La catedral del mar by Ildefonso Falcones

Some platforms have cushions to rest and savor the view. Now, when we explain an example of an exhibit, you’ll think we’re joking-we are not joking it’s a climbing frame, suspended in the air by 3.7 miles of tensioned cable, made of tiny platforms–many transparent–that you scramble up onto, with absolutely no safety protection. That changed in 2022, when the 30th floor became a panoramic public observation deck with unobstructed views across every angle of the city. Opened in 2005, and famous for housing Meta’s Barcelona outpost, it’s never offered much in the way of visitor interest beyond a snap. It’s possibly Barcelona’s most famous landmark that Gaudí had absolutely nothing to do with, and at 470-feet tall it’s definitely one of its tallest. The gleaming, iridescent tower that pierces the cityscape like (some say) a gherkin, though architect Jean Nouvel had a geyser in mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.Įven if you don’t know Torre Glòries by name, you’ll know it by sight. Read our complete Barcelona travel guide here.

Spanning big-hitters and under-the-radar gems, these are the best things to do in Barcelona-the Catalan-speaking city's most unmissable spots. Consider this your capsule edit of attractions: the definitive list of what to do in Barcelona for the time-smart traveler, from art, iconic parks, and performing arts spaces to so much more. From a secret maze to a hilltop fairground, Barcelona’s to-do list is every bit as varied as it is pure fun Antoni Gaudí’s color-pop architecture ensures that dull moments simply don’t exist here. If it’s sun you want, it’s sun you shall get-but the beach is only one option. Find world-renowned museums that showcase artistic legends and rising stars, markets rich in local produce, and panoramic viewing platforms to take in the iconic architecture.

The soul-caressing Spanish climate might set Barcelona up as an outdoor city, but its indoor activities have kudos, too.

La catedral del mar by Ildefonso Falcones