10 must-see activities and attractions in Barcelona

Are you planning to visit Barcelona soon ? Chances are, you too are overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do, but don’t panic ; after spending 5 days in Barcelona on my own, I’m sharing with you 10 must-see activities and attractions to see and do, alone or with others, between 3 and 5 days !

Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion, Casa Battló, Parc Güell, Moco Museum, Mercat de la Boqueria, Solebox Barcelona… there’s no denying it, there’s plenty to do in Barcelona !
For once, I took the time to list all the interesting activities and organize my 5-day schedule in advance.

This led me to ask myself a specific question: which pass should I take ? Choosing a pass was a headache, I had to deal with different factors (available offers, available time, desires), so I ended up looking at the list of things I wanted to do, by resuming the approach I had adopted in Amsterdam (article ici) and, above all, by relying on comparative articles (this one in particular), which were a great help. Despite this organization, I left myself some room for improvisation.

Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Considering how often I went there I had to tell you about the Boqueria. La Boqueria (or Mercat de la Boqueria), located in La Rembla, is one of the most famous, if not the most famous, market in Barcelona, with fruits, vegetables, fresh juices, spices and herbs, sweets and other confectionery, snacks (empanadas, nuggets & chips, etc.), fish, meat, many tapas bars, you name it. Besides, I had created a ritual for myself. I would stop by every morning for a smoothie and/or fruit chunks; it smelled good, it was tasty and more heathy than the breakfasts I used to eat. During these expeditions, I was able to test and validate different flavors such as mango, strawberry/banana or passion.

Its location, its fame and the numerous and varied choices explain its high attendance; the market is frequented by locals as well as tourists (including me).

Interesting note, there is a Dunkin Donuts just before the market entrance, as well as a Taco Bell across the street.

Since we’re talking about food, there are also three addresses that I want to share with you; three addresses where I had a good time, and especially good food.

• Tacos 16: Carrer de Manuel de Falla, 16, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
  One of the addresses in which I liked to go to eat nachos, tacos and quesadillas; the cocktails are also validated, special mention for the mojito. Besides the food, the staff and the place are really warm.
• Tierra Burrito Bar: Carrer D’avila, 171, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
  I had stopped by this burrito place out of curiosity and just before my visit to the design museum(located across the street). Curiosity is good because I was pleasantly surprised, the portions are generous and tasty.
• SandwiChez: Carrer del Carme, 25, B, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
  Located 3 minutes from the Boqueria (there are also other addresses) and not far from Solebox, SandwiChez is a café where you can sit down to drink a smoothie (or another drink) and/or eat a snack, but also to enjoy the wifi.

Address: Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 23, 08001 Barcelona

Only a few minutes away from La Boqueria and SandwiChez.

Many elements such as the name (“Solebox Mercat”), the colors, the configuration or the furniture suggest the atmosphere of the shop; this time, it is similar to a market. Indeed we find stalls where fruits and vegetables usually arranged have been exchanged for different items such as sneakers, clothes, toys, accessories and merchandise; finally less common, but perfectly in the theme we also find wine, olive oil or sauces.
Moreover, the wink does not stop there, because while continuing to explore the shop we notice the presence of refrigerators, carts or a scale.

As for the brands, Bape, Birkenstock, Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Asics, Carhartt, Salomon, Solebox and many others are present.

What if I gave you other shopping addresses? In addition to Solebox, I also took advantage of this stay to visit other shops whose names will perhaps speak to you; here are some additional addresses:

• Footdistrict: Carrer de la Lleona, 4, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
  From Solebox it’s a 10 minute walk, you’ll have to turn around and go back past the Boqueria, while from the Boqueria you’ll have to go left.
  Once there, you will find a shop with a pure look, due to the colors, materials used and the configuration of the latter. During my visit I was able to observe a selection of items from Stone Island, Kenzo, the Carhartt WIP x New Balance collaboration, and many others.
• Sivasdelcalzo: C/ de Bailèn, 18, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
  I was motivated to go there because it is one of the few retailers that offers Patta items; I had a crush on a sweater from the Dutch brand.
• Carhartt WIP: Carrer del Duc, 12, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
  Note that the shop is only 7 minutes walk from Solebox and several resell shops that will be discussed later. In addition, there is also a second shop(Carrer del Rec, 71, 08003 Barcelona, Spain), this time located in the same area as several museums such as the Moco Museum – which will be discussed later in the article -.

