Barcelona Travelers Recommend

One of the most dynamic cities in the world, Barcelona sizzles with food, fashion, and music year-round, meaning there’s enough to see and do to fill up weeks. From Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter to the famous Montserrat monastery in the mountains of Catalunya, here’s how to make the most of three days in this buzzing Catalan capital.

Day 1: City Highlights

Your first day in Barcelona is the perfect time to catch all the highlights. Tour the city on a hop-on hop-off bus, or choose a guided tour that caters to your particular interests. Visit architect Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Battló, and La Pedrera), cycle through the old city on a bike tour, treat yourself to a tapas tour, or opt for a private city tour to ensure you don’t miss anything on your must-see list. Regardless, you’ll want to book skip-the-line tickets for the iconic Sagrada Familia and walk down La Rambla on this first day—they’re absolute musts. In the evening, watch a flamenco show or explore the bars of the Gracia neighborhood.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

Start with a visit to one or two of Barcelona’s excellent museums. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Picasso Museum or the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya), while history buffs will appreciate the collections at the Museum of Catalan History and Maritime Museum of Barcelona. Sports fans can opt for a tour of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium. In the afternoon, get a hands-on lesson in Spanish cuisine with an interactive cooking class, many of which include a visit to the famous La Boqueria market.

Day 3: Explore Catalonia

It’s time to explore the Catalan countryside. For a popular and rewarding day trip, head to Montserrat mountain to tour the historic monastery and do some hiking on the well-maintained trails. Some tours also include an afternoon of cava tasting on the way back to Barcelona. Alternatively, spend the day exploring the works of Spanish master Salvador Dalí on a tour of the Dalí Museum in Figueres, or head to the Costa Brava to walk through whitewashed villages or take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and one of Europe’s most popular cities, seamlessly blends ancient history, Catalan culture, spectacular moderniste architecture, a rich gastronomic scene, and a vibrancy that keeps visitors coming back for more. An estimated 32 million people visit each year, which translates to some hefty crowds, especially during the busy summer season. No matter when you visit, plan ahead to ensure you experience the best Barcelona has to offer. From the Sagrada Familia and the nearby monastery of Montserrat to the fabled stadium of FC Barcelona, here are some of our favorite attractions and experiences in this enchanting city on the sea.

La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece, is Barcelona's most-visited attraction—meaning entrance lines can get long. With skip-the-line access, you'll spend more time enjoying the architecture and less time waiting in the sun. Here's how.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

Get the most out of our visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site by visiting with a guide who can fill you in on the history of the famously unfinished cathedral and offer anecdotes about its ongoing construction. Besides getting priority access to skip the main line, you'll also get insider insight into how to best enjoy the cathedral.

Skip-the-Line Tours with Tower Access

While the Sagrada Familia is undeniably impressive from the ground, the panoramic views across Barcelona from one of its towering spires are just as magnificent. You'll still enjoy priority access with the added bonus of a stunning bird's-eye view.

Combo Skip-the-Line Tours

The Sagrada Familia's central location makes it easy to combine a skip-the-line visit with a range of other Barcelona experiences, including an E-bike or artistic tour, or a visit to Park Güell, another brainchild of Gaudi.

The passionate music, song, and dance known as flamenco is rooted in the gypsies of Andalusia in Southern Spain, but its popularity has spread all the way to Barcelona. Here’s what you need to know about catching the best flamenco shows in the Catalan capital.

Flamenco Shows It would be a shame to leave Spain without seeing an authentic flamenco show, and visitors to Barcelona have several options. The city’s legendary Tablao Cordobes on La Rambla and Los Tarantos in the Gothic Quarter have been staging authentic performances for decades, while the Teatre Poliorama and the stunning Palau de la Música Catalana both put on combination flamenco and opera performances. Book ahead to guarantee a spot at your preferred club.

Flamenco Shows with Dinner For a comprehensive evening of authentic Spanish culture, opt for a flamenco show that includes dinner. Shows at Tablao de Carmen, Palacio del Flamenco, and Plaza de las Arenas offer the option to upgrade with tapas, dinner, and drinks—book early to get your first choice. Alternately, start your evening with a tapas walking tour followed by a flamenco performance, or start with the performance and head out for some traditional Spanish pintxos after. 

