Barcelona, Spain, is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and great experiences. If you’re wondering what the best things to do in Barcelona, Spain, for your first visit, this complete guide is for you.
However, if you are planning a trip to Barcelona for the first time, it’s important to plan carefully ahead to avoid disappointment as it is one of the most visited cities in Europe and the world too.
Keep reading to learn how to plan a trip to Barcelona, including the best things to do as a first-time visitor, when and for how many days you need in Barcelona, how to get around and where to stay, and other little essential things you need to know before going.
When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona?
The best time to visit Barcelona is during shoulder season (April-May and September to October), when it is less crowded. Barcelona is consistently crowded as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
Bear in mind that the busiest times to travel are during the high season (June to August), and if possible, avoid visiting during the high season, bank/public holidays, and school holidays. It may be uncomfortable due to the high temperatures as well as a lot of crowds, which may reduce the enjoyment of your trip.
To give you a sense of how busy Barcelona is, when I visited for the first time, we went in March, so you might expect it to be less crowded, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the city’s main attractions were still busy. Despite this, it never felt overly crowded or overwhelming, and we almost had a few amazing places to ourselves.
The Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain
1. Visit the Sagrada Familia
Visiting The Sagrada Familia is one of the top things to do in Barcelona, Spain. It is Barcelona’s most well-known and impressive tourist attraction.
It is also known as the world’s biggest unfinished Catholic church. Antoni Gaudi, a famous architect who is said to be buried there, created the building’s unique design. It attracts millions of people every year because it is an unfinished modernist architectural masterpiece.
I had never seen anything like the art and beauty of this famous church, so I was quite surprised to learn that it wasn’t finished. It’s impossible for me even to begin to describe it; it must be experienced.
PRO TIP: To avoid long lines, I recommend purchasing your tickets in advance and arriving 30 minutes to an hour before your scheduled time.
To make the most of your time in Barcelona, you should also think about purchasing Skip-the-line tickets for most of the top tourist attractions and all the significant landmarks.
GetYourGuide, Go City, and Viator are other companies that can help you find Barcelona tours and Skip-the-line tickets.
2. Visit Guell Park
After admiring the magnificent Sagrada Familia, visit Guell Park to see another well-known Antoni Gaudi design. This park is a wonderful place to stroll around and unwind.
It was full of zany structures and tiled mosaics, and I really enjoyed visiting it. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fantastic location to enjoy panoramic city views.
I highly recommend stopping by here, especially as a first-time visitor. However, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and go on a day when you don’t plan to visit many attractions. It’s enormous and very hilly.
If you want to avoid crowds, I recommend you go in the morning when it is less busy and not too hot.
We visited with Alex’s (my husband) parents and made the mistake of going mid-afternoon when it was a bit busy, so it was a bit tiring exploring it for them. However, it was still bearable, and what saved us from waiting in long queues was the Skip-the_line Ticket. You can click here to book this ticket.
3. Explore the Gothic Quarter
One of the top things to do in Barcelona, Spain, is to visit The Gothic Quarter. It is another well-liked and impressive area in Barcelona called the old town centre.
It is full of narrow streets, charming squares, and historic buildings. You can easily get around on foot, and many stores, bars, and restaurants keep you occupied.
This is also where you will find the Barcelona cathedral and the classic Spanish street performers. It is a great representation of Barcelona’s true history.
4. Wander Gaudi’s Architecture
After exploring the Gothic Quarter, continue exploring the beautiful Antoni Gaudi architecture. Antoni Gaudi’s architecture is famous in Barcelona because of its unique style, which is characterised by freedom of form, voluptuous colour and texture, and organic unity.
Some of Gaudi’s most well-known creations, like Park Guell and Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882 and is still unfinished, may already be familiar to you.
Explore Barcelona on foot and take in some of Gaudi’s most famous works, including Casa Batlo, Casa Mila, and La Pedrera, all of which can be admired from the outside without spending any money. Unless, of course, you want to enter.
An alternative is a Small-Group Tour that visits all of Barcelona’s well-known attractions in a single day.
As a first-time visitor to Barcelona, you must see Gaudi’s unique architecture because it is a testament to his creativity and vision. His buildings are unlike anything else in the world, and many people come to the city to see them.
5. Try Local Cuisine
Trying local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing the culture of any place, and Barcelona is no exception. As a first-time visitor to Barcelona, trying local cuisine to fully immerse yourself in the city’s cultural scene is important. Sampling local dishes and drinks provides a unique and authentic way to explore Barcelona’s history, heritage, and traditions.
