Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is one of the main gastronomic attractions of Barcelona. The impressive market hall was completed in 1914, and has always been noisy and crowded, but also a place of excellent fresh food!
See the official website for an overview of all the market stands. Get directions.
Casa Batlló is part of the 'Block of Discord', referring to three famous modernista buildings located close together, all having their own unique style. The fairy-like Casa Batlló with its bone-shaped pillars and its dragon-shaped roof, was designed by Antoni Gaudí in 1904.
Open every day! See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
Parc de la Ciutadella is beloved by all. It offers many lawns perfect for sunbathing, palm trees and benches, as well as plenty of shaded parts. In the North of the park, you can find the Cascada Monumental, a great but exuberant fountain built for the Universal Exposition of 1888.
The park closes at 22:30h. Get directions.
Extremely charming area with boutiques and concept stores, selling local design, clothes and accessories. Don't simply pass the Carrer de l'Argenteria or Carrer de la Princesa like most tourists, but dare to enter this little maze, and you will be rewarded. Get directions.
Palo Alto Market is more like an event in a cosy setting, with market stalls offering hip clothes and bijous, but also with music, drinks and street food. It takes place every first weekend of the month. A small entrance fee is required, tickets can be bought at the door, or via the official website. Entrance from Carrer dels Pellaires. Get directions.
The Tibidabo Church can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The stained-glass windows of its four towers make up the Latin phrase Tibi Dabo (meaning 'I will give to you'). The amusement park next to the church was opened in 1905 and is among the oldest in the world. Most of the original rides are still in use.
To get to Tibidabo, see Extra Streetwise on our map or get directions.
The Sagrada Família is a symbol of Barcelona, a fantastic offshoot of church architecture and one of the most famous long-term buildings in the world, initiated by Gaudí already more than a century ago. From the inside the basilica looks wonderful, alike a fairy-tale forest.
It is recommended to buy your tickets online, to avoid waiting. Open every day! Get directions.
Casa Vicens was the first important building designed by Antoni Gaudí between 1883 and 1885. It is considered to be one of the first Art Nouveau buildings. Casa Vicens was built as a summer house for the Vicens family.
Today it's open to visitors as a museum, every day! See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
The Passeig de Gràcia is an elegant shopping avenue, which was originally laid out to connect the old city of Barcelona with the village of Gràcia. Nowadays it can be seen as the main street of Barcelona. The wide avenue offers plenty of examples of beautiful buildings in the style of Catalan modernism. Get directions.
Once a week, the magnificent square in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona, serves as the stage of a cute little flea market. The focus is on small articles, like silverware, jewelry and ceramics.
The street market is held every Thursday. See the official website (Ca) for more info. Get directions.
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona is the biggest botanical garden of Barcelona, offering a wide collection of plants from countries with a Mediterranean climate. The garden is open every day and requires a small admission fee. The entrance can be found on the North side.
See the official website for more visitor info. Get directions.
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is housed in the National Palace, majestically positioned on Montjuïc Hill. The museum boasts an impressive collection of Romanesque art (most notably church paintings), as well as Catalan art from the late 19th and early 20th century.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Get directions.
These are Barcelona’s oldest and most touristy beaches. Closer to the city centre, it can get really crowded in summer. Around the brown tower (a little South of the middle), you'll find most relaxed beach bars and restaurants. In the North end there are nice restaurants on the beach as well, but the atmosphere is a bit more formal there. Get directions.
For beaches outside of Barcelona, see Extra Streetwise on our map.
Parc Güell was an incredible project of the Catalan industrialist Eusebi Güell, to create a residential area comparable to the then in England popular concept of a garden city. As the architect of the project, Gaudí created a perfect harmony between nature and architecture.
The park is open every day! It is recommended to buy your tickets online, to avoid waiting. Get directions.
Near the crowded Sagrada Família, the Plaça de Gaudí is a shaded oasis of rest. Many benches are positioned around a pond, which was designed to be a 'Mirror of Water', aiming at the reflection of the Sagrada Família in the water. Watch out, pickpockets also love this place! Get directions.
Some lovely boutiques with clothes and local design, located in a romantic passageway. If not for the shops, go here for the atmosphere or some pretty pictures in the charming old Barcelona! Get directions.
It is this cathedral, and not the Sagrada Família, that is the main Cathedral of Barcelona. The Gothic cathedral with its magnificent interior, includes several chapels and a 14th century cloister with a courtyard and 13 white geese.