Flamenco Shows with Lessons

The best way to truly appreciate flamenco is to try it out yourself. You can do so with a masterclass at Tablao Cordobés, where internationally famous Flamenco dancers teach visitors basic choreography on one of Barcelona’s most historic and authentic stages.

Sunny Barcelona may seem like the ideal warm weather destination, but downpours do hit the Catalonian capital on occasion. There’s no need to get caught short though; make the most of even wet weather with these rainy-day attractions.

• Take shelter at Sagrada Familia or Montserrat Monastery; get out of the rain faster with skip-the-line admission tickets.
• See the city from a sightseeing bus—hop-on-hop-off options let you jump off and explore on foot when the rain clears.
• Watch a flamenco performance at a traditional tablao; local institutions such as Tablao Cordobes and Tablao de Carmen offer dinner and drinks packages.
• Get out of the rain during a behind-the-scenes Camp Nou stadium and museum tour.
• Soak up the city’s art scene without getting soaked at Gaudi’s Casa Batlló or La Pedrera.
• Visit top Barcelona museums such as Museu Picasso, Fundació Joan Miró, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia with a museum pass.
• Hone your culinary skills during a cooking class or explore the covered La Boqueria Market.

From sun-kissed beaches to fountain-filled plazas, Barcelona sizzles in summer—one of the most popular seasons to visit the city. The Mediterranean sunshine makes outdoor activities appealing, and there are plenty of ways to beat the heat. Here are our top picks for how to experience the Catalan capital in summer.

• Sail past gold-sand beaches on a scenic catamaran excursion.
• Board the open-air hop-on hop-off bus to see the city’s top attractions.
• Beat the summer crowds with skip-the-line access to the Sagrada Familia.
• Head to cooler climes on a day trip to Montserrat or Andorra.
• Go beach hopping along the picturesque Costa Brava.
• Feel the heat at an evening flamenco show.
• Cool off at an indoor attraction such as the Picasso Museum or La Pedrera.
• Spend the day wine tasting in the Catalonian countryside.
• See the city from new heights while parasailing above the sea.
• Attend a summer cultural festival to dive in to Catalan culture and party like a local.

Many travelers whizz through Barcelona in a day as part of a grand tour of Spain or Europe. But, those who spend an extra day in the Catalan capital are rewarded with diverse experiences. From Gaudí’s masterpieces to historic neighborhoods, here’s our suggested itinerary for two days in Barcelona.

Day 1: Barcelona Highlights

**Morning:**Kick off your time in Barcelona with an overview of the city. Jump onto a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour to see what attractions you might want to visit later, or join a private half-day tour with a local for tips on which sights match your interests.

**Afternoon:**Dedicate an afternoon to Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí’s works. After lunch, head straight to the Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most recognizable landmarks, for a tour. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance or opt for a Gaudí-themed guided tour that also includes a stop at Park Güell.

**Night:**After working your appetite with all that sightseeing, treat yourself to two delicious Spanish traditions: tapas and wine. Typical food walking tours of the old city take travelers to several of Barcelona’s best tapas and wine bars, allowing you to sample a wide range of local favorites.

Day 2: Cuisine and Culture

**Morning:**This is a great time to explore some of Barcelona’s numerous world-class museums. Take a guided tour of the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter, ride the cable car to the top of Montjuic Hill (Parc de Montjuic) to visit the military fortress, or make your way to Plaza España for the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya).

**Afternoon:**Dive deeper into the local food culture with a cooking class. Visit La Boqueria market to pick out ingredients before heading to a kitchen to learn some skills from a professional chef. Depending on the class, you might prepare paella, garlic prawns, Catalan octopus, or Spanish omelet.

**Night:**Don’t leave Spain without seeing a traditional flamenco show—several venues throughout Barcelona offer dinner and flamenco shows perfect for a romantic evening. Alternately, use your final night to get out on the water and see the city from another angle during a sunset sailing trip along the Barcelona coast.

Winter brings cooler (although rarely below freezing) temperatures to Barcelona along with blue skies and sunshine, making it a favorite escape this time of year. If you’re in the Catalan capital in winter, here are some ways to take advantage of the cold weather and holiday spirit.

• Join a local for a Christmas tour through the Old City, which is always adorned with festive holiday lights.

