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

24 Hours in Barcelona MUST SEE Itinerary

Thinking about doing Barcelona in one day?

If you’re on limited time, then I’ve got the perfect one-day Barcelona itinerary for you.

And in order to maximize your time, I’ll make sure there’s a balance of top attractions, epic local eats, and a couple of off-the-beaten-path options – so whether on a layover, a cruise-ship stop, or just too busy, here it is:

The perfect one-day Barcelona plan.

Barcelona in One Day Itinerary

Getting Central

The clock is already ticking, so if you’re at the airport, the quickest way into town is to take a 20-minute Barcelona taxi for about €30.00.

Other Barcelona airport transport options include the airport train in Terminal 2 (€2.40, 25 minutes but limited departures) or the Aerobus (€5.90, 35 minutes, departing every 5 minutes).

If you’re at the Barcelona cruise ship terminal, grab the Autobus Azul shuttle to the famous La Rambla and get on the green line of the Barcelona metro at Drassanes, change at Diagonal (blue line L5) and head to La Sagrada Familia church.

Arriving by train? From Sants Estacio, grab the blue line of the metro to Sagrada Familia.

Remember: the best way to see Barcelona in one day is by using the metro, so grab yourself a Barcelona map and get rolling.

If you need left luggage, check out the central Barcelona left luggage options that start from just €4.50 at Barcelona Turisme.

Stop #1 – the Sagrada Familia (2 hours)

Yeah yeah, every city in Europe has an enormous Roman Catholic church: but Sagrada Familia just hits differently.

This spiky UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by wonder-architect Antoni Gaudi is by far Barcelona’s most visited tourist destination. It’s so detailed that has been under construction for over 130 years.

With over three million annual visitors annually, the lines will stretch into the hours, especially during summer. So get there as early as possible.

Go for the English-guided tour of Sagrada Familia for the full experience.

SAGRADA FAMILIA

Book my tickets now!

Related: Is Sagrada Familia Worth It?

Stop #2 – Passeig de Gracia (1.5 hours)

Take the metro back to Diagonal (blue line, L5) and exit at Passeig de Gracia – the city’s most stylish street, which is known for Barcelona’s best shopping and architecture.

Walk towards the sea, you’ll know because there’s a slight downward slope. Stop in and visit any of the world’s top brands but remember, if you’re visiting Barcelona in one day, your time will likely be better spent visiting the area’s world-renowned architectural masterpieces.

Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and Casa Mila are both truly original art nouveau mansions that, at the very least, need to be appreciated from the outside. Look up and stand in awe.

Related: Is La Pedrera Worth it?

Stop #3 – Lunch at El Nacional (1 hour)

El Nacional is Barcelona’s newest sensation.

Here you can find several of Barcelona’s best bars: including a cocktail bar, a beer bar, a wine bar, and an oyster bar under one roof! There are also a number of Barcelona’s top restaurants, each specializing in meat, fish, and tapas, respectively.

Each establishment uses only traditional recipes from the Iberian Peninsula. And I’m telling you, eating top-quality Spanish cuisine is easily one of the top things to do in Barcelona in one day.

You’ll find it at 24 Passeig de Gracia.

Stop #4 – Placa Catalunya (30 minutes)

At the bottom of Passeig de Gracia, you’ll find Barcelona’s biggest square, and a can’t-miss destination on any one-day tour. It’s the city’s true centre and a border of sorts between the old city and the new.

Spend a few minutes dodging the pigeons and contemplating life’s most intricate mysteries, or if you’ve still got the shopping bug, duck into the city’s largest department store: El Corte Ingles.

Stop #5 – La Rambla (1 hour)

Just south of Placa Catalunya, you’ll find the famous Las Ramblas.

This street that never sleeps is the door to the famous Gothic Quarter. Sure, there are tons of tourist traps to avoid here, but you have to see it once, and at least you’ll get one of Barcelona’s best markets.

I’d recommend ignoring the street salesmen, fast food restaurants, and overpriced souvenir shops until La Boqueria Market appears on your right-hand side. Sample some great Serrano ham and get yourself a fresh 1 euro fruit shake. You’ll need the energy for the rest of the walk.

At the bottom of La Rambla, take a left at the Columbus Statue and follow Passeig de Colom for 10-15 minutes.

Stop #6 – Fresh Air and a Drink in Barceloneta (2 hours)

Feel the sea breeze in Barcelona’s beach neighbourhood – now you’re officially on holiday! It may not be what I’d consider one of the best beaches in Barcelona. But if you’re doing Barcelona in one day, time is of the essence.

The people-watching here is amazing, and it’s another classic place for photographs.

If you’re looking for a drink, head to La Xampanyeria (Carrer de la Reina Cristina 7) for cheap bottles of rose wine or Bar Leo (34 Carrer Sant Carles) on a weekend afternoon – you’ll likely get a Spanish guitar performance.

Finish the night in the neighbourhood with a Spanish classic: Barcelona’s best paella. You can’t miss going to 7 Portes if it’s quality you’re after, and my favourite seafood restaurant in the area is Somorrostro.

Barcelona in One Day FAQs

Is it possible to visit Barcelona in one day?

Absolutely! Although it’s a big city with a lot to see, you can still make the most of your time and get a good feel for the city in just one day. You’ll have plenty of time to visit Sagrada Familia, wander around La Rambla , check out the beach and enjoy the local Catalan cuisine.
What are some must-see attractions on a Barcelona one day itinerary?

Some of the top attractions include the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, La Rambla, Casa Batlo, and the Gothic Quarter. If you’re in town in the summer, it’s also worth checking out the beaches if you have time.
How should I plan my itinerary for one day in Barcelona?

First off, you’ll need to have your transport options sorted to maximize your time. Once you’re in town, it’s a good idea to start with the most important sights and work your way down – what exactly these are will depend on your interests.

If you’re short on time, consider booking a tour such as the Bus Turistic, or using public transportation to save time. You can also plan your day based on particular interests, such as art, history, or food.
How can I make the most of my time in Barcelona?

To make the most of your day, it’s important to prioritize and plan ahead. Don’t try to do too much or you’ll end up feeling rushed. After all, Spain is supposed to be relaxing!Take your time and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavours of this beautiful city. And don’t forget to take lots of photos!
What is the quickest way to get into Barcelona’s city centre from the airport?

If you have a layover in Barcelona and want to get into the city centre as quickly as possible, the best option is usually to take a taxi, which should take around 20-minutes. Alternatively, the Aerobus is a shuttle service that runs every 5-10 minutes from both terminals of the airport and goes directly to Plaça de Catalunya in the city centre.

The journey takes around 35-minutes and costs around €5.90 for a one-way ticket or €10.20 for a round-trip ticket. You can purchase your tickets online in advance or at the airport.

Still Wondering How to Do Barcelona in 1 Day?

Was my Barcelona in one-day advice a little too flat for your tastes? Drop me a line below, and I’ll help you plan it out more thoroughly with some custom advice.

So there it is! An eight-hour shift in one of Europe’s best cities. Hopefully, you enjoyed Barcelona in one day so much that you’ll be back soon for a longer visit. After all, there is still so much to see.

Hasta la proxima😉

36 Hours in Barcelona: Things to Do and See

Jump to:

Recommendations

Itinerary

Google Map

By Lisa Abend

Photographs by Samuel Aranda

Nov. 9, 2022

Lisa Abend has lived in Spain, and is the author of “The Sorcerer’s Apprentices: A Season in the Kitchen of Ferran Adrià’s elBulli.”

In the 30 years since the Olympics turned Barcelona into a tourist magnet, the pull of the city’s architecture and food culture has only grown stronger. So much so, that the Catalan capital has become a key battleground in Europe’s fight against overtourism. Not all initiatives to lessen the crowds have triumphed: A moratorium on hotel construction survived only a couple of years. But in other areas, the balance has shifted in favor of locals: tighter restrictions regulate Airbnb rentals and the size of groups allowed to visit the Boqueria market. Bike lanes now crisscross the city, and the restored Sant Antoni market is again bustling with fishmongers and butchers. Most strikingly, Barcelona’s “superblock” initiative has turned chunks of the city into car-free, pedestrian playgrounds.

Recommendations

Key stops

Casa Milà, with a new virtual reality tour, offers a crash course in Antoni Gaudí’s architecture.

Sant Antoni market is a temple to local ingredients, with a weekly book market outside its gorgeous exterior.

Suculent is where to go for some of the city’s best Catalan cooking.

Museums and design

The Picasso Museum will steep you in Picasso’s work, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of his death.

Moco Museum focuses on works by major modern artists like Basquiat, Hirst and Banksy.

Basilica de la Sagrada Família offers an English-language Mass for an immersive look at Gaudí’s masterpiece.

Parlament Street, a “superblock” urban-design experiment, is part of a pedestrian-only haven.

Restaurants and nightlife

Mantequerías Pirenaicas is an old-school spot for a long lunch (try the crisp-edged rice with sausage and duck).

Gresca is an upscale tapas bar with a casual atmosphere.

Especiarium, one of the newest bars in the Born quarter, has an intimate, lightly louche atmosphere.

Pinotxo, in the Boqueria market, is a favorite local breakfast spot.

Estimar is a homey restaurant with extraordinary seafood dishes.

Enigma is the flagship creation of the chef Albert Adrià, formerly of the experimental fine-dining restaurant elBulli.

Les Enfants Brillants, one of the city’s newest night spots, bills itself as a “high fidelity dance club.”

Shopping

Madre has leather accessories by the designer Manuel Dreesmann.

David Valls is where to go for flowing, modern women’s clothing.

Après Ski sells whimsical clothing, jewelry and other items.

Chandal offers everything from fun children’s gifts to housewares.

El Rei de la Màgia is one of the oldest magic stores in the world.

Where to stay

Casa Sagnier is a 51-room luxury hotel in a building designed by the Catalan architect Enric Sagnier. The rooms combine Catalan and Nordic design, and many overlook the Rambla de Catalunya (doubles start at 200 euros, or about $201).

Hotel Chic & Basic Born has all-white airy rooms with inventive lighting housed in an old palace. The location — across from the Ciutadella park on a lively corner of the Born — can’t be beat (doubles start at around 100 euros).

Hotel One Shot Aragó 257 is the first Barcelona location for a Spanish chain that specializes in comfortable, well-designed rooms that feel posher than their prices. Its location near the Passeig de Grácia is excellent (doubles start at 75 euros).

Try the lively Gràcia neighborhood for short-term rentals, which is removed enough from the tourist center but still convenient. To check that an apartment is legally registered, go to the Barcelona City Council’s website.

Itinerary

Friday

Courtesy Mantequerías Pirenaicas

3 p. m.
Have an old-school lunch

The best thing about arriving in Spain in midafternoon is that you land right in the middle of the Spanish lunch hour. Mantequerías Pirenaicas, in the Sant Gervasi neighborhood, is an unassuming spot, where the old-school waiters still wear white jackets and the tiny kitchen treats the highest quality ingredients — a single artichoke, its leaves perfectly charred, its heart holding a lightly poached quail’s egg, for instance, or a crisp-edged rice savory with sausage and duck — with delicate creativity. The restaurant is popular with locals; most of them know that if they hope to try the potato omelet — reputedly, the city’s best — they have to call by noon to reserve a slice (lunch for two around 70 euros, or about $69.50).

Courtesy Mantequerías Pirenaicas

6 p.m.
Immerse yourself in Gaudí

With its undulating exterior, Casa Milà — better known as La Pedrera — is one of the city’s most iconic structures. Located in the Eixample district, it also offers a crash course in the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí’s astonishing design, from the botanically inspired elements he adored to the ingenious physics at play in his work. Recently, the educational aspect was boosted by the addition of a virtual reality tour that allows visitors outfitted with headsets to interact with some of Gaudí’s signature design elements as they roam through a suite of rooms (entrance with virtual reality exhibition, 35 euros).

10 p.m.
Share your dinner

When it opened in the Eixample in 2006, Gresca was a narrow strip of a restaurant showcasing what was then the latest trend in Barcelona dining: bistronomia, a style of cooking that combined creative ambition with a casual atmosphere (and lower prices). Since then, both the space and the ambition have expanded. ‌The chef Rafael Peña brings depth to an array of sharing plates in this upscale tapas bar, from the thin coins of mackerel marinated in soy and citrus, to the glazed eel atop pickled onions and buttery brioche (dinner for two around 100 euros).

1 a.m.
Sip a spicy drink

Especiarium, one of the newest cocktail bars to open in the Born quarter, is spread across two floors, but manages to maintain an atmosphere at once intimate and lightly louche. Its concoctions — all spice-focused — are based on housemade syrups and ferments and served in witty vessels, like the Japanese gin-and-matcha blend that comes in a mug shaped like an origami bird, or the dangerously drinkable Tajin, which combines rum, sherry, a date shrub and the Moroccan spice mix ras el hanout. Cocktails are 10 to 14 euros.

A pedestrian-only stretch of La Rambla draws both tourists and locals.

Saturday

8 a.m.
Have an early breakfast

Early risers — or those just winding up the night — can squeeze onto stools at the Boqueria market for a Barcelona ritual: breakfast at Pinotxo. For the breakfast conservatives, there’s coffee and xuixo, the Catalan fried pastry filled with cream. Others may opt for tiny squid with white beans, perhaps some fortifying tripe and a glass of sparkling cava. By the time you’ve finished, the first shoppers will be making their way to the market for the busiest shopping day of the week (breakfast for two, 8 to 30 euros).

Chandal

.

10 a.m.
Shop in the artisans’ quarter

Wedged between the Barri Gotic and the Barceloneta neighborhoods, the Born was, in the Middle Ages, home to the city’s craft workers. There are hints of that artisanal history in the shops that fill its narrow streets. At Madre, Manuel Dreesmann makes bags, laptop sleeves and other locally tanned leather accessories. The designer David Valls crafts women’s garments that manage to be both flowy and modern at once. Après Ski sells whimsical jewelry and fetching jackets made from old tablecloths. Chandal offers an eclectic mix of cunning housewares, artsy magazines and an analog photography section. And El Rei de la Màgia, its treasure chest shelves filled with card tricks and wands, is one of the oldest magic stores in the world.

Chandal

.

2 p.m.
Splurge on seafood

Some of the best seafood in the city emerges from Rafa Zafra’s hands. Uptown, the chef recently opened the posh Amar in El Palace hotel to rave reviews. But his first Barcelona restaurant, the dark and tightly packed Estimar in the Born, makes a homier place to sample his extraordinary way with fins and shells. Start with grilled razor clams in a puckery escabeche, don’t miss the crisp chipirones (baby squid) served with dots of ink-flavored aioli, and if you’re wondering if the Palamós shrimp, simply grilled on the plancha, are worth the euros, the answer is a resounding yes (120 euros for two).

4 p.m.
Revel in art

The most thrilling gallery in the Picasso Museum contains the Cubist artist’s riffs on the Baroque painter Diego Velázquez’s revered work, “Las Meninas. ” Next door, the newly opened Moco Museum ventures into the present day. What it lacks in depth, the privately owned (if unfortunately named — moco means snot in Spanish) museum makes up for in name recognition with works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, Damien Hirst, KAWS and Banksy. And in case that’s not crowd-pleasing enough, the museum throws in a cocktail with tickets after 6 p.m (14 to 17.50 euros).

6:30
Graze on avant-garde creations

Most of the restaurants founded by Albert Adrià, formerly of elBulli, the groundbreaking restaurant 90 minutes north of the city that closed in 2011, did not survive the pandemic. But Enigma, his flagship creation in Poble Sec, has not merely survived but been reborn. Here, amid icily eerie décor, both the hours (Enigma opens at the thoroughly unSpanish dinner hour of 6.30 p.m) and the menu itself, with highlights like an impossibly light “air” waffle flavored with basil, and a chervil-slicked mushroom carpaccio that recreates an elBulli classic, allows for early evening grazing — although most diners have a hard time pulling themselves away with anything less than the full gastronomic experience. Most of the individual dishes range from 7 to 20 euros.

10 p.m.
Save room for dinner

Reward yourself for saving room with a stellar example of modern Catalan cooking at Suculent in the Raval district. The chef Antonio Romero also once worked at elBulli, and its influences occasionally show up in unexpected textures, like the orange gelée that adds a jolt of brightness to a dish of fresh anchovies and olives. But other inspirations, like a grilled maitake mushroom set afloat in a pool of pine-nut sauce or the soulful meatballs with cauliflower purée, are all his own (dinner for two, about 150 euros).

1 a.m.
Dance the night away

Les Enfants Brillants in the Raval is one of the city’s newest clubs, and with space for just 400 people, its red-lit main room (there’s a green cocktail bar as well) is much more intimate than its famous neighbor, Moog. Billing itself as a “high fidelity dance club,” it’s already making a name for itself among Barcelona’s electronica cognoscenti for its state-of-the-art sound system, its emphasis on vinyl and its impressive lineup of D. J.s (entrance, from 5 euros).

Les Enfants Brillants in the Raval district is one of the city’s newest clubs.

Sunday

9 a.m.
Go to church

Every Sunday morning, Mass is held in English at the Basilica de la Sagrada Família in the Eixample. It’s first come first served, and the place fills up; but admission is free, and it offers the chance to experience Gaudí’s basilica as the deeply religious architect intended it: as a place of soaring spiritual rejuvenation. But even the secular will find themselves moved by the 360-degree views — up to the mountains and down to the sea — from the towers. As the famously unfinished church nears completion, it has opened the star-capped Virgin Mary tower (this part requires a ticket, 36 euros without a guide).

12 p.m.
Take a bookish stroll

During the pandemic, the restoration of the old Sant Antoni market was finally finished, turning it into a sparkling temple to luscious ingredients. The food stalls are closed on Sundays, but the gorgeous exterior is host to a weekly book market with vendors selling both rare and new volumes in a variety of languages (though Catalan dominates). From there, it’s a short walk to Parlament Street, where you can experience Barcelona’s latest experiment in urban design. As one of the city’s new “superblocks,” most of the street, dotted with convivial cafes, is now a pedestrian zone, complete with ample outdoor seating where you can watch the world go by.

Correction:

Nov. 10, 2022

An earlier version of this article included a photo caption that misidentified a museum. It is the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona, not the Moco Museum.

Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona | 24 hours at Passeig de Gracia

Experiences 24 hours at Passeig de Gracia

If you are in Barcelona for 24 hours, do not miss the opportunity to have a wonderful experience by spending the day in the most exclusive place in this city – on Pasech de Gracia Boulevard.

Stay in one of our exclusive 5-star hotels, such as the modern, comfortable and cozy Alma Barcelona Hotel or the Claris Hotel & Spa . Whether you come to our city to relax and have fun or on business, in any case, you should take the opportunity and allow yourself a little gastronomic whim. Choose from elegant Michelin-starred restaurants to lively bars serving typical tapas. A delicious dinner awaits you at Lasarte (3*) at Monument Hotel or Moments at Mandarin Oriental . If you want to experience authentic local gastronomy, try the variety of tapas and a la carte dishes served in many restaurants in our area, such as El Japonés , El Nacional, Café de la Pedrera or 83.3 Terrace Bar.

CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER MORE

Order your favorite drink and enjoy panoramic city views from the terrace of

Majestic Hotel & Spa . Before you appear beautiful Barcelona, which stretches from the mountains to the seashore. Take time to explore the world-famous attractions located on Pasech de Gracia Boulevard: La Pedrera – Casa Milà (La Pedrera – House of Mila) and Casa Batlló (House of Batllo). There you will learn a lot of interesting things about the brilliant architect Gaudi, who created the Sagrada Familia. While enjoying a walk along our magnificent boulevard, which is one and a half kilometers long, be sure to take a look at the shops. You will see local brands and Spanish designer boutiques here, such as Loewe and Adolfo Domínguez , with models for men and women; Pretty Ballerinas , which offers comfortable and elegant women’s shoes; as well as the well-known multi-brand boutique Santa Eulalia in the city.

If you want to visit the boutiques of international luxury brands, then you should definitely take a walk along Pasech de Gracia Boulevard, where there are many options: from

Chanel and Dior to Gucci , Fendi , Hermès and Loro Piana . We advise you to plan your visit well in order to get acquainted with all the wonders that await you in our city.

Architecture and culture on Pasech de Gracia Boulevard

Romantic getaway on Pasech de Gracia

Beauty and Wellness Experience

One day in Barcelona: what to do in 24 hours in the Catalan capital / Spain : Sights / Travel .ru

Travel.ru
tourism News
One day in Barcelona: what to do in 24 hours in the capital of Catalonia

000+03:00″ itemprop=”published”> 09:08, 27 April 2016 In the old port of Barcelona // Travel.ru

Travel.ru has found out what to do in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, if you have only one day at your disposal.

According to the hotel booking site Oktogo.ru, Barcelona is in the top 10 cities popular with Russians for foreign trips during the May holidays.

1. Stay in the center of Barcelona
In the four-star Derby Hotel, located a three-minute walk from the central Avinguda Diagonal, accommodation for two will cost from 100 euros per day. Breakfast at the hotel includes fresh juices, fruits and pastries. There is free Wi-Fi.

2. Go shopping at El Corte Ingles
El Corte Ingles shopping center on Avinguda Diagonal is open from 09:30 to 21:30. In addition to the Tax Free check, in the store you can get an additional 10% discount on a special card for foreign tourists, issued here at the customer service office.

3. Dine in a restaurant on Avinguda Diagonal
Tapas with all kinds of snacks is worth trying at the Piscolabis restaurant.

4. Visit the Camp Nou football stadium
The Camp Nou stadium, home of Barcelona football club, has a museum where you can learn about the history of the club and see the club’s trophies, as well as personal awards of its players, including ” golden balls and boots. Entrance ticket to the stadium and the Camp Nou Experience museum costs 23 euros. There is also a huge souvenir shop and football paraphernalia for club fans.

5. Walk along La Rambla
La Rambla, between the Gothic Quarter and the Raval, is the most popular street for tourists to walk. Here you can buy souvenirs and watch street performers.

6. Dine in a restaurant in the old port of Barcelona
At the restaurant La Gavina, located on the waterfront in the old port of Barcelona, you should try the cured belota pork fillet, santurce anchovies with young onions and sun-dried tomato, tuna carpaccio with sauce from ginger, lime and greens, and from hot dishes choose grilled navajas clams, tempura shrimp, mussels in tomato sauce, fish croquettes or vermicelli paella with small squids.