Things to do in Barcelona for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Barcelona
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Explore Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art with this entrance ticket! It's a space for discovery and shared knowledge in Barcelona’s Raval neighbourhood! Come and visit a collection of iconic pieces that represent key moments in the past century of art, culture, and society. Take part in a wide range of exhibits and activities where you can share common experiences and knowledge with others through the bold, unconventional points of view art provides. Visit an inspiring space for learning about, experimenting with, and enjoying contemporary art. This is a meeting point that helps build a freer society with a critical spirit. The MACBA Collection focuses on art from the second half of the 20th century to the present. However, it begins with selected works from the avant-garde of the 1920s to establish its central core around 1968, a date that radically transformed the paradigm of contemporary art. The Collection builds a model that allows us to understand today’s world and shape a critical memory of the art of the last ninety years, without losing sight of the specific cultural and political reality of Barcelona. Get ready to be inspired by the power of Art!
This sightseeing walking tour introduces Barcelona through its art, architecture, and history, making it ideal for first-time visitors and anyone curious about how the city grew from a medieval port to a modern capital of Catalan creativity. Your exploration includes your ticket to Poble Espanyol theme park, paving the way for a cultural journey through the city's storied streets. Note! While an audio guide inside Poble Espanyol isn't included in this tour, the visual feast and the stories told en route of the city walk provide a fulfilling experience. From Poble Espanyol, the route leads past the National Art Museum of Catalonia, historic gardens, the Albéniz Palace area, the Joan Miró Foundation, the Greek Theatre, and the Civil War shelter Refugi 307. From there, it descends to the waterfront at the Columbus Monument, then enters the old city through Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelona Cathedral, Bishop’s Bridge, Sant Felip Neri Square, La Rambla, and Plaça de Catalunya. The final stretch follows Passeig de Gràcia to Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and ends at La Sagrada Família. Along the way, you will experience sweeping views from Montjuïc, shaded garden paths, traces of wartime Barcelona, Gothic stone streets, bustling boulevards, and Gaudí’s dreamlike facades. Memorable moments include the rose window of Santa Maria del Mar, the scarred walls of Sant Felip Neri, the lively rhythm of La Rambla, and the towering spires and colored glass of La Sagrada Família.
These Barcelona Aquarium tickets give you access to the largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world. Take an underwater walk through the tropical seas, coral reefs, and marine communities of the Mediterranean. With some 11,000 animals from 450 species, it's full of exciting sea life. This is the most undersea fun a land-dweller can have!
Let your wild side out to play and enjoy a day animal magic with Barcelona Zoo tickets. At a mighty 32 acres, Barcelona's zoo is a real mammoth – or African elephant if we're being specific. Just as well, because it houses a veritable Noah's Ark of creatures. Barcelona Zoo tickets will grant you an audience with about 5,500 animals and over 400 species, plus special live displays and eco-friendly conservation programmes. From giraffes to gorillas to goldfish, it's got every 'g' animal you could dream of... and more! You can see the world's largest lizards in the Komodo dragon enclosure, admire flocks of parrots and tropical birds in the aviary, or see pigs, ponies, and even a rare Catalan donkey in the child-friendly farmyard. You'll also learn all about animal behavior and habitats, and see the zoo's ongoing conservation efforts and breeding programs in action. It's a fantastically fun day out for kids and adults, and the perfect escape from the bustle of Barcelona.
This new exhibition at Camp Nou is full of exciting content! It ends in a large audiovisual space called SPOTIFY CAMP NOU LIVE: A large-format, immersive show that offers a 360º experience. You’ll be able to experience first-hand what it feels like to be in the centre of the stadium – as if you were a member of the team! Plus, you'll be able to experience the emotions that are the essence of the largest stadium in Europe, from a unique vantage point. The Barça Immersive Tour is the first piece of what will be the spectacular Espai Barça. Visit a full exhibition showcasing the architectural project with models and audiovisual pieces presenting and explaining the details of what will be the new home for all FC Barcelona fans.
