There's so much to do in
Barcelona that it's easy to get overwhelmed, especially if it's your first day in the city. Whether you’re visiting as a tourist or you just moved here, what you do on your first day will leave a lasting impression, especially on how you will feel about the Catalan capital. So, what do you do on your first day in Barcelona? You could always start with the iconic La Sagrada Familia to get it over with. It's not a bad sight to see when you're just getting to know the city. Heading to Montjuïc and enjoying its many attractions is a good idea too, especially since the place offers a unique experience.
See La Sagrada Família in Person
When you go to major cities, especially if they're popular tourist destinations, it's only natural to go straight to their most iconic sites, right? It makes sense to go straight to see the Eiffel Tower the moment you land in Paris. Or to sail directly to the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Here in Barcelona, the most famous landmark is undoubtedly La Sagrada Familia. This architectural marvel by Antoni Gaudí is unlike any other. The fact that it's still unfinished, yet it's already a masterpiece, should tell you just how astounding it is.
Explore Gaudí's Barcelona
Speaking of Antoni Gaudí, you can see many of his other greatest works throughout different
neighborhoods in Barcelona. You already know about La Sagrada Família, right? Then what about Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia? It's one of his more colorful works. The same goes for the beloved Park Güell and its famous lizard mosaic. The place is so beautiful that it's become one of Barcelona's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Casa Milà is also a must-see for any Gaudí fan as it served as the legendary architect's final residence.
Follow in Picasso's Footsteps
Antoni Gaudí isn't the only renowned artist famously associated with Barcelona. There's also Pablo Picasso, co-founder of the Cubist movement and one of the pioneers of modern art. The Spanish painter and sculptor lived most of his life in Barcelona, having moved here in 1895 when he was just 14 years old, and stayed here until 1904. Picasso fans and art lovers alike can
walk in Picasso's footsteps in Barcelona today, from his favorite Bar Marsella on Carrer de Sant Pau to his first-ever studio in the Hotel Serras on Carrer de la Plata. Naturally, you can't forget about Museo Picasso on Carrer de Montcada, which houses one of the biggest Picasso collections in the world.
Get Lost in The Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is truly unlike any other! If you want to see something unique on your first day in Barcelona, this would be a great option. The neighborhood stands out with its well-preserved Medieval architecture paired, in contrast, to the fairly trendy hotspots that dominate the area today. You can't miss the
Instagram-worthy spots in the Gothic Quarter, including the famous Pont del Bisbe, the very Mediterranean Plaça Reial, and more. What's not to love?
Discover The Fascinating Montjüic
Montjüic is such an exciting district that even when you
move to Barcelona and live here for a long time, you'll find yourself frequenting this popular hilltop neighborhood. Most famously, Montjüic hosted most of the games and major events during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, and many of those same sites have become popular tourist spots. You also can't forget about the grand Palau Nacional, which houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) and is on its way to becoming just as popular as La Sagrada Família itself!
Shop at Passeig de Gràcia
Do you want to
shop in Barcelona on your very first day here? If money isn't an issue, then you'll want to head straight to the world-famous Passeig de Gràcia! It's the ultimate shopping destination in the city, akin to the likes of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Fifth Avenue in New York City, Oxford Street in London, and Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, among many others. Here, you can expect an entire kilometer strip of high-end shops and designer boutiques. You'll see familiar luxurious names like Dior, Prada, Etro, Bottega Veneta, Versace, and more, as well as high-street favorites like Mango, H&M, and Stradivarius.
Have Fun at Tibidabo
Tibidabo doesn't get enough credit as one of the more exciting areas in Barcelona. Perched atop a hill of the same name, there's a lot to see and do here. There's the stunning Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, for example, which is an outstanding piece of Gothic architecture. You'd sooner think you were in Middle Earth from “The Lord of The Rings” the moment you see it in person! But if you prefer to have more fun, the Tibidabo Amusement Park is also nearby. It has all the attractions you'd expect in such a place, including a famous Ferris Wheel, roller coasters, and other thrilling rides.
Spend The Day at Barceloneta Beach
If you're reason for traveling to or even moving to Barcelona is to bask in the sunshine of the Mediterranean, then you'll want to settle down in
La Barceloneta! Not only is it one of the best neighborhoods in the city, but it's also a coastal district that gives you immediate access to the Mediterranean Sea. The beloved Barceloneta Beach is only a hop and a skip away from the many rentals and luxury homes in the neighborhood, making it easy for you to go to the beach on your very first day in Barcelona. What more could you ask for?
Watch a Football Game at Camp Nou
Any true-blue Barcelonian knows that football is a way of life in the Catalan capital. Not only does most of the city love the sport, but supporting FC Barcelona is practically a must for the locals to accept you as one of their own. Naturally, the best way to do just that is to watch their games at the Camp Nou Football Stadium. The experience is unlike any other! The stadium is always jam-packed during game day, and the cheers are so loud that you'll still be hearing them in your head many days later!
Eat at a Tapas Bar
Don't forget that Barcelona is still a bona fide food capital. It may not be as prominent as Paris, Tokyo, or New York City, but the Catalan capital's culinary scene remains as strong as ever. Hence, it's completely understandable to eat your way through the city on your first day in Barcelona. You should especially go to some of the best tapas bars in the city, all of which serve the most delectable delicacies with rich wines and chic atmospheres. Some of them are even
Barcelona's best Michelin-starred restaurants!
It's easy to get overwhelmed on your first day in Barcelona. Fortunately, the many things to do in Barcelona are so different and unique that it's easy to choose depending on your lifestyle and interests.
