Top Rated Attractions in Barcelona

One of the largest convention and conference venues on the Iberian Peninsula, the Fira Barcelona offers state-of-the-art facilities for organizations and groups from all over the world. Each year their calendar is filled with top industry events like Mobile World Congress, Bread and Butter, and the International Motorcycle Show. The Fira is made of of individual venues; besides Montjuïc there is Grand Via, and Gran Via Convention Centre. The Fira Barcelona is a magnet for Barcelona's tourist industry, drawing millions of visitors each and every year.

Conceived by famed French architect Jean Nouvel and his team, the 38-story Agbar Tower is a monument to art and sustainability. Sustainable materials, temperature-regulating windows and computer-directed elevators combine to create this iconic symbol of Barcelona. Visitors to the tower should also take note of the fact that the amazing structure has no indoor columns. The view from almost any floor is truly spectacular, providing a vista of all of the points of interests in the city, including Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. Though the view from the interior is breathtaking, the exterior of the tower is just as wonderful to behold. Over 4500 windows cover the tower in its entirety, and all of them can be lit by LED lights in dazzling displays of color and design. There is a souvenir shop on-site where visitors can purchase T-shirts as well as more high-end gifts.

Palau Nacional is one of the most spectacular buildings in Plaça Espanya and was built for the 1929 Universal Exposition, as were a lot of buildings in Montjuïc. The brainchild of architects Eugenio Cendoya and Enric Catà, the aim was to build a monumental, grandiose structure but the duo managed to surpass expectations. The Palace was restored by Italian architect Gae Aulenti and now houses the Museu Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC).

Built in 1990, the National Art Museum of Catalonia offers the best collection of Romanesque murals in the world, including some real gems from the Pyrenean region. Other pieces housed in the collection demonstrate diversity through such mediums as carving, sculpture, wood paintings, and glazed objects. Also found in the museum are uniques works like intricate altarpieces and gold and silver ornaments. You'll enjoy a selection of Gothic period paintings by 14th- and 15th-century Catalan School artists alongside those of their counterparts from across Spain and Europe. Art lovers will enjoy a healthy dose of local art at the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

Towering over the city at 173 meters (570 feet) is this scenic hill overlooking the sea. Montjuïc remained uninhabited until after the Middle Ages despite the fact that the Jewish quarter in Barcelona had already extended to the nearby Miramar area. The first path to the summit opened in 1607, and in 1640, a fortress was built to resist Spanish invasions during the Catalan Revolt. For centuries now, the Montjuïc park area has been a popular place for locals to pick wild herbs during leisure time, as well as an enjoyable attraction for visitors. Please note that while the park is free to visit, Montjuïc Castle charges an admission fee of EUR5 per person.

Barcelona is known for its grand architecture, and this museum is the place to see it all. Poble Espanyol is an open-air museum that was built in 1929 as part of the International Exhibition. It was created as an entire village using architectural styles from all over Spain. Originally, it was supposed to have been torn down after six months, but it has survived much longer than that because of its cultural value. Although no one lives in this village, it is populated during the day by artisans who show visitors how to make handicrafts. A variety of tapestries, ceramics and jewelry can be purchased, or you can learn about the art of glass blowing and hand embroidery. On-site restaurants and cafes complete the experience.