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's past and present with a help of this insightful self-guided audio tour. Start your journey at Paseo de Gracia – one of the most beautiful streets of Barcelona where the city’s turn of the century bourgeoise built its mesmerizing palaces. See some of the iconic Modernist buildings located here including Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces – Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. Get to the Catalonia Square - Plaça de Catalunya – where the old historical quarter of the city meets with the new district built in the 19th century. Stroll to the oldest square of Barcelona amusingly called the New Square – Plaça Nova. Trace the history of the Catalan capital from the times of the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages and present day. Admire the Barcelona Cathedral – the high point of Gothic architecture. Dedicated to the Holy Cross and St Eulalia, it is the heart of the colorful city. Feel the spirit of the proud people of Catalonia and get to know the region’s rich cultural traditions. Examine the grand Renaissance façade of the Catalan Government Palace - one of the few medieval buildings in Europe that still functions as a seat of government. Learn more about Catalan national identity, its symbols and heroes. Take a walk along La Rambla Street – the famous pedestrian boulevard in the center of Barcelona. And finish the tour at the Columbus Monument – the Monument to the discoverer of the New World erected in memory of the end of his first trip to the new continent.
This guided tour takes you on an exciting journey through the most incredible examples of Catalan modernism in Barcelona that were created by well-known architects such as Antonio Gaudí, Eusebi Guel, Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and other famous modernists, most of whose masterpieces have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During this tour, you will see highly original and unusual buildings such as Güell Palace, which showcases a distinct oriental taste inspired by the art from the Far and Near East. Then you will enjoy Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and the Palace of Catalan Music, which is considered the most modernist building in the world and was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Also, you will have an opportunity to see the Apple of Discord – a group of buildings in different styles, made up of Casa Lleó Morera, Casa Amatller, and Casa Batlló. Next, you will find out about Milà House – a unique building that has a distinctive fantastic shape. Listen about the Vicens House – young Gaudí's first major work. Get up close with the famous Güell – an extensive mix of elements inspired by nature, adding a great degree of creative liberty in its forms and imaginative creation in its decoration. Above all, you will see Gaudí's masterpiece, his most important work – the Sagrada Familia, which is the most visited monument in Spain. Finally, gaze in wonder at the Bellesguard Tower, which was built on the ruins of an old medieval castle from the 15th century.
Set off on a journey around the most charming and artistic neighborhood of Barcelona known as El Born. Explore its rich and fascinating history and get to know centuries old traditions of Catalan people. The walk will cover El Born's must-visit sights and attractions. It will start at one of the centers of Barcelona’s cultural life – the Picasso Museum. Santa Maria del Mar Basilica will take you back in time through the period of the Roman Empire to the Spanish Civil War. Next, you will walk along the vibrant medieval avenue of Passeig del Born where you can enjoy tapas with a glass of cava. El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria will reveal the heritage behind the old town of Barcelona through its archaeological dig. You will learn about the courage and bravery of El Born people during the Siege of Barcelona in 1714 and discover the origins of the Catalan independence movement. After that, relax in the shades of Parc de la Ciutadella with its breath-taking Cascade Fountain. The tour ends at the Palau de la Música Catalana - a true masterpiece of Catalan modernism created by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.
Explore the incredible Parc de Montjuic with the tour of its highlights! Through the years, Parc de Montjuic has served as a location for multiple significant events that have imprinted themselves on the face of this marvelous place. With this tour, you will discover different gems hidden in the park – famous or not. Marvel at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic which was constructed almost 100 years ago for the Barcelona International Exposition and still impresses tourists from all over the world with its music shows. Feel like a true architect examining the enormous Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya with its Italian-style features. Find the Barcelona Pavilion which was an icon of modern architecture known for the extraordinary use of extravagant materials. Get up close with the Montjuïc Communications Tower which is also a giant sundial and an art piece partially covered with Gaudí's famous mosaics. Take a stroll around an almost-100-years-old Olympic stadium and learn its fascinating story. The Parc de Montjuic holds a lot of secrets that are waiting to be discovered. So, let's start our journey!
