Barcelona Things To Do

The Neighbourhoods

Barcelona has fascinatingly distinct neighbourhoods to explore on foot. First and foremost are the atmospheric medieval lanes and delightful squares of the Gothic Quarter with its splendid cathedral, and the area is packed with charming bars and cafes. The Born and the Ribera are striking examples of Barcelona’s brilliant combination of the old and new, with great shops and bars, and a fantastic covered market. The Raval is a fascinating multicultural area in the heart of Barcelona, now home to the city’s foremost contemporary art museums. The Eixample is the showcase for famous modernist buildings, whilst Gracia is a buzzing area with a strong cultural tradition and yet more bars, restaurants and clubs.

Barri Gotic

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the city's historic centre, and encompassing preserved Roman walls and medieval sites, its a huge attraction for all visitors. A series of tiny winding lanes, spreading onto historic market squares, it's a delight to explore on foot, full of timeless churches, charming tapas bars and open-air cafes, and a host of artisan's workshops and studios.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas comprises of a one-mile stretch of central Barcelona, and is the most popular street in the city. Basically a pedestrianised island filled with stalls, street entertainers, buskers, flower sellers, Las Ramblas is known for its vibrant energy and eclectic sights, and is a popular spot for evening entertainment and nightlife.

Camp Nou Stadium

Home of the celebrated Barcelona football club, this is the third largest stadium in the world, and is famed for its intense atmosphere. Its motto is 'more than a club', and this is certainly evident as you explore, and even more so if you get the chance to witness a game or major concert whilst here. Tours include viewings of the player dressing rooms, the trophy room and the pitch, and even include the chance to raise the European Cup in triumph.

Magic Fountain

The Magic Fountain is an established attraction, which has been delighting visitors since 1929, which features a monumental series of fountains, made up of 3,000 water jets, provides a spectacular display of colour, light and water, all set to music. Shows are very evening between Thursday and Sunday, and are popular at sunset.

Parc Guell

Designed by Gaudi, Parc Guell is a magical housing project that covers an area of parkland, best described as a Hansel and Gretel fairytale meets Alice in Wonderland. Packed with medieval-style turrets, coloured mosaics and gingerbread thatched houses, the architect has blended fanciful architecture with the natural surroundings, and created a unique attraction that has to be seen to be believed.

Picasso Museum

The museum is located in a series of five medieval palaces in the historic Gothic Quarter, and houses over 3,000 items on permanent display. Offering a thorough insight into the artist, there is extensive artwork from Picasso's early days, through the famous Blue Period, and into his years spent in Paris.

Plaza Catalunya

Plaza Catalunya is Barcelona's busiest square, and the beating heart of the city. A major transport hub, as well as a vast centre for shopping and nightlife, the square has a host of colourful pavement cafes and bars in which to watch the world go by. Plaza Catalunya has many decorative features, and boasts neo-classical and avant grade sculpture, as well as classical architecture.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is one of the least visited creations of Gaudi, with this private residence boasting all the artist's trademarks in its playful design. Tours of this architectural tour de force are available, and allow visitors to take in the fantastical images and exuberant touches that the artist is so famous for.

La Sagrada Familia

Still under construction, this UNESCO world heritage site was the brainchild of the celebrated architect, Antoni Gaudi, and features three monumental facades that marry science fiction with traditional fairy tale. The site is open to the public, who can tour this visual masterpiece, as well as view the crypt where Gaudi is buried, as well as pore over documents, plans and multimedia displays in the museum. When completed, La Sagrada Familia will feature 18 spires, and be the tallest church in the world.

The Sea

The harbour area was transformed by the Olympics and is frequently cited as a classic example of positive city regeneration, offering a superb area to walk, to shop, to people watch, to refresh the mind and body and to visit top attractions like the excellent aquarium. In the summer, head for Icaria and Barceloneta beaches.

Food & Drink

Catalan cuisine has an international reputation. Barcelona offers economical workers cafes, excellent tapas bars, superb seafood and some extremely stylish fine dining. There are excellent little restaurants in trendy neighbourhoods like Gracia and the Born, and a host of lively, atmospheric tapas bars in markets like La Boqueria and the Mercat St Antoni. Barcelona nightlife has something for everyone, with plenty of interesting trendy bars and no shortage of stylish, fashionable, late-night clubs.