barcelona tourist route

Barcelona Itinerary: How to Spend Your Time in This Incredible City

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe . It’s a lively city bursting at the seams with world-class food, wild clubs and bars, and tourists galore.

While its roots stretch back to the Roman Empire, it was during the Middle Ages that Barcelona really grew into the economic and political center of the Western Mediterranean.

As part of Catalonia (locals consider themselves Catalonian rather than Spanish), you’ll see signs written in Catalan and in Castilian Spanish, and most locals in the city speak both languages. The combination of Spanish and Catalan cultures and traditions here is part of what makes Barcelona the unique city that it is.

In recent years, the city has had to clamp down on “ overtourism ” as over 30 million people visit each year, putting significant strain on the locals and the environment. If you can, try to avoid the hectic summer months and book accommodation outside the city center.

But with so much to see and do in and around Barcelona, where do you begin? How many days do you need to visit?

This Barcelona itinerary highlights all the best things to see and do and can help you organize your visit so you can see it all!

Table of Contents

Day 1 : Barri Gotic, Barcelona History Museum, La Boqueria, & more

Day 2 : Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, & more

Day 3 : Montjuïc Hill, Cooking Class, Harbor Cable Car, & more

Day 4 : Day Trip to Girona

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 1

My recommended free walking tour companies in Barcelona are:

• Free Walking Tours Barcelona
• Tours By Foot

For paid tour options, check out this post as it lists all my favorites. You can also check out Get Your Guide as they have tons of tours for every interest and budget.

The area also has numerous attractions worth seeing:

Barcelona History Museum – Barcelona has one of the best city history museums I’ve ever visited. It includes 4,000 square meters (43,000 square feet) of Roman ruins beneath the museum that you can walk through. There is a free, detailed audio guide and meticulous explanations of the exhibits. If you do one thing in the city, make it this. I visit every time I’m in Barcelona. The ruins are just stunning. Admission is 7 EUR per person but free on Sundays after 3pm.

The Grand Royal Palace – The Palau Reial Major (near the history museum) is almost 700 years old and was the home of Barcelona’s counts and later the kings of Aragon. The palace offers visitors a very detailed history of the city and region through the centuries. Admission is 7 EUR (shared with the history museum above). It’s free on the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday after 3pm.

Chapel of Santa Àgata – This royal chapel was built in 1302 and is part of the Museum of the History of Barcelona. The most interesting thing inside is the beautiful altarpiece, made by Jaume Huguet, that was added in the 15th century. It contains beautiful paintings of religious symbols in the style of the Middle Ages. Admission is 7 EUR.

Barcelona Cathedral – Built between the late 13th to early 15th centuries, this is a classic Gothic cathedral with huge spires standing over 53 meters (174 feet) tall, colorful stained glass, and incredible wood carvings. Make sure you visit the upper terraces where you’ll get an incredible view of Barcelona. Admission is 14 EUR for tourists (free for worshippers).

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) This museum has over 5,000 works, including an extensive collection of pieces by Spanish artists such as Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. There are also works by Americans Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder (the latter being known for his innovative mobiles). While it’s not really my favorite style of art, if you love modern art, be sure to add this to your itinerary.

Plaça dels Àngels 1, +34 934 120 810, macba.cat/en. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-8pm and Sundays 10am-3pm (closed on Tuesdays). Admission is 10.80 EUR if purchased online and 12 EUR at the door. Entry is free on Saturdays from 4pm-8pm.

Rambla, 91, +34 934 132 303, boqueria.barcelona/home. Open Monday to Saturday 8am-8:30pm.

• Los Tarantos – This is Barcelona’s oldest flamenco venue. It’s a short show (just 30 minutes) so it’s a good place for an introduction to the art and won’t take up your entire night. Plaça Reial, 17, +34 933 041 210, tarantosbarcelona.com/en. Shows run at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm. Tickets start at 25 EUR.
• Tablao Flamenco Cordobes – This show is in a convenient location on Barcelona’s main walkway, but it’s pricey. La Rambla, 35, +34 933 175 711, ablaocordobes.es. Shows run twice each evening (check the website for times). Admission is 47 EUR (drink and show) or 83 EUR (dinner and show).

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2

• Park Güell – Park Güell is a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900 and 1914. It’s since been converted into a municipal garden and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets are 13 EUR .
• Casa Milà – From 1906 to 1910, Gaudí worked on Casa Mila which is just a couple hundred meters away from Casa Batlló. It’s also known as “La Pedrera” (the Stone Quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. The goal with this design was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Gaudí, himself a Catholic and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, also planned for the Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol. Skip-the-line tickets are 28 EUR.
• Palau Güell – Located off La Rambla, Palau Güell (Güell Palace) building doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. Built from 1886-1888, it was designed for one of Gaudí’s patrons, Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around the main room used to entertain high-society guests.

For more information on Gaudí’s works as well as entrance fees, locations, and operating hours, check out my guide to Gaudí’s Barcelona .

Take a stroll on La Rambla This popular boulevard, with a broad but crowded walkway in the center, has many beautiful buildings along it, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the city’s opera house. Near the theater, you can also see a mosaic by famous artist Joan Miró. There are street performers galore here (they even have their own union), making it perfect for people-watching. While this street is ground zero for tourists in the city and gets swamped by crowds it’s worth a stroll down at least once (don’t eat at the restaurants here, they’re overpriced). Just keep an eye out for pickpockets.

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3

Visit the Picasso Museum While I’m not a huge fan of most of Picasso’s later work, it’s still interesting to learn about the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Opened in 1963 and home to over 4,000 pieces of art, it’s the most comprehensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s works in the world. In addition to his paintings, the museum also has drawings, ceramics, and engravings by Picasso.

Carrer Montcada 15-23, +34 932 563 000, museupicasso.bcn.cat/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-7pm. Admission is 12 EUR, with free entry on the first Sunday of the month.

Ride the harbor cable car The 1,450-meter-long (4,757-foot) harbor aerial tramway with red cars connects Barceloneta and Montjuïc Hill. The 10-minute trip offers incredible views of Barcelona. You’ll see the port and sea on one side and the city on the other. Also, at the top of the 78-meter (255-foot) Sant Sebastià tower in Barceloneta, there’s a restaurant accessible by an elevator. You can also hike one of the trails to the summit of Montjuïc Hill, which takes as little as 30 minutes.

Miramar station (Paseo Juan de Borbón) and San Sebastián Tower (Avda. de Miramar), +34 934 304 716, telefericodebarcelona.com/en. Open daily 11am-5:30pm (10:30am-8pm in the summer). Round-trip tickets cost 16 EUR .

Here are some highlights of Montjuïc:

Castell de Montjuïc – This old fortress features military displays and information on the history of the castle. Admission is 12 EUR (13 EUR including a guided tour). It’s free on Sundays after 3pm as well as on the first Sunday of the month.

Joan Miró Foundation – Joan Miró was one of Catalonia’s most famous artists. Many of the artist’s surrealist works (over 14,000 of them) are on display in this museum. Most were donated by Miró himself. There is also a contemporary art collection that was put together as a tribute to the artist in the years after his death. Admission is 9 EUR.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – This art museum houses Catalonian art, particularly Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works. The fountain out front has a spectacular free show that takes place on Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9pm-10pm (April 1-May 31 and September 1-October 31) and 8pm-9pm (November 1-March 31), and Wednesday-Sundays from 9:30pm-10:30pm (from June 1-August 30). Currently, the fountain is closed during the drought so be sure to check their website for information. Admission is 12 EUR (free on Saturdays from 3pm and on the first Sunday of the month).

Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) – The Spanish Village was built in 1929 to resemble an actual traditional village with 117 buildings from different Spanish regions. There’s an Andalusian quarter, a section of the Camino, a monastery, and more. It’s a good family activity. Admission is 13.50 EUR in advance online (15 EUR same day online or from the ticket office).

The Olympic Ring – When Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, all of the excitement centered around the Olympic Ring: the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, and the Olympic Esplanade. You can roam the entire space for free.

• Devour – ( devourtours.com , from 80 EUR).
• bcnKITCHEN – ( bcnkitchen.com , from 50 EUR)
• Barcelona Cooking – ( barcelonacooking.net , from 75 EUR)
• Just Royal Bcn – ( justroyalbcn.com , from 110 EUR).

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 4

They filmed Game of Thrones here too and Game of Thrones walking tours are available for 35 EUR if you’re a die-hard fan who wants some behind-the-scenes info.

Overall, there’s a lot of history and delicious food in the city. The train ride is about 80 minutes on the normal train while the high-speed train gets there in 38 minutes. Return tickets start at 20 EUR.  

Other Things to See and Do in Barcelona

Head to Montserrat – The Montserrat mountain range is just an hour outside of the city by train and makes for a great getaway from Barcelona’s urban atmosphere. Once there, pay a visit to the famous shrine of the Black Madonna at the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery. This Benedictine monastery is built into the mountain and it is claimed that the Black Madonna here was carved in Jerusalem during the early years of Christianity, (it most likely actually dates to the 12th century). The Benedictine monastery and the valley of unique, rocky pillars make for some really awesome photography.

Monserrat also has an Art Museum with works by Monet, Dali, Picasso, and many other famous artists. And don’t miss the local market — it’s the perfect place to buy local products like fresh produce, cheese, honey, and artisan crafts and it’s easy to find (it’s on the way to the monastery).

Guided day tours to Montserrat start around 70 EUR per person.

Visit an old-school amusement park – Tibidabo Barcelona, built in 1899, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. On a tall mountain in the Serra de Collserola, it also offers an incredible view of Barcelona and the coastline in addition to the rides, games, and restaurants there. It’s open on the weekends, except in the winter. Tibidabo Square, +34 932 117 942, tibidabo.cat. Hours vary depending on the season. Check the website for details. Admission is 35 EUR.

Catch an outdoor film – If you’re in Barcelona in July or August, consider going up to Montjuïc Castle to catch an outdoor film on the lawn of the castle’s moat. Screenings take place everyday at 10:30pm and are preceded by live music. Tickets are 7.50 EUR.

If you can’t make those screenings, try Sant Sebastià beach in Barceloneta (showing movies on Thursdays and Sundays) or Cosmonits at CosmoCaixa outside the Science Museum (Thursdays in July/first week of August). The Cine al Aire Libre–l’Illa Diagonal also has movies at the Gardens of San Juan De Dios on Thursday evenings in July as well.

Watch a soccer match – The first “football” game I ever saw was in Barcelona. It was Espanyol versus Valencia. I still have the shirt I bought that day. Barcelona’s two teams are Espanyol and FC Barcelona and, if a match is going on, try to take in one. Locals are obsessed with the sport and you’ll make a lot of good friends at the game! If you can’t make a game, you can tour the stadium and the FCB (or Barça) Museum for 28 EUR.

Visit the aquarium – Perfect for a rainy day, the Barcelona Aquarium has more than 11,000 animals, showcasing species from a variety of underwater ecosystems. The walk-through tunnel is the best part. Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, +34 932 217 474, aquariumbcn.com/en. Open daily 10am-8pm, depending on the season. Admission is 25 EUR.

Gaze at Barcelona’s free public art – Gaudí outdid himself with the huge fountain located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, a tribute to the god Neptune. I absolutely love the art and fountain here. Gaudí designed the famous fountain when he was an architecture student. There’s also a zoo in the park and some short walking paths. Take a bottle of wine, grab some ham, and have a picnic.

Other offbeat Gaudí works include the lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau and the Miralles gate and wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona.

Barcelona native Joan Miró’s work is found throughout the town as well; you can see his famous “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró. There are also Miró mosaics on La Rambla and at the airport.  

Where to Eat in Barcelona

For some excellent food, be sure to check out some of my favorite places to eat in Barcelona:

• Les Quinze Nits – Delicious food at a great price. It’s a bit touristy, but even the locals come here for the value. Avoid the long lines at dinner by going for lunch instead.
• Quimet & Quimet – Tasty tapas and sandwiches in a cozy setting. There are over 500 types of wine on the menu too!
• 1881 per Sagardi – Upscale seafood restaurant in La Barceloneta with a view.
• Paradiso – Chic cocktail bar with delicious small plates. They offer mixology classes too.
• Pinotxo Bar – Just inside the Boquería food market, this little stall is always packed and serves some of the most famous tapas in the area.
• Tapeo – Original dishes and an expansive wine menu in an intimate Gothic Quarter space.
• La Fonda – Good food with large portions. Its set menu will give you more than you can eat, and it features beautiful décor and a robust wine selection.
• Botafumeiro – One of the best seafood joints in the city. Expect high prices!
• Dry Martini – Fancy cocktail bar with a classy wooden interior and strong Mad Men vibes (though there’s no dress code so don’t need to dress up).
• Els 4Gats (The Four Cats) – This was one of Picasso’s favorite haunts and a popular hangout for artists in the early 1900s. Grab a drink and maybe some tapas (the patatas bravas are delicious!) and soak up the place’s history.

Barcelona has something for everyone. You could squeeze in the real highlights of Barcelona in two or three days, but taking four, five, or even six days for the above itinerary will give you enough time to gorge on Iberian ham, tapas, and sangria while not rushing around.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• St. Christopher’s Inn

For more hostel suggestions, this post has all my top hostels in Barcelona .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? Barcelona has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . This day tour company will give you inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock too!

Want More Information on Barcelona? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Barcelona for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A Day in Barcelona: The Perfect Itinerary

Last updated: July 24, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 22 Comments

We’ve had the privilege of visiting Barcelona a number of times, and on each visit we see a whole host of wonderful sights. But what if you don’t have the luxury of multiple days in the city? What if you’re just passing through, and only have a day in Barcelona?

Well, fear not. We think you can squeeze a lot of adventure and sightseeing into one day, from magic fountains to spectacular churches.

In this post, we’ve put together a recommended itinerary for a day in Barcelona , and included some information on transport options.

Then, at the end of the post we have a couple of extra stop-offs for those of you who really want to fill their day up, as well as some tips and ideas for getting the most out of your day. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents:

A Day in Barcelona – Detailed Itinerary

1. placa de catalunya.

The Placa de Catalunya is slap bang in the middle of Barcelona, and a good place to start your day. The main Barcelona Tourism office is situated here, and you can prepare by stocking up on maps, leaflets, and information. It’s also where a number of transport options converge. Sorted? When you’re all ready, it’s time to take your:

Transport to the next stop (Casa Batlló) Five minutes to walk the 400m up the Passeig de Gracia to the Casa Batlló, which will be on your left.

2. Casa Batlló.

Visiting Barcelona is inevitably going to result in you seeing some of the masterpieces that Anton Gaudi left scattered around the city. And this is the case with the Casa Batlló, one of his more famous houses, and one which is entirely open to the public for viewing.

Like many of the tourist attractions in Barcelona, there’s an entry fee, and you can book your tickets online here to save time.

You will be issued with an audio guide to take you around the rooms, which explains all the highlights of the building, as well as the history behind its’ construction.

I’ve put this as the first stop in the tour as it is a very popular spot, and can only accommodate so many people at a time.

Once you’ve explored as much as you can, and boggled at the dragon like roof, head on out into the sunshine, and decide how you want to get to the next stop on your tour, arguably Barcelona’s most famous attraction: the Sagrada Familia.

Transport to next stop (Sagrada Familia)

Option 1 – 20 minute walk of 1.7km along Carrer d’Aragó, turning left at Avinguda Diagonal onto Carrer de Sardenya

Option 2 – Public transport, 15 minutes. Walk back towards Placa de Catalunya, take metro line L2 towards Badalona Pompeu Fabra for three stops, and disembark at Sagrada Familia stop.

3. Sagrada Familia

I do not believe that the opportunity to see one of the most spectacular buildings in the world should be passed up, so any itinerary I suggest for Barcelona is going to include this fantastic building.

In fact, if you don’t see anything else, just visit this building. It doesn’t even matter if you aren’t a church type, or have been around every church in the world already – nothing is going to prepare you for the interior of Gaudi’s magnum opus. Apart from this picture of course.

Entry isn’t cheap, but the good news is that you are contributing to a bit of actual history here, as your funds go towards the on-going construction of this incredible building.

It’s also a massively popular destination, but for good reason, so don’t be tempted to skip it. You’ll barely notice the crowds anyway, as you gaze upwards at a forest of coral trees.

Note that due to the crowds, the Sagrada Familia operates a timed entry system, which means you need to buy tickets for a specific time slot. We highly recommend you do this online in advance of your visit, as it’s unlikely you’ll be able to turn up and get the time slot you want.

For full details on visiting the Sagrada Familia, see our complete Sagrada Familia guide , which has everything you need to know including ticket times and tips for photography. You can buy tickets online here which include an audioguide.

Transport to next stop (Urquinanoa, Gothic Quarter)

Option 1 – 30 minute walk of 2.4km. Walk southwest along Carrer de Mallorca, turn left onto Carrer del Bruc and keep going until the streets narrow.

Option 2 – Public transport, 11 minutes. Walk southwest along Carrer de Provença around 400m. Take metro line L4 at Verdaguer for 3 stops, direction La Pau, and disembark at Urquinanoa.

4. Gothic quarter (and lunch!)

Now, I’ve allocated you three and a half hours in the gothic quarter . Sounds like a lot, right? Well, to me, this is one of the best parts of Barcelona, and worth taking the time to explore. Nearly entirely pedestrianized, this quarter is just one crazy mess of tiny winding streets, stuffed full of history and opportunities for aimless wandering.

There is lots to see, from the world heritage listed Palau de la Musica, to the spectacular gothic cathedral, to the Picasso Museum. You could literally spend days wandering in this maze – and you just might if you lose your bearings.

This is also a place stuffed full of eateries. I’d recommend finding an attractive looking menu of the day and gorging yourself silly.

Then spend time indulging your inner tourist up and down the street known as La Rambla (Barcelona’s most touristy street, and for good reason), and exploring the Mercat de la Boqueria – Barcelona’s most famous market.

When you’re sated, head along to the Liceu metro stop on Las Ramblas which is where you’ll find the…

Transport to next stop (Castell Montjuic, Gothic Quarter) Option 1 – 40 minutes walk of 3.2km. Up a hill. If you’re still keen on walking, then head down La Rambla towards the ocean, and turn right onto Carrer Nou de la Rambla. Turn left for a block onto Avinduda del Paral-lel (feel free to hop on the cable car about now), then right onto Carrer de Cabanes and then follow the windy road up the hill until you get to the castle at the top. Well done, you deserve an ice cream.

Option 2 – Public transport, 20 – 30 minutes. From the Liceu take line L3 to stop Paral-lel (diretion Zona Universitària, two stops). From here, you take the funicular (line FM) which goes one stop to the start of the cable car, and then take the cable car up to Castell Montjuic. You can get your cable car tickets online in advance here .

5. Castell Montjuic and Grounds

If you still have time in your day, then I can recommend heading up above the city and finishing your day in Barcelona with a bit of time in the Castle Montjuic and surrounding gardens, followed by a visit to the Magic Fountain. Yes, Barcelona has a magic fountain. How can you not love this city?

Castell Montjuic is perched 180 metres above the city, and will give you a great evening view as the sun starts to lower herself down.

After you’ve sated your castle and city viewing needs, then I can really recommend timing your visit around Barcelona to take in the magic fountain display, and watch the sun set across the city from the steps of the Palau National.

This is either a 20 minute walk from the Castell Montjuic, through a variety of pretty gardens, or a 20 minute bus ride on the 193 bus. Not a bad way to end your day in Barcelona!

Check here for opening times for the Castle Montjuic for your visit, and here for information as to when the Magic Fountain is doing a display.

If you get your timings right you will finish your evening off in style, with the streets of Barcelona below ready to envelop you in an evening of food, music, and good times!

Some optional extras for your day in Barcelona:

If you feel you want to squeeze even more into your day, here are a few optional trips you could do on your day in Barcelona.

Park Guell – This is a big garden complex slightly north of central Barcelona, originally planned as a garden housing development. Only two of the sixty houses were actually built, but the park itself is a remarkable showcase of Gaudi’s talents and ideas. It’s worth a visit, but it is likely to be very crowded. It also offers splendid views across Barcelona. It’s not that central though, so would be a bit of a detour.

If you wanted to add this onto the route, the optimal way would be to go after visiting Casa Battlo, via subway line L3 to stop Vallcarca. Alternatively, if you are using the hop-on hop-off bus, it’s the next stop from the Sagrada Familia. You can book tickets for Parc Guell here .

Casa Milà – Also known as La Pedrera, this is another famous Gaudi designed house. It’s only a short walk from Casa Batlló to La Pedrera, so you could do this as an alternative if you wished, although less of the building is open to the public. It’s worth taking a look at the exterior at least, which is free to gawp at. If you want to go inside, you can book tickets here .

Tips for your 1 day in Barcelona

• My route above includes the option of using the metro. Pick up a one zone day pass at the start of your day and you’ll be able to take any transport option in Barcelona for the duration of your stay. If you are in the city for a little longer, consider a Hola BCN travel card .
• If navigating the metro or walking seem like a bit too much, then the hop on hop off bus is a great option. You will be whisked in fine style between every important sight in Barcelona, with commentary to boot. If you choose this option, we recommend the Barcelona City Pass , which includes this, as well as entry to some of the cities main sights.
• Barcelona is notorious for pick pockets. Keep your belongings secure and locked up. Pay particular attention in busy tourist areas, and on public transport.
• Barcelona is a popular destination, and is likely to be busy year round. Take a look at my tips for surviving a European city in summer for some ideas as to how to stay sane.
• Barcelona is in the Catalan region of Spain, which has its own language as well as Spanish. This will explain the signs in a language you don’t understand.
• Food is remarkably cheap compared to many other European countries. Aim for a weekday lunch deal, where you should be able to score a three course meal, possibly even with drinks and wine, for under €20.
• Grab a guide to Barcelona to have something to take with you

A map for 1 Day in Barcelona: Attractions and Route

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Finding the best deal on your accommodation is an important part of trip planning – helping you to get the most from your budget, as well as find the property that is right for you.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Barcelona is a city which is a little overwhelmed by tourism, and as such, is taking measures to ensure that residents are able to afford to live in the city.

In particular, there has been a crackdown on city centre vacation rental accommodation, as well as a restriction on new hotel builds in the city centre. So we’d advise booking a hotel if you can. We usually find booking.com has the best deals on accommodation when we travel. Check out their Barcelona listings here .

To give you an idea of what’s available, here are some options we recommend:

• Hotel Barcelona Catedral – a 4* property in Barcelona in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. We’ve stayed here, and enjoyed the roof top pool and incredible central location.
• Hostel One Ramblas – a very well reviewed and very central hostel option
• The 8 Boutique B&B – a highly rated and well located bed and breakfast
• Duquesa de Cardona – a 4* property on the waterfront with a roof top bar
• Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Las Ramblas – part of the good value Leonardo chain, this 3* property is a few moments from Las Ramblas. We enjoyed our stay here, and the breakfast in particular was excellent.

Apartment rentals through sites like Plum Guide are also available. One thing to be aware of is that in Barcelona these need to be registered with the city. When they are registered they will be issued a license number. If you want to stay in an apartment rental in Barcelona, then we recommend picking one which has the license number on the listing.

If you would prefer to stay in an in apartment in Barcelona, then we recommend Plum Guide .

Plum Guide carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their listings for Barcelona here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the  best alternatives to AirBnB  which you should check out!

How to Save Money on Your Barcelona Visit

There are three main options for saving money in Barcelona that I’ll quickly cover here.

The Barcelona Card

First, the Barcelona Card . This is the official city card from the Barcelona Tourist Office , which is available in a standard version, and an express version.

The normal version can be purchased for 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days, whilst the Express version is valid for two days. The normal version includes free access to a range of attractions, as well as discounted admission to a number of other attractions. It also includes free public transport.

For a one day Barcelona itinerary such as that described in this post, the Barcelona Card is unlikely to be worth it, however you may consider investing in the Express version.

The Express version comes with free transport for two days, as well as a range of discounted admission, but doesn’t include free entry. However, it is very competitively priced.

The Go Barcelona Pass

The Go Barcelona Pass is from the same people who make the London Pass that we love . It is more expensive than the Barcelona Card, however it includes free entry to a number of attractions on our one day itinerary including Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Familia .

It also comes with:

• a day of free hop on hop off bus transport
• free Barcelona Walking tours
• a free Segway tour
• a free boat tour
• Lots of other attractions !

If you are planning on visiting the attractions covered by the Go Barcelona Pass, it can quickly save you money.

Jess has written a comprehensive review and guide to using the Go Barcelona Pass to help you decide if it is a good fit for your trip to Barcelona.

Note : In 2020 the Barcelona Pass rebranded to the Go Barcelona Pass. This is now a virtual product only – there is no physical pass option. The products included are the same, but the name and branding changed. Our photos are of the older product, from when it was available as a physical pass.

The Barcelona City Pass

A newer pass card, the Barcelona City Pass focuses on convenience, and covering the attractions that most visitors really want to visit. It includes entry to the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, transfer from the airport, hop-on hop-off bus and 10% discount on all the other attractions in the city, including the Casa Batllo.

It also lets you book your timed entrance for both the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, which is something you are absolutely going to want to do before you visit to be sure you aren’t disappointed when you arrive.

For a day in Barcelona, we think the Barcelona City Pass is a good option. However, do note that at the time of writing, this only includes free entry for the Sagrada Familia after 2pm. If you want to visit the Sagrada Familia before this, you will be better off picking up individual tickets for each attraction.

Which discount card should you get for Barcelona?

Despite the fact that the Go Barcelona Pass has a minimum duration of two days, the price is still very reasonable for what you get compared to other options on the market. It includes a Hop on Hop off bus to get you round as well as entry to Casa Batllo, a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell (plus 40 other attractions!).

For a day in Barcelona, another option is the Barcelona City Pass . This includes your entry to the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, as well as a Hop on Hop off bus. This will get you around all the attractions we’ve listed, and save you from having to navigate the public transport system.

Honestly though, for only one day the cost savings on both of these passes are unlikely to be very great compared to buying individual tickets for each attraction.

However, if you’re staying for two or more days, then one of these passes is very likely to save you money if you plan on visiting a number of the attractions included on them. See our detailed comparison of all the Barcelona discount passes for more information on which might be best for you.

Walking Tours of Barcelona

We love taking walking tours when we visit a city. It’s a great way to learn a lot about its history, culture and people, as well as get tips on what to see and where to eat.

There are a number of walking tour companies offering tours in the city. If you pick up one of the aforementioned passes, some of these include a walking tour, so definitely take advantage of that.

Otherwise, we usually recommend walking tour company Take Walks. We’ve taken tours with them in cities around the world, and enjoy the small groups and knowledgeable guides. They offer a number of tours in Barcelona, some of which we’ve included below along with other suggestions.

• This is an excellent value 2-hour walking tour of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter on GetYourGuide
• This 3 hour tour of the Gothic Quarter which includes tapas tasting. Included on the Go Barcelona Pass
• Complete Gaudí Tour : Interested in learning about Gaudi? This tour features some of the architects highlights, including Casa Batlló, Park Guell and the Sagrada Família. It even includes a Tower Climb of the latter. This is with Take Walks , one of our favourite walking tour companies.
• Barcelona Cooking Class : Want to learn how to cook some delicious Spanish cuisine? This Paella making party with a local chef includes a visit to Boqueria market and Sangria making!
• Skip the Line Express Sagrada Família Tour & Tickets – If you want a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia and are struggling to get official tickets, this is a great option
• If you prefer your tours to mix history with food, check out this 3.5 hour food walking tour of the Gothic Quarter which includes tapas tasting, drinks and dinner. This is another Take Walks tour.

Obviously, if you decide to take a walking tour it will affect this itinerary. So it’s up to you how you want to spend your day. We just wanted to give you the option so you can make your own decision as to what works for you.

Naturally, there are also many other walking tours to choose from. See this selection on GetYourGuide and these options on Viator for more ideas.

Further Reading For Your Day In Barcelona

There’s a lot of information out there about visiting Barcelona – some we’ve written ourselves, plus some external resources. Below you’ll find some of the best of that content to help make the most of your trip to Barcelona.

• If you’ve got more than a day, here’s our recommended itinerary for three days in Barcelona and 2 days in Barcelona
• A guide to the best locations for getting a great view of Barcelona
• Our guide to the best photography spots in Barcelona
• Our comprehensive review and guide to using the Go Barcelona Pass
• Some of our favourite street art in Barcelona
• Want to see some of Gaudi’s creations? Check out our definitive guide to the best Gaudi sights in Barcelona
• Our guide to visiting Montserrat from Barcelona
• The Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to Barcelona
• Rick Steve’s Pocket Barcelona Guide
• The official Barcelona Tourism webpage

And that’s it for our guide to spending a day in Barcelona! I’d love your thoughts and feedback as to what I’d put in, left out, or anything at all! Hit up the comments below and share your feelings with the world!

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There are 22 comments on this post

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Corey Burnett says

26th September 2019 at 9:42 pm

Just wanted you to know that we just got back from our first visit to Barcelona. We only had one day before we boarded a cruise. We followed your itinerary and it was absolutely perfect!!! Thank you so much for posting this. We saw Casa Batllo, Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, Castle Montjuic and the Magic Fountain show in the evening. It was a fabulous day. Thanks again for a great one day Barcelona itinerary!

Laurence Norah says

26th September 2019 at 10:49 pm

Our pleasure Corey, and thank you so much for stopping by to let us know! It means a great deal to hear from people who have used our itineraries on the ground and had a great time 😀

7th April 2020 at 10:31 pm

Here’s a video of the highlights of our day in Barcelona using your itinerary! We had such a good time! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd99IjszK0o

8th April 2020 at 11:35 am

Wow, awesome 🙂 Looks like you had a wonderful day!

Susan Ockrant-Johnston says

23rd August 2019 at 9:35 pm

We are in spain now, August, not sure which day the week is best to visit Barcelona?

23rd August 2019 at 9:43 pm

It depends – if you want to visit the Sagrada Familia for example, you’ll want to see if there is availability for any dates you can make it. The same for Parc guell. Mondays are the day that many museums close, and weekends can be quite busy. So if possible, Tue – Fri might be best.

Have a great time!

Grace M Conti says

15th February 2019 at 9:20 pm

Hi – we will be in Barcelona for 3 days at the end of August before boarding a cruise. We love to walk. Wondering what you would recommend as the area to book our hotel. Any suggestions for hotels that may include breakfast? Thanks.

17th February 2019 at 2:27 pm

So most likely you will want to be in the old part of the town, the Gothic Quarter. This is in walking distance to most the attractions, and it’s also easy to get from here to the port area (there are buses from near the Mirador Colom to the cruise terminals). In terms of hotels, we’re actually staying in Barcelona right now, and I would say that whilst many hotels here offer breakfast, they don’t often include it in the price. This is so they can offer rooms at a more competitive price, and then add on breakfast. This add on tends to be fairly expensive by Barcelona standards, around €12 – €18, which is quite a lot considering you can get a coffee and pastry for €3 or €4 in most cafes.

However, if you do want a hotel with breakfast, we have stayed at the Hotel Leonardo, which has a nice buffet breakfast with hot items, including bacon and eggs etc, at a reasonable price.

This week we’re staying at the Hotel Catedral , which has a more expensive breakfast option, however we haven’t actually tried it so I’m not sure what is available. They do have free wine and cheese in the evenings, and the rooms and location are excellent 🙂

I hope these options help. Otherwise my suggestion is to use the booking.com search tool with “breakfast included” as a filter for the gothic quarter. Here’s a list of hotels to get you started with those criteria 🙂

27th November 2018 at 7:48 pm

I am confused by your directions to get from the Gothic Quarter to Castell Montjuic. Your instructions say “Public transport, 20 minutes. From the Liceu take line L3 to stop Paral-lel (diretion Zona Universitària, two stops). From here, take the cable car up to Castell Montjuic.” From looking at Google Maps it doesn’t look like you can pick up the cable car directly at the Paral-lel stop. It looks to me like you have to get to Telefèric de Montjuic to pick up the cable car – right? If so, it looks like there is a 20 minute walk from Paral-lel metro to Telefèric de Montjuic. Is that correct?

3rd December 2018 at 3:54 pm

Apologies, I should have made this more clear, and will update the post to do so. To get to the Cable Car, you actually take the Funicular from Paral.lel Metro, which takes you to the cable car starting point. This is marked as metro line FM, and is included as part of the standard metro fares. Just one note, this line is actually out of service for maintenance for the next six months, so you would likely have to walk at time of writing.

I hope this helps!

24th January 2019 at 2:54 pm

Thanks so much. We are coming in September so hopefully the Funicular will be operating by then!

Matteo says

26th September 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi! I just spent half a day in Barcelona, between flights, and I found your guide super helpful. One thing i did differently was that I had found a post on tripadvisor from someone who had theft trouble with baggage storage at the airport. No idea if that is a regular issue, but instead, I tried a storage locker location in the center, a couple of minutes walk from the Aerobus stop in Placa de Catalunya. It was fast, cheap (4 euros), at least felt dependable, and was more convenient for me since I had to switch terminals anyway. It’s called Locker Barcelona Carrer Estruc, 36 I’m quite happy with the experience, and you might want to mention it.

I had reserved ahead on the website and paid via PayPal, but I’m not sure it is necessary, honestly.

Another thing. I reserved a skip the line ticket for Casa Batllo, which was definitely worth it. I showed up a couple of hours before my reservation time and it wasn’t a problem.

Thanks again for the beautiful guide.

27th September 2018 at 12:36 am

Hey Matteo,

Thanks for the detailed comment and information, much appreciated. We’re thrilled you had a great time in Barcelona!

25th September 2018 at 2:06 pm

Hello.. we are planning to visit barcelona for 3days and 2 nights on december 2018.. can you recommend the iterinary which includes sagrada familia. Thank you

26th September 2018 at 4:35 am

Sure thing – we have a three day itinerary that should be perfect for you! You can see that here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-barcelona-itinerary/

Have a great trip!

Kellie Heironimus says

2nd August 2018 at 3:12 pm

LOVE LOVE LOVE your travel information! My husband and I are planning a trip to Barcelona for January 2019 and will have roughly 3 days to explore the city pre-cruise to the Canaries. We will also be travelling to Paris… so I’ll be reading your tips for Paris next. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos, experience and information!

2nd August 2018 at 4:19 pm

Hey Kellie! Always a pleasure 🙂 I’m guessing you found our other Barcelona content, including the 3 day post, which should help a bit more with a longer stay! And yes, we have lots of information on Paris across both our sites – don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or queries, we’re happy to help out!

28th July 2018 at 3:25 pm

Hi Laurence, We am planning to spend 4 days in Barcelona and north of Spain , Can you help me with sites to reach some cheap price tours including hotels & transportation or you suggest that we plan it our self, both cases can you help?

3rd August 2018 at 11:11 am

So, I would definitely recommend reading our 3 day Barcelona itinerary as well 🙂 https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/3-day-Barcelona-Itinerary/

For tours, are you looking for day trips from Barcelona, or multi-day tours? Day trips are quite easy, there are a number of popular locations you can visit from Barcelona, including Girona / Figueres, Montserrat and more. Here are a couple of day tours to consider:

https://www.getyourguide.com/barcelona-l45/tarragona-sitges-small-group-full-day-tour-t7595/?partner_id=CE1E0&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=FTU1DayBarcelona

https://www.getyourguide.com/barcelona-l45/costa-brava-tour-best-deal-discovery-tour-t45052/?partner_id=CE1E0&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=FTU1DayBarcelona

https://www.getyourguide.com/barcelona-l45/girona-costa-brava-small-group-day-trip-from-barcelona-t7567/?partner_id=CE1E0&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=FTU1DayBarcelona

https://www.getyourguide.com/girona-cathedral-l36957/figueres-girona-full-day-catalunya-bus-tour-t23067/?partner_id=CE1E0&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-middle&cmp=FTU1DayBarcelona

If you’re looking for multi-day tours, these are also out there, but it’s not too hard to plan it yourself too 🙂

Maryann says

17th July 2018 at 5:17 am

Found this blog very well articulated and beautifully done. We arrive for cruise so only have a few hours with our luggage in tow. Can you recommend a trustworthy guide to pick us up and take us to see just the church before taking us to the port? We are going to need another trip to see more of Spain and hopefully Portugal too.

18th July 2018 at 6:57 pm

Hi Maryann,

Thanks very much! We don’t actually know of any guides, but our suggestion is to check out Viator where you should be able to find something to suit your needs and budget. A quick look yielded this as an option, but I’m sure there are plenty of other options too.

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=132440&u=969916&m=18208&urllink=www%2Eviator%2Ecom%2Ftours%2FBarcelona%2FPrivate%2DBarcelona%2DTour%2Dby%2DMinibus%2Fd562%2D23558P10&afftrack=

Uncharted101 says

25th October 2015 at 4:35 pm

Wonderful article. Now I want to go to Barcelona. Pictures are simply stunning. 🙂

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Best of Barcelona in One Day: Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Visiting Barcelona (Spain) for one day and wondering what to see and how to best plan your short visit to this fascinating city? In this article, we share a suggested 1-day Barcelona itinerary that covers the most important landmarks and must-see sights in the most efficient way.

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to see La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and a few other Gaudi landmarks, explore Barcelona’s old town with its famous Gothic Quarter, Plaça Reial, La Rambla, visit a local market and, of course, taste some Spanish tapas!

If this is your first time in the city and you want to see as many of the best places of Barcelona in a day and still keep it relaxed and enjoyable, this guide will help you plan a perfect trip.

Read on for a detailed itinerary and our experience-based tips on how to make the most out of your Barcelona day trip!

Barcelona is at the top of any Spain bucket list and one of the most visited cities in Europe. And rightly so – the city truly has it all: centuries-old history, incredible art and architecture, the famous Gaudi landmarks, delicious food, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere.

But with so many amazing places to see in Barcelona , how do you decide what to see if you only have one day in the city… I hope that our experience-based tips and sightseeing itinerary will help you plan a great trip and make the most of your day in Barcelona.

To help you plan your time, our recommendations are based on what can actually be done in just a day. At the bottom of this article, you can also find a short overview of this itinerary indicating all the main sights and approximate visiting times.

We also include a map to give you a better idea of where everything is located and practical tips and info you absolutely need to know if you want to visit the main sights. But first – some essential planning tips!

Good to know!

Before you start planning your 1-day Barcelona sightseeing itinerary, there are a few things you really have to know:

First, the most popular attractions in the city are really busy and are scattered throughout the town. So with just a day in Barcelona, it’s essential to make a good sightseeing plan in advance. That’s where this itinerary will help.

Second, it’s important to get skip-the-line tickets for all the main landmarks and places that you absolutely want to see in advance. Otherwise, you’ll not only waste too much time, but you also risk not being able to visit them at all.

Also, with just one day in Barcelona – and if you want to make the utmost of your limited time – I highly recommend that you look into organized tours that include a visit to several of the main landmarks . Going with a local guide will save you lots of guesswork, research, and time on the day itself. It will also make your Barcelona day trip more relaxing and enjoyable.

And finally, be sure to wear comfortable shoes , dress in layers, pack sun protection, and always have some water with you – ideally, in a reusable bottle. It’s also good to know that shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and bare feet (flip-flops, etc.) are not allowed inside La Sagrada Familia.

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to plan your Barcelona day trip itinerary, you can consider organized 1-day tours that show you as much as possible in a day. This is one of the best-rated day tours that I found. It includes most of the places that we cover in our itinerary below. They also take care of all the transportation and skip-the-line tickets, so you don’t have to worry about anything and can just enjoy the sights. You can combine this with our suggestions for things to do in the evening.

If you rather do it all yourself, it’s perfectly possible too (but will require more planning!). In that case, scroll down for our detailed 1-day Barcelona itinerary and map indicating all the main places we recommend visiting in Barcelona in a day.

Here’s what you could see in Barcelona in a day:

Plaça de Catalunya

Start your day in Barcelona with a visit to Catalonia Square , the bustling heart of Barcelona. This is the place where the old and the ‘new’ city meet.

Plaça de Catalunya is located at the crossroads of several major boulevards and is a busy transport hub. It’s also a popular shopping area, home to one of the biggest shopping centers in Barcelona, El Corte Inglés.

In the middle of the square, there’s some greenery with sculptures and fountains, and probably even more pigeons than in Milan and Venice together.

If you visit Plaça de Catalunya early in the morning, it will likely be rather quiet. If you are looking for a nice place for breakfast or some coffee, you’ll find some cafés in this area too. However, the most famous establishment Café Zurich doesn’t open until 9 am… And by that time, you should be standing in line at the first landmark already!

Passeig de Gràcia

It’s about a 12-15 minutes walk from Catalunya Square to the next places on your itinerary, the famous Gaudi buildings Casa Batllo and Casa Mila.

On the way, you’ll pass Passeig de Gracia , one of the main boulevards of Barcelona. In addition to the Gaudi masterpieces, there are many other stunning buildings here. The most notable are Casa Lleó i Morera , Casa Amatller , Casa Mulleras , and Casa Josefina Bonet – all just next Casa Batllo.

Next, you’ll have to decide which of the two Gaudi buildings to visit – Casa Batllo or Casa Mila. We recommend Casa Batllo because it’s more diverse, but I think Casa Mila (La Pedrera) is just as impressive.

These two buildings are located very close to each other, so you should see both of them from the outside either way. But – with just a day in Barcelona – I recommend visiting only one of them inside (or you will have to skip something else). We opted for Casa Batllo – see more info and pictures below.

Casa Batlló

Located on Passeig de Gracia and just a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya, Casa Batlló is one of the most famous Gaudi buildings. If you visit just one of the houses built by Gaudi inside, this one is probably the most impressive one. They now also have a 10D experience that makes a visit here even more special.

Normally, Casa Batllo opens at 9 AM and by then the line is usually quite long already. So be sure to get your tickets in advance and arrive at least half an hour before it opens. The earlier you can start, the more time you’ll have left for the other places on your itinerary.

Our experience: We visited Casa Batllo with a tour that covers all the Gaudi buildings mentioned in this itinerary (so it could be a good option for the first half of your day trip as well). They have some kind of special arrangement that allows you to enter the building a few minutes before it opens to the public. So you get to see some of the most impressive rooms in Casa Batllo before the crowds arrive.

Casa Milà – La Pedrera

Casa Milà , or La Pedrera , is an apartment building designed by Gaudi. It’s also located on Passeig de Gràcia, just a 5 minutes walk from Casa Batllo.

Probably the most impressive feature of Casa Mila is the rooftop. However, if you want to visit it, you’ll have to wait in another long queue. I’d only do this if you decide to skip Casa Batllo – in that case, be sure to start your day here and arrive before it opens. If you want to visit Casa Mila, book your skip-the-line tickets in advance !

We recommend you just see Casa Mila from the outside and make your way to the next attraction – Park Güell. If you are going on your own, it’s best to take a taxi here, or you’ll lose too much time.

The tour that we took included transportation, and a minibus was waiting to bring us to the park, and afterward also to La Sagrada Familia. There are also other tours that bring you to Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia – two must-see landmarks that are both a bit outside of the main tourist routes and where it’s really helpful to have transportation and tickets arranged in advance.

Park Güell

Park Güell is a big park designed by Gaudi. Located about 3km from the city center, it’s a bit of a detour from the other sights. But it’s absolutely worth a visit, even if you only have a day in Barcelona and have to be very selective about which places to visit.

It’s impossible to describe how unique and beautiful this park really is. It’s like you step inside some fantasy forest… But, just like any other place in Barcelona, Park Güell is incredibly busy. And so it’s sometimes difficult to appreciate how special it is. Nevertheless, it’s a place you absolutely have to see when visiting Barcelona!

Important! If you are visiting Park Güell on your own, be sure that you book your ticket online at least a few days in advance or you risk not being able to visit at all! It often sells out completely, and we heard from several of our readers that they were not able to get in without a reservation…

Good to know: There are bathroom facilities and a café at Park Güell, so you could get a quick lunch here. However, the queues are long everywhere and by opting for lunch, you’ll have to sacrifice precious sightseeing time. So if you can, pack a small snack so that you don’t have to waste too much time.

You could probably spend half a day at Park Güell alone, but with just one day in Barcelona, you can’t linger here too long. The next stop is the famous La Sagrada Familia. Unless you visit with a tour that includes transport, get a taxi. Metro is also possible, but by the time you walk to the nearest station, you’ll likely be halfway there already by taxi.

La Sagrada Familia

Basilica La Sagrada Familia is the #1 landmark that you absolutely have to see in Barcelona. And yes, it’s busy, but it’s popular for a reason. No matter how much time you have in Barcelona, you have to see the interior as well. If you are really short on time and have to skip something from this itinerary, sacrifice anything else but not La Sagrada Familia!

I can’t think of any other man-made structure in the whole world that can even try to compare to La Sagrada Familia. It’s a real masterpiece, every inch of it, inside and out.

Just as with all the main Gaudi landmarks in Barcelona, you really have to get skip-the-line tickets for La Sagrada Familia in advance , or you risk not being able to visit (or waste too much precious time queuing). If you want to also visit the tower, you should know that regular tickets don’t include it.

The tour that we took included a visit to the towers, and this tour includes that as well. While really impressive to see, the towers of La Sagrada Familia aren’t an absolute must if you are in a hurry.

Good to know: La Sagrada Familia is also a place where it really pays to go with a local guide. The church is full of symbolism and hundreds of incredible details – some of the things that you wouldn’t even notice otherwise. There are countless options when it comes to guided tours of La Sagrada Familia, alone or in combination with the other landmarks.

Lunch at Mercado la Boqueria

If you didn’t take snacks with you, you’ll likely be starving by now. If you follow this itinerary, it will likely be around 2-3 pm by now, so pretty much in time for a Spanish lunch. There are some restaurants close to La Sagrada, or you can take a metro to the old town (subway station ‘Liceu’) and have lunch at Mercado la Boqueria .

Mercado la Boqueria, aka La Rambla market, is located in the heart of the historic city center. It’s the most popular food market in Barcelona and a nice place to try some local food.

You’ll find everything here – from fruit and vegetables, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, to all kinds of cold and warm snacks, cured meat, seafood tapas, paella, etc.

Even if you already had a snack earlier, definitely check it out for some special food and a fun atmosphere. It’s a really nice place to visit in Barcelona and a welcome change from all the landmarks.

Just next to the market is La Rambla, probably the best-known street in Barcelona. This wide boulevard has a tree-lined pedestrian promenade in the middle and it’s always crowded – with people, souvenir shops, and cafes.

I wouldn’t linger here too long, but since you are here anyway, walk a small part of this street, navigating between the crowds, street artists, and souvenir vendors, while trying to see some of the architecture on both sides of the street.

If you want to see one more Gaudi building (from the outside), walk to Palau Güell . I really wouldn’t recommend visiting it inside. By now, it will likely be late afternoon, and you better spend the rest of your Barcelona day trip exploring the historic old town.

Gothic Quarter – Barcelona Old Town

The Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic is the heart of old Barcelona. It’s here that you’ll find some of the most impressive oldest buildings in the city.

But it’s also just a really nice neighborhood to explore, with narrow streets, picturesque squares, quirky boutique stores, and plenty of cafes and restaurants.

Below, I indicated the main places not to miss in the Gothic Quarter.

Cathedral of Barcelona

Many people mistakenly think that La Sagrada Familia is the Cathedral of Barcelona, but that is not the case. The main Cathedral is much older and it can be found in the Gothic Quarter.

While it’s a more traditional church that can’t be compared to La Sagrada in any way, the Cathedral of Barcelona is really impressive. Especially the interior. So if you still have some energy left, be sure to check it out. The cloisters with a small garden and a few resident geese are also nice to see.

If you have some extra time, you can also take an elevator and visit the rooftop of the Cathedral. It’s something nice to do if it’s not too busy, but if there’s a long line and you’re feeling tired after all the walking and sightseeing, don’t feel too bad if you decide to skip it.

Good to know: You’ll need a ticket in order to visit the cathedral. You can just get the tickets at a ticket office that’s located in the same square, or you can also buy them online in advance. The elevator to the rooftop requires a separate ticket. The Cathedral is open daily until rather late in the evening. For more practical information, see the official website .

Carrer del Bisbe

Located just next to the Barcelona Cathedral, Carrer del Bisbe is one of the most beautiful streets in the Gothic Quarter.

It’s best known for El Pont del Bisbe (Bishop’s Bridge), an extremely picturesque overhead walkway that connects two buildings on different sides of the street.

This is probably the most photographed street in Barcelona and one of the most beautiful parts of the old town. Don’t miss it!

Plaça del Rei

At the back side of the Cathedral, you’ll find one of the oldest squares in Barcelona, Plaça del Rei .

Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) is also located here. It’s a place where you can see the archeological site of the old city of Barcelona, with streets and buildings from 2000 years ago.

However, by now you’ll probably have done enough sightseeing for the day. So I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether to visit this museum inside. We found it quite interesting and it doesn’t require that much time, but there’s only that much you can do in a day, right… Anyway, you can also just see if the museum is still open when you get there and decide on the spot.

But even if you don’t visit the museum, it’s worth coming to see the square and the architecture of the surrounding streets.

Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial is a big town square lined with impressive buildings, palm trees, and a fountain in the middle. Do note the unique street lanterns designed by Gaudi himself.

There are several cafés here and it’s a nice place to sit down for a drink and do some people-watching. You’ll also find plenty of good restaurants in this area where you could have dinner. Keep in mind, however, that Spanish dinner time is much later than what you might be used to, and many better restaurants only open from 7.30 – 8 pm.

Alternatively – if you want to make the most out of your day in Barcelona, we have a few other suggestions on how you could spend your evening. See below.

Flamenco Show & Dinner OR Food Tour

If you have one full day in Barcelona and want to experience as much of the city as possible, there are a few nice things you could do in the evening. Don’t worry – these are much more relaxing than the rest of the day, and there’s food involved too.

One option is to watch a Flamenco show . The most popular option (and available daily) is the 1-hour performance at the City Hall Theater (just near Plaça Catalunya). They have several shows every evening, so you can choose the time that best suits you – before or after dinner.

Alternatively, you can also opt for a place that offers a flamenco show and a dinner . This might be more relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. One of the best-rated options is this flamenco show with dinner at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes . It’s just a few minutes walk from Plaça Reial, so very easy to fit into this itinerary.

Another option is to join a local food tour . Of course, it’s not as relaxing as watching a show or just sitting down at a restaurant, but you get to know the more local side of the city and taste several traditional dishes and drinks.

Food tours have become one of our favorite ways to explore any city. If you think you’ll have some energy left at the end of the day, it can be a nice way to end your short visit to Barcelona and make it even more memorable.

Here’s one of the best-rated wine & tapas tours that would fit this itinerary quite well too. It starts at Plaça Sant Jaume, very close to the Cathedral of Barcelona, and they also offer an option to extend it with a flamenco show – the best of both worlds.

So, this is what your day in Barcelona could look like. As promised, below you can find a short recap of this itinerary and a map indicating all the main sights mentioned in this article.

Barcelona 1 day itinerary & map

Here’s how to see the best of Barcelona in 1 day:

8 AM: Have coffee at Plaça Catalunya and see the most impressive buildings on Passeig de Gràcia .

9 AM: Visit Casa Battlo (get skip-the-line tickets if going without a tour). Arrive early!

10.30 AM: Walk on Passeig de Gracia and see Casa Mila from the outside. If you are not going with a tour, take a taxi to Park Güell.

11 AM: Visit Park Güell ( get your tickets in advance !) and have a small snack for lunch.

12.45 PM: Make your way to La Sagrada Familia (by tax or with a tour).

1.15 PM: Visit La Sagrada Familia (if not going on a tour, get fast-track tickets in advance !).

3 PM: Take a metro to the city center. Late lunch at Mercado La Boqueria .

4 PM: Explore La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter (+ visit the Cathedral of Barcelona inside, and potentially also the MUHBA museum).

6-9 PM: Flamenco show + dinner or food tour + flamenco show . See the best options explained above.

Please note that the hours are indicated just for your reference so that you have a better idea of how to plan your time.

The timing is based on our experience . But instead of booking all the tickets ourselves and taking a taxi for the longer distances, we took this tour for the first part of the day starting with Casa Batllo and ending with La Sagrada Familia. If interested, you can read our detailed review of this tour here: the best Gaudi tour in Barcelona .

To help you orient, we also created a map indicating all these places that we recommend visiting in Barcelona in one day. See below.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our recommended itinerary for the very best of Barcelona in a day. Of course, this is just one of the countless ways to plan your trip. But it gives you a good idea of the main sights to see and how to plan your time in order to make the most out of your quick visit.

If you have time, I highly recommend that you make some time for an evening activity as suggested above (flamenco show and/or food tour). It will make your first visit to Barcelona so much more special and memorable than just rushing through the main landmarks!

Where to stay in Barcelona

If you are visiting Barcelona for just one day, it’s likely that you are visiting the city as part of a cruise and don’t really need to worry about this.

If, however, you are staying in the city for a few nights, I highly recommend booking a hotel in the area close to Plaça de Catalunya . This is really the most convenient neighborhood for sightseeing!

We stayed at the Acta Splendid Hotel and the value quality/location-wise couldn’t be better. There are many other hotels and accommodations in this area, for all budgets. For example, H10 Universitat is a very nice mid-budget hotel with a beautiful rooftop bar.

TIP: If you need an airport transfer, the Barcelona Airport Aerobus is one of the most convenient options.

READ ALSO: Barcelona Travel Tips

More tips for your trip to Spain:

• Best Things to Do in Spain
• Best Things to Do in Barcelona (all the musts)
• How to Spend 2 Days in Barcelona (detailed 2-day itinerary)
• How to Visit Montserrat from Barcelona
• Montserrat Tour Review
• Best Gaudi Tour in Barcelona
• 1 Day in Madrid
• Toledo Day Trip from Madrid
• 1 Day in Seville
• 2 Days in Seville
• Best Flamenco Tour in Seville

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Travel guides & 1-day itineraries for some of the best cities in Europe:

• 1 Day in Rome
• 1 Day in Venice
• 1 Day in Milan
• 1 Day in Lisbon
• 1 Day in London
• 1 Day in Amsterdam
• 1 Day in Florence
• 1 Day in Naples
• 1 Day in Salzburg
• 1 Day in Edinburgh
• 1 Day in Manchester
• Best of London
• Best of Rome
• Best of Florence
• Best of Venice
• Best of Amsterdam
• Best of Brussels
• Best of Lucerne
• Best of Krakow
• Best of Milan
• Best of Salzburg
• Best of Bern
• Best of Geneva
• For many more places, please see our destinations guide . For planning tips and useful info to plan your trip, take a look at our first-timer’s guide to traveling to Europe .

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Home » Europe » Spain » Barcelona

EPIC BARCELONA Itinerary! (2024)

Jam-packed outdoor markets, restaurants, museums, and cathedrals, the Spanish-Catalan city of Barcelona is an incredible travel destination!

Come to Barca to visit Gaudi’s vibrant masterpieces and enjoy the Catalonian and Spanish traditions! These include a long-standing love for good chocolate, chorizo and the seductive art of Flamenco.

There’s so much to see and do in the beautiful, busy city of Barcelona so we’ve put together a 3 day Barcelona itinerary consisting of all the very best attractions to help you out! So if you’re spending 3 days in Barcelona, or much longer, here’s all the things you should be sure to tick off the list. As well as tips on how and when to do it!

The best way to experience the city is by staying at one of the affordable hostels in Barcelona . That way you can spend your money on some really cool attractions!

A Little Bit About This 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary

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This awesome 3-day Barcelona itinerary has been designed to help you maximise your time in this awesome city. So whether you’re backpacking around Spain or you’re on a short city break, you can be sure to see the best of this incredible city.

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3 Day Barcelona Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Barcelona: Casa Batllo, Barcelona History Museum, Taperia Princesa, Picasso Museum, La Boqueria Market, Flamenco Dance Show
• Day 2 in Barcelona: Park Güell, Palau de la Musica, Las Ramblas, Barceloneta Beach,
• Day 3 in Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Gothic Quarter, Camp Nou, Parc de la Ciutadella
• More Places to See in Barcelona: City Sights Highlight Bike Tour , Montjuïc Cable Car , Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Tour

Barcelona, like most modern cities in Europe, has a great variety of neighbourhoods. Choosing where to stay in Barcelona is a question of working out what you want. From bohemian to ancient, and even super-chic, you can find an environment that suits you perfectly, or get totally out of your comfort zone.

Stay in the charming Gothic Quarter, with narrow medieval streets filled with food-and-flower vendors, unusual bars, clubs, and exciting restaurants. The neighbourhood’s Gothic church is really impressive and hosts a weekend art market. There’s so much to see in this old-town area, you’ll always enjoy the walk back to your hostel every evening.

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For something a little different, look for Barcelona hostels in the neighbourhood of Gràcia on Carrer de Les Carolines. The first house designed by Antoni Gaudi, Casa Vicens Gaudí, can be found here. It is a great example of Art Nouveau, which Barcelona embraced, and is super cool! There are lots of trees and old buildings in the neighbourhood – a beautiful combination.

Barcelona is in a great location along the coast to explore other places from. You can back up your car (or jump on a bus) and head to some pretty epic spots. These are my favourite day trips from Barcelona .

There are also loads of top-quality Airbnbs in Barcelona in case you fancy living like a local.

Onefam Paralelo – Best Hostel in Barcelona

This is a lovely place to stay and get to know the locals! The staff are experienced and multilingual and love to chat. It’s a perfect place for chilled-out travellers, with a great atmosphere. It’s a bit out of the way, but the dorm room rates are some of the lowest prices you can find, and it’s well worth the easy trip!

Your Romantic Beach Getaway – Best Airbnb in Barcelona

This is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona for backpackers or couples on a budget. Perfectly situated for exploration—so much so that you won’t need to spend much time inside. This charming apartment is located in the heart of Barceloneta right by the beach and gives you easy, walkable access to most of Barcelona’s major sites. With a double room and sofa bed, modern amenities, it’s perfect for two to three guests. 

Hotel Pelayo – Best Budget Hotel in Barcelona

Just a two-minute walk from the famous La Rambla, this value-for-money hotel is a great stay! It’s vibrant and clean. The rooms have great views, and there’s a snack bar! It’s right in the middle of everything. With clean, comfortable rooms, you’ll find you have everything you need!

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

9:00 AM – Casa Batllo

This brightly coloured fairytale building is an absolute must-see for your first time in Barcelona. A modernist masterpiece by the UNESCO respected Antoni Gaudi , you’ll find no straight lines here. Multicoloured mosaics and organic shapes make it really unique and super vibrant.

Marvel at the details and the building’s utter rejection of traditional architecture. This house is more of a sculpture than a building. The morning sun does wonders with the colourful glass.

Inside, you can go on an augmented reality tour. It brings the experience to life in weird and wonderful ways and is a really exciting innovation in tourism. Totally different to anything else you’ll see, you will be really glad you didn’t miss it, trust us.

• Cost –  $28, $44 for an early tour or $42 for a theatrical tour
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 hr
• Getting There –  It’s centrally located. Walk or take the bus from your base.

10:30 AM – Museum of the History of Barcelona

This is a Barcelona city highlight. The medieval museum conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the historical heritage of the city of Barcelona. From the city’s origins in Roman times until the present day, it has everything!

