barcelona

Hello, barcelona

Impressive architecture and hip restaurants meet a sunny Spanish climate and beautiful beaches. This has transformed Barcelona, in just a few decades, from a rough port city into one of Europe's, if not the world's, premier destinations. Stroll along La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, admire Gaudí's masterpieces, lose yourself in the Gothic Quarter, bask in the sun at Barceloneta beach, and discover some of the city's vibrant late-night haunts while you're at it.

Best things to do in barcelona

Plenty of things to do and see

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CosmoCaixa Museum of Science

CosmoCaixa is a must-visit for science enthusiasts of all ages. This hands-on museum in Barcelona combines education with curiosity, featuring interactive exhibits on physics, geology, biology, and more. Permanent highlights include the 'Flooded Forest', a living recreation of the Amazon rainforest complete with 30-metre-tall trees and tropical wildlife, and the 'Geological Wall', showcasing massive rock samples that tell Earth’s story. There’s also the 'Room of Matter', which delves into the origins of the universe, and a Planetarium for stargazers.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

Montjuïc, known as the 'Mountain of the Jews', rises 173 metres above the city, offering stunning views and a rich history. At its base lies the grand staircase of the Palau Nacional, which faces west toward the Font Màgica (Magic Fountain). This fountain, built in 1929 for the Universal Exposition, is the centrepiece of a series of cascading waterfalls and ponds along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina. Today, the Magic Fountain is one of Barcelona’s most beloved attractions, drawing crowds of locals and visitors alike, who come here to watch the magical show of jets of water blasting into the sky while dancing to the rhythm of lights and music.

Ciutadella Park

Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona's green lung, is not only the most central park in the city but also a park that includes a zoo, a lake, a large fountain, and a couple of museums. In the centre of the park, you will even find the building where the Catalan Parliament is seated. So take a walk, have a picnic, and enjoy this very lusciously green and well-maintained park.

El Born Center for Culture and Memory

El Born Centre for Culture and Memory is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century market and offers a glimpse into the history of Barcelona. The centre’s focus is on the significant events of 11 September 1714, when Barcelona fell to the Bourbon forces of King Philip V, marking the end of Catalonia’s independence and the loss of its liberties. Through the lens of the War of the Spanish Succession, the centre brings to life the vibrant Barcelona of the early 1700s. The archaeological site beneath the building reveals the remains of the neighbourhood that was demolished by King Philip V after the siege, offering a rare and fascinating insight into the city's past.