Visiting Barcelona for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Barcelona, this church has been under construction for more than 130 years, yet remains unfinished (although the completion date is expected to be in 2026). The most recognizable of Antoni Gaudí’s works, the Sagrada Familia is a vision both inside and out, complete with mosaic tiling, colorful stained glass, and forest-inspired columns ascending to a number of massive spires.

Because the basilica is so impressive, waits can be long (more than 3 million tourists visit annually). To ensure you get to see it without annoyingly long lines, consider a skip-the-line tour with fast-track entry.

Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting the Sagrada Familia

Believe it or not, Barcelona’s main cathedral isn’t the Sagrada Familia. It's actually the Barcelona Cathedral, a building that also inspires awe thanks to its intricate Gothic interiors, neo-Gothic facade, and charming, palm tree-lined courtyard.

In the El Born district, another worthwhile option is the Santa Maria del Mar church is a 14th-century construction that was built by local residents and is home to a famous rose window. For more about its renowned history, you can read the book Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, which will add a layer of appreciation to your trip to Barcelona.

This Gaudí-designed park isn’t just any old verdant space with trees. Park Güell is one of a kind, home to famous mosaic park benches, a whimsical “gingerbread” house, and a massive, colorful lizard fountain.

The space can get really crowded, especially during peak times and dates, so booking a private, skip-the-line tour is a great way to see the park without the waits and lets you learn about the history of this fascinating space at the same time.

Gaudí’s footprint on Barcelona (and beyond) is undeniable, with his oeuvre including churches, buildings, museums, and natural spaces.

After visiting the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, make sure to check out the Casa Mila, a Modernist building with rounded stone curves meant to emulate nature. Then there's the striking Casa Vicens, Gaudi's first house. There’s also the Casa Batlló, whose facade’s slender columns and reflective mosaic tiles are inspired by fishbones. All three are located on the fancy Passeig de Gràcia, making it easy to visit them on foot or by bike.

Related: An Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona

Barcelona’s distinct neighborhoods are so much fun to roam, from the elegant boulevards of the sophisticated Gràcia to the winding cobblestone alleyways and artisan workshops of the more bohemian El Born.

Don’t miss the Gothic Quarter, home to the city’s former Jewish neighborhood, the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso), and many of the best bars and restaurants; or the grittier El Raval, known for its street art and cultural centers. If you get tired of walking or using the metro system, a hop-on hop-off bus tour is an easy option to cover a lot of ground.

Related: 7 Must-See Barcelona Neighborhoods and How To Visit

Barcelona’s city beach, Barceloneta, is ideal for relaxing and resting after sightseeing. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the beach, and you can also enjoy the sandy shores by whizzing along the seafront via bike, scooter, or even cruises in the warm Mediterranean waters.

Insider tip: Just keep an eye on your belongings— pickpocketing is common on the beach (and all around Barcelona in general).

Barcelona’s most famous market, La Boqueria, is housed in a famous iron market hall and offers a wide variety of local and international food. Located along Las Ramblas, one of the city’s most emblematic streets, the market is worth a visit, so come hungry.

For a less touristy, more local market experience, visit Santa Caterina, housed in a colorful hall. This market is home to all kinds of regional produce and cuisine. If you aren’t sure where to even begin, a guided tour of both markets offers an insider look at each site’s history and highlights.

There’s much to do and see on Barcelona’s most prominent hill: Montjuïc Mountain. Start by taking the Montjuïc Cable Car up high. Or, walk up from Plaça d'Espanya.

Once there, you can explore the Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc) or meander through the Montjuïc Park (Parc de Montjuïc). If the weather is hot, cool off with a visit to the Palau Nacional, home to Barcelona's National Museum of Art of Catalunya (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya). There’s also the Olympic Stadium; the Magic Fountain (Font Màgica), which features illuminated water displays; the Joan Miró Museum (Fundació Joan Miró); and the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol), an open-air museum.

Fans of FC Barcelona—or anyone who enjoys football (soccer)—should head to Camp Nou, the city’s famous football stadium. Over the years, this particular stadium has hosted historic such events as the FIFA World Cup, Champions Cup, and UEFA Champions League Finals.

Camp Nou also has an on-site FC Barcelona Museum, which you can see on a guided tour of the stadium. Tours also include viewing the players’ tunnel, commentary boxes, and locker rooms.

Whether you’re in the market for touristy knickknacks, or high-end designer digs, Passeig de Gràcia has it all. The long, elegant boulevard is lined with shops, hotels, restaurants, and even the two aforementioned houses designed by Antoni Gaudí, the Casa Mila and the Casa Batlló.

Architecture fans can also admire the art nouveau and Modernist buildings that line the street. These buildings are characterized by ornate decor, curves over lines, and bold color palettes, along with motifs and symbolism that reflect various themes, including Catalan identity, nature, religion, and cultural heritage.