The coolest part of the museum tour is the excavations of the Roman ruins beneath the museum. Here you can see that there is a whole city beneath the streets of modern Barcelona.

It is the best opportunity to really see the way Barcelona has developed over the millennia. You’ll see an ancient launderette, factory, dyers, and winery! Pretty cool!

The audio tour is excellent and allows you to go through the museum at your own pace, with all the information you need to understand and appreciate what you’re seeing.

Also, go check out the close-by Montjuic that has an amazing mirador overlooking the sea and the city. Check the Magic Fountain lighting times to watch the amazing light show that happens a few times a week.

• Cost –  $10
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 – 1.5 hr
• Getting There –  It’s a 3 minute walk from the History Museum

12:00 AM – Lunch at Taperia Princesa

By this point, you may well be feeling a bit hungry. This delightful Taperia is located a mere 1-minute walk from the Picasso museum (your next stop) and despite its being near a major tourist attraction, it actually serves good quality food! They do good quality tapas and Catalan food served with great wine.

• Cost –  $15 per person will be enough
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  60 minutes
• Getting There –  Walk from Picasso museum

1:00 PM – Picasso Museum

This incredible museum houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. 

Before he died the artist himself began the project, and now a massive 4,251 works are exhibited here. The fact that one artist could have painted so many pieces blows our minds, never mind the fact that most of these are his early works.

If you’re interested in art, the museum is a key reference for understanding the artist’s formative years. Picasso spent his apprenticeship as an artist in Barcelona and returned to live here later.

The museum is well set out and highly informative. A lovely touch is that the story of Picasso’s life is overlaid with the paintings  – the way you can see the important transitions in his style  reflected in key life events  is fascinating! No matter how well you know the artist and his work, you’ll come away knowing more about him than before.

• Cost –  $15
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  90 minutes
• Getting There –  It’s a 12 minute walk from Casa Batllo

3.00 PM – La Boqueria Market

This huge public market has been around since the 13th century. It’s amazing to stroll through it and think about everything that must have changed, and everything that has stayed the same!

Locals sell fresh produce and haggle at all the stalls. You can find fresh fruits, fish, vegetables, and seafood, among other things. We recommend you try the fruit smoothies, they are seriously phenomenal.

Full of different colours and smells, the market is a sensory cornucopia. There’s so much to experience, you will want to dedicate at least 2 hours to it. The stall-holders and merchants are very fast and friendly.

You can really find a lot of interesting products. Buy some local handmade chocolates for the folks back home, and some exotic fruits to eat while you walk. It’s a foodie’s heaven – and those chocolates are famously good… Actually… Forget the folks back home, buy a bunch for yourself!

Worried about going in the afternoon? Don’t be, other than the early morning the late afternoon is ideal as the tourist crowds have subsided and the locals are back to pick up some ingredients for dinner. The market is open until 8 pm so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

If you’re spending less than 2-3 days in Barcelona be sure to tick this one-off. It’s an integral part of the city.

• Cost –  Whatever you buy
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 – 1.5 hrs
• Getting There –  It’s a 10 minute walk from the Taperia

5.30 PM – Refresh Time

By now, you’re probably gonna be in need of a sit-down and a shower. Hopefully, your accommodation offers both. I suggest you go back to your digs for a power nap and a shower before tonight’s Flamenco show!

7.30 PM – Flamenco Dance Show at the City Hall Theatre

This traditional Flamenco show is a must-see. Appreciate the artistry of the talented performers and experience the vibrant spirit of this authentic form of Spanish dance and expression. Flamenco includes music, singing and dancing arranged together in a beautifully seductive atmosphere.

Some of the most talented artists in Spain perform at the City Hall Theatre. Watching the show, you can participate in the Jaleo , the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and shouts of encouragement of traditional Flamenco. It is a lot of fun. You’ll also enjoy the lovely traditional features of the City Hall.

• Cost –  $20
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 hr
• Getting There –  Take Metro lines L1 and L2 to “Universitat” station, lines L1 and L3 to “Catalunya” station, lines L3, L4 and L2 to “Passeig de Gràcia” station

9.30 PM – Dinner

The Spanish are a truly debauched bunch and eat pretty late compared to most wholesome, righteous, God-fearing people. By 9.30 pm, the squares and tapas joints will be rammed with locals and tourists alike. Find a place you like the look of, dive in, and Bon appetite!

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10:00 AM – Park Güell

This huge public park system is composed of gardens and architectural elements designed by Gaudi. It’s a playful urban park, with plenty of winding paths and peaceful greens, as well as Gaudi’s many sculptures and mosaics. It gets really busy because of the park’s status as a primary landmark, so it’s good to get there early.

Enjoy the tranquillity of the early morning. You could even have a picnic in the park, with stunning views of Gaudi’s creations while you snack. The exceptional park is a beautiful mix of nature and art.

Since you don’t want to be one of the tourists waiting in line to get their tickets (which can be up to 1200 at a time and takes up hours of your day), you can make everything a lot easier by booking ahead of time. Click here and you can skip the line and get an expert guide for a tour around the park.

The staff ensures that the park does not get over-crowded by limiting the number of people in at one time – another reason to go early! With more than 17 hectares, it is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona.

Gaudi’s structures and unique, colourful fantasies are present throughout the park. The highest point in the park also gives you a great view over much of the Barcelona sights.

• Cost –  $12
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hrs
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Urquinaona.

12:30 PM – Palau de la Música Catalana

The concert hall itself is really something to see. If you’re lucky, you can even enjoy a performance here. The musical offerings range from symphonic orchestras and opera to jazz and Cançó, traditional Catalan songs.

Built-in 1908, the architectural style has been described as a ‘riot of ornament’. You will immediately see why, with the vibrant colours and patterns, and the decorative flourishes. Still, the function is prized over form here. Every seat in the house has a perfect view of the stage, and the sound is exquisite. It’s quite an experience just to see how function and beauty work together so beautifully.

If you plan ahead you can catch a show here in the evenings. However, for our Barcelona itinerary in 3 days we are only coming for a tour of the buildings as there are no concerts during the day. 

• Cost –  $12 for a self guided tour
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   60
• Getting There –  Its a 6 minute walk from the Cathedral

Save more and experience more. Get a city pass before you travel.

1.30 PM – Las Ramblas & Port Vell

Las Ramblas is just a street! But it’s one of Barcelona’s top tourist destinations. This tree-shaded boulevard runs through the heart of the city and is an interesting but possibly overrated place to visit!

Take in the beautiful buildings on either side. Enjoy the street performances and artists. Some really great performers can be found here, and many go on to perform at live venues, but do be aware of scams and pickpockets.

This is also a great place to people watch, and just soak in the sunshine, but don’t spend too much time here.

Ok, so it’s a bit touristy and it can be pretty crowded. We don’t recommend having any food around here as it can be a bit overpriced and underwhelming, but the street is somewhere you just have to tick off when you come to Barca. We recommend having a stroll down to the bottom where the Statue of Christopher Columbus lives, it’s next to the Port area where you can see the historic Port Cable Car/ aerial tramway and the redeveloped area around Port Vell which includes some great shops and restaurants.

• Cost – It’s free
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 – 1.5 hrs including the port
• Getting There –  Walk here from the concert hall. Takes 13 minutes

3:00 PM – Barceloneta Beach

Continuing the relaxing portion of your day, take a trip to Barcelona’s best beach . The white-sand beach stretches farther than you’d think for a city beach! If you’re inclined, you can walk the length of it and enjoy watching locals and tourists enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Otherwise, join them!

You can rent a beach lounger, or lay a towel on the sand and catch a late-afternoon tan. Wash off the sweat of the day in the calm blue ocean. Barcelona is a Mediterranean city, and its beach attests to that. It’s also a top place to surf and you can easily rent a board if you’re into that!

The water is reasonably warm, and it’s really lovely to swim in Summer. If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time in Winter, you may not want to swim but the beach is still worth a visit. All-year-round you’ll see a beautiful coastline whether you explore it from the boardwalk or the sands!

The beach can get quite crowded in Barceloneta, but this should be late enough in the day that it’s emptied out nicely. Either way, you’re sure to find a spot to lay down your towel and to swim. The brightly coloured towels and happy people only add to the scene and atmosphere here.

Stay here and give your feet a break for the rest of the evening, whatever time of year it is it’s a great spot for sunset.

• Cost –  Free
• Getting There –  Take the 59 bus from La Ramblas until Pg Marítim – Pepe Rubianes

7.30 PM – Dinner

stick around the area of Barceloneta for the evening, it’s home to a whole host of incredible restaurants serving some of the best seafood in the city. You can either enjoy the sunset from the comfort of the beach or retire earlier to a beachside restaurant and watch the sun go down over a glass of sangria and a plate of paella.

Bear in mind sunset varies a lot depending on the time of year.

In the winter months, it can be as early as 5:20 pm and in summer as late as 9:30 pm. So plan accordingly.

9:00 AM – La Sagrada Família

Start off your adventures with a stop at the Antoni Gaudi masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia! The cathedral is like no other. Combining several architectural styles and ignoring the rules of all of them, this impressive and intricately decorated church is something to see!

It is still under construction, 140 years on. But that doesn’t stop it from dominating its surroundings and changing your mind about what a church should look like. Of all the many things to do in Barcelona , this one tops most lists.

The early morning sun shining through the coloured glass windows will leave you in awe. It also shows Gaudi’s love for organic shapes and nature in all their complexity and beauty. Even if you’re not religious, the architecture here is something you just cannot miss.

Arriving early will also miss out some of the crowds that develop during the day. Either way, you should pre-book tickets to avoid queueing.

• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hours including the museum
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro from Jaume 1 to Verdaguer.

11:30 AM – Cathedral of Barcelona

This Gothic cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The cathedral was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, and has been one of the most important structures in Barcelona since then!

The views from the exterior are amazing as you stand on the street in the sunshine. It’s easy to appreciate the magnitude of the architecture from any angle. The interior is equally beautiful and very gothic.

Throughout there are beautiful religiously themed paintings and sculptures. You can spend a long time wandering through the cathedral and admiring all it has to offer.

• Cost –  $8
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 hrs
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Jaume 1

1:00 PM – Gothic Quarter & Lunch

After exploring Barcelona Cathedral, the heart of the Gothic Quarter, it’s time to wander around the area as a whole.

Spend a few hours exploring the narrow streets and maze-like alleyways that make up one of the most historic areas in the city. The architecture will blow you away and despite it being quite touristy, it’s easy to find a quiet corner of this vast area.

The labyrinth of passages and squares will keep you easily occupied for a good few hours. There are heaps of cafes, bars and restaurants too if you get a bit peckish. Why not tour the area stopping by every now and then for a few small places of tapas as you go!

The cobblestone streets around here are pretty much all as enchanting as each other and you can’t take a wrong turn! But some of the highlights of the area include the Bishop’s Bridge on Carrer del Bisbe, the tragic history of Plaça Sant Felip Neri, the stunning palm treelined Plaça Reial and the lively Plaça de la Generalitat.

• Cost –  Pay for what you drink or eat
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 -2 Hrs
• Getting There –  Walk from the Cathedral, Take the L4 metro to Jaume 1 from elsewhere.

3:30 PM – Camp Nou

Despite Spain being a Catholic country… it’s not the main religion here! Nah, that instead would be football and in Catalunya, their passion for the beautiful game is even more intense and with such a talented team as FC Barcelona, it’s no wonder. You just can’t visit this region and in fact, this city, without exploring this side of the local culture. Not only is visiting the Calderon like stadium of the Camp Nou a fascinating experience, but it’s also bloody impressive!

Holding over 99,000 people and playing host to some of the most talented footballers ever to play the game, the stadium is steeped in atmosphere and history. Walking up the terraces you’ll get a feeling of grandeur that could only be beaten on the day of a game!

On a stadium tour, you’ll not only get to sit in the seats of this famous stadium, but you’ll get to explore behind the scenes and see places like the dressing rooms and media areas. There’s also an extensive museum where you can see the myriad of silverware this team has brought home over the years alongside an incredible array of memorabilia… including some belonging to Messi!

Cost –  $30 How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hours including the museum Getting There –  Line 3: Metro stop Palau Reial or Les Corts / Line 5: Metro stop Collblanc or Badal

5:00 PM – Parc de la Ciutadella

Take an evening stroll around this beautiful and historic park to round off your last evening in this wonderful city. There’s quite a bit to see here including the Catalan Parliament buildings, but the star attraction is the fountain. Unsurprisingly, it’s another one of Gaudi’s creations, this one is an early piece whilst he was a student and is an interesting look into the beginnings of this master.

Other highlights include the lake where you can rent out a little boat for an idyllic and relaxing evening before heading onwards. There are also many historic buildings including the Umbracle, a tropical greenhouse, the Geological Museum dating back to 1882 and the Hivernacle which was built in 1888 for the World Exposition.

Technically not in the park but linked to it, the Arc de Triomf, built for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair is a must-see landmark too.

Cost –  Free How Long Should I Stay Here? –   As long as you like Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica or Arc de Triomf.

Looking at what to do in Barcelona for 3 days? There’s so much. Take your pick of these exciting classes, activities, and tours. They really round out the Barcelona experience!

City Sights Highlight Bike Tour

Get your day started right with this awesome bike tour. You join a fun and knowledgeable local guide and ride around the streets of Barcelona on a 3-hour tour. Explore the unique era of Spanish Art Nouveau amidst the modern city.

You will be able to see so much in this activity. That’s why we love cycle tours. It’s faster than by foot, but so much more engaged than by car.

On the tour, you’ll see ancient aqueducts, Barcelona’s first World Fair, parks, memorials, and plazas. 17th-century factories which epitomise the Industrial Revolution and a lovely ride along the beach promenade are two highlights of the tour.

It’s a brilliant combination of historic and contemporary Spain. And you’ll hear interesting facts and details about all of it.

This is a great tour for groups of friends or families. But if you’re alone, don’t worry! You’ll meet others in the group. The tours are conducted in English, French, and German. Local guides will show you the hidden corners of this exciting city and tell you their secrets.

The tour starts at 10:30 am and ends at the same place it starts. There are only two tours daily and it’s a popular one, so we suggest you book your ticket early. You can also request a private tour for something a little more intimate or personalised.

Catch the Montjuïc Cable Car 

This hill above the city is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona. Surrounded by woodlands, the historic castle is a sight to see. The original fortress dates back to 1640! Some of this structure remains, but it’s been bombed and resurrected multiple times since.

From the cable car, the castle is just a short walk up the slope. It’s steep, so pack some water and prepare to lean against a wall and breath heavily. It’s a classic pose in tourism and must be accomplished at least once on a trip. Here’s your chance.

The gardens are beautiful and exotic, carefully curated by the castle groundskeepers. You’ll be able to see all the other stops on your itinerary up here.  Get some photos  pointing to a few of your favourites. The views over the port and city are unbeatable.

For centuries the hill overlooking the harbour played a strategic role in Barcelona’s defence. The castle served as a political prison for some time and was a bit of a sinister symbol all-around. Now, however, its positive associations override the negative.

It’s a popular place to visit both for locals and tourists. You can learn its long history and appreciate the artefacts collected here on a self-guided tour.

The cable car was recently upgraded and refurbished. Now the 8-man cabins are super cosy, and the best way to get up to the castle! You can also take the bus – a handy option for those who are staying in Barcelona for a longer period and have a bus pass!

If you’re spending 3 days in Barcelona, this is a really worthwhile activity.

Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Tour

You must have had a few great paellas in Barcelona by now. Here’s your chance to learn to make it yourself. Bring home a bit of Barcelona with you! There’s nothing that reminds us of a great trip like cooking the traditional food. And eating it.

This is a really great experience for those of you looking for an authentic Spanish activity. Explore the world-famous La Boqueria market, which dates back to the 13th century. You’ll have strolled through it on Day 1, but this is a totally different way to experience the market.

Here you’ll find fresh seafood, herbs, and vegetables for your paella, guided by the chef. You also tour the beautiful old town on your way from the market.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Barcelona gets very hot in summer and is pretty mild in winter. Spring and Autumn are generally very pleasant with temperatures being ideal for walking around.

The summer months are the most popular and the city can and does get quite busy, prices go up and the pickpockets are in peak hunting season. However, the atmosphere is pretty electric. If you’re looking for cheaper prices and a quieter vibe, the winter months offer a much different vibe.

There’s no bad time to visit, it just really only depends on your preferences.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Barcelona:

Barrio gotico.

Barrio Gotico is the heart and soul of Barcelona. The oldest neighborhood in the city, it’s filled with charming narrow streets, picturesque boroughs, and quaint terraces and plazas, making it the best area to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors.

• Wander along Las Ramblas, a pedestrian street packed with shops, restaurants, entertainment, and stunning historic attractions.
• Explore the Palça del Rei, a Gothic style city square where royal receptions were held.
• Browse the stalls off fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and sweets at Mercat de la Boqueria on Las Ramblas.

There are rather a lot of places to visit in Barcelona but thankfully, it is super easy to get around with all the public transport options available. The trains and trams are completely safe and well-priced. You can even get a public transport ticket .

The great thing about Barcelona is that almost everything is within walking distance. If you’re a healthy walker, you won’t even need public transport.

If you’re feeling a little daring, rent a scooter for the day. So many locals get around with scooters, you’ll see them everywhere. They are lots of fun, and a great way to see the city. This is, of course, only for those with licenses. Often, rental places will accept a non-Spanish license, but they won’t let you drive if you have none at all.

However you’re getting around, this city is a great place to explore. Pack your walking shoes and sunscreen, this is going to be memorable.

Now let’s get into what to do in Barcelona for 3 days and more!

As with all cities, there are some valuable safety precautions in Barcelona. This will ensure that you leave the city with as much or more than you came with!

Violent crime is really uncommon in Barcelona. It’s considered safe to walk around and take public transport during the day and night! Still, we suggest never walking around alone at night, particularly for women. Walk in groups and stick to the well-lit areas and apply common sense.

There are pickpockets in the busier areas, so keep your bag closed and close to you. It’s always better to stay alert and aware. So don’t walk while looking at your phone. That makes it clear you’re a tourist and not a very aware one at that.

Criminals choose easy victims – so if you make it clear you’re not going to be taken unawares, you’ll be just fine.

A popular scam in Barcelona is the distraction/theft scam. So if anyone asks you for directions or assistance in a public place, and you feel a little suspicious, trust your gut! It’s usually right.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Barcelona

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Barcelona itinerary.

Are 3 days in Barcelona enough?

A Barcelona 3 day itinerary will give you enough time to see all of the top sights. However, having an extra day is ideal if you don’t want to rush.

What can you do in one day in Barcelona?

You can do a lot in a day, but you’ll need to wear some comfortable shoes ! Start off in Park Güell, then make your way down to the Gothic Quarter via Casa Gatllo and the Cathedral of Barcelona for some top sightseeing experiences.

Where should you stay for a weekend in Barcelona?

The Gothic Quarter is ideal for a quick trip, putting you close to many of Barcelona’s top attractions. If nightlife is what you’re after, check out El Born.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

September and October are the best months to visit to enjoy warm weather without huge tourist crowds.

Now you know all the best things to do in and around Barcelona . It’s a really magical city, with so much to offer.

So whether you’re doing Barcelona in 3 days or more, this is the best way to see Barcelona. Barcelona has lots of exciting stops and a good range of things to do.

If you’re working with a shoe-string budget, don’t worry! Budget travel is more possible than ever. So save up, book your tickets and get pumped! Exploring Barcelona will be one of the best trips of your life.

Also, whatever you end up doing in Barcelona, make sure to take travel insurance ! 🙂 Better be safe than sorry.

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Mathilde Magnier

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Spending 5 days in Barcelona? My ultimate Barcelona itinerary is all you need to plan a perfect trip, what to see and do, where to stay in Barcelona, and a lot more!

how to spend 5 days in barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world, the reason is clear, visiting the city you can enjoy impressive art, beaches, excellent food, green parks, entertainment venues, and diverse nightlife.

Barcelona is a city full of attractions, restaurants, tapas, sangria, bars, shopping shops, parks, museums, buildings with impressive architecture, and what not? It has everything from everything and people full of the joy of life.

I did solo travel in Barcelona, if you are looking for a destination for a solo trip, Barcelona is a great option.

Table of content

How to get from barcelona airport to the city center, best time to visit barcelona, how many days to spend in barcelona, getting around barcelona.

• Barcelona itinerary: Day 1
• Barcelona itinerary: Day 2
• Barcelona itinerary: Day 3
• Barcelona itinerary: Day 4
• Barcelona itinerary: Day 5
• Where to stay in Barcelona?
• Extras for your Barcelona itinerary 
• Best Travel tips in Barcelona

Planning your Barcelona itinerary:

Barcelona El Prat Airport is 13 km from the city.

There are different ways to get from there to the city center using different means of transportation.

There is a bus that leaves every 5-10 minutes from the airport.

The bus costs €5.90 one way or €10.20 round trip.

You can pay with a credit card at the machine at the entrance to the bus or with cash.

You can also buy it in advance on the website .

The bus stops in Plaça Catalunya which is the main square in Barcelona, ​​from where you can take the metro or walk to your hotel or hostel.

The working hours of the line are 5:00-00:30.

Public Transport:

There is a public bus line departing from the airport and arriving at Plaça Catalunya.

It is slower than Aerobus because there are more stops, but the big advantage over it is that you can pay for the ride at the price of a regular public bus.

If you land at night, you can use the Nimbus N17, the ride is the same.

A taxi ride from the airport to the city center should cost between 25-35 euros.

You can visit Barcelona all year round.

Just do yourself a favor and not in July-August.

Keep in mind that July and August are both very hot and busy.

I do not recommend you to come to Barcelona during the peak months of summer.

You will not find parking, in case you are in a rented car.

In Park Guell, for example, you will hardly be able to see the back of the tourist in front of you, And you will have to book tickets in advance for every site.

During the tourist summer months, you will have to wait a long time in line at the tourist bus stops.

Therefore the recommended time to visit Barcelona is between the shoulder seasons in spring or autumn .

I visited Barcelona in October and it was amazing weather, not too hot not too cold, less crowded. Perfect time to visit.

The minimum is 3-4 days in Barcelona.

5 days in Barcelona is the perfect time to see everything properly without running from one place to another or giving up certain things due to lack of time.

Barcelona is a cool city with great vibes and atmosphere, full of young peoples that you can easily stay spend week in Barcelona.

When you visit Barcelona in five days you have enough time to travel slow and also get to know more beautiful corners in Barcelona and experience the city better.

It's recommended to go on a day trip to Montserrat , the mountain and the monastery - about an hour away from Barcelona.

Transportation in Barcelona is very convenient.

There are bus lines, there is a metro, and also taxis at reasonable prices.

Many sites on the Internet recommend purchasing the T-10 card and indeed it comes out lucrative.

The card has 10 tickets and can be used on both the bus and the metro.

For a couple, it will be enough for 5 trips each.

You can buy the "Barcelona Travel Card" which includes an unlimited number of trips for a set time.

(There is a ticket for two days 16.30 euros, a ticket for 3 days 23.70 euros, a ticket for 4 days 30.80 euros, a ticket for 5 days 38 euros).

By ordering the card online in advance, you can get a 10% discount on this site

Barcelona on a bicycle

Barcelona is a very bike-friendly city.

Bicycle paths get a place of honor there alongside sidewalks and roads.

Barcelona city center is flat and very convenient to get around by bike. Bicycle stands are scattered throughout the city but are used by locals only.

Tourists can rent bicycles from one of the many rental shops located in the tourist areas.

For those who are interested, you can take a Guided bike tour that will take you to all the famous places in Barcelona.

Hop-on Hop-off bus in Barcelona

The most convenient way to see the city is with the help of a tourist bus, especially if you have arrived in the city for a short time, you are traveling with children or people who have difficulty walking or you just want to be pampered and see the city from above. 

The tourist bus through the city's major tourist sites and stops near each of them.

You can get off at any of the stations, walk around the site and continue driving to the next site. Most fun to sit upstairs and look out over the city while driving and listening to an audio guide.

Three routes are offered to choose from - the blue route that passes through all the city's must-see sites, the red route that passes through other sites worth seeing in the city, and the green route that runs during the summer and passes by sea and beaches.

  Click here To buy a bus ticket

5 day Barcelona itinerary map

Barcelona itinerary for 5 days – overview

DAY 1: La Rambla - La Boqueria Market - Gothic Quarter - Plaça de Sant Jaume - Plaza Real - Barcelona Beach

DAY 2: Palau de la Música Catalana - Arc de Triomf - Ciudadela Park - Bunkers del Carmel

DAY 3: Montjuïc - The Olympic Stadium - Palau Nacional Palace - Pablo Espanyol - Magic Fountains

DAY 4: Gràcia Neighborhood - Park Güell - Sagrada Familia - Casa Mila - Casa Batlló

DAY 5: Day trip to Montserrat Monastery

The Complete Barcelona Itinerary:

Day 1: gothic quarter & la rambla.

The first day I recommend starting with a walk on the famous Rambla Avenue which is a long sidewalk with stalls of food, flowers, and souvenirs.

Since this is a central place with lots of tourists - take good care of your bags while walking and beware of pickpockets.

La Boqueria Market - After about 20 minutes walk on the La Ramblas at 91 La Rambla Street is the food market La Boqueria Market .

You will find fruit, vegetable, juice, chocolate, meat, spice, pastry, and more stalls.

After visiting the market, continue walking along the Rambla to the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic).

The Gothic Quarter is the oldest in Barcelona. There you can stroll through the beautiful alleys and the abundance of shops in the place. 

Nice to walk there even in the evening and the area is bustling with life while the shops and cafes are still open.

You can choose to visit the Gothic Quarter independently or on a guided tour. 

The last stop is close to the promenade so that at the end you can take the time to walk along the long promenade along which there are many stalls and it leads to the beach.

What is special about Barcelona's beach is that the sand and the many palm trees in the area were brought to Barcelona especially before the Olympic Games held in the city in 1992 to upgrade the city and attract tourists - a very successful move and in recent years Barcelona has become one of the most popular cities.

Shopping lovers should know that there is also a mall called Maremagnum in the coastal area. (About 15 minutes walk away).

Within walking distance is also the Aquarium and the IMAX Cinema - a nice and popular place for families and children.

Another mall in the coastal area but in a more remote area is the "Diagonal Mall" which includes lots of well-known stores including "Primark" - the successful fashion store that sells at very equal prices.

From Barceloneta beach to diagonal mall:

Metro line L4 from Barceloneta station to Selva de mar

If you do not want to do some shopping you can sit in one of many restaurants in Barcelona, order a beer and tapas and just enjoy the lifestyle of the Spanish peoples.

Day 2: Art, culture and Beautiful view point

Palau de la Música Catalana - a concert hall that is one of the most popular sites in Barcelona among tourists. 

You can get there on foot / by bus/metro (about 15 minutes).

Bus lines V15, V17, 45.

Metro: L1, L4.

It is a masterpiece created by an architect named Luis Dominic I Montaner.

This is a building that is specially and magically designed with a combination of stained glass and special mosaics, and concerts are held there regularly.

The cost of the tour of the place: You can take a self-guided tour inside the building (10 euros) or a guided tour (18 euros). For those who book 21 days in advance, the cost is 16 euros instead of 20. Admission is free for children under 10, and senior citizens 16 euros.

A 20% discount is also given to those who purchased tickets for the tour bus in the city (the tour bus) - the ticket must be presented at the box office.

The tours take place every 30 minutes.

The Palau de la Musica is open for tours daily from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.

There are special opening hours on Easter and the month of July from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. There are also extended hours in August from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Continue from there to Via Laietana, a central and famous main street with impressive architecture.

From there continue to the impressive Arc de Triomf , formerly built in honor of the Barcelona International Exhibition.

From the Arc de Triomf continue on foot to the Citadel Park called Parc de la Ciutadella located next to the Arc de Triomf.

The park was established in the middle of the 19th century and is impressive and beautiful. Not to be missed. It has a beautiful lake, benches, a fountain, the impressive Parliament building of Catalonia, and more.

From here you can visit the El Born district , also called the La Ribera district, which is also one of the oldest and most beautiful areas in the city and is located right next to the Gothic Quarter, between Via Laietana and Ciutadella Park.

In this area, you will find a variety of impressive medieval palaces and buildings, some in the Picasso Museum complex.

It is a calm, cozy and lively area, with a variety of colorful restaurants, bars, and alleys.

It is recommended to end the day and get to Bunkers del Carmel , the most impressive and cool lookout in Barcelona towards sunset. 

This is the best view point in Barcelona - a great 360-degree view of the entire city, far from the bustle of tourists, on a mountain in the heart of the El-Carmel neighborhood near a park where you can walk.

I like observations. Just let me get away from the noise a bit, see things from a distance, get some proportions - and I'm happy. 

So when I heard that there was a view point in the city that I had not visited I knew I had to get there.

The Bunkers del Carmel view point is located on a 262-meter-high mountain with the remains of fortifications erected on it during the Spanish Civil War, designed to protect against airstrikes.

This place is far from all the classic tourist places and therefore has almost no tourists.

The view is especially beautiful at sunset, but for people who especially like quiet, it is recommended to arrive in the early morning.

A little tip - if you still decide to arrive at sunset, you will arrive about an hour before sunset and take a seat. Although the place is not very touristy because it is not easy to get to, but it is completely the favorite place of the locals and at sunset, it fills up.

You can reach El Carmel Station by bus line 24 from Plaça Catalunya or by the blue Metro L5 and from there take a few minutes on foot to the view point.

Day 3: Montjuïc & The magic fountains

This day starts at the Montjuïc , The Mount of the Jews.

This is a hill topped by an old military fortress. You can ascend to the fortress at the top of the hill in Montjuic via a cable car through which you will gain a beautiful view of the entire city. 

