We talk mostly about alternative plans to do in Barcelona, but if you are visiting Barcelona for a weekend, you might be interested in some touristy things to do in Barcelona. So in case you are wondering which are the main tourist activities in Barcelona, we made this list:
Walk les Rambles
The most famous street in Barcelona, Les Rambles, is probably one of the most common touristy things to do in Barcelona. You can walk this iconic street and feel the city vibes, but we don’t specially recommend you to have lunch in the restaurants located on this street (tourist prices and not the tastiest Catalan/Spanish cuisine).
Visit mercat de La Boqueria
Colors, smells, sensations… A market which becomes also a paradise for your senses! Visiting el Mercat de la Boqueria is a unique experience, one of those tourist attractions in Barcelona city center you can’t really miss. So while walking les Rambles, make sure to stop halfway, turn right and enter the most famous market in the city.
Eat paella in la Barceloneta
La Barcelona is one of the best places to enjoy “paella”. Eating delicious food surrounded by a unique environment: the Mediterranean sea. We recommend you though to avoid the “tourist” restaurants (which you will recognize by their gaudy colors of the menus written on their blackboards at the entrance). Try local restaurants specialized in paella, such as Mar Salada or Barraca, from where you will enjoy sea views while eating. One of those touristy things to do in Barcelona that will make your belly happy.
After lunch, you can take a nice walk along the seafront and get the perfect picture of the Mediterranean culture. To know more about this beautiful place, check one of our posts dedicated to La Barceloneta.
Visit la Sagrada Família
Antoni Gaudí’s figure is one of the most relevant symbols of Barcelona. Exploring la Sagrada Familia should be included on your touristy things to do in Barcelona list. It is an icon of the city, and an important part of its history. If you have the time, we also recommend you to check other emblematic buildings by Antoni Gaudí. Check out some of our latest post dedicated to Gaudi’s architecture: Sagrada Família and Park Guell.
Walk Passeig de Gràcia and stop at la Pedrera
Besides Les Rambles, Passeig de Gràcia street is also a famous avenue in Barcelona. You can walk this street where luxury brands have their stories (Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton…) and stop in the middle of the way. A must-stop to have a look at of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona city center: La Pedrera. It is another building created by Antoni Gaudí which is worth a visit.
Visit Camp Nou
What to do in Barcelona if you are an unconditional soccer fun? And if you are a Futbol Club Barcelona fan? Specially in this case, we recommend you to visit the Futbol Club Barcelona Stadium and its museum. You will be able to explore the play field by yourself and see the trophies the team has won throughout history.
Rent a boat and paddle la Ciutadella lake
Parc de la Ciutadella makes it to this list of touristy things to do in Barcelona! The lake along with its green paths make it a perfect place to take a relaxing walk. And among the touristy activities in Barcelona we also include to rent a boat and paddle this nice lake.
Take the cable car to Montjuïc
You can also take the cable car in the port of Barcelona and have a nice ride to Castell de Montjuic from where you will get a beautiful view of the city.