The Catalan capital is a visual smorgasbord, with artistic twists and turns to keep you on your toes, wherever you walk. This hip Spanish hangout mixes a great blend of beach and city, so you can break away and enjoy the best of both worlds.

There are so many things to see in Barcelona - it’s an urban hub that promises to wow and excite. On top of its outstanding culinary scene of unbeatable paellas and tip-top tapas, this sizzling destination also has chic shops, vibrant markets and iconic architecture on display.

No doubt your to-do list will be overflowing with top Barcelona attractions. We’ve broken down the essential ten to help you get cracking when you land.

1. Sagrada Família

The outstanding and eccentric Sagrada Família is an unfinished masterpiece that dominates all the most swoon-worthy Instagram shots of Barcelona’s attractions. Five generations of city dwellers have seen this incredible structure take shape and it still remains incomplete!

The beginning of the build dates right back to 1866, before famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí even took over the project. Despite its zany, almost otherworldly look, many of the features both externally and internally represent religious figures and stories. Inside, you’ll be dazzled by bursts of kaleidoscopic colours as beams of sunlight pierce through the towering stained-glass windows.

2. Park Güell

When it comes to what to do in Barcelona, arty types will be spoilt by what’s essentially a living, thriving museum. The city presents various nods to Gaudí and one of the most enchanting is Park Güell. There, you can navigate around spiralled walkways of polished pebbles and tracks, all lined with plants and greenery.

You’ll find some jaw-dropping viewpoints from a few spots – and you don’t even have to pay to get into certain parts either! However, if you’re after a peek at those well-known tiled seats and sculptures, buy a ticket at the entrance and prepare to be amazed.

3. La Rambla

You’re getting into central Barcelona territory here. This tree-lined street goes on for more than a kilometre and packs in monuments, quarters that branch off from the middle and pavement cafés that are primed for pit stops. On your travels, you’ll come across souvenir kiosks, stalls selling bunches of brightly-coloured flowers, abstract mosaics and a whole load of chill-out bars.

4. Casa Milà

If rough and edgy architecture is your thing, then this Gaudí-designed complex will tickle your fancy. It consists of 32 balconies embellished with intricate decorative wrought iron. The façade’s often known as the ‘curtain wall’ and is made of stone in contrast to the rest of the iron grilles and entrance doors. You can venture up to the roof for a close-up glimpse of the extraordinary chimney pots and incredible views of the city.

Little tip: Casa Milà has a great gift shop underneath the main building. You’ll find everything from pretty, pastel-coloured dishes to quirky pendants and abstract paintings.

5. La Catedral

Of all Barcelona’s attractions, you’d think its cathedral would be found in an obvious location. However, you’ll have to cut through a fair few streets and squares to get there, but this remarkable building is worth it. Sure, it may not be as well-known as La Sagrada Família, but it’s a Gothic knockout nonetheless.

Admire the gargoyles guarding the exterior before heading inside to explore the central nave. Turn your gaze skywards to marvel at the towering columns and stained-glass windows. Its magic doesn’t end there. For incredible views of the Gothic Quarter, ride the lift up to the cathedral’s rooftop.

6. Museu Picasso

More than 4,250 works make up the permanent collection at the Picasso Museum. The famous Spanish artist’s formative years are spread out through various pieces of oil on canvas, etchings, mixtures of watercolour, charcoal and Conté pencil on paper and more.

Work your way through the permanent collection and ever-changing exhibitions that comprise the museum’s five buildings. Highlights to look out for include Las meninas, Ciència i caritat and Woman with Bonnet.

7. Gothic Quarter

Oozing charm, this warren of medieval streets has justified bragging rights to being one of the most beguiling places in the old city of Barcelona. It says no to modern expectation and yes to history, culture and identity. The buildings are unique and the atmosphere is friendly and buzzing. Make a beeline for Plaça Reial and order ice-cold cocktails from one of the bustling bars.

8. Casa Batlló

Wow, wow, wow – there’s something pretty unbelievable about this Gaudí creation. The house is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a start. It also takes a strangely unassuming and modest place on the busy shopping street, Passeig de Gràcia.

Of all the things to see in Barcelona, the façade of Casa Batlló is a striking, stand-out architectural article, made of sandstone and multi-coloured sections. Up top, the roof is arched, tiled and representative of a dragon, with a metallic sheen over the hues of blues, reds and pinks. Impressive? You bet.

9. Mercat de la Boqueria

Peel off La Rambla and head into the vibrant Mercat de la Boqueria. This must-see market has been an important part of Barcelona city life since 1836, where more than 200 traders peddle their wares.

Few markets are as flourishing with fresh produce as this one. From fridge magnets to photographs, fruit and veg to juicy olives, you’ll find all sorts at your fingertips here.

10. Montjuïc

Montjuïc is a treasured part of the city in its own right. You could easily spend a whole day and night here, thanks to its rollcall of must-see hotspots. It’s basically a large hill that jewels the skyline and you can see right across the Mediterranean from the topmost area.

The mighty Palau Nacional is a fascinating element of this postcard scene, with a vast set of steps to walk up to see the building in its full form. As night-time draws in, your best bet for good old-fashioned fun is the Magic Fountain. Watch in awe as lights, colour and water come together to create one epic show. Make sure you check the times to avoid disappointment.

Barcelona’s a year-round winner, so you can enjoy the festivities during winter or opt for sun, sea and city in the summer months. We bet you can’t wait to set off, so go on, find your ideal getaway to Barcelona.