This is my insider’s guide to the best museums, churches and parks in Barcelona! Read about my personal experiences, tips and share in valuable local knowledge given to me by my dear Catalan friends. My list contains tourists attractions that I’ve either been to or I would like to visit. I have included entrance fees and how much time to allocate, though you will still need to Google further information, like addresses and opening times. Museums are often closed on Mondays and lots of them have a free entrance day on the first Sunday of every month.

Don’t expect to see everything in Barcelona in a week though, this city is vast and offers many meaningful and arty experiences. I recommend choosing just a few sights that you can whole heartedly dedicate your allotted days to. It’s also important to make time to just wander around the city and soak up the atmosphere, history, culture, gastronomy and street life. It’s impossible not to chance upon the multitude of monuments, statues, public sculptures and street art that are peppered generously around this beautiful city.

The Major Museums and Art Galleries of Barcelona

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)

The Nacional Art Museum of Catalonia, Montjuïc

A must see. This is one of the largest museums in Spain and houses the national collection of Catalan art. Give yourself a few days to take in this extensive exhibition. I suggest digesting one era on each half day visit (2 hours at a time is plenty). I recommend starting with the Romanesque – check the grotesque creatures in the well preserved frescoes presented in church mock ups. Watch the films on how the restorers do their work. Enjoy the views of the city outside. Pre-book your ticket. Saturdays entrance is free after 3pm. 12€ all other times.

Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

I would split this visit into two half days, as there’s always so much to take in. There are always brilliant temporary exhibitions. 11€ entrance. Free from 4-8pm Saturdays. You need to pre-book your tickets.

Museu Etnològic de Barcelona, Montjuïc

Ethnological Museum on Montjuïc

There is a fantastic collection of ex-voto devotional folk art in the basement and all kinds of ancient glass and pottery. Visiting the basement is free. Upstairs is a small museum that goes into detail about various aspects of everyday Catalan life and craftsmanship, from history through to the present day. Give yourself at least a couple of hours in here. Book your tickets in advance, even for the downstairs. 5€ entrance.

Museo Etnológico y de Culturas del Món, Barrio Gotico

Ethnological Museum Barcelona, Gothic Quarter

This will blow your socks off! There are so many strange and wonderful offerings from all around the world. All are well lit and well presented. Give yourself plenty of time, like one to two days. Pre-book tickets – first Sunday of the month is free entrance, 3.50€ all other times.

The Museu del Disseny de Barcelona, Glories

The Design Museum, Glories

If you like cantilevers, you’ll love the architecture of this museum. The contents vary from the modern day items we take for granted, down to the numerous exquisitely crafted objects, large and small, that reflect an extremely wealthy history. You can easily fill half a day in there. Pre-book tickets – first Sunday of the month is free entrance, 6€ all other times.

Museo de Historia de Barcelona MUHBA

History Museum Barcelona

Walk around the ancient Roman ruins that lay beneath the city and get an insight into the beginnings of Barcelona, when there was a population of just 3000. Allow half a day. Pre-book tickets – first Sunday of the month is free entrance, 7€ all other times.

Museu Frederic Marès, barrio Gotico

The Museum of Frederic Marès, Gothic quarter

OMG this is an incredible museum, that not only houses sculptures by Frederic Marèsa but also houses his crazy private collection of artefacts. You can view thousands of relics that he hoarded from all over Catalonia – rare objects saved from Romanesque churches in the Pyrenees and upstairs there are literally thousands of finely crafter everyday objects squirrelled away from Catalan high society. Allow at least a full day to get around this surprising museum and make sure you see everything! Pre-book tickets. Free entrance first Sunday of the month, 2.40€ all other times.

Palau de la Virreina, La Rambla

Virreina Palace

Located on the main Rambla, it’s easy to find. They put on well informed temporary exhibitions in this beautiful 18th century palace. Check the ceiling decorations in some of the rooms. Allow at least 2 hours. Pre-book tickets. Admission is free.

Museo de Picasso

Picasso Museum

I’m a fan of Picasso’s easy line, even though his reputation around women has a lot to be desired. I have yet to visit this museum. Free entrance Thursdays 5-8pm – you need to pre-book tickets. 12€ entrance.

Museo de Ciencia CosmoCaixa

CosmoCaixa science museum

I have yet to explore this museum. 10-8pm. Pre-book tickets. Entrance 6€

Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Montjuïc

Natural sciences Museum, Montjuïc

Located next to the botanical gardens, I have yet to explore this. Pre-book tickets. Entrance 6€

Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau

The Hospital of the Holy Cross and St. Paul

This elaborately built hospital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a sprawling masterpiece of what the early 20th century would loosely describe as Art Nouveau architecture. I love cycling past the entrance but have yet to go in. Entrance is 15€, book in advance.

Fundació Joan Miró, Montjuïc

Joan Miró Foundation, Montjuïc

I would still love to visit this museum. Pre-book tickets. Entrance 13€.

Can Framis Museum

Contemporary Catalan art

I’d still like to visit this place. Pre-book tickets – 5€ entrance.

