Heading to Barcelona? Check out my Barcelona Bucket List to help you plan your perfect Barcelona itinerary. Spend your days indulging in some delicious tapas, wandering the enchanting streets of the Gothic Quarter, marveling at the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, or any of the other activities below. With so much to see and do, your time in Barcelona is sure to be unforgettable.
Barcelona Bucket List
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means that if you purchase something after clicking on a link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Immerse Yourself at Casa Batllo
Pg. de Gràcia, 43, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Casa Batllo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Antoni Gaudi. As you explore this unique place, you’ll learn about Gaudi’s architectural genius and the inspiration for each detail. I highly recommend getting the gold package which gives you the most access to the different areas of the building. Make sure not to miss the Gaudí Cube, a 360º visual experience.
Hours of Operation
Daily 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Last entry: 8:45 PM
Eat Tapas
You can’t go to Barcelona and not eat tapas. Tapas are small plates, like appetizers, that are meant to be shared. Depending on the place 3-4 plates is usually a good amount for 2 people. Elsa y Fred is a great choice for a cozy, local feel.
Wander Around Parc Guell
Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona, Spain
Parc Guell is another iconic creation of Antoni Gaudi. The park was completed in 1914 and features a variety of colorful mosaics, unique sculptures, and interesting architectural buildings. Over the insta-famous Bench of Serpentine, you’ll be able to see sweeping views of the city. No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a visit. Just note that you can’t sit on the back of the bench like you used to be able to.
Hours of Operation
Daily 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
See the City from the Barcelona Cathedral
Pla de la Seu, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona Cathedral is often overshadowed by La Sagrada Familia, but it is a gothic masterpiece worth visiting. Admire the beauty of the cathedral from the outside, and then make your way inside and up to the roof to catch some beautiful views of Barcelona.
On the flipside, you can head across the way to Hotel Colon for a stunning view of the cathedral from its rooftop bar.’
Hours of Operation
Daily 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Take in the Beauty of La Sagrada Familia
C/ de Mallorca, 401, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
The number one thing that belongs on everyone’s Barcelona bucket list is a visit to La Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is another Antoni Gaudi work and probably his most famous. The church has been under construction for over 140 years, and isn’t scheduled to be finished until 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s passing.
Book your tickets online ahead of time, and try to get one of the earlier time slots to beat the crowds. Also, I highly recommend going into one of the towers for a close look at the spires.
Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Check out El Nacional
Pg. de Gràcia, 24 Bis, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
El Nacional is a multispace restaurant with different eateries and bars. For restaurants there is, La Braseria, La Llotja, La Taperia, and La Parada. For bars there is an oyster bar, cocktail bar, beer and preserves bar, and a wine and cured meats bar.
This isn’t like a food hall where you can grab something from each area and then go find a seat, but rather you would choose to dine or drink at a specific place.
Whether you pop in for a glass of wine, or sit for a full course meal, El Nacional is a beautiful space and worth checking out.
Hours of Operation
Daily 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Go Shopping down Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia is like the 5th avenue of Barcelona. There you’ll find your typical high street stores like H&M and Bershka, as well as your high-end luxury brands like Chanel and Burberry. There’s also plenty of cafes and restaurants to pop into for a mid-shopping break.
Casa Mila
Pg. de Gràcia, 92, L’Eixample, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Completed in 1912, Casa Mila is another avant-garde building in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudi. The building is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of Barcelona.
Hours of Operation
Daily 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Have Breakfast/Brunch at Brunch & Cake
Multiple Locations
Brunch & Cake is one of those insta-worthy restaurants with actually good food. There are a few different locations around Barcelona, each with their own vibe. I’ve personally been to the one near La Sagrada Familia, and definitely recommend it. If you can, try to snag a table outside which will give you a photo op to get Sagrada Familia in the background while you brunch.
Hours of Operation
Varies by Location. Typically open daily around 9:00 AM until 4:30 or 5:00 PM.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is home to a variety of bars, restaurants, cafes and shops, as well as the aforementioned Barcelona Cathedral. Spend a few hours wandering the beautiful, medieval streets of the area and popping into different spots.
La Rambla
Running alongside the Gothic Quarter, is La Rambla, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare. Here you’ll find flower stalls, live statues, and the famous La Boqueria Market. The market sells a variety of goods including fresh produce, seafood, cured meats, and other artisanal products. With so much delicious food around, you’ll definitely want to go hungry!
Gaze at the Beauty of the Arc de Triomf
Passeig de Lluís Companys, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Yes, there is an Arc de Triomf in Barcelona! The monument was constructed to be the gateway to the 1888 World Fair being held in Parc de la Ciutadella. Built by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, the red brick structure is one of the most iconic landmarks of Barcelona.
Hours of Operation
Open 24 Hours Daily
Parc de la Ciutadella
Passeig de Picasso, 21, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Parc de la Ciutadella is actually on my Barcelona bucket list for the next time I visit the city. I’ve seen tons and tons of pictures of it, and it looks absolutely beautiful.
Designed by Josep Fontseré, the park was originally built to host the 1888 World Fair. Some of the relics from the fair are still there including the building Castell dels Tres Dragons, which served as the fair’s cafe-restaurant, the waterfall and lake, the Umbracle plant house, and Hivernacle glass house.
With so much to explore, you could easily spend hours in the park. Also, make sure not to miss the opportunity to take a rowboat out on the lake!
Hours of Operations
Daily 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Try a Unique Cocktail at one of the Best Bars in the World
Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Spain is very big on cocktails, and you’ll actually find some of the most unique and tasty cocktails in the world at Paradiso.
Located in Ciutat Vella, Paradiso is an imaginative cocktail bar with a cool, laid back atmosphere. If you can, sit a the bar so you can watch the talented bartenders craft different beverages.
Each drink on their menu is a work of art, coming in a variety of different vessels and glasses. As you read the menu, you probably won’t know what half the ingredients are or how they work together. My suggestion is to go with the drink that has your liquor of choice and a couple of ingredients you know/like.
Hours of Operation
Thursday – Monday 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Tuesday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Wednesday 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Barcelona Bucket List Map
Barcelona Bucket List FAQS
What can’t you miss in Barcelona?
La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Gothic Quarter are three things I would say you can’t miss in Barcelona.
What is the number one attraction in Barcelona?
In my opinion, the number on attraction in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia. There’s nothing like it in the world and it’s absolutely stunning.
I hope you found this Barcelona bucket list helpful! If you did, please share and save for later!
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Leave a Comment