The Best Barcelona Bucket List: Everything You Need To Do

Looking for some epic things to add to your Barcelona bucket list? I’ve got you covered!

Barcelona is an incredible city with so much to offer. From its stunning architecture, amazing views and world-renowned museums, to its delicious food, wine and vibrant nightlife, there is literally something for everyone who visits Barcelona.

If you’re lucky enough to be headed to this European bucket list destination, make sure to check out this list of my top 30 things you need to do while you’re there!

But first…

Barcelona is a BEAUTIFUL city, and there is no reason you shouldn’t visit. However, I do feel the need to mention that pickpocketing is rampant in Barcelona. I would definitely recommend getting a money belt to wear under your clothes to keep your valuables safe. I also recommend not carrying around too much cash, and instead using a credit or debit card for most purchases. With that said, let’s get on with it!

You might also like:

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• Madrid in One Day: How to make the most of your visit to Madrid
• One Day in Seville: The Ultimate One Day Seville Itinerary
• 75 European Bucket List Ideas For The Big Dreamers
• Italy Bucket List: 48 Unique Things to do in Italy

Full disclosure! See those links below? If you happen to click on one of these and purchase something I recommend, I’ll get a small commission (wohoo). Don’t worry, these affiliate links are at no extra cost to you (in fact, often I’ll have some discounts you can enjoy!). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying sales. You can read my full disclaimer here.

Where to stay in Barcelona

There are a ton of great places to stay in Barcelona depending on your budget and what you’re looking for.

For a bit of luxury: The ME Barcelona is a beautiful, modern hotel located right in the heart of the city. It’s within walking distance to some of Barcelona’s most popular attractions, and has an incredible rooftop pool with stunning views of the city.

Middle of the road / where I stayed: Olivia Plaza Hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a central location that’s nice but not too harsh on your pockets. It’s within walking distance of La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, and has a rooftop terrace with incredible views of the city.

To save the pennies: If you’re really on a budget, then Fabrizzios Terrace Hostel is a great option. It’s clean, comfortable and has a a terrace with sun loungers where you can relax and soak up the sun. Plus, it’s right in the heart of the city so you’ll be close to all the best attractions.

How to get around Barcelona

The best way to get around Barcelona is on foot or by using the public transport system.

The metro is fast, efficient and relatively cheap, making it the best option if you’re trying to get from A to B quickly. You can actually save a little by getting grabbing a travel card in advance, which gives you unlimited rides on the metro, buses and trams for a certain period of time.

Walking is really the best way to get around Barcelona, as most of the city’s main attractions are located relatively close to each other. Plus, it’s a great way to explore some of the smaller streets and get a feel for the city.

The best Barcelona bucket list guided tours

Short on time and don’t want to plan everything out yourself? Then a guided tour is definitely the way to go!

There are plenty of different types of tours to choose from, but here are some of the best Barcelona bucket list tours that I would recommend:

• A walking tour of the Gothic Quarter: This is a great way to explore one of Barcelona’s most historic and picturesque neighbourhoods.
• A food tour: One of the best ways to experience any city is through its food, and this tour takes you through one of Barcelona’s most authentic eateries. You’ll get to try plenty of delicious local produce, as well as some traditional Spanish dishes.
• A tour of Gaudi’s architecture: Barcelona is famous for its incredible architecture, and a lot of that is thanks to the genius Antoni Gaudi. This tour takes you to some of his most famous buildings, including the stunning Sagrada Familia.
• A bike tour of Barcelona: If you’re looking for a more active way to see the city, then this bike tour is definitely for you. You’ll get to explore some of Barcelona’s most popular neighbourhoods from a different perspective.
• A hop on hop off bus tour: I always love this option if you want to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. You’ll be able to hop on and off the bus at any of the stops, and there’s also an audio guide so you can learn more about each of the attractions as you go.

