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An Unforgettable 4 Days in Barcelona Itinerary

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Wondering what the best things to see in Barcelona in 4 days are? Well look no further!

We’ve put together a cracking itinerary that showcases all the best experiences this beautiful city has to offer.

One of the best cities to visit in Spain , this guide includes all the big hitters plus a few more lesser known Barcelona attractions.

4 days in Barcelona is a really nice amount of time to see the main sights, build in some more authentic experiences of the city and enjoy yourself some chill time.

In this Barcelona itinerary guide you’ll also find lots of detailed information about travel costs, the best area to stay and our best Barcelona travel hacks.

We’ve put each day’s Barcelona activities in the most logistically practical order, however feel free to switch up the days up as you see fit if you fancy doing day three on day one for example.

Okay let’s get you planning your trip. Here’s your unforgettable 4 Days in Barcelona itinerary.

4 Days in Barcelona: Day One

If like for us, food and culture play a big part in your travel adventures, you’ll be happy with the first recommendations we are going to make for your 4 days in Barcelona.

Las Ramblas

This is undoubtedly the most touristy part of Barcelona, however it is a must for any first time visit to Barcelona and there’s lots of reasons why it’s so popular.

A hive of activity, Barcelona’s most famous street is lined with street performers, souvenir peddlers and market stalls.

Start off at the top in Plaça de Catalunya, and work your way down the wide boulevard, taking in the thriving atmosphere.

It does get super busy at peak time, so if you’re not a fan of crowds try and go as early in in the day as possible on your 4 days in Barcelona.

La Boqueria

About half way down Las Ramblas, you’re going to come to the best part of it, La Boqueria market. Inside here you’ll find all manner of delicacies on offer.

From sizzling seafood platters to the best Iberico ham to pass your lips, you are bound to leave here stuffed to the brim.

With nearly 500 stalls, there’s a lot going on. To nab a seat at one of tapas bars you may need to wait a while or head in early.

It gets jam packed after around 2pm. And if there on a Barcelona long weekend, just bear in mind this indoor market is closed on Sundays.

If you’re a real foodie then squeezing in a food tour in Barcelona is a must.

This 2 hour private food tour is a tongue tingling culinary journey through local markets and neighbourhoods.

Your local guide will lead you through 6 tastings including amazing local delicacies like churros and Iberian ham plus various other delicious treats.

Gothic Quarter

Next up for your 4 days in Barcelona itinerary, it’s time to get lost amongst the gorgeous buildings of the Gothic Quarter.

Winding your way through the labyrinth of tiny alleys here is one of the best ways to explore Barcelona.

Of course there are a few not-to-be-missed highlights such as the Cathedral of Barcelona on Pla de la Seu and ‘Pont del Bisbe‘ or ‘Bishop’s Bridge’.

As well as the hidden spider on the corner of Carrer de Montjuïc del Bisbe, Carrer del Paradís, the magic turtle mailbox on Carrer de Santa Llúcia and Plaça Reial.

There’s a really great restaurant in the Gothic Quarter called Restaurant El Pintor. Or if you’re not so hungry but fancy a refreshment check out Els Quatre Gats, one of the oldest bars in the city. Or the equally enchanting nearby hidden fairy garden at Bosc de les Fades café.

Poble Sec Barrio

Before we crack on with evening entertainment for the first day of your 4 days in Barcelona itinerary, we recommend stuffing your face with some of Barcelona’s best loved tapas food.

A local twist on the Spanish classic, if you haven’t tried Pinchos before you’re in for a right treat.

They are so popular that there is a whole street dedicated to Pinchos joints in the neighbourhood of Poble Sec.

Our favourite bar is called Pinchos J and is at number 26 Carrer de Blai. If you want an outside table be sure to head down before 7pm to avoiding waiting.

The Magic Fountain Show

We’re rounding off our suggestions for day one of your Barcelona 4 day trip with a bang.

Within walking distance of dinner in Poble Sec is one of the most spectacular night time sights in the city – Barcelona’s Magic Fountain Show.

To land yourself a prime viewing spot at the top in front of Palau Nacional, you need to arrive before the masses. We’d recommend at least an hour before the start.

Show times vary depending on the time of year so check them here first. This is also a must Barcelona activity for kids – our nephew was mesmerised the whole time.

Barcelona in 4 Days: Day Two

If one of the reasons you chose 4 days in Barcelona is to spend some time on the beach, then after a busy first day of sightseeing, day two of your 4 nights in Barcelona is the perfect time to hit it up. But lets arrive there in style.

Montjuic Cable Car

To start of the second day of your Barcelona 4 day trip, we’re going to head up a huge hill. But don’t worry, you don’t have to physically climb it yourself. And the journey back down will land you on Barcelona’s most popular stretch of beach.

Jump on either L2 or L3 to Paral.lel metro stop and join the funicular, a mountain side railway that will take you most of the way up the hillside.

This is included in your metro journey. From here, if you want to visit the very top, it’s a short steep walk or you can take a cable car.

There’s a lovely castle at the top and some incredible views over Barceloneta port.

However, unless you’ve managed an early start or aren’t fussed about too much beach time, we recommend just heading straight over to star of the show. Another cable car ride called Transbordador Aeri del Port .

It cruises over Barcelona’s skyline and takes you all the way down to ground level. This one doesn’t go from the top so don’t get the two cable cars mixed up.

The transbordador Aeri del Port is a short walk over to the other side of the mount from where you get off the funicular.

Playa Marbella

During summer months, Barcelona’s main beach, Barceloneta is rammed.

Which is fine if that’s your thing, but if you’re looking for more space to lay out on your beach towel, we’d recommend heading to a stretch of beach either side of it. Our favourite is Playa Marbella.

Just at the back of Marbella beach is the neighbourhood of Poblenou. Head to the main street, Rambla Poblenou, for lunch at one of the many fantastic seafood restaurants or eat at one of the chiringuitos (beach bars) on the sands.

You can jump on the L2 at Barceloneta metro station and hop off at Poble Nou metro station.

Park Güell

An absolute must for your 4 days in Barcelona itinerary, next up on our travel agenda is Park Güell.

Most things can be chopped and changed around on this things to see in Barcelona in 4 day list, but with this one it’s best to get your tickets online.

Because not only do they regularly sell out, you’ll also avoid the queues with this skip the line ticket , which can often get pretty lengthy.

Photography wise sunrise or sunset are the best time of day to visit this magnificent Gaudi masterpiece. And you can actually get in for free to see sunrise – details in our Barcelona hacks guide .

But unless you are happy to get up in the dark on your 4 nights in Barcelona, late afternoon or early evening is your best time to come here.

Gracia Barrio

To round off day two of your 4 days in Barcelona itinerary, it’s time to hit up our all time favourite neighbourhood in the city. Enter Gracia .

And best of all, if you’re at Park Guell – you’re already there. Most visitors to Barcelona don’t realise that Park Guell is in Gracia.

A funky little haven of cool boutique shops, trendy cafes, pretty squares and cracking bars. Plaça del Sol, Plaça Virreina or the main street of Carrer de Verdi are brilliant places to start. There are lots of great places to eat and awesome local bars in Gracia .

And don’t forget to get with local tradition and partake in a pre dinner appetizer of Vermut.

Barcelona 4 Day Trip: Day Three

Okay, heading into day three of your 4 days in Barcelona, it’s time to take in some more Gaudi and see some of city parks before clapping your eyes on the single best view in the city.

Sagrada Familia

Ahh, the mighty Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. A building synonymous with Barcelona itself and something you simply have to cross off your 4 days in Barcelona itinerary.

Astonishingly, construction of Antoni Gaudi’s grand design started in 1882 and is still ongoing. The latest expected completion date is 2026, although it’s changed so many times, who knows.

If you wish to venture inside, which you totally should, do yourself a favour and buy your tickets online in advance to score cheaper rates and avoid the massive queues.

Tickets can be bought at the kiosks just outside. But expect to queue for well over an hour at busy times and that’s only to get your entrance time slot, which could be hours later.

We’d suggest at the very least opting for one of these skip the line tickets which guarantees fast track entrance.

However, to really make the most of this once in a lifetime experience we’d actually recommend going for a guided tour.

You’ll still get to skip the line but the guided tour with a local expert will give you a detailed insight into the history and help bring this magnificent structure to life.

Passeig de Gracia

Okay next up in our recommendations of what to see in Barcelona in 4 days we’re onto more of Gaudi’s otherworldly architecture in the neighbourhood of Eixample.

Passeig de Gracia not only houses the city’s most prestigious designer stores, but also these magical modernisme style facades.

Casa Batlló designed by Gaudi in 1900 and next door is Casa Amatller designed by Puig I Cadafalch in 1898.

A little further down the same street you’ll also find Casa Mila , another of Gaudi’s works which was commissioned in 1906.

If you’re an architecture fan you may want to go inside one, and again it is better to be organised and get your tickets online in advance.

Or if you’re just hankering for lunch, there are some great restaurants in Eixample . And if it’s a weekday don’t miss out on tucking into a cut price 3 course menu del dia.

There is hardly a restaurant in the city that doesn’t have them but they are often not advertised to tourists so if you aren’t offered it, ask for it.

Arc de Triomf & Ciutadella Park

Now time for some afternoon chill time while your massive lunch digests in one of Barcelona’s most loved green spaces.

This part of the city is one of our absolute favourite places to explore in Barcelona.

Jump off at the Arc de Triomf metro station and wander through the grand Arc de Triomf and down the seriously pretty Passeig de Lluís Companys.

Cross over the road at the bottom and you’ll land in Ciutadella Park. Bring a blanket to sit down or simply wander around to your heart’s content.

But be sure not to miss the fabulous Cascada Monumental and the huge elephant. You’ll also find the Parlament de Catalunya buildings in the grounds too.

Bunkers del Carmel

We’re seriously pulling no punches with this 4 days in Barcelona itinerary and sharing all of our favorite things to do in the city.

It’s time to head up another of Barcelona’s hill for the best sunset view in the entire city. Another good one for sunset, it takes a little effort to get there so make sure you allow yourself enough time and don’t miss it.

You can follow this detailed guide  on how to get to the Barcelona bunkers. Grab some beers and some snacks to take up with you.

And if you are cursing us on the way up, trust us, this will be one of your best memories of your 4 nights in Barcelona.

Still trying to choose your backpack? Look no further! The Osprey Farpoint 70 Travel Backpack is perfect for big trips. It’s lightweight but durable, incredibly comfortable, super spacious and even has a detachable daypack.

4 Nights in Barcelona: Day Four

Okay last day and what an adventure we have to recommend for today. It’s time to get up high again to see another famous landmark of the city up close before settling into some of Barcelona’s best cocktail bars for your last night of your Barcelona 4 day trip.

Sitting atop Barcelona’s tallest peak, The Tibidabo Cathedral del Sagrat Cor can be seen from just about anywhere in the city.

A trip to the summit of Mount Tibidabo is fantastic way of rounding off an unforgettable 4 days in Barcelona itinerary.

You can go into the mighty church for free and even climb right to the top for a small fee.

The views are insane and you literally can’t get any higher during your Barcelona 4 day trip – with your feet still on the ground at least.

And if that isn’t enough fun for you, there’s a whole amusement park up there.

If you’re a serious funfair fan, you may opt for going into the full park. But there are plenty of favourites, such as a carousel and ferris wheel you can go on without a ticket to the big park so to speak.

Getting up there is also part of the adventure and you have a couple of different options.

You can either hike up – yes it’s possible, we’ve done it. Or you can take a tram part way up and then a funicular up the rest of the Tibidabo mountain side.

It’s great fun for anyone but especially if you have little ones with you. There’s a splash pad style water section that our nephew went wild for, cooling off in the summer sun.

A couple of (overpriced) eateries are available up there, but the best option is to take lunch with you and enjoy it in the picnic area.

Find lots of useful money saving travel tips here  for your 4 days in Barcelona.

We’re suggesting you round off the last day of your 4 days in Barcelona in style with a trip to the trendiest neighbourhood in Barcelona, El Born.

It’s right next to the Gothic Quarter but has a completely different feel to it.

Make your way to the main street, Passeig del Born, lined with the cutest boutique shops and coolest bars to take in the atmosphere of this delightful area of Barcelona.

If you are down for a cocktail or three, you’ll find the most talented mixologists in the city in these parts.

Our favourite by a long shot is a hidden from view spot called Paradiso Cocktails that is tucked away in the back of a Pastrami sandwich shop. Yes really!

As one of the most on fleek bars in Barcelona, it does get busy though so head there early evening to avoid any disappointment.

More Barcelona Places of Interest

Our suggestions so far for your 4 days in Barcelona should mean you have a pretty action packed itinerary.

However if you have space for more Barcelona activities or simply want to switch a few out, here’s some more fun things to see in Barcelona in 4 days.

Camp Nou: Easy to reach on the metro, if you like your footy, a trip to the largest stadium and home stadium of FC Barcelona may be right up your street. We’d recommend booking skip the line tickets in advance.

Maze of Parc del Laberint d’Horta: A hidden gem on Barcelona’s sightseeing scene, this gorgeous park and outdoor maze is a little tricky to get to. But your efforts will be rewarded.

Sant Antoni Flea Market: Looking for a bargain or some unusual souvenirs, this is your stop. Everything from old vacuum cleaners to vintage clothing is on offer here.

Montjuic Outdoor Cinema: The perfect addition for a romantic 4 days in Barcelona itinerary, in the summer months book yourself a ticket to see a classic film atop Mount Montjuic.

Explore Ravel Barrio: Known as one of Barcelona’s grittier neighbourhoods, this area is perfectly safe to explore if you want to step away from the tourists or are looking for a more ethnic restaurant.

Carretera de les Aigues hike: If you fancy getting out into nature as you explore Barcelona on foot , this 9km footpath cutting across mount Tibidabo might just be the ticket.

Where To Stay In Barcelona

Most first time visitors to Barcelona, choose to stay as close to the most popular part of the city as possible, Las Ramblas.

But when you are searching for accommodation for your Barcelona 4 day trip you’ll get more for your money if you branch out a little.

The neighbourhood of Gracia is our top suggestion. Simply because you’re close enough to all the action but also able to enjoy a more authentic side to the city aside from the obvious tourist hotspots.

It’s full of independent bars , restaurants , and designer boutiques, and feels like a separate village within the city.

Its long, narrow streets are lined with trees and there are lots of cool squares to chill out in.

It neighbours the El Carmel district where the bunkers are and is totally possible to walk to them from.

It’s also where you’ll find Park Guell, is close to La Sagrada Familia, and just a short metro ride or 20-30 minute walk from the centre of town.

In our opinion it’s by far the best area to stay in Barcelona.

Bear in mind that the best budget accommodation in Barcelona gets booked up well in advance. So to avoid disappointment get your reservations made ASAP.

Here are our top recommendations for where to stay in Gracia:

Affordable Luxury : Hotel Barcelona 1882 is just a stone’s throw from the Sagrada Familia. And from its roof terrace you’ll get stunning views of this beautiful building. There’s also an incredible rooftop pool and bar up there for relaxing in the evenings.

The spacious rooms are soundproof and come equipped with flat screen TVs, air con, and everything else you’d expect from a 4* hotel. Rooms come with large windows meaning they’re extremely bright and sunny, with some even boasting panoramic vies of the city.

Midrange : Hotel BestPrice Gracia ‘s name sums it up nicely. You won’t find a better priced, more comfortable hotel in the area, particularly not when you consider how nice it is.

Simply and tastefully decorated, rooms here come with everything you need to relax after a day of sightseeing. Air con, flat screen TVs with satellite, private bathrooms with free toiletries and hairdryers come as standard.

Cheap & Cheerful : Sant Jordi Gracia is a modern, stylish hostel with a trendy vibe. Dorms are air conditioned and everywhere is impeccably clean.

There are also lots of cool areas to hang out and meet fellow travellers. These include a rooftop terrace, the shared kitchen and a big common room.

Getting Around Barcelona

Plan ahead for your unforgettable 4 days in Barcelona and get yourself a Hola Barcelona Travel Card . Then you don’t need to faff about sorting out a travel card when you get there.

Not only does it cover you for unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams and trains it also includes a return airport journey.

Simply choose the 4 day option and the number of tickets you need. It will save you a tonne of money and give you complete freedom for the duration of your visit.

Essential Barcelona Tips

Here’s a few helpful Barcelona travel hacks to help you plan your 4 days in Barcelona and make the most of this enigmatic city during your trip.

Barcelona Currency

Barcelona’s currency is Euros. There are plenty of cashpoints and currency exchange places dotted around the city. And debit or credit cards are also accepted in the vast majority of shops, bars and restaurants.

Barcelona Power Sockets

The mains voltage in Barcelona is 220 volts with 2 pin plug sockets, equal to the rest of Europe.

If you are travelling from the UK or outside of Europe you will need an adaptor and US travellers should verify their appliances support 220 volts.

We carry one of these universal travel adaptors wherever we go. They’re lightweight, durable and mean we can charge our gadgets anywhere in the world.

Barcelona Internet

Since roaming fees have been done away with, if you’re visiting from the UK, you can now just use your usual mobile data.

If you’re travelling from the US or elsewhere in the world, you can pick up local SIMs at the airport. However, you probably won’t need one as most bars, cafes and restaurant have wifi.

Barcelona Water

The tap water in Barcelona is totally safe to drink and there are public water fountains all over the city. There’s a really useful location app you can use to always find the nearest one to you.

But if for whatever reason you don’t want to drink straight from the tap, don’t pollute the world with more single use plastic. Order yourself a filter water bottle before you jet off for your 4 nights in Barcelona.

We highly recommend these GRAYL Geopress models which filter out over 99.99% of nasties that you can find in water including bacteria, viruses, chemicals and heavy metals.

Barcelona Language

Barcelona sits in the Catalonia region of Spain and the official language is therefore Catalan, not Spanish. It’s kind of a mixture between French and Spanish so you may recognise some words but, it’s very different to Spanish.

But don’t worry if your Catalan isn’t up to scratch. Everyone also speaks Spanish and most restaurants have menus in Catalan, Spanish and English usually. Lots of people working in services around the main tourist hubs will also speak at least some English.

Barcelona Safety Tips

No different to any other major city, Barcelona is busy. There are crowds and with this comes opportunistic petty thefts.

We unfortunately witnessed more people than we would have liked to getting things stolen.

However all of them could have been avoided so there’s no need to be overly concerned. Just look after your things, have them attached to you and don’t let them out of sight.

Thieves will always choose the easiest option. So if you leave your stuff unattended on the beach or under the table in a restaurant, you’re an easy target.

Don’t put anything in your back pockets. When in crowded areas such as the metro or when stood in a queue, secure stuff in front pockets with your hands and keep your bag in front of you.

Barcelona Travel Insurance

Barcelona on the whole is an extremely safe city. However, we’ve seen first hand that it has a problem with petty theft.

Don’t go without adequate cover for you and your stuff. A good quality travel insurance is a must to get sorted before you leave on your adventure.

Our go to travel insurance provider is World Nomads. They have a no bullshit approach to policy wording & are perfect for adventurous travellers like us. Get a no obligation quote here:

If we can be of any further assistance in helping you plan what to do in Barcelona for 4 days, hit us up in the comments. Then come back and tell us how your trip went and what your favourite Barcelona experiences were too!

Pin Me For Later…

Yorkshire born & bred, Sarah is a professional blogger who loves to travel. Pushing her boundaries with new adventures is her jam, so you likely won’t find her in one place for too long. Also a serious Marmite addict. 

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36 Comments

I love Barcelona and I haven’t been for such a long time! What’s more, while you’ve picked out some of my favourites, there are things I haven’t seen including the Magic Fountain Show. What a great excuse to go back

Oh really! Yeah you need to go back to see the fountain show. There’s some really nice restaurants near there too on the roof of what used to be the old bullring.

Barcelona is one of my favourite city in the world. I simply love its unique architecture and how lively the town in is spring/summer. I have visited most of the places you listed here, and I particularly love walking around (and getting lost) in the Gothic Quarter. And of course, Gaudi’s creations are a marvel. I missed out on Maze of Parc del Laberint d’Horta however. Oh well, gotta leave something to look forward to for next time.

Absolutely! It’s great in the maze – hope you are able to get back soon 🙂

It has been ages since we were in Barcelona. Your post makes me want to plan a return visit. I can still recall the colours and smells of La Boqueria. A trip up to Montjuic on the cable car sounds like fun. So good to see Sagrada Familia getting completed. I would love to see the inside. It looks like you had a really busy 4 day visit.

Yeah there’s a lot you can see in 4 days! You absolutely have to go back & go inside the Sagrada – when it’s finally finished…:-) Thanks for reading Linda!

Your photos brought me right back to Barcelona. I love all of the Gaudí architecture. Wish I could visit Pinchos J tonight, I miss tapas from my time in Spain and that looks delicious. The “Maze of Parc del Laberint d’Horta” looks like a lot of fun too.

The maze is so much fun! We got lost in there for a good while. It’s a great option if you’re looking to get away from the busy for a while. And yes Pinchos J – that place is soooo good!

I love Gaudi so that’s a must for the trip. Of course, Las Ramblas is up there too. And pinchos. Who could say no to a street full of pinchos….

Ah guys that Pinchos street is the one. Could make myself sick going in every single one of those bars on that street!

Four days in Barcelona is a dream come true. Love the list you have put together. As I have never been there before I would have to visit the touristy Las Ramblas. Parc Guell looks incredible to visit, and thanks for your ticket purchasing on line tips!

Hi Sara! Yes of course you have to visit Las Ramblas! After all it is popular for a reason & the prices in La Boqueria market aren’t actually too bad for such a tourist heavy part of the city. Let us know if you need anymore tips for planning your trip!

Husband and I are going to Barcelona in December for 8 full days. Can you suggest an itinerary.

This itinerary is pretty packed, so if you’ve got 8 days we’d suggest spreading it across 5 days to start with to make it more relaxing.

For the other 3 days we’d suggest taking a look at our other info on Barcelona, there’s tonnes here .

You can pick some of our alternative things to do in Barcelona for the other days, and add a day trip or two to Tarragona or to Montserrat .

Hope you have a great time!

I feel like I’ve missed the boat on visiting Barcelona, as it’s become so busy. But your tips encourage me to ensure that I spend adequate time in this vibrant city, going off the beaten path a bit. It wold be great to spend time on Marbella beach, and of course, discover Parc Guell and the famous Sagrada Familia. Must dos!

Hi Claudia. Yeah it definitely gets busy that’s for sure. And there are certain parts that will always be pretty crowded but with some planning you can avoid a lot of it. Going in shoulder season, staying in Gracia, visiting the sites early in the morning. Those would be my main tips 🙂

I am aching to return to Barcelona and it’s great to see that safety isn’t your first part of the itinerary. I witnessed attempted robberies and have heard much about that problem. Your tips are wise. Would love to explore the neighborhoods, markets and views. Agree with you completely that you need to get away from the Ramblas for the best value accommodations.

We loved staying in Gracia – I seriously think it’s the best part of the city. Enough going on without it being crazy busy. And yeah the thefts we saw could have definitely been avoided with some common sense. I have no idea why people leave stuff unattended on the beach or on the back of chairs – it’s just asking for trouble. Glad you enjoyed the blog & hope you get back soon Elaine 🙂

What a lovely itinerary. It has been a dream to get here and cover it all… Seems like 4 days can get you all. The Sagrada, Parc Güell, Gothic quarters… All on my list. Beautifully explained with the right tips.

Yeah you can definitely get around a lot of the city in 4 days without it being too rushed & hectic. Hope you have an awesome trip when you go Ami 🙂

I missed out a few in this. I definitely want to return for the beach and ropeway ride. Great pics.

