Things to do in Barcelona

Local guide

About Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second most populous city in Spain. Much of its image is linked to Antoni Gaudí. The Sagrada Familia, begun in 1882, is still under construction. High up in the city, on the southern slope of Monte Carmelo in the Gràcia district, Park Güell mixes gardens and architecture by the same architect.

The cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, la Seu, is the city's Gothic cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th centuries on top of an earlier Romanesque cathedral. On Calle Montcada, the Museu Picasso holds more than 3,500 works by the Málaga-born painter. The Parque de la Ciudadela, laid out by Josep Fontserè on the grounds of a former fortress, was for many years the city's only public park.

On the Rambla, the Boqueria market (Mercat de Sant Josep) is the municipal market for fresh produce. The 177-metre Montjuïc hill rises next to the harbour, and Barceloneta beach, the oldest in the city, was remodelled just before the 1992 Olympic Games.

Fiestas mark two moments of the year. In February, the Festes de Santa Eulàlia are the winter fiesta mayor, family-friendly and full of folk culture, with giants, castellers (human towers) and devils. In September, La Mercè, the city's Festa Major, becomes a great festival of festivals across streets and squares.

To get there, metro line 9 Sud and Rodalies line R2 Nord connect Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat airport with the city, and Sants is the main railway station.

Things to do

Must-see places

1. Sagrada Familia: Gaudí's basilica, begun in 1882 and still under construction.
2. Parque Güell: public park with gardens and architecture by Gaudí on Monte Carmelo.
3. Catedral de Barcelona: Gothic cathedral from the 13th to 15th centuries.
4. Museu Picasso: more than 3,500 works by Picasso on Calle Montcada.
5. Mercat de la Boqueria (Sant Josep): municipal market on the Rambla.
6. Montjuïc: 177-metre hill next to the harbour.
7. Playa de la Barceloneta: the oldest beach in the city, remodelled for 1992.
8. Parque de la Ciudadela: historic park designed by Josep Fontserè.