3 day in barcelona: The Ultimate Barcelona Itinerary + Map and Tips!

Fun 3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary [Free Map]

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Looking for an extensive 3 days in Barcelona itinerary? We (Gemma and Craig) love Barcelona with its charismatic buildings, interesting history, cute traditional taverns and shopping opportunities. Honestly, with the number of exciting day trips, you could spend weeks in and around this city and not get bored, but if you only have 3 days in Barcelona, that’s cool. That’s a perfect amount of time to experience the best Barcelona attractions and the highlights in the heart of Catalonia.

Thanks to Antoine from Traveling Life for helping to shape our jam-packed Barcelona itinerary.

How to Spend 3 Days in Barcelona

Barcelona Itinerary Day One

Today focuses on seeing the best sights of Barcelona and experiencing what makes this city tick, whether it be old or new. Day one is all about orientating yourself in this new city.

Barcelona ‘Hop On Hop Off’ Bus Tour

Every time I go to a new city, I like to accustom myself by doing a few tours. Hop on hop off bus tours are my particular favourite; like many bus tours, Barcelona’s takes you around the best parts of the city.

In doing so, it gives a great opportunity to learn about its culture and history while working out the distances between the best Barcelona attractions; and helping you make a mental note of which ones to return to.

You could purchase tickets for the hop on hop off bus for just one day or for two; if you make the decision to buy the two-day ticket (which works out cheaper per day than just the single-day ticket) then you can use the bus as transportation around the city on day two.

If you only have 2 days in Barcelona this is a quick way to get around and see the main sites.

Barcelona’s open-top bus tour is the best bus tour Gemma’s Mum has been on and a tour is always part of their itinerary for European trips.

» » Reserve your hop on/off and audio tour tickets here « «

Port Vell, one of the Barcelona attractions on the open-top bus tour

Las Ramblas

The full open-topped bus tour will take up most of the morning, and you’ll no doubt be peckish after seeing all of Barcelona’s highlights; so take a walk down Las Ramblas, one of the city’s most famous streets.

While Las Ramblas does have gorgeous architecture, it is very touristy so have your wits about you.

The famous/infamous La Rambla

Lunch at La Boqueria

Just off La Rambla is Mercado de La Boqueria market. This is a covered market with rows upon rows of stalls selling juice, spiral crisps, empanadas, meats and seafood.

There are sections of the market which you can sit and enjoy a full meal if you don’t want snack-type food.

Look, La Boqueria is touristy but there’s a reason for that! If you want to escape the crowds, head to the back right hand corner and grab a craft beer in the sun at Moritz.

If you prefer a quieter market used more by locals seek out Santa Caterina Market in El Born.

If you’d prefer a cafe/restaurant-style meal, head to Gats at Carrer d’en Xuclà, 7.

Spiral crisps at La Boqueria

Late Afternoon at Sagrada Familia

If you ask anyone what to do in Barcelona in 3 days their advice will 100% feature a tour of La Sagrada Familia.

A must-visit in Barcelona, this is Gaudi’s unfinished basilica. It is a very famous attraction, and it is incredibly popular.

Gaudi was the main director of the construction of La Sagrada Familia until he died in 1926.

He was very particular about it, constantly requesting it be changed until it suited his exact vision!

This means that nowadays, many people debate about whether the material used and style of the modern church is what Gaudi would have produced.

The controversy almost adds to its appeal as one of Barcelona’s top attractions, and it is a must-see when you’re visiting the city.

Purchasing your ticket for a late afternoon slot means that you can catch the light gleaming through the stain glass windows!

Sagrada Familia

It is strongly advised that you reserve your ticket before you arrive at the Sagrada Familia for a few reasons:

  • In high season, tickets sell out. For example, on TripAdvisor, a reader stated that he could not book a ticket for days in advance, in June.
  • You can enjoy a ‘skip the line’ pass which means you do not have wait in line like others who arrive on the day.
  • You can choose your time slot, the afternoon is best of light, morning is best for crowds (everyone has to go through security).

A trip to the Sagrada Familia is so special, you don’t want to miss out on this Barcelona attraction.

Reserve your ticket and time slot here. here. You can also choose whether you want an audio guide or not.

→ Alternatively, take a tour of the Basilica with GetYourGuide’s top tour run by locals.

→ Further reading: 5 ways to book your Sagrada Familia ticket + things to know before you go

Hotel Ayre

Buy a drink at the downstairs bar then take the elevator up to the rooftop at Hotel Ayre.

Here you get the best views of La Sagrada Familia. Gemma and Craig had a drink here before their tour. There are heaps of great viewpoints in the city, click here to read about more.

Gemma and Craig at Hotel Ayre

Recinte Modernista Sant Pau

This Barcelona attraction is a bit of a hidden gem – it is a former hospital, which means it does not attract the same crowds as the cathedrals and plazas! However, it’s a beautiful, peaceful spot and is loved by all who visit.