Always great to have things left for a return visit I think! Thanks for commenting Indrani 🙂

I loved your guide, it is so resourceful! Well done!

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂

Hello Love your guide. We plan to stay five nights in April and base ourselves in Gràcia. Can you give us some suggestions for breakfast spots and coffee and cakes later in the day! Thanks Louise

Hey Louise,

Breakfast isn’t such a big deal in Barcelona, most people grab a pastry and a coffee or something light like that. However, that said brunch is getting more popular at the moment and you’ll find a few cafes in Gracia that have good options. Placa Virreiana has a few nice outdoor cafes and there’s also a few places on Carrer d’Astúries such as SMS Delicies. But honestly there are so many cafes and patisseries in the area that you’ll have no problem finding some gems!

Hope you have an incredible time in Barcelona and that you enjoy Gracia as much as we did.

Intending to travel to Barcelona in December, this year. Good time to travel in the mid of December?

Hey Tanushree, that depends on what you’re looking for.

The weather isn’t great, it can get quite cold and also be very wet meaning the beach and outdoor aspects like the squares etc. may not be an option.

However, if it’s less crowds and potentially lower prices that you’re after then December is a good time to visit.

You wouldn’t catch us there in December because we hate the cold 🙂 But it really depends on your personal preference! Whenever you choose to visit, have an awesome time.

This is such a useful article!! brilliant tips as well. Thank you so much.

Hey Tiffany, so happy you found it useful!

Enjoy Barcelona, such an awesome city 🙂

Great article I enjoyed reading it, we are going to Barcelona in October and sailing back to Philippines, thanks for the tips, Any idea of the best way to go to Montserrat, thanks

Whoa Alice, that sounds like an awesome trip!

Check out this post https://thewholeworldornothing.com/montserrat-barcelona-hike/ it’s got all the details on how to get to Montserrat 🙂

An absolutely amazing article, well done. Thank you so much for your time and effort. We are going to Barcelona for 4 days at the beginning of October and I found your article super duper helpful. It is greatly appreciated.

Hey Sonia, thanks so much for stopping by, we’re glad you found it useful!

Hope you have the best time in Barcelona!

This is the most beautiful places list I ever seen on the internet saving it for the future. thanks for sharing this.

We love Barcelona SO much!

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Hi, we’re James & Sarah

Full time backpackers turned vanlifers.

We’re here to provide you with valuable travel tips, kickass destination guides & serious vanlife inspiration to help you get your travel adventures off the ground!

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

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

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!

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.

• Events Calendar

What other insider tips would you add to this Barcelona travel blog? Share your suggestions below in the comments! 👇

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Destinations🌎

The Travel Blogger’s Guide to Barcelona

By: Author Monica

Categories Spain

Whenever I’m planning a weekend away I always look to travel bloggers for ideas and inspiration. I love to read blogger’s itineraries and highlights and recommendations for places to eat and drink.

A few weeks ago I took Sam to Barcelona for a surprise birthday weekend away. I managed to keep the trip a secret until a few days before we left and I didn’t reveal our location until we reached the security gate at the airport. I was so pleased with myself for managing to keep it a secret! I wanted the trip to be extra special so I spent a lot of time researching and planning things to do in Barcelona. Of course, I began my research with my fellow travel bloggers and scoured the blogosphere for blog posts about Barcelona.

I read countless guides and blog posts by travel writers and bloggers, such as our very own A local’s guide to the Gothic Quarter Barcelona, so I’ve put them together into a handy ‘Travel Blogger’s Guide to Barcelona’.

I’ll be writing about my own trip to Barcelona soon but, in the meantime, I hope this helps for anyone else planning a trip to Barcelona!

Start by reading Char’s Guide to Barcelona which she wrote for the The Travel Hack last year as this came in particularly handy for my trip!

When you arrive in Barcelona

I recommend booking a Barcelona airport transfer for when you arrive. It’ll make your arrival so much smoother and take the stress out of getting from the airport to your hotel.

Itineraries for Barcelona

Barcelona in one day – Driftwood Journals

Ben from Driftwood Journals proves that it is possible to see a lot Barcelona in one day! Whether you’re visiting the city for a day on a cruise ship or you’re just short on time, take a look at this guide for a great hourly itinerary for Barcelona. There’s no denying you’d be tired at the end of this 24 hours but you’d definitely be making the most out of the short amount of time you’ve got.

2 days in Barcelona – Forget Someday

Sam and Toccara, from Forget Someday, up the ante with this fantastic 48-hour guide to Barcelona. Giving some great tips of the best things to squeeze into two days in the city. Whether it is the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour or a wander around the Gothic Quarter, they suggest some great additions to your whistle-stop Barcelona itinerary.

4 days in Barcelona – This FP Planet

If you find yourself with a little extra time to kill, look no further than this fantastic four-day guide to Barcelona from Michaela at This FP Planet. Michaela is a former art student, so as you can imagine, Gaudi and Picasso make an appearance, as do some great eating out tips in this well-balanced four-day itinerary.

5 days in Barcelona – Nomadic Matt

Barcelona is such a huge and diverse city, the more time you have there to explore the better. Nomadic Matt knows exactly how to maximise your time in the city, putting together this great five-day itinerary for Barcelona, including all of the city’s core attractions, as well as a few less well-known suggestions.

Things to see and do in Barcelona

22 must-see sights in Barcelona – Hand Luggage Only

Yaya and Lloyd from Hand Luggage Only give you some great sights and attractions to stick on your Barcelona itinerary, giving a comprehensive and diverse rundown to the city’s 22 must-see sights. From marvelling at the famed Sagrada Familia to climbing to the impressive Sagrat Cor, this is a great guide to Barcelona and its highlights.

Barcelona’s Must-See Sights – Adventures of a London Kiwi

Emma, from Adventures of a London Kiwi, leaves the Big Smoke behind for the streets of Barcelona, as she gives an easily digestible lowdown on the key attractions to visit in and around the city. From famous tourist attractions in the heart of the city, to some lesser-known day trip tips, Emma shares her top suggestions for putting together a varied and rewarding itinerary for Barcelona.

31 cool things to do in Barcelona – Barcelona Life

Once you’ve exhausted all the usual highlights, check out this post on Barcelona Life for some unusual suggestions and activities you may not have heard about. Whether you want to learn to cook the perfect paella, get your kit off on a nudist beach, learn the lingo or learn the art of street photography, Duncan has some great suggestions.

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter – The Traveloguer

Enjoy this in-depth guide to Barcelona’s stunning Gothic Quarter, courtesy of Christine from the Traveloguer. Easily one of the key attractions to place on your Barcelona itinerary, Christine presents a step-by-step guide to exploring the Gothic Quarter, complete with a collection of beautiful photos.

Casa Battlo – One of Gaudi’s architectural highlights – Wonderful Wanderings

Sharing some great information and inspiration for a visit to the Casa Batlló, one of the architectural highlights in Barcelona, Sofie from Wonderful Wonderings gives another top attraction to add to an ever-expanding itinerary for Barcelona, along with some really interest facts about this structure.

Climbing Montjuic, Barcelona – Wonderful Wanderings

Giving us another in-depth piece to help us extend our very own Wonderful Wonderings Barcelona guide! This time Sofie shares her experience of climbing Montjuic, as well as advising us on some of the top things to see and do in this area of the city, such as exploring the legacy of the 1992 Summer Olympics.

La Sagrada Famalia, Barcelona – Wonderful Wanderings

Next on Sofie’s comprehensive guide to Barcelona is arguably the city’s most famous attraction. The unfinished but in no way unremarkable Sagrada Familia is the subject of Sofie’s attention in this article, sharing some striking photos as well as the pros and cons of seeing this much-visited attraction.

A Barcelona Wine Tour – Wonderful Wanderings

Saving the best till last!? The combination of the words ‘wine’ and ‘tour’ is reason enough to absorb the in-depth account of Sofie’s experience sampling the produce of the region of Penedés. This one-day activity is a great feature to add to your Barcelona itinerary, for the wine, yes, but also as it is relatively off the usual tourist radar.

The Ultimate Barcelona Bucket List – Where is Noodles

Where is Nikki this time? In Barcelona! Sharing a fantastic guide to the ultimate entries on a Barcelona bucket list, Nikki discusses what makes Barcelona so special, as well as giving some top tips on how to best experience the city’s premier attractions – not to mention suggesting the place to head for tasty tapas – a great guide to Barcelona.

10 things to tick off your Barcelona Bucketlist – Polkadot Passpor t

If you’re look for the perfect top 10 things to do in Barcelona guide, look no further than this great piece from Nicola at Polkadot Passport. In this article, Nicola proposes the 10 best things to place on any Barcelona itinerary, as well as giving some suggestions for where to stay in the city and how to best travel around.

7 secret things to do in Barcelona – Urban Travel Blog

Duncan from Urban Travel looks to delve into the unknown in the city, presenting this excellent secret guide to Barcelona. Suggesting some great things to do in Barcelona that are off the tourist map, Duncan lets you in on some of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets – perfect for spicing up and adding some unique variety to your Barcelona itinerary.

5 things you need to do in Barcelona – Vicky Flip Flop

Short for time in Barcelona and want to make sure you squeeze in the must-see attractions? This great post from Vicky Flip Flop Travels will be right down your street, sharing the five key things to get on that itinerary for Barcelona, including perusing La Boqueria Market and sampling tapas in the Gothic Quarter.

23 reasons why you need to go inside the Sagrada Familia

While many visitors to Barcelona pay a visit to the Sagrada Familia, a lot of them just admire the structure from the outside. In this article, Vicky Flip Flop Travels explains why you absolutely must brave the queues and pay the entrance fee to head inside the famous cathedral, giving 23 reasons why you should add this experience to your Barcelona itinerary.

Where to eat and drink in Barcelona

Review: Disfrutar Restaurant, Barcelona – Wanderlust Chloe

When scrolling through a guide to Barcelona, you’d be forgiven for spending a good few hours reading up on food! Sampling the flavours of a new destination are hugely important, as recognised by Wanderlust Chloe, who, in this post, discusses her experience of one of the best meals of her life, at Disfrutar in the heart of the city.

The Best Breakfast in all of Barcelona – Jetset Chick

The Jetset Chick is an expert when it comes to uncovering some of the best treats in Barcelona, and in this article, she recalls the best place to head in the city for breakfast. Brunch & Cake is certainly one to stick on your Barcelona itinerary if you fancy starting the day with a hearty and unique plate of food.

The best hot chocolate in Barcelona – Jetset Chick

From breakfast to hot chocolates, the Jetset Chick shares another of her Barcelona hidden gems – how does thick hot chocolate on tap sound?! Certainly one to pop on any itinerary for Barcelona, a visit to Cafe Foborit is a must for chocolate fans, as this great article so explains.

Eating local cuisine in Barcelona – Jetset Chick

Delivering a detailed and slightly irresistible guide to Barcelona and its wonderful food, Jetset Chick’s piece about eating local cuisine in the city is a must-read for any foodie looking for an authentic and rewarding flavour of Barcelona. If you’re a fan of seafood, it seems you’re in for a treat!

The best food in Barcelona – The Traveloguer

Christine from The Traveloguer delivers a detailed guide to the food of Barcelona, from breakfast through to dinner. You’ll certainly find yourself sticking some of these local dishes on your Barcelona itinerary, especially those discussed in Christine’s in-depth tapas section.

12 of the best restaurants in Barcelona – Hand Luggage Only

If you’re looking for some of the best restaurants in the city to stick on your itinerary for Barcelona, look no further than this top 12 article from Hand Luggage Only. Here, Yaya and Lloyd share their favourite restaurants in Barcelona – we’re talking fine wine and Michelin Stars.

The best Terraza Bars in Barcelona – Barcelona Blonde

Jessica, from Barcelona Blonde, is something of an expert when it comes to eating out or going for a drink in the city, and in this mini guide to Barcelona, she showcases some of the best summer terraza bars to indulge in during a visit to the city. This collection of rooftop bars will not only quench your thirst, but also give you some great views of the city.

10 Tapas Bars in Barcelona – Devour Barcelona Food Tours

When reading any Barcelona guide, you’ll surely notice that the city takes its tapas seriously. The same can be said for Devour Barcelona Food Tours, who, in this article, highlight 10 of the best tapas bars in Barcelona, promising an authentic, local flavour to experience during a break in the city.

La Boqueria Market, Barcelona – La Jolla Mom

Barcelona’s most famous market, and perhaps one of the most famous markets in the world, La Boqueria is a must for any traveller putting together a Barcelona itinerary. In this great piece from La Jolla Mom, you can learn all the ins and outs surrounding the history and make-up of this incredible market, as well as some of the top places to eat inside it.

Barcelona’s Best Desserts – Driftwood Journals

If you’re one with a sweet tooth, Ben from Driftwood Journals has got your back! Presenting a great list of all of the best desserts in Barcelona, from ice creams to cake; this is one guide to Barcelona you won’t want to miss out on – just ensure you leave enough room for dessert after all that tapas!

The ultimate food experience in Barcelona – Vicky Flip Flop

In this foodie post, Vicky shares her story of a unique dining experience in Barcelona with EatWith. EatWith is coined as the ‘future of dining’, bringing together food lovers and chefs in locations around the world. This one in Barcelona, Known as The Hidden Gaudi Experience, certainly looks like something to add to your Barcelona itinerary, especially if Vicky’s photos are anything to go by.

Travel tips for Barcelona

Barcelona Essentials: Know before you go – Driftwood Journals

A great preparation guide to Barcelona, in this piece Ben highlights all of the things to know before you jet-off to this beautiful city. Explaining the difference between Spain and Catalonia, removing those typical Spanish stereotypes and discussing Barcelona beyond the tourist scene; this is a great read for those prepping a trip to the city.

7 Barcelona Inside Tips – The Crowded Planet

Giving you the chance to step away from the usual touristy must-sees and instead focussing on some of the unknown aspects of Barcelona’s character, Margherita & Nick from The Crowded Planet highlight some great things that first-time visitors would rarely stick on their Barcelona itinerary.

8 things tourists shouldn’t do in Barcelona

Providing another helping hand to those holidaymakers who fancy seeing a side to Barcelona that first-time visitors may turn their back on, this piece from Tourism With Me is the guide to Barcelona that we could all do with reading; one that leads you away from what some may consider as ‘the Barcelona tourist trap’.

Travel journals from Barcelona

Barcelona and Andorra in a weekend – Heart my Backpack

Silvia, from Heart my Backpack, has written a great journal from her experience in Barcelona with her mum, which she also combined with a visit to Andorra. From admiring Gaudi buildings to sampling delicious food, Silvia’s great photos give some decent inspiration for putting together a Barcelona itinerary, maybe even one featuring Andorra!

Day 1 in Barcelona + leisurely taking in the city – Jetset Chick

Beyond breakfasts and wonderful hot chocolates, Jetset Chick has also written a great journal from her time in the city. Doubling up as a personal diary and an informative Barcelona guide, day one of her trip sees her exploring her local area, enjoying some indulgent meals and even squeezing in a nap!

Day 2 in Barcelona + how many sights can we fit into a day  – Jetset Chick

If day one of Jetset Chick’s Barcelona journal was all about leisure and relaxation, day two is all about ticking off those must-see sights from her Barcelona itinerary. This full day out included absorbing Park Guell, La Rambla, Camp Nou, La Boqueria and many many more attractions.

Barcelona guide to fun, food and festiveness – A world t o travel

This journal, written by Paul Laska, is an in-depth three-day account of their experience in Barcelona. Serving as a great guide to Barcelona, Paul describes his route from attraction to attraction, providing some very useful tips along the way, as well as some inspiring photography.

How Spain Surprised me – Feet on the map

Deepika, from Feet on the Map, talks about her first ever experience travelling to Europe, in which Barcelona played an important part. Presenting a good guide to Barcelona for anybody heading to the city for the first time, in this journal she discusses her surprise at the city’s great vegetarian scene, as well as its interesting artistic side.

Budget guides to Barcelona

Barcelona on 25 Euro a day – Explorista

If expense is one of your main concerns during a city break, this budget guide to Barcelona, from Milou of Explorista, is ideal for those who don’t fancy loosening those purse strings too dramatically during their trip. Milou managed to spend 10 days in the city and stick to a budget of 25 euros a day, and with this guide, you can too.

Free things to do in Barcelona – Angloitalian Follow Us

Dale and Franca, from Slow Vegan Travel, have gone a step further in reassuring budget-seeking travellers, compiling this great list of 20 free things to do in Barcelona. This is the ultimate penny-pinching Barcelona itinerary, suggesting great things from visiting free museums to admiring street art.

Shopping in Barcelona

Best vintage shops and fashion boutiques in Barcelona – Driftwood Journals

If your idea of a perfect trip to Barcelona involves a dose of retail therapy, this great shopping guide from Ben at Driftwood Journals showcases some of the best vintage shops and independent boutiques in the city. Adding a couple of these shops to your Barcelona itinerary will give you the chance to pick up a cool piece of furniture or a swanky set of sunglasses.

Photography guide to Barcelona

The best city views and photography spots in Barcelona – Driftwood Journals

Catering for those who love a cityscape and some great photography opportunities, Ben uses his local knowledge to produce this guide to Barcelona and its finest vistas. From the marvellous views afforded by the MNAC Art Museum to the vistas enjoyed from the famed Park Guell – Ben has you covered.

The best photography locations in – Barcelona Finding the Universe

Whether you’re looking for the perfect Insta shot or the places to capture your holiday memories, Laurence has you covered. Laurence is a fantastic photographer and he showcases the city’s photogenic hotspots with some great tips to get the best shots possible.

If you’re looking for more ideas for Spanish holidays, check out things to do in Salou which is near Barcelona and a great trip to take after your city break!

Tuesday 24th of August 2021

I like this travel guide.Thanks for sharing.

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Barcelona, Spain - David's Been Here

Monday 4th of November 2019

[…] for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a fashionista, or a sports lover. The allure of the city is a tantalizing and beautiful mix of culture, class, elegance, and history. To enhance your […]

Alice Eduardo Enrile

Tuesday 27th of August 2019

Your guide is really amazing, I learned some useful advice from this and there were some interesting tips to help me on my next adventure.

Tuesday 9th of July 2019

[…] for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a fashionista, or a sports lover. The allure of the city is a tantalizing and beautiful mix of culture, class, elegance, and history. These are the top 10 […]

Monday 11th of February 2019

Your guide to Barcelona is great! I hope to visit all of these places. I'm living here for four months and have started using an app called Sharify to find local events, concerts and restaurants. It's also great for meeting locals and other travelers in Barcelona!

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

3 Days in Barcelona: The Ultimate Barcelona Itinerary

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 83 Comments

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular cities for visitors, and one of our favourite cities too. There’s loads to see and do, from the incredible architecture of Anton Gaudí, through to museums, UNESCO world heritage sites, markets, delicious tapas – and even a beach.

As you might imagine, it is not hard to fill your time when visiting Barcelona, even with three full days to play with. We’ve visited multiple times, and are always coming across new sites and things to do.

You should be aware that Barcelona is a fairly big city, with a number of fairly distinct areas. It does have a good public transport system, but obviously you want to spend more of your time sightseeing and less of your time on a bus or metro.

With that in mind, I’ve put together what I think is a good overview of some of the city’s main sights that will help you spend 3 days in Barcelona, either as part of a long weekend, or a longer European itinerary like this .

I’ve ordered the sights for each day by a logical order of how you might want to visit them and also put those sights first that you should visit earlier in the day before the crowds arrive, where possible.

Barcelona is very popular with visitors, and especially in the summer months attractions can become very crowded, so booking ahead where possible and turning up early are the key to a frustration free trip.

You might also want to consider looking into the Go Barcelona Pass , Barcelona City Pass , or Barcelona Card for your visit. These offer free and discounted admission, as well as skip the line access, travel options and various other perks that might make your visit easier.

For each attraction, I’ve highlighted which pass is best, and there’s a section on passes for Barcelona towards the end of the post. Jess has also written a comprehensive review and guide to using the Go Barcelona Pass , as well as a comparison of the main discount passes available in Barcelona , which are both worth a read.

Of course, an itinerary like this should just be a starting point for your plans, and at the end I’ve also added some optional sights that you might want to add in. You could also extend this itinerary over some more days if you really want to take your time exploring Barcelona. If you have less time, take a look at our suggested 2 day Barcelona itinerary .

Now, let’s take a look at our idea of the perfect way to spend 3 days in Barcelona.

A 3 Day Barcelona Itinerary

Barcelona itinerary: day 1.

The first day of our exploration focuses on the city centre of Barcelona, and everything here is easily walkable. It covers some of the more famous works by Anton Gaudí , plus one of the city’s most famous streets.

Casa Batlló

One of the most famous of Gaudí’s houses in Barcelona, Casa Batlló is also one of the most popular, so we definitely recommend you put this at the beginning of your day.

Even from the outside this property is intriguing, with the famous balconies on the building’s façade, which are reminiscent of Venetian masks.

Inside, there’s a stunning spine-like staircase and organic-feeling rooms which you can explore at your leisure before emerging onto the incredible roof terrace which is shaped to represent a dragon – one of Gaudí’s favourite icons.

As already mentioned, this is a popular spot. You can skip the ticket line by booking your ticket online in advance on GetYourGuide here . We recommend GetYourGuide for individual tickets as they usually include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit, which can be great if your plans change for any reason. Obviously you’ll want to check the cancellation policy of any ticket before booking though to be sure.

Casa Batlló is also included on the Go Barcelona Pass , giving you free entry to this, and many other attractions on the itinerary. It’s also included on the 3 Houses of Gaudi pass .

Alternatively, you can get discounted admission with a Barcelona Card if you buy your ticket on the door, or by booking in advance if you have a Barcelona City Pass.

Casa Milá , also known as La Pedrera, is a short walk from Casa Batlló, and is another of Gaudí’s houses in Barcelona – the last of his major civil works.

This one also has a famous façade, this time of undulating limestone, the stone-like look which earned it the nickname “La Pedrera”, which means the Quarry. This façade is self-supporting, freeing up the rest of the building from requiring load-bearing walls.

As soon as you enter the building, it will intrigue you. From the ground floor courtyard looking up there’s an incredible view of the inside of the building, with light pouring in from the roof to the interior apartments. As you go up the floors, you’ll explore some of the apartments that are open to the public, as well as the magnificent brick-ribbed loft space.

The highlight for many though is the roof terrace area, with its famous chimneys, skylights, and stairways. From here there are excellent views across the city, including to some of Gaudí’s other works, most notably the Sagrada Familia.

Casa Milá is also a popular stop for visitors. It’s a good place to use the Go Barcelona Pass, which has skip the line access to Casa Mila , meaning you don’t need to queue to get in here. It’s also included on the 3 Houses of Gaudi pass .

Again, you can get discounted admission with a Barcelona Card if you buy your ticket on the door, or by booking in advance when you buy your Barcelona City Pass. Alternatively, buy your tickets online in advance here .

Las Ramblas

Time for a spot of walking, and maybe all this sight-seeing has you hungry? Why not head past Plaça de Catalunya, and onto one of the city’s most famous streets for a stroll – Las Ramblas. Take a drink from the fountain at the northern end of the street, which will guarantee you’ll return to the city.

Then, head down the street for a spot of people watching and a wide range of outdoor dining options. Sure, they might not be the cheapest or most “authentic” options, but hey, you can get a pitcher of Sangria and watch the world go by, and what’s wrong with that?

La Boqueria

About half way down Las Ramblas you’ll come to La Boqueria, the city’s oldest and most famous market. This used to be just outside the old city wall, and has always been famous as the market that would have the items you couldn’t find elsewhere.

