What to do in Catalonia

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Catalonia

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Catalonia travel guide

Arenas de Barcelona featuring a monument, night scenes and a sunset

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

National Art Museum of Catalonia which includes interior views and art

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

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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. PortAventura World

Roller coasters, rides, shows and a water park make PortAventura World theme park one of Europe’s most exciting vacation destinations. It’s just outside Salou in the hills of Catalonia. Get your heart pumping on thrill rides or enjoy a relaxing day amid the attractions, which are designed for visitors of all ages. Spend time on Sesame Street or go on the global tour through Mexico, the Wild West, China, Polynesia and the Mediterranean.

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4. 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

5. 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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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

8. 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

What to do in Catalonia

Discover the most popular places to visit in Catalonia

Sagrada Familia

One of the most famous buildings on earth, Gaudí’s basilica is an evolving wonder that draws visitors from far and wide.

La Rambla

Soak up the atmosphere in Barcelona’s thriving heart, packed with tapas bars, flower stalls and lively street performers.

PortAventura World

A worldwide adventure awaits you in this theme park, one of Europe’s best and largest. It’s just a 90-minute drive from Barcelona.

Aerial view over historical city center of Barcelona Spain with La Rambla main street, square Portal de la pau, Port Vell marina and Columbus Monument after sunset.

Port de Barcelona

Explore the waterfront in Barcelona with a trip to Port de Barcelona. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.

Placa de Catalunya which includes a city, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Plaça de Catalunya

This bustling square in the heart of Barcelona is renowned for its festivals, shopping and monuments.

Camp Nou

Catch an event at Camp Nou during your trip to Barcelona. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Barceloneta Beach

Experience the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, sip on sangria in a beachside bar and take part in the city’s nightlife at the Barcelona’s renowned beach.

Barcelona Cathedral

A striking Gothic cathedral dating back to the 1200s which houses the remains of Barcelona’s patron saint.

Park Güell

Nestled in the north of Barcelona, you'll find this beautiful park designed by Gaudí himself.

Explore areas of Catalonia

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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.

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.

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.

Aerial view over the rooftops of the Eixample district in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Shutterstock ID 733305124; Purchase Order: -

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.

Boqueria Market featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

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.

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.

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