How Many Days In Barcelona? At Least 3, Here’s Why…
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If this is your first time in Spain, and you’re thinking you can get away with a day trip to Barcelona, you’re out of your mind! Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe, and in that spirit, the right answer to ‘how many days to spend in Barcelona‘ is at least 3 full days, and here’s why…
It will take that amount of time to barely see the best highlights or experience the culture of the barrios (neighborhoods), Catalan music, and the food of Barcelona. As someone who visits Barcelona every year and has lived here for half a year, I think 3 days (and 4 nights) is the bare minimum amount of time to spend in Barcelona.
Here’s what I mean by the bare minimum itinerary:
✔️ Day 1: La Rambla, Barrio Gòtic, Picasso Museum, & a show at Palau De la Musica Catalan (or a tour of the Palau if shows are sold out)
✔️ Day 2: All About Gaudí – Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia, & Parc Güell
✔️ Day 3: Montjuïc Cable Car, Barceloneta Beach, Boqueria Market & Catalan Cooking & Bar Hopping
If You Have More Time: Half Day Trip to Montserrat, Sitges, or Costa Brava & Salvador Dalí Musuem
This post will cover how to spend your time in this incredible city, a 3-day itinerary of Barcelona that maximizes the highlights and the local spots, like my favorite music venues and tapas bars, where to get champagne and grilled meats on a skewer like the locals do, where to stay to really feel the Barcelona vibe and how to get around.
How many days should I spend in Barcelona?
The bare minimum time to spend in Barcelona would be a long weekend. This city is one of most visited in Europe, up there in things to do and see with London, Rome, and Paris. But with more sun, more liveliness in the streets, restaurants full of loud Spaniards laughing and taking 2 hours to eat lunch, more siestas, and more fun than any other city.
2 Days: Enough To See The Highlights
Two full days and 3 nights is just enough time to see the main highlights of Barcelona. Here’s how I would prioritize your itinerary:
✔️ Day 1: La Rambla, Barrio Gòtic, Picasso Musuem, Show at Palau De la Musica Catalan
✔️ Day 2: Parc Güell, Casa Batlo, Sagrada Familia, & Sunset Yacht Ride
➡️ MY BEST ADVICE: Plan to get tickets ahead of time, especially to La Sagrada Familia because it sells out a week ahead and you CANNOT buy tickets at the church.
If tickets are sold out, you can always book a guided tour. It’s super informative about Gaudís work and includes skip-the-line tickets.
3 Days: Just Right For Your First Time
Three full days and 4 nights is the sweet spot for first-timers to Barcelona. I have a more detailed version of this highlight reel below, but here’s how I would prioritize your itinerary:
✔️ Day 1: La Rambla, Barrio Gòtic, Picasso Musuem, Show at Palau De la Musica Catalan
✔️ Day 2: Parc Güell, Casa Batlo, Sagrada Familia, & Sunset Yacht Ride
✔️ Day 3: Montjuïc Castle, Barceloneta Beach, Catalan Cooking Class & Bar Hopping
You’ll get to see most of the highlights, experience some of the nightlife of the different neighborhoods, and get a taste of Catalan culture.
4 Days: Best For A Slow Traveler
With 4 full days and 5 nights, you’re getting into the less frequented gems, and into the nature surrounding Barcelona. Here’s how I would prioritize your itinerary:
✔️ Day 1: La Rambla, Barrio Gòtic, Picasso Musuem, & Tapas Bars
✔️ Day 2: Parc Güell, Casa Batlo, Sagrada Familia, & Hospital Sant Pau, Show at Palau De la Musica Catalan
✔️ Day 3: Montjuïc Castle, Barceloneta Beach, Catalan Cooking Class & Bar Hopping
✔️ Day 4: Boqueria, Montserrat Half Day Trip, & Sunset Yacht Ride
5 Days: Now You’re Feeling Like a Local
By now, you should have walked around a few of the neighborhoods and feel like you can navigate around town pretty well. You’re probably a local at the bar next to your hotel and are thinking about moving here. Here’s how I would approach 5 days in Barcelona:
✔️ Day 1: La Rambla, Barrio Gòtic, Picasso Musuem, & Tapas Bars
✔️ Day 2: Parc Güell, Casa Batlo, Sagrada Familia, & Hospital Sant Pau, Show at Palau De la Musica Catalan
✔️ Day 3: Montjuïc Castle, Barceloneta Beach, Catalan Cooking Class & Bar Hopping
✔️ Day 4-5: Road Trip to Costa Brava, Coastal Hikes, Sunset Boat Tour.
