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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!

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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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

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Ulitmate barcelona travel guide — how to visit barcelona on a budget.

What to see, do, eat and where to stay while visiting Barcelona.

Barcelona finds its way onto most itineraries… and for good reason. It has a vibrant food scene, a plethora of unique historic architecture, great Mediterranean weather, beautiful beaches, and arguably the best nightlife in Europe. This Barcelona on a budget travel guide will help you plan your trip and hopefully give you some tips for getting the most out of your time in the city.

[We’ve also written travel guides for Amsterdam , Berlin , London , Paris , Rome , and More ]

What You’ll Find In This Barcelona On A Budget Travel Guide:

How much to budget to visit barcelona.

• How Long to Visit Barcelona
• The Good and Not-So-Good Things About Barcelona: A Quick Overview
• Barcelona’s Must-See Sights and Attractions
• Barcelona’s Best Neighborhoods
• Cheap Eats and Drinks
• Best Barcelona Hostels
• Barcelona Nightlife
• More Resources to Help You Plan Your Visit on a Budget
• Public Transportation

Barcelona isn’t a cheap city but it isn’t too expensive either — especially when compared to Europe’s other most-visited cities.

I recommend budgeting €45-€85/day if you’re on a backpacker’s budget — you can easily spend more if you want to stay somewhere nicer than a hostel but this is a good range for planning purposes. Check out my Barcelona Daily Price Guide to get a more in-depth look at daily travel costs.

DAILY COST OF BUDGET TRAVEL IN BARCELONA: €75 ($87 USD)

• Attractions : €22 (one paid attraction + any free sights)
• Food : €27.50
• Transportation : €2.2
• Accommodation  (hostel): €25

DAILY COST OF FRUGAL TRAVEL IN BARCELONA: €45 ($52 USD)

• Attractions : €8 (free walking tour + visit one of the free sights)
• Food : €15.50
• Transportation : €0 (explore by foot)
• Accommodation  (cheap hostel bed): €20

How Long To Visit Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those cities where you can easily spend more than a week exploring but it’s recommended to spend at least 4 or 5 days in the city.

If you plan on partaking in the city’s famous nightlife, you may want to add a few days to your visit so have adequate time to recover while also having time to explore the city.

The Best Time to Visit Barcelona

The most popular time to visit Barcelona is in the summer but this means tons of people and sweltering 85+ degree weather. (Then again, this is great beach weather.)

Winters are mild and the temperatures average in the mid-50s — it’s also when you’ll find the lowest number of tourists.

Late spring and early fall bring excellent weather and fewer crowds than in the summer. Personally, I think either spring or fall is the best time to visit Barcelona.

The Good and Not-So-Good Things About Barcelona

Barcelona offers so many wonderful things to visitors but (like any city) Barcelona has a few negative that you should be aware of before visiting.

The Good Things About Barcelona

The Nightlife. This is one of the main reasons people flock to Barcelona. The night doesn’t get started until about 10 pm, and you’ll find people eating in restaurants until well after midnight. Then they hit the bars until the early morning and then the clubs until 6 am. Clubbing not your thing? Don’t worry, Barcelona has options for just about anyone.

The Beauty of the City. Barcelona is undoubtedly a beautiful city, and it boasts some of the most impressive architecture in all of Europe. Simply walking/getting lost in its charming medieval streets is a pleasure that you’ll love.

The Beaches. Barcelona is constantly rated as the best beach city in the world, so it’s no surprise that the beach plays a huge role in the city’s identity.

A Living City. It’s easy to see why people love living in Barcelona and that joy is in the air. There is always something going on, and you’ll constantly see people outside in the streets, parks, and cafes enjoying life. Watch out, it’s contagious.

Culture and Museums. Barcelona has something for everyone, including a number of excellent museums.

Great Weather and Excellent Outdoor Life . Barcelona has mild winters and warm summers. In the winter, you can expect temperatures to be in the mid-50s; in the summer, temps stay around the low-80s. This means that Barcelona’s citizens spend a lot of time outdoors in the city’s many parks, squares, beaches, and outdoor cafes.

The Not-So-Good Things About Barcelona

Loads of Tourists. Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, so the city becomes overrun with visitors and long lines to the famous sights — especially in the summer months. That said, it’s no reason to avoid the city… but the weather is nice all year so you can have a nice visit at any time.

Pickpockets and Tourist Scams. Hoards of tourists always attract lots of pickpockets and other scammers… and Barcelona is no exception. You have to remain very vigilant in Barcelona, especially in the touristy areas and on the beaches. Read our guide to avoiding pickpockets in Europe for more tips.

Spread Out Sights. Many of the famous sights are spread throughout the city, so you will have to do a bit of traveling to see everything. The public transportation is good though so it’s not too much of a problem.

The Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona

You can’t talk about Barcelona without talking about its amazing neighborhoods — all of which are a joy to simply explore on foot. Below are a few of my favorite “must visit” neighborhoods:

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)

The most visited, and oldest neighborhood of Barcelona is called the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and it contains many of the top attractions, including the Cathedral of Barcelona  and a handful of Roman ruins. Yes, it will be overrun with other tourists but getting lost in its winding medieval streets and alleys is still one of the great joys of visiting Barcelona.

Las Ramblas

The second neighborhood (which is technically part of the Gothic Quarter but has its own personality) is  Las Ramblas — which is a pedestrian-only street (and surrounding area) lined with shops, chain stores, tacky tourist stalls, cafes, and restaurants. 

This is the most visited tourist spot in Barcelona so it’s buzzing all day and night. It’s also one of the biggest pickpocket hotspots in Europe, so be extra vigilant. The cafes and restaurants are super overpriced, so wander off Las Ramblas for better prices.

Additionally,  La Boqueria Market is a massive indoor market located off Las Ramblas and it’s been rated the best market in the world. It’s a massive tourist draw, so it’s super busy, but it’s still a fun experience. If you want to escape the tourist hoards, head to  Plaça Reial — which is a beautiful square that’s just off Las Ramblas.

El Born is the most trendy and artistic neighborhood   in Barcelona and its narrow medieval streets add to its charm. In addition to its tapas bars, restaurants, avant-garde galleries, cool cafes, and vintage shops, this neighborhood is the home of the impressive  Church of Santa Maria del Mar and the excellent  Santa Caterina Market (which has an amazing Gaudí-esque roof).

El Born is also where you’ll find a lot of Barcelona’s famous nightlife so you’ll find yourself here often.

L’Eixample

L’Eixample is the largest neighborhood in Barcelona and it’s home to many of the city’s most famous architectural highlights — including La Sagrada Familia . L’Eixample is popular with the locals because it’s a lively neighborhood without being as densely populated as the city center thanks to its wide, tree-lined boulevards.

Because of the massive size of this neighborhood, you’ll also find that different parts of the neighborhood have their own personalities so it’s worth spending extra time here exploring.

El Raval is one of the largest and most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Barcelona. It’s more gritty than other parts of the city, so don’t be surprised if you see prostitutes in some parts, but the neighborhood is currently in the midst of rapid gentrification.

El Raval is popular with young, hip folks, and there are new and interesting businesses, boutiques, thrift stores, bars, and restaurants opening all the time — in short, it always has something going on and its a nice break from the “touristy” parts of the city.

Gràcia is a quiet (by Barcelona standards) neighborhood that’s often described as a village within a city so it’s a great place to visit to live like a local — plus it doesn’t attract the same tourist crowds as other parts of Barcelona. You’ll find plenty of trendy shops, bars, outdoor cafes, and restaurants filled with equally trendy locals.

This bohemian neighborhood is located on a hillside so it offers great views of the city and it’s also home to Gaudí’s famous and whimsical hilltop park,  Parc Güell .

El Poble-sec

The El Poble-sec neighborhood is buzzing with local life, cozy bars, an up-and-coming foodie scene, and creative energy. It’s also less frequented by tourists so the area feels much more authentic than other parts of Barcelona.

Barcelona’s Best Museums

Barcelona feels like a living and breathing museum but it also has a handful of excellent museums that are worth checking out (if you’re not too tired of partying until 6 am).

Picasso Museum

The most popular museum in Barcelona is the Picasso Museum. This museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s works and focuses heavily on his earlier years. The Picasso Museum often has long ticket lines and can sell out so buying tickets early is recommended.

• Visit Website
• Buy Skip-The-Line Guided Tour Tickets
• See on Google Maps

Fundació Joan Miró

The second-most popular museum is the Fundació Joan Miró — which is the top collection of artwork by Joan Miró and many other twentieth and twenty-first-century artists. This is another museum that I recommend buying tickets in advance so you can skip the long ticket lines.

• Visit Website 

Barcelona Contemporary Cultural Center

Joan Miró also created the Barcelona Contemporary Cultural Center to feature contemporary, alternative, and innovative art. 

If you’re up for something different, check out the CaixaForum. This museum is located in a former brick factory, and it features an ever-changing collection of excellent art.

Other Museums

If you’re interested in the history of the Catalan region and its accompanying art, check out the highly-rated  Catalan Art Museum . If you want to learn more about the history of Barcelona, head to the  Barcelona History Museum , which features some great Roman ruins. If you’re interested in checking out a few huge old ships, you should stop into the Maritime Museum  that’s housed in a medieval shipyard (plus, it’s free and the building is really cool).

The Best Gaudí Architecture In Barcelona

Barcelona’s signature Catalan Modernism architecture was created by one man — Antoni Gaudí. Examples of his work are scattered throughout the city so you’ll most likely come across many of his most famous works without much effort. Here are Gaudí’s best architectural feats:

La Sagrada Família

If you only see one thing in Barcelona it should be the Sagrada Família. This iconic Catholic church has been under construction since 1882 and isn’t expected to be fully finished until 2030 (or later). It’s one of the most impressive things I’ve seen throughout all my travels.

You should always book your Sagrada Família tickets in advance since they require a reservation for a timed entry and they limit the number of tickets sold (last-minute tickets are nearly impossible to buy). If tickets are sold out, you can often pay extra to book a guided tour.

• Book Guided Tour Tickets or Book Skip-The-Line Tickets
• See On Google Maps

Park Güell is the iconic park that overlooks the city and it’s another part of Barcelona that shouldn’t be missed. A small part of the park is free to visit but a majority of the park requires a timed-entry admission.

• Buy Tickets

La Pedrera and Casa Batlló

La Pedrera  (sometimes called Casa Mila) and  Casa Batlló  are two other Gaudí buildings. You can visit the interior of the buildings but they’re also fun to observe from the street. Le Pedrera is great rooftop views but the Casa Batlló has a more interesting interior (although tickets are very pricy).

The Best Beaches in Barcelona

There were no natural beaches in Barcelona until the city built man-made beaches for the 1992 Olympics—the area was overrun by industry and pollution until the early 90s. The city’s beaches are now considered to be some of the best urban beaches in the world.

Barcelona has a number of beaches but the most popular is Barceloneta Beach . Here you’ll find plenty of beautiful twenty-something Barcelonians flaunting their stuff and escaping the hustle of the city.

Theft is very common on Barcelona’s beaches so don’t leave your stuff unattended.

The Best Walking Tours (Both Free and Paid)

I’ve said it a million times… but I love walking and bike tours. They’re simply a great way to explore and learn more about the city you’re visiting.

Luckily, Barcelona has a number of free tours (the guides work on tips) and paid tours. Most free tours offer a good overview of the city, while paid tours have more experienced guides who have a deeper understanding of their subjects.

Here are a few of the most popular tours:

• Runner Bean Tours — Free and paid tours.
• Sandemans New Europe: Barcelona  — Free tours.
• Free Walking Tours Barcelona  — Free tours.
• Barcelona Walks  — Paid tours.
• Trip Advisor’s Tour Page — Discover more niche tours.

Barcelona Nightlife and Clubs

Barcelona’s nightlife is legendary. Even on weeknights, the restaurants don’t fill up until after 9 pm and people don’t start hitting the bars until late at night — the dance clubs are still going strong until the sun comes up.

Drink prices tend to be fairly affordable (except in the clubs) and you’re often given free tapas with your drinks in many bars.

When it comes to clubs, expect cover charges and high drink prices for the more popular spots. Also, expect to put some effort into your appearance (no shorts, baseball caps, etc.) or the doormen might not let you in.

But the city’s nightlight isn’t just about clubs — there are tons of bars and restaurants that cater to just about anything you’re into. Check out these guides to help you find the best nightlife options:

• The Guardian: Barcelona Clubbing and Nightlife 
• Time Out: Best Clubs in Barcelona
• The Hungry Partier: Barcelona Nightlife Guide
• Driftwood Journal: Barcelona’s Best Bars, Clubs, and Party Spots
• Lonely Planet: Best Places to Drink

What To Eat and Drink In Barcelona

Barcelona has food options for just about any budget. In fact, Barcelona has one of the highest numbers of restaurants and bars per capita in all of Europe—unfortunately, many restaurants are nothing special. The quality generally gets a lot worse near the tourist attractions, so do some research so you don’t end up overpaying for low-quality food.

Also, don’t forget that lunch is generally the biggest meal of the day, and people don’t eat dinner until around 10 pm, so plan ahead.

Tapas and Pintxos

Spain is famous for its tapas and pintxos—which are basically mini portions of single dishes ( pintxos are traditionally served on small pieces of bread) that are meant to be snacked on in bars and restaurants. But a lot of people make a meal out of sampling multiple kinds of tapas.

Tapas and pintxos can range from simple to extravagant but they’re typically affordable. In some parts of Spain (mainly Granada and Madrid), the tapas are free as long as you’re buying alcohol but this is fairly rare in Barcelona.

Seafood Paella

Seafood paella (and seafood in general) is very popular in Barcelona since the city is located on the coast.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of places selling terrible seafood paella at inflated prices. So do your homework on this one… trust me. Check out this article by The Barcelona Navigator for finding the best paella.

Cava (sparkling wine) might as well be the official drink of Barcelona.

But what about sangria? That’s actually a specialty of southern Spain and it’s only served because tourists ask for it… and it’s rarely made well in Barcelona.

Buñuelos de Bacalao (Cod Fritters)

Who doesn’t love deep-fried fish and potatoes? You can find these tasty treats all over Barcelona—from tapas bars to hole-in-the-wall food stands.

Spanish Beer

Spain’s temperatures can get very high in the summers so beating the heat with a cold beer is very popular in Spain. And beer in Spain is cheap if you stick to the large domestic breweries.

Be sure to order a caña — which is a small size draft beer. Why a caña? The locals love their beer to be ice cold so they’d rather order two or three super cold small beers than have their bigger beer get warm. If you’re drinking a huge mug, then you’re probably drinking at a touristy spot.

Hot Chocolate and Churros

Barcelona is home to some of the best hot chocolate and churro spots in Spain—many of which have been open for over 100 years.

More Barcelona Foodie Resources

The food scene in Barcelona is vast and ever-changing so I rely on a handful of websites and Barcelona-based food bloggers to get the most up-to-date information on where to eat on a budget in Barcelona.

Online Resources:

• TimeOut Barcelona

Barcelona Food Bloggers:

• Spotted By Locals: Barcelona
• Foodie In Barcelona
• The Infatuation
• Barcelona Lowdown
• Barcelona Connect
• The Spain Scoop

Cheap Restaurants and Local Favorites:

Can Tosca : This budget-friendly, family-run restaurant is a local favorite thanks to their excellent bocadillos (sandwiches) and other homemade staples.

Bar Jai-Ca : A lively local favorite tapas bar that’s been around since 1955.

Cervecería Vaso de Oro : Very popular bar with tapas, desserts & draft beer.

Bar Mutt : Modern, upscale gastrobar serving traditional tapas & sommelier-recommended wine.

Baluard Barceloneta : Truly excellent bakery famous for their bread and croissants.

Barraca : A bright and modern seafood restaurant with excellent paella at a fair price.

Pastisseria Hofmann : Much loved pastry shop.

Demasié : Pastry shop famous for their cinnamon buns (they also have a vegan option) and large cookies.

Le Pain d’Éric&Benjamin : Excellent French bakery serving up authentic pain au chocolate, croissants, and baguettes.

The Best Hostels In Barcelona

The good news is that Barcelona has multiple great hostels.

However, the prices increase considerably in the summer thanks to the influx of visitors, so you’ll want to book as early as possible to ensure you get the best options. I’ve always used Hostelworld to book hostels, so you’ll want to poke around there to find the perfect hostel.

Below is a list of the best-rated hostels that won’t break your budget:

• Hostel One Sants
• Pars Teatro Hostel
• Sant Jordi Hostel Rock Palace
• Sant Jordi Gracia
• Sant Jordi Sagrada Familia
• Feetup  Garden House

Read more about the best hostels in Barcelona .

Public Transportation in Barcelona

Barcelona has a good public transportation network. Most people use the Metro (subway) to travel long distances, but Barcelona is compact so many visitors end up walking everywhere. The Metro is nice to ride during the steamy summer because it’s air-conditioned.

Public Transportation Ticket Prices ( Visit The Official Website )

• Single one-way ticket: €2.40
• T10 ticket (10 one-way journeys): €11.35

Hola Barcelona Travel Card provides unlimited journeys on public transport in Barcelona for consecutive periods of  2 days  (48 h),  3 days  (72 h),  4 days  (96 h) or  5 days  (120 h) from the time it is first validated. Travel to Barcelona-El Prat airport included.

• 2-day pass: €16.40
• 3-day pass: €23.80
• 4-day pass: €31
• 5-day pass: €38.20

Express Aerobus from the airport to city: €5.90

Train (RENFE) from airport to city: €4.10 + €2.15 (to switch to the Metro)

Taxi from airport to city: €25-€35

Practical Travel Tips

• Many city-run museums are free on Sundays from 3-8pm.
• Many restaurants close around 2-4pm and don’t open back up until 8 pm.
• Catalán is the main language spoken in Barcelona but Spanish is also spoken by just about everyone.
• Whenever possible, purchase museum and attraction tickets online. Attractions often attract huge crowds and even huger lines, so the savviest visitors buy their tickets in advance.
• Walking is the best way to explore the city.
• Watch for pickpockets. They’re everywhere.
• Every Metro stop has free wifi and you can find free wifi in many parts of the city but I always reccomend buying a European SIM Card—read about How To Buy A SIM Card in Europe but SimOptions.com is the most well-known authorized SIM card reseller.
• Avoid eating at any restaurant on Las Ramblas. There might be one or two exceptions, but 99% of the time you’re going to be overpaying for bad food.
• Want to go to an FC Barcelona soccer game but can’t find a ticket? Head to  www.fcbarcelona.com  and you can find season ticket holders selling their tickets.

Packing Lists and Tips

If you’re looking at this article, then I’m going to bet you’re getting ready to travel. Check out these helpful articles that we wrote for tips and advice for packing for your trip.

• Backpacking Europe Packing List For Women
• Backpacking Europe Packing List For Men
• Best Travel Backpacks For Europe

More Barcelona Travel Planning Resources

• Rick Steves Barcelona
• Lonely Planet Barcelona
• Time Out: Barcelona
• WikiVoyage: Barcelona

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Barcelona Travel Guide

Last Updated: February 12, 2024

Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe . From family travelers to cruise ship crowds to partying budget backpackers, everyone seems to end up in Barcelona, especially during the summer.

With its delicious sangria, unique gin cocktails, mouthwatering food, stunning beaches, warm weather, rich history and culture, and unique architecture, it’s no surprise that this city attracts a wide swatch of travelers (and thereby struggles with overtourism).

