Top Rated Attractions in Barcelona

Catalonia Square, also known as Plaza de Cataluña once stood outside the city walls, between what is now Eixample and Ciutat Vella, or the Old City. This square, considered the city center, is the meeting place of many important streets, and you will find many hotels and shopping centers here. You'll also find wonderful sculptures like Joseph Clarà's Deessa and Pablo Gargallo's Pastor de Pau. If you're not a fan of pigeons, steer clear. Visit in the spring, and you'll find concerts taking place for the Festival Internacional de Jazz Terrassa in this lovely plaza.

Nestled in the heart of the city is the Plaça de Catalunya, an upbeat and animated public square that you cannot miss on your visit to the city. The generous square with grassy lawns, shady trees, fountains that light up after dark, is surrounded by an abundance of bars, restaurants, and cafes. The square, because of its central location, is close to numerous city attractions making it the perfect spot for a midday meal or to people watch as you sip on a cup of joe.

In this technologically advanced age, mobiles are a norm and a part of one's lifestyle. The Mobile World Centre gives a glimpse of how the internet and mobile telephony has transformed the lives of people in the 21st Century. Set in the former building of the first telephone exchange of the city, the landmark building from the 1920s with its distinct architecture is a sight to behold. It is then befitting that this museum and event space is set inside this structure. Spanning across three floors, each exhibit and area is different than the other. Head to Espacio Movistar for an insight of the latest smartphones and gadgets. You can play games, take part in promotions and activities at this space. Get to know the advent of mobile technology, internet and evolution across the world at level one. There are 10 rooms to explore on this floor, telling the story of the mobile. The Movistar Auditorium is used for a variety of digital events, conferences, workshops and more.

Parròquia de Santa Anna is a parish affiliated to the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Founded in 1141, this former convent illustrates the Romanesque school of architecture, while its later refurbishments display the Gothic style. Renowned for this very architectural blend, it is replete with splendid archways, bare bricks, Renaissance accents, chandeliers and a rustic chapel. It is a recognized National Heritage Monument and popular tourist attraction. It hosts regular mass, as well as special Holy Sacraments.

Immerse in the Catalan spirit at the Rambla de Canaletes, the first walkway you'll encounter while strolling down Las Ramblas. The landmark takes its name from the iconic Font de Canaletes, a small fountain where Barça soccer fans gather to celebrate victories. According to legend, if you drink from this fountain, you're guaranteed a return to Barcelona one day. Visitors are also likely to come across performers playing rock or Andean music surrounded by crowds of entertained bystanders. At once charming and energetic, the Rambla de Canaletes is a cosmopolitan area that can't be missed.

This quarter of medieval origin is found below Plaza Urquinaona and on the left side of Via Laietana. It is called Sant Pere because the area grew around the Monastery of Sant Pere de les Puelles, and you can still see some of the monastery's ruins in the Sant Pere square. Traditionally, this quarter was the center of textile production in Barcelona and you can still find a large number of fabric and cloth shops. One of its more marvelous non-garment-related attractions is the Palau de la Música Catalana, built by Domènech i Muntaner, with sculptures of Miquel Blay. It's a nice area to spend time in, to get a feel of the old, pre-shopping mall Barcelona.