What do you think of when you hear the mention of Barcelona? What is the first thing that comes to mind? Some people think of a Spanish-speaking place. Others familiar with the location will talk about its seashores and pleasant weather. However, most people worldwide associate the city with football, also known as soccer, particularly in the United States.
Through football, the city of Barcelona has gained worldwide popularity. Many who have never been to the city would fight for the city’s honor just because they are fans of the football team. However, there is more to Barcelona than just its football team. Like its European counterparts, Barcelona has forged a unique identity that has made it a popular tourist destination. It is renowned for its delightful cuisine, beautiful and distinctive architecture, and its seaside location, which provides travelers with a 360-degree paradise experience.
This travel guide will take you inside the beautiful city of Barcelona. It highlights what to do, see, experience, and taste while visiting the Spanish city. The 7 must-have experiences travel guide to Barcelona ensures that whether you are traveling for a weekend, a week, or longer, you get to experience all that Barcelona has to offer. Before diving in, let me take you on my journey to Barcelona.
My Journey To Barcelona
As an African girl who grew up watching football(soccer) religiously, Barcelona has always been on my mind. One of my childhood dreams was to one day watch an FC Barcelona game in Barcelona. It has been a lifelong goal of mine, and when I became old enough to travel, I knew I would have to make that dream a reality. When I confirmed my study abroad program in France in 2018, I planned to visit Barcelona. Regrettably, I did not get to see Barcelona when I lived in France. In 2020, I had another opportunity to study in Europe when I got into a master’s program in Ghent, Belgium. The first thing I thought of was, “Oh, here is another opportunity to study in Europe; therefore, I can go to Barcelona.” As luck would have it, the world shut down due to the pandemic, so my plans to visit Barcelona were once again thwarted.
However, my limited experiences in Belgium made me want to have a “re-do.” Although I could have revisited Belgium to make up for experiences I missed due to lockdowns and strict travel protocols, I decided to visit places I had not seen. Hence, my first European trip was to Barcelona. Not only was this trip part of my “re-do” plan, a realization of a childhood dream, but it was also my 25th birthday present to myself. I planned a week-long trip to Barcelona and had a wonderful experience. This trip was my first vacation. For the first time, I was not traveling due to school or work, so I didn’t have the backing or social support I had as a student and a professional. I had to use safety measures that I didn’t use on my other trips. I had to do things independently.
As someone who traveled for long durations, I don’t think a week-long trip is enough to explore a city. I am the type of traveler who likes to immerse myself in another country’s culture. I want to live like the locals and less like a tourist. The benefit of living abroad for an extended time is that it allows you to integrate into the local community. Shorter stays put you in a tourist mindset, where you feel compelled to fit the prominent tourist attractions into your schedule and don’t have room to interact with the local community. Since my trips abroad were for an extended period, I never had to put a lot of emphasis on big attractions. However, since I was going to Barcelona for a shorter stay, I wanted to find the right balance between seeing the major attractions and immersing myself in the local community. Upon my arrival in Barcelona, I found a wealth of things to do and experience. I went on amazing adventures and once again tested my limits. From that experience, I have gathered seven must-have experiences that travelers of any duration should have while visiting Barcelona. Here is my recommended must-do list!
7 Must-Dos in Barcelona
The lists below outline the activities I completed during my trip, as well as some I would love to do next time I visit. You do not have to limit yourself to these activities only. However, these experiences are essential for a wonderful getaway to Barcelona. A link at the bottom of the article will give you access to other attractions. These are the attractions I highly recommend for travelers on a short stay in Barcelona, looking to stuff in as many experiences as possible. Let’s begin!
- La Sagrada Familia
A trip to Barcelona is incomplete without a visit to La Sagrada Familia. You cannot say goodbye to Barcelona without saying hello to La Sagrada Familia. When you Google “Barcelona”, the first images that appear are of La Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is the largest unfinished church in the world. It is located in the Eixample district, one of Barcelona’s most comfortable and dynamic districts. It embodies a mixture of Art Nouveau and modernism. When you exit the metro and turn around, you feel the grandeur that the church commands. Whether you go inside or stay outside, La Sagrada Familia is a must-see. The church is one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces. Although it is unfinished, even after 140 years of construction, it offers a wealth of sights and experiences.
