The Top 5 Attractions to Visit in Barcelona in May
We tell you the top highlights, the most popular districts, the most beautiful beaches, the coolest places to chill, but also really good restaurants and beautiful hotels in Barcelona.
You want to know what you can do in Barcelona? Then come with us to one of the most exciting cities in Europe. This content is written with the help of OTingstodo.com travel experts
Here you will find an overview of our top 5 sights in Barcelona in May.
1 – Mercado de La Boqueria
One of the highlights in Barcelona is definitely the market. Locals mingle with tourists at the Mercat de la Boqueria indoor market . Probably nowhere else in Barcelona is a sight so closely linked to the everyday life of the locals. So if you want to know where you definitely have to go in Barcelona, it’s the market.
In the market hall, traders offer fresh fish, meat, bread, fruit, sweets, spices and many other goods. You won’t be able to eat fresher anywhere in Barcelona. Enjoy your vacation and treat yourself to something delicious.
Access to the market is just off La Rambla or Les Rambles . The almost 1.3 km long promenade connects the Plaça de Catalunya with the port. Life pulsates here.
Thousands of visitors stroll over Les Rambles, where countless cafes invite you to linger. As everywhere in Barcelona you have to be extremely vigilant here – pickpockets have their hands full here. But don’t let our warning spoil your mood. Because La Rambla is a real attraction.
2. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
Located in the city center, the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is almost an insider tip for your Barcelona trip. Unlike many sights in Barcelona, things are really leisurely here.
This may be because the hospital, built by the Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner between 1902 and 1911, has no connection to Gaudí. Fans of Catalan Art Nouveau (Modernisme) will get their money’s worth in the excellently restored complex, after all various sculptures on the facade and in the interior were designed by the sculptor Pablo Gargallo.
There is a lot to discover outside and inside. If you still have doubts whether a visit is worthwhile: The building complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. This is our absolute travel tip for you.
3. Gothic Quarter
What could be better than exploring downtown Barcelona on foot? Whether during the day or at night, the Gothic Quarter – the Barri Gòtic – with the Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia (La Seu) and the El Born district is a must-see. For us, El Born is the most beautiful district in Barcelona with numerous beautiful sights.
With its Gothic flair, the area invites you to take a unique walk, during which there is a lot to discover.
Here you will find winding streets, historic buildings, small boutiques, shops, confectionaries, musicians, bars and pubs. Just flow through the city center with thousands of other people and enjoy life. Young people in particular are out and about here in the evenings.
Our tip, not just for young people: take a whole evening to explore the district and just let yourself go.
Highlights include La Seu Cathedral, built on the foundations of a basilica destroyed by the Moors. The church is very old. The foundation stone was laid in 1298. By the way, 13 white geese are kept on the site. They used to protect against thieves because they made a lot of noise.
4. La Barceloneta and Port Vell
If you visit the popular district of La Barceloneta with its long sandy beaches, you will almost inevitably pass Port Vell harbour. Huge super yachts are anchored here that will leave you speechless.
During our stay, the highlights were the 87 meter ACE and the 99 meter Madame Gu. Both yachts of superlatives and owned by rich Russians. If you fancy a vacation on the ship, you can rent these luxury boats. With 250,000 euros per week, that will probably remain a dream for most people.
5. Relaxing on the beach in the center of the metropolis
If you continue to stroll from Port Vell in the direction of Platja de la Barceloneta beach , you will always have the luxury hotel W Barcelona in view. This striking building cannot be overlooked. By the way, from the upper floors of the W Hotel you have a great view over the beach. However, this is reserved for hotel guests.
Of course you will pass numerous restaurants on the way to the beach. As always, the following applies here: Tourist shops are often only out for a quick buck. Apps like Tripadvisor or Google Maps help to separate the wheat from the chaff. After all, on the eternally long, super beautiful beach of La Barceloneta it’s time to relax and enjoy the sea. Relax with your feet in the sand from the numerous activities in the beautiful metropolis. Isn’t it awesome that the beach is in the middle of the city?
The only drawback: If you feel disturbed by the sometimes very intrusive street vendors, you will unfortunately not be happy here. Nevertheless, the beach is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona.