Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe. There are many things to do, museums to visit, tapas to taste, the beach to relax, etc. Visiting Barcelona means discovering a cosmopolitan city, lively, with a rich history and a vibrant nightlife. How to spend 3 days in Barcelona? This 3 days in Barcelona itinerary will help you, whether it’s your first time there or if you go there regularly!
Barcelona is a large city and has an excellent public transportation network, attracting tourists all year round. In the summer, thousands of visitors arrive and the prices increase. It’s still a nice city to visit, with its nice weather and the beach to relax. Moreover, the architecture is stunning! Let’s dive into this 3 days in Barcelona itinerary!
Table of Contents
Day 1
Casa Batllo
This is another work of Gaudi. It’s located on Passeig de Gracia, a famous thoroughfare of Barcelona. You can just admire the colorful building from the outside with its balconies, but I suggest you yo have a look inside as well. There’s a spine-like staircase and an amazing rooftop terrace representing a terrace. If you get in, buy a skip-the-line ticket because lines can be long. Click here to get one.
Casa Mila
Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is not far from casa Batllo. It’s the last work of Gaudi. Less popular than casa Batllo, you can also admire the outside or decide to get in. The facade of Casa Mila is very famous but you also have to see inside: the courtyard, the apartments, the terrace and its chimneys, etc. Click here to get a skip-the-line ticket.
Las ramblas
You’ll stroll around las Ramblas at some point during your Barcelona trip. It’s the main pedestrian thoroughfare, connecting Plaça de Catalunya and the Christopher Columbus monument. It’s a very touristy avenue and it’s often crowded, but you have to see it. Stores, bars, markets, squares, restaurants, terraces, etc. It’s very lively! You’ll pass by this street at some point. Watch out though, since it’s touristy there are pickpockets! Keep an eye open on your belongings!
Mercado de la Boqueria
It’s the oldest and the most famous market of Barcelona, located on Las Ramblas. You can buy fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, fresh juices and there are of course tapas restaurants! Don’t miss El Quim de la Boqueria and Bar Pinotxo to taste good tapas! Admittedly there are numerous tourists in this market but there are also locals buying groceries there! For a quieter market, go to Santa Caterina Market or Mercat de Sant Antoni.
Day 2
The Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic basilica designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi, which he never finished. It’s still under construction (it should be completed by 2026 in honor of the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death). It’s the most visited monument in Spain. You have to go there just to see the contrast between inside and the outside of the church. It’s colorful, modern, mind-blowing. In other words, wonderful! Take some time to admire the details, the colors, the facade, the lights, etc.
La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous landmarks in Spain. To avoid the long queues to get in the Sagrada Familia, I strongly suggest you get a skip-the-line ticket. Click here to get one. You can also go on a guided tour with a group. Click here to buy a ticket. Finally, click here for a private tour of the Sagrada Familia. You can also check out this list of the best Sagrada Familia tours.
Parc Güell
This is another masterpiece of Gaudi. It’s a colorful park stretching over 19 hectares, with buildings looking like gingerbread houses and a long tiled bench representing a serpent. A must see! There are also two houses, Gaudi lived in one of them for 20 years. If you like quirky photo backdrops and funky statues, head to Parc Güell! It’s one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona!
It used to be free to get in (I had the opportunity to get there at the time) but seeing how popular it is, they decided to charge the visitors. Again, get a skip-the-line ticket otherwise you’ll wait for a long time to get in. Click here to get one. Click here to go on a guided tour of the park.
Barceloneta
How can you go to Barcelona and not enjoy the beach? The beach is in Barcelonata, where you’ll be able to relax or take a dip. There are hawkers selling beach towels, on-the-spot massage and even mojitos. There are cafes and bars along the beach. The water is clear and the beach is surprisingly clean, don’t hesitate to go there!
