24 hours barcelona: The Ultimate One Day Itinerary – Emily Embarks

How to Spend 1 Day in Barcelona (24 hrs itinerary by a local)

How to spend 24 hours in the Catalan capital

By Duncan Rhodes

Quick Menu

Itinerary in Brief

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary Map

Alternative Option

Tour Option

Where to Stay

Move over Rick Steves, the local experts of Barcelona Life share our top tips on how to spend one perfect day in the “The Great Enchantress”.

So you’re coming to the most beautiful city in the world… and you’ve only given yourself 24 hours to see it!?

Are you crazy!?!?

Change your flights amigos, tell your boss your favourite uncle died, or that you’ve contracted dysentery… do whatever it takes to spend longer! There are so many amazing things to do in Barcelona, that one day is never enough…. just check our 2, 3, 4 and 5 day itineraries (all coming soon!), to see what I mean.

I’m going to attempt the impossible, and create an itinerary that captures the brilliance of Barcelona in less than 24 hours

Didn’t manage to persuade you to stay longer? Well it’s true that the real world can be brutal sometimes, with its responsibilities, and deadlines… so I’m going to attempt the impossible, and create an itinerary that captures the brilliance of Barcelona in less than 24 hours…

The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary

The key to a successful one day stay, in my opinion, is to get an overview of the city, and to visit two or three of its most important monuments. Unfortunately you won’t have the luxury to get a deeper sense of the rhythms of the city, its local life and habits, but you should get an impression on a grander scale of its geography and architecture, and maybe just a tiny slice of its balmy Bohemian atmosphere. Hopefully the seed will be sown for a second, more comprehensive visit. Here we go…

Itinerary in Brief

08:45 – Plaça Catalunya
We start in Barcelona’s central square.

08:45-09:15 – Passeig de Gracia
Take a walk up Passeig de Gracia boulevard to see the Block of Discord, including Gaudi’s Casa Batllo.

09:30 – Casa Mila
Enjoy a look at Gaudi’s Casa Mila from the outside, before hopping on the tourist bus (Blue Line, one stop) to the nearby Sagrada Familia.

10:00 – La Sagrada Familia
Visit Gaudi’s mindblowing masterpiece. Buy a fast track ticket, or invest in the Barcelona Pass.

11:30 – Tourist Bus
Hop back on the Blue Line of the tourist bus. It’s two stops to Park Guell.

12:00 – Park Guell
Enjoy views over the city from the Gaudi’s gorgeous gardens – Park Guell (it’s essential to buy advance tickets! The park is also included in the Barcelona Pass).

13:30 – Lunch in Gracia
Take a pitstop in the Gracia district.

15:00 – Ride the Blue Line
Enjoy a longer ride on the Blue Line of the tourist bus, possibly stopping off for a stadium tour of Camp Nou (you should reserve tickets here).

16:30 – Ride the Red Line
Switch onto the Red Line of the tourist bus, and enjoy a scenic ride over the attraction-laden Montjuic mountain.

18:00 – Las Ramblas
Get off the bus at the 60-metre-high Colombus Statue and walk up the legendary Las Ramblas.

19:45 – Flamenco Concert & Dinner
Enjoy the sultry Spanish dance with dinner. Research the best shows here.

22:00 – Nightcap
Enjoy a cocktail at one of Barcelona’s famous bars.

00:00 – Bedtime
Or is it?

THE BARCELONA PASS

If you decide to follow this itinerary, then consider purchasing the Barcelona Pass via Tiqets.com. The Barcelona Pass is designed with first time visitors in mind, and includes tickets to 1. La Sagrada Familia, 2. Park Guell and 3. the Hop on / Hop off Tourist Bus (as well as the Montjuic Cable Car!).

BUY BARCELONA PASS

1 Day Itinerary in Detail

08:45 – Plaça Catalunya

No slouching, I expect you to be showered, dressed and breakfasted by now, and you should have made your way to Plaça Catalunya, the city’s bustling central square.

