A guide to top attractions in Barcelona: Part Two
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Everyone should experience Barcelona at least once! This vibrant Catalan capital is a bustling metropolis that truly lives up to its reputation. With a thriving cultural scene, fantastic museums, superb restaurants, and an all-night club scene, Barcelona offers some of the top activities in Barcelona. We’ve compiled the top attractions and activities in the city. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, you can’t go wrong with these must-see spots. Here are the top activities in Barcelona.
Expand your list of things to do in Barcelona by reading the first part of our guide.
Gothic Quarter
Discover the charm of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, one of the top activities in Barcelona. Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets and marvel at medieval buildings that create an enchanting atmosphere for exploration. With a variety of shops and restaurants in its public squares, you can spend an entire day here without getting bored.
Start your journey by taking the metro to Jaume I station. From there, head to the Cathedral of Barcelona before making your way southeast to Plaça Reial. This vibrant square is lined with fantastic cafés and bars, perfect for a relaxing break. For shopping enthusiasts, Calle Avinyo runs straight through the Gothic Quarter and offers a range of women’s and men’s fashion boutiques.
Immerse yourself in the Gothic Quarter and experience the unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities that make it one of the top attractions in Barcelona.
Location
It stretches from La Rambla to Via Laietana, and from the Mediterranean seafront to the Ronda de Sant Pere. It is a part of Ciutat Vella district.
Opening Hours
It’s a neighborhood so it’s open 24/7
Getting Here
Metro: Take Line 3 (Green Line) and get off at Liceu station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Gothic Quarter. Alternatively, you can take Line 4 (Yellow Line) and get off at Jaume I station.
Bus: Several buses, including 47, 59, and B20, stop near the Gothic Quarter.
Train: The R4, R7, S1, R1, and R3 train lines also have stations close to the Gothic Quarter.
On Foot: If you’re already in the city center, you can easily walk to the Gothic Quarter from popular areas like Las Ramblas and Plaça Catalunya.
Where to Stay
Plan your trip in Barcelona. Find accommodations near the Gothic Quarter.
Mercat de la Boqueria
Discover the bustling food haven of Mercat de la Boqueria on Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, one of the top activities in Barcelona. This vibrant market, the largest and most beloved in the city, offers a mesmerizing array of fresh fruits, dry goods, and, most notably, a vibrant selection of tapas bars. Arrive with an empty stomach and indulge in local specialties such as battered baby squid, garlic prawns, a variety of cheeses, and cured meats. A glass of cava sangria is the perfect pairing for these delightful bites.
Visiting Mercat de la Boqueria in the morning is ideal, as the atmosphere is more relaxed and authentic before the crowds arrive. Remember, this market serves both locals and tourists, providing a genuine slice of Barcelona life. Enjoy the feast!
Location
La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday from 8 am to 8.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Note: Many stalls might be closed in August
Getting Here
Take the Metro: Use Line 3 and get off at Liceu station. Once you exit the station, head up Las Ramblas towards Plaça Catalunya for about 100 meters.
Turn Left: At this point, turn left and continue walking for a short distance. The market will be on your right-hand side, opposite the Erotic Museum1.
Bus Option: Alternatively, you can take buses 9, 14, 59, or 91, which also stop near the
Where to Stay
Plan your trip in Barcelona. Find accommodations near the Mercat de la Boqueria.
Barcelona bodegas
Bodegas play a vital role in daily life in Barcelona and are among the top activities in Barcelona. These charming neighborhood spots offer wine straight from the barrel alongside delicious tapas. Although the bodega concept faded for a time, it’s now making a strong comeback.
Find a cozy seat—most bodegas are quite snug—and enjoy some wine along with whatever tapas are listed on the chalkboard that day. Whether it’s veal capipota or sardines on bread, you’re sure to be delighted. Bodegas can be found all over Barcelona, but the genuine vibe in residential neighborhoods like Gràcia is truly special. Bar Bodega Quimet is one such gem, known for its excellent selection of wines.
Experience the unique charm and flavors of these traditional bodegas that make them an essential part of Barcelona’s culture and one of the top attractions in Barcelona.
Location
Carrer de Vic, 23, 08006 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours
Monday-Friday from 10 am to 12 am, Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 4.30 pm and from 6.30 pm to 12 am
Getting Here
Walking: It’s about a 15-minute walk from Casa Batlló. Head northwest on Carrer de Pau Claris, then turn left onto Carrer de Vic. You’ll find the bar on your right.
