Barcelona is a city that seduces with its sunlit streets, surrealist architecture and endless tapas scene—but knowing where to go beyond the obvious makes all the difference.
That’s where Nomadic Matt (aka Matt Kepnes) comes in. A best-selling author and global travel expert known for his budget-savvy, no-fluff approach, Matt has made a career out of helping people experience cities more authentically—by skipping tourist traps in favor of walkable neighborhoods, affordable eats and spots beloved by locals.
In a recent interview with Parade, he shared his top seven must-visit places in Barcelona, from hidden Roman ruins and picnic-perfect parks to tapas joints where locals line up and gin bars that come alive after dark.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, this is the curated list you didn’t know you needed.
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The 7 Best Places to Visit in Barcelona
From Gaudí masterpieces and mountaintop views to hidden tapas bars and medieval day trips, these are Nomadic Matt’s top picks for experiencing Barcelona like a local.
1. La Sagrada Família
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No trip to Barcelona is complete without witnessing the iconic Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s iconic, still-unfinished basilica—and for Nomadic Matt, it’s the number-one must-see. “It’s just a very beautiful church with a lot of history to it,” he says. “It’s like why you go see the Louvre in Paris—it’s the thing to see.”
More than 130 years in the making, the basilica is finally nearing completion, with most areas now open to the public—including the Nativity and Passion towers, which offer breathtaking views over the city. Visitors can ascend by elevator and then descend via narrow spiral staircases (note: tower access requires a separate ticket and advance booking).
Matt strongly recommends going beyond a standard visit: “You can get an audio guide, but I’d definitely take a guided walking tour so you can ask questions and really understand the history, architectural triumphs and the lore of Gaudí—why he did this, and how it’s evolved over time.”
2. Bunkers del Carmel
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Perched high above the city, the Bunkers del Carmel offers one of the best (and free) panoramic views in all of Barcelona. “It’s where the locals go to escape the crowds,” says Matt.
Originally built as anti-aircraft fortifications during the Spanish Civil War, the bunkers are now a beloved local lookout, perfect for sunset with a picnic and some cava. Just be prepared for a short uphill walk to get there.
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Cheap/free things to do in Barcelona ?? #barcelona #spain #spain?? #fyp #thingstodoinbarcelona #thingstodoinbarcelonaspain #barcelonascoficial #spaingoals #europe
♬ Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington, Jr.This lush 19th-century park is “a relaxing, free way to enjoy nature in the heart of the city,” says Matt. Locals gather here on weekends for picnics, slacklining and boating on the small lake. There’s a zoo, the Catalan Parliament building and the monumental Cascada Fountain, partially designed by a young Antoni Gaudí.
Pro tip: Pick up a sandwich or empanada and enjoy a leisurely lunch under the palm trees.
4. Bar Jai-Ca & The Original Old Fashioned - Cocktail House
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"Barcelona has a really strong gin and tonic culture,” Matt says. “They do it right—with specialty tonics, flavors, and tons of rooftop bars.
His top picks? Bar Jai-Ca in Ciutat Vella offers an old-school, no-frills experience with great seafood tapas, while The Original Old Fashioned in Gràcia stands out for its creative mixology. Known for its extensive selection of over 30 gin and tonic variations, the bar combines classic cocktails with inventive twists in a cozy, vintage-inspired setting.
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The Barcelona History Museum - a must see on your next trip to Barcelona. Not only are the ruins in the main part of the museum absolutely phenomenal, but the ticket includes a whole walking tour of other ruins around the city! #fyp #travel #traveltok #wanderlast #adventure #Barcelona #Spain #catalana #barcelonahistory #museum #ruins #bucketlist
♬ Lazy Sunday - Official Sound Studio“This is one of the best Roman history museums in Europe,” Matt says enthusiastically. Located underground beneath the Gothic Cathedral, the Barcelona History Museum lets you walk through blocks of ancient Roman ruins, including preserved homes, streets and even a wine-making facility.
“You take an elevator down and literally walk through what used to be the city,” he explains. “It’s super well-preserved and incredibly underrated.”
6. El Born
@bcnlocalexperiencesBest Things to do in El Born in Barcelona : Our top 7 Activities! ? (Save for later) ? Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar ? Palau de la Música Catalana ? Ciutadella Park ? Picasso Museum ? Arc de Triomf ? El Born CCM ? Moco Museum ?️ #thingstoinbarcelona #thingstodoinelborn #bestthingstodoinbarcelona #elbornbarcelona #barcelonatraveltips #barcelonatraveltiktok #barcelonalocalexperiences #barcelonatravelblogger #barcelonaplans #funthingstodoinbarcelona #whattodoinbarcelona #barcelonaitinerary #topthingstodoinbarcelona #barcelonaguide
♬ original sound - Barcelona Local ExperiencesJust east of the Gothic Quarter lies El Born, one of Nomadic Matt’s favorite neighborhoods in Barcelona for eating, exploring and soaking up local life. “It’s a really popular area for locals to go to for food markets, restaurants, dining out and nightlife,” he says. “It’s right next to the Gothic Quarter, and there’s just a lot happening there.”
One landmark he recommends is Mercat del Born, a striking 19th-century iron structure that once housed a bustling food market. Today, it’s been transformed into the Born Cultural Center, home to archaeological remains of medieval Barcelona.
For an authentic, active market experience, Matt suggests checking out Santa Caterina Market, just a short walk away. Known for its colorful undulating roof and vibrant stalls, it’s a favorite among locals for fresh produce, meats, seafood and tapas.
7. Girona
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If you’re looking to explore beyond the city limits, Matt highly recommends a day trip to Girona, a beautifully preserved medieval town just an hour from Barcelona by high-speed train for $8.
“They filmed Game of Thrones up there,” Matt notes with a laugh. “It truly is great. You can walk the ancient walls, explore the old city... it’s a cute little town.”
Girona offers cobblestone alleys, colorful riverside houses, a stunning cathedral and remnants of the old Jewish quarter—one of the best-preserved in Europe. Whether you're a history buff or simply craving a quieter pace, Girona gives you a taste of Catalonia that’s “a great way to get out of Barcelona and feed into other parts of the region without going super far.”
“Travel is slower in Barcelona. Restaurants open later, meals last longer and shops shut down midday. Don’t fight it—embrace it.”
-Nomadic Matt
? Explore more of Matt’s Barcelona tips here
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