WHAT TO VISIT IN BARCELONA

And here’s the huge advantage over other Erasmus cities. You’ve got pretty much everything within reach: modernist architecture that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world, beaches a short walk from the centre, mountains for a change of scenery, and neighbourhoods with a personality that hooks you from day one.

Here are the 20 places to see in Barcelona that should be on your list during your Erasmus year.

1. Sagrada Família

The city’s most famous landmark, and probably one of the most unique religious buildings in the world. Gaudí devoted 40 years of his life to it (and he’s actually buried inside), and although it’s been under construction for over a century, it’s expected to finally be finished in 2026, marking the centenary of the architect’s death. Going inside is worth it just to see the forest of columns, which looks like something out of another planet.

2. Park Güell

Another Gaudí masterpiece, this time with panoramic views of the whole city thrown in. It was originally meant to be a luxury housing development that never quite took off as planned, so today it’s a public park full of colourful mosaics, organic shapes, and that fantastical, slightly surreal quality so typical of Catalan modernism. The dragon staircase is the obligatory photo, but head up to Turó de les Tres Creus for the best panoramic view of Barcelona.

3. Casa Batlló

Of the three Gaudí houses scattered around the centre, this is one of the most photogenic: a colourful façade, undulating shapes, and a roof that resembles a dragon’s back (supposedly representing the legend of Sant Jordi). The interior is just as spectacular, with stained glass that fills the rooms with light and colour on sunny days — which in Barcelona is basically every day.

4. Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Just a few steps from Casa Batlló, La Pedrera is another of Gaudí’s great works, and was the first building in Barcelona to use reinforced concrete. Its rooftop, with chimneys that look like sculptures or warriors, is one of the most iconic images of the city. It also has exhibition halls and, in summer, concerts up on the terrace.

5. La Rambla

Barcelona’s most famous street, and its busiest. It connects Plaça de Catalunya with Port Vell, and along its 1.2 km you’ll find street performers, flower stalls, terraces, and the most intense tourist buzz in the city. It also serves as the dividing line between two very different neighbourhoods: the Gòtic and the Raval.

6. Mercat de la Boquería

Right next to La Rambla, this market is one of the most famous in all of Spain. Fruit, ham, seafood, sweets and all kinds of fresh produce spread across more than 300 stalls. Perfect for your first food-tasting tour of the city, though, as with any touristy market, some stalls have slightly inflated prices.

7. Barri Gòtic

Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhood, with narrow medieval streets and hidden squares that feel like stepping back in time. Here you’ll find Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial, and Plaça de Sant Felipe Neri. It’s a perfect area to wander aimlessly, stop at a terrace, and just soak up the atmosphere.

8. Barcelona Cathedral

A spectacular example of Catalan Gothic architecture, with a cloister just as worth visiting as the interior of the church itself. It sits right in the heart of the Barri Gòtic, so you can easily combine the visit with a stroll around the rest of the neighbourhood.

9. Plaça de Catalunya

The city’s central hub, the starting point for most free tours, and the gateway to La Rambla. Beyond being a place people pass through, it hides a few curious details if you look closely: remains of the old city wall, a statue dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, and even bullet holes on some walls, remnants of the Spanish Civil War.

10. Passeig de Gràcia

Barcelona’s «golden mile,» with luxury shops, top-tier modernist architecture (this is where you’ll find Casa Batlló and Casa Milà) and a considerably more upscale vibe than the rest of the centre. You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy it — just walk and admire the façades.

11. Barceloneta

The city’s most famous neighbourhood and beach, with a strong seafaring character. You’ll end up here a fair amount during your Erasmus, whether to eat at a seafood restaurant, grab some tapas, or simply lie on the sand. It’s over a kilometre of beach, and the seafront promenade is a great plan both during the day and at sunset.

12. Camp Nou

If you’re into football (or simply want to see one of the biggest stadiums in the world), Camp Nou is a must. With a capacity of 48,000, it’s home to FC Barcelona and one of the most important football temples on the planet. You can take the stadium tour or, if you’re lucky with tickets, catch a live match.

13. Palau de la Música Catalana

One of the most spectacular concert halls in the world, built in 1908 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, both for its façade and its concert hall, with a skylight that floods the space with natural light. If you can, save a night to catch a concert here — the experience is unlike any other venue.

14. Montjuïc: castle, magic fountain and museums

Montjuïc hill packs several plans into one: the Montjuïc Castle (an old military fortress with spectacular views), the Magic Fountain (with its water, light and music show), the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, and the Fundació Joan Miró. Set aside a whole afternoon to explore it properly, since there’s a lot more here than meets the eye.

15. El Born

One of Barcelona’s trendiest neighbourhoods, popular with both tourists and locals. Here you’ll find the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a Gothic church with a spectacular rose window on its façade, and also the Museu Picasso, home to the world’s largest collection of works from the artist’s early years. It has a calm, cultural vibe by day and fills up with stylish bars and restaurants at night.

16. El Raval

The centre’s most underground and multicultural neighbourhood, with the MACBA (Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona) and the CCCB as its cultural landmarks. Design shops, art galleries and street art give it a distinctly urban edge. It’s also a great area for tapas in bohemian bars.

17. Gràcia

More than just a place «to see,» Gràcia is a neighbourhood to genuinely live your Erasmus in. It keeps that village-within-the-city feel, with squares full of terraces (Plaça del Sol is a classic among students) and a very active social scene. Park Güell is also here, so you can combine sightseeing with proper neighbourhood plans in the same afternoon.

18. Torre Agbar

A 142-metre skyscraper designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, inspired by Gaudí’s architecture. At night it lights up with colour-changing displays, especially spectacular on certain dates. It’s not somewhere you’d «visit» as such, but it’s worth seeing on your way to other plans around the Poblenou area.

19. Tibidabo

The highest point of the Collserola mountain range, with views of the city you won’t find anywhere else. Here you’ll find Spain’s oldest amusement park (with over 30 rides) and the Temple of the Sacred Heart, with a lift that takes you up to the very top for a stunning panoramic view. A different kind of plan for a day you want to get away from the centre.

20. Bunkers del Carmel

The favourite viewpoint among young people (and social media) in Barcelona. These former Civil War anti-aircraft batteries, high up on Turó de la Rovira, offer 360-degree views of the whole city, completely free. The classic student plan is to head up for sunset with some snacks and good company, so put it on your list for one of your first weeks in the city.