Public Transport
Metro: Take the L3 (Green Line) from Passeig de Gracia station (near Casa Batllo) to Diagonal station. From Diagonal, take the L5 (Purple Line) towards Vall d’Hebron and get off at Gracia station. From Gracia station, it’s a short walk to Bar Bodega Quimet.
Where to Stay
Plan your trip in Barcelona. Find accommodations near Bar Bodega Quimet where you’ll find the best bodegas in Barcelona.
Top activities in Barcelona: Mercat dels Encants
Renovated in 2013, Mercat dels Encants now shines with its magnificent reflective roof. As one of the top activities in Barcelona, this is the largest and most renowned flea market in the city, located just a 15-minute walk from the Sagrada Família. Plus, entrance is free!
This flea market offers a mix of treasures and trinkets. You’ll find items like rusty bicycles and old cosmetics, but the real gems include beautiful furniture, clothes, vintage objects, and books. This lively mix appeals to antique dealers, second-hand enthusiasts, and bargain hunters alike.
During the Public Auction with another round at noon for unsold items. Don’t miss the furniture section in the main hall. Although the market continues in the afternoon, many vendors prefer to close. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Mercat dels Encants and enjoy a true slice of Barcelona life.
Location
Castillejos, 158, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 8pm Public Auction: from 8:00 am to 9 am, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Saturday is the busiest day)
Getting Here
Metro: L2 Encants / L1 Glories
Bus: H12, H14, V21, V23, V25, 7, 62, 192
Tram: T4, T5, T6, Glòries
Metro: Take Line 1 (Red Line) and get off at Glòries station. The market is just a short walk from there. Or you can take the Line 2 and get off at Encants
Tram: Tram lines T4, T5, and T6 stop right in front of the market.
Bus: Buses H12, V21, 7, 62, and 192 stop near the market.
Car: There is an underground parking facility at Carrer Castillejos, 158.
Where to Stay
Plan your trip in Barcelona. Find accommodations near Mercat dels Encants.
Top activities in Barcelona: Casa Mila
Casa Mila, Antoni Gaudi’s iconic masterpiece, is among the top activities in Barcelona. Constructed between 1906 and 1912 using large stone slabs from a nearby quarry, this five-story marvel is famously known as “La Pedrera,” meaning “the quarry house.” With its flowing curves and absence of straight lines, it’s no surprise Casa Mila is a UNESCO World Heritage site that captures the imagination.
Despite still housing some residents, Casa Mila is open for visitors. You can explore an exhibition about Gaudi’s life in the attic, wander through the inner courtyards, and admire various artworks in the exhibition room. The rooftop is the true highlight, drawing visitors not only for its breathtaking views but also for the uniquely sculpted chimneys, air vents, and staircases that exemplify Gaudi’s extraordinary creativity.
Location
Pg. de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours
Daily from 9 am to 6.30 pm and from 7 pm to 10 pm
Getting Here
Metro: L3 (Green Line): Take the metro from Passeig de Gracia station (near Casa Batllo) and get off at Diagonal station. From there, it’s a short walk to Casa Mila1. L5 (Blue Line): Alternatively, you can take the metro from Passeig de Gracia station to Diagonal station and follow the same route.
Bus: Several buses stop near Casa Mila, including lines V15, V17, H10, H8, 7, 22, 24, 6, 33, and 34. Check the bus schedule and route information to find the best option for you.
On Foot: If you’re staying in the city center, you can walk to Casa Mila. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya along Passeig de Gracia.
Train: From Plaça Catalunya train station, you can walk along Passeig de Gracia for about 1.7 kilometers to reach Casa Mila.
Where to Stay
Plan your trip in Barcelona. Find accommodations near Casa Mila.
Top activities in Barcelona: Camp Nou Stadium
Ciutadella Park, or Parc de la Ciutadella, stands as one of the top activities in Barcelona. This beautiful urban haven, established in the late 19th century, boasts a peaceful lake, an elegant fountain, and vast green spaces ideal for unwinding and soaking up the warm Spanish sunshine. Visitors can observe locals walking their dogs, children at play, and street musicians enchanting passersby with their energetic drum performances.
At this prime Barcelona attraction, you can have a relaxing picnic, rent a rowboat on the serene lake, or explore the historic Parliament of Catalonia buildings. To reach Ciutadella Park, simply take the L1 metro line to Arc de Triomf station. After passing under the impressive stone gateway of the Arc de Triomf, stroll along the car-free Passeig de Lluis Companys until you arrive at the park’s main entrance.
