Barcelona travel guide: the best things to see and do

Barcelona, Spain has always been a bucket list destination for me, so I’m delighted to share my very own Barcelona travel guide with you.

From walks through the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter to exploring Gaudi’s architectural wonders, Barcelona quickly became one of our favorite cities in Spain. Here’s my Barcelona travel guide.

Our stay at Hotel Bagués

While I’m the queen of staying at bed and breakfasts, I also love staying at boutique hotels, especially when it’s a five-star hotel like Hotel Bagués. The hotel is perfectly located on Las Ramblas, the most well-known and lively street in central Barcelona, with quick access to the Gothic Quarter and popular attractions.

While the boutique hotel is situated in a bustling area of the city, it also offers a private escape with a rooftop pool and bar, quiet rooms with beautiful views and a full breakfast to fuel your day. The people, much like the hotel, are also lovely, offering local, top-notch recommendations for extraordinary restaurants. You can find our Barcelona restaurant guide here.

The best things to do in Barcelona

Park Güell

Park Güell is the quintessential Barcelona experience, with unique architecture by the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí, city views and colorful, mosaic tiles. We reserved our tickets online and easily spent a few hours roaming through the gardens.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is another one of Gaudí’s infamous creations. This basilica is an iconic destination in Barcelona and has been under construction since the foundation was laid in 1882. The grandeur of this place will take your breath away. Skip the lines by purchasing your tickets online.

Palau de la Música Catalana

I had no idea I would love the Palau de la Música Catalana as much as I did. We weren’t planning to visit, but when we passed it on the street and saw the beautiful tiled columns, I knew we had to go. There weren’t as many tourists, and the place was beautiful.

Casa Batlló

I looked forward to touring Casa Batlló, also a masterpiece by Gaudí, since we booked our trip. The inside is just as magical as the outside, but it was packed with visitors when we went. This is a popular attraction, so I recommend booking your tickets online here and maybe even splurging for the morning time slot to avoid the crowds.

The Gothic Quarter, the Barcelona Cathedral & the beach

I highly recommend simply strolling through the Gothic Quarter (perhaps with a gelato?) and admiring the Barcelona Cathedral. For the best views of the cathedral, visit the panoramic terrace at Hotel Colón and grab a drink or something to eat. This was my favorite area in Barcelona.

We also walked to the sea one evening to take in the sights (including naked people, so brace yourself) and have the best paella at 7 Portes for dinner to end our time in this beautiful city.

Arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park

Plan to visit Arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park if you have extra time during your trip. The park is the perfect place for both people-watching and scouring the palms for green parrots.

We packed a lot during two full days in the city. You can find our Barcelona restaurant guide here to complete your trip. Have you been to Barcelona? Comment and tell me what you loved most!