Français
English10 essential monuments in Barcelona
- Gaudí's works: the Sagrada Familia, where you should book your ticket in advance because of the queues; La Pedrera, or Casa Milà, on Passeig de Gràcia, with free exhibitions on the first floor and a roof terrace; and Casa Batlló, where tickets are sold on site.
- Park Güell: in the upper part of the city, above the Gràcia district, it opens from 8 am to 6 pm in autumn and winter and from 8 am to 9.30 pm in spring and summer.
- Religious buildings: the recently restored Gothic cathedral, right in the centre, and the church of Santa Maria del Mar, in the Born district, which inspired Ildefonso Falcones' novel “La Catedral del Mar” (Cathedral of the Sea).
- Other stops: La Boqueria market on La Rambla and its fresh produce stalls, the Columbus statue and its panoramic lift, Domènech i Montaner's Palau de la Música Catalana, and Montjuïc castle, which you can reach on foot or by cable car.
- Key point: walking around the streets is enough to see these monuments, but going inside changes the experience. Book tickets ahead for the busiest sites.
The list of things to see and do in Barcelona is endless. There is, however, a list of iconic monuments and places you should not miss. Walking around the city's streets is enough to get a feel for it, but if you go inside these monuments and spaces, you will enjoy it much more. Here are our essentials!
La Sagrada Familia
This basilica designed by the great architect Antoni Gaudí is the emblem of Barcelona. It is the monument every visitor has in mind and one you cannot miss. Buy your ticket to marvel at this building in advance, as there are always long queues.
La Pedrera
Also known as Casa Milà, it is one of the most striking buildings on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. The outside is known for the sinuous, organic shapes typical of Gaudí's modernist style. Inside, you can visit an apartment from the period and the free exhibitions on the first floor. The views from the roof terrace are also impressive...
Park Güell
This park is in the upper part of the city, above the Gràcia district. It is another must if you want to discover the Gaudí architecture that defines this Catalan city. The park is open from 8 am to 6 pm in autumn and winter and from 8 am to 9.30 pm in spring and summer.
Casa Batlló
Photo: www.tiqets.com
Walking down Passeig de Gràcia on the right-hand side, you will find another example of modernist architecture and decoration. You can of course visit the inside of the building, buying your tickets directly on site.
Barcelona Cathedral
Recently restored, this Gothic cathedral will leave you speechless as soon as you reach the square. Discover the religious history of the city through this giant in the very centre of Barcelona.
La Boqueria market
Walking down La Rambla, on the right near the start, you will find this iconic market that you should not miss. The fresh produce stalls are grouped by the food they sell. If you are looking for fresh produce, you will not be disappointed.
The Columbus statue
At the end of La Rambla stands the statue of Christopher Columbus pointing towards America. At its foot, tourists often take photos with the huge stone lions guarding the monument. You can also enjoy excellent views over Barcelona by taking the lift up the monument.
The church of Santa Maria del Mar
In the heart of the Born district stands one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Barcelona and probably in Spain. It inspired Ildefonso Falcones to write “La Catedral del Mar” (Cathedral of the Sea).
The Palau de la Música Catalana
This architectural work by Domènech i Montaner is one of the concert halls with the best acoustics in Barcelona and an essential example of Catalan modernism.
Montjuïc castle
At the top of Montjuïc hill stands the castle of the same name, a former military fortress you can reach on foot or by cable car. Up there, the many cannons and other military weapons make great photo subjects. You will also enjoy an excellent view over the city. Looking to invest in an apartment or a house in Barcelona? Contact us.
Romain Traversino is head of the Barcelona office of Alveo Search (Alveo group). He supports international buyers with their property projects in Barcelona and in Catalonia, from search to signing. He speaks six languages and shares his advice on choosing neighbourhoods, analysing prices and buying remotely.
Our resources for buying in Spain
