Barcelona

What are the most recommended things to do in Barcelona?

  • Visit the iconic Sagrada Família and explore Gaudí's masterpieces.
  • Stroll along La Rambla and enjoy street performers and local markets.
  • Explore the Gothic Quarter with its narrow streets and historic buildings.
  • Relax at Park Güell and enjoy panoramic city views.
  • Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) for architectural wonders.
  • Spend time at the beach, such as Barceloneta Beach.
  • Explore the Picasso Museum and other art galleries.
  • Enjoy tapas and Catalan cuisine at local restaurants and markets.
  • Take a cable car to Montjuïc for castle and city views.

Introducing Barcelona

Barcelona, ​​Spain's second-largest city, is located in northeastern Spain and the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. Known as the "Flower of Europe," its official language is Spanish, though Catalan is spoken throughout the region. In 1992, Barcelona hosted the 25th Olympic Games, further boosting its international fame and exposure to the city.

People often associate it with three key words: vacation, architecture, and sports. Vacationers love its pleasant Mediterranean climate, long beaches, and brilliant sunshine; architecture enthusiasts call it a paradise, endowed with such a unique charm by Gaudí's stunning works; and sports fans are even more captivated by its dynamism, wildness, and passionate energy. It is the pearl of the Liberia Peninsula, a city that makes you never want to leave.

Climate and best time to travel

Barcelona has a typical Mediterranean climate. The winter is not too cold, but humid and rainy, and the summer is hot and dry, making it suitable for travel all year round.

Summer: The average temperature in summer is 24℃, and you can fully enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine. The crowds of people sunbathing on the beach are eye-opening. You can bring a thin jacket with you to protect yourself from the sun, and an umbrella to block the sun so that you don’t get wet when it rains.

Winter: The average temperature in winter is 11°C. Even in November and January, the coldest time of the year, the average temperature is above 5°C. There are relatively fewer tourists in winter and the city is relatively empty.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Sagrada Familia

Also known as the Church of the Atonement, it was built in 1882 and is a long-standing tourist attraction and landmark in Spain.

The church features three magnificent facades: the Nativity, the Passion, and the Glory, each with four supporting towers, resembling a riddled anthill from a distance. The church's design is strongly influenced by nature, drawing inspiration from flora and fauna, and depicting scenes from the Bible throughout the building. Construction took over 100 years and remains unfinished, making it the only unfinished building in the world to be designated a World Heritage Site.

Tips:

If you want to take a panoramic photo of the church as a souvenir, it is recommended to take it before 9 am from the opposite side of the lake in front of the church's main entrance.

The modernist building is nearly 60 percent complete, but its final completion will not take place until 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death.


Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is a strikingly unique apartment building, over 100 years old, and a masterpiece by the legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Its exterior walls are clad in colorful mosaics, and its roof resembles dragon scales, creating a magical atmosphere. The walls are entirely decorated with blue and green ceramics, reminiscent from a distance of an Impressionist painter's palette, yet the colors are surprisingly harmonious. The main hall on the first floor is the heart of the house, where the Batlló family lived. Modern artwork can be found throughout the hall.

Tips:

There are many tourists visiting here every day, so try to queue up to buy tickets as early as possible, otherwise you may waste 30-40 minutes queuing.

Audio guides are available for rental at the entrance, which are included in the ticket price and have Chinese commentary.


Camp Nou

Camp Nou is Europe's largest stadium, seating 100,000 spectators. It has witnessed numerous glorious moments at the European Championship for Barcelona and is a pilgrimage site for countless Barcelona and Barcelona fans. Facilities include the team locker rooms/podium, VIP lounge, press center, television studios, and the FC Barcelona Museum. The souvenir shop outside Camp Nou is also worth a visit, offering souvenirs such as jerseys and postcards.

Tips:

From August to May of the following year, you can watch La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey matches here. If you want to experience the frenetic atmosphere of the stadium, remember to buy tickets in advance.

The stadium, players' locker room and team museum are all open to the public, and visitors can buy tickets to visit on non-match days.

There will be a large flow of people around the venue on the day of the game, and food and water bottles are not allowed to be brought into the stadium, but there are food vendors inside the stadium, and the prices are not cheap.

Generally, you can book directly on the official website of each club, and the cost is between 20-170 euros. When it comes to the national derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​tickets are often hard to come by, so it is recommended to book in advance.


Most Popular FAQs for Barcelona

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Barcelona is a historic Mediterranean city, the capital of Catalonia, known for its Roman origins, Gothic architecture, and as a center of modernist art and culture, including Gaudí's iconic works.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Barcelona is in northeastern Spain, on the Mediterranean coast. The city is accessible via El Prat Airport, trains, buses, taxis, metro, and walking within the central districts.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Most attractions open 9:00–19:00. Best visiting months are spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) for mild weather. Summer is busy and hot.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Sagrada Família: €26–€36, online recommended.
  • Park Güell: €10, online or on-site.
  • Casa Batlló: €25–€35, online recommended.
  • Picasso Museum: €12–€15, tickets online or on-site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Yes, for Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Picasso Museum, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist season (May–September).

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–5 days to cover major attractions, neighborhoods, beaches, and museums comfortably.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Sagrada Família
  • Park Güell
  • Gothic Quarter
  • La Rambla
  • Casa Batlló & Casa Milà
  • Montjuïc & Magic Fountain
  • Barceloneta Beach
  • Picasso Museum

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided tours and audio guides are available in Spanish, Catalan, English, French, German, and Italian for major attractions.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Top of Sagrada Família towers
  • Park Güell terraces
  • Montjuïc Castle and cable car viewpoints
  • Barceloneta beach promenade
  • Gothic Quarter rooftops and plazas

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with Sagrada Família, then explore Gothic Quarter and La Rambla. Visit Casa Batlló & Casa Milà, relax at Park Güell, and end the day at Montjuïc or Barceloneta Beach.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

  • Magic Fountain light shows at Montjuïc (evening).
  • Night tours available at Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló.
  • Evening strolls and tapas tours in Gothic Quarter.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak crowds occur in July–August and during holidays. Early mornings on weekdays are least crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Major attractions have toilets, cafes, souvenir shops, and water fountains. City streets offer numerous restaurants and rest areas.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most sites have partial accessibility; elevators and ramps exist in Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and museums. Gothic Quarter streets may be cobbled.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted. Some small cafes or markets may prefer cash (Euro).

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Tapas bars along La Rambla and Gothic Quarter
  • Seafront restaurants at Barceloneta Beach
  • Cafes near Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, the city offers diverse vegetarian, vegan, and halal options throughout neighborhoods.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Luxury: Hotel Arts Barcelona, Mandarin Oriental
  • Mid-range: H10 Casa Mimosa, Hotel Jazz
  • Budget: Generator Hostel, Hostal Girona

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Montserrat Monastery (1-hour train)
  • Girona (1–1.5 hours by train)
  • Sitges (40 min by train)
  • Camp Nou Stadium tour

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, typical souvenirs include Gaudí-themed items, postcards, Barcelona FC merchandise, local ceramics, and Catalan food products.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

High-speed trains (AVE) connect to Madrid, Valencia, and other Spanish cities. Metro, buses, taxis, and car rentals are convenient for local or regional travel.