Even though I haven’t personally been there, I’m sharing a second list of resell shops I’ve been to:

• The Cop Boys: Carrer del Carme, 11, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
  Located next to SandwiChez and not far from La Boqueria and Solebox.
• Space Sneakers Jordan : Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 12, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
  Located in the same area as Solebox.
• New Cop: Carrer de Duran i Bas, 5, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
• Collect Sneakers: Carrer de la Palla, 25, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 25, 08003 Barcelona

After several visits to the Moco Museum in Amsterdam, the Moco Museum in Barcelona was a natural addition to my list; it is located behind the Passeig del Born and near several museums. In the courtyard is a giant sculpture by artist Kaws, and inside the museum is a wide variety of modern and contemporary art by artists, some of whom I love, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Kaws, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, David LaChapelle, Daniel Arsham, Keith Haring, Banksy, Hayden Kays and many others. The name of the museum is a direct reference to the theme “(Mo)dern and (Co)mteporary art“.

A basic ticket costs 17,50€, but my student status allowed me to benefit from a reduced rate (12,50€); moreover, if I had not been a student, I could have benefited from a 20% discount thanks to my Barcelona card.

Still in the register of museums, here are two other places:

• Barcelona Design Museum: Pl. de las Glorias Catalanas, 37-38, 08018 Barcelona, Spain. The museum has four floors, each with its own theme. The first one, my favorite, is dedicated to product design, the second one to graphic design, this floor also interested me a lot. The third is dedicated to decorative arts, and the last one to fashion. On your way there, you can also see and possibly visit the Agbar Tower by French architect Jean Nouvel; also, you can stop at the Tierra Burrito Bar, located right across the street, for a bite to eat.
  In terms of price, you should expect to pay 6€ for a normal ticket and 4€ for a reduced ticket; in addition, admission is free on Sundays, from 3pm to 8pm.
• Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona: Plaça dels Àngels, 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
  How about a trip to the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (or “MACBA”) after a trip to La Boqueria and Solebox? Indeed, the museum is only 4 minutes walk from the shop. The museum displays a large number of works made during the second half of the XXᵉ century.
  If you can’t go there for a visit, you can at least pass by to admire the building by architect Richard Meier, it’s worth a visit! Personally I liked the mix of glass and aluminum and more generally the design of the building.
  In terms of price, you should expect to pay 11€ for a normal ticket.
  

In terms of organization, one of my days looked like this :

• The day begins with a visit to the Boqueria,
• with Solebox and Footdistrict,
• followed by a visit to the Design Museum and a view of the Agbar Tower,
• lunch break at the Tierra Burrito Bar,
• And finally, a visit to the Moco Museum

Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 7, 08038 Barcelona

I was pleasantly surprised to see his name in the results of the research I did to prepare my trip, and for good reason I had already written a few lines about him on the occasion of my visit to the new national gallery in Berlin(article here). So once again, it seemed obvious that this visit would be added to my list. The visit to the Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion costs 8€ for the normal price and 4€ for the reduced price. In addition, the Barcelona card gives you a 20% discount on this attraction. Although the visit was short, it was definitely one of my favorites.

The Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion, a landmark building of modern architecture, was designed to house the German government for the Barcelona International Exposition of 1929. It was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt identically during the 1980s on the initiative of the Barcelona City Council and the Mies Van Der Rohe Foundation.

The silhouette, the thin lines of the pavilion, the minimalist aspect and the materials used – such as steel (especially the pillars), glass, stone and different types of marble – reminded me of the new national gallery in Berlin. A pavilion finally very structured, which is in break with many buildings with a more moving, organic style. Its silhouette is such that the walls seem to have been erased to offer an open, unobstructed, harmonious interior, very bright during the day – even without the presence of interior lighting – and spacious.
The interior furniture reinforces this atmosphere; there is a red velvet curtain and several Barcelona armchairs (also designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe and his partner Lilly Reich, 1929) in off-white leather. Finally, at the back of the building you will find a sculpture by George Kolbe, reflected in the water, called “Alba”.

Address: Joan Miró Foundation – Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
Located in Montjuïc Park, the Joan Miró Foundation brings together some of the most important works of the surrealist artist Joan Miró.
You can take advantage of this visit to go for a walk in the Montjuïc park.

Address: Antoni Tàpies Foundation – C/ d’Aragó, 255, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Located not far from the Passeig de Gràcia, and therefore from stores and attractions, the foundation presents works by the painter Antoni Tàpies, and also by other artists.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

Point organic architecture, here’s a new spot located on Passeig de Gràcia, the avenue that once linked the old and new parts of the city, and which today brings together various modernist architectural buildings and a plethora of luxury boutiques. I will now talk about Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous creations. Victim of its success, the Casa is one of the most popular attractions for tourists.
The Casa Batlló by Gaudí, the Casa Amatller by the architect Joseph Puig i Cadafalch or the Casa Lleó i Morera (closed) by the architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner are all part of the modernist trend. In the past, these houses had a particular configuration; the first floor was dedicated to the installation of a store, the second floor was the floor where the family (owner) lived and the remaining floors were intended for rental.