Visitors can enter with a purchase ticket, starting at €26 for a self-guided tour or €30 for a guided tour. I mostly recommend self-guided tours because you can move at your own pace, and there are no time restrictions on when your tour is over. With the €26 ticket, you gain access to the Temple of Light, which includes the facade dedicated to the Nativity and Passion of Christ. You have access to the Basilica and the museum, but it does not include the tower and the crypt. If you wish to visit the towers, the tickets cost €36. This tour of La Sagrada allows you to take an elevator inside one of the two towers and enjoy a breathtaking view of Barcelona.
Inside the church, you will see the burial place of Antoni Gaudí, the father of Catalan Modernism. His work and influence extend beyond La Sagrada; he is the architect behind many famous monuments in Barcelona. He is the architect of Casa Batlló and Park Güell (mentioned later). You may need to plan well to participate in a mass at this cultural heritage site. Mass services are free. However, the splendor of this masterpiece does not need any scheduled event to amaze you. After your visit, you can go shopping in the district or end the day by enjoying delightful Catalan cuisine at nearby restaurants.
- Take the Cable Cab at Montjuic( Teleferic de Montjuic)
Next is my ultimate favorite experience in Barcelona: the cable car, Teleferic, ride in Montjuic. This activity is simply breathtaking. Full disclosure: I am terrified of heights. In a previous post, I discussed how traveling allows you to experience things you are uncomfortable doing. When we are in a different environment, we tend to try things we would never do. There is a sense of Carpe Diem, embracing the moment and making the most of every opportunity. That is the mentality I live by when I travel. Therefore, when I arrived in Barcelona and learned about this activity, I had to face my fears. Since the trip was a birthday trip, what better way to celebrate a new year than by doing something you’ve never done?
For only 10€ (with a discount from an online voucher offered on the tourist site), you get a beautiful view of Barcelona from the skyline. It is a hop-on-hop-off tour, meaning you can get out at each stop to explore the surroundings and return to the cable car to go to another stop. There are three stops in the journey, and you can choose to stop at any of them, explore your surroundings, or take another cable car to your next destination. Inside the cab, you enjoy a panoramic view from Montjuic, the most historic mountain in Barcelona. You get a beautiful view of the sea. The cables can house eight people. The tickets are round-trip tickets. Therefore, you do not have to worry about buying a return ticket regardless of the stop.
I recommend stopping at each stop on the route to explore all that Montjuic has to offer. The first stop is the Castell stop, which provides an easier way to reach the castle without climbing the many steps that lead to Montjuic Castle. You can walk around the beautifully kept gardens, such as the Botanical Garden, the Joan Brossa and Jacint Verdaguer Gardens. At the castle, you will get a 360-degree panoramic view of Barcelona. If you visit in the summer, you can watch a film and participate in exhibitions hosted by the city at this famous fort. The Mirador Stop offers more greenery for nature lovers. The highlights for me were again having a panoramic view of Barcelona. The third stop is the Parc Monjuic stop. I did not get off because I had already visited this part on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus tour (mentioned below). At the park, you get to explore the mountain’s main attractions. The notable ones are the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the nearby Olympic Ring, where the 1992 Olympic Games occurred. The teleferic attraction offers you the best of Barcelona’s cultural history. You get to experience its arts, green landscape, and history all in one place, making it a must-have experience.
