Where to go in Barcelona?

Check out our section what to do in Barcelona for information on places worth visiting and suggestions of some activities for your leisure time in this exciting city. In this section, about where to go in Barcelona, we offer you further information on other sites and towns near Barcelona not to be missed

If you have already strolled through the Rambla street, visited the Plaza Cataluña square, wandered through the Gothic quarter and had a drink in the trendy Born disctict…now it’s time to go a bit further and discover the best sites in the surroundings of Barcelona. The region of Cataluña (Catalonia) has plenty to offer to tourists and visitors, and although one trip may not be enough, we have picked here some of the best destinations and attractions for your trip to Catalonia.

The mountains of Tibidabo and Montjuic are on the limits of the city. On top of the Montjuic mountain you’ll find an old fortress which once served to watch over the entrance to the harbour of Barcelona. A bit further down stand several more modern buildings which constituted the “olympic ring” facilities of the 1992 summer Olympic games. Following your way down of Montjuic you can also visit the Botanical Gardens and the Costa i Llobera gardens.

The second mountain bordering with Barcelona is the Tibidabo, here you’ll find the amusement park with the same name, an amazing church with curious mosaics and a telecommunications tower designed by Norman Foster. Don’t miss the excellent views over the city of Barcelona from the tower!

During your stay in Barcelona you can also profit to visit its aquarium, one of the largest in the world. Walking through its 80-metre glass tunnel you will be able to watch from close the sea life of the Mediterranean, sharks included! The Aquarium is in Moll d’Espanya. You will find more information to help you plan your visit in this website: www.aquariumbcn.com

Further away from the city you can visit some of this towns and villages on a day trip from Barcelona:

Figueres is on the north-western corner of Catalonia. Although it is 130 kilometres away from Barcelona visiting the famous Museum of Salvador Dali, located in this town, is enough to justify the trip. Figueres is also the heart of the Costa Brava, one of the most famous Spanish beach resorts. More information for visiting Figueres here: https://www.figueresciutat.com/angles/index.html

Montserrat mountain, 35 kilometres from Barcelona, is one of the most outstanding venues in Catalonia. On the top of this mountain, in a unique nature environment, stands the monastery of Montserrat, a religious and cultural centre where you can find a famous Black Virgin, a rich library and a museum displaying pictures from painters such as el Greco.

The famous beaches of Sitges and the quiet city of Girona with its old Jewish quarter are also worth visiting.

A good option for tourism in Catalonia, is the “Catalunya Bus touristic” which offers one day tours on bus to the most popular sites close to Barcelona. For further information check this website: Turisme de Barcelona information offices