2 day barcelona itinerary: The Ultimate 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary with Tips and Map

2 Days in Barcelona: Jam-Packed Itinerary 

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Looking for tips on how to spend 2 days in Barcelona? Look no further! We (Gemma and Craig) have created a jam-packed Barcelona itinerary with additional options to suit your travel style. From the Barcelona must-sees such as La Sagrada Familia to lesser-known activities, time-saving tips and budget advice. Let’s dive in and if you have any questions, please leave a comment at the end of the guide.

2 Days in Barcelona Itinerary

Day 1: Morning Gothic Quarter, Port Vell, La Rambla

For breakfast, if required, start the day in the Raval area, next to La Rambla but not quite on it.

You have two options for breakfast, a healthy acai bowl at Senor Pina (sit-in or takeout, nice wee patio out back) or a cooked breakfast at a local cafe with beautiful tiles, Restaurant La Boqueria (Carrer de la Boqueria, 17). They are next door to each other.

Once you’ve filled up on coffee and food, it’s time to hit the itinerary.

Gothic Quarter

Walk over La Rambla (we’ll come back to that) and through the cobbled streets of the Barcelona sightseeing spectaculars, the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral (Pla de la Seu).

Constructed in the 13th to 15th century, Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulali is a fine example of gothic building with sharp edges and towering heights.

The Cathedral is open in the morning, again at lunch, then in the evening.

During Christmas, Barcelona’s most traditional Christmas market takes at the plaza in front of the Cathedral.

Visiting in December? Read our guide on festive things to do

Picasso Mural

While you are in Pla de la Seu, look out and up for the Picasso mural, which looks etched on the side of the Architects’ College of Catalonia.

Is It Too Early?

It might be a little too early for a drink, depending on what time your start this itinerary, but if you are game check out the panoramic rooftop at Hotel Colón (Av. de la Catedral, 7). Alternatively, take note of its location for a sundown drink.

The World Begins With Every Kiss Mural

Swing by Plaça d’Isidre Nonell to see the mural called The World Begins With Every Kiss.

If you look closely you will see a thousand images which were provided by locals when asked to contribute to the theme ‘Freedom Kiss’. Sweet eh?

This is one of the places to visit in Barcelona if you like to find the best Instagram spots in a city.

La Rambla

Everyone rumbles about La Rambla, Barcelona’s most notable street, but I’m going to be honest, it’s just a very busy touristy street which you have to have your wits about you.

My advice, get in, take a picture and get out. Look out for the gorgeous Gran Teatre del Liceu if you are an opera fan. You can get a tour of the theatre which first opened in 1847.

Port Vell

Walk down to the water to see the beach and boats at Port Vell. The palm-tree-lined streets down to the sea are a delight and a nice reminder that you are on vacation!

Head of Barcelona

One more mural for you to spot while you are out and about near Port Vell, El Cap de Barcelona Roy Lichtenstein.

There’ are two different faces on either side. See if you can recognise the artists who influenced this piece.

Two options for lunch, stay down the Port Vell area and grab a seat at the Instagram-worthy Brunch & Cakes By The Sea (Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 5) or head up to La Rambla for market food.

Mercado de La Boqueria

Mercado de La Boqueria or just La Boqueria is a popular market on La Rambla. I’m not allergic to everything touristy, I genuinely really love the buzz about this place.

There is a quiet market in El Born, not far from here, called Santa Caterina if you find La Boqueria too much.

La Boqueria’s stalls selling meats, juice and seafood are covered so you can still visit when it rains.

Day 1: Afternoon Guadi’s Attractions

Passeig de Gràcia

Take the metro to Passeig de Gràcia or enjoy the 20-minute walk from La Boqueria. This is the brand-friendly shopping street for those with money to spend.

At Christmas time, the lights are very impressive at Passeig de Gràcia.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló (Passeig de Gràcia, 43) is the first of the two Casas designed by Antoni Gaudi on Passeig de Gràcia and one of the more popular Barcelona points of interest.

Created for the Batlló family, the building is now a museum for visitors. Audio guides are available. Reserve your ticket here.

Casa Milà

Casa Milà or ‘La Pedrera’ which means stone quarry, is the second casa you can visit. Designed for, you guessed it, the Milà family, visitors can climb the many (many) stairs to the rooftop to see Gaudi’s work up top.  Reserve your ticket here.

If architecture is the main reason your main reason for visiting Barcelona, you should consider this five-hour group tour of the most popular Gaudi sites in Barcelona. This guided tour sells out so check availability here.

Everything that Gaudi did resembled some relationship with nature. You can definitely see the waves and plants at Casa Milà.

At night there is a special animation show which you can sign up for here.

You probably only have time for one tour so choose between Batlló or Milà.

