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Find the top Barcelona cultural insights with this complete guide containing a full itinerary of what to do in Barcelona for 2 days. Discover here a list of places to see (with a detailed list that has all of Barcelona’s infamous landmarks).
Barcelona, the epicenter of European summer
This post might contain affiliate links to recommendations I truly believe in. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can gain a small commission to keep paying my coffees to write these posts. 🙂 Being the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, (a region that has been by many years now fighting from their independence from Spain), Barcelona once hosted the Olympic Games in 1992 and has since then transformed into what it is today: A modern-day, seaside city, with a fascinating architecture, rich cultural beliefs, and endless dining opportunities to please all tastes (and best of all at great prices, especially when comparing to other big European cities). In this post I will guide you through all the must-see attractions, what to do when you visit Barcelona, and how to best enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer (from tips on audio guides, ticket purchase, transportation, etc). I will end with a short introduction to Gaudi, the father of Barcelona, and throughout the post you will find many other useful tips. PS – I’ve mentioned before that I have been living in this great city for more than 2 years now and I have writte a post with amazing recommendations on where to eat and drink in Barcelona. I am a true foodie and I love going to all the places that I recommended in that post. On that note, I’ve seen many other bloggers strongly recommend a Sangria and Flamenco shows when visiting Barcelona and I quickly see that some misinformed blogger’s insider tips are not as insightful as they should be. Neither recommendations are from Catalonia region, so yes by going to a Flamenco show here you would be fitting into that tourist genre. Luckily I got your back and with these tips you will not only know exactly what to do and see in Barcelona, but how to enjoy it to the most. Lets go!
What to Do and See in Barcelona
12 of the most famous and unmissable spots to visit in Barcelona- Plaza Catalunya
- Las Ramblas
- Mercado de la Boqueria
- Casa Batllo
- La Pedrera
- Sagrada Familia
- Parc Guell
- The Magic Fountain
- La Catedral Gótica
- Camp Nou
- Palau de La Musica Catalana
- Arc de Triomph
1. Plaza Catalunya
Start centrally and appreciate this beautiful square in the heart of Barcelona. Filled with children playing and people feeding birds, this is a definitely a quick yet unmissable spot in your Barcelona tour. It is surrounded by stores for shopping, from Zara to Urban Outfitters and Apple Store (tip: free and fast wifi spot at the Apple store, with no password required), and conveniently located next to El Corte Inglés, Spain’s infamous department store and massive super market. Basically there are thousands of reasons to be in that area, and you can’t miss visiting Plaza Catalunya, before making your way down the Ramblas.2. Las Ramblas
Barcelona’s infamous long walking street, filled with restaurants, shops, people and happy faces. I love taking my visitors there for a walk on their first day visiting and I even have my official walking tour I usually do with my friends. Yes the Ramblas is extremely charming and it is soooo tempting to sit and have a paella and sangria there, but don’t! Firstly, as mentioned, before, sangrias are not part of Catalan culture (it’s Spanish), so it is not typical from Barcelona to start with. Secondly, basically all restaurants in Las Ramblas are servicing exclusively to tourists. Tapas and paellas there are quite bad, I guarantee it (at least for local standards). Furthermore, the restaurant owners know that only tourists eat there, so they are more concerned with the turnover of the tables than high quality food, as they know most people would never return anyway. Take some time to read 12 common mistakes tourists always make when visiting Barcelona here. If you do want to enjoy the best tapas and restaurants in Barcelona, don’t miss reading my post on my personal favorite places to eat in Barcelona. Pro Tip: Extra Careful with your bags at the Ramblas!!3. Mercado de la Boqueria


4. Casa Batlló



5. La Pedrera

6. Sagrada Familia

As soon as you approach the Sagrada Familia you are immediately aware that this is no ordinary church.With impressive details ornamenting every aspect of its walls and ceilings, all with a subtle, yet intense, aspects of nature, it is impossible not to be awe-struck when entering the Sagrada Familia.

7. Parc Güell



8. The Magic Fountain
The Palau Nacional, located in Montjuic, is certainly an outstanding view and there you will find the museum of national arts of Catalonia. I like going there during night time, especially when from a determined time there is the Magic Fountain (a truly beautiful water show with music playing accordingly to the movement of the dancing water). The Magic Fountain lasts around 1h and there is not a storyline, so you can arrive and leave at whatever time you wish. Pro Tip: I like having a small Picnic while enjoying the Magic Fountain, so I usually buy some snacks in advance at a supermarket, maybe a bottle of wine, and sit with friends while admiring the beautiful water show in the background. Check online for dates and times, as it varies from winter to summer. Fun Fact: The magic fountain can produce up to 7 BILLION light and water combination. Still think you need some convincing? Check out this video and you will instantly understand what the fuss is about. Tip: To get the best views, be sure to arrive early as it tends to get packed, even during winter time. If you wish for further information, be sure to read a complete post about it from Barcelona Hacks Free Entrance to the Magic Fountain.
9. The Gothic Cathedral
The Gothic Cathedral is a sight to the eyes, constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries. If I can be fully honest, I have never been inside. But that is because I live in the city and that feeling of ”I will someday” hasn’t exactly left me yet. Nonetheless it is a beautiful church and should not be missed, even if from the outside.10. Camp Nou + Barcelona FC



11. Palau de la Musica Catalana
If you enjoy orchestras like me, a show inside the Palau de la Musica is a MUST. I went once for a beautiful Christmas orchestra with my mother, and a second time for a Beatles cover during my birthday. The inside of the theatre is majestic, filled with eye-catching impressive details. The exterior of the building is also extremely beautiful. I particularly like the optical illusion head sculpture, located just outside.12. Arc de Triomph and Parc Ciutadella
Last, but certainly not least, the majestic Arc of Triumph, located just outside the Parc Ciutadella.
It is lovely to walk from the Arc to the park and observe the many local artists performing. You will see people doing slackfline, playing cards, hula hoops, soap bubbles, or simply just enjoying a nice book.


FROM THE BARCELONA SERIES:
- A Complete Guide to Barcelona
- All of Barcelona’s Must-See Attractions (with helpful tips)
- Perfectly Easy 2 Days Self-Walking tour of Barcelona
- Mistakes tourists Always Make When Visiting Barcelona
- 9 Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid Inside the Sagrada Familia
- Top Places to Eat (recommendations from locals)
- First Time in Spain? Here is a Useful Guide.

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