As I hop off the high-speed train that took me from Madrid to Barcelona in about three hours, I’m beyond excited, and also incredibly hungry, to not just experience the city, but to eat.

So after I scarf down a really good grilled cheese sandwich from one of the many Barcelona-Sants cafes at 11:00 AM, I take my first steps out into the city’s sunlit exterior, basking in the sun’s rays, and feeling the exotic energy and fun of the whole city.

Within an hour, I arrive at my hostel: Fabrizzio’s Petit - which I highly recommend as it’s very clean and the staff are super friendly; it’s also a great place to meet people (there are honestly TONS of great hostels in Barcelona, more so than in other cities, so if one doesn’t have rooms available, or if you have trouble deciding which hostel to stay at, there’re lots of 9+ star rated ones to choose from, so you can’t really go wrong).

I immediately get a city map / brochure from the hostel manager, and get some advice from her about where to visit - she’s lovely, by the way; I think one of the reasons why Fabrizzio’s gets such great reviews is because of her.

Anyways, we’ve reached it. My favorite city - arguably - in Western Europe: Barcelona.

View outside the bedroom balcony of Fabrizzio’s Hostel.

Whether you’re looking for nightlife, romance, beautiful weather, exotic beaches, or some of the most stunning architecture you’ll ever bear witness to, Barcelona, Spain, is the place to be.

Let’s get into why I HIGHLY recommend you visit Barcelona on your first - and perhaps only - backpacking trip, and why I think it’s one of those cities you’ll want to return to millions of times after you first experience it.

Once you see Barcelona, you cannot unsee it - it’s just too beautiful.

Here are my foremost six tips about why Barcelona is one of the best cities to visit, as well as exciting yet budget friendly activities to partake in while you’re there - we’ll DEFINITELY need to write sequel articles to this one as there are so many things to do in Barcelona that there’s no way we could cover them all in one article.

Navigating Crowds with Grace: Tips for Enjoying La Rambla's Bustling Buzz
Beyond Boundaries: A Stroll Through the Wonderland of Park Güell
Nature's Bastion: Exploring the Majestic Wilderness of Ciutadella Park
Nautical Citadel: Exploring the Storied Seas at Barcelona Maritime Museum
Savage Ascent: Navigating the Terrain of Mount Tibidabo
Gothic Triumph: Embracing Strength at Sagrada Familia's Towering Heights

1. Navigating Crowds with Grace: Tips for Enjoying La Rambla's Bustling Buzz

Probably the first place I visited after I received guidance from the hostel manager about things to do, see, and experience in Barcelona is La Rambla, the most well-known and iconic avenue in the city.

I was stunned, not just because of the beautiful weather, architecture, vibes, and views on my walk TO the street, but because of the pulsating energy and aliveness of the boulevard from top to bottom.

I mean this street is absolutely kicking with life and vitality; there’s so much to see and experience here.

Just some of the examples might include Mercado de La Boqueria, the Big Fun Museum, Plaça Reial, an unlimited number of food stalls, street performances, shops, and TONS more.

One of the many food stalls at the Mercado de La Boqueria.

There’s also the Liceau Theatre, which I have not been to, but it’s a historic opera house from the early 1800s that hosts everything from ballet to opera performances.

As you can see, this street is filled with culture, and it’s impossible to see all that it has to offer in one day, nor is it likely you’ll ever be bored here.

You’ll also be entertained at...

2. Beyond Boundaries: A Stroll Through the Wonderland of Park Güell

This is a cool place to visit.

Ever heard of Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect and designer? We’ll talk about him more again in this article, because he contributed to a lot of Barcelona’s architecture, and Park Güell is one of those offerings.

Built from 1900 to 1914 and having opened up to the public in 1926, entering this public garden is like walking into a fairy tale. It consists of colors, mosaics, modernist architecture, fantastic sculptures, and more.

The entrance consists of a gate surrounded by two gingerbread-like houses, which kick off the amusement park feel of the attraction. You can go inside the houses, and take a look at the interiors.