La Sagrada Familia

Now it is time for the star of the show, Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia. This is one of the places to see in Barcelona in 2 days.

The highlight of many Barcelona itineraries, this wonder was started in 1882, Gaudi took over the in 1983 until his early death in 1926.

Today, construction still goes on around you and other tours but there is enough in place for you to really feel Gaudi’s work.

It is advised to book a group tour so you can learn about the facade which tells the story of Christ in tiny detail. Group tours also get to skip the line which is beneficial because Sagrada Familia is busy all year round. Reserve your spot here.

Failing a tour, definitely reserve a timed entry so you save valuable time during your 2 days in Barcelona.

The reason I have reserved this thing to do in Barcelona until later in the day is so you can see the light change through the stain glass windows. It can create an explosion of lights inside the basilica.


» For more tips | Read – everything you need to know about Sagrada Familia


How to get to Sagrada Familia

  • Metro: L2 and L5 lines
  • Bus: 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50 (fast), 51, B20, B24.
  • As part of a tour: use your hop-on /off bus pass

Hotel Ayre

Celebrate your visit with incredible views of the La Sagrada Familia from Hotel Ayre’s rooftop (Carrer del Rosselló, 390).

Buy a drink at the downstairs bar then relax on the roof.

Day 1: Evening El Born Escapades

We stayed in the El Born area at Park Hotel – and recommend this option for anyone who travels on a midrange budget.

We purposively chose not to promote self-contained apartments like Airbnb during our Barcelona guide because we are very cautious of the issues the rental industry is causing locals.

Dinner at a Traditional Tavern

Grab a seat or standing space at El Xampanyet (Carrer de Montcada, 22) for tapas and drinks.

White wine is served is really cute glasses. The staff are super friendly and the bar/restaurant is charming.

Bar Hopping in El Born

El Born is a series of small streets serving a variety of bars, cafes and independent shops.

Enjoy a few brews at the likes of Savanah and Corner.

Once you’ve warmed up, complete this challenge – find the Speakeasy, Paridiso, which hides behind the deli. Did you get there?

Tell me in the comments. Avoid the cocktail which comes in a plastic cone. It tastes like baby sick.

Stumble home, sleep well. You have one more crammed day in Barcelona to look forward to it.


Day Two of Your Barcelona in 2 Days Itinerary

Day 2: Morning – Park Guell

Make your way to Park Guell using the metro stop Alfons X (L4).

If you need breakfast I recommend grabbing a bocadillo (sandwich) from the cafes close to Alfons X before you hop on the free Bus Guell. Melt in your mouth material.

You must reserve a time slot to access Park Guell, regardless of whether you do it at the park, before you go or what time of the day you plan to visit. This is as busy as La Sagrada Familia. You can’t just walk up and pay.

Tour the grounds checking out the famous tiled balcony, popular lizard and houses inside Park Guell.

This should take around one hour. Hop back on the free bus service to the metro station and make your way to Pl. Espanya using the L3 metro line.

Honestly, the Barcelona Metro is one of the easiest I’ve used in the world. See below for our Barcelona travel advice and details on how to save money on the subway.

Seville also has incredible architecture. Here’s a 3-day Seville itinerary for you to check out.

Day 2: Afternoon – Montjuïc

From Pl. Espanya, hop on the 150 bus to Castle Montjuïc for awesome views of the city and castle ruins.

Take the Telefèric de Montjuïc back down (or up to begin with) for panoramic views in the clear cable car.

Palau Montjuïc

Now we’ve arrived at my favourite building in Barcelona, Palau Montjuïc.

This building has waterfalls flowing down the front of it and at night, this is where the Font Màgica de Montjuïc light show takes place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

If you are peckish you can grab a bite to eat the cafe just outside of Palau Montjuïc.


Day 2: Evening – Dinner and Rooftop Drinks

Dinner at Plaça Reial Barcelona

Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants on Plaça Reial Barcelona or at Gats plaza (Carrer d’en Xuclà, 7).

Wondering what to do in Barcelona on your last night?

It’s time to end the trip back where we started at Hotel Colón (Av. de la Catedral, 7). Come face to face with Barcelona Cathedral as you sip of overpriced sangria. Salud!


Other Things to do in Barcelona in 2 Days

We appreciate that everyone’s travel style is not the same so we’ve put together a list of other shows, landmarks, museums and tours. So let’s take a look at the other options for what to see in Barcelona in 2 days.

  • Flamenco Show in Barcelona
  • Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona
  • Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
  • Picasso Museum
  • Palace Guell
  • Paella cooking class
  • Sunbathing at the beach
  • Barcelona’s IceBar
  • Palau Montjuic – Font Màgica de Montjuïc
  • Bunkers viewpoint – read about all the viewpoints here

» Find out more | Things to do in Barcelona at night


Day Trips From Barcelona

From art to wine, mountains to beaches, there are so many really easy Barcelona day trips. Read about them in detail here.

Do you have three days in Barcelona? Read this next


Barcelona Travel Information

Getting to Barcelona

El Prat Barcelona Airport (BCN) is the main airport and there is an Aerobus just outside of the terminal.

You can buy there or reserve your ticket before here. 

Getting Around Barcelona 

The main mode of transport you will use in Barcelona is the metro system.

It is easy to navigate as it has clear signs at each station and on the trains.

If you are spending some time in Barcelona I recommend you buy the ten stops ticket for 10 euro (English machines). 

If you plan to use the public transport system a lot, you might want to invest in the Hola BCN card.

Be careful, pickpockets operate on the metros.

A man jumped up from his seat just as the doors were closing and ‘bumped’ into Craig.

Luckily he had to his travel vest on and his belongings zipped away on the inside of the vest.

The city has an open-top hop on/off bus which is useful in summer.

I used this the first time I visited Barcelona to help find my bearings while avoiding walking long distances in the sun!

My Mum says the Barcelona bus tour is the best she’s ever been on and my parents use it in most cities. Reserve here.

Unique to Barcelona is the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable cars stopping at Castle Montjuïc.

How to get to the Telefèric de Montjuïc

Hop on the 150 or 5 bus or L2 or 3 Metro to Paral·lel.

You can walk, we did on the way up. It is not for those who get out of breath quickly.

Check the website for more details. 

Where to Stay in Barcelona 

Hotels in Barcelona

  • Park Hotel – clean, comfortable hotel in El Born. Rooftop pool all year round [we stayed here].
  • Iberostar Paseo de Gracia – Plaça Catalunya Square location, swimming pool and free parking available.

Hostels in Barcelona

  • Yeah Barcelona Hostel – modern hostel with custom-made beds. Central location.
  • Ten to Go Hostel – cool hostels in the authentic Sants neighbourhood. Capsule dorm beds for privacy.

Park Hotel, El Born

Where to Eat in Barcelona

  • Restaurant La Boqueria – traditional cafe
  • Senor Pina – Acai bowls and poke bowls
  • Brunch & Cake – Instagram friendly all-day brunch
  • El Xampanyet – tiled decor, local tapas and drink in El Born
  • Gats – small courtyard, indoor seating, cool mural and toilets
  • Pasta Bar – build your own pasta plate
  • Santa Caterina Market – quieter market in El Born

Weather in Barcelona 

Barcelona doesn’t face much rainfall all year round but it is at its rainiest in autumn and spring.

Temperatures soar in July and August reaching 30 degrees. The coldest times of the year is January when the average is 13 degrees.

Barcelona Packing List

  • A layer for the shade
  • A waterproof coat like this Marmot Precip US / UK
  • Comfortable walking
  • Camera and battery
  • Battery pack for your phone – I vouch for Anker’s range US / UK
  • Eco water bottle Tree Tribe US / UK
  • Filter and purifying water bottle like Water To Go [quote TSA15 at checkout for 15% off]
  • Bamboo cutlery set US / UK
  • Skross universal travel adaptor with USB slots US / UK
  • Pacsafe safety net US / UK
  • Hydration tablets US / UK if participating in sangria!

Book your travel insurance before you arrive. We use True Traveller Insurance for bigger trips, many others use World Nomads Travel Insurance.

Currency

Barcelona uses the Euro. Check out today’s rates here. Most restaurants, accommodation and tours accept all major credit cards.

Tourist Information Address

There are a few tourist information points in Barcelona, the main one is located at  Placa de Catalunya, 1708002 Barcelona, España.

Barcelona Map

Here’s a free map with all of the best things to do in Barcelona.

Overtourism in Barcelona

Consider the following so you can enjoy your trip while reducing the impact on the city.

  • Go in low season, avoid June through to September
  • Visit the Christmas markets and enjoy the warm days. Read more here
  • Skip taking a cruise, the port is said to be one of the most polluted in Europe
  • Book a room in a hotel, not Airbnb*
  • Stay longer than one day

* We love booking self-contained apartments and have done so all around the world but there are some cities I won’t because of the impact it has on local people. Too many businesses ‘buy to rent’ which forces locals out of their homes and communities.


Pin to your Barcelona planning board
Have any questions? Just leave them in the comments. 


Final Words

We hope you have found our Barcelona itinerary: 2 days in the Catalan capital useful. Barcelona is an obvious choice of art fans, sports fanatics, beach lovers and folks who can appreciate a really good looking city, even through the crowds.

2 Days in Barcelona, an Itinerary for First-Timers

Planning to spend 2 days in Barcelona, and looking to see as much as possible? There are so many things to see and do around the city.. This 2-day itinerary will help you make the most out of your stay in Barcelona. 

Barcelona, Spain, the capital of Catalonia (Catalunya in Catalan), is one of the most exciting, bustling cities in Europe. Located on the coast of northern Spain, just south of the Costa Brava, Barcelona is the largest city in Catalonia and the second largest in Spain.

Divided into districts, and then neighborhoods, Barcelona grew out of the early Ciutat Vella, which includes the Gothic Quarter, where Roman ruins are still visible today, and Barceloneta, which is famous for its fish shops. 

inside the Sagrada Familia

Barcelona is also a sunny, beach-loving city with a rich history, incredible food and wine, and plenty of great shopping. It is known as the Modernist City, named for the number of unique architecture by Antoni Gaudi and Luis Domènech I Montaner, two rival architects from the turn of the 20th century.

Two days in Barcelona is plenty of time to experience the major attractions, try some of the city’s best food and wine, experience the famed nightlife, and do a little shopping. Here is my itinerary to make the best out of two days in Barcelona.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Tip: Barcelona is a big city get around comfortably with a 2, 3, 4, or 5-day public transport ticket.

Table of Contents

2 Days in Barcelona Quick Guide

Planning a trip to Barcelona? Find here everything you need:

Looking for transportation from/to the airport? Click here for more information and to book your private transfer.

Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in Barcelona:

– Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Guell & Extended Sagrada Família

– Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour

Sagrada Familia Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Park Güell Admission Ticket

Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 1 or 2-Day Ticket

Where to stay in Barcelona:  Petit Palace Boqueria Garden (is set in a historic 19th-century building by La Boqueria Market), Hotel Barcelona Catedral (terrace with a swimming pool and wonderful city views), Ramblas Hotel (in the center of Barcelona’s old town)

A Comprehensive 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary

Barcelona in 2 Days Map

You can also see the map here

2 Days in Barcelona – Day One

Spend today in Barcelona’s original district, Ciutat Vella, where you can wander the narrow winding streets of the El Gotic and El Raval neighborhoods, walk the wide Las Ramblas, taste test your way through La Boqueria, and experience several museums that introduce you to some of Barcelona’s most famous residents.

1. Plaça Catalunya

Barcelona, Plaza de Catalunya

Plaça Catalunya, one of Barcelona’s most central plazas, is often full of people. It is a major metro and train connection as well as the crossroads of the city. The Passeig de Gracia and Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes intersect near Plaça Catalunya while many other major roads meet here, including Las Ramblas. The square celebrates Catalan history and people, with four statues representing the four capital cities of Catalonia and one commemorating Francesc Macia, president of Catalunya.

2. Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is one of the major pedestrian streets in Barcelona. It is a wide street lined with trees and is the unofficial meeting place for locals and tourists who want to take a stroll. Because La Rambla is 1.2 kilometers long, it follows the contours of the medieval city walls, making it one of the straightest streets among the winding lanes of the old gothic city.

Today, Las Ramblas is lined with street artists, tourist shops, cafes and bars, and some of Barcelona’s most famous buildings, including Gran Teatre de Liceu and the Columbus Monument.

3. La Boqueria

La Boqueria is Barcelona’s premier market and one of the oldest in the city with a market on this site as far back as the 1200s, even though the current building wasn’t opened until the 1850s.  The market has a wide selection of fruits, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, and more.

Even if you don’t plan to shop for groceries at the market, it is worth going to La Boqueria for the colorful stalls and aromas that waft through the building. There are also eateries scattered through the market for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine or sandwiches while there. The market also has some great snacks for vegans. For even more options, you can check the vegan guide to Barcelona.

4. Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial is a beautifully porticoed square in the heart of the city, one of Barcelona’s busiest squares, especially at night. There are several fountains and palm trees that lend an air of elegance to the square. It is a popular place for locals to go in the evening, as the porticoes hide any number of tapas and wine bars.

The square is surrounded by beautiful houses, once owned by the noble families of Barcelona but now are slightly more bohemian. Barcelona’s most popular nightclubs are also located within Plaça Reial. 

5. Barcelona Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, located at Cathedral Square in the Gothic Quarter, is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It was built on the foundations of the early Christian church and the Romanesque Cathedral in the 13th century. The cathedral houses the relics of Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona.

6. Gothic Quarter

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter – El Barri Gotic – is the early Roman city, and these remnants are still to be found in the narrow winding streets of the neighborhood. Many of the streets are pedestrian-only, and the Gothic Quarter, with its beautiful architecture, charming stone buildings, and lovely squares is considered one of the most interesting parts of the city.

7. Palau de la Musica Catalana

Catalan Concert Hall (Palau de la Música Catalana)

The Palau de la Musica Catalana is one of Barcelona’s most modernist buildings, designed in the early 1900s by Gaudi’s rival, Luis Domènech I Montaner. With its mosaics, sculptures, stained glass, and wrought iron, it is considered as the “building that epitomizes Catalan art nouveau” and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, along with his other famous building, the Hospital Sant Pau. Palau is still an operating music hall, and you can purchase tickets for a show at the box office.

