What to do in Barcelona

By Local Heroes

Barcelona is a city that offers lots of different activities to do, for the most varied interests. The options go from wandering through the Gothic quarter to relaxing at the beach, from visiting modernist buildings to riding a bike through the city, from tasting traditional food to experiencing the parties in different neighbourhoods. You can choose what to do depending on what you like and who your traveling partners are. The following tips are intended to help you plan your stay by showing you the best things to do in Barcelona according to Local Heroes!

Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

The following activities are the most recommended in the Barcelona guides made by tripUniq's Local Heroes

Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#1 Bike around the city

There are many cycle trails laid out along the city so, with a tour or by yourself, cycle through the neighborhoods and get to know the highlights.

Included in 50 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Helene

Helene, 37, Corporate Finance

Helene
Just choose your route and start pedaling… and don’t forget to take some cool pictures along the way!

Helene, 37, Corporate Finance

See Helene Travel Guides

Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#2 Enjoy a cocktail at a fancy rooftop

Near the beach, in the middle of the city or on the mountain, there are lots of bars on rooftops to have a cocktail and enjoy a snack.

Included in 8 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Mercedes

Mercedes, 33, Tourismologist

Mercedes
The views are always incredible, so make sure to relax and enjoy them!

Mercedes, 33, Tourismologist

See Mercedes Travel Guides


Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#3 Try a paella at a chiringuito on the beach

Paella is a typical Spanish dish that consists of rice and seafood and it’s served on a big pan.

Included in 13 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Marc

Marc, 43, Event Organiser

Marc
Traditional food, drinks and cool ambience next to the sea… It doesn’t get better than that!

Marc, 43, Event Organiser

See Marc Travel Guides


Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#4 Get delighted with the Magic Fountain

The combination of water, lights and music are always awe-inspiring to the people watching the show, no matter if they’re kids or adults!

Included in 16 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Gemma

Gemma, 40, Tour guide

Gemma
Try to get there early to get a good spot in front of the MNAC, the Avenue that’s behind the big fountain has smaller fountains that make the show even better.

Gemma, 40, Tour guide

See Gemma Travel Guides


Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#5 Party at one of the many nightclubs

It doesn’t matter if you like Rock, Electronic or Latin music, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from in Barcelona.

Included in 6 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Sergi

Sergi, 31, Executive consultant

Sergi
The options to have fun are neverending, you can also party on boats!

Sergi, 31, Executive consultant

See Sergi Travel Guides


Planning a trip to Barcelona?

Find your perfect travel guide
50+ options in Barcelona

Including handcrafted daily itineraries

Freshly updated by our Local Heroes

Find my travel Guide

Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#6 Discover the former villages

Barcelona is mostly made up of old villages that were attached to the city as it grew in size, such as Sarriá, Horta and Gràcia, and that still conserve their own atmosphere.

Included in 12 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Charles

Charles, 43, Startuper

Charles
Mostly for those who aren’t first timers, exploring this side of Barcelona will be interesting so as to get to know the local life better!

Charles, 43, Startuper

See Charles Travel Guides


Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#7 Picnic at Bunkers del carmel

This antiaircraft battery that, during the Spanish Civil War, worked as a defense of the city from aviation attacks, is nowadays one of the best viewpoints of the city.

Included in 28 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Josefina

Josefina, 33,

Josefina
Enjoy a picnic watching the sunrise or sunset so you can see the city with and without lights.

Josefina, 33,

See Josefina Travel Guides


Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#8 Do the vermouth

If you're one of those who like to try the typical gastronomy, you can’t leave Barcelona without “doing the vermouth” and trying some tapas!

Included in 22 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Marc

Marc, 43, Event Organiser

Marc
There are lots of vermuterías and bars that serve it, you’ll find one easily.

Marc, 43, Event Organiser

See Marc Travel Guides


Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#9 Channel your inner child at the Tibidabo

You can get on the ferris wheel, climb to the top of the Sacred Heart Temple, fly on the airplane or get an adrenaline rush at the roller coaster... and those are just some of the fun things to do!

Included in 11 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Gemma

Gemma, 40, Tour guide

Gemma
Both kids and parents will enjoy this theme park. Plus, the views of the city are amazing!

Gemma, 40, Tour guide

See Gemma Travel Guides


Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

#10 Explore Gaudí and the Modernism

Modernist architecture is definitely one of the things that distinguishes the city. From famous Antoni Gaudí to other designers, like Domènech i Montaner, Modernism shows up at almost every corner.

Included in 50 of 55 Barcelona Travel Guides

See Travel guides

Local Hero tip

Tomás

Tomás, 42,

Tomás
Without a doubt, one of Barcelona's top attractions for tourists and for those who live here!

Tomás, 42,

See Tomás Travel Guides

This may also interest you

Top 9+1 things to do in Barcelona

The tips & places of this article have been found in the following guides:

How many days are you going to Barcelona?

Find your Barcelona daily guide
Find my travel Guide
Google Air France Booking
We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. By continuing, you agree to receive cookies on our website. Learn more.   I agree