Top 5 Barcelona

Overview

1. Overview & Arrival
2. The Sagrada Família
3. Trip to Montjuïc
4. Park Güell (Gaudí)
5. Passeig de Gràcia with Casa Batlló & Casa Milà
6. Beach
7. Insider Tips

Overview & Arrival

Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist cities in Europe, famous for its unique architecture, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. Experience the capital of Catalonia and don’t miss the masterpieces of the architect Antoni Gaudí.

The easiest way to arrive is by flying directly to the city. The airport is only about 30 minutes from the city center via the L9S metro line. The cost of the airport metro ticket (Billete Aeropuerto) is around € 5.

Here are my top 5 Barcelona highlights.

Costs & Opening Hours

Tickets start at around € 25. If you want to access the tower as well, the ticket will cost a bit more. You can skip the guided tour since you can access an audio guide directly on your phone. Don’t forget to bring your headphones!

It’s best to get your ticket online to avoid waiting in line at the ticket counter. Select the day and time, and go to the main entrance at your booked time—it’s hard to miss, as thousands of tourists will be waiting with you. But don’t worry, the line moves relatively quickly.

The church is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, with slight variations depending on the season. Here are all the details.

Trip to Montjuïc

A trip to the approximately 170-meter-high Montjuïc is a great day excursion offering variety and stunning views of the metropolis.

The adventure begins at Barcelona’s port at the Telefèric del Port. The tall tower by the docks is hard to miss. From there, a somewhat quirky cable car takes you across the harbor to Montjuïc, offering breathtaking views of the city. Once you reach the other side, you can take some great photos of the port. The cost for a one-way trip is around € 12. You can find the opening hours directly on the official website.

From there, a short walk leads up to Castell de Montjuïc. The fortress was built in the 17th century. Today, it houses Barcelona’s Military Museum and offers a spectacular view of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Behind the castle is the Botanical Garden Jardí Botànic de Barcelona. Both attractions are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, and during the summer months until 8 PM. Admission to the castle is around € 12, and the botanical garden costs around € 3.50.

Afterward, you can head down Montjuïc. You can either walk the entire way, take the cable car from the mountain station, or walk part of the way and take the cable car from the mid-station. I recommend taking at least a small ride in the panoramic cable car for the view. The ride costs around € 10.

Once you reach the lower cable car station, you can either take the funicular to the nearest metro station or walk the two stops. The cost for the funicular is included in your Barcelona day pass.

Park Güell (Gaudí)

Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous parks in Barcelona. Designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, it is known for its unique architecture, colorful mosaics, and whimsical shapes. Some of the park’s most notable features include the long, serpent-shaped bench, the famous mosaic lizard, the Sala Hipòstila with its striking columns, and the vibrant ceramic work that runs throughout the park.

Costs & Opening Hours

Admission costs around € 10. It can get very crowded, especially during the summer months. It’s best to visit the park as early as possible and use one of the side entrances (Side Entrance 1 / Side Entrance 2). You can also buy a ticket with a timeslot online.

The park is open to tourists from 9:30 AM to 6 PM.

Passeig de Gràcia with Casa Batlló & Casa Milà

Passeig de Gràcia is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona and an absolute must-visit for every visitor. This wide avenue connects Plaça Catalunya in the heart of the city with the charming Gràcia neighborhood. Here, you’ll find everything from luxury boutiques and chic restaurants to impressive architecture.

A highlight on Passeig de Gràcia is definitely Casa Batlló. This whimsical, colorful building was designed by Antoni Gaudí and looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. With its wavy façade, shimmering ceramic tiles, and quirky balconies, Casa Batlló is a true masterpiece. The house is often referred to as the “House of Bones” because its structures resemble a skeleton. Today, you can visit the building as a museum and experience Gaudí’s unique vision up close.

Not far away, you’ll find another Gaudí masterpiece: Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. Casa Milà is a real highlight and has even been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here, too, you can visit a museum and learn more about Gaudí’s innovative architecture.

Whether by day or night, Passeig de Gràcia offers a perfect mix of culture, shopping, and dining, making it a place you shouldn’t miss when in Barcelona.

Costs & Opening Hours

You can buy tickets for Casa Batlló online for around € 30. It is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM.

Tickets for Casa Milà can also be purchased online for around € 30. It is open daily from 9 AM to 8:30 PM, and during the winter months until 6:30 PM. There are also night tours available. You can find all the information here.

Beach

The beach of Barcelona is the perfect place to relax. With miles of sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy the sun, go for a swim, or simply unwind. The most famous beach, Barceloneta, is just a short walk from the city center and offers plenty of activities, from beach volleyball to water sports like windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.

In addition to the great atmosphere, Barcelona’s beach is also home to many bars and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious tapas and refreshing cocktails. The chiringuitos, small beach bars right by the water, are especially popular and offer a relaxed setting to end the day with a cool drink. In the evening, the beach promenade transforms into a vibrant nightlife scene with music, dancing, and a joyful atmosphere.

So let’s go, grab your swimsuit, and dive into the cool water.