Top 14 Experiences in Barcelona, Spain

A bustling city on the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona has plenty to offer – whether you are a tourist or a business traveller. If you are on holiday in Barcelona or you happen to be there at work, there are some experiences that you should not miss. Recently we went on a family holiday to Barcelona, and here are my Top 14 Experiences in Barcelona for my readers:

Before I list it down, read my article about Barcelona, where I have shared our personal experiences, the itinerary we followed, the reviews about the places we visited, and the restaurants we ate in. It will surely help you plan your holiday in Barcelona.

Here are the Top 14 Experiences in Barcelona!

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is the most popular tourist spot in Barcelona. This Roman Catholic Basilica has a structure that is massive with facades that have beautiful depictions of the life of Christ. The intricate yet elaborate work on the walls, pillars, and ceilings reflects the thought and planning of executing this massive project. It is considered Antony Gaudi’s most significant work and a must-visit place in Barcelona.
Tickets can be purchased online on their official website:
https://sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets
Palau Nacional

Located amidst serene surroundings on the hill of Montjuïc stands the majestic Montjuïc National Palace – a significant landmark of Barcelona. The structure is colossal and grand. Due to its size and location, it can be spotted from far. It was the main site of the 1929 International Exposition and has a collection of over 5,000 artworks. A series of steps lead to the palace, from where one can get breathtaking views of the city. Even if you miss going inside, do include this in your itinerary. There is plenty to see and experience from the outside too.
If you wish to see it from the inside, tickets can be purchased here:
https://www.museunacional.cat/ca/projecte-engagement
Montjuïc Castle

Montjuïc Castle is an old military fortress built on top of Montjuïc hill. Its roots date back to the 1640s. It currently serves as a Barcelona municipal facility. It is open to the public and offers fantastic city and port views. The castle is beautiful and well-maintained. On a good weather day, one can easily spend about half a day walking around, exploring all the parts of the castle, capturing pictures of the city from different viewing points, or relaxing and refreshing with food and drinks at a small cafe inside the castle.
Tickets for the visit can be purchased here:
https://entrades.eicub.net:8443/muslinkIII/venda/index.jsp?nom_cache=CASTELL&property=CASTELL&lang=3
Camp Nou

Camp Nou is a football stadium in Barcelona. It opened in 1957 and has been the home stadium of FC Barcelona. With a seating capacity of close to a lakh, it is the largest stadium in Spain and Europe. Try to plan a trip to see a match in this stadium. But if you cannot do so, you can book a museum and stadium tour.
Tickets can be purchased at:
https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/tickets/things-to-do-in-barcelona
Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Barcelona. It is a sand beach and runs more than 400 meters. A separate elevated walking path runs along the length of the beach, where one can enjoy the sun and the breeze without getting on the sand. There is an open gym, multiple shower options, and plenty of cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants. The beach is usually crowded but clean.
Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of the city of Barcelona and includes the remains of the city’s Roman wall and several notable medieval landmarks. However, contrary to its name, much of the present-day fabric of the Quarter dates to the 19th and early 20th centuries. On reaching this place, the narrow streets, cathedrals, churches, basilicas, and the remains of the Roman wall, remind us of the bygone era. The many cafes and restaurants, musicians performing on the streets, locals shopping, and participating in cultural events create a lively atmosphere. The entire place has to be explored on foot. It is a must-visit place in Barcelona.
La Rambla, La Boqueria

La Rambla is a 1.2 km pedestrian street lined with cafes and souvenir shops. It is filled with tourists walking, shopping, clicking pictures, or relaxing in cafes enjoying local delicacies. La Boqueria is an open market on La Rambla, with plenty of shops, restaurants, Tapas bars, and cafes serving fresh local food. Eggs, meat, chocolates, fruits and vegetables, baked goodies, you name it, and it’s there in La Boqueria. It’s a treat for the senses. One can walk around enjoying the sights and smells, taste the food, and spend a relaxed evening in one of the many Tapas bars.
Palau de la Música Catalana