Near the entrance is also the El Drac (The Dragon) fountain, adorned with Gaudí's signature mosaics. This dragon, which is also a symbol of Catalonia, has become an emblematic feature of this attraction.

As you make your way through the park, you’ll realize that there are two sections: the public zone, which consists of greenery, and the monumental zone, which is where the aforementioned architecture is.

Both sections are worth a visit, though the latter is ticketed, so you’ll need to book your place in advance, which costs anywhere between €13 - 28 - C$18-$40 or USD $14-$30 - depending on whether you get a skip-the-line-pass or a guided tour.

You can see some of the best views of Barcelona from the park, since it’s situated on top of Carmel Hill.

One of the best places to see the views from within the park is the serpent bench - located on the main terrace -, which is a sight in and of itself, composed of colorful mosaic tiles to give the impression of a snake.

That said, perhaps the most monumental structure in the park is the Sala Hipóstila, a terrace supported by Doric columns that create a unique, ethereal atmosphere. This platform creates a place to escape the sun - especially in the summer, when it gets extremely hot - while appreciating the intricate design and architecture.

Speaking of columns, throughout the park, you'll encounter many of Gaudí's signature pillars, which mimic natural forms. The organic shapes and intricate details demonstrate Gaudí's commitment to integrating architecture with the surrounding landscape.

Also, check out The Nature Square - also known as the Greek Theatre -, which is an expansive area surrounded by a curved bench covered in colorful mosaics. This space is used for open-air concerts and performances.

Definitely stop over at the Gaudí House Museum, where Gaudí lived in Park Güell between 1906 and 1926. Inside, you’ll discover furniture and objects designed by the architect, giving you insights into his life and work.

The viaducts and pathways of Park Güell, which wind through lush greenery and offer even more stunning views of the city, are some of the most mystical and impressive artistic achievements of the park. These pathways showcase Gaudí's genius in seamlessly blending architecture with nature.

Meanwhile, the lower level of the park features a grotto with a stone waterfall. Around it are benches covered in mosaic tiles.

Conversely, when you climb to the topmost point of Park Güell, you'll find three stone crosses, from which you can see panoramic views of Barcelona, making it a climactic experience of your park visit.

If you plan to visit the ticketed parts of Park Güell - which I highly recommend -, I advise you to book tickets in advance, even if just a day or two before - though you’ll probably need to book WAY ahead of that in the summer.

Speaking of the summer, booking in advance becomes especially important during May through August, as Barcelona gets EXTREMELY crowded, and you’ll want to make sure that you get entry.

And you want entry, as taking a couple of hours to wander through the park enhances your experience of visiting this city, and encourages you to fully take in Gaudí's brilliance and the natural beauty that he cultivated.

3. Ciutadella Park

Park Ciutadella is a must-see if you’re looking for a free excursion to a place that’s fun, beautiful to look at, and entertaining.

It offers a lake where you can relax, have a picnic, enjoy the scenery, and even rent a rowboat if your spending plan allows you to.

When heading into the park from the North-West entrance, the first thing you’ll see is the Arc de Triomf - which was opened 52 years after the original Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.

Having opened to the public in 1888 as the main access gate for the Barcelona World Fair, it stands atop the promenade leading into Ciutadella Park, which was the site of the world fair 136 years ago.

The arc is giant, and unmissable. When you first see it, you might be surprised at its existence - unless you’ve heard that there are several arc monuments located around the world… 15 I believe.

I happened to see it when taking one of my first strolls around the city, and it completely threw me off and blew me away as I was not expecting to witness anything that gorgeous, especially for free.

Designed to commemorate Barcelona's recovery after the War of the Spanish Succession, this towering monument - consisting of red brickwork, friezes, and pillars with stone bats sitting atop of them - is great to look at, as one can examine its architectural details and historical significance.

While not a military arc per se, the fact that it replaced a former citadel built by Phillip V ties it to Spain’s recuperation post its military conflicts.

