Things to do
Things to do in Barcelona: Gaudí, beaches, tapas and day trips
How to see the Sagrada Família and Park Güell without the queues, the best neighbourhoods and beaches, and easy trips to Montserrat and Girona.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Book timed tickets for the Sagrada Família and Park Güell well ahead; both regularly sell out.
- Three or four days covers Gaudí's buildings, the Gothic Quarter, a beach afternoon and a day trip to Montserrat.
- April to June and September to October are the best months: warm, sunny and less crowded than July and August.
| Days needed | 3–4 |
|---|---|
| Book ahead | Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló |
| Flight from London | About 2 hours |
| Best day trips | Montserrat, Girona, Sitges |
| Best months | April–June, September–October |
Gaudí's Barcelona
The Sagrada Família, Gaudí's unfinished basilica, is the city's must-see; inside, the stained glass fills the nave with colour, especially in the late afternoon. Tickets are timed, and tower visits cost extra.
Park Güell's mosaic terraces and gingerbread-style houses are in a timed-entry zone, so book a slot. On the Passeig de Gràcia, compare Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), both with remarkable rooftops.
The old city
Get lost in the Gothic Quarter's lanes around the cathedral, then cross into El Born for the Picasso Museum, cocktail bars and the Santa Maria del Mar church. La Rambla is busy and best walked once; step into La Boqueria market for fruit and tapas, but note it's closed on Sundays.
Views, beaches and evenings
Montjuïc hill has gardens, museums and the Magic Fountain, whose music and light shows run on set evenings (check the current schedule). For sunset, climb to the Bunkers del Carmel. Barceloneta and the beaches to its north are a short metro ride from the centre.
Dinner is late in Barcelona, often after 9 p.m. Try tapas, pa amb tomàquet and seafood, with a vermouth before dinner.
Day trips
- Montserrat: a mountain monastery about an hour away, reached by train plus rack railway or cable car.
- Girona: medieval walls and a beautiful old town, about 40 minutes by high-speed train.
- Sitges: a seaside town with beaches and a lively old centre, about 40 minutes by train.
- Costa Brava: coves and fishing villages such as Tossa de Mar and Calella de Palafrugell.
Tips
- Pickpockets target La Rambla, the metro and busy beaches; keep phones and wallets zipped away.
- Barcelona charges a tourist tax per night on accommodation, paid at your hotel.
- Spain is one hour ahead of the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Barcelona?
The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, the Gothic Quarter and El Born, a tapas evening, Montjuïc, the beach and a day trip to Montserrat.
Do you need to book the Sagrada Família in advance?
Yes. Entry is by timed ticket and slots often sell out, especially in spring and summer, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
How many days do you need in Barcelona?
Three to four days covers the main sights and a day trip.
