Plaça d'Espanya lit up in the evening

3 Days in Barcelona

While a city with such a huge footprint as Barcelona may be intimidating at first glance, it’s more than possible to experience the highlights on a short whirlwind visit.

Whether you’re hoping to take a weekend city break or simply to briefly pass through, 3 days in Barcelona gives you plenty of time to see the sights and sample the local cuisine. With our suggested itinerary below, you’re guaranteed to see a great deal of what the Catalan capital has to offer.

Our itinerary includes a mix of sightseeing, museums and shopping. Feel free to take our suggestions as inspiration and mix-and-match them with the attractions and activities that most interest you. Use our recommended timings to help you decide how best to organize out your trip.

Day 1Sightseeing

Image of Church, Landmark, La Sagrada Familia,

What better way to acquaint yourself with Barcelona than by packing your first day full of the city’s best sights? As a city famous for its mix of gothic and modernist architecture along with the unique labyrinthine design of its streets, it’s only fitting that you get a taste of these right away.

Park Güell – One of renowned modernist architect Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works, this park is most well-known for its central Monumental Zone. From the mosaic salamander at its entrance to the sea serpent bench encircling the main terrace, this eccentric space is a perfect place to start your day.

Recommended visit: 1h – 2h

Sagrada Familia – The Belle of Barcelona’s ball, this yet unfinished basilica is truly a sight to behold. Take some time to explore the rich architectural mastery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own, or book onto a guided tour for a full insight into the site’s artistic, cultural and historic significance.

Recommended visit: 1h – 1h30

Avinguda Diagonal – One of Barcelona’s most popular and important streets, Avinguda Diagonal runs diagonally right through the city, cutting it in two. A vast array of stores and restaurants are dotted throughout the length of the avenue.

Recommended visit: 45m

Casa Milà – Also known as La Pedrera (‘the stone quarry’), this modernist building was the final residence designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. As per its nickname, it’s most famous for its rough-hewn exterior façade, somewhat resembling an open stone quarry.

Recommended visit: 15m – 1h30

Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó i Morera – This trio of modernist buildings are widely considered the most important on Barcelona’s famous Illa de la Discòrdia, or ‘Block of Discord’. Showcasing the masterpieces of Barcelona’s prominent modernist architects Antoni Gaudi, Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, these buildings ooze eccentric design both inside and out.

Recommended visit: 15m – 2h

Plaça de Catalunya – Considered to be Barcelona’s most central point and the meeting point of both the old and modern city, this square is a favorite for social gatherings thanks to its wealth of shopping outlets and restaurants.

Recommended visit: 15m – 2h

La Rambla – Perhaps the city’s most famous street, La Rambla spans from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the Columbus Monument on the seafront. You’ll find a vast array of streetside cafés and souvenir stands across the length of the street.

Recommended visit : 30m – 2h

Mercat de la Boqueria – Often considered one of the best markets in the world, this historical market houses all sorts of fresh, local produce along with stands to get yourself a hearty lunch while on the go.

Recommended visit: 45m

Plaça Reial – Particularly popular in the evening, this square is home to a whole host of bars, restaurants and some of Barcelona’s most famous nightclubs. Why not finish your day here with some fresh Catalan cuisine and a glass or two of the local region’s renowned wines?

Recommended visit: As long as you want

Day 2 – History & Culture

Image of City, Road, Street, Urban, Alley, Arch, Path,

Your second day in Barcelona – should you choose to follow our itinerary – will take you on a cultural tour of the city and the local region. If art, history and music are up your alley, then the following are sure to give you a real kick.

Palau de la Musica Catalana – A true marvel of modernist architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been host to a magnificent array of musical performances since its opening in 1908. Bask in its colorful exterior from outside, book onto a guided tour of the venue, or even attend one of its legendary musical performances for yourself.

Recommended visit: 1h – 3h

Gothic Quarter – Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter sits immediately north of La Rambla and houses a number of the city’s best sights. It’s worth spending a decent period of time here to explore everything its historic streets have to offer.

Some popular attractions within the Gothic Quarter include Barcelona Cathedral, the Museu Frederic Marès and the Museu d'Història de Barcelona.