Despite the crowds, I love visiting Barcelona. Every visit makes me fall in love with the city even more. It’s a city steeped in history (its Barri Gothic dates to the Roman Empire and you can see Gaudí’s architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries in almost every district) and the nightlife here is virtually unrivaled. People party late here!

I can never get enough of the city. It has an infectious energy, its historic streets are intoxicating, and its people are full of life.

This travel guide to Barcelona will help you travel cheaper, better, and smarter during your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Barcelona

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Barcelona

1. Wander Gaudí’s Architecture

Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) is Barcelona’s most famous architect, and his work is everywhere in the city. His quirky method of blending Gothic and Art Nouveau resulted in futuristic architecture that pays homage to natural shapes. The highlights for me are Park Güell (10 EUR), a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900-1914; Sagrada Familia (26 EUR), which has been under construction for over 100 years, Casa Batlló (35 EUR), a multi-story home heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style, and Casa Milà (25 EUR), also known as “La Pedrera” (the Stone Quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. For more information on the specifics of his work in the city, here’s a guide to Gaudí’s Barcelona . For behind-the-scenes tours, check out Get Your Guide .

2. See the Picasso Museum

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish artist, and his sculptures and paintings are some of the most famous and iconic in the world. While I’m not a huge fan of much of his later work, I still got a lot out of the museum. It was super interesting to learn about the life and craft of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His works varied from cubism to surrealism to neoclassical so there is likely an art style here you’ll enjoy. With over 4,000 pieces of art, this is one of the biggest Picasso museums in the world. Even if you’re not a fan, I think you should visit. Admission is 14 EUR when bought online in advance or 15 EUR at the ticket office. Admission is free Thursday from 4-7pm and the first Sunday of each month.

3. Enjoy the beach

Stretching over 1 kilometer (.6 miles), Barceloneta Beach is a wide and long stretch of sand that is within walking distance from the city center and has a lot of restaurants along the boardwalk. If you walk further along the shore, you’ll get to some quieter beaches (I recommend Nova Icaria and St. Pol de Mar). If you’re visiting in the summer, try to get here early and avoid the weekends as the crowds are huge. Also, don’t leave any valuables here as petty theft is common. There are daily storage lockers available for 4.95 EUR.

4. Visit the Barcelona History Museum

Barcelona has one of the best city history museums I’ve ever visited. It contains 4,000 square meters of Roman ruins beneath the city that you can see up close. You’ll also see the evolution of the city, and be able to peer into the remains of historic homes. There is a free (and detailed) audio guide and meticulous explanations of all the mosaics, frescoes, graves, ancient documents, and more. It’s the best intro to the city and its past and is a must for history buffs. I can’t say enough good things about it. Admission is 7 EUR.

5. Get lost in the Barri Gotic

Barcelona’s old Gothic Quarter is my favorite part of town. It’s where you’ll find the oldest parts of the city, dating back more than 2,000 years. Go wander ancient Roman walls and medieval buildings that are all connected by narrow, winding streets. Today, this neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as one of Gaudi’s first projects, highly decorative street lamps in Plaza Real(Plaça Reial). You can easily spend a day getting lost in this district. At night, it becomes one of the busiest areas with late-night partyers.

Other Things to See and Do in Barcelona

1. take a walking tour.

The first thing I do in a new city is take a walking tour. It’s the best way to see the main sights, learn some history and culture, and connect with a local expert who can answer your questions. For free walking tours, check out New Europe. If you’re looking for more in-depth and specific tours, go with Take Walks. They are my go-to walking tour company because they use expert local guides and run insightful, in-depth tours.

2. Enjoy contemporary art

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art has hundreds of exhibits, with a large collection of Spanish and international artists, including Tàpies, Klee, Saura, and others. While it’s not really my favorite style of art, if you love modern art, be sure to add this to your itinerary, as the building itself is an interesting piece of Modernist architecture. Admission is 11 EUR when bought online (12 EUR if bought onsite) and entry is free on Saturdays from 4pm-8pm.

3. Stroll down La Rambla

This famous street in Barcelona is where all the tourists go. There are overpriced shops, restaurants, and camera-toting tourists all over this traffic-free promenade. However, despite that, there is an upbeat energy here. It became a hotspot for a reason — there are many beautiful buildings to see, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu (the city’s opera house) and a mosaic by Joan Miró (a Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist from Barcelona). You’ll also see a lot of street performers here. While I wouldn’t shop or eat here, it’s a great place to take in the city and people-watch. Just be prepared to be elbow-to-elbow with people in the high season.

4. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Barcelona’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Barcelona has to offer (from local fish and cheese to jamón ibérico and vermouth) while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about each dish, this tour is for you! Tours start at 89 EUR.

5. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral

Located in the heart of the Barri Gotic, this Gothic cathedral (officially named The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia) was built on the top of an 11th-century church. Walk around the beautiful cloister (built between the 14th and 15th centuries) and see Saint Eulalia’s Crypt (Eulalia was a 13-year-old Christian martyr from Barcelona). Be sure to go up to the roof to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the city. Admission is 14 EUR for tourists (free for worshipers).

6. See the Gaudí Fountain

Gaudí outdid himself with this huge fountain located in the Parc de la Ciutadella. It’s a tribute to the god Neptune. There are massive griffins spouting water, Neptune on his chariot, and a gold statue on top. With plenty of benches and an ice cream place nearby, it’s a good place to relax after a lot of walking around, and there are plenty of shady areas on hot, sunny days. It’s one of my favorite parks in the entire city. Bring a book and watch the world go by.

7. Learn to cook Spanish food

Since Barcelona is such a food-centric city, taking a cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Learn how to cook paella, Catalan tapas, and much more. Some tours even begin in one of the city’s large markets, where your chef helps you select fresh produce and ingredients for your meal. There are different classes based on what you want to cook, with most lasting 3-4 hours and costing around 70 EUR. And of course, you get to feast on your final product. Check out BCNKitchen for more information.

8. Ride the port cable car

The 1,450-meter-long (4,757 ft) harbor aerial tramway connects Montjuïc Hill and Barceloneta. It starts in Barceloneta on the top of the 78-meter (255 ft) Torre San Sebastian tower and has an intermediate stop at Torre Jaume I tower (close to the Columbus monument), which can be reached by elevator from the ground. The Torre Jaume I tower is 107 meters (351 ft) and is the second tallest aerial tramway support tower in the world. Taking the cable car is one of the best ways to soak in the view of the city and see iconic sights such as the Sagrada Familia and Olympic Stadium from above. Round-trip tickets cost 20 EUR.

9. Explore Montjuïc Hill

Here you can enjoy the view of the city (an especially great sunset location) and visit the Castell de Montjuïc. The 17th-century military fortress isn’t the prettiest, but it’s a great stop for history buffs. Once used to imprison political prisoners under Franco’s rule, today you can climb the watchtower and enter the dungeon (12 EUR). In addition, on top of the hill you’ll find Poble Espanyol, a huge replica of a historic Spanish village, an Olympic stadium from the 1992 Olympics, and series of gardens (rose, cactus, and Mediterranean) at the top of the hill. There are a few options for food, but this is a great place to bring a picnic lunch. Round-trip cable car tickets are 14.40 EUR.

10. Stroll through the Raval

Barcelona’s old literary district is known as the Raval. It used to have a bit of a dark, edgy feel but is now filled with trendy shops like boutiques and vintage stores. There are a few architectural highlights, too, like the Romanesque monastery and Palau Güell. Take a stroll around the area, especially along El Raval’s mini-La Rambla, which is a popular meeting place for dining and nightlife. I think this is one of the best neighborhoods in the city and recommend staying here if you can.

11. Catch an outdoor film

If you’re in Barcelona in July or August, consider heading up to Montjuïc Hill to catch an outdoor film around the castle moat. Screenings take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and the evening usually starts out with some cool live music. You can buy food and drinks here too. Tickets are 7.50 EUR or 10.50 EUR with a chair.

12. Day trip to Montserrat

Montserrat is a small village and Benedictine monk monastery in the mountain range of the same name. Located just outside of the city, it makes for a great day trip. You can reach the area by taking a one-hour train ride. Once there, walk around the natural park area and pay a visit to the famous shrine of the Black Madonna (it dates to the Middle Ages and is located within the monastery’s basilica). It’s a scenic area and is a nice break from the urban atmosphere of Barcelona. There’s also a local market here where you can buy artisanal foods and crafts, and there are lots of hikes and rock climbing in the area as well. Return train tickets cost around 27 EUR.

13. Explore La Boquería

Located near La Rambla is La Boquería (Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquería). It’s a huge public market that’s hundreds of years old (the first mention of a market being here dates to 1217). La Boquería has a range of food stalls and restaurants selling seafood and locally-grown produce, as well as nuts, candy, wine, and tapas. While the market isn’t as big as it used to be, it’s still iconic and not to be missed. It does get incredibly busy with locals and tourists, though, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.

14. Have fun at an old-school amusement park

Tibidabo Barcelona was built in 1899 and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. There are rides (including a ferris wheel overlooking the city, a Venetian carousel, and an immersive experience within a former castle), an area for small children that includes a puppet theater, and restaurants. It’s located at the top of a tall mountain in the Serra de Collserola, providing stunning views of Barcelona and the coastline. It’s a fun place to come with or without kids. Admission is 35 EUR.

15. Watch a soccer match

The first “football” game I ever saw was in Barcelona (I still have the shirt I bought on the day). If a match is going on, try to get a ticket (they’re generally quite affordable) as it’s an amazing and boisterous spectacle. Locals are obsessed with the sport, and you’ll make a lot of good friends while you’re there! If you can’t make a game, you can tour the stadium and the FCB (or Barça) Museum for 15-30 EUR.

16. Admire Barcelona’s free public art

There’s colorful and historic public art all over Barcelona. There are lots by Gaudí, so be sure to check out the huge Cascada Fountain in the Parc de la Ciutadella, lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau, and the Miralles gate and wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona. Painter and sculptor Joan Miró also has some great art around the city, including the “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró and the mosaics on La Rambla and at the airport. At the seafront, you’ll find El Cap de Barcelona (The Head of Barcelona), a sculpture created by pop artist Lichtenstein for the 1992 Olympics. Gato Gordo (the fat cat) is a fun sculpture that’s been located all over the city but is now found on Rambla del Raval.

17. Day trip to Girona

Located just 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Barcelona, Girona is one of my favorite cities in Spain . Here you can climb along the medieval city walls, wander the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter, and soak up the city at one of the many cafes. Don’t miss the many museums in the city, such as the Jewish History Museum or the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia. Also, don’t forget to visit the lion statue at the base of Sant Feliu and kiss its bottom – doing so apparently means you will return to Girona. You can also take a Game of Thrones tour here too (scenes from King’s Landing and Braavos were filmed here). If you can, spend at least a night here.

18. See Güell Palace

Palau Güell is another one of Gaudí’s masterpieces — but it doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. It’s one of Gaudí earliest works. He designed it between 1886-1888 for his patron Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around a central party room. The room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night to give the appearance of a starlit sky. There are colorful tree-like chimneys on top. It’s a bit creepy and gothic but it’s one of my favorites! Admission is 12 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Spain, check out these guides:

• Granada Travel Guide
• Madrid Travel Guide
• Seville Travel Guide
• Valencia Travel Guide

Barcelona Travel Costs

There are a few campsites outside the city for those traveling with a tent. Prices start around 25 EUR per night for a basic plot for one person without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star hotels with basic amenities like TV, AC, and a coffee/tea maker average around 125-150 EUR per night. Expect to pay at least 30% more in the summer.

Airbnb is available all around the city as well. Private rooms in a home start around 60 EUR per night while an entire home/apartment costs at least 150 EUR if you book early (but expect to pay at least double that if you wait until the last minute).

Airbnb has caused a lot of problems in Barcelona, however, as it has pushed locals out of the city center and authorities are clamping down on illegal listings. Be sure yours has listed its tax ID number and avoid staying with hosts who have multiple listings (they are corporate housing disguised as Airbnb).

Average cost of food – Spain has a strong food culture, where meals can last hours and dinner often isn’t served until after 8pm. Each region in the country has its own local dishes and food culture. In Catalonia, be sure to try local favorites such as cod soup, cured pork, escudella (meat and vegetable stew), grilled snails, and Catalan cream (a local version of Crème brûlée).

You can get a meal comprised of cheap tapas for around 10-15 EUR. If you want wine included, expect to spend about 20-25 EUR per meal.

If you go out for dinner at a mid-range restaurant, then you should plan to spend at least 35-40 EUR for a meal including a dish like paella, drinks, and appetizers.

Cheap fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 9.50 EUR for a combo meal. Chinese food is around 10 EUR for a main dish while pizza costs 10-14 EUR.

Beer costs 3-4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 2.25 EUR. Bottled water is about 1.60 EUR.

If you buy your own food, expect to spend about 45-65 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Some of my favorite restaurants include Cervecería Vaso de Oro, Tapeo, La Alcoba Azul, Cervesería Catalana, and Quimet & Quimet.

Backpacking Barcelona Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking in Barcelona, expect to spend around 100 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like free walking tours and relaxing in the parks. Add at least 20 EUR per day to your budget if you plan on drinking or partying a lot.

On a mid-range budget of about 215 EUR per day, you can stay in a room in an Airbnb, private hostel room, or a budget hotel, eat out at inexpensive restaurants for most meals, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like cooking classes and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 375 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out and drink more, take taxis, and do more guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Barcelona Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Barcelona is an incredibly popular destination and, as such, pretty expensive. Accommodation prices have risen a lot following COVID. Moreover, food, drinks, and tours can also really add up if you aren’t watching your spending. Here are some suggestions on how to save money in Barcelona:

• Get the Barcelona Card – The Barcelona Card offers free public transportation and all sorts of discounts at museums, nightclubs, entertainment facilities, shops, and restaurants. The Barcelona Card includes unlimited travel on all public transport and comes as either a 3-, 4-, or 5-day card costing 48 EUR, 58 EUR, or 63 EUR, respectively.
• See the free sights – Many museums in Barcelona are open to the public for free. All city museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. Check their websites to confirm, as some have specific times or require reservations.
• Eat seafood for lunch – Head down to the beaches during the day for seafood. The restaurants in this area are really expensive but, during the day, you can get a good plate of food for under 25 EUR. (It’s double that during dinner).
• Shop at the local markets – Fresh foods can be bought for super cheap at some of the open markets in the city. Buy your produce and meats here to save some cash. La Boquería is one of the biggest in the city, with a rich history and a convenient location (right next to La Rambla).
• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are fantastic for getting oriented in a new city and learning lots of interesting history. Most tours last a few hours. New Europe’s free walking tour is the best one to get you started. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Stay with a local – There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts throughout the city, so if you plan ahead you shouldn’t have a hard time finding someone to host you. This is the best way to save a few euros during your stay and has the potential to better connect you to the local scene.
• Drink at a hostel – One of the cheapest ways to enjoy a drink (and meet other travelers) is to drink at the hostels. Many hostels have their own bars and offer extended happy hours, so they are a good way to drink cheap. You don’t even need to be staying there to take advantage of them, either. If you’re looking for a fun, cheap hostel bar, St. Christopher’s is one of the best in the city!
• Take the train from the airport –

The Barcelona Metro has two stops at the airport — one in each terminal. The fare is 5.50 EUR, but there isn’t great direct service to the city center. Check out the directions while you’ve got free airport Wifi, as you’ll likely need to transfer trains.

• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

I’ve stayed at a lot of places in this city. Barcelona has options for every budget. Here are my recommended hostels and budget hotels: Hostels

• Mediterranean Youth Hostel
• St. Christopher’s Inn

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Barcelona .

• Saint Antoni Market
• Hotel Colón
• Hotel BestPrice Gràcia

How to Get Around Barcelona

A 10-journey travel card is 12.15 EUR while a 48-hour unlimited pass (known as a Hola Barcelona card) is 17.50 EUR. The 72-hour/3-day pass is 25.50 EUR (there’s also a 4-day and 5-day pass too).

Barcelona currently has 8 subway lines that can take you anywhere in the city. There’s also an urban rail network known as the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC), which takes you to the suburbs. The ticketing system works the same as the bus ticketing system.

Bicycle – You can easily rent a bicycle to get around the city. Daily rentals start around 5-10 EUR. Donkey Republic, a bike rental app with locations all over Europe, has bikes in Barcelona for just a few euros an hour. However, renting from a place like Mattia 46 or Ajo Bike is cheaper if you want a full-day rental.

Taxis – Taxis are expensive in Barcelona and I don’t recommend taking one unless absolutely necessary. Rides start at 3 EUR and charge 2 EUR per kilometer. It costs over 30 EUR to go from the airport to the city center, so skip the taxis if you can and take public transportation.

Uber is not widely available in the city, but the app can be used to call a local taxi. Cabify is the more popular local app used to do the same.

When to Go to Barcelona

Barcelona is a year-round destination, although late spring/early summer (May/June) and fall (September/October) are my favorite times to visit. The weather is always nice, there are endless blue skies, and tourist traffic is at a slight lull. Spring boasts temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and the autumn offers highs of around 23°C (73°F). If you love the ocean and beach area, the water is typically warm enough to swim until late September.

July and August are the hottest months to visit, with daily temperatures over 28°C (85°F). It can be really humid, but at least you can cool off at the beach. However, this is peak tourism season and the city is oversaturated with travelers, especially vacationers from Europe and cruise ship passengers who can inundate popular areas from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Barcelona’s summer months are definitely upbeat and fun, but all those crowds can be hard to handle. Travel in the shoulder season if you can to get the most out of the city.

The winter in Barcelona doesn’t get super cold, with daily highs between 10-15°C (50-60°F). The city isn’t quite as lively, but the tourist hordes have dispersed so things are quieter, and prices are generally lower. You’ll also find Christmas celebrations, and many galleries feature short-term exhibits and art shows starting in early fall (special exhibits are limited in summer). While it’s not the best time to visit, there’s still lots you can see and do during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Barcelona

Barcelona is pretty safe to visit as violent crime here is rare. That said, Barcelona is known for its extensive petty crime and pickpocketing problem. The pickpockets here are incredibly skilled so keep your valuables safe and secure at all times. It’s rampant, especially on the metro or in crowds in Las Ramblas, so be on guard. It’s a real issue to be worried about.

Be mindful of your belongings, like bags, phones, and cameras at outdoor cafes and restaurants, and never leave them on the table.

If you go out to the bar, only take the money you need for the night.

Scams are prevalent here too. Keep an eye out for groups of kids trying to distract you, as they’re probably trying to take your money. Also, be wary of people offering to carry your luggage or take your photo. They may try to charge you a large fee for the “service.” You can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk around intoxicated at night, etc.). Many hostels offer female-only dorm rooms. You can visit any one of the numerous solo female travel blogs for specific tips as they will be able to provide advice.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects 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. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Barcelona Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Fat Tire Tours – For bike tours, use this company! They have fun, interactive tours led by expert local guides. You’ll get to see all the main sights without breaking the bank!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Spain.

Barcelona Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Barcelona and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Seville

The Perfect 3 Day Granada Itinerary

The 7 Best Hostels in Seville

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Shortcut Guides

Essential travel guide to barcelona [updated for 2024].

Barcelona is constantly alive with activity and excitement. La Rambla teems with people enjoying a stroll, heading out with a group of friends, and taking in the sights of the city. The Gothic Quarter tells the story of Barcelona’s ancient past with its narrow streets and medieval architecture.

