What to do in Barcelona

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape at dusk with a roundabout, historic buildings, and a central fountain.
A modern building with a curved design, a beach with people, and a sunset sky.
A narrow alleyway with potted plants and a building with ornate wooden latticework.
A coastal cityscape with dense urban buildings, a prominent tower, and a hilly terrain with greenery.
A cityscape with a prominent cathedral and mountains in the background.

Places to Visit in Barcelona

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Barcelona, Catalonia while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Barcelona attractions from , making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Barcelona tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Barcelona. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Sagrada Família church in Barcelona

Fast Track: Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

NZ$115
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Fast Track: Sagrada Familia Guided Tour
window and patio detail at detail at Casa Batlló Building in Barcelona, Spain

Skip-the-Line Casa Batlló Tickets with SmartGuide

NZ$74
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Skip-the-Line Casa Batlló Tickets with SmartGuide
cable cars riding far above ground in Barcelona

Montjuïc Cable Car Tickets

NZ$37
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Montjuïc Cable Car Tickets
Top Awarded Flamenco Show Tablao Cordobes with dinner option

Top Awarded Flamenco Show Tablao Cordobes with dinner option

NZ$95
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Top Awarded Flamenco Show Tablao Cordobes with dinner option
Fast Track: Sagrada Família Guided Tour with Tower Access

Fast Track: Sagrada Família Guided Tour with Tower Access

NZ$141
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Fast Track: Sagrada Família Guided Tour with Tower Access
Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour by Bus Turistic

Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour by Bus Turistic

NZ$65
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour by Bus Turistic
Immersive Tour: F.C. Barcelona Museum - Open Date Ticket

Immersive Tour: F.C. Barcelona Museum - Open Date Ticket (Ticket Only)

NZ$71
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Immersive Tour: F.C. Barcelona Museum - Open Date Ticket (Ticket Only)
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Top places to visit

1. Sagrada Familia

The most iconic feature on the cityscape of Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia is a towering basilica and the magnum opus of architect Antoni Gaudí. With its eight dramatic spires rising high above the streets below, it can be seen from across the city. It attracts thousands of visitors every day who come to admire the intricate façade and take the lift to the top of the towers to look out across the vista.
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The Sagrada Familia with a construction crane in the foreground.

2. La Rambla

Lose yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of, Las Ramblas a busy district located in the heart of Barcelona. Take a walk down the kilometre-long tree-lined boulevard and join visitors and locals enjoying the lively street entertainment, buzzing atmosphere and local cuisine on offer in the many cafés and restaurants.
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A bustling urban square with historic buildings, a central mosaic, and pedestrians.

3. Plaça de Catalunya

In the centre of Barcelona is Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s bustling public square. This pleasant plaza is situated at the meeting point of the Ciutat Vella (Old City) district and the newer L’Eixample district. Constructed in 1927 by King Alfonso XII, the square is built where the old city wall’s gates used to stand.
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A large historic building with multiple stories and a prominent tower, surrounded by a public square with people and pigeons.

4. Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach is sandwiched between the bustling city of Barcelona and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Located near La Rambla, this popular beach is the highlight of the lively neighbourhood of the same name, Barceloneta. Enjoy a day of relaxation and fun in this gorgeous Mediterranean environment.
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A modern building with a curved design, a beach with people, and a sunset sky.

5. Barcelona Cathedral

Located close to Las Ramblas in the heart of the city, the Barcelona Cathedral is a magnificent 13th century Gothic style structure, which today, draws visitors from all over to observe and take part in its traditional mass services. Named after Saint Eulalia, Barcelona’s patron saint, the cathedral is familiarly known as ‘Le Seu’. Though still in the city’s Gothic Quarter, the façade has changed, renovated in the 1800s with arches and carvings from the neo-gothic style.
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A historic cathedral with intricate Gothic architecture, surrounded by tourists and modern buildings.

