Barcelona is one of my favorite cities to visit in Europe. It’s 100% worth visiting, so you shouldn’t hesitate any more and book your tickets now.
I lived in Barcelona for 2 years, studying at the University and working for a tour operator. During this time, I explored all corners of the city as a local and visited almost every attraction. So in this article, I’ll tell you why Barcelona is worth visiting, what you should do and avoid.
Let’s explore Barcelona together!
Is Barcelona Worth Visiting? Answered!
Yes, Barcelona is 100% worth visiting. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world, mainly thanks to its unique architecture, vibrant streets with nightlife, historical sights, great beaches with food, and incredible vibe.
Your itinerary to Spain should always include Barcelona. Despite being crowded and the other disadvantages I listed below, it is still worth exploring.
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Pros & Cons Of Visiting Barcelona
Any place has some advantages but also disadvantages when it comes to visiting. Barcelona is no different. To give you a clear and honest picture of what you can expect from the city, I’ve listed a couple of main advantages and disadvantages of exploring Barcelona.
I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in the case of Barcelona, though.
Pros Of Visiting Barcelona
π Unique architecture
π You can find anything based on your tastes: bars, restaurants, fashion
π World-famous architecture that brings people from all around the world
π The temperate Mediterranean climate is perfect for most people for many months of the year
π Legendary markets are bustling with life and world-class ingredients at competitive prices
π Great beaches & parks to relax and to run
Cons Of Visiting Barcelona
πͺ One of the most visited cities in the world by tourists
πͺ A renowned hotspot for pickpockets
πͺ Can be an extremely humid summer month, at around 75%
πͺ The beaches close to the city are polluted and crowded
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17 Reasons To Visit Barcelona & Why You’ll Love It
Now that you know you should definitely come to Barcelona, let’s see what you can expect and what you should not miss during your visit.
In this section, I’ll reveal some of the top reasons why you should visit the city and the best things to do. So let’s see what Barcelona has to offer.
Here is a list of 17 reasons why you need to visit Barcelona:
1. Unique Architecture
Antoni GaudΓ, the famous Catalan architect, designed some of the world’s most unique and awe-inspiring buildings. Casa BatllΓ³, a modernist building located on Passeig de GrΓ cia in Barcelona, looks like something pulled directly from Alice in Wonderland.
Casa MilΓ , which looks like it was made of sand at the beach, is just a 5-minute walk up Passeig de GrΓ cia.
Not to mention one of the most unique cathedrals in the world – Sagrada FamΓlia, which is still under construction – or the stunning Park Guell.
Come and see the main GaudΓ sights and admire their beautiful details.
π‘ NOTE: You need skip-the-line tickets for all of the Gaudi sights. Otherwise, you’ll waste half a day waiting to enter. You can get the tickets by clicking on the links below:
β‘ Book your skip-the-line tickets to Casa Battlo here.
β‘ Get skip-the-line tickets for Casa Mila here.
2. Sagrada FamΓlia
Sagrada FamΓlia is GaudΓ’s greatest unfinished masterpiece in architecture. This basilica has been under constant construction since 1882, survived the Spanish Civil War, and has undergone multiple stylistic adaptations throughout the centuries.
Its style is unlike any other you’ll see in Europe. I especially remember the special atmosphere I felt inside this cathedral. It’s incredible with the colors and the unique structure.
You need to get skip-the-line tickets to enter it. Otherwise, it’s hard to get it.
β‘ Book skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Familia with an audioguide here.
β‘ Join this guided tour of Sagrada Familia with a skip-the-line ticket.
3. Enjoy One Of The Europe’s Most Beautiful Parks
Parc GΓΌell is the result of what can happen when you give an exceptional modernist artist 12 hectares of land and a blank cheque to create the park of their dreams. It’s truly worth visiting!
Sea-stone spiral staircases, ceramic and stone benches, and aromas of lavender and rosemary bushes are difficult to express in words, and they must be at the top of any list of places to discover in Barcelona.
Even though it’s very touristy, you’ll still find yourself in a completely different world away from the busy city. I loved every single moment I spent in the park.
β‘ Book your skip-the-line tickets to Parc GΓΌell here.
β‘ Join this guided tour of Parc GΓΌell with a skip-the-line ticket.
4. Tibidabo: The Peak Of Barcelona
Situated at the highest peak in the area, it overlooks the city with a splendid 360-degree view of the surrounding area. Here, youβll find Sagrat Cor church atop the hill and an amusement park for all ages to enjoy.