A regular ticket costs around € 10, but note that during some hours, part of the church can also be visited for free. See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
Cementiri del Poblenou is an open-air museum of funerary art. Amongst the many impressive graves and sculptures, there’s The Kiss of Death which can be found in the back, towards Department 4.
Guided tours are also offered here, see the official website for more info. The entrance is on the side of Carrer de Badajoz (get directions).
Parc del Laberint d'Horta is a green jewel from the 18th century. The park consists of peaceful and romantic gardens with flowerbeds, a waterfall, and a true labyrinth in the centre. If you like parks, go here, it is worth the ride (get off at metro station Mundet, Line L3).
A small entrance fee is required, but the park is free on Wednesdays and Sundays! Closes around sunset. Get directions.
Typical flea market where you can encounter anything, the only thing all articles have in common are the small prices. Most stands offer clothes. The street market is organized every second Sunday of the month.
Please note that the market can be cancelled in case of rain. See the official website (Sp) for more info. Get directions.
Casa Amatller is part of the 'Block of Discord', referring to three famous modernista buildings located close together, all having their own unique style. All three were majestic reconstructions of already existing buildings. Casa Amatller was designed by Puig i Cadafalch in 1900, after being inspired by houses typical for the Netherlands.
See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
This beach was created for the 1992 Olympic Games, when Barcelona regained its seafront. It is a popular choice for volleyball players. After a day at the beach you can order delicious seafood in one of the restaurants in the port.
Nova Icària is a 12 minute walk from metro station Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica, line L4. Get directions.
For beaches outside of Barcelona, see Extra Streetwise on our map.
Carrer de Verdi can be seen as the main shopping street of the historical Gràcia. Slightly sloping with trees and hardly any cars, it is very comfortable for a stroll. The shops with local designers and the boutiques are not limited to Carrer de Verdi only, it may also be worthwhile to keep an eye on the side streets. Get directions.
Camp Nou is one of the most famous football temples in the world, home ground of the successful FC Barcelona. 'Camp Nou' which translates as 'New Field', was how the Catalans started to call their new stadium after its opening in 1957.
See the official website for stadium tours, or better, for visiting a match! Get directions.
Hospital de Sant Pau is a former hospital, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner over the years 1905-1930. It was created as a 'garden city' of Art Nouveau buildings, where patients were treated and could recover. The unique complex is declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1997.
Open every day, early closing on Sunday. See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
The antique market hall of la Concepció was remodelled by the end of the 20th century, which resulted in this pleasant marketplace full of light. It is not only an excellent place to find fresh food, but also flowers: 24/7 at the North entrance or at Navarro (one block away, in the direction of Passeig de Gràcia).
The market is closed on Sundays. See the official website for more info. Get directions.
The roots of Fundació Joan Miró go back to 1968, when the idea came up to establish a foundation uniting Miró's creative works. And, as the artist wanted, would also become a platform for other cutting-edge contemporary artists, including young talented artists.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Get directions.
Castell de Montjuïc was built in the 17th century as a military fortress on the very top of Montjuïc Hill. After having served as an infamous prison during the Spanish Civil War, the castle has now recovered from the old gloom and violence, and transformed into a picturesque place with vines and bright flower beds.
Entrance is paid, see the official city page for more info. Get directions.
After a big makeover, this bullfighting arena was turned into a unique shopping center. Las Arenas offers mostly mainstream local and international brands. On the roof of the arena you'll find restaurants, with outside terraces. There's also a supermarket inside.
Closed on Sundays. See the official website for more shopping info. Get directions.
The most famous square of Barcelona is the magnificent Plaça de Catalunya, the heart of the city. It connects the fashionable Passeig de Gràcia with the most popular tourist street, La Rambla. Hard to believe that early 20th century this place was still countryside. Get directions.
Palau de la Música Catalana is a stunning concert hall built in 1908, after the design of Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Its innovative internal metal structure made it possible to use walls of glass, allowing plenty of daylight to enter the hall. The modernista building was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
See the official website for ticket info and tours. Get directions.
A calm oasis at the intersection of two of the city’s busiest streets, Passeig de Gràcia and Avinguda Diagonal. From the outside, this garden has an exclusive and private appearance, which may be the reason why it is missed by most visitors.
The garden closes in the evening, and on Sunday and holidays in the afternoon. Have a look at the official page for the latest info. Get directions.
Museu del Disseny hosts exhibitions along the central theme 'From the decorative arts to design'. The museum building is also called La Grapadora (the stapler), as it looks like a stapler from the outside. Next to this museum there’s a popular installation: BruumRuum! The lights of this installation react on your voice!