Click here to book your Palau de la Música Guided Tour.

8. Picasso Museum

The Museu de Picasso highlights the early years of Picasso and houses more than 4,000 pieces of his artwork. Many of these pieces were donated by Picasso himself. You’ll see works from his early years as a student, his famous Blue Period, and from his years of living in Barcelona. It is located in the Born district, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Barcelona. 

If you are a fan of Picasso you can check the Picasso Walking Tour & Picasso Museum of Barcelona.

2 Days in Barcelona – Day Two

Spend today visiting the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudi, who is likely Barcelona’s most famous resident. He is most well known for the Sagrada Familia, the cathedral which has been under construction since 1882, and is the person – along with his rival Domenech – for whom Barcelona is called the Modernist City.

1. Casa Mila

Casa Mila is one of Barcelona’s most recognizable buildings. Located on Passeig de Gracia, and also known as the Stone Quarry or La Pedrera, Casa Mila is the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudi. Its facade is most unusual, with an undulating stone front, wrought-iron balconies, and rooftop terrace. The building was originally divided into apartments, but today is a department store and tourist attraction.  

Click here to book your Casa Milà Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide.

Tip: Looking for a Gaudi tour? I highly recommend the following:

Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Guell & Extended Sagrada Família

2. Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is a redesigned residence on the Passeig de Gracia, within the Block of Discord, in the center of Barcelona. It was designed by Antoni Gaudi and is locally known as the Casa dels Ossos, of the house of bones, for its skeletal organic quality. The building was originally built in 1877; the owners hired Gaudi to redesign the building in 1904. Today, the house is open to the public and – along with its neighboring houses and the other Gaudi works – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Click here to book your skip the line tickets to Casa Batllo.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia, under construction since 1882, is Barcelona’s most recognizable structure, and only about two-thirds completed as we speak today in 2019. When finished, the basilica (for it is not a cathedral) will have eighteen spires, seven chapels, and three portals.

The facades are the Nativity Facade, the Passion Facade, and the Glory Facade. Each is exquisitely adorned with sculptures, and because none were completed while Gaudi was alive, none are done to his exact instructions. Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s signature attractions, and tickets cannot be purchased on arrival, so your visit must be planned in advance. 

Click here to book your skip the line tickets to the Sagrada Familia. 

Park Güell

Park Guell is a public park on the northern edge of Barcelona in the Gracia district. It is another of Antoni Gaudi’s designs. There is a lot of symbolism within the park’s designs, from concepts originating within the political Catalanism to mythological elements.

It is said that Gaudi was inspired by the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. The park itself is free to visit, but if you want to visit the mosaics and terraces, or Gaudi’s house which is located within the park, you must pay separate fees. 

Click here to book your skip the line tickets to Parl Guell.

How to Get To and From the Airport

Barcelona’s airport, known as El Prat, is about 12km from the city. Depending on traffic, it can take 20-40 minutes to get into the city center from the airport. There are several ways to get into the city. We used Welcome Pick Ups, which offers a personal, private driver from the airport to the hotel at a flat fee that is comparable to a taxi. All drivers for Welcome Pick Ups must pass an English test and will monitor your flights in case of delays. 

Other ways to get into the city from the airport include the train, metro, taxi or private car, or bus. The train leaves every 30 minutes from Barcelona Sants Estació train station or Passeig de Gracia and arrives at Terminal 2. If you are flying from Terminal 1, you will need to take a free shuttle bus from Terminal 2 (10-15 minutes).

The metro connects both terminals to the city, as does the Aerobus. Both are fast, inexpensive ways to get into the city. A taxi will cost €20-30 depending on the time of day and traffic, while a private driver could be quite expensive.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Petit Palace Boqueria Garden: Situated right in the Boqueria of Barcelona, one of the most important monuments of the city, the Petit Palace Opera Garden is a gorgeous hotel with all the amenities needed and a central location. It’s simple, beautiful, and has a genuine atmosphere to it. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Hotel Barcelona Catedral Elegance is seen in every nook and cranny of this hotel – only 15 minutes walking from the beach, the hotel offers incredible free walking tours around the city, rooftop terraces, and is a one minute walk away from the cathedral. Giving it the perfect blend of both modern and old. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

NH Barcelona Ramblas: Right in the center of the city of Barcelona, the NH Barcelona Ramblas has got all the amenities you might need in a hotel. The best thing about it is definitely its location though – right in the heart of Las Ramblas so a few minutes away from all of Barcelona’s major attractions. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Barcelona is a fast, vibrant city with plenty of incredible museums, beautiful neighborhoods, and streets full of cafes, bars, and shops. Its rich history – from pre-Roman times to modern-day – enchants first-time visitors through architecture and cultural influences while its thriving cultural and food scene enriches everyone. Two days in Barcelona is enough time to experience this amazing city, and I’m confident you will want to return. 

