As one of the largest cities in Spain and a top tourist destination in Europe, it's no wonder Barcelona is at the top of travelers' bucket list of places to explore. Although the city can be overcrowded, there are so many things to love about the city. From gothic architecture to an unparalleled nightlife experience and the best parties in Barcelona, there is a wide range of things to love. Read on to learn what to do in Barcelona, Spain, as you prepare for your trip.
Before we get into all there is to do in Barcelona, let's cover some essentials. If you are American, you can visit Spain for up to three months without a visa. You must also Health Form and a valid passport for a minimum of three months before you arrive in Spain. If you arrive in the Schengen area, you may be denied entry into Spain if your passport has less than six months' validity. For this reason, having six months’ worth of passport validity prior to your arrival is recommended.
One thing you must do in Barcelona is take a walking tour. With a city as large as Barcelona, taking some time to get to know the lay of the land will make it easier for you to explore the city as your trip goes on. You'll also learn a lot about the history and culture of Barcelona, all for free. Most walking tours are free, and you can find local guides and companies who provide in-depth tours as well, depending on your interests.
You also want to stop by the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, or you'll fail to miss the many different exhibits featuring international artists. If you're on a budget, go to the museum on Saturdays for free between 4 and 8 pm. The museum features a lot of modern art, so if that is your favorite style of art, be sure to stop here on your trip!
An iconic tourist activity is walking down the famous Law Rambla, a street in Barcelona with many shops, restaurants, and sights to see. You'll see many artistic buildings and houses, including mosaics. For the sake of people watching and getting to know the city, La Rambla is worth checking out.
Another thing to do in Barcelona is to take a cooking class and learn the art of Spanish cooking! You'll learn some staples like paella, tapas, etc. You might even start your cooking class in a market where a chef will help you pick out the fresh ingredients you'll need to create your meal. Cooking classes last between three and four hours and vary in cost.
For a natural wonder, visit Montjuic Hill, and take in the sights of beautiful gardens. You can also see an old Olympic Stadium and explore previous game highlights. You'll also spot a replica of a traditional Spanish village to immerse yourself in authentic Spanish culture. For a unique experience like no other, be sure to check out Montjuïc Hill.
If you plan to visit Barcelona in the mid to late summer, there are many outdoor films to check out. You can find screenings throughout the week, and many begin with live music. Food and drinks are also available at screening locations. Tickets are cheap, at 7.50 EUR per person.
If you're looking for a daytrip, head over to The Montserrat mountain range. Get here by train and visit the shrine of the Black Madonna, an impressive site that dates back to the Middle Ages! You'll enjoy the break from the vibrant urban atmosphere and enjoy a local market to find authentic foods and goods. There are many different areas to hike and rock climb in the area to visit as well. The train ride takes about an hour and tickets are about 24 EUR.
Visit an old amusement park, The Tibidabo Barcelona, and go on rides, play games, and eat at restaurants right on top of a tall mountain. Catch some views of the coastline and admire the park's upkeep after being built so long ago in 1899!
Live like a local and watch a soccer, or, as they say in Barcelona, a "football" match. You'll make friends with people in the crowd and enjoy a real Barcelona football game. If you want a closer look at all of the action, you can also tour the stadium for around 15 EUR.
Girona is a city about 100km from Barcelona. Here, you can explore the Jewish History Museum, walk the lanes of the Jewish Quarter, and take an afternoon rest at a café. There is also an awesome lion statue with associated folklore that, if you kiss its bottom, you'll return to Girona in the future! This is a great place to check out if you want a break from the liveliness of Barcelona.
Barcelona has public art all over the place. The famous "Woman and Bird" sculpture by Joan Miró is stationed at Parc De Joan Miró. You can also see many mosaics at the airport, La Rambla, and the Cascada Fountain. There are also many murals throughout the city and a great deal of work by Gaudí to appreciate.
Close to La Rambla, you'll find La Boqueria, a gigantic public market that is over a hundred years old. You will find many food stalls and restaurants to enjoy as well as groceries to buy. The market gets very busy, so get there early to avoid crowds.
There is a ton to see in Barcelona. Many activities are immersed in the cultural history of this enormous city. When in Spain, live as the locals do and explore art, authentic food, and a bustling nightlife to make the most out of your trip.
