Barcelona is one of the most popular European cities to visit, and it’s no secret as to why. With good food, sunshine, beaches and architecture, there’s something for everyone in this fabulous Spanish paradise.
I spent five days exploring Barcelona with my friend Sydney, and it still wasn’t enough! There’s so much left there for me to explore, but I feel that we made a decent dent in the many must-see attractions that Barca has to offer.
So, if you’re planning a Barcelona vacation anytime soon, here are six attractions to bookmark.
It was never not going to come first…
Just like Paris’s Eiffel Tower, la Sagrada Familia is arguably the most famous artefact of Barcelona, and what the city is known for.
Short for La Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, la Sagrada Familia was designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, and is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world – despite construction beginning in the 1880s.
The long journey to the church’s completion is largely due to the outbreaks of war and funding issues – not to mention the recent three-year hiatus caused by Covid-19. However, the most recent completion date is set at 2026, so maybe the scaffolding will finally come down.
But, behind the construction, la Sagrada Familia has to be one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever set foot in. The architecture is truly magnificent, and it’s nothing like any cathedral I’ve ever been in before. The light brings incredible colour as it shines through the stained glass windows, and the views from the towers stretch for miles.
So, if you do anything on your trip to Barcelona, make it this.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Following its creation in the 19th century, Parc de la Ciutadella was Barcelona’s only green space. It’s very idyllic, and is the perfect place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city – despite it being situated right in the middle of it.
Ciutadella Park is completely free to enter and look around, and is complete with a large, inviting archway at the entrance which could be said to be an attraction all its own. The park also sports a beautiful lake in the centre, which you can explore via rowboat for just a few euros.
Overall, if you’re looking to relax but still take in the sights, it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours.
Barcelona is adorned with many famous and quirky Gaudi masterpieces, and Casa Battlo is no exception. Just like la Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to which tourists flock in their thousands, and it’s a must-do attraction to visit while in the city.
Casa Battlo sits bang in the centre of Barcelona, and it’s not hard to spot. It’s also open to the public, so you’re able to marvel the masterpieces on the inside as well.
As Gaudi was so inspired by nature, architectural features both inside and outside of Casa Battlo depict various elements of the natural world; the outside front wall slightly curves in a wave-like pattern, and the blue glass on the landings of each floor makes you feel like you’re deep under the sea. Plus, as we visited on La Diada de Sant Jordi (St George’s Day), the whole building and surrounding area was decorated with roses. There really was life wherever you looked.
Self-guided audio tours for Casa Battlo are available, but because it’s so popular I’d recommend booking in advance. Learning the reasons behind Gaudi’s architectural choices was fascinating, and there are few attractions like it elsewhere in the world.
Casa Battlo is a true work of art – so if you have the chance to visit, I’d definitely take it.
Montjuic Hill overlooks Barcelona harbour. Historically, it played a huge part in the defence of the city, but now it’s a massive tourist attraction and one of the best ways to gain a new perspective of the city.
Personally, I believe the best way to access Montjuic is by cable car. Not only is it a relaxing and tranquil experience, but you also get the most stunning views of the city as you ascend to Montjuic castle, which lies at the summit. At 173m above sea level, it’s the highest point in the city and, adhering to Gaudi’s belief that no man-made structure should be taller than God’s creation, it will always be the highest point in the city.
Alternatively, there is another cable car that offers an incredible view of Barcelona’s seaport, as well as a funicular which is connected to the city’s Metro. There are also plenty of paths and trails around Montjuic, so we got the best of both worlds by taking the cable car up and walking down at our leisure.
There’s so much to see around Montjuic too, including Barcelona’s Botanical Gardens and the Olympic Park with all the main facilities of the 1992 Olympic Games.
We decided to venture to Parc de Laberint d’Horto at the very last minute during our trip, as we had a couple of hours to kill before our flight home – and we were so glad we did.
Laberint d’Horto is a gorgeous historical garden just outside the city centre, and is the oldest of its kind in the city. Once a Neoclassical garden, it’s later adopted a Romantic style that’s steeped in myth and legend.
As you pass streams, fountains and trails, mythological creatures greet you at every turn. Plus, its hedge maze is something out of storybook.
The park is a surprising place which you almost don’t believe to exist until you find it, and there’s something so magical about how quiet and tranquil it is. It’s definitely something I would recommend if you’re looking for a calm start or end to a day, or if you’re simply stuck for a way to pass the time.
Labrint d’Horto was just a few euros to enter and only took us around 90 minutes to explore, but it was by far one of our favourite Barcelona attractions – so it more than deserves a place on this list.
If you’re a lover of modern art (or even if you’re not), Barcelona’s Moco Museum is worth a visit.
The Moco Museum is an independent museum with locations in both Barcelona and Amsterdam. Moco contains an enchanting and inspiring collection of modern and contemporary art, including a whole section dedicated to the most famous street artist in the world: Banksy.
Accompanying Banksy inside the museum are various other exhibits, featuring the likes of:
- Andy Warhol
- Jean-Michel Basquiat
- Damien Hirst
- Keith Harding
- Studio Irma
Plus many more!
Barcelona’s Moco Museum is a great place to visit for those who aren’t necessarily museum-oriented, but love all things quirky and colourful. It’s vibrant, it’s immersive, and it’s got something for everyone.
In short, Barcelona is one of my favourite cities to date. It’s got a lively, colourful energy that draws you in, and it’s extremely therapeutic to watch everyone around you simply enjoy life.
There was so much that we didn’t get to do – meaning another venture there is definitely on the cards – but this first visit was everything we wanted and more, and we wouldn’t have changed a minute.
Thanks for reading x
Living the Knight Life 
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