All around the city are the famous works of beloved architect Antoni Gaudi, like Sagrada Familia . These are a few of the areas that tourists absolutely love about Barcelona and can’t seem to get enough of.

Whether you’re visiting Barcelona for a few days or a few weeks, you’ll find our essential travel guide to Barcelona very useful. It contains all the best things to do in Barcelona, places to eat and drink, and even includes our top picks for where to stay, all in one short infographic.

If you’re looking for where to eat in Barcelona , check out this post for top restaurants, and we also love going on a food tour in Barcelona to learn where to go back during your stay. Here’s a great 3-day Barcelona itinerary .

If your plans take you to other parts of Europe, check out our how to plan a trip to Europe guide. 

Are you planning your trip to Barcelona?

If you’re  traveling to Barcelona , ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks to help you plan!

• Book a transfer from the airport to Barcelona city center with Welcome Pickups.
• Rent a car from the Rome airport through Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in Barcelona See all hotel options

• Grand Hotel Central ⇒ 5-star luxury near La Rambla with poolside bar, rooftop terrace
• ME Barcelona ⇒ 5-star hotel near La Rambla
• Catalonia Catedral Hotel  ⇒ 4-star eco-friendly hotel near Plaça de Catalunya

Best Tours and Experiences in Barcelona:

• Skip the Line: Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour (definitely the way to go)
• Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour (we loved this tour)
• Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona (if you have extra time – super fun)

» Want more info on what to eat in Spain? Check out our Spain travel guide . I highly recommend a pinchos crawl in Logrono or pintxos in San Sebastian , in Northern Spain. If you’re going to Southern Spain, find out  where to eat tapas in Seville. And don’t miss a trip to the Rioja wine region .

Table of Contents

What to Do in Barcelona

I love Barcelona for the sheer number of things there are to do there. You will not have a quiet moment, unless you plan it into your itinerary.

For me, it’s all about trying all the great foods Barcelona is known for, so the first thing I recommend is taking this Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour . It’s about 3 hours long and is a great introduction to Barcelona and it’s food and wine.

If you want to see the Sagrada Familia (and of COURSE you do!), it’s always a good idea to book ahead for priority access, so you can avoid standing in the atrocious line. This is a good one to book: Priority Access: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour .

Other popular things to do in Barcelona include:

• Visit Park Güell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batlló – all Gaudi’s amazing masterpieces
• Walk along Las Ramblas from Plaça de Catalunya down to the waterfront
• Go to the beach – Barcelona has beautiful beaches that stretch for miles
• Eat your way around La Boqueria – this market has been around forever and there are dozens of places to eat both inside and out.
• Visit the Barcelona City History Museum – you’ll go underground to see the remains of the Roman sites that are long since buried
• Go on a wine tasting trip to try wine and Cava outside Barcelona. Here’s a tour you can book:  Wine and Cava Day Trip from Barcelona

Other Notable Attractions

Aside from the top attractions mentioned earlier, there are still several other notable attractions in Barcelona that you should consider visiting during your one day itinerary.

If you’re a fan of art and architecture, you should not miss Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, two of the most famous buildings designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Casa Batlló is known for its colorful facade and unique rooftop, while Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, features a wavy stone facade and a stunning rooftop terrace with chimney sculptures.

For those interested in art, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit. The museum houses an extensive collection of works by Pablo Picasso, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. You can also visit the El Born neighborhood, where you can find several art galleries and boutiques.

If you’re a football fan, you can visit the Camp Nou stadium, home to FC Barcelona. You can take a tour of the stadium, visit the museum, and even step onto the pitch.

Montjuïc Hill is another off-the-beaten-path destination that offers stunning views of the city. You can take a cable car to the top, where you can find several attractions, including the Montjuïc Castle, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

Passeig de Gracia is a popular shopping street that features several high-end boutiques, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. You can also find several notable buildings along the street, including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Plaça Catalunya is Barcelona’s main square and a bustling hub of activity. You can find several shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area, as well as several notable buildings, including the Barcelona Cathedral.

The Gracia district is a charming neighborhood that is known for its bohemian vibe and narrow streets. You can find several shops, cafes, and bars in the area, as well as several notable buildings, including the Casa Vicens and the Parc Güell.

Tours to Go On in Barcelona

We always schedule at least a few tours with local tour guides when visiting Barcelona. It’s a great way to learn more about the city and find all the great places to go during the rest of our trip. Indulge in some of the best food and drink that Barcelona has to offer on one of these fantastic tapas tours .

Here are some of the top tours we recommend:

• Barcelona in One Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Old Town with Hotel Pick-up
• Barcelona Segway Tour
• Paella Cooking Experience with Professional Chef and Bottomless Wine
• Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour
• Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona in Las Ramblas

How to Get to Barcelona

Most international flights will come into El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN). From there, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride or 30-minute train ride to the city center.

Another option is to take the Aerobus, the airport express bus. It comes to the airport every You can’t miss it – it has Aerobus across the side of it. They park right out in front of the terminal. The main bus stops in Barcelona city center are at Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça España. The cost is €5.90 for a single and €10.20 return.

For the train, the RENFE train runs every 30 minutes between the city and the airport. It takes about 25 minutes. You can catch the train from Clot, Passeig de Gràcia , or BarcelonaSants.

What to Eat & Drink in Barcelona

Barcelona is full of options for eating and drinking, from high-end restaurants to food markets, and tapas bars. You’ll want to get ready for a giant list of things you need to try while you’re there.

A few of the foods you must try in Barcelona are:

• Pimientos de padron
• Patatas Bravas
• Brocheta de Camarones

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated meal, there are a lot of fine-dining restaurants that will blow your mind, like Caelis, Moments, Alkimia, and Cinc Sentits. Be sure to make reservations well in advance to get a table.

Craft beer is also very big in Barcelona. You can make a day of it and visit some of the top craft breweries, like BierCaB, Ale & Hop, BlackLab, and Garage Beer Co.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

There are a couple of things we’ve come to expect from hotel rooms in Spain . One is that the walls and floors are typically not well insulated, so you can hear your neighbors in their rooms, in the hall, walking around, etc. Another is that the beds are not as soft or comfortable as in U.S. hotels. As long as you understand those two things, your expectations will be set appropriately.

Here are our recommended hotels in Barcelona . Please feel free to use any of these links to read reviews, see prices and book your stay (they are affiliate links that help us keep the lights on around here): For more choices, check out these  Hotels in Barcelona, Spain

Check out this post for what to do in Barcelona with kids .

Hotel Indigo

4-star hotel in the middle of the action in Plaza Catalunya, with a pool and Gaudi-inspired lobby.

Read Reviews | Book a Stay

W Barcelona

5-star beachfront hotel in Barceloneta, with a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and 2 bars.

4-star hotel with a restaurant, 2 bars/lounges and an indoor and outdoor pool.

Essential Travel Guide to Barcelona

You might also like:

• What to see in Barcelona in 3 Days  (by Surfing the Planet)
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona  (by Hostel Geeks)
• How to enjoy La Boqueria market in Barcelona

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Where to Eat in Barcelona: Top 10 Restaurants to Try

Try This Devour Barcelona Food and Wine Tour

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

The Perfect 7-Day Costa Brava Itinerary (Spain)

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

3 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Barcelona [Updated for 2024] ”

Cervesería Catalana was amazing! There’s always a long line-up there when we went. We also tried its sister restaurant Ciudad Condal – similar menu and just as delicious.

you have some nice tips for people here for the first time in Barcelona. If you are ever back in Barcelona I own a food tour business here in BCN and I would be happy to show you around some great spots to eat.

Absolutely will do!

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Who are we?

I’m a Canadian that’s been in Barcelona for 10 years and together with my team of Barcelona travel insiders we’re Muve Travel.

Allow us to introduce ourselves… I have a feeling we’re going to get to know each other along the way!

My advice before coming to Barcelona

Hola! Want to organize an amazing trip to Barcelona?

On my Barcelona travel blog I’ve utilized my local experience to craft articles with hotel tips, top itineraries , ​​best restaurants, tourist passes, must-see attractions and everything else you need to enjoy the city to the fullest.

Any questions? Leave me a comment at the bottom of the articles.

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Selecting the best private Sagrada Familia tour doesn’t have to be privately exhausting 😛 Having lived in Barcelona for 11 years, I’ve done multiple private tours of the Sagrada Familia, giving me a clear perspective on which ones to recommend and which to steer clear of. With that in mind, let’s explore the top-rated La […]

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We Answer Your Barcelona Tourist Questions

In this section you’ll find concise answers to our readers’ top questions.

Where to eat near the Sagrada Familia? Is it better to visit Casa Batlló or La Pedrera? Can you visit the Camp Nou on the day of a match? We’ve got the answers 😉

Sagrada Familia Guide

Park Guell Guide

Casa Batlló Guide

Casa Milà Guide

La Rambla Guide

Camp Nou Guide

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Barcelona Travel Guide: How To Explore The City In 24 Hours

This post will share my Barcelona travel guide and how I explored the city in 24 hours.

This past week I was able to tick Barcelona off my bucket list after what seems like forever. Every time I tried to book a flight, it was always expensive for some reason. The first time I tried to go was before the lockdown in 2020, and I had to cancel. Generally, flights from the UK to Spain and Portugal are always costly because British people love the sun. So I figured I could wait till after Summer when the temperatures were still mild, and tickets would be cheaper. I’m glad I did, as I could enjoy this trip without the typical Summer crowds. Yes, it was busy but bearable.

So, I planned a four-day trip to Barcelona and Madrid. This meant that I had two full days to explore both cities. In hindsight, I should have just stayed in Barcelona for an extra day. I honestly did not want to leave, but I had already booked my train ticket to Madrid and my return ticket to Manchester from Madrid. It’s safe to say that I was gutted to leave Barcelona as there was still so much to see and do. Best believe I maximized my entire day to the fullest.

As always, I’ll share all the tips and tricks from my Barcelona travel guide that made this trip successful.

Here’s How To Plan An Affordable Trip To Barcelona

As a millenial who grew up in the early 2000s, Barcelona has always been on my travel bucket list, especially after watching Disney Channel’s The Cheetah Girls 2. I always wanted to relieve The Cheetah Girl experience by visiting all the filming locations. Even though I could only visit one location, it felt so good to visit and see what the city has to offer.

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is located on the coast of the Northeastern region, which faces the Mediterranean Sea. Yes, there are beaches nearby which makes it ideal for a Summer trip. Like many other cities, it is a metropolitan city juxtaposed with history and culture. Perhaps the biggest highlight of Barcelona is that the city is sprinkled with the iconic works of the famous architect: Antoni Gaudi . This architecture makes the city stand out from any other you might have visited. Plus, seven of his works are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

So, if you are a history and architecture enthusiast, you’re definitely in for a treat in Barcelona.

Cost: £27/€30.89 – one way

I took an 8.45 am Ryanair flight to Barcelona Reus and landed around noon. Like a few other Ryanair flights I have taken, like Milan Bergamo and Brussels Charleroi, this flight also landed at the Reus airport, about 95 minutes away from Barcelona by train. Compared to similar trips I had taken before, this one was different because the Reus airport was more or less deserted. It’s safe to say that I won’t be retaking this route during the off-season. I’d rather wait until Easyjet has a cheap direct flight to Barcelona Airport. Like all other unique travel experiences, this is also one for the books.

Airport Transfer

• Direct Shuttle from Reus Airport to Barcelona Sants Station: €16 one way – 1hr 45 mins
• Bus to Reus Train Station: €3/£2.71 one way – 10 mins
• Train from Reus Station to Barcelona Sants Station: €9.55/£8.63 one way – 1hr 30mins

Before taking these sorts of trips with Ryanair, I do thorough research to weigh my options. I typically use the direct shuttle bus from the Airport to the train station of my destination. But for some reason, the Reus shuttle bus isn’t as frequent. I landed around noon, and the next bus took off at 2:40 pm. So I had to wait for two hours plus. This is why it is important not to book late-night flights for cities like this. You have to factor in the schedule of the shuttle buses . Otherwise, you’ll be forced to take an overpriced taxi at that time.

Thankfully, the local bus to the Reus station arrived after 30 minutes of landing. So I took that to the train station and caught the direct train from Reus station to Barcelona Sants. The day had the potential to go south, but I’m glad it didn’t.

Accommodation

Cost: £67.64/€76.86 – two nights

The more I travel and stay in hostels, my standards for a modern hostel increase. I do not compromise on facilities like bedside charging points, privacy curtains and ensuite bathrooms . It can be a cramped room, but I tend to be comfortable as long as these facilities are there.

For some reason, finding a female-only room near the Barcelona Sants station was much more tedious. I was heading to Madrid afterwards, and I had an early train, so I had to stay as close as possible. Anyway, I eventually found one that ticked all my boxes, and I was thrilled until I arrived.

I found Free Hostels Barcelona on Hostelworld and booked directly on their website to save some coins. The location was great and close to the train station and bakeries where you can grab a quick breakfast. There was also a supermarket nearby to grab cheap supplies. It is five minutes from a bus stop and a 10-minute walk from a Metro station. It is central enough to everything.

The attendant at the reception was super friendly even though she struggled to communicate in English. The ambience was generally cosy, with stunning decor and all the essential facilities you’ll need. Not forgetting the privacy curtains in the room was next level. You get actual blackout curtains that block everything out except noise.

The only problem with the hostel is the size. I stayed in a four-bed Female Room, and it was slightly cramped. As such, I do not recommend staying more than two nights.

Transportation

My Barcelona travel guide will not be complete without explaining how you can get around. Depending on the size of a city, I typically prefer to walk around. But sometimes, it is not possible due to distance and time constraints. I wanted to squeeze in as many attractions as possible in one day, so I had to buy a travel pass.

Like most modern cities, Barcelona also has an integrated transportation system where you can use one travel ticket for various forms of transport. You can use a single ticket for the bus, tram and metro . You need to figure out which one to buy. The best way to choose what tickets to buy is based on how long you’ll be staying. I wanted to buy a 24-hour ticket that gave me unlimited journeys for 24 hours. But that ticket was only available on the app, and it kept rejecting my card for some reason. I bought the T-Casual ticket, which includes ten journeys with 75 minutes of validity .

I honestly did not have the time to work out the maths but kept tapping in until it stopped working; I could use one T Casual ticket, which cost €7.95, until I returned to my hostel. I’m super sure I took more than ten journeys with that ticket.

You can buy tickets at any metro station. It is also essential to remember that the Barcelona transportation system doesn’t use contactless. You have to buy a physical card which is honestly very annoying. Check out other transport options in Barcelona.

As I mentioned, there are bakeries everywhere where you can grab a cheap breakfast or brunch. Just make sure you’re checking Google Reviews to decide which is worth it. I mostly stick to fast food for other meals because I know what to expect. If you’re more of an adventurous foodie, I’m sure you’ll find many options. But for those of us on a budget, supermarket meals are pretty decent.

Attractions

The most exciting part of my Barcelona Travel Guide is the attractions. I looked forward to exploring Gaudi’s architecture and honestly wasn’t disappointed. You’ll be satisfied if your trip is centred around exploring Gaudi’s work.

There are seven of Gaudi’s buildings are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include:

• Sagrada Familia : The unreal Roman Catholic church is still under construction after 100 years. Gaudi died while the building was under 25% complete. It is planned to be completed in 2026, so go and see it now in its uncompleted state. Tickets!
• Park Güell: A private park composed of various gardens and architectural landmarks. It is one of the primary locations where The Cheetah Girls 2 was filmed. It’s honestly so stunning you can easily spend an entire day here. The entrance fee is € 10, which you can buy online or on-site. Tickets!
• Palau Güell: An 18th-century mansion built for a Spanish billionaire. Tickets!
• Casa Milà : Another private building built for a wealthy Spanish couple. Tickets!
• Casa Vicens: This is considered Gaudi’s first significant project. It’s another private building/family home commissioned by another wealthy Spanish stock broker. Tickets!
• Casa Batlló : Another iconic masterpiece by Gaudi is this building that was commissioned in the 18th century and was eventually bought by a renowned textile industrialist. Tickets!
• Church of Colònia Güell : Similar to the Sagrada Familia, this is another unfinished project by Gaudi. The crypt portion of the church which was constructed in the early 90s is the only completed section. Tickets!

You can easily spend three days exploring Gaudi’s works all around Barcelona and be satiated. Best believe I’ll be returning to take tours of each of these buildings.

Other Attractions In Barcelona Worth Visiting

• Picasso Museum : An art museum with an extensive collection of Picasso’s works similar to the one in Malaga but probably bigger.
• Cathedral of Barcelona: The official 18th-century Cathedral of Barcelona which the Sagrada Familia often overshines.
• Spotify Camp Nou : The 98,000-capacity stadium for FC Barcelona if you’re into football.
• Palau de la Música Catalana : A stunning concert hall built in the early 90s.
• Ciutadella Park : A 19th Century Park with a Zoo.
• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc : A majestic fountain with water, light and music shows.
• Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar : Majestic 14th Century Church
• Plaça de Catalunya : Iconic large square where the old city and new city meet.
• Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona : 18th Century Triumphal Arch that is also a gateway to the Ciutadella Park .

There’s honestly so much to do in Barcelona so don’t try to squeeze in too much. See as much as you can and leave the rest. You can always come back.

Shopping & Souvenirs

There are tons of designer and high-street outlets as well as shopping centres to choose from, you’ll honestly be spoilt for choice. So splurge as much as you want and don’t forget to get a mini statue of the Sagrada Familia and your VAT refund at the Airport if you’re coming from outside the European Union.

In Summary,

I hope you have found this Barcelone Travel Guide useful. I had so much fun and did not want to leave. There’s just so much to see and do and I can’t wait to go back.

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Barcelona Travel Blog: Insider Guide For First Timers

This Barcelona travel blog is an insider guide for first-time visitors. I lived 5 years in Barcelona and compiled lots of tips and hacks here. Find out what top tourist attractions are worth it and which ones are tourist traps. Plus, tips to eat, stay, and explore the main sights!

I’ve found some the more authentic ways to experience Barcelona . I’ve explored its most local neighborhood . And I’ve even ventured to explore the amazing variety of day trips you can do outside Barcelona .

But this article is focused on first-timer visitors in Barcelona. What can’t you miss on your first trip? What is really worth your time and money? This insider guide, fully updated in June 2019, can help.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Start your search with this list of the highest-rated places to stay in the best areas of Barcelona.

Barcelona Travel Blog: Why visit?

One of the most visited destinations in Europe , Barcelona is known for a killer combination of Mediterranean food, golden beaches, tasty food, and vibrant, and bustling neighborhoods. But perhaps the most striking feature of the city is its glorious architecture. A significant chunk of it is Antoni Gaudí’s work, the unofficial city’s architect.

There’s a lot to keep you busy here. I mean, I lived there 5 years with always new places to go and experience. Hopefully this travel blog help make your trip to Barcelona truly enjoyable and not just a “tick-off” off your bucket list.

