Welcome to Part 2 of exploring Barcelona

Following on from my Deep dive in Barcelona, here you will find my list of the top 10 recommended places to visit.

Famous for its architecture, history, art galleries, and food Barcelona is a gem waiting to be uncovered; every turn you take leads to somewhere interesting, keeping you hooked from the second you set foot inside the city. Taking you through its dipping history and Catalan culture; each neighborhood showcases a different side.

Getting around

Barcelona is easy with the many options available; you can walk to many attractions throughout the city or opt to use the metro system or tram, the metro system is easy to navigate or you can enjoy a bike ride and explore the city sights; you can find rental bikes throughout the city; if this is not for you, you can purchase a City Pass they are more economical and allow you to get around in no time.

Buy a city pass that offers unlimited uses, allowing you to skip the long lines and go for a direct entry. You can walk to many attractions throughout the city or opt to use the metro system or tram; the metro system is easy to navigate.

Top 10 not to miss attractions in Barcelona

1. La Sagrada Familia
2. Casa Milà
3. La Rambla, Barcelona (Including: Mercado de La Boqueria (Market)
4. Camp Nou (FC Barcelona)
5. Park Güell
6. Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
7. Passeig de Gràcia
8. Casa Batlló
9. Coastline Beach
10. Montjuïc Park

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1. La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is a stunning sight to be seen, be in awe of the stunning architecture and vision of Gaudi’s masterpiece, you can choose to climb (or take the elevator) up to some of the towers and be stunned with breathtaking views of Barcelona.

Although still a working masterpiece, you can book a guided tour through the completed parts of the basilica and museum and learn about the history of the La Sagrada Familia or explore at your own pace if you are thinking of buying a ticket for a guided tour/audio tour.

I suggest pre-purchasing your tickets online to avoid disappointment. Tickets start from about €25+ depending on your choice of tour, and kids are free.

La Sagrada Familia began construction in 1882 and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. In 2010 it was declared by Pope Benedict XVI a basilica, it is believed the construction may be completed by the year 2026.

La Sagrada Familia is the final resting place of Antoni Gaudí; he died in 1926 after being struck by a tram. You can view Antoni’s gravestone in the chapel that is dedicated to our Lady of Mount Carmel.

2. Casa Milà

Casa Milá, known as La Pedrera, is the last architectural project Antoni Gaudí worked on before he passed. A masterpiece of nature, stunning and full of imagination. Here you can find a good understanding of Gaudi and learn about his genius architect’s work and his inspiration.

Casa Milá; is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the same time as the La Sagrada Familia. Casa Milá was completed in 1910 and granted permission by the City council to live on the main floor in 1911. Casa Milá is now used for tourists to explore day and night and is used for cultural and social events, conferences, exhibits, and other activities.

Explore this landmark and be inspired by the story and history with a tour from Get your guide starting from €24  or you can view Casa Mila at your own pace with an audio guide. Hint: If you can buy your tickets online, it can save you a few euros.

I would recommend you visit in the morning or later afternoon to avoid the busy crowds and allow up to 2 hours to explore the full Casa Milá.

Some of the inspiring rooms to explore:

Warrior Rooftop Casa Milà rooftop terrace with its artistic design is considered one of Barcelona’s best eye views of the city, you will find stunning 360º views of the city. The stairwell and chimneys are positioned to follow the façade.

The Whale Attic of the Casa Milà, once where the laundry and storage rooms were located, is now a work of art referencing nature, giving you the feeling of being inside a whale skeleton. Consisting of 270 catenary arches the Whale attic is a space for the extraordinary exhibit of Gaudí’s work filled with designs, drawings, and objects.

The Tenant’s Apartment is on the fourth floor above the main floor; the apartment shows how a family; in Barcelona lived in the 20th century. Recreated with furnishings from the 20th century, it will give you a sense of how the apartments; were decorated back in time.

In the Flower Courtyard in Passeig de Gràcia, you will find on the ceiling of the stunning staircase taking you to the main floor hundreds of flowers with a sight of shapes, light, and colors.

The Butterfly Courtyard in Carrer Provença; along with The Flower Courtyard, was designed to give access to the apartments and give ample lighting, with wall paintings giving an abundance of colors from the ceilings and sidewalls of the entrance halls and the main staircase. 

3. La Rambla, Barcelona

A visit to La Rambla is a must on your visit to Barcelona, although filled with tourists, it is a must to explore, a street lined with trees, it is vibrant and offers street performances, human statues, artists, and more and is filled with restaurants and shops, among plenty of other places on offer to visitors. La Rambla is found between the neighborhoods of the Barri Gotic and El Ravel.

