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The top 10 sights in Barcelona at a glance
We tell you the top highlights, the most popular districts, the most beautiful beaches, the coolest places to chill out, but also really good restaurants and beautiful hotels in Barcelona.
You want to know what you can do in Barcelona? Then come with us to one of the most exciting cities in Europe. First of all, here is an overview of our top 10 sights in Barcelona.
First of all, here is an overview of our top 10 highlights
Map: All sights in Barcelona
In our interactive map you can find all sights in Barcelona at a glance. Have fun discovering the most beautiful places and squares in the metropolis.
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Our hotel tips in Barcelona (centre)
1. La Sagrada Familia - the top sightseeing attraction
The Roman Catholic basilica La Sagrada Familia is an absolute must-see for every visitor to Barcelona and is one of THE sights in Barcelona.
The 172-metre-high basilica towers over the metropolis like a patron saint. When you stand in front of the church for the first time, you won't be able to stop marvelling. A must-see - definitely one of the places you have to see in Barcelona.
By the way, the building regulations in Barcelona state that no building may be higher than the Sagrada Familia.
La Sagrada Familia is one of the top sights in Barcelona.
But don't be surprised if you see building cranes and construction workers. Designed by Antoni Gaudí in the Modernist style, the building and landmark of the city is still being built today. Construction work began as early as 1882 - in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death (not "Gaudi", by the way), the building is to be completed.
A visit to the interior of La Sagrada Familia is also worthwhile. For this, however, you should definitely get tickets in advance via the internet. The normal entrance fee is 26 euros. If you want a guided tour, you pay 30 euros. A fast-track ticket costs just under 32 euros. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to visit the towers (as of March 2022).
Also note that the tickets are time-bound and expire if you are not on time. It's good to be there ten minutes before.
Hotel tip: One of the best hotels in the city is the Radisson Blu 1882, very close to La Sagrada Familia. From the cosy roof terrace you have a great view of the imposing sight.
If you are planning to visit La Sagrada Familia, we highly recommend staying at the H10 Catalunya Plaza Boutique Hotel, located in the city center. This hotel is the perfect base for exploring Barcelona, and it offers guests a comfortable and luxurious stay. The hotel is within walking distance of many of Barcelona's top attractions, including La Sagrada Familia, and it is also close to many shops, restaurants, and bars. The H10 Catalunya Plaza Boutique Hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, and excellent service. Book your stay now and experience the best of Barcelona!
All info
Address of the hotel:
Carrer de Mallorca, 401 (Google Maps)
Opening hours:
Daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
Info:
It's best to book tickets in advance with fast track admission.
2 Park Güell - experience Gaudí up close and personal
Park Güell is one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona.
Park G üell is one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona. The park was created by Antoni Gaudí between 1900 and 1914 and is an oasis in the city that invites you to stroll and enjoy. For us, Park Güell is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona.
Park Güell was originally planned to be much larger but was never completed due to financial constraints. The area houses only three houses instead of the more than 60 planned villas. The home of the industrialist family Güell, Gaudí's home and another house.
But these three houses alone, which Gaudí planned harmoniously into the natural surroundings, make a visit to Park Güell unforgettable. In fine weather, a huge sun terrace invites you to linger. Like the houses, the seating areas are artistically decorated with mosaics.
If you want to experience the Güell complex, you should get tickets early. This is especially true in the high season. But the fact is: this is a sight you should definitely visit in Barcelona.
Hotel tip: Near Park Güell is the Bestprice Gracia Hotel. This simple hotel is suitable for all those who are looking for modern and at the same time inexpensive accommodation in Barcelona.
All info
Opening hours:
8:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. daily
Info:
Book tickets online, so you avoid waiting times
If you are a fan of Gaudí, then you should definitely visit Casa Batlló. It is the most beautiful Gaudí house on the Passeig de Gràcia. The last building that the famous architect built is the Casa Milà. Afterwards, he devoted his time to building the Sagrada Família. You will find the residential building in the Eixample district. 3.
3 From the Arc de Triomf to the Parc de la Ciutadella
This is the promenade from the Arc de Triomf to the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Third on our list of the most beautiful sights in Barcelona is the Parcde la Ciutadella. If you are travelling by metroin Barcelona, get off at the Arcde Triomf, built in 1888, and stroll along a wide promenade to the "Park of the Citadel" - one of the largest parks in Barcelona and a popular sightseeing destination.
