things to do in barcelona, spain

18 of the Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

It’s no wonder why our beautiful city is on every international traveler’s bucket list. There are so many things to do in Barcelona! Its numerous historic attractions, beautiful parks, and bustling city shops create the perfect atmosphere for an exciting vacation.  To ensure that you get the most out of your vacation in Barcelona, we at bizFlats have compiled a list of the most fantastic activities and fun things to do in Barcelona, Spain!

Things to do in Barcelona

The Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona

1.Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Barcelona’s  Magic Fountain of Montjuïc has earned its name after a century of virtually uninterrupted, crowd-pleasing performances in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The fountain’s waters are known to jump and dance in a rainbow of colors and to a diversity of melodies and pictures. The performances have earned a genre all their own and are now called water acrobatics, and considered one of the best things to do in Barcelona in June.

  1. La Sagrada Familia Basilica

Located in the heart of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia Basilica is a monument to Catalan culture dating back to 1882. Embracing the city and nation’s deep roots in Catholicism and talent in both design and architecture, this World Heritage Site is a beautiful and breathtaking symbol of both national and local identity. Although it is not finished, the ongoing project surrounding the Basilica’s creation is part of its intrigue and beauty. Wondering, why was La Sagrada Familia built, or when will La Sagrada Familia be finished? Read on to learn more!

  1. Palace of Catalan Music

In the heart of downtown Barcelona you’ll find the Palace of Catalan Music, which is just as much an historical institution as it is a center for the arts. Featuring world-renown art in both performance arts and in fine arts, this is certainly a stop worth making on your trip to Barcelona. Whether you’re seeing a performance, taking a tour, or just walking by you won’t be disappointed that you visited that Palace.

  1. Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

You won’t just get lost in the history of the Barcelona Gothic Quarter but also in the amazing variety of things to do in this corner of the city that is among the most visited places by tourists and residents alike. With its labyrinthine streets, it’s best to pay extra close attention to your surroundings as it’s common to literally get lost in the area. Along with beautiful squares that make for the perfect place to relax for an afternoon with a bottle of wine or a good book, there are numerous great boutiques for shopping, a grand cathedral, and a lively nightlife. During your next visit to Barcelona, be sure to take a walking tour though the Gothic Quarter!

  1. The Pablo Picasso Museum

Among the city’s many cultural attractions in Barcelona is the famous Pablo Picasso Museum, housing a sizeable collection of the Spanish artist’s lifeworks. If you’re an art enthusiast or at all interested in the life and works of Picasso, this museum is central to understanding his career and the extensiveness of his talent. Located on the Carrer de Montcada, the city’s most important stretch of mediaeval architecture, the Pablo Picasso Museum Barcelona building is a site to see in itself.

  1. Las Ramblas

The Barcelona Ramblas is the most famous street in the whole city. Stretching for 1.2 kilometers through its midst, this street has been a central meeting place for residents since the 18th century. Originally situated outside the walls of the medieval city, Barcelona Ramblas was once the site of a flowing river. In fact, the word ramblas originates from the Arabic word rambla, meaning a sandy riverbed. When the walls came down and the river dried up, sometime around 1766, covenants, monasteries, and a university were built along this new city limit.

  1. Barcelona’s Camp Nou

If you’ve ever happened upon Barcelona during a football match then you may have been surprised to see the red and blue streets filled with ecstatic fans cheering as if their very lives depended on victory. Catalonians couldn’t be prouder of their all-star team now sporting football heroes such as Lionel Messi, an idol of many Spanish youths, and soccer players around the world. Camp Nou was the team’s very first stadium in its inaugural year of 1957, carrying some of the team’s richest history in its bleachers as well as on the turf. Soccer fan or not, taking a tour of Camp Nou will provide a lot of insight into the heart of Catalan culture.

  1. Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc

Located in the center of Barcelona, the Poble Espanyol de Montjuïc is Barcelona’s intriguing open-air architectural museum. Whether you want to take a tour, attend a special event or class or just wander its old streets and buildings for hours and maybe enjoy some delicious food and drink, a trip to Montjuïc is well worth it. It’s also not much of a trip since it is so centrally located, accessible by public transportation or even by foot or bicycle if you so desire. Enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean climate in the midst of Spain’s most famous architecture all within a few blocks of breathtaking buildings and alluring alleyways.

