Explore beaches and basilicas in this Spanish seaside city ☀️
A Mediterranean coastline, vibrant nightlife, and melt-in-the-mouth tapas — Barcelona really does have it all and it doesn’t skimp on culture either. This famous city in Spain was once home to big names like Antoni Gaudí and Pablo Picasso, who literally left their mark on the city. Take an amble from the old Barri Gòtic neighborhood to the unmissable (and yet unfinished) Sagrada Familia church, and don’t forget to try some sangria along the way. We’ve got you covered with our pick of Barcelona’s must-try experiences, from wine tasting to sailing through the city!
But before you begin your adventure, make sure to secure your essentials first:
First off is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card that gives you unlimited transportation in Barcelona for two to five days! With this travel card, you can take public transport like Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) city network, Funicular de Montjuïc, and more, as you go around the city and visit some attractions.
Transfers between the city center and the Barcelona-El Prat Airport are also available via metro (Line L9 in Terminals 1 and 2), Renfe suburban train (Line R2 Nord in Terminal 2), and bus (Line 46 in Terminals 1 and 2).
Next is the Klook Pass Barcelona that's ideal for travelers who want to explore more and spend less! With just one pass, you’ll get access to multiple attractions — a maximum of six to be exact. Forget about keeping many vouchers and tickets. All you need to do is keep this one pass safe and sound, and you’ll easily enter your chosen attractions fuss-free. There are over 20 iconic spots to choose from like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Montjuïc cable car.
1. Explore the city’s food scene with a food walking tour 😋
There’s no better way to know and understand another culture than indulging in local food! With this El Born food walking tour, you’ll get to explore and experience Barcelona’s food culture. El Born is a neighborhood in Barcelona known for its cafes in the morning and cocktail bars at night. Get ready to have different types of liquor like beer, wine, and shots — all paired with savory tapas like local meats and cheeses, crispy fried potatoes, and more.
2. Spend an entire day touring iconic spots near Barcelona 😎
While Barcelona is so much fun already, its surrounding areas are just as exciting! So while you’re in Spain, take the opportunity to explore more cities. With this full-day tour from Barcelona, you get to visit Girona and Figueres.
Your visit to Girona will be filled with all the ancient sights — the city walls, structures, and more. One notable site here is the Jewish quarter, filled with streets, houses, and patios that have stood the test of time since the Medieval era.
Next up on your tour is Figueres, a city that houses the Dalí Theatre and Museum, designed by Salvador Dalí himself. It’s one of the city’s historical sites that’s a must-visit for anyone who happens to be in Figueres. Inside the museum are thousands of artworks in different forms like oil paintings, sculptures, and photos, to name a few.
Klook Tip: Wear comfortable but presentable clothing to ensure a fuss-free entry to the sacred attractions included in the tour.
3. Venture into Montserrat for breathtaking views and local wine 🍷
This mighty mountain towers above Barcelona and has views that stretch over the glittering Mediterranean Sea. For a fuss-free visit to this designated natural park, book a Montserrat tour with Klook! You’ll be whisked uphill via an air-conditioned bus, passing boulders in quirky shapes. A little culture’s thrown into the mix, with a stop at the 1,000-year-old Basílica de Montserrat, home to the Black Virgin patron saint of Catalonia.
To elevate your experience, book the package type that comes with wine tasting to have a sip (or two!) of the city’s local wine made by monks.
But hey, if you want an experience that solely focuses on wine, then this wine cellar tour in Catalonia is the ideal option for you! This tour will take you through the ins and outs of wine production, a walk to the vineyards, and the best part — tasting different types of wine with appetizers to match.
4. See panoramic city views 🚁
While exploring the city is fun on land, seeing it all from above is something new and exciting! This helicopter tour in Barcelona promises an experience that’s one for the books where you will see famous landmarks from above like the Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter. Get ready to see coastal views of Barceloneta Beach, as well as Port Vell.