A particularly impressive must-see is the "Font de la Cascada" fountain. You can also rent rowing boats on the large lake in the middle of the park, and Barcelona Zoo is located on the same grounds. The numerous possibilities also make the park a nice place for children.
⭐ Travel guide for your Barcelona holiday
We can highly recommend the following travel guides for your Barcelona trip.
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4 Casa Batlló
The Casa Batlló, designed by Gaudí, is one of the absolute highlights of the city.
Antoni Gaudí was not only responsible for La Sagrada Familia or Park Güell. One of Gaudí's most famous sights is the Casa Batlló at Passeig de Gràcia 43 in the Eixample district.
The residential and commercial building attracts around one million visitors every year. This makes the Casa Batlló one of the most important attractions of the beautiful city on the Mediterranean.
Even from the outside, the building is a feast for the eyes. The Casa Batlló can even be partially visited. For example, the foyer, the Beletage, the staircase, the attic, the roof and the backyard are open to visitors.
5 Tibidabo Park - the best view of Barcelona
Tibidabo amusement park is one of the oldest in the world and a great destination for families with children
What else is there to do in the metropolis? Now it's getting sporty! We'll take you to a world of activities that might interest young people in Barcelona in particular.
But nature and hiking lovers will also get their money's worth here. You don't have to go to the Pyrenees , 120 kilometres away, to take off your hiking boots. The city lies in a natural basin by the sea and the surrounding mountains are ideal for short hiking tours.
One of the must-see sights in Barcelona is the hike to Tibidao Park. The rugged hiking trail leads through dense greenery - again and again you get great views of Barcelona and the all-dominating La Sagrada Familia.
Once you reach Tibidao, the highest mountain in the Collserola mountain range, you continue a little further up. A visit to the church Templo del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus is definitely worthwhile. We definitely recommend taking the lift, for which you have to pay, to get to the top.
The majestic Templo del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus
From the top, Tibidabo is at your feet - and so is the Parque de Atracccions amusement park. With a good view, you can see as far as Montserrat. The 268-metre-high TV tower, built for the 1992 Olympic Games, is also omnipresent.
If you don't feel like hiking, you can take a car or bus to the top of Tibidabo. An alternative is the funicular that goes up Tibidabo. For us, this view offers the most spectacular view of the city. Especially at sunset, there's a lot going on here.
Are you wondering which is the most beautiful place in Barcelona? For us, this view is definitely in the top 3 most beautiful places in Barcelona.
Admission: the ride on the Funicular del Tibidabo (cable car) costs 4.00 euros when you buy the amusement park ticket, and the ride alone costs 7.50 euros.
The cable car runs daily from March to December. There are no rides in January. In February, the cable car only runs at weekends.
6 La Rambla and Mercat de la Boqueria
The Mercat de la Boqueria is well worth a visit.
One of the highlights of Barcelona is definitely the market. In the market hall Mercat de la Boqueria, locals merge with tourists. There is probably no other place in Barcelona where a sight is so closely linked to the everyday life of the locals. So if you want to know where you definitely have to go in Barcelona, it's the market.
In the market hall, traders sell fresh fish, meat, bread, fruit, sweets, spices and many other goods. You won't find fresher food anywhere else in Barcelona. Enjoy your holiday and treat yourself to something delicious.
Access to the market is directly on La Rambla or Les Rambles. The almost 1.3-kilometre-long promenade connects Plaça de Catalunya with the harbour. Life pulsates here.
Thousands of visitors stroll along Les Rambles, where countless cafés invite you to linger. Like everywhere else in Barcelona, you have to be extremely vigilant here - pickpockets have their hands full. But don't let our warning spoil your mood. La Rambla is a real attraction.
7 Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau - our insider tip
This is the entrance to the Hospital de Sant Pau
Located in the centre of the city, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is almost an insider tip for your Barcelona trip. Unlike many other sights in Barcelona, the pace here is really relaxed.
The complex is extremely impressive and not as crowded as other attractions in the city.
This may be because the hospital, built between 1902 and 1911 by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, has no connection to Gaudí. Fans of Catalan Art Nouveau (Modernisme) will get their money's worth in the excellently restored complex, after all, various sculptures on the façade and in the interior were designed by the sculptor Pablo Gargallo.
