BARCELONA DESTINATIONS: TRAVEL GUIDE

 

Barcelona – a vibrant cosmopolitan city that is completely unabashed by it’s own eccentricity, quickly climbed the ranks of being one of my favorite European destinations. It’s whimsical style and unusual architecture, thanks to the works of Gaudi, gives the Catalonian capital extra flair, and for it’s visitors, plenty of attractions to visit.

Below, I am sharing some of my most recommended places to visit in the city. Most of them required tickets, so I will also be discussing the costs for each location. If you are a student, bring those IDs (even from international universities) because you will get reduced ticket prices! Littered with hills, mountains, and high buildings, Barcelona is also known for it’s views, so a lot of these places are fantastic for sightseeing – a major plus. Enjoy!

Gothic Quarters (Barri Gòtic)

Ditch the map and allow yourself to wander in the Gothic Quarter – a lively, historical location intertwined in the city center. Here, you will find stunning Medieval and Roman architecture, fantastic restaurants, and quirky shops lining the narrow cobblestone pathways.

Visit the The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, an iconic, and striking 13th century church that decorates the Plaça de la Seu.

Cost: Entrance to the Barcelona Cathedral is free during specific hours, so be sure to double check their website. Otherwise, entrance will cost 5 euros (if you are in a group) to 7 euros (for individuals).

For dinner, visit Viana, a cozy tapas restaurant in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Make a reservation, this place is tiny and popular – we made the mistake of just showing up and we waited for over an hour in line. The good news? It was absolutely worth the wait despite the fact that Zach and I were hangry.

Cost: $$-$$$

Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc)

Stationed at the top of the Montjuïc mountain, this 17th century former military fortress and prison has become a symbol of Barcelona. Overcoming it’s captivating history of bloody battles and political repression, the castle is now a peaceful destination for visitors where they can enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Barcelona harbor and of the city.

Cost: Admission tickets are 5 euros for adults, 3 euros for students, and free for people under the age of 16. Entrance is also free on Sundays after 3pm and all day the first Sunday of every month.

Bonus: we visited on a weekday afternoon and we barely had to stand in line.

Once inside, you are free to explore the parade ground, dungeons, and upper terrace. Before the ascension from the parade ground courtyards to the upper terrace, there is a museum where you will find important historical artifacts, photographs, and weaponry.

From the upper terrace, you will see some of the best views of the city, and of the sea and industrial ports.

Although we left late afternoon when it was still bright outside, I can only imagine how breathtaking sunset would have been overlooking the city skyline. Given it’s gruesome history, I felt a certain sadness lingering in the air, a stark contrast to the clear, almost-perfect, sunny day. The castle took us a couple of hours to explore given it’s vast grounds and informative exhibitions; to be perfectly honest, the sights were so lovely that we simply took our time to let it all sink in.

Park Güell

When my friend who grew up in Barcelona recommended to me Park Güell, he stated confidently “it will be unlike any park that you have ever visited before.” He was indeed correct. Often described as one of Gaudi’s masterpieces, this park holds charm and enchantment in a way that made me feel like I wandered into a fairy tale world.

Cost: This park is massive, and ~95% of it is free. However, many visitors flock to the Monumental Core, where most of Gaudi’s creations cluster. Tickets online range from 5.25 euros to 7.50 euros, but they are more expensive at the door.

Tip: The park, including the Monumental Core, is free to enter after 9 pm once it closes, but it becomes rather dark because no artificial lights are allowed to shine on the monuments. Therefore, it is worth buying tickets to see the vivid colors in daylight. It is also free on Sundays, but the lines are so massive that you will be spending the better part of your day waiting.

I strongly, strongly suggest purchasing tickets online in advance. The time slots sell out incredibly fast so that you are not guaranteed tickets at the gate. We unfortunately did not buy tickets beforehand and could only get our hands on the 7:30 pm entrance (they allow people to enter in 30 minute increments) when we arrived at 1 pm. Luckily, the park is so large that we were able to fill those 6.5 hours without any issues. Below are some things that you can do for free.

Free Park Access

Examine the columns constructed of stone in awe when you enter the park. Here, you can sit and relax while watching performers (oftentimes guitarists) play music.

Walk around the parameters and make your way up to the Three Crosses Hill, the highest point of the park. Although standing at the base of the hill will give you spectacular sights, I advise you to climb to the top. Be careful though, the railings surrounding the stairway are thin and dinky, and some steps are rather steep. Being slightly afraid of heights, and because scattered showers made the stones slippery, I comically climbed the stairs on all fours. Up top, many visitors sit on the edge to enjoy the view (there are no railings or fences around the perimeter) of the city and of the bay.

Monumental Core

Although we bought tickets to one of the last entrance times before closing, the line was still long. Also, because the Monumental Core is rather small, the throngs of tourists were packed in tight, almost fighting one another for pictures. We felt rather claustrophobic trying to look at the main attractions. However, this didn’t stop us from admiring in awe of the colorful mosaics, bright tiles, and funky shapes that filled this area.