Recommended visit: 3h – 5h

Museu Picasso – This museum possesses one of the world’s most complete collections of Pablo Picasso's artworks, housing over 4,000 of the renowned painter's famous pieces

Recommended visit: 2h

Carrer de Sant Domenec del Call – Replete with charming bars, restaurants and cafés, this street at the heart of the Gothic quarter is a perfect rest stop to draw your day to a close.

Recommended visit: As long as you want

Day 3 – Montjuïc

Image of Person, Plant,

Day three of our itinerary will take you up Montjuïc, a prominent hill by the Barcelona harbor overlooking much of the city. The surrounding park is rich with popular attractions and cultural sites, such that it would be difficult to visit them all in just one day.

We’ve listed some of the most noteworthy sites atop and around Montjuïc. Feel free to pick and choose those which seem most worthwhile for your own visit.

Montjuïc Castle – On the peak of the hill sits Montjuïc Castle, a former military fortress dating back to the 17th Century. Offering both insights into the region’s history and stellar views over the entire city, you can ride the cable car up here to start your day or set it as your end destination and make the climb yourself.

Recommended visit: 1h30

Museu d'Art de Catalunya – Housed within the impressive halls of the Palau Nacional, this museum exhibits one thousand years of visual art pieces from throughout the Catalonia region.

Recommended visit: 2h

Fundació Joan Miró – This modern art museum honors the works of local contemporary artist Joan Miró, offering rich insights into both his art and his life, alongside those of comparable artists of the 20th and 21st Centuries.

Recommended visit: 1h30

Olympic Ring – Host to the 1992 Olympic Games, this park now serves as a monument to the event and to Barcelona sports as a whole. Sporting fans can also spend some time at the on-site Olympic and Sports Museum.

Recommended visit: 2h

Poble Espanyol – Translated literally as the ‘Spanish Village’, this open-air architectural museum is made up of replica buildings from across the country and serves to emulate a genuine Spanish town.

Complete with charming traditional stores, restaurants and cafés, the Poble Espanyol aims to provide you with a near-authentic experience of traditional Spanish life.

Recommended visit: 2h

Las Arenas de Barcelona – Built into a former bullfighting arena, this commercial center offers an impressive selection of stores and restaurants, along with 360-degree views of Barcelona from the rooftop.

Recommended visit: 2h30

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc – Located at the base of Montjuïc, the Magic Fountain is most renowned for its spectacular light shows in the evening. See out your tour of Barcelona’s highlights in style by catching one of its famed displays for yourself.

Recommended visit: As long as you want

Getting Around

Our recommended attractions are listed in such an order to allow you to easily walk from one to the other, though most are also within short walking distance of transport hubs should you prefer to take public transport. Alternatively, a Bus Turístic will also allow you to hop on and off along a similar route while offering an audio commentary of the sights along the way.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