• Geography | Barcelona is the largest city on the autonomous region of Catalonia. Despite being part of Spain, Catalonia has a very strong identity and culture from the rest of the country; there have even been efforts of making it an independent territory throughout centuries.
• Language | Locals speak Spanish, but a few words of Catalan (the regional language) can earn you an extra smile.
• Money | Euro is used throughout Spain. Tipping is NOT mandatory and only done in case of an exceptionally good service. There are several ATMs scattered through the city and the overwhelming majority of restaurants and shops will accept cards. It’s a cashless society (sometimes I don’t use cash for months).
• Weather | Expect mild temperatures all year round, and particularly high temperatures during July and August. Average lows from December to February are five degrees Celsius. It rarely snows in Barcelona.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

Overall, the shoulder seasons April-June and September-October are the best to visit Barcelona considering climate, crowds, and events going on.

To experience mild temperatures and decent sunshine hours, the best time to visit Barcelona is anywhere between April and October.

However, if possible avoid July and August months. July is too crowded as the city is PACKED with both tourists and also locals, who tend to go on vacation only in August. Plus, August sees the highest number of cruise ships and is known as the month of the tormentas de Verano – summer storms.

Is Barcelona safe for tourists?

Barcelona is a very safe city; the biggest threat will be pickpocketing and bag snatching. Like in any major city, make sure you are aware of your belongings at all time and follow the basic safety tips .

Be extra careful riding the metro and wandering La Rambla . Also avoid Raval and Poble Sec districts at night.

Top tourist attractions in Barcelona

Sagrada família.

Let’s start with the elephant in the room, or in other words, the iconic Gaudí’s masterpiece. Sagrada Família is the symbol of  Barcelona and while it’s utterly impressive in size and detail, it’s a rather odd combination of elements.

While I’m not personally a fan of the grungy outside, I find the interior magnificent. Quite possibly the most interesting and unique religious building I’ve ever been to. Visit during sunset hours to see what I mean.

Sagrada Família is set to be completed in 2026, year of the centenary of Gaudí’s death.

• Entry fee | Tickets start at 17€ and are exclusively sold online .
• How to get here by metro | The nearest stop is Sagrada Familia which belongs to both the blue (L5) and purple (L2) lines.
• Insider tip | If you’re on a budget, you can skip the tower visit as there are many (free) viewpoints in the city. Don’t skip any chapter of the audioguide though – it will be key to fully understand the concept of the basilica as well as other Gaudí’s projects.

Mercat La Boquería

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria , often simply referred to as La Boqueria , is the most popular market in Barcelona.

More than a tourist attraction, it’s a frolic experience for all senses, particularly for food lovers. Amazing assortment of food, from fresh fruit to sweets, from olive oil and chocolate to seafood and eggs. There’s plenty of in-house restaurants and bars to have a meal or a light snack too.

Can get very busy with tourists, but if you come early in the morning and explore the area opposite to the main entrance you should be fine. Anyway, it’s still BY FAR the most interesting thing La Rambla has to offer.

• Entry fee | Free.
• How to get here by metro | The nearest stop is Liceu on the Green Line (L3).
• Insider tip | Avoid the first stalls at the main entrance and venture to the inside of the market where produce is fresher and prices are lower.

El Gótic (Gothic Quartier)

Known as Barri Gòtic or El Gòtic in Catalan, this neighborhood was once the centre of the Roman city of Barcino and in a way still is the heart of the city.

While the biggest selling point is to get lost in the delightful urban maze, following beautiful tiny streets that lead to open-air plazas, in Gótic you will find some of the more important buildings of Barcelona:

• Catedral de Barcelona – massive and incredibly detailed cathedral. Many (including me) think it’s more imponent than Sagrada Familia
• Plaça Sant Jaume – the political heart of Barcelona, hosting the city hall and the Generalitat (Government) buildings.
• Plaça Reial – beautiful palm trees set the tone of this iconic square next to La Rambla.
• Pont Gótic – the intricate bridge that connects two buildings is a medieval fairytale material.
• How to get here by metro | The nearest stops are Jaume I (L4 – yellow line) and Liceu (L3 – green line).
• Insider tip | Come back to El Gótic after sunset for a slightly spooky but incredible opportunity to experience the glorious architecture without any crowds.

Initially designed to be a real estate project for the aristocracy of Barcelona , Parc Güell is today a unique place with exquisite buildings, footpaths, and gardens. Together with  Sagrada Familia , it’s the best place to admire how Gaudí was influenced by nature and to understand how organic shapes are strongly conveyed in his work.

Most of the park is free; only what they call the Monumental zone is paid as it contains the most famous architectonic pieces – including the El Drac lizard everyone seems compelled to sit next to, touch, and even kiss (!).

The free area comprised of gardens surrounding the Monumental area is definitely worth a stroll to (and my favorite). Not only there are some cool spots with hints of Gaudi’s unique work but also open views over the city of Barcelona.

• Entry fee | Tickets start at 8€ and sold online .
• How to get here by metro | The nearest stops are Vallcarca or Lesseps on the green line (L3).
• Insider tip | If you’re keen on visiting the paid area, book your ticket well in advance. The hourly slots are limited!
• Is it worth it? Not a must. I would consider it only if you have more than 2 full days in Barcelona.

Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) on Nov 18, 2018 at 10:11am PST

The majestic Montjuïc´s Magic Fountain is a spectacular display of light, music and water open-air show. It displays millions of different visual combinations created from its 3600 water jets synced with almost 5,000 different lights and a wide range of musical selections.

The show starts every 30 minutes and lasts about 20 minutes. Get there early to find a good spot.

The best viewing places are usually on one of the two pedestrian bridges on the way from Plaça Espanya or at the steps that lead to the MNAC Museum.

• Hours | Schedules vary throughout the year, it’s closed in winter months. Check the latest schedules .
• How to get here by metro | Plaça de Espanya on the red (L1) or green (L3) lines.
• Insider tip | If you’re around in La Mercè, don’t miss the piromusical closing event in Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain. Adding to light and water, there’s fireworks and lasers too!

Passeig de Grácia

Passeig de Gràcia is the Champs Elysee of Barcelona. Luxury shops, up-market restaurants and an impressive collection of Modernist buildings make it one of the tourism epicenters of the city.

Apart from the shopping factor, this famous boulevard is another iconic area of Barcelona and has some of the most fascinating architecture examples in the city (see below).

Personally, I don’t care about international clothing brands (ZARA, H&M, etc) and especially luxury brands (Prada or Versace) but they’re all here too.

• Casa Amatller – completely overshadowed by its over-the-top neighbor (Casa Battló), this Modernist building was designed by Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and belonged to the Amatller family who ran a chocolate business on the 19th century (still active today!).
• Casa Battló – colorful and dreamy building designed by Gaudí with no straight lines and all covered in mosaics. The small balconies resemble masks and the roof is shaped like a dragon’s tail.
• Casa Millà / La Pedrera – the largest of Gaudi’s buildings in Passeig de Grácia. My favorite part is the building’s roof with 360-degree views of Barcelona.
• El Nacional – set of five restaurants in a 1920 art-nouveau vibe. Elegant and overpriced but worth to enter and dazzle at the architecture.
• How to get here by metro | Passeig de Grácia station is on yellow (L4), purple (L2) and green (L3) lines. You can also get here walking from Diagonal or Plaça Catalunya stations.
• Insider tip | For a quick, healthy, and cheap lunch head to Faborit , tucked away inside the Casa Amatller building. You can also get a taste of the prestigious Amattler chocolates.

Map of tourist attractions in Barcelona

I’ve put all the main tourist attractions of Barcelona on this map .

Oh and I’ve also added pins in a few other categories:

• Local hidden spots (many of them mentioned on this article )
• Local restaurants with Spanish food
• Healthy and veggy restaurants

Tourist traps in Barcelona

Las ramblas.

For some strange reason, taking a stroll down Las Ramblas is the first thing people do when arriving Barcelona . Everybody talks about it as if it were some magical street where the locals spend their free time dancing flamenco with a jar of sangria in their hands.

Guess what? Pronounce the words “Las Ramblas” to any local and you’ll get a rolleyes in return. Once an authentic promenade where locals would come for a stroll on the weekends, it’s now succumbed to tourism exploitation. 9 out of 10 people walking this avenue is a tourist (!!) which made it into a chaotic mess of human statues, souvenir shops, and overpriced restaurants. Plus, the high density of pickpockets make the area potentially unsafe.

I actually enjoy football (or soccer in the US) to some extent, but paying to see a football stadium – no matter which one – SCREAMS trap to me.

Barceloneta

The area of Barceloneta and the nearby Port Vell  were ignored until 1992, when it was completely revamped for the Olympics.

What once was the traditional fishing district, now is Barcelona’s most hyped beach area with its long strips of golden sand, terrazas serving paella, and street vendors and performers.

The only reason I go to Barceloneta these days is for (some) good seafood restaurants. I admit it has a cool promenade resembling Miami’s, but it happens to be the most crowded, noisy, and dirty beach in the whole city during summer months.

There are plenty of other much more tranquil and cleaner nearby beaches just a 20-min train ride away . And with no drunken tourists.

Flamenco Tours

One of the most unique cultural features of Spain, flamenco is a dramatic and passionate dance that evokes all kinds of emotions. The “issue” is that flamenco is originally from Andalucía, in southern Spain. Yes, you can find in all the major cities like Barcelona, but only to cater to tourists. It’s still part of the cultural identity of Andalucía and Andalúcia alone.

If you’re still interested in doing a flamenco tour, as a bare minimum, do your research and try to support local performers and smaller genuine tablaos .

Accommodation in Barcelona

Best areas to stay in barcelona.

First of all, I suggest AVOID staying at Raval (potentially unsafe at night) and Poble Sec (too many loud bars).

Now, the biggest tourist attractions are in Eixample . For the best options in terms of logistics and if you like to stay in the center of the action, Hotel Lleó is a good option.

Poblenou (next to the beach, but far from downtown) or Born (cool and hip district, potentially loud at night) can also be good options.

Best local area to stay in Barcelona

On the other hand, if you seek a more local vibe, I definitely recommend staying in Grácia . Healthy local food, cool indie shops, and a quiet vibe away from tourist crowds and loud bars await you. I recommend the below place.

Easy walking distance to the streets and plazas in Grácia, but also to metro that take you to other areas. It even has a private garden!

Hotels & apartments in Barcelona

You can start your search with my shortlist of top-rated places in Barcelona with WiFi .

Getting around Barcelona

Getting from el prat airport to center.

The most convenient way to get from El Prat airport to Barcelona center is by Aerobus . Buses leave terminals 1 and 2 every 5 minutes from 5am to 1am. The journey takes about 30 minutes to Plaça Catalunya , with a few stops along the way (including Plaça Espanya and Universitat). Tickets can be bought online or aboard.

Metro is also present in both terminals of the airport. However, the L9S Line does not connect to the downtown, meaning you’ll most likely have to change lines which can be a hassle with luggage.

If you’re arriving to the T2 terminal, there’s a Rodalies train available that stops at Sants , Passeig de Grácia , and El Clot-Aragó . It’s the cheapest way to get to downtown and trains depart every 20-30 minutes.

Finally, failing these options, expect to pay around 30 euros for a taxi ride to Plaça Catalunya. There is no Uber in Barcelona (as of 2019) and other similar apps like Cabify run on a limited basis.

Public transport in Barcelona

Walking is by far my favorite way of knowing a city and Barcelona is no exception. The districts of Eixample, Barceloneta, Born or Gótic are all pretty flat which makes things easier.

That said, public transportation is top-notch, so unless you plan on making a lot of day trips , renting a car in Barcelona won’t be needed at all. For a medium-sized city, the amount and frequency of metros, trains, trams and buses is remarkable.

Forget about city passes or day cards for tourists: get a T-10 ticket. This ticket with 10 rides is cheap (10,2 euros, as of 2019) and can be used in buses, metro and even some trains too. The best part? This is a multi-person ticket meaning you can share the pool of journeys with others.

Food in Barcelona

Barcelona has a pretty international vibe, with tons of expats, and there’s food from every corner in the world, from kebabs and korean BBQs to ramen and pizza. There’s also a HUGE variety of gluten-free and vegetarian restaurants especially in Grácia district.

I’ll just focus on places with local Catalan and/or Spanish cuisine. And let me break you some news: food in Barcelona is not just paella and sangria ! In fact, the chance of you ordering a bland paella with 99% rice and 1% other stuff or a hyper-sweetened sangria made with the rest of wines from the day before is very high in Barcelona.

For a better chance of better meals, explore my Eat BCN Foursquare list or follow some of my top recommendations below.

Local food in Barcelona

• Can Borrell – if you’re up for a little adventure on the mountains outside Barcelona, this masiá where local families go to is a guarantee of a great Catalan meal.
• Ciudad Condal – extremely busy and touristy but somehow delivers decent range of tapas . No reservations allowed, so you’ll have to queue up.
• La Bodega d’En Rafael – cheap authentic food in a lively environment. Doesn’t get more local than this.
• La Paradeta – a must if you’re into seafood. Pick what you want – just like you’d do to a fish monger in a market – and they’ll cook it for you.
• La Pepita – tasty Catalan food in an authentic athmosphere, even though it’s packed with tourists too.
• Pulperia A Gudiña – tapas with a Galician touch. Don’t miss the star of the restaurant: pulpo a la gallega (octopus made the Galician way).
• Santa Gula – tapas place serving local ingredients in unique ways. A bit pricey but worth every scent for the mix of flavors. Make a reservation.
• Somorrostro – in a Barceloneta district packed with crowded bars and overpriced paellas, this is a gem. Not cheap, but the eco cuina de mercat (market’s food) concept makes every dish delicious.
• Xiringuito Escribá – beachside views, big portions, filled with locals. Great place for an afternoon paella .

Other useful resources

Read more about unique experiences and things to do in Barcelona , as well as some of the city’s hidden gems . For those staying longer, this list of day trips from Barcelona may be useful. Oh and don’t miss my guide of Grácia , my favorite neighborhood.

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34 comments 💬

Hi and many thanks for your guide and information. I am visiting Barcelona for the first time next week, but did not read your article before today and have unfortunately got a hotel in the Raval area. What would you consider be night? At what times can it be unsafe?

I’d avoid walking in Raval past dinner time, 10/11pm. That said, some streets and plazas of Raval (particularly close to Universitat) these days are actually as safe as other areas of Barcelona.

I was a first timer this January in Barcelona 🙂 I read all 3 or 4 posts about Barcelona on this blog and tried to follow good advices. I couldn’t see everything, ofc, but it helped me a lot to organize my time, because I spent only 4 days there, so thanks. I agree that Gracia is the best place to stay and I also liked El Born and Arco del Triunfo and that part of the city very much, so I can suggest that area for staying also. I visited all the main atractions and saw great part of the city. Let me put it this way: I liked Barcelona, it is the beautiful city indeed and I would like to go back someday again…but somehow, it didn’t take my breath away. It didn’t find a way to my heart. Maybe because my heart allready belongs to Andalusia, when it comes to Spain or maybe I was there in the wrong time of the year. Food was ok, but not exceptional, architecture was interesting, but something was missing for me, something authentic, but if you ask me what – I wouldn’t know the answer. 🙂

Thanks for sharing your experience Ana, it’s completely understandable – some places take our breath away, others don’t. glad we all don’t like blue 🙂

Personally, I love Barcelona and it always have a special place in my heart, and I’ve been there both as a tourist and as an expat. I think Barcelona is a place to “live” rather than to “visit”. A bit of the charm is gone if you are just passing by in my opinion.

Hi! Great articles on what to do and see in Barcelona. Congrats for what you’re doing. Is there any chance you can update the link to the map of tourist attractions, unfortunately, it appears it doesn’t work. It would be great to have it! Thanks a lot and keep up the good work.

Thank you Marina. I’ve tried opening the link in incognito mode and it works. Can you check again please?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work.. Thank you for your answer.

Great Post! We will go there this coming Christmas with my Family we will surely go there and follow your tips. By the way please do visit my website-

Links are not allowed in comments. Thank you!

Heard of a cool bike tour to local hipster areas/food. Do you know which one that is? Also, thinking of booking a private sail to Sitges for the day. Any company you recommend? Lastly, thinking of booking a private charter to Costa Brava for the day.. any recommendations? Thank you. Great BLOG! Thanks for all the info!

Debby, I very rarely use tours on my travels so can’t really recommend any tour or private charter. Good luck!

Hi there! Thanks for the crazy article! I was just wondering, have got any idea about a tourists pass that allows free entrance to some attractions and also free transportation??

There may be some city passes and tourist cards in Barcelona, but honestly I’m not an expert.

My experience from other cities is that they are not worth it. Or at least – they are only worth it for someone who visits a lots of museums. I recommend going indie, getting a T-10 ticket and explore the city on your own!

Very cool reviews …. want to go!

What’s preventing you Ana? Book your ticket 🙂

I’ll never forget the day I saw Sagrada Familia, I was wonikrg on the cruise ship before, me and my two friends decided to see it. From the port area we travelled there by metro train, it was majestic! I should have ignored one friend and paid 8 euros to climb the top. That’s the only mistake I did in Barcelona!

You worked on a cruise ship? That’s pretty cool!

Well, you can always come back right? That’s a great excuse right there. The cheapest entrance for Sagrada Familia is now 20 euros though!

Been reading your Barcelona posts for reference (also, you should check your email 😉 ). Since when does the Park Guell have an entry tax? I’ve been there on both my visits and it was free, but the last time was in 2012…

Yeah, it’s paid since 2014 I believe. Now it’s 8EUR, 7 if you book your entrance online. First time I see a public park with paid entrance.

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Typical tourist here! I love Barcelona! I visited back in 2007 and all the most vivid memories from my trip are the Guadi House, La Ramblas and the best tuna steak down in a seafood resturant down on the harbour! Haha! Thanks for a great article 🙂

Thanks Rebekah. I LOVE tuna steak! Do you happen to remember the name of the restaurant? 😛

Bruno, great breakdown, my friend! Just sent this to someone who was just asking me for more info on Barcelona and asking which attractions were worth the visit. I told her that she needs to learn from a local! 😉

Thanks mate! Hope she can enjoy even more Barcelona after reading this 🙂

Thanks for the info! Heading to Barcelona for the first time in June, can’t wait!

Hope you have a great time!

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Sagrada Familia looks so gorgeous !!

It really is impressive on the inside!

We enjopyed Barcelona so much!! Can’t wait now to be back for TBEX!! Are you goingo too?

Unfortunately not this time Ale! Are you staying in Costa Brava or coming to Barcelona as well?

I love all things Barcelona but for me, Park Guell was the best. I loved everything about it. Sagrada Familia is great for the first timer and it is undeniably the thing most associated with Barcelona, but I’m with you. That wait and ticket price is outta line.

Both are great opportunities to see and understand Gaudi’s work which I think is really unique, even though I feel Sagrada Familia does a better job at it than Park Guell.

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Art & Culture Travel Blog

My travel diary: three days in barcelona.

• Tea Gudek Šnajdar

‘My travel diary: Three days in Barcelona’ post was first published on Culture Tourist on December 6th 2016, and updated on March 29th 2022.

I went to Barcelona without any expectations. In fact, I was so busy before my trip, I hadn’t prepared for it at all. I just needed a few days off and some quiet time with my family. My plan was to just get some sun and enjoy Spanish food and lifestyle. However, this vibrant city made me fall in love with it instantly.

Three days in Barcelona

This post contains some affiliate links.

Although you can spend much more time there, here is a three days in Barcelona guide. It consists of some Barcelona highlights and must-sees. But also some hidden gems you shouldn’t miss in Barcelona.

⤷ Read more : 10 tips for travelling in 2022

Where to stay in Barcelona

During my three days in Barcelona, we rented an apartment in a historical building dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. It was located in the Dreta de l ‘Eixample neighbourhood, which I strongly recommend as an area to stay in Barcelona.