You might also want to check out my other Spanish guides:

How to spend 10 days in Spain – an itinerary that includes Barcelona.

How to spend 7 days in Spain – and itinerary that includes Barcelona.

The best day trips from Barcelona.

Barcelona in winter.

How to spend 2 days in Madrid

How to spend 3 days in Madrid

2 Days in Granada.

2 Days in Seville

2 Days in Valencia.

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Barcelona in 2 days – Guide Barcelona TM

Barcelona in 2 days will incredibly surprise you and fall in love with you forever! This 2-day Barcelona guide will help you save time and calculate your options.

If you want to see Barcelona in 2 days on your own, get ready for very busy days ahead. We have prepared for you the route “Barcelona in 2 days”, during which you will visit the most interesting and unique places in the capital of Catalonia. The amount of what you see will be proportional to the huge amount of emotions.

1 Day one. Morning.

On the Barcelona itinerary for 2 days, every minute counts. Therefore, you will need to wake up early, get ready quickly and be sure to have breakfast!

Morning should set you up for the whole day, and it will pass under the sign of Art Nouveau in Barcelona. You will make the most correct decision if you sit on the blue line Bas-touristik.

A trip to the Sagrada Familia will make an unforgettable impression and amaze with the masterpieces of Antonio Gaudí.

Tip — you don’t have much time, so take care of tickets to the Cathedral in advance, because it will be very irrational to spend time standing in line. You will need about 2.5 hours to visit the Cathedral.

In order to avoid long queues at the entrance to the Sagrada Familia, we buy tickets in advance via the Internet here .

In order to avoid long queues at Bas-Touristik, we buy tickets in advance via the Internet here .

Barcelona in 2 days makes you concentrate very much, so without wasting a minute, go again to the Bus Tourist in Park Güell, it will surely charm you with an incredibly harmonious combination of natural landscape and human creations. You will spend at least 2 hours in Park Güell.

Lunch time on the route “Barcelona in 2 days” will also have to be calculated by the minute. Here you have 2 options.

  1. You can dine in the Gràcia area. A variety of restaurants and cafes will give you the opportunity to choose a dish to taste and afford. In addition, there are many shops in this area and the opportunity to shop will be more relevant than ever. Further, the route of the blue line can be continued.
  2. If you use the second option, you can get to the end of the blue route. Then you will find yourself next to Casa Mila, this is practically the center of Barcelona, ​​so the choice of restaurants is even greater, a luxurious lunch is provided.

Next, be sure to visit another masterpiece of the great Gaudí – Casa Mila. Gaudi invented a special ventilation system for this house, each room has a window, which is very uncharacteristic for that time. The upper floors of the building today house an exhibition hall, while the rest of the rooms are inhabited by ordinary citizens of Barcelona. The house is equipped with an underground garage – an unheard-of innovation of that time.

In order to avoid long queues at the entrance, we buy tickets in advance via the Internet here.

The Tourist Bus Blue Route will show you the best views of Barcelona:

  • Parc Güell
  • Mount Tibidabo
  • Monastery of Pedralbes
  • the famous gates of the pavilions of the estate Güell
  • Camp Nou
  • Plaza Catalunya
  • and finally you will reach Casa Mila (La Pedrera)

One of the best itineraries offered in Barcelona in two days.

2 Day one. Day.

From Casa Mila, walk down to Plaza Catalunya, this street is called Paseo de Gracia, a modernist street, very aristocratic and beautiful. You will see historical buildings such as:

  • Casa Batlló
  • La Pedrera
  • House Amalie
  • House of Leo Morera, constituting the Quarter of Discord

Art Nouveau in Barcelona is different from the European canons, but it is incredibly chic and no less magnificent. If you plan to get inside architectural masterpieces, try to buy tickets in advance, queues are long during the season.

In order to avoid long queues at the entrance to Casa Batlló, we buy tickets in advance via the Internet here.

After seeing the main attractions located on Paseo de Gracia, you will reach Plaça Catalunya, where your route began. Passing by the El Corte Ingles department store, you will find yourself on Avenguda Portal de l’Angel, which will pleasantly amaze you with an abundance of shops.

Palace of Catalan Music.

Turning onto Comtal Street, you will reach Laietana Avenue, across the road you will see a unique building – the Palace of Catalan Music. Walk to Ramon Berenguer Square, where a monument to him is erected. Relax and take in the views of the bustling city, fast-paced, energetic and modern.

