Barcelona is beloved by many and considered the best Spanish city. Many incredible places in Barcelona will blow your mind. After many trips to Barcelona, we realized our list of top things to do in Barcelona needed to be completed. So we decided to share it.
While Paris may be known as the “city that loves,” many tourists will be delighted by the romantic charms found in Barcelona. You can take your time visiting every site in Barcelona or Paris. Barcelona is great for walking around and enjoying the city’s energy.
Barcelona’s Top Places to Visit
Sagrada Familia
It is only possible to mention Barcelona by mentioning Gaudi’s famed unfinished masterpiece, The Sagrada Familia. It is often the first place that people visit in Barcelona. The majestic La Sagrada Familia towers above all of Barcelona’s skyline. Gaudi began the construction of the cathedral in 1882. To commemorate 100 years since Gaudi’s death, it is expected to be completed in 2026.
Antoni Gaudi, an architect, was responsible for the Art Nouveau style in the Catalan region. You will find many examples of Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona. Seven of his designs were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona. Read more at The complete works of Gaudi.
- Book your Skip The Line tickets for Sagrada Familia well in advance. Cancellations are free and easy up to 24 hours before the event.
- To discover Gaudi, book a walking trip to Barcelona.
You and your partner are planning a romantic European holiday. There are many romantic spots to visit in Barcelona for the couple. Solo travelers will also fall in love with Barcelona.
Park Guell
The second place we recommend is Park Guell, which continues Gaudi architecture. Antoni Gaudi, the architect, also designed this famous park. An excellent spot for couples to escape from touristic chaos, listen to street performers, and then kiss in the artificial caves. A terrace offering a stunning view of Barcelona is another place to visit.
- To explore Park Guell, go on a walking tour and learn more about Gaudi’s life and the architecture displayed in the park.
- Book now, pay later. Book your skip-the-line tour of Park Guell and get guaranteed entry. To see the architect’s life, visit the Gaudi House Museum while exploring Park Guell.
Do A Night Tour Of La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
This unique apartment block, officially known as Casa Mila but locally called La Pedrera by locals, is another Gaudi design. It is a must-see when you visit Barcelona.
We decided to go at night to spice up the romance. It was intimate, and the architecture was stunning. Our romantic evening was completed with a glass Pinot Noir on the roof terrace.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo can be found along Passeig de Gracia. This street is worth a walk to see the row of houses. This street is the main thoroughfare in Barcelona. We stayed at the Majestic Hotel & Spa located on this street. Although there are many shops and restaurants in the area, Casa Batllo is the main attraction. This townhouse, another Gaudi work, was built for the Battlo family during the 19th Century. The balconies look almost like skeletons if you close your eyes.
Passeig De Gracia
This is Passeig de Gracia and a must-see street in Barcelona. It is home to many of Gaudi’s most significant works and Barcelona’s most famous shopping street. It’s easy to shop on the wide pedestrian sidewalk, where you will find Gucci, Prada, and Dior. It was so easy to walk from our front door to the Majestic Hotel & Spa and be close.
Palau De La Musica Catalana
The Palau de la Musica Catalana tour is an excellent experience because of its beautiful interior. Although it looks like something Gaudi would have designed, he did not. Lluis Domenech, an architect, organized it. It was built between 1905-1908 and had a classic Catalan modernism vibe.
To see the inside of the Palau de la Musica Catalana, including its concert hall with its ornate and stained glass ceilings, you can book tours.
Barcelona Opera House – Gran Teatre Del Liceu
In keeping with the music theme, another place worth visiting in Barcelona is the Barcelona Opera House. It is the most famous opera house in Europe. It was opened in 1847 and has hosted some of the most notable performers in history. Pavarotti, Domingo, and many others have performed here.
Tours allow you to view the stage with a seating area for 2300 patrons. You will also see rehearsal halls and essential rooms.
Santa Maria Del Mar
Dave and I like to explore our religious side while visiting European cities. Barcelona is no exception. Santa Maria del Mar is one of our favorite Gothic Churches. It dates back to the 14th Century. Construction began in 1329 and was completed in 1350. Although it looks stark and dark outside, the interior is more light-filled than a basilica. The tomb of the Martyr St. Santa Eulalia is worth a visit. It is worth paying a few euros to climb up to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Parc De La Ciutadella (Ciutadella Park) – Arc De Triomf
Did you know that there is an Arc de Triomf located in Barcelona? Although it is not Paris’s Arc de Triomf, Barcelona has its arch. Josep Vilaseca I Casanovas, an architect from Barcelona, built the Arc de Triomf for the 1888 World’s Fair. It is located at Passeig de Lluis Companys’ northern end, a promenade that runs through Ciutat Vella. The arch marks the entrance to Parc de la Ciutadella. The Parliament of Catalunya is located here. There’s also a beautiful lake with a fountain inspired by the Trevi Fountain. Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s urban park, houses a zoo and a small lake. It also has a spray that Antoni Gaud partially designed.
Cascada Fountain
The centerpiece of Ciutadella Park is the Cascada Fountain, a stunning fountain. Josep Fontsere Gaudi, a designer, designed the water tanks and hydraulics. It may look familiar if it does. The Trevi Fountain inspired this fountain in Rome.
