotel Monegal

2 out of 5
Pelayo 62, Barcelona
Hotel Monegal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral offers a unique blend of activities, including city tours that unveil its rich history, and shopping experiences in nearby bustling districts. Visitors can also explore the vibrant local art scene and catch a theatre performance, making it a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the culture of Catalonia. Don’t miss the chance to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the lively charm of this iconic landmark.

Shopping

While visiting Barcelona Cathedral, check out Boqueria Market, a vibrant public market just 483m away. El Corte Inglés, also 483m away, offers a mix of shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Moll d'Espanya, located 1.1km away, has a family-friendly atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Camp Nou, a sports stadium 4.8km from Barcelona Cathedral, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy the stunning architecture and performances at Palau de la Música Catalana, only 0.4.8km away, for a touch of cultural entertainment. Alternatively, catch an event at Palau Sant Jordi, 3.2km away, for more sports excitement.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, located 20.9km from Barcelona Cathedral. For family-friendly adventure, take a scenic ride on the Port Cable Car, only 1.6km away. If climbing is your passion, challenge yourself at Climbat Foixarda, situated 3.2km from the Cathedral.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Barcelona Cathedral! Visit Dalí Theatre for a cultural show, or unleash your adventurous side at Lock Clocks arcade. For a romantic evening, enjoy a performance at Teatre Romea, all within a short stroll from the cathedral.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Barcelona Cathedral

When visiting the Barcelona Cathedral, you'll find a variety of attractions including the piazzaSquare, nearby streets, and the stunning church itself. This area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the chance to visit the Cathedral of Barcelona and the vibrant Plaza Catalunya, making the most of your holiday in this iconic location.

  • La Rambla: Stroll down this vibrant street, bustling with energy and life. Enjoy street performers, local shops, and cafés, creating a perfect blend of city vibes that captures the essence of Barcelona.
  • Plaça de Catalunya: Experience the heart of the city at this iconic square, where culture meets urban life. Surrounded by stunning architecture, it’s a lively spot to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.
  • Casa Batlló: Marvel at this architectural masterpiece designed by Gaudí. Its whimsical design and intricate details embody Catalan modernism, offering a unique glimpse into the city's artistic heritage.

Best time to go to Barcelona Cathedral

The best time to visit Barcelona Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Barcelona Cathedral falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Barcelona Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February49.8°F (9.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July77.0°F (25.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.1°F (10.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Barcelona Cathedral

To save money on your visit to Barcelona Cathedral, consider travelling between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance can also help, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals on Expedia. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly options and sort by price to snag the best deals. Don't forget to explore free activities around the cathedral and take advantage of public transport to save on travel costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Barcelona Cathedral are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Barcelona Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Barcelona Cathedral is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Barcelona Cathedral is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you're after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Barcelona Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.