We were located between some of Gaudi’s masterpieces; Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia. The whole area was urbanistically planned in the mid-19th century to provide a high living standard to a then growing city. All the crossroads are forming octagons, so you can easily recognise the area on the map. It’s also home to many great cafes and restaurants, and not far from the city centre.

⤷  TIP : Dreta de l ‘Eixample neighbourhood is an excellent location for anyone who would like to explore Gaudi’s work while in Barcelona. If you’d like to learn more about him during your stay in Barcelona, join this Gaudi walking tour .

First day of my trip to Barcelona

La rambla and la boqueria market.

After checking in at our apartment, we decided to go straight to the city centre. We walked over La Rambla towards Barcelona’s port. Although I heard some negative things about the most famous street in Barcelona, it wasn’t so bad at all. La Rambla has a reputation for being packed with people and is also quite popular among pickpockets. But, probably because we were there during the low season (in December), it was very quiet and pleasant to wander around it.

Actually, I loved it very much because of La Boqueria Market. A local saying is, if you can’t find something on La Boqueria, it’s not worth eating at all! All the food at the market looked so fresh! The variety of fish and seafood was incredible. I loved fresh smoothies (sold for one to two euros only) and a snack box filled with Spanish ham Jamón. During our three days in Barcelona, we would often get there and get ourselves a nice fresh snack.

⤷  TIP : Barcelona is among the most popular cities to visit in Europe. So, if you want to experience the city without many tourists everywhere around you, plan your trip during the low season (between November and March).

Barcelona’s port

At the end of La Rambla street, you’ll find a statue of a man who changed the city’s history – Christopher Columbus. We can argue now if his discovery was beneficial for Barcelona or not, but it was definitely important.

Nowadays, his statue symbolically marks the entrance to the port of Barcelona. It’s a fascinating place, home to some beautiful modern architecture and numerous yachts. I enjoyed strolling around it and am definitely recommending it as a place for a lovely evening walk. It’s also a lively area with many people hanging out and spending their time together. We enjoyed watching a group of skaters practising their escapades.

⤷  Read more : 15 Best museums you should visit in Europe

We finished our day with a nice dinner in one of the restaurants in a close-by Barceloneta neighbourhood. While eating some tapas and drinking red wine, we enjoyed the view of the port and sea.

⤷  Read more : The travelling artists & artworks in Renaissance Europe

Second day of my trip to Barcelona

Sagrada familia.

Sagrada Familia is stunning!

I can’t decide which one I liked more: the illuminated interior or the exterior with statues that obviously inspired George Lucas for some of the characters in the Star Wars movies. It is an incredible place, without any apparent references in historical architecture. I couldn’t stop wondering where did he found inspiration for it.

The most amazing was the feeling I had while inside. I felt like a small medieval peasant standing in one of the French Gothic cathedrals, feeling God’s presence in it. It was like I left the world outside and entered some sacred place. Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece is a Gothic cathedral of modern times.

TIP : Get your Sagrada Familia online ticket in advance on a link here .

Guided tour through Barcelona

The only activity we planned before our three days in Barcelona was the city walking tour. Luckily we were in a small group and had a fantastic guide Lowri. She was knowledgeable and friendly and really tried to adjust the tour to our interests.

Lowri explained the history of Barcelona, Catalonia and the Spanish civil war to us so well. She also took us to some traditional sweets tasting and explained the origins of some funny characters we saw at the Christmas market. I can’t recommend the tour more, so here is the link if you’d like to book it yourself !

⤷  Read more : The most interesting European myths & legends

Lunch in the oldest guest house in Barcelona

Barcelona is well known for its excellent foodie scene. So, enjoying that part of the Spanish culture while visiting Barcelona is definitely a must.

What I usually do is ask locals for recommendations. Our lovely tour guide gave us a great restaurant recommendation – La Bona Sort . Not only does it have amazing food, but it is also located in the oldest guest house in Barcelona, dating back to the 15th century.

I loved everything there, from the interior and how they decorated the old house with modern details to the service. They were so kind to us visiting with a toddler. However, the food was absolutely the best part! It was so delicious, we decided to have lunch there the next day, too.

Picasso Museum in Barcelona

What I liked the most about the Picasso Museum in Barcelona was the building in which it is located. It is an old medieval town palace with elegant windows and thin pillars. What I didn’t like so much was its collection. The museum hosts Picasso’s early and very late artworks. Making it a pretty small collection of relatively unknown paintings.

Early works are interesting because you can see a great talent he was showing already as a young 14-year-old student. ‘Blue phase’ is also fascinating, together with some of the painted ceramic pieces from his later phase. The rest of the collection would be interesting for the true Picasso admirers. Still, I would suggest visiting the Picasso Museum in Paris  for the rest.

⤷  Read more : Everything you should know about the Flamenco 

Third day of my trip to Barcelona

The last day of my three days in Barcelona was reserved for the work of one of the most famous architects of all time – Antoni Gaudi. Since we stayed in the Dreta de l ‘Eixample area, his famous buildings were located just a few steps from our apartment.

One of the benefits of staying in a residential neighbourhood was that we could experience local life. We went to a charming little restaurant next to our building for breakfast. It was so lovely to have breakfast surrounded by the people from our neighbourhood, listening to the Catalan language and eating delicious jamón.

These small, everyday situations, when you can actually experience local life, rather than just run from one sight to another, are what travelling is all about.

Gaudi’s Buildings in Barcelona

After exploring Sagrada Familia, I started to be curious about Antoni Gaudi and his life. So, an evening before, I read everything I could find on the internet about him. Especially about his childhood interest in nature and how that reflects in his architecture.

After an excellent breakfast, we took a walk to see two of his very famous buildings, Casa Mila (La Pedrera) and Casa Batllo. Both houses have a unique appearance and Gaudi’s clear signature on them. But, they are so different from one another at the same time,.

However, both have in common that they are so different in shape and decoration from the buildings around them. But somehow, they fit in perfectly. That was something so fascinating to me. I could sit in front and observe them, discovering every single detail and wondering where did Gaudi found his inspiration, for hours.

TIP : All these sites are very popular, so be sure to book your entrance tickets in advance. Here are the links to the online tickets for Casa Mila and Casa Batllo .

Gràzia Neighborhood

As you could already guess, one of my favourite things to do while travelling is meeting locals and learning more about everyday life in the destinations I’m visiting. That’s why, in the afternoon, we visited another interesting residential area in Barcelona – the Gràzia neighbourhood.

It is a vivid place filled with life. Since we were there on Saturday morning, many people went to the market or were having coffee with friends. We also sat on a terrace of one of the cafes there, on a small square with a church in its centre.

The whole area gave us the feeling of a Mediterranean town, with coloured facades, orange and lemon trees and clothes drying on the balconies. However, that Mediterranean spirit could be felt the most in the happenings on that small square. In front of an old stone church, people enjoyed the sun, drank their coffee with friends, and discussed the Barcelona-Real Madrid football match that had happened a day before.

But then, some details I could see next to that Mediterranean lifestyle gave me a feeling of the strong personality Barcelona has. The Star Wars-inspired street art, Art Deco floral decorations on facades or Catalonian flags proudly displayed on many balconies were just some of them. Barcelona is a city with a soul!

⤷ Read mor e: Impressionists in Paris

If we haven’t got enough of Mediterranean sense while walking around the Gràzia neighbourhood, then climbing those stairs to come to Park Guell definitely put us in the mood. Luckily they installed some escalators there, which help get to the famous park.

After seeing Gaudi’s church and residential buildings, I wondered whether he could still surprise me with his park design. And he definitely could! It is incredible to see how Gaudi blended nature with architectural design. Also, how he combined the park’s location with a beautiful view of the city. The massive terrace from which you can see Barcelona and rest a bit on its benches is decorated with small pieces of painted ceramics, which he started to use a lot on his buildings.

I really love city parks, and they are always telling you a story about the spirit of the city and its residents. With its colourful decorations, mild air and the beautiful smell of flowers, this one represents Barcelona so well.

⤷  TIP : I visited the park during the wintertime when it wasn’t busy at all. However, if you’re going to be there during the high season, buy your tickets in advance.

Getting lost in the streets of the old town

After lunch, in now already my favourite restaurant in the city, we went to the old town area again. It was Saturday afternoon, and many people went for a walk around the city. Numerous street musicians and performers were in the streets, as well. It was so lovely to spend our last evening in the city, by listening to music, buying some Christmas decorations and just getting lost in the old streets of Barcelona.

Barcelona is such a charming city I loved so much. It’s filled with art, culture, history and incredible heritage. Moreover, it’s filled with life! And that’s why it is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. Hope this three days in Barcelona guide will help to plan your trip, as well. Have you been to Barcelona?

Cover photo by Square Lab on Unsplash

barcelona , gaudi , spain , three days in barcelona

36 Hours in Barcelona

By Lisa Abend Updated Nov. 9, 2022

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​​​​​​​​In the 30 years since the Olympics turned Barcelona into a tourist magnet, the pull of the city’s architecture and food culture has only grown stronger. So much so, that the Catalan capital has become a key battleground in Europe’s fight against overtourism. Not all initiatives to lessen the crowds have triumphed: A moratorium on hotel construction survived only a couple of years . But in other areas, the balance has shifted in favor of locals: tighter restrictions regulate Airbnb rentals and the size of groups allowed to visit the Boqueria market. Bike lanes now crisscross the city, and the restored Sant Antoni market is again bustling with fishmongers and butchers. Most strikingly, Barcelona’s “superblock” initiative has turned chunks of the city into car-free, pedestrian playgrounds.

Recommendations

• Casa Milà , with a new virtual reality tour, offers a crash course in Antoni Gaudí’s architecture.
• Sant Antoni market is a temple to local ingredients, with a weekly book market outside its gorgeous exterior.
• Suculent is where to go for some of the city’s best Catalan cooking.
• The Picasso Museum will steep you in Picasso’s work, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of his death.
• Moco Museum focuses on works by major modern artists like Basquiat, Hirst and Banksy.
• Basilica de la Sagrada Família offers an English-language Mass for an immersive look at Gaudí’s masterpiece.
• Parlament Street, a “superblock” urban-design experiment, is part of a pedestrian-only haven.
• Mantequerías Pirenaicas is an old-school spot for a long lunch (try the crisp-edged rice with sausage and duck).
• Gresca is an upscale tapas bar with a casual atmosphere.
• Especiarium , one of the newest bars in the Born quarter, has an intimate, lightly louche atmosphere.
• Pinotxo , in the Boqueria market, is a favorite local breakfast spot.
• Estimar is a homey restaurant with extraordinary seafood dishes.
• Enigma is the flagship creation of the chef Albert Adrià, formerly of the experimental fine-dining restaurant elBulli.
• Les Enfants Brillants , one of the city’s newest night spots, bills itself as a “high fidelity dance club.”
• Madre has leather accessories by the designer Manuel Dreesmann.
• David Valls is where to go for flowing, modern women’s clothing.
• Après Ski sells whimsical clothing, jewelry and other items.
• Chandal offers everything from fun children’s gifts to housewares.
• El Rei de la Màgia is one of the oldest magic stores in the world.
• Casa Sagnier is a 51-room luxury hotel in a building designed by the Catalan architect Enric Sagnier. The rooms combine Catalan and Nordic design, and many overlook the Rambla de Catalunya (doubles start at 200 euros, or about $201).
• Hotel Chic & Basic Born has all-white airy rooms with inventive lighting housed in an old palace. The location — across from the Ciutadella park on a lively corner of the Born — can’t be beat (doubles start at around 100 euros).
• Hotel One Shot Aragó 257 is the first Barcelona location for a Spanish chain that specializes in comfortable, well-designed rooms that feel posher than their prices. Its location near the Passeig de Grácia is excellent (doubles start at 75 euros).
• Try the lively Gràcia neighborhood for short-term rentals , which is removed enough from the tourist center but still convenient. To check that an apartment is legally registered, go to the Barcelona City Council’s website .

An earlier version of this article included a photo caption that misidentified a museum. It is the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona, not the Moco Museum.

Have a weekend to explore a destination? We’ve got the perfect travel itinerary.

Colorado Springs: ​​Colorado’s second-largest city, which brims with outdoor activities , is enticing visitors with a new museum and revamped hotels.

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Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art in this city with stunning views in every direction .

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The ultmate 2 day barcelona itinerary for 2024.

Bradley and I spent 2 nights and 3 days in the amazing city of Barcelona and it was epic.

Bradley had visited Barcelona before, but this was my first time and I was beyond excited to see what sights the city had to offer.

There are an overwhelming number of places to visit in Barcelona in 2 days.

So, to help you plan your trip , we’ve put together a 2 day Barcelona itinerary including some of the top sights to see, where to stay, and more.

And of course a few extra travel tips you may find useful.

Let’s dive in…

Travellerspoint

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 1

On your first day in this historic city, you should start by checking out some of the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Barcelona.

These wonderful sites aren’t that far from one another, especially if you have your own private transportation, but even taking public transport you can comfortably get these done in a day.

Visiting these sights, you’ll get to learn about the history of Barcelona while taking in the incredible beauty of these spots.

Below are my top 5 recommendations that I think you won’t want to miss on your first day:

La Sagrada Familia

If you're visiting Barcelona for the first time , then you simply HAVE to come here!

La Sagrada Familia is probably Barcelona’s best known landmark – this huge Roman Catholic church is even one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Here you’ll see the church’s unique Byzantine and Gothic architecture.

Construction started in 1882 and is still ongoing!

Despite not being completed, this church is still a startlingly beautiful must-see landmark in the city.

Pssst, there are some really good cafes that offer wonderful views of building!

Book your SKIP THE LINE tickets right here!

Casa Mila ‍

This is another famous building from the first architect of La Sagrada Familia.

Casa Mila , also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a multi-purpose venue full of works of art inside and out all the way up to its spectacular roof.

Casa Mila has residential apartments, spaces for hire, offices, and shops inside, and is open for the public day and night.

Buy your skip-the-line tickets right here!

Egyptian Museum ‍

A great place to visit if you’re interested in Egyptian history.

In this museum, more than 1000 collections showcase the ancient civilization's life, art, and traditions.

The museum isn’t that big and it’s easy to take yourself around but you can still book a private tour if you want to know and understand more about the collections you’ll see.

You can find out more here.

La Ramblas ‍

As the sun sets, La Ramblas is the best place to roam around and meet other tourists, locals, and even artists acting like statues on the streets.

Restaurants, souvenir shops, bars, and much more are what make La Ramblas a great stop if you’re looking for a fun night atmosphere.

If you want that famous caricature picture, you can get them done for around 20-30 euro and it takes around 15 minutes.

We got one done, but I am not putting it on here. It's very funny! :P

Columbus Monument

To end the day, this 60m tower is the perfect place to observe the cityscape at night.

We rode the lift from the tower’s centre to reach the top.

You get a bird’s eye view of La Ramblas to the popular port area – utterly beautiful.

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2 

One day really isn’t enough to explore all the landmarks in this city, so for your second day, here are some more must-sees before saying goodbye to Barcelona.

You can get a lot done in two days in Barcelona but to see absolutely everything worth seeing, you’d definitely need more time. 

However, if you can only spare a long weekend in the city, here’s what you need to see on your last full day.

This is a unique and expansive spot surrounded by mosaiced walls and works of art.

This is the perfect spot to kick off the day with a morning walk when the heat’s not so intense (if you go in summer).

You could spend hours wandering around here, and sometimes there is even live music which adds to the already amazing atmosphere.

Get your tickets online right here!

Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona ‍

Built in 1888, the 30-metre tall Arco De Triunfo is another large spot where you can take pictures, walk and bike around, or have picnics on the grass nearby.

This is pretty much to the equivalent of the Arc De Triumph in Paris , and I think it's just as cool!

Gothic Quarter

‍ Once a roman village, the Gothic Quarter is packed with narrow medieval streets to get lost in.

The area has lots of bars, restaurants, and shops and is usually packed with tourists, especially at night.

If bustling crowds aren’t your thing, you can also visit the nearby seafront and Placa Reial areas to catch a breather.

Cathedral of Barcelona ‍

As you approach the heart of the Gothic Quarter, this mesmerising huge cathedral will call your attention.

The cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of Barcelona – Santa Eulàlia – and it’s free to visit from 8 am-12:45 pm and then 5:45-7:30 pm.

Every now and then a market is held outside the cathedral too which is worth picking up souvenirs at.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc ‍

Before calling it a night, you might want to catch a glimpse of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.

The fountain puts on a show of dancing water synched with music and colourful lights and is Barcelona’s largest fountain.

The shows run every 30 minutes.

Barcelona FAQs

Is 2 days in barcelona enough.

Although you really can see the very best of Barcelona in 2 days, it’s also a city you could easily spend more time in.

3 days in Barcelona or even 4 days in Barcelona would be very easy to fill.

If 2 days in Barcelona doesn’t seem like enough and you’re blessed with a bit more time in the city (or you don’t mind zipping around at a quicker pace) you should definitely check out:

• Driving up to Tibidabo & the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (or taking the funicular!) - Whether you want to explore the temple or go on a scenic journey (or both!), Mount Tibidabo is the perfect place to go. Along the way, you’ll see one of the oldest functioning amusement parks. The temple itself is gorgeous and is perched atop a small mountain with incredible views. You’re able to go right to the top of the temple and look out – there are even telescopes up there for better viewing.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

Spring (around April to early June) can be a great time to go as the weather is warm/hot but usually not stifling, and tourism is just in the middle of peak and off-peak season. September is also a good shout for the same reasons.

Summer is normally the priciest season all around Europe (June to August) and is also typically (very!) hot and humid day and night in Barcelona.

If you really want to or must go in summer, you’d be best spending just a couple of days in Barcelona and then heading to a nearby seaside town like Badalona, Montgat, or El Masnou to cool off.

I’d also recommend you go early in the summer to avoid the brunt of the heat (late May or early June).

If you want to avoid packed crowds and rip off prices, definitely don’t go in August since this is Europe’s major vacation month and there will be little to no chance of booking reasonably priced accommodation even if you book in advance. 

Of course, you can always visit Barcelona in the winter if you’re not looking for warm weather or dips in the sea.

Sometime before/after Christmas and New Year's is usually the cheapest time (October to November or February to April).

Check Skyscanner for the best flights.

Where to eat in Barcelona?

Aside from its incredible architecture and iconic landmarks, Barcelona is undeniably known for its incredible food!

Although Barcelona is in Spain, the food and even culture is quite different in the Catalonia region (where Barcelona is) than the rest of Spain.

Restaurants are everywhere serving delicious Catalan dishes like escalivada (roasted vegetables), pà amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), escudella i carn d'olla (stew), canelons (lasagna), and so many more!

You’ll also find restaurants serving food from around the world to cater to their international guests.

You usually have to pay for breakfast at hotels in Barcelona or there may be a free continental breakfast offered. However, with so many amazing restaurants to choose from, there’s really no reason to eat any of your meals at your hotel.

For dinner, you’ll find that there’s a good range of restaurants to suit varying budgets.

You can find cheap and cheerful (and delicious!) food, as well as Michelin starred restaurants for those wanting to splash out.

Note that most locals eat lunch and dinner at a later hour than you might be used to.

It’s customary to take a siesta (nap) at the hottest part of the day (around 12) and therefore most locals will eat their lunch around 2-4 pm, with dinner being had at around 9 pm all the way up to midnight.

