Cultural metropolis, excellent gastronomy and architectural paradise. Discover what to do in Barcelona in a complete itinerary for those who will stay from 1 to 5 days in this charming city.
Barcelona has a little bit of everything. Charming parks, masterpieces by Master Gaudí scattered throughout the city, excellent restaurants, museums and art galleries and even some of the best bars and clubs in Europe. Here we help you to compose an unforgettable itinerary of what to do in Barcelona.
Europe is an open-air museum. For a city like Barcelona, wear comfortable walking shoes. Here, you will spend hours enjoying all the architectural beauties and cultural diversity of the region.
If the journey is very long, do not hesitate to take advantage of the great availability of subways, trains and bus stops very well distributed throughout the city.
>> Read more tips in the post Barcelona – Complete City Guide
If this is your first time in the city, it is worth following the itinerary below:
Save money on travel insurance!
use the coupon FORTRAVELOVERS and pay in boleto to take off 10% discount.
Write down the tip: Barcelona Card
Traveling to Europe is, however, about planning to save money and make the most of it.
A good tip is to buy the Barcelona Card. This card offers unlimited public transport, admission and discounts to several museums and tourist attractions.
It also offers admission to the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus. It also offers discounts at select stores. And to top it off, the ability to skip most of the lines at famous attractions. As, among others, the Sagrada Familia.
Another tip, to make your days in Barcelona easier, check the city's metro lines on the website here.
Now let's get to our script, enjoy!
What to do in Barcelona in 1 day:
If time is short, we suggest a complete itinerary below. Combining architecture, Mediterranean cuisine, art and shopping:
Start the day by taking a subway to Diagonal Station. Located at the beginning of Paseo de Gracia, enjoy the view of this charming neighborhood.
On this avenue, there are several designer stores, local shops, delicious restaurants, beautiful modern Catalan architecture, Art Nouveau and tourist attractions.
As time is short, start your day with a hearty breakfast at the The Pedrera Cafe. Thus, you start the immersion in the fantastic architectural work of the Master Antoni Gaudí.
Inside this cafe, enjoy the local cuisine, based mainly on garlic and homemade breads. Be sure to try the cut coffee, which combines quality espresso with a fillet of milk on top.
After breakfast, turn left onto Carrer de Provença and you will find the Casa Milà - La Pedrera, our first stop.
A Casa Milá was built at the beginning of the 1906th century (1912-XNUMX) to house members of the Industrial elite of the time. Today, open to the public, it contains works by Gaudí and a spectacular panoramic view of the city. It is worth taking the audio tour for greater immersion and understanding.
Casa Milà is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 20:30 pm in high season. Tickets cost between 22 and 34 Euros, depending on the type of visit.
When you're done visiting Casa Milá, return to Passeig de Gràcia. Keep going down enjoying the view and observing the different shops that catch your eye.
For those fascinated by ancient Egypt, on the left side of the crossing of Passeig de Gracia and Carrer de Valencia, there is the Barcelona Egyptian Museum. The value of the tickets is 12 Euros,
Continue walking until Carrer D'Aragó. Find a Casa Batlo, another masterpiece by Gaudí.
A Casa Batllo it was renovated by Gaudí in the period 1904-1906. Although renovated a few times, it remains one of the Master's masterpieces. It is a mandatory stop to put on the list of things to do in Barcelona.
Open every day from 9 am to 21 pm. Tickets cost between 25 and 35 Euros, depending on the type of visit. Children under 7 years old admission is free.
After visiting Casa Battló, continue down Passeig de Gracia until you reach Plaza de Catalunya
Great place for photos, have a coffee and for free tours. This square is usually full. In addition to its beauty, shops and restaurants around it, it is one of the points to take the bus to the Airport and also the starting point of the Ramblas.
go down to The Ramblas and get lost in the charming souvenir shops. #Tip: Just be careful with your bag, as thefts are common around here.
Resist the initial temptation to stop at cafes and restaurants. Our next stop offers the best and freshest in terms of seafood and Mediterranean food: the famous La Boqueria Barcelona market.
Also known as Market of Sant Josep, La Boqueria is the most famous and also the oldest of Barcelona's Municipal markets.