Las Rambla is home to an Erotica Museum; not one for the kids, it’s one for the adults and will offer a great laugh with the sights of some interesting erotic toys, sculptures, photography, and more for as little as €10, you will discover the history of sex and more.

La Boqueria Market is not to be missed; during your visit to Barcelona, opened in 1840, it is a market for food lovers, with over 200 stalls, there is so much variety of fresh seafood, meats, fruit, olives, nuts, cheeses, and more. The market is open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.

Feeling hungry there are so many cafes and restaurants you can refresh at, make a stop at Cafè de l’Òpera and grab a bite to eat and drink.

Mosaic de Miró is found in plaza de la Boqueria close by the Boqueria market, the circular terrazzo tile artwork was created by Joan Miró, the colorful piece of artwork can often go unnoticed, but one statement to be seen, one of many in La Rambla.

Liceu opera house can be found in La Rambla, the Opera house opened back in April 1847 and can be found across from the metro station, the Liceu metro station was named after the Liceu theatre. 

4. Camp Nou – stadium home to F.C. Barcelona

Delve in and learn some history with a tour from Get your guide starting from €25.

Are you a football (soccer) fan? a visit to the Barcelona FC stadium is not to be missed, get the full experience as you take a tour and explore the grounds, retrace the footsteps of legendary players from the past and present like Lionel Messi and Maradona. Visit the club’s changing room, walk onto the pitch, visit the FC Barcelona Museum, and learn about the club’s history.

Fact. The stadium is the largest in Spain and Europe it can seat close to 100,000 people, opened in 1957, and hosts the European Champions League.

5. Park Güell

Park Güell found in La Salut, is in the Gràcia neighborhood; the park was completed in 1914 and opened to the public in 1926. Park Güell is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Park Güell is a popular attraction and is filled with tourists every day; the park is filled with gardens and architectural bliss, here you will find a stunning view over Barcelona.

The park is open year-round, and for a low cost, it is worth a visit, if you are more interested in a guided tour and skipping the long line up to enter, you can book a tour for as little as €23.00

6. Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)

Located in the heart of Barcelona is Ciutat Vella, an old town that has been preserved to take you back in time. Barri Gotic is one of the most mesmerizing places, as you walk down the narrow streets you can take in the charming and secluded plazas, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a quick bite in one of the many cafes, drop in to check out one of the local boutiques and most importantly take in the staggering historic buildings.

Some of these buildings date back to Roman times, allowing you to imagine the world back then. Best when explored on foot, a place where you can easily spend a few hours.

Soak in the experiences as you admire everything from arched alleyways to medieval architecture filled with bars and restaurants and some amazing shopping. 

7. Passeig de Gràcia

One of the most famous independent villages here is Gracià, a cool barrio where you can find bohemian-inspired enclaves, lively plazas, small cobblestoned lanes, and a place where locals gather to chat over some coffee.

From dawn to dusk, the area is bustling with locals and those looking to see a view of Barcelona. Passeig de Gracià is well-known for its designer shopping with brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and more. Passeig de Gràcia has the city’s most visited architectural attractions like Casa Milà, the Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló.

8. Casa Batlló

The Casa Batlló is another UNESCO World Heritage site, built back in 1877 by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi, the iconic building is one of many his intriguing designs not to be missed found in Passeig de Gracià, it’s hard to miss covered with its colored mosaics and unique design. To visit this wonder, I would allow between 1-2 hours to explore, and even the kids will love it with its colors, art, lights, and surprises.

9. Coastline Beach

Perfectly along the Mediterranean Sea, you can enjoy a 4.5km long sunny, sandy, and stunning coastline, a perfect resting place when you are done uncovering the city for the day.

Here you can soak up the sun, enjoy the cool breeze and get in touch with the Barcelona beach vibe. Barceloneta beach is by far the busiest beach in Barcelona, but there are a few beaches you can walk along in Barcelona, including a walk to Nova Icària beach where you will find the Frank Gehry’s Peix (Fish Sculpture).

10. Montjuïc Park

A 10-minute cable cart ride from Montjuïc Park takes you to the castle on the hill. A smooth ride that glides over Barcelona, offering you a stunning view of everything around you. While the real fun begins when you reach the 512 meters (above sea level) vantage point, you can see everything from the surrounding coastline to a tiny glimpse of Ibiza and Mallorca (on a clear day). Montjuïc Park is a must-visit, and you will be in awe of the artwork, architecture, and history here.

Tip: wear comfortable shoes, as you will do a lot of walking, you can spend all day exploring the park.

To truly explore this magical park and the whole of Barcelona. I recommend doing a tour; you can book a tour here.

Spain has so many beautiful cities to visit, If you have the time to explore more of Spain be sure to add Valencia to your list.