6. Passeig de Gràcia

It’s hard to imagine, standing on the Passeig de Gràcia, that less than 200 years ago it was a cart track connecting Barcelona and the rural town of Gràcia. By the early 20th century the sidewalks became promenades for Spain’s most elite families. That atmosphere still pervades the space, as tourists and chic locals pass buildings designed and built by some of the superstars of Catalan Modernism. Shop in the upscale boutiques or just go in search of magnificent homes.
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A busy urban street lined with luxury stores like Prada and Longchamp, with pedestrians walking along the sidewalk.

7. Park Güell

When you wander the streets of Barcelona everywhere you turn, something new will catch your eye on the impressive cityscape. However, for a rather different perspective on this beautiful city, head to Park Guell in the Gracia district to the north of the town centre, for beautiful views and where you’ll certainly be able to get your bearings. Designed by Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914, it has many quirky fixtures including its covered walkways, a mosaic-tiled terrace, and famous gingerbread-style houses.
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A panoramic view of a city with distinctive architecture, including a tower with a blue and white pattern, and a building with a mosaic roof.

8. Casa Batllo

All across the city of Barcelona you’ll come across captivating masterpieces designed by the hand of Antoni Gaudí. Casa Batllo is one of the most prominent, another of his works and one of two private homes that have been turned into museums. With its oval windows, slim columns and colourful mosaics, this modernist building is an icon of Gaudí’s signature style.
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A building with intricate mosaic tile work and green balconies.

Recommended things to do in Barcelona

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
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Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Barcelona

Stay near popular Barcelona attractions

The Sagrada Familia with a construction crane in the foreground.

Sagrada Familia

9.4/10 (32,723 reviews)
Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece blends Gothic and Art Nouveau styles with intricate facades and symbolic elements. Inside, natural light through stained-glass windows creates a mesmerising atmosphere.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Barcelona

Find the best Barcelona areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Barcelona
Learn more about Barcelona
A historic European street with arches, outdoor cafes, and shops.

Gothic Quarter

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

An arched brick ceiling with wooden chairs and a stage.

Eixample

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and Sagrada Familia, and jump on the metro at Diagonal Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

A crowded street with a large, colorful building featuring a prominent sign reading "Mercat".

El Raval

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in El Raval. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Parc de Montjuic Station or Paral-lel Station to see more of the city.

A historic building with intricate tile work and a large clock tower.

Gràcia

Architecture, cafes and shopping highlight some notable features of Gràcia. Make a stop by Passeig de Gràcia or Gaudi Experiencia while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Joanic Station or Fontana Station to get around town.

A beach with a tall, rust-colored structure and a modern curved building in the background.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Barcelona

A bustling urban street lined with colorful buildings, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Granollers

A coastal town with colorful buildings, a sandy beach, and rocky outcrops.

Mataro

A panoramic view of a coastal city with a prominent cathedral, dense urban area, and surrounding hills.

Caldes de Montbui

A coastal marina with numerous boats, a sandy beach, and a rocky breakwater.

Castelldefels

A coastal town with historic architecture, a stone wall, and a view of the sea and distant hills.

Sitges

A historic fortress on a hill overlooking a coastal city.

Cabrera de Mar

An ancient stone fortress surrounded by lush green hills.

Montcada I Reixac

A beach with a wooden walkway, large rocks, and a grassy hill.

Montgat

Frequently asked questions

Is Barcelona worth visiting?
Renowned for its coastal beaches and dining, discovering cool things to do in Barcelona is simple. Make sure to add Passeig de Gràcia to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Barcelona?
Start your day with a visit to Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya. Then, check out other areas of Barcelona for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Barcelona?
The top tourist attraction in Barcelona is Passeig de Gràcia, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Barcelona?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Milà and Rambla de Catalunya with a three-day getaway in Barcelona. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stick around longer and check out El Prat de Llobregat.
Is Barcelona a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Barcelona, such as Passeig de Gràcia and Casa Milà, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.64 kilometres from the city centre of Barcelona is Downtown Barcelona and Ciutat Vella is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Barcelona with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, we've got some awesome ideas for what to do in Barcelona with kids.
What to do in Barcelona for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Barcelona, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Finca Viladellops or Parc del Fòrum.
Are there free things to do in Barcelona?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Barcelona is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Passeig de Gràcia is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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