Top Rated Attractions in Barcelona

An unfinished religious icon that is steeped in profound cultural value and features an incomparable aesthetic, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is an astounding marvel. Gaudí began working on this utterly surreal temple, now a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1882. Originally intended to be a modest, neo-Gothic church, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia has since become arguably the most iconic building in all of Barcelona. Gaudí broke away from the reigning neo-Gothic style in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, imbuing his architecture with symbolic meaning and pioneering the Catalan Modernism movement. Intricate details like palm-tree pillars whose bases take the shapes of turtles, eye-catching colors, Baroque-style influences, and materials ranging from mosaic tiles to an array of stones converge to create an absolute masterpiece.

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.

It all began with a certain Luis Marti Codolar donating his animal collection to the City Council in 1892. Today, Zoo Barcelona is one of the most visited spots in Parc de la Ciutadella. Over 7000 animals from over 500 different species call this beautiful sanctuary their home. Exotic mammals like anteaters, hippos, and mangabeys offset enchanting birds like the black vulture and red front macaw. Fascinating amphibians and reptiles round out the fauna housed at the zoo, and all around, majestic Grevíl-lea and Om trees represent beautiful flora. Beyond its incredible wildlife, the attraction's commitment to ecological conservation and preservation is a big selling point, as if guests weren't already lining up to experience the wonderful Zoo Barcelona.

Foto Ruta is a photography company that originated in the city of Buenos Aires and now has branches across the world. It presents the city of Barcelona in a novel way through the lens of your camera and leaves you with memories that are sure to last a lifetime. They have tours that take you on a great experience that combines trips to little-known city gems with educational photography sessions. Not only is this the best way to see the city, it also is the best way to understand the art of photography and the tips and tricks used by the professionals. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and friendly and ensure that your tour is conducted to your absolute satisfaction.

As one of the most recognizable landmarks and attractions in Barcelona, Colonia Güell is a popular tourist attraction. Commissioned by Count Eusebi Guell in 1898 for his workers at the nearby textile factory, the church was the mastermind of famed architect, Antoni Gaudi. Unfortunately, only a portion was completed due to a loss of revenue from Güell's textile business. Today the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known as, Gaudi's Crypt or Cripta Gaudi. Truly a sight to behold, this landmark is one of Gaudi's lesser-known treasures and unlike any other structure you'll see.

The site that is an address to the El Born Centre Cultural today used to be home to the famous El Born market. When the market fell into dilapidation, the local authorities expressed their desire to renovate the space into a library. As the construction work for the proposed library began, excavations revealed archaeological wonders beneath the market. Some of these ruins were as old as the 14th Century and further research suggested that these were infact remains of a city that existed here in the 17th Century. The ruins were then carefully preserved and an impressive center was built around it in 2013. This is a fantastic location for several local and private events and is also a must-visit for historians and architecture aficionados.