  1. The Various Cathedrals in Barcelona

Exploring the cathedrals in Barcelona is one of the best ways for visitors to learn about the city’s history and architecture. With deep catholic roots, there is much to learn about Barcelona’s long heritage reaching back to medieval times by exploring the city’s many cathedrals and other holy places. Music is central to the experience, which you’ll discover as you tour the cathedrals in Barcelona and see or hear their enormous organs and perhaps even their majestic choirs. Another key characteristic to a cathedral is that they are the seat of a bishop, making it the central church of the diocese.

  1. Barcelona’s Beautiful Beaches

Though Barcelona has always been on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, it wasn’t always known for its lively beach culture. The beaches in Barcelona used to be almost entirely industrial space so they weren’t the most inviting destinations. As the city prepared to host the 1992 Summer Olympics, the governing powers began to reconsider Barcelona’s identity as a Mediterranean cultural center and decided to start cleaning up its beaches. Barcelona has since been known as one of Europe’s most recommended beach destinations where turquoise waters and white sand rub up against an epicenter of culture, history, and architectural beauty. With a climate as mild as on the Mediterranean, the beaches are beautiful year-round, though visiting the beaches here is one of the best things to do in Barcelona in July!

Even More Attractions in Barcelona, Spain

A list of the top 10 things to do in Barcelona barely scratches the surface of all the amazing reasons to visit our great city! Are you still wondering what to do in Barcelona? As locals, our list of favorite things to do here is quite long!

  1. 10 of the Best Restaurants in Barcelona

Barcelona restaurants are an attraction in and of themselves! Catalonian food is world renowned, and a visit to Barcelona and Catalonia in general wouldn’t be complete without enjoying as many fantastic restaurants as possible. There are plenty of romantic restaurants as well as amazing tapas restaurants in Barcelona to choose from.

  1.  The Opera is Spectacular at the Gran Teatre del Liceu

The Gran Teatre del Liceu is not only Barcelona’s premier opera house, but a historical institution founded on La Rambla in 1847. It is a symbol of the city’s diverse arts culture. Visiting the Teatre on La Rambla would be a great night out in Barcelona, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. A nice meander down the tree-lined, open air mall, and maybe a meal or cappuccino at one of the outdoor cafes would be a great precursor or finish to a show. This outing in the heart of Barcelona will be all but disappointing whether it’s your first time in Barcelona, or you’re just looking for something new to try in this wonderful city.

  1. Go for a Hike on a Day Trip to Montserrat

Montserrat’s serene setting continues to attract not just spiritual pilgrims, but also naturalists and those in need of some time in mountains. This destination soaring above the Barcelona skyline, whose name means “sawn mountain”, makes not only for an incredibly unique horizon, but also a convenient natural retreat for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re heading on your day trip to Monsterrat to visit the monastery, the museum or for an event, give yourself some time to explore one of the numerous hiking trails on the mountain. No matter your timing or fitness level there are varying degrees of difficulty to choose from, all offering breathtaking views and the peace and quiet unique to mountaintops. Taking a hike is one of the best things to do near Barcelona in the summer, especially in July or August.

  1. Enjoy a Day Cycling the Serra de Collserola

Nearly bordering the city, Serra de Collserola natural park is a wonderful place to enjoy the wild beauty that surrounds Barcelona. From the sea to the mountains, this Catalonian city is not just a dream destination for urban junkies, but outdoorsy types as well, with everything from boating, mountain climbing, and cycling to participate in. Tours leave from downtown Barcelona daily to take groups exploring the area’s natural heritage. Whether you’re a road cyclist or a mountain biker, you’ll find the perfect routes at Serra de Collserola to explore. The views are spectacular and the terrain can be as challenging or laid-back as you’re looking for, with plenty of places to stop for bathrooms, food and drink along the way.

  1. Inspire the Artist Within at the National Museum of Catalan Art

Located on Montjuïc Mountain where there is an overwhelming number of fantastic things to see and do, the National of Museum of Catalan Art captures the spirit of this unique region within Spain. While this is a place for art enthusiasts and certainly artists themselves, it is also a wonderful place for leisure and reflection, as its location offers a unique vantage point from which to see both city and yourself. Enjoy the art collection as well as the bird’s eye view of the city while you explore one of the Barcelona’s best art collections.

