10 Breathtaking Places to Discover in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia
A must-see during any visit to Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia is Gaudi’s most famous masterpiece and the tallest church in the world. In 2026, it reached its final height with the completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ, the basilica’s main and tallest tower. Its extraordinary design is heavily inspired by nature, with organic natural forms that evoke trees, forests and other natural elements throughout its architecture.
Ticket information: We recommend booking a couple of weeks in advance as the tickets usually sell out quickly, especially during the summer period.
A range of tickets are available starting from €26 for the simple visit with audioguide. Some tickets include access to the tower and a guided tour.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona

Casa Vicens
Located in Vila de Gràcia, Casa Vicens was Gaudi’s first major architectural project commissioned by Manuel Vicens.
The house stands out for its striking Orientalist style, inspired by Arabic and Eastern architecture. Its design combines glazed ceramics, terracotta details, decorative arches, ornate balconies and palm tree motifs. One of its most distinctive features is the rows of tiles decorated with yellow flowers, inspired by flowers that Gaudí found growing on the site before construction began.
Surrounded by a charming garden, Casa Vicens has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 and offers a fascinating look at the beginnings of Gaudi’s unique architectural style.
Ticket information: €22 for general entry and €24 for a guided tour
There are 2 tour options, one of them is the guided tour where you will join a small group and learn about the story of Casa Vicens from an expert guide and the other is the non-guided tour.
Address: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona

Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller
Casa Batlló also known as the House of Bones is one of Gaudi’s many masterpieces. Located on the busy Passeig de Gràcia, it stands out by its skull like balconies and colourful textured facades.
Right next door, the Casa Amatller is another gem which is often overlooked. Redesigned between 1898 and 1900 for the chocolatier Antonio Amattler, this gothic and flamenco style house presents a roof designed to represent the top of a chocolate bar as well as many details in relation to the chocolate industry.
For those with a sweet tooth, why not book the chocolate tasting visit which offers a journey through the origins of cocoa and the process of chocolate making. At the end, you will get the chance to taste different types of chocolates, pralines and traditional catànies chocolate sweets.
Casa Amatller is also home to the Amatller Art Centre which offers immersive experiences combining virtual reality and state-of-the-art museography. Its next upcoming exhibition has been announced as the Dalí boulevard cibernètic, an immersive exploration of some of Dalí’s most famous artworks.
Tickets information:
- Casa Batlló: From €29 for a general visit and €25 for the night visit
- Casa Amatller: Both audioguided and guided visits available: prices from €21.
Address Casa Batlló: Pg. de Gràcia, 43, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
Address Casa Amatller: Pg. de Gràcia, 41, Eixample, 08007 Barcelona

Tibidabo
For a low-cost day out, why not head to Tibidabo mountain? Tibidabo is part of the Collserola mountain range, a beautiful natural reserve covered with hiking trails and bike paths and with views towards Montserrat mountain and the Pyrenees.
The impressive Sagrat Cor church crowned by a monumental bronze statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus sits at its highest peak of 512m and offers exceptional 360 panoramic views on Barcelona and beyond. The main basilica and crypt are completely free to visit.
Tibidabo is also home to one of Europe’s oldest funfairs and Spain’s oldest theme park inaugurated in 1901.
It can be reached by train, car or bus followed by a short funicular ride.

Barcelona Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter
Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia better known as Barcelona Cathedral is an impressive example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 14th century.
One of the cathedral’s most curious traditions can be found in its cloister, where 13 geese are kept, each representing one year of Saint Eulalia’s life before she was martyred.
After admiring or visiting the cathedral, make sure to wonder through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, where you’ll discover even more architectural gems, including the famous Pont del Bisbe.
Ticket information: General admission is €16, while tickets for children under 12 cost €8.
Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona

Ciutadella Park
One of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in Barcelona, Parc de la Ciutadella is home to more than 100 species of plants and plenty of picturesque spots to explore. Take a rowing boat out on the lake, stroll through its leafy paths and admire the impressive Cascada Monumental, a grand fountain featuring a striking golden chariot, whose design involved a young Antoni Gaudí.
Don’t miss the Hivernacle, a beautiful historic glasshouse located near one of the park’s entrances and another architectural gem worth discovering during your visit. Ciutadella Park is also home to the Geological Museum and Barcelona Zoo, perfect plans to visit if you are travelling with children.
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona

Palau de la Música Catalana
The Palau de la Música Catalana is a must-visit masterpiece of Catalan Modernism and the only concert hall to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built as a home for the Orfeó Català choir, its spectacular concert hall features intricate mosaics, decorative columns and a breathtaking colourful stained-glass ceiling.
We recommend you visit the palace on a guided-tour or make the most of the various shows and concerts that take place there to see its stunning interiors.
Ticket information: From €20 euros for a simple visit
Address: C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona

Recinte Modernista Hospital de St Pau
Often overlooked but well worth the visit the Recinte Modernista de St Pau is usually less crowded than many of Barcelona’s most famous attractions.
Did you know that this former hospital was still fully operational until 2009? Often described as a ‘city within the city’ the complex is made up of beautiful, colourful pavilions surrounded by spacious gardens, all showcasing its remarkable architectural style.
As you explore, make sure you don’t miss the underground tunnels that connect the different pavilions, offering a fascinating glimpse into how the hospital once functioned.
Ticket information: From €18 but there are various discounts available for residents, and young people…
Self-guided visit: €18 (until 2 PM), €17 (after 2 PM)
Address: Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, Horta-Guinardó, 08025 Barcelona

Basilica Santa Maria del Mar
Considered one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic architecture in Barcelona, Santa Maria del Mar is an impressive church located in the heart of El Born. Built between 1329 and 1383, it has strong historical ties to the neighbourhood’s maritime past. Its name meaning ‘Saint Mary of the Sea’, reflects a time where Barcelona’s shoreline and port were much closer to this part of the city. The church was largely financed, built and attended by local merchants such as sailors and port workers.
Ticket information: General admission is €8.
Address: Plaça de Santa Maria, 1, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona

Jardins de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer in Montjuic
Located on the slopes of Montjuïc, the Jardins de Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer offer lovely views over Barcelona and its coastline. With their peaceful atmosphere and beautiful greenery, they are the perfect place to slow down and relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
The Montjuïc cable car passes directly above the gardens, meaning you can also admire them from above on your way to Montjuïc Castle. As you explore, make you don’t miss the large coat-of-arms by the entrance decorated with colourful flowers and surrounded by magnolias.
Address: Avinguda Miramar, 30, Sants-Montjuïc, 08038 Barcelona

Barcelona offers much more than its famous landmarks. The city is filled with breathtaking places, from spectacular architecture to gardens and panoramic viewpoint. While some are very popular, there are also many unexpected hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Whether it’s your first visit or you already know the city well, Barcelona’s beauty can be found everywhere and there will always be more places to discover.