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21 Famous landmarks in Barcelona you need to visit

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Barcelona may not be the largest city in Spain (that title belongs to Madrid), but it has some of the most famous buildings in the world. Landmarks in Barcelona are a major draw and often top many people’s bucket lists. They offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past and show that this Catalan city has a unique identity.

Barcelona landmarks

You will find gorgeous attractions everywhere you go.

 

21 must-visit landmarks in Barcelona

We have cherry-picked 21 monuments that would be fun to visit at least once in a lifetime. Check out our list and pick your favourite. It could be a perfect idea to explore some of them. Or they could spark some serious wanderlust!

 

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The most famous landmarks in Barcelona

1. La Rambla

Barcelona landmarks - La Rambla

There’s no doubt La Rambla is one of the most famous Barcelona landmarks because it’s the most popular street in the city. This 1,2 km long tree-lined pedestrian street is the city’s boulevard of dreams. La Rambla connects the Placa de Catalunya in the centre with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.

Barcelona’s very own Champs-Elysee is the perfect spot to soak up the vibrant street culture. La Rambla has many bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops and is a hub of quirky surprises. But this world-famous street is also very touristy, and the locals usually try to avoid it.

 

2. Casa Vicens

Barcelona monuments - Casa Vicens

Not many place Casa Vicens on the list of the best Barcelona landmarks, but you shouldn’t miss it because it’s Gaudi’s first masterpiece. Yes, you are right – Casa Vicens is where Gaudi’s architectural adventure began. It’s also one of the first Art Nouveau buildings in the world.

Gaudi’s first architectural baby is a quirky mix of Moorish, Oriental and Art Nouveau styles. This lovely place is a UNESCO superstar. Casa Vicens is a residential project for a wealthy family owner of a ceramic factory. It belongs to the architect’s Orientalist period. During this period, Gaudi used a lot of ceramic tiles and added natural elements to the designs.

Barcelona landmarks - Gaudi's Casa Vicens

If Gaudi’s architecture were a sitcom, unusual Casa Vicens would be the first episode you don’t want to miss.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

Even though Casa Vicens isn’t one of the most famous Barcelona monuments, it’s still worth booking your ticket. It’s open from 9.30 am – 8 pm between April and October (closes at 4.30 pm in the low season). The entry fee starts at €18 for adults and children over 12 years.

Metro: Fontana or Lesseps (line 3)

 

3. Casa Mila

landmarks in Barcelona - Casa Mila

It’s easy to see why Casa Mila is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona. Casa Mila, or La Pedrera as the locals call it, is not just a building. It’s a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi that will make your jaw drop faster than a tapas disappearing from your plate!

Casa Mila is special because it doesn’t have straight lines or right angles. It has an organic design because Gaudi took inspiration from the natural world. Casa Mila has a wavy façade: it makes you question if you accidentally stepped into a Salvador Dali painting.

famous landmarks in Barcelona - Casa Mila

There aren’t many buildings in the world like Casa Mila. This is the final building of Gaudi before he dedicated the rest of his life to La Sagrada Familia.

 

Casa Mila is also one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona because this unusual building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also one of the most popular attractions in the city because it is one of Gaudi’s best designs.

Casa Mila views from its roof

WHAT TO SEE:

Inside, you can discover a museum that showcases Gaudi’s life and work. Plus, you can see an apartment that recreates a typical accommodation of the 20th century in the upper class in the city. Don’t forget to take a lift to the rooftop terrace. It offers killer views of the city (also of La Sagrada Familia). But the fun doesn’t stop there! La Pedrera’s iconic rooftop has a spiky forest of chimneys that look like they’re about to break into a tap dance any moment. The rooftop terrace is one of the reasons why more than a million tourists visit this beautiful building.

Casa Mila roof details

GOOD TO KNOW:

You can find Casa Mila on Passeig de Gràcia. The opening times vary. Generally, you can visit Casa Mila every day from 9 am – 8.30 pm. It closes at 6.30 pm between 2nd November 2023 and 3rd March 2024. Don’t forget to prebook your visit – tickets start from 25 euros for an adult. Visit Casa Mila early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a better experience.

 

 

4. Casa Batllo

Barcelona landmarks - Casa Batllo

Gaudi had a wild imagination.

 

Before you leave Passeig de Gràcia Street, there is one more building you need to explore. It’s Casa Batllo, or “house of bones”, as the locals call it. It’s another place where art and architecture throw a wild, never-ending party. Again, the legendary architect Gaudi is behind this place. He redesigned this apartment block, which seems like a giant dragon’s nest in the middle of the city.

