Ultimate Guide to Barcelona: How to Plan Your Visit

Our Guide to Barcelona includes the Top Things to Do, Where to Stay, What to Eat, Best Time to Visit, + Transport Tips.

Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, is a city that blends stunning architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and world-class cuisine. From the iconic works of Gaudí to the lively streets of Las Ramblas, Barcelona is a must-visit destination for history lovers, foodies, and culture seekers.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Barcelona!

Spain Travel Planning Cheatsheet

Our favourite tours in Barcelona

• Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour

• Complete Gaudi Tour with Sagrada Familia, House Visit & Park Güell

Top Things to See & Do in Barcelona 🏛️🏖️

No visit to Barcelona is complete without exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Here are the top attractions and experiences:

1. Marvel at La Sagrada Família ⛪

📍 Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece is one of the world’s most breathtaking basilicas.

📍 It is still under construction after more than 140 years.

📍 Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues. This is THE most visited attraction in Spain and is always busy.

📍We visited late in the afternoon when the light was shining through the red, yellow and oranges in the windows – for blue and greens light, visit in the morning. The light from the stained glass windows is stunning – truly breathtaking, so be prepared to take a LOT of photos!

📍Visit the museum (we didn’t and regret it!) Gaudí’s original design for La Sagrada can be seen in the museum.

2. Explore Park Güell 🌿

📍 A whimsical park designed by Gaudí. It has mosaic-covered structures, colourful sculptures, and incredible panoramic views of Barcelona.
📍 It is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Barcelona and gets VERY busy.
📍 Take a tour like this one, which includes skip-the-line entry (we visited in March and it was already incredibly busy)

3. Wander Down Las Ramblas & La Boqueria Market 🌆🍊

📍 Barcelona’s most famous boulevard, lined with shops, street performers, and cafés.
📍 Stop by La Boqueria Market for fresh fruits, seafood, and traditional Catalan snacks.
📍 Be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. We use and recommend pick-pocket proof cross-body bags like these.

4. Discover the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) 🏰

📍 A maze of medieval streets, hidden squares, and historic buildings.
📍 Highlights of the Gothic Quarter include the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume.
📍 This is the perfect area for wandering, shopping, and people-watching.

5. Experience Casa Batlló & Casa Milà (La Pedrera) 🏛️

📍 Two of Gaudí’s most famous modernist buildings are in Passeig de Gràcia.
📍 The Casa Batlló features an ocean-inspired design with colourful mosaics.
📍 Casa Milà (La Pedrera) features a unique, wavy stone façade and a rooftop terrace with surreal sculptures.

6. Relax at Barceloneta Beach 🌊

📍 This is a lively city beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachside dining.
📍 Great for seafood lovers—try a paella at one of the many restaurants along the promenade.
📍 Avoid the most crowded areas by walking further from the main entrance.

7. Take in the Views from Montjuïc Hill 🏞️

📍 Home to Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain, and the Olympic Stadium.
📍 Offers spectacular panoramic views over Barcelona and the Mediterranean.
📍 Take the Montjuïc cable car for a scenic ride up the hill!

8. Watch a Sunset from Bunkers del Carmel 🌅

📍 One of the best viewpoints in Barcelona, popular with locals and travellers alike.
📍 Enjoy 360° views over the city, especially at sunset.
📍 Bring a drink and some snacks for an unforgettable evening picnic!

Where to Stay in Barcelona 🏨

Barcelona offers many accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Tip: We preferred to stay in this apartment (Bonito Apartamento) in Sitges, a beautiful town a few miles south of Barcelona, and travelled via the regional rail service. Staying outside of Barcelona is cheaper and will give you some respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.

If you prefer to stay in Barcelona, here’s our quick guide:

Best Areas to Stay

📍 Eixample – Best for first-time visitors, close to major attractions.
📍 Gothic Quarter – Historic charm, ideal for culture lovers.
📍 El Born – Trendy and vibrant, great for nightlife.
📍 Barceloneta – Perfect for beach lovers.

Recommended Hotels & Apartments

🏨 Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Barcelona – A stunning 5-star hotel in Eixample.
🏨 Mid-Range: H10 Cubik – A stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop pool.
🏨 Budget: Hostel One Ramblas – Great location and a social atmosphere for backpackers.

What to Eat in Barcelona 🍽️

Barcelona is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of delicious Catalan dishes to try:

🍽️ Pa amb Tomàquet – Traditional Catalan bread rubbed with tomato, olive oil, and garlic.
🍽️ Patatas Bravas – Crispy potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
🍽️ Fideuà – A seafood dish similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice.
🍽️ Crema Catalana – A delicious Catalan dessert, similar to crème brûlée.
🍽️ Cava – A sparkling wine from Catalonia.

Best Time to Visit Barcelona ☀️

📅 Spring (March-May) & Autumn (Sept-Nov) – The best time to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
📅 Summer (June-August) – Busy and hot!
📅 Winter (Dec-Feb) – Cooler but still mild, perfect for a quieter visit.

How to Get Around Barcelona 🚇🚶‍♂️

🚇 Metro & Buses – The best way to get around quickly and affordably.
🚶‍♂️ Walking – Many attractions are within walking distance.
🚲 Biking – Barcelona is a bike-friendly city, with dedicated cycling lanes.
🚖 Taxis & Uber – Available but more expensive than public transport.

💡 For unlimited travel, get a Hola Barcelona Travel Card!

Best Day Trips from Barcelona 🚆🌍

Barcelona is a fantastic base for exploring Catalonia’s diverse landscapes, medieval towns, and stunning coastal destinations. Here are some of the best day trips from Barcelona:

1. Montserrat ⛰️ (1 hour by train)

📍 Visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Monastery, home to the famous Black Madonna.
📍 Take the funicular up the mountain for incredible panoramic views.
📍 Ideal for hiking, spirituality, and stunning landscapes.

2. Girona 🏰 (40 minutes by high-speed train)

📍 A charming medieval city with colorful houses along the Onyar River.
📍 Explore Game of Thrones filming locations, including the Cathedral of Girona.
📍 Walk along the ancient city walls for breathtaking views.

3. Costa Brava 🏖️ (1.5 hours by car or bus)

📍 Discover crystal-clear coves, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside villages.
📍 Visit Tossa de Mar or Cadaqués, a favourite of Salvador Dalí.
📍 Perfect for beach lovers, snorkelling, and scenic coastal walks.

4. Tarragona 🏛️ (1 hour by train)

📍 Explore well-preserved Roman ruins, including a seaside amphitheatre.
📍 Walk through the old town, filled with medieval charm and fantastic restaurants.
📍 A great mix of history, beaches, and culture.

5. Sitges 🌊 (around 40 minutes by train)

📍 We chose Sitges for our stay. This lively beach town is known for its relaxed vibe and artistic culture and we loved staying here – it was close enough for trips into Barcelona but far enough out for a more relaxed stay.

📍 Stroll through the whitewashed old town and enjoy seafront dining.

📍 Famous for its LGBTQ+ friendly scene and vibrant carnival celebrations.

6. Figueres & Dalí Theatre-Museum 🎨 (1 hour 15 minutes by train)

📍 Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, a surrealist masterpiece designed by Salvador Dalí himself.
📍 Explore the historic centre of Figueres, with charming plazas and cafes.
📍 A must-visit for art lovers and Dalí enthusiasts.💡

Tip: Most destinations are easily accessible by train from Barcelona Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stations, making day trips convenient and straightforward.