FULL Barcelona Itinerary: 3 Days
This itinerary is for first-timers to Barcelona who have yet to see the city and its main highlights. But also for those frequent flyers who want to know my personal favorites – boutique restaurants, tapas bars, and music hangouts. Here’s the high-level:
✔️ Day 1: La Rambla, Barrio Gòtic, Picasso Musuem, Show at Palau De la Musica Catalan
✔️ Day 2: Parc Güell, Casa Batlo, Sagrada Familia, & Sunset Yacht Ride
✔️ Day 3: Montjuïc Castle, Barceloneta Beach, Catalan Cooking Class & Bar Hopping
Day 1: La Rambla, Barrio Gòtic, Picasso, & Palau De la Musica Catalan
Today is an introduction to Barcelona with some big hitters – walking and shopping in my favorite barrio (neighborhood), a deep dive into the art of Pablo Picasso, and a show (hopefully, they have flamenco when you go) at the Palau de la Musica Catalan.
The Picasso Museum is in the heart of Barcelona, and its expansive collection contains over 4,000 works by Pablo Picasso himself, ranging from early sketches to fully realized masterpieces. I found the guide super informative and was glad to have booked it.
Grab lunch at Restaurante Obayak and then head to the Parc de la Ciutadella for a walk and afternoon siesta on a bench. If you plan it right, you’ll walk into the park via the Arc de Triumf entrance and head to the Cascada del Parc for an espresso.
In the evening, my absolute favorite activity in the city – catch a show at the Palau de la Musica Catalana. I don’t think you need to do a guided tour of the building or anything curated like that. The magic lies in seeing a flamenco performance or music show at the theater. I cannot recommend this enough!
Dinner afterward at El Set – for incredible meat boards, tapas, and pan con tomato.
➡️ Get Tickets To the Picasso Museum Here! ⬅️
Day 2: Gaudí, Parc Güell, Casa Batlo, Sagrada Familia, & Sunset Yacht Ride
On your second day in Barcelona, we’re deep diving into Gaudi’s work – Park Guell in the morning, Casa Batlló around lunch, and the iconic cathedral he is buried in, La Sagrada Familia, in the afternoon. We’ll end the day with a sunset yacht tour around Barceloneta Beach!
Park Guell is a World Heritage Site, and honestly – it’s nice to get out of the city for a bit and into the park. From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by colorful mosaics and winding pathways. As an example, when I went last time, there were musicians in the park playing Spanish guitar. To me, it feels like the playful side of Gaudí is coming out – I mean, tell me some of the mosaics don’t remind you of ice cream cones and sprinkles!
Gaudí is also the creator of perfect ambiances, looking to inspire fantasy and imagination through his work with color and light – and nothing exemplifies his genius like the Batllo House. You can Grab the ticket here to Casa Batlo ahead of time – it includes an excellent audio guide of the whole house and takes about 1.5 hours to do.
Grab lunch at Vinitus and head to La Sagrada Familia in the afternoon.
❌ Don’t Make This Mistake! ❌
You cannot get tickets at Sagrada Familia, you MUST purchase them online. I made this mistake and it was a mess. The best way is to buy ‘skip the line’ tickets with a guide, and then stay as long as you want afterward. Note that ladies must cover their shoulders before entering the church.
The Sagrada Familia is WOW! It has been in construction for over a century, but fear not, it’s set to be finished in 2026. La Sagrada Familia is one of the most iconic buildings in all of Barcelona – its towering spires, intricate facades, and richly patterned surfaces make it a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and it is undoubtedly one of the most striking monuments in the world. I’m not a big believer, but I walked out of this church with a light spirit and a calm mind.
PRO TIP: Go in the afternoon when the light is hitting the massive stained glass windows just right, giving the whole experience a unique feeling of kaleidoscope color and magic.
To wrap up the evening, I loved this Small Group Yacht Experience with Live Spanish Guitar – sipping on cava and enjoying little snackies while watching the sunset over Barcelona is literally a whole mood. Disfrute!
➡️ Book Your Small Group Yacht Experience (+Spanish Guitar & Tapas) Here ⬅️
Dinner tonight is at the gorgeous restaurant Fismuler – make a reservation ahead of time. This is one of my favorite local spots with the best crema Catalana in town!
Day 3: Montjuïc Castle, Barceloneta Beach, Catalan Cooking & Bar Hopping
On the last day, it’s about seeing the beach, Barcelona from up top, and cooking like the Catalan people do.
