Location: Barcelona
Top Things to do in Barcelona
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Barcelona, Catalonia
Barcelona feels a bit surreal – appropriate, since Salvador Dali spent time here and Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí designed several of the city’s buildings. Stepping into Gaudí’s Church of the Sacred Family is a bit like falling through the looking glass - a journey that you can continue with a visit to Park Güell. Sip sangria at a sidewalk café in Las Ramblas while watching flamboyant street performers, then create your own moveable feast by floating from tapas bar to tapas bar.
Restaurants in Barcelona
1. Mercat de la Boqueria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,088 reviews
This popular food market sells some of the freshest fruit, vegetables and seafood in Barcelona.
Reviewed By 712lees - Singapore, Singapore
Amazing market with lots of fresh food fresh fruits flowers chocolates nuts spices olive oil sea salts Jamon ham at reasonable prices !! It’s amazing and open everyday except closed on Sundays.
2. Basilica of the Sagrada Familia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163,734 reviews
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia is a monumental church devoted to the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Construction began in 1882, based on plans drawn up by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, and Antoni Gaudi was commissioned to continue the project in 1883. The Temple has always been an expiatory church, built only from donations. As Gaudi said: "The Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia is made by the people and is mirrored in them. It is a work that is in the hands of God and the will of the people." In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the site as a minor basilica
Reviewed By Lifetoexplore59 - Denmead, United Kingdom
What a fantastic beautiful interesting work of art, I was in awe of the many many details, the amazing colours coming through from the stained glass windows just takes your breath away, a must absolutely visit.
3. Casa Mila - La Pedrera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,282 reviews
Casa Mila, popularly known as La Pedrera, is a most unusual building, constructed between 1906 and 1912 by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) and declared UNESCO World Heritage in 1984. Today it is the headquarters of Fundacio Catalunya La Pedrera and houses a cultural centre that is a reference point in Barcelona for the range of activities it organises and the different spaces for exhibitions and other public uses it contains. A visit to La Pedrera, landmark building and container, gives us a better understanding and appreciation of architecture and transports us to the period when Antoni Gaudi lived.
Reviewed By P9757ZGdavidn
We were amazed by the apartment building for the Mila family...and wandered in awe around the roof, attic, apartment, and courtyards of one of Gaudi's great accomplishments. We were mesmerized by his vision, his highlighting of natural elements and his keen craftmanship. What an extraordinary architect and builder!
4. Joan Miro Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,971 reviews
The Fundació Joan Miró was created by Miró himself, at first principally with works from his own private collection, with a desire to set up an internationally recognised centre in Barcelona for Miró scholarship and contemporary art research, and to disseminate the collection. The Fundació opened to the public on 10 June 1975 and has since become a dynamic centre in which Joan Miró's work coexists with cutting-edge contemporary art. With an interdisciplinary approach, the Fundació organises temporary exhibitions of 20th and 21st century artists as well as academic activities and projects in collaboration with other institutions and organisations. Through its exhibition and educational programmes, the Fundació Joan Miró explores lines of research linked to the work of Miró and to contemporary art. The Fundació is located in a building designed by Josep Lluís Sert, making it one of the few museums anywhere in the world in which the complicity between artist and architect underpins the dialogue between the works and the space that houses them. The Fundació offers an overview of the landscapes of Joan Miró's art and life, creating an enriching dialogue with other artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Reviewed By markj309 - Ballina, Australia
Perhaps Miro isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, however the way his art is organised and articulated is exceptional. The building was purpose designed and built, the multimedia audio guide the best I have had the pleasure of listening to and learning from, the views from the Terrace over Barcelona spectacular, the staff friendly and even the coffee shop was tops. There were additional temporary exhibitions on sound and silence as art, and an interactive art area. I spent a most enjoyable rainy day and came away with a greater appreciation of Miro’s paintings, sculptures, philosophies, life and times.
5. Barcelona Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,669 reviews
A beautiful gothic cathedral with stained glass windows dating back 500 years.
Reviewed By Mihaela11 - Amman, Jordan
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is a beautiful Gothic church built from thirteenth to fifteenth century with a roof famous for its gargoyles featuring many animals. The stained glass windows are awesome.
6. Palace of Catalan Music
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,470 reviews
The Palau, an icon of modernist architecture in downtown Barcelona The Palau de la Música Catalana is one of the most representative monuments of the city and It is one of the most recommended tourist attractions of Barcelona. Built between 1905 and 1908 by the great architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner, the Palau de la Música Catalana is an architectural jewel of Catalonia and essential part of any visit to the city, as any of the most fascinating Gaudi buildings. This historical building, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, offers an experience so magical that visitors fall in love with it. From the hand of experienced guides, the wonders of this architectural pearl discovered and visitors into a fantasy world full of details and references to the characteristic nature of modernist architecture. An essential visit in the list of top 10 things to see in Barcelona.
Reviewed By camm3653 - Toronto, Canada
My husband and I are so glad that we took the official guided tour of this hidden gem designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner. Tucked away amongst the narrow streets of La Ribera, it was quite a treat to come across the Palau de la Musica Catalana for the first time and see its facade of beautifully detailed sculptures and intricate mosaics. Once we went inside and saw the interior, especially the concert hall itself, we were even more impressed. Our guide did a masterful job of providing the history and explaining the details of the building including, the ironwork, mosaics, stunning stained glass windows and skylight, and the ornate sculptures. As part of the tour, we had the opportunity to sit back and listen to the organist play. Not only was the concert hall gorgeous, the acoustics were amazing too. Our only regret was not being able to see a performance at the concert hall during our stay in Barcelona. We highly recommend booking this one hour guided tour. It must be booked on the official website in advance as spots are limited and it often sells out. If you book 21 days in advance, there is a small saving of 4 euros per ticket off of the standard rate of 20 euros.
