Things to do in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia is the gem in Barcelona's crown. Famed for being ‘the unfinished cathedral', it was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. The sheer size and intricacy of it means construction has moved slowly. Guided tours around La Sagrada are a must, but as it's such a popular tourist attraction, we highly recommend booking tickets in advance.

Among the Gothic Quarter's warren of narrow streets, you'll find some of the city's oldest buildings sitting comfortably next to more modern 19th and 20th century architecture. It's this fusion that gives the Gothic Quarter its unique feel. This is also where you'll find the stunning Barcelona Cathedral. Spend time exploring this beautiful building and take the elevator up to the roof. The views are not to be missed.

La RamblaTake a stroll down the tree-lined La Rambla and expect all of your senses to be stimulated. Street performers vie for your attention, while restaurants, shops and cafes persuade you to part with your euros by providing tempting smells. Keep your camera handy. Iconic buildings like the Gran Teatre del Liceu, government building Virreina Palace and the Boqueria Market are all along La Rambla.

Take a Barcelona day trip to Montserrat – a serrated rocky range that's known for the Santa Maria Montserrat Benedictine Abbey. Accessed by funicular (cable car), once at the top enjoy far-reaching panoramic views into Catalonia. Maintained paths take you to the Museum of Montserrat monastery, which is full of beautiful artworks and home to the Black Madonna.

From ancient Roman ruins in the Gothic Quarter to Gaudi's forward-thinking design for Casa Mila, the old and modern sit comfortably together in Barcelona. The city's modernist architecture goes beyond Gaudi, though. Richard Meier's Museum of Contemporary Art, Herzog and de Meuron's Forum Building, and Lluis Domenech i Montaner's Hospital de Sant Pau are three strikingly different examples of modern architects influencing the city's look and feel.

When Antoni Gaudi turned his hand to landscape gardening, Park Guell was the result. Far from your average green space, fairy-tale gatehouses mark the entranceway while colourful mosaics adorn the walls and an arboretum of stone pillars mark the top of the park. Tickets to Park Guell are limited, so we highly recommend booking in advance.

Home to the most extensive collection of Pablo Picasso artworks, the Picasso Museum documents the Spanish artist's formative years. A permanent display of 4,251 artworks paints a picture of the famous impressionist's development, from traditional fine art to the beginnings of his iconic Cubist style. It also reveals Picasso's deep relationship with Barcelona and how the city influenced his work.

Dedicated to the excavation, preservation and exhibition of key historical buildings and artefacts uncovered in Barcelona, the Museu d'Historia de Barcelona captures the development of the city. From festivals and traditions to everyday life in Barcelona, the museum's collection of displays represent how life in this Spanish city has evolved.

The Fundacio Joan Miro was set up by the artist himself. The aim was to create a space that celebrated modern art and encouraged younger artists to experiment with contemporary styles. Within the gallery you'll find permanent canvases and sculptures created by Miro, sitting alongside temporary exhibitions from international artists. Check the foundation's website before travelling to see what's on.

Located in Eixample, Casa Mila is one of the architectural wonders created by Gaudi. Its twisted wrought-iron balconies and rough stone façade were inspired by the look and feel of an open quarry, hence its more popular name: ‘La Pedrera', meaning ‘the quarry'. Today, Casa Mila is a cultural centre with spaces for exhibitions and activities for locals and Barcelona's visitors to enjoy.

Experimental, attention-grabbing and exciting: just three ways you can sum up a trip to Gaudi's Casa Batllo. Bright mosaics and colours on the outside of the building won't fail to catch your eye, but buy a ticket to explore the interior and you'll continue to be surprised and in awe of Gaudi's flair for design and architecture.