3Barcelona in 2 days: first day evening

This evening will be amazing for you if you walk to any restaurant in the El Born area – a combination of Modernity and the Middle Ages. Here you can also visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar – a building of amazing beauty, enchanting with the spirit of the Middle Ages. Nearby are modern popular cafes, bars and restaurants. Observations of the life of the evening city will help you prepare for the further development of such a beautiful city as Barcelona in 2 days.

4 Day two. Morning.

Carrer del Bisbe

Worth a walk in the Gothic Quarter in the morning, do it yourself or book a guided tour in advance. This amazing place will reveal its secrets to you, which are kept here a lot.

  1. A self-guided route through the Gothic Quarter starts from Plaça Catalunya, then along Avenguda Portal de l’Angel, past many shops, you reach Placa Nova, where many attractions are located, including the Cathedral of Barcelona.
  2. Climb the stairs of the Cathedral and then enter the ancient city of Barcino on the Carrer del Bisbe, which has been preserved since then, past the remains of a medieval wall and towers.
  3. The next point of your route will be King’s Square with buildings of that era. You can visit the History Museum located here.
  4. Further, exploring Barcelona on your own, you will find yourself in Sant Jaume Square, which still retains its political purpose, it is on it that the Palace of the Government of Catalonia is located.
  5. Moving further along the route, we will come to Piazza del Pi, where the eponymous Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi is located. A very picturesque place, it is here that the best shop selling Navaja knives is located.
  6. The streets of the Gothic Quarter will surely lead you to the Rambla. One of the oldest markets, Boqueria, is located in this amazing place, but do not rush to satisfy your hunger there, it is better to walk deep into the quarter and look into one of the inconspicuous restaurants. Believe me, it will be tasty and satisfying!
  7. After visiting La Boqueria, follow the Rambla towards the Old Port. On your way to the left you will see the Royal Square, Gaudí also took part in the design.
  8. On the opposite side, on Carrer Nou de la Rambla, is the Palau Güell, Gaudí’s first work in Barcelona. Of interest is this work, which is one of his first creations.
  9. At the end of the boulevard you will see a monument to Columbus, its peculiarity is remarkable – after all, if you go upstairs, you will see a beautiful view of the city and the sea.

Itinerary Barcelona in two days will surely make you experience a lot of emotions, but the tour is an excursion, and lunch is scheduled.

Tapas bar in Barcelona

And here it will be difficult for you to decide. Indeed, in these places there are so many restaurants and tapas bars that your eyes run wide. Do not waste time, it is very expensive in Barcelona for 2 days!

5Barcelona in 2 days: what to do on the afternoon of the second day

The further route of Barcelona in 2 days will be connected by the red line Bas-touristik. Don’t forget the audio guide.

  • Plaza Catalunya
  • Casa Batlló
  • House Mila
  • Station Sants
  • Industrial Park
  • Plaza de España
  • Magic Fountain
  • Spanish Village
  • National Art Museum of Catalonia MNAC
  • Joan Miro Foundation
  • Columbus Monument
  • Old Port
  • Barcelona Aquarium
  • Olympic Port
  • Barcelona Zoo

Bas-tourist will take you to these places of interest.

Keep in mind that there are always huge lines at the box office. To avoid them, we advise you to buy tickets in advance via the Internet here.

Perhaps after making a circle and having reached Barceloneta, you will continue your tour of Barcelona on the green line of Barcelona Bus Turistic (the shortest route) with a stop at:

  • Port Olympic
  • Poblenou Cemetery
  • Museum of Natural Sciences (Blue Museum, Museu Blau)

The bus will circle around and bring you back to Barceloneta.

6Barcelona in 2 days: evening of the second day

Evening in Barcelona

An evening of rich self-exploration of Barcelona in 2 days is best spent near the sea. After all, the noise of a modern city can tire, but the sounds of the sea surf – never!

Beautiful evening Barcelona next to the sea and during a Mediterranean dinner.

Useful Tips

So, in order to explore the sights of Barcelona on your own in 2 days, you must anticipate the presence of queues and take care of tickets in advance!

For example:

  • the queue at the Barcelona Bus Turistic ticket office in Plaça Catalunya is over 40 minutes in summer
  • queue at the Sagrada Familia ticket office – more than 1. 5 hours
  • and the queue to Casa Batlló or Casa Mila – about 40 minutes

A ticket purchased in advance for a certain time (you need to decide in advance on the time of visit) will save you from standing in lines.

  1. For your convenience, we have collected tickets from all the official websites of Barcelona’s main attractions on one platform. Now you can buy all the tickets you need here, in Russian, without intermediaries and extra charges.
  2. When preparing for your short trip, do not forget to take care of comfortable shoes, sandwiches, water. Indeed, in the tourist area, all this is fabulously expensive.
  3. Use sunscreen, an umbrella and appropriate clothing.