Day 3
Camp Nou
Football/soccer fans cannot miss Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona! It’s the largest stadium in Europe and the third largest in the world! It’s possible to visit the stadium, have a look at the VIP suites, the players locker rooms and there’s even a museum telling the history of the club, the famous players, etc. Click here to visit Camp Nou.
Montjuic
Take some time on the Montjuic Hill, in the heights of the city. You’ll have a view of the city and the port. An ideal area for art and museum lovers. There’s the national museum of Catalunya art, Joan Miro Foundation, the Montjuic castle, the magic fountain of Montjuic, the olympic stadium and the Poble Espanyol museum.
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic)
Don’t miss the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. It’s the oldest district of the city, the historic center! You’ll see there numerous narrow cobble streets, stores but also famous attractions of Barcelona. This is where you’ll find the Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Picasso museum, the parc de la Ciutadella, Palau Guell or the Barcelona cathedral.
Parc de la Ciutadella
It’s in the Gothic quarter. You’ll find there palm trees, gravel paths and tropical vegetation! The park dates back to the 19th century, it’s the oldest green space of Barcelona. You have to admire its wonderful fountain! There’s also the Barcelona zoo and the Catalan Parliament in the park. It’s a nice place to relax or have a picnic.
The Picasso museum
This museum is dedicated to the early career of Picasso, but it also houses some of his later work. You’ll find there paintings and handicrafts. The life of Picasso is explained in a fun and informative way. Click here to go on a guided tour of the museum.
Activities in Barcelona
Here are more things to do in Barcelona:
- Click here to buy a skip the line ticket to get in the Barcelona aquarium.
- Click here to go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour in the city.
- Click here to watch a flamenco show.
- Click here to go kayaking and snorkeling in the Costa Brava.
- Click here to go on a catamaran cruise.
- Click here to get a park to get in PortAventura theme park.
I had the opportunity to go to Barcelona several times and it always feels good to visit this city! It’s lively and there are always many things to do. When exploring Barcelona, you understand why it’s popular city. It’s one of the best places to visit in Spain. I hope this 3 days in Barcelona itinerary has been useful for you!
Hola Barcelona Card
Barcelona is a large city, you’ll have to get around from one area to the other regularly. Walking is not the solution because of the distances. Fortunately, Barcelona is well connected but paying single metro tickets can get expensive. It’s better to get the Hola Barcelona Card. You get unlimited public transport (bus, metro, tram). Click here to get one.
How to get to Barcelona
There are several ways to get to Barcelona. Depending on where you arrive from, you can get there by car, train or by plane. There are also buses going to Barcelona. Click here to check the rates.
How to get around in Barcelona
It’s better to get around by metro. You’ll take it several times a day. Which is why it’s important to get the Hola Barcelona Card. Don’t think about renting a car, finding a place to park your car is not easy…
Best time to visit Barcelona
You can get there more or less all year round. But you need to know June, July and August is the high season. Everything is more expensive and the city is packed with tourists. It’s better to get to Barcelona in April/May or September/October. You can even get there in winter, it’s not that cold over there at that time of the year.
Where to stay in Barcelona
First off, here’s a guide listing where to stay in Barcelona. If you’re traveling on a budget, I suggest the Unite Hostel Barcelona. A nice hostel, clean, not far from the beach with a coworking space. Click here to check the reviews, photos and availability. If you prefer to stay in a mid-range hotel, you’re gonna like the Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella. A charming hotel, well located, with a good breakfast and a friendly staff. Their rooftop is amazing! Click here to check the reviews, photos and availability.
Finally, if you’re into luxury hotels, don’t miss the Hotel El Palace Barcelona. Amazing staff, comfortable rooms, well located, stunning decoration, etc. You’re gonna love it! Click here to check the reviews, photos and availability. Otherwise click here to check the hotels available in Barcelona.
Barcelona travel tips
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- Never ever travel without travel insurance! It will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. Click here to get one. Here’s why get travel insurance.
- Want a tailor-made trip to Spain? Get a free quote here!
- Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it! Here’s why use a VPN when traveling.
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