This show-stopping modernist/art nouveau architecture was created by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, one of Gaudi’s peers. You can take a tour of the hospital, learning about its history, while admiring the artwork and gardens.

It is a very peaceful place; exactly the kind of hospital you’d want to be sent to if you were ill! Here’s their website for more information.

Evening – El Born

El Born is a bustling part of the city with streets of unique shops, cute traditional taverns and hip bars. There’s even a speakeasy behind a deli shop.

Museu Picasso

Set within beautiful stone buildings, you’ll love the serenity of the Museu Picasso; and will be enthralled at the interior, which contains over 3,500 artworks. It has a major emphasis on Picasso’s art before 1904; the museum was requested by Picasso himself.

Dinner at El Born

Enjoy a tapas dinner at the local tavern, El Xampanyet (Carrer de Montcada, 22, 08003). This isn’t quite like a tapas restaurant at home, here you sit or stand and a small variety of plates (sardines, omelette, meat) is offered to you as you drink beer and wine. 

White wine is served in cute Gatsby-style glasses. A very charming bar in El Born. 

El Xampanyet

Bar Hopping in El Born

El Born is a great place to do some bar hopping. There’s everything from quiet corners for chats to jumping bars with loud sound systems and locals spilling out the door. Check out Corner, You’re Super Super and Savannah.

Gemma and Craig stayed in El Born at the very affordable Park Hotel, perfect for rolling out of bed the next day after a few wines the night before. 

Day Two Barcelona Itinerary

If breakfast isn’t served at your accommodation you are in luck!

Brunch & Cake (Carrer d’Enric Granados, 19) close to Port Vell serves up an Instagram-worthy plate of pancakes and french toast.

Casa Batlló

Next, we head up to the pretty street, Passeig de Gràcia where you will find Gaudi’s casas.

First up is the architectural marvel, Casa Batllo. This ex-family home has balconies resembling skulls and pillars in the shape of bones! The building is decorated in aquatic colours.

It was used as the residence for the Batllo family, but has since been vacated and is now a museum dedicated to Gaudi, his life, and his works. Book ahead today for a Skywalk and entry ticket.

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

Casa Mila

One of Barcelona’s best buildings, Casa Mila is another fantastic Gaudi masterpiece. The building, which is also called ‘La Pedrera’, resembles a collection of stones – another quirky architectural marvel.

It’s a fantastic spot to visit, especially if you’re into photography, and it’s great to explore inside as well. You can purchase a skip the line and audio tour with GetYourGuide before you arrive. Save time and skip the line.

» » Don’t miss this skip the line offer to Casa Mila « «

Passeig de Gràcia Shopping

Passeig de Gràcia is long street where you can find both Gaudi’s casas and also lots of upmarket designer shops if that’s your bag.

If visiting Barcelona in Christmas, definitely come up this way to see the incredible Christmas lights. For tips on what to do in winter in Barcelona, read our guide.

Park Guell

One thing that you’ll see a lot of in Barcelona is Gaudi’s architecture. Park Guell, a UNESCO world heritage site, is maybe his most colourful architectural design.

If you like quirky photo backdrops and funky statues, this place is for you! It also has impressive views of the city and beyond.

With your ticket, you have access to the free park bus which drops you off at the closest metro station. Across the road, there are cafes if you want to pick up a baguette.

» » Click to book your Park Guell tickets here « «

Dinner at Plaça Reial

Close to the La Rambla area, there is a square with lots of dining opportunities called Plaça Reial.

Gemma’s friend recommends Ocana.

» You may also like | Things to do in Barcelona at night

Day Three

Use day three in the city to see a different side to Barcelona’s vibrant culture; The Gothic Quarter displays some of the best of the city’s history, while the Poble Espanyol demonstrates how it harmonizes with the rest of Spain.

Plus, Montjuïc Castle is one of the most historically significant places to visit in Barcelona.

Grab an acai bowl at Senor Pina in El Raval for a healthy start to the day.

The Gothic Quarter

The 2000-year-old Gothic Quarter is a must-visit in Barcelona, with quaint buildings and alleys, religious buildings and enthralling shops. Start your time in the Gothic Quarter by visiting the beautiful Gothic Cathedral – if you make it there before 12:45 pm, admission is free.

Or if you miss this time slot, entrance is by donation.

Much of the Gothic Quarter can be enjoyed just by strolling around it, but the Roman Temple – Temple d’August – is well worth visiting as well. One of the best areas of the Gothic Quarter is the Jewish Quarter, El Call. The area is steeped in history and it is wonderful to walk around – don’t miss the old synagogue.

There are lots of restaurants and cafes where you can grab lunch, including the oldest restaurant in Barcelona, Can Culleretes, dating back to 1786.

In winter, this is where the traditional Christmas market in Barcelona stands.

Hotel Colón

For awesome views of Barcelona Cathedral, as you in you can nearly touch it views, take the elevator to the rooftop of Hotel Colón (Av. de la Catedral, 7, 08002).

Servers take your order while you relax. Worth visiting at sunset.

