What to do in Catalonia

Activities, attractions and tours
Catalonia

Top places to visit

1. Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most famous landmark. The huge basilica was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Its eight distinctive towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Thousands of visitors come here daily to admire the architecture and to take in views of the city from the top of the towers.
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Sagrada Familia showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious aspects

2. La Rambla

Las Ramblas are a series of streets in the heart of Barcelona. The main pedestrian-only boulevard is lined with trees. Smaller streets crammed with shops and cafés branch off either side. Tourists and locals flood restaurants and cafés that have their tables on the pavement. There are flower stalls, kiosks hawking souvenirs and markets dotted among the eateries. Street performers give the area a lively atmosphere. Come at any time of the day or night to wander the 0.75-mile (1.2-kilometer) boulevard and explore the surrounding area.
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Las Ramblas featuring heritage architecture, a city and street scenes

3. PortAventura World

Roller coasters, rides, shows and a water park make PortAventura World theme park one of Europe’s most exciting vacation destinations. It’s just outside Salou in the hills of Catalonia. Get your heart pumping on thrill rides or enjoy a relaxing day amid the attractions, which are designed for visitors of all ages. Spend time on Sesame Street or go on the global tour through Mexico, the Wild West, China, Polynesia and the Mediterranean.
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A worldwide adventure awaits you in this theme park, one of Europe’s best and largest. It’s just a 90-minute drive from Barcelona.

4. Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya marks the heart of Barcelona’s city center. Surrounded by shops and peppered with monuments, this grand square is where the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and the modern 19th-century district of L’Eixample converge. King Alfonso XII unveiled the square in 1927 on the site of the former gates to the old city walls.
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Placa de Catalunya featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a city

5. Barceloneta Beach

Running along Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastline and just a short walk from La Rambla is Barceloneta Beach. It’s the focal point of the Barceloneta neighborhood and a place where locals and travelers alike come to experience a classic Mediterranean ambience.
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The warm water of the Mediterranean Sea and aquatic sports, beach bars and nightlife combine to make this Barcelona’s most popular urban beach.

6. Park Güell

The best way to get your bearings in Barcelona is overlooking the city from the top of the park in Gracia, north of the city center. Park Güell was designed by Gaudí and built between 1900 and 1914. It’s famous not only for the incredible vistas from the top of the hill, but also for its many quirky features, including gingerbread-style houses, covered walkways and a mosaic tiled terrace.
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Look out over the city from a Gaudí-designed terrace in this park in the city’s north.

7. Casa Batllo

Casa Batlló is another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, one of two private homes that are now open as museums. The modernist façade is decorated with oval windows, bone-like columns and colorful mosaics. The inside has been restored to its original condition with built-in fireplaces, arched ceilings and stained glass. The house is in Eixample, a neighborhood just north of the city center.
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Casa Batllo featuring heritage architecture and a city

8. Passeig de Gràcia

It’s hard to imagine, standing on the Passeig de Gràcia, that less than 200 years ago it was a cart track connecting Barcelona and the rural town of Gràcia. By the early 20th century the sidewalks became promenades for Spain’s most elite families. That atmosphere still pervades the space, as tourists and chic locals pass buildings designed and built by some of the superstars of Catalan Modernism. Shop in the upscale boutiques or just go in search of magnificent homes.
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One of Spain’s most expensive streets has masterworks by Gaudí, Falqués and more, interspersed with designer boutiques and rather opulent cafés.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Catalonia

Image for Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

4.5/5(966 reviews)

Gaudí’s basilica in the center of Barcelona is an architectural marvel and offers views across the city from eight towering spires.

Sagrada Familia
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La Rambla

4.5/5(964 reviews)

These lively pedestrian streets in the heart of Barcelona are filled with flower stalls, tapas restaurants and street performers.

La Rambla
Image for PortAventura World

PortAventura World

5/5(3 reviews)

A worldwide adventure awaits you in this theme park, one of Europe’s best and largest. It’s just a 90-minute drive from Barcelona.

PortAventura World
Image for Port de Barcelona

Port de Barcelona

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Barcelona with a trip to Port de Barcelona. Discover the acclaimed art scene and shops in this vibrant area.

Port de Barcelona
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Plaça de Catalunya

4.5/5(535 reviews)

This popular Barcelona meeting point connects the old city with the new and is famous for its shopping, monuments and festival celebrations.

Plaça de Catalunya
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Barceloneta Beach

4.5/5(438 reviews)

The warm water of the Mediterranean Sea and aquatic sports, beach bars and nightlife combine to make this Barcelona’s most popular urban beach.

Barceloneta Beach
Image for Park Güell

Park Güell

4.5/5(522 reviews)

Look out over the city from a Gaudí-designed terrace in this park in the city’s north.

Park Güell
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Camp Nou

4.5/5(147 reviews)

Catch an event at Camp Nou during your trip to Barcelona. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.

Camp Nou
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Casa Batllo

4.5/5(495 reviews)

Gaudí designed this house for a family in the early 20th century and incorporated his signature elements into the design, including curved lines and bright colors.

Casa Batllo

Explore areas of Catalonia

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Downtown Barcelona

La Rambla and Plaça de Catalunya are a few top attractions in Downtown Barcelona. Hop around the city on the metro at Liceu Station or Jaume I Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral, and popular shops.

Downtown Barcelona
Gothic Quarter which includes a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people

Gothic Quarter

4.5/5(512 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Gothic Quarter. Check out top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona, and jump on the metro at Jaume I Station or Liceu Station to see more of the city.

Gothic Quarter
Eixample showing street scenes and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Eixample

4.5/5(737 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Eixample. Check out top attractions like Plaça de Catalunya and Sagrada Familia, and jump on the metro at Diagonal Station or Passeig de Gracia Station to see more of the city.

Eixample
Maritime Museum featuring heritage elements and interior views

Ciutat Vella

4.5/5(42 area reviews)

Known for its stunning cathedral, captivating waterfront views, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Ciutat Vella. Top attractions like La Rambla and Port de Barcelona are major draws. Catch the metro at Jaume I Station or Barceloneta Station to see more of the city.

Ciutat Vella
Barceloneta

Barceloneta

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Barceloneta is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Port de Barcelona or Barceloneta Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Barceloneta
Gracia featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people

Gràcia

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

Architecture, cafes, and shopping highlight some notable features of Gràcia. Make a stop by Park Güell or Passeig de Gràcia while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Joanic Station or Fontana Station to get around town.

Gràcia