Outside and inside, there is plenty to discover. If you still have doubts about whether a visit is worthwhile: the building complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. This is our absolute travel tip for you.
8th Gothic Quarter and El Born district
What could be more natural than exploring Barcelona's city centre on foot? Whether by day or by night, the Gothic Quarter - the Barri Gòtic - with the Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia (La Seu) and the El Born district are a must-see. For us, El Born is the most beautiful district in Barcelona with numerous beautiful sights.
La Seu Cathedral is one of the top sights in Barcelona.
With its gothic flair, the area invites you to take a unique walk, where there is a lot to discover.
You'll find winding streets, historic buildings, small boutiques, shops, confectioners, musicians, bars and pubs. Just flow through the city centre with thousands of other people and enjoy life. Young people in particular are out and about here in the evenings.
Our tip, not only for young people: take a whole evening to explore the district and just let yourself drift.
One of the highlights is the La Seu Cathedral, which was built on the foundations of a basilica destroyed by the Moors. The church is very old. The foundation stone was laid as early as 1298. Incidentally, 13 white geese are kept on the grounds. They used to serve as a shield against thieves because they made a lot of noise.
Inside La Seu Cathedral
Don ' t miss the Museu d'Història de la Cuitat(website). It is one of the most beautiful museums in Barcelona. The museum tells the story of Barcelona's history, which is over 2000 years old.
You can also marvel at the largest Roman excavations outside Rome. However, you should not choose a Monday for your visit - the museum is closed then. Plaça de Sant Jaume, the historical and political centre of the city, should also be on your list of highlights.
The medieval quarter of El Born, meanwhile, is the creative quarter. The alleys are so narrow that no ray of sunlight makes it to the ground. If you want to shop, come to Born. Some of the hottest fashion shops are now located here. Night owls, meanwhile, move from one bar to the next in the evening. As you can see, this district is extremely attractive.
Hotel tip: One of the top addresses for the upmarket is the Grand Hotel Central in the direct vicinity of the cathedral.
9 La Barceloneta and Port Vell
There are always a few superyachts moored in the harbour
If you visit the popular district of La Barceloneta with its long sandy beaches, you will almost inevitably pass the Port Vell harbour. Here, huge super yachts are anchored that will leave you speechless.
During our stay, the highlights were the 87-metre-long ACE and the 99-metre-long Madame Gu. Both yachts of superlatives and owned by rich Russians. If you fancy a holiday on the boat, you can rent these luxury boats. At 250,000 euros a week, however, this will probably remain a dream for most people.
Relaxing on the beach in the centre of the metropolis
The beach of La Barceloneta is a popular excursion destination
If you stroll from Port Vell towards the beach Platja de la Barceloneta, you will always have the luxury hotel W Barcelona in your field of vision. You can't miss this striking building. From the upper floors of the W Hotel you have a great view over the beach. However, this is reserved for hotel guests.
This is the view from the W Hotel onto the beach of La Barceloneta.
Of course, you will pass numerous restaurants on your way to the beach. As always, the same applies here: Tourist shops are often just out to make a quick buck. Apps like Tripadvisor or Google Maps help to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Finally, on the eternally long, super-beautiful beach of La Barceloneta, it's time to relax and enjoy the sea. With your feet in the sand, recover from the numerous activities in the beautiful metropolis. Isn't it amazing that the beach is in the middle of the city?
The only drawback: if you feel bothered by the sometimes very pushy street vendors, you won't be happy here, unfortunately. Nevertheless, the beach is one of the most popular sights in Barcelona.
Hotel tip: In addition to the W Barcelona, the Sofitel Barcelona Skipper is almost directly on the water. The luxurious 5-star hotel near the Olympic harbour impresses with a great view and first-class service.
10 Camp Nou - the football stadium of FC Barcelona
The Camp Nou stadium is definitely one of the top 10 sights.
With 99,354 seats, Europe's largest football stadium will leave even non-football fans speechless. Before going to the Camp Nou, the tour takes you through the FC Barcelona museum. Hundreds of trophies can be admired here. The museum alone is a sight to behold.
