Is Barcelona worth Visiting In 2024? Best Things To Do & Places To See
Is Barcelona Worth Visiting In 2024 On Your European Adventure?
Barcelona has everything you could want in a city – beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife and even a fabulous beach. It’s one of my favourite cities in Europe and one that I visit time and time again!
As a blogger, I research my destinations thoroughly to get the most out of my trip and that’s exactly how I planned my visits to the Catalan capital. I’ll share with you the many reasons I think Barcelona is worth visiting from my past visits and experiences.
From the Gaudi influence on Barcelona to its iconic football team, I’ll go over some of the best things to do, some of the best areas to stay as well as some FAQs.
By the end of this post, you’ll know for sure whether Barcelona is worth a visit or not.
Is Barcelona Worth Visiting In 2024?
Yes, without a doubt, Barcelona is worth visiting. I have been to Barcelona many times and the city just gets better with each visit. This iconic city will remain a favourite for those looking for stunning architecture, rich history, and lively culture.
Visitors to Barcelona can also enjoy a vibrant and diverse beach scene as well as atmospheric nightlife. There’s also the vibrant food scene with traditional eateries and trendy dining spots! Art lovers can enjoy the world-class museums.
Barcelona is well known for its unique architecture, mainly due to the influence of Antoni Gaudí. You can explore his incredible works at the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló.
Travellers can also explore the cultural diversity of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. From the historic Gothic Quarter to the modern Eixample district, you can walk through the centuries from one neighbourhood to another.
Foodies will love Barcelona for its culinary delights and not just delicious paella and tapas. There’s also fresh seafood and Catalan dishes such as pa amb tomàquet and crema catalana (enjoy with a glass of Cava!).
Of course, we can’t mention Barcelona without mentioning the much-celebrated football (soccer) team. The famous team of FC Barcelona ply their trade here and the Camp Nou stadium serves as a reminder of their iconic status.
The city has also taken steps to become more environmentally friendly for the eco-conscious traveller. In recent years, it has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote responsible tourism.
Best Things To Do In Barcelona
There is so much to see and do in Barcelona. The city is full of historical sights and excellent museums while time should also be set aside to sample some of that infamous Mediterranean atmosphere.
In no particular order, these are the best things to do in Barcelona:
1. Marvel At The Sagrada Familia
The awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Barcelona. The unfinished masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí is one of the most visited attractions and with good reason!
Gaudí became the lead architect a year after construction started in 1882. Unfortunately, he died in 1926 and the church was only around 20% completed!
Gaudí’s disciples would carry on his work but the plans and models for the Sagarda Famalia were destroyed during the 1939 Spanish Civil War.
The different facades and styles can clearly be seen but the different architects have tried to follow Gaudí vision as best they can and the result is this marvellous building that can be visited today.
➡️ Check Out This Skip-The-Line Guided Tour Of The Sagrada Familia!
2. Stroll Through Park Guell
Walking through Antoni Gaudí’s stunning Park Guell is like walking through the mind of the creative genius himself.
This enormous garden took 14 years to build and was opened to the public in 1926. UNESCO declared Park Guell a World Heritage Site in 1984.
The park stands out with its colourful tiles, imaginative sculptures, and intricate designs that blend into the natural surroundings.
The 19-hectare park is free to enter and visitors can wander along winding paths and enjoy city views from terraces. However, the famous dragon and mosaic-covered bench are part of the Monumental Zone which requires a ticket.
➡️ Check Out This Park Guell & Sagrada Familia Guided Tour
3. See The Colourful Casa Batlló
Another of Antoni Gaudí’s famous works (there are many) is the Casa Batlló. The beautiful exterior of the building makes it stand out along the Passeig de Gràcia!
Gaudí redesigned and remodelled this old house several times turning it into an Art Nouveau masterpiece.
The entrance to Casa Batlló includes a cool augmented reality video guide tour. You can easily spend over an hour going through every room right to the rooftop.
You can also visit another Gaudí house, Casa Milà, just up the road. That’s if you haven’t had enough Gaudí by now.
