The best things to do in Barcelona in 2025

What is it? Barcelona’s very own collection of nearly 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso – usually €14, but now free to visit for three evenings of the week. 

Why go? The fabulous Picasso Museum was always free every Sunday of the month, but these free hours were extended in April 2025 to include Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings between 7-9pm. This open-door policy will run until October 12, so you’ve got plenty of time to take advantage of it! Here, you’ll find everything from Picasso’s early sketches as a young student to his rough landscapes, right through to his early forays into cubism.

Don’t miss: Once you’ve spent a few hours at the museum, grab a glass of wine at Can Cisa/Bar Brutal a few minutes away – it’s your Saturday night, after all. 

Address: Carrer de Montcada 15-23, 08003 Barcelona

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-8pm, Thursday-Saturday 9am-9pm, closed Mondays

Price: €14 online, €15 at ticket desk. Concession €7–7.50 (ages 18–25 and over 65). Free for under-18s, first Sunday of the month, and weekend evenings until October 

What is it? One of two Gaudí wonders, originally built to house apartments, on Passeig de Gràcia in the city centre, that’s just completed a major renovation project. 

Why go? To see it in its brand-new, sparkling glory. Previously, this major landmark was in dire need of some TLC, with faded colours and tired ornate features. Over the last year, it’s had €3.5 million pumped into it, with high-tech detailing by master artisans. This work was finally completed in July 2025, so you can now admire the dazzling colours, wavy architecture, eye-catching balconies and gorgeous rooftop in HD. 

Don’t miss: One of our favourite times to visit this architectural marvel is at night – there’s a number of night time tours to book onto, and even live music nights hosted on the terrace. 

Address: Passeig de Gràcia 43, 08007 Barcelona

Opening hours: Every day 9am-10.30pm

Price: General visit from €29 (online), kids go free. Tours extra

What is it? Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, a stunning example of Catalonia’s distinctive modernista style.

Why go? If you’ve never visited the Sagrada Familia, it simply has to be at the top of your Barcelona list. More seasoned visitors to the Catalan capital might look beyond the modernista big hitters (think La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and Park Güell, other popular examples of the architec’'s work) to find some lesser-known gems. According to the city’s Institute of Urban Landscape and Quality of Life, there are up to 2,200 buildings that are 100 percent modernista or decorated in the style, so there’s lots out there for major fans of the style to discover. We recommend the Hotel Espanya, Casa Thomas and Casa Planells.

Don’t miss For a chance to visit the Sagrada Familia for free, take advantage of the Sunday Mass to access the basilica. It takes place every Sunday at 9am, with the doors on Carrer de la Marina opening from 8.30am. Make sure to arrive early, as the queue is usually very long.

Address: Carrer de la Marina, s/n, 08013 Barcelona

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10.30am-8pm (winter hours differ)

Price: €26 general, €36 with towers, free for under-11s and visitors with disabilities, €7 kids

What is it? Simply the best markets you can find in the city for vintage clothes, furniture and other bargains. 

Why go? Barcelona has the second-highest number of vintage stores in Spain, and this is also down to its fantastic weekend markets. We’ve done the work for you, and rounded up the very best weekend markets happening in September, from our favourite ‘Bargain Garden’ to vintage kilo sales. Click ‘read more’ for our full list. 

Don’t miss: On September 20 and 21, there’s an extra-special vintage fair at the historic Maritime Museum.