Barcelona needs no introduction. For many, it’s the first place that comes to mind when they think of Spain. There’s a good reason for that – Barcelona is an incredibly well-rounded tourist destination and an essential inclusion on any Spain itinerary, offering beautiful sights, interesting history, rich culture, stunning beaches, and delicious food.
But how do you fit such a big and intriguing city into just a few days of sightseeing? After all, even just the very best things to do in Barcelona take considerable time to see. The trick is to go with a well-developed plan that makes the most of your time there. That’s where our Barcelona itinerary comes in! We’ll show you exactly what to do in Barcelona in three days for the best experience.
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
As Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, you’ll probably want to visit at a certain time to avoid crowds and inflated prices. Barcelona has made headlines with its recent overtourism problems, so visiting outside of the high season will not only improve your visit, but also help the city.
Like many destinations, Barcelona attracts the most tourists in summer (June, July, and August), when the weather is hot and humid. If you want to avoid the worst of the crowds and heat, the best time to visit Barcelona is May or September, though early June and early October are also good options. With fewer tourists and fine weather, visiting Barcelona at these times means more enjoyable sightseeing. It should also be easier to find reasonably priced accommodation for these shoulder months.
Winter is the cheapest time to visit Barcelona, however. From November through February, you may not want to spend much time at the beach, but you’ll likely find great savings on hotels and flights. Besides, even during winter, Barcelona is nowhere near as cold as some other parts of Europe.
How to Get Around Barcelona
You’ll move around quite a bit to reach all the best places to visit in Barcelona. This is not a small city, and you’ll cover a good deal of ground just to see the highlights.
The good news is that you don’t need to walk everywhere in Barcelona. To spend less time on your feet, take advantage of Barcelona’s extensive public transport network, which includes a metro system, urban trains, buses, and two tram lines. The metro covers most of the main spots with its eight lines, so it’s usually the most straightforward option.
Overall, Barcelona’s public transportation makes getting around the city a cinch, especially as the network shares an integrated ticket system. Prices start at €2.20 (about $2.37) for a 75-minute ticket, which allows free transfer between the different modes.
Recommendation: To save money and time, buy a three-day public transport ticket. This ticket gives you unlimited access to the transportation network in Barcelona and its suburbs during that time.
If you fly into Barcelona Airport, you have a few options to reach the city center. One is the frequent Aerobus, which runs to Plaça de Catalunya, takes around 35 minutes, and costs €5.90. A cheaper alternative is the metro line from the airport, but you’ll need to change stations along the way to reach inner-city stops. The Renfe train is faster and cheaper still, though it’s slightly less frequent, leaving for the city center every 30 minutes.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
The biggest question that arises as you plan your visit is probably where to stay in Barcelona to make the most of your trip. The right accommodation in the right part of the city will greatly enhance your enjoyment of Barcelona.
Ultimately, the best places to stay in Barcelona are the ones that put attractions, restaurants, and transport options right at your doorstep. The most convenient neighborhoods for this are Eixample, the Gothic Quarter, and El Born. The Gothic Quarter and El Born are both historic areas, full of character and dining options. Eixample is a newer downtown area, providing plenty of modern convenience. Other parts of the city have nice sights and food too, of course, but may require more effort to get around.
For a truly pampered stay in Barcelona, the luxurious El Palace Barcelona is the way to go. This five-star hotel lives up to its name with classic decor fit for a palace and attentive staff, all while putting you squarely in the Eixample district.
Mixing comfort and affordability, Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella is an ideal midrange place to stay in the city. This three-star hotel has all the essentials, plenty of space in its rooms, and even a rooftop terrace.
Barcelona knows how to look after budget travelers, particularly with lodgings like Yeah Barcelona Hostel. With its boutique look, friendly staff, and breakfast and dinner options, you’ll be happy to come back to this hostel after sightseeing. You can find more budget options in our dedicated Barcelona hostel guide.
Another great place to find affordable accommodation is Airbnb. This is a particularly good option if you want to rent a private apartment. For recommendations, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in Barcelona.
For more accommodation options in Barcelona, check out Booking.com. This site consistently offers the best rates, and its customer service is on point.
The Perfect 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary
Barcelona is such a massive tourist destination full of unmissable attractions that the idea of seeing it in three days can be overwhelming. But it’s certainly possible to spend just 72 hours in Barcelona without missing anything major. Our travel itinerary will show you exactly where you should go to see the best of Barcelona in three days.
You’ll explore much of the city in this time, starting with the central neighborhoods of Eixample and the Gothic Quarter. From there, you’ll move on to the beachfront, up to Gràcia, and across to Montjuïc. Then it’s time to leave the city altogether and see some of the Catalonia region’s other marvels.
However, before we get to our Barcelona itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you do not want to get stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a wise man once said, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” So don’t leave home without it.
SafetyWing offers travel insurance for only about $10 a week, making it a no-brainer to get. You can get a quick, non-binding quote below:
SafetyWing is, of course, not the only option available. Two other popular alternatives are World Nomads and Heymondo.
