Barcelona, Spain: A Complete Travel Guide
Updated: Sep 11, 2023
Barcelona is a vibrant city on the Mediterranean coast in northeastern Spain. It’s the second largest city in the country and the capital of Catalonia. Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage, delicious food, and remarkable history. Above all, it’s home to some of the most iconic and innovative architecture in the world. In this travel guide, we share 15 of the best things to do in Barcelona as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.
Check out our video about Barcelona to see the best things to do through our camera!
Best Things To Do In Barcelona
Stroll Around Gothic Quarter (Free walking tour)
Try The Local Cuisine (tapas, pinchos, sangría, cava, paella)
Admire The Sagrada Familia (make sure to book in advance!)
Go To La Barceloneta Beach (Alternatively: Nova Icària and Bogatell)
Walk Las Ramblas
Eat At Mercado de la Boqueria
Stroll around Parc de la Ciutadella & Arc de Triomf
Visit Camp Nou (FC Barcelona Stadium)
Enjoy The Palau de la Música Catalana
Visit A Museum (Museum of the History of Catalonia, Picasso Museum, Joan Miró Foundation, MACBA, or Natural History Museum)
Take In Park Güell (make sure to book in advance!)
Admire Gaudí’s Other Designs (Palau Güell, Casa Vicens, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló, Bellesguard)
View The Montjuïc National Palace (Also check out the Botanical Garden, Montjuïc Castle, and The Magic Fountain)
Take a Funicular Ride to Tibidabo & Sagrat Cor
Places To Stay In Barcelona
Hotel Denit Barcelona ($$): This laid-back hotel is located in a quiet corner of the Gothic Quarter, just a short walk from all the major attractions. It has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, a 24-hour cafe/bar, and free Wi-Fi.
Hotel Ciutadella Barcelona ($$): This hotel is also located in the Gothic Quarter, and it has a swimming pool, a tapas restaurant, and a lounge. It's a bit more expensive than the Denit Hotel, but it's also a bit more luxurious.
Hotel Sagrada Familia ($): This hotel is located just a few minutes walk from Sagrada Familia, and it has a rooftop terrace with views of the basilica It also has a bar, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Places To Eat And Drink In Barcelona
Taperia Princesa: is a small, local tapas bar with delicious food and sangría
Bubita Sangria Bar: serves a variety of sangrías, including traditional and innovative flavors
L'Alcoba Azul Tapes: offers a wide range of traditional Spanish tapas, including patatas bravas, croquettes, and various seafood dishes.
Salterio: is known for its focus on organic and sustainable ingredients. The menu features a mix of Catalan and international dishes, with an emphasis on healthy and wholesome options
Sagardi Argenteria: is a traditional Basque cider house and serves grilled meat and fish dishes
Taller de Tapas - Argenteria: is a Spanish tapas bar chain with price-quality
La Plata: is a legendary Barcelona restaurant that has been serving simple and delicious tapas since 1945. Try its famous fried sardines!
Restaurant Can Culleretes: is one of Barcelona's oldest restaurants. It offers traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine in a historic setting.
El Xampanyet: is a popular cava bar with traditional Catalan tapas. Come early as you have to wait in line to get in!
Dora Tapas Bar: offers a modern twist on traditional tapas
Ciutat Comtal: is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It offers a wide range of tapas options, from classics like patatas bravas to innovative dishes
Bar Joan: is a very local family-run restaurant that serves traditional Catalan cuisine
Taverna El Glop: is another traditional Catalan tavern that serves classic Catalan dishes, including grilled meats, stews, and traditional desserts
Elsa y Fred: offers a fusion of Mediterranean and international cuisine with a modern twist. It's a popular spot for brunch and cocktails in Barcelona.
Cerveseria Catalana: is a very great but popular tapas bar so expect a long line
Right Side Coffee Bar: is a great coffee shop in the heart of the Gothic Quarter
Las Tasqueta de Blai: has delicious pinchos for 1 to a few Euros each
Billy Brunch: is a good place for breakfast and you can find a few around the city
Gringa All Day: is another lovely brunch café
Kook: is a great place for breakfast, brunch as well as dinner
100 Montaditos: is a Spanish chain with small sandwiches and fast food for a few € each
König Barcelona Born: has great sangría, patatas bravas, and tapas for an affordable price
Catalina Café: is a very local and alternative café with great drinks and tapas
7 Portes: is an upscale restaurant with great paella
La pizza del born: has amazing pizzas
Tio Bigotes: is an Argentinian empanadas place which is great as a snack
Restaurante Rosa Negra: go for the cheap margaritas!
Map Barcelona
Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Barcelona on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:
Tap on the link to open it (click button below)
Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.
Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Barcelona will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.
Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Barcelona
Booking.com for places to stay
Skyscanner for cheap flights
GetYourGuide for local tours
Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals
Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Barcelona? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles on Spain:
