Top 8 Most Beautiful Buildings in Barcelona

July 9, 2024

From Gaudí and his modernisme masterpieces to towering cathedrals and chocolate factories straight from a fairy-tale, Barcelona’s vibrant mosaic of architectural marvels captivate visitors from around the globe year after year. The city’s buildings are not just structures; they are stories etched in stone, glass, and steel, each telling a tale of the past, present, and future. From the whimsical creations of Antoni Gaudí to the sleek modernist edifices, the architectural landscape of Barcelona offers a diverse array of styles that blend seamlessly into its urban fabric.

If you’re visiting Barcelona for a short trip, or planning to make this your new home, temporary or otherwise, exploring the beautiful buildings of this city should be top of your list. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of what we believe to be the top eight most beautiful buildings in Barcelona. This is just the beginning, once you have explored for yourself, you might make up your own list, in which case, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

1. Sagrada Família

Calle de Mallorca, 401

A trip to Barcelona would not be complete without visiting the Sagrada Família. Its construction was started in 1882 and well over 100 years later, this temple still remains unfinished. Be sure to book your ticket in advance on the official website.

We recommend dedicating an entire morning to exploring its light-filled interior and marvelling at the stunning sculptures that decorate its façade. Check out our article to discover more about this building’s fascinating history and some curious, lesser-known facts about the Sagrada Familia.

2. La Pedrera

Passeig de Gràcia, 92

La Pedrera –translated as ‘stone quarry’ due to its outer rugged appearance – was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Over the years this building has served as a home, event hall, consulate, and more. Today it is home to a Gaudí museum and often hosts jazz concerts and other live music events – check out the programme and get your tickets at the official website.

3. Casa Batlló

Passeig de Gràcia, 43

Also located on Passeig de Gràcia – the place to be for luxury shopping in Barcelona – is Casa Batlló, a dream made reality and a fairytale-like experience you simply can’t miss! Delve into Gaudí’s colourful imagination in this stunning example of Catalan modernisme.

Fancy discovering more of Gaudí’s creations? Discover our guide to Gaudi’s most popular and some lesser-well-known buildings.

4. Casa Amatller

Passeig de Gràcia, 41

Next on our tour of Barcelona’s most beautiful buildings is Casa Amatller, literally right next door to Casa Batlló. This stunning manor house was the home of a family of chocolatiers. The already existing building was designed and remodeled by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch between the years 1898 and 1900.

Another stunning example of modernisme architecture, this building offers a range of tours and visits for the whole family, from activities for kids such as workshops and chocolate tasting sessions, to evening tours with Teresa Amatller herself.

5. Barcelona Cathedral

Plà de la Seu

In the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter stands the Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, named after the city’s patron saint, and she is buried in here in the cathedral’s stunning Gothic crypt.

The lively square where the cathedral stands is always buzzing with street artists, walking tours and more. Don’t miss the antique market on most Thursdays and Fridays (however the dates can vary, so please check them at the official website before going).

Discover more things to see and do in the area in our one day guide to the Gothic Quarter.

6. Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar

Plaça de Santa Maria, 1

This church, often referred to as the Cathedral of the Sea, was a lot closer to the shores of the Mediterranean than it is now. This truly stunning example of Gothic architecture makes our list of Barcelona’s most beautiful buildings thanks to its striking stained glass windows (see if you can spot the FC Barcelona crest), its striking 13-metre high columns and the stunning panoramic views from its rooftop.

Read more about the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar in our article.

7. Palau de la Música

Carrer del Palau de la Música, 4-6

Built in a mere three years, this modernisme jewel by Lluís Domènech i Montaner was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. It’s easy to miss this stunning concert hall tucked away in Barcelona’s Sant Pere neighbourhood.

We recommend a guided tour to learn more about the history behind this stunning monument which opened its doors in February 1908, or alternatively why not go to a concert to enjoy this venue filled with the melodies of a wide genre of music. Find upcoming events and concerts on the Palau’s official website.

8. Casa Vicens

Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26

It wasn’t until recently that Casa Vicens opened to the public. Gaudí’s first ever major project, this stunning summerhouse was designed for the Vicens family in what was the village of Gràcia (now a neighborhood of Barcelona). This beautiful building takes inspiration from nature and Japanese art and was built between 1883–5.

Now remodeled as a museum and cultural space, the grounds feature a main garden, rooftop and temporary exhibition space.

This is just the beginning. It’s clear that this city is a living museum of design and innovation. Each building we’ve explored, from the fantastical creations of Gaudí to the modernist landmarks, highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing contemporary artistry.