The local food in Barcelona is rich and varied, with influences from both the Mediterranean and Catalonia (Barcelona is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain).
Paella and tapas are two must-try dishes. Tapas are popular Spanish small snacks for those who don’t know. Similar to appetisers in the UK and some other countries. In its simplest form, tapas are bite-sized servings of food, such as seafood, meat, vegetables of all kinds, or potatoes.
Tapas are a common item on menus everywhere. It’s a fantastic way to sample a wide range of Spanish cuisine without having to order an entire meal without knowing if you’ll like it.
In addition, if you’re taking a trip with a large family or a large group of friends, you’ll all be able to find something they like on the extensive tapas menu.
6. Take a stroll on Las Ramblas
La Rambla is a famous street in Barcelona that should be on every first-time visitor’s itinerary. It stretches for 1.2 kilometres and is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, street performers, and historic landmarks.
Walking along La Rambla is a great way to experience the vibrant culture of the city, as well as to get a feel for its architecture and history.
However, I do not suggest staying there for an extended period of time. La Rambla is a well-known location for pickpocketing. Therefore, as a first-time visitor, you should exercise vigilance to prevent being a victim of theft.
Luckily, we visited on a Sunday mid-morning when it was not too crowded, and some stores were closed. (FYI: The majority of stores are closed on Sunday in Barcelona, including the La Boqueria Food Market. I was disappointed as it was one of the places I wanted to visit on La Rambla)
After much investigation, I’ve prepared some straightforward safety advice from what I discovered here to assist you in enjoying your stroll down La Rambla while being safe.
- Always keep your stuff in a closed bag that you can see, especially when using the subway.
- I would recommend avoiding wearing pricey jewellery and carrying a lot of cash.
In general, La Rambla strolling is a must-do activity for first-time visitors to Barcelona. Visitors can take advantage of the lively ambience of the street while avoiding becoming a victim of theft by exercising some safety procedures.
7. Visit the Beach
After exploring the crowded La Rambla, head to Barceloneta Beach for a cool cocktail while unwinding and taking in the stunning scenery. The nice restaurants and bars here made it a pleasure for us to have a drink.
Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona is great for first-time visitors because of its unique features and attractions. I would suggest going, especially if you are a first-time visitor, for the following reasons:
Location and History: Barceloneta Beach is located in the neighbourhood of Barceloneta, which is known for its traditional fishing quarter. This historical connection adds a unique charm to the beach experience.
Accessibility: The beach is 422 metres long and has a number of amenities. The top of the beach is lined with a well-kept promenade and an arcade. The oceanic space centre also offers beachgoers options.
Scenic Views: Barceloneta Beach offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation and leisure activities. You can soak up the sun, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
I would recommend going mid-morning as it can get crowded in the afternoon and too hot as well as packed during the peak season.
Culinary Delights: Barceloneta Beach is closely linked to the Barceloneta neighbourhood, famous for its seafood dishes and tapas. You can indulge in a culinary adventure by trying out the delicious fish and seafood delicacies the local restaurants offer.
Vibrant Atmosphere: The beach has a lively atmosphere, especially in the summer when it serves as a gathering place for people-watching and beach parties. Enjoy the sand, sea, and sun while getting a taste of Barcelona’s vibrant spirit.
For first-time visitors to Barcelona, Barceloneta Beach is the perfect place to combine leisure, cultural exploration, and culinary delights.
8. Get off the Beaten Path/Touristic Areas
Barcelona is so much more than just La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and Gaudi’s buildings. There are so many other amazing places that are just as worth seeing, but most first-time visitors don’t think to go there.
Visiting the less well-known and less frequented locations in Barcelona gave me some of my favourite experiences there. Even if finding genuine “hidden” gems is challenging, straying from the main tourist paths will allow you to see Barcelona from a different perspective.
We went to the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, a place off the beaten path I would highly recommend. It is a big park where you can walk or have a picnic in the summer.
A lot of tourist attractions are in the park, such as the Barcelona Zoo, the Catalan Parliament building, and the beautiful Cascada Fountain.
Visitors to Barcelona for the first time should go off the beaten path to see a different side of the city and find hidden gems that tourists don’t usually visit. You can have a more genuine and one-of-a-kind experience in Barcelona as a first-time visitor by venturing off the beaten path.
Getting off the beaten path lets you experience local culture, talk to locals, and find lesser-known attractions that show the city’s real charm.