7. Casa Batllo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57,149 reviews
Stunning outside, unimaginable inside!
Reviewed By mcchk - Hammamet, Tunisia
Amazing house and architecture Gaudi put all his knowledge and ingenuity in every single component of the house A very nice experience in the Gaudi's world Casa Batllo is a must see place to discover a new world
8. Gran Teatre del Liceu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 686 reviews
This luxurious theater stages fine opera and ballet performances.
Reviewed By sergezeta - Paris, France
such a beautiful theater in central barcelona. wonderful when there is an opera but worth a visit as well
9. Casa Amatller
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 967 reviews
The Casa Amatller is the most complete work of Catalan modernism. Built by the architect Puig and Cadafalch in 1898, it is located in the called Manzana de la Discordia, next to the famous Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí. The façade has been admired since its beginnings, although its true treasure is in the interior, thanks to the original conservation with all its furniture and decoration. Casa Amatller offers daily visits in 4 languages and its opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm. Also, it offers commented visits, at 11 am 12am and 17 pd. A unique opportunity to discover the true history of Barcelona at the beginning of the century!
Reviewed By Mairwen1
Casa Ametller is one of the famous buildings that make up the “Block of Discord” on Passeig Gracia, so-called because of the visual clash between the Modernist buildings that almost seem to be trying to outdo each other. Casa Amatller not the most famous of the houses. The Gaudi buildings, Casa Mila and Casa Battlo steal the limelight. However it is right next door to Gaudi’s Casa Battlo so it’s very easy to see both at the same time and then head a couple of minutes up the road to Casa Mila. We didn't go inside any of the houses but you can see them very clearly from the street (there’s no walls or buildings blocking your view). The Casa Amatller façade is very detailed and the more you look, the more you see. Josep Puig I Cadafalch designed the house between 1898 and 1900 for the wealthy chocolate baron Antoni Amatller, whose family had chocolate factories in Spain, France and Switzerland and had been making chocolates for three generations. Sort of like Spanish Willy Wonkas. HIGHLIGHTS: 1. FREE PEEK INSIDE: You can walk through into the foyer for free. You don't see much but there are decoratively tiled walls, a marble staircase up to the main floor and a large stained glass skylight above that. 2. CHOCOLATE: If you go through the main door and keep heading out towards the back, you’ll find youself in the former kitchen of the house. Nowadays it is called Faborit, and is a café and shop, selling Amatller chocolates in pretty art nouveau boxes (handy souvenirs). We stopped to have a hot chocolate from the chocolate fountain 3. FACADE: the façade is very pretty and, in a weird way, the whole thing reminded me of a chocolate box. There’s a lot to notice on the front of the house. The peachy/white patterned surface comes from the traditional sgraffito technique. There are black wrought iron railings with floral motifs, small detailed stained glass panels above the main windows and stone figures which give it a Gothic feel to it also. 4. ‘A’ SYMBOL: The family name, Amatller is stamped on the façade in several subtle (and not so subtle) ways. Look closely and you’ll notice that the large balcony is an ‘A’. ‘Amatller’ is Catalan for almond, hence the almond tree and almond tree flower sculptures 5. ST GEORGE: St George (patron saint of Catalania) makes an appearance but you have to hunt a bit to spot him. Look for the sign ‘Casa Museu Amatller’ above the doorway and he’s on the left, ready to plunge his sword right down the dragon’s throat at any minute. 6. GARGOYLES: there are a whole bunch of strange, stone gargoyle-like creatures that are semi-hidden at the sides of the larger windows (just above the green shutters). They are easily overlooked and I only spotted them at the last minute. 5. GABLED ROOF: The stepped gable-style roof is probably the most immediately striking feature and has a Germanic feel. It makes the house look not unlike a Flemish guildhall. You can see this best by looking at the house from across the road. You can do a tour of the 1st floor. We didn’t but the express tour includes a hot chocolate afterwards for €12 which seems like very good value.
10. Museu d'Historia de Barcelona - MUHBA
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,133 reviews
Ancient and medieval Barcelona in the monumental ensemble beneath Plaça del Rei, organised in the 20th century. A tour through 4,000 square metres in an underground archaeological site that takes us from Barcino to Barcinona. Exhibition on the emergence of the medieval city. Visit to the Palau Reial Major palace.
Reviewed By Basspohl - Lansing, United States
My 17 and 21 year old daughters, husband and I visited this museum on a weekday afternoon. There was no line and in fact few other visitors while we were there. There was a very interesting display of Barcelona and surrounding region from prehistory through the 13th century, including tools, currency, and life story. For me the real magic is UNDER the MUHBA where Roman ruins have been excavated. The manner in which they are presented, with audio and written explanations of the city composition, clothes dying and washing, wine making, roads, and manner in which structures were reused was fascinating for all of us. The price was the deal of our Barcelona visit, at 7 euros per adult and 5 euros per student.