➡️ Book your Casa Batlló Admission Ticket With Intelligent Audio Guide Here!
4. Take A Walk Along Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is probably the most famous street in Barcelona, and maybe in all of Spain. The street is often on the list of must-sees in Barcelona and is visited by both tourists and locals.
The street is approximately 1.2km long and is where you’ll find all things touristy including overpriced souvenir shops and cafes. You’ll also find human statues, caricaturists and a Nike store!
This bustling promenade offers a taste of the city’s energy, culture, and street life, making it an excellent spot for leisurely strolls and people-watching with a cortado.
➡️ Check Out This Barcelona Walking Tour Which Includes Las Ramblas!
5. Experience La Boqueria Market
La Boqueria Market is a must-visit for any foodie out there. Boqueria is centuries-old and the lively market is filled with fresh produce, seafood, meats, and a variety of local and international foods.
Originally an open-air market dating back to the 13th century, La Boqueria is now one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions. You’ll find plenty of fruits, seafood, spices, and cheeses among the many stalls.
No one can leave the market without tasting delicious Iberian ham, tapas, and empanadas at the market’s food stands. La Boqueria offers an authentic taste of Barcelona’s food scene and is a must for food enthusiasts.
➡️ Book A Cooking Class With A Visit To Boqueria Market For Fresh Ingredients Here!
6. Take A Stadium Tour At Camp Nou
One for the football (soccer) fans! Even if you’re not a fan of Barcelona, it’s hard not to find a football fan who doesn’t want to set foot in one of the most famous stadiums in the world!
Camp Nou‘s current seating capacity is 99,354 making it the largest stadium in Europe and fourth-largest in the world. The record, however, was the 1986 European Cup match with Juventus when the attendance was an incredible 120,000! Can you imagine that?
Stadium and museum tours are available along with options for guides and VIP packages. Tickets for matches are not the easiest to come by but you can sign up for updates on the website.
💡Due to renovations, many parts the Camp Nou are closed to the public and the Barcelona Museum is the only accessible part. The stadium will not open fully until the 2025/2026 season. Something to consider when booking a tour!
➡️ Check Out This Exclusive Private Camp Nou Tour Here!
7. Get Lost In The The Streets Of The Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the historic centre of old Barcelona with medieval buildings, narrow streets, and a blend of old and new elements. As you get lost in the narrow streets, you may encounter ancient architecture, cosy squares, and a lively local atmosphere.
The Barcelona Cathedral is also located in the Gothic Quarter. Interestingly, the cathedral’s status means that the Sagrada Familia will never officially be home to the Catholic bishop or archbishop.
➡️ Check Out This Walking Tour Of Barcelona’s Old Town & Gothic Quarter!
8. Soak Up Some sun At Barceloneta Beach
Barcelona isn’t just about amazing architecture and culture! There are also 9 beaches within reach of the city centre for those who just want to soak up the sun.
Barceloneta Beach, or Playa de La Barceloneta, is the most popular beach and probably has the liveliest atmosphere. It’s also a great place to eat fresh seafood at one of the many beachside bars known as Chiringuitos.
Other beaches close by include the peaceful Nova Icaria Beach, the pristine Ocata Beach and the LGBT-friendly Mar Bella Beach.
➡️ Click Here To Book A Sunset Cruise At Barceloneta Beach!
9. Sample The Vibrant Food Scene
Barcelona’s food scene offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. Spanish and Catalan dishes such as jamón ibérico, and seafood paella are a must-try.
You can explore bustling food markets to sample fresh produce and local specialities. Why not try a traditional cooking class where you visit markets such as La Boqueria to gather your ingredients to cook with?
There’s a thriving tapas culture too, with many bars serving small, shareable plates like pan con tomate and various meats and cheeses. Local wines or sangria go with these perfectly.
There are also Michelin-starred restaurants for those who enjoy fine dining. Think traditional Catalan cuisine transformed with a creative twist!
💡Pro Tip: Made a dinner reservation for 8pm? You may find that you’ll be dining alone. The Spanish tend to eat a little later than most. Think 9-10pm and even up to midnight when the weekend comes!!