Montjuïc Castle is super cool because to start off, you’ll be riding a funicular up to the castle itself. From the top of the hill, you can see all of Barcelona. I loved the guided tour because for places like this, I really need context and history to really appreciate the place beyond the architecture and walking around aimlessly.
➡️ Get Tickets to the Small Group Montjuic Castle & Cable Car Visit. ⬅️
After lunch, lounge on Barceloneta Beach and get your hunger levels up for your afternoon paella class. One of my favorite ways to experience a city is through its food, and I love a good cooking class in every city. The perk of this one is that you’ll be visiting La Boqueria Market, which is one of those things in Barcelona you can’t miss!
Book a Paella Catalan Cooking Class (+Boqueria Market Visit) Here.
From dinner, head to PAX 49 for a nightcap cocktail. There are also a bunch of amazing bars to hop around in El Born neighborhood!
Best Day Trips From Barcelona
If you have extra days in Barcelona and want to escape the city on a little day trip, here are my favorite spots to go to!
- Montserrat Monastery – This is a half-day trip, including transportation, to Montserrat Mountain.
- Sitges – A cute little beach town just 30 minutes away from Barcelona. You can take the train from 3 different stations in Barcelona: Estació de França, Passeig de Gràcia, and Sants, which will drop you off in the center of Sitges.
- Salvador Dali Museum – If you’re keen on surrealist art, the Salvador Dali Museum is about an hour from Barcelona in Girona. The best way to visit is by guided tour (which offers transportation), or to rent a car and make a road trip out of it.
- Costa Brava – One of my favorite road trips from Barcelona is north to the Costa Brava region and the town of Cadaques.
Best Places To Eat in Barcelona
I’m going to break this down by restaurants and cocktail bars that I liked because I have quite a few recommendations.
Restaurants Around Barrio Gotic & Gracia Neighborhoods:
- El Set – a super small tapas restaurant, one of my favorites.
- Fismuler – a nicer dinner spot, make a reservation, best crema catalana I’ve had!
- Vinitus – upscaled tapas and wine spot
- El Chigre 1769 – you’ll see the line out the door, put your name on the list.
- La Martina – no English on the menu, super friendly staff, fantastic food
- Goliard – great Catalan food and tasting menu
Cocktail Bars I really liked:
- Paradiso – craft cocktails, dark and mysterious vibe.
- RUBI Gin Bar – in the Born neighborhood, tucked in, more lively later in the night
- Curtis Audiophile Cafe & Records – live DJ music at night, small place with a great atmosphere.
- Elephanta GinBar Cocteleria – in Gracia, a mix of French and Spanish folks here
- Chatelet – as local and grungy as it gets.
- 14 De La Rosa – amazing cocktails and little bites, local and nice!
Where To Stay In Barcelona
The best neighborhoods to get a place are Barrio Gotic and El Born. Stay away from getting too close to La Rambla (the main touristy street). It’s not bad, I just don’t want you to overpay and be constantly harassed by peddlers when you walk out of your hotel.
Barrio Gotic
If you’re into history and want to be close to everything, the Gothic Quarter is my top pick. It’s a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and atmospheric squares. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and unique bars here.
📍 Luxury: Mercer Hotel – Boutique hotel in one of Barcelona’s most ancient buildings, decor is lovely, rooftop pool, wood beam ceilings – really a great splurge for a weekend in Barcelona!
📍 Mid-Range: Maldà Singular Hotel – beautifully decorated rooms, quiet for being in the center of everything, comfy beds!
📍 Budget: Catalonia Portal de l’Angel – in a 19th-century remodeled building, I like how the look of this hotel, exposed brick, outdoor pool surrounded by painted murals.
El Born
Located right next to the Gothic Quarter, El Born is a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife, art galleries, and fashionable boutiques. It’s perfect for those who love to explore unique bars and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
📍 Luxury – The Aparthotel Arai – Set in an 18th-century building, it features stunning frescos on the façades, giving the hotel a Specialty Monument status unique in Barcelona. It has an outdoor swimming pool & jacuzzi, a gym with a sauna, and a rooftop terrace with city views. The room decor is stylish & rustic, with exposed stone walls & very large windows. A beautiful property!
📍 Mid-Range – Barcelona Hotel Colonial – the beauty of this hotel is in its floor-to-ceiling window walls, elegant wood floors, and balcony – the best bang for your buck hotel.