Yet one of the most stunning sights to see in this park is the Cascada Monumental, a waterfall and fountain designed by Josep Fontserè with the help of a young Antoni Gaudí - who also designed Park Güell. The sculpture-rich monument is as impressive as it is grand, and it serves as a centerpiece of the park.

Decorated with stone, allegorical figures, and surrounded by a large pool of emerald water, the fountain is conspicuous and extraordinary; something you won’t be able to miss or stop looking at once you find it.

Inside the park, you’ll find the Barcelona Zoo, which may or may not be worth your time depending on your attitude towards animals being kept in captivity. I never bought tickets to the zoo, so I never experienced it, but that said, tickets are €21.40 - approx. $31 CAD or $23 USD -, so it’s not overly expensive if you feel like this is something worth your time.

If you invest in a Barcelona Card, you apparently get 25% off, so it’s worth considering.

Aside from that, the park hosts various cultural events, performances, and gatherings, such as drum circles.

You can also visit The Parliament of Catalonia, which is literally inside the park. While the building itself is not generally open to the public, you can appreciate the surrounding area and architecture from the outside.

The Hivernacle, a gigantic greenhouse within the park, designed by Josep Amargós, houses a variety of tropical plants and provides a cool retreat for those interested in botany and green spaces.

So yeah… stroll around this place - lots to see here, without needing to pay a cent.

4. Nautical Citadel: Exploring the Storied Seas at Barcelona Maritime Museum

During my stay in Barcelona, I made a friend at Fabrizzio’s Hostel. He REALLY wanted to visit the Barcelona Maritime Museum - known as Museu Marítim de Barcelona in Catalan -, and asked if I’d want to join him.

My initial reaction was, “Why would I waste my time visiting a naval museum when there are so many other things to see in Barcelona, like historical alleyways, monuments, churches, parks, the beach, etc.?”

But after giving it a shot, I actually thought this was one of the best things I did when staying in the city. Not just because I went with other people, but because it was genuinely a fascinating exploration of the city’s seafaring history.

Housed in the now iconic Royal Shipyard of Barcelona - also known as Drassanes Reials -, the museum’s location is historically significant, dating back to the 13th century - when it was dedicated to shipbuilding.

Speaking of shipbuilding, the museum boasts an extensive collection of naval artifacts, ship models, and maritime instruments. You can explore the evolution of shipbuilding and navigation techniques, which run from the 15th century to the present day.

The museum has it all, from navigation instruments, to weapons, to nautical charts & paintings, and more.

One of the highlights that I remember experiencing is the full-scale replica that they have of a 16th-century galley ship, called the Real, which literally allows you to jump aboard and explore, which is a big thing if you’re into history. You literally get a feel for what it was like being on a sailing ship in the 1500s.

And to further enhance the visitor experience, the museum has interactive displays and multimedia presentations, and that allows for the educational elements to stay in your mind.

It also hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific aspects of maritime history, and that explore topics such as famous explorers, maritime trade, and cultural connections through the seas.

But yeah, visiting this place is like going on a journey through time. Whether you're a history buff, a maritime enthusiast, or even just a casual enthusiast that wants to check out different museums, this place is worth the time.

5. Savage Ascent: Navigating the Terrain of Mount Tibidabo

I remember navigating this place. I took the subway to Av. Tibidabo, and then hiked up the hill. It was a gorgeous, sunny day, and I remember seeing the view of Barcelona from up here.

It’s awesome. You see the whole city along with the Mediterranean Sea, and it’s great for a panoramic photo.

There’s supposedly an amusement park somewhere atop the hill, and it’s apparently the oldest in Spain. While it might not be Six Flags, Canada’s Wonderland, Universal, or Disney World, it does have some cool rides and attractions.

I feel like it’s especially thrilling because you’re already 512 meters off the ground - that’s the height of the hill -, and then add to that the height of some of the rides and ferris wheel, and it becomes even more frightening… or exciting.

You can also check out the Museum of Automatons located inside the amusement park, and learn about the history and craftsmanship of these fascinating - albeit somewhat creepy - mechanical devices.

