What To Do In Barcelona

What To Do In Barcelona: Top 7 Attractions

8/9/2017

Barcelona is a magical coastal city with plentiful culture, beautiful architecture and a world class drinking and dining scene. It's no wonder why it's one of the most talked about destinations in the world.

We've put together our top pic of attractions so that you don't have to do the thinking when it comes to planning your vacation!

1. Check Out Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is Gaudi's crowning achievement - and it's not even finished! This ornate church embodies both the renowned Catalan architect's ambitious imagination and his religious devotion.

When it's finished in 2026 - on the 100th anniversary of Gaudí's death - the Sagrada Familia will have taken 144 years to complete. The original plan called for eighteen spires, the tallest of which will be 172.5m, thus making it the tallest church spire in the world.

>> Skip The Line With Priority Entrance Tickets <<

It was Gaudí's wish that the temple's construction be financed by the people, and the entrance fees go towards the completion of the church, started in 1882. The onsite Sagrada Familia Museum is well worth a look while you're there!

2. Head To Caribe Aquatic Park

Summer too hot to handle? Board an air-conditioned bus from Barcelona's Plaça Catalunya and be whisked away to a world of water at Caribe Aquatic Park. Have fun with over 50,000m2 of twisting slides and other sweet rides for everybody!

Especially brave souls can also test their rafting skills on the choppy waters of El Torrente, and carry on the adrenaline rush with the slides of El Tifón. All will give you a wet and dizzying descent that ends with a splash!

>> Buy Tickets For The Highest Freefall Slide In Europe <<

Prefer to chill out? There's plenty of room by the pools and on the beaches for that! Just don't forget the sunscreen, folks.

3. Explore Casa Batllo

From the smallest details in the interior, to the famous slain dragon on the roof, this is a true Gaudí masterpiece.

Gaudí's masterpiece Casa Batlló, located in the heart of the city, was built in 1877, as an apartment building. The wealthy Batlló family bought the complex in 1904 and knowing what a genius he was, asked Gaudí to build another in its place.

>> Skip The Line Into Casa Batillo <<

Never one to do the expected, Gaudí instead decided to renovate the building. Today it stands out as one of the most emblematic works of the brilliant Catalan.

4. Rise Above Barcelona

Ride in comfort as you soak up panoramic views of Barcelona. The recently refurbished Montjuïc Cable Car is one way to see the city in style.

This cable car connects Barcelona to the top of Montjuïc hill, where you get the very best views of the Catalan capital. Hop on the cable railway (funicular) at the Paral·lel metro station and then take the cable car for a 750-meter-long trip to the top of Montjuïc, high above the city.

>> Get Your Tickets Early Here <<

Along the way to the top, enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire city. Your final destination is the top of the hill, and the 17th-century hilltop fortress and former prison, Montjuïc Castle.

5. The Awakening of La Pedrera

The best time to see Antoni Gaudí's architectural treasure is undoubtedly early morning, when you can take a crowd-beating sunrise tour and soak up this Modernist marvel in relative peace.

Casa Milà was designed for the wealthy businessman Pere Milà and his wife. "The Awakening of La Pedrera" lets you explore 4,500 m2 spread over five floors in this fully immersive guided experience.

>> Grab Your Tickets Early Here <<

Grab a sunrise coffee and knock a Gaudí must-see off of your list, before anyone else in Barcelona gets out of bed!

6. Experience Park Guell

Flamboyant yet subtle, Park Güell is Gaudí’s fanciful imagination on a large scale: an entire park. Perched above Barcelona, Güell features lush gardens, quirky buildings, and all kinds of fanciful details.

From the lizard at the entrance, to the famous snaking Serpent Bench the details will put a smile on your face. A visit to Park Güell is a chance to get outdoors in sunny Barcelona and enjoy some of Gaudí's finest work. That's a win-win proposition!

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From the manmade walls, roads, and walkways that mimic natural forms, to the exuberant buildings and colorful tile work, Park Güell is basically a Gaudí theme park.

7. Barcelona Arena

Tour Camp Nou, one of the most storied stadiums in football and you'll understand why Barça's motto is "More than just a club".

Football on TV is fun to watch, but the stadium is where the real magic happens. The Camp Nou Experience might not include 98,000 fans screaming "Barça, Barça, Baaaaarça!", but this tour does give you incredible access to FC Barcelona, and the feeling of what it might be like to work (or play) for the blaugrana.

>> Get Tickets To The Stadium <<

We could go on about the accolades and trophies, but you're better off touring the Camp Nou Experience itself, and enjoying the photos, goal videos and trophy cabinet of everybody's second favorite football team.

Tourist Map of Barcelona

Want more options? Download this offline tourist attractions map of Barcelona. It has 49 more things for you to choose from and even the metro map to show you how to get around.