The Palau Nacional viewed from the Magic Fountain
Blog

Free Things to do in Barcelona

Any trip to Barcelona is bound to be jam-packed with sightseeing, cultural activities and all the fresh Catalan cuisine you can stomach. While that’s exactly what many consider to be the best way to experience the city, it isn’t always too kind on the wallet. For those that are more budget-minded or would simply like to complete their itinerary with some cheaper and more laid-back activities, the city can still deliver. There are plenty of free things to do in Barcelona for just about every type of visitor. Parks Galore For a city as metropolitan and bustling as Barcelona, it’s surprising just how many open green spaces it manages to sneak in. Well over a dozen parks are dotted throughout, ranging from small dog parks to many-hectares-large social spots. Park Güell By far the most renowned and popular of Barcelona’s attractions is Park Güell. Second only to the Sagrada Familia in terms of the sheer volume of visitors it receives each day, Park Güell is most well known for its interior Monumental Zone designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi. While you will need to pay to book a visit to the Monumental Zone, this area constitutes just a tiny portion of the park as a whole. If you don’t mind missing it, you can very easily sink a couple of hours of your day into exploring or relaxing in the rest of the park. Ciutadella Park Offering over 17 hectares of green space, Ciutadella Park is the largest park in Barcelona, and it does plenty with that space. It’s so large, in fact, that it houses not only the Barcelona Zoo and its more than 2,000 resident animals, but also the Parliament of Catalonia. A number of street performers, dancers and musicians are often dotted throughout the park, adding to its relaxed and jovial atmosphere. Take a chance to sit back and relax, watch the rowboats go by on the lake, explore the space’s many monuments and take a selfie with the park’s very own wooly mammoth. Montjuïc Park For the very best views over the city, get yourself over to Montjuïc Park. This hill to the south of the city is jam-packed with some of Barcelona’s best attractions, and is also simply a fantastic place to relax with a panoramic view of the Catalan capital. Entry to the park by foot is entirely free, and you’ll be able to take all the time you need to explore the likes of Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain and the Olympic Ring. There is also a cable car to take you directly to the top of the hill by the castle, but you will of course need to pay for this. Museums Barcelona is a city brimming with culture, and it’s no coincidence that it also hosts a great many museums for visitors to explore. While it’s no secret that many of Barcelona’s museums charge fairly hefty admission, many offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, and often at select times throughout the week. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is housed within the beautiful Palau Nacional and exhibits hundreds of thousands of visual art pieces from throughout the Catalonia region, dating back as far as a thousand years. As the biggest and most important museum in Barcelona, the MNAC typically charges admission, but can be visited for free on Saturday afternoons. The Museu Picasso offers the most complete collection of the surrealist Spanish artist’s paintings in the world. Thursday evenings will allow you to view the more than 4,000 pieces free of charge. Montjuïc Castle sits atop Montjuïc Mountain and originally served as a military fortress, dating back to 1640. The castle is now open for visitors to explore its halls, and offers free entry every Sunday evening. Gothic Quarter The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona offers a labyrinth of medieval streets in which you’ll find all manner of attractions, quaint restaurants and local retailers. While this area may house some of the pricier pastimes of the city, it also offers many of the best free things to do in Barcelona. Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of the Barri Gòtic is its wide selection of charming squares. The likes of Plaça Reial, Plaça Prim and Plaça Sant Felip Neri offer relaxed and open spaces to sit and socialize, often along with a handful of cafés and restaurants to grab a coffee or a bite to eat. These cobbled alleyways also house some of Barcelona’s most notable historic sites. You can visit the Barcelona Cathedral and Basílica de Santa Maria for free between certain times each day. The Jewish Quarter at the heart of the Gothic Quarter is an entire fragment of history in itself, offering some of the most gorgeous architecture in the area. If that isn’t quite enough to sate your historical hunger, then you can also retrace Barcelona’s ancient Roman past. Walk the perimeter of the old city wall, visit the remains of the Roman aqueduct and necropolis and explore the impressive remaining columns of the Temple of Augustus. Wrapping Up While the aforementioned attractions may be considered some of the best budget-friendly ways to pass your time, they are by no means the only free things to do in Barcelona. Throughout the year, there are always a number of events, workshops, gigs, exhibitions and tours on offer free of charge for any who may be interested. As bustling and metropolitan as Barcelona may be, it doesn’t have to be reserved only for those with the cash to splash on every single attraction. The more savvy, budget-minded traveler can fill their itinerary with all manner of rewarding activities without having to spend a penny more than their flights, accommodation and meal costs.
Robert Heaney
Firework display over the Font Magica de Montjuïc on New Year's Eve
Blog

