Top Things To Do In Barcelona

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Local guide and tourists having fun while exploring the top sights in Barcelona
Local guide and tourists having fun while exploring the top sights in Barcelona

Wondering what to do in Barcelona?

The most beguiling of Spain’s cities, Barcelona gently slopes up from the sparkling sea to leafy wooded hills. The city is a masterpiece of both natural beauty and urban wonder, with art and architecture at its creative core. The things to do in Barcelona range from the medieval to the modern. You could soak up centuries-old architecture in the ancient Gothic Quarter, or shop up a storm at trendy boutiques and cool markets in the sun-dappled city center. But even though your days will be packed with activity, some of the most exciting things to do in Barcelona emerge as the sun sets and locals gather at rooftop bars for tapas and a glass of vermouth.

Tourists enjoying the beautiful views of Barcelona below from Bunkers del Carmel

Highlights and hidden gems

Whether you want to marvel at beautiful buildings, eat the finest Spanish cuisine, or spend most of your time outdoors, everyone’s Barcelona bucket list looks a little different. Luckily, the things to do in Barcelona appeal to every type of traveler no matter what your interests are. The city certainly has its unmissable must-sees, from the iconic Sagrada Familia to ancient Roman temples. But between boisterous backstreet cava bars, brassy jazz basements, upmarket boutiques, and 2000 years of architectural triumphs, the city is brimming with a variety of unique, exciting things to do.

Tourists enjoy fresh produce at a local market during a food tour of Barcelona

The best of Barcelonian cuisine

The Barcelona food scene is fueled by both tradition and modern influences – but it’s the city’s creativity that makes its cuisine truly memorable. Of all the things to do in Barcelona, exploring authentic bodega, humble markets, tiny tapa bars, futuristic fusion restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall pintxo bars are some of the very best. Each local dish – a riot of texture, taste, and color – reveals something unique about the city. Classic dishes showcase its culinary heritage, while upmarket, experimental restaurants manage to make 5-star dining in Barcelona a warm, welcoming affair.

Tourists exploring the quiet streets of Barcelona with a local at night

Barcelona by night

When darkness falls, the things to do in Barcelona become even more exhilarating. You might start your evening with a glass of vermouth on a sprawling terrace as the last of the sun’s rays disappear, or grab a quick bite at a snack bar to line your stomach. From there, the night is yours. The list of things to do in Barcelona by night is as varied as the city’s visitors. Wander through cobbled streets, stopping at tapas bars with tables spilling out onto the sidewalk, dance the night away at an electrifying club, catch some live music, or bar-hop through an eclectic neighborhood.

Latest reviews from our guests

    Alan es una persona muy bien preparada, es muy amable y paciente. Debo mencionar que viaje con niños y siempre estuvo atento a explicar de forma que ellos entendieran, siempre los incluyo. Es muy amigable y el tour fue tan natural que parecía que lo conocía de años. Son de las cosas positivas que siempre se recuerdan en los viajes. Personalmente lo recomiendo mucho. Puedo asegurar que conoce más Barcelona que los propios locales! Muchas gracias por compartirnos tus conocimientos sobre Catalunya Alan! Un abrazo cálido de parte de toda mi familia! Alan is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and patient. I should mention that I was traveling with children, and he was always careful to explain things in a way they could understand, making sure to include them at all times. He is very friendly, and the tour felt so natural—it was as if I had known him for years. These are the kinds of positive experiences that make trips memorable. I highly recommend him; I can say with confidence that he knows Barcelona better than the locals do! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of Catalonia with us, Alan! Warm regards from my entire family!

    30 June 2026

    Abraham L

    Our guide Pau was passionate about Barcelona and sports. He goes like the energizer bunny. This was a great way to explore the city and see the inside of his experiences. He picked a fantastic place for lunch with fresh seafood and paella. And, he seems to be a very avid history buff. He takes you back 3,000 years and brings you right to today with the politics and happening in the city. I would be remiss to not to point out that this was a walking tour in the hottest season on record. As a result, we did take a few cabs to get between places (which was very welcome with some air conditioning) and we still got over 15,000 steps. Be prepared for a physical challenge. Pau was a great host to the city of Barcelona.

    29 June 2026

    Ted C

    Pau was a great guide. He knew so much about Barcelona. You could tell that he loved his city. His insights were exceptional.

    25 June 2026

    Deborah R

    Isabel was fabulous! She had everything planned and was in contact regularly before the tour. She was engaging and informative. We saw so much and yet I didn’t feel rushed at all.

    16 June 2026

    Tina W

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Experiences
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