  1. Dive With the Sharks at l’Aquàrium de Barcelona

Of the 450 different species living in harmony at l’Aquàrium de Barcelona, the sharks are by far the most popular, with many different activities to wow the crowds with their beauty and ferocity. This is the largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world, meaning that the variety of sharks who call it home are all from the waters that surround the Barcelona Marina. Its six million liters of water are home to 11,000 different organism, all living happily with the sharks who also welcome divers and observers of all kinds. While reportedly a dangerous species, at l’Aquarium de Barcelona you’ll learn what they truly are. Visiting the aquarium is one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids.

  1. Visit the Joan Miró Museum

Barcelona has long had a celebrated community of the arts, from incredible design and architecture throughout the city, to painters and sculptors like the amazing Joan Miró, a Barcelona native known for his rebellious surrealism. If you have yet to visit the Joan Miró Museum in Parc to Montjuïc in the heart of the city, it is well worth the trip and is easy to reach by public transportation or even on foot depending where you are staying when you visit.

  1. Where to Enjoy the Views While Hiking in Barcelona

You won’t run out of great things to do and places to see in Barcelona though you may find yourself seeking some outdoor adventure to break up your urban exploring. While Barcelona is at the heart of Catalonia, the majority of this unique Spanish region is surrounded by beautiful mountainous country for hikes, backpacking, or rock climbing. If you’re interested in doing some hiking in Barcelona while visiting, there are plenty of options. Whether you’re inclined to grabbing a map and exploring the country on your own or would prefer to take a group tour, the experience will be breathtaking as well as enlightening as you begin to understand the Catalonian culture from a larger vantage. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona, Spain!

A trip to our fantastic city would be incomplete without a visit to at least one of these Barcelona, Spain points of interest. Explore this city’s vast history, culture and ascetic beauty from your home base at a great short term rental in the heart of Barcelona. Our vacation rentals are an excellent alternative to Barcelona hotels. If you’re making the trip to enjoy the best of Barcelona tourism, you may as well do it right.

Best area to stay in Barcelona

Do you know which is the best area to stay in Barcelona? Barcelona is a city-break hotspot for tourists. Not only is it manageably sized, but it is brilliantly connected by a network of buses, trams and the metro.

We recommend that you choose accommodation close to a metro stop for ease when getting around. Once on the metro, it is only a couple of minutes to travel between each station, although interchanges can add a few extra minutes to your journey.

With each of Barcelona´s neighbourhoods distinct in style, tourists can pick an area to suit their needs. Here is a summary of what you can expect in some of the city´s best spots to stay.

Best area to stay in Barcelona

  • Eixample

Visitors wishing to take advantage of the city´s many shops may wish to seek accommodation in the vibrant, upmarket area of the Eixample. Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya are lined with stores as well as bars which provide excellent pitstops between shops. Unlike the narrow winding streets of the older parts of the city, the Eixample is characterised by long, wide avenues as well as an array of impressive modernist buildings. It is also considered one of the safest areas to stay in Barcelona.

Read a complete guide about Eixample Barcelona here.

We have several apartments in Eixample. For example, Neo, a charming apartment next to Sagrada Família.

BEST AREA TO STAY IN BARCELONA - EIXAMPLE BARCELONA
  • Barri Gòtic

Tourists wanting to base themselves in the heart of the city should look for accommodation near Plaça Catalunya, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter or El Born. Here you´ll find enchanting streets, and some examples of Barcelona’s oldest architecture. This area is a hub for public transport and a great starting point for exploring the centre on foot.

Our apartments Rambla Exec 2 and Bella II are located in La Rambla, next to el Mercat de la Boqueria.

GOTHIC QUARTER - WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA
  • Barceloneta

Once an old fishing quarter, Barceloneta is a lively neighbourhood of bars and cafes and, located within minutes of the city´s beach, it it is a popular place to stay for young visitors and families alike.

Best area to stay in Barcelona
  •  Gràcia

Gràcia provides the ideal setting for visitors wishing to sample some of the city’s bars. This neighbourhood has several beautiful squares which are perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and is also well connected by public transport.

Check here a complete guide about Gràcia neighborhood.

If you have any doubt about the best area to stay in Barcelona, don’t hesitate to ask us commenting this post or calling us. We will be happy to help you!

Also you can check the following guides to places to visit in Barcelona depending on the days  you are going to spend in the city:

Have a nice stay in Barcelona!

