Things to do in Barcelona
Barcelona Las RamblasThis article will give you a general insight into the things to do in Barcelona, which is no mean feat because there is so much to do!
Everything depends on your interests and type of holiday, but there is something in Barcelona to suit all types and this page will give you a taste of the things to come.
Culture and Architecture
Barcelona is a city steeped in culture and history, so if it’s some sight-seeing you’re after then you’ve come to the right place. Barcelona is most well-known for the fantastical architecture of Antonio Gaudi, whose building are scattered all around the centre of the city. The most well-known and impressive can be seen along Passieg De Gracia where you will find La Pedrera and Casa Batlló . Or head to the Parc Guell which is a gorgeous parc designed by the man himself. But the most impressive of Gaudi´s works is arguably the Sagrada Familia, the huge, still unfinished temple You can’t fail to be humbled by such an imposing and ambitious project, the detail on the exterior walls is just staggering, but beware, if you are frightened of heights don’t be tempted to climb to the top of the turrets.
Gauidi park guellOther than Gaudi, Barcelona does offer a lot in terms of architectural brilliance. The Gothic Cathedral in the heart of the Gothic quarter is a must-see. Just wandering around Barcelona you will come across a feast of gorgeous buildings, and also get off Las Ramblas, there is so much more to see just 2 minutes either side of this well-known street.
For all you culture-vultures out there Barcelona has plenty of museums to keep you pleased. The MACBA (museum of modern art) and the CCCB next door are worth a look and generally have excellent exhibitions on every month. The Picasso and the permanant Dali exhibition in the Gothic Quarter are always well loved. The Caixa Forum is a museum which has different art exhibitions every month. It is just off Placa Espanya, on Avenida Marques de Comillos that is well loved with locals but much ignored by tourists, which is a shame because it’s fantastic and free! Near the Caixa Forum is MNAC (museum of Catalan art) which is so gorgeous inside and out.
Tip If you want free unlimited transport on the Barcelona public transport system and discounts on many of Barcelona’s top attractions consider buying the Barcelona Card – The discount and travel pass.
Cuisine
Barcelona has fantastic food, there is no doubt about it. You can get anything you want from international food to Catalan favourites, tapas to seafood platters. All you have to do is look around, there are lots of very reasonably priced restaurants, as well as some extremely pricey ones. People here eat late, lunch is usually at 14:00 and dinner at 22:00, for dinner it is usually advisable to book a table. Like with many things, if you want excellent quality without the price tag then head away from Las Ramblas.
Barcelona BeachesTapas is particularly excellent around Barceloneta, this was originally a fishing village and there are still many quaint small local places where you can get fresh seafood tapas for excellent prices.
For couples I recommend Limbo on Calle Merce, it’s subtle, romantic and the food is tasty. If you want something a small more upbeat then why not try one of the Italians down Calle Ample – Made in Italy has live jazz on Saturday and Tuesday nights.
Also I would really recommend having a look round the markets, La Boqueria is on Las Ramblas and Mercat St Antoni are both filled with fresh products to tempt your every sense.
Things to do in Barcelona for Families
Barcelona is a child-friendly place and there is a lot that kids will delight in. For a start there’s the Zoo in Parc Ciutadella, the zoo is large and will provide a days simple entertainment for kids and adults. Or there is the aquarium which is the largest in Europe and is always fun.
Magic Fountain of MontjuicAnother excellent place for children is Poble Espanyol which is on Montjuic, just up from Placa Espanya. Poble Espanyol is an odd place, a village made in 1929 to imitate the different styles of Spanish regional architecture. There are lots of craft shops, and activities you can watch such as glass-blowing. Often there are also kids only activities where you can leave the small ones for a couple hours, last time I was there it was stilt-walking! And while you are in the Montjuic area don’t miss the magical fountain of Montjuic, a music and light extravaganza.
Something else kids might delight in is the Cable Car that runs from Barceloneta beach over to Montjuic. Again it’s not something for those frightened of heights but it is fun and you get spectacular views of the city.
Adults may well delight in this more than children but there is also a chocolate museum near Arc de Triomph which will show you the history of chocolate and end in a shop and café where you can rest and have a creamy hot chocolate. Click here for things to do Barcelona for families
Things to do in Barcelona for Couples
Paris may be the capital of romance but Barcelona doesn’t do terribly for those with like on the mind. There’s the Barcelona beaches, the balconies overlooking the streets below, excellent food and fantastic wine!
If it’s sunny you could head to Parc Ciutadella which is a large leafy park where you can hire pedaloes and go onto the lake.
If that’s too strenuous for you then how about heading up to Tibidabo where there is a bar which overlooks the whole city. The bar is called Mirablau and is perfect for an early evening cocktail.
Don’t forget you can always see the sights in style from your very own horse and carriage, they can usually be found at the bottom of Las Ramblas. And if you want to find a hotel on Barcelona’s most well-known boulevard I have place together a review of some well loved Las Ramblas hotels.
Bars and Clubs
Barcelona is a party city, whatever time of the night or morning there is always something going on. There are bars to suit everyone, weird ones, secret ones, Catalan ones, Irish pubs, ones with fantastic views and ones with a trendy clientele.
The bars are open here till 3 normally so there is no rush, wander around and go to place to place. Some of the ones I reckon are worth having a look at are:
L´Arquer – for novelty value nothing beats this bar which has lanes for archery!
Miramelinda – a classy bar in trendy El Borne area which makes very excellent mojitos.
Ommsession – If you’re design-conscious and like being surrounded by similar people then head to this lounge bar which is attached to the Hotel Omm.
Manchester Bar – A nice bar in the Raval that pays homage to English indie music of the 90s
London Bar – Live music every night at this bar that was frequented in the past by Picasso and Hemingway.
As for clubs again there is a huge range. If you like cheese then the primarily gay Sala clubs are well loved with gay and straight people.
If hip hop is your thing then try Jamboree on a Monday night, or City Hall night club on Thursday nights keep your eyes out for flyers which give discounted or free entrance, in shops and cafes.
Most of the other clubs play a mix of house, funk and occasionally a bit of trance.
As you can see there really is a lot of things to do in Barcelona whoever you are, you can do as much or as small as you want and everywhere you go in the city I’m sure you will find something of interest.
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