It’s hard to think that our trip to Barcelona was four months ago when it feels like it just happened. Barcelona was our final stop on our September Euro trip and I am so glad that we were able to visit and check that box. Because it was our last stop, we were in ultimate chill mode, so we spent a lot of time walking around, eating and taking the bus tour around town when we weren’t enjoying a little siesta.

Also, know that siesta is a real thing in Spain and will affect the restaurants you eat at and things you do, so plan accordingly. Here were some of our top things to do in Barcelona, and some things that ranked at the top of our list of recommendations.

Things to Do

Stay in luxury: Many told us to stay on Las Ramblas, but I’m so happy we stayed a little bit away from the area at the Cotton House Hotel, an Autograph Collection property. The W came highly recommended by many that had visited prior, but know you are going to spend a pretty penny there.
You know I recommended this in London, but we did a bus tour in Barcelona, too! We were able to use our ticket for 24 hours so got some good use of it across two days. They all originate at Placa de Catalunya, so you can squeeze in some people watching as well.
Walk around Las Ramblas. There are so many little shops and little streets to get lost in. It’s also a nice way to walk off all of the treats you’re going to enjoy.
Mercat la Boqueria is the public street market with many colors and flavors to explore with a Las Ramblas entrance.
Our first night we ate at Teleferic and it was the BEST MEAL TO START THE TRIP! You have to go there, please. And, if you love it as much as we did, you can go to their location in WALNUT CREEK! Seriously. How lucky are we to have their only US location so close to home.
Go to El Nacional. It’s one restaurant with multiple food stations and bars. It is lovely and more opulent than you would expect. We enjoyed our first paella there!
Enjoy an Estrella draft. Anywhere.
Venture over to El Born. We enjoyed wine and tapas at Quillo and Ziryab.
You can’t forget to shop!! It is a stylish city. Mango and Zara (the selection is out of control in comparison to the US) were my best friends during the trip but there are so many little shops in various areas of Barcelona. Look up those areas here.
The Museu Picasso came highly recommended by many and is on our list for next time.
Walk around Park Guell, one of the many works of Gaudi and where you can tour the Gaudi House.
Speaking of Gaudi, you can’t miss the sight of Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo. There are tickets to both, however, the crowds and lines are pretty massive.