30 things to add to your Barcelona bucket list

1. Gaze in wonder at the breathtaking Sagrada Familia

If you’ve heard anything about Barcelona, then chances are you’ve heard of the major attracticon that is the Sagrada Familia. This incredible church is one of Antoni Gaudi’s most famous works, and it’s definitely a sight to behold.

It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why. The exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and stained glass windows, while the inside is equally as impressive with its soaring columns and beautiful altar.

Interestingly, the church is not yet completed, with construction still ongoing more than a century after Gaudi’s death, although it is due to be finished by 2026.

Be sure to take the elevator (although a little shaky) up to the top of one of the towers for epic views of the city.

Skip the line with this guided tour including tower access.

2. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of La Catedral de Barcelona

Another one of Barcelona’s must-see attractions is the stunning Gothic cathedral, La Catedral de Barcelona.

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the exterior is covered in intricate carvings and sculptures, while the inside is just as impressive with its beautiful stained glass windows and high ceilings.

Find the best La Catedral tickets for you here.

3. Take a stroll down Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous street

The pedestrianised boulevard of Las Ramblas runs from the Christopher Columbus monument to the famous Josep Clara sculpture of La Diosa (the Goddess) in Placa de Catalunya.

It’s lined with trees and is one of the most popular spots for people watching in Barcelona, with plenty of cafes and restaurants if you need to take a break, as well as some great shopping.

4. Sample some of the delicious local food at the La Boqueria market

One of the best places to try some of Barcelona’s delicious local produce is at the La Boqueria market.

Located on Las Ramblas, this huge covered market is full of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to seafood, meat, cheese, and more.

If you’re a foodie, you might want to consider this Spanish cooking class with a market tour. You’ll get to shop for fresh produce and then learn how to cook some traditional Spanish dishes.

5. Wander through the beautiful Parc Güell

Parc Güell is another of Antoni Gaudi’s famous works, named after Eusebi Güell, the wealthy industrialist who commissioned it.

Parc Güell is a quirky park located on Carmel Hill, and it’s full of Gaudi’s iconic mosaics and stunning architecture. It’s also home to some incredible views over Barcelona.

The park sees a lot of visitors each day – around 400 people enter every 30 minutes – so you’ll want to make sure you get your tickets in advance as they sell out early in the day.

6. Get a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife in the Gracia district

If you want to experience Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife, a trip to the Gracia district is a must.

This bohemian neighbourhood is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks and dance the night away.

Start your evening with a drink at one of the many outdoor terraces, then head to a club or bar later on if you have the stamina to keep going!

7. Visit the incredible Museu Picasso

The Museu Picasso is one of the most popular museums in Barcelona and perhaps even in all of Spain.

Located in the Gothic Quarter, the museum is home to over 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso, as well as a number of temporary exhibitions.

If you’re a fan of his work, or even if you’re not, this is definitely a museum not to be missed.

Skip the line by pre-booking your ticket, and if you want to learn more about Picasso and his work, consider taking a guided tour.

8. Marvel at the architecture of Antoni Gaudi’s Casa Mila

The art nouveau Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is another one of Antoni Gaudi’s most famous pieces of work (there are a lot!).

Located on Passeig de Gracia, this building is truly a work of art, with its curved stone façade and intricate mosaics.

You can even visit the inside of the building and it’s definitely worth it to go up to the roof to see the whimsical chimneys. Fast track into the building here.

9. Ramble through the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is one of the most atmospheric areas of Barcelona, with its narrow streets and medieval architecture.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants here to enjoy, as well as some incredible buildings like the Barcelona Cathedral and the Palau de la Musica Catalana.

Wandering around this area is a great way to spend an afternoon.

10. Take a tour of Camp Nou

Camp Nou is the home of FC Barcelona, and it’s one of the largest stadiums in Europe.

It’s the destination for football fans from all over the world, and even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s definitely worth taking a tour of this iconic stadium.

This tour includes access to the museum, which is full of memorabilia from Barcelona’s many successes, as well as the chance to see the changing rooms, the press room, and even walk out onto the pitch.

