What to do in Barcelona: see Gaudí and other art- travelogue (part 2)
This post focuses on what to do in Barcelona if you’re drawn to art and architecture.
The first part of this travel series A trip to the city of Barcelona covers where to stay and how to get around using public transportation. Catch up with it too.
Travel Series: Part 2 — Reading time: 3 minutes
Art
Barcelona is the city of Gaudí, Miró, and Picasso. As you walk through it, you’ll discover sculptures and artworks by other world-renowned artists too. If you spot a huge copper structure with flowing, organic shapes near the beach, that’s The Fish by Frank Gehry.
About 120 kilometers away lies Figueres, the hometown of Salvador Dalí and home to his iconic Theatre-Museum. Original works by Picasso can be viewed in the Picasso Museum right in the city.
Barcelona itself feels like an open-air gallery. A stroll through neighborhoods like El Raval or the Gothic Quarter reveals graffiti, murals, miniature installations, and surprising pieces tucked into corners and façades. Street art here is not just decoration – it’s part of the city’s living cultural fabric.
If you’re interested in Catalan modernism and classical masters, visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), located in a former palace on Montjuïc Hill. From there, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of the city, especially at night when the Magic Fountain puts on its light and music show.
In Barcelona, art isn’t locked away in galleries – it’s everywhere, as long as you stay curious.
While Gaudí’s architecture is what most people associate with Barcelona, for me, it’s also the city of MOCO Museum – one of the most exciting contemporary art exhibitions I’ve ever visited. A sister location to the one in Amsterdam, it showcases works by pop and street art icons like Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Yayoi Kusama, and others.
Fun fact: Robbie Williams, best known as a singer, is also active in the art world.
MOCO was the first place where I encountered his visual art – including NFT and immersive pieces – which turned out to be a surprising and fascinating experience.
I highly recommend a visit to MOCO!
Gaudí’s Architecture
If someone asks me what’s a must-see in Barcelona, my first answer is always: the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. His unique, nature-inspired style draws millions of visitors every year.
You should absolutely visit the three Gaudí-designed houses open to the public:
Fun fact: This is Gaudí’s first major building, bursting with color and ceramic detail. Interestingly, many of the floral patterns on the facade are inspired by chrysanthemums — a flower associated with death in some cultures — but Gaudí used them to celebrate life and nature.
Fun fact: Its facade has no straight lines — it was inspired by the waves of the sea. Interestingly, the rooftop is not just decorative — its chimneys are shaped like abstract sculptures and are part of the building’s ventilation system. They are said to have inspired the helmet design in the original Star Wars trilogy.
La Pedrera ChimneysStar Wars troopers’ helmets inspired by La Pedrera
Fun fact: Its balconies resemble masks or skulls, and the entire facade is covered with colorful mosaic tiles (in the trencadís technique). One popular interpretation is that the building tells the legend of Saint George. The roof represents the dragon’s back, and the cross-topped tower symbolizes the spear that slays it.
Tip: Casa Milà and Casa Batlló are located close to each other and can be easily visited on the same day.
At Casa Batlló, you’ll see not only Gaudí’s magnificent architecture, but also art by other contemporary artists inspired by him—expressed through 3D mapping, NFTs, and other modern creations enhanced by AI, so they don’t remain static in time.
Casa Batlló is more than a house — it’s an immersive tech-art experience 🎨🔮. With an AR tablet 📱, nature comes alive through waves 🌊, turtles 🐢 and caves 🪨. Watch the 360° Gaudí Dome 🌀 and step inside the stunning Gaudí Cube — a 6-sided LED room full of light and sound ✨🔊. Upstairs, discover NFT art and 3D mapping works 🧠🖼️ inspired by Gaudí’s organic style 🌿. And if you go premium 🥇— enjoy a glass of cava 🍾🥂 on the surreal rooftop at sunset 🌇👽. 👁️🖐️👂👃👅@Casa Batlló | Gaudí Barcelona #CasaBatllo#Gaudi#Barcelona#ART#NFT#3Dart#ArchitectureLovers#mustseeinbarcelona
Don’t miss Park Güell, either – not only for its whimsical Gaudí design but also for the peaceful walk it offers.
Tip: Be sure to book your Park Güell tickets at least a day in advance.
Sagrada Família
The most iconic building in Barcelona is, without a doubt, Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, under construction since 1882. The basilica blends Gothic and modernist elements and is filled with symbolism and natural forms inspired by faith and the natural world.
Fun fact: Gaudí took over the project a year after it began and made it his life’s mission. He once said, “My client is not in a hurry,” referring to God.
Over 140 years later, the work continues, now powered by donations and modern technology such as 3D modeling and robotic stone carving.
Tip: If you want to go inside, book your ticket at least two weeks in advance – or better yet, a month ahead.
Fifteen years ago, entrance was more relaxed, but today the basilica is gated and tightly monitored.
Where to stay in Barcelona?
If you’re wondering where to stay, check out the options on this map showing available rooms in hotels, apartments, and other types of accommodation. You support the blog at no extra cost and still get all your Genius and other discounts!
How to get to all these places?
I’ve created a special map just for you, where I’ve marked all the locations mentioned in this 6-part travelogue. You can easily use it to navigate your way to them.
Follow the blog and my social media Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, X,TikTokto catch the next posts in this Barcelona series – packed with practical insights you won’t find in most travel guides. In the next article, I’ll explore more basilicas and spiritual landmarks around the city.