The World Begins With Every Kiss

The World Begins With Every Kiss mural (Plaça d’Isidre Nonell) is a huge image of two lips embraced in a smooch, but if you look closely you’ll see it is so much more.

Thousands of Barcelonés contributed images they felt summed up the theme ‘moments of freedom’ and a quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes reads ‘the sound of a kiss is not so loud as that of cannon but its echo lasts a great deal longer”.

Poble Espanyol

Literally meaning ‘Spanish Town’, the Poble Espanyol is a must-visit for travellers to Barcelona. It replicates fifteen autonomous Spanish communities within 117 buildings.

The open-air museum, which is 400 metres away from the Fountains of Montjuic, is one of the best things to do in Barcelona with kids to show them the intricacies of Spanish culture.

Telefèric de Montjuïc

Don’t be fooled by the stretches of sand, see the city from a bird’s eye view to really understand how mountainous the area is!

The Telefèric de Montjuïc lifts are a great way to get to Castle Montjuïc.

The 360 glass cable car rides to the top of the mountain, stopping at Castle Montjuïc.

How to get to the Telefèric de Montjuïc.

If walking, be prepared to enjoy a hefty hike up through a residential area, past a football court and among lots of street art.

Alternatively, avoid the walk and hop on the 150 or 5 bus or L2 or 3 Metro to Paral·lel.

Montjuïc Castle

Offering amazing panoramic vistas of the city of Barcelona, Castell de Montjuïc is a fascinating place to visit to learn about Barcelona’s culture and history.

As Catalonia is a part of Spain with its own language and culture, it goes without saying that it has been home to a fair bit of turmoil throughout its history; and Montjuïc Castle has been in the thick of it.

The view from the top is mesmerising, and the parts of the castle that educate you about different aspects of the city’s history are just as captivating.

Palau Montjuic

Palau Montjuic (Parc de Montjuïc) is Gemma’s favourite building in Barcelona.

Eugenio Cendoya and Enric Catà were the designers of this Spanish Renaissance-inspired building which is home to an art gallery. The impressive waterfalls cascade down the front it making it a very popular photo spot.

On Thursdays to Saturdays, this is where Font Màgica de Montjuïc takes place at night

If you’re spending 4 days in Barcelona, or maybe even longer, you may be seeking for more things to do than offered on this itinerary.

You might also be interested in learning of some specific activities that you can do with kids, in the rain, or as a couple. Here is a list of the best other activities to enjoy in Barcelona.

4 Days in Barcelona?

If you are lucky enough to have four days in Barcelona here are other things to do in Barcelona to add to your itinerary.

Barcelona FC Stadium

Barcelona FC Stadium might be top of the list for some, and it’s a great thing to do in Barcelona with kids if they are into football.

You can take tours of the world-famous stadium, learn about its history, and buy merchandise. Tours of Tour Camp Nou take around 90 mins with access to the museum too.

» » Football fans! Book your Camp Nou tour here « «

Museums

As with many historic cities, there are museums dotted all over Barcelona. Obviously, one of the best things to do in Barcelona in the rain is to visit one, or a few, of these museums.

Whether you’re into art, history or culture, there’s something to suit you. Popular favourites are the Museu Maritim, Disseny Hub Barcelona and the City History Museum. If you’re visiting Barcelona with kids, the Cosmo Caixa science museum, the magic museum and the chocolate museum are great bets.

Beaches

It is easy to forget that Barcelona is a coastal city, but there are lots of beaches in close proximity to its centre. Barceloneta Beach is the closest to the city and can be accessed by metro, and therefore very busy during the summer. Icaria Beach is another beach accessible by metro.

A bit further from the city (and a lot quieter!) is Sitges and Ocata Playa. And of course, from Barcelona, you can easily reach the Costa Brava and many of its secluded bays.

Barcelona Day Trips

One of the most common questions asked is ‘how many days in Barcelona’ and like most European cities the answer depends on what type of trip you are looking for. There are plenty of days trips from Barcelona if you exhaust the top attractions above.

For example, Girona is one of the best towns near Barcelona, colourful Girona is home to an impressive Jewish Quarter, amazing Game of Thrones scenes and spectacular viewpoints over the city.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss Montserrat! Take a beautiful mountain climb at Montserrat, an 800-metre high mountain with a monastery at the bottom.

It’s a great spot to visit out of the city. Both could be considered if you had 4 days in Barcelona.

There are two options for visiting Montserrat.

Firstly, you can take the train, enjoy unlimited use of the Santa Cova funiculars and participate in a virtual tour of the Benedictine monastery in the Audiovisual Gallery with this Trans Montserrat return ticket combo.

The second option is to visit by bus.

This half-day bus tour with Madrid Busvision not only visits the Montserrat Monastery but also the Benedictine monastery and La Moreneta, the 12th-century Black Virgin. Book your ticket here.

Check out the full list of day trips here.

Where to Eat in Barcelona

Restaurant recommendations are always tough for a city, and for one as effervescent as Barcelona, it is difficult to know what individual interests are. The city has so many restaurants, from traditional Catalonian fare to tapas bars to vegetarian restaurants to burger joints.

You won’t go hungry in Barcelona – popular tourist areas like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter have great eateries on every corner – but do be aware that many places, especially more authentic restaurants, close for a siesta in the afternoon and do not serve dinner until late.

  • 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

Where to Stay in Barcelona

There are hotels and hostels all over Barcelona, which are fantastic accommodation options. There is something to suit every budget.

Hotels in Barcelona

  • Park Hotel – Affordable, comfortable hotel in El Born. Rooftop swimming pool all year round
  • Iberostar Paseo de Gracia – located on Plaça Catalunya Square, swimming pool and free parking available.

Hostels in Barcelona

  • Yeah Barcelona Hostel – super modern and creative hostel with custom-made beds. Excellent central location.
  • Ten to Go Hostel – relaxed hostels in the authentic Sants neighbourhood. Capsule dorm beds for privacy.

Park Hote, El Born

Planning a Trip to Barcelona: Key Things to Know

Free Barcelona Map

Here’s the free map where all the attractions discussed are pinned plus some additional tips!

How to Get There

Barcelona is easy to reach from all European cities; El Prat international airport serves flights all over the continent and to destinations in North and South America, Asia and Africa.

It can also be accessed by train from other cities in Spain and France; Barcelona is about two hours from Barcelona to the French border in the car.

From the airport, you can catch the L9 Sud metro, the terminal 2 train or the Aerobus.

Alternatively, check out this private airport transfer for under 40 Euro.

How to Get Around

Barcelona Metro connects all of the main tourist spots, and it is user-friendly.

There is a local taxi service which you can hail on the street.

You can purchase the Hola BCN multi-transport ticket which gives you access to the metros, buses, and suburban trains for 2-5 days.

For unreal panoramic views of the city don’t miss the Montjuïc cable cars.

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.

Travel Insurance

Don’t forget to book your travel insurance before you leave for your trip to Spain.

Two Scots Abroad use True Traveller because it offers short and long-term travel trip deals as well as high altitude (not an issue in Barcelona!) and extreme sports.

Gemma claimed in Vancouver when I fell sick and they reimbursed my GP and physio visit promptly. Click here to see if their rates work for you too.

Best Time to Visit

Barcelona has an idyllic climate; its coastal position means that it rarely gets too hot, although some people prefer to avoid the middle of summer.

July and August are school holidays, so if you are not going with kids, May, June, and September can be great times to visit. Although you may experience crowds in June and September. See our section on overtourism below.

Barcelona is never freezing in the winter and is a popular city to visit for those escaping the cold of northern Europe. Click to read more activities to do in Spain during the summer months.

Winter is also a great time to see the city as there are fewer crowds and balmy temperatures. Read our Barcelona in winter guide.

Weather

Barcelona is rainiest in Autumn and Spring, but there is not much rainfall year-round. Its hottest months are July and August when temperatures reach 30 degrees, and its coldest month is January – when the average is 13 degrees.

Events

  • Sant Jordi Day – the patron saint of Catalonia, Sant Jordi is celebrated on the 23rd April.
  • BCN Beer Festival – held in March every year, this is Barcelona’s answer to Oktoberfest!
  • Primavera Sound – this music festival takes place in early summer and has all sorts of genres.
  • Sonar – this creative festival takes place in June and hosts some of Barcelona’s best electronic music, as well as showcasing artwork.

Barcelona Packing List

  • Layers like a cardigan for shaded areas and indoors
  • A waterproof coat like this reliable foldaway by Marmot
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Refillable water bottle – you can drink the water in Barcelona
  • Tote bags for Christmas shopping
  • Anker battery packs for phones
  • Hydration tablets for sangria hangovers
  • Travel Insurance

Overtourism in Barcelona

Consider the following.

  • Visit during low season, avoid June through to September
  • December is a great time, visit the Christmas markets while enjoying the warm days
  • Avoid cruises, the port is said to be one of the most polluted in Europe
  • Book a room in a hotel and not Airbnb*
  • Stay longer than a day, you’re already looking at three!

* We love self-contained apartments and have used them all around the world but in Barcelona, there is a particular problem with ‘buy to rent’ which forces locals out of their homes and communities.

Planning a trip to Barcelona?
Bookmark this guide by pinning the below image to your Barcelona board

Any questions? Just ask below.

Final Thoughts

As you can tell from the above itinerary, the question – what to see in Barcelona in 3 days is an easy one to answer! From outstanding architecture to a variety of different tours as well as unique days trips from the city, Barcelona is a well-loved city trip for obvious reasons. I hope that you have enjoyed this itinerary.

Antoine is a Canadian travel blogger who now lives in the Cayman Islands, where he works in marketing and travels as much as possible, both to local Caribbean islands and to destinations further afield. He has visited every continent except Antarctica and has experienced climatic and cultural extremes, and now he’s on a mission to show you the less-visited side to places around the globe. Follow his adventures on his blog – www. travelinglife.com – or find him on Facebook.

How to Spend a Perfect 3 Days in Barcelona – Devour Tours

If you have 3 days in Barcelona, consider yourself lucky.

That’s the perfect amount of time to experience most of the city’s main tourist attractions and even get a little bit off the beaten path! The Catalan capital, widely considered one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, is bursting with unique energy and culture. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Barcelona that you won’t soon forget!

Insider’s Tip: Consider purchasing a Barcelona Pass or Barcelona Card to use over the course of your 3 days in Barcelona. These allow you to save time and money by giving you free or discounted admission to major sights, as well as skip-the-line access. It’s also worth considering a guided tour of Barcelona’s top sights.

Morning/afternoon, Day 1: Boquería Market and Gaudí houses

Start off your 3 days in Barcelona with a visit to its most iconic market! The Boquería Market (La Rambla, 91) has become a bit of a tourist favorite in recent years, but it’s still a must-visit in Barcelona. We recommend going first thing in the morning before the tourist crowds arrive. Grab breakfast from one of the stalls and wander around as locals do their morning grocery shopping.

Boquería Market Tips: Watch the video below to step inside the Boquería with Devour Barcelona expert guide Victoria.

After your market visit, head up to the Paseo de Gracia, where you’ll find two of Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudí‘s most famous works. First, head to Casa Batlló (Passeig de Gràcia, 43), Gaudí’s most famous house in Barcelona. You’ll definitely want to go inside, but even the exterior is one of a kind. Can you spot the Venetian masks hidden in plain sight in the façade?

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

Following that, head to nearby Casa Milá (Provença, 261-265), one of Gaudí’s most important masterpieces here in Barcelona. Known as “La Pedrera” (“the quarry”) due to its unique stone exterior, the interior is quite fascinating as well. Make your way up to the spectacular rooftop terrace for some of the best views in Barcelona.

Afternoon/evening, Day 1: Gracia and food tour

Casa Milá is the perfect starting point for exploring the beautiful Gracia neighborhood. It was once its own little village before being completely absorbed by the sprawling metropolis that is Barcelona! Take some time to wander its picturesque, narrow streets and see where they take you.

End the first of your 3 days in Barcelona with a fascinating food tour! Step back into the glamorous Barcelona of the past on our Tapas, Taverns & History Tour, or taste your way through the vineyards of Spain on our Evening Tapas & Wine Tour. Another great pick is our Tapas Like a Local Tour, where you’ll experience a true Barcelona tapas crawl across four family-run hidden gems. No matter which option you pick, you’ll walk away full, happy and armed with knowledge about how to eat like a local!

Fantastic food and wine with great new friends? Only on a Devour Barcelona tour!

Morning/afternoon, Day 2: Sagrada Familia and Sant Pau

Start the second of your 3 days in Barcelona with a trip to its most iconic church. The Sagrada Familia (Carrer de Mallorca, 401) is another Gaudí masterpiece that began construction in 1882 and won’t be complete until 2026! The interior is reminiscent of a magical fairytale forest, with its towering tree-like columns and glittering light produced by the stained glass windows.

From there, head to the Recinte Modernista Sant Pau (Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167). This gigantic art nouveau complex was originally built as a hospital! You can step back in time and check out the former hospital set up in the historical recreation space, then walk around and admire the stunning mosaics and gardens.

Exploring Sant Pau is an unforgettable experience!

Afternoon/evening, Day 2: Park Guell and Carmel Bunkers

A must-stop during your 3 days in Barcelona is nearby Park Guell, another Gaudí masterpiece. The famous architect originally intended to build an upper-class housing development. That vision never came to pass, but the public areas of the development were completed and turned into a whimsical park.

To end the second of your three days in Barcelona, head to the Carmel Bunkers (Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n) just a little way north of Park Guell. These abandoned military structures left over from Spain’s Civil War in the 1930s might be Barcelona’s best-kept secret. It’s a spectacular place to watch the Barcelona sunset, but the views are unbelievable any time of day!

Morning/afternoon, Day 3: Gothic Quarter and Born museums

Your 3 days in Barcelona are almost up! End them on a high note by starting off Day 3 in the storied Gothic Quarter. With over 2,000 years of history lining its streets, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here. Step into the shoes of Gaudí or Picasso, relax in a picturesque plaza, get lost in the winding streets of the old Jewish Quarter or step into the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral—this neighborhood is full of magic just waiting to be discovered.

Step inside Barcelona’s stunning Gothic cathedral and be prepared to get blown away. Photo credit: Daniel Garcia

This is also a fantastic starting point for exploring some of Barcelona’s many fascinating museums, many of which are located in the nearby Born district. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum (Carrer Comerç, 36), pay tribute to Spain’s most iconic artist at the Picasso Museum (Carrer Montcada, 15-23), or continue your journey of Gaudí’s works at the Gaudí Exhibition Center (Pla de la Seu, 7). Swing by Barcelona’s cathedral while you’re in the neighborhood, too!

Afternoon/evening, Day 3: Montjuïc Hill and Magic Fountain show

From there, head up Montjuïc Hill and check out some of the many attractions there along the way. Learn about the different regions of Spain at Poble Espanyol (Av Francesc Ferrer i Guardia, 13). For art lovers, the Joan Miró Foundation (Parc de Montjuïc, s/n) or the National Museum of Catalan Art (Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n) are must-sees.

When you get to the top, take some time to explore stunning Montjuïc Castle. This huge fortress has a bit of a dark past. However, today it offers a somber look back at Barcelona’s tumultuous history. On a lighter note, the views of Barcelona from up above are unbeatable.

If you’re in town on a weekend throughout most of the year, you’re in luck—you can end your 3 days in Barcelona by taking in the spectacular Magic Fountain Show. This incredible spectacle of light, water and sound is the perfect way to end your Barcelona adventure on a high note. Sit on the steps of the National Museum of Catalan Art and enjoy the show. Even if there’s no show scheduled for the last night you’re in town, this is still one of the best spots in Barcelona to relax and watch the sunset.

Is there a more beautiful way to end your 3 days in Barcelona? Photo credit: Maria Perez Soñora

What to see in 3 days in Barcelona

Content:

  • Quick tours of the city
  • Day One: Acquaintance
  • Second day: cultural
  • Day three: unusual

Barcelona is a huge open-air museum. No matter how much time you spend here, it will always turn out that you have not seen something yet. Therefore, we will not try to fit all the beauties of the city into three days. Let’s focus on the sights that you definitely need to see.

Quick tours of the city

Sightseeing tours are a godsend for those who want to get to know the city in a few days. Agree, it’s a shame, having arrived home, to the questions “did you see …?” answer “didn’t.” Guided tours are just designed so that you have time and see everything. For example, you can ride around the city by bus. In 3.5 hours you can see the Sagrada Familia, Plaza de España, the Gothic Quarter and other popular tourist spots. In good weather, it is nice to walk around the city on foot. From time to time you will turn off the beaten paths to get to know the city better.

Traveling alone? Take a guided tour with photos. The guide will take you to the main sights of the city center. And then beautifully capture you against their background. There is also a separate tour for those who need impressive photos for social networks.

Sagrada de Familia. Photo: @danielkylebugg

Day one: everything at once

There are places that everyone who has been to Barcelona should see. So, you need to walk at least once along Rambla Boulevard . This is the main street of the city, which is crowded even at night. You should not buy souvenirs here, as they will be cheaper elsewhere. And it’s worth holding the bag tighter. But you need to visit here to feel the atmosphere of Barcelona.

Next to the Rambla is the Gothic Quarter. Here you will see ancient cathedrals and take many beautiful photos. Despite the fact that the narrow streets are always crowded, they still have the atmosphere of a medieval city.

Be sure to walk to the most famous brainchild of Antonio Gaudi – to the Park Güell. Here it is even more noisy and bright. But keep in mind that the way to the park and in the park itself you will have to climb the mountain. Keep in mind that the most spectacular photos are taken on a mosaic bench overlooking the city. Can you handle another climb? This time – to Montjuic. It offers a beautiful view of the city. Luckily, you don’t have to walk all the way. A cable car or funicular will take you to the top.

If you don’t want to waste a minute, take a tour that will help you quickly find your way around the city. A guide who knows Barcelona well will tell you where to go first. How to get there, where to eat and what is interesting to eat near your hotel. In two hours the city will become almost like home to you.

Park Güell. Photo: @chidahtp

Day two: cultural

It’s time to get to know the sights of Barcelona from the inside. And first of all we will go to Sagrada Familia (Sagrada da Familia). This is the most famous and most beloved by tourists long-term construction in the city. Its construction began already in 1882, Gaudí himself. The temple can be admired both from the outside and from the inside. In the second case, you will have to stand in line.

Casa Batlló (Passeig de Gracia, 43) is known as the “dancing house”. To understand where the name came from, just look at its facade. The building is decorated with curved balconies, bright mosaics and colorful tiles. Inside reigns the same carnival. But getting there is not easy, again, because of the large number of applicants.

Casa Batlló. Photo: @thisisbarcelona

But it wasn’t him who got worldwide fame, but House Mila (Provença, 261-265, 08008 Barcelona). According to Catalan estimates, it is visited by about 1 million people a year. It was included in the UNESCO heritage list and taken under state protection. The uniqueness of the house is in the complex processing of metal and concrete. It amazes even modern architects.

Where else to go on the second day in Barcelona? Look at Lleo y Morera House (Passeig de Gràcia, 35, 08007 Barcelona). If you look closely at its facade, you can find dragons and a phone with a camera on it. More eccentricity awaits you at Salvador Dalí Museum . The artist created it himself, so the presence of the master is felt in each exhibit.

Day three: unusual

It seems that Barcelona has already surprised you with everything it could. Wait! We have a few more interesting locations in stock. In good weather, you can go to Mount Tibidabo. This is the highest point in the city (dress warmly!). Here you can climb to the upper tier of the Sacred Heart Temple to see a giant statue of Christ up close. And then spend time in the amusement park located here. On Mount Montserra, you can visit the monastery of the same name and listen to the boys’ choir. And it’s also nice to just take a walk here, enjoying the ancient monuments and views of the city.

Tibidabu. Photo: @ernestobarajasoficial

Say goodbye to the city on an evening bar tour of Barcelona. During the tasting of local drinks, you will learn about the traditions of drinking them. And about how the Catalans usually relax.

What to see in Barcelona in 3 days

What to see in Barcelona in 3 days

  • 1 YOUR FIRST DAY IN BARCELONA: FROM THE HOLY FAMILIA TO THE MONUMENT OF COLUMBU
  • IN BARCELOGO IN THE SECOND DAY CITIES
  • 3 DAY THREE IN BARCELONA: MONTJUIC AND THE OLYMPIC RING
    • 3.1 MORE INTERESTING
      • 3.1.1 OUR OFFERS OF TOURIST APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN BARCELONA

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    Choosing Barcelona as a holiday destination has only one disadvantage: if If you stay here for only a few days, it will be difficult for you to visit all the architectural monuments that you would like to visit. However, difficult does not mean impossible. So, if you are planning to spend a very short vacation in the Catalan capital, we will advise you, that see at Barcelona for 3 days . You can be sure that your itinerary will include all architectural monuments and interesting places, and you will not miss anything.

    In addition, staying at our beach apartments in Barcelona will put you very close to the Poblenou metro station (L4), from which you can reach the center of Barcelona in minutes to start one of the walking routes around the city. Of course, there are also city buses in the area that will allow you to easily get around Barcelona. You are ready?

    YOUR FIRST DAY IN BARCELONA: FROM THE SAINT FAMILIA TO THE MONUMENT TO COLUMBU

    Get ready to enjoy your stay in Barcelona from the very beginning, as the first day begins with the flagship of this city: Temple Sagrada Familia most outstanding masterpiece Antonio Gaudí . Considering that there are usually long queues in front of the basilica, we recommend that you already be there before the opening (at 09:00) and, if possible, buy tickets in advance via the Internet. The visit can take several hours if you decide to visit all parts of the complex open to the public: one of the towers, the church, the museum and the church schools.

    While all this is worthy of note, we advise you to choose only the first two points and then follow Avinguda Gaudí to the next stop on your route: San – Pau in

      style Art Nouveau , one of Objects World Heritage in Barcelona . While you have the option to join a guided tour, please be aware that this will require at least one additional hour.

      From there you can take a taxi or walk about 27 minutes along Guinardó, which later changes its name to Travessera de Dalt, and turn right when you reach Carrer Larrard street, then go straight until you reach Parc Güell , which is another of Gaudí’s great projects in Barcelona. As in the case of the Sagrada Familia, we recommend buying tickets to this park in advance via the Internet. This way you save time and money.

      At the end of your visit, return to Travessera de Dalt and continue towards Plaça de Lesseps. Once there, walk along Gran de Gràcia street, stopping (if you like) at Carrer Carolines street. Here you will find Casa – Vicens , a Neo-Mudéjar house designed by Gaudí and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. If you want to see the interior of the house, add an hour to your Barcelona itinerary.

      Gran de Gràcia merges into Passeig de Gràcia, one of the main streets of the Catalan capital. In addition to the shops of the world’s first fashion brands, there are several important modernist buildings of the city, such as Casa – Mila or La Pedrera, and Casa – Batllo , both by Gaudí 90 90 9 089 – Amatlier by Joseph Puig i Cadafalch, next to the previous one, and Casa – Lleo – Morera in the same block as the last two houses. The first three houses can be visited inside, but it will not be possible to do it in one day.

      Continue on Paseo de Gracia until you reach Plaça de Catalunya and from there continue on Rambla (Rambla), Barcelona’s most unique street. On the right, you can stop at the Boquería market, or São Josep, with an imposing modernist entrance. There will also be 9 on your way0089 theater Liceu , the city’s Grand Opera House, and on the left you will see the picturesque Royal Square ( Pla ç a Reial ) with restaurants, pubs and discos in its arches.

      Returning to Las Ramblas, continue walking until monument Columbus . Not everyone knows about it, but you can climb to the top of the statue for a unique view of Barcelona’s port. This is a good place to walk to La Barceloneta, a traditional fishing area famous for its seafood restaurants and the beach, if you have time. Take a look at the best tapas – bars barceloneta for a delicious dinner.

      DAY SECOND IN BARCELONA: EXPLORING THE OLD TOWN

      We continue our list of things to see in Barcelona in 3 days, almost at the place where we ended our tour the day before. In particular, we return to Plaça Catalunya to now explore the Ciutat Velha, or Old Town, which combines the four oldest districts of Barcelona: Gothic Quarter , Raval , La – Barceloneta

        9 San

        09 and 8 8 – Pere , Santa – Katerina and La – Ribera .

        From the square we will move on to Portal de l’Àngel Avenue, famous for its shops and astronomical property prices, the most expensive in Barcelona and the second most expensive in Spain. This street ends at the Plaza de la Catedral, where we recommend that you pay attention to this religious building from the end of the 13th century. Proceed from there to Piazza Reial, home to the Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA), in whose halls are hidden the remains of Barcelona from the time of the Roman Empire – the old Barcino. By the way, this building also houses one of the most carefully guarded Secrets Gothic Quarter . If you want to know them all, just follow this link.

        Nearby, in a secluded spot at 10 Paradís Street, you can admire the four columns and the frieze of what was temple Augusta . This street leads to St. James’s Square (Plaça Sant Jaume), where the city hall and the Palau de la Generalitet are located. From there, take Carrer de la Princesa, which will lead you to Via Laietana, which intersects with Carrer Argenteria. It will take you to Basilica Santa – Maria – del – Mar , a miracle of Catalan Gothic. Continuing along the spacious Paseo – del – Born (Passeig del Born), on the left you will find Carrer Montcada, where several 9 museums of Barcelona are located, including the Museum of Barcelona 0 Picasso , Cultural Center El – Born , an archaeological site with 18th-century artifacts found in Barcelona, ​​partly destroyed in 1714 as a result of the War of Succession.

        Immediately next door you will find yourself in park Ciutadella , located in the place where the citadel used to be. After passing the Barcelona Zoo and resuming your route on Marquès de l’Argentera, continue on Passeig d’Isabel II. When you get to the Correos (post office), walk down Via Laietana and continue along Carrer Ample until you reach the Ramblas. You will like buildings like Palau Güell , another impressive work by Gaudí and monastery Camp where you can see the main Romanesque church of Barcelona. These two architectural monuments are part of the Raval district, the so-called “Chinatown”, where archaeologists found the first human remains in Barcelona.

        You can end the second day of this 3-day itinerary in Barcelona on the Rambla del Raval, which is always watched by the huge cat Botero, watch a movie at the nearby Filmoteca Catalunya cinema, or taste p atatas bravas in the neighboring area of ​​Poblesec.

        DAY 3 IN BARCELONA: MONTJUIC AND THE OLYMPIC RING

        We conclude this article on what to see in Barcelona in 3 days by exploring the Sants-Montjuic area. To do this, you can take the metro and go to Plaza España (stop on lines L3 and L1) and go up Avinguda de María Cristina. In the background you will see Magical Fountain , open only in the afternoon, and the impressive National Palace, which houses National Museum of Art of Catalonia (MNAC), famous for the most complete collection of Romanesque frescoes in the world. Although it will take a whole day to visit all its expositions, it is more than worthwhile to admire fresco Christ San – Clement – de – Taul 090 12th century, brought from the church of the same name in Val de Boi (Lleyda).

        Walking up Ferrer i Guàrdia Avenue, on your right you will see CaixaFòrum, an old brick factory in modernist style with interesting temporary exhibitions at affordable prices (or free if you are a client of a bank that organizes them). On the left you can visit Pavilion Germany International Exhibition of 1929, the work of the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and a little further Spanish village (Poble Espanyol), an ethnographic park created especially for the mentioned event. Inside you will find reproductions of examples of traditional architecture from all over Spain. In addition, there are also discos, restaurants, craft workshops and even flamenco tablaos, considered by many to be the best in Barcelona.

        Continuing up we come to a roundabout that connects to l’Estadi Avenue, where Palau – Sant – Jordi is located, where concerts and many events take place Also Telecommunications Tower Montzhuik , designed by Santiago Calatrava, and Stadium Llu í s Companys , which was the main place92 years old If you continue up the avenue, on the left you will see gardens Laribala where you can rest for a while and then you will reach castle – fortress Montjuic . Inside, for a reasonable price, you can visit a small permanent exhibition showing the role this military installation has played in the history of Barcelona. However, the highlight of this listed building is its magnificent views of the city, making it one of the best viewing sites Barcelona . On the way back, if you want to save time, take bus 150 which will get you back to Plaza de España quickly.

        So, here is our complete list of what to see in Barcelona in 3 days. However, if you want to make an even shorter visit, you can use other schemes: for example, take a tourist bus, as we recommend in the article on what to see in Barcelona in 2 days.

        When you come back for a new holiday experience, we invite you to discover other secret places in Barcelona . From our holiday apartments in Barcelona, ​​they will be very accessible.

        In your opinion, have we missed some architectural monument? In that case, feel free to send us your comments. We are very excited to read them!

        Are you going to Spain and looking for a cozy apartment in Barcelona with a balcony? We in Lugariis offer you excellent apartments for daily rent with furniture, a parking space, a swimming pool and everything you need.