With this being said, because Barcelona is such an international hub, you should still be able to find a restaurant serving food outside of these times.

Here’s just a couple of our favourite restaurants in the city:

• Sésamo Barcelona - a completely vegetarian tapas restaurant with a great selection of vegan dishes as well. This was such a great find for us. A quaint looking little restaurant that’s modern inside and serves delicious food!
• Dionisos George Orwell - great Greek food at a reasonable price and with a dash of entertainment like you’d expect at any Greek restaurant.
• CASA MADRE Taberna Moderna - fantastic service and delicious traditional food sometimes with a twist are served in a beautiful setting. A table on the terrace gives an added bit of magic to dining here.

Where to stay in Barcelona?

If money’s no object and you’re looking to stay somewhere centrally located, you should check out hotels/accommodation in areas like the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Eixample – these districts are super convenient with good amenities and access to public transport.

Staying in one of these districts also makes your time in Barcelona less about journeying to and fro, and makes it more about soaking up the sights and culture since these areas are where the city’s top attractions are.

You can find some more wallet-friendly hotels in these areas too but they may be pretty basic.

If you’re on the hunt for more affordable accommodation that is still good quality, you can look in areas just outside the heart of the city like Plaça España and Poble Sec.

These districts are usually much cheaper but you will have to walk to the metro to reach the city centre.

We stayed at Sunotel Club Central . It’s a 4-star hotel that did us just fine – perfect if you’re looking for a mid-range option that is fairly close to the action (15 minutes walk away from La Ramblas).

Book the Sunotel Club Central right here!

Best way to get around Barcelona

Going around Barcelona is actually pretty easy.

There are a few modes of public transport available in the city – buses , tram, metro, and FGC.

You can pay with cash for these at ticket machines or to the bus driver.

You can also get travel cards which might be more cost-effective depending on how much you use public transport.

On top of great public transport, Barcelona also has distinctly marked taxis – they’re coloured yellow and black and will have a green light on the roof if they’re available to use. I’d recommend never getting in a taxi that doesn’t look like this because you run a big risk of getting ripped off.

However, the city does also have Uber which is usually very trustworthy since you order it yourself and will be able to match the license plate of the car that you ordered to the one that pulls up.

If you really want to experience Barcelona first hand, you can also rent a bicycle to get around – the city is VERY bike-friendly and was actually voted as the most bike-friendly city on the Mediterranean just a few years ago.

Get your Hop on Hop off tickets right here!

How to get to Barcelona

Barcelona has only one airport – the El Prat Airport – that’s around 30 minutes away from the city’s centre, depending on the transport mode and route you take.

From the airport, you don’t have to fret too much about how you’ll get to the city as there are several stress-free options to choose from.

You can take the local RENFE train or the metro direct line for the most affordable options.

But if you prefer, you can also take a taxi or Uber which will, of course, be a bit more expensive.

If you’re driving to Barcelona, do be aware that vehicle parking can be tricky for tourists.

The few car parks that are in the city tend to get filled up fast and are also extortionately expensive!

However, hiring a car in Barcelona is a great option if you're wanting to get out and explore the surrounding area.

Parking a campervan in Barcelona 

I really wouldn’t deem Barcelona a safe place to leave your campervan overnight unless it’s in a secure place.

There are a couple of secure parking areas where you can park your campervan or motorhome, but they do cost around 30-40 euros a day. 

You can check them out here .

Bradley and I opted to park our campervan at airport parking because all the city campervan parking was booked up, so book it in advance if you want parking in the city itself. 

But, it’s also easy to park your campervan at airport parking and get the airport bus into the city, or even get a taxi. We opted for a taxi there and back and it was about 16-20 euros. 

So there you have it, our 2 day Barcelona itinerary.

We hope you've enjoyed this post, and hopefully it will help you to navigate your way through Barcelona on your next city break!

To ensure you're well prepared, check out our Spain packing list to see what you should take with you for your trip.

Any questions? Just drop a comment below.

Read next: Best Road Trips In France

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A weekend in Barcelona: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Everything you need to know for a city break in Catalonia’s cultured capital

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1. Why you should visit Barcelona

2. top attractions: things to see and do, 3. hotels and accommodation: where to stay, 4. restaurants, tapas and wine: where to eat and drink, 5. transport: how to get there, 6. what the locals say….

Boasting beautiful architecture, great shopping and an exciting foodie scene, Barcelona combines “everything that is most charming about Mediterranean cities”, said Sally Davies in The Telegraph . It has a “relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine, unbeatable food – with the cultural and design clout of almost any city in the cold north”.

A weekend in Dublin: travel guide, attractions and things to do A weekend in Porto: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Spain’s second city and capital of Catalonia “vibrates with life”, said Rough Guides . There’s certainly not another city in the country to touch it for “sheer style, looks or energy”. Everyone starts with La Rambla, and then dives straight into the “mediaeval nucleus” of the city, the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter).

An archetypal city-break destination, Barcelona has world-class culture, a great beach and is just a two-hour flight from the UK. For those who are already well acquainted with the Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell and La Rambla, the city also serves as a launchpad for the surrounding areas such as the Costa Brava, Sitges, Girona and the wine regions of Alella and Penedès.

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Gaudí’s architecture

The Sagrada Família church in the Eixample quarter is Barcelona’s “most iconic symbol” and the most visited landmark in the whole of Spain, said IntroducingBarcelona.com . Construction started in 1882 and a year later it was commissioned to Antoni Gaudí, Catalonia’s most famous architect. Still unfinished, it’s Gaudí’s best-known shrine to eccentric architecture.

In Barcelona, art is everywhere – even in the architecture. For example, take the Casa Milà, located on Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s grandest avenues. Completed in 1912, Casa Milà, or La Pedrera (stone quarry) as it is also known, was designed by Gaudí. In 1984 it was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Referred to as “God’s Architect”, you can’t visit Barcelona without seeing Gaudi’s influence everywhere you go, said the Nomadic Matt travel blog. Other Gaudi attractions include Park Güell, one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona, and Casa Vicens , considered to be his first major project.

Museums and culture

Barclona has long had the reputation of being the “avant-garde capital of Spain”, said Rough Guides . The art museums here are “world-class”, including the “celebrated” Museu Picasso and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. Most museums are closed on Mondays, said Sally Davies in The Telegraph . The one “notable exception” is the MACBA contemporary art museum.

The city’s opera house, La Gran Teatre del Liceu , was first built in 1847 and has seen it all: fires, wars, and recessions. Yet it still stands, magnificent and opulent. Adorned with gold leaf, rich red seats, and ornate carvings embellishing every surface, the setting might just be as grand as the performance. It is one of the world’s most spectacular classical opera houses and over the years has continued to fulfil its role as a centre for culture and the arts staging a world-class programme of operas, concerts and dance with its own orchestra and choir.

Located half an hour away from Barcelona is La Roca Shopping Village , a spot to which all serious shoppers flock. You’ll find all the best contemporary brands from Calvin Klein, G Star Raw and Diesel, to Barcelona labels Desigual and Custo Barcelona.

If you’re not looking to travel far, Passeig de Gràcia , one of the city’s main avenues, boasts impressive Modernist buildings and an abundance of international designers (think Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada). If you take a left at the top of Passeig de Gràcia, you’ll find many more quality shops along the Diagonal and the top section of Rambla Catalunya, where you can shop for bridal dresses designed to feel like “princess dresses” and various interior design stores.

The 1992 Summer Olympic Games “totally transformed” Barcelona, said Xavier Trias, the former mayor. The city hosts world-class sporting events throughout the year, including sailing, marathons, triathlons, MotoGP, showjumping and the annual Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It’s also home to two football teams that play in Spain’s La Liga – FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona. Thousands of football fans visit Barça’s Camp Nou stadium for matches and tours every year.

For somewhere plush, you can’t go wrong with El Palace – Barcelona’s original luxury hotel, which was built more than a century ago to complement (and rival) the Ritz in Madrid. After full renovation four years ago, El Palace now presents an elegant blend of classical architecture, cultural heritage and modern Mediterranean cool.

El Palace Hotel, Barcelona review: the art of luxury Hotel Ocean Drive Barcelona review: 48 hours of luxury in the Catalan capital

Formerly the 19th-century palace of Palau Vedruna, The Claris Hotel & Spa has clung on to its gorgeous neoclassical façade, despite a remodelling in 1992. The rooftop terrace is a sanctuary of tranquillity raised above the heat and bustle of the city in full summer. It is here that you can cool off in the pool, get a bite to eat at La Terraza del Claris, or simply sip a beer while looking down on the street life.

If you want to be in the heart of Barcelona then look no further than the luxurious five-star Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento . It has a sauna, gym, jazz bar and rooftop chillout bar. If you prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle, Hotel Camiral is a five-star hotel on the doorstep of Barcelona in Girona – the perfect location for outdoor sports enthusiasts, golf-lovers, sun-seekers, culture vultures and foodies alike.

Restaurants

Barcelona is no stranger to fantastic food and drink – it’s home to 19 restaurants which have Michelin stars. Promoting the elite cuisine of Catalonia, the city is a treat for those with a taste for fine dining. If you’re looking for modern Catalan cuisine, ABaC is a three-star Michelin restaurant and generally considered one of Barcelona’s finest. It is elegantly sophisticated and intimate, with a total capacity of just 56.

If light bites are what you need then Barcelona is perfect for a night exploring the famous tapas bars. The choice can be “a little overwhelming”, but the best tapas joints in Barcelona are “as good as you’re going to get”, said Time Out . Casa de Tapes Cañota, Betlem Miscel·lània Gastronòmica, and Xanc i Meli are three of the great tapas bars in the city.

Located on the “bustling” La Rambla, La Boqueria is Barcelona’s best-known market, Time Out added. An attraction in its own right, La Boqueria is the “perfect stop to have a bite to eat while taking in the sites”.

A little further afield the Alta Alella estate stands in the agricultural area of the Serralada de Marina Natural Park, just 20 minutes from Barcelona, and stretches along the Mediterranean coast. The wines it produces are organic and can be found in some of the world’s top restaurants.

Another fantastic vineyard to visit is Familia Torres , located in the Penedès region around 60km west from Barcelona. Here you can sample the goods, take a tour of the cellars and sit down for a wine and tapas pairing.

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport is the main international airport and located 15km south west of the city. Two Aerobus services (A1 and A2) operate all year round connecting the airport and the city centre (Place de Catalunya). The R2 North line train departs from T2 and stops at Estació Sants and Passeig de Gràcia in the city, while the L9 Sud Metro line from the airport’s two terminals goes to Zona Universitària. You can change at Torrassa or Collblanc to go downtown.

Metro and public transport

The Metro network has 12 lines on which you can travel with a standard ticket. Costing from €16.40 to €38.20, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card provides unlimited journeys on public transport for consecutive periods of two days (48 hours), three days (72 hours), four days (96 hours) or five days (120 hours) from the time it is first validated.

Barcelona is Europe’s busiest cruise port. In 2019, roughly three million passengers disembarked in the city, said Euronews . After cruise traffic dropped in 2020 and 2021, numbers in 2022 are predicted to “surge again”. There are nine terminals in total at the Barcelona port , seven of these are cruise terminals.

If you want Spanish food and prefer a “fancy spot” next to Barceloneta Beach, Pez Vela is your place, said Adam Oliveras on Trivago . “I still haven’t found the perfect paella in Barcelona (apart from my mom’s), but totally worth to try a typical paella or other Spanish traditional rice dishes at this restaurant.”

Did you know, it is said that if you drink from the Canaletes fountain on La Rambla, you will return to Barcelona, said Sally Davies in The Telegraph . “Fingers crossed.”

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Mike Starling is the digital features editor at The Week, where he writes content and edits the Arts & Life and Sport website sections and the Food & Drink and Travel newsletters. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon. 

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Craft your Barcelona itinerary with this complete Barcelona trip planner

Things to do in Barcelona Barcelona Travel Guide Barcelona Itineraries

Home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, Barcelona is the largest city in the Catalonia region of Spain. With a rich blend of art and architecture, this city features some amazing sights such as Sagrada Familia , Casa Vicens , Park Guell , and more. Barcelona also boasts of good weather, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife. So, whether you are a culture enthusiast or a party freak, everyone will find something to do in this city. Planning a trip to Barcelona soon? Then, read on to know more about this popular tourist destination including when to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and more.

Best Time To Visit Barcelona

The months between April and July are the best time to visit Barcelona if you wish to attend the outdoor festivals and events. This is a great time to spend on the beaches as well and try all the water sports here.

But if you only wish to go sightseeing, then winter (March - May) and summer (September - November) is a good time to visit as there are fewer tourists in the city. However, this tends to be an expensive time to visit the city.

For those who are looking to travel to Barcelona on a budget, early winter (November - March) is the ideal time to visit the city, but you won’t be able to enjoy the beaches at this time. Read more about the the best time to visit Barcelona .

Barcelona Itineraries

Depending on how long you're in Barcelona for, whether it's just a day or 5 days, we have the perfect itineraries crafted for you. Go through these Barcelona itineraries and plan your stay well in advance!

If this is your first time traveling to Barcelona, you could use some help planning your daily itineraries. Apart from the basic planning (flight tickets, visa, accommodation in Barcelona, etc.), you'll need to consider your day-to-day activities in Barcelona. The basics being where to go, what to see, how to get there, and more. But fret not, we have got you covered!

1-Day Barcelona Itinerary

La Rambla & La Boquería

Gothic Quarter

Sagrada Familia

Barcelona Zoo

La Barceloneta Beach

Read In Detail: A Comprehensive 1-Day Barcelona Itinerary

3-Day Barcelona Itinerary

Poble Espanyol

Barcelona Aquarium

Articket Museum Trail

Palau de la Música Catalana

Las Golondrinas De Barcelona Cruise

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Read In Detail: A Comprehensive 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary

5-Day Barcelona Itinerary

Day trip to Girona, Figueres and Dali

Read In Detail: A Comprehensive 5-Day Barcelona Itinerary

Weekend in Barcelona Itinerary

Las Ramblas

Mercado de la Boqueria

Flamenco Show

Gaudi Monuments

Picasso Museum

Camp Nou Tour

Montjuic Hill

Barceloneta Beach

Read In Detail: A Comprehensive Weekend Barcelona Itinerary

Hacks To Buying Cheap Barcelona Flight Tickets

Now that you've figured out the perfect time to visit Barcelona and braved through the restrictions, it is time to look for flight tickets. Go through our 17 golden hacks for cheap flight tickets before scouring through the flight ticket websites. You'll be surprised how easy it is to save a pretty penny while booking flight tickets!

Packing For Barcelona

If you are planning a trip to Barcelona, then you also need to pack efficiently for your trip. Make sure to pack in advance to avoid missing out on some crucial items for your trip. A travel adaptor, reusable bottle, crossbody bag, raincoat, photo ID, etc. are a few important things to pack for your trip to Barcelona. Apart from that, you need to carry clothes according to the month that you would be visiting. Don’t forget to carry a pair of comfortable walking shoes to allow yourself to explore this ancient city comfortably. Most importantly, if you plan to visit a lot of churches in the city, make it a point to carry clothes to cover your knees and shoulders.

Where To Stay In Barcelona

When you are searching for neighbourhoods to stay in Barcelona , you have to consider what attractions and activities you are planning to enjoy in the city. It is a huge city so it is essential that you select a place that is close to your chosen experience.

Near the beaches

If you are planning to spend most of your time on the beaches, then the best area to live in Barcelona is Poblenou or Barceloneta. Barceloneta’s beach is family-friendly and the longest beach in the city. Poblenou features five beaches that are clean and gorgeous but slightly away from the main attractions.

Around Sagrada Familia

For those who are focused on exploring the attractions of the city, Barri Gotic and Eixample are good places for staying. These places are not just close to the main attractions such as Sagrada Familia but also have good options of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

For backpackers

If you are looking for some peace and quiet, then, check out a hotel or guesthouse in Gracia which is a little away from the city attractions. Visitors will love the local vibe here and you can explore the cobblestone streets, cute bars, and plazas around here.

With familiy

If you are traveling to Barcelona with your family, then you can plan a stay in El Raval. This is a centrally located area with access to many attractions and open spaces for the kids to enjoy. You will also find a plethora of hip restaurants and tapa bars to explore here.

Public Transportation in Barcelona 101

5 best day trips from barcelona.

Planning a trip to Spain is a monumental effort; the country has amazing destinations that appeal to travelers of all kinds. Art enthusiasts, history buffs, wine connoisseurs, architecture aficionados, and culture vultures, everyone can pick and choose their favourite destinations in Spain. Barcelona is at the heart of all these experiences, and merely a day away from it are incredible destinations that offer a variety of experiences.

Check out our list of 5 best day trips from Barcelona :

Barcelona Travel Tips & Hacks

Barcelona is just about as touristy as it gets. A city rich with ancient history and also a Mecca for football fans, it can be a little tricky to navigate. Go through our guide and jot down some interesting travel tips that even the locals swear by. Learn how to navigate tourist traps in Barcelona, how to save money on transport, food, and accommodation, and then some. Start making notes and use these tips before your trip to Barcelona.

20 Barcelona Travel Tips & Hacks

Faqs: barcelona trip planner, is barcelona worth visiting.

Barcelona is one of the top cities to visit in Barcelona which features many works of Antoni Gaudi and other Spanish artists. Park Guell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens, etc. are a few top places that you can visit here.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

The best time to visit Barcelona is April to July when the weather is pleasant for staying on the beach. If you want to plan a budget-friendly trip to Barcelona, then the best time to visit is early winter (November - March).

What are the top things to do in Barcelona?

The top things to do in Barcelona are visiting Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, Barcelona Aquarium, and so on.

What is the safest way to get around Barcelona?

In terms of the safety of tourists, metros and taxis are the best modes of transportation in Barcelona.

What should you pack for Barcelona?

Depending on the month of your trip, you should pack a raincoat/umbrella, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes for your trip to Barcelona.

What is the cheapest mode of transportation in Barcelona?

The cheapest mode of transportation in Barcelona is FGC railways, buses, and metros. 

What are the best day trips from Barcelona?

A few of the best places to visit as a day trip from Barcelona are Girona, Montserrat, Sitges, and Colonia Guell.

Which is the best place to stay in Barcelona?

Overall, the best places to get a hotel or guesthouse in Barcelona are Eixample , Barri Gotic, and Gracia. These places are well-connected to the city and have their own charm.

Amulya Chintaluri

Amulya's love for travelling was a natural consequence of her moving around so much as a child. Throw in her love for writing into the mix, and there's no better way to spend her time. A person who collects hobbies like Infinity Stones, she loves reading, sketching, drawing, painting, dry pressing flowers, music, cooking, eating cake, watching TV and sleeping.

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Traveling to Barcelona for the First Time: 19 Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Traveling to Barcelona for the first time and not sure where to start and what to expect? This article covers all the essential Barcelona travel tips that will help you make the most of your trip.

Planning your first visit to Barcelona, Spain, might be overwhelming. There are so many questions… How much time do you need in Barcelona? When to visit and how to avoid the crowds? Where to stay and what to see? Any local tips and habits to be aware of? Or how to see the best that Barcelona has to offer in a limited time and without breaking the bank?…

To help you plan your first trip to Barcelona, we selected some of the best tips for visiting the city. This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your time and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in Barcelona:

• Sagrada Familia .
• Park Güell .
• Montjuïc Cable Car .
• Barcelona Pass .
• Casa Batlló .