Admission to the church is free, and for a small charge, you can take an elevator that takes you to the first viewing platform. It’s reminiscent of Rio de Janeiroβs Christ statue of Corcovado.
You can buy tickets to the amusement park on the spot.
There are several options to get there: take the Tibidabo Funicular from either Cuca de Llum (Plaça del Doctor Andreu), Vallvidrera Inferior (Carrer Del Bosc), or Uber, which is the most convenient option.
5. Beaches Around Barcelona
It’s a well-known fact for locals that when it comes to beaches, the further away you are from Barcelona, the better.
The beaches in the city center, especially Barceloneta, are often crowded. There’s trash on the beach or under the water, and vendors constantly advertise their cold drinks for salt. Hence, finding a good spot to relax is challenging.
I highly suggest taking the train to the north of the city (MatarΓ³ area) or south of the city (Sitges). Some of the great beaches around Barcelona are:
π Sitges Beach
π Platja dels Pescadors (Badalona)
π Platja de Ponent
π Platja de Sant SimΓ³
Or make a day trip to the nearby Costa Brava and enjoy a splendid beach day. My favorite beach in Costa Brava is La Platja Gran near Girona or Platja de l’Estartit.
6. Delicious Food
Whenever I arrive in Barcelona, I first go for the pinchos – delicious food creations on a small piece of sliced white bread. With everything on display, just point, and youβll receive your bite-sized moments of joy, including a refreshing drink. That’s how the locals do it.
Another thing I always make sure to try is the classic Spanish egg tortilla. It’s a giant egg omelet cut into large slices and used as a pinch, simple but delicious.
You can find these everywhere around the city, but the local, traditional restaurants are the best places to enjoy them.
Here are some great places to enjoy pinchos/tapas in Barcelona:
π La Tasqueta de Blai (Poble Sec area)
π Koska Taverna (Poble Sec area)
π Irati Taverna Basca (Gothic Quarter)
π Anardi (San Antoni area)
Generally, the best area to eat in Barcelona is GrΓ cia. It’s full of great restaurants and bars. Please avoid eating in touristy places like La Rambla.
7. The Best Produce At La Boqueria Market
Mercat de la Boqueria is Barcelonaβs oldest and most infamous. This 13th Century market is bustling with energy, life, aromas, and colours! Donβt worry if your Catalan/Spanish isnβt great; the vendors are happy to communicate in English if needed.
Go a little further back, sit at one of the bars, and order βuna caΓ±aβ (a medium-sized beer). Do people-watching and then choose from the selection of pinchos (small pieces of bread with toppings) they have available. Donβt forget to pick up a tin of smoked paprika before you leave!
Youβll find the market at the top of Las Ramblas. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday: 8:00am – 8:30pm, and it’s free to enter and walk around.
8. Barri Gotic: The Old Town Of Barcelona
Over the centuries, the neighborhood has been home to many different cultures and civilizations, including the Romans, Visigoths, the Moors, and the Catalans. Located in the heart of the city, It is one of the oldest parts of the city, and its winding, narrow streets are filled with impressive Gothic architecture and historic landmarks.
The Barri still bears the scars of the Spanish Civil War; for example, EsglΓ©sia de Sant Felip Neri is a standing monument to this. It still keeps its dark and unfortunate history for future generations to uncover.
Don’t forget to check out the main cathedral in Barcelona. It’s not just a regular cathedral, as you’ll discover something very particular inside
I highly recommend joining a guided tour of Gothic Quarter as this is the place to learn the most about Barcelona’s history.
β‘ Join this guided tour of the Gothic Quarter with a local guide.
9. Explore Poble Espanol
If you’re curious about the culture of the city, the region of Catalunya, and even Spain as a whole, this is the perfect place to learn and discover.
Poble Espanol is a venue that combines architectural and cultural sights that you find in other Spanish cities, and it’s like a travel through Spain. You can even participate in various expositions and activities, from an Introductory course in stone jewelry to a classic puppet show.
NOTE: I suggest getting a ticket online in advance and visiting early in the morning, as it often gets crowded.
β‘ Get a skip-the-line ticket to Poble Espanol here.
π READ ALSO: Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary For 10 Days
10. Camp Nou & FC Barcelona
The history of FC Barcelona is more than just a football club; in fact, thatβs exactly their motto βMes que un club.β The club is an integral part of the region of Catalunya and has a rich history that has seen ups and downs throughout the ages.
You can learn more about this at the FC Barcelona Museum, which sees millions of people visit each year!