For those who want to see stunning panoramic views of the city but fear getting on a helicopter, we have just the solution for you! You can opt to go up the Mirador Torre Glories Observation Deck to marvel at 360-degree views of Barcelona. This 30-story building flaunts modern architecture that will leave you in awe. From up on the deck, you’ll get limitless views of some landmarks too, such as the mountain of Collserola, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Montjuïc hill.
5. Immerse yourself in Barcelona’s culture ✨
There are so many ways to engage with Barcelona’s culture, and one is through art and history. When in Barcelona, make sure to drop by La Pedrera (Casa Milà), an Antoni Gaudí creation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that promises not just an art exhibition but also a taste of their music culture. The exhibits change occasionally but currently, “Art in Stone” is featured. Marvel at intricate stonework by several sculptors like Louise Bourgeois, Hans Arp, and Eduardo Chillida, to name a few.
Another fun way to get to know more about Spain’s culture is through flamenco, a form of dance most prominent in Southern Spain. Witness the beautiful art of dance through a flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes in Barcelona! Over 15 performers will show up on stage to treat audiences to a passionate dance performance, accompanied by Spain’s folk music.
If you want to experience Barcelona’s culture like no other, get the package that comes with dinner so you can have a taste of over 40 authentic Spanish dishes and unlimited drinks (beer, sangria, water, coffee, and more).
6. Go on a luxurious cruise through the city coast 🛥️
See a different side of Barcelona through a cruise aboard one of the city’s top sailboats! This has got to be the most relaxing and serene way to explore the city and its beaches. To make your sailing experience even better, get the package that comes with Vermouth, a type of wine that’s spiced up a little and is said to be one of Spain’s specialties. During the cruise, make sure to just sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking skyline views.
7. Live the dream at the FC Barcelona Museum 🌟
If you’re a football fan, make sure to drop by the FC Barcelona museum, where you can see and appreciate the history of football through the trophy room and a walkthrough of past and present players. Learn all about “Barça” (Futbol Club Barcelona) in the audiovisual multimedia area that brings the story of this La Liga and Champions League-winning team to life. You’ll also get a peek into the ongoing construction of Spotify Camp Nou, a stadium in Barcelona and home to the soccer team, Futbol Club Barcelona.
8. Discover artist Antoni Gaudí’s whimsical world 🤩
You can spot more of Gaudí’s offbeat Catalan Modernism all over the city. The best-known sight is Park Güell, a wonderful collection of buildings with quirky curved lines and bright mosaics. Look out for the multicolored, gargoyle-esque El Drac Salamander statue. You’ll also find the collonaded Sala Hipóstila and the wavy Serpentine Benches at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Get your Park Güell ticket on Klook and save on booking fees — leaving you more euros to spend on sangria! 🍷
9. Learn how to cook authentic Spanish food 🤗
Apart from indulging in the goodness of Spanish cuisine, one other experience that you can try out is cooking the local dishes yourself! It’s not every day that you get to unleash that chef in you during your trip, so Barcelona might be a good start.
Starting with paella, one of Spain’s well-loved and well-known dishes. This paella cooking session is not just all about cooking but also about knowing the history of paella and its significance to the country. You can choose to cook either seafood or vegetarian paella, either way will be taught in detail by a professional chef. After the session, you get to enjoy the paella you cooked with a glass of wine.
Next up is a Jamón Experience Masterclass where you pick up a thing or two about Jamón ibérico, a type of cured leg pork mostly found in Portugal and Spain. This type of meat is used in most Spanish dishes, and its preparation is not an easy task. In this class, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind experience as you taste seven different types of jamón like Paleta Gran Reserva, Paleta 50% Iberian Cebo, and Paleta 50% Iberian Bellota. The jamón expert will also teach you how to pair your jamón with wine or cava (Spanish wine), so you get the perfect blend of tastes during your tasting session.
Plan more fun-filled days and balmy nights in glorious Barcelona
For more attractions and activities in this popular Spanish city, make sure to check out the Barcelona page on Klook! If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant city soon, make sure you’re equipped with your travel essentials like 4G WiFi and SIM Cards, airport transfers, Barcelona City Card & Express Card, and more.