A cable car in Spanish is called Teleférico (you should keep this in mind if you want guidance from passersby in the area).

How to get to Montjuic?

To get there take the metro line l-3 or L-1 to the Plaza España (Plaza España) station.

The exit from the metro will lead you directly to the beautiful Espanya Square, directly opposite which you will see the Palau Nacional Palace, which we will reach later. Now get on bus line 150 (his bus stop is next to the metro).

Line 150 ascends the mountain through several stations to the fortress at the top of Montjuic Hill.

One option is to get off the bus at the entrance to the fort and then get off there by cable car or on foot.

Another option is to get off the bus before arriving at the fort, at a station called Panicular from where the cable car leaves in the direction of up the hill (towards the fort), and then get off on foot.

Cable ticket price: € 13.70

You can order online

After getting off the cable car, continue walking in the area towards The Olympic Stadium .

It is the sixth-largest stadium in Spain. It was established in 1929 and served as the main stadium for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

You can also walk around the beautiful parks located in the Montjuïc area:

Juan Maragall's Gardens - Jardins de Joan Maragall - only open at specific hours.

The Gardens of Juan Brossa Jardins de Joan Brossa

Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera

Jardins de Laribal

Walking distance from the Liberal Gardens and the Gardens of Juan Margal lies the Palau Nacional Palace built-in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exhibition and from 1934 serves as the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.

There is an amazing view from there that should not be missed on the whole city and also on Plaza España.

Poble Espanyol

From the palace, facing Plaza España, turn left and keep going straight in the direction of Pablo Espanyol .

This is an impressive site built in the shape of a Spanish village, It is very worthwhile to enter the site.

You will be impressed by Spanish-style buildings divided into different regions in Spain.

There are also nice shops with artisans who do handicrafts like glass, ceramics, jewelry, guitars, and more.

You can also sit down at one of the local cafés and enjoy an authentic Spanish atmosphere. Also do not miss the film that is screened in a place that tells about the festivals that are customary in Spain.

Entrance fee to Pablo Espanyol: Adult - 14 euros. (Online booking: 11.20 euros), entry after 8 pm: 7 euros, 

children (ages 4-12): 8 euros, children (under 4 years old) - free, 

students: 10.50 euros, 

pensioners: 9 euros.

Click here To buy tickets online

If Pueblo Espanyol is the last stop on your route, you can return to Plaza Espana the same way you came - with line 150. (From Pueblo Espanyol's gate, turn right to bus stop 150 which will take you back to Espanya Square and from there Metro l-3 to the hotel).

The Magic Fountains - Adjacent to Plaza España is the Magic Fountain of the Montjuïc.

If you are there during the fountain's operating hours, do not miss the fountain show.

The show resumes every half hour.

Show hours:

April-May, October: Thursday - Saturday, 21: 00-22: 00, 

June - September: Wednesday - Sunday, 21: 30-22: 30, 

1 November to 31 March: Thursday - Saturday, 20:00 -21: 00, 

January 7 to February 28 - no shows.

Day 4: Full Day of Gaudi

When you visit Barcelona, ​​you should, at least for one day, behave like a local.

Visit this special district, the Gracia district, and there is no doubt at all that your suitcase of experiences will be filled even more.

For those interested, there is a guided tour in a package that combines the three magnificent buildings of Gaudi .

The Gracia neighborhood is the oldest and most authentic neighborhood of Barcelona, ​​including the well-known neighborhoods of Villa de Garcia and Garcia Nova.

The Garcia district was a separate settlement from the large city of Barcelona and only at the end of the 17th century was annexed to Barcelona, ​​but it still functions as an independent province.

Passeig de Gràcia was the road that led to the settlement.

The neighborhood is best known for the Festa Major de Gràcia, which is celebrated every year in August, where the streets of the neighborhood are filled with colorful decorations and a variety of events and celebrations.

The residents of the neighborhood are young families and a lot of students and artists and it has a variety of entertainment venues and bars, along with various shops, galleries, and nice cafes.

The neighborhood has several beautiful squares and many restaurants as well as a nice little market called Libertat.

The main squares in the neighborhood are Plaça De La Vila De Gràcia , with the clock tower in the center; Placa de la Virreina, centered on an old church and Placa del Sol, home to Cafe del Sol, considered the oldest café in the area.

Another interesting site in the area is Casa Vicens - the first building Gaudi designed in 1883-1878 for the ceramic manufacturer Manuel Vicens.

What you should know about Gràcia: The neighborhood itself is pleasant and recommended for visits and even for special shopping, spending time in cafes and getting to know the nightlife.

For those who are interested after some days in the heart of Barcelona's tourism, disconnect from the tourist areas and discover different atmosphere, gracia district is the place to be..

For shopping enthusiasts - here you will find specialty stores at cheap prices, but less famous chains and large malls.

After strolling around Gracia you can visit Park Guell - A garden complex designed and designed by renowned architectural artist Antonio Gaudi.

The site was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005.

Visiting Park Guell

Park Guell is without a doubt one of Barcelona's most famous sites designed by Gaudi.

He was commissioned by Osby Goel who wanted to create a stylish park for the Barcelona nobility.

The park has multiple entrances.

The most impressive is the main entrance from Carrer d'Olot.

You will see there two pavilions one of which is a small museum and at the beginning of the stairs, there is the famous dragon statue. There is a lot to see in the park-like rock pillars that look to grow out of the ground like tree trunks

(Gaudi was greatly influenced by natural forms and used in his work).

At the top of the park, there is a wonderful view that overlooks the whole park and Barcelona.

There is also a small restaurant in the park where you can buy something small to eat and drink sangria.

How to get to the park?

The park can be reached by bus line 24. (Its bus stop is near Plaça Catalunya). This is a 30-minute drive.

Line 24 will drop you off at the entrance to Park Guell. There is a free area in the park, and there is another paid area (10 euros per adult). Inside the park, you can go up the stairs where you will find a nice view of the city.

Regarding the paid area - you should know that the queues are long and the number of tickets is limited.

Therefore advisable to book tickets in advance! 

An important tip worth knowing!

Before and after the official opening hours - the paid area is also free (6-8 in the morning and 9-11 in the evening).

Sagrada Familia

At the end of the tour in Park Guell, you will walk towards the Sagrada Familia The most famous church in Barcelona designed by Gaudi.

Its construction began in 1883 and to this day has not yet been completed. Its expected completion is in 2026.

How to get to Sagrada Familia from Park Güell?

In Park Güell - exit the same gate you entered. (If you are already in the low area of ​​the park at the second gate, go up the stairs and continue straight until you reach the entrance gate).

From the gate turn right and continue a few meters straight until the v-19 station, this is the bus that goes to Sagrada Familia. Get off at the station

Pg. de Sant Joan - Rosselló and from there a 10 minute walk to the Sagrada Familia.

Note that the Sagrada Familia has 2 sides and each side looks different, so be sure to see her from both sides.

The Sagrada Familia is considered the most popular tourist site in Barcelona and no wonder.

Take a slow walk around the church - only then can you be impressed by a load of ornaments and statues on the outside of the church.

The main hall of the church is also impressive and you should not give up a short tour inside as well.

It is also possible and recommended to enter for a fee to be impressed by the unique structure from the inside as well.

Tickets for the Sagrada Familia are recommended to be purchased in advance! 

Continue by metro to Diagonal station, from where you leave for Passeig de Gracia.

Turn left onto Carrer de Provenca and reach Casa Mila, better known as La Federer, an apartment building built by Gaudi between 1905 and 1910. You can tour the building and visit one of the apartments and the attic where there is a small and modest museum dedicated to Gaudi's work.

The highlight of the visit to the building is undoubtedly the roof, with its chimneys having quirky shapes, spectacular colored mosaics, and a wonderful view of the city.

Casa Mila - Address: Carrer de Provença 261-265, Opening hours: 9:00 - 20:00.

Click here To order tickets online

Casa Batlló

Head back on foot to the trendy Passeig de Gracia, where you can be impressed by the clothing stores, cafes, and restaurants.

When you reach building number 43 on the street, it is impossible not to stop and admire.

Casa Batlló, built and designed by Gaudi in 1906, attracts attention with a façade with corrugated windows and curved balconies, porcelain-inlaid walls in blue, green, and purple, and a wavy, blue-tiled roof.

The roof resembles a dragon in its shape and is supposed to symbolize St. George, who according to Christian belief fought the dragon and defeated it.

You should enter and tour the building, which is full of vegetarian, round and colorful elements, which can cause slight dizziness.

‍ Day 5: Day trip to Montserrat Monastery

After 4 perfect days in Barcelona, ​​it is recommended to embark on one of the popular day trips from Barcelona. 

The most famous and beautiful of them is a day trip to Montserrat .

For many visitors, a visit to the Monastery de Montserrat (some look at its name Montserrat also means the devoted Mount of Teeth and when you visit the place you will immediately understand why) - which in the region of Catalonia in Barcelona (Spain) is the highlight of this trip. 

Montserrat is a Benedictine monastery located (or rather rock-cut) on a mountain of incredible beauty about an hour by train northwest of Barcelona.

Not only does the monastery boast of ancient history and immense religious importance, but also the stunning views that surround it have become a good enough reason for a pilgrimage.

Apart from this monastery, it is a national park that includes a jagged and unique mountain range so if you enjoy walking, some particularly interesting trails pass through the mountains that surround the monastery, where you can experience stunning views of the unique stone textures that exist throughout Catalonia.

You can also ascend to the top of the mountain with the help of the cable car and the funicular of the place, and from there choose between several different hiking trails which all wrap around the breathtaking views of the rural Catalonia region and so different from the cityscape of Barcelona.

What to do in Montserrat?

Monastery of Montserrat

The monastery is the famous site of the place, which is visited by many pilgrims.

Visitors are not allowed to enter the monastery, but you can visit the church (the main building on the site), a dark and ornate basilica from the 16th century. Above the main altar, in a small niche, is the sanctuary of the place: the statue of the Black Madonna.

In addition, you can see the Plaça de Santa María, a plaza in front of the monastery, the Museu de Montserrat, which displays modern works of art by Spanish artists, such as Dali and Picasso. It is also interesting to see how on Sunday afternoons, and sometimes even later, Sardana dances (Catalan national dance) take place in the church square.

In the monastery area, two more different routes can be done with an easy walk of 3 km - not a bad option for those who do not go well - the "serious hikers" will prefer to follow the harder and longer routes at the top.

Montserrat ridge:

The ridge of the entire Monster is a nature reserve and so, apart from visiting the church, you can go hiking in the surrounding mountains. Providing unique scenery, observation, plants, and animals as well as cliffs for mountain climbers.

Among other things, you can watch from the routes to the Pyrenees and even see in the distance the islands of Ibiza and Majorca.

On the various routes and the many options in the area, it is recommended to keep up to date with the local tourist office in Mansrat or that of Plaça Catalunya.

Assuming you are not satisfied with the monastery and have chosen to ascend the funicular up to Sant Joan station - there are at least three routes that the place offers from this point (walk to a high observation point, walk to the "cave" of the monastery, and the route to Path of La Font Seca and Path of Les Batteries - all These routes are divided into different levels of difficulty).

A day trip that is a must from Barcelona and is recommended for anyone who wants to break away from the big city and experience the beauty that is around Barcelona.

‍ Where to stay During 5 days in Barcelona?

I have visited Barcelona twice and stayed in 4 different hostels that I can highly recommend.

Each hostel has its style and each one was different from the other.

4 best hostels in Barcelona

Kabul party hostel barcelona.

Without a doubt, this is the place to meet people and party in Barcelona!

The rooms are shared and so are the toilets and showers - but if you have come to the city to celebrate and meet more travelers, this is a great place.

The hostel is located in the Gothic Quarter, near La Rambla, and offers its guests pub and club tours, free city tours and lots of parties, barbecue evenings, and drinking competitions. There is also a cool roof terrace and what you will find in each hostel - a shared kitchen, laundry, and computer stations with free Wi-Fi.

Check availability & prices

Yeah Hostel Barcelona

Yeah, Hostel is amazing! Lots of activities, friendly staff, dinners served at night so you can meet people, and the walking tours are amazing. It's close to the metro so you can get around pretty easily. The rooms are really clean and nice, too. They have a bar and the bar crawls after dinner.

nicely located around a lot of tourist sights which is great and walking distance to some famous areas of Barcelona that you want to see.

Bed & Bike Hostel

is one big space divided for a different purpose.

They have a kitchen with great facilities if you want to cook your food, common are with big tv and Netflix, dining room, the staff is very friendly and helpful and beds are comfy.

they organize dinners and biking tours for free, just paying for the rent of the bike for 7 € a day.

Rodamón Hostel

Hostel for digital nomads.

Very nicely invested hostel, clean with a huge terrace.

Most of the people who are in this hostel during the day work through the computer so socially this is not the place to meet new people or celebrate. This is not a hostel for parties.

For those who are looking for a quiet and quality place that you can work from, this is the place for you.

3 coolest hotel to stay in Barcelona

In case you are not interested to stay in a hostel, there are so many accommodation options in Barcelona and these are my favorite places to stay:

Room Mate Emma

is a futuristic and stylish hotel in the Eixample district, close to Diagonal Metro Station.

The design is minimalist, in light shades, with the use of special elements of lighting.

The rooms are equipped with LCD TV and of course Wi-Fi.

A 5-star boutique hotel, a beautiful place that is especially suitable for couples

Rooms are decorated in a great location, there is a rare bar on the roof of the hotel and in the evening local people come to the bar so the atmosphere is amazing.

The location of the hotel is fabulous.

The rooms are unique in the sense the shower is right smack dab in the middle of the room and the toilet is in a secret cubby in the wall, so you better be real friendly with who you go with.

Casa camper

Trendy and colorful hotel in the Ravel district, close to La Rambla.

Rooms are spacious and comfortable and decorated in a minimalist style.

In addition to the usual fittings, they have incredibly comfortable sofas and even a hammock dangling from the ceiling.

The minibar has access to a 24-hour buffet with sandwiches, salads, fruit, desserts, and free snacks.

There is also a terrace with city views, a billiards bar, and a gym.

Check availability & prices ‍

‍ Extras for your Barcelona itinerary 

Visit the camp nou stadium.

A must-do for all football lovers!

The FC Barcelona Football Museum is a must-see site for football fans in general and Barcelona fans in particular.

The Camp Nou Staduim is one of the largest and most famous in the world (almost 99,000 seats).

The club's motto is "Mes Que un club".

Indeed, Barcelona's football club stood by its slogan and became one of the unique symbols of Catalonia's nationality and culture.

On the first floor, you can view sculptures and figurines made of wood and copper along with objects related to the group on its various branches:

divisions belonging to the club's ice hockey team, balls from various sports on which the team logo is painted, entrance tickets to special games, trophies, and medals won by the team, arranged in the trophy cabinet By the years of winning them, and other interesting items like contracts signed with famous past players.

On the second floor, you can be impressed by drawings depicting the team players, color pictures, and advertisements for various products starring the team players.

In addition, you can view photos of magnificent past vehicles, ads of international games, etc.

A video is projected on the side that aims to explain the close connection between the team and the city, the film documents the general atmosphere that grips the city on the day of the team's important game.

Of course, like any good tourist site, there is no way to get out of the museum without going through - the souvenir shop.

In the store, you can buy shoes, sportswear, balls, videotapes, scarves, hats, posters of the team players, and many other merchandise products of the team.

It is important to know that the prices in the store are especially expensive and you should refrain from buying the same products elsewhere.

Things to know about visiting the Camp Nou Stadium

*Buy an entrance ticket to the stadium and the museum . 

It is recommended to book tickets in advance in the summer.

*There is a combined ticket to the stadium along with Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off bus.

*You should check the opening hours on days of stadium games.

The museum closed three hours before the opening kick.

*Visiting the stadium is an experience for everyone.

For football fans especially Barca fans - it is a must, for others, it is a pleasant experience that allows a glimpse into the bowels of the great and famous stadium in Europe.

*It is very convenient to combine the visit to the stadium with the area of ​​Plaza España and the Montjuïc - it is both convenient in terms of distance and also because there is a direct metro.

*The prices in the store are expensive and you can buy the same products in the city.

‍ Top tips for a 5 day Barcelona itinerary

1/ travel insurance is required.

Travel insurance will protect you and your contents, ensure travel in peace and save a lot of heartaches.

A relatively small expense on insurance is recommended for all types of vacations and trips in Europe and around the world.

2/ Don’t rent a car

You do not have to rent a car to get around in Barcelona.

Apart from two tourist bus lines that will take you to all the tourist sites, there is an efficient subway with stations scattered all over the city and you can get around on foot.

You will not have to move away from the bustling tourist areas to see equal places and soak up the atmosphere.

3/ Beware of pickpockets

Like any other large and touristy city in the world, Barcelona has also been considered a place where there is a high chance that you will be pocketed.

Protect yourself from pockets by using a money belt and spread risks among the bag, suitcase, pockets, and other equipment left with you.

I have not experienced any problem in this matter just as anywhere in the world should keep your stuff well in crowded places.

4/ Map and orientation

It’s very easy to get around the city, especially since there are signs for all the main places.

In addition, Google maps works wonderfully even without internet, you can download an offline map of Barcelona and use it without internet, beyond that there is WiFi in lots of restaurants and shops and there is also the Barcelona WiFi network in lots of points in the city to which you can connect completely free if you enter your email address.

5/ Take a day trip from Barcelona 

Take advantage of your visit in Barcelona to take a day trip.

In just a two-hour you will find Figueres and Girona, or you can visit the famous Montserrat Monastery.

Thanks for reading my Barcelona itinerary!

I hope this Barcelona travel guide will help you plan your trip to Barcelona and I am sure you will enjoy Barcelona - one of the most coolest cities in Europe!

Travel resources

Here are some websites I use whenever preparing for my next journey anywhere around the world.

• Book affordable flights on Skyscanner , a great website that show the best routes and flight deals to your destination.
• Find a budget-friendly deal on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com .
• Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance at SafteyWing .
• Pre-book a private transfer from Barcelona airport to the city center.
• Check the best city walk, tours & day trips from Barcelona to maximize your trip.

Read My Other Blogs:

2 weeks road trip around norway

How to plan the ultimate norway road trip

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3 Day Madrid Itinerary

how to spend weekend in Amsterdam

2 weeks in sicily: the perfect sicily road trip

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Annapurna Circuit Solo: The Detailed Itinerary

The complete guide to solo travel in nepal

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A complete Barcelona in 1 day itinerary

• María Alcaraz
• UPDATED: 22/04/2024

👩🏻‍⚕️ Let me remind you that it's very important to book good international insurance if you are going to a destination where you do not have medical coverage. We always use Heymondo travel insurance . You can get a 5% discount by booking it here .

Barcelona is one of the cities that I consider home. Living there for a year was a great experience. It is an impressive city that exudes beauty in abundance and in which you can discover a lot. Doing a post about what to see in Barcelona in one day is a challenge because there is so much to see and do in Barcelona that one day is too short, but as I always say, better something than nothing.

Whenever I can, I go back, and I make sure that no two years go by without going to Barcelona. No matter how much I go, there is always something new to see, visit, or rediscover. You can look at Barcelona with different eyes, and it will offer you a different city. Its culture, its history, its development, and something that I love, its personality, have made it a unique city. If you are in Spain, Barcelona is definitely a must-see that you can't, or shouldn't, miss.

If you are on a fleeting route through the city and you will only spend a day there, this itinerary can be very useful for you not to miss the essentials. Enjoy Barcelona to the fullest because I am convinced that before you leave, you will already be thinking about when to come back.

Table of contents

Where to stay in barcelona.

Barcelona has a very wide and diverse offer of accommodations. There is something for all tastes, travel styles, and budgets. You can also choose from different areas and neighborhoods depending on your plan and route for your trip.

Some of the most recommended ones in the center (where we have been on this route of what to see in Barcelona in one day) are:

• Room Mate Pau . 
• Hotel Rialto .
• Ramblas Hotel by Vincci .
• Deco Apartments Barcelona-Born .

If you want to find out more about the hotels in the city, this post will help you get more information about where to stay in Barcelona.

What to see in Barcelona in one day

As I mentioned at the beginning, discovering Barcelona in a single day may seem like a real challenge, but with careful planning and a well-designed route, it is possible to capture the essence of this vibrant Mediterranean city. From Gaudi’s modernist architecture to the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona offers a unique blend of history, art, gastronomy, and culture that will leave you captivated and totally enamored.

In this itinerary, we will take you on a tour of Barcelona’s most emblematic places. We have designed it to make the most of every moment, and at least you will take with you a good compilation of the most emblematic places of the city. From the bustle of Las Ramblas to the majesty of the Sagrada Familia, we will immerse ourselves in the richness and diversity of this fascinating Catalan city.

Summary of the tour of Barcelona in one day:

• La Boqueria.
• Las Ramblas.
• Port Vell / Rambla de Mar.
• Gothic Quarter: Sant Jaume Square, Barcelona Cathedral.
• Catalunya Square.
• Paseo de Gracia: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
• Park Güell.
• Sagrada Familia.
• El Born: Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

At the end of the post you will find a personalized map with all the places mentioned below marked according to the order of visit.

🎟️ Before you start visiting the city on your own, it is a very good idea to book a free tour of the city center . You will get to know the most emblematic places and hear the history from a guide before going on the tour on your own. You will visit the Gothic Quarter and El Born, two of the main neighborhoods to see in Barcelona in 1 day.

1. Breakfast at La Boqueria

A great day has to start with a good breakfast. In Barcelona, it is very typical to have a coffee for breakfast (with or without juice) and a good toast with tomato and ham. There are many places to enjoy it, and it is delicious, but I recommend you go to the Boqueria Market to start the day.

The most iconic stall for breakfast (and lunch) is El Quim de la Boqueria. I was there years ago, and it is exquisite. Yes, you will sit on a stool at the bar, crammed in with other early risers, but that is the essence of La Boqueria.

Not only will you be able to have breakfast at one of the stalls (with daily produce), but you will also see one of the most interesting places in the city. The market has a life of its own, and its movement will immerse you in the culture of the city.

The origin of the market dates back to the 13th century, when street vendors began to set up shop near the city gates to sell their products. Over time, this street market was formalized and became the market we know today. La Boqueria has undergone several transformations over the centuries but has always maintained its characteristic charm.

In addition to being a place where locals can buy high-quality fresh produce, La Boqueria is also a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy a unique culinary experience. With an impressive variety of fruits, fresh vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses, sausages, and sweets, this market is a feast for the senses and a reflection of the rich gastronomy in Catalonia.

2. Stroll along Las Ramblas, start of the route through Barcelona in a day

As you leave La Boqueria, you will find yourself on Las Ramblas, the famous avenue full of life, street artists, and interesting stores. It is one of the main arteries of the city and the one that gives a unique personality to this area.

The emblematic avenue that connects Plaza de Catalunya with the Columbus Monument is a true reflection of Barcelona’s life and culture. During your stroll along this bustling street, don’t miss places like the Boqueria Market, which we have already mentioned, or the Liceu Theater, an architectural masterpiece that houses a rich operatic history and internationally renowned concerts.

In addition to these highlights, Las Ramblas is dotted with old-fashioned cafes, tapas restaurants, souvenir stores, and street performers that add life and color to every corner. This avenue is for strolling and stopping at anything that makes sparks your curiosity.

3. Columbus Monument and Port Vell (Rambla de Mar)

At the end of Las Ramblas, you will find the Columbus Monument. From here, you can contemplate the majestic views of the port and the sea, while the statue of Christopher Columbus points to new horizons. It’s the perfect time to stroll along the Rambla de Mar and enjoy this relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere.

Port Vell was my home for a year, as I worked there for a restaurant group. In fact, I recommend you eat in one of them that, in addition to being very exquisite and offering delicious Catalonian food, has an impressive terrace near the promenade over the port. The restaurant is called Cal Pintxo Palau de Mar. Be sure to try the cod fritters and good rice, or fideuá.

4. Plaza de Sant Jaume, enter the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona

It’s time to go to one of the highlights of this Barcelona in 1 day itinerary. Continue walking towards the fascinating Gothic Quarter, and once there, stroll through this charming neighborhood until you reach the Plaza de Sant Jaume. Here you will find the City Hall and the Palace of the Generalitat, two buildings of great historical and architectural importance in Barcelona.

This historic space is the epicenter of the political and administrative power of the city, housing two buildings that have witnessed the evolution and the most significant events of Barcelona.

On the west side of the square is the Barcelona City Hall, a neoclassical building dating from the fourteenth century that has been remodeled and expanded over the centuries. Its main façade, decorated with doric columns and sculptural reliefs, is a magnificent example of the civil architecture of the period.

On the opposite side of the square stands the Palace of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the seat of the autonomous government of Catalonia. This impressive Gothic-style building was built in the 15th century and has been the scene of important historical and political events over the centuries.

The square is a place of meeting and celebration, where events, cultural parades, and local festivities are held, reflecting the vibrant and diverse spirit of the city.

A visit to Plaza de Sant Jaume is essential to understand the historical and architectural richness of Barcelona. Also to appreciate the crucial role it has played in the political and social life of the city over the centuries.

5. The Cathedral, a must-see in Barcelona in 1 day

The Cathedral of Barcelona is located near Plaza de Sant Jaume, known as La Seu (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia). This majestic masterpiece of Gothic architecture is much more than a place of worship; it is a symbol of the city’s history and identity.

Although everyone wants to see and go to the Sagrada Familia, I have a special affection for La Catedral. I love to walk around the neighborhood and sit in front of it on one of its benches. Watching life go by from that point of view is a treat. Sometimes I do it with a cup of tea or while I draw, but I always have a different perception of the same scenery.

As you approach the cathedral, I am sure you will be impressed by its imposing facade, adorned with intricate sculptures and ornamental details that tell biblical and religious stories. Upon entering, you will be greeted by an atmosphere of serenity and solemnity, where light filters through beautiful stained glass windows and bathes the space with warm, colorful tones.

Its high vaulted ceilings, the elegant columns that soar skyward, and the impressive golden altarpieces that adorn the main altar are majestic. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the side chapels, where you will find sacred relics, works of sacred art, and mausoleums of historical figures.

In addition to its architectural beauty, Barcelona Cathedral is home to a rich history dating back more than 1,000 years. From its humble origins as a Romanesque church to its transformation into a majestic Gothic cathedral, this monument has witnessed centuries of historical and religious events that have left an indelible mark on its structure and the soul of the city.

General admission to the Cathedral of Barcelona is priced at €14 and includes entrance to the choir, access to the roof, Chapter House, a virtual audio guide, the Diocesan Museum of Barcelona, and virtual reality. Visiting hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

6. Plaza de Catalunya (Catalunya Square)

At the top of Las Ramblas, you will find Plaza de Catalunya, one of the city’s nerve centers, and El Triangle (a small urban shopping mall with a lot of class), where we recommend walking once you have finished exploring the Gothic Quarter.

The Plaza de Catalunya is another of Barcelona’s key points. Here, the bustle of the city converges with the beauty of its spaces. It is surrounded by majestic buildings and flanked by emblematic fountains. Also, from there, you can go to other points, such as the Portal del Angel avenue.

7. Passeig de Gràcia: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera

Once you have strolled along Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, it’s time to continue walking inland, passing first through Plaça de Catalunya and then entering Paseo de Gracia, one of the most emblematic streets of the city. On this street, you will find two of Gaudí’s most representative works: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera).

Casa Batlló, built between 1904 and 1906, is an impressive building characterized by its undulating and colorful facade. Gaudí transformed a conventional building into a surreal masterpiece full of curves and fascinating details, with a roof that simulates the scales of a dragon and a façade decorated with colorful ceramic tiles.

On the other hand, Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is another icon of Catalan modernism. Built between 1906 and 1912, this architectural masterpiece also stands out for its façade, which appears to be sculpted from natural stone. Gaudí designed this building as a total work of art, integrating architectural, sculptural, and ornamental elements into an organic and fluid whole.

You can purchase a ticket to La Pedrera here in advance.

8. Park Güell

In Park Güell, once again, Antoni Gaudí’s creativity is evident and blends harmoniously with the natural beauty of the surroundings. This park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a dream place that offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and an atmosphere that will captivate you.

Güell will greet you with its iconic sculptures and brightly colored mosaic benches that adorn its winding paths and sunny squares. As you enter the park, you’ll be amazed by Gaudí’s whimsical and playful architecture, which blends seamlessly with the lush vegetation and natural rock formations.

General admission is €13 and it is open to tourists from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

9. The Sagrada Familia, a must see in Barcelona in 1 day

Take the afternoon to visit Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks.

This incomparable masterpiece fuses the visionary creativity of Antoni Gaudí with the religious devotion and technical skill of generations of architects and craftsmen. It is an iconic monument that began construction in 1882 and is still under construction. It is a unique manifestation of Gaudí’s creative genius and an enduring symbol of Barcelona’s identity.

As you approach the Sagrada Familia, you will be mesmerized by its ornate facade, where detailed sculptures and carved reliefs evoke the spirituality and grandeur of faith. As you enter the interior of the basilica, you’ll be immersed in a world of light and color, where columns mimic trees soaring skyward and stained glass windows bathe the space in warm, vibrant hues.

When you explore every corner of the Sagrada Familia, from the central nave to the side chapels, you will be struck by the attention to detail and passion that are reflected in every aspect of its design.

What is most representative of the Sagrada Familia and why it is unfinished is that it is a project driven by and for the people.

Sagrada Familia opening hours and prices

The general entrance to the Sagrada Familia has a cost of €26. If you want to take a guided tour, the entrance fee is 30 euros. On the other hand, if you want to go up to the towers, the entrance fee is €36 or €40 if you want to include a guided tour. You will find the best prices on the official website .