Churches

La Sagrada Familia

The Gaudi Cathedral

The most visited place in Barcelona – I haven’t seen inside since 1989. It’s a masterpiece of work in progress by Gaudi. Walk all the way around the exterior of the cathedral and observe the facade from various distances. The more you look, the more you will see in this highly decorated, carved and mosaic masterpiece. The project is funded by entrance fees, the donations of tourists and the hard work of the locals – the more you pay, the better your chance of getting into heaven! Pre-book tickets. Free entrance for 8am mass on Sunday’s, (not during August), 26€ entrance all other times.

Also check out the nearby Avenida de Gaudi for restaurants and cafes.

Tibidabo

The church and amusement park on top of the highest hill

The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor is a Roman Catholic church. The Church of the Sacred Heart is mounted on the highest peak of mount Tibidabo in the Serra de Collserola national park. The location for the church was chosen because of the part in the bible (Matthew 4:8), where the devil tempts Christ from a high point looking down over the kingdoms of the world. Although work started on the church in 1903, it wasn’t entirely finished until 1961. An enormous bronze statue of Christ is perched on top of the highest point. The iconic silhouette watches over Barcelona down below and can also be seen from most parts of the city. From up there you can also take in a 180° panorama of Barcelona and enjoy the amusement park (covid restrictions permitting). You can enter the lower part (the crypt), which was completed in 1911 and is made from the stone of Montjuic. Make sure to go up the exterior stone stairways on either side of the crypt, to reach the upper level, where you can see amazing views of all around the coast and surrounding countryside. Here you can also enter the upper part (the temple), which is made from a lighter stone from Girona. It’s easy to kill an hour or more up there, visiting both parts of the church and viewing platforms, which are all free.

The amusement park re-opens on the 5th March 2022 and is 35€ entrance.

Montserrat

The Benedictine Monastery Santa Maria de Montserrat

A must see. Located an hour outside of the city, up a mountain. Just go, walk towards the monastery, queue with everyone else and get your time slot to see the black madonna – she’s the main attraction and was sought after by high ranking nazis! Go into the church and walk around and absorb everything. There are restaurants, an art gallery, a pathway along the mountain to a crypt and many, many stunning views. Give yourself a whole day. Entrance is free. The art gallery costs 8€.

Monestir de Pedralbes

The Monastery of Pedralbes

Nearly every part of this 14th century Catalan gothic monastery is open to the public – the courtyard, the tiled kitchen, the store rooms, the chapel, sleeping quarters and the church. The archways of the interior court yard make for an excellent back drop for quiet meditation. The ancient art and carvings are visible all the way around the cloistered walls. This has been home to a small community of nuns of the order of St. Clare. There’s a museum containing well made objects saved from everyday life. This excursion can de done in half a day. Pre-book tickets. 5€ entrance.

Catedral Basílica de Barcelona

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

It’s hard to avoid this one, as all the streets in the gothic quarter seem to lead here, at some point. The gothic architecture was commenced in 1298, on the site of a Roman temple, the principal work was undertaken in the 14th century. During the late nineteenth century, the neo gothic facade was constructed over a typically plain Catalan church front. It then set the tone of the barrio’s gothic brand look, which some buildings had to be slightly adapted to. More often than not, you will hear great street musicians to accompany your experience on the outside. On the inside, the faithful and visitors are both welcomed alike, to contemplate this grand monument. Sunday mass is accompanied by a chamber choir. Pre-book tickets. 9€ entrance.

Parks

Parc Güell

The Gaudi Park

Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk around it at least twice – up, down, left and right (it’s worth exploring every pathway on every level). Around siesta time (2–5pm), is a quiet time to queue to see the covered columned area (The Hypostyle Room) and then walk down Dragon stairway to see Gaudi’s iconic mosaic salamander. Take your time with the columned area because it’s a one way path and you can’t go back without queuing again. This is not the only highlight of the park though – the views, the architecture, the plants and all the seated areas are amazing too. I love strolling around on a Sunday (along with all the other cultured people) chancing upon the sounds of selected musicians, sitting in the various different zones and taking in the magical atmosphere. Plan to spend at least half a day here. There are many different entrances into and out of the park. Entrance is free with a library card, otherwise you will need to pre-book, entrance 10€.

Labyrinth park

The maze is fun and the garden has some beautiful marble sculptures and architectural features. Give yourself half a day to enjoy the setting. Entrance is free (no dogs).

Parc de Cuitadella

City park

This is where you can see the huge ornamental fountain with all the gold and the horses. There’s a duck pond, grassy areas to sit and you can watch tango classes happening in the space above the fountain at the weekends. You can easily kill a couple of hours here. Entrance is free.

Jardí Botànic de Barcelona, Montjuïc

The botanical gardens, Montjuïc

The planting is quite sparse because, well, it’s Spain and it’s naturally arid here. However, when you stop to look and take in the nature around you at any particular given moment, you will find there are many unusual and shapely species. The trees are the main attraction, with established varieties from all around the world. It’s a lovely walk, a wonderful source for sketching and photography and you can easily spend a whole day here. Pre-book tickets. 5€ entrance.

