Ultimate Barcelona Guide: 8 Bucket-List Things to Do 

An aerial view over Barcelona, Spain - Luxury Escapes

300 annual days of sunshine, Gaudí marvels around every corner and top-notch tapas barely scratch the surface of what the Catalan capital has to offer. 

Few cities match the sheer diversity of Barcelona. A 30-minute stroll through this spellbinding city covers heritage landmarks, magnificent museums, buzzing bars, some of the world’s best restaurants and sweeping beaches, all just waiting to be visited.

Living legacies in Gaudí’s Barcelona

Barcelona’s soul is best captured through Antoni Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces. Start at La Sagrada Familia, where soaring spires and kaleidoscopic light shows remind us why this ever-evolving basilica has been captivating visitors since 1882. For the full Gaudí experience, make your way to Parc Güell for whimsical mosaics and fairytale architecture. 

No architectural pilgrimage is complete without strolling down Passeig de Gràcia, home to Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Take a moment between browsing Chanel and Gucci to admire Casa Batlló’s dragon-scale façade. For a hidden gem, visit Plaça Reial in the Gothic Quarter, where Gaudí’s first Barcelona project, a pair of ornate lampposts, still stands. 

Wander the heart of Barcelona’s history 

The Gothic Quarter and El Born weave a labyrinth of stories through their medieval streets. Pass through stone archways and discover hidden plazas where locals still gather for long lunches. Base yourself at the five-star Ohla Barcelona, where urban boutique charm meets neoclassical façades, with a rooftop bar offering the perfect perch for sunset contemplation. 

Just steps away, the Picasso Museum houses a unique collection of the master’s early works. Set across five connected medieval palaces, it’s less about his famous cubist pieces and more about understanding his formative years in Barcelona. Pro tip: visit early during the week to have these treasures almost to yourself. 

Sunset dreams at Bunkers del Carmel 

For the city’s most spectacular free display, head to Bunkers del Carmel for 360-degree panoramic views of Barcelona. As day turns into dusk, watch the Mediterranean shimmer golden as La Sagrada Familia’s spires catch the last rays of light. While the official site closes at 7.30pm in summer (5.30pm in winter), the viewing areas outside are always accessible. Join locals armed with blankets, cava and snacks for an impromptu sunset picnic – perfect for that golden hour magic. 

Taste your way through Barcelona’s best bites 

Take your tastebuds on a grand tour of Barcelona’s culinary gems. Start on Carrer de Blai in Poble Sec where pintxos – bite-sized delights like chistorra (a type of sausage similar to chorizo) and gildas (olives, peppers and anchovies on a toothpick) – are served on toothpicks, so you can sample as you go. For a showstopping dining experience, book well in advance for Disfrutar, ranked #1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Here, Mediterranean cuisine is turned into pure theatre. 

No Barcelona trip is complete without a stop at El Xampanyet, a century-old authentic Catalan tapas institution where locals squeeze in for perfectly executed classics. The must-orders? Velvety chocolate truffles drizzled with olive oil and sea salt, paired with their house cava and the melt-in-your-mouth Iberian pork. Insider tip: go on a weekday and arrive 20 minutes before they open, as they don’t take reservations and queues form quickly. 

From sun-soaked sands to sunset sips 

While Barceloneta Beach draws the crowds with its golden sands and beachfront chiringuitos (small beach bars), savvy visitors head to Bogatell Beach for a more authentic slice of Barcelona beach life. Here, locals gather for spontaneous volleyball matches (newcomers welcome), and the promenade feels more neighbourhood than tourist trap. 

The recently opened Gastronomic Balcony at Port Olímpic has transformed the waterfront scene. This new development offers a string of top-tier restaurants, artisanal gelaterias and cosy cafes. Time your visit for sunset, when the sky turns pink and the after-work crowds gather for aperitivos with a sea breeze –Barcelona living at its finest. 

Beautiful Barceloneta Beach in Barcelona, Spain, the perfect spot for a sunset aperitif - Luxury Escapes

Best rooftop hangouts 

When the Barcelona streets have worked their magic, head skyward. Kimpton Vividora’s rooftop oasis has intimate nooks for sunset cava and is the ideal spot for brunching with free-flow mimosas. For an extra layer of luxe, Terrat at the Mandarin Oriental is pure heaven – think perfectly mixed martinis with a side of Sagrada Familia spotting. Our insider pick? The Ohla Barcelona rooftop is where it’s at. Splash around in the infinity pool by day or roll up as the sun goes down when local DJs set the nighttime vibe. 

Take in sky-high views 

Barcelona’s cityscape is one of a kind, so take advantage of its mountainous landscapes with a hike along Carretera de les Aigües for glorious city views in a more natural setting. Climb to the top of Mount Tibidabo – or catch the funicular from Plaça Dr Andreu – to find Spain’s oldest amusement park, featuring vintage carnival rides and a dedicated skywalk. Closer to the city centre, opt for Montjuic Hill, accessible via a scenic cable car ride directly from the beach. If you prefer to stay near the A/C, visit the Mirador Torre Glories observatory for a sky-high vantage point. 

Ramble down Las Ramblas 

The poet, Federico García Lorca, once said Las Ramblas was ‘the only street in the world [he] wished would never end’. This swarming thoroughfare is the main artery of the city, home to the famous Boqueria Market and cultural landmarks like the Liceu Theatre.  

However, it’s down its veins – the small laneways running off the main street – that the real treats lie. Stop for authentic churros and liquid chocolate at La Pallaresa, or head to Chök bakery for fresh cronuts and a modern take on cinnamon rolls.   

Las Ramblas, one of the great thoroughfares of the world and a must-visit in Barcelona - Luxury Escapes
Nick Rudd

Written by Nick Rudd

Currently based in sunny Barcelona, Nick is a travel enthusiast with an insatiable appetite for uncovering the coolest spots and hidden gems around the globe, sharing his insider knowledge that will make you want to pack your bags and go.
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