Are you looking to enjoy Barcelona in your downtime? Wondering where you can go and what you can do on your own or with friends and family? From Gaudi's architecture to spending a day at the seaside, the capital of Catalonia has plenty of exciting things to fill up your itinerary. The only problem you're going to have is deciding which ones to choose. With so much going on during the day and night, it would be impossible to list everything here, so here is a flavor of some of the very best things to do in the city.
Things to do in Barcelona on your own
Go on an exploratory tour of your new city to discover the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudi. This 19th and early 20th-century Catalan architect was a genius of modern architecture. Among his most famous works to check out are the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, Casa Battló, Casa Mila and Park Güell.
Stroll along the Rambla, the tree-lined promenade that is one of the city's main thoroughfares. This long and fascinating artery that connects Plaça de Catalunya with the city's old port is always a lively place and packed with tourists. Among the things you can see in the Rambla are La Boqueria street market, Liceu Theatre, the Royal Square and the Columbus Monument. There are also many cafés, bars and restaurants.
Journey back in time with a visit to the Gothic Quarter, a neighborhood with more than 2,000 years of history. Stop by Barcelona Cathedral, see the Roman aqueduct and temple and unwind in beautiful and atmospheric plazas.
You can explore the city's museums at any time, but many open their doors for free on Sundays. They include the Natural History Museum, the Ethnological & Cultures of the World Museum, the Design Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Picasso Museum. Check their websites before you visit because some offer free admission only on selected Sundays during the month.
Things to do in Barcelona with family and friends
When the sun comes out, and you want to cool off with your crowd, make tracks for a beach. There is no shortage of excellent sandy expanses near the city. One of the closest and easiest to get to is Barceloneta Beach.
Another way to enjoy the open air with your friends or family is to relax in a park. Barcelona boasts lots of green spaces for walking, running, playing sports and picnicking. They include Ciutadella Park, Aigües Park, Cervantes Park and Laribal Gardens.
If you are into football, watch an FC Barcelona match at their home ground, the Camp Nou football stadium. This iconic sporting arena is one of the largest football stadiums in the world and has a capacity of nearly 100,000.
Dine on Catalan and Spanish cuisines in cozy restaurants that are spread right across the city. You'll find fantastic eateries in every district, some with Michelin stars.
In the evenings, catch a play, music, or another performance in any of the city's more than 50 venues. Among them are El Gran Teatre Del Liceu (the city's 19th-century opera house), the Coliseum Theatre, Tivoli Theatre and El Molino, which has been hosting cabarets for more than 100 years.
Check out the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc below the Palau Nacional in the Montjuïc neighborhood. During several evenings a week, you can watch the sound and light show where hundreds of gallons of water shoot up into the air accompanied by music and lights.
When you want to party like there's no tomorrow, revel in the loud, lively and colourful atmosphere of one of the city's annual festivals and events. They include:
- The Three Kings in January – a cavalcade or procession were the three kings, or three wise men throw sweets out to the crowd.
- Barcelona Carnival in February/March - huge street festival with floats, dancers, costumes and lots of music.
- Feria de Abril in April - food, drink, music, dance, a funfair and more.
- The Sónar electronica music festival in June – dozens of acts from all over the world.
- Cruilla Music Festival in July – a wide range of acts covering numerous genres.
- Festa Major de Gracia in August - a week-long fiesta in the Gràcia district.
- L'Alternativa in November – Barcelona Independent Film Festival
There's always something to celebrate in Barcelona.
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