What to See in Barcelona
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Overview

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Three of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Catalonia are located in Barcelona:

  • Works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona : This is a collection of seven Barcelona-based works by the famous architect, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It includes the Park Güell and the Palau Güell, as well as Gaudí's work on the Sagrada Família.
Hôpital de Sant Pau, Barcelone, Espagne
Sant Pau Hospital
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Palau de la Música Catalana, it is a remarkable example of Barcelona's Art Nouveau style from the early 20th century.
Palais de la musique catalane, Barcelone, Espagne
Palau de la Música Catalana
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Hospital de Sant Pau, it is a remarkable example of Barcelona’s Art Nouveau style from the early 20th century.

Neighborhoods and Tourist Areas

La Barceloneta, Barcelone, Espagne
La Barceloneta
This is the district located near the (very popular) beach and the former fishing and seafaring port. It remains a somewhat working-class area despite some "gentrification".
Barrio gotico, Barcelone, Espagne
Gothic Quarter
With its narrow streets, small squares, and old buildings, this is the historic heart of Barcelona, showcasing remnants from Roman, medieval, and more recent eras. It’s also one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods.
L'Eixample, Barcelone, Espagne
Eixample
This upscale 19th-century district is home to beautiful period buildings. It’s also where the Sagrada Familia is located.
El Born - La Ribera, Barcelone, Espagne
El Born - La Ribera
This now-trendy district of Barcelona was once, in the medieval era, the quarter of guilds and wealthy merchants. You can see both stunning examples of Catalan Gothic architecture and street art here.
El Raval, Barcelone, Espagne
El Raval
A traditionally immigrant-populated neighborhood in the old city, known for its street art and home to the city’s contemporary art museum. It’s also a lively nightlife spot.
Port Vell, Barcelone, Espagne
Port Vell
This is Barcelona’s historic port, located between the Gothic Quarter and La Barceloneta. It’s now a lively spot with shops, bars, restaurants, performance venues, and Barcelona’s aquarium.
La Rambla
Between Plaça de Catalunya and the sea, this is Barcelona’s most famous avenue and a popular evening stroll. Halfway along, the lively covered market of La Boqueria opens onto its walkways.

Monuments and Architectural Ensembles

Carrer de Montcada
This medieval street is the most visited in the El Born-la Ribera district. It features superb examples of Barcelona's Gothic architecture, many of which have been converted into museums, galleries, or restaurants.
Casa Batllo, Barcelone, Espagne
Casa Batlló
One of the Modernist buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside other works by the same architect. Its façade is considered one of the most original, as is the interior of the building.
Casa Mila, Barcelone, Espagne
Casa Milà
Also known as La Pedrera, it is one of Gaudi’s most famous works and is listed as a World Heritage site. As with all his creations, the building’s forms are unique and original.
Hôpital de Sant Pau, Barcelone, Espagne
Sant Pau Hospital
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Palau de la Música Catalana, it is a remarkable example of Barcelona's Art Nouveau style from the early 20th century.
Illa de la Discòrdia
"The Block of Discord" is a group of three buildings (including Casa Batlló) created in the early 20th century by renowned architects of Catalan Modernism, such as Antoni Gaudí.
Archdeacon's House
This 12th-century building, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, is particularly notable for its charming small patio and terrace. The municipal archives are housed on the upper floor.
Palais de la musique catalane, Barcelone, Espagne
Palau de la Música Catalana
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Hospital de Sant Pau, it is a remarkable example of Barcelona’s Art Nouveau style from the early 20th century.
Palau Güell, Barcelone, Espagne
Palau Güell
One of the many buildings designed by Gaudí in his distinctive style. It is among the seven Barcelona works by the architect listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Passeig de Gracia, Barcelone, Espagne
Passeig de Gràcia
This chic, broad avenue features beautiful buildings (23 of which are listed) with architecture characteristic of the early 20th century.
Pavillon Mies van der Rohe, Barcelone, Espagne
Mies van der Rohe Pavilion
Considered a model of rationalist architecture, this building was designed by architect Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 World Exposition. It was later dismantled and reconstructed in 1986. It frequently hosts temporary exhibitions.
Plaça del Rei, Barcelone, Espagne
Plaça del Rei
This is a small medieval square surrounded by period buildings in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Plaça Reial, Barcelone, Espagne
Plaça Reial
Located in the old town, next to the Ramblas, this pleasant rectangular square with its fountain and palm trees is lined with tall arcaded buildings. It is unique in Barcelona, giving it a certain character.
Rambla de Catalunya
Less well-known than the other Rambla (which it extends), this is a commercial thoroughfare with numerous shops, cinemas, and Barcelona’s Egyptology Museum.

Religious Buildings

Basilica of La Mercè
A charming small basilica dating from the late 18th century, with a richly decorated interior.
Basilique Santa Maria del Mar, Barcelone, Espagne
Santa Maria del Mar Basilica
Although it is also called a "cathedral", this imposing structure, representative of Catalan Gothic architecture, is a basilica. It was built between 1329 and 1383.
Basilique Santa Maria del Pi, Barcelone, Espagne
Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi
With its imposing rose window on the façade, this Catalan Gothic building dates from the 14th century.
Cathédrale Santa Eulalia, Barcelone, Espagne
Santa Eulalia Cathedral
This imposing Gothic-style edifice was built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the site of the city's former Romanesque cathedral. Its cloister and inner chapels are well worth a visit.
Monastère de Pedralbes, Barcelone, Espagne
Pedralbes Monastery
This is a complex of 14th-century Gothic buildings, formerly fortified. Its three-level cloister is remarkable.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelone, Espagne
Sagrada Familia
This basilica, begun by Gaudi in 1882 (where he is buried), is the symbol of Barcelona. Despite this architectural masterpiece being under construction since its inception, only the Nativity Façade and its four towers (offering a beautiful panorama) are definitively completed.

Museums

Antoni Tàpies Foundation
Both a museum and cultural centre, the venue is primarily dedicated to the life and work of the Catalan painter Antoni Tàpies.
Fran Daurel Foundation
This is a contemporary art gallery showcasing many major Spanish artists from the 1950s to today.
Fondation Joan Miro, Barcelone, Espagne
Joan Miró Foundation
This modern venue primarily focuses on preserving and exhibiting works by the renowned painter. It is a leading institution in this field. Other artists are also regularly featured through temporary or semi-permanent exhibitions.
Mercat del Born - Centre de Cultura i Memoria, Barcelone, Espagne
Mercat del Born - Centre of Culture and Memory
This former market is recognisable by its beautiful metal structure. Today, it is a cultural centre featuring a permanent exhibition on Barcelona in the 1700s.
Catalonia Archaeology Museum
Located in Montjuïc, in a former pavilion from the 1929 Universal Exposition, it showcases numerous archaeological objects and documents spanning from prehistory to the Middle Ages.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
It is primarily dedicated to exhibiting works created during the second half of the 20th century, particularly by Catalan artists.
Barcelona Museum of World Cultures
Opposite the Picasso Museum, housed in a medieval palace, this place is somewhat similar to the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. It showcases the cultural diversity of various peoples from Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.
Barcelona Design Museum
Opened in 2014, the venue houses various collections of decorative arts, ceramics, fashion, textiles, and graphic arts.
Diocesan Museum - Gaudí Exhibition Center
This medieval-era site is dedicated to the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. It showcases numerous objects and documents related to the artist's life.
Frédéric Marès Museum
It is primarily dedicated to the sculptor Frédéric Marès and his works.
Barcelona History Museum
Also called MUHBA. A "scattered" museum with several sites across the city (mainly in the Gothic Quarter), showcasing remnants of the ancient Roman and Visigothic city. The best overview is found beneath Plaça del Rei.
Museum of the History of Catalonia
This museum offers a journey through the history of Catalonia, from prehistory to the present day.
Musée maritime de Barcelone, Barcelone, Espagne
Barcelona Maritime Museum
Located in the Drassanes building, which were royal shipyards used for naval construction between the 13th and 18th centuries, the museum offers a glimpse into Catalan maritime history within a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Musée national d'Art de Catalogne, Barcelone, Espagne
National Art Museum of Catalonia
Also known as MNAC. It is located in the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc and is renowned for its Romanesque art collection, considered one of the most comprehensive in the world.
Picasso Museum Barcelona
Located in one of the beautiful buildings on Montcada Street, it traces the relationship between Picasso and the city of Barcelona, where he stayed from 1895 to 1903.
Poble Espanyol, Barcelone, Espagne
Barcelona's Poble Espanyol
This "Spanish village" is an open-air museum located on Montjuïc mountain. It features life-size reproductions of buildings, squares, and streets representative of various Spanish cities.