➡️ Check Out The Best Tapas & Wine Experience Walking Tour In Barcelona!
10. Revel In Barcelona’s Famous Nightlife
Barcelona is known for its awesome nightlife! The city is full of bars and clubs, big and small. This makes the city a popular destination for stag and hen parties. Or bachelor and bachelorette parties to those across the pond.
There is guaranteed to be some theme night every day of the week so don’t worry if you’re not on a weekend trip to Barcelona. It’s not all about partying and clubbing of course. There’s a wide variety of events happening including live music, Flamenco and Tapas crawls.
➡️ Book This Bar Crawl With A Local Here!
11. Do Something Different at Museu de l’Erotica
The Erotic Museum of Barcelona was one of those places that I hadn’t visited intentionally, but I’m glad I did!
The small museum explores human sensuality and eroticism through art and cultural displays. There’s a collection of exhibits and artefacts related to the evolution of eroticism in art and society, providing a unique and educational perspective on this topic.
It’s an interesting cultural experience for those interested in exploring eroticism in a respectful, fun way. Visit with an open mind and learn about erotic culture from all over the world, like India’s Kama Sutra!
➡️ Get Your Skip-The-Line Admission Ticket With Free Souvenir Here!
12. Take In A Flamenco show
Flamenco shows are a lively and captivating part of Barcelona’s cultural scene. These shows combine guitar music, singing, rhythmic footwork, and expressive dancing to create a unique Spanish art form.
You can catch flamenco shows in various venues across Barcelona, with El Tablao de Carmen and Palacio del Flamenco being some of the most popular. Booking your tickets in advance is always a good idea, especially during peak times.
Whether you’re a flamenco enthusiast or new to the dance altogether, seeing a show in Barcelona offers an authentic taste of Spanish culture.
➡️ Check Out This Flamenco Show And Dinner At Tablao de Carmen Here
13. Watch The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is Barcelona’s biggest and most famous fountain. Constructed for the 1929 International Expo, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was non-magical if you stumbled across it during the day.
Turn up in the evening during one of the daily shows and you’ll see why it’s called The Magic Fountain. Each day in the evening, the fountain is lit up as the water dances around to music.
It’s a stunning sight but you’ll have to get there early as you’ll be sharing it with pretty much everyone in town.
14. Enjoy Some Family Fun At Tibidabo
Are there any Friends fans out there thinking about Joey’s story about when he was backpacking in Western Europe?
Well, now you too can go hiking in the foothills of Mount Tibidabo! However, the hike to the top of Barcelona’s highest peak takes 4 hours so it isn’t a leisurely stroll!
If hiking isn’t for you then you can reach Tibidabo by car or the funicular and enjoy a fun day out at the amusement park that’s been built at the top.
As well as a great day out, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city and a chance to see Tibidabo Cathedral.
➡️ Check Out This Tour Of Barcelona By Vespa Including A Viewpoint Stop At Tibidabo
15. Take A Day Trip To Montserrat
One of the most popular day trips from Barcelona is to Montserrat, around 1.5 hours away. Although people go to visit the monastery, it’s the spectacular mountain scenery that makes this a worthy trip.
Once you’ve taken the cable car up to the top, you can walk in and around the monastery as well as take one of the many short hiking paths.
Make sure you take the short walk to Sant Miquel’s Cross. You can take in the views of the surrounding countryside as well as a great view of the monastery!
➡️ Check Out This Half-Day Montserrat Tour With Tapas And Wine Tasting!
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
The best time to visit Barcelona would be the shoulder months of peak season. May/June time and September are arguably the best times.
One of the reasons why Barcelona attracts so many tourists is because the city can be visited all year round due to the milder winters. You won’t get as many hours of sun as you might during Malaga in winter, so I wouldn’t advise any sunbathing during those colder months. Although this is often a quieter and cheaper time to visit.
Barcelona can be quite hot and humid during the summer months of July and August. This is also peak season so it can get incredibly crowded so bear this in mind when choosing when to visit.
I personally love the heat and visited in June and during peak season and enjoyed each visit.