The 99,354 capacity seater stadium is one of the largest in Europe, however at the time, the Camp Nou is currently under renovations, so all home fixtures will be at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic until 2026.
β‘ Get tickets to FC Barcelona Museum here.
11. Relax At Parc de la Ciutadella
Good quality parks with soft green grass are a rare luxury in Barcelona. However, Parc De La Ciutadella is the best place to sit down and relax after exploring the labyrinths of the ancient parts of the city.
The park has cute lakes; you can even rent a boat and ride on it for a while. It’s also the perfect place for an afternoon picnic.
So take a metro or Uber to Arc de Triomphe, walk to the park, and relax there for a while before walking towards Port Olimpic and the Barcelona promenade.
12. Sunset At The Carmel Bunkers
Located at the top of TurΓ³ de la Rovira, youβll discover βEl Bunkersβ. Even though there had never been any bunkers there, it was a location for anti-aircraft artillery to protect the city during the Spanish Civil War.
Nowadays, itβs a fantastic place to view the city while drinking some beers, listening to music, and meeting others doing the same.
Although the view is less impressive than Tibidabo, itβs much easier to travel there. Take the blue line (L5) to El Carmel, and walk up the stairs to the top of the hill!
This place has truly a special vibe and is one of my favorite local spots in the city, so make sure to check it out.
13. Stroll Through The Barcelona Promenade
Head on down to Pg. MarΓtim de la Barceloneta, if you fancy a jog or just a walk. You can also bring rollerblades or a skateboard, even better.
With a nice picturesque backdrop for your exercise, the kilometre-long route isnβt very long. However, it does join the Olympic Port promenade, which is equally as nice – and with fewer people!
I used to spend multiple evenings walking/running on this promenade while watching the sunset at the sea, which is truly one of the best experiences you can get in Barcelona.
π PRO TIP: Start at Olympic Port, where you can have some dinner (there are multiple restaurants), and from there, walk alongside the promenade towards Barceloneta.
14. An Evening At Port Olimpic
As I mentioned above, Port Olimpic has a selection of restaurants, especially marisqueiras (seafood restaurants). Typical and moderately priced, such as Xup Xup Restaurant, or La Fonda Del Port Olimpic – both of which are open 365 days of the year!
It’s a great place to have a romantic gateway with the sea view and yachts.
15. Get Lucky At The Casino
If you’ve got a bit of spare cash to gamble with or are even just looking for a nice meal and a bar, then why not check out the Casino located on Carrer Marina, just by the Olympic docks? Just note that you’ll need your passport to enter, so be sure to have that ready.
π READ ALSO: 6 Famous Spanish Festivals You Need To Experience: With Dates
16. Enjoy Barcelona’s Nightlife
Barcelona is definitely the place to have some fun for a moderate price. Whether that’s just grabbing a pack of beers and hanging out in the student areas, like PlaΓ§a de Castella or MACBA in El Raval, or sitting down at a bar/restaurant, there’s an almost never-ending selection available. A few personal favorites of mine are:
π For the grungy punks, check out Nevermind on Carrer dels Tallers, 68
π For exceptional cocktails, check out Collage Cocktail Bar, on Carrer dels Consellers, 4 (Best whiskey sour in the city, in my opinion)
π To watch your football team with a pint, the best place is Dunne’s Irish Bar and Restaurant, on Via Laietana, 19
π For Brit-pop / 80’s/90’s alternative indie lovers to let your hair down, Manchester Bar in Poblenou, this is the home of musical Anglophiles.
π To get down and dirty after a delicious meal, Shoko offers R&B and Hip Hop events almost daily to show what moves you got all night, but also an exceptional culinary establishment to chill, if you so desire. You’ll easily find it on Pg. MarΓtim de la Barceloneta, 36 – just round the corner from the casino.
17. Explore Catalunya
If you have more time, seek adventure outside of the city and make some day trips from Barcelona.
Take the pilgrimage to the peak of Montserrat. With a unique serrated rock formation, stunning sceneries, and a huge monastery nestled up on the mountain, this ticks all the boxes. The easiest way to get there is to take the FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) R5 directly from Plaza Espana.
β‘ Check out this day tour from Barcelona to Montserrat, including a local tapas lunch.
Alternatively, those who prefer a less strenuous trip should consider following the coast up to the Costa Brava. With sandy beaches, rocky inlets, and forests, this is also a perfect place to camp – either wild or at a camping site.
Popular seaside resorts are Blanes, Tossa de Mar, and Lloret de Mar. However, I would recommend exploring anywhere outside of these towns and discovering your own paradise. Trains are direct from Barcelona, Estacio del Nord. Or rent a car in Barcelona for a day to be more flexible.