The usual visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. or from 9:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. (depending on the time of year). Check out their special schedules on their website.

10. Stroll through El Born and Santa Maria del Mar

It’s time to go back to the center to continue our route. It’s non-stop, I know, but Barcelona has a lot to see, and we have to squeeze our day (you can always choose the places you want to go to make the day more or less intense).

The idea is to return to the Ciutat Vella neighborhood, in this case to one of the areas that I like the most, El Born. This small neighborhood will take you to the most medieval times of Barcelona. Everything will captivate you, especially its style, essence, and the locals you will find there.

It is perfect for strolling around and finding such impressive monuments as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic architecture. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, this church is a symbol of Barcelona’s devotion and community, and its imposing presence dominates the neighborhood’s skyline.

In the neighborhood, you will also find other key points of interest, such as the Paseo del Born, the Picasso Museum, the Santa Caterina Market, or, just a few steps away, Ciutadella Park.

From this neighborhood, I love its specialty coffee shops, like Hidden Coffee Roasters. If you have a sweet tooth, in front of the Santa Maria del Mar Church, you will find Bubó. Try their authentic French-style macarons.

So much for our route through Barcelona in one day. Although we have visited many important places in the city, there are still others to discover. If you have more time, in this other post on what to see in Barcelona in 2 days , I show you more emblematic places of the city.

How to get to Barcelona and the city center

Barcelona is one of the most accessible cities in Spain. It is relatively easy to reach from anywhere on the peninsula or around the world. There are international airplane and high-speed train connections that reach the very heart of the city.

• Arriving at the airport:

Barcelona-El Prat International Airport is the main entry point for international travelers, offering direct flights from various cities around the world. From the airport, you can choose to take the Aerobus, the train, or a cab to reach the city center.

The Aerobus is a convenient option that takes you directly from the airport to the center of Barcelona, with stops at strategic locations such as Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Espanya (the price of a single Aerobus ticket is 5.90€). On the other hand, the RENFE train also connects the airport with the Barcelona-Sants train station, from where you can take the metro or a cab to get to the center.

• Arriving at the train station:

If you are traveling by train from other cities in Spain or Europe, the Barcelona-Sants train station is the point of arrival. From there, all you have to do is take the metro or a cab to get to your next destination.

Once in the city center, getting around is easy thanks to the extensive public transportation network that includes metros, buses, and streetcars. In addition, Barcelona is a perfect city for walking, allowing you to explore it on foot.

Remember that the best way to enjoy Barcelona is to immerse yourself in its streets and discover its charms at your own pace. At every step, you will discover something new, different, and even something you won’t find in the guidebooks and maps. Let yourself be surprised by the city!

Map of what to see in Barcelona in 1 day

So that you can get to everything and finding the places is not a problem or a waste of time, we have geolocated these points on this interactive map. Just open it in your browser and go point by point. This way, your experience in Barcelona will be much more enjoyable.

This concludes our Barcelona in 1 day itinerary. If you are going to visit other areas of the country, this complete Spain travel guide will help you and make your task easier. I will be happy to read your comments about your visit to Barcelona.

• PLAN A TRIP STEP BY STEP

↠ Book free tours and guided visits on Civitatis or GetYourGuide . I always use these platforms to check what organized activities there are at my destination.

↠ To pay with card in foreign currency or withdraw money from ATMs, I always use this card (there are free and paid plans). It works the best!

↠ Traveling with travel insurance to a destination where you don’t have healthcare coverage is a must. Get your insurance 5% cheaper with this link .

↠ If you want to have cellphone data at your destination from the moment you land and don’t want to waste time, there is nothing like this eSIM . Use the code “comeamaviaja” for a 5% discount.

↠ Check out Booking’s offers , a platform I always use, as I always find very good options thanks to its search engine with filters.

↠ For destinations where I need to rent a car, I always check Discover Cars and Auto Europe search engines. I recommend them!

↠ If you still need to buy flights for your trip, there is no better search engine than Skyscanner (although I always recommend booking the flight on the company’s website).

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Barcelona in two days

From here you can make your way to the most famous street in the city: La Rambla , 1,200 metres long and any visit to Barcelona would be incomplete without walking along it. Terraces, streets artists, florists and kiosks are spread out along the road and as you move along you will find some very famous places including the Boquería Market (interested in doing a Spanish cooking workshop?), the Plaza Real and the Gran Teatre del Liceu . When La Rambla reaches the sea you will come across the Colombus Monument with views of Barcelona from its viewing gallery.

Eat with views of the sea and the cable car to Montjuïc

At the end of La Rambla is the area known as Port Vell (old port). If you keep walking through Moll de la Fusta (wooden dock), you will see contemporary sculptures, moored boats, and much more. And you can keep going until you reach Barceloneta beach . Make the most of it by reserving a table in one of the area’s restaurants specialising in paella, ‘fideuá’ and sea food. And you'll be even luckier if there is a terrace with a view of the sea. If the weather is good enough you can also take a dip in the sea.

If you have time before dinner and want some special views of the port and the city then why not climb up the Montjuïc mountain. It is easy to get to with the funicular or cable car from Paral·lel station. This is where you will find the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Joan Miró Foundation . If you are pushed for time then it might be better to just stroll around the beautiful Parc de la Ciutadella , the lungs of Barcelona.

Magic Fountain and dinner in El Raval or El Born

If you have been to Montjüic then you will definitely like watching the show of lights, music and water at the Montjüic Magic Fountain at night (depending on the season it usually occurs between 8 pm and 10 pm).

When it is time to have dinner you can head to El Born , a charming, cool neighbourhood that also includes some of the city’s major attractions, such as the Picasso Museum and Santa María del Mar church . It is, without doubt, an ideal place to have dinner and a drink.

What to see

Places not to be missed

Ciudadela Park

Montjuic Park

La Boqueria

Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

Barcelona Cathedral

Gran Liceu Theatre

Beach: La Barceloneta

Las Ramblas

Picasso Museum in Barcelona

National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)

Gothic Quarter

Joan Miró Foundation

Modernism, and in particular the works of Antoni Gaudí, is the main feature of our second day in Barcelona.

Morning at the casa batlló and la pedrera.

We start today's journey in Plaça de Catalunya with some pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) for breakfast, and walk 10 minutes to Casa Batlló , halfway up Passeig de Gràcia. Casa Milà , also known as La Pedrera, is a bit further on, on Carrer de Provença. These two Art Nouveau buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of works by Gaudí, with stunning exteriors. If you have more time, we recommend going inside to learn even more about the imagination and impossible shapes of Gaudí.

You can also sign up to the Barcelona Walking Tours Modernism route through the Quadrat d’Or to learn everything about Catalan Modernism. And as you are already on Passeig de Gràcia and surrounded by some of the most exclusive brands in the city, why not spend some time shopping!

Sagrada Familia: the undisputed icon of Barcelona

The Blue Route on the Barcelona Tourist Bus stops opposite the Sagrada Familia , a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we recommend buying your ticket for the monument in advance. This is a special moment of the trip as we are about to discover an international symbol of architecture as well as Gaudí’s most famous work. Although construction has been ongoing since it was started in 1882 (it is forecast to be completed in 2026), it is worth climbing to the top of the original towers to check out the magnificent view of Barcelona. And here's an interesting fact: did you know that Gaudí’s body was buried here after he was hit by a tram?

Lunch in Gràcia and Park Güell

The same Blue Route on the Tourist Bus drops us off in Park Güell. But first, we need to stop in the Gràcia neighbourhood for lunch. This is one of the most charming areas of Barcelona. People tend to say this neighbourhood has a community feel because the neighbours all get along and, alongside the traditional bars and restaurants, you will find shops opened by new designers and multicultural restaurants.

After lunch, you could stroll around Park Güell , also by Gaudí and one of the best spots to enjoy an afternoon. You will definitely want to take photos on the Dragon Stairway and in the Hypostyle with the panorama of the city in the background. There are 50-minute guided tours of the park in several languages if you want to discover its secrets.

Gourmet dinner

To finish your trip in the best possible way, and if you like fine dining, is to indulge yourself at one of the most famous restaurants in the city. Some of them are in the Eixample area: Lasarte, Moments, Caelis, Hofmann, Disfrutar, Cinc Sentits, Tickets, Via Veneto… There are plenty to choose from. If not, you can enjoy the sea breeze on the Mediterranean coast at Port Vell or spend some quality time in a bar in the Maremàgnum.

Bonus track

It is difficult to see everything Barcelona has to offer in just two days. So if you can give yourself more time (for example, arriving on Friday evening if you are coming for a whole weekend), we can recommend two spots a bit further from the centre that are also very interesting.

The first plan consists of taking the funicular up Mount Tibidabo , to the theme park. This is perfect if you are travelling with children. The second idea is less well-known but more original, especially for children - a visit to the Carmel Bunkers , which many say is the best viewpoint of Barcelona, despite being a bit further away. The bus services V17, 24, 92, 114 and 119 will leave you close by, but you still have to walk for 10 minutes. It is unmissable if you want to see how the city is lit up at sunset! Of course, we cannot forget the football fans. If the FCB stadium is calling you more than culture, the Camp Nou tour, the Camp Nou Experience, includes a visit to the museum, the trophy room , the tunnel to the pitch, the press room, and much more.

Casa Batlló

Casa Milà "La Pedrera"

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Basilica of La Sagrada Familia

Plaza de Cataluña square

Spotify Camp Nou

Tips and recommendations

Worth knowing

If you are visiting Barcelona for the first time or you don’t have very long to see it, we recommend that you take a tour on the Barcelona Tourist Bus, the best way to see all the sights and places of interest. Here you can find a selection of the different tours and guided tours that you can do in the city. Some of the most popular excursions you can do from Barcelona are: Figueres and the Dalí Museum, Port Aventura and Ferrari Land (especially if you are travelling with children) or Montserrat and its famous monastery.

When to go on the trail

Two special dates for getting to know the city could for example be to coincide with two of its most popular festivities: Sant Jordi (23 April and Book Day) and La Mercé (the week of 24 September).

Healthy tour

If you want to keep fit, you can take this 10,000-step tour visiting the most iconic locations in the city.

Travel plans for inspiring you

Villages in Spain, near Barcelona, between the mountains and the sea

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The Perfect 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary (For 2023)

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Table of Contents

Ahh, Barcelona… this magical cosmopolitan city has so many amazing landmarks—if you ask a dozen people, they’ll probably each think of a different one. From gothic cathedrals to sandy beaches, the city is chock-full of stunning architecture, UNESCO World historical sites, and delightful nature. So, how can you fit it all into the perfect 2 day Barcelona itinerary?

Well, with everything Barcelona has to offer, it would take years to enjoy them all! But if you plan your trip well, you can fit a considerable amount of things into two days, so you can have a fantastic trip without running yourself ragged.

And lucky for you, I’ve already done all the planning for you! 

In this post, I will guide you through the perfect 2 day Barcelona itinerary, including transportation, costs, opening hours, and exclusive travel tips for Barcelona, so you can make the most out of your trip.

Without further ado, let’s begin: this is the perfect 2-day itinerary for Barcelona.

Summary of my 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary

First, here’s a little summary of my 2-day Barcelona itinerary:

Now, let’s get into the details. 

The Perfect 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary

La sagrada familia.

• Opening Hours : 9 am to 8 pm, Monday through Sunday.
• Cost : 26 or 27 euros for individuals (with either an app audio guide or a guided tour).
• Recommended Start Time : 9 am (avoid the crowds and get an early start!).
• Time estimate : 30-90 minutes (depending on the tour type & your pace) + optional terrace drink for 30-60 minutes.
• Website : https://sagradafamilia.org/en/

Imagine a work of architecture so grandiose, its creation started in 1882 and it still hasn’t been completed, 139 years later. Now stop imagining and get ready to be amazed, because that’s exactly where your Barcelona itinerary will start — at the Sagrada Familia. 

This architectural wonder was originally designed by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, according to the standard design for churches of his time. However, due to disagreements regarding the cost of materials, Villar was quickly replaced as head of the project by a budding young architect, Antoni Gaudí. 

Gaudí swiftly transformed the traditional church design into that of a modernist masterpiece that would soon tower majestically over the city. If you think the outside looks impressive, wait until you see the inside… check the photo below for a sneak peak.

If you’d like to avoid the crowds, purchase tickets in advance for the very first entry at 9 am.

Tip for Barcelona travel : If you want to gaze at this architectural gem throughout your entire Barcelona stay, consider booking a room at the Hotel Ayre Rosellón , where you’ll have a stunning view of the temple just 200 meters away; it’s definitely one of the most romantic places in Barcelona!

Alternatively, you can also just make a reservation on the rooftop terrace. Access is free, but you must buy a minimum of one drink, which you can enjoy on the terrace lounge chairs for up to 1.5 hours. Rest up, because you have lots more things to see in Barcelona!

Planning a trip to Portugal and wondering where to go? If so, read my article on the best beaches of Lagos !

Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

• Opening Hours : 9 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Sunday, with night tours from 8:40 pm to 10 pm.
• Cost : 24 to 31 euros, depending on the ticket type.
• Time Estimate : Approximately 90 minutes.
• Website : https://www.lapedrera.com/en

A 20-minute stroll down Carrer de Provença will take you from the Sagrada Familia to Casa Milà, another masterpiece by Gaudì. Unsurprisingly, most Barcelona walking tours include these top two destinations !

To avoid long queues and to save a little money, I recommend buying tickets online in advance. Fortunately, the premium tickets aren’t tied to a specific time, so you don’t have to rush your sightseeing!

You can choose from a selection of different self-guided or guided tours, which will teach you everything there is to know about the rooms and their design. But, if you want to make the most out of your trip, I recommend reading up on the history in advance.

Between the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà, there will be a lot of new information to absorb — and your tour has barely even started!

One of my best tips for traveling in Barcelona is to therefore familiarize yourself with the history of the places you’re visiting, to avoid fatigue from information overwhelm. That way, you can just let yourself relax and take in the incredible sights as you step foot inside them. 

This page is a great place to start, with a surprisingly funny backstory to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Casa Batlló

• Opening Hours : 9 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Sunday.
• Cost : 35 to 45 euros, depending on how flexible you want to be.
• Time Estimate : 75 minutes
• Website : https://www.casabatllo.es/en/visit/

As you can see, Day 1 is all about Gaudì, Gaudì, and nothing but Gaudì; it’s almost like we’re on a Barcelona Gaudi walking tour ! Needless to say, a Barcelona itinerary would be incomplete without admiring Gaudì’s best works .

But before you move onto his third masterpiece, let your eyes and mind rest from the explosion of colors and creativity you’ve already witnessed, and have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. I recommend the Eixample area (you certainly won’t lack for options!).

Next, you’ll turn onto Passeig de Gràcia and walk for about six minutes until you reach the stunning Casa Battló. 

This building was originally built in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortés, one of Gaudí’s architecture professors. Then it was purchased by a prominent businessman named Josep Batlló y Casanovas in 1903. Soon, the project was in the hands of Cortés’ most accomplished student. 

Gaudí was originally supposed to demolish and rebuild the house, but decided to reform it instead. The result is a mind-boggling array of curves and colors that manages to scream for your attention, even amidst dozens of other buildings that all vie to be the baddest and boldest on the block.

Your Barcelona itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this sumptuous home, which brings to mind theater masks and the inside of a seashell all at once. 

Tips for Barcelona travel : Tickets to Casa Batlló must be purchased for a specific time slot, so it’s best to book them in advance to ensure they’re not sold out. Give yourself enough time to eat lunch and travel between stops when booking — this itinerary is for a vacation, not a race, after all!

Montjuïc Hill

• Opening hours : Varies, based on what you’d like to see.
• Cost : Varies, based on what you’d like to see.
• Time estimate : 2-3 hours, based on what you’d like to see.

Your last stop of day 1 in Barcelona is Montjuïc — essentially, an enormous park sprawled over a hill. Your feet might be crying at the thought of schlepping up a hill after a busy day exploring the city, but remember, there are lots of options for getting around Barcelona comfortably. 

To get to Montjuïc, take the green L3 metro line to Parallel station, then switch to the FM metro line, operating between Parallel and Montjuic Park halfway up the hill. From here, you’ll be able to take the “teleferic” cable car.

It’s more expensive than a bus at 13.50 euros, but you’ll be able to admire a breathtaking view of Barcelona from the sky and get off at any of the three cable car stops, depending on what you’d like to visit.

Cable car tickets can be purchased here , and can be used anytime within 90 days of purchase. Just keep in mind that, depending on the season, this service can stop running as early as 6 pm, so be sure to arrive well in time to use your tickets!

Once at the hill, there are endless possibilities for things to do. You surely won’t be able to visit everything, so pick one or two things to focus on, to maximize your enjoyment!

One option is to get off at Castell Stop and do a one-hour guided tour of Montjuïc Castle for 9 euros. This will have to be booked for a specific time slot, so you’ll have to plan your evening well. 

From the same stop, you can take a stroll around the botanical gardens for 5 euros. They boast over 1000 species of flora, offering an oasis of calm to recharge your energy after a day packed with activities. But be aware that they may close quite early, depending on the season. 

Back down at the teleferic base station, the MNAC Museum has a marvelous modern art collection, which is yours to browse to your heart’s desire for an entry fee of 12 euros.

And even if you’re not an art buff or don’t make it in time before closing (which is 8 pm most days in the summer), the expansive gardens of Palau Nacional are still worth-visiting, with wonderful views of the city from above. 

Tapas and Flamenco/Cultural Shows

• Opening Hours : 12 pm-8 pm on Monday, 10 am-12 am Tuesday through Sunday.
• Cost : 14 euros entrance fee (but 11.20 euros if you purchase your reservation online in advance) + the additional costs of dinner.
• Time Estimate : However long you like, or until closing.

From the base of Montjuïc hill, you’re just a stone’s throw away from Poble Espanyol, the perfect place to unwind, grab some of the best tapas in Spain for dinner, and enjoy the rest of your evening. It’s only open until 8 pm on Mondays, but until midnight Tuesday to Thursday and 4 am Friday to Sunday, offering an endless supply of things to do in Barcelona at night .

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, there is always a concert, workshop, or exhibition going on here — you can search for activities on the dates you’re visiting on their official website . Poble Espanyol is also a great place to find things to do in Barcelona with kids, if you’re traveling with family. 

Wondering where else to go in Spain ? If so, I recommend exploring Seville! To learn more, click here to read my self-guided walking tour of Seville .

Tips for traveling to Barcelona : Many things on your itinerary for Barcelona require purchasing tickets, which can quickly add up. If you plan on visiting several attractions, see if there’s a discounted combined ticket available you can buy. You can save quite a bit of money this way; just plan your stops and purchase your tickets in advance!

Rise and shine, and welcome to day two of your 2 day Barcelona itinerary! According to Google, it only takes 36 minutes to walk from our first stop to our second-to-last stop of the day, but don’t be fooled — plan for this part of your Barcelona itinerary to take 4 to 6 hours, depending on how long you’d like to spend at each place.

To wrap up your second day, you’ll take public transport from Ciutadella Park up to Park Güell.

Gothic Quarter

• Opening Hours : None (outdoors)
• Cost : None
• Time Estimate : 1-2 hours

While it may not look particularly special on the map, the Gothic Quarter is filled with interesting architecture, including Roman remains and medieval landmarks. This is the oldest part of the city, and it actually used to constitute the entire city back in 15 BC, with a walled circumference of roughly 1.5 kilometers. 

Barcino, as the medieval city was called, has since grown into the second largest city in Spain , and one of the best cities to visit in Spain , but you can still explore the original “Barri Gotic” to admire several culturally significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Church of Santa Maria del Pi, Plaça Sant Jaume and Plaça del Rei, City Hall, Portal de l’Àngel, Basilica of La Mercè, and many more. 

Visiting the Gothic Quarter is arguably one of the most interesting free things to do in Barcelona, so make sure to set aside an hour (at the very least) to wander around these streets! There are also many free walking tours in Barcelona offered in this area, so plan your time well. And if you’re looking for great photo spots in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter offers some of Barcelona’s best Instagram shots !

Tips for Barcelona travel : Don’t underestimate the time it’ll take for you to explore a place! There are so many possibilities for things to do in Barcelona, so it’s much easier to fill up extra time if you’re ahead of schedule than it is to break your neck trying to make your next museum entry time!

La Boqueria

• Opening Hours : 8 am to 8:30 pm, Monday to Saturday.
• Cost : Depends on whatever you purchase.
• Time Estimate : 45-60 minutes
• Website : http://www.boqueria.barcelona/home

On its website, La Boqueria makes the bold claim of being “the best market in the world” — and they may be right. From morning till evening, six days a week, La Boqueria offers visitors every type of food and drink you could imagine.

This is the perfect place to load up on energy and grab a seafood or tapas platter at Bar Ramblero, huevos rotos at El Quim de La Boqueria, or traditional Catalan dishes at Bar Pinotxo. Needless to say, it’s one of the best things to do in Barcelona when it rains!

Perhaps the best testament to the quality of the food at La Boqueria is the fact that it’s not just a tourist trap, but tons of Barcelona locals do their shopping at this market (though most of them come first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds!).

• Cost : None (outdoors)

After exiting La Boqueria, you’ll already find yourself at the next stop on your Barcelona itinerary: La Rambla.

This 1.2 kilometre-long boulevard used to line the contours of the medieval city walls, and was a popular hangout spot for members of all social classes. Today, it remains a popular place for both locals and tourists to mingle. It’s also filled with street artists and performers, giving it a lively vibe.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is one of the best places to find things to buy in Barcelona!

But there’s more to do than just shopping. You can take a 15-minute walk down to the Columbus Monument and loop back up to Plaça Catalunya, admiring some of the best Spanish landmarks such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Palau de la Virreina en route. 

Passeig de Gràcia

• Cost : Free
• Time Estimate : Flexible, depending on how much time you have.

The year is 1860. The Cerdà Plan is approved by the Government of Madrid, granting Barcelona permission to expand passed its outer walls. Architects leap forward for work, and it isn’t long before the finest cafés, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, and homes line the new streets of Barcelona.

No street is better proof of Barcelona’s blossoming development than the Passeig de Gracia. It was once home to some of the wealthiest and most ambitious members of the Catalan bourgeoisie, all playing a game of “my architect is better than yours.” Today, you can admire the wacky wonders of their one-upmanship along this street. 

Passeig de Gracia is also a prime spot to go shopping, with a mile-long list of brands to choose from. You’ll already have seen some of these while moving between the stops on your first day, but now you have free reign to browse, explore, and find some of the best things to buy in Barcelona. But don’t stray too far, because your next stop is something you definitely won’t want to skip. 

Want to travel the world, but still a student? If so, read my guide on how to travel as a student !

Parc de la Ciutadella and the Arco de Triunfo

• Opening Hours : 10 am to 10:30 pm, Monday through Sunday.

Parc de la Ciutadella is not just a park — it’s also a waterfall, an outdoor art museum, and a lake. Built towards the end of the 19th century as part of Barcelona’s expansion, Parc de la Ciutadella was the first location specifically designed to be a public park.

With over 100 species of plants, a large number of 100-year-old trees, and fascinating works of art (including pieces by world-renowned artists), the Parc de la Ciutadella is absolutely delightful, and undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Barcelona for free!

For your Barcelona itinerary, you’ll enter the park at its Northern end, through the Arco de Triunfo. Now, take your time to wander around the expansive grounds! If you’re traveling Barcelona with kids, this is a great place for them to play to their hearts’ content.

• Opening Hours : 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, Monday through Sunday.
• Cost : 10 euros
• Website : https://parkguell.barcelona/en

Day 2 is coming to a close, but you still have one more stop! Although you might be feeling a little tired by now, your itinerary for Barcelona would not be complete without Park Güell. 

At the turn of the 20th century, Spanish entrepreneur Eusebi Güell bought a large property known as Muntanya Pelada (“bare mountain”), and wanted an architect to design an estate for wealthy families. And who could be better for that job than his favorite architect and friend, Antoni Gaudì? (It’s almost like he single-handedly designed half the landmarks in the city!).

The property would soon hold 60 plots connected by winding paths, viaducts, and steps, giving the residents access to their homes on the irregular landscape. Gaudì respected the plants that were already growing on the property in his design, and the city continues to care for the conservation of the park by regulating access and preventing tourist overcrowding. 

You can read all about the park and the history behind its creation on the Park Güell Official Website , but if you’ve had enough of reading, just head over on the L4 metro or bus V19, and let the sights speak for themselves. 

And That’s It for the Perfect 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary!

And there you have the entire 2 day Barcelona itinerary for a perfect weekend stay. I hope you can make good use of my Barcelona travel tips, and be sure to leave a comment to let me know how your trip went!

And of course, feel free to share any other Barcelona tips you might have picked up on your travels.  

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on a trip around Europe? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Around Europe
• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• My 5-Week Europe Itinerary
• The Minimalist Europe Fall Packing List for Women
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on Europe
• Click here for more posts on Spain
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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10D Barcelona Itinerary for First Timers — Road Trip Around the Best of Catalonia

This epic Barcelona itinerary goes beyond the city. Go skydiving in Girona, hiking in Montserrat, and see first-century Roman ruins in Tarragona!

Updated on 16 Feb 2022.

Like most first-timers to Spain, my knowledge of Catalonia was limited to its capital — Barcelona. I looked forward to seeing Gaudi’s works and eating lots of tapas.

But this trip proved there’s so much more to the region surrounding Barcelona. There are dormant volcanoes to hike into, quirky museums (from some of the most brilliant artists in the world) and even Game of Thrones filming locations!

For those unfamiliar with Catalonia, here’s a short introduction: Catalonia is made up of four regions — Barcelona , Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida.

Despite being part of Spain, Catalonia has its own flag, language, and traditions not found anywhere else in the country. Like the sport of building human towers (below), Castells!

Castells are under the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage list!

Good news for those hoping to visit as well; Singapore announced a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) with Spain ! Read on for our 10-day itinerary exploring Barcelona and surrounds.

Pre-trip Essentials

Photo credit: @angelacompagnone via Unsplash

COVID-19 related:

Entering Spain — You’ll need the following documents: 1) 48 hours pre-departure: Complete the Spain Travel Health Form to receive a QR code. You’ll need to present this upon arrival in Spain. 2) Before check-in: Download your Digital Vaccination Certificate via  Notarise .

Catalonia’s COVID-19 page here.

Returning to Singapore (Update as of 22 Feb 2022) — Travellers entering Singapore (citizens included) via the VTL are required to take a supervised ART within 24 hours of arrival.

Do check the latest VTL requirements when planning your trip.

Social distancing restrictions: Most facilities and events are back at 100% capacity. Face masks must be worn indoors and some outdoor locations such as amusement parks.

More pre-trip essentials below such as where to get data and a Google maps with all the locations pinned!

Barcelona and Surrounds Itinerary Overview

This 10-day Catalonia road trip itinerary covers highlights in the Barcelona, Tarragona, and Girona regions in a clockwise direction.

Day 1-3: Barcelona

We spent six weeks based in Barcelona as part of Airbnb’s Live Anywhere Program and still left feeling like there’s so much more left to see!

If you’re only in Barcelona for a few days, here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

La Sagrada Familia

No Barcelona itinerary would be complete without seeing the Sagrada Familia — Gaudí’s last and arguably greatest work. 40 years of his life was dedicated to building the Sagrada Familia, and his last 12 years were spent working solely on it up till his death in 1926.

The interior is unlike any other church. Our eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling — massive granite columns branching up to the sky. Gaudí’s main inspirations were nature and light and every detail in the church reflected that!

The church is still undergoing construction and was slated to be completed by 2026, but will most likely be delayed due to the pandemic. Entrance includes a detailed audio tour, but you can book guided tours (€49) as well.

Entrance fee: €26 , €24 for those under 30 years old — tickets can only be purchased online) Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM How to get there: Take the L2 or L5 metro line to Sagrada Familia station. Alternatively, take bus 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 or B24 and get off at the Sagrada Familia stop

Park Güell 

Park Güell is another Gaudí must-see in Barcelona. The most iconic part of the park is the Terrace, an excellent vantage point overlooking the city decorated with vibrant mosaic tiles!

The project was intended as a private estate for upper-class families in 1900, but was bought over by the City Council in 1922 due to the lack of interested buyers. No complaints there because Park Güell can now be enjoyed by everyone!

Other notable photo spots here include the Greek Theatre , Dragon Stairway , and Hypostyle Room .

Entrance fee: €10 (~S$15.43) — purchase online beforehand as there are time slots for entry Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5:30PM How to get there: Take the L3 metro line to Lesseps or Vallcarca stations and walk 20min from either station. Or, take bus H6 or D40 and walk 10 min.

Casa Batlló

Photo credit: @casabatllo via Instagram

Glimmering scaled-roofs and mask-shaped balconies; the exterior of Casa Batlló stands out like a sore thumb — in the best possible way. The interior is no less fascinating. For one, you’ll find no straight lines! Every door, window, and tile exudes character, creating Casa Batlló’s lively personality.

Entrance includes a free audio tour sharing the history of Casa Batlló and Gaudí’s inspirations while designing it.

Entrance fee: €35 (~S$54), free for children under 12 — tickets can be purchased online or in-person Opening hours: 9AM – 6:30PM (Tue – Thu), 9AM – 8PM (Fri – Mon) How to get there: Take the L2, L3 or L4 metro line to Passeig de Gràcia station or bus H10, V15, 7, 22 or 24 and walk 3min

Singapore has Orchard Road , Barcelona has La Rambla . This 1.2km-long street stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell at the coast. Beyond big brands like Primark and Zara, there’s also street artists and performers here!

*Pro-tip: Take your time to explore the side streets. There are loads of charming bakeries and vintage shops (See Carrer de Tallers street) in the area.

Opening hours: Most shops close by 9PM, but restaurants open till much later How to get there: Take L1 metro line to Catalunya (exit at the beginning of La Rambla at Plaza Catalunya) or L3 metro line to Liceu (exit in the middle of La Rambla)

La Boqueria Market

Boqueria Market isn’t just a colourful feast for the eyes. Salami and cheese bouquets, fresh fruits, and local pastries are some gems you’ll find! We enjoyed snacking on street food, but a highlight was stopping at one of the seafood bars for tapas.

We settled at Ramblero for some calamari, mussels, and grilled octopus. The bill came to €38 (~S$58), but verdict — we’d gladly return for more.

Spoiler — we actually did return. Couldn’t leave without trying their seafood platter (€60) 😂

*Pro-tip: Some stalls start closing around 4PM so it’s good to go earlier!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 8AM – 8:30PM (Mon – Sat, Closed on Sun)  How to get there: Take the L3 metro line to Liceu station. The entrance of La Boqueria is located on La Rambla

If you’d like to explore markets the locals frequent, Barcelona has 38 other food markets scattered all over the city! Just the Eixample district alone has a few — like Ninot Market , and Sant Antoni Market .

Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter , or Barrio Gothic, is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. It’s one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city — a labyrinth of bars, shops, and timeless architecture.

Walk the same streets as Picasso , who frequented the restaurant Els Quatre Gats as a young artist in the 1900s. It was here he held one of his first exhibitions! The Gothic Quarter is also home to Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, Can Culleretes  — a family-run eatery since 1786.

In the area, be sure to visit the Cathedral of Barcelona , the Bishop’s Bridge (first photo) and Plaça Reial (second photo).

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours How to get there: Take the L3 metro line to Liceu station. The Gothic Quarter is located opposite La Boqueria.

Hot Chocolate and Churros

Churros con chocolate (Churros with chocolate) is a must-try in Barcelona. And no, it’s not quite the hot chocolate you’re used to — more like pure, sinful melted chocolate to dip the churros in. There are many places selling this snack but one of our favourites was Churrería Laietana !

Cost: €1.70/serving (+ €2 for a cup of melted chocolate) Opening hours: 7AM – 1PM, 4:30PM – 8:30PM (Mon – Fri), 8AM – 1:30PM (Sun), Closed on Sat Address: Via Laietana, 46, 08003 Barcelona

Accommodation in Barcelona (3 Nights): Stay in the Exiample or Gothic Quarter area for easy access to the main attractions. Our Airbnb was located in Exiample and had several dining options nearby.

Read also: 16 Best Things to do in Barcelona Besides the La Sagrada Familia

Day 4: Tarragona

Rent a car in barcelona and drive to tarragona.

Distance: 97.6km  Drive time: 1h 13min

The first stop on this Catalonia road trip is Tarragona, a coastal city famous for well-preserved ancient Roman ruins. It was the first Roman stronghold in Spain, dating back to 218 BC.

Look up car rentals via doyouspain.com and opt to pick it up from Barcelona Sants (train station). We got a five-seater SUV with automatic transmission from OK Rent A Car at €153 (~S$236) for six days (excl. zero excess for insurance).

PortAventura World

PortAventura Park

Start the road trip on a high with a visit to PortAventura Park . This thrill-seeker’s paradise has 43 rides across six themed worlds so you won’t be able to cover them all in a day.

Our favourites were the big coasters like Furius Baco, Shambhala, Dragon Khan, and El Diablo. Despite the long estimated waiting times for the rides, we waited no more than 15 minutes for most of them.

Ferrari Land

Right next to PortAventura Park is another theme park — Ferrari Land , whose main attraction can be spotted from afar. The ride Red Force stands at an intimidating 112m and goes from 0 – 180km/hr in just five seconds. Ferrari Land is much smaller and can be covered in just half a day.

If we had to pick just one park, it’ll be PortAventura Park. It’s almost three times bigger, with a lot more rides.

Entrance fee: From €48 (PortAventura Park), from €20 Ferrari Land). Alternatively, pay €58 for both parks Opening hours: Varies Address: Av. Pere Molas, Km 2, 43840, Tarragona

Accommodation in Tarragona (1 Night): Our Airbnb was located right in front of Mercat De Tarragona (Tarragona’s Central Market) and just a 15-minute drive from the theme parks. Pick an Airbnb or hostel in the same area for easy access to the main landmarks.

Day 5: Tarragona to Montserrat

Spend the first half of the day exploring Tarragona before driving up to Montserrat. The main attractions are all located within walking distance of one another.

Tarragona Market

The Tarragona Market is the heart of the city. Despite being around since 1915, the inside is modern with minimalistic cast-iron columns. Fresh meat, veggies and cooked food are sold on the main floor, while the basement houses a large supermarket.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 8:30AM – 9PM (Mon – Sat, Closed on Sun) Address: Plaça de Corsini, 43001 Tarragona

Tarragona Amphitheatre

Along the coast lies Tarragona Amphitheatre , which has been around since the second century. This was the backdrop of bloody gladiator fights and public executions, witnessed by up to 14,000 spectators.

Besides the amphitheater, there are several Roman landmarks around Tarragona. Like the Roman Circus (above), which used to hold chariot races! A single attraction ticket costs €3.30. Alternatively, get bulk tickets to four Roman monuments and two noble houses for €11.05.

Entrance fee: From €3.30 Opening hours: Varies depending on the season Address: Parc de l’amfiteatre, s/n, 43003 Tarragona (Roman Amphitheatre)

Mediterranean Balcony

Just a two-minute walk from Tarragona Amphitheatre is the Mediterranean Balcony . Here you’ll get the best views of the Mediterranean ocean from Tarragona. According to legend, touching the railing brings good luck!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: Passeig de les Palmeres, s/n, 43004 Tarragona

Other landmarks in Tarragona include the Monument als Castellers sculpture and Plaça del Sadassos .

Las Ferreres Aqueduct

A 16-minute drive from the main city will take you to Les Ferreres Aqueduct , also known as Devil’s Bridge. This structure has been around since the first century A.D. and used to supply the city with water. These days, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk across the remaining 217-metre long stretch.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 43007 Tarragona

Lunch at El Celleret

For lunch, we recommend stopping by El Celleret — a highly-rated local restaurant surrounded by vineyards. It’s roughly a 40-minute drive from Les Ferreres Aqueduct. This establishment is run by the Torres family , a five-generation wine empire since 1870.

They have an a la carte menu , but we settled on the set lunch (€38/pax) which included five starters and two bottles of wine to share, plus a main and dessert each. Dishes feature commonly used ingredients from the area, like wild mushrooms, potatoes and grilled Iberian pork. 😋

El Celleret gets pretty packed, so call ahead to book a table.

Cost: From €15 for a main Opening hours: 1PM – 4PM (Wed – Mon), Closed on Tue Address: Finca el Maset, s/n, 08796 Pacs del Penedès, Barcelona

Drive to Montserrat from El Celleret

Distance: 54km  Drive time: 52min 

Escape the city and head to the jagged peaks of Montserrat ! Montserrat, or “serrated mountain” in Catalan, is one of Catalonia’s most famous landscapes. This can also be done as a day trip from Barcelona via train, so feel free to reshuffle the itinerary.

Montserrat Monastery and Escolonia Boy’s Choir

Founded over a thousand years ago, Montserrat Monastery is one of Catalonia’s most recognised landmarks.

End the night with a performance by Escolanía de Montserrat in the Montserrat Basilica. This prestigious all-boys choir is one of Europe’s oldest singing groups, with a history of over 700 years!

Entrance fee: Free Performance timings: Escolanía de Montserrat typically performs twice daily, in the afternoon and at night [ schedule ] Address: 08199 Montserrat, Barcelona

Accommodation at Montserrat (1 Night): Abat Oliba Hostel is conveniently located just beside the Abbey of Montserrat and offers both dorm beds and family rooms.

*Pro-tip: There are limited dining options at Montserrat. La Cafeteria is the most budget option but it closes early (4:30PM on weekdays, 6:30PM on weekends). Pack some food and snacks before driving up.

Day 6: Montserrat to Girona

A popular hike here is to the peak of Sant Jeroni and there are two ways up. You could start from the base which will take around six hours roundtrip. If you’re pressed for time, you can cut that journey in half by taking the Sant Joan Funicular up and hike the rest of the way.

Sant Joan Furnicular

Sant Joan Furnicular takes you from the lower station near the Abbey of Montserrat up to 1,000m above sea level.

If you’re hiking up, there’s a clearly marked path on the right side of Upper Sant Joan Station leading to the summit, Sant Jeroni.

Cost: €9.10 for a single journey , €14 for return Opening hours: Varies Address: 08293 Monestir de Montserrat, Barcelona

Hike up Montserrat’s Peak, Sant Jeroni

The path is well-marked and not too steep, so kids can take on this hike too. We even spotted mountain goats along the way!

It’ll take around 2.5hrs to get to Sant Jeroni (1,236m), but there are many viewpoints along the way so look out for those as well.

The last stretch includes a long flight of steps but trust us, the view at the top is worth it.

After that, either return to Sant Joan upper station and take the furnicular down or take an alternate hiking route to Montserrat Monastery.

If you’re opting for the latter, look out for a Y-junction on the way down from the peak. Take the path labelled “Pla dels Ocells” (where the hiker is standing). It’ll take roughly an hour from here to return to the Monastery.

Drive to Girona from Montserrat

Distance: 131km  Drive time: 1h 38min 

A 1.5-hour drive from Barcelona, most visitors just experience Girona Old Town as a day trip. But we suggest staying overnight to experience more of what Girona province has to offer!

Accommodation at Girona (3 Nights): Pick a hostel or Airbnb within Girona Old Town.

Day 7: Girona

Girona old town.

Start the day visiting the iconic colourful houses along the River Onyar — best viewed from Pont de Ferro , a bright red iron bridge built by Gustave Eiffel. The name should ring a bell; he’s the same architect who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris!

The Girona Cathedral is the city’s crown jewel. It was built between the 11th and 18th centuries and houses one of the world’s widest Gothic naves.

Fun fact: From the sixth season of Game of Thrones onwards, the crew stopped filming in Dubrovnik and used this church instead as the Great Sept of Baelor .

The Sant Marti Sacosta church is another GOT spot that shouldn’t be missed. The steps to the entrance are the same ones Arya Stark took when she was running from the Waif in Braavos !

Another great thing to do in Girona is walking along the 1.6km-long City Walls — no entrance fee! 🥳

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, opt for a GOT tour . The tour comes with an experienced guide who will introduce the prominent filming locations as well as the interesting history of Girona.

Girona Game of Thrones Walking Tour Cost: €30/pax Tour timings: 10:30AM and 3PM Meeting point: Plaça Sant Feliu, 08028 Barcelona

Local Cuisine in Girona

Rocambolesc Gelateria was set up by Girona local Jordi Roca , who was crowned “World’s Best Pastry Chef” in 2014!

Many dishes in Girona feature locally produced ingredients like mushrooms, meats, and wines — and the people here are really proud of their food scene.

Recommended eateries include Rocambolesc Gelateria (gourmet ice cream), Normal (traditional Catalan cuisine), Bubbles Gastrobar & Restaurant (signature tapas).

Day 8: Girona

Option 1: hot air balloon over la garrotxa.

An hour’s drive from Girona Old Town is the stunning volcanic region of Garrotxa . The area is known for medieval villages and a range of dormant volcanoes. We opted to start our morning on a high with the best view of La Garrotxa — from a hot air balloon!

Pink cava (sparkling wine) and local cake is served onboard!

The balloon ascends two meters per second, up to heights of 2,100m. But don’t worry, you’ll hardly notice as you’ll be completely transfixed with the view — there’s the Pyrenees and Montserrat on the horizon, and the Santa Margarida volcanic crater right at your feet.

Rides last between an hour to an hour and a half depending on wind conditions.

Celebrate another item ticked off the bucket list with a Catalan brunch — botifarra (a type of sausage), haricot beans, bread with tomato, and a salami platter. For drinks, there’s wine, coffee, tea, and a shot of ratafia (a local liquor, a really potent one).

Cost: €170 (Weekdays), €185 (Weekends and PH) Meet up time: 7:30AM Address: Afores, s/n, 17811 Santa Pau, Girona

Explore Surrounding Old Towns

Visit surrounding medieval villages like Santa Pau if you’ve got time to spare. It’s a good base to go on hikes around the area !

Option 2: Hike up at Santa Margarida

There’s also several hiking routes in the area for those who’d prefer to explore La Garrotxa on foot.

One of those we explored was the dormant Santa Margarida Volcano , famous for a lone hermitage built in the centre of the crater. Not much is known about the abandoned shack, other than it has a Roman origin.

There are various routes around here but the fastest would be to park at Santa Margarida Car Park . Parking is free and the entrance is clearly marked.

If you’re up for the challenge, there’s a 11km route (~4.5hrs) which also covers Croscat Volcano and Faeda d’en Jordà Forest.

Lunch at La Deu in Olot

Candied cod loin with sweet potato puree. Yum.

La Garrotxa’s rich fertile soil produces high-quality crops, and it’d be a sin to leave without trying some volcanic cuisine . We checked out Restaurant La Deu for lunch (a ~10min drive from Santa Margarida). It’s one of La Garrotxa’s oldest eateries, around since 1885!

The mains and desserts were yummy, but we were completely sold on the starters — mixed mushrooms and a creamy pumpkin soup with Garrotxa cheese.

Cost: From €23.95 for a set meal incl. a starter, main and dessert Opening hours: 10AM – 10:30PM (Mon – Sat), 10AM – 7PM (Sun) Address: Carretera de la Deu, s/n, 17800 Olot, Girona

Day 9: Figueres to Barcelona

Skydive empuriabrava.

Another way to take in the view from the top is at Skydive Empuriabrava ! Empuriabrava’s mix of ocean and mountain views make it a rewarding place to try skydiving — especially if it’s your first time, as it was for me.

After a safety briefing by experienced instructors, we were ushered onto a small aircraft. I’ll admit I was slightly (read: extremely ) nervous during the ascent to 4000m.

But once the light turned red and we exited the plane, I felt my fear leave as well. After a 30-second free fall to 1,500m, your shoot is deployed. Our instructors even let us try navigating the parachute! The whole experience was liberating — truly the best way to take in the views.

Cost: From €280 (top up required for photos and videos) Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM Address: Sector Aeroclub, s/n, 17487 Empuriabrava, Girona

Drive to Figueres from Skydive Empuriabrava

Distance: 15.3km Drive time: 21min

Lunch at Txot’s Sidreria in Figueres

Txot’s Sideria is great for tapas — there’s over 100 items listed on the menu . Order a couple to share!

Cost: ~€12/pax Opening hours: 12PM – 12:30AM Address: Avinguda de Salvador Dalí i Domènech, 114, 17600 Figueres, Girona

Dali Theatre-Museum

The Dali Theatre-Museum is the main reason why people visit Figueres . But even if you’ve got no clue who Dali is, this museum is worth a visit! Dali was an eccentric artist and his work is equally eccentric. For starters, the exterior is covered with eggs.

The inside is just as fascinating. Most art museums have a minimalistic layout with just one or two paintings per wall. Not the Dali Theatre-Museum — there’s art everywhere you look (ceilings included!).

Entrance fee: €14 (~S$21.62) Opening hours: 10:30AM – 6PM (Check the museum calendar before visiting as they close on certain dates) Address: Plaça Gala i Salvador Dalí, 5, 17600 Figueres, Girona

Drive to Barcelona from Figueres

Distance: 145.5km Drive time: 1hr 32min

After the Dali Theatre-Museum, drive back to Barcelona and return the car.

Accommodation in Barcelona (1 Night): Same as the first three nights.

Day 10: Barcelona and Flight Home

Visit other attractions like the Tibidabo Amusement Park , Mercat dels Encants (secondhand market) or Casa Mila before heading to Barcelona Airport.

There’s a shuttle bus service ( €5.90 one way ) to the airport from Placa Catalunya and Placa Espanya which departs every six minutes.

Bonus: Stay in a 13th-century Farmhouse

This 13th-century farmhouse on Airbnb was a little out of the way (1.5hr drive from Barcelona or 30min drive from Girona), but we loved it so much I just had to mention it.

Warm hospitality, beautifully decorated rooms, and adorable donkeys outside — this was a stay we won’t soon forget. If you can afford to extend your trip by one or two days, this is an experience worth including!

Tips for Planning Your Next Trip to Spain

Youthful, sexy, full of life and culture — that was my impression of Spain. After spending some time here, it’s still true.

Our 10-day road trip around Catalonia packed enough adventure to make up for the lack of travel for the past two years.

We got to tick off bucket list experiences like skydiving and taking a hot air balloon ride, visiting several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and eating loads of good food!

We knew we would love Spain before arriving but now it’s official — Spain is up there on our list of favourite destinations. Hoping to visit? Here are some pre-trip essentials:

Connectivity: A 12GB SIM card plan from Vodafone costs €10 (~S$15.45) and is valid for 30 days

Transport within Barcelona: The Hola Barcelona Travel Card includes unlimited rides on trams, buses and metros. Choose from 48, 72, 96 or 120 hour cards from €16 (~S$24.72). Alternatively, purchase pre-paid rides from the machines at metro stations. A single ride within zone 1 costs €2.40 but 10 rides cost €11.35 — useful if you’re planning to walk most of the time.

Language: Most locals can speak English, but prefer to speak Spanish or Catalan. It’ll be useful to learn basic Spanish before visiting. These few phrases should help you get by:

Google Map with pinned locations:

What are you looking forward to most on this Barcelona itinerary? Share with us in the comments!

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram  for more travel inspiration!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

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Hi, would you be able to share the breakdown cost of this trip in excel (if there is)?

Hi Jenn, unfortunately we did not prepare a breakdown of costs for this trip!

Hi, could I check for your car rental, is Ok rent a car same as Ok Mobility?

Yup it was!

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The 17 best things to do in Barcelona in 2024

Feb 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Here are Barcelona's unmissable experiences © Jordi Salas / Getty Images

Barcelona is Spain 's most visited city, and it's not hard to see why – the historic capital of Catalonia is packed with galleries, museums, attractions and an incredible food scene.

Set between the mountains and sea, the city is celebrated for its unique architecture , thriving nightlife and urban beaches . With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Start your travel to-do list now with our guide to the best things to do in Barcelona .

1. Visit the Sagrada Família

Almost every city has at least one landmark that you simply can’t miss, and the  Sagrada Família is Barcelona’s. Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent masterpiece has been under construction for more than 130 years, and it’s still not finished.

Far from a construction site, however, the church features two grand facades studded with intricate stone carvings, towers that gleam with gem-like tiles and an interior filled with tree-like columns soaring up toward the canopy ceiling. Construction work paused during the pandemic but has resumed and the building is expected to be completed in time for the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death in 2026.

Planning tip:  The Sagrada Família is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain, and it can get  very  busy. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning (it opens at 9am) on a weekday.

2. See more of Gaudí’s designs

The Sagrada Família may be the most famous of Gaudí’s buildings, but all his wonderful, whimsical designs are worth visiting. The most well known are  Casa Batlló , with its iridescent dragon-like scales and skull-and-bone-effect balconies, and  La Pedrera , with its undulating stone facade and fanciful chimneys. Some of his lesser-known but equally beautiful buildings include  Casa Vicens , the first house he ever designed;  Palau Güell , which he designed for his patron Eusebi Güell; and the  Torre Bellesguard .

3. Wander through the Gothic Quarter

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter ( Barri Gòtic ) is the oldest and most atmospheric part of the city. Characterized by small alleyways, hidden plazas and historic buildings, it lies to the east of La Rambla, the famous pedestrian street that runs through the center of the old town.

The neighborhood is scattered with century-old shops, small bars and charming cafes. Some highlights include the striking Plaça Reial, fringed by cafes and palm trees; Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the grand Palau de la Generalitat; and the impressive  La Catedral .

Planning tip:  Many parts of the Gothic Quarter are known for late-night bars and clubs that are still going well into the morning. Perfect if you want to dance until dawn, but not the best neighborhood to stay in if you're traveling with young kids or those who appreciate an early night.

4. Explore Barcelona's food markets

La Boqueria might be the most famous of Barcelona’s food markets, but each neighborhood has its own, and there are several excellent ones to choose from. La Boqueria is the oldest and one of the most atmospheric, but in recent years, more stalls have given over to things such as tropical fruit shakes and novelty candy rather than traditional produce.

For a more authentic vibe, visit the modern  Mercat de Santa Caterina with its multicolored wavy roof or the grand  Mercat de Sant Antoni  with 250 stalls.

5. Soak up the sun on Barcelona's city beaches

Whatever time of year you visit Barcelona , the beaches won’t disappoint. Even in winter, it can be sunny enough to sit outside and enjoy a meal at one of the seaside restaurants, while summer offers everything from sunbathing and swimming to water sports.

The city boasts a 5km (3-mile) stretch of coastline, home to nine different beaches. There’s  Sant Sebastià with its range of upscale restaurants, Somorrostro lined with hip nightclubs and Nova Icària with a watersports center and beach volleyball.

6. Venture up Montjuïc

Montjuïc is the green hill to the south of the city, home to the Olympic Park, as well as numerous museums and gardens. Rising from Plaza d’Espanya, you'll first see the grand sets of stairs and fountains cascading down from the magnificent palace housing the  Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya . Behind that is the huge Olympic Stadium and the rest of the Olympic Park. 

Planning tip:  The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya has a terrace that offers spectacular views of the city and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. The open-air bar means you can enjoy a few drinks while taking in the view.

Explore Montjuic effortlessly with  GetYourGuide . Book your tour today.

7. Snack on some tapas

When hunger pangs arrive in the afternoon or early evening, take advantage of the pre-dinner tapa. This means heading to the local favorite for a bite of anchovies, sausage, squid, wild mushrooms, roasted peppers or dozens of other tempting morsels. Wine, cava and beer all make fine accompaniments.

Planning tip: Many tapas spots are lively stand-around-the-bar affairs. When it's time for a change of scenery, barcelonins  make their way to dinner or just head to another tapas bar and skip the sit-down formality altogether.

8. Learn about an icon at the Museu Picasso

Picasso lived in Barcelona between the ages of 15 and 23, and elements of the city undoubtedly influenced his pieces, from the colorful but simply painted frescoes hanging in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya to the imaginative trencadís -style mosaics (pre-Cubist some say) of Gaudí. The Museu Picasso 's setting adds to the appeal, as do the buzzy, history-rich surrounding streets of El Born.

Explore Museu Picasso effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

9. Catch a game at Camp Nou

FC Barcelona plays a prominent role in the city's imagination. Heading to a football match at Camp Nou between September and May is the best way to catch a bit of Barcelona fever, but watching it on screen in a bar can be just as much fun, depending on the crowd. 

Planning tip: Even if you can't make it to a game, the interactive Barça Stadium Tour and Museum experience takes you through the locker rooms and onto the field, hallowed ground for many Catalans.

Transform your visit to Camp Nou by  booking with GetYourGuide.

10. Experience Barcelona's famous nightlife

A night in Barcelona holds limitless possibilities. Start with sunset drinks on a rooftop terrace or sink your heels into the sand at a rustic-chic beachside xiringuito . As darkness falls, the city transforms with buzzing squares and live music, and around midnight the bars fill up.

Pick from old-school taverns, plush lounges in lamp-lit medieval chambers, sleek cocktail dens, boisterous cava bars, basements churning out brassy jazz and more. If you're still standing at 3am, hit the clubs and keep going until dawn.

11. Spend an early morning on La Rambla

Sure, the leafy 1.2km (0.75-mile) pedestrian boulevard of  La Rambla  that stretches toward the sea is the most touristed spot in town – at times, you can barely push through the crowds. But pay a visit first thing in the morning and you'll see that beyond the souvenir shops and craft sellers, it's a pure sensory overload.

Open-air cafes, fragrant flower stands and a much-overlooked mosaic by Miró dot the pavement, while key venues line both sides of the street, including the elegant Gran Teatre del Liceu , the sprawling Mercat de la Boqueria and numerous galleries. Several other barris , such as El Poblenou, have their own attractive rambles , too.

12. Enjoy Catalan cuisine

Barcelona is a great foodie city, known throughout the world for its innovative chefs and creative cuisine. While you’ll find tapas bars everywhere, be sure to sample some local Catalan dishes, too.

Before you dine, join in l’hora del vermut at a typical vermouth bar, which pairs the fortified wine with bites of pickled anchovies and olives to whet the appetite. Follow it up with traditional Catalan dishes, such as botifarra amb mongetes (sausage with white beans), suquet de peix (fish stew), escalivada (roasted red peppers, onions and eggplant) and crema catalana (similar to crème brûlée). Sample the cuisine at  Casa Delfín .

13. Celebrate during festival time

Because Barcelona has a festival almost every other month, it won’t be hard to make your trip to the city coincide with one. There are the patron-saint festivals of Santa Eulalia and La Mercé in February and September, respectively, La Diada de Sant Jordi in April (when people give each other gifts of books and roses to celebrate St George) and the fire festival of St Joan in mid-June.

Some of the main features of Catalan festivals include the castellers  (human towers), huge parading giants and correfocs , where firework-wielding devils dance through the streets.

14. See a range of works at Fundació Joan Miró

Joan Miró, the city’s best-known 20th-century native son, bequeathed this art foundation to his hometown in 1971. The light-filled buildings are crammed with seminal works, from Miró’s timid early sketches to paintings from his last years.

15. Scope out examples of Modernista architecture

One of the things that makes Barcelona so charming is its Modernista architecture. An artistic movement that affected everything from literature and art to architecture, the Modernisme era lasted from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries.

You can identify these buildings by their bright colors, floral or botanical motifs, patterned tiles and curvy lines. Some of the best examples can be seen around the L'Eixample area, but you can also find them dotted all over the city. Besides Gaudí’s Modernista works, some of the best examples in the city are the  Palau de la Música Catalana and the  Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau , both designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

16. Explore up-and-coming El Poblenou

On the up is the formerly industrial neighborhood of El Poblenou, northeast of the center. Vacant warehouses are being reimagined as creative tech and design hubs, cafes, boutiques, bars and more.

17. Sip a drink at one of L'Eixample's rooftop bars

Admire Modernista marvels over a cocktail or vermouth. L'Eixample 's elegant streets conceal an array of hidden-away, view-laden open-air bars and cafes beloved by barcelonins , many of them within swish hotels but open to all. 

This article was first published Feb 27, 2020 and updated Feb 12, 2024.

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3 Days in Barcelona: Plan the Perfect 3 Day Itinerary (2024)

A 3 day Barcelona itinerary is enough for a solid getaway, but you gotta come in with a plan.

That’s why I’m here to help you plan three days in Barcelona, in the most time-efficient way possible.

I’m not only gonna tell you what to do in Barcelona in 3 days, but help you live like a local while you’re doing it.

How I Planned This Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary

Unlike other blogs out there, I’ve actually lived in Barcelona for over a decade – so find myself in a unique position to help you craft itineraries from scratch.

That said, this is only how I’d plan 3 perfect days in Barcelona, according to my needs.

If you need any custom advice just write me below.

What I’ve done here is try to optimize your three days avoiding unnecessary metro rides and city backtracking .

I’ve also tried to line you up to live the city the way locals do : late lunches, afternoon siestas, and evening sightseeing paired with late dinners.

All while slotting in the best things to do in Barcelona .

Let’s go!

3 Days in Barcelona: Day 1

Forget three days in Barcelona: if you had just a single hour in Barcelona, the world-famous Sagrada Familia  would be the only stop.

This art nouveau basilica  is called ‘the most extraordinary interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages’. The UNESCO World Heritage Site receives 4.5 million annual visitors .

The way Catalan wonder architect Antoni Gaudi depicts the energy of new life on the Nativity Façade and the cruelty of death on the Passion Façade is great pause for reflection.

The best Sagrada Familia guided tours are a great place to start

Casa Batllò

On Barcelona’s second most famous street (Passeig de Gracia) we get into the heart of the Ruta del Modernisme .

The showcase piece is the beautifully eccentric mansion by Antoni Gaudi called  Casa Batllo , and it’s another must for 3 days in Barcelona.

Stand outside and appreciate the building’s visceral, skeletal qualities . The colourful mosaic facade was crafted using broken tea cups from local factories.

Inside we get a great insight into the mind of a genius. Gaudi designed the ergonomic house inch by inch right down to the doorknobs.

Admission includes an augmented reality tour, the Gaudi Cube, and a visit to the dragon’s back roof terrace .

Lunch Near Casa Batllo

Honestly, we’re in tourist trap hell here so we’re going to have to dodge some bullets.

Right up the street from Casa Batllo though is El Nacional . This multi-zone culinary space serves traditional recipes from nearly every region in Spain. It’s also got a wine bar, cocktail bar, and oyster bar.

Fish lovers also can’t go wrong at Chao Pescao . Here chefs cook fresh fish that you’ve selected yourself from a Barcelona market counter. I never go solo here – get some local Blanc Pescador white wine.

🥘 Looking for food + history + wine + fun? Take one of Barcelona’s best food tours .

La Pedrera (aka Casa Milà)

You’ll barely even have started to digest lunch before my Barcelona itinerary offers another jewel of the city’s architectural crown.

La Pedrera is another Gaudi work (surprise, surprise) and it is arguably his best. It’s just a short five minute walk from Casa Batllo.

⚠️  Warning ⚠️ : Barcelona’s top two attractions must now be booked in advance .

You can book fast track tickets to both individually or get them as part of a discount pass:

• ⛪ Buy now:  Sagrada Familia Fast Track Admission (skip the lines)
• 🏞️ Buy now:  Park Guell Fast Track Admission  (skip the lines)
• 🎟️  Buy now: Best of Barcelona Bundle (Sagrada + Park Guell + 10% discount code for all else)

You will not be able to book these tickets on site – lock in your tickets ASAP or you could miss out.

This wobbling limestone apartment block is best known for its ‘Garden of Warriors’ rooftop. Getting a photo of yourself and the haunting chimneys standing on guard is another must do.

The Casa Mila apartment itself is a great way to see how upper class families lived in central Barcelona at the turn of last century.

Casa Vicens

Heading further up Passeig de Gracia you’ll find the neighbourhood of Gracia for one of Barcelona’s most underrated attractions: the newly minted Gaudi gem Casa Vicens .

This summer chalet mansion with its lush garden is more fairy tale than home and at less than half the price of its contemporaries it offers a tremendous amount of value for both Gaudi fanatics and budget travelers.

If you’re not planning on visiting Casa Batllo or La Pedrera then this would be the best way to experience Gaudi’s home architecture expertise up close.

Grab a Paella Dinner

You’ve only got 3 days in Barcelona so make your dinner choices wisely.

Of course, if you’re visiting Barcelona let me know where you’re staying and I’ll recommend you some of the best restaurants in Barcelona near your hotel.

In general, there are tons of options but a great Spanish introduction to the city is via a paella tasting menu at Bodega Joan . Other great restaurants near our Barcelona attractions for day one include Lasarte and Can Boneta .

What to See in Barcelona in 3 Days – Day 2

Barcelona’s best breakfast.

In winter we’re starting the day with breakfast in Barcelona city center eating delicious churros con chocolate on historic Petrixol Street .

If it’s summer we’re heading to the even more historic La Boqueria Market for fruit smoothies and  tostadas. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more savory then Boqueria Market’s Bar Pinotxo has a classic breakfast here with blood sausage and garbanzo beans.

🚲 Wanna see more in less time? Consider taking one of the best bike tours in Barcelona .

Las Ramblas

When speaking of Las Ramblas , the famous Spanish poet Federico García Lorca once said “it’s the only street I wish would never end”.

Of course, Las Ramblas may have lost the shine of yesteryear (mass tourism has added its share of Dunkin’ Donuts) but it’s still Barcelona’s most famous street .

In particular, we should be looking at the street performers at the bottom the street. La Boqueria Market is also a must, and it’s a great place to pop in some some classic Iberian ham or a cheap fruit smoothie.

🏙️ Wanna see a lot more of the city? Consider booking one of the best Barcelona city tours .

The Secrets of the Old City: Gothic Quarter Tour

I also suggest immersing yourself in Barcelona’s rich history , current political landscape, and future prospects with a 2.5-hour tour of the Gothic Quarter led by expert guides.

These walking tours are conducted by top-notch professionals who masterfully blend education and entertainment , revealing the secrets of La Rambla, Boqueria Market, Barcelona Cathedral , Plaça Sant Felipe Neri, Augustus Temple, the Jewish Quarter (El Call), and beyond.

Along the way, you’ll discover a favorite spot of Picasso, indulge in one of Barcelona’s most delightful snack locations, and marvel at abundant street art.

🧑‍🎨 Want more of Gaudi? Unlock his masterpieces with the top Gaudi tours in Barcelona .

Traditional Spanish Lunch

It’s 12:30.

The walking tour ends in the heart of the Ciutat Vella (Old City) so we’ve got some options: if you wanna be quick it’s the bite-sized toothpick tapas at El Pintxo del Petrixol .

According to a Catalan friend it’s ‘the only restaurant near La Rambla that doesn’t serve garbage’.

Another option for more of an elaborate Spanish meal is La Fonda which is a great place to get some of the best paella in Barcelona at outskirts prices.

When asked what to do in Barcelona for 3 days I’d put Park Guell in must-see territory. It’s the city’s most beautiful park .

We take bus 24 from Passeig de Gracia and 30-40 minutes later we’re left at the gates. We could also take the yellow Barcelona metro line to Alfons X and walk 15 minutes.

Our reward at the end is Antoni Gaudi’s utopian park vision, which its gingerbread-like porter’s house and famous mosaic salamander. It’s here that you’ll get a fantastic panoramic view of the city

It’ll take 90-120 minutes depending on how much of the Free Zone we care to see.

Barcelona’s Most Famous Aperitivo

For any tourist doing Barcelona in 3 days this is that when in Rome moment.

In particular your travel tipple should involve either a vermut (vermouth, a fortified and spiced wine) or una caña (a small, refreshing glass of beer).

This is best done in nearby Gracia’s charming squares: especially Plaça del Sol .

In particular, I’d go to the bar Sol Soler (one of my Barcelona hidden gems ) as they have a massive terrace to soak up the sun.

Casa Lopez is another great option if you’d like to fit in some homemade tapas.

Both are just a 15-20 minute downhill walk from the park.

🍷 Want to sample the best local wines ? Book one of Barcelona’s best wine tours from €30.00.

Modern Spanish for Dinner

You’re likely staying central and will have to ninja your way around a ton of tourist traps – but luckily I’ve found the only authentic restaurant on La Rambla : El Louro .

Spanish tapas classics are given a modern twist here and mains like the Galician beef filet and crunchy octopus are to die for. The kicker? They make some of the best original cocktails in the city.

A Night Out for Drinks

Barcelona’s best bars offer a little bit of everything, though if you visit Barcelona you’ll probably want something unique.

For this reason I suggest the high-end cocktails at Dry Martini – it has actually been voted the 6th best bar in the world – and it’s one of my best things to do at night in Barcelona .

As for clubbing? Of course I’m going to suggest you read my post on the best clubs in Barcelona .

My first choice would be Razzmatazz , a massive five room club. Each room plays a different type of urban music: hip hop, house, dancehall, R&B, reggaeton, and even some rock

The second choice is Sala Apolo , a former theater that’s been transformed into one of Barcelona’s most famous clubs.

What to Do in Barcelona Spain for 3 Days – Day 3

Sleeping in.

Part of us came on holiday to relax, am I right? So here’s where you can chill on your 3 days in Barcelona.

Let’s roll out of bed at 10:00 am.

On day three of our itinerary we’re grabbing a quick breakfast like a Barcelona local : heading downstairs, finding the closest cafe, and getting a croissant and cortado (a coffee with a splash of milk).

Slow and steady will be the game today.

Shopping or Camp Nou?

We’ve got two choices now and I’ll leave it up to you, my distinguished guests.

There’s tons of world-class shopping in Barcelona city center. The largest shopping areas are Passeig de Gracia, Plaça de Catalunya , Las Ramblas and Portal del Angel. Here you can great some of the best Barcelona souvenirs too.

If we’re allergic to shopping (I really am!) we really have to ask ourselves what Barcelona itinerary wouldn’t include a tour of historic Camp Nou stadium  – home of that little squad called FC Barcelona .

From Plaça Catalunya we get there in 15 minutes with the green metro line getting off at Les Corts.

Beach at La Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a great neighborhood to explore inner alleyways where elderly residents sit outside playing cards while young people gather to socialize in kitschy bars.

It’s one of the best beaches in Barcelona . For the early afternoon (like locals) you’ll want to work on that tan – the cleanest waters for a summertime dipa re in the corner near the W Hotel (the sail shaped-one).

After, we can’t stop by without saying hello to Mrs. Leo, a little spark-plug of a woman in her 70’s who owns a bar where on weekend afternoons Andalusian Barcelona flamenco and live Spanish guitar is the name of the game!

Bar Leo is at 34 Carrer Sant Carles .

Related : How Many Days Should I Stay in Barcelona?

Sunday Lunch

We’re getting really local now by having a late lunch (around 3:00 pm) and for this I’d recommend going for quality tapas at Bitacora – at the back of the restaurant there’s a cool little terrace.

There’s also the ridiculously cheap wine bar La Champagneria . We also can’t miss the minuscule fried fish restaurant  Can Maño .

All places are fifteen minutes or less walking from the beach.

Looking for something closer to home? One of Barcelona’s best burgers is just what the doctor ordered. Kiosko Burger is a great place to start and it’s no tourist sin! Get the one with traditional manchego cheese.

We get to Montjuic Hill by taking the Port Cable Car from Barceloneta or the Montjuic Cable Car from further down the hill.

At the top of Barcelona’s tallest hill we find the Montjuic Castle with its majestic view of the harbour, the Miro Foundation, the ’92 Olympic Stadiums and the botanical garden.

There’s also the option to experience the fantastic open-air architecture museum Poble Espanyol (ironically, Barcelona architecture is nowhere to be found!)

The Magic Fountain

This beautiful fountain of towering water sprays to the rhythm of contemporary music – the view of Plaça Espanya is really something!

We find the fountain a short fifteen minute walk away at the foot of Montjuic. Make sure to check the Barcelona Magic Fountain show schedule first.

We’re looking to keep it local for the third night so we hit up Can Margarit for some authentic Catalan fare . Here it’s all about rustic charm, cask wines, rabbit, squid, and cod.

For 3 days in Barcelona, you should be able to spoil yourself a bit: try Mano Rota , an inventive Peruvian-Japanese fusion spot that’s earned a Michelin star.

Looking for something a little cheaper?

Head for the street called Calle Blai and its endless supply of one euro tapas and beer bars. I recommend  La Tasqueta de Blai .

After Dinner

In the Gotico area we’ll head to Manu Chao’s bar. This incredibly eclectic French singer who sings in 7 languages sometimes shows up to play guitar.

The bar is called Mariachi . Of course, I’ve been a little pushy with my ideas haven’t I? We’d actually be good going to any of Barcelona’s best bars .

That’s 3 perfect days in Barcelona down!

Related : Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary – Honourable Mentions

Tibidabo Mountain

Tibidabo Mountain ( I will give you in Latin) is a 3 in 1: a basilica with a gigantic statue of Christ, the highest panoramic view of the city, and a 25-ride retro theme park . The latter is truly unique for the antique rides like the airplane one from 1928.

This is a must for Barcelona travelers with kids .

You can get there in 45 minutes from the Estacio del Nord with bus T2A.

If you don’t feel like the long bus ride we can just as easily spend a few hours in centrally-located Ciutadella Park . Parc de la Ciutadella is the city’s largest green space, has a zoo, and is famous for a lake where you can rent rowboats.

Despite its history of medieval jousting, the Born District is an area full of unique bars and boutique shops .

You can’t walk through without seeing Barcelona’s second Gothic behemoth: La Santa Maria del Mar . What I like about the Santa Maria del Mar is that it’s one of the best free things to do in Barcelona .

We could also check out the more than 4000 pieces at the Picasso Museum .

Tapas Lunch in a Square

When you get hungry fill yourself up at one of my favourite El Born tapas spots: Bormuth .

I mentioned it before, but if you’re up for a drink you should be drinking vermouth on your itinerary.

This a red or white aromatized wine is a massive part of Barcelona’s drinking culture. They pair perfectly at Bormuth with patatas bravas (pictured), a type of potato wedge tapa with spicy sauce.

Even better? Out here you get your first experience of true Barcelona square culture . Watching the world go by in Plaça Comercial is another Barcelona past time to check off on your list.

For those a little more rough and ready I suggest we go for a 20 minute walk to get to the ‘gentrified gem’ El Raval .

There are tons of good value bars and ethnically diverse eateries here – if you’ve skipped my tapas advice above there’s no shame getting a €5.00 curry lunch on the fly at Bismillah ( Carrer Joaquin Costa 22 ).

Then you can round out the afternoon going to one of my favourite contemporary museums: MACBA (the modern art museum) or the CCCB (a contemporary culture museum).

Another can’t miss in this area is the enormous bronze cat sculpture ( El Gat ) by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

We round out the evening taking in a show of not only one of the most popular art forms in Spain, but the entire world.

The Barcelona flamenco shows at the Patio Andaluz have been known to bring guests to tears, and you’ll find out if you’re one of them watching the intricate dances , passionate yelps, and spirited guitar rhythms.

Shows run daily at 7:45, 9:45, and 10:10 and can include drinks and dinner.

Looking for a plan b? If you book your flamenco show at Tablao Carmen it includes free entrance to Poble Espanyol : Barcelona’s open air architecture museum.

Not feeling three days in Barcelona anymore? 🤯

Check out my other Barcelona itineraries to help you find that budget/time sweet spot:

• 1️⃣ Barcelona in One Day : great layover and short in/out trip that wastes no time
• 2️⃣ Barcelona in a Weekend : dust off the city’s best sights in a pair of days
• 4️⃣ Barcelona in 4 Days : business trips or real Barcelona lovers!
• 7️⃣ Barcelona in 7 Days : spending a week in Europe’s best city

Barcelona Three Day Itinerary Map

A good part of any Barcelona 72 hour itinerary is a map with all the attractions.

Here you’ll see how I’ve bunched them all together for your Barcelona public transport convenience and to make sure you don’t go more than a small time without some good food and a drink.

What to Visit in Barcelona in 3 Days FAQ

Three days in Barcelona is more than enough time to see the city’s major attractions. You can also see secondary attractions, go to the beach, and sample the city’s best food.

In three days in Barcelona, visit the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, stroll along Las Ramblas, and explore the Gothic Quarter for a well-rounded experience.

For three days in Barcelona, budget around €150-€200 for meals, attractions, and transport. This varies with dining choices, shopping, and selected experiences.

To best see Barcelona in three days, use the hop-on-hop-off bus tour for quick access to major sites, and consider guided tours for deeper insights.

Must-sees in Barcelona in three days include the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the Picasso Museum, and a walk through the Gothic Quarter and along the city’s beaches.

Planning a Barcelona Spain 3 Day Itinerary?

That’s Barcelona in 3 days – with an extra bonus day for your troubles.

That said, if you’re missing that special something that would really tie all of this together please get a hold of me in the comments below for custom advice.

Also, don’t be afraid to join the 3 days in Barcelona itinerary discussion by joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with almost 10,000 Barcelona travelers.

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• July 4, 2023 at 2:28 am Mary Andersen We are planning a trip in May 2024--3 days. We need a plan for disability transportation and to know if the sites we want to see are reasonable (Probably a mobile wheelchair for one of us). Holy Family Church and Montjuic--the Art Museum; possibly the nighttime sites from the funicular? Thank you Reply
• February 27, 2020 at 11:10 am Lucile To be honest, according to your current itinerary, I'm not sure the City Pass worth it... It only worth it if you use the 20% discount online at least 2/3 times, moreover I'm not sure you would have time to use the Bus Turistic included in this pass? Hola BCN cards make sense if you plan to move around only by public transports. You can have a 10% discount buying it on our shop ;) About the sea view, maybe your other option Xiringuito Escribà could still be a good idea if you go direct when it opens at 12:00. After that you can take a taxi to reach the Aerobus if needed ;) Cheers, Lucile Reply

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This month in Barcelona

Mahou Rock & Grill at Poble Espanyol

08/01/2024 - 08/31/2024 | Summer Nights , Music

The 90's Queens' Nights at Poble Espanyol

08/02/2024 - 08/30/2024 | Summer Nights , Music

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08/04/2024 - 09/01/2024 | Music , Summer Nights

Gràcia Festival

08/15/2024 - 08/21/2024 | Popular festivals and traditions , Summer in Barcelona

Race Village

08/22/2024 - 10/20/2024 | Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup Barcelona , Festivals

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08/20/2024 - 08/25/2024 | Main Events 2024 , Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup Barcelona

08/28/2024 | Concerts

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Pantersports

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Barcelona throughout the year

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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Barcelona?

Get inspired for your trip to Barcelona with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• 2-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• 4-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• 5-Day Barcelona Itinerary

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• Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The Barcelona Bus Turístic is the city’s official sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. It offers guests three lines and numerous stops to climb off and discover the city's top sights. 

Visitors will be able to discover the city on this comfortable bus and stop at any of Barcelona’s top attractions and museums . It offers three different routes that visitors can take with the same ticket.

Like other hop-on, hop-off buses in Barcelona, the Bus Turístic has a fleet of roofless double-decker buses , it includes an audio guide in various languages and you can get off and back on as many times as you want.

Although there are several other companies that offer similar services in Barcelona, we’ll concentrate only on the Bus Turístic , since we consider it offers the best routes and timetable.

Itineraries

The same ticket is valid for the company’s three different routes . The red route and the blue route take approximately two hours to complete , while the green route only takes 40 minutes .

The red route stops at the following tourist attractions and museums: Barcelona Sants railway station , Creu Coberta, CaixaForum – Pavelló Mies van der Rohe, Plaça d’Espanya, Poble Espanyol, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Anella Olímpica, Fundació Joan Miró, Montjuïc Cable Car, Miramar, Museu Marítim, World Trade Center , Port Vell, Museu d’Història de Catalunya, Port Olímpic, Bogatell Beach, Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona Zoo, Pla de Palau, Gothic Quarter, Plaça de Catalunya, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, La Pedrera and La Diagonal .

Green Route

The green route stops at the Forum Building, Parc Diagonal Mar, Poblenou, Bogatell Beach, Port Olímpic, and Poblenou Cemetery.

The blue route stops in Barcelona’s following landmarks: Monastery of Pedrables, Güell Pavilions, Camp Nou, Diagonal , Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Plaça Catalunya, Fundació Antoni Tàpies, La Pedrera, Sagrada Familia, Gracia neighborhood, Park Güell, Blue Tram-Tibidabo and Sarriá.

All routes depart at  9 am  and the last departures leave at 7 pm . The buses come approximately every 20 minutes. Depending on the season, the bus frequency varies, between 5 and 25 minutes.

The blue and red lines run every day all year round and the green route only runs between 15 April and 25 September .

Where to buy tickets?

If you don't want to waste a single second of your holidays, we recommend you book your tickets directly online via the following link: 

Night Tour Bus

It's always a magical experience to explore a city at night-time   when it's beautifully lit up and serene. The Bus Turístic organizes a unique night bus ride from June to September and it drives past Barcelona’s most emblematic landmarks all lit up.

The night bus service leaves from Plaça Catalunya at 9:30 pm and the tour lasts 2.5 hours .

A ticket for an adult is € 20 ( US$ 22.20)  and for children from 4 to 12 years old is € 10 ( US$ 11.10) .

You may also be interested in

Boat cruises.

The Golondrinas are tourist boats that cruise along the charming coastline of Barcelona. A different way to explore Barcelona. 

Despite the fact that taxis are an expensive means of transportation, it is true that sometimes they are the fastest and most comfortable way of getting around a city, especially if you are burdened with luggage or are out late at night.  

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Barcelona Bus Turístic

The official tourist bus tour of Barcelona offers two routes for you to discover the most iconic places, monuments and attractions of the city the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Pedrera, Camp Nou, La Rambla, Montjuïc and lots more besides.

Barcelona Bus Turístic: the official city tour

A sightseeing tour on the open-top double-decker Barcelona tourist bus, with the option of hopping off, looking around, hopping back on and staying on the same route or changing to a different one at a transfer point. As many times as you like.

• Double-decker bus with panoramic view.
• Audio guide in 16 languages.
• Discounts on leisure and cultural activities and museums in the city.
• Free Wi-Fi .

Barcelona bus tour tickets

Discounts and special prices for children.

Buy your tickets online in advance. You’ll benefit from a 10% discount when you buy your tickets from Hola Barcelona , the official TMB store.

More information on the Barcelona Bus Turístic

You can find more detailed information on this service on the Barcelona Bus Turístic website.

Barcelona Bus Turístic video

The original and official tourist bus in the city since 1987.

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• The Most Scenic Walking Routes...

The Most Scenic Walking Routes in Barcelona

Walking is often one of the best ways to explore a destination, and just because you’re in a city doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good stroll. These urban trails all offer something unique, from sweeping views of the city to a tour of its finest architecture.

The passeig de gràcia.

If you’re a fan of urban walks and don’t mind having to share the pevement, then the Passeig de Gràcia is a great urban walk. Starting from the Plaça de Catalunya and stretching to the limits of the neighbourhood of Gràcia , this street is home to some of the most famous and impressive buildings in the city, such as the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Measuring 1.3 kilometres (0.8 miles) in length, walking up one pavement and down the other means you get to enjoy the views on both sides.

Difficulty: easy

The Carretera de les Aigües

The Carretera de les Aigües is one of Barcelona’s most popular inner-city hiking trails, as it combines both the feeling of the great outdoors with some pretty epic views. The trail runs along Tibidabo Mountain on the outskirts of the city, however it’s entirely flat – in fact, it got its name, ‘Road of the Waters’, from the water pipes that used to run along it. The trail is nine kilometres (5.5 miles) long and stands some 450 metres (1,500 feet) above sea level, offering exceptional panoramic views of the city and sea. To get there, you’ll need to walk uphill from Vallcarca or get a taxi to the beginning of the trail.

Difficulty: moderate

Montjuïc Castle

Located at the summit of Montjuïc Hill, the castle has been around in some shape or form since the Early Middle Ages. To get to Montjuïc Castle , you can start at the bottom of the hill, which would make for a lengthy walk with a climb, or alternatively get the number 150 bus that takes you just beneath the entrance. From there you can complete a scenic tour of the castle, with views of the port and airport. Try to time your walk with the opening hours of the outdoor bar, La Caseta del Migdia , round the back of the castle

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The boardwalks and beachfront

Of course, one of the most scenic walks you can enjoy in Barcelona is the long boardwalk stroll from the tip of the Barceloneta to the Llevant Beach by the Poblenou neighbourhood . Along the way you’ll pass iconic architecture, such as the W Hotel, Arts Hotel and Mapfre building, as well as public art installations like Frank Gehry’s Golden Fish . Of course, you also have the Mediterranean to gaze at the whole time…

The Grec, Laribal and Joan Maragall gardens

Starting in the neighbourhood of Poble Sec , walk up Passeig de l’Exposició and you’ll come across the entrance to the Jardins del Teatre Grec, so named after the open-air theatre carved into the rock and modelled on an ancient Greek amphitheatre. After taking a minute to sit and admire the surroundings, climb the stunning Generalife Stairs – bordered by trickling waterfalls – to arrive at the Laribal Garden. Finish off with a stroll through the Joan Maragall Garden, which extends behind the National Palace of Catalonia and is home to a number of statues, garden features and waterfalls.

Parc Fòrum and the Besòs river

If you want to explore a different side to Barcelona, head to the Parc Fòrum and the shores of the Besòs River. Long the industrial heart of the city, the area is home to a mix of abandoned factories, converted warehouses and contemporary architecture. The giant solar panel is perhaps the Parc Fòrum’s most iconic feature, but the Science Museum building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is equally noteworthy. Continuing away from the city, you’ll arrive at the shores of the Besòs River, home to a rather diverse flora and fauna. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even venture over the bridge into the seaside town of Badalona .

The Park Güell

If these days the Park Güell is seen more of as an architectural attraction – and indeed part of it is cordoned off and charges an entrance fee – a large part of the park is open to the public and free to explore. What’s more, you’ll be able to admire some of the most famous features of the park, albeit from a distance. Afterwards, follow the paths (designed by Gaudí of course) to the heights of the park and admire the views of the city. There’s even a continuation of the park that hasn’t been developed, down the back of the hill on the far side.

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I've lived in Catalonia for 8 years. There are 5 things tourists should know before traveling to this part of Spain.

• Nicola Prentis moved from Madrid to Catalonia 8 years ago with her then-partner and young son.
• When she struggles to speak Catalan, she finds locals prefer switching to English than Spanish.
• Food, traditions, and wine are all different from other parts of Spain.

If your idea of Spain is eating paella, dancing flamenco, and improving your Spanish, Catalonia might surprise you .

Even those who have visited the regional capital, Barcelona , might have missed what makes Spain's second most populated region different from the rest of the country.

I wasn't prepared when, in 2016, I moved to Catalonia from Madrid with my then-partner and our 18-month-old son. As foreigners in Spain , Madrid was getting expensive, and we were thinking about a second baby. The greenery and clean air of Girona appealed as much as the lower rent we found on a two-bedroom apartment at that time.

We moved two months later, but it took me a while to realize that we hadn't just left Madrid. In many ways, we'd left Spain.

1. The main language in Catalonia is Catalan

Although Spanish is the most common language and almost everyone is bilingual, Catalan is the main language outside Barcelona.

Related stories

Some Catalan words are the same or close enough to Spanish, for example, "hola" is still "hola" while "adiós" is "adéu" (ad-ay-oo). But you'd never guess others, like strawberry is "fresa" in Spanish but "maduixa" (mad-oo-sha) in Catalan.

Living here, you're expected to speak Catalan, though many foreigners don't. Now, as a single mom of two boys, my children have only two hours a week of Spanish instruction in school, and the default for all school communication with parents is Catalan. I regularly have hybrid conversations with other parents where I speak Spanish, and they respond in Catalan. Luckily, I can follow the majority of the conversation. But if I get lost, they'd usually rather switch to English than Spanish.

For many Catalans, the language is a political and emotional representation of cultural identity, not just a communication tool. Catalan independence is a heated topic since the 2017 independence referendum, which Spain declared illegal. Instead of ignoring it, the police used force to prevent people from voting.

No wonder the parents of my children's friends feel so strongly about what the language represents. The school my kids attend in Girona was a polling station and TV footage of the violence at the gates there circulated widely.

2. The paella looks different

Despite not being a seafood fan, I love paella because I can just pick out the prawns and mussels. Until I got to Catalonia and discovered that the yellow rice with seafood, vegetables, and chicken or rabbit is Valencia style. Catalan paella is dark brown in color, much more seafood heavy, and never contains vegetables.

There's also the Catalan version of paella made with short noodles (fideua) and served with aioli (garlic mayo) or the dramatic squid ink dish (arroz negro). My children call it Halloween Rice because it stains their teeth, tongues, and everything else, black.

3. You'll want to branch out into Catalan wines

Many people think of rioja when they think of Spanish wine . While I can certainly drink wines from La Rioja in Catalonia, the waiter is much friendlier if I ask for Catalan wines. An award-winning local sommelier once told me rioja is only famous because it was the favorite wine of Franco, the Spanish dictator who ruled from 1938 to 1975.

Whether that's the real reason or not, local is king, so you'll be recommended wine from the Penedès if you're in Barcelona, from Priorat in Tarragona, and from the L'Empordà in Girona. And, of course, Catalonia is also home to Cava — Spain's sparkling wine similar to Champagne.

4. There are many traditions unique to Catalonia

After moving, I was surprised to find everything closed on September 11 for Catalonia's national day. In the post 9/11 world, the date can be jarring, but it's been celebrated since 1886.

As a family, we have incorporated local traditions like the gift-pooping log at Christmas, Caga Tió, but I've given up any ideas about flamenco. People here love the Sardana — a dance so sedate I initially thought they were just warming up as they slowly moved in a big circle, alternately tapping their feet in front of them. But, what's beautiful about it is how everyone, young to old, participates.

Human towers, another Catalan tradition, are much more exciting to watch and deserve their listing as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. But I'm glad that, so far, unlike some of their classmates, my two boys haven't asked to join the neighborhood "Colla" group, climbing on the shoulders of several tiers of people to the peak.

5. Catalans tell the time differently

One thing I still struggle with is the Catalan system of telling the time. It's expressed as fractions but in a different way to Spanish. So 4:15 is "un quart de cinc" (one quarter of five); 4:30 is "dos quarts de cinc." Even when you see it written down you still have to try and remember if the quarters are after or before the hour. My brain just can't do the math, even though I understand the words.

Correction: August 16, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the Catalan system of telling time.

Watch: All the differences between Little Caesars pizza in the US and the UK

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Barcelona draws millions of tourists every year, but many residents have had enough, and are taking action

Topic: Travel and Tourism (Lifestyle and Leisure)

Barcelona's buzzing tourist scene has become too much for many locals, who've decided to take action. ( ABC News: Adrian Wilson )

At first glance, Barcelona is buzzing. The beach is packed, tourists swarm around the major sites, and restaurants are full.

The pandemic ravaged the tourism industry in Spain, but its second-largest city appears to have recovered.

The trouble is, visitors are loving Barcelona — and many other cities and islands in Spain — too much, and the locals are not happy.

It's led residents to hold protests against mass tourism.

In Barcelona, images of one demonstration went viral after activists sprayed visitors with water pistols , while locals living near the popular Park Güell had a bus route taken off online map services to stop tourists taking their seats.

On Mallorca, residents turned out en masse to occupy one of the island's most Insta-famous beaches.

And in Alicante, protesters chanted "mass tourism destroys our neighbourhood" while holding placards reading "Out with holiday flats" and "Stop Airbnb".

Barcelona is one of the world's most visited cities, but some local residents have had enough. ( ABC News: Adrian Wilson )

High school biology teacher Martí Cusó, 34, who helped organise the largest protest held in Barcelona, said it attracted 10,000 people.

"Tourist destinations in Spain are among the poorest parts of the country. Why? Because tourism is paying its workers the lowest salaries in all the sectors in the economy," Mr Cusó told the ABC.

"So, the paradox is that a lot of people depend on tourism, their jobs depend on tourism, but they are earning less money so they cannot afford to live here.

"This is impoverishing our population, this is breaking up communities, and it is expelling local residents out. People are very angry, their lives are very precarious."

Teacher Martí Cusó is among Barcelona's most prominent voices against overtourism. ( ABC News: Adrian Wilson )

Mr Cusó said mass tourism also put enormous pressure on the city's health, transport, waste, and water systems. 

He said protesters did not blame visitors, but rather governments and the tourism industry for allowing expansion without thought for the wider ramifications.

"We must reduce the weight of tourism in the economy," Mr Cusó said.

"For sure we will have tourists, but our economy has to be more resilient and more diverse to ensure residents [can] live here too.

"Our life here depends on that change, and if we don't change the economic model of the city, all people in Barcelona will have to live outside the city and the city will become a theme park."

'We end up being second-class citizens' 

About 1.6 million people call Barcelona home, but figures from the Barcelona Tourism Observatory show that last year the city and surrounding province recorded 26 million visitors.

One of the reasons residents say it is increasingly too expensive to live in Barcelona is because tenanted apartments have been turned into short-term holiday rentals.

In an apartment block in Barcelona's west, long-term residents told the ABC their building owner would not be renewing their leases when they next expired.

So far 33 of the 120 apartments have been made into short-term holiday rentals.

People take part in a protest on the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca last month. ( Reuters )

Pamela Battigambe, who has lived in the building for 13 years, said the arrival of tourists had completely changed the dynamic of the community.

"Unknown people would change every week, so you feel a bit unsafe. You don't know who is coming. There is noise and we experienced a very bad situation where we had people puking from the balcony to downstairs," she said.

But the thing that worries the 43-year-old the most is where she will go when her lease expires in 2029.

"[I still have a] few years left, but the point is I feel quite scared and worried because the balance now is quite good, just 33 are rented to tourists and the rest are all tenants, but at the very end I am afraid to be among the last tenants living in a hotel," she said.

"I am looking to buy a flat or rent elsewhere, but the price is so high compared to what I am paying now ... and prices are rising very, very fast."

Maite Martín (left) and Pamela Battigambe are worried about where they will live when their leases expire.

Ms Battigambe's  neighbour, Maite Martín, has been living in her apartment for 24 years and had planned to enjoy her retirement there when she finishes working in a few years.

"My two boys grew up here and it's very sad that I need to go. I love the flat, I love where I live, I love the neighbourhood, and it's scary that I'm being forced to move,"  Ms Martín said.

"The majority of us have seven-year contracts which are renewed automatically if there are no problems.

"My contract ends in 2028 so I am pretty scared. I have moments of depression because I don't know where to go and I don't know what to do."

The two women have come together with several other tenants in the building and tenants' advocacy groups to seek legal advice to try to stop the owner's plan.

Ms Martín has also attended one of the larger protests against mass tourism.

"I understand tourism is part of our economy and it should continue, but I think we should search for a balance so tourists and locals can co-exist," she said.

"What we can't do is give priority to tourism and we end up being second-class citizens."

A demonstrator argues with tourists during a July protest against mass tourism in Barcelona. ( Reuters: Bruna Casas )

Council's plan to address housing

Barcelona City Council has a controversial plan to try to address mass tourism and tackle the housing shortage at the same time.

It is banning all short-term holiday rentals by 2028 by not renewing any of the 10,000 tourist licences granted to landlords when they expire that year.

It is a measure the council believes will be the equivalent of building 10,000 new homes.

"We have a housing crisis," Deputy Mayor Jordi Valls told the ABC.

"The apartments have two uses — one is tourists and the other is for the citizens — we want to push the owners of these apartments [by saying], 'This is your asset, you can take profitability of this asset because it is your asset, but focus on the residential.'

"We have to keep a good balance between tourism and apartments for the people of Barcelona."

Mr Valls said while tourism was an important industry for the city, the social impact on the residents, the density of neighbourhoods, and pressure on transport, public services, and the environment must also be considered.

"Tourists are overwhelming the city and overwhelming the citizens," he said.

Marian Muro believes apartment owners should be compensated if the laws change. ( ABC News: Adrian Wilson )

Marian Muro, the director-general of Apartur, which is a lobby group for apartment owners, said owners were fighting the council's short-term holiday apartment ban in the courts.

"It is not my obligation to assist people who do not have housing, it is an obligation of the [government] administration," Ms Muro said.

"Private property is a fundamental right of people, and if you have an apartment or a property … you can allocate its use to whatever you like, as long as it is legal."

She said apartment owners obtained their tourist licences legally, so city officials should offer financial compensation if the ban proceeds.

The council has said the long notice period leading up to the ban in 2028 was intended to serve as compensation for landlords.

Ms Muro said tourist apartments accounted for 40 per cent of all accommodation on offer in the city and injected millions of Euros into the local economy every year.

She added that if Barcelona removed short-term holiday rentals from its accommodation offerings, families would miss out on affordable vacations and the city would not have the capacity to host large events such as exhibitions, conferences, and concerts.

Hotels, she said, would be the big winner.

"Hotel prices would skyrocket and go through the roof because there is less competition and there would be fewer options for the consumer," she said.

"It would also generate a black market."

Once the short-term apartment ban was in place, Mr Valls said, inspectors would be policing it.

"In 2028 it is banned. The tourist apartment, it's banned. If you do it, you do it, but it's illegal," he said.

Barcelona's Deputy Mayor Jordi Valls believes the city has a plan to tackle its housing issues. ( ABC News: Adrian Wilson )

A spokesperson for online booking platform Airbnb said it "welcomes regulation and works with governments around the world on rules that balance tourism benefits with protecting housing".

"The root causes of housing and tourism challenges in Europe are a lack of new homes being built and decades of hotel-driven mass tourism," the spokesperson said.

"In contrast, Airbnb accounts for a small proportion of visitors to Europe and helps local families afford their homes, which are typically rented for just three days a month in Spain.

"Authorities in the EU, Spain and Catalonia have all criticised disproportionate rules in Catalonia, such as the Barcelona announcement, and local hosts are challenging those rules in Spanish constitutional courts."

Popular bus route wiped off map

As policymakers work out how to curb mass tourism, some locals are taking matters into their own hands.

Residents living near Antoni Gaudí's famous Park Güell lobbied their council for their bus route to be taken off major online maps because they were fed up with having to squeeze on with tourists.

The park is Barcelona's second-most-popular attraction after the Sagrada Família Basilica. It attracts about 4 million visitors a year.

The ABC travelled on the bus with locals up to Park Güell, who said they were relieved to reclaim their route.

"Before the bus was removed from [smartphone] maps, there were many tourists because we're in a very touristy area and it was very difficult for the people who live here to get on and off the bus," resident Andrés Pulito, 18, said.

"Now that it's gone, it is much easier for us to enter with our shopping carts and to be able to get to our homes."

Andrés Pulito says making the bus route harder to find has been a win for locals. ( ABC News: Adrian Wilson )

An increase in the tourist tax, online tickets sales only for major attractions, souvenir shop limits, and moving cruise ship terminals away from the city are some of the council's other measures aimed at easing the pressure on the city.

Barcelona residents Ms Battigambe and Ms Martín want visitors to know that most people "don't hate tourists".

"Everyone is welcome and actually I feel bad to have this feeling of sort of hate against them," Ms Battigambe said.

"I don't want to hate anyone, I am a tourist when I travel, but I want people to be responsible and I absolutely want the administration to take responsibility for this and find a solution."

Residents are hopeful, but sceptical, that the council's 2028 ban will make a difference.

"I hope it's not just propaganda to get re-elected and I hope there are real concrete measures that are put in place," Ms Battigambe said.

Protesters in Barcelona try to get their point across about overtourism during the Spanish GP in June. ( Reuters: Bruna Casas )

Australian tourists enjoying the European summer sunshine in Barcelona told the ABC while they had some sympathy for the residents, a city that relied on tourism should tread carefully when it held protests.

"We have the same problem on the Gold Coast, it's a problem all over the world," Chris, a Queenslander, said.

"Without tourism what have they got? It's an old city and they totally rely on tourism. If people can't afford [living here], they need to move further out where they can get cheaper accommodation. It's simple."

Pamela Battigambe and Maite Martín have been fighting plans to turn their apartment building into short-term holiday rentals. ( ABC News: Adrian Wilson )

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AIRE Ancient Baths in Barcelona, Spain.

Whether you travel for adventure, to relax or are venturing into the growing niches of wellness and beauty travel, Spain has a number of destinations for you to consider. As one of Spain’s most-visited cities, there is no doubt that your visit to Barcelona will include taking in the architectural marvels by Gaudi and landmarks like the Picasso Museum. But if you are also looking for a way to unwind—or simply to keep up with your beauty and wellness regimen from back home—your trip will be flush with options outside of your hotel . Keep reading to learn about some of Barcelona’s best local gems for massages, facials, workouts, pool days and more.

Moon Relax Spa

For a more holistic spa experience, there is a true gem of a find located directly across from The Sagrada Familia: Moon Relax Spa . They offer a wide menu of spa services in a dim and soothing ambiance, which range from reiki energy healing, lifting facial massage, cranio-sacral therapy and a number of body massage options—including Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage. You can also add-on services to your treatment and it will still be cheaper than the equivalent in Los Angeles—the only caveat is that a wide variety of therapists perform the treatments (we were thrilled with all but one).

Because of the effects of travel, more drinks than usual and/or the salt-heavy foods in Spain, travelers often find themselves a bit more bloated than usual when in Barcelona. If this happens to you, consider one of their 30-, 60- or 90-minute Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage to manually move lymph fluid between the nodes using the hands, aided by essential oil-infused lotion. Trust that you will feel relaxed but also sculpted and de-puffed afterwards.

A couple receives IV Vitamin therapy.

Anyone interested in functional medicine and its overlap with beauty will love the offerings at Qualevita . The longevity-minded clinic offers everything from heavy metal testing and vitamin IV’s, to facials, skin lasers and cosmetic injectables by an aesthetic doctor. You can schedule a visit for an IV blend from their menu, including the potent antioxidant Glutathione or a bag of buzzy NAD+ (to reduce oxidative stress and promote mitochondrial function).

As for the skin, their most compelling offering combines the thoroughly cleansing and serum-infused Hydrafacial with the versatile summer- and skin tone-safe laser, the NeoSkin by Aerolase. Aesthetic doctor Eduardo Lastra is enthusiastic about the results of this combined treatment and is adept at alternating the laser’s settings to help treat and prevent breakouts, promote collagen production and smooth fine lines, to treat discoloration, promote glow and more.

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The luxury beauty brand Natura Bissé is one of Spain’s globally-recognized beauty treasures—and they are based right in Barcelona. As a result, you can find a number of spa and aesthetic destinations from their list of providers. For an upscale treatment outside of the spa setting, consider ETERN Wellness , a chic destination offering clinical skincare and body treatments that the brand recommends.

ETERN’s menu offerings range from facials to more-invasive resurfacing lasers. They even offer aesthetic injectables like the low-density hyaluronic acid filler, Profilho—the European counterpart to SkinVive in the United States which advertisers claim to be a “hydrating” filler. They also offer body treatments, from muscle-stimulating and body contouring devices to cellulite-targeting treatments.

Aire Ancient Baths

For an experience that combines spa services with the opportunity to soak in thermal baths, consider booking a day at Aire Ancient Baths Barcelona in the ultra-cute El Born neighborhood. Their massages and facials help you to unwind, but the true stars of the destination are their Roman-inspired underground baths.

The thermal baths are offered in restored, historic buildings to evoke the history-rich, healing traditions associated with healing waters and therapeutic baths. While there, you can move between pools for floating, one with massaging jets and pools at different temperatures—from hot to ice cold—for the myriad benefits associated with contrast therapy.

The saltwater floating pool, or Flotarium, at AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona.

Their newest offering is the Orange Garden Experience which begins with a 35-minute massage, a 25-minute facial massage with gua sha and hydrogel face mask, a scalp massage and then access to their thermal baths. Before leaving, you must have a cup of their refreshing tea as you soak in the candlelit ambiance.

After, you can freshen up in their fully stocked locker room with showers, blow dryers and all the typical spa amenities. Then you can seamlessly return to your plans for the rest of the day, perhaps stopping at the Nudes, a healthy spot for smoothies, juices, coffee and a menu with gluten-free and vegan options—an amazing Acai bowl.

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Whether you are looking for a traditional spa service or a pool day, the luxury Hotel Arts Barcelona at the Marina provides a luxury setting with ocean views. Even if you are not staying at the hotel or luxury residences, a pool pass gets you a full day of sun-bathing and access to their two pools—one for families and one for adults. You will have access to the poolside restaurant and bar, but can just as easily have your drinks and snacks delivered to you poolside.

If you happen to be a member of Soho House , their Barcelona location is something of a hub for ex-pats and locals alike. Members can use the gym, book a service at the Cowshed spa, lounge at their rooftop bar and restaurant or—if they’re lucky—book one of the poolside cabanas at their rooftop pool. Be forewarned, however, that the poolside cabanas, while lovely, are extremely difficult to book.

If you prefer a beach day, they also offer a shuttle to their Little Beach House location outside of the city in the quaint seaside village of Garraf. The small beach town is a hidden gem and especially enjoyable while perched atop Soho’s beach chairs. Again, the only downside is that that beach chairs can be difficult to book. While Little Beach House Barcelona is lovely, they are notorious for slow service—and if you miss the shuttle, the train to Garaff can be difficult to navigate.

For a women’s only member’s club in Barcelona, look no further than Juno House . Founded by American and Spanish women, they aim to provide women with the connection and support needed to find the ideal work-life-wellness balance. From fitness classes like yoga and barre, to workshops on nutrition, meditation and business, to the Juno Café at their Clubhouse, they truly aim to cater to the needs of women and mothers through community partnerships and offerings focused around personal wellness and professional development.

Vibe Body By Anya Personal Training

Some people go on vacation to break away from their routines, but others want to maintain as much of the healthy regimens as possible. If you are a fitness fanatic and want to keep your muscles activated and toned (as might be the case if you have pool, beach or island time booked), there are English-speaking personal trainers at the Activate Personal Training gym in Barcelona.

Personal trainer Anya Voropaeva is our top pick and is available for affordable, individual personal training sessions both at the gym or on her airy patio. Formerly based in Los Angeles, she is now an ex-pat living in Barcelona and available to book for targeted workouts to keep your fitness goals on track.

G x Bar Barcelona

There is nothing more frustrating than breaking a nail on vacation, particularly when you have a go-to manicurist back home. Should you find yourself in need, you can now visit G x Bar Barcelona , which opened in Summer 2024. There, you can opt for a traditional manicure or the popular, dry Eastern European manicure, which gently uses a drill to remove your hard gel polish before meticulously trimming away your cuticle for Instagram’s most-coveted look, or the bare nails aesthetic . They also offer haircare services, ranging from color treatments to hair cuts, and sell the Australian Kevin Murphy haircare line.

Jodie Palmer Hair

If you happen to need hair styling—say, for a special event—or even hair color, the EvoHair International Educator Jodie Palmer is based in Barcelona. She created her own trademarked hair coloring technique, Hair Tan, resulting in ultra-natural looking highlights, but is also available for blow outs and styling to get you photo-ready. She is also a top recommendation for bridal hair if you are planning a destination wedding in Europe.

Bridal hair and makeup by hair stylist Jodie Palmer and celebrity makeup artist Carissa Ferreri.

Carissa Ferreri Makeup

Celebrity makeup artist Carissa Ferreri stepped away from her Los Angeles-based practice working with A-listers to become an ex-pat in Barcelona. This means that her red carpet-approved services are now available for do-and-go’s while abroad. Like Palmer, she is also available to book for bridal makeup if you are having (or attending) a destination wedding or special event abroad.

Ferreri’ aesthetic is unfailingly natural and known for creating the overall glow of the coveted effortless skin trend, or “makeup that looks like skin,” as she calls it. For proof, just take a look at her work on some of her long-term celebrity clients like actress Gina Rodriguez or the Cool-girl actress and singer, Suki Waterhouse.

This list is in no way comprehensive but is a great place to start when you find yourself overseas and in need of a little “sprucing,” as they say. If you have a favorite beauty or wellness destination to add to the list, be sure to drop it in the comments below.

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‘The Demand Is Unstoppable’: Can Barcelona Survive Mass Tourism?

This summer, thousands of local protesters in the Spanish city denounced overtourism. With more crowds expected for the America’s Cup, we visited the areas where tensions are highest.

By Lisa Abend

Lisa Abend, a Europe-based journalist, lived in Spain for nine years and continues to visit Barcelona frequently.

On a steamy August evening, a stream of young people bearing boxes of pizza and bottles of cheap cava began the uphill slog to Carmel Bunkers in Barcelona. Set on a hill overlooking the Catalan capital, the concrete structures once housed antiaircraft weapons that protected the city during Spain’s civil war in the 1930s. Later the site became a destination for residents on evening strolls and a hangout for local youths.

But that was before Instagram and TikTok.

Several years ago, inspired by social media, young tourists began making the Bunkers a favorite spot for drinking, carousing and the inevitable sunset selfie. Last spring the noise, litter and sheer number of visitors spurred the city to erect fences around the site.

Now, hundreds of visitors find any space they can amid the surrounding scrub and rocks. Or they simply jump the barriers.

“I used to play there as a girl,” said Manoli Fernández, 57, a longtime resident out strolling with her daughter and 87-year-old mother. “Now there are drunk tourists peeing on our neighbor’s doorstep.”

For anyone hoping to understand the complicated contours of overtourism in Barcelona, the Carmel Bunkers is a good place to start. The frustrations experienced by those who live nearby apply to other hot spots: residents of the Gothic Quarter who feel displaced by the crowds; pollution along the waterfront where massive cruise ships dock; and everywhere, it seems, an apparent disregard for local culture.

Last month, Barcelona made worldwide headlines when roughly 3,000 residents protested against tourism , some squirting visitors on the city’s famed boulevard Las Ramblas with water guns. News outlets speculated that tensions over tourism, which have been simmering for years, not only in the Catalan capital, but across Europe, had finally boiled over into outright hostility.

Transformed by tourism

In Barcelona, there is a new sense of urgency to solving a problem whose origins there can be largely traced to the 1992 Olympic Games, which introduced legions of travelers to the charms of the city, and transformed its fortunes. The arrival of Ryanair in 2010 had a major impact, initiating a new era of low-cost tourism, and a sharp growth in cruise travel poured hundreds of thousands of day-trippers into the city. Platforms like Airbnb spurred the conversion of residential housing to more profitable short-term rentals.

Then, following the pandemic, came “revenge” tourism, when throngs of people arrived after two years of lockdown. This year, the number of visitors is expected to surpass prepandemic levels.

Perhaps even more significant than the renewed presence of tourists is the absence that preceded it. As Daniel Pardo, 48, co-founder of the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourism Degrowth , which helped organize the recent protest, said, “During the pandemic, we recovered the spaces and customs that tourism had forced us to abandon. You could have a coffee at a table in front of the cathedral, or chat calmly with your neighbors on the street. There were even beautiful scenes like children bathing in the fountain in the Plaça Reial.”

Today, the fountain is again a noisy perch for tourists sucking from beer bottles as the city of 1.6 million struggles to accommodate what tourism officials say will be at least 13 million visitors. Their impact includes skyrocketing housing prices, dirty beaches, crowded thoroughfares and the transformation of historic neighborhoods into what locals refer to as “theme parks.”

Yet, as Mateu Hernández, the managing director of the Barcelona Tourism Consortium, said, “Barcelona has developed more tools to manage tourism than maybe any other city.”

In the last decade, the municipal government has banned new hotel construction, raised the tourist tax on accommodations, limited the size of groups in congested areas, and even had one public bus line popular with tourists removed from Google Maps. By the end of 2028, a new regulation will eliminate short-term vacation rentals.

Economically, Barcelona remains reliant on tourism, which contributes 14 percent of the city’s revenues and directly employs 150,000 people. Hotels, vacation-home hosts, restaurant servers, kiosk owners — all are adamantly opposed to anything that might disturb the golden goose.

As a result, the city finds itself limiting some kinds of tourism while encouraging others. For instance, beginning this month, Barcelona is hosting the America’s Cup , an international sailing competition expected to draw tens of thousands of people.

A weekend spent crisscrossing the city shows just how complicated the attempt to balance these competing needs can be. But according to the deputy mayor responsible for tourism, Jordi Valls, the city has no choice.

“We have to come up with policies that manage the reality, which is that tourism in Barcelona has been a success, and that it could lead to our ruin,” he said. “We have to understand that the demand is unstoppable. The only thing we can do is control the supply.”

Eixample, Saturday, 9 a.m.

On a recent Saturday morning, two inspectors were trying to do just that. Pressing insistently on a doorbell in the elegant Eixample neighborhood, Alba and R (each asked to give only part of their names because some inspectors have received threats) waited until a sleepy-looking man, chest bare, belt unbuckled, opened the door. Reluctantly, he answered the inspectors’ questions in a mix of Italian-inflected Spanish and English. Yes, he had paid for a room after booking it online; no, he didn’t know the people staying there. “So,” Alba explained to the unsuspecting lodger, “this is an illegal rental.”

In a city with an acute housing shortage and exorbitant rents, Alba, R and 25 other inspectors are part of the effort to control how many apartments are converted into tourist rentals. In 2014, the city began requiring property owners to secure permits for rentals of fewer than 31 days, and the inspectors have been busy ever since.

The combination of reduced housing stock and rising prices has meant that many residents cannot afford to live in the center. “It’s a zero sum game,” said Eduardo González de Molina, a sociologist at Carlos III University in Madrid and a former adviser for the Barcelona Housing Authority. “Every tourist apartment is one less for a family.”

Jaume Collboni, the mayor, recently announced that Barcelona would revoke the 10,100 permits currently in effect in 2028. Coupled with a 2017 cap on the construction of new hotels, the measure will reduce even further the 155,000 beds in the center that are legally available. According to an Autonomous University of Barcelona study, Airbnb has driven up rental prices in the center by 7 percent. But opponents of the measure point out that housing costs have risen far higher — 66 percent in the last decade — and that the number of permits for tourist apartments has been frozen at roughly 10,000 since the licenses were introduced in 2014.

“If the cost of housing has risen in the last several years, it’s not the fault of tourist apartments because the amount of them has stayed the same,” said Enrique Alcántara, president of Apartur, a property manager association that is suing the city for a regulation they claim unconstitutionally revokes their licenses. More to blame, Mr. Alcántara said, is the lack of new construction and the unregulated leases enjoyed by expats and digital nomads.

An Airbnb spokesman responded to an interview request with a statement: “The root causes of housing and tourism challenges in Barcelona and Spain are a lack of new homes being built and decades of hotel-driven mass tourism, which accounts for the vast majority of visitors to Barcelona each year.”

Only about 30 percent of overnight visitors stay in rentals. And since being fined in 2018 for allowing illegal listings, Airbnb has required hosts to register their permit numbers.

But Alba, the inspector, said she has seen firsthand how some property owners, especially those who have bought multiple apartments and converted them to tourist rentals, are skirting the system with unregistered listings on other rental platforms. As someone who can’t afford to rent in the center, she doesn’t think the plan to eliminate tourist apartments is going to put her out of a job. “The opposite, actually. I think it will mean we have a lot more work.”

The Ramblas, Saturday, noon

Midday on a Saturday, Las Ramblas, the thoroughfare that was once lined with boutiques and stalls selling flowers and birds, is a mass of sweaty tourists. One side of the street is torn up with construction that will eventually mean wider sidewalks and new green spaces. But for now the boulevard remains a morass of souvenir stands, currency exchanges and cafes serving sangria and microwaved paella.

“Tourists consume certain kinds of services that locals don’t, and vice versa,” said Ayman Tobal, 30, an economic historian, who participated in the protests and lives nearby. Recently he couldn’t find a place to get his keys copied. “It was absolutely impossible — they’ve all been driven out by the souvenir shops and specialty coffee places. Overtourism destroys the fabric of a neighborhood.”

Perhaps no institution represents the change to that fabric better than the Ramblas’ Boqueria market , once considered among the greatest in the world. These days, instead of providing mainly families or chefs with raw ingredients, the stalls cater to tourists with prepared foods: fishmongers sell cones of fried shrimp alongside filets of monkfish; poultry vendors shelve pre-baked empanadas next to eggs.

Yolanda Serrano, a butcher, runs one of the few stalls that still sell only raw ingredients. “Tourism has taken this market from us. Our customers can’t come here anymore because they can’t get through with their carts. But I’m a butcher, I don’t want to sell crappy empanadillas.” She is thinking about moving her shop to a street near the less touristy Sant Antoni market.

Pinotxo , until recently the Boqueria’s most well-known bar, has already made the move. The owner, Jordi Asín, couldn’t be happier. “At the Boqueria, excess tourism really changed the kind of business we could do,” he said. “Here, we still get tourists, but they’re the gastronomic ones who come because they know of our cooking. And there are a lot more locals, so it’s a much better balance.”

Parc Güell, Saturday, 4 p.m.

With its vivid mosaics and undulating terraces, Parc Güell , designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, is a tourist magnet, so popular that the attraction recently closed its on-site ticket office and now requires visitors to book online.

On a prominent hill in the Gracia neighborhood, Parc Güell is not easy to reach; even the nearest metro stations require a steep walk up or downhill. There is, however, one form of public transportation that helps residents navigate the hills: a minibus that stops at the park’s entrance. “But it had become so jammed with tourists that the city government asked Google to remove it from its maps,” said Artur Paz, who, with his son, was among a handful of passengers on a Saturday afternoon. “Now it’s ours again.”

Overtourism pressures communities in many ways. Mr. Paz’s son attends school inside the park, and he says that many parents are so fed up with the crowds that they sometimes ram tourists with their bikes. He thinks that kind of animosity is unwarranted. “We’re all tourists sometimes,” he said. “If I travel to New York and am sitting in an outdoor cafe, I wouldn’t want someone coming at me with a water gun.”

Cruise ship terminal, Sunday, 9 a.m.

On a Sunday morning, thousands of passengers had spilled from five massive cruise ships docked just outside the city center. Most summer mornings see the arrival of several ships, but Sundays are especially bad: As many as 25,000 passengers pour into the city in the span of a few hours.

To diminish their impact, the city recently moved the cruise terminals from the base of the Ramblas a bit farther south. But most passengers board buses that take them to the Ramblas. And many, like the 5,500 who arrived that morning on the MSC Virtuosa, stay only for the day, putting a lot of social and environmental pressure on the city without spending much.

Kieran and Corinne George and their four kids had boarded the MSC Virtuosa eight days earlier in England, and didn’t have plans for their 10 hours in Barcelona. On the bus to the Ramblas, they were surprised to hear that the city wanted to reduce day trips like theirs. “Are they saying they don’t want families to come?” Mr. George asked.

According to the deputy mayor, Mr. Valls, the city will soon charge higher fees for ships that dock only for a day. It’s part of a plan to attract “higher quality” tourism, he said. “We want visitors who really value what they find in Barcelona, its culture, its concerts, its urban design, its architecture.”

And its America’s Cup. According to the tourism authority’s Mr. Hernández, the event appeals to the focused, higher-spending tourists the city wants. “The person who comes because they like sailing — that’s the profile of someone who adds a lot of value.”

Hosting that event, like the city’s expansion of the airport, suggests to some critics — like Daniel Pardo, whose organization wants a ban on tourism promotion — that the city isn’t serious about tackling overtourism. “For the government to pretend that they are doing something against the touristification of the city when they continuously decide and publicly defend these kinds of things is completely incoherent.”

Sagrada Familia, Sunday, 11:30 a.m.

Outside Gaudí’s famous basilica, it is the usual chaos. Crowds gape, guides shepherd groups around and vendors line the sidewalk. As they waited for their time slot, two tourists from Utah, Cindy Godoy, 21, and Lexiana Casaday, 21, said they had heard about the protests, but they still felt welcomed. “People are so nice!” Ms. Godoy said. “But I can imagine there’s a tipping point where you feel like your city isn’t your own anymore.”

Inside, the pews were filled with parishioners and visitors. Although Mass was offered in Catalan, some prayers were in other languages, and an assistant reminded the congregation — in English — that the sacrament was only for baptized Catholics.

Among the residents were Jordi Nicolau and Gloria Belasch, in their 80s, who have been attending Sagrada Familia for years, and had even been married there. Although Ms. Belasch admitted that the visitors sometimes make it difficult to navigate the streets, she and her husband welcomed them. “The former priest told us that we have to love the tourists and show them care,” said Mr. Nicolau. “So we do.”

With that, the two left the church holding hands, and, while a busker entertained tourists with “Hotel California,” went off to greet their neighbors.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Provincetown, Mass.:  Located at the tip of Cape Cod, P-town (as locals call it) has overlapping — and sometimes competing — identities : one of America’s oldest art colonies, nature preserve, thriving L.G.B.T.Q. resort and historic Portuguese fishing village.

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

Disney Theme Parks:  As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves  if they should rethink their vacations.

Helsinki, Finland:   Explore the stunning architecture  of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.

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American Airlines Is Heading to Naples, Nice, and More From These U.S. Hubs in 2024

The airline also has bolstered winter routes to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

American Airlines is making it easier than ever to fly to Europe next year, launching four new routes to major European cities in the airline's largest transatlantic expansion since the pandemic.

From Philadelphia, American Airlines will fly nonstop to Copenhagen, Nice, and Naples every day, starting on June 6, May 6, and June 5, respectively. American Airlines will also fly a daily nonstop route from Dallas-Fort Worth to Barcelona starting June 5.

"American is thrilled to add three new European destinations," Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, said of the announcement on Thursday. "New service from Philadelphia and expanded transatlantic service from Chicago and Dallas-Fort Worth will offer customers convenient one-stop access from more than 200 unique destinations across the U.S. to Europe next summer."

Courtesy of Katie Crosby 

The carrier will also bring back nonstop flights between Chicago and Venice. And it will also bump up the start dates of several seasonal routes to Europe (including Chicago and New York to Athens), as well as transition some of its most popular seasonal routes into year-round routes (including Charlotte to Madrid, Dallas-Fort Worth to Rome, and Philadelphia to Barcelona)

If you're ready to plan your 2024 summer vacation, tickets for the new European routes go on sale on Aug. 20. But if you're looking to take a vacation a little sooner, American Airlines is also expanding its winter schedule to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Though it's not adding new routes, it's increasing the frequency of some of its most popular ones, including Dallas-Fort Worth to Buenos Aires; Miami to Bridgetown, Barbados; and Charlotte to Eleuthera, Bahamas.

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