11. Admire the spectacular Palau Guell, another Antoni Gaudi masterpiece

Palau Guell is one of Antoni Gaudi’s most impressive works, and it’s certainly worth adding it to your Barcelona bucket list.

This lavish mansion was designed for the wealthy industrial tycoon Eusebi Guell, and it’s located in the Gracia district.

The building is full of intricate details, from the tiled roof to the carved stone façade, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona.

You can visit the inside of the building on a guided tour, and learn why this incredible structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

12. Get an adrenaline rush at one of Barcelona’s amusement parks

Barcelona is home to one of the best amusement parks in Europe – Tibidabo Amusement Park, which is located at the top of Mount Tibidabo.

It’s packed with thrilling rides, from roller coasters to water slides, and it’s sure to get your heart racing.

If you’re looking for a fun day out and you’re a theme park enthusiast, then you definitely need to head to this amusement park.

13. Eat all the tapas!

Barcelona is full of tapas bars! You can pretty much find a tapas restaurant in every neighbourhood, and they’re the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks and some delicious Spanish food.

What are tapas? They’re small dishes that are traditionally served with drinks, and they can be anything from simple olives or cheese to more elaborate dishes like seafood Paella.

Some of the fan-favourite tapas dishes include patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce), tortilla de patatas (a potato and egg omelette), and croquetas (fried balls of cheesy goodness). Yum!

14. Arc de Triomf

No, we’re not in Paris! The Arc de Triomf is a triumphal arch located in Barcelona, and it’s definitely one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Built for the world fair of 1888, this beautiful arch is located at the end of the Passeig de Lluis Companys and it’s a great spot to stop for photos.

15. Explore the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella

The Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona’s largest parks, and it’s a great place to relax or take a stroll.

The park is home to the Barcelona Zoo, the Catalan Parliament, the Museum of Modern Art, and plenty of green space.

You’ll find locals and tourists alike chilling out on the lawn and there’s also a large lake where you can go for a rowboat ride.

16. Visit the Palau de la Musica Catalana, a stunning concert hall

This incredible concert hall was designed by the Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and it’s a truly stunning building.

The building is decorated with stained glass, mosaics, and intricate carvings, and it’s definitely a must-see for anyone interested in architecture. You can take a self-guided tour of the concert hall or have a pro take you around on a guided tour.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a performance here, as the hall is still used for concerts and other events.

17. Learn about the city’s art and culture at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Barcelona is a city with a rich history and culture, and there’s no better place to learn about it than at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

This museum is located in the Palau Nacional, and it’s home to a vast collection of Catalan art.

The museum covers Romanesque art, Gothic art, Renaissance art, and Baroque art, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours if you’re interested in learning about the city’s art history.

It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, as the museum can get quite busy as the day goes on.

18. Take a day trip to the stunning Montserrat Monastery

One of my favourite Barcelona bucket list items was taking a day trip to the Montserrat Monastery, which is located about an hour outside of the city.

This monastery is perched atop a mountain, and it’s absolutely stunning. You can take a cable car or hike up to the monastery, and once you’re there you can explore the grounds, visit the museum, and even follow the hiking trails in the surrounding forest.

If you’re looking for a breathtaking day trip from Barcelona, then I highly recommend visiting the Montserrat Monastery.

This highly rated tour to Montserrat includes a visit to the monastery, a cable car ride, and an easy hike, and it’s a great way to see this stunning place.

20. Hike to the top of Montjuïc

If hiking is usually on your travel bucket list, then you’ll want to add hiking to the top of Montjuïc to your Barcelona bucket list.

Montjuïc is a hill located in Barcelona, and it’s home to many of the city’s most popular attractions, including Montjuïc castle, the Olympic Stadium, and the Joan Miró Foundation.

The hike to the top of Montjuïc is a not at all difficult, and it only takes around half an hour to complete. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

If you’re not a fan of hiking but still want to visit Montjuïc, you can take a cable car to the top instead.

21. Soak up the sun at one of Barcelona’s many beaches

Barcelona isn’t just shelling out city vibes, it’s also a beach destination, and one of the best things to do in Barcelona is to soak up some sun on the sand.