Parks and Gardens

Aquarium de Barcelone, Barcelone, Espagne
Barcelona Aquarium
With its thirty or so tanks, it is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It is famous for its 80-metre-long underwater tunnel, which you can walk through.
Barcelona Botanical Garden
It is part of the "Barcelona Museum of Natural Sciences". Located on Montjuïc hill, it spans 14 hectares and houses 4,000 plant species grouped by geographic zones.
Montjuïc
On its hill, the former 1992 Olympic Games site is home to its 17th-century castle, the city’s botanical garden, the Olympic Museum, the Montjuïc Telecommunications Tower, the Magic Fountain, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. You can reach it by cable car and enjoy a lovely panorama.
Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelone, Espagne
Ciutadella Park
This large park in the city centre is popular with visitors. It features a triumphal arch, a beautiful monumental waterfall, a lake, numerous statues, as well as Barcelona Zoo and the Museum of Modern Art.
Parc Güell, Barcelone, Espagne
Park Güell
A unique site created by Gaudí (his house can be seen here) in the early 20th century. It is particularly recognisable for its many ceramic coverings. From its terrace, there is a beautiful view of the city.
Tibidabo, Barcelone, Espagne
Tibidabo
At 512 metres, the site towers over all of Barcelona and offers a superb viewpoint. It’s also popular for its beautiful Sagrat Cor church, its natural spaces perfect for walks, and its old amusement park.
Zoo de Barcelone, Barcelone, Espagne
Barcelona Zoo
The city zoo occupies a large part of Parc de la Ciutadella. It is one of the oldest in Europe, having opened in 1892.

Further Reading

Must-see & highly recommended

Gothic Quarter
★★★★ With its narrow streets, small squares, and old buildings, this is the historic heart of Barcelona, showcasing remnants from Roman…
Park Güell
★★★★ A unique site created by Gaudí (his house can be seen here) in the early 20th century. It is particularly recognisable for its many ceramic…
Sagrada Familia
★★★★ This basilica, begun by Gaudi in 1882 (where he is buried), is the symbol of Barcelona. Despite this architectural masterpiece being under…

Recommended

Carrer de Montcada
★★★ This medieval street is the most visited in the El Born-la Ribera district. It features superb examples of Barcelona's Gothic architecture…
Casa Batlló
★★★ One of the Modernist buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside other works by the same…
Casa Milà
★★★ Also known as La Pedrera, it is one of Gaudi’s most famous works and is listed as a World Heritage site. As with all his creations…
Joan Miró Foundation
★★★ This modern venue primarily focuses on preserving and exhibiting works by the renowned painter. It is a leading institution in this field…
La Rambla
★★★ Between Plaça de Catalunya and the sea, this is Barcelona’s most famous avenue and a popular evening stroll. Halfway along, the…
Montjuïc
★★★ On its hill, the former 1992 Olympic Games site is home to its 17th-century castle, the city’s botanical garden, the Olympic Museum…