Palau de la Música Catalana is a concert hall inaugurated in the early 1900s. The design of the place is elaborate and showcases extensive use of floral and other organic motifs. There is extensive usage of marble, mosaic, ceramic, and glass. You can take an audio tour and see the main parts of the hall, including the facade, the entrance, the vestibule, the foyer, the staircase, and the concert hall.
Tickets can be purchased from their site:
https://www.palaumusica.cat/en
Park Güell

Parc Güell is a park comprising gardens and architectural elements on Carmel Hill. The highlight is Gaudi’s work-the grand entrance, the terrace, and structures with extensive usage of mosaics. There are hiking opportunities, viewing areas from where one can get a great view of the city, and plenty of photo opportunities around the structures created by Gaudi. The park is so big that one can spend an entire day there.
You can book tickets using the following link:
https://parkguell.barcelona/ca/compra-entrades
Casa Batlló

Casa Batllóis also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other works by Gaudi. It is presently owned by The Bernat Family, who initiated a restoration of the building in 1995. The facade is a colourful one with a unique and distinguished design.
Tickets for the visit can be booked at:
https://www.casabatllo.es/en/online-tickets/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw06OTBhC_ARIsAAU1yOVpm_yQZeF9DAtnDniK6dlHjDwRE1c2W1b1TqwzpuoJRIRGSzWRdtQaAofzEALw_wcB
Casa Milà

Casa Milà is also a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unconventional design. The building was commissioned in 1906 by Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon and is the last residential work by Antoni Gaudi.
The official website for booking tickets for Casa Milà is :
https://casa-mila.barcelona-tickets.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw06OTBhC_ARIsAAU1yOV4OBs2Fo9bnlsHOaxuo0Xi_nkwWcbQmOmter2m4sVF0zkxnE0c_hAaAn9rEALw_wcB
Palau Güell

Palau Güell is a residential building constructed around the late 1800s and was architected by the famous Antony Gaudi. Later it was named a UNESCO world heritage site. The wealthy politician and businessman Eusebi Güell owned this property. In 1945, this property was handed over to Diputacio de Barcelona by the daughter of Eusebi Güell on the condition that the palace is preserved.
Tickets for the visit can be purchased here:
https://inici.palauguell.cat/#entrades
Arc de Triomf

Architect Josep Vilaseca built the Arc de Triomf i Casanovas as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. The arch is made of red brick and has many sculptures, stone carvings, and allegories written by poets. From the arch starts a wide promenade leading to the Ciutadella Park that now occupies the world fair site. There is no access fee to visit the Arc de Triomf. One can see the place, walk along the promenade, buy paintings by local artists, or get a family photograph with the Arc de Trompf in the background. The sculptures and stone carvings done on red brick look beautiful. It is a lovely place to stroll on the promenade or enjoy a picnic at Ciutadella park.
Columbus Monument

The Columbus Monument is a 60-m-tall monument to Christopher Columbus at the lower end of La Rambla. It was constructed in honour of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. At the very top of the monument stands a 7.2 m tall bronze statue that depicts Columbus pointing towards the New World with his right hand while holding a scroll on the left. Eight bronze panels depict important scenes in Columbus’s first voyage to the Americas. Today, the monument reminds us of Columbus’s arduous journey and the support he received from Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V for achieving this feat. The tower stands tall at the end of La Rambla.

Here is a summary of the 14 best experiences in Barcelona:
1. La Sagrada Familia
2. Palau Nacional
3. Montjuïc Castle
4. Camp Nou
5. Barceloneta Beach
6. Gothic Quarter
7. La Rambla, La Boqueria
8. Palau de la Música Catalana
9. Park Güell
10. Casa Batlló
11. Casa Milà
12. Palau Güell
13. Arc de Triomf
14. Columbus Monument

If you wish to learn how to plan your trip, where to stay, and how to travel within Barcelona, read my article in which I have described our personal experience in Barcelona.

Also, check out these photo galleries of Barcelona:
Works of Gaudi in Barcelona
La Boqueria, Barcelona
Popular destinations in Barcelona