Digital Nomads don’t live in thrilling places just to be chained to their desks: you want to explore! And there’s never a shortage of things to do in Barcelona. The city has an artsy, hipster, revolutionary vibe, and there’s something for everyone – whether you love the outdoors or history, art, or architecture. Here we’ll share the Barcelona must-dos and must-sees if it’s your first time visiting, plus some of our favorite activities for locals and returning visitors. Check out our carefully crafted tours that highlight the essential parts of this city, just for you.
Getting Around
Barcelona is walkable and has great public transportation that is cheap, efficient, and easy to use. The subway system will take you all over the city. A T-Usual metro card for Zone 1 will get you a month of unlimited rides for about €20 (most places you will go will probably be in Zone 1). The card will also get you access to the bus system. If you’re only staying a few days, a T-Casual card will get you 10 rides for about €10. For trains outside the city, you’ll take the Renfe.
Want a ride? Apps that work best are FreeNow, Bolt, and Cabify. Uber exists in Barcelona but wait times tend to be long and rides are sometimes canceled.
Barcelona has more than 200 kilometers of bike lanes. The city’s bike service, Bicing, is just €50 per year if you have an NIE or a Foreigner Identity Number. There are several bike and e-bike rental companies in the city or you can use an app like Donkey.
Getting Oriented
When you arrive, you’ll want to get the lay of the land. Start with our guided walking tour to get to know Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, or old town – known today as the Gothic Quarter. You’ll see a Pablo Picasso mural, Roman ruins, and Barcelona’s stunning Cathedral. Then you’ll learn the history behind Plaza del Rei, the Jewish Quarter, Plaza Sant Felip Neri, and Plaza Sant Jaume.
Or get oriented with our sunset bike tour. It’ll introduce you to the Born Neighborhood, Port Vell, Barceloneta Beach, cava (Catalan champagne), and Parc de la Ciutadella.
Museums
Barcelona has dozens of museums, so whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here. The Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA) tells the story of Barcelona from Roman times to now. Also worth a visit is the MUHBA’s Refugio 307 on Montjuïc – the 307th bomb shelter that was built to protect civilians during the Spanish Civil War. Make sure you stop in the Born Center for Culture and Memory to see archeological ruins that date back to the 1700s.
You’ll be spoiled when it comes to art museums. Visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya for Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art. Some other favorites are the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Museum. If you’re an art lover, don’t miss our Picasso walking tour. You’ll follow in Picasso’s footsteps as your top-rated guide takes you on an intimate exploration of his neighborhood and museum.
If you prefer modern, contemporary, and street art, don’t miss the Moco Museum, which currently has several Banksy works on display.
Being Outdoors
Parc de la Ciutadella is a must-visit and a great place to spend a lazy day picnicking, strolling through the gardens, or taking a boat ride around the pond. Nearby is the impressive Arc de Triomf, originally built as the gateway to the 1888 Universal Exhibition Barcelona hosted in Parc de la Ciutadella. Complete your relaxing afternoon by walking to the beach or treating yourself to a bougie spa day at nearby Aire Ancient Baths.
Spend a day wandering around the neighborhood of Montjuïc – meaning “Jewish mountain” for the Jewish cemetery, and the birthplace of the city. It’s home to many parks, museums, public spaces, and attractions. Take the cable car up to the Castle of Montjuïc for amazing 360 views, wander around the botanical garden, Olympic stadium, museums, and swim in the municipal pool. Don’t miss the magic fountain at night.
The city is surrounded by hills with great views. Montjuïc, Park Güell, and Tibidabo all sit atop hills. Tibidabo is an amusement park and a great place for a hike – or you can take the funicular up.
One of the best things about Barcelona is all the free things to do. The Barcelona beaches are essential spots to visit. Nomads tend to gravitate towards Bogatell Beach in Poblenou – it’s less crowded than Barceloneta – and is surrounded by the Parc del Poblenou Or get a different view of the city with our private sailing experience.
Weekend Getaway Trips
You could spend months in Barcelona and still not see everything, but it’s always nice to get out of the city and explore something different. It’s easy to get up and down the coast on the train or to take buses to nearby towns.
- Montserrat is home to a Benedictine monk sanctuary, great hiking, a funicular ride, spectacular mountain views, striking rock formations, and much more. For a relaxed and luxurious experience, our Monsterrat tour is an afternoon spent enjoying local delicacies in the Catalan countryside and wine-tasting in the renowned Penedès vineyards.
- Costa Brava – the wild coast – stretches along the Mediterranean Sea where you can go scuba diving, eat paella, and dine in Michelin-star restaurants. Tossa de Mar is closest to Barcelona and a popular first stop or day trip by train. If you have a few days, take the bus or rent a car to see more of the coastline. Other popular spots along the Costa Brava include Lloret de Mar, Cadaqués, Blanes, and Peratallada.
- Girona – This charming medieval town is home to a beautiful old quarter, landscaped gardens, and the remains of a Roman fortress (also known as the backdrop for Season 6 of Game of Thrones). Our guided tour will cover all of that, plus the world-famous 11th-century Tapestry of Creation in the Cathedral of Girona and a guided visit to the Salvador Dalí Museum.
Barcelona’s wide variety of places to see and things to do makes it an ideal city for nomads. Whether you’re hiking up to Tibidabo, relaxing at Bogatell Beach, or biking around the city, there’s no shortage of ways to experience Barcelona’s beauty.
