Attractions within the Barcelona Metropolitan area

All Barcelona Metropolitan Area Attractions

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalan autonomous region of Spain. It is a medium sized city famous for its modernism. Barcelona city has had many periods of growth culturally and in size. Notable were the 1888 World exhibition, 1929 Barcelona Universal Exposition and 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Barcelona is also home to a unique style of modernism architecture pioneered by Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and many more incredible architects.

In the gothic centre, Barcelona has medieval and roman city buildings and streets. There are some incredible green space parks and gardens to explore.

This page lists all the things you can do and see in the Barcelona metropolitan area. It is a long list and is ordered by the number of times people have clicked on that item, I have not chosen the order!

If this long list is a bit overwhelming, you can use the menu hamburger and filter by geographic area-neighbourhood-Locality or distance from Barcelona. Or try the search bar.

If you see something you like on this list page you can click on it to find more information about the specific attraction.

Happy Exploring!

Things to do and see in downtown Barcelona medieval centre

The downtown area is the old medieval part of the city and comprises the neighbourhoods of Barri Gòtic, Las Ramblas, EL born, Cuitadella and La Ribera. This part of town is great for walking around and below you will find ALL the attractions.

Barcelona Port Cable Car – Tickets, Hours & Views from Transbordador Aeri

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Nov 7, 2025 | 5.5k views

Barcelona Port Cable Car – Tickets, Hours & Views from Transbordador Aeri

Ride the Transbordador Aeri del Port cable car 1.3 km over Port Vell from Barceloneta to Montjuïc. Get ticket info, opening hours, and travel tips

Recinte Modernista Sant Pau – Art Nouveau Museum in Barcelona

Explore Sant Pau’s stunning art-nouveau hospital complex in Barcelona. A UNESCO World Heritage museum designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner

Sagrada Família Barcelona – Tickets, Tips & Gaudí’s Legacy

Explore Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Get tickets, visiting tips, opening hours, and history of this UNESCO-listed modernist basilica

MUHBA – Barcelona City History Museum in Plaça del Rei

Walk through Roman streets beneath Plaça del Rei at MUHBA, Barcelona’s city history museum housed in medieval palaces and Gothic architecture

La Boquería Market: Barcelona’s Historic Food Haven on La Rambla

La Boquería: Barcelona’s oldest and most iconic fresh produc food market. Sizzling tapas, and vibrant stalls nestled off La Rambla in the heart of the Raval district

Modelo Prison Museum: Barcelona’s Former Panopticon of Repression

Explore La Modelo, Barcelona’s former panopticon prison turned museum. Active from 1904 to 2017, it held political prisoners and saw executions under Franco. Now open for free guided and unguided visits

Barcelona Las Arenas Shopping Centre & Rooftop Viewpoint

Visit Las Arenas in Plaza d’España — a former bullring transformed into a shopping mall with rooftop restaurants and panoramic views of Barcelona.

Barcelona Town Hall & Plaça Sant Jaume Guide

Explore Barcelona’s administrative heart at Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the City Hall and Generalitat Palace. Free guided tours of the historic City Hall interior available

Inside Casa Batlló: Gaudí’s House of Bones in Barcelona

Explore Casa Batlló’s surreal interiors, dragon-inspired rooftop, and coral-colored façade. See photography tips, ticket options, and what to expect inside

Palau Güell: Gaudí’s Castle-Style Mansion in Las Ramblas

Visit Palau Güell, Gaudí’s medieval-style mansion in Las Ramblas. Explore all floors of this UNESCO-listed museum. Tickets, hours, and tour info available

MUHBA Temple of Augustus – Hidden Roman Columns

2000-Year-Old Roman Temple ruins in Barcelona. Hidden Gothic courtyard with towering columns from ancient Barcino. Free to visit and rich in Roman heritage

Plaça Reial: Gaudí Lamp Posts & Nightlife in Barcelona

Historic square in the Gothic Quarter with Gaudí lamp posts, lively bars, restaurants, and the Font de les Tres Gràcies fountain. Built on a former monastery site

Barcelona Roman Wall | Gothic Quarter Walking Route

Explore Roman wall remains of ancient Barcino in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, from Plaça Ramon Berenguer III to the Sea Gate at Plaza dels Traginers

Las Ramblas: Living Statues, Artisan Markets & Historic Fountains

Discover Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s iconic pedestrian boulevard with living statues, flower stalls, pop-up artisan markets, mosaics, and historic fountains

Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Gaudí’s UNESCO Stone Quarry House

Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Gaudí’s stone-quarried modernist house in Barcelona. Discover rooftop chimneys, attic arches, ticket info, history, and nearby Gaudí sites

Gran Teatre del Liceu: Barcelona’s Historic Opera House

Explore the Gran Teatre del Liceu—Barcelona’s iconic opera house founded in 1837, rebuilt in 1999, and home to legendary performances. Discover its history, architecture, and how to visit

Plaça Sant Felip Neri – Baroque Church, Fountain & Civil War History

Discover Plaça Sant Felip Neri, a hidden Gothic Quarter square with a baroque church scarred by Civil War bombings, a peaceful fountain, and historic guild buildings

Barcelona Cathedral | Gothic Landmark in the Heart of El Gòtic

Visit Catedral de Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter. Discover cloisters, rooftop views, Santa Eulàlia’s crypt, and centuries of Gothic architecture and history

Casa de la Ardiaca – Hidden Gem & Photo Spot in Barcelona

Scenic courtyard, rooftop views & modernist mailbox. A Gothic hidden gem beside the cathedral with archives, Roman walls & wedding-worthy photo spots

Santa Maria del Pi Basilica | Bell Tower & Museum Visit

Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi. Visit the museum, climb the bell tower, and enjoy artisan markets and classical concerts.

Museu Marítim – Barcelona’s Historic Ship Museum

Explore Barcelona’s maritime past in the Drassanes shipyards. See royal galleys, historic boats, and hands-on exhibits for families and sea lovers

Avenida Gaudí: Walk from Sagrada Família to Sant Pau

Discover Avenida Gaudí, a scenic pedestrian street linking La Sagrada Família with Recinte Modernista Sant Pau. Features ornate modernist lampposts by Pere Falqués and outdoor dining terraces

Parc Joan Miró: Barcelona’s Artistic Oasis Behind Las Arenas

Discover Parc Joan Miró in Barcelona — a peaceful urban park with pine groves, pétanque courts, and the iconic “Woman and Bird” sculpture by Joan Miró. A perfect escape near Plaza d’Espanya

Museu Frederic Marès – Barcelona's Sculpture & Collector’s Museum

Explore Museu Frederic Marès in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Discover religious art, carved sculptures, and rare collectibles in a historic royal palace

Barcelona Diocesan Museum | Roman Wall & Religious Art

Explore the Museu Diocesà de Barcelona, built into the Roman wall. Discover 3,000+ religious artifacts, Gothic art, and rooftop views of the cathedral

Things to do In Barcelona Litoral Areas

The port area of Barcelona is free to walk around in and has some wonderful old buildings such as the post office and Our lady of mercy Basilica as well as enjoying the port from Maremagnum shopping Centre. Barcelona beaches are also free to visit.

Additionally there is a nature reserve wetland park in El prat de llobregat. Castelldefels beach is accessible using a T-casual Zone 1 ticket.

Barcelona Central Post Office – Historic Correos & Telegraph Building

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Nov 7, 2025 | 6.5k views

Barcelona Central Post Office – Historic Correos & Telegraph Building

Visit Barcelona’s grand Central Post Office, a 1920s Catalan Modernist landmark with a stunning frescoed dome. Send mail or admire its architectural beauty

Maremagnum Centre – Sunday Shopping in Port Vell, Barcelona

Discover Maremagnum, Barcelona’s only major shopping mall open every Sunday. Located in Port Vell under port authority jurisdiction, it offers fashion, dining, and waterfront views

Barcelona Port Cable Car – Tickets, Hours & Views from Transbordador Aeri

Ride the Transbordador Aeri del Port cable car 1.3 km over Port Vell from Barceloneta to Montjuïc. Get ticket info, opening hours, and travel tips

Mirador de Colón: Columbus Monument & Panoramic Viewpoint

Barcelona’s historic Columbus Monument built for the 1888 Exposition. Ride the elevator to a panoramic viewpoint below the statue and enjoy sweeping views of La Rambla and Port Vell

Exploring Port Forum & Parc Litoral on foot and jet-ski

A 1992 Barcelona Olympic port with secret beach nearby that has views of the futuristic power plant behind. Explore on foot and rent a jet-ski

Estació de França | Barcelona’s Grand Historic Train Station

Elegant iron architecture, marble domes, and natural light define Estació de França — Barcelona’s most beautiful train station since 1929