Casa Batllo is one of the most famous Barcelona landmarks because this building is another example of Gaudi’s work. This building with curving lines and no straight lines is a perfect example of Catalan Modernist architecture. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular attractions in the city.

WHAT TO SEE:

Look closely and see that Casa Batllo is full of beautiful details, colours and mosaics. This dragon-roofed apartment block and skull mask balconies will make you feel like Alice in Wonderland. Seems like that even its walls have a sense of humour. Inside, you will feel like you’re in the belly of a dragon, and its rooms look like underwater caves. Also, don’t forget to visit the rooftop terrace full of mosaics and quirky details.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Casa Batllo is one of the most famous attractions in the city, and you need to book your skip-the-line tickets. The entry tickets to Casa Batllo start from 25 euros per adult. You can visit it every day between 9 am and 8 pm (6.30 pm during the winter).

TIP:

Avoid queues for the rooftop elevator and use a secret staircase instead.

 

 

5. Sagrada Familia

Everyone knows that the Sagrada Familia is the symbol of the city and Spain’s most visited attraction. The Sagrada Familia is not just any church. It’s Gaudi’s grandest gig and one of the best Barcelona landmarks. It’s got a UNESCO star to prove it.

What you probably don’t know is that Gaudi didn’t even start this project. He took over and dedicated 40 years of his life to it. And is still not done. Gaudi didn’t just slap some bricks together. He combined Spanish Late Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. La Sagrada Familia is full of hidden meanings and nature-inspired motifs. It’s because this church comes from Gaudi’s final period.

 

landmarks in Barcelona - Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia, or the Holy Family in English, is the world’s biggest unfinished church. The good news: they aim for a 2026 finish to mark the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

The Sagrada Familia is one of the most city’s famous landmarks, and tickets often sell out. You can purchase tickets only online or through the app. There are various tickets to choose from. You can buy them roughly two months before the visit. Don’t forget that the general ticket doesn’t include access to the towers.

METRO: Sagrada Familia (line 2 and 5).

 

 

6. Park Guell

Barcelona landmarks - Park Guell

You cannot visit this Catalan city without exploring its famous Park Guell on Carmel Hill above the city. This unusual green space is also one of the best works of this architect, and it’s as clear as day why.

Park Guell is a UNESCO favourite, and here is why: it’s all about funky designs with colourful mosaics, curvy shapes and sculptures. This beautiful park is full of symbolism and nature motifs because it belongs to the architect’s naturalist phase. You will find fairytale Hansel and Gretel houses, winding paths, secret caves and tons of little surprises here.

landmarks in Barcelona - UNESCO-listed Park Guell

It’s hard to believe that this beautiful park is, in fact, a commercially unsuccessful housing site for the wealthy to live in. Stylish Park Guell should have almost 60 houses. The authorities built only 4 instead. Gaudi lived in one of them for 19 years (now the Gaudi House Museum).

 

Today, Park Guell is the world-famous park and one of the city’s most visited attractions. This park is a prime example of Gaudi’s creativity because it shows a beautiful blend of art and nature.

Park Guell - one of the best works of Gaudi

 Gaudi used colourful ceramic pieces for his mosaics for many of his designs. One of the highlights is the wavy bench, which offers gorgeous views.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

Park Guell used to be free, but now its central Monumental Zone with famous designs has a fee. Don’t forget to book your tickets to avoid long queues. Buy your ticket in advance because it has become a hotspot for tourists. The entry fee to the park is 10 euros for an adult.

METRO: Lesseps or Vallcarca (both line 3), about 15 -20 min away from Park Guell. If possible, avoid the Vallcarca stop because the mechanical stairs at Baixada de la Gloria are currently out of service. Therefore, it’s hard to reach the park (a lot of stairs).

 

 

7. Arc de Triomf

Barcelona landmarks - Arc de Triomf

Also, don’t miss the Arc de Triomf – it’s also one of the famous monuments. Unlike other arcs of triumph, this one doesn’t mark a military victory. The locals built it as the main entrance to the event in the 19th century.

Even though you cannot visit it from the inside or go to the top, it’s well worth finding it. The reddish Arc de Triomf has the Neo-Mudejar style, which was popular at that time.

GOOD TO KNOW:

METRO: Arc de Triomf (line 1)

 

8. Palau Guell

One of the beautiful landmarks in Barcelona is Palau Guell near La Rambla. This Neo-Gothic townhouse is one of the seven sights that are part of the works of Antoni Gaudi. It’s one of Gaudi’s earlier hits and a part of the UNESCO VIP list.