β‘ Join this day tour to Costa Brava from Barcelona with a local guide.
History lovers should head to Girona and explore Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dali.
β‘ Book this guided day tour to Girona & Figueres.
BONUS: 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary For First-Timers
I’ve created a detailed 3-day itinerary for Barcelona that you can follow. Not only will it help you plan your visit, but you’ll also see all the highlights that the city offers with my itinerary.
It’s completely free to get with a map, bullet points of sights to visit each day, best places to stay, eat & drink, and a lot more. So click on the image below and get my free 3-day Barcelona itinerary:
Practical Tips For Visiting Barcelona
Now that you know what you can explore in the city and why it’s worth visiting, I’ve got a few more tips for your trip. Learn about getting to Barcelona, how to get around, and get more tips for safety, money, and accommodation.
How Many Days In Barcelona Is Enough?
4 to 5 days is the perfect time to experience Barcelona. You can spend up to 2 weeks if you also want to explore more of Catalunya. Thereβs simply such a dense concentration of things to see, do, enjoy, and learn here, so plan first and then allocate enough time to see all you want to.
Best Time To Visit Barcelona
May & June is the best time to visit Barcelona; after the heavy rainfall of spring but before the intense humidity of the summer, this is the best time to visit in terms of the climate, with average temperatures between 21Β°C / 69.8F. However, this is no secret and also coincides with the peak tourist season.
If you are on a budget and want to enjoy the city with less crowds, October & November (18Β°C / 64F – 14Β°C / 57F) and February to April (10Β°C / 50F – 13Β°C / 55.5F), with the rainfall and cold, damp feel, are the cheapest times to visit (if you don’t mind the weather much).
How To Get To Barcelona
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Barcelona is by plane, fly to Barcelona El Prat Airport. Alternatively, if you’re in Europe and are on a budget, you can take a budget airline like Ryanair to Girona Airport (flights can be as low as $15 per person) and then take a train/bus to Barcelona.
If you’re in a major European city like Paris, Rome, Nice, or Milan, you can also take a high-speed train to Barcelona. The Spanish high-speed trains are called AVE (look at the RENFE website); if you’re traveling from France, check out TGV high-speed trains (via the SNCF website) or Trenitalia if you’re arriving from Italy.
If you’re on a budget, it’s a great idea to take a bus to Barcelona. Flixbus will take you from any major European destination to the city for as low as $30.
How To Get Around Barcelona
The best way to get around Barcelona is via metro, on foot, or Uber.
Barcelona is well-connected via metro trains, which are easy to navigate and will get you to every major sight. Get the T-10 ticket for 10 metro rides, or this 2-3 day Barcelona card that you can also use for local transportation.
Walking is a great option to explore each area/neighbourhood.
If you need to get from one neighbourhood to another (except metro), especially if you need to be fast, take Uber.
β‘ Get a 2-3 day Barcelona transportation card here.
Where To Stay In Barcelona: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation
Barcelona has many beautiful neighborhoods with great hotels. So first, choose the neighborhood where you want to stay. After, look for hotels within the part of Barcelona.
The main neighborhoods in the city in which you can stay are:
π Best Hotels In The Old City (Ciutat Vella/Gothic Quarter)
Here are my top hotel picks if you want to stay in the old city of Barcelona:
β‘ Park Hotel – budget-friendly hotel – book here
β‘ Hotel Barcelona Cathedral – mid-range hotel – book here
β‘ Mercer Hotel Barcelona – luxury hotel – book here
π Best Hotels In Barceloneta
These are the best hotels if you want to stay close to the beach and Barceloneta:
β‘ HGC – budget-friendly apartment – book here
β‘ Barceloneta Port Ramblas – mid-range apartment – book here
β‘ W Barcelona – luxury hotel with ultimate views – book here
π Best Hotels At Plaza Catalunya
I recommend the following hotels if you want to stay in the city center:
β‘ HCC Montblanc –budget friendly hotel – book here
β‘ Catalonia Plaza Catalunya – mid-range hotel – book here
β‘ Olivia Plaza Hotel – luxury hotel – book here
π Best Hotels Around Sagrada Familia
If you want to have views of Sagrada FamΓlia from your room, book one of these hotels:
β‘ BBarcelona GaudΓ Flats – budget-friendly apartments – book here
β‘ Sercotel Hotel Rossellon – mid-range hotel – book here
β‘ Radisson Blue 1882 Hotel – luxury hotel – book here
π Best Hotels At Plaza EspaΓ±a
These are the best hotels around Plaza EspaΓ±a, close to the magical fountain and MontjuΓ―c Hill:
β‘ Hotel Vilamari – budget-friendly hotel – book here
β‘ Barcelona Gran Via Plaza Espana – mid-range hotel – book here
β‘ Occidental Barcelona 1929 – luxury hotel with pool views – book here
Is Barcelona Safe?
