Charming Barcelona: 13 Coolest Things to Do
With fantastic art and architecture, a rich Medieval history, as well as innovative modern additions, Barcelona is certainly not short of things to do and see. Here, Culture Trip explores 14 of the unmissable things to do if you’re visiting the capital of Catalonia, Spain.
Discover the masterpieces of Catalan Modernism
Museum
Picasso Museum
Museum
Visit the beach
Natural Feature
Sagrada Família
Architectural Landmark
Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, but unique in itself, the Sagrada Família is his most famous piece of architecture and an icon of Barcelona. In construction since 1882 and expected to be completed in 2026, this piece of art is still evolving, making it a very engaging visit. Not only is it a spectacular feast for the eyes from the outside, with beautiful views from each side, the Sagrada Família also boasts a fantastic museum inside. There is an entrance fee, but it’s worth the price to witness the incredible interior, including the option of panoramas from the tower.
Santa Maria del Mar
Church
La Boqueria
Market
Montjuïc
Museum
A prominent hill overlooking Barcelona and boasting fantastic city views, Montjuïc is very popular with tourists. From the top, you can see sweeping vistas of the city and sparkling Mediterranean Sea, but possibly even more exciting is the cable car that takes visitors up to the hill. Montjuïc covers a wide territory and offers many activities, including gardens, a castle with an ominous history, the Olympic stadium and multiple museums.
The Park Güell
Park
Camp Nou
Sports Center, Stadium
Parc de la Ciutadella
Park
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Museum
One of the city’s most beloved attractions, the Magic Fountain is a spectacular show of light, colour and music that takes place at the base of Montjuïc, in front of the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya). The fountain was built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition but has undergone numerous upgrades throughout the years, including the addition of music in the 1980s ahead of the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Tibidabo Amusement Park
Amusement Park
Discover Joan Miró's finest masterpieces
Museum
Barcelona native Joan Miró is one of the city’s most renowned artists of all times, internationally acclaimed for his surrealist, nearly child-like artwork. The Fundació Joan Miró is home to some of the artist’s most famous pieces, many of which were donated by the artist himself, involved at the time in the creation of the foundation. More than just a museum, though, the foundation was designed as a space for artistic and cultural interaction, a legacy continued at the Espai 13, an exhibition space dedicated to the work of emergent contemporary artists. This is one of Barcelona’s most singular artistic experiences.
Tara Jessop contributed additional reporting to this article.