Barcelona in 1 day: Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips

Detailed Itinerary, Map & Tips

Visiting Barcelona (Spain) for one day and wondering what to see and how to best plan your short visit to this fascinating city? In this article, we share a suggested 1-day Barcelona itinerary that covers the most important landmarks and must-see sights in the most efficient way.

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to see La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and a few other Gaudi landmarks, explore Barcelona’s old town with its famous Gothic Quarter, Plaça Reial, La Rambla, visit a local market and, of course, taste some Spanish tapas!

If this is your first time in the city and you want to see as many of the best places of Barcelona in a day and still keep it relaxed and enjoyable, this guide will help you plan a perfect trip.

Read on for a detailed itinerary and our experience-based tips on how to make the most out of your Barcelona day trip!

Park Güell is one of the must-sees in Barcelona, even if you only have a day.

Barcelona in Spain is one of the most visited cities in Europe. And rightly so – the city truly has it all: centuries-old history, incredible art and architecture, the famous Gaudi landmarks, delicious food, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere.

But with so many amazing places to see in Barcelona, how do you decide what to see if you only have one day in the city… I hope that our experience-based tips and sightseeing itinerary will help you plan a great trip and make the most of your day in Barcelona.

To help you plan your time, our recommendations are based on what can actually be done in just a day. At the bottom of this article, you can also find a short overview of this itinerary indicating all the main sights and approximate visiting times.

We also include a map to give you a better idea of where everything is located and practical tips and info you absolutely need to know if you want to visit the main sights. But first – some essential planning tips!

Plaça Reial

Good to know!

Before you start planning your 1-day Barcelona sightseeing itinerary, there are a few things you really have to know:

First, the most popular attractions in the city are really busy and are scattered throughout the town. So with just a day in Barcelona, it’s essential to make a good sightseeing plan in advance. That’s where this itinerary will help.

Second, it’s important to get skip-the-line tickets for all the main landmarks and places that you absolutely want to see in advance. Otherwise, you’ll not only waste too much time, but you also risk not being able to visit them at all.

Also, with just one day in Barcelona – and if you want to make the utmost of your limited time – I highly recommend that you look into organized tours that include a visit to several of the main landmarks. Going with a local guide will save you lots of guesswork, research, and time on the day itself. It will also make your Barcelona day trip more relaxing and enjoyable.

And finally, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, pack sun protection, and always have some water with you – ideally, in a reusable bottle. It’s also good to know that shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and bare feet (flip-flops, etc.) are not allowed inside La Sagrada Familia.

TIP: If you find it overwhelming to plan your Barcelona day trip itinerary, you can consider organized 1-day tours that show you as much as possible in a day. This is one of the best-rated day tours that I found. It includes most of the places that we cover in our itinerary below. They also take care of all the transportation and skip-the-line tickets, so you don’t have to worry about anything and can just enjoy the sights. You can combine this with our suggestions for things to do in the evening.

If you rather do it all yourself, it’s perfectly possible too (but will require more planning!). In that case, scroll down for our detailed 1-day Barcelona itinerary and map indicating all the main places we recommend visiting in Barcelona in a day.

Here’s what you could see in Barcelona in a day:

Plaça de Catalunya

Start your day in Barcelona with a visit to Catalonia Square, the bustling heart of Barcelona. This is the place where the old and the ‘new’ city meet.

Plaça de Catalunya is located at the crossroads of several major boulevards and is a busy transport hub. It’s also a popular shopping area, home to one of the biggest shopping centers in Barcelona, El Corte Inglés.

In the middle of the square, there’s some greenery with sculptures and fountains, and probably even more pigeons than in Milan and Venice together.

If you visit Plaça de Catalunya early in the morning, it will likely be rather quiet. If you are looking for a nice place for breakfast or some coffee, you’ll find some cafés in this area too. However, the most famous establishment Café Zurich doesn’t open until 9 am… And by that time, you should be standing in line at the first landmark already!

Plaça de Catalunya aerial view – Photo nito103/Depositphotos.comPlaça de Catalunya

Passeig de Gràcia

It’s about a 12-15 minutes walk from Catalunya Square to the next places on your itinerary, the famous Gaudi buildings Casa Batllo and Casa Mila.

On the way, you’ll pass Passeig de Gracia, one of the main boulevards of Barcelona. In addition to the Gaudi masterpieces, there are many other stunning buildings here. The most notable are Casa Lleó i Morera, Casa Amatller, Casa Mulleras, and Casa Josefina Bonet – all just next Casa Batllo.

Next, you’ll have to decide which of the two Gaudi buildings to visit – Casa Batllo or Casa Mila. We recommend Casa Batllo because it’s more diverse, but I think Casa Mila (La Pedrera) is just as impressive.

These two buildings are located very close to each other, so you should see both of them from the outside either way. But – with just a day in Barcelona – I recommend visiting only one of them inside (or you will have to skip something else). We opted for Casa Batllo – see more info and pictures below.

Casa Lleó i Morera on Passeig de GraciaCasa Amatller on Passeig de GraciaStaircase of Casa Amatller. You can see this part of the building when passing by.

Casa Batlló

Located on Passeig de Gracia and just a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya, Casa Batlló is one of the most famous Gaudi buildings. If you visit just one of the houses built by Gaudi inside, this one is probably the most impressive one. They now also have a 10D experience that makes a visit here even more special.