Now that you’re properly prepared for your trip, let’s jump to all the goodies on this Barcelona travel itinerary. We’ll take you through exactly what to see in Barcelona in three days for a full experience of the city.
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 1
We’ll start our visit by getting a feel for a few neighborhoods in the city center, stopping at some of the best sights Barcelona has to offer.
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà
Even though you’ll be seeing many of his gorgeous buildings during your visit, it doesn’t hurt to start your sightseeing with some special architecture by Antoni Gaudí. This local architect designed many of Barcelona’s most interesting and iconic buildings, including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera). Found a few blocks apart in Eixample, these two landmarks are more like works of art than buildings. You can go inside both, and Casa Milà also offers superb city views. You can buy admission tickets to Casa Milà here.
Plaça de Catalunya
Making your way down the streets of the downtown area, you’ll surely come across Plaça de Catalunya, which is often considered the heart of the city. It puts you squarely in the center of Barcelona, right between downtown and the historic quarters, and is a popular meeting point for locals. The various sculptures and fountains truly bring this square to life.
La Rambla
Lined with leafy trees, La Rambla is the boulevard that carves through much of Barcelona, from the downtown area to the waterfront. It not only passes through many distinct parts of town, but also acts as the boundary between neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Raval.
Take a stroll down this long promenade, where you’ll pass countless cafes and souvenir stands. Walking down La Rambla on the way to more sightseeing is a rite of passage for any first-time visitor to Barcelona.
Gothic Quarter
The heart of the Barcelona Old Town is the popular Gothic Quarter. This maze of small streets and hidden squares is a treasure trove of stunning historic landmarks. While most of its buildings are from the 19th or 20th century, you’ll find some that date back to the ancient Romans.
The Gothic Quarter has no shortage of attractions for you to visit. Naturally, you’ll want to see the Cathedral of Barcelona, with its elaborate facade and impressive interior. Another gorgeous landmark is the Bridge of Sighs hovering over the streets. As you wander, also check out the El Call Jewish Quarter and track down the ancient ruins of the Roman Temple of Augustus.
Boquería Market
Food is a big part of Barcelona’s appeal, and there’s no better place to explore this side of the city than La Boquería. In this beloved marketplace that dates back to 1217, you’ll find all the fresh produce, meats, and cheeses you could ever want. Even if you’re not hungry, the market will feed your other senses with its many colors and scents. If you are hungry, indulge in tapas and other local dishes at one of the many small eateries.
Güell Palace
We’re not yet done with Gaudí for the day, as the monumental Güell Palace is close by in El Raval. Designed by Gaudí for the wealthy Güell family, the palace looks a little more restrained on the outside than it is inside. There are some fanciful touches on the facade, but set foot in the lobby to get the real picture. With big arches, thick columns, and a huge main hall, the interior is easy to mistake for a church rather than a home for the wealthy elite.
La Barceloneta
A stellar way to finish your first day in Barcelona is with a visit to the beloved beaches at La Barceloneta. Whether you want to watch the sunset, get a drink, or just feel the sand between your toes, the beach is a nice way to wind down after a long day of sightseeing. As a bonus, you’ll find a huge range of restaurants and tapas bars nearby. Alternatively, if you want to get away from the crowds, head up the coast to the beaches at El Poblenou.
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2
Even with a whole day in Barcelona under your belt, there’s no slowing down as you make your way through the city’s best attractions and sights.
La Sagrada Família
The highlight of Barcelona for many visitors is the iconic La Sagrada Família. The famously unfinished church is another landmark designed by Gaudí, even though it’s still being built almost 100 years after his death. Construction on the church started in 1882 and continues to this day.
You won’t just be looking at a mess of scaffolding, though, with much of the exterior finished and the interior a spectacle to behold. Looking around, you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re inside a church at all. You can even climb the tower to score some sensational views of Barcelona.
Of course, the challenge with La Sagrada Família is how popular it is. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to skip the long lines. You can find more tips in our guide on how to buy tickets to La Sagrada Família.
Park Güell
The second Gaudí attraction of the day is Park Güell on Carmel Hill. This park, which Gaudí and entrepreneur Eusebi Güell designed together, is an unlikely collection of attractions born out of the desire to build a housing complex here. Only two houses were actually built here, one of which Gaudí actually lived in for 20 years. This is now the Gaudí House Museum, where you can learn more about the architect’s creations.
You’ll see many other interesting fixtures throughout the park, including Gaudí’s Dragon Stairway and Greek Theatre, which features a lovely viewing terrace. If you want to avoid the long lines at the ticket office, buy your Park Güell admission ticket in advance here.
Gràcia
To see yet another side of Barcelona, head into Gràcia when you’re done at Park Güell. This quiet neighborhood feels worlds away from the city center – which makes sense, as it was its own municipality until the 20th century. Its atmosphere reflects traditional towns elsewhere in Catalonia, but it also boasts some great modernist architecture, including another Gaudí creation, Casa Vicens.
