Barcelona, Spain 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Barcelona

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty Spanish breakfast at La Boqueria, one of Europe’s oldest markets located in La Rambla. Try traditional dishes like Churros con Chocolate or Pa amb Tomàquet (toasted bread with tomato).

  • Mid-Morning: Visit the iconic La Sagrada Familia. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, this unfinished masterpiece is a must-see. Remember to book your tickets online in advance to skip the line.

  • Afternoon: Head to Park Guell for stunning city views and unique architectural elements by Gaudí. Don’t forget to take pictures with the famous mosaic salamander!

  • Evening: Explore the vibrant Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and wander through its narrow, medieval streets. Have dinner at Cervecería Catalana, known for its variety of traditional Catalan dishes and tapas.

  • Night: End your day with a walk along El Raval district, known for its alternative atmosphere, street art, and clubs like Razzmatazz, one of Barcelona’s most popular nightclubs.

Day 2: Gaudí & Beach Time

  • Morning: Visit the Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, two more masterpieces by Antoni Gaudí. Both buildings are located on Passeig de Gràcia.

  • Afternoon: Relax at one of Barcelona’s beautiful beaches. Nova Icària or Sant Sebastià are popular choices for tourists. Don’t forget to try Paella Valenciana, a traditional Spanish rice dish, at any beachfront restaurant!

  • Evening: Take a stroll along Passeig de Gràcia, known for its luxury shops and architectural wonders like Gaudí’s La Pedrera. Have dinner at Els Quatre Gats, a historic café that was once frequented by Picasso.

Day 3: Museums & Modernism

  • Morning: Visit the Picasso Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Montjuïc Mountain. Ride the Funicular or Cable Car up the mountain to visit attractions like the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Palau Nacional, enjoy breathtaking views of Barcelona from the Montjuïc Castle, and don’t forget to see the Magic Fountain show in the evening (check schedule).

  • Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Can Majó, one of the best seafood restaurants in Barcelona, located in El Raval district.

Where to Stay:

  • For luxury: Hotel W Barcelona or Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
  • For mid-range: Hotel Casa Fuster GRC or Hotel Neri
  • For budget: Generali Avenida La Rambla or Hostal Español

Things to Know:

  • Spanish siesta: many shops and restaurants close between 2 PM - 5 PM for siesta. Plan your day accordingly.
  • Barcelona cards: consider getting a Barcelona Card for free admission to many attractions, discounts on transportation, and other benefits.
  • Tapas culture: try different tapas in various bars during your visit to enjoy a variety of Spanish flavors.

Transportation:

  • Metro (Metro de Barcelona) is the most convenient way to get around the city. Single tickets can be purchased at stations or from vending machines.
  • Buses and trams are also available, but the metro covers most major tourist attractions.
  • Walking is another great option for exploring the charming neighborhoods of Barcelona.