Are you planning your first trip to Barcelona soon? Then you undoubtedly want to make the most of your city trip! But which sights must you absolutely see, where should you buy tickets in advance, and where can you find the best shops and the tastiest restaurants? On this blog, I give you the best tips for your first time in Barcelona.
Barcelona for Beginners
Your first time in Barcelona is obviously very exciting, but how do you approach it properly? What can you expect? You might wonder what there is to see and do in Barcelona, what the main attractions are, how public transportation works, and how you’ll find your way in such a big city.
First-timers to Barcelona have many questions. That’s why I’ve put together the following beginner’s guide with everything you need for your first time in Barcelona.
As a born and raised Barcelonian, I know the city like the back of my hand and can tell you exactly what to look out for on your first trip to Barcelona and what you should and shouldn’t do.
If you are going to Barcelona for the first time and want to know how to plan this trip, read on here.
Where to Stay on Your First Visit to Barcelona?
If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time, choosing a hotel in the city center is your best bet.
The charming old town and the Ramblas are popular choices among first-time tourists. Personally, I recommend staying in the Eixample area, which is pleasant, safe, central, and easy to navigate.
Here are a few great options:
👉 Click here for more hotels in Barcelona.
What to See and Do During Your First Time in Barcelona?
When you think of Barcelona, you immediately think of the warm weather, tapas and sangria, the beautiful buildings of Gaudí, and FC Barcelona. But of course, there’s much more to see and experience in Barcelona, especially for those who have never been before!
Below, I have gathered all my tips for a first time in Barcelona so that you can make the most of your city trip.
The Highlights
Some attractions and sights should not be missed on your to-do list. Keep in mind that for most tourist attractions, there are often long lines at the ticket office. It’s often worth buying tickets online in advance to avoid the long lines and spend your time in Barcelona doing something more enjoyable.
- Sagrada Família: Gaudí’s unfinished basilica is a real must-see and is Spain’s most visited monument.
- Park Güell: This fairytale park by Gaudí was originally intended as a city garden but was left unfinished. The master himself lived for a while in Park Güell’s pink house, where the Casa Museu Gaudí now stands.
- Passeig de Gràcia: Barcelona’s Champs-Élysées is a fabulous walking promenade where you can stroll past the most expensive brands and the most beautiful buildings in Modernista style (such as Gaudí’s Casa Milà and Casa Batlló).
- Las Ramblas: Barcelona’s famous promenade is daily flooded by tourists who come to watch. Despite the crowds, the Ramblas remain an emblematic place that you must have seen on a first visit to Barcelona.
- Boqueria Market: In Barcelona’s most famous fresh market, you can find all sorts of delicacies to buy as souvenirs. You can also taste various snacks at the market bars and get acquainted with Spanish tapas.
- Gothic Quarter: Barcelona’s old city center is mainly known for its beautiful medieval buildings, with the Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, and Plaça Reial as highlights.
- El Born: Another charming old neighborhood in central Barcelona is El Born, known for hip bars and restaurants, lovely boutiques, and art studios of local artists.
- The Beach and Harbor: One of Barcelona’s biggest advantages is its location on the Mediterranean Sea and the miles-long sandy beach where you can relax throughout the year.
- Montjuïc: On the green city hill Montjuïc, there are plenty of interesting sights; from an old military castle to Catalonia’s largest art museum. It’s great for walking (or cycling) and has plenty of spots to rest.
- Tibidabo: Barcelona’s largest mountain offers one of the city’s most beautiful and breathtaking views. In addition, there’s a vintage amusement park and a monumental church with a great view at the top of Tibidabo.
Other Fun Things
In addition to relaxing on the beach, shopping, and eating well, there’s much more you can do in Barcelona. If you want to get a good insight into the city upon arrival, book a tour at the beginning of your vacation and let the fun begin!
- Take a guided tour: The best way to get to know the city well is to participate in a tour with a local guide.
- Dining out: You can eat wonderfully in Barcelona without spending a lot of money. Although you can find restaurants from all over the world in Barcelona, I recommend visiting authentic Spanish and Catalan restaurants to get acquainted with the local cuisine.
- Shopping: Barcelona is a paradise for shoppers. All major fashion chains and well-known brands have a store here. Portal de l’Àngel, along with Passeig de Gràcia, is one of the main shopping streets.
- Visiting museums: Culture lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the large number of museums in Barcelona. Although the most visited museum in Barcelona is FC Barcelona’s club museum, a visit to Barcelona’s history museum and the MNAC art museum is also highly recommended.
- Attend the Magic Fountain show: The weekly free show of the Font Màgica in Montjuïc is definitely a must-see if you have the opportunity.
