Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona

Using this list

Ten of Barcelona's defining sights as a checklist, weighted toward Gaudí — which is the right weighting, since his buildings are what make the city architecturally unlike anywhere else.

The Gaudí sites need advance tickets

The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera all use timed entry and regularly sell out days ahead in season. The Sagrada Família's tower access is a separate ticket bought at the same time — decide when you book, not when you arrive.

Park Güell's monumental zone is the ticketed part; the surrounding park is free and worth the walk regardless.

Group by neighbourhood

The Gothic Quarter and El Born together on foot, the Eixample for Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, Montjuïc as its own half-day. The metro is quick and cheap for the longer hops.

The beach is a real part of the city

Barceloneta is fifteen minutes from the old town, which few visitors realise until they're there. Worth a morning.

Be sensible about pickpocketing

Barcelona has a well-earned reputation for it, concentrated on La Rambla, the metro, and crowded sights. Nothing in a back pocket, bag closed and in front of you in crowds. It's opportunistic rather than dangerous.

Eat later than feels natural

Lunch runs from around two, dinner rarely before nine. Restaurants serving at seven are generally aimed at tourists. Many kitchens close between services entirely.

Timing

Run it plain, or add due dates from your arrival to spread it across the trip.