Barcelona in January

When planning a trip to Barcelona, your mind likely goes straight to summer, when the city sees its peak tourism. However, should you find yourself looking to take a trip in winter, you may see a side to the Catalan capital that most outsiders rarely do. Barcelona in January may be quieter than during the rest of the year, but that makes it a fantastic time to see the city in its most authentic state. What's more, should you be partial to a party or two, there's plenty of festivity to get you through the month. Tourism in January So long as you’re prepared to pack a raincoat and put your ideas of a beach holiday on the backburner, visiting Barcelona in January may prove a real treat. Throughout the wee months of the new year, the city sees its lowest rates of tourism, which for the most part should work very much in your favor. In the absence of the bustling droves of summer tourists, Barcelona is as tranquil as it gets come January. That means those choosing to visit in this period will get the pick of the litter when it comes to hotels, with the added benefit of comparatively lower prices. What that also means for you in your winter wanderlust is that you’ll get to experience everything that the city has to offer without much hassle at all. With fewer crowds, you won’t have to book attractions as early as you might in summer, with some often even available to book on the day. Take yourself on a tour of Barcelona’s attractions without having to fight for the sights. Bask in the awe-inspiring architecture of the Sagrada Familia, and explore the city’s ancient markets like a local. And if you’re an early riser, why not catch the sunrise over at Park Güell, too? That isn’t to say Barcelona is devoid of any tourism throughout this period, though. On the contrary, there’s often still a very healthy buzz to the city around this time. In place of the usual tourist crowds, you’ll find many more locals frequenting bars and restaurants in the center than most other times of the year, giving the city a real authentic buzz. Ski Season With the local ski season in full swing, a good portion of visitors to Barcelona in January are naturally there to take advantage of its prime location. With as many as 14 fantastic alpine resorts within a few hours’ drive from the city, Barcelona serves as a perfect hub for skiing enthusiasts. Take a day or two to gear up before a week's trip to one of the nearby resorts, or embrace the best of both worlds in skiing through the day and returning to Barcelona in the evening. New Year’s Eve Right from the get-go, both visitors and locals to Barcelona come together to see in the new year in style. Known as as Nochevieja in Spanish, New Year’s Eve celebrations take place throughout the city, with the most notable celebration taking place on Plaça d'Espanya by the Font Magica on Montjuïc, complete with the obligatory countdown and firework display. In the leadup to the countdown, one of the biggest parties takes place at the Poble Español close by, offering various different music zones for fans of all genres. Up to a thousand people typically come from the world over to party until dawn. Down in the city, many others still gather on Plaça Catalunya, often with a bottle of Cava in hand. At the stroke of midnight, many will then collectively throw their bottles into the street in celebration – much to the dismay of those who have to clean up in the morning! Kings’ Day The rest of January isn’t without its fair share of festivity either. Right away, just as the streets have been cleared up after New Year’s Eve, the city celebrates Kings’ Day. In tribute to the day that the Three Kings visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, Barcelona welcomes their ceremonial arrival on the evening of 5 January. The Three Kings arrive by boat before beginning their annual procession through the streets of Barcelona. Traditionally, children in Spain write letters to the kings in place of Santa Claus, and on Kings’ Day they receive their gifts. If you happen to be visiting around Kings’ Day, be sure to catch the parade and take part in some of the many local festivities. Locals are likely to be throwing parties, and stores and bakeries will be full of festive sweet treats to try out, such as Tortells de Reis, or Kings’ Cakes. La Festa dels Tres Tombs Kids and animal lovers alike are bound to get a kick out of this Catalan celebration. The Festa Major de Sant Antoni is celebrated on 17 January in honor of Saint Anthony, who was said to have used his healing capabilities to save a number of animals. On the first Saturday following this feast, La Festa dels Tres Tombs sees a procession of animals such as horses and donkeys parade through the streets around the Escola Pia de Sant Antoni. Alongside the parade, you can also expect to find the streets lined with stalls selling various treats and local crafts. Wrapping Up Barcelona in January may not typically top everyone’s bucket list, but that doesn’t mean you should rule it out. The beginning of the new year is a perfect time to experience all that the heart of Catalonia has to offer without having to battle the summer crowds. Whether you’re an avid skier, a fiend for festivities or simply want to see Barcelona at its most tranquil, January is a fantastic time to plan a visit. Just be sure to pack for the weather!
Robert Heaney
barcelona neighborhoods
Blog

