Fun Things to Do in Barcelona

Activities, attractions and tours

Arenas de Barcelona featuring a monument, night scenes and a sunset
Arenas de Barcelona featuring a monument, night scenes and a sunset
Barceloneta Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a skyscraper
Casa Vicens
Turo de la Rovira featuring landscape views and a city

Barcelona Tourist Attractions & Activities

It’s rare to find a city with as much personality as Barcelona, a sparkling destination on the coast of Spain with awe-inspiring architecture and an affinity for modernist landmarks. On your holiday to Barcelona, you’ll be enchanted by the historic buildings and fall in love with the siesta lifestyle—and you’ll never run out of things to do. From bustling markets to serene tours of grand churches, any type of traveller can find their happy place and delight their taste buds in Barcelona. Book your trip to beautiful Spain today with Expedia.com.au, and you’ll be kicking up your heels in the City of Counts before you know it.

Things to Do in Barcelona

Some of the most bewitching Barcelona tourist attractions are the city’s Gaudi-designed landmarks. The contemporary capital is home to the Sagrada Familia church, Casa Mila, and Passeig de Gracia, all masterpieces of Gaudi himself. Head to the Gothic Quarter and you’ll be surrounded by even more Gaudi designs. This district spans from La Rambla to Via Laietana, beginning at the coast and ending at Ronda de Sant Pere. It’s the centre of Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhood and a hotbed of sweets shops, restaurants, and dramatic buildings.

At the top of your list of what to see in Barcelona should be La Boqueria, an exciting market and a wonderful place to feel the pulse of the city. This large public market in Ciutat Vella offers fresh produce and more to visitors. After you walk by the vibrant stalls, stop by Liceu Opera House. Of course, one of the most delicious things to do is sink your teeth into the tradition of tapas. Order a sangria and enjoy a slow tapas experience before you go to a game at Camp Nou or enjoy one of the day tours of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. If you’re looking for some green space, go for a walk in the Parc de la Ciutadella, a 19th-century park where you can row in the lake or just relax on the lawn.

Plan your Barcelona holiday today on Expedia.com.au, and you’re on your way to a colourful trip for the record books. Finding the best activities in Barcelona is easy, right here on our website. Plus, we also have great deals on hotels and airfare, so you’ll always have enough cash left over for a special dinner or a few upgrades. It’s time to head to the land of siestas and Gaudi, traveller. Book your Barcelona getaway right now!


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Top places to visit

1. Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is Antoni Gaudí’s legacy to the world. This masterpiece of imagination and inspiration was so ambitious that the building was never completed during the architect’s lifetime and is still being worked on to this day.
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Sagrada Familia showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

2. La Rambla

Las Ramblas pulsates with life, from early morning when the locals come out to buy fresh flowers and breakfast pastries, until the last of the late-night party animals head for home in the wee small hours.
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Las Ramblas featuring street scenes and a city as well as an individual male

3. Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya is the hub and heart of Barcelona’s city centre. Major shopping and sightseeing districts lie around this grand square, which combines the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and the modern 19th-century district of L’Eixample. The square was built in 1927 under the command of King Alfonso XII, right on the site of the old city walls.
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Plaza de Catalunya in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe

4. Barceloneta Beach

Get a taste of the vibrant coastal culture that draws crowds to Barcelona’s Barceloneta Beach. Just near La Rambla, this Mediterranean shoreline is the major hub of the Barceloneta neighbourhood. Come to people-watch over coffee or swim in temperate waters.
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Barceloneta Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a skyscraper

5. Barcelona Cathedral

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

6. Passeig de Gràcia

It’s hard to imagine, standing on the Passeig de Gràcia, that less than 200 years ago it was a cart track connecting Barcelona and the rural town of Gràcia. By the early 20th century the sidewalks became promenades for Spain’s most elite families. That atmosphere still pervades the space, as tourists and chic locals pass buildings designed and built by some of the superstars of Catalan Modernism. Shop in the upscale boutiques or just go in search of magnificent homes.
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Passeig de Gràcia which includes street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

7. Park Güell

The site of Park Güell in the north of Barcelona was originally earmarked for an up-market residential development by Count Eusebi Güell, Gaudí’s patron. The hillside location was chosen for its fresh air and beautiful views, but in the end only two houses were built and Gaudí moved into one of them. His designs for the 15-hectare park reflect his quirky sense of humour and aversion to straight lines. Construction took place between 1900 and 1914 and the park is now an essential stop-off on the Gaudí trail and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 19: Ceramic mosaic Park Guell on July 19, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. Park Guell is the famous architectural town art designed by Antoni Gaudi and built in the years 1900 to 1914

What to do in Barcelona


Discover the most popular places to visit in Barcelona

Explore areas of Barcelona

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
Gothic Quarter which includes a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

If you love exploring medieval streets, watching street artists and eating tapas along shared tables in tiny bars, head straight for the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona.

Gothic Quarter
Eixample showing street scenes and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Eixample

4.5/5(206 area reviews)

This upscale part of Barcelona charms with grand buildings, modernist architecture, fine dining, and trendy bars and luxury shops.

Eixample
Aerial view over the rooftops of the Eixample district in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Shutterstock ID 733305124; Purchase Order: -

Dreta de l'Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Dreta de l'Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla, and jump on the metro at Girona Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

Dreta de l'Eixample
Boqueria Market featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

El Raval

4/5(61 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

El Raval
La Sagrada Familia showing a sunset, a city and landscape views

La Sagrada Familia

Walk in Gaudí’s footsteps by visiting his breathtaking temple, an impressive labor of love that started in the late 19th century and is still ongoing today.

La Sagrada Familia

 

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Day trip destinations from Barcelona

Frequently asked questions

Is Barcelona worth visiting?
Renowned for its coastal beaches and dining, discovering cool things to do in Barcelona is simple. Make sure to add Passeig de Gràcia to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Barcelona?
Start your day with a visit to Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya. Then, check out other areas of Barcelona for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Barcelona?
The top tourist attraction in Barcelona is Passeig de Gràcia, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Barcelona?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Milà and Rambla de Catalunya with a three-day getaway in Barcelona. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and check out El Prat de Llobregat.
Is Barcelona a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Barcelona, such as Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Milà, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometres from the city centre of Barcelona is Downtown Barcelona and Ciutat Vella is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Barcelona with kids?
What to do in Barcelona for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Barcelona, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Finca Viladellops or Parc del Fòrum.
Are there free things to do in Barcelona?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Barcelona is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Passeig de Gràcia is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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