Planning the trip beforehand and learning about these undiscovered gems can help you get the most out of it.
9. Don’t Try to See Everything
As a first-time visitor to Barcelona, you should not try to see everything. Barcelona is a busy city with lots of things to see and do. It can be overwhelming and result in rushed experiences to try to see everything in one trip, especially if you only have a few days in the city. It’s better to focus on a few important sights and enjoy them fully.
Create a light itinerary.
Also, your ability to fully experience Barcelona depends on your chosen attractions and activities, which should be based on your interests. This will allow you to learn more about the local way of life. It’s more important to have quality experiences than to cross off a lot of locations.
For example, I would love to see so many things and places but choose not to see everything. I just enjoyed the few experiences on our itinerary, which made our trip more enjoyable.
Furthermore, trying to see everything can be exhausting and leave you feeling stressed. Relaxing and enjoying the city’s atmosphere, local cuisine, and leisurely strolls will enhance your overall experience.
So, I would recommend you immerse yourself in the local culture. Instead of rushing from attraction to attraction, take your time and get to know the people. The local people are really amazing and quite friendly.
I interacted with one of the older women in the park next to the Sagrada Familia; she didn’t speak any English words and vice versa, but we understood each other, and this was an amazing experience for me.
A more genuine and memorable experience can be had by exploring neighbourhoods, talking to locals, and finding hidden gems.
Lastly, if you are visiting Barcelona for the first time, give yourself room for spontaneity by not overplanning your itinerary.
This will give you the freedom to make unforeseen discoveries and go with your gut. Barcelona is full of surprises, so allowing for a little spontaneity can result in wonderful experiences.
How to Get Around in Barcelona?
To get around Barcelona as a first-time visitor, you have a variety of transport options to choose from. Here are some tips to get around the city:
Metro
The metro system is the easiest way to get around Barcelona. Popular sites like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Platja de la Barceloneta are accessible from there.
On Sundays, the metro is open from 5 a.m. until midnight. It’s easy to get to different parts of Barcelona and has good connections.
There are many different types of multi-day and multi-ride tickets for the metro and other public transport in Barcelona, so choose the one that works best for you.
We got a 10-journey card that could be shared when we travelled. It is the most practical, and these cards are available at the metro station.
Unique Means of Transport
Barcelona provides interesting modes of transport to explore the city enjoyably. You can take the Barcelona Bus Turstic, which lets you get on and off at different stops and takes you to major attractions.
Another option is the Golondrinas pleasure boats, which let you sail along the seafront. Also, you can take the Montjuc cable car to get to the castle and enjoy the views.
Walking: Barcelona is a city where you can walk, especially in the central areas. Exploring on foot lets you see the streets, buildings, and local culture up close.
You can walk through popular neighbourhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Raval, which have narrow streets, historical sites, and cute shops.
PRO TIP: Make sure you bring comfortable shoes and clothing. The city has some hilly parts, and it can get really crowded and hot, especially if you visit during the peak season.
Bicycle: Barcelona has a bike-sharing system called Bicing, which is a great option for getting around. You can rent a bicycle for short trips and explore the city at your own pace. There are also many bike rental shops if you prefer to use a traditional bike.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are widely available in Barcelona. You can hail a taxi on the street or find designated taxi stands. Ride-sharing services like Uber do not work in Barcelona.
However, local alternatives Cabify are also popular and convenient options for getting around the city.
PRO TIP: Remember to check the operating hours, schedules, and any travel restrictions or guidelines during your visit
How to get to Barcelona from the Airport?
To get to Barcelona from the airport for a first-time visitor can be a little challenging, so I thought of creating a simple guide that will make things easy for you when you visit:
Barcelona has an international airport called the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). If you have luggage to pick up after arriving at the airport, follow the directions to the baggage claim area.
Once you have your luggage, follow the signs to the transportation options. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is well-connected to the city, and you have a few choices:
By Train
The R2 Nord train line runs from the airport to Barcelona’s city centre. You can get there by following the signs to the airport’s train station. The trip to the city centre takes about 25 minutes, and trains run frequently.
By Bus
The Aerobus is a fast bus that goes from the airport to the centre of Barcelona. In front of the airport terminals, look for the Aerobus stops. The trip to the city centre takes about 35 minutes, and buses run roughly every few minutes. This is the one we took when we visited.