Arc de Triomf
Another landmark that’s hard to miss as you explore Barcelona is the Arc de Triomf. Standing almost 30 meters high, this beautiful arch was built as the main entrance for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition. Both sides of the arch feature finely crafted friezes, and its mix of stone and brick really makes it stand out visually from the city’s other landmarks.
Ciutadella Park
Passing through the Arc de Triomf, you’ll enter the Ciutadella Park, a sprawling green space featuring all sorts of attractions. A stroll here is a great idea, whether you just want to escape the bustling streets for a bit or are curious about what the park holds.
You’ll find not only nice greenery and pretty fountains, but also major landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia and Barcelona Zoo. Particularly eye-catching is the Castle of the Three Dragons, an exhibition center and museum of natural history that was built for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition.
Picasso Museum
Just as there’s nowhere else like Barcelona, there’s no other artist quite like Pablo Picasso. The acclaimed Spanish artist is known for his cubist paintings, and you can see one of the largest collections of his work at the Picasso Museum in Barcelona.
This location is quite appropriate for the museum, as Barcelona is where Picasso mastered his craft after his family moved to the city. The museum has a particular interest in the artist’s development as a youth, displaying pieces he painted when he was 15 or 16 years old. If you’ve ever been curious about Picasso’s art, this is the place to appreciate it.
City History Museum
To learn more about the city you’ve been exploring, head to the Museum of Urban History of Barcelona. Rather than just telling you the city’s history, the museum takes you through it layer by layer with its underground exhibits beneath Plaça del Rei in the Gothic Quarter. You’ll even see excavated remains of ancient Roman landmarks and exhibits of medieval times inside the Palau Reial Major (Grand Royal Palace). This museum will give you more context for the various sights you’ve seen so far.
Montjuïc Hill
You’ve experienced a few viewpoints in the city center by now, but to see all of Barcelona at once, head southwest of the center to Montjuïc. This hill overlooks the harbor and is home to several cool sights – including the impressive Montjuïc Castle, where you’ll find those classic views, as well as cultural and leisure facilities. If you have time, check out the Fundació Joan Miró, a museum full of modern art.
Getting up the hill is half the fun, whether you take a cable car or the funicular. You can buy a round-trip ticket for the cable car here.
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3
For your last day in Barcelona, set your sights on the other treasures Catalonia has to offer. Although you could easily spend more time exploring the city itself, it’s best to see more of Spain on one of these day trips from Barcelona.
Option #1: Girona
One of Catalonia’s other prominent cities is Girona, which is northeast of Barcelona on the banks of the Onyar. While not as widely known as Barcelona, Girona is just as packed with culture and sights that make it a fantastic place to explore. The city is best known for its traditional houses lining the riverfront in eye-catching colors.
Beyond this lovely scene, Girona is a haven of history and architecture, all of which is best appreciated on foot. Walking through the Old Town, you’ll see buildings and landmarks from many different periods of the city’s history. These include ancient Roman fortifications, Jewish quarters, Baroque architecture, and the medieval Wall of Girona, which you can climb to enjoy panoramic views from the watchtowers. Back at street level, you’ll also find former filming locations for Game of Thrones, such as the stairs up to the beautiful Girona Cathedral.
Option #2: Montserrat
Inland from Barcelona are various landscapes to explore, including the mountain range of Montserrat. With its multiple peaks, Montserrat would be an interesting place to explore even if nature was its only noteworthy feature. But it’s also home to the 11th-century St. Mary of Montserrat Abbey, where Benedictine monks reside to this day. This important holy site is also home to a cherished 12th-century carving of the Virgin Mary.
Montserrat also has plenty to offer those who aren’t interested in the area’s religious significance. For starters, there’s the scenic journey up into the mountains, which you can take on foot, by cable car, or via cog railway.
You could easily spend your day hiking multiple routes to see more of the mountains. You’ll have plenty of walking to do already, though, with sights like the Santa Cova Chapel and Sant Miquel’s Cross waiting at the ends of different trails.
Option #3: Sitges
Barcelona isn’t the only place with beaches in this corner of Spain. In fact, you’ll find loads of places up and down the coast where you can enjoy some sun and surf. One of the best that you can comfortably visit on a day trip from Barcelona is the beach town of Sitges. With its 4 kilometers of oceanfront divided among 17 beaches, it’s easy to see why Sitges has become such a popular resort destination.
But Sitges isn’t just beaches; it also has a strong sense of local culture and history. Step away from the beachfront promenade (Passeig Maritim) and into its peaceful historic center for a taste of what life is like in this coastal town. Head to the Cau Ferrat Museum to see the art collection of Spanish painter Santiago Rusiñol, who once lived in the town, or the Maricel Museum for its art that spans centuries. Before leaving, visit Casa Bacardí to learn about Bacardí rum and company founder Facundo Bacardí Massó, who was born in Sitges.
That concludes our journey through the magical city of Barcelona! Your three days in Barcelona are sure to fly by, but with this itinerary, you can safely say you’ve seen the highlights.
Comments