Here are our essential Barcelona travel tips:

1. Research & Book in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting Barcelona for the first time is not to plan your trip in advance. So congratulations – because you are reading this, you already have a head start compared to other visitors!

Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or tickets for the main Barcelona attractions – booking in advance means that you have more choices and much better prices . It also means less wasted time queuing and more relaxing time sightseeing and enjoying this fabulous city. After all, you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona and not spend all your precious time standing in lines.

Also, doing your research in advance means that you will avoid disappointment to find that the places you want to visit are closed or tickets sold out . Below are some examples that illustrate what I mean.

For example, we really wanted to see the dancing fountain of Barcelona, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc , and were told that it dances every night. However, it’s not the case. Furthermore, since we were traveling in the low season, it was actually only dancing three times a week.

Because we arrived on a Saturday and left before the next weekend, we only had one chance to see the fountains during our visit – on the first evening in the city. So despite an early flight and a very long day, we decided to go. If we hadn’t done the research -assuming that we could just see it any night- we would have definitely missed it.

We also researched whether it was a good idea to visit Montserrat Monastery on Sunday. It turns out that it’s the busiest day of the week. So we booked a tour for Monday instead…

I also heard from some of our readers that they couldn’t visit the famous Barcelona market Mercado de La Boqueria because they didn’t realize that it was closed on Sundays. By the way, all indoor markets in Barcelona are closed on Sundays.

Another reader told us that they couldn’t visit Park Güell because they didn’t buy tickets in advance and no walk-ins were possible… (Btw, Park Güell is one of the most-visited Barcelona attractions and you really have to book your tickets in advance!).

Good to know: Tickets for the most popular Barcelona attractions often sell out up to 2-3 weeks in advance. This is especially the case in high season. Plus, most entry tickets are now timed, so you need to see what’s possible and how to fit it all into your itinerary. Further below, you will find more details and tips, but if you get the Barcelona Pass , you will have the option to pre-book a timeslot for your skip-the-line entry to all the main sights.

By doing your research in advance, you can also compare prices, reviews, and itineraries for the best tours in Barcelona… This brings us to the next point.

READ ALSO: Top Sights & Attractions in Barcelona

2. Save Time & Money When Visiting Barcelona’s Main Landmarks

Visiting Barcelona for the first time also means visiting all the main landmarks and attractions. Of course, you will want to see the famous La Sagrada Familia and the other iconic Gaudi buildings and architecture! Just make sure that you are well prepared so that you don’t waste hours and days standing in lines.

TIP: If you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona, consider skip-the-line tickets for ALL the main landmarks and the most popular tourist attractions. We also recommend booking guided tours for the Sagrada Familia and the main Gaudi buildings – that way you’ll get a much better understanding of all the symbolism and stories behind the architecture.

You can find Barcelona tours and skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and also on Tiqets . More information – further below.

Skip the Line Tickets

Some of the most popular attractions in Barcelona like Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Park Güell, or La Sagrada Familia can have extremely long waiting times. Buying your tickets in advance is essential when visiting these places in any season!

Here you can get skip-the-line tickets for Casa Batllo , Casa Mila , Park Güell , and – the most popular of them all – La Sagrada Familia .

PRO TIP: With this Barcelona Pass , you can immediately reserve timed-entry tickets for the most popular sights, including the towers of La Sagrada Familia (regular tickets don’t include tower access!). This is a digital pass, so you will get tickets per email (= very simple to book and use).

TIP: If you didn’t think of buying the tickets in advance and they are sold out, try booking a guided tour instead. Guided tours prebook tickets and make it possible to visit the main landmarks even if the tickets are sold out. I recommend visiting Gaudi’s buildings and especially La Sagrada Familia with a tour anyway. Read on to learn why!

Guided Tours

Even when we visited in the low season, all the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona were incredibly busy. Often, it wasn’t even clear where to go even if you had already pre-booked your tickets…

That’s why we chose to visit all the Gaudi buildings on a tour. Here you can read more about our experience with the Gaudi tour (we chose this amazing tour that covers all the main Gaudi landmarks in a day).

We visited Barcelona with our three kids who, obviously, have no patience when it comes to long queues. Taking a tour meant that we could relax while the guide took care of everything. We just followed the guide and never had to wait anywhere longer than 10 minutes.

I can’t imagine how different our experience would have been if we had to figure out where exactly to go and wait in endless lines everywhere. We wouldn’t have been able to see half as much, not even to mention our sanity having to deal with bored kids…

Furthermore, having a local guide who explained what, where, and why, enabled us to appreciate what we were seeing. We never knew there were so many symbols and stories behind all the tiny details in Gaudi’s buildings! Gaudi was a real genius and we would have never gotten to know any of that if we had visited his buildings on our own.

Free Museums

Most Barcelona museums have specific days or hours when you can visit them free of charge. In general, you can expect most museums to be free on the first Sunday of the month. But there are also additional times when you can enter free of charge.

For example, the Picasso Museum is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month and also on Thursday evenings. Barcelona Cathedral (not to be confused with Sagrada Familia) is free to visit between 8.30 AM and 12.30 PM and in the evenings from 5.45 PM to 7.30 PM (hours vary a bit per day and on some days are a bit longer, but the hours indicated here apply daily).

Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA Plaça del Rei) is free on the first Sunday of the month and in the late afternoon on other Sundays.

These are just a few examples – there are so many museums and other attractions in Barcelona. So do your research for the places you want to see and, if possible, time your visit accordingly.

City Cards & Package Deals

If you are planning to visit several of the main Barcelona attractions on your own, you may want to look into getting one of the city cards that offer discounts and free entrances to certain attractions and also public transport tickets.

There is also a museum card that gives access to 6 of the most popular museums in Barcelona. So do your research and see if and which card makes sense for you, depending on your interests.

TIP: If you find the choice overwhelming, we recommend this Barcelona Pass . This is the best pass for Barcelona’s top sights including Park Güell & Sagrada Familia. If you also want to visit the towers of the Sagrada Familia (recommended), then this all-in pass is the best option for you. In case you wonder, there is a lift to get to the top of the towers.

Good to know: These passes not only save you money but make it really easy to book fast-track tickets to the most popular attractions in one place. Furthermore, the tickets are digital so you don’t have to waste your time once you get there!

3. Avoid High Season, Bank Holidays, and School Breaks

As one of the most-visited cities in Europe, Barcelona is always busy . Still, there is a huge difference between visiting Barcelona in the high season (June-August), in the shoulder season (April-May and September-October + New Year), or in the low season when there are fewer international travelers and hardly any cruise ships in town.

Because we travel with kids, however, we can only travel during school breaks. For years, we have been postponing a trip to Barcelona for that reason. However, we decided that it was high time to see this iconic city and chose the first week of November (autumn break) for our trip.

We were pleasantly surprised. It was still busy at the main attractions in the city, but it never really felt too crowded or overwhelming AND we had quite a few amazing places almost to ourselves.

Needless to say that this greatly influenced our experience and we loved Barcelona so much more than I ever expected. Based on all the horror stories about the crowds, we were really fearing the worst. But what we found was a really pleasant city that gave us plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights without having to brush elbows with thousands of strangers.

Furthermore, the weather in early November was fabulous with plenty of sunshine and temperatures that were warm enough to wear a t-shirt during the day.

So if you can, visit Barcelona in the shoulder season or in the low season. It will be so much more enjoyable!

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

4. Stay in the City Center

Another very important thing to take into account when traveling to Barcelona is where to stay .

While it’s often tempting to choose cheaper accommodation further away from the city center, we have learned the hard way that it’s not the best idea. Yes, it can save you some money, but it will cost you time and comfort. It’s so easy if you can just walk to a nice restaurant for dinner from your hotel or sleep longer in the morning knowing that your tour starts right around the corner and not on the other side of town…

So if you are visiting Barcelona for the first time and want to make the most of your short trip, stay in the city center! Also, stay somewhat close to a metro station – that way you can always get to the other parts of town quicker.

We recommend staying in the area close to Plaça de Catalunya . It’s a perfect location for sightseeing and you can easily walk to most attractions in the old town or to the nicest Gaudi buildings… There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, and most tours and excursions start in this area.

Here are our hand-picked recommendations with an excellent location near Plaça de Catalunya for all budgets:

• If you are looking for a really nice place to stay in the heart of Barcelona, check out Ohla Barcelona , a fabulous 5* hotel with a rooftop pool and bar.
• Some of the best mid-range 4* hotels are Acta Atrium Palace and  Exe Plaza Catalunya .
• If you are on a l ower budget , check out these popular and highly-rated options with excellent locations: Hotel Lloret Ramblas (the best-rated and most popular budget hotel in the center) or  Hostal Boqueria (a very good, simple hotel on a low budget).

Where we stayed: We stayed at the Acta Splendid Hotel.  The location couldn’t be better and the price/quality was unbeatable for this area.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in central Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya area).

Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

5. Explore the Gothic Quarter

One of the most beautiful parts of Barcelona is the old Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). No visit to the city would be complete without exploring this fascinating area.

While the district gets its name thanks to the 13-15th century Gothic buildings, it’s actually the oldest part of Barcelona with archeological finds dating to Roman times.

The main landmarks here are the Cathedral of Barcelona (The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia), Plaça del Rei , and the underground Roman city that is part of the earlier mentioned Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA). But the real charm of the Gothic Quarter is its fascinating maze of streets and historic buildings.

TIP: This part of town can get really busy. The best time to visit is as early in the morning as possible, or in the low season.

6. Use Barcelona Metro

Barcelona is a big city and its attractions are scattered throughout. So no matter where you stay, eventually, you’ll find yourself in need of a transfer. By far the easiest and the fastest way to get around the city is by taking the metro . And, if you avoid peak times, the metro is surprisingly quiet.

There are all kinds of multi-day and multi-journey tickets available for Barcelona metro and public transport, so choose one that best suits your needs. When we traveled, we got a 10-journey card that could be used by multiple people at the same time. Names and conditions of these cards change often, and you can find the best up-to-date information on the official website .

If you’re just taking the metro (so not a bus and other public transport options), you can easily get ticket cards at any metro station as well. There are ticket machines and everything is well-explained, also in English. Credit cards are accepted.

TIP: You can also take a metro to the airport , but it takes very long (it took us over 1.5 hrs to get to the city center). Alternatively, there are airport shuttle buses that run frequently, cost about the same as the metro ticket, and take much less time. On our way back to the airport, we took a taxi and it was surprisingly affordable. You can find more information about Barcelona airport transport here .

7. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Just as with any city trip, traveling to Barcelona means that you’ll be walking a lot. Make sure that you wear comfortable walking shoes!

Take my word for it, wrong footwear can ruin your entire vacation. Get lightweight sneakers or slip-on shoes for your Barcelona trip. I wear and recommend shoes in this style ; they are light and comfy – ideal for city trips.

TIP: If you don’t like walking too much, consider taking a hop-on hop-off bus instead.

8. Adjust Your Dining Schedule

You may have heard this before – Spanish people have very different habits when it comes to dining times. The main meal of the day is lunch and it usually starts at around 2 – 2.30 PM. Most restaurants will not open for dinner before 8 – 9 PM.

We were a bit worried about late dinner times because we traveled to Barcelona with kids, but it worked out quite well. Since it’s such a touristy place, there are quite some restaurants that have adapted their opening times and it was usually possible to find a place to eat at 7.30-8 PM.

We were told that the best local restaurants don’t open before 8.30-9 PM, but we found plenty of good restaurants that do.

That being said, you won’t easily find a good local restaurant open for dinner before 7 – 7.30 PM.

9. Try Tapas

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without tapas . In case you don’t know what tapas are, this is just a popular Spanish word for small snacks. Like appetizers in the US or antipasti in Italy. Basically, tapas are just small-sized portions of food – from seafood, meat, to all kinds of vegetables or potatoes ( patatas bravas ).

Everywhere you go, you’ll see tapas on the menu. It’s a great way to try a big variety of Spanish food without having to order an entire dish not knowing whether you’ll like it. It’s ideal if you are traveling with a bigger family or a group of friends because you can order a big variety of tapas and everyone will easily find something they like.

Some restaurants have set tapas menus which are a real lifesaver if you are feeling overwhelmed. After a couple of tapas meals, you’ll get more familiar with the concept, and ordering tapas will actually be fun.

Good to know: Tapas are EVERYWHERE in Barcelona, but they are not the only option (luckily). If you stay in Barcelona longer, it’s quite likely that you’ll eventually get tired of tapas. No worries – there are plenty of restaurants serving traditional Spanish food, seafood, paellas, but also a big variety of international cuisines. After five days in Barcelona, our kids didn’t want to see or hear of any more tapas, so we found a really nice pasta restaurant that the whole family loved.

TIP: If you want to try some of the best local dishes, consider joining a food tour as well! Food tours are our favorite thing to do when visiting any city! Check out this highly-rated tapas & wine tour . Another popular choice is this paella cooking experience + Boqueria market visit .

10. Tipping in Barcelona

Generally speaking, tipping is not that common in Europe, and so also not in Spain. However, American habits quickly find their way here too and it’s now more and more common to tip. That being said, it’s never really expected, let alone obligatory.

In Barcelona, you do not have to tip and locals usually don’t tip or just round up the bill. If you find the restaurant service exceptionally good, you can tip 5-10%. It’s not common to tip at a bar. Taxi bills are usually just rounded up. For bellboys – a euro or two is enough.

Many people tip tour guides, but it’s really your call how much. In Europe, we usually tip 20 EUR for a day tour that we take as a family of 5. If you are alone or traveling as a couple, 5-10 EUR is acceptable, but most Europeans don’t even do that.

11. It’s OK to Haggle

If you are planning to buy any souvenirs from street vendors, at the markets, or at the tourist shops in town, you should know that haggling is completely acceptable. Very often, you’ll see that no prices are advertised and in such cases, you definitely have to haggle or you’ll be overpaying up to twice the price, if not more.

It’s also very common that the same souvenirs will cost twice as much close to the most popular tourist landmarks, compared to some lesser-visited places. However, it’s not always the case.

My best advice is not to buy souvenirs immediately. Take your time, ask for prices, and get a better idea of what’s acceptable before buying anything.

12. Know That Things Are Laid Back

Barcelona is a very laid-back place. You’ll notice it in many ways. Depending on where you’re from and what you’re used to, things might seem a bit too relaxed, or maybe just normal…

The best way to enjoy your time in Barcelona is just go with the flow. Don’t get upset if it takes a bit longer for a waiter to take your order, or if the shops are closed for siesta a bit longer than advertised…

Good thing is that Barcelona is also much more casual in terms of clothing than, for example, Madrid. There is no need for fancy clothing and even at dinner at some nicer restaurants we dined at, most people were quite casually dressed. That being said, when in doubt, I’m always in favor of overdressing.

13. Beware of Pickpockets

Just as in any other big city or popular tourist destination, Barcelona has a problem with pickpockets. These guys are real professionals and it’s not uncommon that they manage to distract attention and even rob a big group of people at the same time.

So take precautions and don’t carry too much money or any other unnecessary valuables around. Also, make sure that you have good travel insurance! Be careful at the most popular tourist places, such as La Rambla or around La Sagrada Familia, and also when using public transport.

An anti-theft backpack might be a good idea too. Or – if you have a regular backpack – wear it in front of you and not on your back. Also, it’s really not a good idea to store your wallet or your smartphone in your jeans pocket.

14. Don’t Try to See Everything

Barcelona is a huge city and there is so much to see and do ! But… there’s no way to see everything in just a couple of days. So plan your itinerary well! If you don’t know where to start, check out our tips on how to spend 1 day in Barcelona and also an itinerary for 2 days in Barcelona .

I recommend choosing a couple of must-see places each day or maybe one specific area, and not try to do it all at once. You’ll enjoy the city much more if you also leave some time for a relaxing lunch at a nice café or some unexpected discoveries.

When it comes to visiting Barcelona, remember that less is more!

I know that it’s very tempting to try and see as many landmarks as you possibly can, but you’ll just get tired and frustrated. Take your time to sample some local specialties at the market, turn into a little picturesque alley and see where it leads, or explore some lesser-known places that don’t involve standing in line for hours… This brings us to the next tip…

15. Get off the Beaten Path

Barcelona is so much more than its most famous landmarks , La Rambla, Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta beach, or Gaudi architecture… There are so many other amazing places that are worth visiting just as much, yet are overlooked by most first-time visitors.

Some of our favorite moments in Barcelona were visiting the lesser-known and less-visited places . And while it’s not easy to find any truly ‘hidden’ gems, even just getting a bit off the main tourist routes will show you a very different side of Barcelona.

One of our favorite places in Barcelona was the beautiful Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site , which we had practically to ourselves. While it is not completely unknown, it was completely deserted when we visited it in the low season… And so worth a visit!

We particularly enjoyed the Port Vell and La Barceloneta – an old fishermen’s quarter with narrow streets and local restaurants. And yes, there is a really busy area in this part of town as well – with a seaside promenade, fancy yachts, and tourist restaurants. But if you take the time to explore deeper, you find a totally different place, just a few blocks away…

The same counts for the El Born and La Ribera areas which are like a labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways – so fun to just get lost and explore this area without a map.

We also went to a more local Poublenou area and explored Gracia , L’Eixample , and Montjuïc on foot. We visited some little-known sights and some really nice markets that had many more locals than tourists (Mercado de La Boqueria is really not the only market worth seeing in Barcelona)…

Each and every area has something special and unique. Behind the busier streets and popular areas, there are always lesser-visited gems just waiting to be discovered.

Even if you just see a few of these more local areas, it will make your trip to Barcelona so much more memorable.

16. Attend a Performance at Palau de la Música Catalana

If you want to experience something really special in Barcelona, try to get tickets for a performance at Palau de la Música Catalana . This stunning music hall is a real masterpiece and worth visiting in itself, but it’s even more special if you can attend a concert here.

They organize various concerts every evening and also during the day on the weekends. From classical music and dance to the most modern musical performances and traditional Flamenco dances – there are always plenty of choices to suit any interest. Most of the time, tickets are available just a few days in advance (or even on the day itself), so check the program and go. It will be totally worth it!

Good to know: You can also just visit the music hall itself. Self-guided and guided tours are available throughout the day and take less than an hour. Here you can get tickets for your visit .

17. Escape the Hustle of the City for a Day

Visiting a busy city like Barcelona can leave you exhausted, especially if you are not used to the crowds or if the summer heat becomes too much for you.

While most tourists head to Barceloneta beach , you’ll hardly find any locals there. The better beaches (nicer and also less crowded) can be found a bit further away. Try Playa de Bogatell if you don’t want to go too far. Or – outside of town – Platja de Castelldefels in the south or Platja de Badalona in the north of Barcelona.

The most popular day trip outside of the city is visiting Montserrat Monastery . Because it’s located in the mountains, the temperatures are usually cooler there too. We also took this day trip and here you can read all about our Montserrat tour .

These are just a few examples of places to visit outside the city. There are many more beautiful areas that you can visit on a day trip from Barcelona! Here are a few other popular options:

• Catamaran Sailing Tours (1.5-2 hrs)
• Kayaking & snorkeling (half a day)
• Hot air balloon flights (half a day)
• Vineyards near the city (half a day)
• Girona and Costa Brava (full day)
• Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum (full day)
• 3 Countries in a Day (full day)

So if you are staying in town for more than 2-3 days, I suggest you take at least one day trip to see more of the surroundings or just to escape the crowds. As a minimum, rent a bike and drive along the beach – there is a beautiful waterfront promenade with bike paths that bring you to the quieter beaches and districts of Barcelona.

