25 Famous Landmarks in Barcelona, Spain (100% worth a visit)
Barcelona, Spain‘s second largest city after Madrid, is crowded with tourists all year round for a reason: Barcelona offers tons of activities and interests including architecture, gastronomy, history, art and sports.
But that’s not all, people flock from all around the world for its lively nightlife and beautiful Mediterranean beaches. In short, the capital of Catalonia is an open-air recreation center, and one of the most visited cities in Europe!
Do you know what are the most famous landmarks in Barcelona Spain?
Here is the list of the 25 best landmarks Barcelona has to offer, including monuments and buildings.
The Full List of the 25 Most Famous Landmarks of Barcelona
We can divide Barcelona famous landmarks into 2 categories: the monuments and the buildings.
Barcelona monuments are all historical sites, while the buildings are all the structures that blend into the urban landscape (they’re also important from an historical point of view).
Famous Monuments in Barcelona:
- La Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- Mercado de La Boqueria
- Catedral de Barcelona (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia)
- Picasso Museum
- Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
- Palau de la Música Catalana
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
- Ciutadella Park
- Montjuïc
- Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
- Parc del Laberint d’Horta
- Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sagrat Cor)
- Monasterio de Pedralbes
- Columbus Monument
- Abbey of Montserrat
Famous Buildings in Barcelona:
- Casa Batlló
- Casa Milà
- Casa Vicens
- Casa Amatller
- Casa de les Punxes
- Güell Palace
- Agbar Tower (Torre Glòries)
- Camp Nou
- W Barcelona
So, here’s the list of the 25 famous landmarks of Barcelona! If you want to get more info and details about each of these landmarks, keep reading 👇
Famous Monuments in Barcelona
With centuries of history, there are so much historical landmarks in Barcelona that nobody can see them all in one short visit. You’ll need – and want – to come back to visit them all! Barcelona is definitely one of the most beautiful European cities, and you’ll quickly know why.
Let’s see 16 of the best monuments Barcelona has to offer 🔥
1. La Sagrada Família
You can’t go to Barcelona without visiting La Sagrada Família. And good news, the basilica is scheduled to be completed in 2027, 145 years after its construction in 1882 (yes, you read that right).
Merging Gothic and Art Nouveau styles in an unprecedented way and inspired by nature, La Sagrada Família is the most famous building of Gaudí, the Catalan architect. It’s also the most visited monument in Spain!
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and most iconic monument of Barcelona, the lines can be very long to visit the basilica: we recommend you buy tickets in advance and cut the line.
2. Park Güell
Parc Güell is another of Gaudí’s greatest achievements and a must-see in the Catalan capital. Built between 1900 and 1914, the park was originally intended to be a garden city with nearly 60 houses. In the end, only 4 houses were built because of budget.
With the hills of Collserola in the background, Gaudí designed this park in total harmony with nature. The columns rise like tree trunks, the arches appear to be cave entrances, and the fountains are guarded by huge lizards with mosaic tile scales. The Mirador de Virolai lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona.
As with many other attractions in Barcelona, it is best to buy tickets in advance as the park only allows 400 visitors per half hour. And whether you spend 2 days in Barcelona or a week, you’ll certainly don’t want to miss it!
3. Mercado de La Boqueria
The Mercado de La Boqueria is the oldest market in the city and the main tourist attraction of La Rambla, the pedestrian promenade that connects the port of Barcelona to the Plaza de Catalunya. With over 45,000 visitors a day, La Boqueria is one of the most famous food markets in the world.
It’s the best place to find all kinds of Catalan products: turron, tapas, Iberian ham, fresh fruits… A real treat for the eyes but also for the taste buds. The stalls are well presented and the atmosphere is warm. You’d like to taste everything!
You can find the best tapas in Barcelona at the Pinotxo Bar, inside the market. There, you can try Spanish specialties such as calamarcets amb mongetes (tender squid and white beans).
4. Catedral de Barcelona (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia)
The Cathedral of Barcelona is certainly the first thing you’ll see when walking through the Gothic Quarter (Barcelona’s old town and tourists’ best place to stay).
