Our Essential Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies, but these are our favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Car rentals are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you! We always use Expedia's easy to use platform for comparing hotels. To keep cell service while traveling, we always use Airalo’s easy eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the America's and Europe, and Klook for tours in Asia. Just in case, Safetywing is what we use for travel insurance. Lastly, our packing list for any international or domestic travels.
Planning Your Visit to Barcelona
Safety in Barcelona
Barcelona can be one of the more difficult cities to visit. In recent years the tourism industry has boomed, causing many locals to fight back against visitors and blame them for increasing housing costs. I've visited Barcelona multiple times now, and my first visit in 2018 was much different than our most recent visit in terms of comfort and safety. A reoccurring question visitors have is "is Barcelona safe to visit?" If I'm being completely honest, I would say yes, but tentatively. It is essential for you to stay aware of your surroundings, specifically in popular tourist destinations like the ones in this list. I highly encourage you to wear a money belt, and keep cameras and phones securely strapped to your wrists. Do not wear any jewelry you're scared of losing, and keep expensive belongings put away. Do not leave any purses on backs of chairs while you're eating out, and don't leave phones on tables either.
When to Visit + Where to Stay
Personally, we think the best time to visit Barcelona is during the Fall, from September to October. You can expect nice weather hovering around the 70s, less humidity, and best part of all less crowds. The first time I visited Barcelona was for nearly one week, whereas my most recent visit was just a few days. If it's your first time in the city, we recommend visiting for about 4 days to see most of the top sights. If you're not sure where to stay, I recommend looking downtown to find a place within walking distance to the major attractions like La Sagrada Familia. On our most recent visit we stayed at SM Hotel Sant Antoni and it was a small but great boutique hotel with included breakfasts, plus it was within walking distance to most top tourist attractions in downtown Barcelona. If you're unable to get a hotel within walking distance, which is the best way to get around Barcelona, then we recommend taking Uber for longer rides around the city or jumping on the local buses and subways.
Our Favorite Tours in Barcelona :
-> La Sagrada Guided Tour -> Park Guell Guided Tour -> Day Trip to France
11 Best Things to Do in Barcelona
1. Admire La Sagrada Família
No trip to Barcelona is complete without visiting La Sagrada Família, even if you've been before. Antoni Gaudí's most famous work is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks and top tourist attractions in the city. Construction on the basilica has been ongoing for over 100 years, and the architecture here is unlike anything else I've ever seen. If you plan on going inside, you'll want to book your tickets in advance since they often sell out and you typically won't be able to get "day-of" tickets. You can also choose to add tower access for incredible views over the city, but even just walking through the inside is beautiful. If you time it with sunset, you'll get to see beautiful reflections inside, just know to expect lots of crowds!
2. Experience Casa Batlló
If you're looking for one of the most unique Gaudí experiences in Barcelona, Casa Batlló should definitely be on your list. Its central location along the famous Passeig de Gràcia makes it easily accessible, and this masterpiece is so much more than just a beautiful building. It's an entire immersive experience that brings Gaudí's creativity and modernism to life. The recently updated visitor experience combines light, technology, and contemporary art (including a 360 degree LED Immersive Cube) to create a truly immersive experience unlike any museum we've visited. Casa Batlló was also named "Europe's Best Immersive Experience," which is why it's one of our most recommended attractions for first-time visitors to Barcelona. Plus children 12 and under can enter for free, making it a great choice for families! To avoid unofficial resellers, make sure to buy your tickets at their official website. *Images provided courtesy of Casa Batlló and are used with permission; all photography remains the property of Casa Batlló and is protected by copyright.
3. Wander Park Güell
Park Güell is another one of Gaudí's most famous creations and one of the most colorful places to visit in Barcelona. Chances are you've seen photos of the famous overlook on social media before. Even though it was originally designed for a residential project, the park is now known for its colorful mosaics, unique architecture, and incredible views overlooking the city - and of course as a famous photo zone. The Monumental Zone is the most popular area to explore and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Sight, but I also recommend taking some time to wander on your own to enjoy the gardens and walking paths without the big crowds. Since the park is so popular, especially during the summer months, I'd book your entrance ticket ahead of time if possible.