📍 Budget: Som Nit Born – soundproofed rooms, clean and modern decor, comfy beds, the receptionist is super helpful with guiding you around local spots in Barcelona.
Getting To Barcelona
There are a few ways to get to Barcelona, but the best options is to fly into the main airport or travel by train to Barcelona.
✈️ Flying Into Barcelona
Barcelona is a well-connected airport hub, and the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the primary international gateway to the city. Here’s how to get there:
Once you arrive at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, you can easily reach the city center by taking the Aerobús or the RENFE train. The Aerobús is a convenient shuttle bus that runs frequently to major tourist spots in the city. I’ve taken the bus and it’s quite cheap and nice. You can also take the RENFE train, which connects the airport to Barcelona’s main train stations like Sants and Passeig de Gràcia.
➡️ Get A Private Airport Transfer – better Than Uber, Train, or Bus! ⬅️
🚂 Getting To Barcelona By Train
Barcelona is well-connected to other European cities by high-speed and regional trains. Here’s how to get here by train:
- High-Speed Trains: If you’re coming from other European cities, consider taking high-speed trains like the TGV from France or the AVE from cities in Spain. The Barcelona Sants train station is the main hub for high-speed rail services.
- Regional Trains: If you’re traveling within Spain or from nearby regions, you can take regional trains to Barcelona. These trains connect smaller towns and cities to Barcelona’s main train stations.
In addition to Barcelona Sants, other important train stations in the city include Passeig de Gràcia and Estació de França. The station you choose will depend on your origin and preferences.
You can book train tickets online through the official websites of the respective train companies or at the train stations. I use the OMIO App to book my trains and buses in Spain. Booking in advance, especially for high-speed trains, is recommended to secure your seats.
Getting Around Barcelona
When it comes to getting around Barcelona, you’ll be walking or taking the bus in the city – you can buy a 3-day ticket here. When you get to the airport, go to any metro bus station machine, type in your code from the email they send you and your ticket will be printed and ready to use!
Single ticket: 2 €
T-Casual Pass (valid for 10 journeys): 11 €
1-3-5 Day Pass: 20-40 €
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
There is no bad time to visit Barcelona. If you’re looking for off-season and bad weather seasons, there is none. The city is always busy and the weather is always nice – sure hotter in the summer, but you’re right by the beach, so quit your complaining! 😊
That said, Barcelona in spring is ideal in my opinion! The weather is giving mild temperatures of 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C), which is perfect for strolling around without sweating your ass off. The city also hosts a few Easter & spring-related festivals, like Sant Jordi’s Day on April 23rd, often referred to as “The Day of the Book and the Rose.” Plus, prices for accommodations and flights are more wallet-friendly than during the peak summer season.
If you crave that sunny beach vibe, summer is the go-to season. Expect hot weather around 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C), ideal for soaking up the sun on the beautiful Mediterranean beaches. It can be a bit crowded this time of year and a tad expensive, but there are plenty of free music concerts and open-air cinema events to keep you busy. The city does not sleep in the summertime.
September and October are a sweet spot. The weather is still warm, and you can enjoy the city’s art and culture without the summer hustle. Plus, Barcelona hosts La Mercè festival in September, a spectacular celebration with street parties, parades, and fireworks. Prices are more budget-friendly compared to the peak summer season.
If you’re into a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, winter is for you. While it’s not as warm as other seasons (expect temperatures around 50°F (10°C)), you can still explore the city’s museums and cozy up in unique bars with a glass of Spanish wine. Hotel prices also drop. Just pack a jacket and you’re good to go!
So no matter what you’re into, it’s always a good time to explore Barcelona!
Final Thoughts: 3 Days in Barcelona
The least amount of time you could spend in Barcelona would be 2 full days. I recommend at least 3 full days and 4 nights to really dive into the city highlights without feeling like you’re a rushed little chicken with its head cut off.
Here’s a Barcelona itinerary for 3 days that I think would hit all the highlights:
✔️ Day 1: La Rambla, Barrio Gòtic, Picasso Musuem, Show at Palau De la Musica Catalan
✔️ Day 2: Parc Güell, Casa Batlo, Sagrada Familia, & Sunset Yacht Ride
✔️ Day 3: Montjuïc Teleferic, Barceloneta Beach, Catalan Cooking Class & Bar Hopping
Barcelona is one of those cities that takes time to really savor. I’ve lived there and visited afterward every year, and I still find places and things to do that remind me how wonderful this city is. So what are you waiting for, book your trip!