Built between 1298 and 1420, the cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia, patron saint of the city of Barcelona, who was buried in the crypt of the cathedral.
This imposing cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Barcelona. Gothic in style, it’s full of details and reliefs, both inside and outside. Among the many elements worth visiting, the cloister always attracts attention because of the 13 white geese that represent each year of Eulalia’s life before she suffered martyrdom.
5. Picasso Museum
Although he was born in Málaga in southern Spain, Pablo Picasso has chosen the city of Barcelona, where he studied as a young artist, as the location for his museum. It’s the most important Picasso museum in the world.
Housing more than 4,000 of Picasso’s earliest works (sculptures, paintings and engravings), it’s an almost complete representation of his portfolio that can be discovered when visiting the museum, in addition to the 5 large houses and palaces from the 13th and 14th centuries in the Born district.
If you have time, have a coffee at Els Quatre Gats, the favorite meeting place of modernist artists of the time.
6. Palau de la Música Catalana
Built in the early 20th century in an Art Nouveau style by Domènech i Montaner, former master of Gaudí and Puig i Cadafalch, the Palau de la Música Catalana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also located in the Born neighborhood, its ornaments and stained glass windows make it one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world.
You can visit the palace during an opera or flamenco show, or during a guided tour. The guided tour lasts 50 minutes and costs 20€ per person. A guide will show you the intermission room, the balcony, the auditorium and the upper balconies.
7. Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
Located 12min walk from the Sagrada Familia, The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is another work by the architect Domènech i Montaner built between 1905 and 1930.
It’s a former public hospital, designed as a garden city, which was in operation during the 20th century. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and it’s the most important modernist complex in Europe.
Today, several buildings can be visited such as the Pavilion of Sant Rafael, which shows what the hospital looked like when it was operating. It’s definitely one of the most famous landmark in Barcelona.
8. Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
Located in La Rivera neighborhood close to the Picasso Museum, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar impresses with its imposing appearance and majestic decoration.
Also known as the Catedral de Ribera, the church was completed between 1329 and 1383, during the golden years of Catalonia as a trading and shipping nation. It’s a perfect example of the Catalan Gothic style.
From wars to fires to earthquakes, the church has suffered many damages throughout history. Although some parts of it were destroyed, the church has undergone a lot of reconstruction work and has been able to regain its former beauty.
9. Ciutadella Park
The Ciutadella Park was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1888. It’s huge and it’s a popular place for locals when the weather is nice for picnic, walking in the open air or take a boat ride on the lake.
There are several tourist attractions inside the park, including the Arc de Triomf, the Museum of Modern Art, the seat of the Parliament of Catalonia, Barcelona Zoo, or the famous cascade of the park.
10. Montjuïc
If you’re visiting Barcelona, you should know that the Montjuïc hill is the perfect place for a green walk with great views of the city and the sea. It does take a bit of effort to get to the top, that’s why you’ll find much less tourists.
In addition to the natural setting and spectacular views, you’ll find the beautiful Montjuïc Castle and buildings from the 1992 Olympic Games, including the Palau Sant Jordi.
Plaça Espanya, at the foot of Montjuïc, is the most frequent access point to the hill. From there, you’ll pass by the famous Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and the MNAC, where incredible light and fountain shows are held at night (from Thursday to Sunday in summer / Friday and Saturday in the off-season).
11. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) is one of the largest museums in Spain. It’s well-known for housing the largest collection of Romanesque art in the world.
In addition to the large collections covering all periods, the museum is housed in a magnificent palace built for the 1929 Universal Exhibition.
You can visit the MNAC for free, including permanent and temporary exhibitions, on Saturdays after 3pm and every first Sunday of the month.
12. Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Built at the end of the 18th century, the Horta Labyrinth Park is the oldest park in Barcelona. It has served as a backdrop for many films such as Le Parfum (2006).