The tour also takes in the dressing rooms and commentators' boxes. But the most exciting part is certainly the moment when you go through the players' tunnel onto the pitch. Now time seems to stand still. Then you stand right on the edge of the pitch and you are just speechless. Famous players like Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are regularly on the pitch here. Wow.
A visit to the FC Barcelona museum is one of the things you absolutely have to do.
After the superlative attractions already presented here, we take you to the huge FC Barcelona fan shop. Maybe one or the other will spontaneously become a fan of the multiple Champions League winner. It's an incredible sightseeing experience - even for non-soccer fans.
11 Casa Milà
The Casa Milà - also a work by Gaudí - is absolutely worth seeing.
Of course, the Casa Mil à - another Gaudí highlight in Barcelona - should not be missing from our list of the most important sights.
The Casa Milà is located in Passeig de Gràcia No. 92 and was the first building of the 20th century to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. It goes without saying that the Casa Milà is a must-see on any trip to Barcelona, isn't it?
On the sixth floor you can see a flat in the style of the 1920s. There is also a Gaudí exhibition on the top floor.
The most famous Gaudí buildings in Barcelona
In addition to the Gaudí highlights already mentioned here, there are numerous other buildings and structures in and around Barcelona for which the famous architect is responsible and which are absolutely worth seeing for fans.
La Sagrada Familia
Park Güell
Casa Batlló
Casa Milà
Palau Güell
Casa Vicens
The church of Colònia Güell
Casa Calvet
Bellesguard
Portal Miralles
12th Parc de Montjuïc
The Parc de Montjuïc is best known for the Font Màgica fountain, which is open to the public free of charge, with its colourfully illuminated water features accompanied by music. The magical fountain was built on the occasion of the 1929 World's Fair. The fountain is only spectacular during the play times (as of March 2022). Then it becomes a real attraction.
Spring: 1 April to 31 May: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, show times: 9 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.
Summer: 1 June to 30 September: Wednesday to Sunday, show times: 21:30 and 22:00
Autumn: 1 October to 31 October: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, show times: 20:00 and 20:30
Winter: 1 November to 6 January: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, times of show: 20:00 and 20:30
7 January to 28 February: closed
The fountain in front of the Palau National
Far above the fountain towers the imposing Palau National (MNAC), home of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. On display here are Romanesque frescoes, Catalan panel painting and sculpture, as well as examples of Italian and French Baroque painting.
You can also enjoy a fantastic view of Barcelona from up here. Barcelona looks great from above. On Barcelona's local mountain Montjuïc, the Castell, a 17th century fortress, is also waiting to be explored.
The "Cementiri de Montjuïc" cemetery is also worth a detour. If you don't want to walk, take the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car(website) to the summit. It is an attraction in itself.
The Palau National in the light of the evening sun
13th Estadi Olímpic
The Olympic site, called Estadi Olímpic, is only a stone's throw away from the Palau National. The Olympic Stadium was also built for the 1929 World's Fair (Exposició Internacional de Barcelona).
The Olympic Stadium is also worth a visit
The stadium was originally intended to be the venue for the 1936 Summer Olympics. However, the Olympics were awarded to Berlin after a run-off vote. The building complex with its park is still a beautiful attraction today, however, and invites visitors to stroll and explore.
The futuristic television tower on the Olympic site
14 Parc del Guinardó - Insider Tip
The Parc del Guinardó is a real insider's tip in Barcelona and rightly belongs in our list of the top sights in Barcelona. Away from the tourist crowds, it offers a fantastic view of Barcelona.
The view of Barcelona from the Parc del Guinardó. In the distance you can see the Torre Glòries, our next top sight.
This gem is located in the immediate vicinity of Park Güell and the Hospital de Sant Pau. Several hiking trails lead to the summit.
Tip: You can also cover a large part of the distance by lift. This attraction is definitely worth a visit.
15 Torre Glòries
The Torre Glòries is the city's modern landmark.
In addition to the many historical sights that Gaudí left behind for the Mediterranean metropolis, there is also a modern highlight in the form of the Torre Glòries (formerlyTorreAgbar) that you must not miss.
Despite its shape, which is reminiscent of a phallus, the 142-metre-high skyscraper is considered a modern landmark of the city.
At night, the tower shines in different colours. For photographers, the Torre Glòries is an absolute must-see in the evening hours.
