Barcelona

Gaudi landmarks, tapas counters & Raval vintage

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Barcelona is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Carrer de la Riera Baixa, Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Food lovers should not miss Cal Pep and El Xampanyet. Below you will find 44 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Barcelona at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Carrer de la Riera Baixa and Sagrada Familia
Where to stay: Poblenou and Eixample
Local picks: 44 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Barcelona

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods for First-TimersWhere to stay in Barcelona? A local guide to the best neighbourhoods, from the central Eixample and Gothic Quarter to…

Local tipsHow Many Days Do You Need in Barcelona? A Local’s GuideHow many days do you need in Barcelona? A local guide to the ideal trip length, the must-see Gaudi sights,…

Where to stay in Barcelona

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Day trip

Montserrat Half-Day Trip

Escape the city to the serrated Montserrat mountain and its dramatic hilltop monastery, reached by rack railway or cable car. Guided day trips handle the transport and often include a wine tasting or the boys’ choir.

★ 4.6

Gracia

Oido

An easily-missed corner bar in Gracia from the crew behind cult favourite Fonda Pepa – old-school hospitality reworked with serious cooking. Small and in-the-know, so book ahead and settle in.

★ 4.6

Ciutat Vella

Paella Cooking Class

Often starting with a market visit, these hands-on classes teach you to cook a proper paella (and usually sangria) before you sit down to eat the results. A fun, tasty skill to take home.

★ 4.8

Sant Pere

Palau de la Musica Catalana

A jaw-dropping Modernista concert hall clad in stained glass, mosaic and sculpture, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take the guided tour by day, or better still catch a concert under its luminous inverted-dome skylight.

★ 4.8

El Born

Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona’s green lung beside El Born – shady paths, a monumental cascade fountain (with a young Gaudi’s hand in it), a rowing lake and the Catalan parliament. Perfect for a picnic or a lazy afternoon.

★ 4.5

Gracia

Park Guell

Gaudi’s whimsical hillside park of mosaic lizards, wave benches and gingerbread gatehouses, with sweeping views over the city. The Monumental Zone is ticketed and timed – book ahead; the surrounding park is free to roam.

★ 4.7

El Born

Picasso Museum

Set in five medieval palaces in El Born, this museum holds one of the world’s great collections of Picasso’s formative early work, tracing his Barcelona years. Free entry on some evenings – check ahead and book.

★ 4.5

Eixample

Praktik Bakery

A cheerful design hotel in the Eixample with a genuine artisan bakery in the lobby – so the whole place smells of fresh bread. Comfortable, characterful and moments from Passeig de Gracia.

★ 4.5

Poble Sec

Quimet i Quimet

A minuscule, bottle-lined bodega in Poble Sec famous for its montaditos – artful little open sandwiches built to order – paired with vermouth or a well-chosen wine. Standing room only and worth every crowded minute.

★ 4.6

Eixample

Sagrada Familia

Gaudi’s astonishing unfinished basilica, under construction since 1882 and still rising. The forest-like interior and kaleidoscopic stained glass are unforgettable – book a timed ticket ahead, and pay extra to climb a tower for the view.

★ 4.8

Eixample

Sagrada Familia Skip-the-Line Tour

Skip the long queues with a guided fast-track tour of the Sagrada Familia, an expert decoding Gaudi’s symbolism as you go. Many options add a tower climb for the rooftop views – easily booked online.

★ 4.7

Ciutat Vella

Tapas & Wine Evening Tour

An evening graze through a handful of local tapas bars with a guide, tasting Catalan small plates paired with wine, cava and vermouth. A delicious, sociable way to eat like a local without the guesswork.

★ 4.8

Gracia

Taverna El Glop

A bustling Gracia taverna that locals cross town for, turning out wood-fired paella and fideua alongside chargrilled meats and vegetables. Hearty, traditional and full of neighbourhood atmosphere.

★ 4.4

Poblenou

The Hoxton, Poblenou

The design-led Hoxton’s Barcelona outpost in creative Poblenou, with a rooftop pool, a good taqueria and that easy, hang-out-all-day vibe. A little out from the centre but well connected and full of character.

★ 4.5

Sant Pere

Yurbban Trafalgar

A friendly, well-run boutique on the edge of the Born, with a little rooftop plunge pool and terrace looking toward the cathedral spires. Great value for its style and location.

★ 4.7

Before you go

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Barcelona travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Barcelona?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Barcelona at a relaxed pace. See our Barcelona itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Barcelona?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Barcelona guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Barcelona?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Barcelona?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Barcelona is worth visiting year-round.