18. Stay Clear of Politics and Protests

Political protests in Catalonia are not uncommon. There were huge protests and even riots in Barcelona just a few days before our trip, and there were also some violent protests in the city while we were there.

But, in general, these protests don’t really influence your travel experience much (unless they block an airport, which happened once a few years ago).

My best advice is to just stay clear of any political protests. If you see any demonstrations, just walk around or take another street. Barcelona is a big city and the chances that you’ll find yourself amidst the protesters are really not that high.

19. Don’t Forget Little Important Details

Here are some  more practical tips  to consider when traveling to Barcelona for the first time:

• You can  pay  by credit card pretty much everywhere, but it’s always useful to have some cash as well. Spain uses the EURO .
• If you don’t have a credit card with a chip and a 4-digit pin , check out this selection of  the best American credit cards for travel and get one – you’ll need a car with a pin everywhere in Europe. I recommend choosing  a card with no foreign transaction fees .
• While you can easily get around using English , it’s always useful to learn a couple of words of Spanish or Catalan. Hola (hello) and gracias (thank you) go a long way.
• Barcelona has a pretty good network of free WiFi with hundreds of access points throughout the city. Hotels and some restaurants also usually offer free wifi.
• Download an offline map of Barcelona using apps like Google Maps or Maps.me. It’s so much easier than a paper map and you can always easily find your way around.
• Make sure to pack a travel adapter . Spain uses  European plugs .
• Remember that many shops and markets are closed on Sunday . However, most museums and other attractions remain open. We chose to do a Gaudi tour on a Sunday and it worked out great.
• Pack comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the season. It can get really warm in Barcelona and sun protection is an absolute must in summer. Don’t forget your sun hat !
• Make a copy of your travel documents and send it to yourself by email (or save it in the cloud). As with any international trip, make sure that you have good travel insurance .

So, these are some of the most important practical tips that you should know when traveling to Barcelona for the first time.

Below, you can also find some frequently asked questions for your first visit to Barcelona. Take a look!

Barcelona Travel FAQs

The best time to visit Barcelona are the shoulder months between March and May and also from September to October. The weather is best for sightseeing and it’s not as busy as in the summer.

While you can see the main landmarks of Barcelona in one or two days, we recommend at least 3-4 days for your first trip to Barcelona. This will allow you to explore the city at a more relaxed pace, visit Gaudi buildings and a few museums, and maybe even take a tour to Montserrat.

Barcelona is a very popular destination, so it’s best to book your accommodation and the tours that you absolutely want to do in advance. Make sure to book skip-the-line tickets for the most popular landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia!

Yes, Barcelona is a safe destination. However, just like in any other big European city, you should be careful with pickpockets and common travel scams. If you are not sure about visiting certain areas at night, ask your hotel for advice.

We recommend staying in the area close to Plaça de Catalunya . The location is perfect for sightseeing and you can easily walk to the most popular attractions in the city center. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. Most tours also start in this area.

Do you have any questions or maybe want to share your experience when visiting Barcelona? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

More tips for your trip to Spain:

• Best Things to Do in Barcelona
• Barcelona 1 Day Itinerary
• How to See the Best of Barcelona in 2 Days
• Complete Guide to Visiting Montserrat
• Montserrat Tour Review
• Best Barcelona Gaudi Tour
• 1 Day in Seville
• 2 Days in Seville
• Flamenco in Seville
• One Day in Madrid: What to See & Itinerary
• Madrid to Toledo Day Trip

READ ALSO: Spain Bucket List: Top Places & Experiences

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More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Siena, Italy
• Sintra, Portugal
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• Read also our tips for traveling to Europe .

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Tuesday 13th of June 2023

Hi Jurga! I love your blog and I'm planning to visit Barcelona in October. Did the Acta Splendid charge you a resort fee in addition to the price of the room & tax?.....Elaine

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi Elaine, I don't remember hotel charging us any special fees. When you book on Booking.com, it's always very clearly shown what's included. Usually, for most places, they already include the city tax in the price, or show you how much it will be. For Acta Splendid, if I try just random dates, I see that it shows me in the booking window that 10% VAT and City tax are included in the price. What sometimes happens is that you first get charged just for the room and then have to pay the taxes at the property separately. But the total price you see on Booking is usually the total of what you'll pay in the end (unless clearly stated otherwise). That's a big difference vs. booking with hotels directly. Most hotels don't show taxes in their price at first and then add it to your bill later. This way, you might think that you are paying less but, often, it's quite the opposite. Just one more reason why we always use Booking.com for all our accommodation bookings. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

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Barcelona is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene.

Best Time to Visit

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Top 22 Things To Do in Barcelona in 2024

Sean Finelli Last Updated: October 23, 2023

Think you know everything there is to do in Barcelona? Think again. The city has a lot of well-known stuff going for it: Great food, lots of sunshine, happy locals, and fabulous beaches. That’s why so many people visit the city each year. But there are loads more things to do waiting to be discovered. Put together by our local guides, here are the top things to do in Barcelona.

Pro Tip: Planning your trip to Barcelona? It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our  Barcelona Guide  for more planning resources, our  top Barcelona tours  for a memorable trip, and  how to see Barcelona in a day .

22 Best Things To See and Do While Visiting Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the top most visited cities in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. This multifaceted city combines the best of a warm seaside destination on the Mediterranean with a metropolitan city bursting with history and contemporary culture.

You may already know to see the city’s iconic mega monument, La Sagrada Familia, but what else is there to do? In this guide, discover the top things to do in Barcelona, from more of Gaudí’s work to ancient Roman architecture, a Gothic cathedral, a mountain-top monastery, a historic food market, and iconic green spaces.

Not ready to book a tour? See the best Barcelona tours to take and why .

1. Tour La Sagrada Familia for the Best Experience

It may sound and feel a bit anti-climatic to finish with La Sagrada Familia but it is undoubtedly the number one attraction in Barcelona. Antonio Gaudi had his work cut out for him with this unique and iconic church. Definitely, this exquisite work of art is something to have on your radar when traveling to Barcelona.

If you’re going to visit Sagrada Familia, consider taking a  guided small-group tour . The history behind this structure goes far beyond the surface. Passionate local guides will explain the many layers of meaning to this monument and why it has taken so long to construct. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single detail in Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia.

Address: Carrer del Mallorca, 401

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit La Sagrada Familia .

2. Plan Your Day Trip to Montserrat

Montserrat is an incredible mountain-top town just under an hour’s drive from Barcelona, which makes it one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona. The area is a popular attraction for many reasons.

First, it’s on the side of a mountain with stunning views. Second, the Benedictine Monastery is almost 1,000 years old, which makes it a significant historical site. There’s quite a bit to see here and even some great trails for hikers. Check out what to see and do at Montserrat .

Location: Montserrat

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to do a Montserrat day trip from Barcelona.

3. Marvel at The Barcelona Cathedral From Inside And Out

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, aka Barcelona Cathedral, is the principal Roman Catholic church of Barcelona. The cathedral was completed in 1448 after over 200 years of construction.

That said, the facade you see today was not built until the 19th century. The facade was relatively plain up until then but now is clearly neo-Gothic, which fits in nicely with the Barri Gotic neighborhood.

Like Paris, you’ll find many gargoyles on the roof of the cathedral as well as animals, including a unicorn! The structure is ornate and magnificent both inside and out, so definitely head inside if you have the time.

While you’re in the area, check out the beautiful Pont del Bisbe and other Gothic and ancient Roman architectural sights on Calle del Bisbe.

Address: Pla de la Seu

4. Relax in Gaudi’s Whimsical Park Güell

Park Güell, like much of Barcelona, is a colorful compilation of architecture and green spaces in the La Salut neighborhood of Barcelona. The park, one of Gaudi’s early works, is as colorful as it is architecturally rich. And, the views aren’t bad either.

The area was originally an unsuccessful housing complex brought to the city by Count Eusebi Güell. There were two houses built. The first was for Count Güell and the second was to be a model home of sorts. After no buyers made offers, Güell suggested Gaudi purchase it and he did in 1906.

There’s a lot to see in the area and it’s well worth the visit. Hopefully, you’ll get to meet the local flock of bright green Monk Parakeets. They’re loud, brightly colored, and friendly, not unlike Gaudi’s work.

Address: Park Guell

5. See Barcelona by Land, Sea, and Air

Looking for a one-of-a-kind tour exploring the beauty of Barcelona without the crowds? This intimate, small-group experience offers breathtaking views from every angle without the hassle of waiting in lines. You’ll get to see Barcelona from every perspective. Marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces, walk the Passeig de Gràcia, capture a unique bird’s-eye-view of the Sagrada Familia in a 6-minute helicopter, and then sail down along the stunning coastline on a Golondrina. This tour is a n unbelievable way to see Barcelona and at an affordable rate to boot.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on where to stay in Barcelona

6. Enjoy Some Culture at Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Art lovers, this is for you. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is by far the most comprehensive museum in Barcelona, with art from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, all the way up to the Modern. There’s even photography. Your museum ticket not only gains you entry to the museum but also the rooftop viewpoint.

The museum is located on Montjuïc, which is a large hilltop green space and viewpoint in Barcelona in the historic Palau Nacional. This makes the visit all the better because you can explore the whole area, including the Montjuïc Castle and Botanical Gardens.

Address: Palau Nacional | Admission Cost: €12

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Where to Stay in Barcelona article

7. See Barcelona from the Mediterranean Sea

It would be a shame to come to Barcelona and not see it from the water. Seafood, sun, and sand are part of the experience, but there’s something special about taking a boat cruise in Barcelona. After all, the city has many ports and the drinks flow!

When traveling to a warm seaside destination I tend to book some sort of boat excursion. Finding the best ones can be tough though, which is why we took the time to find the best captains with the highest-rated boat and sailboat tours. Check out our Barcelona boat cruises.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Barcelona tours to take and why .

8. Eat a Local Delicacy—Calçots

A very popular local dish you’ll find all over Barcelona is pà amb tomàquet . It’s tomato rubbed on bread with olive oil. In my opinion, it’s not very exciting and Italian bruschetta puts it to shame. Calçots , on the other hand, are very good, and that’s what I recommend you try.

Calçots (specially grown long white onions) are a seasonal crop harvested only from the late fall to early springtime. For this reason, you can’t get them year-round. This typical Catalonian dish is one of the most enjoyable culinary experiences—partly because you can get messy when you eat them!

Grilled directly over flames, the outsides of the onions are charred almost completely black, and to eat them, you must pull this crusty layer of the carbonized onion off. Then, you get to the smokey soft, tasty onion beneath and smother it in a lovely special Romesco-like sauce. For other local delicacies, check out the top foods to try in Barcelona .

9. Explore More of the City by e-Bike

Barcelona is quite a large city, but it’s generally flat, which makes it perfect for a bike tour. There’s nothing quite like getting up close and personal with this multifaceted city on an electric bike.

You’ll get to enjoy top sights like La Sagrada Familia and architectural gems like Gaudi’s Casa Batlló along with the vibrant street life, historic neighborhoods, and beachfront views.

It’s a cool way to see Barcelona and get some exercise. That said, we’ve partnered with locals who run electric bike tours so you don’t need to be a regular cyclist to enjoy these tours.

10. Take a Selfie with El Gato de Botero

El Gato de Botero is a very fun and cute statue of a cat by an artist named Fernando Botero. The larger-than-life statue is located in the El Raval neighborhood of Barcelona and is a local icon.

If you had to choose between this cat and Park Güell, I would recommend Park Güell. That said, it’s a cool piece of local art and something you should definitely pass by if you’re in El Raval.

Address: Rambla del Raval

11. Pour One Out for Hemmingway at Bar Marsella

Every historic city has a historic bar and in Barcelona, it’s Bar Marsella. Now, historic bars all have one thing in common—Ernest Hemingway drank there. Bar Marsella does a little better than just Hemingway, Picasso drank there too.

Located in the El Raval district just a few blocks south of la Rambla, it’s a pretty unassuming bar which is likely why Hemingway frequented it. It may not be Barcelona’s top attraction, but it’s a good excuse to stop for a drink. This bar is also known for absinthe if you’re feeling wild.

Address: Carrer de Sant Pau, 65

12. Tantalise Your Tastebuds with Escalivada

Something that’s often taken for granted in many countries is roasted vegetables. They can be incredibly flavorful and ordering them should be mandatory at every meal, which brings me to escalivada.

Escalivada is a typical Catalonian dish that locals often agree on while ordering tapas. Carefully roasted peppers, eggplant, and onions are sliced finely and placed on a large plate. There’s plenty of fresh olive oil and, in some cases, a touch of fresh garlic for kick.

Vegetarians will love this dish because it combines rich flavors and smoky hints from roasting them over coal. All the peels are carefully removed so that you don’t have to eat bits of charred vegetable skins. Check out the best places to get tapas in Barcelona .

13. Go Winetasting in Catalonian Vineyards

Spain is known for its wine and Barcelona is not far from Spain’s most beautiful vineyard. I highly recommend setting a day aside to venture off into the countryside to visit a vineyard. Some of the most popular varietals from the area are Alella , Conca de Barberà , Montsant , Penedès , and Priorat .

14. Find the Roman Funeral Way in the Middle of the City

If you don’t stop and look over the glass railings, you could walk right past the ancient Roman funeral way right in the middle of the city. The MUHBA Via Sepulcral Romana is a short stretch of preserved Roman road with a number of funeral monuments and grave markers running on either side of it.

According to the official website, the site was in use from the first to the third centuries A.D. You won’t be here long, but it’s an interesting detour on your way to explore the Gothic Quarter. It’s also a cool reminder of the city’s ancient roots.

Address: Pl. de la Vila de Madrid

15. Get Lost in the Maze at Parc del Laberint d’Horta

This park has a real labyrinth, which I personally think is mega-cool. It’s also not easy to complete even though there appear to be no dead-ends. Eventually, you will get out, but you’ll have a good time getting lost for a bit in a beautiful place. Unlike many mazes, the shrub walls are above head height, which makes it a cool experience.

This is perfect for anyone visiting Barcelona for the second time or anyone looking to do something out of the ordinary. It’s a lovely area and easily accessible via Barcelona’s metro system. It’s one of the coolest and most different things to do in Barcelona.

Address: Passeig dels Castanyers, 1

16. Try the Famous Jamón Iberico

Cured Iberian ham is well known around the world and for good reason. In my humble opinion, it is one of the tastiest things you can eat on the entire planet. There are many grades of Spanish cured ham, which can be confusing even for locals.

A general rule is that the more expensive it is the better the quality. I recommend that you head to one of the local markets like the famous Boqueria market to try jamón . Buy it directly from cured ham and cheese stands.

More comfortable enjoying it in a nice restaurant or tapas bar? Check out the best restaurants in the Gothic Quarter . Then don’t forget to order a plate of the famous Catalan bread with tomato along with it!

17. Make the Pilgrimage To the Top of Tibidabo

Religious or not, any massive structure on top of a mountain is pretty cool. If you stand on the beach of Barcelona, get in a car, and drive west you will leave the city and abruptly be met by a beautiful green mountain. That mountain is known as Tibidabo, which is Spanish for a really big green mountain (that isn’t true at all).

What is true is that at the very top of Tibidabo is the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This impressive structure is a minor basilica and beautiful regardless of your religious background. The best way to visit is to take the funicular to the top. It’s really scenic and a cool experience you won’t soon forget

Fun Tip: There’s a Ferris wheel at the top—as if you needed to get even higher up. If you’re not afraid of heights, enjoy the view. It’s definitely something to mentally prepare yourself to do. While not by any means the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, I have yet to see another at a higher altitude.

Address: Tibidabo Funicular

18. Enter Foodie Heaven at La Boqueria Market

La Boqueria is Barcelona’s premier covered market. It’s a massive place with tons of options inside and sure to impress any hungry traveler. You can go there to get high-quality jamón to go or go to try some seriously delicious street food.

If you’re looking for a fantastic foodie experience, it doesn’t get better than a Barcelona food tour. Join a local guide for an exploration of the city and the best local food and wine.

Address : La Rambla, 91

19. Visit the Green Heart of the City

Parc de la Ciutadella aka Citadel Park is Barcelona’s most central large green space and quite impressive as far as parks go. It is located in Ciutat Vella north of the Barri Gotic.

The park, which is now a peaceful green space, has some rather violent origins. When Phillip V of Spain took over Barcelona and Catalonia in 1714, he built a fortress in its center and named it the Citadel.

The fortress was built to maintain control over the city of Barcelona and did so for some time. Today, it is mostly a peaceful green space, but in 2018 and 2019 it had to be closed for certain periods to stop riots.

Riots!? Yes, for the same reason it was built. Catalonia has been fighting for independence since its succession in 1714 and when there are protests they normally happen in this very park. Enjoy a walk in a beautiful place with a strong local history.

Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21

20. Enter the Wacky World of Casa Batllò

From the outside, it looks like a massive iguana is trying to hide on a perfectly normal apartment building. From the rainbow colors to the textures of the roof, it is a work of art…and possibly hallucinogens. That is Casa Batllò in a nutshell.

It’s another architectural wonder by Antonio Gaudí. He renovated this structure that he and his family lived in until 1954, and it’s incredibly innovative in almost every way imaginable.

Inside, the vibrant colors and unique style make Casa Battlò one of Barcelona’s unique attractions for kids and adults to explore the museum inside. It’s an interesting and sometimes wacky world to visit filled with unique details straight from the mind of Gaudí.

Address: Passeig de Gracia, 43

21. Eat Seafood Paella at Restaurante Barceloneta

As a well-known destination for foodies, Barcelona offers up some of the best paellas you can find in Spain. While Valencia is definitely the capital of Spanish paella, Barcelona is no slouch in the rice department.

The dish is prepared with the special bomba rice in Barcelona, which gives a local flair to a national treasure. It’s a combination of shellfish and seafood cooked together with a tomato sauce base. Those who aren’t fans of seafood need not despair—most restaurants specialize in meat and vegetable paella as well.

I highly recommend heading to Restaurante Barceloneta for the best paella in Barcelona. They offer an upscale dining experience and specialize in this delicious dish.

Address: Moll dels Pescador, Port Vell, Carrer de l’Escar, 22

22. Explore the Picasso Museum

If you are looking for an in-depth tour of Picasso’s most impressive works? This guided tour of the Museo Picasso is for you! You’ll explore the artistic depths of one of the top Picasso museums in Europe, examining the beauty and the history of original works by this genre-defining artist.

Your local expert guide will tell the fascinating stories behind the masterpieces, including Ciencia y Caridad, Royan, and Las Meninas. Get a detailed look into the life of Picasso, his stylistic development, and his lasting artistic legacy.

Of course, you can also choose to explore the museum on your own, but as always, we feel a guide adds so much more to the experience.

Where To Stay in Barcelona

Have you ever wished there was an article that explained which neighborhoods of a city are the best choices for different traveler types? Our where-to-stay articles focus on neighborhoods, then suggest hotels.

About Sean Finelli

Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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March 8, 2022

Amazing post!! I would add to rent a boat and sail along Barcelona coast. We did it with http://www.rentaboatbarcelona.com and it was amazing. Best wishes!! Johanne

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