Today, the market is still popular with locals and visitors alike, and still has the reputation for having one of the widest choices of the city markets, with everything from meat and fish through to fruit, sweets and even food stalls.

It’s a good place to get a freshly squeezed fruit juice, to have a snack or just to admire the 19th century Modernista design, which is certainly worth the visit alone.

Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument)

From Palau Güell, I suggest you continue your journey south along Las Ramblas until you get to the end, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of a large column, atop which sits a statue of Christopher Columbus, the famous Italian explorer largely responsible for opening up the Americas to European exploration.

This was a venture he achieved under the sponsorship of the Spanish monarchs at the time, and the statue commemorates his first voyage to the Americas.

Originally built for the Barcelona Universal Exposition in 1888, today the statue serves as both monument and tourist attraction, with the bonus that you can head up inside it for good views of the southern side of the city, including along the port and an excellent aerial view up Las Ramblas.

There’s an entry fee to the monument. Tickets can be bought in person. You get a discount if you have a Barcelona Card and if you book in advance if you have a Barcelona City Pass.

Las Golondrinas Boat Tour

At the end of Las Ramblas where you find the Columbus Monument is the marina area of Barcelona. So far the day has involved a fair bit of walking, so this might be a good opportunity to rest and let the scenery float by, perhaps accompanied by a coffee or something stronger.

From the port area, a number of operators offer boat tours of varying length which will give you a different perspective of Barcelona harbour.

We took the 90 minute boat tour with Las Golondrinas , which is included for free with the Go Barcelona Pass (discounted for holders of the Barcelona Card or Barcelona City Pass).

There are a number of operators though with different tour lengths and routes, depending on what you want to see.

Barcelona Aquarium or Catalonia History Museum

If a boat ride isn’t for you, or you want to keep exploring once the ride is finished, there are a couple of great options at this end of town.

Depending on your interests, you could visit the Barcelona Aquarium or the Catalonia History Museum (the former is free with the Go Barcelona Pass and both are discounted with the Barcelona Card & Barcelona City Pass).

Alternatively, you can buy tickets for the Aquarium here , and the history museum here .

We’ve been to both, the former is an excellent Aquarium and a good option for families. The Catalonia History Museum will take you through the full history of the region and its people, from prehistory right up to the modern day. It’s a fascinating insight into the region, and will keep you occupied for some time.

And that’s the end of a full first day in Barcelona! Time for an evening drink and some food, before we kick off our second day of our three day Barcelona itinerary.

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2

Our second day in Barcelona will have you exploring the more north-eastern part of the city and visiting some of Barcelona’s highlights, starting with the famous:

Sagrada Familia

Without a doubt Gaudí’s masterpiece, this massive basilica was the work that Gaudí was labouring over when he tragically died. Construction started in 1882, although by the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926 it was still less than a quarter finished. At time of writing, it’s still not complete.

This doesn’t mean you can’t visit though. Despite this being an active construction zone, the majority of building is open to the public.

It’s another popular stop, so again we suggest you pencil this in as the first stop of the day – perhaps taking in sunrise from the park over the road, before heading in.

Entry is timed, and tickets sell out well in advance, so you will definitely want to buy your ticket online in advance and pick a time slot that suits you. You can do that on the official website here , as well as on Tiqets here and GetYourGuide here .

Note, the official website tends to have the lowest prices, but we suggest also checking out GetYourGuide as the majority of their tickets include the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance of your visit, which can be worth a slightly higher price in our opinion.

Note that as of 2022, tickets for entry prior to the last two hours of opening are a little more expensive, but do include an audioguide, which is well worth it.

Again, as it gets later in the day the building gets more crowded, so we definitely recommend visiting earlier in the day if you can. There’s also the option to take a guided tour of the cathedral .

Holders of the Barcelona Card get a discount on tickets, however to our knowledge this can only be redeemed when purchasing tickets in person, not online.

A number of passes include entry to the Sagrada Familia. The Go Barcelona Pass includes a guided tour, which is an excellent option for learning more about what you are seeing. The Barcelona City Pass also includes the Sagrada Familia, and lets you book your entrance time online before you go.

Another option is the Gaudi bundle , which includes pre-booked timed entry to the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, as well as an audioguide that covers both attractions.

See more on discount passes in Barcelona in the section on saving money in Barcelona below. We also recommend reading our guide to visiting the Sagrada Familia , which has everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Recinte Modernista Sant Pau

A relatively new opening to Barcelona visitors, the Recinte Modernista Sant Pau is quickly becoming one of Barcelona’s more popular attractions.

Originally built as a hospital, this series of buildings is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, and has been awarded UNESCO world heritage status alongside the Palau de la Musica Catalana in the Gothic Quarter.

You can explore this complex and go inside a number of the buildings. It’s just a stunningly beautiful place to walk around and experience, both inside and outside, and is only a 15 – 20 minute walk from the Sagrada Familia. Well worth doing.

Free to Go Barcelona Pass holders, discounted admission for Barcelona Card holders. You can also buy tickets online in advance here .

Gaudí Experience 4D

Next on our itinerary is a trip up towards Park Güell. On the way, we suggest you might want to pop into the Gaudí experience , an interactive exhibition that will take you through the life and works of the architect responsible for so many of Barcelona’s sights. There’s an overview of some of his most notable works, as well as a 4D cinema.

Free with the Go Barcelona Pass, or you can buy a ticket online in advance here .

Situated on the hills towards the north of the city, Park Güell is another of Gaudí’s works. This is a little bit different though, being as it is a large park area with a number of installations to explore and visit.

Originally planned as a housing development of upper class properties offering spectacular views, the vision of sixty homes was never realised, with only two actually completed.

However, many of the features envisioned by Gaudí for the public spaces were created, including the entrance houses, main terrace area, mosaic serpentine bench, and colonnaded footpaths.

There is also a house museum you can visit on site which was Gaudí’s home for the last twenty years of his life. This has a separate entry fee, but if you are interested in seeing how he lived, is worth the visit.

Park Güell used to be free to visit, but its overwhelming popularity led to a ticketing system being put in place.

This has timed entrances, helping to keep the park more pleasant for everyone to visit. You can visit parts of the park without a ticket, but the key attractions, known as the Monumental Zone, do require a ticket.

You will want to book tickets for Park Güell online in advance , which you can do on GetYourGuide here , or on the official site here . This is definitely recommended to be sure you are not disappointed or have to wait when you arrive. If you do this, be sure you arrive at the entry time specified on the ticket as otherwise you won’t be able to get in.

Holders of the Barcelona City Pass can also pre-book their timed entry to Parc Guell online, and entry is also included as part of this card. Holders of the Go Barcelona Pass can visit Parc Guell as part of a free guided tour.

If you don’t want to invest in one of these passes but still want to visit both Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia, you might consider a Gaudi bundle , which includes pre-booked timed entry to both attractions, as well as an audioguide that covers both attractions.

And that sums up our second day of exploration in Barcelona! It might seem that there’s not so much on this day, but the attractions will take you a while to visit, and you will have to factor in transit times between them, so we’d suggest not trying to add too much more to today in case you run out of time.

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3

The third day on our Barcelona itinerary has us starting in the Gothic Quarter, and then heading up above the town to visit a castle and a number of Barcelona’s most popular museums, finishing off with a spectacular free sound and light display. But first, we start with the:

Chocolate Museum

What better way to start the day than with chocolate? And given that your entry ticket to Barcelona’s chocolate museum is actually a real bar of chocolate, you can’t fail to be happy when you visit.

When you do, you’ll learn all about the history of one of the world’s favourite treats, including how it came to be so popular in Europe, how it is made, and some of the culture that grew up around it. Barcelona was one of the major ports for chocolate to arrive into Europe, and it played a key role in the economy of the city.

Also fun are the many chocolate statues and displays made of chocolate. Definitely a fun way to start a full day of exploration in Barcelona!

This one is free for Barcelona Card holders, or you can buy your ticket online in advance here .

Gothic Quarter

From the Chocolate Museum you’re going to head deep into the warren of narrow streets that is the Gothic Quarter.

This is the oldest part of the city, and is where some of the highlights of Barcelona are tucked away. I’d definitely recommend having a paper map handy when you start to explore – the high buildings and narrow streets mean GPS signals can get easily confused.

Whilst wandering the Gothic Quarter is an experience of itself, there are a number of attractions within that you should check out. First of these, coming from the Chocolate Museum, is the excellent Picasso Museum , which celebrates the early part of the artists life and work, as well as housing some of his later work. A must for fans. You can book a guided tour of the museum here .

From here, you can also visit the UNESCO world heritage listed Palau de la Musica Catalana . You can book tickets for this online here , or buy them in person at the box office. If you have a Barcelona Card, it’s good for a 20% discount on the tour price, but only when purchasing tickets in person.

A good option is also to visit the Palau de la Musica for a performance. You can see all the upcoming performances and book tickets for them here .

Heading further west in the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find yourself at Barcelona’s massive gothic Cathedral. This is free to enter, and worth popping into.

Next to it is the Gaudí Exhibition Centre, the first museum entirely dedicated to the works of Anton Gaudí. You can learn all about the architect and his architecture through images, models, audio-visuals and documents, and it’s a fascinating journey through his work.

Montjuïc Hill Attractions

We’re now going to head up Montjuïc Hill, which has a number of attractions atop it. Depending on your interests and how much time you have, you will probably want to pick a few of these rather than try to rush around all of them.

Montjuïc Castle

First on my list is the large fortress atop the hill, Montjuïc Castle . This huge fortress has played a key role in the history of the city over the last few hundred years, serving as a Spanish control over the potentially unruly Catalan city, as well as a prison and execution centre.

Today the castle is open to visitors and you can wander the huge walls, take in the views across the city skyline, and think back to darker times. There’s an entry fee, although it’s free to visit on Sunday afternoons.

Poble Espanyol

If you’re interested in learning about the different regions of Spain, and in particular their architecture and food, then a visit to Poble Espanyol should be on your list.

This is a huge open air architectural museum, built in 1929, which consists of 117 full-size buildings representing fifteen different regions of Spain, many of which are replicas of actual buildings. It’s also home to local artists, restaurants and shops, and you can see everything from glass blowing to jewellery making.

Again, you could spend a few hours just wandering around here as there is a lot to see and do. It also regularly hosts concerts, gastronomic festivals and other events.

Free to holders of the Go Barcelona Pass, discounted admission for Barcelona Card & Barcelona City Pass holders. You can also book a ticket online in advance here .

Joan Miro Foundation

Fans of Barcelona-born Joan Miró will definitely want to stop in at the Joan Miró Foundation on Montjuïc Hill. Created by the artist himself with the aim of promoting the work of young experimental artists, the museum displays a large number of Miró’s creations, stretching throughout his career.

The purpose built building is also an impressive and logically laid out structure, that will guide you through the artist’s works. There’s also a library on site which is home to Miró’s book collection.

There’s an entry fee, Barcelona City Pass holders get discounted admission. You can also book a ticket online in advance here .

National Museum of Catalunya Art

An imposing building with a spectacular view over the city, the National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in the art of the Catalonia region.

It has art of various styles from across the centuries, including an impressive collection of romanesque church paintings.

The building itself is also quite spectacular, in particular the Oval Hall, a massive event space which houses one of Europe’s largest organs. You can also take the lift to the top floor to wander on the roof, which offers excellent views of the city.

Magic Fountain

The last entry on our final day of our three day Barcelona itinerary is the Magic Fountain , which you can see from the steps in front of the National Museum of Catalan Art.

This fountains runs a spectacular sound and light show in the evenings which is a real treat to watch as the water displays synchronise with the sound and light.

Built in 1929 for the International Exhibition, and restored for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic games, this is definitely one you won’t want to miss. The schedule depends on the time of year – you can see it here .

Barcelona Itinerary: Extras

There’s a lot to see in Barcelona beyond the above, and I wanted to highlight a few of our favourite spots. If you have a bit more time in Barcelona, or simply want to swap a few things around in the itinerary, the below items should definitely be in your list.

Take a Walking tour or Segway tour

If you buy a Go Barcelona Pass, you’ll find it comes with free walking tours of Barcelona and a Segway tour of Barcelona . We took advantage of the free walking tour, and chose a three hour tour around the highlights of the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas.

This was an excellent way to learn a bit about the history of the city and see some of the main attractions with a local.

If you do a tour like this, we’d suggest scheduling it early on in your trip as it will help orientate you to the city – plus you can ask your guide for tips and advice on things like local restaurants, bars and nightlife.

See a later section of this guide for tips on walking tours in Barcelona we recommend.

Palau Güell

Just off Las Ramblas you’ll find the Palau Güell , one of the earlier works by Gaudí in the city, and one where you can see many of his architectural visions coming into focus.

This is strikingly obvious as soon as you see the building from the outside, with its hugely impressive twin front doors in Gaudí’s famous parabolic arch shape.

These were designed to be large enough to accommodate a horse drawn carriage, with one door being for entering the building, and the other for exiting.

Once inside you’ll have the opportunity to see many of the rooms inside, including the central hall and the bedrooms, and of course, the roof terrace. This latter place is a popular spot to see the sunset, depending on when you visit.

You can buy a ticket in advance here . It’s also included on the 3 Houses of Gaudi pass .

Fans of FC Barcelona will probably have a visit to Camp Nou right at the top of their list. This is the home of Barcelona’s hugely successful football team, and during the day you can take a tour of the stadium to get a behind the scenes look at everything from the VIP suites to the players locker rooms. You can even sit in the seats the coach sits in during the game!

There’s also a well laid out museum which takes you through the history of the club, its impact on the city, and some of its notable players and achievements. Jess and I actually really enjoyed this visit, despite neither of us being huge football fans.

If you do decide to visit, we definitely advise coming early as it gets very popular. You’ll also want to check match times as obviously you can’t take a tour when the stadium is in use. Although fans may want to also catch a game here.

Camp Nou is free for holders of the Go Barcelona Pass, and there is a small discount for holders of the Barcelona Card. You can also book tickets here .

Note – Camp Nou is undergoing major construction works so access to the stadium is limited until November 2024.

Parc de la Ciutadella

If you would like to visit a city centre park, a good option is the Citadel Park, or Parc de la Ciutadella, which isn’t too far from the Chocolate Museum.

Dating from the 19th century, and the earliest green space in the city, this 70-acre park has plenty of green space – perfect for a picnic, or to grab a breather from all your exploring.

Its best known feature is likely the large water feature, which was one of the earlier works in the city that Gaudí was involved with, although he wasn’t well known at the time and his involvement was fairly minimal.

It’s a grand construction, topped with giant golden horse drawn chariots, and is worth seeing. Entry is free.

Torre Bellesguard

A little way north of the city centre, Torre Bellesguard is a relatively recent addition to the works of Gaudí that you can visit in the city.

Built for a private owner between 1900 and 1909, the home is still occupied by a private owner, so only certain parts of the property can be visited, although this does include the spectacular attic and roof areas which were the highlights in my mind.

I would suggest that this is well worth doing – this is a much less popular attraction than many of the other Gaudí properties, and you will have a bit more room to breathe.

I particularly enjoyed visiting the roof terrace, which has spectacular views over the city, with the bonus that the whole roof is designed to look like a dragon.

Guided tours currently run on weekends, and there are also audio guided tours available. See times and languages on the official site here . You can book tickets (with optional tour) here .

Colonia Güell

Colonia Güell is 23 kilometres from the city centre of Barcelona, but can still be reached by public transport, so don’t let the distance put you off. It’s a purpose built 19th century industrial village, which you can explore with the help of an audioguide.

The village is definitely worth exploring, but the highlight of a visit to Colonia Güell is the church known as Gaudí’s Crypt. Whilst the final vision was never completed, this building was the place where Gaudí first incorporated all of his architectural innovations, and it serves very much as a blueprint for much of the Sagrada Familia.

The only part of the church to be completed was the crypt area, although this feels more like a church than a crypt, with a full nave, altar and pews. It’s a truly unique creation, and as it requires a bit more effort to get here than say the Sagrada Familia, is a lot less crowded – we actually had the whole Crypt to ourselves for large parts of our visit.

Entry is free with the Go Barcelona Pass , and you get the audioguide as part of your entry too. The Barcelona Card gives discounted admission. You can also book tickets online in advance here .

And that sums up our suggested itinerary for three days in Barcelona! As you can see, there’s a lot to see and do here, and you’ll have no trouble filling your time. Now, let’s take a look at some practicalities for your visit, as well as a map of this Barcelona itinerary.

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary Map

To help you visualise all the above, we have put together a map which you can see below or on Google Maps here . It also includes our recommended hotels.

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Casa Batlló, Casa Milá, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria, Mirador de Colom, Las Golondrinas, Barcelona Aquarium
• Day 2: Sagrada Familia, Recinte Modernista Sant Pau, Gaudí Experience, Park Güell
• Day 3: Chocolate Museum, Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc Hill

How to Save Money on Your Barcelona Sight-Seeing

As you’ll have seen throughout this post, Barcelona has a number of options for saving money when visiting attractions in Barcelona.

The three main ones that we recommend visitors look at are the Go Barcelona Pass , the Barcelona City Pass , and the Barcelona Card .

These work a little differently, and depending on what you want to visit, you might find one works better for you than the other.

If you plan to visit everything on the main itinerary above, the Go Barcelona Pass is what we would recommend.

The combined price of the attractions which are included in the above Barcelona itinerary that are covered by the Go Barcelona Pass at time of writing is around €211, and a three-day pass is only €159 (as of April 2023).

Consider that it also includes the Barcelona Bus Turístic Hop on Hop off bus tour worth €30, plus a number of other attractions as well as a walking tour and bike tour, then we think the Go Barcelona Pass is excellent value for money and well worth considering for your Barcelona visit.

Read Jess’s full review and guide to using the Go Barcelona Pass to see if it makes sense for you.

If you don’t think you’ll visit enough attractions to make the Go Barcelona Pass worth it, then you might consider the Barcelona Card instead.

This is a cheaper option, and whilst it does offer free admission to a number of attractions, the majority of its benefit comes in the form of free public transport (including the airport train) and a range of discounts on popular attractions.

Another option if you just want to focus on the highlights, and then save on the other major attractions as you wish, is the Barcelona City Pass .

This pass includes both the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, and it lets you pre-book a timeslot for both of these, which is essential to a smooth queue free visit. It also includes a number of other features and attractions, including a hop on hop off bus ticket, and 10% off admission at the majority of the sites in this post.

So, which card to go for? Well, in the text above for each attraction I’ve made it clear where each card offers a benefit, so do take a look through and figure out which card might be best for you, and also check out the other features of the Barcelona City Pass , the Go Barcelona Pass and the Barcelona Card before making a decision, which may include discounted admissions, guide books, and so on.

Overall, if you’re planning on seeing everything in this guide, then the  Go Barcelona Pass will likely be the best option. If you are focusing primarily on specific highlights like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, the Barcelona City Pass  is a fantastic option.

Finally, if you’re just going to a few attractions and are more concerned with sorting out your transport and getting a bit of a discount, check out the Barcelona Card .

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

Getting Around Barcelona

Barcelona is easy to get around, with an extensive bus, metro and light rail network. It’s also easily walkable for the most part, although you will likely want to take public transport for some of the slightly further out destinations.

If you are going to use public transport you have two options, depending on how much you want to travel.

First, you can buy individual tickets as you go. If you decide to do this, the most cost-effective way to do so is the ten ticket (T-Casual) card.  This is much cheaper than buying individual tickets and also lets you change transport options within an hour and fifteen minutes of starting your journey.

Note this was previously known as the T10 card. Unlike the T10 card though, this cannot be used by multiple travellers for the same journey – each traveller needs their own card.

The other option for public transport is the Hola BCN card, which gives unlimited access to the transport network in the city, and is available for durations from 48 hours to 120 hours. You can buy that online here .

There are a couple of other options for paying for your Barcelona transport.

First, if you purchase a Barcelona Card or a Barcelona Card Express , you get free travel on the metro, buses, trams and trains for the duration of the card. This includes the airport metro and train.

Second, if you purchase a Go Barcelona Pass  or Barcelona City Pass , these both come with one day access to the Hop On Hop Off Barcelona Bus Tour , which covers nearly every major tourist site in the city.

Alternatively, you can purchase 1 or 2 day hop on hop off bus tickets directly here .

If you’re arriving into Barcelona by air, you can take a taxi or train into the city centre. There’s also an airport bus service, which is what we normally use. You can buy tickets on the day, but we normally reserve ours in advance so as not to have to worry about it. You can buy tickets for the Barcelona aerobus here .

Walking Tours of Barcelona

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

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

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

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

Obviously, if you decide to take a walking tour you will need to tailor this itinerary to suit. We’d suggest doing it earlier in the trip so you can take full advantage of the tips your guide gives you.

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

Day Trips from Barcelona

If you’re in Barcelona for longer, or would prefer to spend one of your days exploring the Catalonia region, then we have some fantastic day trip options for you to consider.

• A full day trip to Girona and Figueres – visiting Girona and Figueres is one of the more popular day trip options from Barcelona. Girona has spectacular old medieval streets to explore, Figueres was the birthplace of Dali, and it has a fantastic Dali museum.
• A luxury full day small-group tour from Barcelona which includes the Dali Museum, Girona, and lunch in Besalu
• A day tour to Montserrat – home to the Montserrat monastery, built at the top of the impressive Montserrat mountains. This is a wonderful place for hiking and epic photos. The full day tour includes wine tasting and lunch.
• A day tour of the medieval villages of Catalonia , which includes stunning Besalu as well as Rupit and Tavertet
• A full day small group tou r to Montserrat that includes early Entrance to Montserrat Monastery as well as a Gourmet Cava Tour and lunch
• A hot air balloon tour – this tour includes a hot air balloon ride, transfers and breakfast
• A full day tour of the Pyrenees – this includes a visit to the stunning Nuria Valley which can only be accessed on foot or by rack railway. In summer it’s the perfect place for hiking, and in winter it’s a haven for snow sports. You can also book a full day hiking trip if you prefer.
• Speaking of skiing, if you visit Spain in winter you can take a day trip from Barcelona and go skiing! See our detailed guide to how and where to go skiing in Spain here
• A full day tour of the Costa Brava coastline – the rugged Costa Brava coastline is home to stunning beaches, ruined Roman cities and dramatic coves. This tour will take you to some of the highlights.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Barcelona has no shortage of choice when it comes to accommodation, and we’ve stayed at a number of different locations in the city in both apartments and hotels.

Our preferred option when booking accommodation is booking.com (see their Barcelona listings here ). They list everything from hotels to apartments to hostels, and we find they usually have the widest range at the most competitive prices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practicalities for Visiting Barcelona

Safety: We’ve not had any problems in Barcelona, although the city carries a reputation for petty crime, in particular pick pockets. These are known to frequent tourist areas, especially Las Ramblas and the metro system. We believe that most crime is opportunistic in nature, so if you take basic precautions and are aware of some common Barcelona scams , you should be fine.

Power: Electricity is of the 220v standard, with the 2 pin European style plug. Travellers from countries like the UK and the US will need an adapter, and US travellers need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

Currency: Barcelona is part of the Eurozone, so the main currency is the Euro. You can get these from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are of course widely accepted.

Internet: Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city and in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. If you are travelling from the USA, consider a Google Fi package which lets you use your data overseas.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options.

Water: The water in the taps is safe to drink, but tastes heavily chlorinated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available.

Further Reading for your 3 Day Barcelona Trip

Well, that was a lot of content to help you plan your trip to Barcelona! Hopefully you find it useful. As well as the above, we have a number of other resources we’d like to recommend to help you out, both content we’ve written ourselves, and resources we’ve found online. Between this post and these resources, you should be able to put together the perfect trip!