Gaudi designed this castle-style home for his patron Eusebi Guell. He used some over-the-top décor to keep things interesting. Palau Guell is a mishmash of style, and its bizarre chimneys look like they had one too many espressos. And its rooftop offers killer views of the city.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Palau Guell is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month. It isn’t open on Monday and closes at 5.30 pm in the winter. Otherwise, see it from 10 am to 8 pm (April – Sept).

 

9. Gothic Quarter

landmarks in Barcelona - Gothic Quarter

We also recommend you explore the Gothic Quarter. Why, you may ask? Because this is the true heart of Barcelona and the oldest part of the city where the Romans founded a town during the reign of Augustus. Today, the Gothic Quarter is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture dating to the 14th and 15th centuries. The oldest neighbourhood in the city has narrow streets and beautiful plazas with restaurants, bars and cafes. The Gothic Quarter is also home to many famous landmarks, such as the Barcelona Cathedral, the Plaça Reial and the Bishops’ Bridge.

 

10. Cathedral of the Holy Cross

Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (the city’s Patron).

 

It’s also worth seeing the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The locals didn’t just slap this church together in a weekend – it has been around for centuries. This compact cathedral dates back to the 13th century and got its final neo-Gothic facelift in the 19th century.

Today, the Cathedral of the Holly Cross and Saint Eulalia is one of the best Barcelona monuments because it is a perfect example of Catalan Gothic architecture. The highlights are the ornate main façade, 28 chapels, 140 holy statues and a fancy altar. There is also Saint Eulalia’s crypt under the high altar. Don’t forget to explore the secret garden – well, not so secret now. The cloister with a lovely fountain keeps 13 white geese. It’s a centuries-old tradition dedicated to the memory of the martyr Eulalia.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

The opening times of cathedral vary during the week. It is free to enter, depending on what time you go. If you visit this cathedral before 12.30 pm or after 5.45 pm, you can explore it for free. In this case, you pay if you want to see the roof (3 euros) or the choir stall (also 3 euros). Don’t forget if there is mass (during the free entrance period), you will not be able to explore the choir and the roof. Tickets start from 11 euros.

METRO: Jaume I station (line 4) or the Liceu station (line 3)

TIP:

Stop at the rooftop bar of the Colon Hotel, which offers gorgeous views of this cathedral.

 

 

11. Columbus Monument

Barcelona landmarks - Columbus Monument

A 60m (200 ft.) tall monument pointing towards the New World. Though, in reality, America lies in the opposite direction.

 

Many tourists turn back once they reach the end of La Rambla, but it is worth seeing the Columbus Monument. It’s because this iconic column, with a statue of the famous Italian explorer on the top, is also one of the famous attractions in the city.

The locals built this tall guy in the 19th century. The base of this monument is where Columbus returned from the Americas in the 15th century (after his discovery). But here’s the twist – he’s not just any statue. He’s got an elevator inside, and you can visit its observation deck on the top.

The Columbus Monument is one of the best Barcelona landmarks because its observation deck provides beautiful city views.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

You can visit the Columbus Monument from 8.30 am until 2.30 pm. The entry ticket to the Columbus Monument costs 8 euros (as of November 2023).

METRO: Drassanes (line 3)

 

12. Magic Fountain Barcelona

landmarks in Barcelona - Magic Fountain

In the evening, bring your friends and family to the National Palace in the Montjuic neighbourhood. In front of it, you can find the Magic Fountain, built for the 1929 International Exhibition.

 

But why is the Magic Fountain one of the best landmarks in Barcelona? It’s because, if you see it at night, this beautiful structure is like the city’s DJ, dancing to music and light. Yes, you are right – the city’s biggest ornamental fountain is famous for its impressive light, water and sound show.

The Magic Fountain can produce around 7 billion light-and-water combinations.

The Magic Fountain is like a fireworks show, but with water. Water is shooting up, twirling to the rhythm of cool tones and colourful lights. It’s an impressive show because it can produce around 7 billion light-and-water combinations. And the best part? This fully sustainable fountain uses recycled water and is free to watch.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Regular showtimes change throughout the year. The local authorities turned off the Magic Fountains due to the drought protocol (as of November 2023). Check the official website before you decide to visit it.

METRO: Plaça España (Line 3 or Line 1)

 

13. Camp Nou

Camp Nou

Every year, millions of football fans visit the city to catch a game of the city’s famous home team. If you are a soccer fan, you know FC Barcelona uses Camp Nou as their home ground. There is also a big chance you know that Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe. It can comfortably seat more than 99,000 fans.

