There are a few (ok maybe more than a few) iconic attractions in Barcelona that you can’t miss out on while you’re in Spain.

Because of the mild mediterranean weather, even the outdoor attractions listed below can be visited any time of the year. In fact, I visited all of these recommendations in January while I was studying abroad in Spain in 2019.

These are museums and parks that have been drawing tourists to the northeastern region of Spain for decades, and will continue to do so for years to come.

When is the best time to travel to Barcelona?

If you ask Google this question, it will give you an answer like, ‘this month – this month because x,y,z.’ And while I do agree with Google that the best time to travel to Barcelona is in the off season (so no European summer), the correct answer is that anytime is the best time to visit this amazing city.

There is no ‘best time’ because that is subjective. Maybe you have limited time you can travel throughout the year or specifically want to visit during a certain season.

Visiting in the shoulder season is when I would choose to travel to a popular destination, like Spain, to avoid the crowds and for cheaper airfare and accommodations. But that’s just me.

Regardless of when you book your trip, you’ll be able to check out all of these recommendations.

Things to do in Barcelona, Spain

Visit Gaudi’s Buildings

Antonio Gaudi is a Catalan architect from the late 1800’s whose art and designs are a symbol of Spain’s culture. The Sagrada familia, ever heard of her? Yeah, that’s Gaudi.

There are 12 Gaudi buildings in Barcelona, and while trying to visit all 12 might be challenging, you can definitely check off a few on your trip.

I’ll share my thoughts on some I’ve personally been to, but for information on Gaudi and all of his attractions, check out The Ultimate Gaudi Guide.

Park Guell

Hey, Cheetah sisters! Yes, THIS is the place in the iconic Cheetah Girls movie, that every girl wishes they could visit for the nostalgia alone. Park Guell is one of the more popular Gaudi buildings and literally looks like a scene straight out of Candyland.

Even in the offseason, this park is always busy so you should buy your tickets in advance. Right now (as of Feb 2026) a part of the park is under restoration, but definitely still worth a visit.

There are a few options for your visit, you can explore on your own, opt for a guided tour, or visit the park and the Gaudi house museum together. All good options!

Did you know? Park Guell is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Casa Batllo

You guessed it! Another one of Gaudi’s works. What is cool about Casa Batllo is it is located right in the heart of the city. But don’t worry, once you know what to look for it’s easy to spot any of Gaudi’s buildings as he has such a unique design signature. Even if you don’t go in the building, you can admire it as you walk by.

The tour takes about an hour and you can also choose to do an audio and video reality tour (highly recommend!). The tour takes you all the way up to the roof of the building where there is magnificent views of the city, but let’s face it, the whole building is a view. Also great for families, kids 0-12 can get in for free.

The lines sometimes get quite long, so you can also buy tickets in advance here, or you can buy them at the door.

When I visited Casa Batllo in 2019 it was under restoration, but it looks like now new exhibits have opened or been restored. If I was going again, I would definitely want to check out the Gaudi cube and the attic.

Sagrada Familia

Arguably the best of Gaudi’s works, the Sagrada Familia is an architectural phenomenon inside and out and his last project before he passed in 1926.

It has been over 140 years since the start of the construction of this temple and it isn’t expected to be finished until around 2026 (which is crazy that that is less than a year away now!). Whether you choose to formally enter the temple or not, you will pass by this gigantic building at some point in time while you’re in Barcelona.

There is an audio tour that takes you around the church so you can fully experience all that it encompasses and it is possible to attend mass at the Basilica, but capacity is limited.

Tickets start at around $26 just to enter and for the audio tour, or there are options for a guided tour and to see the tower.

Casa Mila

Also know as La Pedrera, this is Gaudi’s second-most famous building, after the Sagrada of course. Originally designed as a private residence, this building is yet another example of how Gaudi seems to defy the impossible with his creations.

Tickets are well worth it to view both indoor and outdoor exhibits, with access to the rooftop with amazing views of the city. Book a ticket online to skip the lines!

Great Views in Barcelona

Carmel Bunkers

The bunkers located on the Turó de la Rovira in the El Carmel neighborhood are actually not bunkers at all. Apparently it’s part of some antiaircraft and warfare facilities from the Spanish Civil War.

What’s left is a dystopian viewpoint of the entire city of Barcelona and definitely worth a visit. Bring a friend, a blanket, and a bottle of wine and you’ll fit right in.

Being almost 300 meters high, walking all the way up might not be feasible. Hitch a ride up El Carmel and walk the rest of the way to the viewpoint.

Teleferic de Montjuïc

Another way to see 360 views of the city is the cable cars. Time it right and you could see the ultimate sunset on your way up to the Montjuïc castle.

Getting to the stop is a little difficult, so refer to their website for a few ways to get there. You can buy round trip tickets online (for 10% off) and one way tickets can only be bought at the ticket office.

Other Things to do in Barcelona

Go to a Futbol Game

Even if you are not a ‘futbol’ fan, check out a game! Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe. It sits almost 100,000 fans, most of which are season ticket holders.

This is one way to immerse yourself in the Barcelona culture. It was truly amazing to see the fans chanting and cheering their team on with flags, drums, and chants.

If you have never been to a soccer game, take this opportunity and run with it (no pun intended). Despite not knowing anything about soccer, I love being able to tell people I got to see Messi play when he was on the Barcelona team in 2019. 🤣

The Chocolate Museum

I was very lucky that one of the professors teaching my study abroad course was the director of the Chocolate Museum in Barcelona. We were able to take a tour of the facility, and even make our own chocolate!

The Chocolate Museum of Barcelona has a rich (pun intended) history and has grown tremendously over the years.

It is a nice stop to make if you are in the area and want to experience some real chocolate. Take a tour and see chocolate sculptures that look too amazing to eat (literally) and learn about the history of chocolate.

The Pablo Picasso Museum

Art is so embedded in Spanish culture, and you can’t talk about art without referencing Mr. Picasso. Keep this museum in the back of your mind if there’s a rainy day.

Keep in mind, museum hours change throughout the year (don’t plan to go on a Monday!) and they even offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month and select days with a prior reservation.

Shop on La Rambla

It may be a tourist trap and make sure to watch your pockets, but it’s still worth it to walk down La Rambla at lease once if you’re in Barcelona.

From farmers markets to opera houses, you’ll find a little bit of everything on this walkable strip in the center of the city.

This is only a short list of some popular things to do in Barcelona, but hopefully it gets your itinerary started!