Do not Book Your Vacation Until You Read This About Barcelona!

Barcelona is one of the coolest cities I have ever visited in Europe! It has got it all—beautiful beaches, tasty food, and places to explore that are cool. It is also situated on the Mediterranean Sea, so you have sun, ocean air, and a city full of excellent things. Following are some of the best activities you can participate in Barcelona, along with some of the highlight moments of my trip!

1. Stop by the Incredible La Sagrada Familia

You might have heard of La Sagrada Familia, and trust me—this spot is wow! It is a ginormous, swanky church that seems to be straight out of a fantasy world. The fellow who architected it, Antoni Gaudí, labored for years, and they are still constructing it today!

When I visited, I was on a small group tour, and I am so glad that I did. The guide told us all about these cool things, such as how every detail of the church had a specific meaning. It was not only beautiful, but it was also kind of fascinating. The stained glass windows lit up the inside with colors. I could not help but look up!

My tip: Do not miss this. Try to go in the morning when it is less populated, and if you can, do a guided tour so you do not miss the fascinating history behind it.

2. Explore the Breathtaking Barcelona Cathedral

Another awesome place I went to was the Barcelona Cathedral. This one is right in the middle of the old part of the city. It is HUGE and full of history. It took over 200 years to finish building it—imagine that!

While the front of the church was done in the 1800s, most of it is far older.

There are some really neat gargoyle statues on the roof—some of them even look like animals. I even found one that looked like a unicorn! The inside was just as amazing with high ceilings, excellent artwork, and a peaceful atmospheres.

While you are there, walk along Calle del Bisbe, a really adorable street close by with old stone buildings and even cooler architecture. I also saw the Pont del Bisbe, a teeny bridge between two buildings—it was like a fairytale.

3. Stop by the Colorful Park GüELL

Gaudí designed Park Güell as well, and it might be the funniest park I have ever seen! It sits in a neighborhood called La Salut, and it is decorated with bright colors, rounded houses, and wonderful city scenery.

It is more like an adult’s and children’s fantasy playground.

It was originally supposed to be an upper-class district, but that did not pass. So Gaudí turned it into a beautiful park instead. I even read that he actually lived in one of the houses there for a while!

As I walked by, I saw vibrantly colored tile benches shaped like waves, a mosaic tile dragon statue, and a little house shaped like a gingerbread house. Oh—and I heard these raucous birds and saw a flock of green Monk Parakeets flying around. They were cute and noisy!

My tip: Wear your comfortable shoes and a water bottle. It is really a hike, but it is worth it for the scenery and artistic ambiance.

4. Montserrat Day Trip

If you have a day to spare, you have to stop at Montserrat. It is a mountaintop about an hour from Barcelona, and the views are absolutely beautiful! I took a train and then a cable car up to the top—it was like a quest.

At the summit of the mountain stands an old, old monastery where monks still live to this day. It is almost 1,000 years old! I walked around the church, saw the unique statues, and even lit a candle for luck. There are also hiking trails if you like to walk in nature.

What I loved: The peace, the mountain air, and the view. It was the perfect refuge from the bustling city.

5. Have a Great Time Seeing Breathtaking Art at Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

If you are artistic, this is something you can not possibly pass up. When I visited the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (we just called it MNAC), I was blown away. It is just such a big museum packed with gorgeous artwork and sculptures from all eras—like Romanesque, Gothic, and even Modern. They even have photographs dating all the way back!

But the best part? The museum is located on this huge hill called Montjuïc, and the building itself looks like a castle! You get to ride up and explore the whole area around it. I also rode up to the roof observation deck, and wow—the view of the city was stunning. You can also visit Montjuïc Castle and the nearby Botanical Gardens, which I did on the same day. It was like a mini-adventure!

6. Experience Barcelona’s Land, Sea, and Air

One of the highlights of my activities in Barcelona. There is a particular tour that allows you to see the city three times—on land, water, and air. I started by walking the streets and appreciating wonderful buildings such as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló. And then there was the crème de la crème—a 6-minute helicopter flight around the city! I saw La Sagrada Familia from above, and it looked even more magical.

Next, we boarded a small boat called a Golondrina and rode along the coast. Having the ocean wind in our faces and seeing the skyline was worth its weight in gold. This tour was totally awesome, and I did not have to wait in long lines. If you must see Barcelona in a fun and different manner, I highly suggest it!

7. Try a Tasty Local Snack—Calçots

Okay, so let us talk about food! There is plenty of tasty food in Barcelona, but one thing I did not enjoy too much was pà amb tomàquet. It is just bread with tomato spread on it and olive oil. Not bad, but not very thrilling.

But then I had Calçots—and holy cow! They are white onions that only come around in winter and early spring. They grill them over an open flame until the outside becomes black. It looks a little burnt, but that is half the fun. You remove the burnt part and dip the inside in a tasty sauce called Romesco. It is messy, but that is the best part. I ate them by hand and laughed a lot. If you visit during the right time, you should absolutely give them a try!

8. Look at Barcelona from the Sea

One of my favorite things I did was take a boat cruise around the Mediterranean Sea. Barcelona is stunning when viewed from the sea! I could sit and relax on a sailboat, soak up the sun on my skin, and see the city from the ocean.