• Ring in the New Year with a flamenco show and New Year’s Eve party, complete with the local tradition of “lucky grapes.”

• Warm up with an interactive cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare dishes like paella and Spanish tapas.

• Soak up the sounds of a Spanish guitar concert inside the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Palau de la Música.

• Buy a Barcelona Card, which offers free or discounted entry to more than 20 top attractions around the city.

As temperatures cool and summer crowds begin to dwindle, the city of Barcelona comes alive. Autumn brings myriad festivals and excellent weather, making it perfect for wandering through atmospheric neighborhoods. Here are a few ways to take advantage of the city in one of its best seasons.

• Commune with the restless souls of the city on a walking ghost tour through Barcelona’s darkened neighborhoods.

• Watch as locals dressed as devils light up the night with flames and fireworks during a traditional correfoc, or fire-running festival.

• Put on your costume and experience Barcelona’s epic nightlife on a Halloween pub crawl.

• Visit three countries in one day on a day trip to France and Andorra.

• Celebrate the start of a new soccer season with a visit to the Camp Nou stadium and the FC Barcelona Museum.

The mix of Art Nouveau architecture, Catalan culture, sparkling sea, and a thrumming nightlife make Barcelona one of Europe’s most irresistible cities. You could easily spend weeks and still not see everything the city has to offer. But, if you only have a single day, here’s how to make the most of the time you have.

Morning: Works of Gaudí

There’s one landmark you must see when in Barcelona: the Sagrada Familia. Save time with skip-the-line tickets booked ahead of your trip, get an early start, and take in views of the Catalan capital with a tour of the cathedral’s towers. Then, head to nearby Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece, for more city views and quirky, colorful tile work. It’s possible to pack in even more of the architect’s work with a Gaudí-themed tour that includes entrance to both Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, plus a walk down Passeig de Gracia to see Casa Batlló and La Pedrera from the outside.

Afternoon: Barcelona’s Old City

After lunch, head into the labyrinthine old city to soak up the atmosphere that keeps travelers coming back. If you want to be sure not to miss anything, opt for a walking, cycling, or Segway tour through the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Raval neighborhoods. Another option that’ll help you see more in less time is to board a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Grab an outdoor seat and tour the city with audio commentary about what you’re seeing.

Night: Tapas Tastings

No trip to Barcelona would be complete without treating your taste buds to some Spanish cuisine. As a first-time visitor, it can be hard to tell the good stuff from the bad, so enlist a local’s help during an evening tapas tour through the old city to taste some of the best bites around La Rambla, La Boqueria market, and the Gothic Quarter. Those interested in the Spanish art of flamenco can grab a table at the legendary Tablao Cordobes for a paella dinner and an evening of dancing, singing, and Spanish guitar.

The Catalan capital of Barcelona offers plenty to do for families traveling with children in tow, and many of the best kid-approved activities appeal to adults as well. From touring the old city or sailing the Mediterranean coast to day tripping into the Catalonian countryside, these are some of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids.

• Explore Barcelona at your own pace aboard the hop-on hop-off bus with three routes to choose from.
• Enjoy skip-the-line access to Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia, two of the city’s most impressive monuments.
• Ride the funicular or cable car to the mountaintop monastery of Montserrat for a flexible and laid-back day trip from the city.
• Hit the streets to explore Barcelona’s historic old city by bike, Segway, e-bike, or GoCar.
• Spend a day of fun in the sun at PortAventura, Spain’s most popular theme park, with an all-day pass.
• See the city from the water during a sailing excursion from Port Vell.
• Go behind the scenes at Camp Nou stadium to walk in the footsteps of soccer legends.

Montserrat's close proximity to Spain's cava wine region makes it easy to combine the two experiences in one day—a morning visit to the Benedictine monastery and an afternoon of wine tasting. Here's what you need to know to book the right combo.

Highlights

• Enjoy two of Barcelona's top day trips in one convenient ticket package.

• Options include tours by coach or train, with options for Segway rides upon arrival.

• Sample wines from the Penedes region at a large, organic, or family-run winery.

• Most combo tours include lunch or tapas.

