A Travel Guide for Barcelona, Spain
Spain is a country overflowing with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible food and wine. Barcelona, in particular, is a dream destination—famous for its striking architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless activities. I had the opportunity to live and work in Barcelona for almost a year, and I’m excited to share my favorite things to see, eat, and do.
Barcelona Standouts
It’s hard to narrow down my top spots, but here are the must-sees in my opinion:
Admire Gaudí’s masterpieces across the city: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Vicens, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló (Tickets need to be purchased far in advance directly from the official websites.)
Stroll under the Arc de Triomf into Ciutadella Park
Discover hidden plazas like Plaça de Sant Felip Neri and Plaça Reial
Shop the boutiques of El Born
Get lost in the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter
For easy day trips, check out nearby beach towns like Sitges and Tossa de Mar—both offer gorgeous beaches and breathtaking views.
Sitges, Spain
Sitges is a beautiful seaside town full friendly locals who celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Food & Drink
When I think of Barcelona, I immediately think of tapas and sangria. But the city’s food scene offers so much more: fresh seafood, paella, patatas bravas, crema catalana, and plenty of regional wines.
Tapas culture is all about sharing—order a variety and sample everything. And don’t forget the drinks: Spanish wine, sangria, tinto de verano, or a refreshing clara (half lager, half lemonade).
Some of my favorite restaurants and drink spots:
La Foga – A wide variety of tasty tapas.
Bar Mono Barcelona – A great dinner spot in a beautiful plaza.
Gusti Toscani – Quick and easy sandwiches to-go.
Novela – My favorite brunch spot (hands down the best eggs Benedict!).
El Portalon – Cozy drinks and tapas.
Alegoria Restaurant – Excellent paella with a great dinner special for two. Follow up with a drink on the Miranda bar terrace.
(Check out my Google Map at the end of the post for even more recommendations.)
Tours & Attractions
Barcelona is very walkable and easy to explore solo, but tours can help you uncover hidden gems. Here are a few of my favorites:
Montjuïc & Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – Gardens, statues, and the 1992 Olympic Stadium, plus a free art museum.
Montserrat Monastery Half-Day Tour – Visit the breathtaking rounded-peak mountains and monastery built into the rocks. Take the tram up the mountain for spectacular views.
Modern & Classic Art Museums – Don’t miss the contemporary works at Moco Museum and the classics at the Picasso Museum.
Transportation
Barcelona’s public transport is plentiful and reliable, though it can feel intimidating if you don’t speak Spanish. Use Citymapper or Google Maps to navigate.
Check out my blog “The Best Apps for Traveling 2025” for more helpful navigation apps.
You’ll need to buy tickets ahead of time at metro kiosks for buses, metros, and trams, there is no option to pay on transportation with card or cash. Options include 24- or 48-hour passes, or multi-trip cards (1–10 rides). Choose whatever best suits your stay.
Weather
Barcelona’s Mediterranean climate is generally mild: winter lows around 45°F (7°C) and summer highs around 85°F (29°C). However, summers are getting hotter due to climate change, and many places don’t have air conditioning—plan accordingly, especially if visiting in peak summer.
A Note on Tourism
Barcelona is a beautiful city with kind people, but increased tourism has affected housing prices and availability for locals. Please be respectful during your visit—treat the city kindly, dispose of trash properly, and consider staying at a hotel rather than an Airbnb to help reduce housing pressures.
Barcelona Ratings By Wander Spree
Conclusion
Barcelona is a city full of art, culture, stunning architecture, and warm, welcoming people. Whether you’re there for Gaudí, the beaches, or the tapas, it’s absolutely worth a spot on your travel bucket list.
Check out my Google Map of Barcelona for all my recommendations—there’s so much more to see!
