Top 10 Activities in Barcelona!

By Brendan Burns

Introduction

I lived in Barcelona for a semester of university and had an incredible time! Dating back to medieval times, there is so much rich history and also modern architecture. Barcelona is home to the works of the famous Antonio Gaudi, the amazing Boqueria market, and so much more! Keep reading for my Top 10 favorite activities for you to check out!

Visit La Boqueria

Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, or La Boqueria, is an awesome public market located on La Rambla about halfway between Plaza Catalunya and the water. Known for its rich history that dates back to the 1200s, La Boqueria still has amazing food, fresh squeezed juices and more. Check it out!

Have Absinthe at Marsella: Barcelona’s Oldest Bar

Tucked away on the side streets of El Raval, you’ll want to stop by the oldest bar in Barcelona, Marsella. The bar opened more than 200 years ago, and both locals and tourists alike flock to Marsella mainly for one reason, absinthe. Whether you are a seasoned drinker, or just want to experience something new ordering absinthe is the way to go. The absinthe itself is made from wormwood and herbs and the drink is both strong and contains hallucinogenic properties.

Visit La Sagrada Familia!

Antonio Gaudi spent over 40 years designing this amazing landmark in Barcelona. He worked on the temple until his death in 1926, due to a tragic accident. While it is still under construction, they plan on finishing La Sagrada Familia in 2026. We have never seen anything like this in our entire lives. La Sagrada Familia is truly spectacular. From the stain glass windows that cover the inside of the building, to the intricate designs all throughout the building, La Sagrada Familia is truly a piece of art.

Go to an FC Barcelona Game!

Camp Nou: FC Barcelona’s home and the largest soccer stadium in Spain, holding up to 100,000 fans. If you are a sports fan and are visiting Barcelona during the fútbol season, you must attend an FC Barcelona game. However, if you are visiting during their offseason, Camp Nou offers tours of the stadium to fans. During the tour, you will get to see many historic parts of the stadium and you’ll even get to take some awesome pictures very close to the field. We can’t imagine a visit to Barcelona without a trip to Camp Nou!

Wander Through Las Ramblas

If you love to shop and want to get a taste of the most touristy part of the city, a visit to Las Ramblas is a fun way to experience Barcelona. Las Ramblas is the first landmark that many associate with the city of Barcelona. Because it is touristy, be on the lookout for pick-pocketers and make sure to hold on to your valuables with extra precaution. While walking down Las Ramblas, be sure to stop at the famous Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, one of the largest public markets in Barcelona. You’ll be sure to try some tasty food and have an incredible experience at La Boqueria!

Visit Park Güell – Get Lost in Gaudi’s Architecture!

If you appreciate nature and architecture, a stop at Antonio Gaudi’s Park Güell is an absolute MUST while in Barcelona. This magical park is a public park in the heart of Barcelona that is composed of beautiful gardens and amazing architecture. At the top of Park Güell, you can see breathtaking views of the entire city of Barcelona from the amazing terrace that Gaudi had built. You will also find beautiful, multi-colored tiled seats- the vibrant colors are truly incredible. Because of how large the park is, you will have to set aside at least half a day to tour the park and to enjoy it, but we promise it is completely worth every second!

Explore the City via Bicycle!

An easy and rather fun way to explore the beautiful city is to rent a bike at one of the many vendors that line the streets. You can even take a bike tour with guides that speak many different languages to accommodate your needs. So why be stuck in a bus or on a train while traveling around when you could be enjoying the surroundings wherever you travel.

Hang Out at Parc de la Ciutadella

A place to simply just relax, Parc de la Ciutadella is definitely worth the visit during your trip to Barcelona. Located on the northeast edge of Ciutat Vella, this park was founded in the mid-19th century and now includes many attractions such as a city zoo, the Parliament of Catalonia, museums and a large water fountain. With an entrance near the metro and a commuter train, Parc de la Ciutadella is very easy to access. Do not forget to add this 44.5-acre historical garden to your list!

Eat at Cerveceria Catalana

Cerveceria Catalana has some of the best tapas you will ever have. You know a restaurant is awesome when it is full of locals. This place is off the beaten track and you’ll probably have to wait in line, but it is definitely worth the wait. The prices were reasonable and the food was delicious. The service was also great and the atmosphere as well! We definitely recommend having a meal here during your stay in Barcelona.

Check Out La Xampanyeria

While this spot tends to get crowded, it is absolutely worth checking out. Try the tapas and make sure to get some champagne! The food is delicious and prices are very reasonable.

Author bio

Brendan is a travel and language enthusiast who enjoys helping others travel more and connect with local cultures. Follow his adventures on his website AdventureDazehttp://www.adventuredaze.com, and on Instagram @theadventuredaze.