Group Tours

Joining a group tour to Montserrat and the surrounding wine region is a budget-friendly way to enjoy two iconic Catalan experiences. Since many group tours are limited to 15 participants, you'll still receive plenty of attention from your guide and an in-depth experience. Tours can last upwards of 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Private Tours

For a more personalized day trip, opt for a private tour with your own driver and guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you can ask all the questions you want while enjoying greater flexibility during your day outside of Barcelona.

Arguably Barcelona's most famous son, Antoni Gaudí is the artistic mastermind behind several of the city's beloved and unique sights, including La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Don’t miss them on your trip—here’s the scoop on how to see them.

Park Güell

Meant to be a high-end housing development, Park Güell ended up as a landmark park instead. Here you'll find Gaudi's emblematic lizard fountain, the colorful mosaic benches of the lookout terrace, and the Gaudí House Museum, which gives an inside look at where the architect once lived.

**How to Visit:**Be the first inside the park with an exclusive early-access tour.

La Sagrada Familia

Gaudí never finished the La Sagrada Familia Basilica after starting it in 1882 (and it still won't be completed until 2026), but it's still considered his magnum opus. Even in its current state, the church is a must-see, with its biblical scene-covered façades and expansive interior supported by forest-like columns lit with rainbow-hued stained glass.

**How to Visit:**Book skip-the-line admission to beat the crowds.

Güell Palace (Palau Güell)

One of Gaudi's first commissions at the start of his career, Palau Güell features seven stories that include horse stables in the basement, a glamorous main hall for entertaining, and a funky rooftop with rainbow tile-covered chimney pots. Set in the Raval neighborhood, the palace was built as a private mansion for Catalan industrialist Eusebi Güell.

**How to Visit:**Stop at the palace on an e-bike tour of Barcelona's modernist architecture.

La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

La Pedrera, also known as Casa Milà, is one of two Gaudi structures along Passeig de Gracia. Famous for its undulating, rocky façade, meant to resemble an open quarry, the building also boasts a much-photographed rooftop with a line of mysterious chimney pots that look as if they're standing guard over the skylights.

**How to Visit:**See La Pedrera in a new light on a behind-closed-doors night tour.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló got a modernist makeover from Gaudí in 1904—he added a fanciful exterior of mosaic glass, a scaly reptilian-like rooftop, and skeletal-looking windows and balconies, all of which earned it the nickname "House of Bones." The interiors, featuring rippled walls, sculpted fireplaces, and Gaudi's signature tilework, are juts as impressive as the façade.

**How to Visit:**Tour Casa Batlló with your own guide on a private walking tour of Barcelona.

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens in the Gràcia neighborhood was Gaudí's first notable work, constructed in the 1880s for Manuel Vicens, the owner of a brick and tile factory. The building's Múdejar-inspired exterior (the interior is closed to visitors) features an elaborate mix of colorful tiles, floral patterns, intricate iron balconies, and exposed brickwork.

**How to Visit:**Zip past Casa Vicens on a kid-friendly scooter tour of the Gràcia neighborhood.

The celebratory tipple of choice in Spain is cava, a sparkling white or rose wine from Catalonia that’s sipped in Barcelona and beyond at everything from weddings and birthday bashes to evening meals. Here are some must-try cava labels and cava tasting experiences in Barcelona.

What is Cava?

First produced in 1872 at the Codorniu Winery, cava was the brainchild of winemaker Josep Raventós, whose French travels left him with a yearning to create a Spanish version of Champagne. Blended from local xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada grapes grown in the Penedès region, the sparkling wine quickly became popular as a wine that goes with everything. Today, it’s as ubiquitous to Barcelona as flamenco and tapas. The Penedès wine region—the third largest in Spain—remains the heart and soul of cava production with more than 160 wineries growing and producing it.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sip on some bubbly and sample tapas on a food and wine tour of Barcelona’s El Born and Gothic Quarter neighborhoods.

• Take a day tour from Barcelona to the Spanish countryside to sample traditional cava and wine in the region where it’s grown.

• Learn the art of cava making during a hands-on wine-making workshop in the capital of Catalonia.

• Combine a visit to Montserrat with a tour and wine tasting in a winery’s vast cava cellars.

Springtime in Barcelona brings sunny skies, warmer weather, and sparser crowds than summertime, making it perfect for strolling through the Old City or visiting some of the many outdoor attractions. If you’re looking for inspiration for what to do during this spring season, here are a few ideas.