Overall, yes – itβs a safe place to visit. However, there are high risks to keep in mind:
Barcelona is a renowned pickpocket hotspot, so always put valuables in a closed bag in constant eyesight and be vigilant in crowded places and public transportation.
Another high risk is terrorism; Barcelona has unfortunately been involved in organized attacks in the past decade – though, thankfully, managed to evade serious incidents.
β‘ The safest areas to visit are: Gothic Quarter, Plaza Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, L’Eixample, Gracia
β‘ Less safer areas that I recommend avoiding, especially at night (as a solo traveler): El Raval, Sant Antoni.
Is Barcelona Expensive?
Barcelona is a city for all budgets, it can be very expensive, but you can also visit on the budget.
You can get around with $60 per day by purchasing a weekly ticket to use the metropolitan transport, eating and drinking at local restaurants and bars away from the tourist areas, and plenty of sightseeing can be done for free. There are excellent walking guided tours by locals, and they only ask for small donations. Travel tickets and prices vary, so check out TMBβs website for more info.
As a mid-range traveler, be prepared to spend around $170 a day in Barcelona.
For luxury travelers, you can easily spend up to $300 a day, including all expenses.
How To Connect With Locals In Barcelona: Learn Spanish With Me
I’m a huge believer that foreign languages make better travelers and help us have better experiences. Knowing a few words of Spanish before visiting Barcelona will bring you closer to locals and explore a whole other side of the city.
That’s why I’ve designed a small sheet for ordering food and drinks in Spanish. It includes a dialogue you can learn, and once you’re in Barcelona, try to order something in Spanish. It’s so much fun.
So get my Spanish sheets for free here and start learning a few Spanish words in a fun way:
FAQs
Let’s dive a bit deeper. Below, I’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about Barcelona.
Is It Better To Visit Madrid Or Barcelona?
Barcelona is better to visit than Madrid because it’s more vibrant and meets everyone’s interests. The main difference is that Barcelona has a beach and Madrid doesn’t, so that’s one of the reasons why it’s better to visit – it simply has more options for things to do.
Besides, it’s more architecturally appealing, has great nightlife, and great places to meet up and explore.
Is Barcelona Friendly To American Tourists?
Yes, Barcelona is very friendly to American tourists. Most people also speak English and are polite. You won’t have any issues visiting and will have an enjoyable experience as an American.
Is Barcelona Worth Visiting In December?
Yes, Barcelona is 100% worth visiting in December. While it’s not the time to go swimming, you can still do everything else in the city, like sightseeing, eating great food, partying, and having fun, just like any other month.
In addition, you can enjoy some Christmas traditions and beautiful decorations all over the city.
π READ ALSO: Christmas In Spain: Full Guide With Traditions & Best Places
Is It Okay To Speak English In Barcelona?
Yes, it’s completely fine to speak English in Barcelona. Locals are friendly, and if they see you don’t speak Spanish, they’ll be happy to talk to you in English. Just be patient and speak slowly if you encounter a person who struggles more with English.
Is Barcelona Walkable?
Partially. If you divide Barcelona into districts (like Passeig de Gracia, Barceloneta, Plaza Espana, and Gotic Quarter), it’s very easy to walk around each neighborhood. But it’s better to take a metro or an Uber if you want to get from one district to another.
Wrap-Up: Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?
This is Barcelona in its own beauty. It’s truly one of the most vibrant cities in Europe and definitely in my top 10 places to see. I enjoyed living there and all the benefits it offers, and I can’t wait to return one day. I’m sure a visit to this city will cherish your soul and make you so excited.
If you want me to plan your trip to Barcelona, write me an email at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I create customized travel itineraries and can give you many more ideas and local spots to visit.
Have fun!
More Tips For Spain Travel
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Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary 10 Days
Top 8 Road Trips From Barcelona
6 Best Spanish Festivals You Need To Experience
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Spain In December: Best Things To Do & See
Christmas In Spain: Complete Guide With Traditions & Best Places
How Far Is Morocco From Spain? Complete Guide
How Far Is Barcelona From Paris? Complete Guide
About the author: Nicoletta is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.
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