Be sure not to miss the Dragon Staircase, where you will find a multicolored dragon most likely being swarmed by tourists trying to snag a photo. Up the staircase will lead you to the Hypostyle Room, supported by large striated columns. You will notice sloping ceilings decorated with mosaics; you’ll perhaps also feel quite small. If it is a hot, blistering day, you can find shelter in this shady, breezy room.

Head upstairs and you will find yourself in one of the most iconic areas of this Park (you may even recognize this part from cliché photographs you’ve seen of Barcelona in travel guides and blogs..cough). Tada! You’ve entered the balcony, where you’ll notice curvy, winding benches (given the name “Serpent Benches“) embellished with – yup you’ve guessed it – kaleidoscopic mosaics. Look closely at the benches, they are all decorated differently. Walk to the edge of the balcony, and you’ll find yourself staring at the most unusual view of dreamlike buildings adorning the city backdrop.

Back down to the park grounds, pop in the gift shop in the administrative building where in addition to souvenirs, you will also see the insides of a building imagined by Gaudi. For a more comprehensive tour, head over to the house next door and explore the caretaker’s lodge. Admission is free for both, however the line for the caretaker’s lodge took about 30 minutes to get through. Once inside, you’ll get the chance to read about the park’s history and roam around the many different floors and rooms.

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s most ambitious project, is to be seen both on inside and on the outside. Yes, expect it to be full of tourists at all times during every season, but trust me, this is an experience not to be missed. Also, do yourselves a huge favor and get the audio tour! It is very well narrated and the history of how this project progressed will leave you feeling so inspired, frustrated, and generally stupefied that this crazy architectural dream even took off in the first place. The narration does not sugar coat anything – there are some really uplifting and also some extremely disturbing details about this basilica’s design.

As you may notice in my photos, the Sagrada Familia is still under construction even though it began in 1882. The fact that Gaudi never saw this to it’s completion is really heart-breaking. After all of the efforts he poured into this basilica and even quitting every other project he was working on at the time to focus, he finally realized that he will never see the building finished in his lifetime. The city of Barcelona is working hard to honor Gaudi’s vision: the goal is to finish the Sagrada Familia in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s passing.

Cost: Tickets for entrance, a tour of one of the towers, and audio guide ranges from 22 euros to 29 euros. You can skip the towers for an entrance fee of 24 euros.

This is probably one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona. Plan ahead and book tickets in advance (we booked 2 weeks ahead since popular times sell out very fast). While standing in line, I saw many people get turned away because there were no more available tickets for the day, and we arrived early in the afternoon. The very crowded line took us about 20 minutes to get through.

Facades

Currently, only two facades of this basilica have been completed. Upon entrance, you will see the Nativity Facade, the facade built directly under Gaudi himself. The ornate decorations celebrates the birth and life of Jesus, depicting many happy scenes that includes music, nature, and festivities. The level of detail is striking and overwhelming, do not feel rushed and take your time to absorb the hopeful scenarios and emotions Gaudi was trying to capture.

The second completed facade is the Passion Facade, built after Gaudi’s death. This is the final spot the audio guide will lead you after you have explored the inside. In contrast to the ornamental Nativity Facade, the appearance of the Passion Facade is bare and naked with sharp, bone-like columns spreading from the top to the bottom. Representing the suffering and death of Christ, the expressions on the sculptures are somber; at the top of this facade is the crucification of Christ.

Ending the tour here made me heavy. The solemn atmosphere was felt all around me as the usual loud, excited conversations from the visitors at all of the other areas of the church were suddenly replaced by noticeably softer voices. Perhaps because raindrops started to fall from large gray clouds that took over the sunny skies from earlier, but the doom depicted in this facade lingered as we continued to the museum after the tour.

The Glory Facade is still under construction, but the current work is already monstrous. Meant to represent the Glory of Christ, this will be the largest facade of the three once it is completed.

Interior

Before you reach the second facade however, you will have to go enter the basilica first. When Zach and I first stepped in, we froze in amazement. The white, branching columns (intended to look like trees in the woods) emphasized the sheer elevation of the building. The colors of the stained glass bounced from wall to wall, filling the basilica with orange and blue light.

From the inside, move towards the center of the church and look down to the underground level of the church. You will be able to see the crypt where Gaudi lies.

Towers

Given the option to only choose one tower to climb, we decided to scale the Nativity Tower. To get up, you have to first stand in line (~25  – 30 minutes) for an elevator that takes you to a bridge that connects the two towers. The bridge is protected by a wired cage and walls, a source of comfort knowing how high in the air the bridge stood. Look to the sides, and you see beautiful views of the city. Look up, and you can study the magnificent details of the towers.

