Things to do in  Catalonia

Sagrada Família, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Antoni Gaudí’s magnum opus, is the most iconic structure in Barcelona (and the most popular, with nearly 3 million visitors per year). Construction has been ongoing for more than 130 years, and the surreal structure, with its rainbow-hued stained glass windows, is slated for completion in 2026. Even in its unfinished state, it remains an absolute must-see for every visitor to the Catalan capital.

Antoni Gaudí spent 15 years designing and building the whimsical fountains, mosaic benches, pedestrian walkways, and gingerbread house-like buildings within Park Güell, one of the seven Works of Antoni Gaudí locations that together make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the Sagrada Familia, the hilltop public park sits at the top of Barcelona’s must-see list, and for good reason. The art nouveau wonderland adorns many postcards of the city.

One of Barcelona’s most fanciful buildings, Casa Batlló is a creation by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Some visitors know the UNESCO World Heritage Site as the House of Bones for its skeletal columns, while others think its rippling, mosaic-covered facade symbolizes the sea. Come up with your interpretation on a visit—and don’t miss the interior’s exquisite tile work or undulating walls and ceilings.

Located about 30 miles (50 km) northwest of Barcelona is Montserrat Mountain, the “Serrated Mountain.” This unique rock formation, sawed and sculpted by thousands of years of wind and rain, is most famously home to a Benedictine monastery, an important Catholic pilgrimage spot thanks to its 12th-century wooden statue of La Moreneta (The Black Madonna), Catalonia’s patron saint. Aside from its religious and cultural importance, the mountain also boasts unbeatable views from its peaks.

The rippling facade of La Pedrera (Casa Milà) is among Barcelona’s most recognizable landmarks. Created by Antoni Gaudí, the architect behind Sagrada Família and other UNESCO-listed buildings, the apartment complex is now mainly a tourist attraction, and it encompasses courtyards, an apartment filled with early 20th-century furnishings, and a rooftop terrace with chimneys resembling abstract figures. Today, it’s preserved as an interpretive center dedicated to Gaudí’s work—and offers a great first taste of Barcelona architecture.

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) overflows with medieval charm thanks to narrow winding roads, shaded plazas, and beautiful architecture—including that of the Barcelona Cathedral. The neighborhood’s history dates back to Roman times, which is why you’ll find remnants of ancient towers and temples alongside trendy boutiques and tapas bars. Known for noteworthy museums and churches, the Gothic Quarter’s proximity to La Rambla also makes it popular among the young, nightlife-loving crowd.

Running through the center of Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia is one of the city’s most beautiful—and expensive—avenues. Barcelona’s answer to Paris’ Champs-Élysées, the thoroughfare links the Plaça de Catalunya to the eponymous Gràcia neighborhood. It’s home to a number of fantastic modernista and art nouveau buildings, including Gaudí’s La Pedrera (Casa Milà) and Casa Batlló, both of which hold UNESCO World Heritage status.

Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument in Port Vell. Walking the tree-shaded boulevard of La Rambla is a rite of passage for both first-time and repeat tourists. Day and night, you’ll find florists displaying their arrangements, waiters serving tapas and paella to outdoor diners, and street artists and performers catching the eyes of passersby—it’s a microcosm of Barcelona.

Standing tall in the center of the Gothic Quarter, the Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de Barcelona) is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and an unmissable landmark of the city. With richly decorated spires that stand out in the skyline, the 13th-century structure is known for its Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and tree-filled cloister, where 13 white geese wander in honor of St. Eulàlia, martyred at 13 years old.

Flanked by the Torre Mapfre and Hotel Arts skyscrapers, Port Olímpic was built as part of the area’s redevelopment in preparation for Barcelona’s 1992 Olympics. Thanks to its proximity to the beach and public art, including Frank Gehry’s shimmering Peix sculpture, it has become one of the most popular leisure areas in the city. The marina is the perfect place to dine and drink, overlooking multimillion-dollar yachts.

St. Mary of the Sea Cathedral (Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar) reigns over the atmospheric Passeig del Born, and is the only surviving church in Catalan Gothic style. Built in the 14th century, the cathedral is characterized by its architectural elegance and harmony. Highlights include exquisite stained-glass windows, tombs of medieval brotherhood members, and 360-degree views of Barcelona from the church’s rooftop terrace.

One of Barcelona’s oldest parks, Ciutadella Park (Parc de la Ciutadella) is a picturesque expanse of greenery with several attractions. Its landmark Arc de Triomf, designed by Josep Vilaseca in the 19th century, serves as the monumental gateway to the northern entrance of the park, which is also home to a boating lake, the Museu d’Art Modern, the Catalan Parliament, and a much-celebrated series of sculptures.

With its signature red-and-white neo-Mudéjar brickwork, the Arc de Triomf of Barcelona stands tall in the center of the wide Passeig de Lluís Companys. Designed by Catalan architect Josep Vilaseca, it originally served as the entrance to the 1888 Universal Exposition, which took place at the nearby Parc de la Ciutadella.

The heart of Barcelona’s Old Town, Plaça del Rei is the city’s best preserved medieval square. The 14th-century Palau Reial Major (Royal Mayor Palace), which dominates the square was home to the counts of Barcelona and the Kings of Aragon. The Plaça is now an unofficial open-air museum of fine gothic architecture.

El Born may be one of the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona, but it is also one of the trendiest. The area boasts a distinct bohemian vibe, thanks to its character-rich, medieval passages lined with tapas bars, quaint bistros, and artsy clubs. Its proximity to many of Barcelona’s top attractions, such as Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, makes El Born an ideal place to base yourself during your Spanish sojourn.