10 unmissable experiences in Barcelona

Sabry Battistella • 5 Oct 2023

Heading to the Catalonian capital and don’t want to miss a single thing? We understand. Whether you’ve got 48 hours or a few weeks to explore all of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona, we’ll help you experience the best of it. From tasty tapas and majestic mountain views to exploring Gaudi’s masterpieces, this sunny seaside city has something for everyone. Read on for the 10 experiences you can’t miss.

Join a small group tour of the Sagrada Familia with an expert guide.

1. See it all at the Sagrada Familia

Almost 150 years in the making, Antoni Gaudi’s ultimate masterpiece is a jaw-dropping sight. Get the most out of your visit on a 1.5-hour tour with an expert guide. Not only will you enjoy priority access, but you’ll also get the inside scoop on the landmark’s fascinating history. Be sure to visit the towers for scenic views of Barcelona. After your tour, wander beneath the basilica’s massive stained-glass windows. On sunny days, the interior floors are bathed in colorful light — one of Barcelona’s top photography spots!

Visit Park Güell, one of Gaudí’s major works, in Barcelona.

2. Take in the views through Gaudi’s eyes

Escape the hustle and bustle as you stroll around this lush oasis in the heart of the city. Soak in stunning views with one day access to Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surround yourself with Gaudi’s mosaics as you ascend the Dragon Stairway, and snap away at the world-famous salamander. A real urban adventure, filled with beauty, history, and culture, a wander around Park Güell is also one of the best things to do alone in Barcelona. On the way back down, reward yourself with a little sunbathing in the greenery of Austria Gardens.
Explore one of the icons of Barcelona with a skip-the-line ticket to the Casa Milà (La Pedrera).

3. Marvel at groundbreaking architecture

Feel inspired by a spectacular example of modernist architecture, the Casa Milà — one of the must-see places to visit in Barcelona. With a skip-the-line ticket, you can absorb its whimsical curves and distinctive corkscrew chimneys without the stress. Take in the picturesque stairwells and roof terrace, all the while admiring the quirkiness of Gaudi’s unique style.
Explore an icon of Barcelona’s Modernist architecture on a 45-minute guided tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana.

4. Enjoy exclusive access to an iconic concert hall

Want to see something special that most travelers don’t? An exclusive tour around the Palau de la Música Catalana is an enviable experience. The rehearsal hall of the Orfeó Catala is a blaze of ornate decorations and kaleidoscopic colors. If you’re lucky, there might even be a rehearsal happening while you visit.
Travel on a Montjuïc Cable Car and get unique views of Barcelona’s coastline from the air.

5. Gaze down on the city from a cable car

Why sweat it on foot when you can take in panoramic views from a cable car? Travel in style over the city’s rooftops as the Mediterranean sparkles below you. By climbing 270 feet to the top of the hill of Montjuïc, you can you be sure you’ve seen everything!
Visit the Monastery of Montserrat and enjoy a 3-course meal with breathtaking views over the region.

6. Explore a magical monastery 

Get off the beaten track and into breathtaking natural scenery with a guided tour of the Monastery of Montserrat. Nestled at the top of Montserrat mountain, monks have enjoyed the spectacular views from this Monastery since the 10th century. If that's not heavenly enough, round off the experience with a three-course meal at a nearby farmhouse.
Immerse yourself in the sensuous rhythms of Spanish flamenco at a 1-hour show at Barcelona’s Palacio del Flamenco.

7. Sway to the rhythm of a flamenco show

Admire professional dancers a live flamenco show. Experience the passion of this one-hour performance as two performers strut their stuff to Spanish guitars. After you’ve built an appetite, sit back and watch how it’s done as you savor the taste explosion of a tapas.
See more of Barcelona by bike in 3 hours than you would on foot in 3 days.

8. Absorb the sights on two wheels

Enjoy pedaling around the city’s windy streets on a sightseeing bike tour, one of the best things to do outdoors in Barcelona. Soak up the sun while traveling through squares and food markets to discover the city’s hidden gems. It might be a healthy workout — but don’t worry, you’ll kick up your heels at a beach bar afterward.
Explore the world’s largest Art Nouveau complex on a 1.5-hour tour of the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista.

9. Discover an Art Nouveau masterpiece

Surround yourself with splendor during a 1.5-hour tour around the world’s largest Art Nouveau complex. Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner’s garden city has become one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. The Sant Pau Recinte complex is so elegant, it’s hard to believe it was used as a public hospital for a century.
Learn how to cook a traditional Spanish seafood paella.

10. Cook like the locals at a paella class

Why dine out at expensive restaurants every night when you can learn to make paella with a trained chef? Explore the famous market La Boqueria in the old town and learn to cook a traditional Basque Pintxos or Montaditos. After you’ve mixed your own sangria, the chef will teach you to make paella de marisco. Now that's what we call a meal.