4. Walk Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is one of Barcelona's most famous streets and a place that you'll probably find yourself exploring at some point of your trip. It stretches through the heart of the city, and is a lively pedestrian street filled with shops, restaurants, street performers, and plenty of people watching. The only downside is that it's an area of Barcelona that's known for pick pockets, snatches, and muggings - so it's important to stay extra aware while you're exploring, especially in more crowded areas. 
5. Explore the Gothic Quarter
Another great area to wander in Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter, where you can easily spend hours just exploring hidden plazas and historic buildings. This area is also home to some top things to do in Barcelona like the Barcelona Cathedral, adorable cafes, some local shops for souvenirs, and some delicious restaurants. Similar to Las Ramblas, I recommend staying extremely vigilant of your surroundings here, as this is the area Tyler and I were mugged.
6. Visit La Boqueria Market
Located just off Las Ramblas and near the Barcelona Cathedral, La Boqueria Market is one of the best places in Barcelona to experience some local foods and flavors. Because this area is known for pickpockets, they have security guards wandering the market, but I'd still make sure to keep your belongings securely attached to you. This market is packed with all kinds of food stands - from fruit to fresh seafood, cured meats to sweets, and plenty of vendors that sell meals for you to eat right there. It can get extremely busy during the afternoon hours, so I recommend visiting earlier in the day if you want to take your time walking through the market, think between 8-10 am.
7. Relax at Barceloneta Beach
After walking all the local streets, you might want to spend some time relaxing. Barceloneta Beach is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the coast, and even though it's pretty much always busy, it's a fun spot to relax by the water and enjoy a meal at one of the nearby beach restaurants. Like other spots in town, you'll want to keep a close eye on your belongings. 8. See Casa Milà (La Pedrera) Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is another incredible Gaudí building that deserves a spot on your Barcelona itinerary, especially if you're into unique architecture. Unlike the colorful exterior of Casa Batlló, Casa Milà is known for its unique stone façade, curved designs, and famous rooftop with its curved chimneys. If you're looking for a more unique experience, make sure to head inside!
9. Explore the Montjuïc Area
Montjuïc is one of the best areas in Barcelona if you want a mix of history, culture, and amazing, panoramic views of the city. The famous Magic Fountain has been popular for years now, but availability can vary, so I recommend checking their schedule before planning your visit. Even without the fountain, there's plenty to explore in this area that can easily take up a whole day, including Montjuïc Castle, the cable car, Olympic Park, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
10. Visit the Arc de Triomf & Ciutadella Park
The Arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park are two easily recognizable spots in Barcelona that are easy to add into any length itinerary. You can stop for a quick photo at the Arc de Triomf and then head into Ciutadella Park, which is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the gardens, fountains, and has much less crowds that Park Güell.
11. Eat Your Way Around Barcelona
I've said it before and I'll say it again, one of the best parts about visiting a new spot is the food, and Barcelona is no different. From cute bakeries to traditional markets and delicious restaurants, you could probably spend your entire trip just visiting new places to eat. There's traditional tapas (my favorite is pan con tomate), fresh seafood and paella if you're by the beach, and plenty of local pastries to try. The only thing to know is that Barcelona is a late night city, meaning many restaurants don't open for dinner until 7 or 8 pm, so you'll want to plan accordingly.
Watch Our Barcelona Adventures Here!
Other Blog Posts You Might Be Interested In :
-> First Timer's Barcelona Safety Guide -> Weekend Intinerary to Andorra -> Best Things to Do in Andorra
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Hi, we're Deborah & Tyler!
After our first move to Alaska, we decided to take a gap year and visited 30+ countries on a budget of $100 a day. This blog shares our best budget saving travel tips & international itineraries.
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