12 things to tick off your Barcelona Bucket List
We may be biased, but a trip to Europe must include a trip to Barcelona, Spain. It won’t take long for you to understand why both Travel+Leisure (see #15) and Condé Nast Traveler (see slide #4) list Barcelona as one of the top cities in the world. Here is a fun list of 12 things we suggest you cross off your Barcelona bucket list.
1. Walk through the Gotic and El Born quarters.
These narrow and lively streets hold some of the oldest buildings in the city as well as local shops, bars and restaurants. We suggest you go early in the morning to make these winding streets even more enjoyable with no tourists and endless photographic opportunities.
2. Two Words: Tapas and Sangria (the national drink of Spain).
When in Spain, don’t miss out on tapas and sangria. Some of the best tapas are croquettes, patatas bravas, empanadas, pan y tomate and jamon iberico. Additional foods you must try include traditional paella, paella de marisco (seafood paella), churros with hot chocolate, vermouth, and cava (which is local sparkling wine). Pro Tip: Let us lead you to some of the best tapas in Barcelona that you’re sure to return to again and again on our Barcelona Night Tapas Tour.
We suggest you enjoy tapas at Cañete, a generous jug of sangria at one of the restaurants along the beach boardwalk, and paella at Martinez on Montjuïc or Xiringuito Escriba on Bogatell Beach. Also, did you know it’s the country’s custom to eat larger lunches and smaller dinners? You can expect restaurants to be open from 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. for lunch and from 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. for dinner.
3. Experience a Flamenco Show.
We always encourage immersing yourself in the local culture! That’s why we offer a Barcelona Night Tapas Tour with Flamenco Show. If you’re looking for a fun, culture-filled evening out in Barcelona, this is the tour for you.
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4. Attend a soccer game at Camp Nou Stadium.
This is the largest stadium of Europe, home for FC Barcelona. We can honestly say there is no better way to experience the spirit of the Catalonian people.
5. Check out Montjuïc.
Don’t miss the magical fountain show. Each show lasts about 10 minutes and then starts over again. Check this site for show times, as the fountain show is seasonal.
Also, we suggest you go up Montjuïc! We offer a tour up this mountain on electric bicycles. You can find out all the details on our Montjuïc E-Bike Tour by clicking here. We make sure you don’t miss Palau Nacional and Plaça d’Espanya at the base of Montjuïc.
Other options to escalate Montjuïc include e-bike, cable car, funicular, or by foot. For all of you adrenaline junkies, the tallest outlook point is from Torre de Collserola (if you’re okay with a glass elevator up the outside of a tower). The highest point of this tower is actually the highest place you could be in the city of Barcelona. You can expect amazing views literally *all around* Barcelona. We suggest going for sunrise or sunset with a bottle of wine.
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6. Stand in awe of Barcelona’s greatest building the Basilica Sagrada Familia.
You will not regret checking out this architectural masterpiece! The basilica’s appearance is truly beyond what words can describe. During our Barcelona City Bike Tour, after your guide provides you with unique and historical anecdotes, you are given free time to wander around and view the outside of the church. But on our Gaudi Bike Tour with Skip-the-Line Sagrada Familia Ticket, you will go straight inside the cathedral! You will have plenty of time to explore Sagrada Familia on your own before meeting back up with your guide.
Prepare to be amazed by the architect, Antoni Gaudí, during your entire trip.
Entrance fee: Cathedral Entrance – €15,00 Cathedral Entrance + Towers – €29,00
Closest metro station: Sagrada Familia (lines 2 and 5)
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7. Visit Park Güell for epic views.
Another Gaudi gem that is part museum, part hiking trail and part garden. Pro Tip: Try to avoid going on a weekend. On a weekday, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through this breathtaking park. Don’t forget your camera for epic views overlooking the city!
Entrance fee: General Admission – €7 student discount available, free entry for under 6s and over 65s.
Closest metro station: Vallcarca or Lesseps (line 3). Access Park Güell through the passage of Sant Josep de la Muntanya which is equipped with escalators.
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8. Go on a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours.
We may be biased but riding a bike in Barcelona is definitely a bucket list item. Pro Tip: A lot is closed on Mondays, making it a perfect day for a bike tour. Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just love exploring Barcelona like we do, our tours offer something for just about everyone. Each season we hand-select the best tour guides to make your experience educational, entertaining, and most of all: fun.
9. Explore the famous street, Las Ramblas.
This famous street is perfect for shopping and people watching. Pro Tip: Some great food can be found here but it will be more expensive than equally great food a few streets away for half the price. Located right off Las Ramblas is another bucket list item, Boqueria Market. This market is a great activity to help you beat jet lag due to its infectious buzz and the fresh (€2) juice. We suggest a morning stroll through the market (270 stalls to choose from) followed by a bike ride with us!
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10. Make a spontaneous picnic happen in Ciutadella Park.
You can’t go wrong with an afternoon enjoying the outdoors and relaxing in the park with the locals.
11. Catch some rays at the beach.
Did you know Barcelona didn’t have beaches until 1992? Thanks to the construction for the Summer Olympics, there are a few beaches right next to each other that you can choose from. The Barceloneta Beach is the most popular and Nova Icaria is known for being the most family-friendly.
12. Enjoy a concert at Palau de la Musica Catalana.
Guests on our Barcelona City Bike Tour cruise through the busy area that neighbor the Palau de la Música Catalana and get to see the incredible detail of this building up-close while learning more about the history of this unique and beautiful concert venue.
Entrance fee: General Admission – €18,00
Closest metro station: Urquinaona (lines 1 and 4)
Have you been to Barcelona? Would you add something fun to this bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!
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