What to do in Barcelona

Activities, attractions and tours

Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Barcelona
Sagrada Familia which includes heritage architecture, skyline and a church or cathedral

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 NZ$6, 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 724 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.


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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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Sagrada Familia showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

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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Las Ramblas featuring street scenes and a city as well as an individual male

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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Plaza de Catalunya in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe

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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Barceloneta Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a skyscraper

5. 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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Passeig de Gràcia which includes street scenes and a city as well as a small group of people

6. 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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Barcelona Cathedral showing heritage architecture, a square or plaza and religious aspects

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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BARCELONA, SPAIN - JULY 19: Ceramic mosaic Park Guell on July 19, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. Park Guell is the famous architectural town art designed by Antoni Gaudi and built in the years 1900 to 1914

What to do in Barcelona


Discover the most popular places to visit in Barcelona

Explore areas of Barcelona

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Downtown Barcelona

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Barcelona. Top attractions like La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are major draws. Catch the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Barcelona
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Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(123 area reviews)

If you love exploring medieval streets, watching street artists and eating tapas along shared tables in tiny bars, head straight for the Barri Gòtic of Barcelona.

Gothic Quarter
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Eixample

4.5/5(206 area reviews)

This upscale part of Barcelona charms with grand buildings, modernist architecture, fine dining, and trendy bars and luxury shops.

Eixample
Placa de Catalunya showing outdoor art and a statue or sculpture

Dreta de l'Eixample

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

Dreta de l'Eixample
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La Sagrada Familia

Walk in Gaudí’s footsteps by visiting his breathtaking temple, an impressive labor of love that started in the late 19th century and is still ongoing today.

La Sagrada Familia
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El Raval

4/5(61 area reviews)

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.

El Raval

 

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Day trip destinations from Barcelona

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?
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.