• If you’re visiting for a shorter time period, here’s a suggested itinerary for one day in Barcelona as well as our 2 day Barcelona itinerary .
• Our guide to the best photography spots in Barcelona
• Jess’s comprehensive review and guide to using the Go Barcelona Pass
• A post comparing the three main discount passes available in Barcelona , to help you decide which one will save you the most money
• A guide to taking a day trip from Barcelona to Girona and Figueres
• A guide to the best locations for getting a great view of Barcelona
• Some of our favourite street art in Barcelona
• Want to see some of Gaudi’s creations? Check out our definitive guide to the best Gaudi sights in Barcelona
• Thinking of heading out of town? Check out our definitive guide to the Spanish Pyrenees , as well as our guides to things to do in Girona , and things to do in Besalu !
• The Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to Barcelona
• Rick Steve’s Barcelona Guide
• The official Barcelona Tourism webpage

And that sums up our idea of how to spend the perfect three days exploring Barcelona! We hope you found this itinerary useful. Are you planning a trip to Barcelona? What do you want to see when you do? Let us know in the comments below!

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Ranger Roberts says

4th September 2023 at 7:14 pm

How Do you know what dates and times are available to purchase The Barcelona city pass ?? Ive put in multiple combinations all showing availability but when I try to confirm itinerary I get “Tickets you have selected are no longer available. ” I’m looking around the 26-29th of Sep ..

I see where time slots are sold out for Sagrada Familia but not for for any other selection including HOHO Bus.. So I dont know what or how many selections to change and what may options are .. Please help .. I’m on the Tibet website .

Thank you .. Ranger Roberts

Laurence Norah says

6th September 2023 at 3:16 pm

Hi Ranger Roberts,

So I just checked the Barcelona Pass on the Tiqets website and it seemed to let me pick most combinations and times around the time you are visiting. So I am wondering if there was a glitch when you tried? Otherwise, I’d recommend reaching out to the Tiqets team via their website to ask for some assistance.

Apologies I can’t be of more assistance, but do have a great time in Barcelona!

27th February 2020 at 8:32 am

Hi Laurence,

I am planning a 3 day trip to Barcelona in the month of June and below is a schedule of attractions I have planned to cover in 3 days: Day 1 – Casa Batlló, Casa Milá, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria, Parc de la Ciutadella, Mirador de Colom, Las Golondrinas Boat Tour

Day 2 – Camp Nou Stadium tour, Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Chocolate Museum, Gothic Quarter – Barcelona Walking Tour, Los Tarantos Flamenco Show

Day 3 – Cost Brave full-day tour

Also, I would be using public transport from the airport to the city and within the city for 3 days.

Can you please help me with which Card I should get? Barcelona Card (free public transport) or the Go Barcelona Card?

Also, if I choose the Barcelona Card – will I get a discount on tickets for below attractions : 1. Sagrada Familia 2. Parc Guell 3. Chocolate Museum 4. Camp Nou Stadium tour 5. Casa Batllo 6. Casa Mila etc.

27th February 2020 at 10:52 am

Sounds like a great trip! So, first, let’s look at the individual entry prices for each attraction (Feb 2020 prices):

Casa Batllo – €25 (online) Casa Mila – €24 (online) Las Ramblas – free La Boqueria – free Parc de la Ciutadella – free Mirador de Colom – €5.4 (online) Las Golondrinas Boat Tour – €15.50 Camp Nou – €26 (online) Sagrada Familia – €26 (online) (there is a €20 ticket, but this can only be used for the last two hours of opening) Park Guell – €10 (online) Chocolate Museum – €6 Gothic Quarter Barcelona Walking Tour – €18 Los Tarantos Flamenco Show – €17

So you are looking at €172.9 for attractions so far.

For transport to and from the airport, the Aerobus from the airport is €5.90 one way, and €10.2 return.

For transport around the city, you can either get a transport card, or buy individual tickets. A transport card for two days is €16.30. You can also buy a pack of 10 individual tickets for €11.35. I actually think this might work out better for you as you should be able to walk to most places, with the exception of Camp Nou and Parc Guell. However, some of the passes come with the Hop on Hop off bus, which stops at those locations.

We usually recommend three cards in Barcelona, the Barcelona City Pass , the Go Barcelona Pass and the Barcelona Card .

You can see our full comparison of all the Barcelona passes here .

Let’s look at your plan and see which card would be best value for you 🙂

The Barcelona City Pass. This includes entry to the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell, as well as a one-way airport transfer. There’s also a 1 day Hop on Hop off bus. Then you get 20% off a number of attractions, including most of the attractions you plan to visit, which also includes 20% off a Costa Brava day tour. The price is €88.

I added up the price of the pass overall once you take into account what is included and the discounts, and you’d end up paying €202.9. So on the face of it, not a great discount for what you want to see. However, it does include the airport bus one way (€5.9), and a one day HOHO bus, (€25). However, probably not the best fit for you still.

The Go Barcelona Pass. This includes many attractions you want to see, with the exception of Mirador de Colom, Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Chocolate Museum and Los Tarantos. The pass costs €99.99 for two days. I added up the cost of the pass plus the tickets you have to buy, and it comes to €164.39 – so this is definitely a saving. Consider it also has the HOHO bus and lots of other attractions that you might consider visiting, and this is definitely an option to consider I think.

The Barcelona Card. This primarily features museums for free, and then has discounts on other attractions. It also includes a transport pass. The pass costs €41.4, which is quite low. However, you have to pay full price for Camp Nou, Sagrada Familia and some other attractions. I did the math, and based on your plan, the total with the card, attractions and discounted attractions is €184.8.

So far, I would say the best option is the 2 day Barcelona Card. You would have to pay for your own transport to and from the airport. However, you can then use the HOHO bus for your second day. I would suggest planning your day by looking at the route of the HOHO bus as it goes one way around the city. That said, as the timings might be quite tight on that day, taking public transport might be best as it will likely be faster!

I hope this all helps with your planning 🙂

arlene says

25th October 2019 at 3:29 pm

i printed it thru the icon its 89 pages long!big print a lot of wasted space and paper

25th October 2019 at 4:25 pm

Thanks for the feedback. This is a new feature on the website so it is useful to have this feedback. I have adjusted the font size for the printable page – can you let me know how many pages it shows now for you? It seems to be different for different people, but hopefully this has fixed it. No need to print it again of course.

Marcy Lane says

19th October 2019 at 8:23 am

Where can I find the print button. I don’t see it. We are going to Lisbon first with my husband and I and are meeting our daughter and her young family. Is this kid friendly? Where can I find the print button? I don’t see it? This is fabulous! Do you have itinerary for Lisbon too?

19th October 2019 at 8:26 am

There should be a print button in the social sharing icons that float down the side of the post (on desktop) and are at the bottom of the post (on desktop and mobile). It’s a blue icon, just after the e-mail envelope (second icon along). Let me know if you don’t see it, and what you see there instead, as we’ve only just implemented this and so it might not be displaying properly everywhere. If you don’t see it, if you could let me know what browser you are using.

For Lisbon, we haven’t visited yet so we don’t have an itinerary unfortunately.

For Barcelona – this itinerary is kid friendly, although it will depend on the kid and their stamina for sight seeing! So you might want to cut it down a bit to make it more manageable depending on their age and interests 🙂

Have a great trip!

19th October 2019 at 8:44 pm

The message said to sign up for the newsletter to get the itininery which I did. I haven’t gotten a confirmation that I signed up so I can get the itinerary. thanks

19th October 2019 at 9:09 pm

Thanks for coming back to me. I can see you have signed up and still need to confirm. If you could check your spam/trash folders as sometimes the confirmation e-mails go there. If it’s not there, and you haven’t received it by tomorrow, let me know and I can confirm you manually,

19th October 2019 at 9:17 pm

It’s not in my spam. I just looked. Can you send me the itinerary to my email address? Would that work? [email protected]

19th October 2019 at 9:26 pm

I’ve manually approved your request and so you should be able to access the print page now. If you put in your e-mail address it should work.

I’ve raised this as an issue with our e-mail provider as you should definitely have received our e-mail!

Let me know if you have any more problems 🙂

TONY FEEHAN says

27th September 2019 at 7:48 am

Hi, I have never been to Barcelona, I travel in a couple of days for a 4 night stay with my wife, apart from going to the Camp Nou and the beach, I didnt really think there was too much there but you guide has changed my mind, a brilliant blog, really looking forward to going now, thanks you both, Tony Feehan

27th September 2019 at 7:02 pm

Thanks very much Tony – have a great time in Barcelona 😀 Do let us know how you enjoy it!

23rd September 2019 at 7:59 am

Thank you Laurence (and Jess). I’m from the US, currently in Paris with my family, and taking off to Barcelona later today to get away from everyone. Original plan was to camp out in a hotel and get some work done in peace (us, Americans, and our stupid deadlines), but after reading your article it looks like I’ll be paying attention to more than the laptop screen. I’m only going for a day or two, but your extensive guide will be indispensable to making the most out of the short trip. Cheers!

23rd September 2019 at 9:55 am

Our pleasure! You definitely won’t be short of a thing or two to do in Barcelona 😉 Even if you only manage to see a few sights in between working, it will be worth it 😀 Have a great time, and good luck with the deadline!

Nick Wells says

20th September 2019 at 4:05 pm

Hi, A great post with the most amazing and insightful advice. My wife and i are taking our daughter in October for 3 days and we will certainly utilise your travel advice – thanks. Quick question we appreciate that Barcelona has multiple options re accommodation and we have based on price and availability got reduced the list to 4 hotels. Have you stayed in any,c an you give advice re location etc Leonardo Hotel Las Rambals (£376) Room Mate Carla (£398) H10 Universitat (476) Royal Ramblas (£446) Many Thanks ..

20th September 2019 at 4:09 pm

Thanks for your comment 🙂 We have stayed at the Leonardo Hotel on Las Ramblas and thought it was nice. The street was relatively quiet (it’s a block or so back from Las Ramblas itself), and the breakfast was very comprehensive if you opt for that option. Location wise it was within walking distance to most of the highlights, otherwise very close to a metro stop for the other sights.

We’ve not stayed at the others so can’t comment specifically on those 🙂

19th September 2019 at 6:02 pm

Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful detailed itinerary plan. This really helps. We are planning our first trip to Barcelona in mid November. Is it a good time to visit Barcelona? How about weather.. Will it be pleasant or very cold in November. Appreciate your inputs.

19th September 2019 at 7:13 pm

Thanks very much, it’s my pleasure. November it will definitely be a bit cooler in Barcelona, although not too cold – probably between 10C in the evening and as high as 20C in the day time. So pretty perfect for sightseeing in my opinion. If you are unlucky and it is windy, then it might feel cooler. So you would want to pack some warmer clothes, but overall it should be pleasant 🙂

Christopher Gladney says

12th September 2019 at 4:59 pm

Hi, this is extremely helpful! Similar to Rome, is there a Google Maps to accompany this itinerary?

14th September 2019 at 5:05 pm

Hi Christopher!

A great point! I have added the map now 🙂

Marie Michelle Aurélus says

12th September 2019 at 3:11 pm

Thank you for taking the time to put together such useful and comprehensive information on the website. I am from Haiti and i will be traveling tomorrow to Lisbon and Barcelona . I am lucky to come across this article the day prior to my departure I can’t wait to visit the historic and beautiful sites you have recommended.

Thank you and kindest regards

Marie Michelle

13th September 2019 at 8:36 pm

Our pleasure Marie – have a fantastic trip!

7th September 2019 at 6:22 pm

This article was so helpful, we are going next May for three days before our cruise and it sorted out a lot of things. A friend told me about a wine and concert they did on the roof of a building have you ever heard of one?

8th September 2019 at 10:25 am

Delighted to be able to help 🙂 We’ve not actually heard or done one of these, was your friend able to give you any more details? Was it a performance venue or something arranged at a hotel?

24th June 2019 at 4:06 pm

Your site is so helpful! Thank you.

Do you know if the magic fountain is on during the day? I know it would be without lights and music. I’m just wondering if it runs or they turn it off during the day. I can’t imagine that fighting all the crowds at night would be a pleasant experience while traveling with two teenagers, but we’d love to see it on our way down from the castle.

25th June 2019 at 1:25 am

Our pleasure! So, the Magic fountain sound and light show only runs in the evenings, you can see the schedule here: https://www.barcelona.cat/en/what-to-do-in-bcn/magic-fountain/magic-fountains-show-times

However, parts of the fountain do run in the daytime I believe, although not with the choreographed sound and light. I would urge you to see it at night if you can though, it’s quite spectacular, and it’s a big space so there is room for lots of people 🙂

27th June 2019 at 3:55 pm

Thank you, Laurence.

I’ve been looking for a good, casual restaurant for paella in Barcelona. Do you have any recommendations? We also took you up on your recommendation and booked a balloon ride with Vols de Coloms. We’re staying in Santa Pau before and after the balloon and are looking for a casual but good local restaurant between Olat, Santa Pau and Besalu and are are traveling with two teenage boys. We will have a car as well. Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks again for your help!

27th June 2019 at 7:36 pm

We don’t have any paella recommendations for Barcelona – the dish is actually from Valencia, so whilst it is of course available in Barcelona, it’s not a local specialty. For tapas though we can recommend La Alcoba Azul which is excellent.

For Santa Pau, we have dined at Cal Sastre which is also fantastic 🙂 We can recommend reading our specific regional guide for more ideas: https://independenttravelcats.com/la-garrotxa-travel-guide-volcanic-catalonia-spain/

27th June 2019 at 7:48 pm

Thank you. Great news about Cal Sastre since that is where we are staying.

And, thanks for the information about the paella. That helps me to understand why I am having trouble finding a place. Have you heard of Bar Mut or Casa Lolea in Barcelona? I’m going to add La Alcoba Azul to our plans. Thank you!!!!

27th June 2019 at 7:52 pm

Oh, you’ll have a wonderful time there. It’s so picturesque and peaceful 🙂 I have to be honest, I have not heard of either of those locations. That doesn’t mean much though, there are thousands of restaurants in Barcelona. We usually just go by recent reviews on Google Maps to find someplace!

Catherine says

20th June 2019 at 10:52 pm

Hello!! What a great blog you have! I am looking for recommendations regarding best part of the city to stay in order to take in most, if not all, of the items on your 3 day Barcelona itinerary. Looking for a 4* or better hotel. Another possibility would be an Airbnb property to rent. Saw one available in Eixample – would this be a good location option? Also, what are recommendations regarding the Salvador Dali Museum? Many thanks!

23rd June 2019 at 12:02 am

Hi Katherine!

Thank you very much! So there are lots of hotels in the city that meet your criteria. The one we stayed at most recently which has a great location is Hotel Barcelona Catedral , which is right in the gothic quarter and perfect for getting to everything. The Eixample is a good area as well.

For the Salvador Dali museum, the easiest way is to take a tour that goes from Barcelona, such as this one: A full day trip to Girona and Figueres . That will get you to and from the museum, plus you’ll have some time to explore Girona which is also lovely.

Have a great trip – let me know if you have any more questions!

Larry Krantz says

4th June 2019 at 5:12 pm

Just came across your 3 Days in Barcelona on the internet while planning for our trip in October. What a wonderful, comprehensive itinerary. We are thinking of starting our stay by taking a city tour bus around the City to get a quick overall taste, and then following your itinerary. Any recommendations for the bus tour? We’ll be going on to Morocco so any thoughts on our getting there? Thanks very much.

4th June 2019 at 5:42 pm

Hi Larry – thanks very much!

So we’ve only taken the official bus tour, which is included in the Barcelona Pass. It’s the Hop on Hop off bus tour which goes around the majority of the sights, and has an audioguide in a variety of languages. So that would be the one I recommend. If you aren’t getting a Barcelona Pass, or one of the other passes which includes a bus tour, then you can buy an individual ticket for that here .

From Barcelona, there are direct flights to Marrakesh if that’s where you are heading. The easiest way is going to be to fly. We usually use Kiwi to check flights as it’s one of the few comparison tools that includes most of the budget airlines. Just be sure to add any bags to get the true price 🙂

Let me know if you have any more questions, and have a great trip!

ferdie syfu says

31st May 2019 at 2:19 pm

I have read your thorough blog on a three day stay in Barcelona. It will be our first time traveling to barcelona , me and my wife and both 50 years old. we will be coming from Madrid by train and staying for 3 nights in June. i heard the weather is not cold this time of the year. are the three days enough or shall we stay for a fourth? thank you likewise for accommodation recommendations, as we have not planned this trip yet, we are still looking, we normally travel by train or by bus to get around, so we would normally choose a lace close to stations.

31st May 2019 at 4:07 pm

So there is a lot to see in Barcelona! We’ve visited many times and always find more to do. So you will certainly have plenty of options if you decide to stay a fourth day 🙂

For accommodation, there’s a great metro in Barcelona and it shouldn’t be hard to find a stop close to a hotel as there are lots of stops. So that shouldn’t be hard.

15th May 2019 at 2:55 pm

What a great itinerary! We will be visiting Barcelona for 4 days in January. Is the boat tour offered in January?

16th May 2019 at 11:32 am

Yes it is, although I believe it only goes once a day rather than multiple times a day, so you will want to check the timetable so as to be sure not to miss it. You can see that here .

Jocelyn S says

6th April 2019 at 6:11 am

Hi there, great article. Any tips for a family of 11 adults and 1 toddler (3yrs old), 1 adult can’t walk for long distances or time..maybe an hour at most. Any suggestions on where to stay for a big group?

Thanks ahead of time.

6th April 2019 at 12:19 pm

Hi Jocelyn!

So my tip would be to take advantage of the Hop on Hop off bus, as that will get you to all the sights in the city and minimise walking time. Alternatively, the Barcelona metro system is also very good and goes to most locations on this itinerary.

For accommodation, I’ve not travelled in large group. However, I would suggest looking for a multi-room apartment which will likely be the most cost effective option as otherwise you will have to pay for a lot of individual hotel rooms.

For example, this search on booking.com is set up to just show apartments that will take up to 11 adults. You will have to adjust the dates of course, but there are a variety of options, and the prices are very reasonable if you calculate it per person (you should be able to get a central apartment for between $30 and $60 per person per night, depending on when you visit I think).

Robin N Hall says

3rd April 2019 at 11:40 pm

Thank you so very much for such a comprehensive site on what to do, when and how much. I really appreciate all the time you have saved us. We will be attending a family wedding in London in September and then thought we’d fly to Barcelona for a 3 day visit and we will likely follow your itinerary to the T. Thank you again!

4th April 2019 at 11:56 am

Our pleasure Robin – thanks very much for taking the time to let us know you found the content useful. It’s why we write it, and it’s lovely to hear feedback. Have a wonderful trip – we’d love to hear how it went!

19th March 2019 at 11:54 am

Hi Great site and itinerary – as a relative neanderthal IT etc do you have this a printable version – thanks Steve

20th March 2019 at 12:49 pm

So this isn’t an option we currently have on the site. We know that most browsers do have a print function, so that would likely be the easiest option for now.

17th October 2019 at 6:43 pm

I appreciate this might be a bit late for your trip, but for others reading and in case you use our site in the future for other trips, we’ve now added a print button on all our posts 🙂

Happy travels!

Carol L says

21st February 2019 at 4:30 am

Weather in mid May, based on what I can tell from reading it seems dresses and pants and short sleeves for day time with jacket at night—-is that correct based on your experience? Also any recommendation for local place to see Flamenco dancing?

21st February 2019 at 8:51 am

That sounds about right – the nights tend to cool down a bit. It might also be quite warm in May (climate is so hard to predict), so you may want shorts or lighter, shorter skirts.

For Flamenco, there are a lot of options. Tablao de Carmen and Palau Dalmases Flamenco are both very highly rated, although we haven’t attended either. However I would definitely check out online reviews and go for the best reviewed options 🙂

13th February 2019 at 4:35 pm

Thanks for your Itinerary for major tourist cities and I found it very usefully when I planed my trip to Paris last summer.. I basically followed your itinerary daily, used Paris Pass and had wonderful time.

This year I plan to visit London and Barcelona and plan to follow your itinerary of both cities.. Does this Barcelona itinerary comes with a google map like other cities?

13th February 2019 at 7:06 pm

I’m delighted that you have found our content useful for your trips! You are right, this post is missing a map. I will add one in the next few days – sorry about that!

16th February 2019 at 2:56 am

Hi Laurence, We will arrive Barcelona for a 12 nights cruise trip in end of May and stay behind for 3 days after disembark. Can I ask what sort of pass are suitable for us as we have 6 hours on first day then boarding on the cruise at evening. After 12 nights of the cruise, we will stay behind of 3 days in Barcelona. This is our first time visit and I don’t know what pass and travel card are suitable. I am not quite sure how to work out the 3-day Barcelona Pass plus Travelcard because if we activate on the first day then it seems not worth for a pass. Please advise for any better idea.

17th February 2019 at 4:38 pm

It definitely depends on which attractions you want to visit in Barcelona. My suggestion would be to get the three day Barcelona Pass for your three days, but not to activate it on your first day. Instead, I would suggest maybe visiting the Sagrada Familia on your first day as that is not included on the Barcelona Pass. Then you can see the other sites when you come back from your cruise. You also might not need the travel card – public transport is very cheap in Barcelona, and you can take the metro to most locations for around a euro a ride if you buy a 10 journey travel card (which can be used for multiple people). I do however urge you to see what attractions the pass covers before deciding. To help out, we have a guide to all our favourite Barcelona Passes here:

https://independenttravelcats.com/barcelona-discount-passes-barcelona-card-vs-barcelona-pass-vs-barcelona-museum-pass/

I hope this helps – let me know if you have any other questions!

18th February 2019 at 8:04 am

Hi Laurence, Thank you so much for your suggestion and it helps us to make the decision.

Cheers, Anita

18th February 2019 at 8:15 am

My pleasure Anita – have a great trip!

26th January 2019 at 2:48 pm

We will be in Barcelona in March and was wondering what were your top choices for restuarants and food. We will also be visiting Lisbon and Paris during this trip and we are all about food experiences any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

26th January 2019 at 3:12 pm

So we don’t currently have a guide to where to eat in Barcelona as we tend to just pick the places with good deals and good recent reviews on Google Maps. However, we do have a guide for Paris which you might find useful:

https://independenttravelcats.com/paris-lunch-splurges-saving-money-on-michelin-starred-restaurants/

We’ve not visited Lisbon yet, so can’t help there I’m afraid!

have a great trip, and let us know if you have any more questions 🙂

Fabiana says

12th January 2019 at 2:00 pm

I’m so thankful for this!!! Very very helpful and great readingg! ✵✵ ✵Greetings from Brazil✵

12th January 2019 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure – I hope you have a wonderful trip and do let us know if you have any questions!

Tony Snellgrove says

13th November 2018 at 5:44 am

great site guys, well done, very helpful, we will be using your suggestions.

13th November 2018 at 3:32 pm

Thanks very much Tony!

11th November 2018 at 7:47 pm

Very comprehensive itinerary! My husband and I will be heading to Barcelona in a couple of weeks, also with a 3 day stay, and I think the plan so far will be to follow your itinerary to the T 🙂 I think we will be purchasing the Barcelona Pass. Just wondering at which point and how did you incorporate the hop on hop off bus that was included in the Barcelona pass into the trip?

11th November 2018 at 7:56 pm

Hi Emily! My suggestion for your trip is to use the HOHO bus for Day 2, as it’s an easy way to get from the city center to the Sagrada Familia and then on to Parc Guell (you would just have to walk to the Recinte from Sagrada Familia, which is not too far). You can then take it back from Parc Guell – it take a nice route around the city at this section, and you will see a few things from the bus that you might not otherwise have seen 🙂

Have a great trip, and let us know how it goes!

GBrown says

8th November 2018 at 2:43 am

I would like to plan a 3-day trip during the week of December 17-23 to some place warm and sunny. What places do you recommend in South or Central America? Thanks,

8th November 2018 at 8:12 pm

That’s quite a big part of the world! To be honest, we have only visited Costa Rica and Ecuador, so don’t have extensive knowledge of that area. Costa Rica would be a good option, as would much of the Carribean, but you’ll want to check the weather of course. Otherwise, you might also consider Thailand or Sri Lanka 🙂

Hope this helps!

Bob Lee says

11th September 2018 at 12:34 pm

Hi do you do any itinerary for other cities in Spain eg Madrid?

11th September 2018 at 12:49 pm

Hey Bob! We don’t have itineraries for the other cities as yet as we’ve not visited them, however it’s on the to-do list, so stay tuned 🙂

Kevi Jackson says

9th June 2018 at 5:49 pm

I want to confirm what sights are free with the Barcelona card, but cannot find the information online. The Barcelona card website lists the Picasso museum, but not some of the others we want to see. Are you able to reserve times for visits via the Barcelona card rather than each individual sight? (Namely the Chocolate Museum and the Monument Zone of Park Guell). Also what does ICOM stand for? TIA!

11th June 2018 at 11:38 pm

The full list of museums and attractions included are here: http://bcnshop.barcelonaturisme.com/imgfiles/ecv/card/BarcelonaCard2018.pdf

Unfortunately, there’s no one card that covers everything in Barcelona, so you have to figure out which one suits you best. For the Chocolate Museum you don’t need to reserve in advance. The only sights that require advance reservations to secure a spot are Parc Guell and the Sagrada Familia. You can book tickets for those directly online. The only city card we currently know of that lets you book those tickets in advance is the Barcelona City Pass ( https://travelcats.barcelona.ticketbar.eu/en/discount-cards/barcelona-city-pass-/ ) – we’re in the process of reviewing this and will be adding it to this post soon, but you might find it meets your needs. Once you get that you can book your time slots directly for those two attractions.

Hope this helps! I’m not sure what ICOM stands for, where did you see that?

7th June 2018 at 6:36 am

Wow this has been so wonderfully described and sorted out so many things for me. Extremely helpful artice

8th June 2018 at 10:30 am

Thanks very much Komal 🙂

2nd June 2018 at 6:29 am

This looks very useful …you kept things to the point and clear .

2nd June 2018 at 1:57 pm

Thanks Vijay

Rista Hansen says

13th May 2018 at 2:27 pm

Hi We are from Windhoek Namibia and our first time ever to visit Barcelona. We are flying to London and onwards by train to Barcelona,then Paris. The information is very useful and exciting. Any train recommendation? Regards Rista Hansen

13th May 2018 at 9:26 pm

Thanks very much! I have to say that in my mind it makes more sense to go to Paris before Barcelona, just because of geography, but i assume you have a reason for going in that order. If you want to take a train, there’s an overnight train from Paris to Barcelona, which is a great option for not wasting a day of travel. So you can take the eurostar from London to Paris, and then the overnight train to and from Paris / Barcelona. That would be my suggestion 🙂

Rorita Gattinger says

6th April 2018 at 9:07 pm

Thank you so much for putting this informative and comprehensive list together. It sure saved us a lot of time and research. We will be going soon and look forward to visiting the many sites you suggested.

Kind regards,

7th April 2018 at 10:42 am

Our pleasure Rorita – have a wonderful trip! Do check back in and let us know how it went 😀

Mireen says

30th March 2018 at 3:07 am

Hello Laurence Norah, My husband and daughter are planning a trip to Barcelona in the summer. These tips are indeed very helpful. We can definitely maximize our 3 day plan trip to Barcelona. We also wanted to see Madrid – do you have any prior blog post? If we have a few more days to spare any 3rd best city after the 2? I heard Toledo is great – or neighboring country. We have a total of 12 days. Any feedback will be highly appreciated. Thanks so much!

30th March 2018 at 10:39 am

I’m pleased that you found the post useful. I haven’t been to Madrid yet but it’s on my list! I would say that it really depends on where you want to go and what you want to see. If you wanted to stay local to Barcelona, then the town of Girona is really beautiful, and easy to get to by train. There’s also Lisbon in Portugal, which I have not visited but many friends say it is lovely. If you wanted to go further afield, there’s an overnight train service that links Barcelona with Paris too!

Have a lovely trip

Mireen Q. Delos Santos says

16th June 2018 at 2:20 am

Sorry – I didn’t see your reply. We will be on our way to our Spain adventure in about 3 weeks. Yes, we did include Lisbon in our itinerary. We were fortunate to see Paris last summer so we wanted to concentrate on Spain and enjoy it without rushing. So far we have Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo and Seville and a side trip to Lisbon.

Appreciate all your tips! Thanks so much!

16th June 2018 at 10:18 pm

My pleasure Mireen, and no worries. Have a great trip!

Kyle and Briana says

24th February 2018 at 6:51 pm

This is a good comprehensive itinerary. If we return we will check out some of the places we didn’t get to but gosh there is so much to do in Barcelona! We could spend quite a bit of time there, especially with all the possible day trips you could do outside the city as well. Here is what we did. We originally had 2 full days there, then our flight got moved so we had three so we thought okay more time in BCN! (It was supposed to be in Marrakech). But then we got pick-pocketed and day three was mostly the police station. We didn’t get the Barcelona pass but think we would have had we been staying a little longer or maybe if we thought we had a full three days from the start. We also didn’t love the tap water – it tastes like it does here in our apartment in California now! haha but we use a water filter to help

24th February 2018 at 7:02 pm

Thanks very much 🙂 There is loads to do in Barcelona you are right – we have visited a number of times and will be returning shortly, and we’re always finding more to do every time! Sorry to hear you got pickpocketed, I’ve heard really bad things about the city in the regard, but we’ve been ok so far. The water is also definitely and acquired taste!

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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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Comment (1).

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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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

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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

With a Barcelona City Pass , you can experience the best of Barcelona at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

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.

Mathilde Magnier

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Spend a Summer in Barcelona: A Full Travel Guide (2023)

When deciding where to go next, I knew, I needed to spend my summer in Europe. Why? Because European summer is a thing! And this summer, I wanted to get the full experience of it. Because of that, spending summer in my favorite European city was a light decision.

I'd been to Barcelona only once in my life but had only good memories. Like many others, I only spent a few days in Barcelona. This time I wanted to experience it more deeply and spent in total of five weeks in this vivid city.

This full travel Barcelona guide is for everyone who's planning a city trip to Barcelona and would like to explore the city to its fullest. A guide that is packed with insights, that I've collected during my five-week stay. Here, I cover all the needed information before heading to Barcelona.

Table of Contents:

Barcelona travel essentials, when to visit barcelona, how's the weather in barcelona, transportation in barcelona, top attractions in barcelona, indulge in barcelona's culinary delights, beaches and outdoor activities in barcelona, shopping in barcelona, nightlife and entertainment in barcelona, beach bars at barceloneta beach, bar hopping in the gothic quarter, el raval, and el born, festivals and special events, accommodation options in barcelona, safety and practical information for travelers.

Before traveling to Barcelona, it's best to know the essentials, such as when to visit, weather conditions, and how to get around.

Visiting Barcelona all year long is a no-brainer. The decision of when to visit Barcelona depends on personal preferences. Do you like hot weather and a swim in the ocean? Or do you prefer a mild temperature that's suitable for lots of walking?

Barcelona is popular among tourists all over the world. If you're someone who likes it less crowded, I recommend visiting Barcelona during the shoulder or low season. Shoulder season is in March, April, September, and October. The low season is between November and mid-March.

Barcelona is a Mediterranean city and it gets quite hot during summer. Temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius are common between late June and late August. For those, who prefer a more bearable temperature, it's best to visit Barcelona before June or after August.

During the winter months (December - February), it gets colder, but the temperature is hardly ever under 5 degrees Celsius.

Barcelona's public transportation is well-developed. The city provides many opportunities. You can take the metro, buses and trams, and taxis, and the city is also bicycle-friendly.

The metro system connects different parts of the city. It has different lines and trains run regularly almost every five minutes. The metro operates from 5 a.m. until midnight and offers a limited service the whole night on weekends.

Parts that aren't covered by the metro are from the bus system. The ticket purchased for the metro works also for the buses.

In certain parts of Barcelona, trams offer a comfortable and scenic ride. I did not have the pleasure of having a ride with the tram, since it was under construction during my visit.

Whenever you're not in the mood for taking any public transportation there will always be a taxi available. They all work with a taxi meter. Just wave with your hand, if a taxi is in sight.

Unfortunately, apps like Uber or Bolt aren't popular in Barcelona, and drivers working with them are rare. Therefore, using such apps isn't necessary.

For those, who'd like to be more flexible and independent I highly recommend using a bicycle. Barcelona is known for being bicycle-friendly where you can ride on designated lines. The good thing is, that Google Maps exactly shows where the bicycle lines are. That makes riding a bicycle in a foreign city so much easier!

For those who stay longer than a few days, I recommend renting a bicycle from Kleta. An affordable bicycle rental that works smoothly and has reasonable prices. Renting a regular bike with them costs around 35€ for a month whereas you pay 20€ for only 24 hours. Comparing the prices could save you lots of money, although you won't use the Kleta bike to its fullest.

One reason why Barcelona is such a popular travel destination is because it has lots to offer. The city is packed with culture, historic architecture, and lots of top sightseeing spots, such as Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Las Ramblas.

For every visitor, it's a must to visit them at least once. Here's a list of the top seven attractions in Barcelona to visit:

Barcelona is a paradise for foodies, from traditional tapas to fancy Michelin-starred dining. Here's a taste of some culinary delights of Barcelona:

You'd never been to Barcelona if you did not eat any Tapas. Tapas are small, shareable dishes and are perfect for social dining.

Here's a graphic of typical tapas:

If you'd like to enjoy tapas, I recommend visiting Casa Lolea , Fa Patxoca , and Güell Tapas .

All serving tasty and authentic tapas.

This rice dish is the national dish of Spain. It's rice that features seafood, chicken, rabbit, and saffron. A flavourful dish, which is also vegetarian-friendly.

I recommend going to Restaurant Tobogan whenever you're longing for a well-made Paella with lots of ingredients and affordable.

Due to its coastal location, Barcelona is perfect for enjoying local, freshly fished seafood.

I haven't eaten lots of seafood (a Paella for indulging the culture of Spain). For this reason, I only can share recommendations from locals, I spoke with, or from friends who went to seafood restaurants.

Here's the list:

Puertocillo Born

Botafumeiro

A city plus an ocean equals the perfect combination - for me. I like it when something is going on but I can also spend relaxing days and listen to the ocean.

Barcelona resides on the Mediterranean Sea with a long sandy beach. However, Barcelona's beaches are not only a place to enjoy the sun. It's much more.

Of course, the beach is the main attraction, and there are so many areas to hang around. Probably the most popular area is Barceloneta Beach . In this area, you find lots of restaurants, bars, and even clubs. You even find a place to do your workout here but you may be watched by passengers.

Playa de Bogatell is my favorite beach area to hang around. It's more known by locals, less crowded, and perfect for those who would like to play volleyball.

Playa de Mar Bella

Barcelona is an LGBTQ+-friendly city. For this reason, there's a beach area for gay people. Playa de Mar Bella is the hotspot, where gays meet and embrace their lifestyle. It's a beach where nudity is also allowed.

Around the beaches, many operators offer different activities. Looking to rent a stand-up paddle or jet ski? You find an offer at any of the beaches I mentioned above. Prices for a paddle board start around 15€ for an hour and a jet ski 75€ for 20 minutes. There are operators for kitesurfing, parasailing, kayaking, and many more.

Additionally, as I already mentioned above, volleyball is a huge thing in Barcelona. Especially at Playa de Bogatell, you'll find a group to join with and play.

One of the main reasons I visited Barcelona for the first time, was because of its many shops. You can spend easily a whole day shopping (or maybe two).

One of the most popular spots to shop is in Paseo de Gracia, a long street that starts from the metro station 'Diagonal' and ends at Placa de Catalunya. At the beginning of the street, you find the luxurious brands. The big fast-fashion stores, such as Zara, Bershka, H&M, Uniqlo, and many more are located on this street too.

The area around Placa de Catalunya houses even more stores. Primark and Urban Outfitters are around this place as well.

Another great street for shopping is the famous street called 'Las Ramblas'. It's best for buying souvenirs. A must-visit at 'Las Ramblas' is the market 'La Boqueria'. The market sells fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, meat, and many more delicacies.

For everyone who's more into second-hand shopping, the area 'El Raval' is your place. It also is home to many alternative shops.

The Gothic Quarter is the best place to find smaller boutiques and traditional stores. Here you find antiques, books, artisan clothing, and accessories.

If you're more into shopping in a center, Barcelona's got your back. Westfield Glories is a huge mall with typical stores you probably find in every mall.

🤫 If you're living outside of the European Union make sure you get your taxes back. A very easy process. Just request a tax-free form whenever you buy something and as soon as you get to the airport, many offices will refund the taxes.

It's a vivid city and partying is not only for the weekends. Every day can be turned into a party night with bars open until late at night. Famous DJs playing in one of the many beach clubs. I promise it won't get boring.

Along the coastline, you'll find famous beach clubs such as Pacha, Shoko, Opium, Carpe Diem, and many more. They're all located in the same section and compete by hosting international artists.

Those areas are known for having a high number of bars and pubs. Doing bar hopping in Barceloa is a fun activity, where you can enjoy tasty cocktails and live music.

🦉 Barcelona's nightlife is for night owls. It tends to start later than in many other places, and it gets busy mostly after 10 or 11 p.m. and the clubs come alive after midnight.

Barcelona is home to many famous electro festivals, such as Primavera, Sonar, and Brunch.

I only went to Brunch (twice!) and it was overall a great experience. The festival is almost every weekend during the high season. At the end, they close their festival season with a three-day event, with the craziest line-up. Highly recommend!

Barcelona is a big city, with lots to offer. It's not easy to decide which area is the best place to stay and can be a hard decision. The question 'Where to Stay in Barcelona?' can be a tough question. Especially, when you're on a budget.

To make your decision easier, I'd like to introduce you to eight different areas, which all have their pros and cons. Additionally, I added a few recommendations for hotels, hostels, or Airbnb I know they must be good (based on personal or other experiences).

Barceloneta (1)

For those who'd like to stay close to the beach and be quite close to the center, Barceloneta is your area. The beach clubs are only walking distance away.

Vila Olimpica (2)

A neighborhood located along the waterfront and also known as Olympic Village. What's best about this area, is that it's situated along the coast, for those who want easy access to sand and sea.

It's well-connected, which makes it easy to reach other parts of Barcelona. Additionally, it is quieter than the city center. Due to those facts, this area is best for families who are looking for a more relaxed environment.

El Raval (3)

Diversity and multicultural are two terms that speak for the area. It's home to several cultural and artistic institutions, that often host exhibitions, concerts, and events. This area gets quite noisy during nighttime with numerous bars, cafes, and clubs.

Gothic Quarter (4)

For everyone who would like to live in the heart of the city's history. The Gothic Quarter is the old town of Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter is known for its narrow streets, many charming plazas, and unique architecture.

El Born (5)

Located right next to the Gothic Quarter, El Born is a trendy and vivid area. It's home to many galleries, boutiques, and hip bars. This area is best for bar hopping and it's also close to the beach.

Eixample (6)

Is the newer part of Barcelona and is known for its iconic grid layout and modern architecture. Eixample is located near famous landmarks, such as Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo.

Staying in the area is quite expensive. The 360 Hostel Borne offers a bunk bed in a shared dorm that starts from 50€ per night. It's airconditioned and clean.

Sant Marti (7)

The district of Sant Marti is home to the areas of Poblenou, Diagonal Mar, El Clot, and Sant Marti de Provencal. It's a well-connected district, easily accessible by metro lines, trams, and buses. This area is best for people who are interested in experiencing a more modern and local side of the city. It's less crowded and lively compared to other areas.

A nice hotel next to Torre Glories is Hoxton . It's a mid-range hotel. The night cost 250€ for a standard bedroom.

The bohemian atmosphere is one characteristic of the Gracia neighborhood. It attracts numerous independent galleries, theatres, and craft shops. It's a pedestrian-friendly area with many plazas and squares to hang around. It's the best area to stay for those who want to experience a more local and artsy side of Barcelona.

During my five-week stay, I stayed with Maria, an Airbnb host . Although it was far away from the city center, I could not imagined a better stay. The room was clean and affordable. With a bicycle, the distance was not a problem at all.

Pocket picking in Barcelona is a thing and you'll get warned by everyone. Besides that, Barcelona is considered to be a safe city where you can walk around freely at night (also as a woman!).

I'd like to share a few local tips I got from locals to stay safe from pocket pickers:

Pay attention to your surroundings. Is it crowded? Make sure you have control over your belongings.

Never ever put your phone on the table! The thieves aren't afraid of taking away your phone in public places, nor do they care about daylight.

Don't leave your stuff unattended at the beach. It's best to bring an ocean bag with you and have your things with you all the time.

Use a crossbody bag. It's best to have your belongings in front of you.

Beware of distractions. An innocent-looking stranger who asks you for the way might work as a strategy.

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Barcelona travel blog — the fullest barcelona travel guide blog for a great budget trip for the first-timers.

Barcelona – the city of giant football team FC Barcelona, ​​the capital of Catalonia and together with Madrid is one of the two largest cities in Spain. But not only football in Barcelona, ​​it is also known as a cultural and art center, a major financial center of the Mediterranean region and especially the famous architectural works of two eminent architects who accredited by UNESCO are Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Barcelona is ranked as one of the three most successful city brands in the world, ranking first in Spain in terms of labor rate and GPD per capita in 2012. So, what to do in Barcelona? Let’s check out our Barcelona travel blog (Barcelona blog, Barcelona trip blog) with the fullest Barcelona travel guide blog for a wonderful budget trip to the marvelous city for the first-time from how to get there, best time to go, where to stay, what to eat, best places to visit, top things to do… to find out the answer!

• 18 fun things to do in Barcelona for FREE
• 5 wonderful tours with locals in Barcelona you should not miss
• What to buy in Barcelona? — Top 15+ must-have souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in Barcelona
• Barcelona itinerary 1 day — How to spend 1 day in Barcelona & what to do in Barcelona in one day
• Park Guell guide — The fullest information on how to visit Park Guell

Coming to Barcelona is to come and experience a diverse and unique culture, you can’t help overwhelming, admire when admiring the unique, weird architectures of Gaudi, walking on the La Rambla granite paved boulevard all day long without feeling bored, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of nightlife stretching along the beautiful coast of Barcelona.

Barcelona travel blog: A brief history and culture of Catalonia

Before you go to Barcelona, ​​you should learn a little about the history and culture of this city, because it has its own characteristics. Barcelona is the largest city of Catalonia (or Cataluyna in Catalan language), is a semi-autonomous region, a land of high independence despite belong to Spain. Catalonia has its own culture and language, is one of the richest and most developed regions, formerly a large country and invaded by dictator Franco. Later, when the Franco regime disintegrated, Catalonia, although nominally is a part of Spain, had its own voice and political independence. People here always aspire to be independent and separated from Spain to form a separate government and country, because of a proud part of its cultural and history, partly because Catalan always has to shoulder a lot of economic burden for a country of stagnation of Spain in recent years.

Coming to Barcelona you will clearly see the independence desire of this land, the national flag with red stripes on a yellow background is displayed everywhere in the city. Although the Catalan language is different, it is generally similar to Spanish (both belong the Romance languages), usually they only distinguish when they want to know if you are a native Catalan or not. Usually, people here do not speak English, but if you go to the shops or meet shop owners, people doing business and services… they speak English very well, so you should not worry too much.

Barcelona blog: When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

Barcelona is a Mediterranean city with sunny all year round, while the whole of Europe is in the cold of winter and it is usually cloudy and dark, but in Barcelona there are still sunny days, mild sunshine and warmth. It is possible to divide the appropriate periods to travel to Barcelona as follows:

• August: This is the peak month in the summer of Barcelona, ​​people here often go on their vacation so the city is quite deserted, many stores will discount, suitable for those who want to enjoy the quiet atmosphere here. However, this time many services and shops are closed, so be prepared that you will not find many services like other times of the year.

• April – June and September – November: This is the best time to go to Barcelona because the weather is very cool, pleasant, the temperature ranges from 20-25 degrees Celsius. One thing to note is in April usually coinciding with the Christian holiday of Easter, at this time almost all shops here will be closed, especially the famous Boqueria market located on La Rambla Boulevard, it will be really a pity, so you should remember to consider.

Barcelona travel guide blog: How to get to and getting around Barcelona?

We have written a very detailed article on how to get to Barcelona and how to travel around Barcelona here. Please read: How to get around Barcelona cheap? — 5 best way to get around Barcelona & how to travel around Barcelona?

Barcelona trip blog: What and where to eat when traveling to Barcelona?

Barcelona is a vibrant, bustling city and full of budget as well as luxurious restaurants or street food vendors. The eateries here open very late for the simple reason that the people of this city have dinner very late, but not so lazy as in other parts of Spain. Breakfast usually starts at 11am, then around 2pm – 3pm they will have lunch and dinner is usually at 9-10pm, or even later.

A highlight in Barcelona is that not only food but a lot of other goods and services here are very cheap compared to the common price in Europe. I used to buy a few blocks of milk here for only € 0.75 (even cheaper than in Vietnam ), bread, fruit or sausages, you only need to go to supermarkets to buy at very affordable price. In a upscale restaurant, the coffee is only € 2 / cup, beer is € 2.50 / cup, Mac Donald’s hamburger is € 4 / piece. If you want to eat seafood and fresh food, you should go to Mercado de La Boqueria market (Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain / Hours: Sunday: Closed) or two less famous markets, Mercat de l’Abaceria (Address: Passeig de Sant Joan, 184, 08037 Barcelona, Spain / Hours: 8AM–3PM; Sunday: Closed) and Mercat de la Barçeloneta (Address: Plaça Poeta Bosca, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain / Hours: 7:30AM–2PM; Sunday: Closed).

The most famous dish in Barcelona as well as in Spain is Tapas that selling in many shops on La Ramble street or Plaça de Catalunya square, which is the name of the snacks here, or go to La Bodegueta restaurant (Address: Rambla de Catalunya, 100, 08008 Barcelona, Spain / Hours: 6PM–1:30AM) which serves Tapas very delicious. While waiting for the late dinner you can enjoy a little Tapas and a glass of wine, such as Patatas bravas (the dish of fried potato cubes served with spicy sauce), Calamares fritos (fried squid), boquerones (anchovies), Croquetas de Jamo (jamon meatballs), Chorizo ​​(pork sausages), Pimientos asados ​​(fried chili peppers), Albondigas (meatballs) and berenjenas gratinadas (grilled eggplants with cheese), etc.

Another traditional dish not to be missed is Paella (Paella mixed rice dish), although it originates from Valencia. Paella is essentially a small pan of rice mixed with many flavors of the sea from seafood blended into the fragrant of rice, in addition, they also mixed with shrimp, squid, fish, … Eat whole the mixed rice pan will make you satisfied, full. Paella is a traditional dish present at most restaurants on the menu every Thursday, why? There are many explanations for this, but usually Thursday is the day that families here gather together and they choose Paella as the main dish.

As a coastal tourist city, Barcelona is also rich in seafood, you can easily find restaurants serving delicious seafood along Passeig Joan De Borbó street or in Port Olimpic area. Alternatively, to find a diner that serves local food you might go to Ciutat Comtal (Address: Rambla de Catalunya, 18, 08007 Barcelona Spain / Hours: 8:00 am – 1:30 am) , which is highly rated on TripAdvisor.

