Barcelona has become a top travel destination in recent years because of its vibrancy, great food, unique art and architecture, and so much more. There’s much to see and do in the city and Catalonia region, but here are 5 of our favorites.

La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona and Antoni Gaudi are almost synonymous. In fact, La Sagrada Familia, a treasure of Gaudi’s modernistic architecture, is often the promotional image used to define the city. His architecture is colorful, playful, organic, and very different from any other architecture you’ve seen anywhere else. Combining Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Modernistic elements, once it’s completed, La Sagrada Familia will be the tallest church building in the world.

Even those who think it’s a bit ‘odd’ will delight in some of the details and the overall feeling you get when you’re there. There is so much to take in—the light as it comes through the stained glass windows is magnificent; symbolism is tied to virtually every element, and you’ll delight in how plants, animals, and human life are mixed together to reflect our world.

You must buy tickets ahead of time, and a tour is highly recommended. This is the top tourist attraction in Barcelona, so avoid the lines. Additionally, you will easily miss some of the fun details without a guide pointing them out. If you love Gaudi, visit Park Guell or Casa Batllo as well.

Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter is the historic section of Barcelona. Most of its narrow streets, winding alleys, and small squares are closed to regular traffic, so it’s a great place to wander. There are many tapas bars, restaurants, and a mix of shopping options, including some unique boutiques. It is a bustling area, particularly at night when its many bars and dance clubs are in full swing.

Museu Picasso

The Museu Picasso, open Tuesday thru Sunday, is located in five connected medieval houses (palaces) in the La Ribero district of Barcelona. Over 4,000 works are housed in this special location, with many from Picasso’s formative years (he lived in Barcelona during his apprenticeship as an artist). During his adult years, he dedicated his artwork to cubism, but as an adolescent and young adult, he painted impressionism and realism. The museum galleries focus primarily on his early life. Order tickets here.  

Costa Brava

Just 1-1.5 hours from Barcelona, you can experience the old-world charm and picturesque seaside villages of Costa Brava in Catalonia. On a day in early June, there were very few tourists. Spend a sunny day in this low-key area of Spain. The best time to visit is May, June, September, or October.

Girona

Girona, a city popular with day-trippers out of Barcelona, has a well-preserved medieval quarter that is quiet, clean, and mostly shaded, offering respite from Barcelona's hustle and bustle. Its Jewish quarter is one of the best preserved in the world, with many cobblestoned lanes over 500 years old and still intact. You can walk along the medieval wall to see magnificent views of the city and the surrounding area. The town has some notoriety because several Game of Thrones seasons were filmed here. You’ll recognize the Great Sept of Baelor in Kings Landing (Cathedral of Gerona) and the streets and alleys of Braavos where Aria Stark was blind, begging, and chased by the waif.

Take a high-speed train (under 45 minutes) from Barcelona, drive there (1.5 hours), or book a tour with transportation. Old town is on a hill, with many steps at every turn, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Have you visited Barcelona or the Catalonia region? What did you enjoy most?