Couples See Barcelona Together

How to See Barcelona Like a Local

Barcelona is definitely a tourist hotspot- for good reason!  Its numerous historic attractions, beautiful parks, and bustling city shops create the perfect atmosphere for an exciting vacation.  However, Barcelona is bursting with hidden gems that not many visitors usually find.  If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and explore some lesser-known areas of the city, try these 5 activities to help you see Barcelona like a local!

5 Ways to See Barcelona like a Local

  1. Find Great Deals at the Flea Market

One of the oldest markets in all of Europe, Els Encants is a thriving flea market in Barcelona.  Open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m, this huge collection of vendors and traders offer all kinds of vintage relics, authentic artwork, and much more.  You’re bound to find your new favorite souvenir at this fascinating Barcelona attraction!

  1. Have a Fantastic Dinner

If you want to enjoy authentic Catalan cuisine without the crowds of tourists, stroll through the beautiful area of Gràcia.  This historical village is under the radar to most non-locals and contains several delightful restaurants, perfect for savoring a peaceful meal while appreciating a quieter portion of the city.  There are several fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cafes in Gràcia, including Kuai Momos, an exotic spot serving dishes from all over the world, Botafumeiro Restaurant, which specializes in the freshest seafood, and Windsor, a classy joint that prepares traditional Catalan cuisine.

  1. Get the Best View

Want to see Barcelona in a new way?  Climb up to the Bunkers del Carmel, the abandoned anti-aircraft fortifications built during the Spanish Civil War, to see the entire city all at once.  These towering structures sit atop the hill of Turo de la Rovira, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.  This little-known destination is high on the list of places not to miss in Barcelona.

  1. Go Green

In order to better immerse yourself in the culture of Barcelona, you should explore Can Masdeu.  A self-sustaining estate located in the Valley of Saint Genis just outside Collserola Park, this center houses a group of local inhabitants who want to shift their focus from the world of money.  Instead, they put their efforts into growing organic produce and medicinal herbs and spending time together as a community surrounded by nature, rather than the noise and crowds of the city.  Drop by this beautiful property to explore the building, grounds, and garden; you can also attend one of their workshops featuring topics such as activism and ecology.

  1. Enjoy the Nightlife

There is a multitude of things to do at night in Barcelona!  If you want to try a bar that isn’t overwhelmed with noise or people, there are several options available.  You can stop by TimeLine in Gràcia for a quiet evening; this bar serves coffee, brunch, and small plates during the day; at night it transforms into a bar scene with professional bartenders (who are all multilingual to help visitors).  Arena in El Born is another low-key joint; this bar is tucked away in an obscure part of town to create a more intimate and comfortable environment for playing pool and spending time with friends.  Or, if you want to dance the night away, check out the many nightclubs in Barcelona!  There are many spots by the beaches that are fun without being too packed.

Stay with Us at bizFlats!

Now that you can’t wait to see Barcelona, check out bizFlats to book the perfect place to stay for your getaway!  Our numerous vacation rentals create a comfortable environment so you can enjoy a good night’s rest in between your many Barcelona adventures.  Check our availability today to start planning a trip you’ll never forget!


Bike Tours in Barcelona

How to Make the Most of Your Weekend in Barcelona

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed vacation with your best friends or a romantic getaway with your special someone, Barcelona has everything you need!  A last-minute break to Barcelona is the perfect solution to the everlasting debate of where to spend your weekend; this exotic location has everything from shopping in the city to hiking in the mountains.  After visiting this amazing area, you’ll want to spend all your weekends away in Barcelona! Three days is such a brief amount of time to pack in all of the countless Barcelona attractions, so check out this guide to five of the best tours that will help you see as much of this city as possible!

The 5 Best Tours for Your Weekend in Barcelona

  1. Feel Free Walking Tours

The best way to discover the true culture of the city during your weekend in Barcelona is to attend a walking tour.  The Feel Free Walking Tours offers daily tours to see the best attractions; these tours are completely free of charge, making a great addition to a bargain break in Barcelona!  Learn all about Gaudi modernism, ancient monuments, and art history through these multiple tours. These are a great way to educate and engage visitors of all ages; they even provide a Kick Scooter Tour, a fun activity for kids.  