Barcelona travel blog: Where to stay?

With a friendly city and a low cost of living like in Barcelona, ​​you will have no difficulty to finding for yourself a good place to stay with a reasonable price. For backpackers like me, I simply go to Booking.com or Agoda.com (the booking websites that I often use a long with Hostelworld to find hostels in Europe) to find a place to stay in the center and near the Metro stations for convenient and comfortable travel, and I chose Urbany Hostel BCN GO! ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) . This hostel must be said to be very good from staff to facilities, the room rates is only EUR 10-15 / bed depending on the date of booking, clean room and beautiful furniture, separate from the lobby below so if there is a noisy party at night, it does not matter. You can refer to this hostel in my journal articles in Barcelona.

If you want to stay more luxurious, you can choose some good-rated luxury hotels such as Casa Fuster GL Monumento ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) or Majestic Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) located right in the heart of Passeig de Gracia, these hotels you do not have to worry about the quality service and utilities are available.

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Sixtytwo Hotel , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $160/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Rec Barcelona , a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $88/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Jazz , a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $114/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Axel Hotel Barcelona & Urban Spa , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $105/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Europark , a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $95/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Barcelona Universal , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $76/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more top hotels in Barcelona on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

In addition, to saving more you can find room on Couchsurfing or AirBnB . Remember to find room near the central area such as Placa de Cataluyna square, Passeig de Gràcia or near the old town of Barri Gothic for easy travel.

In addition, you can refer to one of the best Airbnb in Barcelona :

• Great Bedroom in Large Studio in Central Barcelona at $27/night.
• City Center Double Room Balcony Shared Bathroom at $69/night.
• Private room in apartment hosted by Marc at $23/night.
• Private room in apartment hosted by John at $25/night.
• Best location ever at $22/night.
• Great Place in Large Studio in Central Barcelona at $35/night.

–> Use this link https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185 , to register for an Airbnb account and book a room, you will get a discount up to $55 for the first booking.

Barcelona travel guide blog: Best places to visit and top things to do in Barcelona

Main tourist attractions and admission information:

• Casa Batlló: € 21.50
• La Sagrada Família: € 15- € 24
• Picasso Museum: € 11- € 16
• Palace of Catalan Music: € 18 (guided tour)
• Barcelona History Museum: € 7
• Port Cable Car: Round trip – € 12.50; one way – € 9.00
• Cycling tour: € 22 – € 24

Las Ramblas (La Rambla) Boulevard

This is a very famous walking street that anyone who comes to Barcelona definitely will also have a few walks here. This street is similar to Hang Ngang, Hang Dao night market in Hanoi’s Old Town, which is also a walking street with souvenir shops, but there are many basic differences. This granite-paved road is always crowded with tourists, but it is always clean and airy, from the people to the tourists always have a sense of common hygiene, no horns or jostle, hustle. On the two sides of the road are many shops, restaurants, cafes, clothing shops, .. but I do not encourage you to buy goods here because they are usually more expensive than elsewhere.

Continued reading…

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Road is Calling

More Than 50 Vital Travel Tips For Barcelona: Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Barcelona is a special city. It is the pearl of the Spanish coast and one of the most visited cities not only in Spain but in Europe and the entire world. People write songs, make movies about the capital of Catalonia, come to see and return. This city is truly wonderful. Howbeit, there are a few travel tips for Barcelona that every tourist, who plans to visit, should know.

When Mark and I visited for the first time (which was during our winter holidays in Spain ) we thought we were doing everything like locals. Instead, we made lots of mistakes, overpaid for some services and products, went to the most touristy restaurants, had some travel fails, and missed a few pretty cool experiences.

Only after we returned and spent more time with locals we learned that there are some unwritten rules and laws of this city, areas where it’s not advisable to go and things that one should not be doing. I believe these tips for Barcelona are important for everyone who hopes to have a beautiful holiday and the best travel memories.

FAQs And General Travel Tips for Barcelona

How Many Days to Spend in Barcelona?

We were in Barcelona two times and overall we spent one week there. Definitely, we didn’t see everything but honestly, it was enough. For us personally. Those people who are totally in love with this city will tell you that you should be coming for at least 1 week. But even if you have only one day in Barcelona , you can still squeeze in a lot of activities and see enough of the city. 

On average, a minimum of 3 full days in Barcelona alone is more than enough time to cover all major sights. But only if you can manage waking up early and going to bed late. There will be a lot to do.

However, in case if you’re having more spare time, I recommend spending other days on road trips from Barcelona . Beautiful coastal towns, located not far from the city, like Sitges , Vic, Montserrat , Tarragona  or Sant Pol de Mar,  for instance, have so much to offer.

Where to Stay in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a large and diverse city, full of many attractions and opportunities to spend time. It may seem that it’s not that easy to choose a suitable hotel or apartment. This is why I would like to share a few of my favorite places. Maybe they’ll give you a better idea of where to stay.

On our first visit, we lived in El Poble-sec district and tried to explore on foot everything that was nearby. Most of our time we spent in the Gothic Quarter, at the waterfront in La Barceloneta and El Born. I truly fell in love with the Gothic Quarter neighborhood and wished we could spend there a few nights.

For you, it may be different. Barcelona has many wonderful neighborhoods where to stay.

The choice of the area where you’ll want to live depends on the purpose of your trip . Here is a quick overview of all main neighborhoods and the best areas to stay in Barcelona:

The Old or Historical City. The historical part of Barcelona includes the famous La Rambla, Raval, the Gothic Quarter, and the medieval El Born quarter. Life in the city center is very colorful. Housing is expensive, but you can easily get anywhere in Barcelona.

Barceloneta . Part of the Old Town was once a fishing village. Today, if you plan a beach vacation, choose this part of the city with lots of nightclubs, bars, and parties.

Eixample . The area around the Sagrada Familia is a great place to stay in Barcelona if you plan to do sightseeing. It is rather quiet and will suit perfectly families with children and those who come to shop.

Gracia . Despite the distance from the sea, this beautiful area is popular with tourists. A small but famous Guell Park is located in Gracia, and some of the best bars and restaurants in Barcelona are in this neighborhood.

El Poblenou . This neighborhood by the sea will appeal to lovers of beach holidays and those who are either flying to Barcelona to hit one of its beaches or go on a cruise.

It is known for its silence along with good seafood restaurants. If you are looking to spend a day or two before or after your cruise, El Poblenou can offer various types of beautiful accommodation located not far from the cruise terminal area .

Nou Barris . If you are a budget traveler who is looking to save on accommodation, choose the Nou Barris neighborhood and stay in the northern part of it closer to the Collserola Natural Park. The green corner is connected to the city center by public transport, so getting to the most famous places is not difficult.

Here are two more accommodation options where we stayed on our other visits to Barcelona:

HOTEL PRAKTIK BAKERY: This unique mid-range hotel has nice rooms in a perfect location and its own bakery with delicious food. Here, you will have a comfortable bed, a quiet setting, and a fantastic bakery with lots of yummy goodies. Casa Mila is only 50 meters away and Casa Batllo is 150 meters away. It takes around 10 minutes to walk to Catalonia Square and Old City.

RAMBLAS APARTMENTS: Stay in a modern and beautiful apartment in the heart of the city in one of the most historic buildings. This apartment is one of the cheapest options among those accommodation places which are close to the Gothic Quarter. The apartment has everything you need, is clean and very quiet even though the location is very central.

How to Get From Barcelona Airport to the City?

There are two airports near Barcelona. One is Girona, 103 km away from the city, and El Prat, 17 km away. Most flights arrive in El Prat. And there are several ways how to get from El Prat airport to Barcelona:

• By train. It is the most budget option. It departs from Terminal 2 every half an hour. Once you get in the Barcelona metro area, you can either switch to a metro or walk out into the city. The price of a ticket from the airport to the Passeig de Gràcia station is €4. Travel time is about 30 minutes.
• “Aerobus” buses will take you to Barcelona in the same 30 minutes, but you don’t have to wait for them for too long. They depart every 5-10 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2. A ticket costs € 5.90 one way and you can purchase it online on the carrier’s website or directly from a driver. Cash only.
• By Taxi. The cost is between €25-30, but it saves up to 20 minutes of time.

Many low-cost airlines fly to Girona Airport. If this is the airport where you fly, the most convenient way to get to Barcelona is by bus. The ticket costs € 3-20 depending on the carrier.

Please note, Girona is a very interesting city with unusual architecture. It becomes more and more popular among tourists. To us, Girona was probably our favorite place in the entire Costa Brava. If you get to fly to the airport there, definitely take at least a few hours to explore this city.

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Do I Need a Barcelona Travel Card?

Yes, if you intend to spend at least 3 days in Barcelona . It allows you to significantly save on travel and excursions.

Like many European cities, Barcelona has its own travel card – Barcelona Card , which lets you travel by public transport for free (including the train to/from the airport,) visit the most popular sights, get ahead of the line, and make purchases with huge discounts.

The price for three days is €45, for four days – €55, for five days – €60. You can buy a card in advance  or once you get to Barcelona. Although online saves you a few euros.

What to Wear in Barcelona

The following tips on what to wear in Barcelona will be useful for those who don’t want to look like tourists and prefer to blend in with locals.

The advantage of following the latest clothing trends is, first of all, safety. Wearing what locals wear helps to keep pickpockets away. If you are curious about what to pack and what to wear in Spain in general, read my step-by-step guide for all seasons.

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city with lots of different styles and motifs. However, when it comes to clothing and design, people tend to dress conservatively and in moderation.

HOW NOT TO STAND OUT AS A TOURIST IN BARCELONA

Although Barcelona is a cosmopolitan and bohemian city, there are some rules that you would need to follow not to stand out as a tourist. Here are some of them:

• If you are traveling between May and November, choose clothes made from lightweight fabrics. My personal picks are linen and ramie clothes. Linen is twice as strong as cotton and can be used for many years. Ramie threads are very strong which means that clothing made out of it can last much longer. Another thing, rami is antimicrobial and resists bacterial growth.
• In the summer months, do not wear tight jeans typical of Northern Europe, the USA or Canada. You will be really hot in them. Jeans of various styles are very popular in Barcelona and people wear them year-round. However, for the summer months, choose lightweight cotton jeans or pants.
• During the summer months wear clothing in light colors and during colder months give preference to darker and more subdued ones.
• When planning to visit religious sights, keep in mind that the church is still an integral part of the life of the Spaniards. Therefore, wearing shorts or too open clothes when going to the church is disrespectful. Before going to Barcelona Cathedral, for instance, men should wear long trousers, and women should bring a scarf with them or wear a top covering their shoulders.
• You should dress up if you go to dinner in a fancy restaurant. It’s not that there will be a certain dress code, no. But an evening out in Barcelona means that people look nice and dress beautifully.
• Do not wear shorts around the city, those have a place on the beach. Those people who wear shorts are always tourists. Guys should wear trousers made of lightweight fabric while ladies should opt for a longer skirt or pants. They also protect you from the sun. Some locals also wear shorts but you’ll notice that it’s mainly the younger generation and those shorts are usually long.
• Do NOT wear a waist wallet. I personally like waist wallets a lot and they are always very comfortable, but not in Barcelona. During my time in Catalonia , I learned that thieves know very well that all tourists have waste wallets. That’s why they mastered how to steal them without you even noticing it.
• If you are a female who is choosing her Barcelona outfit, remember not to wear miniskirts, tops with straps or bikinis in the city center. This is despite the fact that the beach has a rule – the fewer clothes, the better it is. At the beach, you’ll see a lot of people having minimum clothes but in the city, Catalans dress more conservatively.
• You should not wear clothes of bright and shiny colors. You will notice that, as a rule, Catalans prefer muted, autumn colors such as green, yellow ocher, and burgundy. At the same time, there are youth stores with clothes of bright colors. Still, even young people choose them wisely. So, always remember that the Catalans are very careful about the combination of colors.
• Do not forget about shoes. Catalans love shoes, and a pair of shabby or dirty shoes can ruin the look. Again, choose something light and comfortable. In summer, by the way, leather sandals are very popular among locals.

WHAT TO WEAR IN BARCELONA IN WINTER

From December to February Barcelona gets really cool (not as cool as anywhere along the Northern coast of Spain , for instance.) At this time of the year, you’ll be comfortable enough to wear a pair of jeans you wear at home. At the same time, don’t forget to bring some warm clothes and a jacket.

It doesn’t rain often in Barcelona, ​​but still, rain is common. Therefore, it is worth taking a raincoat and an umbrella with you. Wear clothing that sits well and makes you feel comfortable. Catalans dress well. They pick up clothes according to their size, nothing too small or too loose.

In winter, people always try to look good. They wear tight-fitting jackets, boots and prefer dark or autumn colors.

WHAT TO WEAR IN BARCELONA IN SPRING

The beginning of spring is that time of the year when the weather is getting warmer with each new day. March though is still a bit tricky. It can be really windy and chilly, especially in the evening. You must be prepared for warm and sunny days and cool weather with occasional rains. This is why it is better to pack layers.

WHAT TO WEAR IN BARCELONA IN SUMMER

Oh, summer. This season in Barcelona is extremely hot. Heat and high humidity are why the weather may be unbearable.

In August, in particular, the humidity is especially high. During the day you will need to dress in clothes made of light fabrics and preferably light colors. Don’t forget a hat or a scarf made with lightweight material. In the evening, if desired, you can dress in clothes of darker colors.

WHAT TO WEAR IN BARCELONA IN THE FALL

It really depends on when exactly you are visiting Barcelona.

At this time of the year, the weather is pleasant and sunny, but with each week it is already getting cooler, especially in November. In fact, November can get pretty windy during the day.

Long sleeves, clothes made with thicker material and closed-toe shoes are your best bet for this month. If you are a female who likes wearing dresses and skirts, you may need tights or otherwise, you’ll be cold.

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What to Pack For Barcelona Besides Clothes

Besides clothing, here are a few more items that you definitely haven’t thought about but they will definitely come in handy.

Check them out:

First Aid Kit –  If you don’t speak any Spanish, it may be challenging to communicate with a pharmacist in Barcelona. Besides that, the names of many different types of medicine in Spain vary significantly from the same medicine in your home country. Some other medicines are available only by prescription. Pack everything you think you may need. If you have any health issues, it is a must to get your medicine before you leave.

Mineral sunscreen  – regardless of the time of year, there is almost always a chance to get some extra sun in Barcelona. If you plan to go sightseeing and do not go to the beach, choose a lighter face sunscreen or moisturizer with UV protection included. There is nothing worse than walking in March with a bright red face.

Moisturizing after sun lotion – Barcelona is a European leader when it comes to the number of hot days per year. Skincare is of special concern here. Locals start buying creams and lotions as soon as spring comes. Anywhere in and near touristy areas, prices are high and often in summer there is a shortage of popular items. So, when writing your Barcelona packing list, don’t forget about the protection from sun rays.

Tea – yes, tea. It is not really common for Barcelonians to drink a cup of strong hot tea any time in the morning or in the evening. Wine – yes. Coffee – also yes.  Famous Spanish drinks  – double yes.

But tea is not that popular. You’d need to go to a special type of store or market but most likely, there, you’ll find herbal tea only. Also, a cup of tea (the cheapest version of Lipton) in restaurants and cafes costs almost twice as much as coffee. So, tea fans, this is a serious travel tip for you on what to pack for Barcelona.

Comfortable Shoes – walking is the preferred way of moving around. And with so many attractions in Barcelona , you will be definitely spending a lot of time on foot. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, but don’t skimp on style. Think of a pair of Sam Smith or Converse for trainers, or even a pair of designer espadrilles or Birkenstock sandals for the warmer months. Do not pack any flip-flops unless you are planning to hang out mainly on the beach.

Handbag With a Zipper – If you have a handbag with a zipper, this means that you will be able to relax and not think about pickpockets who sniff around trying to steal someone’s phone or wallet.

General Travel Tips For Barcelona to Get the Best of Your Trip

Do Not Dine on La Rambla Street

One of the first Barcelona tips that everyone is going to give you will be about La Rambla street. Do not go to any cafes or restaurants there. Seriously.

Many locals along with travelers who have been to Barcelona multiple times, feel pretty sorry for tourists who inspiredly taste seafood, paella or tapas anywhere on La Rambla, not suspecting that all the dishes were just warmed up in the microwave but cooked three days ago.

The more you travel in Spain, the more you’ll be noticing that locals value freshly prepared food and know that it doesn’t cost a lot. Barcelona is no exception here. Unfortunately, though, it’s hard to find a place with such an approach to food on La Rambla street. Everything is overpriced there and, honestly, is not even close to authentic freshly made dishes.

If hunger is taking you by surprise in the Old Town, better delve into the neighborhoods of Gothic Quarters, El Raval or Born. Choose the “menu of the day” (Menu del Dia in Spanish) which includes a three-course meal with wine at a very reasonable price.

The cost of this meal in the center will vary from 12 to 14 euros per person. If you are anywhere near the Plaza Catalunya, I recommend checking the Centfocs  restaurant with excellent grilled dishes or the  La Lluna with a decent selection of fish and seafood. We also enjoyed the  butifarra sausage with rice dish at the  Bodega la Puntual restaurant and tapas with craft beer at Ale&Hop.

Do Not Pay Full Price For Museums

One of the most expensive types of sightseeing in Barcelona is visiting all the central museums and paying an entrance fee for tourists. This fee is set intentionally with a goal to make money on international guests, but there is a way around this scheme.

First of all, almost all the museums in Barcelona have free days to visit. Also, you can purchase the “ Barcelona Card ” which I mentioned earlier. It gives a discount on most museums and serves as a ticket.

For example, you can go to the National Museum of Catalonia for free on the first Sunday of the month, and to the Picasso Museum on Sunday after 15:00. Visiting CaixaForum , one of the best collections of contemporary art in Spain, is always free. In the same way, without paying a cent, you can enter the masterpiece Casa Mila and visit the first floor.

Many museums offer huge discounts if visiting a few of them during one trip.

Buy Tickets For All Main Attractions in Advance

Often, a lot of travelers get so inspired to visit Barcelona that they make one common mistake (we actually made it too on our first visit). And this mistake is about not buying tickets for the main attractions in advance.

You can order tickets online at home or arrange them at the hotel. But you have to do it if you don’t want to miss that place. With a ticket in your pocket, you will not only save time and effort but will be able to plan your day better.

Another thing to remember is that the number of tickets to attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, famous and incredible Gaudi work , or Park Guell, for example, is limited. So, there is a risk that there will be no tickets when you arrive. If you know you’ll want to go to all the main sights, plan accordingly not to be upset on your vacation later.

Do Not Spend Hours in Line to See the Sagrada Familia

According to most travel publications and every travel guide, every tourist simply must see the legendary Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This is why travelers always go there to take a look. However, the same travel publications do not say much about the kilometer-long lines, lots of groups of tourists who came on a tour, and rude guides who run around.

When Mark and I visited, we were pretty shocked by a mess near the cathedral. We didn’t want to waste our time and energy trying to get inside and be smashed by the crowd. Our mistake was not to purchase tickets in advance.

If you think that it is not enough to examine the cathedral from the outside only, I do advise you to buy entrance tickets to the Sagrada Familia ahead of time. The cost of an audio guide is €23.

If you are not keen on getting inside, admire the cathedral from outside and then visit one of the three hundred churches in Barcelona. Many of them do not have any lines at the entrance. Also, try to attend Sunday Mass in order to get in touch with the culture of the city.

NOTE:  The tradition of the Spanish Mass requires that any worship starts with confession and communion, and everyone who comes should participate. So feel free to be late.

Don’t Come to Barcelona to Visit Corrida De Toros

If you are hoping to find a bullfighting (Corrida de Toros) show in Barcelona, you simply won’t be able to. In fact, my travel tip here is that you probably shouldn’t be asking Catalonians about it.

Despite the fact that the so-called arenas still remain in Barcelona, bullfighting does not take place there at all. Since January 1st, 2012, bullfighting has been banned in Catalonia. Why? Because this activity is very cruel (don’t you think?) So there is no way to find traditional Spanish entertainment there.

Once the ban on bullfights was introduced to the public, the inhabitants of Barcelona tried to defend their right to a centuries-old tradition, but the authorities remained adamant.

Now the stadiums continue to be empty. Thousands of people who were working in this area were forced to look for another job. And until this day at any time of the year, you can still see spontaneous rallies against this law.

Apparently, some people find this topic a bit sensitive (in one way or another,) so it is better to avoid it. And not to expect to see this show in Barcelona.

Do Not Try To See Flamenco Show in Barcelona

Another travel tip for Barcelona I learned from a local is not to try to find the best flamenco show… because there is none. Nah, actually there are a few shows in the city (especially on the most touristy La Rambla street) but none of them are considered to be authentic.

Barcelonians perceive famous Madrid flamenco festivals with irony, and some even with open hostility and mockery. They simply don’t understand why Madrid holds those festivals at all since flamenco comes from a totally different region.

For this reason, dance and music performances in the flamenco style in Barcelona are arranged only for tourists, which does not mean a high level of the show. Plus, they are not cheap at all.

If you have the desire to experience the local music, instead choose a Catalan rumba concert , watch the folk Sardana dance or go to one of the many clubs and learn how to dance the rumba . According to most tourists, the Catalans are the best in rumba. Despite the fact that it originated from Cuba, not Spain.

It may be a bit challenging to find a rumba concert but you can look at one of the sites where a list of events in the city is published every day: Time Out Barcelona or NitBcn (in Spanish only.) For Sardana dance , you can watch it on any Sunday on the square in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona . This is the spot where Barcelonians dance!

Make Sure to Visit Free Events in Barcelona

Barcelonians are definitely not the homebodies. They enjoy spending time outside the home walls. At the same time, they prefer going to the movies, theaters or museums for free events that take place throughout the city almost every week.

It can be either one-day entertainment (concerts, dances, exhibitions in the central squares), or larger-scale district holidays – fiestas de barrio . They last up to two weeks and include a wide variety of entertainment for people of all ages.

So, the Gracia district is famous for the annual holiday, which takes place in the second half of August. Residents decorate their streets in any theme they want but do not reveal it until the last moment, hoping to win a prize for the most impressive idea and performance.

One of the famous spectacles is that of human castells and towers. Several teams from different areas or cities of Catalonia gather in the squares. Their task is to build the highest pyramid of people. The pyramid is considered built only if each casteller of one team successfully stacks upon one another with a little girl climbing to the very top and then successfully gets down.

Usually, you get to see this show every other October in Tarragona. However, from time to time very similar shows are held in Barcelona too, just on a smaller scale. And they are free. It is something worth seeing for sure.

Do Not Visit Barcelona in August

Surprisingly, I keep finding various resources that say that August is the best time to visit Barcelona and Spain in general. And somehow, too many travelers adhere to this opinion.

For indigenous Catalans though, August is that time of the year when every second person wants to leave the city. There are so many crowds of tourists, exhaust from double-decker buses, extremely high prices, heat and other “delights” of the high season.

If you can, avoid Barcelona in August by all means. For tourists, August is a month of the highest prices, kilometer-long lines, and increased activity of pickpockets. The best time to visit Barcelona is spring or fall. Even the winter season there  is pretty good too.

Do Not Go to Barceloneta Beach for Sunbathing and Swimming

Barcelona is a big city with a high population and with so many tourists visiting each year. Everyone who visits Barcelona somehow strives to go down Rambla street and relax on the central beach. But why?

During the warm months, this beach gets so packed that there is no room left. The water and sand are covered with garbage.

Barcelona has a few other beautiful beaches which are way calmer. I personally wasn’t impressed by any of them but the most remarkable one was probably the Sant Sebastia beach.