The museum is closed on Mondays. Get directions.
Mainstream shopping area with a big pedestrian zone around the beautiful main street Portal de l'Àngel. Around the city’s main square, Plaça de Catalunya, there are some department stores, like the famous Spanish El Corte Inglés (including a rooftop terrace). Get directions.
Casa Calvet is a lesser-known work of architect Antoni Gaudí, designed in 1900. It is one of the more conservative pieces of Gaudí, with a symmetry unusual for the architect. Still, the facade contains many modernista elements, like the richly decorated balconies made of splendid wrought ironwork. Get directions.
Parc del Guinardó is a natural green space all around Guinardó Hill. If you get here, your mission is to reach the top of the hill. At the top, you will not only find the old Bunkers of Turó de la Rovira, but you will also be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views over Barcelona. Youngsters love this place. Get directions.
The 14th century Santa María del Mar is the only church surviving in the pure Catalan Gothic style. The stunning Basílica was built by residents of La Ribera, at the time mostly fishermen and dock workers, hence its name ('mar' means sea in Spanish). From 13-17h the church is open only to cultural tours, which are paid.
See the official website for detailed visitor info. Get directions.
Museu d'Història de Catalunya tells about 2,000 years of history of the area of Catalonia, via carefully preserved exhibits and interactive bits. The museum is housed in Palau de Mar, a former warehouse and one of the few surviving buildings of the Old Port of Barcelona.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Signage is in Catalan and Spanish! Get directions.
Maremagnum is a shopping mall with stores of popular mainstream brands and some restaurants. Every now and then, the festive 'Downtown Market' is organized in front of the mall, offering fashion stands, food trucks and live music. See the official website (Sp) for the latest news. Maremagnum is one of the few places open on Sunday! Get directions.
Around the Monumental Core of Park Güell there's a large area that is free to enter. It is a natural green space, with paths up the slopes of Carmel Hill. You will also find architectural pieces in this part, like several pedestrian 'viaducts' designed by Gaudí. Or the pink Casa Museu Gaudí, the place where the famous architect lived part of his life, now a museum.
The park closes in the evening. Get directions.
Mirador de Colom is a monument of 60 meters tall, developed for the 1888 World Fair. The right arm of the 7-meters tall statue of Columbus points symbolically towards the New World in the West (but in fact he is pointing in a Southern direction). Near the feet of Columbus is an observation deck, which can be accessed for a fee of around € 5 (open every day). Get directions.
The 30-meters tall Arc de Triomf was built as the gate to the Universal Exposition of 1888, which took place in Parc de la Ciutadella. The arch is made of red brick in the style of Neo-Mudéjar. It is not directly related to a military triumph, but rather to triumphs in the fields of arts and science. Get directions.
Perfectly fitting the more unpolished soul of El Raval, Carrer dels Tallers is harder to categorize when it comes to shopping. It would be a good call if you fancy more alternative and vintage clothes, or if you're passionate about music. The calm and shaded pedestrian street offers a nice thoroughfare between La Rambla and the University of Barcelona. Get directions.
Teatre Liceu opened here in 1847, to become one of the most famous opera houses of Europe. The theatre is the birthplace of two world stars of the opera scene, José Carreras and Montserrat Caballé. Besides opera, the theatre also hosts ballet and symphony concerts.
See the official website for tickets and visitor info. Get directions.
Museu Marítim de Barcelona contains exhibits ranging from an ordinary fishing boat to a pioneering submarine. The collection of old ships is the pride of the museum. It is located in Les Drassanes Reials (the Royal Shipyards), one of the best conserved medieval shipyards in the world.
Open every day! See the official website for more visitor info. Get directions.
After a renovation of almost a decade, Mercat de Sant Antoni recently opened again. The elegant 19th century construction covers an entire block. It is not only a place to stroll the flea stalls or buy the freshest food, but also a place where you can see architectural remains of the ancient Barcelona, discovered during the reconstruction works. A weekly book market is held outside on Sundays, when the market hall is closed. Get directions.
Casa Milà was created by Antoni Gaudí in 1912. The unconventional building with hardly any straight lines in its design, is popularly called 'La Pedrera', which means 'Stone Quarry'. Other popular nicknames for this iconic building are 'Rising Dough' or 'Molten Lava'.
See the official website for visitor info. Open every day! Get directions.