Because of that, Camp Nou is one of the most famous Barcelona landmarks.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Camp Nou stadium tours are available. You can buy a basic tour for 28 euros online. Alternatively, expect to pay 31.50 euros at the ticket office. Don’t forget to explore the FC Barcelona Museum. It is an interactive experience with screen panels where you can learn more about the club’s history and its victories. Also, you can spot paintings and sculptures of the famous club footballers.

 

 

14. Picasso Museum in Barcelona

If exploring museums is your thing, then you should know that this pretty city is home to the Picasso Museum. Even though one of the 20th century’s most influential artists was born in Malaga, he also spent some time here.

The Picasso Museum is one of the best attractions in Barcelona for art lovers and admirers of this creative genius. Also, it was the first museum dedicated to Picasso’s works and the only one created during his lifetime.

This museum in the La Ribera neighbourhood houses has an extensive collection of his artworks. The Picasso Museum has over 4200 works of Picasso, including his first major works: The First Communion and Science and Charity. Stroll through the rooms and witness the birth of a legend. The museum has a vast collection of his earliest works, showing how he went from scribbles to masterpieces.

GOOD TO KNOW:

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is open every day except Mondays from 10 am until 7 pm. The ticket for an adult to the museum costs 15 euros (at a ticket office) or 14 euros online. Visit the Picasso Museum in Barcelona for free on Thursday afternoon (5 pm-7pm) or the first Sunday of the month.

 

15. Palau de la Musica Catalana 

landmarks in Barcelona - Palau de la Musica Catalana

If there is a place you should visit, it is the Palau de la Musica Catalana. This beautiful concert hall is not just a place for music, but it is a party for your eyes too. This unusual building with curved walls has gorgeous stained glass windows and ornaments. It even has a large skylight that floods the concert hall with natural light.

The Palau de la Musica Catalana is one of the best landmarks in Barcelona because it is one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world. This concert hall from the early 20th century is an iconic example of Art Nouveau architecture. So, if you are into music and architecture, add this popular UNESCO site to your list.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Catch a concert or visit the Palau de la Musica Catalana on a guided tour. The guided tours last 45 minutes, and the prices for adults start from € 17.40.

METRO: Urquinaona Station (Line 1 or Line 4)

 

16. Tibidabo

Barcelona landmarks -Tibidabo

We also recommend you explore Tibidabo because the tallest hill in the Serra de Collserola offers breathtaking views of the city below. But that is not the only reason to come here. Tibidabo isn’t just a mountain – it’s also one of the best landmarks in Barcelona.

Here’s the kicker – Tibidabo has got an amusement park, too! Did you know Tibidabo Amusement Park is one of the world’s oldest still-running amusement parks? The oldest running theme park in Spain is a playground for all ages. It has old-fashioned attractions, high-speed roll coasters and a Ferris wheel.

landmarks in Barcelona - Tibidabo Amusement Park

Tibidabo offers beautiful views. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Montserrat in Spain.

 

Another reason everyone flocks here is that Tibidabo is home to the neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This Roman Catholic church and minor basilica sits on the top of the hill, overlooking the theme park. Barcelona’s version of the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur is, in fact, two churches, one above the other.

the neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The highlights of the church are a beautiful crypt in a neo-Byzantine style and a bronze statue of Jesus on the top. Don’t forget to take a lift from the upper church to the roof – it offers beautiful views.

GOOD TO KNOW:

Tibidabo Amusement Park is a super busy attraction, and its opening hours vary during the year. Generally, during the low season, the park is open only during the weekends. You can visit the church and the crypt for a fee, but there is a 3-euro charge for a lift to the roof.

 

No time to read now? Save gorgeous landmarks in Barcelona to read it later.

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Other landmarks in Barcelona

 

17. Park de la Ciutadella

landmarks in Barcelona - Parc de la Ciutadella

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, find the Parc de la Ciutadella. This city park near the Arc de Triomf is one of the most popular parks in the city. The Parc de la Ciutadella is one the most famous landmarks because you can find the city zoo, the Catalan Parliament and the Museu d’Art Modern here.

Moreover, this park has many pathways and is perfect for a picnic. The Parc de la Ciutadella also has a small lake, where you can rent a boat. One of the highlights is the Cascada Monumental, with large dragon statues at the basin. An unknown student, Antoni Gaudi, played his part in designing this fountain.

GOOD TO KNOW:

METRO: Arc de Triomf (Line 1) or Ciutadella – Vila Olimpica (Line 4)

 

18. Torre Bellesguard

If you want to explore Gaudi buildings without the crowds, find Torre Bellesguard in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district. This beautiful structure with a dragon-tail roof and mosaic work is Gaudi’s hidden gem. Many tourists don’t know about it, and because of that, it is one of the less visited Gaudi landmarks in Barcelona.

As you already know, the famous architectural wizard is responsible for this design. Gaudi took inspiration from the castle which once stood there. Torre Bellesguard is a quirky mix of fantasy and art nouveau elements. It shows Gaudi’s innovative spirit and his connection to nature.

GOOD TO KNOW:

You can explore some parts of the Bellesguard (it’s a private property) if you buy a ticket for 9 euros. Don’t forget you need to reserve a ticket in advance. You can visit it any day, except Monday, between 10 am and 3 pm.

 

 

19. Montjuïc Castle

Montjuïc

If you are not scared of heights, take the funicular to Montjuïc Castle on the hill above the city. This old military fortress dates back to the 17th century. However, there’s been a watchtower here since the 11th century. This military fortress has played a significant role in Catalan history. Montjuïc Castle is, in fact, famous for its dark history. It became a political prison and killing ground.

Today, Montjuïc Castle, with beautifully landscaped gardens, is one of the popular Barcelona landmarks because it offers breathtaking views of the sea, port and the city below. Also, Montjuïc is the biggest recreation area in the city and is much quieter than other parts of the city.

 

GOOD TO KNOW:

General admission to Montjuïc Castle costs 12 euros (as of November 2023). You can also book a guided tour for 16 euros (in English at 1pm on weekends and bank holidays). The castle is open from 10 am – 8 pm from March until October or until 6 pm (Nov-Feb).

HOW TO GET THERE:

Ride a cable car from Barceloneta (Torre de San Sebastian) or take the funicular. The funicular connects to the city’s metro system (Parallel station). It connects to the lower station of the cable car. Don’t forget that the price of the cable car does not include admission to the castle.

 

 

20. Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar

The Basilica de Santa Maria

Though you may not find it on the cover of a tourist magazine, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is also one of the most beautiful places to visit. The 14th-century Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar has harmonious and symmetrical proportions. It has pretty naves and stained glass windows from the 15th-18th centuries.

The Basilica de Santa Maria is one of the unique landmarks because it is the only example of a surviving church entirely in the Catalan Gothic style. The locals built it in just 55 years, which was usual in the Middle Ages. Back in those days, it took at least a century to build a church. That’s why all churches have numerous architectural styles.

GOOD TO KNOW:

You can see the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar for free only on a self-guided tour. Alternatively, see it on a guided tour for 8.50 euros and visit terraces which offer beautiful views.

FREE VISITS: Working days 9 am – 1pm and from 5 pm – 8.30 pm. On Sundays and public holidays, visit it from 9 am -2 pm or 5 pm – 8.30 pm.

METRO: Jaume I and Barceloneta (line 4)

 

21. Barceloneta Beach

natural landmarks in Barcelona - Barceloneta Beach

Did you know Barceloneta Beach was the setting of the fight between Don Quixote and the Knight of the White Moon in Miguel de Cervantes’s book Don Quixote?

 

Don’t forget to check out Barceloneta Beach because this long beach is one of the city’s natural landmarks. This famous beach with golden sands is the most popular beach in the city. Barceloneta Beach has many restaurants and also nightclubs along the boardwalk. It is popular with joggers, inline skaters, and, of course, swimmers.

 

Now you know what are the best landmarks in Barcelona!

 

Famous Landmarks in Barcelona designed by Gaudi

  • Casa Mila
  • Casa Batllo
  • Sagrada Familia
  • Park Guell, and also
  • Palau Guell
  • Casa Vicens, also
  • last, but not least, Torre Bellesguard

 

Gaudi dragon fountain

 

Best landmarks in Barcelona for the best views

  • Casa Mila
  • Casa Batllo
  • Sagrada Familia
  • Park Guell, and also
  • Palau Guell
  • The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and the rooftop bar of the Colon Hotel
  • Columbus Monument
  • Tibidabo
  • last, but not least, Montjuïc Castle

 

7 Less-touristy landmarks in Barcelona are:

  • Casa Vicens
  • Columbus Monument
  • Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona
  • Torre Bellesguard
  • Montjuïc Castle, and also
  • Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar
  • Palau Guell

 

Less-touristy landmarks in Barcelona

Casa Vicens

 

7 Famous landmarks in Barcelona which are UNESCO sites:

  • Casa Mila
  • Casa Batllo
  • the Nativity façade and also Crypt of La Sagrada Familia
  • Park Guell
  • Palau Guell, also
  • Casa Vicens
  • Crypt in Colonia Güell

 

Pin gorgeous and famous landmarks in Barcelona for later!

Barcelona landmarks

 

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