It is much better to go out of Barcelona on a day trip and relax on the beach of nearby towns. For example, the towns of Sitges , Ocata or Sant Pol de Mar are so cute and have some of the best beaches in Spain.

Do Not Walk Around Barceloneta Wearing a Swimming Suit

Barcelona is a resort city, but locals, who are working and doing their routine, do not like to see half-naked tourists. Seriously, I don’t think people are walking in swimming suits in a place where they live, so it is really surprising why they are doing it on their travels.

Show respect. Put some clothes on when leaving the beach. Nowadays the selection of beach clothing is really wide. Everyone can find something to his taste and budget. It is not difficult to cover up and wear at least a pareo or shorts and a t-shirt.

Do Not Shop At the Boqueria Market

Locals know that the most popular market in the center of Barcelona on La Rambla street is a tourist attraction. They never shop there and don’t recommend their guests doing it too.

It’s been said that the Boqueria market is the place for the freshest seafood, vegetables, and the best dry-cured ham. Perhaps, but when we went there on our first visit (back then we didn’t know it was a tourist trap) we were not able to see anything because of the crowds of tourists.

All the products on the market do not meet the price-quality ratio. Prices are insanely inflated while the product’s quality is below average. All of this is done on purpose to attract naive tourists and make money on them.

Instead of going to this market, go to one of 40 other markets in Barcelona. There, you’ll find absolutely the same products but at a lower price and groups of tourists won’t be running around. Moreover, many of the bazaar buildings were rebuilt in the past decade, so today they look like architectural art.

If you live in the very center of Rambla and want to go to the market, better visit the market of St. Catherine .

Don’t Fall Prey to Thieves

Overall, Barcelona is very safe. Yet, it has a very sad reputation as a city with particularly impudent pickpockets and robbers. In fact, you can find theft anywhere where crowds of people are. Barcelona attracts hundreds of thousands of people, so no wonder pickpockets thrive.

Take the basic precautions to avoid being pickpocketed and notice what’s happening around you.

Even during the day, when walking around the city, don’t put a wallet in your pocket, keep your purse or a handbag in front of you, so you could see it. For the bag, try to have a simple one without any famous brand names. Expensive clothes and bags attract the attention of any thief. Also, don’t wear too much jewelry and large amounts of cash with you, especially in the bustling tourist quarters late in the evening.

Do Not Ride in Taxis

Taxis in Barcelona are very expensive. Plus, taxi drivers often try to fool tourists.

It’s much easier to buy a T-casual and take the subway. Yes, it gets stuffy there and sometimes pickpockets sniff around, but the metro is much cheaper, and often faster.

Ticket T-casual is a travel card that allows you to travel in Barcelona on all types of public transport: buses, metro, FGC (another type of metro), trains, and trams. T-casual is designed for 10 trips, this is how it got its name. Moreover, one trip up to 1 hour 15 minutes in one way means you can use different types of transportation, not paying anything extra.

If you spend more than the specified time, you will have to pay again. Not many people know though that within 1 hour and 15 minutes they can change transport 3 times.

Buying a T-casual ticket helps you save on transportation and makes the entire travel experience around Barcelona much easier.

Do Not Forget to Check Business Hours

The work schedule of banks, stores, and many restaurants in Spain differs a lot from what you are used to back at home.

Restaurants and cafes usually open later than anywhere else in Europe or the U.S., in the afternoon there may be long breaks for a siesta. Also, they may be closing earlier.

Check the working hours of the business you need in advance.

15 Extra Important Tips On Safety in Barcelona

In order to stay safe in Barcelona you should be following these simple rules:

1) If you plan to walk and use public transport a lot, do not display any valuables and try not to look like a tourist. What I mean by that is that you shouldn’t be stopping around each corner to look on your map, take photos of every single building, and walk looking around at buildings.

2) Pickpockets and crooks usually work in groups. So they can easily confuse a tourist. How it usually works is that one person (or several) come to a tourist trying to ask some questions (or trying to help with something) while another person skillfully robs him/her. If you are approached by a group of people who are persistently trying to get your attention, quickly turn away and leave.

3) Always carry with you only the amount of money that you may need during the day, not more. Leave valuables you don’t need in a safety box in a hotel.

4) Do not carry a backpack behind your back, especially in the subway. This is actually not only a good tip for Barcelona but any other large city. I was a few times in a situation when pickpockets were trying to open my backpack in the subway. It taught me to carry my backpack in front, not on my back. Do the same.

5) Do not walk with the camera around the neck (or with other expensive items.) If you can, carry your camera in the inside pocket of your jacket (when visiting during colder weather.) If visiting in summer or the camera is too large for your pocket, then carry it in a small handbag over your shoulder. But keep the bag in front of you and not on the side. Do not use special cases for cameras. Use regular handbags with a zipper.

6) Do not put your wallet in the bag, keep it separately.

7) If you need to check the map, don’t do it on the street. Go to a cafe or coffee shop and do it there. Do not stand with a map on the streets. It’s like a red flag for pickpockets, indicating that you are a tourist in Barcelona and most likely a first-time tourist.

8) When in cafes and restaurants, watch your bags, purses, and wallets. This seems to be obvious, but on vacation, it is easy to “disconnect” and lose vigilance. Cafes are typical places where tourists lose their bags because they put them under their feet and don’t pay attention.

Putting a wallet in a jacket and hanging the jacket on the back of a chair is not the best idea too. Place the bag on the floor or a nearby chair so that you can see it. If you can’t keep an eye on it all the time, wrap the straps of your bag around the chair or table making it difficult for anyone to carry it away.

9) Apply extra caution if someone drops money in front of you, asks for a donation, etc. This person may be a thief. As soon as your attention is distracted, the distractor himself or his accomplices rob you.

Oh, and beware of the famous “bird poop.” Someone may come up to you saying that you have bird poop on your back or shoulder. And then he’ll try to help you clean it while digging into your pockets. This scam has already gained notoriety and is quite common.

10) Be especially careful in the area of ​​train stations. Railway stations are the places of the greatest concentration of pickpockets and thieves. Here, people can involuntarily cling to you or come very close, for example, when boarding or leaving the subway cars.

Pay extra attention to where you put your wallet. Pickpockets may be closely watching you, so they will know where you keep the money. They will track where you put your purse or wallet after you pay for the tickets.

TIP: Do not use a wallet in public. Do not put tickets in your wallet or purse. Better keep some change to pay for tickets or book them before traveling to the railway station.

11) Pickpockets work very fast. After their work is done, they disappear in a blink of an eye. Pay attention to others and what they are doing. Pickpockets are usually busy with one thing – looking out for tourists and their bags, they are not interested in anything else. Therefore, look around and observe. A lot of pickpockets hang out at Las Ramblas street.

12) Find out exactly what your insurance covers and make sure you meet the policy before you start exploring in Barcelona. Also, if you lose anything, report it to the police within that timeframe which is set by the insurance company, receive an official report, and only then contact the insurance company. Purchasing insurance doesn’t guarantee much unless you follow their guidelines.

13) Do not walk with your passport. Keep it in a safety box in a hotel. But make a copy of your ID because under Spanish law you should have it with you.

14) Do not walk on dark streets, especially alone.

15) Do not leave things on the beach unattended. If you want to go swimming, leave everything valuable in the hotel.

Famous Barcelona Scams To Be Aware Of

A Game of Thimbles

This is a well-known scam in Barcelona that takes place on La Ramblas street every day. I am really surprised how many tourists fall for this trick over and over again until this day.

So, in this game, a leader tells a participant to put money on the ball under the thimble. Then he puts a ball under one of the three thimbles, moves them and the player needs to guess where the ball is.

While you are watching this “show”, you have no idea that more than 10 people are involved in this fraud. They all gather near the leader, thereby attracting tourists. The victim is attracted by the crowd and watches the performance. People bet on what thimble the ball is under and guess every bet. The victim becomes really amazed by how easily everyone guesses the right answer.

Then other tourists pass by and also join in. Some of them win, some of them lose, but then recoup and leave with money. Each time, the victim thinks that the players have guessed with a bet.

The host of the “show” then offers the victim to make a bet, while he is very persistent. It is difficult to give up the temptation to bet, especially when there are so many winners around. Eventually, he or she thinks: “Why not?”

The victim bets his money but, of course, he loses.

Arguing won’t help much. You will leave with the feeling that you were deceived.

When you stumble upon this performance, just pass by. It is a very popular scam.

Police Officer Scam

Another Barcelona scam that is becoming more and more popular is about fraudsters posing as police officers.

Usually, a few people are involved. They appear to be policemen and say they have seen how the person they are following has approached you. So they ask you to show your documents which most people keep in their wallet. As soon as you get the wallet, they will grab it and run away with it.

What can you do in this case? First of all, it is easy enough to identify the police in Barcelona. It is unlikely that a policeman will randomly come to talk to you. If you are really stopped by a policeman who wears a uniform, ask him to show you the badge and the document and check it to make sure it is real.

It was one very long post but I included all travel tips that I wanted to share. Anything else to add that didn’t get on the list? Share your thoughts!

More Posts With Travel Tips for Other Countries

• Travel Tips for Ukraine – things to know and avoid
• Istanbul travel tips – my best recommendations based on all that time that I spent in this city
• Kenya safety tips – answering questions on safety in Nairobi, Mombasa and beyond
• Safety Tips for Montenegro – how safe is Montenegro for tourists

Looking for more posts on Spain? Browse here !

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

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hii i like ur post

Thanks for sharing this awesome travel post! Your writing and photos have really transported me to the destination you’re describing. One suggestion I have for future travel posts is to include some tips or recommendations for things to do or places to eat in the area. As a reader, I love getting insider tips from locals or experienced travelers. Additionally, it might be helpful to include some practical information, such as the best time of year to visit or any important cultural norms to be aware of. Overall, great job and I’m looking forward to reading more of your travel content!

Hi Loren, thank you for stopping by and for your tips!

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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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Barcelona travel blog: The best hotspots and things to do in Barcelona, Spain!

Have you planned a city trip to the uber-trendy Barcelona soon? Then in this blog might be useful to you since I will share all my tips on my favourite restaurants and activities in this beautiful city. All the Barcelona hotspots!

Tips for Barcelona

Barcelona is hot and happening! Just a two-hour flight from the Netherlands you already have sun, tapas and sangria! And of course the Sagrada de Familia. There is always something to do in this bustling city. From sultry parties till sunrise to cool art exhibitions and beach volleyball sessions on the beaches.

Barcelona is one of my favourite cities in Europe, but honestly, that has only been the case for a couple of years. Before that, I did n’t like Barcelona that much. Madrid, where I lived twice, that was the best city in Spain. But I couldn’t have been more wrong! Last year we went to Barcelona three times, in spring, summer and autumn. I loved to be so close to the water, to be able to eat tapas everywhere and to be in the middle of a bustling city.

More travel inspiration on Spain? Read this blog with the best restaurants and hotspots in Madrid !

The best food hotspots and restaurants in Barcelona!

Food in Barcelona is simply the best! Below you will find per type of meal some very nice hotspots and restaurants in the always bustling Barcelona. Also handy, the location of every restaurant and bar on Google Maps is immediately listed!

Best restaurants for breakfast, lunch and brunch in Barcelona

Even though Spain is not immediately known for the extensive breakfast, in Barcelona you can have an amazing brunch, breakfast and lunch scene! Where can you eat all these amazing dished? Be sure to visit the following restaurants in Barcelona!

Brunch & Cake  – the best brunch in Barcelona

Oooo this is thé brunch hotspot in Barcelona and it’s sooo good, only thinking about it makes my mouth watering! They serve huge plates with semi-healthy food. There are currently several branches, my favourite location, is the one on the boulevard! Click here for the location on Google Maps!

Flex & Kale  – the most Instagramable restaurant in Barcelona

This place will let you take this perfect Instagram food photos. Beautiful interior, great food and all are mega healthy! The portions are not too big, and certainly not cheap, so keep this in mind. When possible, go sit on the roof terrace, which is this kind of hidden city garden. Click here for the location on Google Maps!

Alsurcafe  – Spanish breakfast in Barcelona

It’s nice sitting inside, but also on the terrace outside is lovely. They serve good breakfast, but also a proper lunch and in the evening you can have a glass of wine here. Click here for the location on Google Maps!

Milk Barcelona  – American pancakes in Barcelona

Wow, the food here is certainly not healthy, but really delicious. Think milkshakes and American pancakes in an American Diner. It is always completely full here, therefore arrive at least half an hour before opening time. Click here for the location on Google Maps!

El Casal  – French cuisine in Barcelona

Cute little restaurant. The kitchen is French-Spanish. During lunchtime, they have the best ‘ Menu Del Dia’. Both delicious and good value for money! Click here for the location on Google Maps!

Off the beaten track in Spain: Andalusia! Perfect for a weekend getaway or longer holiday! Find tips and more in this Andalusia blog !

Best dinner hotspots in Barcelona!

From tapas to Italian, from a quick bite to a long dinner: in Barcelona, there is something for everyone when it comes to dining and eating out. Here are the four best restaurants for a delicious dinner in Barcelona!

Casa Lolea  – French-Italian food in Barcelona

This is the most perfect French-Italian place. Really great food for a good price. Please do: make a reservation otherwise you will not have a table. Click here for the location on Google Maps!

La Paradeta  – Best fish in Barcelona

Do you like fish? Then this is a must-visit! The waiting line starts half an hour before opening and is usually full of locals. When you go inside, you will see a counter full of the finest freshest fish just out of the sea. You choose your own fish, indicate how much you want and then it is prepared. There is no English spoken. This is not a fancy place, think of bright fluorescent light and napkins on the ground. But the great fish will make you forget this immediately. Click here for the location on Google Maps!

Mosquito  – Asian tapas in Barcelona

This is an Asian restaurant where you can eat delicious Dim Sum. In addition, there are many special beers. For Ries, it was his first time eating Dim Sum at this place. The first of many times… he was hooked on it immediately. Click here for the location on Google Maps!

El Vaso de Oro  – The best tapas in Barcelona

Well, there is obviously also a tapas restaurant included in this section. At El Vaso de Oro you will only see locals. You will find yourself hanging at the bar, ordering food from the glass showcases. This will be served within a few minutes. My favourite? The grilled, salty peppers. Click here for the location on Google Maps!

Six awesome things to do in Barcelona!

Six fun activities and things to do for a city trip to Barcelona!

1. Rent a Supboard and go Supping (Stand Up Paddle) in Barcelona!

2. must do activity in barcelona: bike around the city.

No, of course not an organized bike ride, but just rent a bike for a few euros and drive around the city. Barcelona is getting more and more cycle paths every year, and being a Dutchie (we bike everywhere in The Netherlands) we really noticed that the people of Barcelona are slowly getting used to bicycles. We especially liked the challenging rides in the hilly surroundings of Montjuïc.

3. Must visit sight:  Cable Car Montjuïc .

This is really a classic thing to do when you are in Barcelona. When you have climbed up the Montjuïc, catch your breath while enjoying the view of the city, sitting in one of the Cable Cars.

4. Skating, walking or running on the boulevard!

5. take an excursion to montserrat (mountain & monastery).

Just outside Barcelona is the Montserrat mountain. During half a day you will get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and wander through nature. Of course, you will also visit the beautiful monastery that has been carved into the rocks. During the tour, you will learn everything about that age-old building. With public transport, it is quite difficult to get here (and not very cheap), so save yourself the hassle and visit this place with a tour. Click here to book an excursion to Montserrat.

6. Visit Gaudi’s houses: Casa Batlló, Casa Milà

In addition to Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia, the famous architect and artist Antoni Gaudi have also designed two beautiful houses: Casa Battlo and Casa Mila. These gigantic buildings are beautiful to see from the outside as well as from the inside. From crazy corners, strange towers that are connected by narrow stairs to beautiful mosaics and art. A walk through these houses is really one of my favourite activities in Barcelona.

Each house can be visited separately. Click here to directly buy tickets for Casa Battlo (with audio guide). And click here to buy priority tickets for Casa Mila (with audio guide). If you would like to take a tour, consider visiting them both and also going directly to Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia. Click here for such a Gaudi tour of more than 10 hours.

The best accommodation in Barcelona: hotels!

Below you will find the best accommodations in Barcelona. There are three hotels in different price ranges. From a budget hostel to a mid-range hotel and then a luxury option! Be on time booking these places, the hotels below are very popular.

Primavera Hostel is the budget option in Barcelona. The rooms are playfully decorated and you are close to the Sagrada Familia. There are beautiful private rooms, but also dorms. From 61 euros in a private room (two people).

This modern hotel is located in the middle of a bustling neighborhood. The lobby is already a picture, but the rooms themselves are delightful and fully equipped! You stay here from 95 euros with a private terrace (two people).

Cool off in the pool: check. Near the Sagrada Familia: check. Gym: check! Wonderful beds: check! Hotel Barcelona 1882 has it all! You sleep here for as little as 155 euros including a delicious breakfast (two people).

More blogs on Spain

A holiday to andalusia (south of spain): what to do in malaga, madrid travel blog: the 16 best restaurants and hotspots in madrid (spain), mallorca travel guide: 6 cool things to do & our favorite mallorca hotspots.

Thanks for sharing this amazing barcelona hotspots.

Amazing post!! I would add a private boat trip along the coast of Barcelona to anjoy the skyline from the sea. We did it last year with www.rentaboatbarcelona.com and it was the best part of our trip. Enjoy Barcelona!!

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20 Barcelona travel tips & hacks | First-timers in Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona Barcelona Travel Guide Barcelona Travel Tips

There are many reasons to keep Barcelona in your bucket list. The Catalonian capital is one of the best places to bask in the Iberian sun. The nightlife at Barcelona is glorious and the architecture is bound to take your breath away. Barcelona is also home to some of the most friendly people in Europe. However, that doesn’t mean that the city is free of vices that afflict all popular tourist spots in the world. There are numerous tourist traps waiting to bait inexperienced travelers. If there is a language barrier, you are even more susceptible to end up with bitter experience, just like many other visitors. This is why we have compiled an exhaustive list of tips, tricks, and warnings that are certain to come in handy when you visit Barcelona. Read on to know our curation of Barcelona Travel Tips along with insider tips on saving money on food, transport and other quick hacks!

Barcelona Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to Barcelona. Make sure you pack the right travel adapters. Also, brush up your Spanish maybe!

Language Spanish

Time zone GMT+2

Country Code +34

Socket Type F

Currency Euros €

Best Time To Visit Barcelona

April to July or September to November

Barcelona is blessed with a temperate climate, owing to the proximity to the sea. As such, Barcelona sees a steady flow of tourists during the entire year. So if you want to visit Barcelona during a quiet time of the year, April to July and September to November is your best bet. These are the shoulder seasons for tourism in Barcelona. A number of festivals and concerts take place in the city during this time, and the lower footfall means you can enjoy the beauty of Barcelona in peace.

Barcelona Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Beware of pickpockets in the city

Starting with the obvious, Barcelona is an immensely popular destination. No matter where you go in the city, you are bound to encounter some crowd. And this very crowd fosters pickpockets. So secure your money before leaving your room.

#2 Order Vermouth and Cava at the bar

You might immediately feel the need to order a sangria when you step inside a Barcelona bar, but you would be better off ordering a caramel and cinnamon infused vermouth. If you want to go fancier, order a cava, the staple white wine of Catalonia.

#3 La Barceloneta Beach should be Plan Z

You would hear a major section of Barcelona tourists say that La Barceloneta beach is a must visit. However, the sheer volume of visitors to that beach renders it completely saturated. Visit the relatively less popular ones, like San Sebastiá, Bogatell, Nova Icária, Sant Miquel, and Mar Bella.

#4 Plan to attend one of the many Barcelona festivals

Yes, coming to Barcelona during a festival might drop you into a sea of people, but at some point, you have to stop and think why do so many people attend these celebrations? Come to Barcelona around August-September and experience the festive side of Catalonia.

#5 Attend a concert at Palau de Musica Catalana

If you're a seasoned traveler, you might have been to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Palau de Musica Catalana is another heritage site. There is a reason that UNESCO felt this venue deserved the title, and you must attend a concert here to find it out for yourself. If you don't want to shell out for a concert, you can take the economically priced Palau de Musica tour and get a preview of the grandeur.

#6 Las Ramblas = Tourist Traps

Las Ramblas attracts a huge chunk of the tourist population in Barcelona. As a result, it is also the most famous hunting ground for tourist trappers. Starting from mass produced and low-quality street food to overpriced dance bars, Las Ramblas has plenty of dark tricks up its sleeve.

#7 Revel in the street art of Barcelona

The artistic inclination of Barcelona is extraordinary. Apart from breathtaking architecture, the city also features some of the best street arts in Europe. Worth the mention are the Peix at Carrer de Ramon and El Gato del Raval at Rambla del Raval.

#8 For the best panoramas, hike to Bunkers del Carmel

If you don’t mind a hike, you could climb to Bunkers del Carmel. This is a point from where the entire city of Barcelona is visible with the sea in the backdrop. The bunker was once used for defense purposes due to its strategic position.

#9 Get lost in the Gothic Quarters

The city of Barcelona is fairly urban. If at any point you wish to visit a place away from the commercial polish, the Gothic Quarter is where you should go. With its history, walking around this neighborhood will surely take you back in time. Keep the maps away and take a wrong turn. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Check out this interesting Gothic Quarter walking tour that acquaints you with the secrets of the street and Cathedral of the Sea

#10 Have a drink with the legends at Bar Marsella

Barcelona has been a cultural melting pot for quite a while. Numerous icons from various fields of art were known to frequent Barcelona. Bar Marsella is a long-standing institution in the city and was visited by the likes of Salvador Dali and Ernest Hemingway. Visiting this bar might get you close to these respected figures in history.

#11 You get the best souvenirs from flea markets

Undoubtedly, flea markets are the best place to discover gems and take them home for a reasonable price. Visit the Els Encants Vells flea market to buy paintings, jewelry, cutlery, and other articles at a very low price. Perfect for souvenir shopping.

#12 Gorge on some quintessential Spanish Tapas

Tapas are small portions of food which you are meant to get as an accompaniment with the drinks. However, in Barcelona, you can buy these small plates of food which come in an extraordinarily wide variety. You may even try tapas and drinks tours if you want.

39 Things To Do In Spain’s Wonder City

#13 go on a gaudi trail.

Many of Antoni Gaudi’s buildings are now ticketed and come with a full tour. However, Gaudi doesn’t just display his magic in the interior of the building. You can walk around the neighborhood appreciating the exterior of the likes of Casa Batllo and Casa Mila for free. However, if you have the money ( and interest ), you should most definitely step inside his buildings. They are magical!

Read more about Gaudi's best works and taking a Gaudi Trail by yourself .

#14 If you had to visit one of Gaudi's wonders, let it be Park Guell

One place we do recommend for an in-depth visit is Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell. Despite being located a bit far from the city center, Park Guell is worth the trip as it packs a lot of Gaudi’s works in the limited area. Moreover, you can pack a picnic if you want and make a day of your visit.

Discounted Park Guell Tickets

#15 There's no leaving Barcelona without some Flamenco

Small bars around Barcelona provide some of the best entertainment in the city. If you wish to experience Flamenco, skip the ones advertised at Las Ramblas and retire to a bar that where you can see this beautiful dance form unfold. Here are a few tips you'd like to know before heading for a flamenco show in Barcelona

Tickets to best Flamenco shows in Barcelona right now

#16 Arrive early at the nightclubs

Barcelona sleeps famously late. So arriving at nightclubs at around 11:30 can be considered early. What this does is it frees you from the exorbitant entry fee as the night rolls on. Arriving early and staying in can be a good way to save some money.