The day starts here, at Placa Catalunya….

08:45 – 09:15 – Passeig de Gracia

From here make your way up the magnificent boulevard Passeig de Gracia by foot. This has to be one of the best looking streets in the world. Keep going up until you reach the so called ‘Block of Discord’ on your left, a single block that showcases three of Barcelona’s best architects in one: starting with the Casa Lleo i Morera by Luis Domenech i Montaner, then the Casa Amatller by Puig y Cadalfach, and finishing with the astonishing Casa Batllo, by none other than Antoni Gaudi.

The Casa Amatller (left), and the Casa Batllo, on the Block of Discord.

09:30 – Casa Mila

The embarrassment of architectural riches continues on the other side of the street with Gaudi’s Casa Mila, a vast monolithic mansion with curves like Kim Kardashian. Take a good look!

You don’t have time to enter any of these astonishing buildings however, because you’ve got a date with God. Get on board the Blue Line of the Hop On, Hop Off Tourist Bus and alight at the next stop.

10:00 – Sagrada Familia

You don’t have to be religious to sense the divine in this breathtaking homage to the big guy upstairs. Gaudi was an ardent Catholic and he dedicated the later years of his life to this impossibly grandiose edifice, every square foot of which is decorated in religious allegories, natural motifs and mathematical equations. This one you can’t miss, so buy yourself a skip-the-line ticket. Personally I would advise buying a ticket that includes audioguide, which you can do via Get Your Guide.

Note: if you’re following this itinerary exactly, you might be better off buying the Barcelona Pass as it includes Tourist Bus, Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, leaving you done and dusted with one handy purchase!

The unmissable Sagrada Familia

11:30 – Tourist Bus

However mesmerising La Sagrada proves, don’t tarry too long… you need to hustle and get back on the Blue Line of the tourist bus. Your love affair with Gaudi ain’t over yet. Get off two stops later…

12:00 – Park Guell

Excuse me for a minute whilst I get nostalgic for the times when Parc Guell was free and half empty, and I used to pop up there just to enjoy the serene beauty of the place. Sadly, in these days of readily accessible travel, we now have to wait our turn (and pay!) for such privileges – so please go online and book your tickets in advance (you’ve got a loooonng wait if you don’t!).

The viewing terraces of the wonderful Park Guell

Once you’ve passed through the art nouveau gates of Gaudi’s garden, you’ll soon see what all the fuss is about. From the majestic white staircase, with techni-colour lizard on guard, to the wide open terrace with undulating trencadis-covered benches and views over almost the entire city, this is a truly special place.

Oh what the hell, take a selfie… everyone else is!

13:30 – Lunch in Gracia

Lunch time! Leave yourself about 15 or 20 minutes and descend from Park Guell down into the chic Bohemian district of Gracia. This used to be a separate village to Barcelona, and indeed the (fiercely Catalan) locals still consider themselves distinct from downtowners. The barri is chock-full of affordable tapas bars and restaurants, so take your pick. Or if you want to take my advice, drop in on Intrepid de Gracia for modern tapas including mini-burgers and bagels.

A spot of lunch in Gracia…

15:00 – Ride the Blue Line

By now your legs are a little weary and your stomach a little bloated. But don’t worry, I’ve scheduled you a nice easy afternoon…

It’s time to get back to the tourist bus stop, and ride the Blue Line all the way, through the pleasant Zona Alta neighbourhoods, to the other side of the city where the legendary Camp Nou football stadium awaits. Depending on whether you’re a sports fan or not, you might want to get off here and take the excellent stadium tour with museum visit. You can buy advance tickets via the city’s official tourism site.

Note: The 16:00 or 16:30 time slot for the Camp Nou Experience should fit this itinerary (it might take a bit over an hour to get there via tourist bus after lunch, 30-40 mins on the bus, plus the time you need to get from the restaurant to the bus stop and wait for the next bus to arrive).

