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Best Things to do in Barcelona (2026)

Some of the best experiences in Barcelona happen outside the big monuments. Food markets are a good place to start: La Boqueria on La Rambla is the famous one, best visited early in the morning when the counter bars are cooking for traders, while the Mercat de Santa Caterina, under its wave of coloured tiles near the cathedral, is calmer and mainly used by local shoppers. Both close on Sundays, and Santa Caterina closes in the afternoon on several days, so check the hours before you go.

For views, climb to the Bunkers del Carmel on the Turó de la Rovira, a Civil War anti-aircraft battery that is free to visit and especially popular at sunset, or head to the summit of Tibidabo, where the old amusement park combines vintage rides with the widest panorama of the city. Opening days at Tibidabo vary through the year, so check the calendar first. In the evening, an intimate flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobés on La Rambla is a good introduction to the art, with dinner options available. Allow time between activities, as many of the best things to do in Barcelona involve walking and lingering.

5 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Barcelona

  1. Mercat de la Boqueria Food market, El RavalBarcelona's best-known food market, entered from La Rambla under a wrought-iron arch, packed with produce stalls, fishmongers and busy counter bars.
  2. Bunkers del Carmel (Turó de la Rovira) Viewpoint and heritage site, El CarmelA Civil War anti-aircraft battery on the Turó de la Rovira hilltop, now a free history site with one of the widest panoramas over Barcelona.
  3. Tibidabo Amusement Park Amusement park and viewpoint, TibidaboA historic hilltop amusement park on Tibidabo, the highest point of the Collserola ridge, combining vintage rides with sweeping views over Barcelona.