Museu d'Història de Catalunya (MHCAT) | Catalonia History Museum

Explore Catalonia’s past at Palau de Mar. From the Stone Age to the Civil War, this family-friendly museum offers interactive exhibits and rooftop views

Schooner Santa Eulàlia – Historic Sailboat in Port Vell

Restored 1918 schooner moored in Port Vell. Visit the deck and hold as part of the Maritime Museum collection. Free entry Sundays after 15h

Museu Marítim – Barcelona’s Historic Ship Museum

Explore Barcelona’s maritime past in the Drassanes shipyards. See royal galleys, historic boats, and hands-on exhibits for families and sea lovers

Barcelona Beaches - Barceloneta from hotel W to Port Olímpic

A guide to the beaches in the Barceloneta neighbourhood - Sant Sebastian, Sant Miquel, Barceloneta & Somorrostro beaches. Water sports activities

Basilica de La Mercè: Baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy

Discover the Basilica de La Mercè, a hidden Baroque masterpiece in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Built in 1775, free to visit, with guided tours available Saturdays

Sant Miquel Del Port Church Barceloneta fisherman's village

1755 Church and square in fisherman's village of Barceloneta. Built under the orders of Jaime de Guzmán-Dávalos y Spínola

Besòs Water Tower - Torre de les Aigües del Besòs

A historic modernist industrial brick landmark in the Poblenou and Fòrum neighbourhoods & a beautiful example of water infrastructure in Catalonia

Barcelona Beaches - Poblenou from Port Olímpic to Forum

A guide to the Barcelona Beaches from Port Olímpic to Forum via Poblenou area, the nudist beach in Barcelona city, reduced mobility access to the sea

Barcelona Boat Tours – Sunset Cruises, Catamarans & Port Rides

Explore Barcelona’s coastline by boat. Compare sunset cruises, eco catamarans, and budget-friendly port tours. Live music, drinks & panoramic views

Parc de la Barceloneta former gas factory

A beach front park in Barceloneta that was a gas production factory until 1989. Parc contains decorative water tower as well as the gas storage tank remains

MUHBA Porta de Mar – Roman Sea Gate & Thermal Baths

Explore Roman ruins in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Free museum with 2000-year-old sea gate, thermal bathhouse remains, and trade history from ancient Barcino

Hotel W Barceloneta & Sant Sebastià Beach

About Hotel W construction and Barcelona port breakwater. Learn to windsurf at Sant Sebastià beach

Cementiri del Poblenou - Poblenou Cemetery

First cemetery built in Barcelona not attached to a parochial church, known as Eastern Cemetery to the east city outside of the old city medieval walls

Port Olímpic Marina, Hotel Arts & Tore Mapfre

Built for sailing events for 1992 Barcelona summer Olympics with views of hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre, sailing school and boat rental. No longer night club zone

Barcelona Natural Sciences Museum - Museo Ciències Naturales

Barcelona Museu Blau el Forum. Discover planet earth from creation to today's life on earth in a child friendly, informative & interactive space

Things to do and see in Montjuïc

Montjuïc, or Jewish Mountain, is a great natural space within the city with many gardens and some Olympic venues that are free to walk around in as well as premium museums. It is in Montjuïc that you will find great views of the city from it's hills.

Magic Fountain Barcelona – Free Light & Music Show Times

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Nov 7, 2025 | 9.2k views

Magic Fountain Barcelona – Free Light & Music Show Times

Visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc in Barcelona. Free water, light & music show. History, show times, and how to get there

Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys – FC Barcelona Stadium

Visit FC Barcelona’s temporary stadium in Montjuïc. Olympic history, concerts, tours, and match-day access at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Montjuïc Cable Car & TMB Funicular – Reach the Castle with Views

Ride the Montjuïc Funicular from Paral·lel Metro, then soar via cable car to Montjuïc Castle. Scenic views, ticket info, and accessibility tips included

Barcelona Port Cable Car – Tickets, Hours & Views from Transbordador Aeri

Ride the Transbordador Aeri del Port cable car 1.3 km over Port Vell from Barceloneta to Montjuïc. Get ticket info, opening hours, and travel tips

Montjuïc Cactus Garden | Succulent Park with Sea Views Barcelona

Discover Montjuïc’s hidden cactus garden near Miramar. Explore exotic succulents, panoramic city views, and one of Europe’s largest drought-tolerant collections

Barcelona Botanical Gardens | Montjuïc Nature & Bonsai

Explore Barcelona’s Montjuïc Botanical Gardens. Discover bonsai trees, Mediterranean plants, cactus trails, and spring flowers with city views