Unfortunately, the office building (there is also no viewing platform and no restaurant) is not accessible to visitors. The view of La Sagrada Familia is certainly breathtaking from up there - but is reserved for employees.
Hotel tip: From the rooftop pool of the 4-star hotel SB Gl ow you have a spectacular view of the Torre Glòries.
Excursion tip Montserrat Monastery
The Montserrat Monastery is a popular excursion destination.
If you have a little more time than just two or three days on your trip, it is worth taking a detour to the mountain Montserrat, located about 50 kilometres northwest of Barcelona. The famous Benedictine abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat is a popular destination.
It takes about an hour to reach the monastery by car from the centre of Barcelona. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from Barcelona*.
The Monastery of Montserrat impresses with its unique location. The imposing complex is built high into the mighty cliffs.
If the Montserrat Monastery inspires you, you should perhaps travel to Greece next time. Near the town of Kalambaka are the Metéora monasteries - one of the most impressive temple complexes in the world (find the most beautiful sights in Greece here).
The most beautiful museums in Barcelona
If you are a culture fan, we have summarised the best museums as highlights.
The Museo Picasso, the Picasso Museum, shows the artist's early works. Although the most famous works are in New York and Madrid, you can admire his work Las Meninas in Barca. Located in the La Ribera district, the museum comprises five Gothic townhouses. They date from the 13th to 15th centuries. Address: Carrer Montcada(Google Maps), admission: 14 euros.
The Fundació Joan Miró, the Miró Museum, displays paintings, sculptures and drawings by Mirò. Address: Parc de Montjuïc(Google Maps), admission: 13 euros.
At the Museu del Modernisme Català, Modernism Museum, you'll learn all about Catalan modernism, furniture, paintings, sculptures and stained glass. Address: Carrer de Balmes, 48(Google Maps), admission: 10 euros.
Where to stay in Barcelona - our hotel tips
This is the spectacular view over the city from the W Hotel
The noble Radisson Blu 1882 is located near La Sagrada Familia and impresses with a beautiful roof terrace with a magnificent view.
One of the most popular hotels in Barcelona is the luxury W Barcelona right on the beach. The view will blow you away.
The Sofitel Barcelona Skipper is also close to the beach. This 5-star hotel has everything you could wish for.
One of the best hotels for upmarket guests is the Grand Hotel Central near La Seu Cathedral.
The 4-star Hotel SB Glow enchants with a rooftop pool and a breathtaking view of the Torre Glòries.
Hotel tip for the small budget: The Bestprice Gracia hotel near Park Güell convinces with modern facilities and a top price-performance ratio.
Three great restaurants in Barcelona
Working your way through the sights in Barcelona makes you hungry. We have an idea for that too. We show you really good restaurants that are not tourist traps. Here you get excellent food at fair prices. Yes, you can also eat out cheaply in Barcelona.
Our tip for a night out: Sensi Bistro
We found Sensi Tapas by chance. We got there early and were lucky to get a seat without a reservation. If you want to eat at Sensi Tapas, you should make a reservation. The young owners serve you the most delicious tapas in all variations. Be sure to try the sangria - it's really delicious. Address: Carrer Ample 26 - Google Maps - but there are other branches.
Our tip for vegans: the Veggie Garden. The menu has an Indian influence and the food is super fresh. Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 602 - Google Maps.
If you want to snack a little, we recommend La Tasqueta de Blai. Here the pinchos, which are small snacks on toothpicks, cost 1 euro each. Address: Carrer de Blai 17 - Google Maps.
Articles on other travel blogs
You can find even more exciting and very informative Barcelona articles and travel reports on many highlights in Barcelona on the following travel blogs:
"Barcelona Sightseeing - A Local's Ultimate Guide" on Vickiviaja.
We hope you enjoyed our summary of Barcelona. We have shown you the main attractions and highlights of the city. Now it's up to you to explore. Have fun in Spain and enjoy the great flair of the beautiful city of Barcelona.
Florian Westermann
Florian is a travel journalist, photographer and co-founder of the travel blog Phototravellers. "Photography and the mountains are my passion. I've been to North America countless times, but I'm also fascinated by the Nordic countries, Italy and of course our home country Germany." By the way, you can find my online photography course here.