The Passeig de Gràcia is one of the most famous avenues of Barcelona, known as an excellent place for luxury shopping. Closer to Plaça de Catalunya, you'll find more mainstream stores.
Walking this wide and glamorous avenue with its many modernist buildings is recommended, irrespective of your shopping intentions.
For more shopping info, see the official website of the Passeig de Gràcia. Get directions.
Plaça d'Espanya is an important transportation point and traffic square built in 1929. The fountain in the centre is designed by Josep Maria Jujol, who worked with Antoni Gaudí on many of his famous projects. The walk from the Venetian Towers towards the National Palace is spectacular. Get directions.
The courtyard of the historical University of Barcelona is a calm and shaded oasis, where you can find a big variety of plants. Primarily a place for students, the garden is open to anyone on weekdays from 8-21h, except on holidays. Get directions.
One of the most popular museums of Barcelona and a must-see for art lovers. Museu Picasso opened its doors in 1963, in five old town houses. The permanent collection comprises of around 4,000 of his works, mostly from his youth and formative years.
The museum is open every day! Entrance at Carrer de Montcada 15-23. Get directions.
Mercat dels Encants is the largest flea market of Barcelona, famous for antiques and other second-hand treasures. The market is held in the open air, but covered with a big artistic roof.
Open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. See the official website for more info. Get directions.
Almost everyone who visits Barcelona, strolls along Les Rambles (in Spanish: 'Las Ramblas') over a length of exactly 1,200 meters. The shaded street leads you downhill, from Plaça de Catalunya to the Mediterranean Sea.
The black fountain close to Plaça de Catalunya may be important for you: the legend says that if you drink of it, you will come back to Barcelona! Get directions.
Poble Espanyol is a mini-village created in 1929 for the International Exposition. The village is made up of streets and squares with buildings from all over Spain. Cool feature are the artisans working here, manually making souvenirs for tourists in the same way as their great-great-grandfathers did.
The village is open every day! Get directions.
Cute and calm pedestrian lane with small specialty stores, giving the feeling of a Spanish village. Some stores also use outside stands, to show you their products amidst the orange trees and the Spanish sun. Get directions.
Jardines de Joan Maragall is a gated garden, usually open to the public in weekends from 10-15h. This elegant garden with numerous sculptures, flowerbeds and fountains belongs to Albéniz Palace, which is the residence of the King of Spain when visiting Barcelona.
Have a look at the official page for the latest info about the Joan Maragall Gardens. Get directions.
Casa Lleó Morera is part of the 'Block of Discord', referring to three famous modernista buildings located close together, all having their own unique style. Casa Lleó Morera was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner in 1906. Though the building may appear symmetrical, it is not, thanks to the clever design of the architect.
See the official website for further info (the house is currently not open to visitors). Get directions.
Parc de Montjuïc is a combination of different gardens built on the slopes of Montjuïc Hill. The slopes are perfect for walking, often offering stunning views over the city. On the top of the hill there’s the 17th century Montjuïc Castle, from where you can see the industrial harbour of Barcelona as well. Get directions.
Carrer dels Flassaders is a very charming romantic alley, that is better not to be missed by shopping lovers. You can find all kinds of cute surprises here, but most typical are the local designers and boutiques offering clothes and vintage. Carrer del Rec around the corner is less spectacular, but also worth a look. Get directions.
The Santa Caterina Market was Barcelona’s first covered food market, dating back to 1845. The big market hall was renovated in 2005, and continues to offer nearly all the fresh food you can imagine.
Open every day, except on Sundays. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday have an early closing at 15:30h. See the official website (Ca) for more info. Get directions.
Parc de Pedralbes is the majestic garden of Palau Reial de Pedralbes, a former residence of the Spanish Royal family. The well-maintained and shaded park with plenty of benches, still shows traces of its majestic splendor, with elegant pools, fountains, and sculptures.
The park closes around sunset. For more information, see the city page of Barcelona. Get directions.
Casa Comalat was created by Salvador Valeri i Pupurull between 1909 and 1911. The architect was clearly inspired by Gaudí, as can be seen for instance in the Gaudiesque curves of the facades, and the parabolic arches on the ground floor. Please note that this object has two facades! Get directions.
Without any doubt, la Boqueria is the most famous food market of Barcelona. The antique market hall is filled with stalls, offering the widest range of fresh food. Their approach is, if you cannot find what you're searching for, we will get it for you!
See the official website for more info. La Boqueria is not open on Sundays. Get directions.
