Barcelona 5 Day Itinerary

Barcelona 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Gothic Quarter & La Rambla

  • Morning: Check-in at your hotel (Recommendations: Hotel Casa Fuster, Otel Omm, Hotel El Palace) and start the day with a traditional Spanish breakfast at Café de Oriente in the Boqueria Market.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Cathedral of Barcelona (La Seu), the Gothic Quarter, and stroll down the famous La Rambla. Don’t miss the Mercat de la Boqueria.
  • Evening: Savor Catalan cuisine at Cervecería Catalana or El Quim de la Boqueria. End the day with a drink at Jai-caBerria, a traditional Catalan cider house.

Day 2: Gaudí’s Masterpieces

  • Morning: Visit Park Güell, a whimsical park designed by Antoni Gaudí. Don’t forget to take pictures at the famous mosaic salamander!
  • Afternoon: Head to Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. Both are stunning examples of Gaudí’s unique architectural style.
  • Evening: Rest at a café, then head to the Sagrada Familia. It’s especially beautiful during sunset. Have dinner at Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria), a popular local wine bar with great tapas.

Day 3: Montserrat & Poble Espanyol

  • Full Day: Take a day trip to Montserrat, a beautiful mountain range north of Barcelona, home to a monastery and a Benedictine community. You can take a cable car for breathtaking views.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby Poble Espanyol, an open-air architectural museum representing Spanish traditional villages and architecture.
  • Evening: Return to Barcelona and enjoy dinner at Can Majó, known for its seafood paella.

Day 4: Beaches & Modernist Walk

  • Morning: Head to the beach! Barceloneta is the most famous, but consider visiting less crowded beaches like Nova Icària or Bogatell.
  • Afternoon: Take a walk along the Passeig de Gràcia, home to several of Gaudí’s works and other modernist architecture. Don’t miss La Pedrera and Casa Battló.
  • Evening: Have dinner at Trickster, offering innovative cuisine with a twist.

Day 5: FC Barcelona & Last Bites

  • Morning: If you’re a football fan, visit the Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona, for a guided tour.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming neighborhood of El Raval. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) and enjoy its urban surroundings.
  • Evening: Have your farewell dinner at El Quim de la Selva, another tapas bar by the same owner as El Quim de la Boqueria, offering a more upscale dining experience.

Things to Know:

  • Barcelona is famous for its street art, especially in El Raval.
  • Spanish siesta culture means many shops close between 2-5 PM. Plan accordingly.
  • Most bars and restaurants serve food until late, but some may have different menus depending on the time of day.

Transportation:

  • Barcelona has an extensive metro, bus, and tram network (TMB) operated by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB). Consider getting a T10 travel card for unlimited rides within a certain period.
  • The city also has bike-sharing programs (Bicing), and walking is a great way to explore many areas.