Apparently, Gaudí did not give a precise interpretation of the Casa Batlló, preferring to let the public interpret his creations freely.
Let’s start with what is visible, the exterior. The facade is similar to a wave and the circles present are similar to bubbles. This impression results from the shape, the different shades of blue and green and especially from the technique used, the trencadís. This organic consonance would come from the fact that the architect had as a major source of inspiration nature. Indeed, the tour guide told me that as a child, Gaudí, due to his fragile health, could not fully follow a classical education. His condition led him to spend a lot of time at his family’s vacation home in the country. One of the activities available to Gaudí, considering these elements, was the observation of his environment, and more precisely of nature; from this was born his fascination for it and subsequently, his so particular style. He never stopped observing, analyzing, transposing and reworking in a new framework the inspirations, as well as the forms, taken from nature. End of the parenthesis, let’s continue the description of the Casa Batlló.

Inside the house, you feel like you are immersed or in an aquarium; this effect is accentuated when you are up high and looking down on the floors below. In general, we notice the work done to make the interior bright (unlike other houses like Casa Amattler whose interior is darker), warm and airy. This was made possible by the presence of a column in the middle of the house (a column that will also be found in the Casa Milà), but also by the work around the windows. In fact, if you go there, you may notice that some of the ventilation points, by their shape, look like gills. As for the roof, its shape and colors are similar to the scales of a mermaid’s tail.

Last but not least, at the end of the visit you will be invited to take a staircase, and well know that it is another master of organic architecture, Kendo Kuma, who was asked to design it.

To visit Casa Battlo, you should allow about 1h30 and a minimum of 35€ for a standard ticket.

In addition to Casa Batlló, I also visited Casa Amatller and Casa Milà (also known as “La Pedrera”); they both made a strong impression on me.

Address: Casa Amatller – Passeig de Gràcia, 41, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Casa Amatller was the home of the chocolate maker Antoni Amatller, who was passionate about music, photography and architecture, and his interests can be seen on the façade and inside the house. Casa Amatller is the only one that has kept its original furniture. In addition, it is also the only Casa that is still owned by the original family. About once a month a guided tour is organized by Antonia Amatller, the granddaughter of Antoni Amatller.
Note for the gourmands, if you book a visit to Casa Amatller, you should be entitled to a chocolate at the end (I was).

To visit Casa Amatller, allow about 30 minutes and a minimum of 15€ for the entrance ticket.

Address: Casa Milà – Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
La Casa Milà (or La Pedrera) is one of Gaudí’s last creations. It can be observed on both sides that for this house Gaudí also drew his inspiration from nature. The facade and especially its shape, depending on the time of day when it is observed, offers different plays of light and shadow; special mention for the roof, which like the rest of the visit, offers an exceptional experience.

To visit the Casa Milà, you should allow about 1h30 and a minimum of 25€ for the entrance ticket. For my part, my student card and my Barcelona Card allowed me to take advantage of reduced rates.

To stay in the register of Gaudí, you can also visit other of his famous works as the park Güell as well as the Sagrada Familia, but also some less famous ones like the Casa Vicens.

Last but not least, I was recommended to visit an old hospital (Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau), which is another project by the architect Lluis Domenech i Montane; I really enjoyed the visit, and I recommend it to you as well.

Please note that many of the museums and attractions on display (Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion, Design Museum, Miró Foundation, Antoni Tàpies Foundation, etc.) are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.ny of the museums and attractions presented (Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion, Design Museum, Miró Foundation, Antoni Tàpies Foundation, etc.) are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, so please take this into account when planning your visit.

Let’s go back to the plan: during one of the days of my stay, I went to Parc Güell, visited Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.
I then spent another day at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mies Van Der Rohe Pavilion and the Miró Foundation.
Last but not least, a visit to the Sagrada Familia, the Antoni Tàpies Foundation and the Casa Amatller were all part of one-day activities.

In short, at a rate of 2-3 spots a day, I had time to do a number of activities and attractions during my 5 days in Barcelona. Of course, the schedule can be adapted to suit your pace, length of stay and interests, but one thing’s for sure: there’s plenty to keep you busy, whether your stay lasts 2 days or 5!

Finally, if you are planning to visit several of the above mentioned attractions, you may want to consider purchasing a tourist map. Depending on your desires and the time you have available, this may allow you to make some savings. As a reminder, there are different cards that are suitable for different circumstances; some tourist cards offer discounts and/or access to museums and foundations, others include discounts and/or access to attractions and even public transportation.
To choose the right card, you need to ask yourself the right questions! As mentioned, earlier there are several detailed comparative articles on the subject, including this one“City Pass Barcelona: which one to choose?“which was very useful to me.

I hope this guide has helped and inspired you in the preparation of your stay in Barcelona; enjoy your trip and thank you for taking the time to read this article! See you soon for new content.