This is the paid area of Park Güell, a UNESCO site with the famous mosaic and architecture by Antoni Gaudí. The park is named after Eusebi Güell, a Spanish entrepreneur who had provided major assignments to Gaudí, including the construction of this world-famous park.
The park closes in the evening. Buy your ticket in advance/online, to avoid waiting. For more visitor info, see the official website. Get directions.
Museu d'Art Contemporani is a contemporary art museum, focusing on Spanish and Catalan art from after 1945. The plaza around the museum is very popular among young people, especially skateboarders.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and Sunday late afternoon. Get directions.
Casa de les Punxes was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1905. The architect had the task to unite the three separate buildings owned by the Terradas sisters into one object. The result is this eye-catching modernista villa, breathing the atmosphere of a medieval castle. Get directions.
The Antoni Tàpies Foundation is a contemporary art museum founded by the Catalan painter and sculptor Antoni Tàpies. The foundation is a cultural center that was created in 1984 to support the study and promotion of contemporary art. It is located in the former publishing house Montaner i Simón (Ca), a remarkable building from 1885 designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner in the style of Catalan Modernism.
The gallery works from Friday to Sunday. Have a look at the official website for an overview of the current exhibitions. Get directions.
Jardí Botànic Històric is a botanical garden created in 1930. Since it is positioned a few meters below the surface, the temperature is always a couple of degrees lower here, allowing plants from colder climates to grow. The entrance is next to the pedestrian bridge, on the side of the National Palace.
Open every day, closes in the evening. See the official website for more info. Get directions.
Museu Blau features the permanent exhibition 'Planet Life', which uses the latest display technologies to take you on a journey from the origins of Earth until today. The museum is housed in the Forum Building, an architectural landmark on itself.
Closed on Mondays. See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
A small farmers market, offering high-quality organic products and delicacies. Although it's located in the heart of Barcelona, the atmosphere resembles that of a small village.
The market is typically held every first and third Fri/Sat/Sun of the month, from 11-14:30h and from 17-21:30h. Get directions.
La Maquinista is a big shopping mall, offering a broad range of mainstream brands. The set-up is like a typical American mall, with stores located alongside largely covered promenades. You will also find restaurants, a cinema and a supermarket here.
Closed on Sundays. For more shopping info, see the official website (Sp). Get directions.
The Barcelona History Museum is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, occupying a complex of buildings around Plaça del Rei including the Royal Palace. Its exhibition tells the fascinating journey of the city from its founding as the Roman settlement of Barcino to the present day. The exhibitions are located on several levels, with ancient ruins at the lowest level.
The Museum of the History of Barcelona is closed on Mondays. Have a look at the official website for further visitor info. Get directions.
Colònia Güell was meant to become a workers neighborhood, with centrally a church designed by Gaudí. Since funds were withdrawn from this project in 1914, Gaudí had just been able to finish this crypt. The good news is that this crypt actually includes many of Gaudí's architectural innovations. And, not surprisingly, the crypt was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
See the official website for more info. Open every day, early closing in the weekend. Get directions.
Bogatell Beach was created for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Obviously less crowded than Barceloneta, Bogatell is a popular choice for Spanish families. If the heat is getting too much, consider a drink in one of the relaxed chiringuitos ('beach bars'). Bogatell is a 15 minute walk from metro station Llacuna, line L4. Get directions.
For beaches outside of Barcelona, see Extra Streetwise on our map.
Les Arenes (in Spanish: 'Las Arenas') was built as a bullfighting arena in 1900, with seats for almost 15,000 spectators. A reconstruction has turned this historical place into a unique shopping mall, covered with a big dome. The facade of the arena is still the original one. Get to the top level, for stunning views! Get directions.
Every weekend this is the place of a little art fair, for decades already. Local artists put their paintings on display on this beautiful shaded square in the heart of the historical city.
The market is held on Saturdays from 11-20h, and on Sundays from 11-14h. See their webpage (Ca) for some more info. Get directions.
A cute little area with the potential to become one of Barcelona's new trendy places. Today the offer is still limited, with just a couple of nice boutiques/galleries. The atmosphere here is calm and pleasant. Get directions.
MUHBA Temple d'August are the remains of an over 2,000 years old temple that was located here. The four remaining columns give an idea of how old the city of Barcelona is. Find the columns in a small courtyard at Carrer del Paradís 10 (get directions).
Open every day (limited hours on Mondays), free entrance. See the official city page for more info.
The park consists of three fenced areas, separated by small roads. In the Western part which is beloved by dogs, you can find open spaces with benches and chairs, playgrounds, and an original chimney, reminding about the industrial past of Poblenou.