The only way down is taking the stairs. From the bridge, you will enter a narrow, winding staircase. You have to walk single file. There are windows barely protected by anything that you can look out for views of the city – just don’t stick your whole body outside.

Nearing the end of the descent, you will get to a spiral staircase without any more windows. Look straight down the middle, and you will realize how high up you still are. There are no railings to grab on to and no protection to prevent you or your belongings from falling down the hole so hold on to your phones and cameras tight!

Climbing down the tower was a fantastic experience, but be warned – this is not for those who are afraid of heights or are claustrophobic. Unfortunately, because of the descent, this is not suited for individuals with limited mobility.

All in all, was the Sagrada Familia worth the price of entry? Absolutely yes. The year 2026 gives us something we look forward to coming back to.

Casa Batlló 

Designed by Gaudi, the affluent Batlló family bought this house for it’s central location in the city. Currently, surrounded by modern shops and restaurants on the major street of Passeig de Gràcia, this warped, flamboyant building caught my eye while Zach and I were walking to the café next door for some lunch and hot chocolate.

Cost: Tickets cost 24.50 to 28.50 euros. However, you have the choice to skip the line if you buy the tickets for 29.5 to 33.5 euros.

Tickets include an audio tour and a smart guide that allows you to explore the space in augmented reality. The virtual reality guide was really cool – you can see what each room looked like when the Batlló family lived there.

We decided to visit on a rather rainy day late in the afternoon. I think the weather must have deterred the crowds from standing in line outdoors because we were able to jump in queue, grab tickets, and head inside within 10 minutes. However, every other time we passed this building, we saw the line snaking down the block.

Inside, you will notice the smooth, wavy lines and swirly ceilings. Inspired by the sea, Gaudi incorporated blue hues, stained windows, and pulsing shapes throughout the building.

On the Noble Floor, I was impressed by the massive, oval windows overlooking the major street that brought in so much natural light into the rooms. The audioguide suggested visitors touch and feel the silky wood of the furniture and railings throughout the house, an unusual encouragement from a museum. It was stressed that the furniture was designed with human ergonomics in mind, explaining that the bizarre shapes of the chairs and benches held purpose… Gaudi truly was ahead of his time.

While heading upstairs, gaze up at the Blue Lightwell and also ponder how huge this house really is. You may even feel like you are inside an aquarium.

Upstairs, connected to the dining room, go out to the Patio Trasero to enjoy the rear view of the building. Look around the multicolored ceramics and glass decorating the floors and the walls. Imagine how grand dinner parties must have been out here.

Continue heading up and you will find yourself in the Loft, a white space characterized by parallel arches, resembling the skeleton of a large sea creature. Once meant for the servants of the house, you can poke your head inside the laundry rooms that are very well preserved.

From here, climb up to the Roof Terrace and immediately you will be struck with with how similar the designs here are to Park Güell: the dragon-like structures of the chimneys, the colorful mosaics, and the breathtaking views. This roof is large, so take your time to wander and study the colors.

After the tour, exit out of the building from the gift shop and study the exterior once more. Look at all of the colors dotted onto the facade, study the distinctive curves and take photographs of this House of Bones.

Arc de Triomf

Composed of red bricks and intricate borders, this arc rises impressively from the Passeig Lluís Companys. Built in 1888 by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, this arch was intended to serve as the gateway to Barcelona’s first World Fair.

Located in a busy area, there are many street performers entertaining next to this arch. From guitarists, to soccer tricks, I advise you to stand or sit for awhile, and people watch with all your heart’s desire.

Cost: Free 

Parc de la Ciutadella

The Arc de Triomf overlooks the long stretch of the central promenade that leads to this park. Filled with both locals and visitors, this park is great for sunbathing and relaxing on a picnic blanket.

Stroll around the pathways and admire the lush, green sanctuary in the middle of the city.

Visit The Cascada, a majestic, golden fountain designed by a young Gaudi an unknown student at the time, and his teacher, Josep Fontsère. I encourage you to climb the stairs and admire the golden sculptures and enjoy the view of the park at the top.

This park also has a lake, where you can rent a rowboat for 30 minutes increments. There is also a zoo that houses an impressive collection of animals. However, Zach and I opted out of these options and walked around instead admiring the Catalan Parliament building and the Zoology Museum from the outside.

Cost: This park is free to enter. 

Palau Nacional

On the hill of Montjuïc, not far from the castle, is the National Palace. Famous for hosting the largest art museum in Catalonia, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, the palace also offers a stunning, panoramic view of Barcelona. Unfortunately, the museum was closed when Zach and I visited, but we ended up sitting on the steps outside of the palace enjoying the breathtaking view.

Cost for museum: 12 euros for general public, free for those under the age of 16

At the bottom of the palace is where the Magic Fountain shows, full of music, choreography, and lights, are displayed on evenings. The times differ depending on the season, so be sure to plan in advance.

Cost: Free 

Below is a map of the places we visited as well as restaurants we liked!