Outside the amusement park, you have the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor - which stands for Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus -, a really cool church that stands atop the mountain. It’s actually free to enter, if I’m not mistaken, and I’m pretty sure you can climb to the top for more panoramic views of Barcelona.

This being a hill, there’s a lot of natural beauty, and that includes hiking trails that lead through the Collserola Natural Park, an 8000 hectare area where you can hike, bike, birdwatch, have picnics, etc.

On the topic of eating, there are a bunch of cafes and restaurants on the mountain where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the Barcelona skyline.

You might also want to climb to the top of the Collserola Communications Tower, a center that was built in 1992 atop the mountain that offers even more great views of the city - on a clear day, you can apparently see something like 70 km away in all directions. This includes views of the Pyrenees Mountains.

Prices are: € 5.60 (US$ 6.10 or CAD $8.22) for adults, and € 3.90 (US$ 4.20 or CAD $5.66) for students .

Just keep in mind that while the tower offers really gorgeous, panoramic views of Barcelona - how could it not at 945 ft tall - , the observation deck is covered, so the views might not be as clear as those from the amusement park (particularly Talaia Tower), or from the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor.

Keep in mind you can also do free walking tours to really get a feel for the mountain and what it has to offer.

Also, while not on top of the mountain, the Fabra Observatory is pretty close, so you can consider combining a visit to that place along with your Tibidabo visit.

The same goes for CosmoCaixa Barcelona, a science museum located at the base of the mountain. It's certainly worth a stopover if you like interactive exhibits, planetariums, and well… science. There’s actually an Amazonian rainforest replica inside, which I think is pretty cool.

None of these places are particularly expensive, and some of these activities are completely free. So you don’t have to go overboard with your spending.

If there’s one place that I recommend you splurge on, it is…

6. Gothic Triumph: Embracing Strength at Sagrada Familia's Towering Heights

What can be said about what is arguably the most iconic structure in all of Barcelona that hasn’t already been talked about?

The Sagrada Familia, a church whose construction started in 1882 and STILL continues till this day is the architectural brainchild of - you guessed it - Antonio Gaudi (same guy that made Park Guell).

This architectural marvel has one of the most intricate facades in the whole world, with the Nativity and Passion facades being some of the most renowned.

The former facade in particular depicts scenes from the birth of Jesus, showcasing Gaudí's deep understanding of nature and religious symbolism.

Meanwhile, the Passion Facade, which contrasts with the Nativity Facade in its angular and more austere design, depicts the crucifixion and the events leading up to it, conveying a sense of drama and intensity.

It is unbelievable how cool it is to visit this structure up close. Even when you’re standing in line, waiting to get inside, you’ll be taking photos of the INSANE craftsmanship exemplified by the structure’s exterior.

As I enter the church, it’s like disappearing into a middle earth story. You’re literally surrounded, not just by insane columns and architectural details / friezes, but also by vaulted ceilings with indescribably intricate designs, and colors.

That’s right, gentlemen, walking into The Sagrada Familia is like stepping inside a rainbow. Why? Because the stained windows all around the church are designed to refract the sunlight in a way that causes the sun’s rays to light up the temple’s interior with rainbow colors. Don’t believe me? Take a look:

You literally feel like you’re walking into a forest of magical creatures.

For the ultimate experience - especially one inside the church -, make sure to go on a sunny, clear-skied day. Make sure to do so in the late afternoon or early evening, right around or before sunset.

This is when the sun’s rays are at their most acute, so they REALLY shine through those windows and light up the interior of the church, making it look like a rainbow or fantasy forest of sorts.

This forest-like aspect is enhanced by the towering columns, which resemble tree trunks that branch out to support the ceiling.

You can also go up to one of the Sagrada Familia's towers for more stunning and panoramic views of Barcelona. While tickets with tower access are pricer, they’re well worth it as the towers offer a unique perspective on the city and allow you to appreciate the intricate details of the basilica's exterior up close.

