Discover Barcelona
with Cathay Pacific

Catalonia’s bohemian capital is rich with gothic churches, centuries-old markets and the whimsical facades of Gaudi’s modernist masterpieces – but the allure of this seaside city runs far deeper.
With diverse neighbourhoods that span the moody lanes of the Gothic quarter, the industrial-chic warehouses of El Poblenou, beachy La Barceloneta, foodie Passeig de Sant Joan and multicultural El Raval, Barcelona’s attractions are far-ranging. The city has contemporary art galleries and performing arts spaces, lively beaches and a restaurant and bar scene that’s goes from old-school vermuterías and pintxo bars to hip late-night cocktail haunts. Here’s our list of what to see, eat and do in Barcelona.

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Things to do in Barcelona

Take a day trip to Sitges

A mere half an hour south of Barcelona by train are the cobblestoned streets of Sitges, fringed with potted flowers and whitewashed villas. Unlike the boisterous beaches of Barcelona, the coast here is dominated by locals, who spread out across the town’s 17 sandy beaches. When you’re done with the sun, head inland to the beautiful vineyards of Penedès for evenings spent sipping sparkling Spanish cava.

Explore Gaudi’s otherworldly creations

Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s Art Nouveau creations are speckled throughout the city. Start at the Sagrada Familia, his large (and still unfinished) Roman Catholic basilica in Eixample district, then head south on Passeig de Gràcia to the pearly, undulating stone facade of Casa Milà followed by the rainbow-roofed Casa Batlló, before walking down the tree-lined La Rambla to Palau Güell, a mansion with Willy Wonka-style chimneys.

Eat your way around the markets

Among the best things to do in Barcelona is to eat your way around the city’s oldest market: La Boqueria, which dates back as early as 1217. Between stalls selling olives, fish, fruit, spicy Catalan sausages and thighs of jamón, you’ll find counter tables that turn fresh market ingredients into pintxos (small snacks): try thin slices of pata negra ham served in paper cones, flame-charred calçot onions, chickpeas with black sausage, or fried egg topped with baby squid. For bites a little further from the tourist crowd, head to the Santa Caterina and Sant Antoni markets instead.