FUN & LEISURE IN BARCELONA

The works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona are a must for any city’s visitor. His unique architectural style, characterised by organic forms, vibrant colours and intricate detailing, can be seen in many of the citys’ most famous monuments. The Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera are some of the most iconic and impressive examples of Gaudí's work. 

Sagrada Família Basilica

The breathtaking Sagrada Família is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when people mention Antoni Gaudí. This world-famous basilica is his crowning achievement and one of Barcelona's most visited landmarks. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site and an enduring symbol of the city.

La Ramblas and Stroll

Stroll along Las Ramblas, one of Barcelona's most famous streets, lined with shops, street artists and cafes. It's always a good time for a drink and tapas! 

La Boqueria

La Boqueria, in its current form, opened at the beginning of the 20th century and remains popular with both locals and tourists. It offers everything from meat and seafood to fruits and vegetables of all kinds.

It’s a great spot to buy fresh ingredients,  or just enjoy a quick bite, as many stalls serve ready-to-eat food.

Tip: Visit just after opening to avoid the tourist rush. Don’t stop at the first stalls, the best variety is usually found deeper inside. La Boqueria is open Monday to Saturday. Bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards.

Picasso Museum

While exploring the El Born district, stop by the Picasso Museum. It’s special because Pablo Picasso spent key formative years in Barcelona. The museum reveals lesser-known phases of his work and includes pieces that foreshadowed Cubism.

Barcelona is the only city in the world with a dedicated Picasso museum, and this one is unique compared to those in Paris or Málaga, it houses the largest collection focused on his early artistic years.

National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)

Located on Montjuïc Hill, the museum offers stunning views over the city and showcases a rich cross-section of Gothic, Renaissance, and modern Catalan art.

Barça Football Stadium

FC Barcelona needs no introduction. Their stadium, Camp Nou, has the largest seating capacity in Europe, nearly 100,000 spectators. The club was founded in 1899 and is one of the most successful and popular football teams in the world. The main gallery of the stadium is free to enter and the view is worth it.

However, the stadium is currently under renovation and modernization as part of the Espai Barça project. All home matches are temporarily moved to the Estadi Olímpic on Montjuïc Hill. So at the moment, tours of Camp Nou are not available.

Barcelona Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums of its kind in Europe, the Barcelona Aquarium is a must-visit.

Tip: Buy tickets online to skip the queue and head straight inside. Lockers are available for €1 to store backpacks.

The aquarium is divided into several sections. The first contains 21 tanks showcasing marine life from the Mediterranean and tropical seas. Sharks are a major highlight,  you'll find species like tiger sharks and brown sharks.

The most popular feature is the Oceanarium: an 80-meter-long glass tunnel with a moving walkway where you can walk through and view marine life all around you.

Trip to Montjuïc

For a change of pace and an adventurous day out, head to Montjuïc Mountain, which rewards you with spectacular city views.

It’s easily accessible from the Paral·lel metro station, where you can take a funicular halfway up the hill (no extra ticket needed). From there, the Montjuïc cable car takes you to the top.

At the summit, don’t miss Montjuïc Castle, entrance is €12 for adults. On the way down, stroll through the stunning botanical gardens, created for the 1992 Olympic Games, and check out the Olympic swimming and diving pools.

Montjuïc was once home to a street circuit that hosted the Spanish Grand Prix four times between 1969 and 1975 before it was deemed too dangerous. Though little evidence of the track remains, you can still roughly trace its route.

Barcelona Beaches

Barcelona has around 4 km of sandy beaches, the perfect place to spend a morning before diving into some culture, tapas, or shopping. Barceloneta Beach is the most vibrant and entertaining, with street artists singing, donut vendors, and people building all kinds of sand sculptures.

Gothic Quarter

Take a walk down La Rambla, the city’s most famous street, where you’ll find some of the best shopping in Barcelona. Close by is the fascinating old Gothic Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow streets opening onto charming little squares. The area is home to some of the best tapas bars in the city, plus cool shops selling everything from fashion to street art. However, be careful, this area is a hotspot for pickpockets.

F1 Festival

Each year, in the days leading up to the Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona hosts the exciting F1 Fan Festival. This week-long celebration takes place in central locations like Plaça de Catalunya and features a variety of activities for motorsport fans of all ages.

Highlights include the Fan Village with historic F1 car exhibitions, live music, merchandise stalls, and evening concerts. Fans can also enjoy a dedicated fan forum, where current drivers often make appearances and answer questions. Replicas of F1 cars, podiums, and trophies are on display, making the festival a must-visit attraction for racing enthusiasts in the build-up to the big race.

In 2025, the Fan Forum took place on Wednesday at 19:00, and the festival ran from May 24 to 31.

Barcelona is a city known for its vibrant nightlife and its bars are an essential part of any tourist's itinerary. From cosy traditional pubs to trendy rooftop bars, there's something to suit every taste and budget. Many bars offer a wide selection of local and international beers, wines and cocktails, and many of them also serve traditional tapas. Visitors can enjoy the social and cultural atmosphere of the city while sipping a drink and mingling with the locals.