Mirador de Joan Sales

Located above Park Güell, enjoy excellent views over the city. This is a popular dog walking spot, if you need some doggy energy. This is part of a longer walk, just explore the pathways around the hills all over this location. Entrance is free.

MUHBA Turó de la Rovira
Viewpoint of the Turó de la Rovira

AKA the bunkers – anti-aircraft guns were situated on this strategic spot during the civil war. The area has a rich history – remains of water tanks are visible, it hosted a shanty town up until the 90’s, called Els Canons, with 110 huts and important artefacts were discovered at the summit in 1932 that date back to the 4th century. It’s a rewarding steep walk up there, standing 262m high and offers stunning 360° views of the city. Spending half an hour up there (to study the layout of the city and spot landmarks) is plenty and there’s several nice walks down again. Entrance is free.

Mirador de l’Arquitecte Ignasi de Lecea

Viewpoint of the Architect Ignasi de Lecea

Situated above Park Güell, in Parc del Carmel, this is a great place to come at night and marvel at the twinkling city below – if you’re able bodied and can climb the hill! Entrance is free.

Torre de Comunicacions de Montjuïc

The telecommunication tower, Montjuïc

This is a very pleasant and spacious place to have a picnic or to just hang out, watch the sunset and admire people working out. The sculptural form of the 136m communication tower is an architectural landmark is based on a kneeling athlete offering the olympic torch and broadcast the 1992 Olympics games. It also functions as a sundial, as well as being very photogenic. The pillars are also an art piece – I think they look like a suggestion of a future ruin. Entrance is free.

Castell de Montjuïc

Montjuïc Castle

Once you’ve clambered all around Montjuic (at the top), you’ll find yourself at this old military fortress, with roots that date back to 1640. Look at the detail in sedimentary sandstone rock used to build the walls – it has a wide range of colours and really beautiful patterns. A lot of old Barcelona (including parts of Sagrada Familia and the church on Tibidabu) are built using this high quartz content, hard stone, quarried from Montjuic.

Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola

Collserola natural park

Sometimes it feels like I’m walking in the wild mountain sides of Andalusia, except there’s plenty more people following the pathways that fan out all over the mountain. Views of the city are never very far away.

Llobregat Delta

Llobregat Delta bird sanctuary

There are a few different entrances and paths to follow. Be prepared for at least a good 3 or 4 km walk in nature, without dogs. This is a popular stop off for migrating birds, with many viewing platforms and shelters to observe them. Free entrance.

Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, Montjuïc

Succulent and cactus garden, Montjuïc

With over 800 species, this is one of the most important succulent and cactus gardens in Europe. It was established in 1970 and enjoys a microclimate of a few degrees higher than that of the rest of the city, this means that non-indigenous sub-desert plants can thrive here. I have yet to visit. Free entrance.

The streets, architecture, monuments and plazas

There is so much more to mention but here’s just a few more places that are well worth your time:

The Gothic Quarter – for architecture, shops, restaurants and street art.
Plaza Real – be seen here and take some selfies with beautiful architecture and a fountain.
The Ramblar – see the human statues and buy flowers.
Arc de Truimph – classical photogenic monumental archway.
Passieg de Gracia – luxury brands and Gaudi architecture.
Casa Batlló – one of the Gaudi Houses.
Güell Palace – I have only walked past. Entrance 5€.
Plaza del sol, Gracia – haven’t been yet.
Plaza de Catalunya – very grand.
Plaza de España – very, very grand.
The marina – see luxury yachts and have a nice walk.
Barcelonetta – the back streets offer real life and real prices.
Diagonal – I intend to walk the entire 11km length one day.
The beach – outdoor gyms, bars, walk ways and beautiful tanned figures.

Catalan Gastronomy

Vermut a la casa

Home made vermouth

Ask for this fortified wine drink in any bar or restaurant (expect to pay around 2€ a glass in a normal bar) or head over to one of the many local bodegas and buy their locally made vermouth straight from the barrel. As with all the best home made concoctions, it comes in a plastic bottle and is best served from the fridge with an olive or a slice of orange. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much it differs from the sweet commercial vermouths. The locals drink it as an aperitif before a meal but take heed – 2 glasses is plenty!

Cava

Sparkling wine

Catalonia is the home of cava. I took note of this label because the wine is so crisp and dry. It’s a brand that sells in all my local bodega’s for around 6—7€ a bottle.

Chocolate y churros

Hot chocolate and doughnut strands

There are two ancient Granja’s (cafes originally just for women and children) in Carrer de Petritxol, both are excellent and serve their thick chocolate sauce with heaps of fresh whipped cream! There are loads of smaller private art galleries along this street including the oldest art gallery in Barcelona – Sala Parés, which was established in 1877 and used to be quite avant guard, showing the likes of Dalí. Entrance is free.

Gastronomía Catalana

You must try the pan con tomate for breakfast and the crema catalana for dessert. The food here is a rich and flavourful portion of life that I cannot begin to even touch the surface of. Here is a blog that explores the subject of Catalan food in more depth:

Thank you for reading

I hope you have found this guide to Barcelona helpful. Now, before you go, have a browse of my art – I’ve created a lot of the paintings since living in Barcelona! All my art can be easily shipped.

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