By Taxi
Outside of the airport terminals, taxis are available. Find the designated taxi rank. Make sure the taxi’s licence and metre are clearly visible. Depending on traffic, the trip to the city centre typically takes 25 to 30 minutes.
By Private Transfer
You can book a private transfer service in advance if you want a more convenient option. These services will take you from the airport to wherever you want to go in Barcelona. You can find companies that do this online.
Choose the mode of transportation that fits your needs and budget. Each choice has pros and cons, so consider costs, ease of use, and where you want to stay.
Have fun on your trip to Barcelona! Once you get to the city, you can check out its lively culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious food.
Where to stay in Barcelona?
When you go to Barcelona for the first time, a few popular neighbourhoods are good places to stay.
Areas to consider staying in Barcelona
El Born: This is a trendy neighbourhood next to the Gothic Quarter that is known for its lively nightlife, great restaurants, and stylish shops.
Eixample: is another central district with architectural wonders like the Sagrada Familia cathedral and a lively atmosphere for exploring.
La Barceloneta: This beachfront neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking seaside bars, restaurants, and pristine beaches.
El Poblenou: This option is more affordable than the Gothic Quarter or Eixample and offers a blend of artsy bars, cafes, and shops.
Booking.com is the most popular site for finding places to stay, which can sometimes make it a bit more expensive. But if you want to stay somewhere on a budget, I’d suggest AirBnB or Agoda. Please remember that this is all based on my experience when booking accommodations for our trips. In the end, you’re more likely to find cheap lodging on any of the above sites, and it all depends on how you travel.
Budget accommodation tips
Book early
Planning and booking your accommodations well in advance can help secure better deals and lower rates. This is what always works for us.
Stay outside the city centre.
Consider staying in a neighbourhood a little outside the city centre, as these areas frequently offer more affordable lodging options and are still close to popular tourist destinations.
Even though choosing cheaper accommodations farther from the city centre is tempting, we’ve learned from past trips that this isn’t always the best idea.
It saves money but takes time and comfort. It’s so easy if you can walk to a nice restaurant for dinner from your hotel or sleep longer in the morning, knowing that your tour starts right around the corner.
So, if you’re a first-time visitor to Barcelona and you want to get the most out of your brief visit, stay in the city centre! Additionally, try to stay close to a metro station so you can always travel to other areas of the city more quickly.
I’d suggest staying in the area around Placa de Catalunya. Most of the old town’s attractions and the most beautiful Gaudi buildings are within easy walking distance, making it the ideal location for sightseeing. Most tours and excursions start here; many stores and restaurants are nearby.
Opt for guesthouses or hostels.
Guesthouses and hostels are often more budget-friendly than hotels. They offer shared facilities and can provide a social atmosphere for meeting fellow travellers.
Options for self-catering
Look for accommodations with kitchen facilities or book an apartment where you can prepare some of your meals, saving money on dining out.
This is what we always prefer as we mostly work when we travel, so this saves us a lot of time to balance work and exploring.
Explore local markets & street food.
Enjoy the local cuisine by trying the street food and going to the local markets to find fresh, inexpensive ingredients for picnics or self-prepared meals.
PRO TIP: When deciding where to stay in Barcelona, remember to do your homework, compare prices, read reviews, and take the convenience and safety of the area into consideration.
How should you Prepare for a trip to Barcelona?
If you are planning to visit Barcelona, especially as a first-time visitor, keeping a few things in mind is important.
With more than 7 million visitors annually, Barcelona ranks among the most popular cities in the world. From May to September, it receives the most tourists of any city in Spain.
When people go to Barcelona, one of the biggest mistakes they make is not doing research and booking ahead of time.
My best advice is to thoroughly research before booking, especially if you are organising the trip yourself.
To ensure a smooth trip, make a plan in advance. Look into well-known sights, travel choices, and lodging. You can save time and money by making reservations in advance for popular attractions, travel, and lodging.
If you have no idea how to plan your trip, I have a complete step-by-step guide, which you can read here.
How many Days do you Need in Barcelona?
Although you can see the city’s major attractions in one or two days, I advise spending at least three to four days there on your first visit. This will allow you to explore the city at a slower pace.
Barcelona is a city that has a lot to offer, from its beautiful architecture to its lively culture and tasty food. The more time you have, even though three to four days is the minimum recommended, the better you will be able to experience everything Barcelona has to offer.
Plan your trip, make advance reservations, and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in this magical city!
Barcelona, Spain, was truly amazing! I hope you enjoyed reading this post, and be sure to leave a comment to let me know.