- Sail the Blue Seas at Porte de Barcelona
After you get a panoramic view of the city above, you cannot leave Barcelona without experiencing its seashores. If you love the blue seas and exploring our oceans like I do, buying a ticket to sail one of the bluest bodies of water I have ever seen is a must-have experience. The Porte de Barcelona holds a significant portion of the city’s history and economic value. Its first settlers used the port for importing and exporting goods. Its use has made it synonymous with the city, and today it offers many attractions that allow you to spend an entire day there and never get bored. You can stroll along the beautifully paved sidewalk lined with palm trees. There are different restaurants around the Porte that you can enjoy. You can visit the Barcelona Aquarium and enjoy the sight of sea creatures, as well as the live shows the aquarium hosts. However, my favorite activity was sailing on the blue sea (except for the part when I realized my mother was getting seasick.)
As a girl born on the Atlantic, grew up on the Atlantic, and is also a Scorpio, I love being near any body of water. My trips are complete if I visit a lake, a bay, or the Ocean. Therefore, I could not be in Barcelona, a port city, and not sail the Ocean Blue. There are tickets for various sailing activities. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day and the different companies. There are several sea tours you could choose from. You can go on a sunset cruise and enjoy Barcelona from the sea with live music. If you love the sea in the morning, you can go on a morning light brunch or snack on a yacht. There are additional activities to enjoy while at Porte de Barcelona. Click here for more information on sea tours.
My mother and I opted for an evening cruise that lasted about 45 minutes. It included a live band, cocktails, and tapas. We went around the city and had a great view of the surroundings. There was an open area on our cruise where people sat on a mesh-like surface that was splashed by the water. A big ship passed by us, giving us a big scare, but it was fun. When we returned to the Porte, we stopped by the nearby crepe vendors to help my mother ease the nausea. We ended the evening with a walk around the port. There was live music from a street band, and the ambiance was a great way to end our long day of touring around the city.
- Discover Barcelona’s Culinary Delights
One of Barcelona’s favorite sports besides football is eating. Catalonia’s capital is famous for its culinary delights. Barcelona is a paradise for food lovers. Food is part of Barcelona’s lifestyle. Every dish tells a story of Barcelona’s diversity, tradition, and culture. You can spend a whole day just exploring the Barcelona food scene as a way to connect with the city. Lucky enough, you do not have to look far to indulge in the city’s culinary delights, as there are at least hundreds of restaurants and food vendors in every corner of the town. Its rich flavors and aromas call you to explore and dive into its deliciousness. The city boasts 39 Michelin-starred restaurants, offering a diverse and delicious array of culinary delights.
Before arriving in Barcelona, there is one word you need to be familiar with, and that word is “Tapa.” The Catalunyan capital has bars and restaurants on every street, and tapa is always on the menu anywhere you go for a bite. Tapas are delicious appetizers and snacks that are popular all over Spain. Although they come in small portions, you can combine them to make a complete meal. Tapas can be cold or hot. Because Barcelona is located by the sea, most tapa dishes in the city are seafood-based. If you’re a foodie who loves trying new dishes, ordering different tapas will give you a variety of tastes from Spanish cuisine. One of the significant aspects of experiencing this cuisine is that you can bring it home with you. Tapas are easy to make, and you can find great recipes to try once you return home. Here are some recipes to try.
Aside from tapas, delve into not just Spanish cuisine, but also Catalan cuisine. One famous dish to try is botifarra, a Spanish sausage that pairs well with white beans or mongetes (in Catalan). Another popular dish to try is Pa amb tomaquet, which I thought was pizza when I first saw it. They are small in size and serve as a tapa around the city. Paella is another must-try dish. As a seafood lover, Barcelona offers a wide range of seafood options, combined with fresh local produce, that tantalize your taste buds. As an African tourist, I love visiting places where I can easily find an African restaurant or cuisine. Barcelona’s food scene welcomes restaurants from around the world. Kabongo Restaurant is an excellent option for indulging in African cuisine. If you want a planned food experience, you can go on a Barcelona food tour, where a local would take you through different tastebuds. It is a must-have experience for any visitor to Barcelona.
- Visit the Football Stadium FC Barcelona.
