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Bucket list experience:

Interior gallery with white walls and colourful paintings
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Covering Catalan art over a thousand-year period, this museum features an especially rich collection of Romanesque art, including a unique series of tenth-and 11th-century frescoes detached from Pyrenean chapels. The Gothic and Modernista sections are nearly as rich, and there are plenty of Grand Masters in between.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The museum is open all year round. The nearest metro stop is Placa Espanya, on lines 1 and 3; or take bus 55 to Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. After seeing the museum, walk down the steps to the right of the entrance to see the cascading Magic Fountain, and see lovely views of the city.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Bagues

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

A chic, intimate boutique hotel set in a former jewellers, right on the Ramblas, perfect for shopping and sightseeing.

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Hotel Neri

Barcelona, Catalunia, Spain

Historic charm, contemporary chic and great food combine in this beguiling bolthole, on a picturesque square in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

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Hotel Serras Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Exceptional boutique hotel with beautiful sea views and roof terrace, a short walk from Barcelona’s historic sights.

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Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

A thoughtfully-designed, modern boutique hotel in a striking building with historic features, hidden away in the heart of old Barcelona.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Barcelona

Catalonia, Spain

Spain’s cultural heart has unforgettable architecture, a pioneering arts scene, creative cuisine and nightlife that buzzes till dawn.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Miro Foundation

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Luminous museum of modern and contemporary art, housing the world’s top collection of works by Joan Miro. Set in a striking rationalist-style building, designed by Josep Lluis Sert.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10

Casa Batllo

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

The former home of the Batllo family, Gaudí’s shimmering, colour-drenched townhouse is a Modernista masterpiece.

Best for ages: 8+ | £32

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

night view with fountain in red and blue colours
Experience

The Magic Fountain

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Just above Placa Espanya, the fountain (another relic of the 1929 International Exhibition) explodes into a fabulous aquatic ballet of colour, music and light (Summer: Friday-Sunday 9.30-11pm. Winter: 7-9pm).

Best for ages: Any | Free | 20 minutes

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Exterior of the museum
Experience

Olympic and Sports Museum

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

A fun, interactive museum covering the history of the sport and the Olympics (especially Barcelona’s in 1992).

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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View of cable cars going through trees with city in background
Experience

Cable car to Montjuic Hill

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Take to the top of the Montjuic hill for spectacular city views (there’s also a stop for Montjuic Castle). Go in the other direction over the port to the San Sebastian tower.

Best for ages: 10+ | £10 | 7 mins one way

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Beautiful gold and red long boat housed in a large warehouse room
Experience

Maritime Museum

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Barcelona’s seafaring past comes to life in this venue set in the city’s 14th-century shipyards, starring a life-size model of Don Juan’s flagship at Lepanto.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

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