10 Things You Must Do Before Leaving Barcelona
I have been to my fair share of cities around the world – and one of the few that I find myself missing often is Barcelona, as there are so many things to do and it truly is a city you can always return to and find something new to do.
Near Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain; Taken December of 2017
From the first time I went to Barcelona, could feel I was going to fall in love with that city the moment I set foot in it – and I definitely did.
Barcelona is one of those places where it is everything you expect it to be, and then some. Everywhere you turn, there is some sort of unprecedented beauty – from the colorful tiles, beautiful parks, and Gaudi’s unique architecture.
There was even one time when I was 19 traveling solo across Europe that I got lost in the city trying to walk back to my hotel in Montjuïc, and in the midst of my aggravation, I turned around and found a view filled with orange in the sky over the city. Suddenly, I realized that I didn’t care was lost – because I was surrounded by incessant, sunset-infused magic.
View of Sagrada Familia from Casa Mila in Barcelona, Spain; April 2026
If you’re looking for things to do in Barcelona, whether it’s your first time or a return trip to the city – I’ve got you covered.
The list of things to do in see in Barcelona is obviously endless, but as I’ve been to Barcelona several times now – here’s a refined list of some of my favorite things to do in the city:
10 things to do in barcelona (2026)
1. Go to La Boqueria
Now, I have to admit – in my travels around the world, Freemantle in Perth is the best market I have ever seen in my life, and my seventy-something year old dad who went with me agreed!
However, that being said – La Boqueria in Barcelona absolutely remains as my second favorite food market. The colors, fresh fruits, Spanish spices, the liveliness… you just have to see it with your own eyes. have to see it.
La Boqueira in Barcelona, Spain; Taken December of 2017
Is La Boqueria in Barcelona Worth Visiting?
Yes, Mercat de la Boqueria is absolutely worth visiting while in Barcelona – as it’s not only a great place for little Spanish souvenirs, but serves as an explorative food tour to try little bites popular in Barcelona like crab, paella, empanadas, churros, and more.
Be basic, and get yourself one of those infamous €2,50 juices too – you won’t regret it, as they’re absolutely delicious.
2. See the Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona
In Madrid as well, I’ve found Spain has a knack for having their own Paris Arc de Triomph, and while none of them will ever be the original – I still strongly suggest you should go see this one.
Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona; Taken December of 2017
The rustic color of the arch, people playing music, and showing off their talents in the surrounding area is the epitome of being in Spain itself. Plus, there’s a beautiful local park called Ciutadella Park that I love popping into for a quiet moment with my thoughts and my journal.
3. Eat Avocado Toast Like Locals at Flax&Kale
I know what you’re thinking. If I’m in Spain, shouldn’t I be eating Tapas?
Avocado Toast at Flax & Kale near the University of Barcelona; December 2017
Yes, yes you should be – but I leave the king of that to Madrid, as it’s a much bigger city than Barcelona.
Barcelona is more about fruits and veggies than other places in Spain – as after seeing La Boquiera for the first time, I could feel that this city valued fresh, clean eating. To me, that meant checking out the hippie, health food places seemed to be a must – and it was.
Here are some of my other favorite places for a fresh bite in Barcelona:
🍷🥖 Favorite Places to Eat in Barcelona
As someone undoubtedly, obsessed with avocado toast – I had to see if Barcelona could live up to the hype. I’ve tried several slices, but this still remains the best slice of avocado toast I’ve had around the world. The bread is homemade with spelt flour, and you can taste every uneven seed that they’ve purposefully placed to make it all the more satisfying.
Then, the avocado is served to you in a mountain on top of their perfectly baked-from-scratch bread, and then sprinkled with alfalfa sprouts on top. Is your mouth salivating yet?
4. See La Sagrada Familia
It may be a touristic thing to do, but you really do need to see the Sagrada Familia – as it’s an iconic part of Barcelona.
Like many other European light rail systems, the minute you come out of the metro: there it is, a commanding view in front of your eyes.
Standing in front of La Sagrada Familia in December of 2017
Do I Need to Book Tickets to the Sagrada Familia in Advance?
Yes, you’ll need to book your tickets to the Sagrada Familia in advance – as tickets sell out quick and you won’t be able to get into the church if you simply show up empty handed. When I went by myself years ago during shoulder season near the holidays, I tried to get a ticket the same day and it was completely sold out. I went again with my family in April 2026, and was sure not to make the same mistake – booking the tickets a month in advance (and even then, all of the morning slots were already sold out!).
View of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain; April 2026
5. Bathe in the Heavenly Views of Park Güell
With the guitarists in the background, and the radiant city below you… this was a moment I’ll never forget. You will inevitably feel the magical charm of this city just by overlooking it.
The view of Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain; April 2026
6. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter
This was one of the most mystical and fascinating parts of Barcelona, and in my opinion – the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is severely underrated.