Normally, Casa Batllo opens at 9 AM and by then the line is usually quite long already. So be sure to get your tickets in advance and arrive at least half an hour before it opens. The earlier you can start, the more time you’ll have left for the other places on your itinerary.

Our experience: We visited Casa Batllo with a tour that covers all the Gaudi buildings mentioned in this itinerary (so it could be a good option for the first half of your day trip as well). They have some kind of special arrangement that allows you to enter the building a few minutes before it opens to the public. So you get to see some of the most impressive rooms in Casa Batllo before the crowds arrive.

Casa BatlloInside Casa BatlloInside Casa BatlloThe rooftop of Casa Batllo

Casa Milà – La Pedrera

Casa Milà, or La Pedrera, is an apartment building designed by Gaudi. It’s also located on Passeig de Gràcia, just a 5 minutes walk from Casa Batllo.

Probably the most impressive feature of Casa Mila is the rooftop. However, if you want to visit it, you’ll have to wait in another long queue. I’d only do this if you decide to skip Casa Batllo – in that case, be sure to start your day here and arrive before it opens. If you want to visit Casa Mila, book your skip-the-line tickets in advance!

We recommend you just see Casa Mila from the outside and make your way to the next attraction – Park Güell. If you are going on your own, it’s best to take a taxi here, or you’ll lose too much time.

The tour that we took included transportation, and a minibus was waiting to bring us to the park, and afterward also to La Sagrada Familia. There are also other tours that bring you to Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia – two must-see landmarks that are both a bit outside of the main tourist routes and where it’s really helpful to have transportation and tickets arranged in advance.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera)La Pedrera (Casa Mila) rooftop – Photo threeedil/Unsplash.com

Park Güell

Park Güell is a big park designed by Gaudi. Located about 3km from the city center, it’s a bit of a detour from the other sights. But it’s absolutely worth a visit, even if you only have a day in Barcelona and have to be very selective about which places to visit.

It’s impossible to describe how unique and beautiful this park really is. It’s like you step inside some fantasy forest… But, just like any other place in Barcelona, Park Güell is incredibly busy. And so it’s sometimes difficult to appreciate how special it is. Nevertheless, it’s a place you absolutely have to see when visiting Barcelona!

Important! If you are visiting Park Güell on your own, be sure that you book your ticket online at least a few days in advance or you risk not being able to visit at all! It often sells out completely, and we heard from several of our readers that they were not able to get in without a reservation…

Good to know: There are bathroom facilities and a café at Park Güell, so you could get a quick lunch here. However, the queues are long everywhere and by opting for lunch, you’ll have to sacrifice precious sightseeing time. So if you can, pack a small snack so that you don’t have to waste too much time.

You could probably spend half a day at Park Güell alone, but with just one day in Barcelona, you can’t linger here too long. The next stop is the famous La Sagrada Familia. Unless you visit with a tour that includes transport, get a taxi. Metro is also possible, but by the time you walk to the nearest station, you’ll likely be halfway there already by taxi.

Park GüellPark GüellPark GüellPark GüellPark Güell

La Sagrada Familia

Basilica La Sagrada Familia is the #1 landmark that you absolutely have to see in Barcelona. And yes, it’s busy, but it’s popular for a reason. No matter how much time you have in Barcelona, you have to see the interior as well. If you are really short on time and have to skip something from this itinerary, sacrifice anything else but not La Sagrada Familia!

I can’t think of any other man-made structure in the whole world that can even try to compare to La Sagrada Familia. It’s a real masterpiece, every inch of it, inside and out.

Just as with all the main Gaudi landmarks in Barcelona, you really have to get skip-the-line tickets for La Sagrada Familia in advance, or you risk not being able to visit (or waste too much precious time queuing). If you want to also visit the tower, you should know that regular tickets don’t include it.

The tour that we took included a visit to the towers, and this tour includes that as well. While really impressive to see, the towers of La Sagrada Familia aren’t an absolute must if you are in a hurry.

Good to know: La Sagrada Familia is also a place where it really pays to go with a local guide. The church is full of symbolism and hundreds of incredible details – some of the things that you wouldn’t even notice otherwise. There are countless options when it comes to guided tours of La Sagrada Familia, alone or in combination with the other landmarks.

La Sagrada FamiliaLa Sagrada FamiliaLa Sagrada Familia – lit by an afternoon sunArchitectural details of La Sagrada Familia towers

Lunch at Mercado la Boqueria

If you didn’t take snacks with you, you’ll likely be starving by now. If you follow this itinerary, it will likely be around 2-3 pm by now, so pretty much in time for a Spanish lunch. There are some restaurants close to La Sagrada, or you can take a metro to the old town (subway station ‘Liceu’) and have lunch at Mercado la Boqueria.

Mercado la Boqueria, aka La Rambla market, is located in the heart of the historic city center. It’s the most popular food market in Barcelona and a nice place to try some local food.

You’ll find everything here – from fruit and vegetables, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, to all kinds of cold and warm snacks, cured meat, seafood tapas, paella, etc.

Even if you already had a snack earlier, definitely check it out for some special food and a fun atmosphere. It’s a really nice place to visit in Barcelona and a welcome change from all the landmarks.

Fruit and vegetables at Mercado la BoqueriaSeafood at Mercado la Boqueria food marketSeafood at Mercado la BoqueriaMeat and cheese snacks at Mercado la Boqueria

La Rambla

Just next to the market is La Rambla, probably the best-known street in Barcelona. This wide boulevard has a tree-lined pedestrian promenade in the middle and it’s always crowded – with people, souvenir shops, and cafes.

I wouldn’t linger here too long, but since you are here anyway, walk a small part of this street, navigating between the crowds, street artists, and souvenir vendors, while trying to see some of the architecture on both sides of the street.

If you want to see one more Gaudi building (from the outside), walk to Palau Güell. I really wouldn’t recommend visiting it inside. By now, it will likely be late afternoon, and you better spend the rest of your Barcelona day trip exploring the historic old town.

Buildings on La RamblaLa RamblaTeatre del Liceu on La RamblaCasa Bruno Cuadros on La Rambla

Gothic Quarter – Barcelona Old Town

The Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic is the heart of old Barcelona. It’s here that you’ll find some of the most impressive oldest buildings in the city.

But it’s also just a really nice neighborhood to explore, with narrow streets, picturesque squares, quirky boutique stores, and plenty of cafes and restaurants.

Below, I indicated the main places not to miss in the Gothic Quarter.

Gothic Quarter is one of the nicest areas to explore in Barcelona

Cathedral of Barcelona

Many people mistakenly think that La Sagrada Familia is the Cathedral of Barcelona, but that is not the case. The main Cathedral is much older and it can be found in the Gothic Quarter.

While it’s a more traditional church that can’t be compared to La Sagrada in any way, the Cathedral of Barcelona is really impressive. Especially the interior. So if you still have some energy left, be sure to check it out. The cloisters with a small garden and a few resident geese are also nice to see.

If you have some extra time, you can also take an elevator and visit the rooftop of the Cathedral. It’s something nice to do if it’s not too busy, but if there’s a long line and you’re feeling tired after all the walking and sightseeing, don’t feel too bad if you decide to skip it.

Good to know: You’ll need a ticket in order to visit the cathedral. You can just get the tickets at a ticket office that’s located in the same square, or you can also buy them online in advance. The elevator to the rooftop requires a separate ticket. The Cathedral is open daily until rather late in the evening. For more practical information, see the official website.

Cathedral of BarcelonaInside the Cathedral of BarcelonaThe crypt of Saint Eulalia inside the CathedralThe rooftop of the CathedralCloisters of the Cathedral of Barcelona

Carrer del Bisbe

Located just next to the Barcelona Cathedral, Carrer del Bisbe is one of the most beautiful streets in the Gothic Quarter.

It’s best known for El Pont del Bisbe (Bishop’s Bridge), an extremely picturesque overhead walkway that connects two buildings on different sides of the street.

This is probably the most photographed street in Barcelona and one of the most beautiful parts of the old town. Don’t miss it!

El Pont del BisbeCarrer del Bisbe

Plaça del Rei

At the back side of the Cathedral, you’ll find one of the oldest squares in Barcelona, Plaça del Rei.

Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA) is also located here. It’s a place where you can see the archeological site of the old city of Barcelona, with streets and buildings from 2000 years ago.

However, by now you’ll probably have done enough sightseeing for the day. So I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether to visit this museum inside. We found it quite interesting and it doesn’t require that much time, but there’s only that much you can do in a day, right… Anyway, you can also just see if the museum is still open when you get there and decide on the spot.

But even if you don’t visit the museum, it’s worth coming to see the square and the architecture of the surrounding streets.

Plaça del ReiUnderground remains of the old town of Barcelona at the Barcelona History MuseumCarrer de la Pietat street at the back of Barcelona Cathedral, just next to Plaça del Rei

Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial is a big town square lined with impressive buildings, palm trees, and a fountain in the middle. Do note the unique street lanterns designed by Gaudi himself.

There are several cafés here and it’s a nice place to sit down for a drink and do some people-watching. You’ll also find plenty of good restaurants in this area where you could have dinner. Keep in mind, however, that Spanish dinner time is much later than what you might be used to, and many better restaurants only open from 7.30 – 8 pm.

Alternatively – if you want to make the most out of your day in Barcelona, we have a few other suggestions on how you could spend your evening. See below.

Plaça ReialPlaça ReialPlaça Reial

Flamenco Show & Dinner OR Food Tour

If you have one full day in Barcelona and want to experience as much of the city as possible, there are a few nice things you could do in the evening. Don’t worry – these are much more relaxing than the rest of the day, and there’s food involved too.

One option is to watch a Flamenco show. The most popular option (and available daily) is the 1-hour performance at the City Hall Theater (just near Plaça Catalunya). They have several shows every evening, so you can choose the time that best suits you – before or after dinner.

Alternatively, you can also opt for a place that offers a flamenco show and a dinner. This might be more relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. One of the best-rated options is this flamenco show with dinner at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes. It’s just a few minutes walk from Plaça Reial, so very easy to fit into this itinerary.

Another option is to join a local food tour. Of course, it’s not as relaxing as watching a show or just sitting down at a restaurant, but you get to know the more local side of the city and taste several traditional dishes and drinks.

Food tours have become one of our favorite ways to explore any city. If you think you’ll have some energy left at the end of the day, it can be a nice way to end your short visit to Barcelona and make it even more memorable.

Here’s one of the best-rated wine & tapas tours that would fit this itinerary quite well too. It starts at Plaça Sant Jaume, very close to the Cathedral of Barcelona, and they also offer an option to extend it with a flamenco show – the best of both worlds.

Tapas in BarcelonaTapas in Barcelona

So, this is what your day in Barcelona could look like. As promised, below you can find a short recap of this itinerary and a map indicating all the main sights mentioned in this article.

Barcelona 1 day itinerary & map

Here’s how to see the best of Barcelona in 1 day:

8 AM: Have coffee at Plaça Catalunya and see the most impressive buildings on Passeig de Gràcia.

9 AM: Visit Casa Battlo (get skip-the-line tickets if going without a tour). Arrive early!

10.30 AM: Walk on Passeig de Gracia and see Casa Mila from the outside. If you are not going with a tour, take a taxi to Park Güell.

11 AM: Visit Park Güell (get your tickets in advance!) and have a small snack for lunch.

12.45 PM: Make your way to La Sagrada Familia (by tax or with a tour).

1.15 PM: Visit La Sagrada Familia (if not going on a tour, get fast-track tickets in advance!).

3 PM: Take a metro to the city center. Late lunch at Mercado La Boqueria.

4 PM: Explore La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter (+ visit the Cathedral of Barcelona inside, and potentially also the MUHBA museum).

6-9 PM: Flamenco show + dinner or food tour + flamenco show. See the best options explained above.

Please note that the hours are indicated just for your reference so that you have a better idea of how to plan your time.

The timing is based on our experience. But instead of booking all the tickets ourselves and taking a taxi for the longer distances, we took this tour for the first part of the day starting with Casa Batllo and ending with La Sagrada Familia. If interested, you can read our detailed review of this tour here: the best Gaudi tour in Barcelona.

To help you orient, we also created a map indicating all these places that we recommend visiting in Barcelona in one day. See below.

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our recommended itinerary for the very best of Barcelona in a day. Of course, this is just one of the countless ways to plan your trip. But it gives you a good idea of the main sights to see and how to plan your time in order to make the most out of your quick visit.

If you have time, I highly recommend that you make some time for an evening activity as suggested above (flamenco show and/or food tour). It will make your first visit to Barcelona so much more special and memorable than just rushing through the main landmarks!

Where to stay in Barcelona

If you are visiting Barcelona for just one day, it’s likely that you are visiting the city as part of a cruise and don’t really need to worry about this.

If, however, you are staying in the city for a few nights, I highly recommend booking a hotel in the area close to Plaça de Catalunya. This is really the most convenient neighborhood for sightseeing!

We stayed at the Acta Splendid Hotel and the value quality/location-wise couldn’t be better. There are many other hotels and accommodations in this area, for all budgets.

READ ALSO: Barcelona Travel Tips

If you have more time in/ around Barcelona, you may want to check our other guides to the city as well:

Best Things to Do in Barcelona (all the musts)
How to Spend 2 Days in Barcelona (detailed 2-day itinerary)
How to Visit Montserrat from Barcelona
Montserrat Tour Review

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Travel guides & 1-day itineraries for some of the best cities in Europe:

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1 Day in Milan
1 Day in Lisbon
1 Day in Amsterdam
1 Day in Florence
1 Day in Naples
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For many more places, please see our destinations guide.

How To Spend One Glorious Day In Barcelona

Barcelona, the sunny and vibrant Catalan capital has been attracting visitors for decades. On my very first visit to this seaside gem, I immediately understood this allure. Not only does Barcelona, and, the Catalonian region, have its own unique culture, language and customs that are so distinctly different from the rest of Spain, but the city has so much on offer by way of incredible architecture and sights, history, welcoming locals and delicious cuisine too!

If you do get the chance to visit I have to say one day in Barcelona will not be enough. It is a city that requires fabulous walks through the ancient streets and the time to see all 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Barcelona also makes the perfect jumping-off point to take day trips by train from, you can head to the beaches of Sitges, explore Girona and even hike the mountains of Monserrat.

Barcelona is one of the most diverse cities in Europe. It has an incredibly rich cultural ambience, fantastic food and an incredible culinary scene for foodies, a 4km long beach, plus those 9 UNESCO sites. In this Barcelona one-day itinerary you will be able to visit the must-see Barcelona attractions and I’ve included recommendations on where to eat and where to stay to make the most of your 24 hours in Barcelona.

Table Of Contents

How to spend one glorious day in Barcelona
- A day in Barcelona Itinerary
- What to See in Barcelona in One Day
  - Park Güell
  - La Sagrada Familia
  - Plaça de Catalunya
  - Gothic Quarter
  - Take in a Flamenco Show
- La Boqueria Barcelona
  - Barcelona Cathedral
- More than 1 day in Barcelona?
  - Joan Miro Foundation
- More Gaudi to see
  - Casa Milá – La Pedrera
  - Güell Pavilions
  - Casa Batlló
- How to Get Around Barcelona
  - Public Transport – Metro and Bus
  - Rent a Car (or Scooter)
  - Walk
  - Taxi
  - Hop On Hop Off Bus
- Where to Stay in Barcelona
- Where to Eat in Barcelona
  - Breakfast – Firebug
  - Lunch – Cervesería Catalana
  - Dinner – Ziryab Fusion Tapas Restaurant

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A day in Barcelona Itinerary

With so much to explore, it can be daunting to try to squeeze as much as possible into one day in Barcelona. To help you make the most of your day in the city, here are some top tips for visiting Barcelona including an itinerary, transport options, where to eat and where to stay.

What to See in Barcelona in One Day

The main aim of a Barcelona one-day itinerary is to see as much as you can, in as short a time as possible, without compromising “living in the moment”. This seemingly challenging task becomes a lot easier when you plan your must-see attractions beforehand.

Park Güell

There’s no better place to begin your Barcelona one-day tour than at Park Güell before working your way to the centre of the city.

The iconic park is home to eccentric architectural buildings which combine colourful ceramics and unique curvatures. Most of the park is free to visit but purchasing a ticket beforehand will ensure that you enjoy the full experience.

The park is open from 8:30 am to 7 pm, Monday to Sunday, making it a highly accessible attraction.

Get your Güell Park tickets in advance.

La Sagrada Familia

A short 25 minutes from Güell Park is Barcelona’s church of the Sacred Family. Most cities in Europe have beautiful, gothic-inspired churches, but none can quite compare to this one.

Antoni Gaudi, the same man who designed the quirky buildings in Güell Park, is the force behind the design and semi-construction of the inspiring structure. To this day, the church stands incomplete.

Although construction is only predicted to be finished in 2026, the church stands tall in majestic allure and is an essential stop on your Barcelona 1 day itinerary.

Skip the line for La Sagrada Familia tour.

Plaça de Catalunya

The large square in the centre of Barcelona is a magical section where the old city meets the modern developments. Almost all one-day Barcelona tours will bring travellers through this bustling area to enjoy a few moments of local happenings.

The square is free to visit and offers quite a sensory experience. The pigeons fly around, tourists hustle for photographs and the design of the buildings competes for your attention.

Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter, which is made up of a network of small streets, is quaint and charming in design. The area is weighed in history and boasts incredible buildings dating back to medieval times.

Although you can spend the entire day walking through the Gothic Quarter, there are a few main attractions to prioritise. These include Barcelona Catédral and the Barcelona History Museum. This area is the best to explore the ancient city, with scatterlings of modern cafes and bars to remind you of the present time.

Book your tour of the Gothic Quarter here

Take in a Flamenco Show

Everyone must experience a Flamenco show in Barcelona and one of the best is the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes which have been featuring Flamenco shows for over 50 years. For around €80 Euros you can enjoy a fantastic Spanish-style dinner and an unforgettable flamenco show.

La Boqueria Barcelona

So far, this itinerary has included history, architecture and delicious food spots. But it would be incomplete without a visit to one of Barcelona’s famous markets. The smell of delicious food floats in the air, trinkets are available as souvenirs and you get to brush shoulders with the locals and hear their chatter.

If you can only pick one market to visit, then Boqueria Market is a great choice. It’s the oldest in the city and very close to your previous stop. The surrounding area is also full of bars and restaurants, making it a convenient stepping stone to enjoying Barcelona’s nightlife.

Get your tour of Boqueria Market here. For foodies I highly recommend taking the Boqueria Market tour with a Chef or how about a Paella cooking class and a market tour?

Barcelona Cathedral

Many people confuse the Barcelona Cathedral with the Sagrada Familia but this Gothic Cathedral was built on the foundations of a primitive paleo-Christian basilica dating back to 1298. The Romanesque Cathedral you see today was mainly finished in 1498. At the end of the 19th century, the facade was completed with 3 towers and elegant lacework finishes.

More than 1 day in Barcelona?

If you are lucky and have more than one day in Barcelona here are a few fabulous sites to add to your Barcelona itinerary.

Joan Miro Foundation

The foundation Fundació Joan Miró was initiated by the artist Joan Miró himself and the same year, the museum was opened on June 10th in 1975. The artist donated most of his work to the foundation along with works from his wife Pilar Juncosa, Joan Prats and Kazumasa Katsutas. Well-known sculptures such as the “Couple d’Amoureux aux Jeux de Fleur d’Amandier” (1975) and a large, lavishly designed wall hanging, made particularly for the foundation, are among these works.

©Andy Mitchell from Glasgow, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0

The museum owns over 10.000 paintings, drawings, sculptures, stage designs and carpets from Joan Miró – the earliest drawings are from 1901. On the rooftop terrace, you can admire Miró’s colourful sculptures together with a wonderful view of Barcelona. The Miró museum enfolds by far the largest collection of Joan Miró’s works today.

More Gaudi to see

Casa Milá – La Pedrera

This was a home commissioned by Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon for their family. The family were going to live on the main floor and rent out the apartments above. In Barcelona, the building is nicknamed La Pedrera or the Quarry.

Casa Mila is one of Barcelona’s most interesting buildings. It is called Le Pedrera because the building features forms drawn from nature with curved balconies and a finish of rough plaster that resembles a stone quarry. It was called this because of the rough-hewn texture of the building.

Güell Pavilions

Count Güell commissioned the Pavilions as he wanted Gaudi to re-design his estate and build a walled garden around it. Again Gaudi used an architectural style that combined the oriental and Mudéjar. The estate was left to the Spanish royal family and converted into a palace in 1918, after that the University of Barcelona purchased the buildings and in 1969 they were declared a Monument of National Historic and Artistic Interest.

Casa Batlló

Josep Batlló bought the house in 1904 and commissioned Gaudi to redesign it completely By 1906 the house was famous for turning every architectural convention on its head and it won the award for “One of the best three buildings of the year”.

How to Get Around Barcelona

There are so many unique things to see in Barcelona in one day. And the best way to tick off as many attractions as possible is to get familiar with the transport systems available, especially given the city’s size!

Public Transport – Metro and Bus

Barcelona has a well-oiled public transport network that is reliable, efficient and affordable. The metro, in particular, is easy to use with waiting times of less than five minutes.

You can choose the option of daily tickets, as well as 2- or 3-day tickets which is useful if you plan to use the metro more than six times a day during your stay. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the metro, or you can buy a T10 ticket which is valid for 10 rides.

The schedule is also very convenient. The first metro starts at 5:00 am, and runs until midnight during the week, 2 am on Fridays, and all night on Saturdays.

The buses are also very well-connected and inexpensive. In addition, they are safer than the metro (which can be a temptation for pickpockets). However, if you choose the bus, it can be a bit slower than the metro.

Rent a Car (or Scooter)

If you want complete flexibility and convenience then you can rent a car. However, if you do choose to pursue this option, be cautioned that the traffic can be quite congested and parking bays are not frequently available.

A better option is to rent a scooter. The zippy vehicles allow you to get from point A to point B with less stress and more parking options. A scooter is also more affordable than a car (and, some may argue, more fun).

View rental cars available here.

Walk

Using your two feet is a fantastic way of exploring Barcelona. Although it may take you a little bit longer to get from one attraction to another, it gives you an authentic encounter with day-to-day life.

If you want to explore as much of Barcelona in one day as possible, then you can walk between El Born, Gothic Quarter and Gracia.

Taxi

If you’re looking for Lyft or Uber, then you won’t find it in Barcelona. However, there are private taxis that are very accessible – in most locations and during most times. Despite the higher cost compared to other transport options, taxis in Barcelona are also more affordable than elsewhere in Europe.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

If you’re visiting the city for a short while and want to combine one of the best Barcelona day tours with convenient transportation, then this is a great option.

Get your hop on hop off bus ticket here.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

If you are only spending 1 day in Barcelona, then it’s better to stay in the centre so you can see as much as possible within a short time frame.

With this in mind, the central areas of El Born, the Gothic Quarter and Eixample are top choices. To help you get started, here are a few hotels in these areas to consider:

Luxury – Mandarin Oriental Hotel with a spa, comfort and an incredible view
Budget – Chic and Basic Ramblas is an affordable, but chic, place to stay
Nightlife – Kabul Hostel, revered as the party hostel in Las Ramblas

Where to Eat in Barcelona

You’ll come across plenty of fantastic places to dine, snack and drink in the city. But here are some of the best spots.

Breakfast – Firebug

Breakfast in Barcelona is best served as brunch, and Firebug is one of the tastiest spots in the city. The cosy cafe serves a delicious array of typical breakfast items, as well as classic dishes to quell all cravings.

Lunch – Cervesería Catalana

It would be a sin to leave Barcelona without having your fair share of tapas. The uniquely Spanish dining style can be enjoyed at Cervesería Catalana. The lunch venue perfectly combines a casual atmosphere with delicious food, making it a fantastic place to refuel on your Barcelona itinerary.

Dinner – Ziryab Fusion Tapas Restaurant

This tapas restaurant is located in the heart of the action, making a night on the town a natural development after indulging in delicious food. The location, atmosphere and food are all highly recommended and offer a traditional foodie experience.

As you can see the experiences in Barcelona vary from incredible architecture and art to some of the best food in Europe. Have you taken the time to experience Barcelona in a day?

Barcelona in 1 day: what to see and try? – Barcelona10

Getting to know Barcelona in one day is a very difficult task. There is so much to see and do in the city that a 24 hour visit is just enough to whet your tourist appetite. But even this short time in Barcelona can be spent very well, taking home a lot of positive impressions.

If you are an inexperienced tourist or just like discovering new things in a company, it is worth signing up for a tour created just for you – All of Barcelona in one day.

Or you can make a plan to explore Barcelona on your own…

Sagrada Familia

Your first goal when visiting Barcelona should be the legendary Sagrada Familia. Known throughout the world, this Catholic church is unique in its concept, scope and details thought out to every centimeter. The Sagrada Familia was designed by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudí. Construction has been going on since 1882 and is scheduled to be completed by 2026. Tickets must be booked online and in advance, otherwise you will spend a couple of hours of precious time in line. When booking tickets, you will be prompted to choose the time of your visit. If you select from 10 to 11, for example, this means that you will need to get to the temple during this period of time. If you take an audio guide, then expect to spend an hour and a half inside. You can buy tickets for the Sagrada Familia here.

Park Güell

After visiting the temple, you can go to Park Güell, which is located nearby. Park Güell is another unique creation of Gaudí. Alternatively, you can leave the visit to the park until the evening, but be aware that it will close at 19:30.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is a unique building created by the great Gaudí. Do not think that it is enough to see it from the outside. Inside it is even more interesting. As part of a day trip, it is better to purchase a combined ticket to Gaudí’s masterpieces. For example, consider this offer.

Barceloneta and restaurant

Next, head to Barceloneta beach to see the sea. On the way, it is worth refreshing yourself in a good restaurant, getting to know the wonderful Catalan cuisine better. If the sea does not interest you, then Barceloneta can be skipped. In this case, we advise you to go to The Wok Club restaurant, which is located near the Arena shopping center. It sounds like Asian cuisine, but traditional dishes are also served and prepared quite well.

You should definitely try the main dish – paella, do not forget about the famous jamon, and on a hot day, skip a glass of soft drink made from wine and fruits – sangria.

Paella is a national Spanish dish of rice, vegetables and meat with spices. Catalonia is famous for paella with seafood.

In the afternoon, visit Montjuic, where you will find a wide range of attractions. You will need to choose in advance what you would like to see there, since this complex of attractions occupies a very spacious area in terms of area, and you will have to walk or take a bus. You won’t be able to get there by car. If you have time until late in the evening and you are in Barcelona at the end of the week, then we highly recommend that you stay and see the magical fountains of Barcelona, which are located at the very foot of Montjuic.

As an alternative lazy afternoon, go shopping at the Arena Shopping Center.

sights, what to see, where to go, beautiful places and route around the city

Barcelona is a fun European city. It is loved for its modernist architecture, delicious food and a huge amount of entertainment.

Ekaterina Kachalina

lived in Barcelona

Author profile

If you have a long connection in Barcelona or you happen to be passing through there, you will have time to explore the city center in a day. I made a route for the main attractions for 13 km. It starts at the Sagrada Familia and ends at the Montjuic fortress. Along the way, we will see the famous buildings of Gaudi, Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, the Palace of Catalan Music, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar, La Rambla, the Columbus Monument, the Las Arenas shopping center and magical fountains.

To get to the start of the route from the airport, take the metro at any of the terminals and go to Sagrada Familia purple line station. The ticket costs 4.6 €⁣ (345 R).

Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia) is the most famous landmark of the city, the main long-term construction of the planet and the project of Barcelona’s star architect Antonio Gaudí. The temple is being built from 1882 to the present.

I advise you to go around the temple to admire the three facades. The facade of the Nativity from the side of the pond is detailed and gloomy, created during the life of Gaudí. For many, the Passion Façade evokes associations with Star Wars. On the unfinished facade of Glory, they plan to show the history of mankind from Adam and Eve to the second coming.

Inside the building there is a lot of light and branching columns that turn the temple into a mystical forest. The ticket costs from 17 €⁣ (1275 R). In order not to stand in a long queue, I advise you to buy it in advance on the official website.

Passion façade and crane. The construction is planned to be completed by 2030

Casa Mila (Casa Mila) and Casa Batllo (Casa Batllo) are Gaudí residential buildings. Both are wavy, more like a sea sponge than city buildings.

Tickets and timetables on the websites of Casa Mila and Casa Batlló

A ticket to Casa Mila with an audio guide costs 22 €⁣ (1650 R), to Casa Batllo – 25 €⁣ (1875 R). Casa Batllo will offer a video guide with augmented reality: when you point the device at an object, original interiors appear on the screen, and a fire “lights up” in the fireplace.

Palau de la Musica Catalana is another Art Nouveau building and the only concert hall in Europe with natural light. The interiors are rich: iridescent colored stained-glass windows, sculptures of valkyries, pegasi and a mosaic ceiling imitating the sky with a golden sun. You can go to a concert of classical performers, pop music, jazz or just take a tour. A ticket costs 15 €⁣ (1125 R) without a guide and 20 €⁣ (1500 R) in an excursion group.

Calendar of events and tickets on the website of the Palace

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar is a Catalan Gothic cathedral with pointed towers, narrow windows and intricate stained glass windows. The entrance is free. On weekdays, the cathedral is open from 9:00 to 13:30 and from 16:30 to 20:00, on weekends from 10:00.

La Rambla is an analogue of the Moscow Arbat. This is a pedestrian boulevard that runs from Plaza Catalunya to Barceloneta Beach. It is worth walking along it to see the living statues and mosaics of the artist Juan Miro next to the Boqueria market, listen to street musicians and plunge into the atmosphere of celebration and happiness. Beware: there are many pickpockets in the crowd, and the prices for souvenirs from local merchants are godlessly overpriced.

Columbus Monument is a 60 m high monument built in the late 19th century. It is installed in front of the entrance to the Old Port, where the navigator’s ship moored after the first trip to America. For 6 €⁣ (450 R) you can use the elevator inside the column and go up to the observation deck right under the feet of Columbus.

Teleferico del Puerto takes tourists up to the top of Montjuïc. The trip takes about 10 minutes and offers a beautiful view of the city along the way.

Cable car official website

The nearest cable car station to Columbus is called Miramar. Cabins depart every 15 minutes and cost €11⁣ (R825) one way and €16.5⁣ (R1237) return. If you decide to ride, skip the next two points of the route – Las Arenas and magic fountains.

Las Arenas is a shopping center converted from a bullring. The last time bullfighters fought bulls here was in 1977. Now bullfighting is banned in Catalonia, but its former scale can be appreciated inside Las Arenas. Under the dome is another observation deck with a great view. An elevator is installed outside the building, which takes tourists upstairs for 1 €⁣ (75 R). If you go to the mall, you can climb to the same roof for free on elevators for visitors.

Magic Fountains are cascading or multi-level fountains where a light and music show takes place every weekend. Entrance to the show is free, even snobs will like the colors and sounds. Nearby are escalators leading to Montjuic Hill.

Opening hours of the fountains on the Barcelona tourism website

Montjuïc is a 173 m high hill. There is a lot of interesting things there. For example, in the MNAC Art Museum of Catalonia, you can see hundreds of works by artists: from medieval frescoes to modern installations. Entrance is free on the first Sunday of the month and on Saturdays from 15:00, the rest of the time – 12 €⁣ (900 R).

Montjuïc is worth a walk through the free botanical gardens and parks. I especially liked the cactus park: among the tropical plants, it seems like you’ve landed in Africa or Asia, and it’s easy to lose your head from aromas.

Still on the hill, you can swim and relax in the picturesque public pools of Bernat Picornell. Entrance to the pool costs 6.5 €⁣ (487 R), a sunbed costs another 1 €⁣ (75 R).

At the top of Montjuïc, there is an old fortress that houses a military museum with medieval cannons and military uniforms. A visit costs 5 €⁣ (375 R). In summer, an outdoor cinema is open on the fortress patio. Films are shown in the original language with Spanish subtitles, the ticket will cost 6.5 €⁣ (487 R). Renting a chair costs another €3.25⁣ (244 R), but the townspeople usually bring blankets and wine and combine watching a movie with a picnic.

Google Maps Montjuic route

View of the city from the observation deck at the MNAC Museum

Food. For lunch on this route, the Eixample district, where Gaudí’s buildings are located, or the Gothic Quarter with narrow streets and old buildings, are suitable. Tasty everywhere.

I had the best paella at the Xiringuito restaurant. You can also try it in restaurants on Barceloneta beach, such as Barraca or Can Majó. Paella prices usually indicate one person, but it is recommended to order for two. The average cost is 15⁠—⁠30 €⁣ (1125⁠—⁠2250 R). Cold tomato gazpacho soup will cost 7⁠—⁠10 €⁣ (525⁠—⁠750 R).

/life-in-barcelona/

Living in Barcelona

To save money, you can try the local fast food. For example, a serving of churros sticks costs €2⁠-⁠5⁣ (R150-⁠375) at any coffee shop. I also advise you to look into the network 100 montaditos, translated into Russian – “100 sandwiches”. Sandwiches are small, but they cost 1⁠—⁠3 €⁣ (75⁠—⁠225 R). On Wednesdays and Sundays, the Euromania promotion takes place there: all menu items are sold for one euro.

Bars are part of the urban culture: in Barcelona everyone drinks wine and beer for a couple of euros a glass. Among the bars, I can recommend the unusually designed La Cobra, the colorful La Xampanyeria and the bicentennial absinthe bar Marsella, which was featured in the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona. A glass of absinthe costs 6 €⁣ (450 R) there.

Facebook bar pages:
La Cobra,
La Xampanyeria,
Marsella

Beaches. Bathing in Barcelona from May to early October. Going to the popular Barceloneta beach is a dubious idea. There are so many people there that it is impossible to go into the sea and not touch anyone with your elbow. If time permits, it is better to get to Bogatell beach or to the suburb – Badalona: it is clean and there are fewer tourists. There are bars and sunbeds on Bogatel for €10⁣ (750 R). In Badalona, the beach is not equipped – you should grab a towel.

In October, on the beaches of Badalona, I was completely alone

Markets. The main flea market is the Mercat del Encants in Piazza Glories, open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Everything is sold there: from old Chinese vests to antique candlesticks, music records and souvenirs.

Barcelona from above. There are many viewing platforms in the city. Excellent views open from Park Güell, which was built by Gaudí. A 20-minute walk from the park is the abandoned bunker El Carmel, where it is nice to meet the sunset and admire the cruise ships in the port.

Park Güell

El Carmel Bunker

Amusement Park

Fabra Observatory

The highest point in the city is Tibidabo hill. It has an amusement park. To look into the abyss under your feet – ride a ferris wheel and roller coaster – costs 28.5 €⁣ (2137 R).

Fabra observatory is located near Tibidabo. On night excursions, you can watch the starry sky through an old telescope for 15⁠—⁠25 €⁣ (1125⁠—⁠1875 R).

Spending per day in Barcelona – 53.7 €⁣ (4027.5 R)

Ticket to the Sagrada Familia	17 €⁣ (1275 R)
Lunch	15 €⁣ (1125 R)
Metro tickets from and to the airport	9.2 €⁣ (690 R)
Montjuic Cinema	€6.5⁣ (R487)
Columbus monument ticket	6 €⁣ (450 R)

Ticket to Sagrada Familia

17€⁣ (1275 R)

Lunch

15€⁣ (1125 R)

Subway tickets from and to the airport

9.2€⁣3 (69002) Cinema theater on Montjuic

6 ,5 €⁣ (487 R)

Ticket to Columbus Monument

6 €⁣ (450 R)

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