What to see, do & eat in Barcelona

Main areas to check out include: the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas boulevard, El Born district, and Montjuïc (castle, botanical gardens and panoramas), La Barceloneta area near the beach- Don’t miss Eixample and San Antoni barrio (around the Arc de Triomf), the streets around the Sagrada Familia and El Camp de l'Arpa del Clot for colorful corners and local life.  

Gaudi sites

Gaudi’s highlights include: Sagrada Familia cathedral, Park Güell, and his three houses houses — Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens and Casa Mila (La Pedrera). If you can only do one, make it La Pedrera. Here’s the official site.

Tours, transport and activity planning

Best Museums 

Hidden gardens

Lots of green backyards to nose into. Some have cafes, like Alice Secret Garden. The Massimo Dutti store, has a hidden back garden. Here’s a larger list for inspo.

Dining suggestions

Local Catalan specialties include fricando, a veal-mushroom stew and fideuà, which is like paella but with short noodles. There’s arroz negro, black rice from squid ink, and esqueixada de bacalla, shredded salt cod salad. Breakfast is a simple bread with tomato and olive oil. Barcelona does great paella (for lunch only, evening paella is touristy). Expect to spend €35–€60 per person in a “mid-range” restaurant incl. wine and reserve in advance for dinner (from 8.30pm) and at weekends. Keep an eye out for a 3-course “menu del dia” chalkboards on weekdays.

Mercado La Boqueria food market is a huge tourist trap. Mercat San Antoni and Mercat del Ninot are much better.

Ca l’Estevet - old, family run restaurant for local Catalan specialties

Maleducat - creative and cosy with modern, tasty Catalan sharing plates.

Bar Cañete - buzzing, fab seafood, great spot.

Cruix- solid dining option with good menus, check website for details.