Barcelona is among the most well-liked travel spots in Europe. It is a vibrant city that is overflowing with top-notch cuisine, wild clubs and bars, and travellers in droves.(itinerary in spanish)

Barcelona’s history dates back to the Roman Empire, but it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that it truly became the political and economic hub of the Western Mediterranean.

The city is part of Catalonia, and the residents identify as Catalano instead of Spanish. Part of what makes Barcelona the special city that it is is the blending of Spanish and Catalan cultures and customs.(itinerary in spanish)

Be conscious of this in your travels and try to avoid the busy summer months and journey (and stay) beyond the centre. In recent years, the city has also had to crack down on “overtourism” as over 30 million people come each year, placing tremendous strain on the population and the environment.

Where do you start when there is so much to see and do in and around Barcelona? How many days must I spend there?

I believe you should make plans for at least four or five days in order to truly experience Barcelona. While you could visit faster and still see the highlights, doing so would be detrimental to your enjoyment of the place. Siestas in the afternoon and late-night meals are common in this metropolis.(itinerary in spanish)

Here, time moves slowly, and your visit shouldn’t either.(itinerary in spanish )

This Barcelona itinerary lists the top attractions, making it easy for you to plan your trip and see everything while you’re there.

Other Things to See and Do: Football, a Bike Tour, Montserrat, & More

Plan for the First Day in Barcelona

Free walking tours are the best! In my opinion, they are a great tool for getting to know a new area, locating important landmarks, and gaining insight into the city’s past.The final step is to tip your guide.(itinerary in spanish)

The following are some of the best Barcelona walking tour companies in my opinion:

It’s free to take one of Sandeman’s tours Free Walking Tours of Barcelona
Check out Get Your Guide if you’d like to book a guided tour. They provide a plethora of excursions that cater to every taste and budget.

Become disoriented in the Barri Gotic

Cathedral square in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
My favourite area in Barcelona is the historic Gothic Quarter. It has the city’s oldest structures, such as Roman fortifications and mediaeval structures linked by quaint, meandering lanes. There are now numerous restaurants, nightclubs, and pubs in the area. You can waste a good chunk of time wandering around this area.(itinerary in spanish )

There are also several places of interest in the vicinity:

1. One of the best urban history museums I’ve ever seen is the Museum of History of Barcelona. This should be the one and only thing you do in the city. Every time I’m in Barcelona, I have to go there. Simply put, the ruins are breathtaking. Each participant must pay 7 Euros to enter.
2. Counts of Barcelona and subsequently kings of Aragon resided at the over 700-year-old Palau Reial Major, or Grand Royal Palace, located close to the history museum. It is possible to learn a great deal about the development of the city and surrounding area through the centuries by touring the palace. We charge 7 Euros each person at the door (shared with the history museum above). The first Sunday of the month, as well as every Sunday after 3 p.m., admission is free.
3. Santa gata Chapel, a royal chapel constructed in 1302, is now part of the Museum of Barcelona’s History. Most visitors come to see the stunning 15th-century altarpiece by Jaume Huguet. It’s decorated with stunning medieval-style murals of holy symbols. Costing 7 Euros to enter.
4. The Barcelona Cathedral was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, making it a prime example of Gothic architecture. Its towering spires reach over 53 metres (174 feet) in height, and it features beautiful stained glass and intricate woodwork. The views of Barcelona from the higher terraces are breathtaking and should not be missed. Tourists pay 9 Euro to get in (free for worshippers).

The Museum of Modern Art of Barcelona (MACBA)

Among the museum’s more than five thousand displays are numerous works by Spanish masters including Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, you won’t want to miss this.(itinerary in spanish)

Macba, Plaça dels ngels 1, Spain; macba.cat/en; +34 934 120 810. The store is open from 10 AM to 8 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and from 10 AM to 3 PM on Sundays (closed on Tuesdays). There is an 11 Euro entrance fee. Every Saturday between 4 and 8 p.m., admission is free.

La Boquería

The Boquera Market in Barcelona
There is a fantastic variety of restaurants and food stands at this public market. It has been here for hundreds of years, in a structure with a stunning iron entryway. The location of the market, just off La Rambla (a long, popular central boulevard; see below), ensures that it is always bustling with activity. You can still take in the sights while enjoying a quick bite or a cheap lunch of deli meat, bread, cheese, and fruit. Fish, shrimp, octopus, and oysters are just some of the seafood available, along with almonds, chocolates, wine, and tapas.(itinerary in spanish)

Boqueria is located at 91 Rambla, in Barcelona; their phone number is +34 934 132 303 and their website is boqueria.barcelona.com. Hours are 8 AM to 8:30 PM, Monday through Saturday.