- Sailing along the coast: As a port city, Barcelona also has tourist boats that sail along the coast. The most famous are Las Golondrinas sightseeing boats.
- Sitting on the terrace: Tapas are a must during a visit to Barcelona. The best part is enjoying them on the terrace, surrounded by all the hustle and bustle.
- Relaxing in nature: If you occasionally want to seek peace and nature, you can visit one of the many city parks in Barcelona. Locals’ favorite is Parc de la Ciutadella, but Montjuïc hill is also very worthwhile.
- Visiting the best viewpoints: Marvel at the best views over Barcelona from one of its many viewpoints or cable cars. Popular among both tourists and locals is the viewpoint at Bunkers del Carmel, which offers a fantastic view of the city, but the one from Tibidabo is also not to be missed.
What to Eat During Your First Time in Barcelona?
Those visiting Barcelona for the first time will naturally want to eat tapas at an authentic tapas restaurant. But there’s much more than just tapas in Barcelona! On the one hand, you have the local cuisine, with delicious dishes like the famous paella, serrano ham, and tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelet), and on the other hand, the international cuisine, with the latest food trends and dishes from around the world.
When you come to Barcelona, I especially recommend you try dishes like pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), croquetas (Spanish croquettes), empanadillas (stuffed empanadas), arroz negro (black rice), fideuá (a type of paella but with pasta), and canelones (stuffed cannelloni with bechamel sauce).
Also, stop by a bakery and be surprised by the wide range of pastries and other treats like ensaimada (sweet pastry in the shape of a snail shell), magdalena (Spanish muffin), coca de vidre (crispy cookie), or the typical brazo de gitano (gypsy roll).
👉 Read more about the Spanish Eating Habits.
Even More Great Tips for Your First Time in Barcelona
The Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona
Barcelona has several unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and must-see attractions.
The Gothic Quarter is your go-to for history, culture, and great shopping. El Born is known for its trendy vibe, and El Raval offers a genuinely multicultural experience. For the most stunning Modernist architecture, head over to l’Eixample.
👉 Discover where to go in Barcelona here.
The Best Restaurants in Barcelona
Barcelona has an incredibly diverse restaurant scene, ranging from family-run spots with local dishes at affordable prices to Michelin-starred venues with modern flair.
You can enjoy tapas on a terrace, savor a delicious brunch, or order a simple pizza. There’s something for every taste and budget!
👉 Discover my favorite restaurants in Barcelona here.
The Best Nightclubs in Barcelona
Dancing until the early hours is easy to do in Barcelona, where the nightlife buzzes with options like cocktail bars, karaoke spots, nightclubs, and concert venues.
Some of the city’s most popular nightclubs include Razzmatazz, Otto Zutz, Sutton, Catwalk, and Pacha.
👉 Read more about nightlife in Barcelona here.
The Best Beaches in Barcelona
Although the beach at La Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most famous, there are many more beaches to choose from that are far less touristy yet equally enjoyable.
For instance, the beach in Poblenou, located further north, is frequented mainly by locals. Thanks to excellent train connections, you can also enjoy beautiful beach days in the areas surrounding Barcelona.
👉 Discover the best beaches in and around Barcelona here.
Good to Know
- Despite its reputation as a pickpocket hotspot, Barcelona is a safe city to live in. As a tourist, try not to stand out as an easy target by staying alert, especially in busy and tourist-heavy areas, and take a few precautions (such as wearing your bag in front, using a money belt, and avoiding dark, narrow alleys in the city center).
- Visiting in summer? Be prepared for hot days and warm summer evenings. Fortunately, most hotels, shops, and restaurants in Barcelona now have air conditioning, and even public transport is equipped for the heat. Spring and fall are the most unpredictable for rain, while winter can offer pleasantly mild, sunny days.
- Life in Barcelona might be different from what you’re used to. People here typically have two hot meals a day, dine much later than elsewhere, and many small shops close midday for lunch and siesta. The nightlife starts after midnight, and people generally have a relaxed, unhurried approach to time.
- Shops in Barcelona open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., often closing between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. for siesta. Sunday is a rest day, and most shops are closed. However, you can still shop at the Maremagnum shopping center.
- It’s worth noting that most Spaniards speak limited English, but staff in Barcelona’s museums, hotels, and restaurants often speak English, especially younger employees. In Barcelona, both Catalan and Spanish are spoken, and you’ll find most signs, brochures, and menus in both languages—and sometimes even in English.
Here are my top tips for first-time visitors to Barcelona. I hope they help you prepare for your trip! If you have any questions or additional tips to add, feel free to leave a comment below.
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