Sports fans can squeeze in a stadium tour of Camp Nou

Not a big Barça fan? Then just enjoy the bus tour of the city and alight at the Francesc Macia roundabout, where you’re going to change onto the Red Line of the tourist bus route.

16:30 – Ride the Red Line

From Francesc Macia, the Red Line of the tourist bus will take you to Plaça Espanya, where you will spy the eye-catching Las Arenas shopping centre (it was once a bullfighting arena, and it shows!), before taking a very enjoyable ride through the leafy hills of Montjuic mountain.

Enjoy the bus ride over Montjuic hill, with its parks and museums

This green space is full of parkland and cultural treasures, and you might want to alight at any of the Joan Miro Foundation, Olympic Stadium, or Miramar viewing point, if you have time.

With a bit of luck you should reach the Columbus Statue around 18:00. (If you stopped for Camp Nou you’re probably behind schedule, so plan accordingly!).

18:00 – Las Ramblas

The 60-metre-high column with the New World explorer on top is your sign to get off the bus. You’re at the bottom of Las Ramblas, the city’s (in)famous thoroughfare. You wouldn’t want to have to cross this street every day, as its positively jam-packed with tourists, but on the other hand, you wouldn’t want to miss it either. It’s a wide, lively street, flanked by theatres, restaurants and palaces. You can read more here.

Walk up La Rambla, from Colombus back up to Pl. Catalunya

As you head up Las Ramblas, navigate a little bit to the right in order to discover the lively Plaça Reial, possibly my favourite square in the city. You might want to come back here at night for a beer!

Be sure to pop by the Placa Reial

Whilst on the left of Las Ramblas, as you head up, you’ll pass not only La Boqueria food market (pop in and get yourself some freshly squeezed juice) but also the historic Liceu Theatre.

You’ll also pass all manner of artists, street performers, vendors, hawkers, florists, kiosks and souvenir sellers.

If it’s cold outside you could nip down to Petrixol street (on the right) and grab a hot chocolate from one of the traditional cafes there.

After that it’s time to get back to your hotel and get changed for the evening.

19:45 – Flamenco & Dinner

If you really want to do it all in one day, then round off your Barcelona itinerary with a flamenco show and dinner. There are several great tablaos (concert venues) to choose from, and I’d suggest either this affordable tapas and flamenco experience (meeting time 19:45), or a show at Palacio del Flamenco complete with a classic Spanish paella.

The latter offers three shows a night (start times are 18:00, 19:55 or 21:50 with dinner), so check the times for which might work for you. They tend to sell out so best to buy tickets via Get Your Guide (select the date first, and then you will see several different meal options and times).

Treat yourself to a flamenco show with paella dinner

If flamenco isn’t your bag baby, then you can’t go wrong with dinner at El Nacional, where four different restaurants and four more bars offer tastes from all corners of Spain.

More things to do at night here.

22:00 – Nightcap

You’ve really packed it in today, so reward yourself with a nice refreshing beer or mojito. If you went to the Palacio del Flamenco, you are nearby Slow cocktail bar. If you went to the flamenco and tapas evening, head over to Milk, or one of the bars on Plaça Reial (I like Ocaña the best).

Chilling out in style at Slow

If you went to El Nacional for dinner saunter back to La Whiskeria for a single malt or whiskey cocktail, or Marmalade for a cerveza or two.

00:00 – Bed Time?

Bed time! Unless of course you truly want to make this a 24 hours in Barcelona experience and party until dawn with the city’s cool cats and night owls. In that case let me present to you our guide to the local nightlife.

Itinerary Map

1 Day Itinerary – The Remix

If you don’t fancy riding the tourist bus, or want to save yourself €30, you could grab the metro (or even walk, it’s not that far) to Sagrada Familia from Casa Mila, and then later take the metro from Sagrada Familia to get to Park Guell.

Afterwards you could metro back into town and do Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter at a leisurely pace, as well as wander around El Born.

Barcelona’s Gothic Cathedral in the Old Town

Highlights in these zones are not only the aforementioned Plaça Reial and Boqueria market, but also the Gothic Cathedral, the Passeig del Born and the Picasso Museum.

This would probably give you more control, and time to get ready, if you have booked flamenco tickets in the evening.

1 Day Itinerary – The Tour Option

If you want someone else to do all your thinking and planning for you, this 5 hour Barcelona highlights tour does a pretty excellent job (***currently unavailable***). It follows an almost identical route to the one I mapped out (great minds!), beginning with a ride up the Passeig de Gracia, followed by a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia, and then a jaunt around Montjuic. On Montjuic you stop off at Poble Espanyol – a weird but fun relic of the Universal Exhibition of 1929, as well as seeing the Olympic Stadium and one or two other worthwhile sights.

The tour doesn’t include Park Guell, so you could either buy tickets for that yourself for the afternoon (around sunset is always a good time!), or head into the Gothic Quarter for a meander.

Where to Stay

If you plan on using this itinerary, your best bet is to book a hotel near Plaça Catalunya, where this schedule starts and ends. The 4-star Iberostar Selection is right on the square itself, while close by I also like Hotel Jazz.

If money is no object, the 5-star Mandarin Oriental is a little way up the Passeig de Gracia (giving you a headstart on my itinerary!). They have a fantastic cocktail bar on site.

For a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Barcelona check One Week In travel guide.

Getting to the Airport

You can find our complete guide to getting to and from the airport here. The most convenient way to get into town would be to book a transfer through Welcome Pickup.

Final Advice

I tried to leave as much time as might be needed to get from a. to b. during this itinerary, but if you are buying tickets with specific entry times be sure to leave some extra wiggle room. If you are travelling with children, stop for excessive amount of selfies, enjoy long lunches or get unlucky with the buses / traffic, you may hit some of these stops later than I predicted here.

Also, as ever with Barcelona, be vigilant about pickpockets, especially on the metro, Las Ramblas, and in the winding streets of the Old Town (Gothic Quarter, El Born etc. ). The city is very safe, but unguarded possessions (like bags left under tables) are often swiped by opportunistic thieves.

About the Author

Duncan established Barcelona Life in 2009, whilst freelancing for the likes of Conde Nast, The Guardian, Easyjet Magazine, CNN Traveller and many more. From interviews with Ferran Adria to revealing the secrets of the city’s poetry brothels, he knows the city inside out… and shares all his best tips right here.

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The Best of the Catalan Capital in One Day – Devour Tours

May 6, 2022

Barcelona contains an entire world of sights, culture and flavors that require time to experience fully.

However, sometimes you just have a few precious hours in town and you want to experience the best of the best. To that, we say salud to you and your eagerness to explore! Here’s how to spend 24 hours in Barcelona to get a taste for the Catalan capital.

10 a.m.: Tastes & Traditions Food Tour

Start off your 24 hours in Barcelona on a delicious note! Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land in a new city, and a food tour takes things up a delicious notch. Our Tastes & Traditions of Barcelona Tour will take you through two of Barcelona’s most authentic, historic neighborhoods. You’ll start learning your way around town, get a feel for local culture and taste some of our favorite local food!

Step inside the truly local Santa Caterina Market on our Tastes & Traditions Tour!

2 p.m.: Lunch like a local or visit the museum

You probably won’t be hungry after eating your way around Barcelona all morning. However, if you’d like to check out Barcelona’s foodie scene on your own, we suggest hanging around the Barceloneta area for lunch. A traditional fishermen’s barrio, this off-the-beaten-path neighborhood is full of friendly locals and authentic charm. Check out some of our favorite places to eat in Barceloneta!

Not hungry? After your tour ends in Barceloneta, you’ll be in walking distance to some of Barcelona’s best museums! The Catalan History Museum (Plaça de Pau Vila, 3), housed in a former 19th century waterfront warehouse, allows you to take a look back at the history of this fascinating part of Europe. If you fancy yourself an art aficionado, the Picasso Museum (Carrer Montcada, 15-23) in Born pays a perfect tribute to the iconic Spanish cubist.

Eat like a local in the Barceloneta neighborhood, home to some of the most authentic bars and restaurants in the city.

4 p.m.: Stroll through the city center towards La Sagrada Familia

Start at Plaça Reial in the Gothic Quarter and head north up Las Ramblas towards Plaça de Catalunya. While this is quite a touristy street, it’s one of the city’s most famous sights and a must-see during 24 hours in Barcelona.

Soon, you’ll start heading towards the most iconic sight in the city: La Sagrada Familia. Catalan architect Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece lies in the heart of the Eixample neighborhood. If you’re interested in seeing the inside, we highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines! However, this stunning church will take your breath away from the outside as well. It’s an absolute must during your 24 hours in Barcelona.

The inside of Sagrada Familia will blow you away! Photo credit: Iwao Kobayashi

6 p.m.: Merienda in Gracia

The charming, authentic Gracia neighborhood used to be a completely separate village until Barcelona swallowed it up in its massive expansion! However, it still retains its small-town charm even centuries later. You can’t spend 24 hours in Barcelona without spending some time wandering through Gracia’s picturesque narrow streets.

Late afternoon-early evening is nowhere near dinner time for the locals. Instead, join them for merienda—a traditional snack eaten between lunch and dinner. It’s usually something sweet accompanied by coffee or tea. Stop at Pastisseria Príncipe (Carrer de les Guilleries, 10) for a sweet pick-me-up. We love this Arabic bakery so much, we included it as a stop on our Gracia Neighborhood Food & Market Tour!

Our friend Mostafa is the owner of Pastisseria Príncipe, where he serves up delicious homemade Syrian pastries!

Evening: Sunset at Park Guell

Need more Gaudí? You’re in luck! There are many stunning places to watch the sunset in Barcelona, but the colorful park is one of the best. Spend some time wandering amongst the buildings at Park Guell, which looks like a fairytale gingerbread house come to life. As evening falls over the city, head up to the top of the hill and watch nightfall gently blanket the city. This is a must during your 24 hours in Barcelona!

Park Güell is stunning any time of day.

10 p.m.: Dinner in Gracia

Head back into charming Gracia and eat dinner like a local! The neighborhood is full of fantastic hidden gems most tourists would never find. Whether you want to sample more authentic Catalan fare or have a hankering for tapas, there’s something for everyone! Be sure to check out our guide to the best places to eat in Gracia before you go.

Step out of your foodie comfort zone in Gracia. You might find that caracoles are actually delicious!

Night: Experience Barcelona’s iconic nightlife

If you’ve only got 24 hours in Barcelona, be sure to spend a few of them experiencing the city’s famous nightlife! With many venues staying open until daylight the next morning, it’s no wonder why locals are so into the siesta culture. Head to one of the city’s best cocktail bars or nightclubs for a night of partying like you’ve never experienced before!

24 hours in Barcelona

24 hours isn’t that long, especially in a city as crowded with culture as Barcelona. However, the Tiqets team loves challenges. That is why we have put together our comprehensive guide to get the most out of the Catalan capital. So whether you decide to take advantage of a long layover or are just planning a last minute trip, Tiqets has you covered!

First of all: transport. Barcelona has one of the most extensive and reliable public transport networks in the world, and a travel card for all modes costs only 14.50 euros. You’ll be zipping around the city, so a pass won’t hurt… and with a 48-hour validity, you might be tempted to “miss” the return flight altogether.

Park Güell

Blurring the lines between urban garden, theme park and art installation, Park Güell is an sprawling, technically colorful delight. And with unrivaled views of the city below, it’s the perfect vantage point to…

Blurring the lines between urban garden, theme park and art installation, Parc Güell is an sprawling, technically colorful delight. And with unrivaled views of the city below, it’s the perfect vantage point to get to know the area and see upcoming sights. Pass in hand, soak up the morning sun in this stunning park, designed by Antoni Gaudí himself in 1926. If you’re a fan of The Architect of God, you already know what to expect, but the park is the perfect introduction to this innovative modernist’s inimitable style.

See ticket options

The Gaudí Experience

By this point, you have already immersed yourself in the old and the new, the ancient and the advanced. Now it’s time to combine the two and immerse yourself in this 4D sensory spectacle. Combining stereoscopic imaging, 7.1 surround sound and moving seats with…

At this point, you have already delved into the old and the new, the ancient and the advanced. Now it’s time to combine the two and immerse yourself in this 4D sensory spectacle. Combining stereoscopic imaging, 7.1 surround sound, and moving seats with special effects, you’ll find yourself inside Gaudí’s head (yes, Gaudí again… he was something special).
In just 30 minutes you will see the world as Antonio himself saw it. And thanks to the latest cinema technology, you will also feel it. It is as breathtaking as it is inspiring, and perhaps all you need to unleash your inner vision as an architect. Just beware of trams at the exit.

See ticket options

Sagrada Familia

Now that you’ve got a taste for Gaudí, get on the bus and enjoy the short ride to his opus, the monolithic Sagrada Familia. The most visited monument in Spain, this stunning church needs no introduction. It combines gothic and modernist design with organic motifs reminiscent of aliens. The Sagrada Familia is so impressive that it is actually not yet completed: construction continued long after Gaudí’s unfortunate walk in front of the tram.
Needless to say, this attraction is as popular as it is unforgettable – lines can snake around the building and as far away as you can see. But don’t worry, with Tiqets you can skip the line and save up to two hours – vital when you’re pressed for time!

See ticket options

Montjuic cable car

Feeling a bit out of touch with Gaudí? This serene cable car is the perfect taste purifier, allowing you to get a “view” of the city in just a few minutes – efficiently and pleasantly.
Newly refurbished carriages (which is always soothing when you’re hovering hundreds of feet above the ground) will take you to the top of the Montjuic hill for breathtaking views. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a serene lunch, and then just as serenely return to earth and continue your day!

See ticket options

MACBA – Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art

After a historic morning, it’s time to step back into the future (well, the present) and open your mind to over 5,000 stunning contemporary art pieces. There are works here from the 1940s to the present day, which will please even the most. ..

After a historic morning, it’s time to step back into the future (well, the present) and open your mind to over 5,000 stunning contemporary art pieces. There are works starting from 1940s to the present day, which will please even the most blinkered art critics.
There is so much to see here that it will be difficult for you to see everything, but even a short visit will satisfy your cultural hunger. The glass building, designed by Richard Meyer, is very cool in itself (both figuratively and literally – air conditioning is a welcome respite from the midday sun!), and is a must-see for all visitors to Barcelona.

See ticket options

Tarantos Flamenco Show

The sun is setting and your head is spinning… but you still have a few precious hours to make the most of. Relieve yourself of tension and go to a breathtaking authentic performance at the oldest flamenco club in…

The sun is setting and your head is spinning… but you still have a few precious hours to use to your best advantage. Take the pressure off your feet and experience a breathtaking authentic performance at the oldest flamenco club in Barcelona.
It’s impossible not to be immersed in this explosion of music, movement and color and you’ll be blown away by the incredibly talented performers flying across the stage. It’s the perfect early evening boost and you’ll be out the door ready for the night ahead.

See ticket options

More Paris guides and itineraries

Ticket to Barcelona

Take your Barcelona journey to the next level with The Barcelona Pass. Climb to the top deck of the bus and visit two of Gaudí’s most magnificent masterpieces: Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. A stress-free and fun-filled trip to Barcelona for the whole family is an all-in-one pass.

4 best restaurants near Parc Güell

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, Parc Güell should be at the top of your list. A quaint playground, the colorful Park Güell and its Monumental Zone are one of the top tourist destinations in Barcelona. Visiting Parc Güell is like stepping into another dimension, or rather, taking a dizzying journey down the rabbit hole. The genius of modernism, Antonio Gaudí, created a park that is ahead of its time even a century later. For the planners in your tour group, knowing the best restaurants near Parc Güell can ensure that your visit is remembered for a long time.

