• Check out Girona

Girona, which is only 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Barcelona, is one of my favorite Spanish cities. Here, you can climb the medieval city walls, explore the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter, and relax in one of the city’s numerous cafes. Take advantage of the city’s many museums, including the Jewish History Museum and the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia. Be sure to kiss the feet of the lion statue at the base of Sant Feliu, as it’s said to bring you back to Girona. Also, you can take a Game of Thrones tour here since King’s Landing, and Braavos scenes were filmed here. It’s an excellent place to visit if you need a break from Barcelona.

• Check out a soccer match.

If a match takes place, try to acquire a ticket (they’re typically inexpensive), as it is an incredible and boisterous spectacle. Locals are devoted to the sport, and you’ll make many friends there! If you cannot attend a match, you can visit the stadium and FCB (or Barça) Museum for 15 to 30 EUR.

• Check out Montjuïc Hill

Here, you can view the city and visit the Castell de Montjuc, a fortress from the 17th century. In addition, there are gardens, a giant replica of a historic Spanish village, and a 1992 Olympic stadium. Spend several hours exploring this area, as there is much to do. If you do not wish to take the cable car (9.40 EUR), you can ascend on foot in approximately 30 minutes.

• You must see Guell Palace.

Palau Güell is another of Gaud’s masterpieces, though it does not stand out as much as his other structures. Between 1886 and 1888, Gaud designed it for his patron Eusebius Güell. The home revolves around a central gathering space. A starry sky was created by hanging lanterns through small holes near the top of the ceiling at night. There are chimneys resembling colorful trees atop. It is somewhat eerie and gothic, but it is one of my favorites! Admission costs twelve euros.

• See the Cathedral of Barcelona

Found in the heart of the Barri Gotic, this Gothic cathedral (officially named The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia) was built atop an 11th-century church. Located in the beautiful cloister (built between the 14th and 15th centuries) is Saint Eulalia’s Crypt (Eulalia was a 13-year-old Christian martyr from Barcelona). Be sure to ascend to the roof to take in the breathtaking panorama of the city. Tourists pay 9 EUR for admission (free for worshipers).

• Wander through the Raval.

The Raval is the old literary district of Barcelona. Back in the 1920s, it had a somewhat sinister, edgy vibe, but now it’s filled with amazing shops and businesses. Take a stroll through the neighborhood, particularly along El Raval’s version of La Rambla, a popular spot for dining and nightlife.

• Visit an amusement park and have a good time.

Tibidabo Barcelona was constructed in 1899 and is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. Due to its location on a high mountain in the Serra de Collserola, the park offers rides, games, restaurants, and breathtaking views of Barcelona and the coastline. It is a fun place to bring children. Admission costs €35.

• Get your fill of La Boqueria

Located near La Rambla is La Boquería (Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquería). It is a massive public market that dates back centuries (the first mention of a market being here dates to 1217). There are a variety of food stalls and restaurants in La Boquera that sell seafood, nuts, candy, wine, and tapas. Check out if you’re exploring the city and want a cheap snack. Getting there early will save you from the crowds.

• Get a walking tour.

In a new city, the first thing I do is a walking tour. It is the best way to see the main attractions, learn about the local history and culture, and connect with a knowledgeable local guide who can answer your questions. New Europe offers free walking tours, so go there. Take Walks is a good option if you’re looking for more in-depth and specific tours. They are my preferred walking tour company because they employ knowledgeable local guides and conduct insightful, comprehensive tours. Make sure you tip your guide!

• Experiencing Montserrat for 12 hours

The mountain range of Montserrat is close to the city and makes for an excellent day trip. By train, you can reach the region in one hour. Once there, stroll through the natural park area and visit the Black Madonna’s famous shrine (it dates to the Middle Ages). This is a good place to get away from the city. There is also a local market where you can purchase artisanal foods, handicrafts, and numerous hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities. Return train tickets are approximately 27 EUR.

• La Rambla is a great place to stroll.

This famous Barcelona street is where all the tourists congregate. There are overpriced stores, restaurants, and tourists carrying cameras on this pedestrian-only boulevard. However, despite this, there is a lively atmosphere and many beautiful buildings, such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu (the city’s opera house) and a Joan Miró mosaic (a Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist from Barcelona). Although I wouldn’t shop or eat here, it’s a beautiful place to observe the city and people-watch.

• Explore Barcelona’s free public art.

Barcelona is full of public art. Gaud’s work is well represented in Barcelona, so check out the enormous Cascada Fountain in Parc de la Ciutadella, the lampposts in Placa Reial and Pla de Palau, and the Miralles gate on Passeig de Manuel Girona. The city is adorned with beautiful works of art by Joan Miró, like the mosaics on La Rambla and at the airport and the “Woman and Bird” sculpture in Parc de Joan Miró.

• Ride the cable car at the port.

The 1,450-meter aerial tramway connects Montjuc Hill and Barceloneta. It begins in Barceloneta at the top of the 78-meter (255-foot) Torre San Sebastian tower and has an intermediate stop at the ground-level Torre Jaume I tower (near the monument to Christopher Columbus). Torre Jaume I is the world’s second-tallest aerial tramway support tower at 107 meters (351 feet). You can see the cityscape best from a cable car. Tickets for a round trip cost 16.50 EUR.

• Take in an outdoor movie.

If you are in Barcelona during July or August, you should visit Montjuc Hill to watch an outdoor film around the castle moat. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are screening nights, and the evenings typically begin with excellent live music. You can also purchase food and beverages here. Tickets cost 7.50 EUR without a chair and 10 EUR with one.

• Have fun with contemporary art

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art has an extensive collection of Spanish and international artists, such as Tàpies, Klee, and Saura. The museum also has a large number of exhibits. Even though it’s not my favorite style of art, if you enjoy modern art, you should add this to your itinerary. Admission is 11 EUR, except on Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m., when it’s free.

• Ride a bike

Fat Tire Tours provides guided bicycle tours of the city that visit all the major attractions. They cost as little as 30 EUR and are an excellent way to learn about Barcelona’s history while gaining a new perspective on the city. There are numerous tour options available, so there is something for everyone. In addition, their tours move at a leisurely pace, making them suitable for all ages.

• Get a taste of Spanish food.

If you’re in Barcelona, you should take a cooking class to get a feel for the local culture. Learn how to prepare paella, Catalan tapas, and many other dishes. Some tours even begin in the market, where your chef assists you in selecting fresh ingredients and produce. There are various cooking classes based on your desired cuisine, with the majority lasting 3 to 4 hours and costing 70 EUR.

• Take a culinary tour.

Take a food tour to learn more about the history and culture behind Barcelona’s cuisine. It is the best way to eat through the city while knowing what makes Barcelona’s cuisine distinctive. Devour Tours offers in-depth food tours led by knowledgeable local guides who will introduce you to the culture and history of the local cuisine. This tour is for you if you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about each dish. The tours begin at 99 EUR.