Palau Sant Jordi & Montjuïc Olympic Park Concert Venue

Explore Palau Sant Jordi in Montjuïc Olympic Park. 1992 Olympic arena, concerts, and the iconic Telefonica needle tower. Access, events & architecture

Greek Theatre & Rose Garden | Montjuïc Open Air Venue

Explore Montjuïc’s Greek Theatre & Rose Garden. Summer shows, yoga classes, and Grec Festival performances in a scenic open air amphitheatre

Montjuïc Castle Barcelona – Fortress, Museum & City Viewpoint

Explore Montjuïc Castle: a bastioned fortress, military museum, Civil War prison, and panoramic viewpoint. Former Spanish Army base, now open to the public

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya MNAC – Palau Nacional Barcelona

Visit MNAC in Montjuïc’s Palau Nacional. Explore Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance & Catalan Modern Art. Tickets, discounts & accessibility info

Montjuïc Gardens – Laribal, Joan Brossa & Verdaguer Viewpoints

Explore Montjuïc’s scenic gardens: Laribal, Joan Brossa & Verdaguer. Historic green spaces with city views, fountains & walking routes

Poble Espanyol Barcelona – Culture, Events & Flamenco

Explore Spanish architecture, artisan shops, concerts & flamenco shows at Poble Espanyol in Montjuïc. Tickets, hours & event info included

Funeral Carriages Museum – Montjuïc Cemetery Barcelona

Explore historic funeral carriages in Montjuïc Cemetery. Free museum, notable burials, and walking routes through Barcelona’s most serene cemetery

Montjuïc Historic Botanic Garden | Sensorial Garden Barcelona

Explore Barcelona’s first botanical garden in Montjuïc. A sensorial garden in a former quarry with rare plants, free entry, and peaceful nature walks

Olympic & Sports Museum | Montjuïc 1992 Olympic Exhibits

Explore Barcelona’s Olympic & Sports Museum on Montjuïc. Interactive exhibits, 1992 Olympic history, and family-friendly fun. Tickets, hours & directions

CaixaForum Barcelona – Art Exhibitions & Cultural Hub

Explore CaixaForum Barcelona: a Modernist museum with art exhibitions, cultural events & historic architecture. Tickets, hours & access info

Refugi 307: Underground Civil War Shelter in Poble Sec, Barcelona

Explore Refugi 307, a hidden underground air raid shelter from the Spanish Civil War in Poble Sec, Barcelona. Guided tours every Sunday. Book tickets via MUHBA

Barcelona Ethnological Museum in Montjuïc – Cultural Gems

Explore 70,000+ artifacts at Museu Etnològic Montjuïc. Discover Catalan heritage, global cultures, and enjoy free museum entry on select days

Joan Maragall Gardens & Albéniz Palace in Montjuïc

Elegant French-style gardens around a neoclassical royal pavilion. Weekend access, classical statues, and peaceful lawns in Montjuïc, Barcelona

Fire Brigade Museum | Espai Bombers: Parc de la Prevenció

Explore Espai Bombers, Barcelona’s historic fire station museum featuring vintage firefighting vehicles and stories of famous fires. A must-see Montjuïc museum

Things to do and see in Barcelona city suburbs

Barcelona has several neighbourhoods with interesting parks and gardens as well as buildings of historical interest that are free to enter and explore. This sections covers the non downtown/central attractions.

FGC Vallvidrera Funicular & 111 Bus to Tibidabo

FGC+BUS

Nov 7, 2025 | 12.2k views

FGC Vallvidrera Funicular & 111 Bus to Tibidabo

Historic 1906 mountain railway from Peu del Funicular to Vallvidrera village. Reach Tibidabo via scenic walk or short bus ride

TC2 Bus & Tibidabo Funicular (Cuca de Llum) from Plaza J.F. Kennedy

Ride the Cuca de Llum Funicular to Tibidabo Amusement Park. Spain’s first funicular, now modernized. History, ticket options, and how to get there

Visit Carmel Bunkers at Turó de la Rovira: Barcelona’s top viewpoint with Civil War ruins, museum access, and panoramic sunset views. Entry now regulated

Recinte Modernista Sant Pau – Art Nouveau Museum in Barcelona

Explore Sant Pau’s stunning art-nouveau hospital complex in Barcelona. A UNESCO World Heritage museum designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner

Sagrada Família Barcelona – Tickets, Tips & Gaudí’s Legacy

Explore Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Get tickets, visiting tips, opening hours, and history of this UNESCO-listed modernist basilica

Modelo Prison Museum: Barcelona’s Former Panopticon of Repression

Explore La Modelo, Barcelona’s former panopticon prison turned museum. Active from 1904 to 2017, it held political prisoners and saw executions under Franco. Now open for free guided and unguided visits

Plaça de la Virreina | Church, Tapas & Calçotada in Gràcia

Discover Plaça de la Virreina in Gràcia. Romanesque church, terrace bars, and calçotada festival. A peaceful square with local charm and seasonal events

Barcelona Las Arenas Shopping Centre & Rooftop Viewpoint

Visit Las Arenas in Plaza d’España — a former bullring transformed into a shopping mall with rooftop restaurants and panoramic views of Barcelona.

Parc Güell Barcelona: Gaudí’s Mosaic Park, Tickets & Tips

Visit Parc Güell, Gaudí’s iconic mosaic park in Barcelona. Explore sculptures, viewpoints, ticket info, opening hours, and tips for your visit to this UNESCO site

Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia | Clock Tower, Town Hall & Dining

Explore Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia in Barcelona. Historic clock tower, town hall, terrace dining, and cultural events in the heart of the Gràcia neighborhood

Inside Casa Batlló: Gaudí’s House of Bones in Barcelona

Explore Casa Batlló’s surreal interiors, dragon-inspired rooftop, and coral-colored façade. See photography tips, ticket options, and what to expect inside

Plaça del Diamant Refugi Antiaeri | Gràcia Civil War Shelter Tour

Visit one of Barcelona’s last surviving Civil War air raid shelters. Located in Gràcia. Guided tours every Sunday in Catalan, Spanish, and English

Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Gaudí’s UNESCO Stone Quarry House

Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Gaudí’s stone-quarried modernist house in Barcelona. Discover rooftop chimneys, attic arches, ticket info, history, and nearby Gaudí sites

Roman-Style Church in Sant Gervasi Barcelona

Discover Mare de Déu de la Bonanova, a hidden Roman-style church in Sant Gervasi with Catalan mass, organ music, and rich architectural history

Parc De Cervantes Rose Garden in Avenida Diagonal

Public rose garden with over 2000 flowering rose bushes and 27 species of trees. Best time to visit is May to July when Roses are in full flower

Parc Laberint d’Horta – Barcelona’s Most Romantic Garden Maze

Explore Parc Laberint d’Horta — Barcelona’s oldest garden and a romantic maze park perfect for couples, first dates, and peaceful walks in nature

Gaidí's Torre Bellesguard Gaudí Castle – Tours & History

Explore Gaudí’s hidden castle house in Barcelona. Book guided tours in English. Visit the mosaic staircase, rooftop terrace, and medieval garden

Avenida Gaudí: Walk from Sagrada Família to Sant Pau

Discover Avenida Gaudí, a scenic pedestrian street linking La Sagrada Família with Recinte Modernista Sant Pau. Features ornate modernist lampposts by Pere Falqués and outdoor dining terraces

Parc Joan Miró: Barcelona’s Artistic Oasis Behind Las Arenas

Discover Parc Joan Miró in Barcelona — a peaceful urban park with pine groves, pétanque courts, and the iconic “Woman and Bird” sculpture by Joan Miró. A perfect escape near Plaza d’Espanya

Sants Modernist century old Food Market

Mercado de Sants is a beautiful, recently refurbished, large, modernist, brick, cathedral like, food market dating from 1913

Monestir de Pedralbes - Pedralbes Monastery Museum

Former monastery Founded by King James II of Aragon in 1326. 3 tier courtyard garden and preserved rooms such as the kitchens, dining hall, basement and Church

Pedralbes Park & Gardens with Royal Palace

French and English styled majestic Gardens of former royal palace with fountains, ponds, tree lined boulevards, statues and sculptures

Casa Vicens Barcelona | Gaudí’s First House & Museum in Gràcia

Visit Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first house and a UNESCO site. Explore Art Nouveau interiors, rooftop chimneys, garden café, and book skip-the-line tickets online

Jardins de la Maternitat - Maternity Gardens of Hospital

The gardens are a public space for enjoying the tranquil ambience of a historic health-care complex from late 19th century. Located next to Camp Nou Stadium

Thanks for reading about Attractions within the Barcelona Metropolitan area