Barcelona beyond the Sagrada Família
Start with the context. The Sagrada Família is Gaudí's basilica in the Eixample and the reason many people book a trip. Official tickets start at €26 in 2026 and are sold online only, see the ticket guide. Several more Gaudí buildings are easy to combine with it.
Gaudí's other sites each need their own ticket. Park Güell costs €18 in 2026 for the monumental zone and works with time slots. Casa Batlló starts at €29 online and La Pedrera (Casa Milà) at €29, both as "from" prices. Palau Güell, near the Rambla, costs €15 in 2026 and is closed on Mondays. Casa Vicens in Gràcia is another option. More in our Gaudí in Barcelona guide.
Gaudí sites at a glance
Prices are for adults. Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are online "from" prices.
| Site | Price 2026 | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sagrada Família | €26 | Online only, fixed time slot |
| Park Güell | €18 | Timed entry for the monumental zone, forest zone free |
| Casa Batlló | From €29 | Children 0 to 12 free |
| Casa Milà (La Pedrera) | From €29 | Passeig de Gràcia 92, metro Diagonal |
| Palau Güell | €15 | Metro Liceu, closed Mondays |
| Casa Vicens | Check the booking system | Prices change with the dynamic system |
Old town: highlights 1 to 5
Most of these are within walking distance of each other.
1. Gothic Quarter
The medieval heart of the city, with narrow lanes, small squares and the cathedral. There is no ticket for the streets. Walk without a plan and allow a few hours.
2. La Rambla
The long tree-lined promenade running from the city centre toward the sea. It is busy at all hours, so keep your bag closed and treat it as a walk, not a destination for a meal.
3. Mercat de la Boqueria
The big food market off La Rambla. Come to look and to taste fruit, ham and snacks. Go early if you want fewer crowds.
4. Santa Maria del Mar and El Born
A Gothic church and the lanes around it. The El Born district has small shops, bars and restaurants. It is a good alternative to the Rambla for an evening stroll.
5. Museu Picasso
A museum for the artist's early work, in the El Born area. Check the museum's own site for hours and prices before you go, we have not verified them.
Our picks: things to do in Barcelona
A paella class, a trip to Montserrat and an hour on the water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Paella cooking class and Boqueria market
A market visit and a cooking class with a meal.
Check availability →
Montserrat tour with cog railway
A half-day trip to the mountain monastery outside Barcelona.
Check availability →
Catamaran cruise with music
One hour on the water off the Barcelona coast, by day or at sunset.
Check availability →Tours and tickets in Barcelona
Guided walks, bike tours, food tours and tickets for the Sagrada Família, with live prices and availability.
Sea and hills: highlights 6 to 8
6. Barceloneta beach
The city beach, close to the old town. The sea is about 13 °C in January and about 26 °C in August, so swimming is a summer plan. Do not wear swimwear on the way to the Sagrada Família. It is not allowed inside. See the dress code.
7. Montjuïc
The hill above the port, with parks, gardens and museums. Plan half a day, wear comfortable shoes and check opening times of single attractions on their own sites.
8. Parc de la Ciutadella
A large city park close to El Born. A relaxed place for a break between museums, with paths, lawns and a lake.
Modernisme beyond Gaudí: highlights 9 and 10
9. Hospital de Sant Pau
The Modernista hospital complex is not by Gaudí. It was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The self-guided visit costs €18 until 14:00 and €17 after that in 2026, the guided visit €21. Reduced prices are €12.60 or €11.90 (for example Barcelona residents, ages 12 to 24, over 65). Children under 12 enter free with an adult.
Opening hours are 9:30 to 18:30 from April to October and 9:30 to 17:00 from November to March, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. It is closed on 25 December. Entry is free on 23 April, on Museum Night and on 24 September.
10. Palau de la Música Catalana
Another Modernisme building, a concert hall in the old town. Check the venue's own site for tours and concerts.
Views from above: highlights 11 and 12
For a break from the streets.
11. Bunkers del Carmel
A hilltop viewpoint with a wide view over the city. It is a short trip from the Park Güell area, so you can combine the two on one day. Check the route on a map before you go.
12. Tibidabo
The mountain above the city, with an old amusement park and views across Barcelona to the sea. Plan a half day and check the current opening days on the official site.
A tower visit at the Sagrada Família also gives a view, from one tower on the Nativity or the Passion facade. See the tower guide.
Plan your trip
Choose a base and fix the big tickets first.
Things to do in Barcelona: frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Barcelona?
The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà for Gaudí. Beyond Gaudí: the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta beach, Montjuïc and Hospital de Sant Pau.
Is Hospital de Sant Pau by Gaudí?
No. It was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It is a separate Modernista site with its own ticket.
Is Palau Güell by Gaudí?
Yes. It is a Gaudí house near the Rambla, with a ticket of €15 in 2026. It is closed on Mondays and free on the first Sunday of the month.
How many days do I need in Barcelona?
That depends on your pace. A basilica visit takes about an hour, or about an hour and a half with a tower. Add a day for the old town and the beach, and a half day for each further Gaudí site.
Can I swim at Barceloneta?
Yes, in summer. The sea is about 26 °C in August and about 13 °C in January.