Where To Stay in Barcelona

If you're planning a vacation in Barcelona, you may already have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Delicious food, warm temperatures, and heaps of wonderful Mediterranean architecture bring millions to the city every year. But where are the best places to stay in Barcelona? Well, we've committed to key research just for you. So read on, and find out where is the best place for you to stay in Barcelona! Including: Plaza de Catalunya Barri Gotic El Raval El Born Eixample and more!   Plaza de Catalunya If you want to be in the thick of the Catalan capital, then look for a place in Plaza de Catalunya. Right in the center of Barcelona, it gives you a great jumping-off point to travel from as you explore. You'll be surrounded by high street shops, markets, coffee houses, places to eat, and things to do, so really, it's the perfect place to set up a basecamp if you've never visited Barcelona before. La Boqueria, one of Barcelona's best and oldest markets, is a short walk away, so if you're staying in an Airbnb and you need fresh food, it should be your first port of call every morning. And museums like MACBA, or Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, are right around the corner   Gothic Quarter Looking for something a little older with a touch more atmosphere? Barcelona's Gothic Quarter is, predictably, one of the oldest parts of the city. Wandering its streets, you'll see untouched architecture that dates back to the Middle Ages. It's a more old-school, slapdash approach to city planning you won't find in many other tourist cities. You'll find plenty of markets here, as well as local restaurants and family-owned stores. A far cry from Plaza de Catalunya's high-street affair, but you'll find things in the Gothic Quarter you won't find anywhere else on Earth. As far as things to do, Güell Palace, one of Gaudi's earliest buildings, is right nearby. So go look at it, take pictures aplenty, and bask in its brilliance.   El Raval The city's multicultural heart, El Raval is one of the most fun districts in the city. Brimming with bars, clubs, and live music, if you want the full Catalonian experience, not many places do it better. Fresh food lovers or general deal-seekers should go check out Mercat de Sant Antoni for all their bartering needs. And, if the language barrier isn't an issue, there are also a slew of theaters putting on myriad shows for you to enjoy. Photo-lovers also owe it to themselves to snap a pic of the famous El Gat de Botero, an enormous bronze cat statue by revered artist Fernando Botero.   El Born What was once home to the ruling classes of old Barcelona has now blossomed into a lively neighborhood while still keeping much of the architectural splendor of the past. Alongside all the history, you'll find local shops and restaurants that'll open their doors to you. As for entertainment, you're a bit spoiled for choice here. Besides the numerous local art galleries, you can also visit the likes of the Picasso Museum and see some of the world-famous painter's works, or go for something more modern thanks to the Moco Museum, which showcases eye-opening modern art from Banksy and other genre heavyweights. If you want a taste of local life with a few extra frills, El Born has got you covered.   Eixample Right off of Plaza de Catalunya, you'll find Eixample, one of Barcelona's more bustling neighborhoods. One of the city's biggest districts, you'll find plenty of touristy delights within its formidable borders. While it contains more restaurants, bars, and cafes than you'll visit in a lifetime, its crowning jewels are perhaps two of Gaudi's most famous works, Casa Battló and La Sagrada Familia. The mind-blowing buildings are two of the city's biggest tourist attractions, so prepare to queue if you do visit. Besides all that, you'll find the city's biggest flea market, called Mercat Els Encants, where you can pick up pretty much anything. And you'll be a short walk from La Ciutadella Park. If you fancy it, take a Segway tour of the park to see the sights in a more unusual fashion!   Passeig de Gracia One of the fancier parts of the city, Passeig de Gracia is Barcelona's very own mini-Manhattan. Grand old mansions, opulent shopping, and designer-draped denizens are all on display. If you wish to mimic the class of the locals, you'll have plenty of opportunities to, thanks to the myriad designer stores and luxury labels on offer. And, for the culture vultures, check out the Placa de Catalunya, a beautiful central square full of sculptures, and another of Gaudi's famed works, La Pedera.   La Barceloneta Want a little sand and sea with your stay? Why not pitch your tent around La Barceloneta, the city's seaside district? Of course, the highlight of the neighborhood is undoubtedly Barceloneta Beach. It's the city's most popular beach for a reason, thanks to its proximity to the city center, a load of seaside bars and restaurants selling fresh fish, and the many watersports people can take part in. In fact, other than the Museu d'Historia de Catalunya, where you can learn all about the city's rich and long history, nearly everything else is beach or ocean-related. However, given how close the city's amenities are, it's still more than worthwhile to stay there and simply travel into the heart of Barcelona when you want to see and do touristy things. After all, nothing quite beats a sea view in the morning!   La Vila Olímpica And finally, we end our recommendations for where to stay in Barcelona with a more modern site. La Vila Olímpica was once the Olympic Village during the 1992 Barcelona Games, but has since evolved into its very own neighborhood, with bars, restaurants, and beaches ripe for a vacation destination! A stone's throw from the Barceloneta seaside, while many consider it to be part of that neighborhood, it's developed something of its own identity in the decades since the Olympics. With its goldilocks placement between the beach and the city center, it could be the perfect place to set up your basecamp! And you'll hardly say no to the amenities on your doorstep either! And those are our recommendations of where to stay in Barcelona! If you need a good choice of accommodation then you can browse hotels in Barcelona for a range of hotel options in the city.
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon