travel online barcelona

Explore Barcelona

Plan Your Trip to Barcelona: Best of Barcelona Tourism

Travel Advice

Essential barcelona.

Where to stay

Where to eat

The perfect three days in Barcelona

All about Gaudi

Browse collections

There’s art everywhere.

Slow down and sip the sangria

Dip into the Mediterranean Sea

If you're feeling fancy-ish

Quick-trip museums

Make a day of it

Chill out in nature

Off-the-beaten-path Barcelona

Go beyond Gaudi

For the history buff

More Spanish cultural capitals

Barcelona Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing barcelona.

sophieloumarren

Do not be afraid to get lost in the winding back streets! Ditch your tourist map!

Barcelona is deeply proud of its Catalan heritage. I once went to the tourism office to ask for information about Spain and was roundly chastised as I was in Catalunya. I never made that mistake again!

It is a good idea to learn a few basic Spanish words for politeness and you will garner more respect and pleasant service.

Food, Art, Beach, Streets...Barcelona is all-inclusive.

Barcelona is a city rich with history, beautiful architecture, a cool beach culture, friendly people and some great food.

Barcelona is a buzzing city that's so easy to fall in love with.

What is the best way to get there?

Barcelona is mainly served by the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport International Airport, but can also be reached by transport links from other regional airports, including Girona, Reus, and Lleida-Alguaire.

Barcelona Sants Station is the city's main railway station for national and international destinations in France.

Estació d'autobusos Barcelona Nord is Barcelona's main bus station operating services to other Spanish cities and cities throughout Europe.

Do I need a visa?

Spain is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means tourists from certain countries don’t require a visa for trips less than 90 days — as long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date. Find more information about the Schengen Visa and what countries are exempt  here.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer (June to August) and fall (September to November):  Summer is fiesta time in Barcelona, when the city hosts some of Europe’s biggest music festivals, including Sonar and Primavera Sound. Average temperatures in summer have a high of 82°F (28°C) and a low of 71°F (22°C).

While soaring temperatures send summer visitors to the beach, the cooler months of fall are ideal for exploring Barcelona’s colorful neighborhoods. In November, the scent of roasting chestnuts fills the air during the Catalan festival of La Castanyada. Average temperatures in fall have a high of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 60°F (16°C).

There are a number of companies in Barcelona that offer bike rental or bike tours including Barcelona Biking, AJO Bike, and Barcelona E-Bike.

The Barcelona Metro, run by TMB and FGC, operates 12 lines which run from about 5 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday, 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, and 24 hours on Saturday.

TMB operates a fleet of more than 1,000 buses that operate more than 100 routes. Most services begin between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. and end between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Barcelona also operates a night-bus service (Nit Bus) which serves most of the city and its suburban area. Services begin after 11 p.m. and end between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Barcelona’s taxis are easily spotted with their black and yellow livery. They can be caught from one of many taxi stands, hailed on the street, or booked via telephone.

The ridesharing company Cabify is available in Barcelona on your smartphone.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Central European Standard Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in Spain is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two round pins.

What is the currency?

Are atms readily accessible, are credit cards widely accepted, is it easy to find a bank, how much do i tip.

Tipping isn't obligatory, but people usually leave 5% if they are satisfied with the service.

Are there local customs I should know?

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Spaniards usually greet friends and strangers alike with a kiss on both cheeks, although two males rarely do this.

Spaniards take great pride in their appearance so dress elegantly, even for casual occasions.

Visiting churches

Visiting churches as a tourist during Mass and other worship services is considered disrespectful.

Personal space and eye contact

Spaniards are known to stand very close while talking and speak a lot with their hands — don’t mimic them and don’t step away. Eye contact in Spain is also very important.

Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way as a sign of respect.

• H10 Madison
• Serras Barcelona
• Seventy Barcelona
• W Barcelona
• Bodega Biarritz 1881 Tapas bar
• Cervecería Catalana
• Zenith Brunch & Cocktails
• Restaurant Ciudad Condal
• Basílica de la Sagrada Familia
• Casa Batlló
• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic)
• Mercat de la Boqueria
• Park Guell & Sagrada Familia Tour with Skip the Line Tickets
• Barcelona in 1 Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell,Old Town & Pickup
• Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines
• Girona & Costa Brava Small-Group Tour with Pickup from Barcelona
• Fast Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

Visit Barcelona

Professionals

• Barcelona Convention Bureau

VisitBarcelona official visitor guide

• Accessible tourism

Barcelona's comic boom

Barcelona in spring Experience it to the fullest!

Ocean Decade Week 2024

Museu Egipci 30th aniversary

There is Water shortage in Catalonia

Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup Barcelona

Because you've got a virtual shop offering more than 180 activities and tours at the click of a mouse

What's On BCN

Experience Barcelona's rich cultural scene with VisitBarcelona's agenda. From exhibitions to live music, theater, and festivals, plan your next adventure today!

BCN Uncovered

We invite you to discover Barcelona on these city routes that feature a wealth of things to see and do.

Getting around

Barcelona and its metropolitan area offer a wide range of public transport options, so you can get to where you want to go in the city easily and conveniently.

Buy your tickets

Tours, museums, leisure, entertainments, tickets… Plan your visit on VisitBarcelona Tickets. Enjoy discounts and other great offers!

This month in Barcelona

D'A Film Festival

04/04/2024 - 04/14/2024 | , Festivals , Film

2024 Ocean Decade Week

04/08/2024 - 04/12/2024 | Science and innovation , Others

080 Barcelona Fashion

04/09/2024 - 04/12/2024 | Fairs

MUTEK Barcelona. Digital Creativity and Electronic Music Festival

04/09/2024 - 04/13/2024 | Festivals , Music

ZIP. New stage formats - Teatre Nacional de Catalunya TNC

04/10/2024 - 04/14/2024 | Festivals , Theatre and shows

Mostra Igualada - Fair of children's and youth shows.

04/11/2024 - 04/14/2024 | Theatre and shows , Circus

European Le Mans Series - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

04/13/2024 - 04/14/2024 | Sports

Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell – 71 Trofeo Conde de Godó 2024

04/13/2024 - 04/21/2024 | Main Events 2024 , Sports

Salomon Run 10K

04/14/2024 | Sports

Spring Fiestas in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat

04/18/2024 - 04/23/2024 | Popular festivals and traditions , Fairs

Pizzas Fest 2024

04/19/2024 - 04/21/2024 | Food & Drink

Nil Moliner

04/20/2024 | Concerts

All Those Food Market

04/20/2024 - 04/21/2024 | Food & Drink

Barcelona Cultural District

02/08/2024 - 04/27/2024 | Theatre and shows , Dance

04/21/2024 | Concerts

Sant Jordi 2024

04/23/2024 | Main Events 2024 , Sant Jordi

The world of Hans Zimmer. A new dimension

04/24/2024 | Music , Film

Tech&Play'24

04/25/2024 - 04/28/2024 | Festivals , Science and innovation

Parov Stelar

04/25/2024 | Concerts

Andy y Lucas

04/26/2024 - 04/27/2024 | Concerts

Biergarten - