Top 10 Barcelona

Barcelona Top 10 Activities: Live Like a Local

Without a doubt one of the world’s most stunning cities, Barcelona is the cultural capital of Spain. You will discover architectural masterpieces as you stroll the historic streets of this beautiful city with traditional culture and modern living seamlessly intertwined. Barcelona boasts excellent shopping, fantastic restaurants and entertainment galore.

Whether you are going to live in Barcelona or just visit, don’t miss out on our Barcelona Top 10 Activities, as recommended by the locals.

1. La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is infamous. It’s a real must visit when in Barcelona and one of the Barcelona top 10 activities. Originally designed by Antoni Gaudi, La Sagrada Familia was his life’s labour. He worked on the design of the building from 1883 when it was first commissioned until his death in 1926 – a full 43 years. Construction has continued since that very day almost uninterrupted, except a brief halt during the Spanish Civil War, and remains incomplete. The contractors continue to work to Gaudi’s original brief in what is one of the world’s most intricate and unique buildings.

The design fuses Gothic and modernist influences while the interior of the chapel when visited in the day is how you would imagine being in the middle of a prism, with the light shining through the colourful stain glassed windows creating a rainbow on the light interior stonework. It is so intricate that every visit you see something different. Many visits recommended. Truly spectacular.

2. Tapas & Paella

There are so many incredible local restaurants and tavernas in Barcelona, it is best to discover them yourself. Make sure you have at least one Paella while you are in Barcelona, Restaurant 7 Portes is one of our favourites. The seafood in Barcelona is also excellent and usually locally sourced.  We recommend that you discover your own selection of the constantly evolving and changing restaurants – it is rare that you will come across a restaurant that doesn’t offer something delicious.

3. Parc Guell

You could be excused for feeling like you’re in a carnival atmosphere when you arrive at Parc Guell. The interesting shapes and design of this park are yet another part of Gaudi’s heritage which he also never got to finish. From Parc Guell, you can enjoy some of the best views over the city not to mention the beautiful unconventional yet structural buildings designed by Gaudi, originally part of a housing development before becoming UNESCO protected.

There is a lot of walking and stairs to climb here – so come prepared with comfortable shoes. If you lived in Barcelona, you could imagine spending many a Saturday afternoon enjoying the sun and the views.

4. The Picasso Museum

There are so many museums to visit in Barcelona, it is hard to choose. If you were to pick just one, the Picasso museum is a must and one of the Barcelona top 10 activities. Pablo Picasso spent much of his early life in Barcelona and continued to spend time in the city for holidays throughout his life except during Franco’s reign when Picasso was persona non-grata.

The museum was set up at Picasso’s own request and is housed in a series of interlinked Gothic buildings, somewhat incongruous to the artistic stylings of Picasso and adding to the surreal nature of his work. Over 4,000 pieces of Picasso’s work are housed permanently in the museum which is dedicated primarily to his early years enabling visitors to take a journey tracing the evolution of his style.  

5. Passeig de Gracia

Calling all shopaholics! With historic and striking architecture from its archways and covered gallerias through to the Gaudi gems that peak around the corners, Passeig de Gracia is the main shopping promenade in Barcelona. It covers all budgets with designer boutiques from Stella McCartney, Prada and Valentino to high street brands like Zara and Mango. Interspersed with fantastic street side cafes, this is the perfect place to while away an afternoon and make use of some of your holiday spending money. The alternative shopping choice is Barcelona’s biggest shopping mall L’illa Diagonal which is home to over 150 shops.

6. Street Art

There are many places in Barcelona to discover the incredible street art. On an afternoon stroll you will probably come across some stunning and colourful examples off the main promenades. The street art changes and is removed and new installations put in place. One place you are bound to see something is Graffiti corner – which has some famous street art, but it is regularly painted over to house something new, testament to the transient nature of this art form. Take a walk around and see what you can discover – don’t forget your camera.

7. Garraf Beach

Accessible from the City Centre (about 25 minutes’ drive), Garraf Beach is one of the quieter of the city beaches. It is beautiful with a cove and is surrounded by hills. Garraf town was once an old fishing settlement and has plenty of charm in its small streets. There are several other beach options in Barcelona, but this is the quietest and cleanest option near the city. Nonetheless, arrive early to get a place.

8. Mossen Costa I Llobera Gardens

These stunning botanical gardens are an oasis in the midst of the city and the perfect place to escape the streets. The cacti collection is particularly impressive. Strangely these gardens are often quiet which means that you can enjoy the solitude as a break from the day to day grind. Yet another of the Barcelona top 10 activities!

9. Theatre: Gran Teatre Del Liceu

The grandeur of the Liceu theatre is breath-taking, but not compared to the vast and excellent array of operas and concerts it hosts.  Be sure to enjoy an evening of music, dance and theatre in this stunning setting. It will become a firm favourite.

10. Camp Nou

Football fans shouldn’t miss out on the chance to visit the home of FC Barcelona, Camp Nou Stadium or even try to get tickets for a match or concert hosted in this enormous venue. Even non-football fans will be interested in some of the concerts it has been home to including Michael Jackson, U2 as well as a mass by Pope John Paul II. Visitors will be impressed by its size – it is the largest football stadium in Europe. There is also a museum at the grounds for those wanting to find out more about the football club. Alternatively you could visit the Olympic Stadium which is now home to the second football team of the city, Espanyol.


Why not get in touch with MEPM for your own property discovery tour in Barcelona. A great city for investment or living. Get in touch.

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