Top things to do in Barcelona
Attractions, tours, and activities in Barcelona
Recommended museums in Barcelona
Where to find art and culture in Barcelona
Barcelona: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Barcelona
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Ciutat Vella
0.5 miles from downtown
Ciutat Vella ("Old City") is comprised of several neighborhoods: Barri Gòtic, Raval, El Born and Barceloneta (all in more detail in separate descriptions). As a whole, the district’s characteristic features include narrow, winding streets that reach from Las Ramblas to the coast.
Places to stay from $13 a night
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Eixample
0.4 miles from downtown
L’Eixample’s large, grid-like avenues (modeled after New York) are easy to navigate. Passeig de Gràcia (in the center) is a tourist hot-spot, with Gaudí's Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, as well as Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Amatller within easy reach. Carrer Balmes is a safe and tolerant area for all kinds of travelers.
Places to stay from $9 a night
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Gràcia
1.3 miles from downtown
There’s a youthful energy in this dynamic area. Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Sol and Plaça de Rius i Taulet are charming squares to relax in and people-watch. Take a stroll through Gaudí’s Park Güell, with its unique architectural spaces that offer wonderful views of the city.
Places to stay from $13 a night
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Sants-Montjuïc
1.4 miles from downtown
This district retains a lot of its traditional character. Tourist hot-spots surround Montjuïc Hill, next to Plaça Espanya. Visit the Joan Miró Foundation and Catalonia National Art Museum (MNAC) in the Palau Nacional. The 17th-century Montjuïc Castle stands on the hill, and there are also the colors of the Magic Fountain to enjoy below.
Places to stay from $8 a night
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Sarrià-St. Gervasi
1.7 miles from downtown
Accessible only by train or bus, this primarily residential district has a range of local restaurants. For families traveling with younger children, the CosmoCaixa science museum showcases a range of exhibitions. Les Planes, an outdoor picnic area, is nestled on the farthest edge of the district.
Places to stay from $10 a night
About Barcelona
Including tips for the best time to visit Barcelona
Located on the coast of Catalonia, Barcelona is a melting pot of cultures, filled with unforgettable architecture, medieval streets, and impressive museums. Its most famous figure, Antoni Gaudí, is the genius behind some of the city’s most incredible monuments. From the twisting, stone façade of Casa Milà to the world-famous Sagrada Familia, the works of this legendary architect can be found all over the city.
In the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find all sorts of historic cafes and tapas bars leading the way to a cathedral protected by gargoyles. Be sure to try Catalonian classics like beef croquettes and salt-cod fritters under this dramatic backdrop, then wash it all down with a refreshing glass of Rioja. The perfect way to end the day is with a walk all the way down the lively, tree-lined boardwalk of La Rambla until you get to the calm port at dusk.
If you’re looking to soak up the year-round sunshine, find a spot on the sand in Barceloneta or a comfy patch of grass in Parc de la Ciutadella. If you have time, take a stadium tour of Camp Nou, climb Carmel Hill for amazing panoramic views, or explore the iconic mosaics of Park Güell – yet another of Gaudí’s amazing creations.
Tonight
From $178 per night
This weekend
From $693 per night
Next weekend
From $343 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.07 |
| Language | Spanish |
| Average weekend price | $189 per night |
| Average weekday price | $164 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Barcelona
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Barcelona
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Camp Nou
2.5 miles from downtown
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Plaça Catalunya
In downtown
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Sagrada Familia
1.2 miles from downtown
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Plaza Espanya
1.4 miles from downtown
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Passeig de Gracia
0.2 miles from downtown
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Barcelona Cathedral
0.4 miles from downtown
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Arc de Triomf
0.6 miles from downtown
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Palau Sant Jordi
1.9 miles from downtown
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Placa Reial
0.6 miles from downtown
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La Pedrera
0.7 miles from downtown
Barcelona reviews
What other travelers say about Barcelona
Nice architecture, clean city.
April 25, 2024
Nice architecture, clean city. Beach is very nice. But on top of these 3 things, nothing really stood out. Generally a nice city, but felt like I could spend 3 days instead of 7 days and fully discover the city.
An extensive city with many wonderful historical buildings...
April 23, 2024
An extensive city with many wonderful historical buildings and intersting Archietecture. Palais de. music was a highlight without many tourists. Timed entry tickets with a guide made the sightseeing easy Some wonderful tapas bars found away from the tourist routes in local neighbourhoods
Packed most places into our 4 days.
April 23, 2024
Packed most places into our 4 days. You must book ahead to visit museums etc. loved restaurant nuria on la rambla, best paella. Red and blue hop on off busses are a must to get your bearings. Try to get to cafes balto early as it’s sooo busy. Maritime museum was excellent. Sagrida well that is a must. A lot of museums are closed on a Monday so check before going. Went to a flamenco dance on Sunday night was well worth it.
We loved our trip.
April 22, 2024
We loved our trip. The locals were friendly and the atmosphere was fun and calm. We enjoyed delicious tapas and paellas at both big and small places, with good prices. Getting around the city was easy by walking or taking a cheap taxi. Three days is enough to see everything, but families might need more time. Don’t forget to buy tickets online for La Sagrada Familia and book early for drinks or dinner at the Terrace of Sercotel Rosellón, as it gets booked up fast. Will absolutely visit again, we had a great time 🙌
Lots of interesting art galleries, museums and architectural...
April 21, 2024
Lots of interesting art galleries, museums and architectural curiosities to visit. Easy to get around on the Metro and bus system. A lively city centre with lots of restaurants, snack bars and crowds enjoying the many open spaces.
Excellent public transport.
April 20, 2024
Excellent public transport. Great choice of restaurants. The City Bus Tour Hop On Hop Off service was very useful for finding places and getting an idea of what was near what. Tip - if you want to go to Sagrada Familiar or Parc Guell, you need to book well in advance - we knew about the former but not the latter and found that it was fully booked for the next 2 days.
Popular places to stay in Barcelona
Stay in some of the best accommodations Barcelona has to offer
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Petit Rosselló Eixample, Barcelona
From $219 per night
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Casa Camper Barcelona Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
From $282 per night
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Hotel El Palace Barcelona Eixample, Barcelona
From $533 per night
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H10 Madison 4* Sup Ciutat Vella, Barcelona
From $373 per night
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Hotel Boutique Mirlo Barcelona Sarrià-St. Gervasi, Barcelona
From $317 per night
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Other accommodations in Barcelona
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Apartments
From $31 per night
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Villas
From $207 per night
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Cottages
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Glamping Sites
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Serviced apartments
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Vacation Homes
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Hostels
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Boats
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