• Cheer on FC Barcelona and soak up the electric atmosphere of a live soccer match at Camp Nou.

• Discover the best of Barcelona from the top deck of the double-decker hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

• Take a day trip to nearby Montserrat Monastery, known for its surreal rock formations and excellent hiking trails.

• Bike through Barcelona to see the city of Picasso and Gaudi like a local, while covering more ground than you would by walking. 

• Hit the pavement for a walking tapas tour to treat your taste buds to the best of Catalonia’s cuisine.

Spain’s Costa Brava, the stunning stretch of coastline north of Barcelona, is a well-kept secret of those who know the area well and escape to it from the urban bustle. From historic fishing villages to larger resort towns, here’s how to best experience the region on a day trip from Barcelona.

Group Tours

Discover hidden pockets of the area alongside the region’s main but small city, Girona. You’ll have time for a guided hike on one of many paths, or opt for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Guides arrange a local gourmet meal for the small group as well.

Private Tours

If you’re seeking a more customized or intimate Costa Brava experience, private tours allow for a deeper dive into the region’s rich culture and history based on your interests. Everything from hidden medieval villages and cliffs to smaller coastal paths can be seen in just one day, at your own pace.

Things to Know

• There are many seaside villages and small towns along the Costa Brava. Tossa de Mar, Cadaques, and Lloret de Mar are more well known, while places like Calella de Palafrugell and Llafranc have kept their rustic charm.

• Hiking is particularly popular in the area, and the Cami de Ronda is its most beaten coastal path.

• The region is known for its rich culinary heritage and exquisite cuisine, so be sure to sample as many local foods as possible.

Home to an 11th-century Benedictine abbey that hugs the Catalonian cliffs, Montserrat is a must-visit day trip destination from Barcelona. From art lovers to time-pressed sightseers, there's a tour to fit any travel style. Here are your options.

For the Time-Crunched Visitor

Travelers short on time can still squeeze in a visit to this important religious site on a half-day tour from Barcelona. After arriving by minivan or air-conditioned coach, enjoy plenty of time to explore the monastery and museum and take in the scenery. It’s also possible to combine the visit with skip-the-line access to the Sagrada Familia back in Barcelona.

For the Budget Traveler

Wallet-conscious travelers can save money by combining a half-day tour of Montserrat with a guided exploration of Antoni Gaudí's architectural marvels in Barcelona. Bundling these tours lets you see a lot in a short period of time, all without straining your travel budget.

For the Art Lover

A tour to Montserrat gives the art-loving traveler the chance to explore the collection of religious art within the Museum of Montserrat. Depending on the tour you choose, you could pair your visit with an afternoon spent touring some of Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, including Park Güell, Colonia Güell, La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera.

For the Adventurer

Montserrat might be most famous for its monastery, but it's also home to some excellent hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. A half- or full-day guided hiking tour to the mountain typically includes time to visit the monastery before setting off to take in the surrounding scenery.

For the Wine Enthusiast

Combining a day trip to Montserrat with a wine or cava tasting is a great way to enjoy both the beautiful countryside and the beverages of Catalonia. Options include both private and small-group tours to the mountaintop monastery and the region's cava cellars for an afternoon of cheese and wine tasting.

For the Bucket-Lister

Visiting Montserrat is a highlight of any Barcelona itinerary, especially with an early-access experience. Tour the grounds before the crowds arrive to capture those tourist-free photos of the Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Depending on the tour, you might also visit the less-frequented Romanesque monastery of Santa Cecelia de Montserrat.

UNESCO-listed Park Güell, Antoni Gaudi's modernist, mosaicked wonderland, is one of Barcelona’s top attractions—and that status comes with a long line. To make the most of your time in the Catalan capital, see below for your skip-the-line options.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours

With a guided skip-the-line option, you'll benefit from priority access to the park and get more from your visit with the expertise of a tour guide during an in-depth exploration of the site. Instead of waiting in line, spend time learning about the Hall of Columns, the mosaic lizard statue, and the whimsical gatehouse.

Combo Skip-the-Line Tours

Combining a skip-the-line ticket to Park Güell with other Barcelona experiences is a great way to maximize your time in the capital. Depending on the tour you choose, you might combine your visit with an art tour of the city, a stop at the iconic Sagrada Familia, or even a half-day visit to nearby Montserrat.

