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Barcelona Barcelona Tourism Guide

What to see and do in Barcelona



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THE LANDMARKS


Barcelona Gaudi's Sagrada Familia is an unfinished masterpiece, with cranes hanging above it for at least another five decades to come. Already completed is most of the façade, and you can also visit the interior containing the architect's tomb.
Passeig de Gràcia is another site known for its surreal architecture. The avenue's two icons, Gaudi's extraordinary CASA BATLLÓ and CASA MILÁ (also nicknamed "La Pedrera") don't feature any straight lines and have remarkable façades with abstract shapes.

MODERN ART


The Picasso Museum is one of Barcelona's most-visited attractions and is the best place to see many of the artist's earliest works. In addition to his paintings, there are also drawings and ceramics.
Joan Miró is the city's other famous artist, and the Miró Foundation is housed in a striking white building permanently presenting Miró's works together with periodic exhibitions of other artists.
Also worth checking out is the Contemporary Art Museum. Designed by Richard Meier, its white building holds a collection focusing on post-1945 Catalan and Spanish art mixed with some foreign works.

CLASSIC ART


The monumental Palau Nacional houses the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, an outstanding collection of medieval art which includes Europe's finest collection of medieval frescoes.

STRIKING ARCHITECTURE


Barcelona PARC GÜELL is yet another fantasy creation by Gaudi. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1984, it's made up of fountains, arcaded walkways, and a remarkable hall at the top of a grand staircase.
The newest landmark in the city is Torre Agbar designed by Jean Nouvel. This steel and glass tower stands at 142 meters (465 feet), higher than the 130m-high (426 feet) MONTJUIC COMMUNICATIONS TOWER (pictured on the right), a Santiago Calatrava creation for the city's 1992 Olympic Games.
Also recent is the renovated Mercat de Santa Caterina, a colorful food market with a striking new look which includes a wavy roof.

ANCIENT SITE


BARCELONA CATHEDRAL is a magnificent Gothic building from the 14th century, although its spire is a 19th century addition. The interior features some stunning Baroque altarpieces, medieval Catalan paintings, and a beautiful cloister.

CITY LIFE


Street performers welcome tourists to LAS RAMBLAS, perhaps the most famous of all Spanish avenues. It's home to some monumental buildings which you can admire from one of the many cafes.
For some special shopping, head to the EL BORN MARKET and its surrounding fashion boutiques, and if the sun is shining, join everyone at the BARCELONETA beach.

TOURS & DAYTRIPS


Go on a tour of Barcelona to see most of the city's sights in a short period of time, or take daytrips to the nearby attractions.
Sitges is a popular getaway, a small city by the sea that's often called "Ibiza in miniature." It is also known for its Carnival and as a major gay tourist town.