The city has several beaches to choose from, including Barceloneta Beach, Playa de Bogatell, and Llevant.

Barceloneta Beach is Barcelona’s most famous beach but it can get quite crowded, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, then I recommend Llevant.

All of the beaches have facilities, and sun loungers that you can rent, and there are also plenty of bars and restaurants close by if you need to grab a bite or a drink.

After a few days of sightseeing, what’s better than lounging on the beach for a day?!

22. Take a trip to one of the Cava Wineries near Barcelona

Cava is a type of sparkling wine that’s produced in Catalonia, and it’s one of the most popular drinks in Barcelona.

If you’re a fan of bubbly, then I recommend taking a trip to one of the many Cava wineries located near Barcelona.

Most of the wineries offer tours and tastings, so you can learn about how Cava is made and sample with a glass of wine.

There are also restaurants located onsite, so you can make a day of it and enjoy a nice lunch or dinner after your tour and tasting

I recommend this Cava Winery tour, which includes round-trip transportation from Barcelona, a tour of the winery, and a tasting.

23. Take a cooking class and learn to make some traditional Spanish dishes

If you love food, then this is the perfect activity for you.

Barcelona is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and one of the best things to do in Barcelona is to take a cooking class and learn how to make some of the city’s signature dishes

During your class, you’ll learn about the ingredients used in Spanish cooking and get to cook (and eat!) a few traditional dishes

This chef-led cooking class includes a lesson on how to choose the best ingredients, a hands-on cooking class, and a 3-course lunch or dinner.

24. Stop for a quick look in Santa Maria del Mar

Santa Maria del Mar is one of the most beautiful churches in Barcelona. The church was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style, and it’s one of the best examples of Catalan Gothic architecture.

The interior of the church is just as stunning as the exterior, and it’s definitely worth stopping for a quick look if you’re in the area.

Admission to the museum is free if you have the Barcelona Card, and there are guides available for tours.

26. Stroll through the colourful El Raval district

El Raval is one of the most vibrant and colourful districts in Barcelona. The district is home to a large number of artists, and you’ll find plenty of art galleries, street art, and independent shops.

El Raval is also the perfect place to people watch, and there are a ton of cafes and bars where you can sit and relax with a coffee or a drink.

27. Go for a bike ride along the picturesque Passeig de Gracia

On Barcelona’s most exclusive street, Passeig de Gracia, you’ll find some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and architecture.

The street is also home to two of Gaudi’s most famous buildings, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo.

If you’re looking for a break from all the shopping and sightseeing, then go for a bike ride along Passeig de Gracia.

You can rent a bike from one of the many bike sharing stations, and it’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

28. See an incredible Flamenco show

Flamenco is a the staple of Spanish culture. It’s a passionate and emotional dance that originates from Andalusia in southern Spain.

Couple the Flamenco show ticket with dinner and drinks for an incredible Spanish night out.

29. Spend the day on a Catamaran

What better way to see Barcelona’s coastline is from the water?

There are a number of different boat tours available, but one of the most popular is this Catamaran Tour.

During the tour, you’ll sail past some of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks, including Montjuic, Tibidabo, the Sagrada Familia and many more. Take a dip in the water, relax to lounge music, enjoy some snacks and drinks, and soak up the sun on the deck of the catamaran.

30. Drink Sangria

Have you even been to Barcelona if you haven’t tried Sangria?

Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine, fruit, and a variety of different liquors. It’s the perfect refresher on a hot summer day.

You can find Sangria on almost every menu in Barcelona, but for the best Sangria, head to one of the city’s many Sangria bars.

FAQs about Barcelona

What’s on your Barcelona Bucket List?

I hope the above list has given you some inspiration for your own Barcelona Bucket List. There are so many incredible things to see and do in this amazing city, and I can’t wait to check even more items off my own list on my next visit!

So what’s on your bucket list for Barcelona? Is there anything you would add?