Few years ago, I went to Barcelona as part of my architectural studies. Well, what started like a regular study trip turned out to be this wholesome adventure exploring cool buildings and designs. From Gaudi’s quirky stuff to the modern buildings, Barcelona was like an open book of creativity. In this blog, I am taking a trip down memory lane, remembering the cool places and experiences that made studying architecture way more exciting than I ever expected! I have compiled a list of what I believe are the 10 most beautiful places to see in Barcelona, or Barna as locals would call it. Let’s get started!
1 | BARCELONA'S ICONIC SAGRADA FAMILIA
Entering the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, the unfinished masterpiece of the genius architect Gaudí is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. Both the interior and exterior are marvellous. Unlike any other church in the world, Gaudí employed all his experience and new techniques to create a naturalistic style where all the elements flow in complete harmony.
The structure’s standout feature is its height—around 172 meters. Gaudí intentionally kept it a meter shorter than Barcelona’s Montjuïc mountain, believing nothing crafted by humans should surpass the grandeur of nature. The construction is expected to be completed by the year 2026. Once finished, it will become the tallest Christian church in the world. As you can imagine, I am already eager and counting down the days to see it in its full splendour.
To reach this must-visit attraction in Barcelona, you can take metro lines 2 and 5, which stop at Sagrada Familia, or the urban bus. It is important to note that it is one of the most visited monuments in Europe. Long queues form, and there is a limited number of daily tickets that sell out quickly. An option to ensure entry and learn more about the history of this building is to consider booking a skip-the-line guided visit.
As for the visiting hours, la Sagrada Familia is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the April-September season. From March to October, it closes at 7 p.m. While in the remaining months, the closing time is at 6 p.m.
Tip: Sometimes, the Basilica’s schedule may change for special events inside, so it’s good to check their website.
2 | BARCELONA'S GOTHIC QUARTER
The Gothic Quarter, located in the heart of the city, is the oldest and most beautiful neighborhood to see in Barcelona. Its origins date back to the Roman era, and you can still see remnants of the ancient city of Barcino. However, it reached its peak during the Middle Ages with the construction of Gothic churches and palaces. Heading to the Gothic Quarter, you can stroll along the commercial street of Portal de l’Àngel, passing by the beautiful Mural del beso until you reach the Barcelona Cathedral.
After visiting the Cathedral, we recommend getting lost in the narrow streets of the neighborhood. Starting with Carrer del Bisbe, where you’ll encounter magical corners. Namely: Sant Felip Neri Square, the Palau del Bisbe, the Temple of Augustus, Plaça del Rei, Plaça Sant Jaume, the Church of Santa Ana, and the magnificent Plaça Reial.
Next, we suggest heading up to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, which offers the best panoramic views of the old town from its towering bell tower, standing over 50 meters high.
3 | CASA BATLLÓ
Casa Batlló is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Gaudí’s finest works in Barcelona. This jewel of Catalan modernism, located on the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, impresses you at first sight with its spectacular façade inspired by organic forms of nature. In addition to its exterior, it offers an interior full of magic and fantasy, with undulating shapes, light-filled courtyard, and a rooftop decorated with astonishing chimneys.
Although there are three types of tickets available, but only the Gold ticket allows you to skip the long queues at the entrance. If you plan to visit multiple Gaudí works, it may be cost-effective to book a full guided tour, which includes skip-the-line access to Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and a visit to La Pedrera.
Since we have visited the place late, we couldn’t get inside. However, we’ve heard It’s interesting to get the virtual reality audio guide, which takes you to the past when the architect, commissioned by the wealthy businessman Josep Batlló, began the remodelling of this old house, transforming it into an architectural landmark.
4 | BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
The cathedral of the holy cross and saint eulalia, also known as la Seu, is one of the oldest buildings to see in Barcelona. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral, it stands out for its fantastic neo-gothic facade and a rich interior with several treasures. If you have time, you can also climb to the terrace to get a closer look at the tower details and enjoy views of the city center.
Regarding the visiting hours, the place is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. During the weekend, it closes at 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and opens only from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
5 | LAS RAMBLAS
The most popular thing to do in Barcelona is taking a stroll along Las Ramblas or La Rambla. This 1.5-kilometer avenue stretches from Plaza Cataluña to the Columbus Monument and is always bustling with tourists throughout the day. In addition to watching street performers , there are several wonders along the way that are worth exploring.
One of these highlights is the La Boquería Market, which offers numerous stalls selling high-quality products and restaurants where you can enjoy tapas. Don’t forget to see the Miró mosaic and take a sip from the Canaletas Fountain. Owing to traditions, this place is famous for being the spot where FC Barcelona fans celebrate their victories. They say that anyone who drinks from its water will return to Barcelona. You might want to try it out, right?
Tip: If you want to learn about the history and not miss anything in this part of the city, an interesting option is to book a free tour (Don’t forget to tip)
6 | HOSPITAL DE LA SANTA CREU - SANT PAU
The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is another building to see in Barcelona declared a World Heritage Site. Located just a few meters from the Sagrada Familia, this former hospital stands out for its ensemble of modernist buildings made of red brick and a large central square.
In terms of public transports, you can take Metro Line 5 and get off at Sant Pau or take Line 4, which stops at Guinardó to visit this place. It is open Monday to Saturday [November to March] from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. [April to October] from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and closes two hours earlier Sundays. (Remember that the first Sunday of each month offers free admission, making it one of the best free things to do in Barcelona).
Tip: A good way to get around Barcelona and save money is to purchase the Hola BCN! Card for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days which provides unlimited access to public transportation in Barcelona.
7 | EL BORN, BARCELONA
Located right next to the Gothic Quarter, between Vía Laietana and La Barceloneta, you’ll find one of the trendiest neighbourhoods to visit in Barcelona: El Born. A neighbourhood characterized by its narrow, cobblestone streets filled with tapas restaurants, local shops, and places to enjoy a drink in the evening.
We recommend taking the time to stroll through its emblematic streets like Montcada Street and explore its main points of interest, such as the former Mercat del Born, Passeig de Born, Marcus Chapel, and the Church of Sant Pere de les Puelles. A few meters from the latter church, you’ll find the Arc de Triomf, which marks the beginning of Passeig de Lluís Companys, leading you to the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of Barcelona’s green lungs that features attractions such as an artificial lake, the Castle of the Three Dragons, and a waterfall.
During your route, don’t miss the visit to the Picasso Museum, which houses the most important collection of works by the brilliant painter from his youth. The visiting hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Thursday until 9:30 p.m., and Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8 | BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA DEL MAR
Another place to visit in Barcelona is the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar in Gothic style. Located in the Born neighbourhood, it is famous for being the protagonist of the literary work “The Cathedral of the Sea” a bestseller by Spanish writer Ildefonso Falcones.
According to visitors, this Catalan Gothic-style church stands out for its slender columns and the harmony of its proportions. Among its highlights are the large rose window and the terrace offering an incredible 360-degree views of the center of Barcelona. Head there from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
9 | PALAU DE LA MÚSICA CATALANA
The impressive Palau de la Música Catalana is a modernist building constructed between 1905 and 1908 by the modernist architect Lluís Domènech. Because it hosts the only concert hall declared a World Heritage Site, this place attract visitors from all over the globe. Likewise, it architecture captivates people at first sight with the light that passes through its beautiful and colorful mosaics.
To enter the Palau de la Música, you need to book a guided tour or purchase a ticket to attend one of its music concerts. The visiting hours are every day from 10:00 a.m. to 03:30 p.m. (July and August until 6:00 p.m.).
10 | PARK GÜELL, THE MASTERPIECE OF BARCELONA
Park Güell is one of the most beautiful parks in the world and another of the must-see places in Barcelona. This enormous fairytale park created by Antonio Gaudí surprises all visitors with its sculptures, fountains, and buildings inspired by nature. One of my favorite spots is the Nature Square. It features a wavy bench decorated with beautiful mosaics and incredible views of the entire city. The most typical souvenirs of Barcelona is found on the Dragon Stairway, a grand staircase with a fountain and the famous dragon sculpture.
Tip: It’s important to know that a few years ago, access to the park was restricted, and admission is no longer free. Additionally, only 400 people are allowed entry every half hour from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This leads to long queues, especially during high season and weekends. A good way to avoid them is to book admission in advance or take a guided tour to the park.
The city’s vibes are unbeatable, and we’ve only scratched the surface. Exciting news—part two is around the corner! So, grab your bags and let’s dive into the next chapter of Barcelona’s together.
Trust me, the best is yet to come! Can’t wait to share more soon. Stay tuned.
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