There’s a reason Barcelona sees so many visitors. For such a compact city the sheer number of cultural and historical attractions is amazing.
There will inevitably be queues for the most popular attractions (think La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell). But the other attractions offer some insights into the city’s history and culture without tripping over a million other tourists.
The top 5 Barcelona attractions, and 5 alternatives to avoid the crowds
Here’s my TL;DR list if you want a quick fix. There are so many things to do in Barcelona you don’t have to queue for hours to get a taste. I’d argue that by avoiding the biggest attractions you’ll actually get a better feel for the real Barcelona.
And if you want to dig a bit deeper, here are the best Barcelona attractions. There’s something for everyone:
ART & MUSEUMS
Whether art or history floats your boat, there’s a museum or gallery in Barcelona to cater to almost everyone. These are the best:
CaixaForum
Caixa Bank-owned gallery space housed in a refurbished modernist factory. Check the schedule for traveling exhibitions. Find out more about Caixa Forum
Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)
The CCCB features exhibitions, debates, festivals, concerts, film, courses, workshops and more. Discover more about CCCB
Fundació Joan Miró
Spectacular space, excellent permanent collection of Miró’s works, views across Barcelona, and even a café. What’s not to like about the Fundació Joan Miró?
El Museu Marítim de Barcelona
It may not float everybody’s boat (yuk yuk), but El Museu Marítim de Barcelona does have its charms. Discover more about Barcelona’s Maritime Museum
Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA) Plaça del Rei
There’s a fascinating Roman city just under your feet in the centre of Barcelona’s old town. You can experience it at MUHBA. Discover more about Barcelona’s fascinating History Museum
Archaeology Museum of Catalonia
The history of Catalonia dating back to prehistoric times under one roof. There’s plenty to like about the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia.
Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
Superb space. Interesting permanent collection. And some great temporary exhibits. MACBA may surprise you. Find out more about MACBA
Museu del Disseny de Barcelona
As Barcelona is a renowned design hub, a design museum makes a lot of sense. Keep an eye open for special exhibitions. Find out more about Barcelona’s Design Museum
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
Housing a massive collection – largely focused on Romanesque art – MNAC also covers other periods. Discover more about the Nacional Museum of Art, Barcelona
Museu Picasso de Barcelona
Arguably Barcelona’s most popular museum, the Picasso Museum is also likely to be crowded. It is an excellent collection though. Learn more about the Picasso Museum
ARCHITECTURE
Barcelona’s favorite architect, Antoni Gaudí I Cornet, is a big draw in Barcelona. His work features on most itineraries. But there are also significant works from his contemporaries in the Modernista movement and more that boast the ‘wow’ factor. This is the most impressive architecture to see in Barcelona:
Casa Batlló
Gaudí’s most famous house, Casa Batlló, attracts crowds. Book online. Discover more
Casa Milà/La Pedrera
One of Gaudí’s last works, and in many ways more restrained than others, Casa Milà still makes an interesting visit. Find out more about La Pedrera
Casa Vicens
The rather compact Casa Vicens is significant for being Gaudí’s first house, displaying his trademark thoughtful design and exuberant detailing. Find out more about this fascinating house
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
Fabulous modernista site, minus the overwhelming crowds. The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is among architect Lluís Domènech I Montaner’s finest work. Read more about the Hospital Sant Pau Historic Site
Mies van der Rohe pavilion
An unexpected Bauhaus gem in amongst Barcelona’s modernista marvels, the Mies van der Rohe pavilion impresses with its timeless grace. Find out more about this architectural icon
Palau Güell
Palau Güell is an early Gaudí commission, and one that evokes the lives of Barcelona’s elite at the time. Find out more about this impressive Gaudí building
Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana is a spectacular modernista concert hall, and really a Barcelona must-see. Discover more about visiting this magnificent concert hall
La Sagrada Familia
Easily the busiest Gaudí attraction in Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is something you have to see once. Book in advance. Find out more about visiting this popular attraction
MARKETS
Most Barcelona neighborhoods boast a market. While markets may seem unusual attractions, many of these are popular things to see in Barcelona. Almost all are fascinating for the range of produce available, though some cater more to tourists than others. Some great info from the local government here, for visitors who want to explore further. Barcelona’s best markets are a genuine joy.
La Boqueria
La Boqueria is so popular that group tours were recently banned. It is a brilliant market though. Go along, but be sure to buy something. Read more about La Boqueria market
Mercat del Born
Bit of a cheat this: What was once a market is now a museum, with the archaeological excavations of the old town on display. Worth the visit. Read more about El Born CCM
Mercat de Sant Antoni
Sant Antoni market caters more for locals than busier La Boqueria. Still, the exterior architecture is impressive. Read more about the Sant Antoni Market
Mercat de Santa Caterina
Barcelona’s oldest covered market has had a complete make-over. But it still offers a range of local produce and some dining options. Discover more about visiting Santa Caterina market
OUTDOORS
Barcelona is blessed with lovely weather almost year-round. But it is on sunny days that the parks and gardens come alive.
Whether you want to mingle with the crowds or get away from it all, Barcelona has a park for you. Barcelona’s best parks and gardens are a breath off fresh air.
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
Excellent modern botanic gardens on Montjuïc, with views over the Olympic stadiums. Click here for information on how to visit
Jardí Botànic Històric
It is more like a pleasant park than a botanic garden. The Jardí Botànic Històric is a great place to escape on a hot day. Read more about these lovely gardens
Jardins de Joan Maragall
These pretty formal gardens are another reason to visit Montjuïc. Be aware they’re only open for limited hours on weekends and public holidays though. Read more about them here
Parc de la Ciutadella
The city’s main park is another destination for architecture fans. It is also a popular outdoors spot on a sunny day. Read more about Barcelona’s main city park
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Lovely preserved formal gardens on the edge of town. Find out more about how to visit the Parc del Laberint d’Horta