3 days itinerary barcelona: The Ultimate Barcelona Itinerary + Map and Tips!

3 Days In Barcelona Itinerary: Culture, Art & Churros!

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If there’s a city that has it all, it might just be Barcelona. Although I can’t guarantee you’ll see EVERYTHING during a weekend (in fact, I guarantee you won’t!), this Barcelona itinerary for 3 days will help you discover the highlights and get the best out of Barca during a quick trip.

Barcelona is that kid at school who has everything and does it all well, with minimal effort. Sure, there’s history and architecture galore but there’s also a beach, hiking and nightlife. Oh, and panoramic views from the mountain tops. What more could you want?

Oh, churros? Good shout, there are plenty, alongside other delectable Spanish desserts and general drool-worthy Spanish cuisine.

I‘m sharing my 3 day Barcelona itinerary in the hope you’ll enjoy your time in Spain as much as I did.

BARCELONA ESSENTIALS

Guidebook: Lonely Planet Barcelona

Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld

Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator

Food tours: EatWith

Getting there: flight (Skyscanner), bus (Flixbus), train (Omio)

Getting around: Metro, bus, tram

My best friend has lived in Barcelona for the last four years but because I’m always travelling, I haven’t visited nearly enough. However, for my birthday last month, I spent 3 days in Barcelona soaking up best friend time and exploring the city with someone who knows it inside out.

The only downside was that my brand new iPhone was stolen on my final morning meaning I lost a load of photos from the trip. I’ll be sharing all my Barcelona tips (safety ones included) later. Despite this drama, I loved my trip to Barcelona and hope it will be followed by many more.

Looking for Europe weekend itineraries? Check out:

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Sunny Barcelona

Planning your Barcelona itinerary

You’ll want to think about how long to spend, how to structure your days and whether to stick to the city or include additional day trips such as to Montserrat, Girona or a road trip in Costa Brava.

There’s no wrong or right answer but I’ll tell you this: there’s a LOT to do in Barcelona. It’s not a city where you can get up late, take a siesta like the locals AND squeeze all the main attractions and hidden gems into a flying 2 day trip.

How many days to spend in Barcelona?

You’ll find Barcelona itineraries for up to 7 days! Are they mad? Well, no, you could easily spend a week in Barcelona. But I appreciate you’re probably visiting on a shorter trip, hence I’m putting together this 3 day Barcelona itinerary.

In my opinion, 3 days in Barcelona is a happy minimum. You’ll see the highlights, soak up the culture and – most importantly – have time for at least three rounds of churros! It will be busy and some of the hidden gems may have to wait for a future trip. But it’s always nice to have a reason to return, right?

Towards the end of this guide, I’ll share some day trips in case you have the flexibility to stay slightly longer.

Getting to Barcelona

By air: Barcelona Airport connects cities around the world but is particularly well-connected with other European capitals. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates.

By train: Rail may not be the cheapest mode of transport in Spain but it’s the quickest. Book trains using Omio.

By bus: Journies between Barcelona and other European cities like Paris, Brussels and Munich are super affordable thanks to Flixbus.

Use Omio to compare the duration and cost of any journey by bus, train and flight.

Getting around Barcelona

  • Metro: This is the quickest and easiest way to get around Barcelona. Save money with a multi-ticket pass. 
  • Bus and trams: these are also efficient ways to move around Barcelona. Journies are covered by multi-ticket passes. 
  • Funicular railway: connecting Montjuïc Park with the city, this fun mode of transport is also included in the ticket system.
  • Taxis: there’s no Uber in Barcelona but you can use regular cabs. These aren’t especially cheap so stick to public transport if you’re travelling on a budget.
  • Bike: Barcelona is a bike-friendly city like many in mainland Europe.  Unlock one via mobile app or take a guided bike tour with a local guide.
  • Hop-on-hop-off bus: Sure, it’s touristy but hey, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Book your tickets. 
  • Getting to and from Barcelona Airport: take the 30 minute Aerobus to/from Plaça de Catalunya for €6.

For 3 days in Barcelona, pick up a 72-hour travel pass for €20. This includes all your trains, trams and buses including the airport journey.

Best season to visit Barcelona

The great thing about Barcelona is that it’s a year-round city. Summer (June-August) can be scorching and although it’s a popular time to visit, would be my last choice due to how crowded the city becomes. Book attractions in advance and take advantage of skip-the-line tickets (GetYourGuide is good for these).

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are lovely times to visit Barcelona with warm weather and fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) isn’t a bad time to visit, either. If you’re lucky, it will be mild and sunny with far fewer tourists.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Anywhere around Gracia or the Gothic Quarter is perfect. A few specific places include…

Budget hotel: To stay in the heart of the action, Praktik Rambla is a stylish and peaceful oasis inside a 19th-century palace. As well as comfy rooms, there’s a lovely terrace area with indoor and outdoor seating. Book from €70 a night.

Boutique hotel: For a 5-star hotel with a rooftop pool and uber-trendy bedrooms, Hotel Bagués doesn’t disappoint. Book from €160 a night.

Hostels: You can’t beat St Christopher’s for a colourful, clean and funky base with opportunities to meet other travellers. Bed & Bike is another stylish, centrally-located option with a fleet of bikes you can use to explore the city. Both have dorms from €14!

Browse all Barcelona accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld.

About this Barcelona 3 day itinerary

If you’ve read any of my travel itineraries before, you’ll know I love to start with the highlights and main areas on day 1. Here at WGR, we also LOVE a free walking tour.

For days 2 and 3, we’ll travel further out and find all the cultural gems that make Barcelona such a rich and unique city. Of course, we’ll be squeezing in plenty of fantastic eats along the way!

With no more ado, here’s how to see Barcelona in 3 days…

Barcelona itinerary – day 1

Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours are my favourite way to begin a trip. The guides are chatty and friendly, plus everyone’s new to the city so you can ask stupidly obvious questions with no shame. Tips aren’t forced but they’re encouraged; give €5 or more if you’re able.

Take your tour with Free Walking Tours Barcelona (11am and 3pm) or Sandeman’s New Europe Tours (11am and 2pm). I’ve taken Sandeman’s tours in several European cities and I’m always impressed. It’s best to book on their websites to avoid disappointment.

For a surcharge (around €14), they also run a bunch of more specific tours covering topics such as Gaudí, dark history and tapas. These are great value when you consider what many other tour companies charge.

Wander Las Ramblas & the Gothic Quarter

Explore this central area of Barcelona before or after your walking tour. Las Ramblas, the most famous avenue in Barcelona, may be busy and touristy but it’s the beating heart of the city. Spend some time wandering around but aim not to eat or shop: things are far cheaper elsewhere.

With over 2,000 years of history, the Gothic Quarter, not far from Las Ramblas, is another must for 3 days in Barcelona.

Once you’ve wandered the streets, admiring quaint balconies and sunny squares, you’ll understand why so many people rave about Barcelona. Knowing the area inspired the work of Picasso and Gaudí only adds intrigue.

Although admiring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere could fill your time, there are plenty of things to do in the Gothic Quarter such as visiting the 15th-century Gothic Cathedral and Palau Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí for Eusebi Güell, the tycoon responsible for Park Güell (more on this place tomorrow).

But the highlight of the Gothic Quarter for foodies may be taking a trip to…

La Boqueria Market

La Boqueria describes itself as the best market in the world and while they may be biased, I’m inclined to agree. You’ll find so many fresh, delicious ingredients and dishes to try, and while it isn’t cheap, it’s a must in Barcelona.

The market has been feeding the people of Barcelona since 1836 but there are records of vendors selling meat on this spot as far back as 1217. Today, La Boqueria boasts over 200 vendors serving everything from fish, meat, cheese, bread and olives to ready-to-eat frittatas, desserts and candies.

Take a market tour with a local chef or better yet, a tour and paella cooking class.

Casa Batlló / Casa Milà

Casa Batlló

From the Gothic Quarter, take a 20-minute walk or 8-minute Metro ride to discover some of Gaudí’s greatest masterpieces. You don’t have to visit a gallery: you can see them for free from the street!

Casa Batlló and Casa Milà can be found a 5-minute walk apart on Paseo de Gràcia.

Casa Batlló: This pre-existing house was given with full creative license to Gaudí who transformed it between 1904 and 1906. Its striking facade has earnt it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list and attracts more than a million visitors each year.

Entrance is pricey at €35 but includes the Gaudí Dome, Gaudí Cube and roof terrace views. Visit 43 Passeig de Gràcia between 9am and 6.30pm (open 7 days a week). Get your ticket in advance (audio guide included).

Casa Milà: Although not instantly as captivating from the outside, this second architectural gem also known as La Pedrera is worth a visit for the striking sculptures on the Warrior Rooftop and the resorted period apartment.

Book on the website for €22 per adult (saving you €3 on the door price). Visit 92 Passeig de Gràcia between 9am and 6.30pm (open 7 days a week).

Palau de la Música Catalana

Just a 15-minute walk (or a quick bus/Metro ride) from the famous casas lies the spectacular Palau de la Música Catalana (the Palace of Catalan Music). Designed by architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner between 1905 and 1908, it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful.

A ticket will gain you entry to the maze of rooms including the concert hall with a ridiculously detailed stained glass ceiling. Another highlight is the balcony of elaborate mosaic pillars. Saunter through them at your leisure.

Entry price: A ticket including a guided tour is €20 (or €11 for students).

Address: C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona.

Opening times: 10am-3.30pm daily and until 6pm from Easter-August.

Sunset drinks at 1881

To finish the first day of your Barcelona itinerary, head for a sunset view at 1881 per SAGARDI bar on top of the National History Museum of Catalonia. If you have time, pop inside the museum for €6.

It was my birthday so we didn’t mind splashing out on a €30 bottle of wine but ordinarily this place might have been a bit above my budget. Still, if you’re spending 3 days in Barcelona and feel like treating yourself, the views over the harbour are worth every penny.

Finally, seek out some tapas and hit the bars like we did. Keep reading for my rundown of your best food and nightlife options.

Barcelona itinerary – day 2

Grab ya trainers (sneakers, runners, whatever you call them!) for a bit of pavement pounding today. Although you’ll already have seen two majestic Gaudí buildings on day 1, we’re off to see two more. When in Barcelona!

Brunch & Cake

Add brunch to your 3 day Barcelona itinerary!

If you want to experience a mind-blowing brunch while in Barcelona, you can’t do much better than Brunch & Cake. Not only will my life never be the same since discovering it, but no other breakfast will ever live up.

My friend and I shared the most delicious lobster and prawn benedict on a brioche bun and a stack of chocolate banana pancakes with a pineapple hat on top. The veggie burgers on matcha buns also looked fantastic.

We still paid less than €20 each including a bottle of cava as it was my birthday (I don’t know why I’m excusing drinking a bottle of cava – have it whatever day, I say).

Address: there are three cafes at 189 Carrer del Rosselló; 19 Carrer d’Enric Granados; and 5 Passeig de Joan de Borbó (beside Barceloneta beach).

Find upcoming food events & cookies classes using EatWith!

The Sagrada Familia 

Now for a Barcelona hidden gem… Joking!

Many sights as famous as Gaudí’s unfinished cathedral are overhyped and can be a let-down. Not this one: I couldn’t get enough of the dreamy turrets, pillars and colouful details.

Gaudí began work on the cathedral in 1883 and was still in the process of bringing to life his vision when he died in 1826. The Sagrada is in construction to this day with the estimated date of completion set for 2026, a century after his death.

View from the Nativity Facade

Honestly, if you do one thing in Barcelona, let it be admiring this beauty from the inside and outside. Since a basic ticket (€26) only includes the interior, I would recommend upgrading to a tower climb ticket that includes the towers (€36). A close-up of the towers is fantastic, as are the views over the city.

To save time, get a skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Nearest Metro station: Monument, Verdaguer and Escants are all a short walk away.

Read next: tips for visiting Sagrada de Familia

Park Güell

Another essential stop on any 3 day Barcelona itinerary is Park Güell. Not only is this 17-hectare park one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona and a lovely place to wander on a sunny day, but the monumental area (a UNESCO heritage site) is full of world-famous modern art.

Construction of Park Güell began in 1900, the same year that art nouveau triumphed at the International Exhibition in Paris. Entrepreneur, Eusebi Güell wanted to create a stylish park for the aristocracy and so commissioned several architects to begin work on Park Güell. This included Gaudí who’d designed his house, Palau Güell on Las Ramblas, almost 20 years before.

For some of the best photo spots in the city, seek out the colourful dragon fountain, the mosaic seating area and Casa del Guarda, a fairytale-style gatehouse displaying photos and films. Other things to do in the park include touring the Gaudí House Museum (€7.50) and climbing to the Mirador for unrivalled city views.

Entry price: €10 general admission / €22 inc. guided tour.

Getting to Park Guell: It’s a 12-minute walk from Vallcarca Metro station on Line 3, or you can catch a bus near the entrance.

Bunkers del Carmen

See another sunset, this time from the Spanish Civil War bunkers perched on top of a hill. From Park Güell, you can walk 20 minutes higher through the park and emerge beside them.

Grab a picnic / some beers and admire the sky as it turns pink and orange.

Address: Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n, 08032 Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona itinerary – day 3

For your final day in beautiful Barcelona, consider the following activities…

Morning – Relax on Barceloneta beach

To reward the busy last couple of days, head to Barceloneta for swimming and surfing (and swanky beach bars if you have cash to splash). There’s even an ice bar! It’s come a long way since its days as a quiet fishing village: today, it’s a hotspot for locals and tourists.

If you’re not in the mood for sunbathing, visit the Museum Of Catalan History, the aquarium or La Barceloneta Market. Return in the evening for sundowners and fresh seafood.

Afternoon – get a panoramic view

End your 3 days in Barcelona with a panoramic view of the city. I’d recommend heading up one of the following:

Montjuïc – there’s a castle on top of Montjuïc with incredible views of the city. In the summer they even put on open-air cinema nights, plus it’s home to the swimming pool where Kylie Minogue filmed Slow. To get there, catch the Funicular (included in your Metro ticket) or opt for the more touristic cable car (€11), or simply the 150 bus.

Tibidabo – on top of this mountain there’s an amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel. It’s €28 entry but if you don’t want to shell out, you can visit the impressive church, wander the beautiful gardens (bring a picnic!) and check out the panoramic views. Jump on the T2A bus from Plaça de Catalunya.

Tibidabo at sunset

Day trips from Barcelona

Got an extra day to go further afield? Consider upgrading your 3 day Barcelona itinerary to 4. You could visit one of the following:

Girona – this charming town is a great way to escape the busy city and only takes 40 minutes to reach.

Montserrat – both times I’ve been to Barcelona I’ve toyed with going to this mountain-top monastery and not had a day to spare. It takes about an hour and a quarter to reach Monistrol de Montserrat (from Plaça Espanya, take the R5 line to Aeri de Montserrat) and from there you can start the adventure by hopping in a cable car. Alternatively, take a day tour.

What to eat and drink during 3 days in Barcelona

There are so many excellent tapas spots and with Rosie as my guide, I ate like a queen! I highly recommend the following:

Best tapas in Barcelona

  • Can Condina – my first tapas of the trip was possibly the best. We had patatas bravas, chorizo, croquettes, cheese and Padron peppers. A good spot for beers in the evenings, too.
  • Jai Ca – here I had my first taste of snails which I actually didn’t mind. This cafe always has an authentic, buzzy vibe and a huge variety of affordable dishes. Great for a quick eat.
  • Samsara – this restaurant is a tad different: fusion tapas with some dishes you won’t have tried before (like seafood and white chocolate together!). Everything we had was frickin’ delicious especially the bite-sized salmon lasagne and the aubergine, goats cheese and balsamic salad. Even though it felt fancy, it was affordable at €25 for five dishes and wine.

Add some adventure to your Barcelona itinerary with caracoles…

Best brunch in Barcelona:

Obviously, Brunch & Cake steals the show but I would also recommend:

  • Granja Petitbo – breakfast here was divine. I can vouch for the eggs benedict which gave my hangover the kick it needed.
  • Alsur Cafe – we almost went here before choosing Brunch & Cake instead but the pancakes and waffles looked super tasty.

Best churros in Barcelona

  • Xurreria – it doesn’t look much from the outside but it’s an authentic stop for delicious takeaway churros.
  • Granja M. Viader – for churros AND ambience, this is a cute retro cafe serving some of the best churros in Barcelona.

Nightlife in Barcelona

For a night that’s fun if ever so slightly grimy (in all the right ways) head to Apollo or Razzmatazz, or opt for Bling Bling or Otto Zutz for somewhere slightly fancier. Moog is always a good time and has been operating as a club for a century.

Tips for 3 days in Barcelona

  • Factor in time to get around. Barcelona isn’t a city where all the attractions are right beside each other. In the above itinerary, I’ve tried to create sensible routes but sometimes a 20-minute journey between sights can’t be avoided.
  • Wear a handy bum bag with secure zip. My phone was somehow taken from my closed bag on a train, and during my visit in 2014 someone snatched my friend’s bag from under the table where we were having lunch.
  • In case theft does happen, get travel insurance! I use True Traveller (UK & European travellers only) as they’re affordable with great coverage. For other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo for holidays & backpacking, and Safety Wing for long-term and digital nomad travel.
  • Sangria is for tourists; try vermouth instead!
  • The official language is Catalan although the locals also speak Spanish. Grab a Catalan phrasebook or Spanish dictionary/phrasebook to blend in.
  • Don’t fancy feeling like a sardine at La Barceloneta Beach? Try San Sebastiá or Bogatell instead.
  • It’s not all about Gaudí! Urban art fans can explore the quirky Barcelona street art scene.

Have you been to Barcelona and do you have any other favourite hangouts / attractions? I’ll be adding to this guide whenever I next visit so I’d love to know… Shoot me a message in the comments 🙂

Thanks for reading my 3 day Barcelona itinerary!

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Check out my other Europe posts:

  • Tips and tricks for visiting the Sagrada Familia
  • Nuremberg travel guide
  • What to see and do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • Sofia weekend itinerary
  • The ultimate Romania road trip

See you next time for more adventures,

Rose

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3 Days in Barcelona – The Perfect Itinerary For First-Timers

The first time I went to Barcelona was in the course of a family trip almost 10 years ago. Back then, I was already fascinated by this bustling city and knew I would come back one day. This year was finally the right time and together with my sister, I spent 3 days in Barcelona to discover new and rediscover already familiar places.

Because it’s been quite a while since my first stay, I could only vaguely remember most things. Plus, a lot has changed in the meantime – not the Sagrada Família tho – so it almost felt like my first time in the city.

If you’re traveling to the Catalan capital for the first time and have only 72 hours to spend, you can use this 3-day itinerary to help you plan your stay.

It includes all the must-see spots you shouldn’t miss on your first trip without having to rush from one place to another.

Of course, 3 days in Barcelona are not enough to get to know all the city’s different facets but it includes just enough that you will fall in love with it. I promise!

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)

Day 1

Start your first day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or visit one of the numerous lovely cafés in Barcelona.

After a good cup of coffee and Churros con Chocolate, you’re ready to explore one of the most famous landmarks in Spain and the most iconic building in Barcelona!

Sagrada Família

Designed by the famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí, the Sagrada Família is a still unfinished cathedral from the year 1882.

The colossal building remains incomplete today, although various successors have been trying to complete the monumental cathedral for more than a century. Despite the continuous work it’s not expected to be completed soon.

Nevertheless, the church is already now a true masterpiece that needs to be on everyone’s Barcelona bucket list.

At first glance, the Sagrada Família looks a bit bleak, very monotonous, basically the complete opposite of what you call a colorful, vibrant building.

However, if you take a closer look at its facades, you discover all the small details and figures that were designed to represent different phases in the life of Jesus.

Because Gaudí was a great fan of God, he incorporated religion into the interior as well. Moreover, when you enter the basilica, you’ll probably recognize there are no straight lines.

Instead, Gaudí tried to make the inside look like a forest using different columns and stained windows to imitate mother nature.

There’s also a museum below the basilica displaying drawings and models related to the construction history of the Sagrada Família. Admission to it is already included in the entrance ticket.

Due to its popularity, the Sagrada Família is usually very crowded. If you want to avoid long waiting times at the entrance, I recommend you buy an online ticket. We did that and were therefore within 10 minutes through the entrance gate and security check.

The cathedral is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm every day and a regular entrance ticket costs around €32.

Tours you might find interesting:

Park Güell

After your visit to the impressive cathedral, it’s time to head to another one of Antoni Gaudí’s great artistic works in Barcelona.

The privatized Park Güell is a large green space with more than 17 hectares and is located on Carmel Hill overlooking the city. Designed by Gaudí, the park features various artistic highlights and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Undoubtedly the most famous landmark of the park is the dragon at the main entrance which is decorated with colorful broken pottery. It’s the unofficial symbol of Park Güell and is often seen on postcards.

Of course, the dragon is not the only exceptional piece of art. Just right behind it is the giant so-called ‘market hall’ with impressive columns similar to the forest-inspired ones in the Sagrada Família. The ceiling is decorated with different patterns of mosaics.

Just right on top of the market hall is a huge terrace surrounded by a balustrade with a bench. And not just any bench but a world-famous one.

Decorated with colorful mosaics, it winds in snake lines around the entire terrace from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of the city.

Make sure to not only look for the special installations in the park but also explore the rest of it. Park Güell offers enough green spaces to relax and slow down. There’s also a wonderful lookout point with three crosses at the highest part of Park Güell from where you can see most of Barcelona.

Besides the main entrance, there are two others you can use depending on what direction you come from. Because it’s a private park, there’s an entrance fee of €10 for adults and €7 for children from 7 to 12.

You can buy tickets at each entrance or online in advance to avoid long waiting times. The park is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Tours you might find interesting:

Barceloneta Beach

Now that you’ve already seen two of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona, it’s time to spend the rest of the first day a bit more relaxed. Of course, the best place to do exactly this is Barceloneta Beach.

The 1.1km long La Barceloneta actually consists of four different beaches but the most popular and at the same time the main beach is Barceloneta.

In summer when the weather is great and especially on weekends, Barceloneta Beach can get very crowded. Tourists, as well as locals, flock to the beach to chill with friends, enjoy refreshing drinks or take a swim in the ocean.

But also in winter, you’ll see plenty of people at the beach as there’s always a lot to do.

For example, you can take a walk along the promenade, sit down in one of the many cafés and restaurants or play some beach volleyball.

Dinner at BarCeloneta Sangria Bar (optional)

It’s totally up to you how you want to end your first day in Barcelona, however, there’s a restaurant close to the beach I can HIGHLY recommend.

BarCeloneta Sangria Bar is an all-vegan restaurant serving vegan tapas, paellas, and more. It’s a cozy place with bright, colorful decor and their specially created, homemade Sangrias are simply awesome!

My sister and I shared the vegan paella which was truly yummy and indulged in tiramisu and strawberry whipped cream.

The 100% plant-based restaurant is not only a great place for vegans but for everyone wanting to try something new and special – whether it’s food or drinks!

Day 2

Just like the first, the second day is fully packed with tons of great things to experience in Barcelona. The main focus hereby is to explore the area of the Gothic Quarter and – how could it be any different – visit some more of Gaudí’s astonishing works.

Catedral de Barcelona

Something you shouldn’t miss seeing during 3 days in Barcelona is the impressive Cathedral of Barcelona. This 500-year-old Gothic cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows sits right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. It’s one of the most famous and largest churches in Catalonia.

Although it is often overshadowed by its ‘bigger sister’ Sagrada Família, it’s an important landmark for a lot of reasons. In the 12th century, the place where the cathedral stands today was a Roman temple back then.

Furthermore, it’s the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and thus an important house of worship.

The cathedral is open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm during the week and from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday. On Sunday, it’s closed for cultural and tourist visits.

Plan at least 30 to 60 minutes to fully explore the entire cathedral.

Unfortunately, the entrance is not free but it’s worth paying the small fee of €9. The ticket includes the chapter hall as well as access to the choir and the rooftop.

La Rambla

Just like Paris has its Champs-Élysées and London its Oxford Street, Barcelona has its own famous street.

La Rambla is a 1.2 km long tree-lined pedestrian boulevard connecting the Plaça de Catalunya in the north with the Christopher Columbus Monument at the port. On both sides, the road is surrounded by cafés with terraces, artistic shows, souvenir stands and flower stalls.

While there’s nothing particularly special to do at La Rambla, it’s a great place to stroll around, admire the architectural delights or do some people-watching.

However, make sure to always keep an eye on your belongings. La Rambla is known for its high number of pickpockets.

So while you’re walking down the boulevard, be careful not to get your bag stolen or fall into one of the many tourist traps. The best examples are tourist-first restaurants serving mediocre food for way too expensive prices.

If you want to try authentic Spanish cuisine, plan a visit to Mercat de la Boquerìa – a huge food market right on La Rambla. It’s considered one of the best gourmet markets in Europe!

Mercat de la Boquerìa

If you follow the boulevard from the north to the south, you’ll find the entrance to the market on the right side. It’s open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm and admission is free.

Mercat de la Boquerìa offers almost everything your heart may desire. From fresh local and exotic fruits and vegetables, cheese, olives, oil, sweets, meat and seafood to way more.

On every corner, you can try, taste, admire and smell the most amazing culinary goods. It’s even possible to order lunch at some of the numerous booths.

Make sure to come here hungry and pack enough money.

Trust me, you’ll want to stuff yourself with as many of the incredibly appealing and mouthwatering products as possible! It can easily happen that you’re full for the rest of the day afterward so don’t make too many plans for dinner. 😉

Anyway, before talking about dinner, there’s still another place – or actually two – left on your second of 3 days in Barcelona. Of course, how could it be any different, they have something to do with Antoni Gaudí.

Casa Batlló & Casa Milà

Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are two of the most famous houses designed by Gaudí located on Passeig de Gràcia, the city’s most luxurious avenue. Both of them are truly extraordinary in their own way and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

No wonder they’re also among the most instagrammable spots in Barcelona!

Casa Batlló

The colorful facade of Casa Batlló with its bone-like balconies and eye-catching tiles is hard to oversee. It’s actually not 100 percent Gaudí’s work alone but a remodel of a previously built house.

The interior is no less fascinating than the outer part so it’s worth paying the rather expensive ticket price.

Although you can buy tickets directly at the entrance, it’s better to buy them online beforehand. First, they’re cheaper and second, you save yourself the queue. An entry ticket with an audioguide tour costs €35 per person.

Yes, the price is not quite cheap but I guess you plan to visit it only once or at most twice in your lifetime. For me, the experience inside was worth it.

The tour takes you through all parts of the building where you will learn more about the history of the Batlló family and the ideas behind Gaudí’s extraordinary architectural creations.

At the end of the tour, you get to travel into Gaudí’s mind through an epic 360 ° experience. It’s a true light and sound spectacle so probably not suitable for people reacting sensitively to it. For my part, I found it super fascinating and stayed inside the room to watch it a second time.

Casa Milà

In contrast to Casa Batlló, Casa Milà was completely designed by Gaudí. Even though the apartment block lacks a bit of color, it’s a very unique and original building you either like or not.

Also for Casa Milà, the tickets are anything but inexpensive. For a skip-the-line audioguide tour, you need to pay €25 per person, which makes it at least cheaper than Casa Batlló.

Depending on your time schedule and how much money you want to spend, you can choose to see only one from the inside. That’s what we did too.

During our research, we found Casa Batlló to sound more interesting and decided to explore this house via a tour and see Casa Milá only from the outside.

Maybe you get the chance to visit both, then let me know which one was your favorite!

Day 3

Hard to believe but unfortunately, we’re already on the last of 3 days in Barcelona. Of course, this day is also full of exciting activities so you won’t leave the city without the feeling you missed something.

Mount Tibidabo

Start your day with a visit to Mount Tibidabo, a hill overlooking Barcelona. At 500 meters you have a magnificent view of the entire city and the coastline.

If you know how to get there, it’s quite easy. However, in our case, we had no clue and tried in vain to find the correct public transport connection.

Pretty much every site on the internet said something different so we ended up using a cab. On the way back we then used public transport.

So here’s how to get to Tibidabo:

Take either the S1 or S2 of the commuter rail system (Barcelona – Vallès Line) and get off at the station ‘Peu del Funicular’. There you’ll find the lower terminus of the Funicular de Vallvidrera, which takes you up to the neighborhood of Vallvidrera.

Get off the funicular and hop in bus number 111 which runs directly to Tibidabo.

Sounds easy when you know it, right?

The first thing you’ll probably notice once you reach the end station is the huge church that sits enthroned right at the peak of Mount Tibidabo. It’s officially named the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was built between 1902 and 1961.

Thanks to its enormous size and the statue of Jesus on top, it’s an iconic part of Barcelona’s skyline. Plus, it can be seen from most areas of the city.

Something else to find besides the church is the Tibidabo Amusement Park. It is among the oldest, still functioning amusement parks in the world and features roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and many other fun attractions.

It’s open only on weekends and public holidays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Tickets can be bought directly at the counter and cost €35 for adults and €14 for children with a height of 90-120 cm. Additionally, they include the Tibidabo Funicular and the shuttle bus.

Plan to spend a couple of hours if you want to enjoy the view and try one or another ride if you dare. Then head back to the city center – you know the way now.

Plaça d’Espanya

Of the many Plaças in Barcelona, there’s one important lying at the intersection of the city’s most significant streets: Plaça d’Espanya. It’s also the gateway to Montjuïc with Palau Nacional, the Magic Fountain and more.

You can recognize the Plaça immediately by its two Venetian towers. Unusual for a Spanish city, they were built to mark the entrance to the enclosure of the World Fair in 1929.

The Magic Fountain, situated right in front of Palau Nacional and designed by Carles Buigas, was one of the most popular attractions of the exhibition. It’s known for its spectacular show combining light, water and sound for an unforgettable experience.

You can watch the shows from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 pm.

Unfortunately, our time management wasn’t the best so we missed it but if you don’t have any other plans after dinner it’s best to come back again!

Arc de Triomf & Parc de la Ciutadella

Last but not least, don’t miss out on the best place to experience the everyday life of locals. It’s here where people come to step together, dance Bachata, sit around and play guitar or play some ball games.

I’m talking about Parc de la Ciutadella, the city’s greenest oasis.

It’s the perfect place to relax, recharge your batteries and go for long walks. There are also several attractions such as the zoo, the Catalan parliament and a monumental fountain created by Gaudí.

The park is free to visit and it’s open every day from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm.

Just right next to the Parc de la Ciutadella you’ll find another giant monument: The Arc de Triomf. It marks the entrance to the promenade Passeig de Lluís Companys and was used as the main access gate for the World Fair in 1888.

With its fire-red bricks, it really stands out among all the green areas surrounding it.

Dinner at Mimo’s Born (optional)

One last dinner recommendation I’d like to give you is a place called ‘Mimo’s Born’. It’s a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Barcelona, close to the Gothic Quarter.

They offer typical Spanish dishes and tapas even with vegan options. Their Sangrias are true works of art because they serve them with burning cinnamon sticks, plenty of fruits and other extras.

A feast not only for the mouth but for the eyes as well.

The food is great, the drinks are great and the staff is great – the perfect place to end 3 days in Barcelona!

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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:

Flights: I prefer using CheapOair or Skyscanner to book flights. The destination everywhere feature is perfect for finding some cheap deals!

Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals. I do love staying at a local place as well, thus I book an Airbnb every now and then.

Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without having one. I use the simple and flexible one from World Nomads to be protected against unforeseen events.

Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.

Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.   

Motorcycle tour of the Pyrenees. Spain in Russian

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Tourism

The Pyrenees, the natural mountainous border between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of the European continent, is a massive and extraordinarily beautiful territory of Spain. An attractive feature of the motorcycle tour of the Pyrenees is its diversity and versatility. The journey starts from Barcelona, ​​the capital of Catalonia, and proceeds north through protected areas that are hidden deep in the heart of the mountain range. During the trip you will visit the picturesque villages in the outback of Catalonia, the places where Salvador Dali spent the summer season or the corners of the wild. The route runs along mountain roads, coastal highways and, at the request of the participants, may include sections with a dirt road. After the day tours, participants are accommodated in 3 or 4 star hotels.

  • The duration of the motorcycle tour in the Pyrenees is 8 days, 6 on the way.
  • Route length – 1400 km.
  • Starting and ending point – Barcelona.

Route map

Day 1. Barcelona

Transfer in Barcelona, ​​accommodation in a hotel in the city center, familiarization with the composition of the tour, meeting the participants, receiving motorcycles.

Day 2. Barcelona – Cadaqués

First day of travel across Catalonia to the north from Barcelona. The route runs through small settlements of Catalonia. The end point is a small city on the Mediterranean coast – a favorite vacation spot for Salvador Dali and other avant-garde artists of the 20th century.

Day 3. Cadaqués – Puigcerda

Departure from Cadaques along the highway along the coast, crossing the French border at Portbou, moving through France to the first mountain pass in the Col d’Ares area. The end of the route is in the mountain village of Puigcerda at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level.

Day 4. Puigcerda – Vielha

Mountain route with overcoming passes at an altitude of 2000 and 2400 meters. Arrival in Andorra, lunch and rest. After lunch, you will have a picturesque journey through small mountain villages and the Aran Valley, where the end point of the day’s route, Vielha, is located.

Day 5. Vielha – Jaca

Continue along serpentine roads through narrow tunnels and along the edge of dizzying cliffs. Rest in the afternoon in the place of Ainas and arrival in the evening in Jaca, one of the best winter resorts, which has repeatedly claimed to host the Winter Olympic Games.

Day 6. Jaca – Caldes de Boi

The route continues east. On this day, mountain rivers await you, the Sarrabo Pass at an altitude of 1300 meters and arrival in the Boi Valley, which is famous for its stunning fauna, as well as the architecture of Romanesque churches.

Day 7. Caldes de Boi – Barcelona

The last day of the trip also brings surprises – leaving the Pyrenees through the Col Formic pass, from where a panoramic view of the province of Barcelona and the capital on the horizon opens. Arrival in Barcelona, ​​hotel accommodation, rest.

Day 8.

Barcelona

End of the motorcycle tour.

Service name

Cost

Rent a motorcycle BMW F 650 GS ABS

3 225 euro

BMW F 650 GS ABS 2-cylinder

EUR 3,360

BMW G 800 GS ABS

EUR 3,510

BMW R 1200 GS ABS

EUR 3,735

Passenger

EUR 2,325

Tour on your own motorcycle

EUR 2,505

Single occupancy in room

450 euro
Price includes:
  • Transfer in Barcelona
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Motorcycle rental including insurance
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Guide and technical transport
  • Information support
  • Mototour souvenir
Not included:
  • Petrol
  • Meals during the day

Center for services for life and business “Spain in Russian” is your guide in the world of individual tourism. Organization of tours, routes, trips, tickets for various events, excursions with the best guides, organization of holidays. Services for demanding clients.

+7 495 236 98 99 or +34 93 272 64 90, [email protected]

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