Things to Do
While you're in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of those cities that rewards however much time you give it. Here's a mix of the classics and a few of our own picks.
The must-sees
We've put together a map of the classic Barcelona highlights, Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc and more. Book Sagrada Família and Park Güell tickets online in advance, both sell out weeks ahead.
Where to eat
Our restaurant list is a good starting point but it’s quite large (some of the restaurants here might be closed for good, we’ve been here for over 4 years after all).
El Born
Great spot for dinner, lots of options at different price points. El Xampanyet on Carrer de Montcada for standing cava and anchovies is a Barcelona classic, and Bodega La Puntual just around the corner is great for a more sit-down meal. We recommend booking for Bodega La Puntual.
Gràcia
More relaxed and local-feeling than the centre. Carrer de Vic has a few good old bodegas. Good for a long, unhurried lunch.
Poble Sec
Carrer de Blai is the pintxos street, cheap and fun. Good for a casual evening crawl.
Eixample
Cerveceria Catalana on Carrer de Mallorca is the reliable crowd-pleaser for tapas, no reservations, expect a small queue at peak times.
El Born
Great spot for dinner, lots of options at different price points. El Xampanyet on Carrer de Montcada for standing cava and anchovies is a Barcelona classic, and Bodega La Puntual just around the corner is great for a more sit-down meal. We recommend booking for Bodega La Puntual.
Gràcia
More relaxed and local-feeling than the centre. Carrer de Vic has a few good old bodegas. Good for a long, unhurried lunch.
Poble Sec
Carrer de Blai is the pintxos street, cheap and fun. Good for a casual evening crawl.
Eixample
Cerveceria Catalana on Carrer de Mallorca is the reliable crowd-pleaser for tapas, no reservations, expect a small queue at peak times.
For anything beyond a casual tapas bar, we'd recommend booking ahead, Barcelona restaurants fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Bars & drinks
Our bar list because is may and we’re sure you’ll need a refreshing break. If you're around on a Sunday, a vermouth in Gràcia in the afternoon is very much worth it.
Getting glam
If you want to get your hair or makeup done before the wedding, Barcelona has plenty of options.
For hair, makeup and everything else, Treatwell is the easiest way to find and book, you can filter by location, price, and service, and read reviews before committing.
For hair, Marco Aldany is a great shout, reliable, affordable, and with several locations across the city so there'll be one near wherever you're staying. Book ahead, especially as the wedding is on a Friday.
Day trips
Montserrat (1 hour)
The mountain monastery is worth the trip. Take the rack railway up, have a walk around, and try to time it for a clear day. Trains go directly from Plaça Espanya.
Sitges (40 min by train from Sants)
Pretty beach town down the coast. Good for a relaxed day out.
Penedès wine country (45 min by car)
Cava and wine country. A few of the big bodegas like Codorníu and Freixenet do tours and tastings — good option if you're hiring a car.
Tarragona (1 hour by train from Sants)
Roman ruins, a great cathedral, and a lovely old town right on the coast. Much less visited than it deserves.
Vic (1 hour by train or car)
Charming market town with a beautiful Romanesque cathedral and one of the best Saturday markets in Catalonia. Great if you're around over the weekend.
Girona (1 hour)
Often overlooked but genuinely lovely — medieval old town, great food scene, easy to get to. Here's our list of spots there.
Costa Brava (1.5–2 hours by car)
Beautiful coastline, best explored by car at your own pace. We've mapped out our favourite stops if you want a starting point.
Montserrat (1 hour)
The mountain monastery is worth the trip. Take the rack railway up, have a walk around, and try to time it for a clear day. Trains go directly from Plaça Espanya.
Sitges (40 min by train from Sants)
Pretty beach town down the coast. Good for a relaxed day out.
Penedès wine country (45 min by car)
Cava and wine country. A few of the big bodegas like Codorníu and Freixenet do tours and tastings — good option if you're hiring a car.
Tarragona (1 hour by train from Sants)
Roman ruins, a great cathedral, and a lovely old town right on the coast. Much less visited than it deserves.
Vic (1 hour by train or car)
Charming market town with a beautiful Romanesque cathedral and one of the best Saturday markets in Catalonia. Great if you're around over the weekend.
Girona (1 hour)
Often overlooked but genuinely lovely — medieval old town, great food scene, easy to get to. Here's our list of spots there.
Costa Brava (1.5–2 hours by car)
Beautiful coastline, best explored by car at your own pace. We've mapped out our favourite stops if you want a starting point.