Barcelona in the evening

Our guide to Barcelona in 2 days will show you where to go. And you make sure that no household trifles prevent you from enjoying yourself.

Now you are ready to see the city in all its glory, even if you only have two days to do so. Barcelona 2 Day Guide will help you combine the expected and the real experience.

  • How to avoid queues at Barcelona attractions. Tickets for the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell skip the line.
  • How not to be deceived by local taxi drivers. Order a taxi in advance with fixed rates online. The most reliable service for ordering a taxi is KiwiTaxi .
  • Excursions in Barcelona with locals will help you to get to know this city for real. The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years.
  • We advise you to take out travel insurance so that there are no unpleasant surprises while traveling to Barcelona.
  • Barcelona City Pass is a one-stop card that makes organizing your holiday in Barcelona easier and saves you a lot of time and money.
  • Hotels in Barcelona: is our selection and recommendations.
  • Bus Turistic is a tourist bus and a great way to get to all the necessary monuments of Barcelona quickly, with a breeze and comfort.
  • Drimsim is a universal international SIM card and a free travel application. Best prices, fast internet and worldwide calls.
  • TAGS
  • Barcelona Guide
  • Barcelona Route

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90 000 Get to know Barcelona in 2 days

How to get to know Barcelona in two days .

Barcelona is an incredible city worth staying in for two weeks…or two months. .or years 🙂 But if it happens that you can’t stay that long, then we have prepared for you the best routes around the city !

The perfect itinerary, or Barcelona in 48 hours prepared by a professional guide who loves Barcelona!

1st day

Old town and sea Start your walk in the heart of the city – at Plaza Catalunya. It’s hard to believe that the place that is now considered the center of the city, 150 years ago, was the outskirts and was outside the city walls. The square was built at the beginning of the 20th century in accordance with the idea and design proposed in the 19thm century to connect the old and new parts of the city. From here you can go up – to the area Eixample , a new part of the city with Art Nouveau architecture, or go down – and through Gothic Quarter go to the sea. We recommend spending one day for each of the options.

It’s better to start from the old part – and plunge into the labyrinths of the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter. A great way not to get lost is to try the quest “Guess Barcelona” – which will take you through the main sights of the area and show you corners that you would not find with any guidebook. The famous Rambla , the delicacies Boqueria , the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral , ancient Roman columns inside a modern building, the first works by Gaudí – all this you can find along the way, solving puzzles, assembling the city like a puzzle l.

You will end up next to Royal Square – in the heart of the gothic quarter and further down the Rambla you will reach the port and the sea!

day

13:00-17:00 Walking along the port promenade, reach Barceloneta . Enjoy the sea breeze and the sun. And if you are interested in learning more about the history and monuments of one of the most important areas in the history of the city – try another quest – from the Drassanes metro station at the end of the Rambla and throughout Barceloneta. By the way, the quest can be completed at your own pace, for example, with a stop for lunch to try the traditional paella !

evening

18:00 – 23:00 Sunset is the best time to climb Montjuïc . From Barceloneta you can ride the funicular – 10 minutes and you are on top of one of the 7 hills of Barcelona – a short but exciting journey. Descending from Montjuic, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the port, breathe in the fresh air of green parks, climb to the very top to the medieval castle and watch from there how planes land – the airport is just on the other side of the mountain. And going down a little lower, be sure to appreciate the beautiful view at Plaza de España , and if you’re lucky you’ll see running Singing Fountains – a wonderful show of light and music!

Day 2:

Art Nouveau treasures, parks and views

morning

9 0003

11:00 – 14:00 Start your day with another adventure – an exciting quest “Barcelona in style modern” – with which you can walk from Plaza Catalunya to Sagrada Familia , visiting the most iconic sites of Catalan modernism along the way.

You will find the best place to photograph the Sagrada, learn about the best Catalan architects and understand why only Gaudí is known abroad.

14:00 – 17:00 Lunch with a view of the Sagrada Familia! And then be sure to go inside the cathedral – it’s only better to book a ticket in advance online – there is always a huge queue at the box office.

day

By the way, the Sagrada Familia is next to another Gaudí masterpiece Parc Güell. You can walk to it in half an hour, or you can get there by metro or bus in about the same time (such features of Barcelona’s public transport) 🙂

Park Güell located on a hill on the outskirts of the city, the park zone did not become popular and was later converted into a city park. Now you have to pay to enter the main part of the park – and it’s also better to buy a ticket in advance online, otherwise they simply may not be there. However, the free part of the park is also good – you can walk along the alleys and look down on the city …

Or you can try our quest in the park – with it you will climb into the farthest corners, learn the history of the creation of the park and the secrets of Gaudí .

evening

18:00-23:00 Head down to the city center and relax in Ciutadella Park , one of Barcelona’s most popular holiday destinations.