We know the Sagrada Família is incredible, but Barcelona hides unique Gothic and Baroque gems that will blow you away. Discover how to visit them by public transport because Hola Barcelona takes you there!
It is undeniable: the Sagrada Família is one of the wonders of the world and a mandatory stop on any trip. But what if we told you that Barcelona hides other Gothic, Neoclassical, and Baroque temples with breathtaking historical, architectural, and sentimental value? Many of these churches and cathedrals are eclipsed by the magnitude of Gaudí, but they don't deserve to be!
To help you map out an alternative route and discover these hidden spots without wasting time, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card is your best friend. With unlimited rides across the city's entire transport network, you can move from one neighborhood to another at your own pace and immerse yourself in the most authentic Barcelona.
If you like the Sagrada Família, you will love...
The Cathedral of Barcelona
Before Gaudí transformed the city's skyline, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia already dominated the Gothic Quarter. This imposing temple stands out for its Gothic cloister (home to 13 white geese that honor the patron saint), its medieval stained-glass windows, and, above all, its rooftop, where you can enjoy a unique and close-up perspective of the old city.
How to get there:
Metro: L4, parada Jaume I
Bus: 47, V15, V17, 120
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Barri Gòtic stop (Red Route)
A piece of advice: Use the Red Route of the Barcelona Bus Turístic to get right into the heart of the historic center and admire the Cathedral's impressive Neo-Gothic facade from the outside before heading in.
Santa Maria del Mar
Known worldwide as "the cathedral of the sea," this basilica in the El Born neighborhood is the ultimate example of pure Catalan Gothic style. Unlike other great temples built by kings or nobles, this church was erected in the 14th century by the local residents, dockworkers (bastaixos), and fishermen themselves. Its incredible harmony of proportions, decorative bareness, and acoustics make stepping inside a near-mystical experience.
How to get there:
Metro: L4, parada Jaume I or Barceloneta
Bus: V15, V17, H14,47
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Barri Gòtic or Museu d'Història de Catalunya stop (Red Route)
Remember that the Hola Barcelona Travel Card includes unlimited rides on the metro and regular buses, allowing you to combine your visit to this basilica with a late-afternoon stroll along Barceloneta beach by taking the L4.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus Temple
Perched on the highest point of Mount Tibidabo, this Neo-Gothic temple calls to mind the Sacré-Cœur in Paris from afar. It is crowned by a giant bronze statue of Jesus with open arms, and its silhouette is perfectly visible from almost anywhere in Barcelona. Taking the elevator up to its top terrace offers the highest, most thrilling, and spectacular panoramic views of the entire city and the sea.
How to get there:
Metro: L7 (FGC), parada Avinguda Tibidabo (i connexió amb bus local o Funicular del Tibidabo)
Bus: V13, V15, H2 i 196
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Tramvia Blau - Tibidabo stop (Blue Route)
Church of Sant Felip Neri: History and Silence in the Gothic Quarter
If you are looking for a spot with deep sentimental and historical value, this small Baroque church located in the square of the same name is a true oasis of peace. Its stone facade still movingly bears the shrapnel scars from an aerial bombing during the Civil War. It is a melancholic, hidden corner surrounded by orange trees, ideal for getting away from the tourist bustle.
How to get there
Metro: L3, parada Liceu / L1, L3, parada Catalunya
Bus: 59, V13, D50, H16
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Plaça Catalunya stop (Red and Blue Routes)
As it is such a centrally located spot, you can use your Hola Barcelona Travel Card to hop off at Plaça Catalunya or Liceu at any time, making this church a perfect peaceful stop after a busy morning of shopping.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi
Tucked between the charming squares of El Pi and Sant Josep Oriol, this 14th-century basilica is another striking example of Catalan Gothic architecture with a single nave. Its greatest treasure is the monumental rose window on the main facade—one of the largest in the world of its style—which floods the interior with magical colors when the afternoon sun hits it. Inside, the sheer scale of its Gothic nave will leave you breathless.
How to get there:
Metro: L3, parada Liceu
Bus: 59, V13, V15
Barcelona Bus Turístic: Barri Gòtic stop (Red Route) or Plaça Catalunya stop (Red and Blue Routes)
A City to Rediscover Around Every Corner
The Sagrada Família is Barcelona's great international emblem, but the city's true wealth lies in its ability to surprise you where you least expect it, in centuries-old corners that beat with history. With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card in your pocket, you hold the key to uncovering these monumental treasures in the most comfortable, fast, and flexible way possible. Choose your next stop and let yourself be captivated. Hola Barcelona takes you there!