Where To Stay In Barcelona
Choosing the best place to stay in Barcelona depends on what kind of experience you are looking for and your budget. The city is quite spread out with a diverse array of neighbourhoods, each with its unique charm and character.
Let’s take a look at some of the best areas to consider for your stay in Barcelona:
➡️ Gothic Quarter – Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhood is often the most desirable one. Visitors here can enjoy the narrow winding streets, medieval buildings, and picturesque squares. Barcelona Cathedral is located here as is Las Rambla.
➡️ Check Out This Excellent Hotel Option In The Gothic Quarter
➡️ El Raval – Just south of the Gothic Quarter is El Raval, known for its unique and artistic atmosphere. This neighbourhood is home to trendy bars, cultural spots, and a diverse population. It’s an excellent option for a quirky and unconventional Barcelona experience.
➡️ Check Out This Excellent Hotel Option In El Raval
➡️ Eixample – A central location with an elegant atmosphere. This district is renowned for its tree-lined avenues and architecture, including some of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces. It’s perfect for shopping, fine dining, and easy access to major attractions.
➡️ Check Out This Excellent Hotel Option In Eixample
➡️ Barceloneta – Perfect for those wanting more beach than bustle, Barceloneta is a lively neighbourhood right along the coast. Here, you’ll find seafood restaurants, beachfront bars, and a vibrant atmosphere.
➡️ Check Out This Excellent Hotel Option In Barceloneta
FAQs: Is Barcelona Worth Visiting
Barcelona is one of those incredible cities that everyone has to visit at least once in their life. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions visitors are asking when figuring out if Barcelona is worth visiting.
Is Barcelona Safe?
Barcelona is considered a safe city to visit but does suffer from pickpocketing as do most major tourist destinations. And like other major cities, there is the odd bad egg that may try to scam you with a card trick or game.
If you’re wearing a backpack, and are worried about the valuables inside, simply wear it on your front when walking through crowded spaces. Don’t carry large sums of cash – you can pay for most things with a travel credit/debit card with no fees.
It’s likely that you’ll have a trouble-free visit but just look after your possessions in crowded places such as Las Ramblas and the metro. Serious crime is very rare in Barcelona.
Is Barcelona Expensive To Visit?
Although Barcelona is often considered an expensive city to visit, the answer really depends on your travel style and preferences.
The city offers a diverse range of options to accommodate various budgets. You can find budget-friendly hostels in most districts and there are many mid to high-end hotels to choose from.
There are plenty of affordable tapas at local bars to value-packed “menu del día” offers at restaurants. Public transportation is reasonably priced, and there are plenty of cost-effective or even free attractions to explore.
Visiting Barcelona during off-peak seasons can also save money on accommodation and other expenses.
How Many Days Do You Need In Barcelona?
To fully enjoy Barcelona’s culture and attractions, you should allow 3-4 days minimum. This will allow you to enjoy exploring sights like the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Batlló at a more relaxed pace.
The duration of your Barcelona stay will depend on your personal preferences and the pace of your sightseeing but 3-4 days should be enough time especially if it’s your first visit.
Are There Any Reasons NOT To Visit Barcelona?
As I mentioned before, there is the risk of pickpocketing and/or scamming. This seems to be the biggest deterrent but it happens in all major cities like Paris, Rome etc.
Barcelona can also get very busy during the peak European summer months. This is also when hotel prices are likely to increase.
Another reason is the political tensions related to Barcelona’s push for Catalonia to be independent from Spain. Although this rarely affects tourists, it’s good to be aware of the current situation.
Wrapping Up: Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?
I hope that I’ve given you enough reasons as to why you should visit Barcelona! No matter if you’re a Barcelona first-timer or a regular visitor, you’ll find that there’s always something to take you back! At least, that’s how I feel about this incredible city!
Whether you visit for the culture, the architecture, the nightlife or for a family weekend, the city has something for everyone. With so many things to see and do it’s easy to see why so many Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe.
In fact, not only is Barcelona worth visiting, but it is a must-visit, and you’ll soon find out why it’s a city that will bring you back over and over again.
