The Barcelona Guide: What you need to see in Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain

The Ultimate Barcelona Guide for the next tick on your Bucket List.

To travel is to live, as some say… but sometimes, to live is also to stay abroad — which is what I did for the past six months. I built a whole new routine, made new friends, and created a new home for myself in Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. While I studied at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (I really did go to the lectures… sometimes), I got to know Spain’s metropole and one of Europe’s biggest cities through and through.

Some would even call me a local (trust me, I’m not). But by now, I’d say I’ve gotten to know the Hidden Gems in Barcelona pretty well — and I’ve got nothing else to do but share them. So, prepare yourself for your next travel adventure and the next tick on your bucket list, and know: What you need to see in Barcelona:

Classic Sights:

Arc de Triomf - A classic Barcelona sight

Travel hasn’t been reinvented in the last year (maybe it’s gotten more conscious), but there are still certain things you wouldn’t want to miss in a place — and I wouldn’t want you to miss them either:

• The Sagrada Família – sounds basic, but Gaudí’s most iconic work is nowhere more present than in this breathtaking basilica. It poetically depicts his vision and a detailed homage to Christianity. Book your tickets weeks in advance — it will be sold out. The lines are worth it: the inside is simply majestic. Add it to your travel bucket list.

• The Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral – strolling through the narrow alleys around the cathedral, with opera street artists echoing through the shadows, is one of my favorite Sunday activities. End at the piazza in front of the cathedral, grab a coffee, and feel like you live here.

• Mural del Beso – the "Kiss of Freedom," made from hundreds of photographs by Joan Fontcuberta. Yes, it’s touristy — but it’s right by the cathedral, so check it off your list.

• Arc de Triomf – a must-see, with its deep red Neo-Mudéjar horseshoe arches and ornamental flair. Originally the entrance to the 1888 Barcelona World Fair — and still one of the most photogenic spots in town.

• Casa Batlló – if you find yourself shopping on Passeig de Gràcia, make a stop here. Bonus tip: visit during Sant Jordi, the Catalan version of Valentine’s Day.

(Art) Museums:

Photograph at the Picasso Museum

• Picasso Museum – A must-see for anyone wondering what to do in Barcelona with a love for art. Though Picasso is from Málaga, he spent formative years in Barcelona, and the museum shows his early works in realism, symbolism, and impressionism — far from cubism but deeply connected to the city.

• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – A palace-like museum in Spanish Renaissance Revival style that’s both a visual and cultural highlight. It showcases Catalan art from Romanesque to Modernisme and includes political posters from the Franco era and the Catalan independence movement.

• MOCO Museum – Smaller and more contemporary, but right next to the Picasso Museum. Expect works from Basquiat to immersive digital art. If you’re an art lover, add it to your Barcelona bucket list.

• MACBA – For lovers of installations and thought-provoking contemporary work. Close to the Universitat metro stop, this modern museum is packed with oversized art, experimental photography, and documentaries that challenge the norm.

Barcelona has dozens of other museums covering history, culture, science, and design — and the best part: most are free on the first Sunday of the month.

Art Lovers: Get the ARTICKET BCN for a one-year pass to six major art museums. Worth it!

Views from the Bunkers del Carmel - Brilliant Viewpoint in Barcelona

Parks, Gardens & Viewpoints:

Although Barcelona can be hot and dry, its green landscape does not disappoint:

• Ciutadella Park – One of my favorite escapes. Two botanical gardens, a majestic fountain, a lake with rowing boats (romantic date idea?), and home to the Catalan Parliament. Shady spots and winding paths make it perfect for reading or relaxing.

• Montjuïc Gardens – For real plant lovers (hi Mom). Think "Little Versailles" meets Mediterranean charm, with Greek-style terraces and an amphitheatre. Bonus: those panoramic views over the city.

• Port Cable Car (Aeri del Port) – Instead of just walking to Montjuïc, float above the rooftops and harbor in this iconic cable car. Great for first-timers looking for a bucket list view.

• Bunkers del Carmel – One of the most stunning hidden gems in Barcelona. Come before sunset (they close at 19:30), and don’t risk the fine for staying too long — unless you’re lucky like me. Accessible by metro and bus.

• Tibidabo – This hilltop wonder hugs the city inland and offers one of the best views at sunset. There’s even a vintage amusement park and the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus — a hidden gem on any Barcelona travel list.

