Top 5 Things To Do In Barcelona That Need To Be On Your Travel Bucket List

On the Mediterranean coast there are many wonderful sites, but Barcelona is one of its shining stars.  The largest city and capital of Catalonia, Barcelona holds a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking architecture, dining that inspires your palette, and so much more. Even sports fans can visit the Futbol Club Barcelona for their football fix.

You can’t visit Barcelona without experiencing the grandeur of the architecture sites designed by Antoni Gaudi and Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Both were highly influential in the Catalan modernism movements during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, but their structures, while different in style, still take visitor’s breath away. Gaudi’s nature inspired buildings can be seen throughout Barcelona ( such as La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila) or you can take a walk through Parc Güell. You can view Domènech i Montaner's The Palau de la Música Catalana, Hospital de Saint Paul, and others in Barcelona, but his work still stands throughout Catalonia. 

If the city becomes overwhelming, the nature lover in you has options for escape. Relaxing on the beach can give you a chance to soak in the blue skies, and appreciate the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. There are also many parks that show off the incredible biodiversity of the area. You could even head to Parc de Ciutadella to take a walk or take a rowing boat around the property. If you need more than strolling, the Cordillera Litoral range and the Catalan Pyrenees are close by for your explore. 

 Five Things To Do In Barcelona 

Even as a travel agent with a very apparent traveling addiction, there are still places that I have on my personal bucket list. If you’re ready to tackle yours or just find more inspiration for planning your next trip to Europe, then be sure to download our quick guide to Barcelona. You’ll get access to our list of places that are calling our name, packing list, and other tips and tricks regarding your future trip. You’ll also be signing up for access to future exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your email! ​

​​Grab Your Free Bucket and Packing List For Your Trip To Barcelona!

To get you started, here's out list of the top five sites to visit to get your started on knocking off that bucket list. Use these as a starting point to help customize your journey to be a unique experience filled with your own wonderful memories! 

The Gothic Quarter

Located in the center of Barcelona, The Gothic Quarter contains some of the oldest parts of the city. Medieval landmarks can be seen through the streets, displaying unique architecture of the time. A walking tour of this area will expose you to sights such at the Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Agata, and more. Visit this area and late September to witness La Mercè, an annual festival that celebrates La Mare de Déu de la Mercè with wonderful decorations and the dance Sardana. Fora more laidback atmosphere you can head to Plaça del Pi and enjoy the local cuisine. If you can't tell, this section of Barcelona is a little world of it's own full of treats and sites. 

Sagrada Familia

Gaudi is the famous architect behind the beauty that is the Sagrada Família. During the late 1800's and into the early 1900's, Gaudi oversaw the construction of the basilica and the surrounding buildings until his death. 135 years of construction has gone into this monument, and still continues to this day. Every person that has worked on this magnificent structure has left their mark, adding to its beauty and brilliance. According to art critic Rainer Zerbst, ""it is probably impossible to find a church building anything like it in the entire history of art". 

​Park Güell

Another example of Gaudi's unqiue eye for architecture is ​Park Güell, a systems of gardens and buildings that seem to create a little magical world in the city of Barcelona. It's a stark contrast to the Sagrada Familia, as you can see the naturalistic perspective more clearly of Gaudi. Instead of a place of worship, Park Güell is a calmer and even eccentric setting, with colorful mosaics and beautiful gardens. This is the place to go for both a bustling social atmosphere and for moments of contemplation. 

Boqueria Market

 In the Ciudad Vieja district of Barcelona the La Boquería is the place to go to see the local cuisine. Filled with a large selection of goods, you're sure to find something that will inspire your palette. There are bars and restaurants scattered throughout where you can feast on tapas, or grab all the ingredients for a picnic. Whether you want to stay or a meal or a quick snack, this atmosphere is not to be missed and neither is the food. 

Tibidabo

Some of the best views of the city are seen from Tibidabo. This amusement park is a great place to take the family and enjoy the rides and performances that happen year round. To get the best views, head a little farther up the hill to see Sagrat Cor Church, where you will not only be astounded by the beauty of Barcelona, but also be the work of architect Enric Sagnier. 

If you find yourself needing a break from the city, check out our blog post provided by Ensemble Travel: 

5 SURPRISING THINGS YOU CAN DO,​JUST AN HOUR FROM BARCELONA!

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