The park opens at 10h and closes in the evening. For more info, see the official website of the tourist office. Get directions.
Museu de la Ciència de Barcelona is a very interactive science museum, also great for children. One of the highlights here is the Flooded Forest, resembling the Amazonian rainforest under different conditions, complete with piranhas, insects and snakes!
For visitor info, see the official website (Sp). Open every day! Get directions.
The Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli is a calm and sandy square surrounded by palm trees and majestic Spanish architecture. It's a good place to have a rest on one of the benches, around the fountain. Also birds seem to love this place. Get directions.
This former Benedictine monastery of San Pablo del Campo, is one of the best preserved monuments of Romanesque architecture in Spain. Seven centuries ago Sant Pau del Camp was located outside of the city, which is reflected in its name, as 'campo' means field. It is believed to be built in the late 9th century, making it the oldest church of the city.
Closed from 12:30-15:30h. Get directions.
The Port Olímpic is a marina built for the sailing events of the 1992 Summer Olympics. Nowadays this is the place where you can find much entertainment along the beachside, with nice restaurants, the casino, and big clubs with parties all night long.
For more info, see the official website of the tourist office. Get directions.
Carrer d'Avinyó is a pleasant and lively shopping street, with hardly any cars passing. Characteristic for this area are the small clothes shops and boutiques selling vintage clothes and accessories. Get directions.
Mercat del Born is devoted to a historical part of La Ribera, that was largely destroyed in the 18th century to make place for a military fort (later replaced by this market hall). Nowadays the 19th century market hall explains about the original houses and life here, alongside the remains of the old streets and walls.
For visitor info, see the official website. Free entrance, closed on Mondays. Get directions.
Parc del Clot is far from an ordinary park. It is a unique place where remains of old industrial architecture have been fitted into a new role, becoming part of the green space. It is not only a place for rest, but also a place to enjoy pieces of splendid design.
For more information, see the city page of Barcelona. Get directions.
The breathtaking market of La Boqueria is a place where you can feel how Spaniards love to eat well. If a market ever existed in heaven, perhaps it would look like this. The multi-tiered counters bursting with the freshest food, a rich assortment of products from all over the country, noise, din and the anticipation of a generous meal. La Boqueria is worth visiting not only for the sake of its products – the authentic atmosphere of Catalonia is what distinguishes it from other markets. Read more
The Santa Maria del Pi is a 14th century church, built in the Catalan Gothic style. The octagonal bell tower of over 50 meters tall, was added in the 15th century. It is responsible for the loud bell-ringing in El Gòtic! The heaviest of the six bells weighs 1,806 kg!
From 10-18h the church can be visited for an entrance fee, with a regular price around € 5. See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
A pedestrian street with small local stores and designers, offering clothes, souvenirs, and accessories. Since Carrer dels Carders is not a typical tourist street, it is often calmer and not dominated by tourist traps. Get directions.
Casa Martí was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1896. The ground floor of the modernista building is occupied by Els Quatre Gats, a tavern that was one of the artistic and cultural epicenters of Barcelona early 20th century. Ramon Casas, Santiago Rusiñol and Pablo Picasso were amongst its illustrious guests.
See the official website of the tavern for more info. Get directions.
For its beauty and elegance, Estació de França is often compared with the former Paris railway station Gare d'Orsay. The station hall with its three magnificent domes, is beautifully decorated with luxury materials, like light marble, bronze and stained-glass. Get directions.
Small but charming area with local designers and little stores selling mostly accessories and clothes. Not far from the crowded Rambles (in Spanish: 'Ramblas'), here it’s often calm and nice. Get directions.
Cementiri de Montjuïc is one of the major cemeteries of Barcelona, opened in 1883. It is located on the slopes of Montjuïc Hill, with seaview. Here you can find some of the most beautiful pieces of funerary art, and graves of famous Catalan people like Jacint Verdaguer, Joan Miró, and Santiago Rusiñol.
Guided tours are also offered here, see the official website. Open every day! Get directions.
For the standards of Barcelona, a smaller food market, but quite complete, with high-quality fresh food and delicacies. Generally no tourists here. Inside there’s also a supermarket.
Closed on Sundays. See their webpage (Ca) for more info. Get directions.
The elegant Casa Fuster, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, stands proudly at the top of the Passeig de Gràcia. The 1911 villa was a gift of the wealthy Mallorcan Mariano Fuster to his wife. Due to the fine materials used, such as the marble on the facade, the building is said to be one of the most costly in the city. Currently Casa Fuster houses a hotel. Get directions.
Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera is absolutely worth a visit. Built on a slope of Montjuïc Hill, this calm and atmospheric garden of (sub)tropical plants is best known for its impressive cactus collection. You can conveniently find your way to this garden approaching it from Passeig de Montjuïc, in the North.
The garden is open every day, but closes at night. Have a look at the official page for the latest info. Get directions.
Mercat del Clot is a typical Spanish food market, offering fresh seafood, meat, fruits and the like. It is located in one of the extraordinary 19th century market halls of Barcelona, at the heart of the local community of El Clot.
The market is closed on Sundays. See their webpage (Ca) for more info. Get directions.
The Rambla de Catalunya is largely pedestrian, which makes it very convenient for shopping. Mostly mainstream clothes stores to be found here. If you require a moment of rest, take a seat on one of the shaded benches or terraces. Get directions.
A lovely green courtyard, located in between the arcades of medieval buildings. The hidden garden offers plenty of good places to sit down and relax a moment, enjoying the beauty and calm atmosphere. A large chess board offers the opportunity to play an international game of chess with locals.
The garden closes around sunset. Get directions.
The Museu del Modernismo Barcelona is located in an early 20th century building. Their unique collection includes a wide range of works by prominent artists of Catalan Modernism. Find here surprising pieces of modernist furniture, paintings, sculptures and stained-glass artworks.
The museum is open on weekdays, except on holidays. Summer closure in August. Get directions.
Barcelona can be hot and steamy in summer, pushing many towards its unique beachline. But even on a hot day, some parts of the city remain excellent for exploring.
The alleys that lead you through the magnificent Gothic Quarter, have long been known as one of the coolest places of Barcelona. Its medieval buildings make up a maze that offers not only shade but also plenty of treasures and secrets. Do you know what the narrow streets of El Gòtic hide? Read more
Carrer d’Astúries is a calm and peaceful street with boutiques selling vintage clothes and accessories, and some restaurants. If you're tired of seeing the big chain stores everywhere, and want to be surprised by local stores, Gràcia may be your bet. Get directions.
Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys was built for the World Fair of 1929, and served as the main stadium of the 1992 Summer Olympics. In 2001 the stadium was renamed after Lluís Companys, a former President of Catalonia who was executed by the Franco regime in 1940.
The stadium and other nearby Olympic venues can be visited for free, see the official website for more info. Get directions.
Les Glòries is a big and modern shopping mall with a broad offer of mainstream brands. The outside spaces give the whole an airy appearance. The mall also offers restaurants, a cinema and a supermarket.
Closed on Sundays. For more shopping info, see the official website (Sp). Get directions.
Torre Bellesguard was built in 1909, after a design by Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí's design was inspired by the medieval castle that stood there before. The site can be visited for a fee of around € 10, from 10-15h (closed on Mondays). Entrance at Carrer Bellesguard 20. If you decide to walk there, it is 20 minutes uphill from Av. Tibidabo (line L7). Get directions.
One of the greatest market halls of Barcelona, reopened recently after a long renovation. The impressive market hall offers fresh food of all kinds, and a separate section with a flea market ('mercat dels encants').
The market hall is closed on Sundays, but instead then you'll find an outside book market from 9h-14.30h. The flea market doesn't work on Tuesday and Sunday. See the official website (Sp) for more info. Get directions.
Museu Europeu d'Art Modern displays extravagant and provocative works by contemporary artists and sculptors in the style of figurative art. The subjects of paintings and sculptures are devoted to actual problems, such as racism and abortion.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Entrance at Carrer de la Barra de Ferro 5. Get directions.
One of the most recognizable office buildings in Barcelona is the Torre Glòries. In the night it is like a gigantic cucumber glowing with blue, red and purple lights. The design by architect Jean Nouvel, was inspired by the characteristic mountain tops of Montserrat, located near Barcelona (see Extra Streetwise on our map for how to get to Montserrat). Get directions to Torre Glòries.
Palau Güell is one of the earlier creations of Antoni Gaudí, designed in 1888 as a mansion for his patron Eusebi Güell. The facade recalls a Venetian palazzo, whereas the interior is spectacular and unconventional in terms of space and light.
See the official website for visitor info. Closed on Mondays. Get directions.
If you want to be in nature, but stay close to Barcelona this is one of your best options. The path of about 4 kms long is great for walking, or cycling. From around 400m above sea level, you are able to get great views over the sea and the city. For information about getting there, see Extra Streetwise on our map.
