Few cities in the world can boast year-round great weather, postcard sightseeing, mouth-watering food, and extreme sociopolitical significance. Barcelona, in the heart of Catalonia, is the A-1 example. The city is alive and stunningly beautiful, and this guide will have you living like a local.
A sunny Arc de Triomf in the heart of Barcelona
Food and Drink
In the historic shady Gothic Quarter, this local coffee shop will energize you for a long day of sightseeing!
Serves creative Japanese fusion cuisine, featuring unique sushi rolls, hot dishes, and Asian-inspired desserts in a trendy Gràcia neighborhood setting.
Serves tasty Spanish and Mediterranean food like tapas, paella, and burgers, located in the Gràcia neighborhood of Barcelona.
In the famous El Born area, Mexican and Peruvian street food like tacos, ceviche, and gyozas, served in a lively, neon-lit space with inventive cocktails and a DJ-fueled vibe.
Stylish Barcelona hotspot serving fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes, with a glam cocktail bar upstairs - perfect for dinner and drinks in one chic spot!
Italian restaurant in Barcelona's El Born district, offering a variety of traditional dishes including wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, risottos, and antipasti and they are known for their cheese wheel pasta.
The number one rated cocktail bar in the entire world in Paradiso - with its creative, unique cocktails this is a must-go.
A small, hearty bar in the Gothic Quarter, Milk is famous for its brunch and shrimp but don’t miss out on the cocktails either!
Bo De B
The perfect small sandwich shop that combines mouth-watering sandwiches and Patatas Bravas. Be prepared to pay cash-only and wait in line - but trust me, it’s worth it and super inexpensive.
Villanelle's stylish Barcelona apartment from Killing Eve is available to rent on Airbnb. Featured in Season 3, this Art Nouveau gem, known as Casa Ramos, is located in the trendy Gràcia district, near Park Güell. The spacious flat includes two bedrooms, a studio, a reception hall, a glass gallery, and a private balcony overlooking the city. Guests can also enjoy a lush garden and a private pool. Built in 1906, Casa Ramos combines historic charm with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and central heating. Whether you're a Killing Eve fan or simply seeking a unique stay in Barcelona, this apartment offers a memorable experience.
Attractions:
Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona’s highest point, offers the best panoramic views of the city. Also, there’s an amusement park and a church at the top!
Camp Nou You cannot understand the city of Barcelona without understanding its pride - FC Barcelona. The home stadium is not only one of the biggest in Europe, but also a place of extreme cultural significance.
There is no Barcelona without Montjuic. The 1992 Summer Olympics put the city on the map - especially for tourists. Alongside the Olympic Stadiums Montjuic offers endless gardens (my favorite being the Theater Grec Gardens), museums, and scenic overlooks. Pictured to the left is the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
Barceloneta Beach is the most popular beach in the city and perfect for walking, running, swimming, and even eating out on the terraces
Parc de La Ciutadella is the perfect place for a picnic, a quaint canoe ride, and magical sights. With beautiful botanical gardens and fountains, this is truly one of the greatest urban parks in the world.
Parc de la Ciutadella Parc de la Ciutadella is a beautiful park in Barcelona, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. It’s free to enter and located near the Arc de Triomf. The park features the stunning Cascada Monumental fountain, a peaceful lake where you can rent a rowboat, and the Barcelona Zoo with thousands of animals. You can also explore the Castell dels Tres Dragons, a modernist building housing a museum. The park is great for picnics, jogging, and cycling, and on Sundays, locals often dance salsa. It’s also close to the trendy El Born neighborhood, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the city.
Must-see Gaudi Gaudi is probably the most important name in terms of Barcelona’s architectural history and style. His most famous work is La Sagrada Familia, the most notable part of Barcelona’s skyline and its breathtaking beauty is projected to be finished in 2026. Park Guell is the second most famous tourist attraction in Barcelona - originally built to be an exclusive neighborhood in the city but instead turned into a park and scenic overlook of the city blessed with Gaudi art. Finally, Casa Battló and the neighboring houses in Passeig de Gracia are a further look into the creative mind of Gaudi. All of these places fill up fast so make sure to book tours in advance!
Park Guell Park Güell in Barcelona is a must-see, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. It’s known for its colorful mosaics, winding paths, and stunning city views. Key highlights include the iconic dragon statue at the entrance, the serpentine bench, and the Hypostyle Room with 86 stone columns. Originally meant as a housing project, it became a public park and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. While some areas are free, the Monumental Zone requires a ticket. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
La Sagrada Familia La Sagrada Familia is an amazing church in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí. It started being built in 1882 and is still not finished. The church has three sides that tell stories about Christ. Inside, the columns look like trees, and colorful stained glass fills the space with light. There will be 18 towers, with the tallest one for Jesus. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you should buy tickets ahead of time. It’s definitely a must-see when visiting Barcelona!
