Barcelona offers a lot, and in a few days you have to choose. These itineraries build on each other: with three days, follow the first three. Book the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Gaudí's houses in advance, as tickets sell out. It is part of the Barcelona guide.
Barcelona in one day
- Morning: the Sagrada Família first thing (booked). Then walk or take the metro to Passeig de Gràcia to see Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller and La Pedrera from outside (see Gaudí and modernisme).
- Lunch: a set menu in the Eixample.
- Afternoon: walk down from plaça de Catalunya along the Rambla, stopping at the Boqueria, then into the Gothic Quarter: the cathedral, plaça del Rei, plaça de Sant Jaume, plaça de Sant Felip Neri.
- Evening: cross Via Laietana into the Born, with Santa Maria del Mar lit up, and have a tapas dinner.
Barcelona in two days
- Morning: Park Güell (booked), then walk down to Gràcia, with Casa Vicens and its squares.
- Lunch: in one of Gràcia's squares or at the Abaceria market.
- Afternoon: the inside of Casa Batlló or La Pedrera, then the metro to Barceloneta for a seafront stroll and, in summer, a swim.
- Evening: seafood or paella in Barceloneta, and a drink at a chiringuito or the Port Olímpic.
Barcelona in three days
- Morning: the Picasso Museum in the Born (booked), Santa Caterina market and the Palau de la Música (tour or evening concert).
- Lunch: in the Born.
- Afternoon: Montjuïc, up the funicular from Paral·lel: the Miró Foundation, the MNAC with its Romanesque frescoes, the gardens, the castle and the port views.
- Evening: the Magic Fountain (when running), then pintxos on calle Blai in Poble-sec.
Barcelona in four days
The fourth day is perfect for a trip (see day trips from Barcelona):
- Montserrat, the monastery among rock mountains, with the Black Madonna and the boys' choir.
- Girona, with its Jewish quarter and colourful riverside houses.
- Sitges, for a beach day in an elegant town.
- Figueres, with the Dalí Theatre-Museum.
If you'd rather stay in town: the Hospital de Sant Pau, Tibidabo and its amusement park, the Bunkers del Carmel at sunset, the Camp Nou, Pedralbes monastery or the Poblenou district.
If you're in Barcelona on a Sunday
On Sunday mornings people dance the sardana in front of the cathedral; many museums are free in the afternoon or on the first Sunday of the month; the Sant Antoni book market livens up the district. It is the day for vermouth at noon and a seafront stroll. Many shops are closed, except in tourist areas.
Planning tips
- The Sagrada Família and Park Güell require timed bookings: plan your days around them.
- Group visits by area: Eixample and Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter and Born, Gràcia and Park Güell, Montjuïc and Poble-sec.
- In summer visit outdoor sights early and late, and rest in the middle of the day.
- Many museums close on Mondays; Gaudí's works open daily.
- Use the T-casual for the metro (see transport).
For the full list of sights see what to see in Barcelona.