When planning your trip to Park Güell – and you should – be prepared for the fact that you will have to set aside part of your day for it. This top tourist spot can get crowded quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. Knowing which restaurants are near Parc Güell will save you time and help you avoid rumbling stomachs. This insider’s look at the best restaurants and food near Parc Güell. Whether you’re looking for the finest coffee, the famous calçots, or a glass of wine at the end of the day, Tiqets has you covered.

3 things to do for kids in Barcelona

This oceanfront city has it all: iconic Gaudí architecture, top-notch tapas bars around every corner and lively terraces where wine flows freely. And Barcelona is not just a paradise for adults: it is a kindergarten for children and parents. We’ve rounded up 3 of the most fun things to do for kids (and the whole family) in Barcelona:

The 10 Best Restaurants Near Sagrada Familia

Visiting the Sagrada Familia can be a hungry job. The mesmerizing, spiritual architecture of this enchanting cathedral is arguably Barcelona’s most important cultural highlight. There are so many impressive pieces of art and architecture on display here that it will take quite some time to explore everything inside and out.

Thousands of people flock to the Sagrada Familia daily to see Gaudí’s masterpiece. And a lot of tourists means a lot of hungry mouths, so it’s no wonder there are so many great places to eat nearby. You just need to know where the good spots are. So, after you let your jaw drop in amazement, clamp it around the Catalan cuisine or other mouth-watering dishes located nearby.

From breakfast to dinner, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants near the Sagrada Familia for you so you don’t get hungry before exploring other magnificent Gaudí architecture.

Explore the best things to do in Barcelona

See all experiences

24 hours in Barcelona – BANZAY

The history of the most captivating city in Spain – Barcelona has more than 2000 years. It is shrouded in many myths and legends. This wayward city, washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, annually attracts millions of travelers from all over the world and leaves no one indifferent. Here, centuries-old history merges with modern life, and technology allows you to travel into the past. Here everyone will find what he likes! Even one day spent in the capital of Catalonia will be remembered for a lifetime!

The city was founded in 237 BC. It was in this year that the famous ancient commander Hamilcar Barca set about arranging his military camp on the narrow coast of the Mediterranean near Montjuic. At the suggestion of Barca’s associates, the name of the camp was defined as “Barsino” (lightning), in honor of the commander himself.

In the Middle Ages, the city passed “from hand to hand”; it was conquered by the Romans, conquered by the Visigoths, captured by the Moors (Arabs). He absorbed the culture of various peoples. When the city grew, it received the name “Barsinova” (as the Visigoths called it), and later it was transformed into the modern one – “Barcelona”. In 1516, Aragon and Castile united to form the Kingdom of Spain. Thus ended the Reconquista – a long process of struggle between European Christians (Spaniards and Portuguese) and Arabs for the lands of the Iberian Peninsula. Since then, Spain has become one of the most powerful states in Europe, and Barcelona is the largest port in the kingdom, playing a huge strategic role.

In 1888 and 1929, the Catalan capital hosted the World Exhibition, and in 1992 the city became the venue for the Summer Olympic Games. These developments have given rise to many famous sights, and Barcelona has become a popular, dynamic tourist destination.

If you are going to Barcelona for the first time, you probably cannot choose where to start your trip. Certainly! After all, you want to see as much as possible: wander through the ornate streets of the Gothic Quarter, take a look at the famous Sagrada Familia, walk along the busiest street of the city, Las Ramblas. And how to resist the colorful shop windows or the smells coming from the nearest cafes and restaurants? Barcelona will turn anyone’s head! To ease your “fate” a little, we have compiled a rich one-day itinerary around the city, which will allow you to visit its different parts, feel the atmosphere of the streets, get acquainted with the creations of the great Antoni Gaudí and do not forget to taste Barcelona.