Whether in the restaurants located around the market or in the stalls inside, surely the lover of seafood, jamons, artisan salami and well-seasoned foods, can enjoy the wonders of Mediterranean cuisine. All for a good price, compared to traditional restaurants in the city.
After enjoying all that the Market has to offer, continue down the Ramblas until you reach the Colom viewpoint. From the viewpoint turn left and walk along the avenue until you find a street that interests you and explore. Welcome to the Gothic Quarter.
The Gothic Quarter is a true open-air museum. Famous for its architecture, clubs, bars and cheap international food restaurants. In addition to the countless souvenir shops.
The best time to discover this neighborhood is in the late afternoon. Don't miss the chance to meet the Catedral de Barcelona and the Barcelona History Museum.
To end the day, we suggest going to the iconic Plaça Reial, near the Ramblas. This square is famous for exhibitions, open-air music and artistic performances.
Depending on the season, piano concerts, classical singers and circus performers can all be found here. To eat in this square, we recommend the Restaurante Rossini for authentic and tasty food.
What to do in Barcelona in 2 days
If you have an extra day in Barcelona, take this chance to learn a little more about the history of this incredible city. After the first day, full of culture and shopping, we selected a few more spots.
Start the day by going to the station Arc de Triomphe. From the station, head towards the arch to appreciate this architectural beauty built by the architect Josep Vilaseca in the late XNUMXth century. Near the arch, you will find several places to have your breakfast.
After breakfast, follow the archway. On your left you can see the Superior Court of Justice of Catalunya. Keep walking towards the Ciutadella park, our first stop.
Originally a fort built in the XNUMXth century by the Spanish central government to control the city of Barcelona. O Park of the Ciutadella It was converted into a park in the XNUMXth century to calm the Catalan population. Since that time, it is the largest park in the city.
Upon entering the park through the entrance to the Arc de Triomphe, you can see on your right the Castle of the Three Dragons, unfortunately currently closed to the public.
On your left, paths leading to the Monumental waterfall, a waterfall-shaped fountain, rich in details and decorated with beautiful golden statues. This is the most famous part of the park, including the number of tourists posing for photos.
As you are already in the park, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Fontserè Gardens. For botany enthusiasts, it's worth including the greenhouse Umbracle of La Ciutadella Park in the script.
Inside this huge park is the Barcelona Zoo, one of the largest zoos in Europe. Tickets cost 21,40 Euros and buying online costs 19,25 Euros.
Also here you can visit the Church of Ciutadella, o Parliament of the State of Catalunya, Verdaguer Institute School, adapted from the old Government's palace and the monument To the Catalan Volunteers dedicated to Catalan soldiers who died in World War I.
After walking around and seeing everything you want in this historic park, have lunch at the restaurant The child. You will taste a kind of gastronomic fusion of Japanese and Brazilian cuisine. Simply unmissable. The tip is to go at lunch time to enjoy the menu with an inviting price at this time.
After lunch, it's time to discover one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city: The Born.
Located near the Gothic quarter and the Barceloneta district, Born is famous for mixing medieval architecture with XNUMXth century modernism. In addition, it also has the influence of the hipster movement of the beginning of the XNUMXst century, as can be seen by the clothes and local stores.
With a charming architectural contrast, this neighborhood has a wide range of restaurants, churches, shops and bars for all tastes. In addition to ruins dating back to the Roman occupation of the region. To check out these ruins, head to the Born market.
Don't forget to check out the Picasso Museum, with a collection of more than 4000 works by the artist. Then, hop on the Santa Maria del Mar Church.
After strolling through this beautiful neighborhood, it's a good idea to try one of the countless tapas restaurants you can find on the streets.
What to do in Barcelona in 3 days
Third day in Barcelona. The first days were intense, but, as you may have already noticed, there is still a lot to do in this city.
One of the mandatory points of the city that you cannot miss on your visit is the Holy Family. O Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Family it is the final work of Master Gaudí, who took over the project at the end of the XNUMXth century, but died at the beginning of construction.
Gaudí innovated once again, uniting elements of the Gothic style, modernism and also elements of the Art Nouveau movement. However, he was unable to complete his work. To this day, experts debate intensely about how this should be done.
To visit this monument, buy the ticket before the visit. #Tip: Schedule for the morning, when the lines are much shorter.
After a morning exploring the postcard of the city, it's worth enjoying a rest by the sea to reflect on the last few days and recharge your energies.
As Barcelona beaches they are very pleasant for resting. In addition to being safe, they do not have waves. You can float in the sea and rest for as long as you need.
If it is very cold or the weather is not the best, instead of going to the beach, we suggest the tips of day 5.
If you want a more crowded beach and with a lot of tourists, we recommend Praia de Sant Sebastià. Located at the foot of the W Hotel and a 15-minute walk from the Barceloneta station.
The other option is the famous Barceloneta Beach, located 10 minutes walking from the same station or 5 minutes from Ciutadella Vila Olimpia station.
Both beaches are nice. It's worth the walk along the waterfront to discover the local restaurants and also check if any of the beach clubs catch your eye.
During the day, the beach clubs function as restaurants and bars. At night, they work as electronic, black and reggaeton ballads. The schedule varies by day.
Oh-Barcelona.com via Flickr
If you are looking for a beach to relax and interact a little more with the residents of the city, give preference to the Beaches of Nova Icária, Bogatell and Levant.
The three beaches are emptier. However, if you are there in late spring or summer, they are more crowded.
If you go to Praia do Llevant, be sure to visit the Forum Park, famous for festivals and open-air concerts.
What to do in Barcelona in 4 days
Having one more day to explore this city is without a doubt a privilege. As you have already explored the central and most famous neighborhoods of the city, it is time to visit Montjuic.
This is one of the most beautiful parts of Barcelona and, without a doubt, the best view, because of its high altitude. #Tip: It is good to wear comfortable shoes to better enjoy the walk through this beautiful place.
After breakfast, head towards Poble sec station. Once you arrive, go down Av. del Paral-lel until you reach Carrer de Radas and go down this street until you reach Passeig de L'Exposició. Turn right until you reach the Gardens of the Greek Theatre, our first destination.
Barcelona Travel Insurance
A great place for photos, especially in spring. Take a stroll through the gardens built in 1929 for the international exhibition. Continue your route to the Greek Theatre, amphitheater replica of the theater of Epidurus in Athens.
After the tour, head towards the Generalife Stairs, the staircase responsible for connecting the Teatre Grec to the Jardi d'escultures. Enjoy the sight and work of Catalunya's classicist Masters.
Keep walking towards the MACB – Museum of Modern Art of Barcelona, located at Fundació Joan Miró. There you can see the collection of Miró and other names in modern art.
At lunchtime, there are a few options in Montjuic. There is the option of having lunch at the museum. However, if you want a spectacular view, leave the museum and take a right onto Avinguda Miramar. Walk for about 500 meters to the restaurant called The Chalet of Montjuic.
Here you will find a tasty meal and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city.
After lunch, take the opposite route on Avinguda Miramar and walk to Passeig de Santa Madrona observing the parks and museums along the way.
You will find Av. dels Montanyans, passing through Chapel of Santa Madrona Poble-sec and arriving in front of the palace that houses the MNAC – National Art Museum of Catalonia. There is a cafe and restaurant inside if you haven't had lunch. This particular museum contains beautiful works, but the most impressive is its architecture and views of the city.
Continue walking straight with your back to the MNAC, passing the Plaza de las Cascades and then follow the path to the left at Charles Buigas Square until you reach Av. Francesc Ferreri i Guardia. Continue on this avenue until you reach our next destination: The Spanish Town of Montjuic.
This place is an open-air architecture museum with 117 buildings representing the 15 communities that made up (in 1929) Spain. With the exception of La Rioja and the Canary Islands. In addition to the architecture, the place has restaurants, theater, shops, artisans and some clubs.
And, to close the day with a flourish, go back to the front of the MNAC. There, a light and sound show takes place in the Montjuic's Magic Fountain, located inside the Plaza de Joseph Puig i Cadafalch. Pay attention to the schedule: check the schedule of the source before taking this tour here on the site.
What to do in Barcelona in 5 days:
For the fifth day of your exploration, enjoy a tour to discover one of the most expressive facets of this city: the love of sports. Whether you are a football fan or individual sports fan.