Worth a look / Other

Barcelona Aquarium
★★ With its thirty or so tanks, it is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. It is famous for its 80-metre-long underwater tunnel, which you…
Santa Eulalia Cathedral
★★ This imposing Gothic-style edifice was built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the site of the city's former Romanesque cathedral. Its…
El Born - La Ribera
★★ This now-trendy district of Barcelona was once, in the medieval era, the quarter of guilds and wealthy merchants. You can see both stunning…
El Raval
★★ A traditionally immigrant-populated neighborhood in the old city, known for its street art and home to the city’s contemporary art…
Sant Pau Hospital
★★ Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Palau de la Música Catalana, it is a remarkable example of Barcelona's Art Nouveau…
Illa de la Discòrdia
★★ "The Block of Discord" is a group of three buildings (including Casa Batlló) created in the early 20th century by renowned architects of…
La Barceloneta
★★ This is the district located near the (very popular) beach and the former fishing and seafaring port. It remains a somewhat working-class…
Pedralbes Monastery
★★ This is a complex of 14th-century Gothic buildings, formerly fortified. Its three-level cloister is remarkable.
Barcelona History Museum
★★ Also called MUHBA. A "scattered" museum with several sites across the city (mainly in the Gothic Quarter), showcasing remnants of the…
Barcelona Museum of World Cultures
★★ Opposite the Picasso Museum, housed in a medieval palace, this place is somewhat similar to the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. It showcases…
Diocesan Museum - Gaudí Exhibition Center
★★ This medieval-era site is dedicated to the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. It showcases numerous objects and documents related to the…
Barcelona Maritime Museum
★★ Located in the Drassanes building, which were royal shipyards used for naval construction between the 13th and 18th centuries, the museum…
National Art Museum of Catalonia
★★ Also known as MNAC. It is located in the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc and is renowned for its Romanesque art collection, considered one of…
Picasso Museum Barcelona
★★ Located in one of the beautiful buildings on Montcada Street, it traces the relationship between Picasso and the city of Barcelona, where…
Palau de la Música Catalana
★★ Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Hospital de Sant Pau, it is a remarkable example of Barcelona’s Art Nouveau…
Palau Güell
★★ One of the many buildings designed by Gaudí in his distinctive style. It is among the seven Barcelona works by the architect listed as…
Ciutadella Park
★★ This large park in the city centre is popular with visitors. It features a triumphal arch, a beautiful monumental waterfall, a lake…
Plaça Reial
★★ Located in the old town, next to the Ramblas, this pleasant rectangular square with its fountain and palm trees is lined with tall arcaded…
Barcelona's Poble Espanyol
★★ This "Spanish village" is an open-air museum located on Montjuïc mountain. It features life-size reproductions of buildings, squares, and…
Basilica of La Mercè
★ A charming small basilica dating from the late 18th century, with a richly decorated interior.
Santa Maria del Mar Basilica
★ Although it is also called a "cathedral", this imposing structure, representative of Catalan Gothic architecture, is a basilica. It was…
Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi
★ With its imposing rose window on the façade, this Catalan Gothic building dates from the 14th century.
Antoni Tàpies Foundation
★ Both a museum and cultural centre, the venue is primarily dedicated to the life and work of the Catalan painter Antoni Tàpies.
Fran Daurel Foundation
★ This is a contemporary art gallery showcasing many major Spanish artists from the 1950s to today.
Barcelona Botanical Garden
★ It is part of the "Barcelona Museum of Natural Sciences". Located on Montjuïc hill, it spans 14 hectares and houses 4,000 plant species…
Eixample
★ This upscale 19th-century district is home to beautiful period buildings. It’s also where the Sagrada Familia is located.
Archdeacon's House
★ This 12th-century building, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, is particularly notable for its charming small patio and terrace. The…
Mercat del Born - Centre of Culture and Memory
★ This former market is recognisable by its beautiful metal structure. Today, it is a cultural centre featuring a permanent exhibition on…
Catalonia Archaeology Museum
★ Located in Montjuïc, in a former pavilion from the 1929 Universal Exposition, it showcases numerous archaeological objects and documents…
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
★ It is primarily dedicated to exhibiting works created during the second half of the 20th century, particularly by Catalan artists.
Museum of the History of Catalonia
★ This museum offers a journey through the history of Catalonia, from prehistory to the present day.
Barcelona Design Museum
★ Opened in 2014, the venue houses various collections of decorative arts, ceramics, fashion, textiles, and graphic arts.
Frédéric Marès Museum
★ It is primarily dedicated to the sculptor Frédéric Marès and his works.
Passeig de Gràcia
★ This chic, broad avenue features beautiful buildings (23 of which are listed) with architecture characteristic of the early 20th century.
Mies van der Rohe Pavilion
★ Considered a model of rationalist architecture, this building was designed by architect Mies van der Rohe for the 1929 World Exposition. It…
Plaça del Rei
★ This is a small medieval square surrounded by period buildings in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
Port Vell
★ This is Barcelona’s historic port, located between the Gothic Quarter and La Barceloneta. It’s now a lively spot with shops…
Rambla de Catalunya
★ Less well-known than the other Rambla (which it extends), this is a commercial thoroughfare with numerous shops, cinemas, and…
Tibidabo
★ At 512 metres, the site towers over all of Barcelona and offers a superb viewpoint. It’s also popular for its beautiful Sagrat Cor…
Barcelona Zoo
★ The city zoo occupies a large part of Parc de la Ciutadella. It is one of the oldest in Europe, having opened in 1892.
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