  1. Barcelona Photo Walk

You have to take lots of pictures so you will always remember your weekend in Barcelona!  Get the best shots on a Barcelona Photo Walk, held the second Saturday of every month.  This tours will guide you throughout the most picturesque scenes of the city so you can take fantastic photographs to commemorate your visit.  This is a wonderful way to meet other individuals interested in photography while exploring during your Barcelona weekend break.  

  1. Discover Walks Barcelona

Learn all about the area from a Barcelona native during the Discover Walks of Barcelona.  Navigate through the famous Ramblas, enjoy skip-the-lines visits to local attractions, and view the best must-see landmarks.  Your weekend in Barcelona is not complete without one of this fantastic tours; group tours, private tours, and family specials are all offered.

  1. Barcelona Bike Tours

See all the best sights during your weekends away in Barcelona- all on a bike! Cycle through beaches, mountains, city streets and more on one of these awesome guided bike tours.  Rentals are available and Barcelona Bike Tours are offered daily to give everyone the opportunity to see the most of the area as possible.

  1. Barcelona Food Tours

Taste the best of Barcelona!  Participate in a Barcelona Food Tour to sample all kinds of traditional dishes from the greatest restaurants in the city.  These tours can be customized to accommodate all kinds of dietary restrictions and preferences so you can have the most delicious food experience possible.  Make sure your dream vacation includes legendary meals every day!

Stay in the Best Barcelona Rentals with BizFlats!

bizFlats wants to provide you with the most luxurious accommodations to accompany your Barcelona weekend break!  Book one of our amazing rentals to receive a relaxing weekend in the perfect vacation home, fully equipped with the best amenities.  Savor breathtaking views of the sea and city- right from your balcony!  Check our availability and plan a last minute break to Barcelona today!

Photo by Jose Mesa / Flickr

Panoramic view of Montserrat, with the Monastery at the base

Go for a Hike on a Day Trip to Montserrat

Montserrat’s serene setting continues to attract not just spiritual pilgrims, but also naturalists and those in need of some time in mountains. This destination soaring above the Barcelona skyline, whose name means “sawn mountain”, makes not only for an incredibly unique horizon, but also a convenient natural retreat for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re heading on your day trip to Monsterrat to visit the monastery, the museum or for an event, give yourself some time to explore one of the numerous hiking trails on the mountain. No matter your timing or fitness level there are varying degrees of difficulty to choose from, all offering breathtaking views and the peace and quiet unique to mountaintops.

Here are some of the most popular hikes to be enjoyed on a day trip to Montserrat:

  1. The walk from Montserrat Monastery to the Degotalls is a perfect, leisurely walk recommended for those seeking a time for self meditation. Just 3.2 kilometers in length, it should take you about 50 minutes to complete. On this hike you’ll get a great view of the Pyrenees and the flat lands of the Llobregat Valley.
  2. One of the most popular walks is from the Monastery to Santa Cova, an important pilgrim site. This is a more challenging trail with a steep incline at the end of its 2.7 kilometers. It should take about an hour and ten minutes to complete.
  3. There is a funicular lift on site at Montserrat to make its challenging terrain accessible to all. The trails from the Sant Joan Funicular Station to the Monastery make for two great hikes. The first option brings hikers to the peak of Montserrat Mountain, offering some of the most amazing views in all the the Montserrat Natural Park, and is 7.5 kilometers in length. The second option is a gradual walk stretching for 5.2 kilometers with great views of the Llobregat Valley and its river, and is significantly easier than the first route.
Panoramic view of Montserrat, with the Monastery at the base
Panoramic view of Montserrat, with the Monastery at the base

Easy day trip from Barcelona

A day trip to Montserrat is easy to do from your vacation rental in Barcelona. You can take public transit to the base of the park, and hop on the Cremallera train to the peak, or ride the Cable Car up. If you have a car you can also drive up, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous you can even walk up the Montserrat mountain, which is an age old tradition. The Montserrat Natural Park attracts many with its unique jagged shape of its limestone peaks and evergreen forests, which are also scattered with maple, lime and hazelnut trees. The setting offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for being so close to the city. Bird watchers love to come for a walk on the mountain, and there are annual wild boar hunting trips organized in-season.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, or just a beautiful landscape to breathe in on an easy day trip to Montserrat, you won’t be disappointed by what you find on your trek up the mountain. Barcelona is unique for its proximity to both mountains and sea, making it a wonderful vacation option with a myriad of great rental properties throughout the city.