P.S. Hot take: Park Güell is overpriced, underwhelming, and too far from the center. I'd skip it unless you're a die-hard Gaudí fan.

Barceloneta Beach and W Hotel

Beaches & Daytrips:

While Barceloneta is super accessible, it also gets very crowded — and pickpocketing is a real issue. If you’re staying longer or have visited before, try these alternatives:

• Castelldefels

• Badalona

• Sitges

• Garraf

And if you want to escape the city entirely and find the true hidden gems:

• Blanes — for magical botanical gardens and a scenic boat ride

• Tossa de Mar — an old Costa Brava town with charm and history

• Girona — a medieval gem with fewer tourists than Barcelona

• Montserrat — stunning mountain range about 1.5 hours inland. Take the R5 from Plaça Espanya to Aeri de Montserrat and hop on the cable car to see the monastery and hike through the hills.

Still wondering what to do in Barcelona – or better, where to eat in Barcelona. Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.

Cafés & Brunch:

Avocado Toast at Brunch and the City

One of my favorite activities in Barcelona was definitely eating. No matter the time or amount — I was there. Let’s look at my favorite cafés and brunch spots (Some of these definitely deserve a spot on your bucket list):

• Bloome by Sasha (gluten-free)

• Café Menssana (great burgers too)

• Alice Secret Garden (Alice in Wonderland themed)

• Gringa (amazing breakfast burritos)

• Pipol (only to-go, but my favorite coffee in El Born)

• Brunch and the City (yes, it’s tacky, but a must for SATC fans)

Restaurants & Tapas:

If there’s one thing I truly fell in love with, it’s Spain’s eating culture. Not really because of how late they eat, but because they share everything. Tapas turn even the most mundane Tuesday night into a dinner party. My favorites:

Tantarantana - The Best Tapas Restaurant in Barcelona (IMO)

• Tantarantana (fried calamares + secreto ibérico)

• Elsa y Fred & Sophie (best tuna tartar, try the lamb)

• Bastaix (gambas skewers and eggplant!)

• Tapas 24 (tomato tartare is a dream)

• Salts Terassa Bar (solid patatas bravas)

• Vinitus Tapas

• Le Bistro Sensei (espresso martini crème catalana!)

• Faire Brunch (all vegan – try the bao buns!)

• La Gambeta (amazing paella)

• La Trini (traditional Catalan food in Gràcia, try the chickpea stew and the alcachofas)

• Carmina (truffle pasta + vitello tonnato)

• TKO Tacos (cheap + tasty, but tiny)

• Gigi Focacceria (huge, delicious focaccias)

• Robata (fancy vibes, incredible wagyu onigiri)

• Matsuki Sushi (€20 all you can eat – actually good!)

• Fast Eddie (Rosalía’s favorite burger – hype approved)

Bars & Clubs:

Monk - Speakeasy in El Born, Barcelona

• Bar Sauvage & Stereo18 (El Born)

• Club Sauvage at Plaça Reial

• Monk (cool speakeasy – go early!)

• Kimpton Vividora Rooftop

• Especiarium Bar (try the drink with curry!)

• Green Spot + Negro Rojo – drink, dine, then dance

• Downtown (best reggaeton + hits club in my opinion)

• Razzmatazz (huge — check DJ lineup)

• Beach clubs only in low season (Opium is best)

• Apolo on Wednesdays

• W Hotel Rooftop

• Dunne’s Irish Bar (St. Paddy’s = top night)

Good to know:

• Check out guest lists (like Shaz List) to get into clubs for free until a certain time.

• Pickpocketing is real, especially at night and in clubs — be extra careful at Razzmatazz.

• No alcohol sales or outdoor drinking after 11 pm — fines are a thing.

Where to Stay:

Biased, but I swear: El Born is the best place to stay. Try Musik Boutique Hotel or Hotel REC (both on Carrer Rec Comtal). Everything feels 15 minutes away — from boutiques to Plaça Catalunya, Ciutadella Park, the beach, the Picasso Museum, and dozens of tapas spots.

So, what to do in Barcelona? Everything. Or maybe nothing at all — just wander, eat, sip, and watch the city pass by. That’s what makes this place so special. Whether you’re a first-timer, a returning visitor, or accidentally studying abroad like me, you’re bound to find something to fall for and to tick off on your bucket list.

Save this guide, send it to your travel bestie, and let Barcelona do the rest. Bon viatge!

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