Just outside the church, you can visit the Sagrada Familia Museum, which allows you to explore Gaudí's original plans, models, and exhibits detailing the construction process. If you’re interested in art, history, and / or architecture, these plans provide insights into the architect's creative process, as well as the ongoing work to complete the basilica - once and for all.

Beneath the apse of the basilica, you can explore the crypt where Gaudí is buried.

There’s also a really cool light and sound show that you can check out at night; one that illuminates the Sagrada Familia's facades, and adds a magical touch to the already stunning experience.

Now I HIGHLY recommend you plan your visit to this church at least a week or two in advance… maybe even more than that if you’re traveling to Barcelona during peak tourist season (i.e. May-Sept).

You want to ensure that you actually get tickets to this groundbreaking architectural site, so I highly recommend booking your passes a month or even more in advance, if that’s possible.

Once you have your tickets, check the opening and closing hours for the day that you plan to visit, and allocate sufficient time to fully appreciate the Sagrada Familia's beauty and history. Trust me, you’ll want to stay here a while.

As with all places of worship, the people that run this temple ask you to dress “modestly” and respectfully, so try to cover your shoulders and avoid wearing revealing clothing - I know, it’s hard to do in the hot weather, right?

While visiting the Sagrada Familia isn’t free, it’s 100% worth it. This is not a place you want to skimp out on when stopping over at Barcelona.

Booking a guided tour is obviously more expensive than strolling through the interior on your own, but you can also download their app, which has an audio guide. Take a look at their website for more details!

Me during an audio guided tour of The Sagrada Familia.

And once you’ve completed your visit to the Sagrada - which will probably take you several hours considering how large and beautiful it is, as well as how much information there is to glean about its history and architecture -, the surrounding area, including the vibrant neighborhood of Eixample, are worth checking out.

Nearby attractions like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà - both designed by Gaudí, and the latter of which hosts art exhibits and rooftop concerts - offer additional opportunities to immerse yourself in Barcelona's architectural wonders.

Anyways, that about does it for this article. Before I sign off, here are some tips for traveling in Barcelona:

Use Their Public Transportation System:

Barcelona has an efficient and well-connected public transportation system, including buses and the metro, so it’s really easy to get around everywhere.

Public transportation is not only affordable but also allows you to navigate the city quickly and reach popular attractions without the need for Ubers of Taxis.

Also, because Barcelona is a major city, you’ll have no trouble accessing Google Maps, Citymapper, or Uber (if you really need it) while you’re there.

Consider purchasing a travel card or pass for convenient and cost-effective travel around the city.

Explore Neighborhoods Beyond the Tourist Areas:

While iconic attractions like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are must-visits, you might also want to take the time to explore neighborhoods beyond the heavily touristy areas - if you have the time, that is.

This means wandering through the narrow streets of El Born, Gràcia, or Poble-sec to discover local markets, hidden gems, and authentic dining experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain a more nuanced understanding of Barcelona and its people.

Be Mindful of Pickpockets:

Like many popular tourist destinations, Barcelona has some areas where pickpocketing can occur. Stay vigilant, especially in crowded places such as La Rambla, the metro, or any super tourist sites.

Keep your belongings secure - i.e. by wearing a fanny pack or money belt with all your valuables, important documents, and cash kept inside of it, as well as by using a lock to keep your luggage safe whilst leaving it in your hostel -, use anti-theft bags if possible, and be cautious of your surroundings.

Other than that, you’re good to go! This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to visiting Barcelona; you’re going to discover what you’ll want to do and see a lot more while you’re there.

But for the time being, this is a surefire way to get you started.

As with any big city, you’re going to need a lot more than one article to give you an idea of all that there is to do there, so stay tuned on future blog posts about what sites to visit and activities to partake in in Barcelona.

Meanwhile, if you found value in this content, feel free to like us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter / X so that you receive more insights on solo budget backpacking as soon as they’re posted.

Until next time, keep growing and learning as you traverse the globe, and keep on staying resilient.

Beyond the Brochure: A Maverick's Guide to Budget Backpacking in Barcelona

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