Cathedral of Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter; Taken December 2017
The Cathedral of Barcelona is jaw dropping in its intricate detailing, and the quarter itself is quaint and an adventure itself. The streets are small, narrow, and filled with quintessential Spaniard Charm – perfect for wandering and getting a vibe for this special part of the city.
The streets of the Gothic quarter in Barcelona, Spain; April 2026
7. Take a trip up to Tibidabo
If you want a unique view of Barcelona without all of the tourists, you’ll want to take a trip up to the top of Tibidabo.
View from the top of Tibidabo; Taken December 2017
We all have our moments, where we realize that all the extra time, effort, and energy we spent working towards something we wanted paid off – and standing up here, looking over all of Barcelona, was one of those moments. When I went up Tibidabo in 2017, it was under €5 to hop on a bus and see it for yourself.
However, transportation pricing to Tibidabo changes fairly often, especially since the reopening of the newer Cuca de Llum funicular, so it’s best to check the official Tibidabo website before your visit.
🚡🌄 Getting to Tibidabo from Barcelona
🚌 Taking the TibiBus
One of the easiest ways to get to Tibidabo from Barcelona city center is by taking the TibiBus shuttle. When I visited, the journey took around 40 minutes total depending on traffic — and it was honestly the simplest option.
🚇 Using the Funicular
Yes — the Tibidabo funicular is open again! The modernized Cuca de Llum funicular reopened in recent years and is now one of the most scenic and popular ways to reach the top of Tibidabo. Round-trip tickets cost around €13.50 depending on the type of access you purchase.
🌄 Why It’s Worth Going
Between the panoramic views over Barcelona, the iconic church, nostalgic amusement park rides, and cooler mountain air, Tibidabo feels completely different from the rest of the city — almost like stepping into another world above Barcelona.
8. Live out your Cheetah Girl dreams and see that famous Iguana
If you’re anything like me, a huge part of your early interest in Barcelona came from the Cheetah Girls 2 – meaning you’ll want to see the famous Iguana, or “El Drac” while in the city.
Even if it remains very crowded with tourists, nevertheless, I suggest you go see it – even if you can’t stay until the free entry. As the Cheetah Girls say themselves, “It’s not enough, just to dream it!”
Picture of “El Drac”; Taken December 2017
9. Visit One or Both of the Barcelona Casas
Both Casa Mila and Casa Batlló are some of the most integral pieces of architecture in Barcelona. While it isn’t essential to visit both, I do recommend seeing at least one of the two “casas” before you leave Barcelona.
Exterior view of Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain; April 2026
The overview cards below will help you decide whether you should visit Casa Mila or Casa Batlló:
🏛️🎨 Casa Batlló vs. Casa Milà — Which Should You Visit?
Casa Batlló has the more colorful and visually iconic exterior overall, making it one of the most photographed buildings in Barcelona.
The experience inside feels more intimate, artistic, and almost psychedelic at times — especially toward the immersive ending experience.
Casa Batlló also has a really cute rooftop and patio area, which honestly ended up being one of my favorite parts of the visit.
Tickets for Casa Batlló start around €29 .
Casa Milà is much bigger overall, making the experience feel more open and less cramped than Casa Batlló.
Even though it’s very popular, Casa Milà tends to feel a little less crowded simply because the building itself is much larger.
While the exterior isn’t quite as colorful or dramatic as Casa Batlló, the architecture still feels uniquely Gaudí — especially on the famous rooftop.
Tickets for Casa Milà start around €25 , making it slightly cheaper than Casa Batlló.
10. Watch a Light Show at the MAgic Fountain in Montjuïc
Now, I was lucky in how I saw the magic fountain in Montjuïc sing for the first time. I actually celebrated New Year’s Eve and rang in 2018 in Barcelona.
Watching the Show from Afar in Plaça d'Espanya; NYE 2017
I still remember that New Year’s Eve. I went back to my hotel after waiting in a coffee shop outside of Park Güell for a few hours to see the iguana, or “El Drac”, for free. I wanted to use my hotel’s treadmill – but it was broken. The gym was already on the rooftop, and I saw a perfect piece of smooth pavement in front of me, and I figured: why not?
With the dusty purple black sky, and the rolling silver grey clouds, and the single iridescent stars perfectly spaced out with the sparkling full moon, and Barcelona lit up around me in mountainous range… I decided to run on the rooftop. Every time I did a lap, I would either see the Spaniards hanging their clothes to dry on their iron gate fences, or Tibidabo lit up in the distance, sitting on the hill like a throne.
After showering, I walked down to where the New Year’s celebration would begin. I looked up to the moon, and realized how right Ed Sheeran really was in his song.
That picture doesn’t do much justice as to what Tibidabo looks like from afar in person. So, you better go see it for yourself – along with the 10 other things to do in Barcelona on this list.
☀️🇪🇸🍹 FAQs About the Best Things to Do in Barcelona 🍹🇪🇸☀️
Want to see Barcelona in action?
Watch one of my many trips to the city in action in my Barcelona travel vlog below!
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Last updated: May 15, 2026