In a neoclassical style, the park has a quiet and secret atmosphere, ideal for a romantic stroll. The labyrinth, made entirely of bushes, is perfect for fun with children or friends. When playing inside of it, you could imagine being in Alice in Wonderland!
Entrance costs 2€ but it’s free on Wednesdays and Sundays.
13. Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sagrat Cor)
The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (“Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor de Jesús”) is located at its highest point on the mountain Tibidabo , 532 meters above sea level, offering incredible panoramic views over the city and the sea.
This Roman-style church is the work of the Catalan architect Enric Sagnier. At the beginning, the current church was a simple basilica built in 1886. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became the object of Enric Sagnier’s project who built the church from this basilica, to which the statue of the Christ was added at its top.
You can access the church via a funicular. The entrance is free but to access the second floor, you’ll have to pay 2€.
14. Monasterio de Pedralbes
The Catalan Gothic monastery is located on the northwestern edge of the city, near Finca Güell. Not very touristy, it’s however a magnificent building from the Middle Ages that is worth a visit.
Built in 1327 by King James II of Aragon and his queen Elisenda de Montcada to house nuns, the convent is now a museum that gives an overview of monastic life in the medieval period.
Composed of a church, a monastery and a cloister on three floors, the monastery of Pedralbes is a monument to visit if you have the opportunity! A small peaceful interlude in the heart of the city.
15. Columbus Monument
In the center of the Plaça Portal de la pau on the port of Barcelona and at the beginning of La Rambla, there’s a cast iron column with a statue of Christopher Columbus on top.
The monument was designed for Universal Exposition of 1888 and is 60 meters high in total. The statue of Columbus alone is 7 meters high! The base of the Columbus monument is located where Columbus returned from the Americas in 1493 after his discovery.
There’s an elevator at the base of the tower that will take you to the top of the tower where you’ll have a wonderful view of La Rambla and the port area.
16. Abbey of Montserrat
Built in the 11th century, the Abbey of Montserrat, also called Montserrat Monastery, is nestled in the famous Catalan mountains, offering some of the most spectacular views over the peaks in shape of teeth or fingers.
Inside the Benedictine monks’ retreat, you can see the holy cave where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, and listen to recitals by the world-famous Montserrat choirs. It’s a must-see attraction for Christian pilgrims.
Located 1 hour drive north west from the city center, Montserrat is the best day-trip from Barcelona: besides this exceptional abbey, you can also visit the Montserrat Museum or go on hike in the mountains. One of the best hike trails there is the Camí de la Santa Cova that leads to the cave where the sacred statue was found.
So, here are the 16 unmissable monuments of Barcelona! Keep reading below to discover more famous Barcelona landmarks!
Famous Buildings in Barcelona
As said before, the famous buildings we’ll see now are all the structures that blend into the urban landscape. Differentiating buildings and monuments is quite specific to Barcelona, especially because of Gaudí’s work. But that doesn’t mean these buildings aren’t historically important, not at all!
Let’s discover 9 of the most famous buildings Barcelona has to offer 🔍
17. Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is one of the 2 villas designed by Gaudí on the Passeig de Gracia. Also named the Casa del Ossos (“House of Bones”) by the locals, Casa Batlló is a true jewel of architecture and engineering that seems to have come straight out of a fairy tale.
Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building’s undulating façade and kaleidoscopic mosaics make it one of the most emblematic and visited places in Barcelona.
From June to October, shows of blues, rock, soul, jazz, swing, pop and flamenco take place on the roof. But it’s also a great place to hang out when in Barcelona in winter.
18. Casa Milà
Located only 500 meters from Casa Batlló, Casa Milà is the other villa designed by Gaudí on the Passeig de Gracia. Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera (“The Quarry”), is Gaudí last project before his death.
Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the building is recognizable from afar with its undulating white façade. Spread over 5 floors on 4,500 m², you can discover all of Gaudi’s architectural genius and immerse yourself in his very special world in Casa Milà.
Casa Milà also has one of the best Barcelona rooftop bars with a breathtaking view of the city. It’s definitely one of the most famous Barcelona buildings Gaudí has designed.
19. Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is Gaudí’s first house in Barcelona. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, it’s a hidden gem in a small street of the pretty neighborhood of Gràcia.
With its lush garden, terracotta tile roof and Turkish and Oriental-influenced facade, Casa Vicens offers rectilinear and geometric forms that are uncommon in Gaudí’s later works.
Although it’s part of a lesser-known chapter of Gaudí’s impressive architectural career, Casa Vicens deserves to be included in any tour program!
20. Casa Amatller
Casa Amatller is a magnificent villa also located in Passeig de Gracia right next to Casa Batlló, in the heart of Barcelona. Built by Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1900, the villa is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
The building stands out by the combination of different styles: we can find neo-Gothic elements with wrought iron work for the balconies and windows with ceramic details while the tiles and the scaled roof are reminiscent of the Flemish architecture.
21. Casa de les Punxes
The Casa de les Punxes, or Casa Terradas, is another work of the modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Located on the Avinguda Diagonal in Barcelona, you can visit the building after buying tickets online.
Built in 1905, Casa de les Punxes was declared a national historic monument in 1975 and has been reorganized to host cultural and music events.
One of the most beautiful areas of the building is undoubtedly the terrace that is dedicated to the designer and other artists who have contributed to the building and its decor.
22. Güell Palace
Located in the Raval district of Barcelona’s historic center, the Güell Palace is the family home of Güell, a friend and benefactor of Gaudí.
Although its facade is sober and stark, the interior of the villa is spectacular. This mansion built by Gaudi between 1886 and 1890 stands out by its wrought iron gate and its entrance hall.
Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this palace, just a few steps from La Rambla, is definitely well worth a visit.
23. Agbar Tower (Torre Glòries)
Located at on the Avinguda Diagonal close to the Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes, the Agbar Tower is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in Barcelona. This building impresses with its architecture which is completely different from the rest of the city.
Opened in 2005, the Agbar Tower was built by the French architect Jean Novel. With its 38 floors and a height of 145 meters, the Agbar Tower is the 3rd highest tower in Barcelona.
The tower attracts lots of tourists who flock to admire the spectacle of the images broadcast at night through its 4,000 facets. You can watch the tower illuminated from 9pm to midnight in summer, and from 7pm to 11pm in winter.
24. Camp Nou
Millions of soccer fans from all around the world flock to Barcelona every year to cheer on Barcelona’s famous home team, the FC Barcelona.
This level of enthusiasm requires a stadium to match, and the Camp Nou plays its role to the fullest: it’s the largest stadium in Europe and can accommodate nearly 100,000 spectators.
Of course you can visit the Camp Nou during a soccer game, which is the best way to visit it. But if you can’t attend one, you can always take a guided tour of the stadium during which you’ll be able to see Messi’s Golden Ball and the 5 Champions League trophies.
25. W Barcelona
The W Tower, one of the best 5-star Barcelona beach hotels, is located in Plaça Rosa del Vents. With its 98.8 meters, the tower dominates the coastline of Barcelona and is considered one of the symbols of the city. You can see the building from almost all the beaches of Barcelona.
Built in 2009 by the architect Ricardo Bofill, the W Tower, in the shape of a sail, has inspired many other structures around the world including in the United Kingdom and Dubai.
The tower houses a lounge bar on the 26th floor that is open to people from outside the hotel and offers a breathtaking view of the city.
Congrats, you’ve been through all these 25 Barcelona buildings and monuments! Find out below my little present to you, that can be really useful if you’re visiting Barcelona 😉
Barcelona Landmarks Map
To get my Barcelona landmarks map, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
More Landmarks in Spain
Want to discover more Spain landmarks? Well, here are some other posts that will be useful to you!
The main guide of all the best landmarks in all Spain 👉 The Very Best Landmarks in Spain
You can also find here the best landmarks of Spain’s capital city 👉 The Very Best Landmarks in Madrid
And if you’re visiting Spain, here are some Spain travel guides that might help you:
And for even more, you can check all our Spain travel guides!
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