Barcelona is popular for a reason. There are literally hundreds of places to go and things to do that you could add to your itinerary, but no holiday is long enough to see them all. If you’re wondering what should be at the top of your Barca to-do list, we’ve got you covered.
The Picasso Museum has topped our freshly updated list of the best things to do in Barcelona – and for the next month, you’ll be able to visit for free. This place should be a bucket-list activity for any art lover, complete with more than 5,000 paintings, sketches, ceramics and more from one of Spain’s most influential artists.
The museum was the only one of its kind to be created during Picasso’s lifetime, and it was actually he himself who insisted it be in Barcelona instead of Malaga, where he was born. As a result, its collection is extensive and ranges right from the painter’s early years until his death, with some items even being donated posthumously by his widow.
None of his most iconic paintings are housed here – you’ll need to head to Malaga, Paris or Madrid for those – but there are plenty of fascinating early works and you’ll learn about Picasso’s life, his tumultuous relationships and his love for the city of Barcelona.
Usually you’d have to pay €14 for access to the Museu Picasso, but right now entry is free from 7-9pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The deal has been running since April this year but will end on October 12, so make sure to make the most of it before then.
If you’d rather go on a guided tour to make sure you don’t miss anything important, you can book one through and GetYourGuide.
That may be our top pick for Barcelona, but it’s certainly not the only thing you should schedule in for your next visit. Our second choice was a trip to Gaui’s Casa Batlló, which has just been renovated, and in third was visiting the Sagrada Família, yet another Gaudi wonder. Basically, it’s a perfect city for anyone who likes to look at gorgeous art or gorgeous buildings.
Read the full list of the best things to do in Barcelona in 2025.
Get more out of Barcelona
The Museu Picasso isn’t the only museum worth visiting – in fact, there are loads more. If all that museum-touring gets you hungry, head to the Market Barcelona where you’ll find all of the city’s best food and drinks in one place – or try out one of these amazing restaurants and bars. Wind up at one of these fantastic hotels and you’ve got the ideal Barca city break down.
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