#17 Respect the political scenario of Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, the richest part of Spain. The financial discrepancy and cultural difference have, over the years, caused a rift between Catalonia and the Spanish government. Refrain from making offensive comments on the scenario as it is bound to get you in trouble.

#18 Football fans cannot miss Camp Nou

Home to FC Barcelona, Camp Nou has recently been renovated and is swankier than ever. By visiting the Camp Nou, you are not just walking into a mere football stadium, you are stepping into and experiencing history. Also, Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe and second largest in the world, in terms of capacity. Gotta see it! Read all about taking a Camp Nou Tour .

Discounted Camp Nou Tickets

#19 A day trip to Montserrat can be refreshing

The Montserrat mountain is a mere 50 km from Barcelona, Spain, and is thronged by tourists all year. Relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery, pray to the Black Madonna, hike up to the top of the mountain and watch the sunrise, view artistic masterpieces at the museum and listen in bliss to the famous boy choir in the Basilica - the possibilities are endless here. Here's what you must know before taking a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat .

#20 If you're traveling with kids, hit up the Zoo or Aquarium

Not too many people know about the Barcelona Aquarium and Barcelona Zoo , but both these attractions are a great place to keep your kids entertained. And, if you're an animal lover, you'll love them too. Spend a day with exotic breeds you may never have seen before and make memories for a lifetime.

Tips For Saving Money On Transportation In Barcelona

Book flights in advance.

Barcelona is a hot tourist destination. Flights in and out of the city are always in high demand. In order to not blow half your savings on flight tickets, make your bookings in advance. This will also help expedite the planning process.

Walk to attractions around the city

The city of Barcelona is quite delightful. It has aesthetically pleasing architecture and friendly people. If you have to travel a short distance from one attraction to another, take a walk. You will be able to see the city from close proximity as well.

Take the train from the airport terminal 2

Reach terminal 2 after landing at the Barcelona airport and take the RENFE train to Passeig de Gracia. You can then take a metro from there to the city. This a significantly cheap alternative to travel into the city.

Grab hold of the Barcelona Pass

The Barcelona Pass allows you to reap the benefits of big savings on both time and money, with or without a handy travel card, giving you unlimited access to the city's reliable public transport. Your attractions and travel needs are sorted with this one pass in hand. Check it out here .

Avoid cabs if you can help it

There are numerous modes of transport available in Barcelona. Cabs are, by far, the priciest of the lot. Try to leave for your destination so that you don’t have to hurriedly look for a cab at the last moment.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In Barcelona

Eat street food at the gothic quarters.

The Gothic Quarters of Barcelona go back centuries. It is drenched in history. As you familiarize yourself with the history of this locality, try the delectable street food from the hawkers. The one item that you absolutely cannot miss is the churro con chocolate.

Discover local cuisine at Barcelona’s neighborhoods

Local neighborhoods of Barcelona aren’t just famous for the mind-blowing architecture. The lanes of Poble Sec and Sants are lined with small but proficient restaurants and cafes. Instead of throwing money at the stalls at popular tourist spots, opt for the authentic dishes here.

Tip around 10% at restaurants

While it is not a stringent rule, a tip of about 10% is standard in Barcelona. So even if you are habituated to pay more than that in your country, remember that 10% is just enough.

Try the set menus for lunch

Menu of the day or menu del dia is probably the best and the cheapest way to explore the local cuisine in Barcelona. Several cafes and restaurants in the city offer a set lunch menu for as little as 15 euros. It includes a main, a dessert, and complimentary drinks.

Drink outdoors instead of bars and restaurants

This one is quite obvious. Restaurants charge steep service charges to bring your drink to your table. Bars also charge an entry fee late at night. Instead, grab a bottle of your favorite liquor from the shop and drink outdoors. It saves money and multiplies the fun.

More Tips To Save Money In Barcelona

• Visit museums for free : In Barcelona, the entry fee of many museums is waived on the first Sunday of every month. Given that these museums are the best places to discover the history and culture of Catalonia and Spain, you should not pass on this terrific opportunity.
• Book tickets in advance and online : In this day and age, online tickets are available for virtually every attraction. If you are heading to Barcelona, you should book online tickets in advance for as many attractions as possible. Not only will you save time, but you may also score lucrative discounts.
• Haggle hard when shopping : Haggling is a skill and you can use it to your advantage when shopping in the streets of Barcelona. There are numerous outdoor markets in Barcelona that are perfect for shopping for souvenirs. If you haggle, you can buy twice as much for the same amount of money.
• Rent apartments and airbnbs instead of hotels : Hotels come with a certain level of luxury. However, if you want to divert more of your kitty towards exploring the gems of Barcelona, you should opt for an apartment or airbnb instead. You can save money on food by cooking for yourself in the kitchen. Hostels in Barcelona are great too and most of them have free food or even kitchens.
• Visit during the shoulder season : The low seasons see a significant decline in the number of tourists. As such, it is not uncommon for hotels and motels to slash their rates significantly in order to attract more tourists. Low season in Barcelona is between January and March.

Top 10 Things To Do in Barcelona

I'm sure you have your itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in Barcelona. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Sagrada Familia

Barcelona is home to some of the world's most renowned architects and a treasure trove of stunning architectural marvels. Sagrada Familia, a Barcelona landmark designed by legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, is not one you can afford to miss. Any trip to the Catalan region would be incomplete without a visit to Europe's largest unfinished church.

2 Park Guell

The Park Guell is a representation of Gaudi's vision for English garden cities, located on an area of 18 hectares. This park, which was designed using natural elements as inspiration, features beautiful walkways, vast gardens and intricate sculptures.

3 Casa Mila

Casa Milà is a magnificent structure in its own right. What makes the building's history remarkable is that it changed hands several times and was on the verge of collapse before being restored. The rooms of the facility were used as apartments and workplaces. Gaudi utilized a variety of natural materials for the outside, while the interiors were brightly colored.

Camp Nou is Europe's largest football stadium, as well as the world's fourth-largest in terms of capacity. At a time, this enormous arena can accommodate up to 99,354 spectators! This magnificent edifice is an important landmark in football history; why not? After all, it is home to one of the most decorated and successful clubs in the world, FC Barcelona.

5 Flamenco Show

Flamenco is a passionate dance that is characterized by quick beats, hand clapping, finger snapping, and guitar playing. The performance is highly evocative and entertaining to watch. Watching a Flamenco show in Barcelona is something you absolutely must, must do.

6 PortAventura World

PortAventura World, located on the coast of rural Spain, is a family-friendly theme park with an excellent variety of on-site hotels, bars, and restaurants. It's packed with nerve-racking rides for all age groups and includes a wonderful range of on-site accommodations, bars, and restaurants to immerse yourself in.

7 Palau De La Musica

Palau de la Música Catalana, the spectacularly ornate concert hall located in the lovely Sant Pere sector of Barcelona, is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was designated as such because it is a symbol of their past and heritage, is a testament to Catalan culture and architecture.

8 Poble Espanyol

Poble Espanyol, which means "Spanish Village" in Catalan, is a beautiful blend of Spanish architecture and tradition located on Montjuic Hill's slopes. Poble Espanyol Barcelona is the ideal location to acquire a large mouthful of Catalan cultural sangria without having to travel across Spain.

9 Tibidabo Amusement Park

Tibidabo Amusement Park is one of the world's oldest open-air amusement parks, located in Barcelona on the Collserola Ridge. The park is named for its location on Tibidabo, which is the tallest peak in the Collserola range.

10 Gran Teatre del Liceu

The Gran Teatre del Liceu, often known as simply the Liceu, is a beautiful mix of 19th and 21st-century architecture. This theatre has withstood Spain's most tumultuous eras and evolved into the jewel of Catalan culture despite its age.

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What should i avoid in barcelona.

• Picking fights or getting too drunk in public
• Failing to observe basic safety precautions
• Walking around alone at night in unsafe neighborhoods
• Disrespecting local customs and traditions

What is the best time of year to visit Barcelona?

The best time to visit Barcelona is between the months of April and October. The weather is usually mild and sunny during these months, making it ideal for exploring the city. Keep in mind that peak season is from June to August, so you may want to avoid traveling during these times if you want to avoid large crowds.

What do I need to know before going to Barcelona?

• The city is large and spread out, so you will need to use public transportation or walk in order to get around
• Be prepared for pickpockets, as they are common in crowded areas
• Make sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as paella and sangria
• If you want to visit popular tourist attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia, it is best to purchase tickets in advance

Is Barcelona expensive?

Barcelona can be expensive, especially during peak season. However, there are ways to save money while in the city. For example, you can eat at cheaper restaurants, use public transportation instead of taxis, and stay in a less expensive hotel. Additionally, there are many free attractions that you can visit, such as the parks and museums.

Is Barcelona safe to walk at night?

Barcelona is generally safe to walk around at night, but there are certain areas that you should avoid. It is best to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and to avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods. If you do need to walk alone at night, be sure to take precautions such as carrying a pepper spray or keeping your phone close.

Why does Barcelona smell like sewer?

In some areas, the sewers are old and not well maintained, which can cause odors to seep up into the streets. Additionally, during hot weather, the sewers can release methane gas, which can also cause a foul smell. If you notice a strong smell of sewer while in Barcelona, it is best to avoid the area and move to a different part of the city.

Ready to explore Barcelona?

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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2025 Africa Cruises: Discover Madagascar, Zanzibar & South Africa

From the panoramic views from Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, to the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa's landscapes are as varied as its history and culture. Experience them on a cruise vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or it's your first time on the high seas, there's a cruise to Africa that's right for you.

Ports of call on a cruise to Africa include some of the most sought-after vacation spots on the continent. Norwegian also offers a range of exciting shore excursions so you don't have to lift a finger planning your next adventure. Just kick back, relax, and enjoy Norwegian's cruising experience. Keep reading to find out about some of the different ports you can experience on Norwegian's cruises to Africa in 2025 .

Ready to start planning? Explore all Africa cruises .

Cape Town, South Africa

As the country's oldest and most vibrant city, Cape Town offers a host of exciting activities. Visit Robben Island, where former South African president and activist Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for nearly three decades. Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Enjoy birdwatching on a hike through more than 1,300 acres of lush natural areas at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. At the ever-popular V&A Waterfront, you can spend the day shopping and dining along the edge of the harbor.

Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa is a mosaic of African, Indian, and Arabian cultures. Delve into the turquoise waters at Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve for waterskiing, snorkeling, and diving. You'll find stunning coral reefs and undersea shipwrecks to explore. Get off the beaten path at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, and get up close and personal with African wildlife, such as giraffes, elands, oryx, and ostriches, as they roam their natural habitat. At Shimba Hills National Reserve, discover African elephants, sable antelopes, Sykes' monkeys, and more.

Nosy Be, Madagascar

For the ultimate beach paradise, look no further than Nosy Be island off the northwest coast of Madagascar. Formed by volcanic activity, Nosy Be's lush, forested landscapes feature numerous craters and crater lakes. Nosy Be translates to Big Island, and this biodiversity hotspot lives up to its name. It's the ultimate outdoor playground for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Discover the heavenly scent of ylang-ylang on a plantation tour. Cast a line on a deep-sea fishing excursion. Hike the rainforest trails at Lokobe National Park in search of lemurs and chameleons.

Port Louis, Mauritius

At the heart of Port Louis , the lively capital of Mauritius, lies the Citadelle (Fort Adelaide). Built by the British in 1840 atop a towering hill, this basalt fort provides panoramic views of the city. Within walking distance, you'll find Champs de Mars, a thoroughbred horse racing track where you can enjoy an exciting day at the races. Stop by the Blue Penny Museum, which offers a detailed look at the art and history of the island. Wrap up your visit to Mauritius with a stroll along Le Caudan Waterfront, which features shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

RELATED CRUISES: 12-Day Africa from Mauritius to Cape Town: South Africa & Madagascar 14-Day Africa from Mauritius to Doha: Seychelles, Madagascar, Oman & UAE 21-Day Africa from Cape Town to Barcelona: Namibia, Angola & Ivory Coast

Port Victoria, Seychelles

Victoria , on the island of Mahé, is the capital of Seychelles and the republic's largest city. More than 200 plant species grow here naturally, and about 80 are found nowhere else on the planet. For this reason, the National Botanical Garden is a must-see attraction on your Africa cruise to Seychelles. Another top spot for cruisers is the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a natural palm forest that has remained nearly unchanged since prehistoric times. The reserve is home to the world's largest intact forest of coco de mer palm trees, which boast the biggest seeds in the plant kingdom.

Safaga, Egypt

Situated along the Red Sea, Safaga's hot desert climate, crystal-clear waters, and soft, white-sand beaches make it an ideal year-round port of call. Best known as a health and wellness destination thanks to the therapeutic properties of the local sand and mineral springs, Safaga is the perfect cruise port to relax and unwind. Alternatively, you can take part in various watersports, such as windsurfing, diving, or kitesurfing, in Safaga's warm waters. You can even take a day trip to Luxor, where you can delve into ancient history at the nearby Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.

Walvis Bay, Namibia

If you're hoping to glimpse wildlife on your cruise to Africa, Walvis Bay is the place for you. Situated at the edge of the Namib Desert, the town features a large lagoon, salt pans, and a bird sanctuary that attracts a diverse range of species. In the summer months, more than 150,000 migrant birds call the area home. Other animals you might spot in Walvis Bay include seals, dolphins, and whales. More adventurous cruisers can take a quad ride through the desert or try sandboarding.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Located just 22 miles off the coast of east-central Africa, Zanzibar consists of a chain of tropical islands. Its pristine beaches and colorful markets make it a favorite cruise vacation destination. Explore the diverse marine life among the coral reefs on a snorkeling adventure. Wander through the labyrinth of historic streets in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Unguja island. Sample the local flavors on a culinary tour through a spice farm.

These stunning cruise ports are just a few of the incredible destinations you can enjoy on a Norwegian cruise to Africa. Whether you're a history buff, sunseeker, outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or adventurer, Norwegian offers a host of itineraries for Africa cruises in 2025 .

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Money blog: Apple overtaken as world's second most valuable company

Nvidia has overtaken Apple to become the world's second most valuable public company; Disfrutar in Barcelona has been named the world's best restaurant; there's a new cola-flavoured Jaffa Cake launching. Read these and the rest of today's consumer news in the Money blog.

Thursday 6 June 2024 22:14, UK

• ECB cuts interest rates - and it could boost your holiday money
• McVitie's launches first ever non-fruit flavoured Jaffa Cake
• There's a new best restaurant in the world - this is how much it costs to eat there
• Now is the time to lock some of your cash away - here's why
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Amazon is now giving all its UK customers - not just Prime members - access to its grocery delivery service.

People living in more than 100 towns and cities will also be able to access same-day delivery without needing to be a member of its subscription service. 

This covers items from Amazon Fresh, Morrisons, Co-op and Iceland. 

It comes amid efforts from the online giant to grow its grocery business in the face of tough competition within the sector.

Prime members, who used to be the only ones who could access the service, will be given more delivery options and free shipping, subject to a minimum spend. 

US regulators are investigating the notorious meme stock investor known online as Roaring Kitty.

Keith Gill shot to fame in 2021 after he fuelled a buying spree of shares in beleaguered video game retailer GameStop. The stock passed $120 from as little as $3 in three months and saw hedge funds' positions rack up big losses.

Gill returned to online chat forum Reddit on Sunday with a post revealing he had a $116m (£90.8m) position in GameStop, telling his followers that he controlled 1.8% of the company's available stock plus call options that gave him the right to buy more.

This fuelled investor confidence in GameStop, with its market value surging as much as 75% before settling around 30% higher.

Gill's trading activities are now being examined by the Massachusetts securities regulator, while the e-trade division of US bank Morgan Stanley is considering banning Gill from its platform, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The renewed interest in GameStop has gathered plenty of momentum, as our business reporter James Sillars outlined here this week...

Some Lloyds, Halifax and the Bank of Scotland customers will be charged more to use their overdrafts as of August. 

The three major banks, which are all part of Lloyds Banking Group, are set to launch a new tiered system for determining interest rates which could see some customers paying an extra 10%. 

At the moment, Lloyds has a standard rate of 39.9%, but the overhaul will see some forced to pay 49.9% for using their overdraft. 

The new rates are set to be: 

The 27.5% rate currently being offered to Club Lloyds customers will also be axed. 

There will be specific criteria for each tier based on a customer's credit information and account activity. 

For those who will see a rise, the banks will introduce a temporary tier for six months, which means the initial impact will be no more than 7.4% of what they are paying at the moment. 

"We are writing to our customers to let them know we're introducing new interest rate tiers on our overdrafts," a Lloyds Banking Group spokesperson said.

"The changes mean many will continue to pay the same or less than they do today, while some may see an increase." 

Nvidia has overtaken Apple to become the world's second most valuable public company.

The AI microchip maker's share price has risen to be worth more than $3trn (£2.34trn) for the first time. 

Only Microsoft is a more valuable company listed on a stock exchange, while Apple has fallen into third place.

Nvidia shares rose 5% after a year of growth - with one share now costing $1,224.40 (£957).

Nvidia's chips are powering much of the rush into AI, which has seen it become a poster child of the AI boom.

Demand for its processors from the likes of Google, Microsoft and Facebook owner Meta have been outstripping supply. 

Nvidia's shares - up nearly 150% so far this year - are also being boosted by an upcoming move to split its stock by 10-to-one on Friday. 

Ian Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said the stock split will "bring its share price down and make it more affordable to investors". 

Tech companies - including Microsoft and Apple - have been racing to develop AI and embed it in their products.

Nvidia is a younger company than some of its peers, having been founded in 1993. Similar to many tech giants, it was founded in California in the US.

Britain is less likely to lose power this winter than it was last year, according to the company that runs the grid.

National Grid's Electricity System Operator (ESO) said it expects power plants, wind farms and other generation methods to be able to provide more than enough power to meet demand this time around. 

In an early outlook, it said the grid would have an average margin - the difference between supply of electricity and demand for it - of 5.6 gigawatts (GW) this coming winter. 

This means the period when demand might outstrip supply is just 0.1 hours.

The increased margins are in part because of improved capacity, thanks to a new 765km high-voltage cable that connects the UK's electricity network with Denmark.

The cable, called an interconnector, is known as the Viking Link, and started transporting wind power between the two countries in December.

New gas generation, growth in battery storage capacity and increased generation connected to the distribution networks have also contributed to the higher margins. 

Despite this, ESO's chief operating officer Kayte O'Neill has said it will still need to be "vigilant" due to uncertainties around global energy markets.

"As a prudent system operator we remain vigilant, continuing to monitor potential risks and working closely with our partners to establish any actions necessary to build resilience," she said.

The continent's energy system has been forced to reinvent itself in recent years, faced with potential gas shortages due to the war in Ukraine.

The 20 countries using the euro currency have seen interest rates cut from record highs following progress in the battle against inflation over the past two-and-a-half years.

The Frankfurt-based European Central Bank (ECB) said it was "appropriate" to trim its main deposit rate from 4% to 3.75%.

It followed an assertion last month by its president, Christine Lagarde, that the pace of price increases was now "under control".

But the Bank declared in a statement that the battle was not won - signalling data-driven caution on future policy decisions in the months ahead.

Its staff even revised upwards their forecasts for inflation this year and next.

As we have been discussing in Money this week, the cut before the US and UK could weaken the euro - potentially making Britons' holiday money go further.

McVitie's is selling a new flavour of Jaffa Cake - and it marks the first ever non-fruit flavour since the treat launched in 1927.

Shelves across the country will soon be stocked cola bottle flavoured cakes.

The new flavour will launch in Asda stores from 10 June and be available in other UK supermarkets - including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Iceland and Co-op - in the coming weeks.

Adam Woolf, marketing director at McVitie's, said: "Jaffa Cakes Cola Bottle is certainly one of our more unexpected product launches – stepping away from fruit flavours for the very first time. 

"Jaffa Cakes have always stood out from the crowd (and the biscuit aisle), but we really wanted to try something new with this one. It's no doubt going to cause some debate among our Jaffanatics, and we can't wait to hear what they think."

By  Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

Are we entering an era of interest rate cuts? Probably not. Or at least, not yet. 

But the European Central Bank (ECB) which controls the euro currency does look set to make their first cut in four years this afternoon. 

And Canada yesterday became the first country in the club of G7 industrialised nations to bring down borrowing costs by lowering their benchmark interest rate. 

The UK, however, isn't currently expected by markets to make a cut until September. 

Elsewhere, oil prices remain below $80 but are slightly more expensive than earlier this week. A barrel of the benchmark Brent crude oil costs $79.10.

The good news for people going on holidays to countries using the euro continues - the pound is still doing well against the currency with £1 equal to €1.1757. 

That could go even higher after the ECB decision at 1.15pm. A pound also can buy $1.2783. 

Like in the US, the UK's most valuable companies have become more valuable as the FTSE (Financial Times Stock Exchange) 100 and 250 indices are up 0.33% and 0.41% respectively.

Every Thursday  Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes  gives an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money...

Can you believe we are almost halfway through 2024?

Although the rate rises that we have seen this year have slowed compared with the previous couple of years, and we have even seen some falls, savers are now able to find hundreds of savings accounts that pay an interest rate higher than inflation.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics showed inflation was still higher than predicted, however - which means the anticipated base rate cut is likely to be pushed back again – into the second half of this year.

While bad news for borrowers, this is great news for savers.

Incredibly, the latest statistics from the Bank of England show there is over £253bn sitting in current accounts and savings accounts earning no interest at all.

With top rates available paying 5% or even a bit more, that is potentially £12.65bn of gross interest that is not being claimed by savers.

So now really is the time to move your money if you have cash languishing, earning less than inflation, especially if you can lock some away with a fixed rate, as a base rate cut will happen at some stage, we just don't know when.

Easy access

If you think you'll need access to your money, an easy access account is a wise choice.

The base rate cuts that we have been waiting for are yet to start, so the top rates on offer are still paying almost as much as they were at the beginning of the year.

Fixed-term bonds 

There is a strange phenomenon with fixed-term bond rates at the moment: the longer you tie up your cash, the lower the interest rates on offer.

Normally, you'd expect to be rewarded for tying up your cash over the longer term - but base rate forecasts have flipped this.

Fixed-term cash ISAs

A frequent complaint that I hear from savers is that the tax-free rates on ISAs are usually lower than the pre-tax rates on the equivalent non-ISA accounts – and this is particularly true with fixed-term accounts.

As many more savers are paying tax on their interest once again, cash ISAs are more popular than ever, as the tax-free rate of the ISA can still be considerably more than the interest earned after tax has been deducted on the non-ISA bond equivalents.

The renowned "50 Best" list of the world's best restaurants was revealed in Las Vegas last night - with a new restaurant taking top spot.

Disfrutar in Barcelona took the crown from Central in Lima, Peru (previous winners are ineligible and instead join a Best of the Best list).

Eating the standard menu costs £247 (€290) - with an extra £136 (€160) if you want the wine pairing.

To be fair, you do get around 30 courses.

They also offer a unique menu for your table for between €1,050 and €390 per person - the more people, the less it costs.

The 50 Best list says: "The combination of brilliantly imaginative dishes, unsurpassed technical mastery and playful presentation results in the dining experience of a lifetime, as full of surprises as it is memories."

Dishes include:

• Caviar-filled Panchino doughnut
• Frozen gazpacho sandwich
• Thai-style cuttlefish with coconut multi-spherical
• Squab with kombu spaghetti, almond and grape

Two UK restaurants made the top 50 but the UK was eclipsed by countries from across South America as well as Thailand, Italy, France and Spain.

London's Kol moved up slightly to 17, while Ikoyi, which we reported on a few weeks ago following a link-up with Uber Eats, came it at 42.

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