Enjoy some flamenco music and dance.

A group of flamenco dancers
The Andalusian region of Spain is the birthplace of flamenco, a traditional form of Spanish music and dance. The music is upbeat and full of emotion, and the dance steps are complex. Even though tickets to some events may cost a pretty penny, you may see a performance at one of these venues without breaking the bank.(itinerary in spanish ).

• If you’re looking for the best flamenco in Barcelona, look no further than Los Tarantos.The address is Plaça Reial 17; the contact number is +34 933 041 210; the website is tarantosbarcelona.com/en. There are three performances per evening at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30. The cheapest available tickets cost 14 Euros.
• You can see a flamenco show without breaking the bank at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, which is conveniently located on Barcelona’s major boulevard. 35 La Rambla, phone +34 933 175 711, website: ablaocordobes.es. Twice daily, performances are held . Cost is 45 EUR for drinks and the performance, or 79.50 EUR for dinner and the show.

Plan for the Second Day in Barcelona

The Gadui Fountain of Neptune in Barcelona, Spain.(itinerary in spanish)
Among architects, Gaud stands out as both the most well-known and innovative figure to come out of Barcelona. His distinctive technique, emphasis on natural themes, and body of work have made him a legend, drawing visitors from all over the world to the city. Gaud’s buildings and sculptures are must-sees on any trip to Barcelona.We recommend these top attractions:(itinerary in spanish)

• The 45-acre Park Güell garden complex was constructed between 1900 and 1914. Now a public park and World Heritage Site, it once served as a royal estate.
• There is a building in Barcelona called Casa Batlló that was renovated by Antoni Gaud in the early 20th century. It took him two years to thoroughly renovate the façade, main floor, patio, and roof. Located in the Eixample neighbourhood, it was influenced by the Art Nouveau style (as was
• everything Gaud created). Among the Gaud structures, this is among my favourites.
  Just a few hundred metres from Casa Batlló is Gaud’s Casa Milà, which he designed and built between 1906 and 1910. The building’s facade is made of limestone, hence the alternative name “La Pedrera” (the Stone Quarry). The design intent was to suggest a snowy mountain landscape. As a devout Catholic and admirer of the Blessed Mother, Gaud intended the Casa Milà to serve as a spiritual emblem as well.
• The Palau Güell (Güell Palace) building, located just off La Rambla, isn’t as striking as some of Gaud’s other works. It was constructed between 1886 and 1888 at the request of Gaud patron Eusebi Güell. The residence revolves on the formal dining room, which is where the affluent and influential dine.

Check out my guide to Gaud’s Barcelona for details on his works, as well as admission prices, address details, and hours of operation.

Barcelona’s beaches are calling your name.

You’ve earned some rest after all that walking you’ve done. Barceloneta, the wide and long beach in Barcelona, is a popular tourist destination all year round. There are plenty of great eateries along the boardwalk, the water is pleasant for swimming, and the sand is beautiful. However, if you’re looking for some peace and quiet away from the throngs of visitors and locals, head to the beaches of Sant Sebastià in the south or Somorrostro in the north (my two favorites).

Spend some time strolling down La Rambla.

The Gran Teatre del Liceu, the city’s opera theatre, is only one of several stunning structures that line the popular 1.2 km long avenue with a large but packed walkway in the centre. In addition, there is a plethora of street entertainers (they even have their own union).Plan for the Third Day in Barcelona

The Picasso Museum is a must-see.

It’s interesting to read about the life and career of one of the most important painters of the twentieth century, even though I’m not a major fan of most of Picasso’s latter work. Over 4,000 works of art by Pablo Picasso may be seen in this museum, which first opened in 1963 and houses the world’s largest collection of the artist’s oeuvre. The museum also features drawings, pottery, and engravings by Picasso in addition to his paintings.

Museupicasso.bcn.cat/en, Carrer Montcada 15-23, +34 932 563 000. Hours are 10 PM – 8 PM (Tuesday – Sunday). The cost to enter is 12 EUR every other day of the month (Monday through Thursday) and free on the first Sunday of the month.

Take a trip on the cable car at the harbour.

The red-carred, 1,450-meter-long waterfront aerial tramway connects the neighbourhoods of Barceloneta with Montjuic Hill. Amazing views of Barcelona may be seen from the air in just 10 minutes. On one side, you’ll see the harbour and the sea, and on the other, the city. There’s also a restaurant at the very top of the 78-meter Sant Sebastià tower in Barceloneta. It takes as little as 30 minutes to trek up one of Montjuc Hill’s pathways to the peak.

Telefericode Barcelona, +34 934 304 716; Ave. de Miramar between the Miramar station (Paseo Juan de Borbón) and the San Sebastián Tower. Every day from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (10:30am-9pm in the summer). The price of a round trip ticket is 16 Euros and 50 cents.

Visit the top of Montjuc Hill

Montjuc, a hill in Barcelona
Visit the Olympic Stadium, the gorgeous gardens, and a Spanish village, all of which surround the massive Castell de Montjuc (a massive fortification from the 18th century that is now a museum). In addition, the Magic Fountain, with its vibrant water show, should not be missed. You’ll have a breathtaking perspective of the city, and sunsets from up here are spectacular.

Some of the more notable features of Montjuc include:

• There are military exhibits and background on the castle’s history at Castell de Montjuc. The price of admission is 5 Euros (9 EUR including a guided tour). On the first Sunday of the month, as well as every Sunday after 3 p.m., admission is complimentary.
• The Joan Miró Foundation honours the legacy of one of Catalonia’s most renowned artists. Over 14,000 of the surrealist’s works are featured here. Miró personally contributed the vast majority. A modern art collection was also assembled in the year following the artist’s death as a homage to him. The price of entry is 13 Euros.
• The Catalan Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque can be seen here at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. From October to April, on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and from September to May, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 to 11:30 p.m., there is a free, beautiful performance put on by the fountain out front (from May-September). There is a 12 Euro entry fee (free on Saturdays from 3pm and on the first Sunday of the month).
•  Included are a stretch of the Camino de Santiago, a monastery, and an Andalusian neighbourhood. Enjoyable for all members of the family. Online pre-sale tickets are available for EUR 11.20. (14 EUR same day online or from the ticket office).
• The Olympic Ring – When Barcelona played home to the Olympic Games in 1992, the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, and the Olympic Esplanade were the epicentres of all the action. It is completely free for you to explore the whole area.

Explore the cuisine of Barcelona by enrolling in a cooking class or walking tour.

I definitely recommend taking a cooking lesson or going on a culinary tour in Barcelona because the city (and the rest of Spain) places a strong emphasis on cuisine. Discover how to prepare authentic Catalan dishes using modern techniques and the finest seasonal ingredients. You’ll get to explore the neighbourhood, pick up ingredients for a home-cooked supper, and then eat it. Here are a few businesses worth considering:

• kitchen.bcn.com – (bcnkitchen.com, from 70 EUR)
• The Cuisine of Barcelona – (barcelonacooking.net, from 65 EUR)
• Only the Most Expensive Royal Bcn – (justroyalbcn.com, from 95 EUR).
• Walks – (takewalks.com, from 79 EUR).
• Consume to the point of bursting (devourbarcelonafoodtours.com, from 89 EUR).

Planned Activities on Day 4 in Barcelona

Get out of town and visit Girona for the day.

Girona is a small city close to Barcelona.
You can go to Barcelona from Girona in under an hour. It’s one of my favourite places in Spain, but unfortunately not many people visit there.A stroll across the Eiffel bridge is a must, as is gazing up at the Cathedral of Girona and the Monastery of Saint Daniel (a small bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris). The set of Game of Thrones also used this location. The city is rich in culture and cuisine.

The standard train takes roughly 80 minutes to get there, whereas the bullet train only takes 38. Flights with a return date start at 20 EUR.

sights to behold in Barcelona

The religious centres of Montserrat are among the many sights to behold in Barcelona.
You’re in luck if your stay in Barcelona will last more than four days. Other things to do to pass the time include:

Escape to the mountains of Montserrat

, located only an hour away from Barcelona by rail. Visit the Black Madonna at the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery.

The Art Museum on the island of Monserrat features paintings by such luminaries as Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and dozens more. You should also stop by the town’s market, which is conveniently located near the monastery and sells fresh food, cheese, honey, and handmade goods made by local artisans.

Explore the classic Tibidabo Amusement Park.

There aren’t many amusement parks as old as Barcelona, which opened in 1899. In addition to the rides, activities, and restaurants, the location atop a mountain in the Serra de Collserola provides breathtaking views of Barcelona and the seashore. Except during the colder months, it’s open on weekends. To contact Tibidabo Square, please call +34 932 117 942 or visit their website at tibidabo.cat. The opening times shift with the seasons. Details can be found on the webpage. Costing 35 Euros to enter.

If you’re in Barcelona in July or August, you may watch a film outdoors on the moat lawn of Montjuc Castle. Live performances precede the Monday, Wednesday, and Friday screenings. Ticket prices are 7.50 Euro.

You can also catch movies on Thursdays in July and the first week of August at Cosmonits at CosmoCaixa outside the Science Museum or on Sundays at Sant Sebastià beach in Barceloneta. On Thursday nights in July, the Gardens of San Juan de Dios host free outdoor screenings of films presented by the Cine al Aire Libre-l’Illa Diagonal.

Consider taking in a soccer game

I saw my first “football” game in Barcelona. Valencia took on Espanyol. It’s been a long time, but I still wear the blouse I bought there. Espanyol and FC Barcelona are Barcelona’s two teams; if you’re in town during a match, I highly recommend coming to see one. The locals are crazy with the game, therefore it’s a great place to meet new acquaintances. For 15-30 EUR, you can see the stadium and the FCB (or Barça) Museum even if you can’t make it to a game.

Check out the fish at the aquarium.

The Barcelona Aquarium is a great place to spend a rainy day because it houses over 11,000 animals representing hundreds of different species and hundreds of different underwater ecosystems. The finest part is the tunnel you can stroll through. aquariumbcn.com/en, Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell +34 932 217 474. The store is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cost of entry is 21 EUR.

Take in Barcelona’s free public art

Gaud’s massive fountain in the Parc de la Ciutadella is a monument to the deity Neptune — and be amazed. The artwork and fountain are wonderful. Gaud, then a student in the field of architecture, conceived of the iconic fountain. The park features a zoo, as well as a few walking trails. Gather some ham and wine and go on a picnic.(itinerary in spanish)

Lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau, as well as the Miralles gate and wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona, are two more examples of Gaud’s more eccentric architecture.

Native Catalan artist Joan Miró is represented all over the city; his “Woman and Bird” sculpture is a must-see at the city’s Park Miró. Both the airport and La Rambla feature mosaics by Miró.

Discover the city on two wheels with Fat Tire Tours, which provides guided tours for as cheap as 30 EUR per person. Seeing and learning about Barcelona from the water is a fantastic way to get to know the city and all it has to offer. There are also a variety of tours available; with half a dozen options, there should be something for everyone.(itinerary in spanish)

Barcelona Restaurants: A Guide

If you’re looking for great restaurants, I highly recommend:

• Food at Les Quinze Nits is excellent and reasonably priced. It caters to tourists, but residents like the low prices as well. Dinnertime wait times are usually much longer than those during the day, so it’s best to plan your visit during the day.
• Delicious tapas and sandwiches served in a warm, inviting atmosphere can be found at Quimet & Quimet. In addition, the restaurant offers more than 500 different wines.
• A high-end seafood restaurant in La Barceloneta with a fantastic panorama is 1881 per Sagardi.
• Paradiso is a high-end cocktail lounge serving delectable tapas. You can even take a class in making cocktails!Just within the Boquera food market is where you’ll find Pinotxo Bar, a tiny stall that serves some of the best tapas in all of Boquera.
• Tapeo is an inventive restaurant in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, serving up a wide selection of wines and its own special specialties.
• Delicious meals served in generous servings may be found at La Fonda. It has a gorgeous interior and an extensive wine list to complement its generous set menu.
• The seafood at Botafumeiro is some of the best in town. Expenses will be very expensive.
• Dry Martini is a stylish cocktail lounge with a Mad Men-inspired wooden decor.
• One of Picasso’s favourite spots, Els 4Gats (The Four Cats) was frequented by many artists in the early 20th century. Soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a drink and some tapas (we recommend the patatas bravas).More Travel Guide