I spent 5 days in Barcelona in June 2016 as part of a month-long Western Europe trip. Even though Barcelona was very crowded with tourists, the architecture was truly incredible. From towering churches to playful parks, it’s amazing how much design has shaped this city. Here are my top five favorite attractions that made for an unforgettable trip.
1. Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
Why Visit:
Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed by Antoni Gaudí in 1883, this masterpiece is still under construction more than a century later.
Highlights:
- Admire the façades from outside, with each side depicting different parts of Christ’s life.
- Step inside and see the rainbow effect as sunlight moves through the stained glass.
- Go up to one of the towers panoramic views of Barcelona and a close-up look at the church’s details.
How to Go:
I booked timed entry online since tickets often sell out, especially the ones with tower access. Make sure to dress modestly when you visit since this is a Catholic church.
2. Casa Batlló / Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Why Visit:
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are two of Gaudí’s most famous apartment buildings on Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia (a major avenue and one of Spain’s most expensive streets).
Highlights:
- Casa Batlló → a fantasy-like building with shimmering mosaic façade, wave-like balconies, and a roof shaped like a dragon’s back. The immersive audio-visual tour was pretty cool and the most high-tech tour I’ve taken.
- Casa Milà → a sculpture like building with stone waves, iron balconies, and surreal rooftop chimneys that look like warriors.
How to Go:
The two buildings are walkable to each other, so I visited one after the other.
For Casa Batlló, I booked the general visit with an augmented reality tablet and priority pass in advance online. The priority pass let me skip the entry line, but it was still pretty crowded inside so the early morning option might be better if you want fewer people.
For Casa Milà, I booked both the general admission and the night experience in advance online. The night show was just ok and not worth the extra cost. If you’re an early riser, the sunrise ticket could be a good option for a quieter experience.
3. Park Güell
Why Visit:
Gaudí’s most playful design, Park Güell is a hillside park filled with bright mosaics, gingerbread-like buildings, and sweeping city views.
Highlights:
- Monumental Zone → ticketed area with the famous Porter’s Lodge (gingerbread houses), Dragon Stairway (El Drac), and serpentine bench. Supporting the terrace that the bench sits is Hypostyle Room, a forest of 86 columns designed for rainwater collection.
How to Go:
I booked a guided tour online in advance since tickets often sell out.
4. Palau de la Música Catalana
Why Visit:
Designed by Gaudí’s teacher Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this concert hall is one of Barcelona’s most dazzling hidden gems.
Highlights:
- Watch the stained-glass skylight shaped like an inverted dome flood the hall with natural light.
- See colorful mosaics, sculptures, and tiles everywhere.
How to Go:
I booked a morning guided tour online in advance for the best lighting. If you want to attend a live performance, check the official calendar.
5. Barri Gòtic
Why Visit:
The Gothic Quarter is a maze of cobblestone lanes that date back to Roman times and filled with local shops, cafes, and hidden courtyards.
Highlights:
- Wander the narrow medieval streets and check out the local boutiques.
- Barcelona Cathedral → a 14th-century cathedral that’s the Gothic heart of the neighborhood.
- Santa Maria del Mar → located in the nearby El Born neighborhood, this church is a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture.
How to Go:
I joined a free walking tour that took me to the must-see sites in the Gothic Quarter and El Born District.
Planning a trip to Barcelona? Check out my 5 must-know tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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