This self-guided audio tour explores Barcelona’s Montjuïc hill and Mediterranean waterfront, making it a great fit for first-time visitors interested in history, architecture, Olympic landmarks, city views, and coastal neighborhoods. The route starts at Plaça Espanya and climbs past the Magic Fountain and the grand National Palace, home to the National Art Museum of Catalonia. From there, you continue through the 1992 Olympic Ring, with stops at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, the Montjuïc Communications Tower by Santiago Calatrava, and Palau Sant Jordi. The journey then reaches Montjuïc Castle, the 17th-century fortress that crowns the hill. After the heights of Montjuïc, the tour descends toward the harbor, passing the Montjuïc Cable Car area and the Christopher Columbus Monument at the foot of La Rambla. The final stretch follows the water through Port Vell, the port cable car station, La Barceloneta, Port Olímpic, and Poblenou, before ending back in La Barceloneta. Along the way, traveler will experience sweeping panoramas over the city and sea, the contrast between monumental hillside spaces and lively beach districts, and some of Barcelona’s most memorable scenes: palace terraces, Olympic venues, harbor views, and the relaxed rhythm of the waterfront.
This self-guided audio walk explores a quieter side of Barcelona, linking elegant Pedralbes with the wooded slopes of Vallvidrera. It will appeal to travelers who enjoy leafy neighborhoods, viewpoints, local history, and a route that gradually shifts from urban refinement to mountain calm. The walk begins at Maria Cristina, near one of the city’s main western avenues, then moves past contemporary landmarks, hotels, and restaurants before entering the greener atmosphere of Pedralbes. Along the way, you pass the Gardens of Pedralbes, the IESE Business School area, residential streets, and the Monestir de l'Encarnació, where the city starts to feel more secluded and reflective. From there, the route climbs toward Mirador de Preckler and Mirador Sarrià, where broader views open over Barcelona. The final stretch leads into Collserola’s natural landscape, past the Vallvidrera Reservoir and the parish church of Santa Maria de Vallvidrera, before ending at MUHBA Vil·la Joana. The most memorable moments come with the contrast itself: polished city streets giving way to gardens and hillside lanes, panoramic skyline views from the miradors, and the peaceful arrival among trees, reservoir paths, and one of Barcelona’s most atmospheric museum settings.
Experience Barcelona from a fresh perspective at the Torre Glòries Lookout—an immersive addition to the cityscape. Designed by Jean Nouvel, this iconic structure seamlessly blends architecture, art, and innovation, making it a must-visit destination in Barcelona. Begin your journey underground, where a cutting-edge interactive museum, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, unveils Barcelona in a captivating way. This subterranean experience provides a dynamic portrayal of the city, allowing you to absorb the vibrant essence of Catalonia from the heart of this majestic landmark that has etched itself into the city's skyline. Ascend to the 30th floor via an elevator, reaching the pinnacle of the city's observation towers. From this elevated vantage point, gaze upon sun-kissed rooftops stretching from Montjuïc to the Sagrada Familia. The circular design of Torre Glòries ensures unparalleled 360º views, offering a perspective unmatched by any other lookout. Conclude your journey by immersing yourself in art on Cloud Cities Barcelona—a floating masterpiece by Tomás Saraceno. This ethereal installation provides a unique opportunity to levitate atop one of the city's most distinctive landmarks, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Note! Opening hours: Thu 09:30 - 18:30; Fri 09:30 - 18:30; Sat 09:30 - 13:00; Sun 09:30 - 18:30; Mon 09:30 - 18:30; Tue Closed; Wed 09:30 - 18:30 Last admission: 1 hour before closing
Explore Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí with the Platinum Ticket. Enjoy skipping the lines with priority access to this modernist masterpiece. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Casa Batlló is celebrated for its distinctive architecture. You will have access to all areas, including the roof terrace designed to resemble the scaled-back of a dragon. During your visit, immerse yourself in the Gaudí Dome, where a mesmerizing display of lights and sounds captures Gaudí's inspirations. Make sure to see the Gaudí Cube, a 360-degree video installation that offers fresh insights into Gaudí’s creative vision. Both attractions enhance your understanding of his innovative approach to art and design.
Antoni Gaudí was a genius of Catalan Modernism and you'll learn the intricacies of his crazy world in Barcelona's Casa Batlló. Be the first in the house and immerse yourself in a fairytale world thanks to the latest augmented reality technology!
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About Barcelona
The best indoor tours in Barcelona for rainy days are:
The must-see attractions in Barcelona for a first visit are:
The best tours to do in Barcelona with kids are:
Insider tips for visiting Barcelona
Sergio Clementini is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2020 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Barcelona on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Barcelona.
