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If you’re planning a solo trip to Barcelona, there are tons of things for you to do on your own. In fact, there were so many things to do that I couldn’t fit everything I wanted to do on my recent trip so I have a feeling I’ll be back to visit again. Here are my top 9 recommendations on things to do in Barcelona on a solo trip.

1. Visit the Famous Gaudi Sites

You can’t leave Barcelona without visiting at least one Gaudi site like La Sagrada Familia or Casa Battlo. Antoni Gaudi is one of the world’s greatest architects from Barcelona and he created some amazing buildings in his lifetime; most from the early 1900s.

La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell are the most famous Gaudi sites in Barcelona, but my personal favorite was Casa Battlo because it wasn’t as crowded as the other two. Of course, all of Gaudi’s sites are absolutely amazing, so make sure you check out at least one. Check out my Antoni Gaudi post to see which Gaudi site fits you best if you can’t visit all of them.

2. Check Out the Colorful Magic Fountain

This event is free and usually begins the show around 9pm from Thursday to Saturday. It depends on what season you're visiting Barcelona, so make sure you check out their website to see the current showtimes. If you want a good spot, you’ll have to go early. I arrived 20 minutes before the show started and the site was already packed with everyone in their positions to watch the fountain show. The best spots would be more elevated areas like the overpass or the steps in front of Palau Nacional (National Palace). I went right up front as there was still plenty of room there.

The show started promptly at 9pm and everyone started cheering when the colors started changing and the fountain started dancing with the music. Being in the front was fun but you will most likely get a little wet from all the mist the water creates as it does it’s dancing moves. I started making my way back more to get views of the entire fountain and it’s a beautiful site wherever you watch it from.

3. Eat at Little Restaurants in the Alleys

This sounds a little scary for solo female travelers but Barcelona is very safe. I did not feel like I was in danger at all. Of course, use caution but generally, walking in the alleys of Barcelona is totally fine; especially during the day. 

There are so many restaurants in Barcelona that it’s a little overwhelming. I found that some of the best food I had in this city were in little restaurants hidden away in the alleys. The bigger restaurants in popular areas were also great but I enjoyed these tiny, intimate restaurants a lot more. Try El Rincon, Bar del Pla or Melic Del Gotic. Another restaurant I really enjoyed that wasn’t in the alley was Ciudad Condal - their filet tapas are to die for!

4. Walk Around Gothic Quarter and Born

This was probably my favorite part of Barcelona. I loved the tall, beautiful, historical buildings and walking through the little alleys. Every corner I turned had some kind of charm to it and I couldn’t stop taking pictures. As mentioned above, the restaurants in these alleys are the best too.

5. Feed Hundreds of Pigeons at Plaça de Catalunya

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many pigeons in one place at one time. I’m not sure why they all gather in this square but its quite a site to see. Some pigeons even flew on to people’s arms like they were pets. They seem to be more friendly than other pigeons I’ve seen and it was quite fun watching them.

6. Take a Stroll Down Las Ramblas

This pretty street goes on for miles and it's a bustling area full of artisan shops, major brands and restaurants. I bought myself a few jewelry pieces from a couple of locals and if I had more room in my suitcase, I probably would have bought more.

7. Take an Airbnb Experience Photoshoot Tour

This was my first time trying the Airbnb Experience and I’m so glad I tried it. I chose to do the Photoshoot in Barcelona Secret Corners experience and it was only me and one other person on this tour, so it was very intimate. I had a great time talking to our wonderful photographer and learned a little more about Barcelona and it's secret corners. Plus, it was great to have someone take pictures of me since I was traveling solo.

8. Visit the Beautiful Kiss Wall

This was a pleasant surprise I found through the Airbnb Experience tour. My tour guide knew some wonderful spots around the city and this was one of my favorite stops. I love that the artist asked for locals to submit pictures in the newspaper and created a beautiful kissing mural.

9. Visit 3 Countries in One Day from Barcelona

Sounds pretty ambitious but it’s totally doable in 12 hours. I booked this tour through viator.com and had such wonderful time. Our tour guide, Xavi, was very sweet, knowledgeable and accommodating. I visited Baga in Spain, Ax-les-Thermes in France and a couple of sites in Andorra. I didn't even know Andorra was even a country until I discovered this tour and learned so much about each city and country. I highly recommend it!

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Barcelona on a solo trip! I had such a great time experiencing each and every one of these things in this wonderful city (and beyond). Of course, there are still plenty of other things you can do in Barcelona as there are so many things to do, but this gives you an idea of how much this city has to offer. Barcelona has a great transit system, so you’ll have no problem getting around.

One thing my friends, fellow travelers and locals warned me about were to be mindful of pick pockets. Even though this city is extremely safe, there are lots of professional pick pockets out there looking to  grab your belongings when you are not paying attention. Luckily, I didn't encounter this while I was in Barcelona, but I made sure to keep an eye on my belongings at all times and never put anything in my pockets. I also took my anti-theft gear from Pacsafe with me to secure my belongings as well and I think that helped a great deal.

WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA

Airbnb in Central Barcelona (located near Plaça de Catalunya)
**UPDATE** It seems that the Airbnb I stayed in is no longer available. The host has taken down the listing for now, but hopefully she’ll put it back up soon! Here are some alternatives that I was looking at that have 5-star reviews: Barcelona Airbnb 1 and Barcelona Airbnb 2. Hope that helps!

Ayre Hotel Caspe (located near Plaça de Tetuan and 15-minute walk to Plaça de Catalunya)