To take a tour of Camp Nou, Barcelona's Stadium, we recommend that you schedule your visit to avoid queues and headaches.
#Tip: Try to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the rest of the day.
Once at Palau Reial station, take the exit towards Carrer de Martí i Franqués until you reach access 9 right on the corner with Av. by Joan XXIII.
Depending on the tour you choose, you can visit the stadium and the Barcelona Museum with audio guide. In addition to enjoying a virtual Barcelona experience that is worth it. Prices range from 26 to 149 euros.
As you've surely noticed, the residents and tourists of this city place a high value on mobility, whether it's bike rides, segways or skateboards.
The city of Barcelona has a wide program for skaters around the world, being a world reference in this regard. Barcelona has a diverse selection of parks to enjoy this sport, but the most famous (and free) are:
Skatepark Mar Bella: Reopened in 2014, this park is 10 minutes from Poblenou station. It is right in front of the beach. It has everything you need to practice and have fun, such as deep bowls, empty adapted pools, stairs and handrails. Skateboarders of all skill levels are welcome here.
Macba – Museum of Contemporary Art: Located 5 minutes from the Universitat metro, Macba is a double attraction. Inside, Museum of Contemporary Art and outside, a meeting point for skaters from all over the world and of varying skill levels. A great place to enjoy contemporary culture inside the museum as well as outside the museum.
Where to stay in Barcelona
In a city like Barcelona, the accommodation options are countless. It all depends on how much you want to spend and what you're looking for. In addition to luxurious hotels, the city also has more affordable accommodations. In addition to a wide selection of hostels for all tastes and budgets.
The best regions for accommodation, in terms of location, beauty and tourist attractions, are the neighborhoods Born, Barceloneta, Gothic, Grace and Montjuic.
hotels in Barcelona
W Hotel Barcelona
Located on San Sebastià beach, the luxurious W Hotel, has ample space for accommodation. The rooftop bar offers an unforgettable sunset. The restaurant is excellent, as well as offering a luxurious swimming pool. To top it off, you can go out with guides for all kinds of tours you want.
Rates for couples in high season, without breakfast, from R$ 1.900.
Click here to make your reservation at the W Hotel Barcelona at the best prices on Booking.com.
Ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell
Well located, on the same block as the Bogatell subway, and just 10 minutes from the beach. O Ibis styles it's simpler than the one above, but it also has a rooftop pool for hot days.
Rates for couples in high season, with breakfast, from R$ 558.
Click here to find out more about the Ibis Barcelona Barcelona and make your reservation at the best prices on Booking.com.
Sant Jordi Hostel Rock Palace
Located 600 meters from Passeig de Gracia metro, the Sant Jordi Hostel is unbeatable, in terms of animation and quality of entertainment offered. Although typically frequented by young people, here is a hostel with options for all profiles. It has a swimming pool on the terrace.
Rates in a room with shared bed, high season, without breakfast, from R$ 148.
Click here to learn more about Sant Jordi Hostel and make your reservation at the best prices on Booking.com.
Yeah Barcelona Hostel
Located two blocks from the Verdaguer subway, this hostel is a little smaller and, although it has its liveliness, it receives more relaxed visitors who want to know more about the architectural and cultural part of the city than the nightlife. It also has a swimming pool on the terrace.
Rates in a room with a shared bed, high season, without breakfast, from R$173. Also with options for rooms for a private couple, from R$535.
Click here to learn more about Yeah Hostel and make your reservation at the best prices on Booking.com.
Find more options for where to stay in Barcelona with Booking.com's offers of the day.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO Barcelona
Are you full of things to think about and still have to plan your entire trip?
Or you've seen it all, but you're feeling that familiar "Have I forgotten something?" So calm down, we'll help you with 4 items you can't forget before boarding. Come on?
1) Travel insurance for Barcelona
Having travel insurance for Barcelona is a requirement to enter the country, which is part of the Schengen Treaty and requires medical and hospital coverage of at least €30 for travelers. In addition to being mandatory, insurance is a great way to ensure a smoother trip. Also enjoy our Insurance Promo discount coupon. - SEE PRICES
Travel Insurance: Europe
UA 40 SPECIAL WORLD Medical assistance USD 40.000 Lost luggage USD 1.200 (SUPPLEMENTARY) R$ 21/is*
AC 35 EUROPE Medical assistance EUR 35.000 Lost luggage EUR 1.200 (SUPPLEMENTARY) R$ 26/is*
GTA 60 SLIM EUROPE Medical assistance USD 60.000 Lost luggage USD 1.200 (SUPPLEMENTARY) R$ 17/is*
*Value for 7 days of travel. Select the desired plan!
2) Have you booked your hosting?
Where to buy: BOOKING.COM
If you haven't booked your stay, the tip is to compare hotels, hostels and inns through Booking.com. This is the largest hotel booking platform in the world, ensuring a safe experience and great accommodation deals.
#StayHip: Keep an eye out for 'Smart Deals', which only last for one day. Some amazing hotels offer great discounts using this badge on the platform. If you find a good deal, it's worth closing :).
3) How to have unlimited internet while traveling
Where to buy: AMERICA CHIP
Did you know that it's getting easier – and cheaper – to have unlimited internet throughout your trip?
Just ask for an international cell phone chip through AMERICA CHIP. We always use and love it! They send a SIM card to your address in España, you insert it in your cell phone when you arrive at your destination and you have unlimited internet throughout the trip.
#StayHip: Save on car GPS rental and use GoogleMaps and Waze with your unlimited internet ;).
Click here and order your AMERICA CHIP chip now and receive it at home!
4) Rent cars at the best prices
Where to buy: RENT CARS
We really like RentCars to find the cars we use on our travels. It is the only one in Spain that compares the best rental companies in the world, but lets you pay in reais, without IOF. In addition, it is also the only one that lets you pay in 12 interest-free installments. It is worth it!
#StayTip: Try to find cars with full insurance coverage for the car and third parties. Thus, you avoid inopportune surprises when picking up the car.
Also, be very smart when closing with other car rental comparisons. That's because prices are usually charged in dollars and close with your card. If the dollar goes up, the price of your car rental goes up too.
Click here and make your quote now at Rent Cars with the best prices!30
Note: We highly value the credibility of our information. All the sites we recommend above are sites we already use, we have good experiences and feedback from readers!
In addition, it is worth checking out other useful information for your trip to Italy:
- Items you can't forget in your suitcase
- Europe Travel Insurance: What you NEED to know before hiring
- Travel Health Insurance – 5 tips to find a cheaper one
- Is Promo Insurance Reliable? It's good? How it works
- Documents to enter Europe – everything you NEED to know
- How Much Does Travel Insurance for Europe Cost?
- Best Travel Insurance Europe: Our 4 Favorites
So, do you already know what to do in Barcelona? Comment here!
Plan your trip:
Get started now by booking your hotel in Barcelona on Booking.com
Buy your Travel Insurance with the Seguros Promo comparator! Extra 5% off with coupon: FORTRAVELOVERS
Want to find cheap tickets? Flights with up to 35% discounts every day at Passages Promo!
Compare the best prices to rent a car from over 100 rental companies with Rentcars! Payment up to 12X! Pay in reais and still without IOF.
Leave España with Unlimited 4G Internet on America Chip!
Read More
- Where to Stay in Barcelona – Best Regions and Hotels
- Where to Eat in Barcelona – Best Restaurants
- Complete Guide to Las Ramblas – How to Get There, What to Do and Hotels
- La Boqueria Barcelona – Guide to Barcelona's Most Famous Market
- Travel Insurance Spain – Know What are the Requirements
- Best Parties in Ibiza in Summer – Know Where to Go
- When to go to Ibiza – What is the Ideal Season?
- What to do in Ibiza – 10 Tips for your Travel Itinerary
- Chip Cell Phone Spain – Which is the Best?
- Internet Chip in Europe – Which is the Best International Chip?
- America Chip – Learn How It Works
- 7 Must-See Nightclubs in Ibiza – Best Parties in the City
- 5 Tips for Spanish Restaurants – Where to Eat in Ibiza
- Where to Stay in Ibiza – 5 Party Accommodations
- Things to do in Formentera – Discover the Ibiza Refuge
- 10 Best Beaches in Ibiza – Complete Guide to Where to Go
- What to Do in Summer in Ibiza – Complete Guide
