Best Places to Visit Near Barcelona (and in the City)

Sagrada Familia is usually the anchor of a Barcelona trip — here's what to pair it with, both nearby in the city and just outside it.

More of Gaudí's Barcelona

Park Güell — Gaudí's hilltop park, known for its mosaic-tiled terrace and gingerbread-style gatehouses, with views back over the whole city.
Casa Batlló — a dragon-backed, bone-shaped facade on Passeig de Gràcia, one of Gaudí's most striking residential buildings.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) — Gaudí's last major civil work before Sagrada Familia, famous for its wave-like stone facade and rooftop sculptures.

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) — Barcelona's medieval old town, a maze of narrow streets, small squares, and the city's Gothic cathedral.
La Rambla — the tree-lined pedestrian avenue connecting Plaça Catalunya down toward the waterfront, lined with cafés and the historic La Boqueria market.
Barceloneta — the city's main beach neighborhood, a short walk from the old town if you want sand and seafront restaurants.

Montserrat — a mountain monastery about an hour outside the city, reachable by rail and cable car or rack railway, with dramatic rock formations and sweeping views.
Girona — a well-preserved medieval city a little under an hour and a half from Barcelona by train, known for its cathedral, old Jewish quarter, and riverside houses.
Sitges — a beach town on the coast south of Barcelona, easily reached by train for a half-day away from the city.