Location
Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours
Daily from 10 am to 10.30 pm
Getting Here
Metro: L3 (Green Line): Take the metro to Palau Reial or Les Corts stations. Both are about an 8-10 minute walk from the stadium. L5 (Blue Line): Take the metro to Collblanc or Badal stations. These stations are also approximately 8-10 minutes walking distance from Camp Nou.
Bus: 50, 54, 57, 70, 75, D20, H8, H10, and V3 stop near Camp Nou. Check the bus routes and schedules for the most convenient option.
Tram: The Trambaix tram lines (T1, T2, and T3) serve Camp Nou. The tram station is Avinguda de Xile, which is a bit further but still accessible.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to Camp Nou. The fare from the city center is around €12-€16.
On Foot: If you’re staying nearby, you can walk to Camp Nou. It’s about a 20-35 minute walk from central Barcelona.
By Car: While there is no vehicle access to Camp Nou due to ongoing construction, you can park nearby and walk the rest of the way
Where to Stay
Plan a your trip in Barcelona. Find accommodations near Camp Nou Stadium.
Top activities in Barcelona: Ciutadella Park
Ciutadella Park, also known as Parc de la Ciutadella, is one of the top activities in Barcelona. This beautiful urban oasis, established in the late 19th century, boasts a serene lake, a graceful fountain, and vast green spaces perfect for relaxation and soaking up the Spanish sun. Visitors often see locals walking their dogs, children playing, and street musicians captivating passersby with traditional drum performances.
You can enjoy a leisurely picnic, rent a rowboat on the tranquil lake, or explore the historic Parliament of Catalonia buildings. To reach this top Barcelona attraction, take the L1 subway line to Arc de Triomf station. Pass under the impressive stone gateway of the Arc de Triomf and continue along the car-free Passeig de Lluis Companys until you arrive at the park’s main entrance.
Location
Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours
Daily from 10 am to 10.30 pm
Getting Here
Bus: 39, 40, 42, 51, 141, and H16 have stops close to Ciutadella Park. Check the bus routes and schedules for the best option.
On Foot: If you’re already in central Barcelona, you can walk to Ciutadella Park. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from Plaça Catalunya along Passeig de Lluis Companys.
Bicycle: Barcelona has a public bike-sharing system called Bicing. You can rent a bike and ride to the park. There are several bike racks near the park’s entrances.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to Ciutadella Park. The fare from the city center is around €8-€12.
Car: If you’re driving, there are parking options around the park. You can park your car and walk the rest of the way to the park.
Where to Stay
Plan your trip in Barcelona. Find accommodations near Ciutadella Park.
Top activities in Barcelona: Plaça Reial
Barcelona, a city that truly knows how to party, offers some of the top activities in Barcelona for nightlife enthusiasts. For an exciting night out, head to Plaça Reial in the Gothic Quarter, where you’ll find a bustling square filled with trendy bars and dance clubs. This vibrant public space comes alive around midnight, creating the perfect atmosphere for a memorable evening.
Some top spots to visit include Rei de Copes, where you can enjoy a few drinks while taking in the view, and then continue bar hopping along the square. For live music, check out Jamboree, a jazz bar that transforms into a hip-hop club after 2am. If you’re interested in a flamenco performance, head to Los Tarantos. To reach Plaça Reial, take the Metro to Liceu station and walk south down Las Ramblas.
Location
Plaça Reial, Gothic Quarter, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Getting Here
Metro: L3 (Green Line): Take the metro to Liceu station. From there, walk south along Las Ramblas for a short distance until you reach Plaça Reial on your left.
Bus: Buses 59, 91, V13, and V17 stop nearby. Check the bus routes and schedules for the most convenient option.
On Foot: If you’re already in the city center, you can walk to Plaça Reial. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya down Las Ramblas.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to Plaça Reial. The fare from the city center is relatively inexpensive.
Bicycle: Barcelona has a public bike-sharing system called Bicing. You can rent a bike and ride to Plaça Reial, where there are several bike racks.
Where to Stay
Plan a trip to see the iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Find accommodations near Ciutadella Park.
To top attractions in Barcelona BOOK NOW
Book now yoour next holiday in Berlin with our partner expedia.com
Are you looking for CUSTOMIZED tours? Do you want to find best LOW deals for your next holiday? Contact us, all the estimates are FREE!
