Ways to Experience Barcelona like a Local

he 10 best attractions in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city full of museums, parks, Gaudi buildings, and other highlights. Barcelona offers more than just the highlights such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Camp Nou. During your visit to this city, these are the top 10 of the most famous and most popular attractions in Barcelona. Click one of the must-see highlights for more information on this unique monument, museum or attraction:

1. Sagrada Familia
The absolute number 1 attraction in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia; the holy cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí. The unfinished church will probably be completed in 2026 and has to be part of your city break. Be sure to always buy tickets for the Sagrada Familia several days in advance!


2. Park Güell
Park Guell is the famous park with mosaic benches and the salamander. This Park Guell is a must-see when visiting Barcelona. However, only a limited number of visitors are admitted every hour. The park used to be free, but now you have to purchase your tickets in advance.

3. Stadium of FC Barcelona - Camp Nou
Visit the FC Barcelona Camp Nou stadium. Take the Camp Nou Experience tour and see the dressing rooms, trophies, and all the parts of the stadium, or attend one of Barca's matches.


4. Casa Mila & Casa Battló of Gaudì
Casa Mila and Casa Battló are two buildings with flats designed by Gaudi. La Pedrera means 'stone quarry' and is a highlight in terms of architecture. Visit one of these 'casas' of Antoni Gaudí to understand what the Catalan Modernism is.

5. Picasso museum of Barcelona
The museum of Pablo Picasso is located in the district La Ribera. The Museu Picasso has over 4,000 works of art by the painter Pablo Picasso who spent an important part of his life in this city.


6. La Rambla
Las Ramblas is the busiest street in Barcelona with its flower stalls, plane trees, street musicians, and living statues. It's the most touristy place in the city and the spot to get souvenirs.

7. Parc de Montjuïc & Font Magica
The Montjuïc is the most famous mountain of the city with dozens of sights, including Palau Nacional, Foundation Joan Miró, Poble Espanyol, the Olympic Stadium, the cable car, and the magical fountain 'Font Magica' with its fountain show of water and light.


8. Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música is one of the most beautiful concert buildings in the style of Catalan Modernism. Visit a concert or take a tour through this Modernist palace of music. More info 'Palau de la Música'.

9. Gothic quarter of Barcelona
The Barri Gòtic is the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona's historical city centre, with the Barcelona cathedral and famous squares such as Plaça Reial and Plaça Sant Jaume. Wander the small, picturesque streets in the historical city centre near the Rambas. More info 'Barri Gòtic'.


10. Boqueria Market
Mercat de la Boqueria, or the Mercat de Sant Josep, is the colourful produce market on the Ramblas. The Boqueria market is the perfect place to start the day by tasting and experiencing Catalan flavours and smells. Meer info 'Mercat de la Boqueria'.


11. Hospital de Sant Pau
The hospital is one of the prime examples of Catalan modernist architecture. With its main building and many pavilions, the former complex of Hospital de Sant Pau is one of my favorite (less touristy) spots in Barcelona. More info 'Hospital de Sant Pau'.

12. Cycling in Barcelona
One of the most popular and surprising ways to discover the city of Barcelona is by bicycle. The city has an extensive network of cycle paths, certainly also along the beach. Rent a bike yourself or join a bike ride with an inspiring English-speaking guide. More info 'Cycling'.