There were refreshments on board, and the captain was very friendly. If you are going to a beach resort such as Barcelona, I highly suggest that you go on a boat tour. It is a pleasant break from striding around, and the breeze is lovely, particularly if it is a sunny day.

9. Ride Around the City on an Electric Bike

Barcelona is a huge city, and I did not want to cover everything, but I arrived totally exhausted. So, I enrolled in an e-bike tour—and loved it! They are electric bicycles, so they help you pedal. It felt like I was gliding on the streets!

We visited busy areas like La Sagrada Familia and Passeig de Gràcia, saw heaps of cool buildings, and coasted along the beach. What I liked, the tour operators were locals themselves—there was humor and fine little secrets to be shared also. Even if you do not bike often, these e-bikes are immensely easy and basically a hoot to ride.

10. Step into the Wacky World of Casa Batlló

The second I looked at Casa Batlló, I had my mouth dropped, staring at it in awe. I imagined the building being wrapped up in an enormous rainbow-colored lizard! Because its top is both curved and shiny, and all around there is a rainbow-hued painting in bold, silly shapes. Walking through its entrance feels like you are walking through a dream.

This wacky building was redesigned by world-renowned artist Antoni Gaudí. He really did have a wacky imagination! In the building, every room feels like a fairy tale. Wavy walls, stained glass, and bizarre shapes are everywhere. I even felt as if I were underwater in certain rooms. Children and adults will love it. I could not put my camera out of sight.

11. Climb to the Top of Tibidabo

Want to feel on top of the world? Well, you just have to go to Tibidabo! It is a huge mountain on the edge of Barcelona, and on top of it is an absolutely beautiful church known as the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When I was standing there, I could see the whole city!

The best part was riding the funicular, a little train that carries you up the mountain. It was a blast, and the view was stunning. And look what you can see. There is a Ferris wheel at the top! I do not like heights very much, but I decided to give it a try, and oh boy—it was like flying on air. Totally worth it!

12. Try Escalivada—The Yummy Roasted Veggies

If you like food, do not miss Escalivada. I had no idea what I was ordering when I ordered it, but it became one of my favorite Barcelona foods. It is a mixture of red peppers, eggplants, and onions that have all been roasted and are soft and smoky, with great olive oil drizzled on top. Sometimes there is even garlic to give it a little extra kick.

Even if you are not a big veggie fan, I think you will love this. It is hot, tasty, and flavorful. Vegetarians will love it too!

13. Drink with Hemingway at Bar Marsella

Would you like to go to a bar where Ernest Hemingway and Picasso drank? Then head for Bar Marsella. It is old, sorta spooky, and full of history. When I went, I felt like I was transported in time. The bar has not changed much—it has dusty bottles, old mirrors, and a cozy atmosphere.

It is reputed to be the place to try absinthe, a strong green drink. I was curious but only had a taste! Even if you are not a big drinker, it is worth visiting just to soak up the atmosphere and absorb the history.

14. Get Lost in the Labyrinth Park

This was probably the most fun I have ever had! Parc del Laberint d’Horta actually has a real hedge maze, and not just for kids. The walls are incredibly tall, and it is hard to leave. I wandered around for a while, laughed plenty, and felt like I was in a movie.

It is a quiet, calm place distant from the chaotic city. If you have already visited the grand sights, then this is an alternative and a nice thing to do. Just ride the metro, and you are there in seconds.

15. Eat Your Way Through La Boqueria Market

La Boqueria Market is a food paradise! I did not know where to begin when I went in—it was packed with fresh fruits, jamón (Spanish ham), seafood, and even little snacks on sticks. I ate some fresh juice and some spicy tapas, and they were both delicious.

If you are a food lover like me, I strongly recommend having a food tour guide. My tour guide took me to the top stands and even showed me how to order locally. This spot is a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona.

16. Visit the Citadel Park (Parc de la Ciutadella)

For a break from all the walking, head to Citadel Park. It is the largest green city park in the middle of the city, and it is perfect for a lazy afternoon. I lay on the grass, observed people playing music, and even saw parrots flying around!

There is also a big fountain and a lake where you can hire a boat and relax. The park is full of history—it used to be a fortress in the past. Today, it is peaceful and perfect for a picnic or simply hanging out with friends.

17. Go for Art at the Picasso Museum

I had always heard of Pablo Picasso, but to actually view his artwork up close at the Picasso Museum was a different story altogether. The museum features his early sketches, paintings, and even some strange and zany works from his later life.

I did a guided tour, and it was well worth it! Our guide explained all the fascinating subtleties and neat facts regarding Picasso’s life. For example, did you know that he started painting seriously at age 9? Even if you are not an art person, this museum will surprise you.

Final Thoughts

Barcelona is more than a city, it is a mix of art, history, beach, and really excellent food. Whether you walk along the old Gothic Quarter, watch the street performers on La Rambla, or sit at a beach bar with cold cocktails, something always seems to be going on.

For me, it was the perfect mix of thrilling adventures and lazy moments. There was something surprising in every nook, a tale narrated by every meal, and a building that was a work of art. I am already counting down the days until I go back—and hopefully, you will be able to come and have some great memories as well.