Things to do in  Barcelona

Barcelona is located in the region of Catalonia, which is in northeastern Spain. Catalonia is an autonomous community within the Kingdom of Spain, which means that it has its own set of devolved powers. Catalonia has its own languages and traditions and is the center of Catalan nationalism, which calls for independence from Spain.

Barcelona is famously laid back so to really get a feel for the city, you should take it easy, too. Plan to spend at least three days in Barcelona. That will give you enough time to see the highlights, including the Sagrada Famillia and Montserrat, as well as the opportunity to soak up the beach, dining, and nightlife scenes.

For first-time visitors, taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to see Barcelona. It lets you get your bearings and decide where you want to spend your time. Taking a wallking tour is a must-do in neighborhoods such as the Gothic Quarter: your guide will fill you in on thousands of years of history.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is best known for its tasty tapas, world-beating soccer team, and collection of works by Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect of the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Visitors are also drawn to Barceloneta beach, Montserrat mountain and monastery, and the tree-lined pedestrian street called La Rambla.

Barcelona is filled with world-famous attractions. You shouldn’t miss the works of Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia (take a guided tour for the best experience) and Park Güell. Take a stroll around the Gothic Quarter and go up Montserrat Mountain. Beach lovers should head for La Barceloneta, while foodies shouldn’t skip the Boqueria market.

With almost 5 million visitors per year, the Sagrada Familia is Barcelona's most visited tourist attraction. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the basilica's construction has been ongoing for more than 135 years and is still unfinished. Park Güell and the FC Barcelona Museum and Camp Nou are the next most visited attractions.

To experience the real Barcelona, eat late but don’t eat at the tourist traps on La Rambla—in fact, don’t spend much time on La Rambla at all. Learn at least a few words of Spanish or (even better) Catalan but don’t broadcast your views on Catalan independence. Take your time and don’t try to cram too much into one day.