A growing collection of over 9,000 cannabis-related objects inspired the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum's founder to open a second thought-provoking green space. Adding to the canal-side museum in Amsterdam, Ben Dronkers opened a new site in 2012, this time inside a modernista Barcelona palace. Just a short distance from La Rambla, you can experience cannabis culture and history through paintings, photographs, videos, and unique objects. See hemp plants growing on the balconies during the growing season, and use a photo booth to share your experience. It's the best place to learn about weed in Barcelona – especially with your included audio guide.
Your ticket to Casa Batlló is included on this self-guided walking audio tour through Barcelona, ideal for first-time visitors interested in Gaudí, Gothic history, great public spaces, and the city’s artistic identity. Please note that an audio tour inside Casa Batlló is not provided within this bundle. It is available on site as a separate app. The walk starts at Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia, then leads to Plaça de Catalunya and the Palau de la Música Catalana before entering the Gothic Quarter for the kiss mural and Barcelona Cathedral. From there, you continue to La Boqueria and Palau Güell, reach the harbor at the Columbus Monument, then cross into the Born to visit Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum. The route carries on through Ciutadella Park and Arc de Triomf, then turns back toward the Eixample for the Sagrada Familia. The tour ends at La Pedrera - Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia. Along the way, the most memorable moments include seeing Gaudí’s dreamlike façades, stepping from broad boulevards into medieval lanes, feeling the energy of La Boqueria, opening onto the old port, and standing before the soaring Sagrada Familia.
Discover the beauty and history of Casa Milà, one of the most significant landmarks in Barcelona, with this self-guided audio tour. Explore the exceptional architecture and interiors of the building at your own pace. Casa Milà is often referred to as La Pedrera, meaning "the stone quarry," due to its unconventional appearance. The building is made of stone and has a unique shape that resembles an open quarry. Its organic forms and undulating curves were considered revolutionary at the time. Start by walking along Passeig de Gracia, which was an important street in the early 1900s. Along the way, you'll admire the impressive masterpieces designed by some of the most prominent architects of the time, including the breathtaking Casa Batllo, which was also designed by Antoni Gaudi. Then, head to Casa Milà to discover the mysteries and stories of this unique building. From the unusual architecture to the unusual residents who once called it home, this building is filled with fascinating history.
Ready for some football fun? Dive into the thrilling world of FC Barcelona at the brand-new exhibition at Camp Nou. The star of the show is the Spotify Camp Nou Live, a large-format, 360° immersive spectacle you'll love watching. Imagine standing in the heart of the largest stadium in Europe, feeling the electrifying energy as if you were a part of the team. Bask in the raw emotions that fuel the game, all from a never-before-seen vantage point. The Barça Immersive Tour is just the beginning of what's to come at the awe-inspiring Espai Barça. Walk through a comprehensive exhibition that showcases the architectural marvels of the arena. With models and audiovisual pieces that detail the features of the new home for all FC Barcelona fans, this tour offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of football fandom.
Experience an exciting self-guided audio tour in Barcelona, designed for architecture enthusiasts and art lovers eager to explore the city's landmark grandeur. With your fast-track ticket, enjoy priority access to La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. Discover the intriguing tales behind its elaborate design that blends Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Modernist styles, then ascend for stunning views from the Tower. Next, discover the whimsical designs of La Pedrera and the stunning facade of Casa Batlló. As you wander through the city, immerse yourself in the rich culture at the Palau de la Música, a hallmark of Catalan Modernisme. Savor authentic Catalan cuisine at Mercat de la Boqueria, where vibrant flavors enhance your experience. Discover Picasso's creative genius at the Picasso Museum. Although this tour doesn't include entry or an audio guide, you can explore at your own pace if desired. Admire the majestic Gothic features of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. Each corner of the enchanting Gothic Quarter unfolds layers of history and artistry. Conclude your tour at Palau Güell, another Gaudí marvel exemplifying his innovative approach to space and design. Explore Barcelona's architectural marvels, departing with lasting memories of Gaudí's influence and the city's distinctive charm. Discover the art movements and architectural styles that have defined Barcelona's legacy.
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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.