Whether you are a football (soccer) fan or not, visiting the FC Barcelona football stadium is a must. As mentioned earlier. The Barcelona football team is synonymous with what people worldwide think of Barcelona. Hence, you cannot leave the city without exploring the one thing that made this city famous. If you ever dreamt of watching a football match, where better than in Barcelona? You can attend a game or visit the stadium if there are no games scheduled. FC Barcelona also has a museum you can explore. The tour of the stadium gives you plenty to see and do. You get access to the stands, the field, the away side’s changing room, and the dugout. On the museum tour, you learn about the football club’s history.
Some activities you can participate in include a robokeeper challenge, where you practice making a goal with a robot goalkeeper. For those who enjoy virtual reality, there is the Barça 360º Experience—so much to do and experience from one of the most famous stadiums in the world. Although the stadium is going through remodeling, there are still ways for Barca fans to realize their dreams with the famous football team. The Barca Sky Tour allows you to take a helicopter tour around the stadium. You will get the whole fan experience, as it will take you to visit the remodeling of Spotify Camp Nou from the sky, as well as the current venue for Barca matches, Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The Barca Sky Tour also includes a customizable Barca jersey that you can get at the Barca store, and so much more. Hence, a visit to the FC Stadium is a must-have experience for any tourist, whether or not you like football.
- Take the Touristic Bus Around the City(40 stops for your adventure)
I would not recommend taking tour buses on a long trip because I prefer exploring a city on foot and at my own pace. However, taking a tour bus is a must-do activity for a short stay. It is the best and most convenient way to see all of Barcelona. It is a hop-on and hop-off bus; therefore, you can get off as many times as you want. You can go and explore an attraction, then get back on the bus to head to the next one. There are three planned routes. There were two different routes, the blue and red routes, when I visited in 2022. You can start with one and take the other with the same ticket at the transfer points. You can access all of the attractions listed here on the tourist bus.
The bus offers free Wi-Fi and a comprehensive audio guide in 16 languages, catering to visitors of all languages. The tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours. It allows you to enjoy each attraction at your own pace without worrying about transportation. The 24-hour ticket costs 30€, and the 48-hour ticket costs 40€ for adults, which is half price for children(4-12 years old). However, there is an online discount voucher booklet that can lower that price. You can use the voucher at other attractions, restaurants, and bars. (My mother and I paid 37€ for two 24-hour tourist bus tickets.) Click here to learn more about their options.
- Visit Parc Guell
One name that is famous in Catalunya and Barcelona is Antoni Gaudí. You cannot explore Barcelona without hearing or reading the name Gaudí, nor can you visit Barcelona without examining the work of this Catalan architect. Like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell is one of Gaudí’s masterpieces. Listed as a UNESCO Heritage landmark, Parc Guell is a must-see, especially if you love nature. Visitors can access the park’s 17 hectares (47 acres), which are filled with greenery. During the summer, the park hosts music and film festivals. Visitors also have a panoramic view of Barcelona. The park is unlike any other park you’ve been to. Parc Guell features designs and elements that resemble animals and tree trunks, sparking your curiosity and bringing out your inner child. Parc Guell welcomes everyone; whether you visit alone or with friends, you’re sure to have a fantastic time. Also, it is affordable. General admission is 10€ (which is very inexpensive considering what you will enjoy!) Should you wish for a guided tour or a group tour, you can book one. Here are more details on tickets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Barcelona is a city that captures the hearts of its visitors with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich history. While football may draw many to its shores, the experiences to be had extend far beyond the pitch. Barcelona has so much to offer. From the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia to the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter, the city offers a treasure trove of activities that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re there for a weekend or an entire week, make sure to immerse yourself in the spirit of Barcelona. A short stay shouldn’t prevent you from experiencing the wonders that make Barcelona one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Whether you are a football fan, an architecture lover, or want to sail the bluest sea, you have so many activities to do. For more must-have experiences, this list also offers other spots that we didn’t mention.
As always, thank you for reading this post. Don’t forget to let me know whether you’d like to go to Barcelona or if you’ve been there before. What did you do, see, or eat? What advice can you add, or what questions do you have?
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Until next time, Bon Voyage!
Xoxo,
Cy!
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