Sun-kissed beaches, cobbled streets, sultry summer nights, and spectacular sunsets set the scene for romance in Barcelona, a city with no shortage of things to do for couples. If you’re lucky enough to visit the Catalan capital with your special someone, here are a few ways to get romantic.

Enjoy an Evening of Flamenco

Flamenco may hail from the south of Spain, but Barcelona is home to several excellent tablaos where you can watch the famous dance. Spend an evening at the legendary Tablao Cordobes for a combination of dancing, live music, and traditional Spanish fare. 

Eat Your Way Through the Old City

Hit the streets of the atmospheric medieval and Gothic districts of the old city on a tapas- and wine-fueled food tour. Your partner (and your tastebuds) will thank you. 

Go Wine Tasting

Barcelona sits amid some of Spain’s best wine-producing regions, and there’s no better way to spend a romantic day outside the city than wine tasting through the Catalan countryside. Visit the wine cellars of Codorníu or Torres, or combine a tasting with a visit to mountaintop Montserrat. 

Sail on the Mediterranean

Kick off your shoes and feel the wind in your hair as you set sail from Port Vell on the waters of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a morning cruise followed by brunch or a sunset sail complete with tapas and wine.

Visit La Pedrera at Night

Antoni Gaudí’s La Pedrera ranks among the city’s top attractions, but not everyone gets to visit after dark. After the sun goes down, enjoy a behind-closed-doors tour of this architectural wonder, and toast to love with a cold glass of cava on the illuminated rooftop.  

The Catalan capital of Barcelona, on Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast, enjoys a food culture all its own with influences from Southern France, the tapas culture of Andalucia, and global cuisines. Eating is a huge part of the culture here, and these are the foods and activities you shouldn’t miss.

Must-Try Dishes

While most visitors associate Spain with tapas, Barcelona is actually a hub of Catalan cuisine. Many locals start their day with fresh fried churros dipped in thick hot chocolate for breakfast. Boquerones (anchovies in vinegar), olives, grilled octopus, and pan con tomate (crusty bread with tomato, garlic, and olive oil) make the perfect afternoon accompaniment to a glass of vermut (vermouth). Be sure to try fideuà, the Catalan version of paella made with buckwheat noodles, and finish off your meal with some crema Catalana, a thick Spanish custard.

Keep an eye out for bombas on the menus of Barceloneta; these fist-size potato croquettes, often stuffed with meat, come topped with garlic aioli and a spicy red sauce. If you’re in Barcelona during spring, follow the smoke to a local street barbecue where calçots, a type of green onion native to the region, are grilled and served with romesco sauce.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sample traditional Spanish food while watching flamenco dancing at the legendary Tablao Flamenco Cordobés.
• Enjoy a variety of the city’s best bites on a guided tapas tour through the Gothic Quarter.
• Taste your way along the Cava Trail in the Barcelona countryside to learn more about the region’s rich wine culture.
• Polish up your cooking skills as you learn to make paella, tapas, and sangria with the help of a local chef.

Barcelona has long embraced the arts, with some of Spain’s most influential figures hailing from Catalunya—most notably, the architect Gaudi, the painter Picasso, and the surrealist Dali. Here are a few ways to see the works of these iconic artists.

Picasso Tours

Pablo Picasso honed his distinct style while living in Barcelona, and travelers can walk in his footsteps to some of the artist’s favorite haunts, including his art school and a cafe where he met with other notable artists of the time. To see a collection of his works, from when he was a child through his final years, visit the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter.

Gaudi Tours

Antoni Gaudi’s numerous architectural marvels comprise some of Barcelona’s top attractions, including Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera. Sightseeing tours of Barcelona often stop at all four, but those who pay close attention to detail will notice hints of Gaudi all over the city.

Dali Tours

Dali’s birthplace of Figueres, a Catalan town just outside of Barcelona, is home to the fun and quirky Salvador Dali Museum, the house where he was born, and the cathedral where he was christened. Dali spent much of his time along the stunning Costa Brava, and travelers can combine a visit to the museum with an excursion to the Dali Museum-House in Port Lligat or the Pubol Castle, where the artist once lived with his wife, Gala.

