Barcelona is one of Europe’s top tourist hotspots, with over 15 million visitors in 2024. Like any destination with large crowds and popular attractions, there is always the question of “is this really worth it?” Some would argue that these places are ruined by the number of tourists. Others would say the crowds are there for a reason. I visited Barcelona in June – the start of the hottest and busiest season. Here are my thoughts on the major attractions and if they are worth your time.
Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia Basilica is probably Barcelona’s most well-known tourist attraction. Designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi in the 1800s, this massive gothic-style cathedral has become a landmark in Barcelona—despite the fact that it’s still under construction nearly 150 years later.
It is also undoubtedly the most beautiful church I have ever set foot in. I studied abroad in Italy and have toured countless European cathedrals (including Notre Dame before it caught on fire), but Sagrada Familia stands alone. Vibrant kaleidoscope stained glass windows, each one uniquely different from the last, line the church. Every inch of the structure, from the walls to the columns to the ceilings, is richly (intricately) detailed–an inspiring testament to human creativity.
My entry time was around 1:00 PM and the afternoon rays caught the stained glass at the perfect angle, projecting rainbow light beams throughout. It was pure magic, unlike anything I had ever seen. To give you an idea, I typically don’t spend more than 15-30 minutes in churches, but I stayed in the Sagrada Familia for over two hours.
There is also the option of taking an elevator up one of the towers. At the top, there is an expansive view of the city and you get an up-close look at the other towers and outside of the cathedral. However, you’re caged in a pretty small space and the only way to get back down is via a tiny spiral staircase, not the elevator. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who is claustrophobic. I’m glad I did it on my first visit, but if I were to go back, I would probably skip it.
Now back to the crowds: Yes, it’s annoying that it’s nearly impossible to get a photo of the Sagrada Famila without people in the way and yes, the experience absolutely would have been better if there wasn’t a massive crowd outside with street vendors selling overpriced trinkets. However, this is one of those places that draws a crowd for a reason, and a trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without seeing it.
Make sure you get your tickets at least a few weeks in advance. During peak season, I recommend buying a month or two ahead of time just to be safe. If you want to go up in one of the towers, you’ll have to add this on when you purchase your original ticket.
Rating: 5/5
Park Guell
Equally as vibrant is Park Guell, another impressive showcase of Gaudi’s remarkable artistic ability. Mosaic walls, ceilings, sculptures, and of course, the famous bench on everyone’s Instagram (now including mine) line the park. Gaudi’s fusion of bright colors, bold patterns, and contrasting shapes makes for an eclectically stunning combination. Beyond the mosaics, a series of paths cuts through blooming gardens. A gorgeous blend of art and nature, Park Guell is unlike any other exhibit I’ve seen and can be appreciated by anyone with a creative eye. To top it all off, the park provides a lovely view of Barcelona’s cityscape extending out to the Mediterranean Sea.
Despite the crowds and the heat, Park Guell is another perfect example of a tourist attraction that is worth the hype. For the best experience, book the first time slot of the day so you can get there right when the park opens. People are let in every 30 minutes, but once inside, there is no time limit. Getting there early ensures it will be the least crowded and it’s not miserably hot at that hour (shade is limited). I recommend buying tickets at least a month in advance, especially for a better entry time.
Rating: 5/5
Playa de la Barceloneta
Playa de la Barceloneta is Barcelona’s main beach. An energetic gateway to the Mediterranean, I read it was one of the top tourist attractions. However, upon hearing what my hostel friends had to say about it and then seeing it in person, I realized I had no desire to spend any time there. The beach is ridiculously crowded with lots of people coming up and pressuring you to buy sarongs and other souvenirs. Barcelona is also known to be worse than average for petty theft, and I was warned multiple times not to go swimming if it meant leaving my belongings unattended. As a solo traveler, this was the nail in the coffin for me; as much as I would have loved a dip in the Mediterranean, a beach day there was not worth it.
If you do want to find a beach, I heard from multiple other travelers that the town of Stiges is a great alternative. It’s less than an hour train ride from Barcelona, has 17 different beaches, and is supposed to be safer and less crowded. I didn’t have time to go there so I can’t speak from personal experience, but Rick Steves also recommended it.
Also, please note that I live in Hawaii and am pickier than average about the beaches I go to. If this is the one time a year you get to visit a beach, just go, but be careful about your belongings.
Rating: 2/5 (one extra point because it’s pretty and the area is worth exploring)
The Picasso Museum
The Picasso museum came highly recommended to me by a friend. I’ve mentioned in other blogs that I’m really not much of a museum person, but I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibit. I thought it was well put together, and it was both interesting and inspiring to see and learn about Picasso’s life work. It took me about an hour to go through the different rooms. If you enjoy the arts, Barcelona is absolutely the place to be.
If you’re wanting to escape the crowds and the heat, look no further! The Picasso museum was not crowded at all and it was air-conditioned. You have the option of buying tickets in advance, but I got mine on the day I went.
Rating: 4/5
Montjuic Mountain
You’ll start with the cable car that takes you up the mountain. The ride lasts about 5-10 minutes and provides panoramic views of Barcelona. Montjuic castle greets you at the top, surrounded by walking paths and viewpoints of the city, mountains, and coast. It’s usually open for tours and is supposed to be beautiful, but I was there just before sunset, and unfortunately it was already closed for the day. However, the gardens and views of the city were lovely, and the whole area had a peaceful, serene feeling. There was hardly anyone else up there, which was a nice change from the usual crowds of Barcelona.
I wouldn’t make this activity a top priority, but if you have time, I think it’s definitely worth a visit. There is the option to buy tickets online, but I got mine in person upon arrival.
Rating: 4/5
