Things To Do | Explora Barcelona
Sagrada Família
🗺️ Gaudí’s iconic unfinished church — book tickets online (at least 2 weeks in advance)! 🚇 Metro: L2 (Purple) or L5 (Blue) to Sagrada Família Note: Bring headphones and download the app before visiting the church. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, as they sell out quickly—so book early! Use the link provided here, as it’s the official website; many other companies charge higher fees.
Park Güell
🗺️ Colorful mosaic park with city views and Gaudí architecture 🚌 Bus: 24 or 92 to Ctra del Carmel-Park Güell Note: Book tickets at least one week in advance. Use the hyperlink provided on this site, as many other sources overcharge or are scams.
Gothic Quarter
🗺️ Wander through history, tapas bars, and street performers 🚇 Metro: L3 (Green) to Liceu or L4 (Yellow) to Jaume I
Barceloneta Beach
🗺️ City beach perfect for seafood by the water 🚇 Metro: L4 (Yellow) to Barceloneta or Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica
Picasso Museum Barcelona
🗺️ One of the world’s best collections of Picasso’s early works 🚇 Metro: L4 (Yellow) to Jaume I
Telefèric de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Cable Car)
🗺️ Gardens, castle, and panoramic views 🚇 Metro: L3 (Green) to Paral·lel, then switch to Funicular de Montjuïc 🚡 Optional: Cable car (Telefèric de Montjuïc) to the top
Tibidabo
⛪ Hilltop basilica + sweeping city views On top of Barcelona’s highest hill sits the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, a striking basilica built by Saint John Bosco and crowned by a golden statue of Christ. 🚆 Train (FGC): S1 or S2 from Plaça Catalunya to Peu del Funicular → funicular to Vallvidrera Superior → Bus 111 to Tibidabo ⏱️ ~1 hour of travel one way
Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey
🗻 Dramatic mountain views + spiritual heritage A beautiful Benedictine monastery nestled in jagged mountains. Ride the cable car or funicular to the top, hike the scenic trails, and listen to the world-famous boys' choir. 🚆 Train (FGC): R5 from Plaça Espanya to Aeri de Montserrat, then cable car or rack railway ⏱️ ~1.5 hours of travel one way
Sitges
🚆 Train (Rodalies): R2 Sud from Estació de Sants or Passeig de Gràcia ⏱️ ~40 minutes (one way)
Costa Brava
🌅 Breathtaking coastline, turquoise waters, and cliffside villages This stretch of coast north of Barcelona is famous for hidden coves, charming beach towns like Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, and Cadaqués, and beautiful coastal hikes. 🚌 How to get there: Take a Sarfa/Moventis bus from Estació del Nord. ⏱️ Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the destination
Penedès Region
🍷 Cava (sparkling wine) tastings in beautiful vineyards Visit the birthplace of cava — Catalonia’s answer to Champagne. Many wineries offer tours and tastings. A great relaxing escape for wine lovers. 🚆 How to get there: Take the R4 train from Barcelona Sants to Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. ⏱️ Travel time: ~1 hour
Andorra la Vella
⛰️ A scenic mountain escape in a new country Visit the tiny country of Andorra, tucked between Spain and France in the Pyrenees. Spend the day enjoying mountain views, duty-free shopping, and cozy cafés in the capital, Andorra la Vella. In winter, it’s also a ski destination! 🚌 How to get there: Take a direct coach (Andbus) from Barcelona Sants or Estació del Nord to Andorra la Vella. ⏱️ Travel time: ~3 hours one way 📌 Note: Bring your passport — you’ll be crossing an international border.
Madrid
Visit the capital of Spain vibrant culture and historical heritage. Explore grand boulevards, visit world-class museums like the Prado, and enjoy tapas in Plaza Major. A perfect mix of tradition, art, and outdoors. 🚆 How to get there: Madrid is easily accessible by high-speed train (AVE) ⏱️ Travel time: ~2.5 hours from Barcelona
La Flauta | Aribau
🍴 Bustling local tapas bar + perfect for sharing A favorite among locals for casual but high-quality tapas. La Flauta is known for its grilled meats, fresh seafood, and—yes—flutes of cava. Don’t miss the flautas (toasted mini sandwiches), the grilled cuttlefish, or the jamón ibérico. Great for groups or a late lunch. 🚇 How to get there: Metro L1 or L2 to Universitat 📌 Tip: It gets busy! Go early or make a reservation if you can.
Gusto Restaurant
🍝 Authentic Italian cuisine + cozy vibes A favorite for Italian food lovers, Gusto offers classic dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. From creamy risottos to handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, it’s the perfect spot for a comforting, authentic meal in the city. Serena’s parents love coming here when they visit—it’s become a family favorite! 🚇 How to get there: Metro L4 to Girona or L3 to Diagonal
Bar El Tomàs de Sarrià
🥔 local favorite patatas bravas This neighborhood gem in Sarrià is beloved for its crispy, garlicky patatas bravas—often called the best in the city. It’s an old-school, very local spot and perfect for a casual snack or light lunch. 🚇 How to get there: FGC train to Sarrià (S1 or S2 line), then a short walk
Paninaro Gràcia
🥪 Sandwiches + cozy Gràcia vibes Our personal favorite weeknight date spot. Paninaro serves creative, flavor-packed sandwiches with high-quality ingredients (think house-made sauces and fresh focaccia paninis). It’s casual and always delicious—perfect for a relaxed night out. 🚇 How to get there: Metro L3 to Fontana
Paral·lelo Gelato
🍦 Artisanal gelato + local ingredients Serena’s favorite gelato spot in the city! Paral·lelo makes all of their gelato in-house using fresh, locally sourced ingredients—from Catalan milk to seasonal fruits. The flavors are rich, creative, and always rotating (try the pistachio if it's in season). 🚇 How to get there: Metro L3 or L5 to Diagonal
Dry Martini Barcelona
🍸 Classic cocktails + elegant atmosphere For a stylish night out, Dry Martini is the go-to cocktail bar. Enjoy perfectly shaken martinis, creative cocktails, and a cozy yet sophisticated setting. A must-visit for cocktail lovers! 🚇 How to get there: Metro L3 to Fontana or L5 to Diagonal 📌 Tip: Make a reservation if you can — it gets busy on weekends.
🛍️ Shopping Fun in Barcelona
From luxury boutiques on Passeig de Gràcia to trendy stores along Rambla de Catalunya, plus charming local shops in Sarrià, Gràcia, and Sant Gervasi — Barcelona is a shopper’s paradise. Don’t miss El Corte Inglés and L’Illa Diagonal for a mix of international brands. 💸 VAT Refund (Spain): Non-EU visitors can reclaim ~21% VAT. Ask for a Tax Free form when you shop and show your passport. Before leaving Spain, get all forms stamped by customs at the airport/port (VAT Refund area before check-in or security). In Barcelona you can also pre-process refunds at El Corte Inglés (Plaça Catalunya, ground floor) or the Global Blue VIP Lounge (Passeig de Gràcia 78, 1st floor, Mon–Sat 10–20). Refund by cash or card. 🎉 February Bonus: You’re visiting during the local “Rebajas” sales season — enjoy amazing discounts! 📍 Click “View” to explore our Google Map of all the top shops, streets, and malls — your ultimate Barcelona shopping guide!