For more information about this green space, see the official website of the tourist office. Get directions.
El Fleadonia is a flea market where you can encounter anything, since it is open to all types of vendors. Anyone who wants to monetize his treasures can reserve a place at El Fleadonia. The market is held outside, every first Sunday of the month.
Please note that the market can be cancelled in case of rain. See the official website (Sp) for more info. Get directions.
Apart from the palm trees and the absence of cars, not very green here, but the setting is majestic. It's a nice place for a stroll, observing all the activity often going on here. Get directions.
L'Aquàrium Barcelona is one of the biggest aquariums of Europe, and the most important concerning Mediterranean sea life. Besides the many different aquariums, there's a transparent tunnel of 80 meters, leading you through the underwater world. Special activities include diving with sharks and cage diving.
The aquarium is open every day! See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
This beach is a popular choice for young people. As the beach furthest from the city centre, this is also the least crowded one. In the South of Mar Bella Beach there is a section for nudists, also popular with the gay community. Mar Bella Beach is a 15 minute walk from metro station Poblenou, line L4. Get directions.
For beaches outside of Barcelona, see Extra Streetwise on our map.
CaixaForum is a dynamic cultural venue, primarily serving as an art gallery. Exhibitions range from ancient, to modern and contemporary art. The cultural center is housed in an eye-catching Modernista building, a former textile factory designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1911.
The museum is open every day! Get directions.
Parc Zoològic de Barcelona was opened on this central location in 1892. For a long time, the zoo was known for being home to Snowflake, the only white gorilla in the world. Recommended are the special activities held in weekends and on holidays, where the zoo educators introduce you to animals and their behaviour.
The zoo is open every day! See the official website for visitor info. Get directions.
How sophisticated does the phrase 'Catalan Modernism' sound? So flowery and attractive. This exuberant style in painting, architecture, applied art and literature emerged in the vivid and colorful Catalonia of the late 19th century, and turned out to be a perfect fit.
But what if you don’t know about the history of architecture or art, how can you get the most of it on your visit to Barcelona...Read more
Casa Roviralta is an eye-catcher amidst the mansions on the sloping Avinguda del Tibidabo. Originally a farmhouse, it was reconstructed early 20th century by Joan Rubió into the modernista villa we see today.
Nowadays it houses the Spanish restaurant Asador de Aranda, allowing visitors to dine in a place that breathes modernism. Open every day! Get directions.
Diagonal Mar is a large mainstream shopping mall, including some restaurants and a cinema. For a better future shopping experience, the mall is currently in a renovation with minimal impact on customers.
Diagonal Mar is closed on Sundays. See the official website for more shopping info. Get directions.
This area is perfect to explore on foot, and can be reached easily by getting off at metro Plaça d'Espanya. The Magic Fountain down the staircase, offers spectacular shows in the evening (see Extra Streetwise on our map for more info). From the National Palace you’ll have beautiful views, and also access to some of the amazing gardens located on Montjuïc Hill. Get directions.
Food markets are very popular in Spain, with preferably every neighborhood its own market. Gràcia is being served from this gloomy historical market hall, which dates back to 1892.
The market is not open on Sundays. See the official website (Sp) for more info. Get directions.
Plaça de la Sagrada Família is an elegant square with sandy paths, surrounded by greenery. Plenty of benches, some shaded, make it a comfortable place for a break. Watch out, pickpockets also love this place! Get directions.
L'illa Diagonal is a big commercial center offering more than 170 shops and restaurants. About all the big mainstream brands are present here. The facade of over 300 meters long, was inspired by the Rockefeller Center in New York, but this time it's lying on its side!
The mall is closed on Sundays. See the official website for more shopping info. Get directions.
This sloping park with plenty of benches, consists mostly of open spaces and sandy paths. It is situated next to a former railway station. In the centre there’s a big artwork made of sky-blue ceramic tiles, called 'Fallen Sky'. In this park, there are always more dogs than people.
The park opens around 10h and closes in the evening. For more info, see the official website of the tourist office. Get directions.
The Port Cable Car carries you over 1,300 meters, from Torre de Sant Sebastià in the port, to Miramar Hotel on Montjuïc Hill. From Miramar Hotel you can reach the Montjuïc Cable Car on foot, which can carry you further to the top of Montjuïc Hill.
See the official website for more info. Get directions to the middle stop at Torre Jaume I, the tallest point of the cable car at 107 meters above the ground.
