Facing the Mediterranean Sea, on the north-east coast of the Iberian peninsula, lies the aesthetic city of Barcelona.  Barcelona has a heartbeat-like in any other city but, this heartbeat is syncopated. The people, the architecture, the tapas, all conspired to make the city a beautiful place, all in its own. Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is utterly incomparable. It is one of the ‘must-visit’ cities in Europe. The works of artists and architects like Antoni Gaudi are sure to leave you wonderstruck.  The city is a beautiful blend of food, clean beaches, world-class nightlife, endless shopping options and massively impressive buildings. If you are a food lover you must know that this city has a total of 20 Michelin stars!  Whether you are looking for top things to do in Barcelona with kids or best places to visit in Barcelona with your friends, the city never disappoints you.

Let’s see what this city has to offer and you will discover an eclectic mix of funky architecture, distinct neighborhood and stretches of golden beaches. It is vibrant, stylish and addicting. Here we have listed down some of the highly recommended and top things to do in Barcelona that you must add in your itinerary:

• Visit Park Guell

No! This is not your average park. A trip to this garden complex on Carmel hill will give you the finest Gaudi experience. It is built in such a way that it makes you feel like you have tumbled down the rabbit hole and suddenly set foot in a world of Alice in Wonderland. You can admire the serpentine mosaic benches and elsewhere there are colonnades, fountains and sculptures, all in the architect’s distinct style. If you still haven’t had enough of Gaudi, you can enter his House-museum which has furniture and decorative items designed by him on display. No wonder, it is listed amongst one of the top things to do in Barcelona Spain to make your tour truly epic.

• Admire Sagrada Familia

This is one of the most iconic churches in all of Barcelona and a tour to this church is one of the free things to do in Barcelona. This church has actually been under construction for decades. This is the dream-like work of Antoni Gaudi. This is a project of incredible scale and ambition and is about three-fourth complete more than 140 years after Gaudi first became involved. When its spires are complete it will be the tallest church buildings in the world and will hardly resemble any religious structure you have ever seen.

• Roam around La Boqueria

This is one of the most popular markets in the whole city. You can get food or some fresh produce or juices. Whether you want to enjoy some tapas or want to do some food shopping or just take in the sights and sounds of the bustling urban market, it is a real eye-opener. The elegant ad exclusive iron and glass roof that you will see was put up in 1914. It is a grid of permanent stalls selling fruits, vegetables, cold meat, cheese and olive products. Without any doubt, you will find it listed amongst the list of Barcelona things to do.

• Take a stroll in Las Ramblas

Never mind the locals shun this sequence of promenades, if you are a tourist then it is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. This is probably the busiest street thereby becoming a part of unique things to do in Barcelona at night. This tree-lined, pedestrian-only boulevard stretches from Placade Catalunya down to the Columbus monument at the waterfront. The street is packed with street performers, food vendors and pop-up souvenir shops. Once you get to the water, you can keep going along the boards to visit the Maremagnum mall or Barcelona’s aquarium.

• Take a shine to Casa Mila

Casa Mila is Antoni Gaudi’s most iconic work of civil architecture. It was built in 1906-12 and was the last private residence designed by him. The building is called Casa Mila due to the fact that it was the home of the Mila family. The building is also known as La Pedrera or ‘stony quarry’ due to its unconventional rough-hewn appearance. The building has an organic and curvy exterior and unique twisting chimneys with human characteristics. It is a total work of art and a must-visit place. If you ar searching for some of the cool things to do in Barcelona then you must visit Casa Mila.

• Explore Montjunic

Montjuic means the Jewish mountain. It is a scenic wooded hill in the south-west of Barcelona, rising 173m above the sea level. This place was once the home of the city’s Jewish community. This city district features several high profile museums including the National Museum of Catalyn Art and many others. Take a teleferic or cable car to the castle, enjoy the city from above and see how spread out Barcelona really is!

• Appreciate Camp Nou

In the western Les Corts neighborhood, lies the 99,000 seater stadium that has been the home ground for FC Barcelona since 1957. Camp Nou meaning, a new field has witnessed a lot of matches since the past years. It is one of the football cathedrals and even if you have no affinity for the team you have to visit Camp Nou to admire the dizzying scale of the arena.

• Spend a lazy day at the city beaches

Barcelona’s beachfront boardwalk stretches for miles and the beaches are a major tourist attraction. The golden stretches and the blue waters are definitely inviting. Some beaches are backed by Barcelona’s tight lattice of trendy shops and bars. Exploring the beaches of Barcelona is one fo the fun things to do in Barcelona in June.

• Adore the Picasso Museum

If you feel like you have had enough of Gaudi limit, head to the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso) for a change of pace.  The museum houses the extensive collection of artworks by Pablo Picasso. It displays his work form a timeline of all sorts. The way the museum has chronicled the art he created throughout his life is highly appreciable. Travelers highly recommend paying a visit here even if you are not much of an art or Picasso fan. But be sure you book your tickets in advance.

• Adore Casa Batllo

The details of this building clearly show the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi ‘s best side. This is the most recognized of all the Gaudi apartments in Barcelona and also a UNESCO world heritage site. Casa Batllo is known for its vibrant colors, intricate tile work and skeletal terraces. After you have admired the tremendous amount of detail on the outside of the building, step inside to view the equally awe-inspiring interiors. 

• Eating in Barcelona

Barcelona food is another big feature of the city. Specialties like Paella and Cava make tourists go gaga over the ways of this place. Although the city is primarily focused on non-vegetarians, vegans and vegetarians are not in dearth of options. Try the Fricando, Calcots and add to your plate the tapas and you have for yourself food heaven. Tasting local dishes food is one of the best things to do in Barcelona that no one wants to miss out.

What’s next waiting for you?

There is a lot more that Barcelona has to offer and this city is sure to be in your good books. If you find yourself clueless regarding Barcelona, I am sure this post would help you. If you are looking for popular places to visit in different cities do not forget to check out our travel guide.

About Author: SALONI DONGRE