Home to Futbol Club Barcelona, one of the world’s most legendary soccer teams—and the club of equally legendary Lionel Messi—Barcelona ranks as one of football’s great centers. From live matches to behind-the-scenes tour, here are the must-do tours for fans. 

Football Matches

There’s nothing quite like the electricity in the air on match day in the Camp Nou—Europe’s largest stadium—surrounded by chanting Barça fans as the players takes the field. F.C. Barcelona plays in La Liga (the top Spanish football league) and the Champions League, so no matter who they’re playing, you’ll be seeing some of the most talented players in Europe. The season lasts from September through June, and advanced booking is essential for top matches, particularly El Clasico against Real Madrid.

Stadium Tours

No matter the season, football fans have the unforgettable opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the spectacular Camp Nou on a stadium tour. On the Camp Nou Experience, you’ll walk through the players’ tunnel in the footsteps of the greats, peek into the locker rooms, and even step out onto the pitch. The stadium tour includes entry to the F.C. Barcelona Museum, where audio-visual displays recount the club’s trophy-filled history.

From the beaches of Barceloneta to the alleys of the Gothic Quarter, you’ll never go thirsty in this Spanish cultural and culinary capital. Here are five of the most toast-worthy Barcelona neighborhoods for grabbing a cava, cocktail, or craft beer.

Barceloneta

This fishing village–turned beachside neighborhood features a long waterfront promenade lined with beach bars, called chiringuitos, many with tables and umbrellas right in the sand. The streets of Barceloneta really come alive at night as sun-seekers make their way from the sea to the city for a night on the town.

El Born

El Born, Barcelona’s medieval quarter, is a maze of narrow alleys teeming with tapas bars. Take an evening walking tour of the neighborhood to sample traditional Catalan flavors while sipping on cava, Rioja, or a cold glass of sangria. El Born is also home to Santa Caterina Market, one of the city’s top gastronomic establishments and another great place for tasting local wine, as well as a host of trendy cocktail bars.

Gothic Quarter

Tucked between La Rambla and El Born is the Gothic Quarter, a neighborhood where it’s possible to catch some rays over a drink in sunny Plaça Reial, bar crawl through back alleys, and savor Spanish flavors at some of the city’s best hidden gems. One of Barcelona’s most famous tapas bars, El Xampanyet, has been pouring cava in El Gotic since 1921.

Raval

The Raval neighborhood is enjoying a Renaissance and is considered one of Barcelona’s most multicultural areas. Visitors to El Raval can pull up a stool at a traditional Catalan food counter in La Boqueria market for some fresh seafood and a glass of wine, dance the night away in a nightclub, listen to live music in a back alley club, or catch a flamenco performance at the legendary Tablao Cordobes.

Eixample

If you want to drink with the trendy young locals, you’ll have to go to Eixample, a newer neighborhood famous for its impressive architecture and vibrant nightlife. It’s also at the epicenter of Barcelona’s burgeoning craft beer scene, which you can explore on a brew-centric walking tour of the neighborhood.

Barcelona takes its food and wine seriously, and no trip to the Catalan capital would be complete without savoring some tapas—bite-sized Spanish appetizers—washed down with a glass of wine or sangria. Here are some of the best tapas experiences in the city.

Highlights

• Visit Barcelona’s top tapas bars with a local guide.

• Learn about local wines, like cava and Rioja, while savoring traditional Spanish food.

• Take a small-group cooking class and learn to make delicious tapas at home.

• Head outside the city to learn about Catalonia’s famed wine regions.

Tapas Walking Tours

One of the most popular ways to enjoy tapas is standing up, on the way from work to dinner or between one bar and the next. The historic streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and El Born are dotted with tapas bars, and guided walking tours take you to some of the best hidden gems, with opportunities to sample classic dishes like boquerones (white anchovies in vinegar), croquetas (golden fried croquettes), or patatas bravas (fried potatoes served with aioli and spicy tomato sauce). Barcelona tours can last two to four hours.

Tapas Combo Tours

For a more comprehensive Spanish experience, combine your Barcelona food tour with an electric bike tour of the city, an evening flamenco show, or a day trip into the countryside to sample Spanish wine in the Penedes and Pla de Bages regions where it’s grown and produced. Day trips outside the city can last upwards of six hours.