When I’m in Barcelona, I always balance the big sights with the city’s quieter corners. For classic attractions in Barcelona, I’d start early at Santa Maria del Mar in El Born, then wander through the old traders’ streets before the crowds build. If friends ask me what to see in Barcelona beyond Gaudí, I send them to the Bunkers del Carmel at sunset and to the gardens around Palau de Pedralbes for a calmer afternoon. I also love joining small tours in Barcelona focused on local markets—Sant Antoni is my favorite for vermouth and people-watching. Barcelona feels richest when you slow down between neighborhoods.
I recommend at least 3 full days, though 4 or 5 lets Barcelona breathe. In my travel guide Barcelona notes, I usually suggest one day for the Gothic Quarter and El Born, one for Gaudí and Gràcia, and another for the beach side from Barceloneta to Poblenou. When I visit Barcelona, I like having extra time for the slower rituals locals enjoy: a morning coffee at Sant Antoni, sunset on the Carretera de les Aigües, or a long lunch in Poble-sec. If you want to really visit Barcelona rather than rush through the main things to do in Barcelona, stay long enough to move neighborhood by neighborhood.
When I visit Barcelona for a night out, I usually choose by mood rather than chasing one “best” area. For late tapas and packed bars, I go to Poble-sec around Carrer de Blai, where locals drift between vermouth spots before heading uphill. If I want something more stylish, El Born works well, especially the lanes near Passeig del Born. In any travel guide Barcelona section on nightlife, I’d also mention Gràcia for smaller plazas and a more neighborhood feel. If you plan to visit Barcelona and want nightlife woven into real local life, those are the corners I’d pick over the flashier beachfront clubs.
I usually recommend spending a relaxed morning in Parc de la Ciutadella, because it combines some of the easiest things to do in Barcelona with space for kids to actually enjoy themselves. Families can row little boats on the lake, watch street musicians near the cascade fountain, and then walk over to the beach if energy allows. When friends ask me what to see in Barcelona with children, I often pair the park with the nearby Chocolate Museum in El Born. Among the classic attractions in Barcelona, this area feels least stressful. Even compared with many tours in Barcelona, it gives families more freedom to move at their own pace.
When friends ask me about lesser-known attractions in Barcelona, I usually send them to places that locals fold into everyday life. I love the gardens of Laribal on Montjuïc, especially the shady stairways and fountains above the city, and the tiny Plaça de Sant Felip Neri in the Gothic Quarter, where the Civil War scars are still visible on the church walls. If you’re wondering what to see in Barcelona beyond the obvious, the old book market under Mercat de Sant Antoni on Sundays is a favorite of mine. Even among themed tours in Barcelona, these corners feel more intimate. Barcelona reveals itself best in these quieter layers.
In my travel guide Barcelona notes, I usually steer people toward late April to early June or September into mid-October. That’s when Barcelona feels most comfortable for long walks through Gràcia, market mornings in Sant Antoni, and sunset views from the Bunkers without the heavy summer heat. When I visit Barcelona in August, I notice how many locals leave the city and some neighborhood spots close, even if the beach stays lively. If you want to visit Barcelona for food, architecture, and slower evenings outdoors, those shoulder-season weeks are ideal for fitting in many of the best things to do in Barcelona without feeling squeezed by crowds.
When I visit Barcelona for food, I split my time between Sant Antoni, Poble-sec, and Gràcia. Sant Antoni is where I go for market energy, good coffee, and modern Catalan spots that still feel rooted in the neighborhood. In Poble-sec, I like the side streets off Carrer de Blai, where locals move from vermouth to small plates before dinner. Gràcia is my pick when I want slower evenings and places filled with Barcelona residents rather than passing crowds. In any travel guide Barcelona chapter on eating well, I’d include these areas first. If you visit Barcelona to taste the city properly, these are some of the most rewarding things to do in Barcelona.
When I’m helping someone narrow down the most popular things to do in Barcelona, I usually point them toward experiences that truly shape the city: seeing the Sagrada Família in the morning light, walking the Modernist stretch of Passeig de Gràcia, and getting lost in the Gothic Quarter’s medieval lanes. For what to see in Barcelona beyond architecture, I’d add a market stop at La Boqueria early in the day and a sunset walk along the seafront from Barceloneta toward Port Olímpic. Many tours in Barcelona revolve around these same areas because they hold the classic attractions in Barcelona, but timing matters if you want Barcelona at its best.