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the park Güell ! It is located closer to the outskirts of the city, so the bulk of tourists arrive here closer to noon. If you can get up early, it is better to come to the opening itself, having bought tickets online in advance for convenience and saving time. So you can enjoy the beauty of the “gingerbread” houses and walk along the spacious alleys surrounded by flowering plants in the morning coolness without crowds of tourists. After the walk, don’t forget to take a photo from the upper terrace, where the famous curved bench, reminiscent of the curves of the human body, is decorated with pieces of multi-colored shiny ceramic tiles. From there you have an incredible view of Barcelona and the sea.

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After visiting the park, it’s time to have breakfast. As in all major European cities, Barcelona has a great variety of street cafes, choose the one that suits you. Order a cup of coffee and try the traditional Spanish omelet with potatoes and onions, tortilla francesa, and pa amb tomaguet, which is a slice of wholemeal white bread rubbed with tomato, garlic and drizzled with olive oil.

After refreshing, go to a meeting with the main symbol of Barcelona – the Sagrada Familia. Sagrada Familia is the most famous unfinished building in the world, it is just a fragment of the building that the architect intended to build. Antonio Gaudí began the implementation of this super project in 1883. According to his idea, he was supposed to contribute to the atonement for the sins of the modern materialistic world, but, unfortunately, the architect was not destined to complete what he started. The project of the temple included 18 towers, among which the highest (170 m.), dedicated to Jesus Christ, would stand out. As a result, Gaudi managed to complete during his lifetime only one of the towers dedicated to the Birth of Christ, a pointed apse and a crypt. Today, construction continues, although many residents of the city would prefer to leave the temple in the form in which Gaudí created it.

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Day

Continue exploring Antoni Gaudí’s work stands in the famous house Casa Milá , which looks more like a coral reef or a mountain than a human dwelling. The seven-story building was built for the wealthy Spanish industrialist Per Mil. Every detail of the interior has been meticulously thought out by the architect, from movable interior partitions that allow the owner to change the interior layout, to underground parking! The roof of the house deserves special attention, which impresses with its design and the bizarre shape of the chimneys.

After a series of attractions associated with the name of Gaudi, it’s time to move towards the historic center. When you reach Plaça Catalunya, head down the famous Las Ramblas, then turn left and enter the oldest part of the city – Gothic Quarter . Here you should just take a walk and look around, soak up the atmosphere of narrow medieval streets and all kinds of shops. However, don’t forget to look at Barcelona Cathedral – an example of Catalan Gothic, as well as visit Plaça Nova (New Square), where the entrance to the Barcino settlement used to be, and now all kinds of fairs are held on Sundays.

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You can dine in the Gothic Quarter at a place called Restaurante Melic del Gotic . A traditional Catalan restaurant specializing in charcoal grills is housed in a 15th-century monastery. Here they offer excellent set meals for only 12 euros, but if you want something special, then in the main menu you can find both excellent steaks and dishes from the freshest fish or seafood. Also, this place will surely be remembered by you for its authentic atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

Continue reading about the history of Barcelona at the Maritime Museum (Drassanes & Museu Marítim) . By the 13th century, the Catalan navy controlled most of the Mediterranean. The construction of the ships was carried out in the covered Royal Dockyards, which were parallel long halls with roofs, held on high arches. Now in their place is a museum where, thanks to interactive systems, you can fully explore the history of Spanish maritime culture. Models of ships, samples of old maps and navigation equipment from different eras will captivate both adults and children!

Evening

Evening is perfect for a walk around the port (Port Vell) . After passing the 50-meter monument to Columbus, commemorating his return from the New World in 1493, take a walk along the Old Port of Barcelona. Pass along the unusual curved bridge Rambla del Mar, which connects the coast and the cape. There is one of the best shopping centers in the city – Maremagnum, as well as a beautiful view of yachts, cruise ships and evening Barcelona.

Heading back towards the center on Las Ramblas , you will certainly feel the special atmosphere that reigns here: you will meet street performers, who are a kind of symbol of this street, dip into fun street cafes and souvenirs open-air shops.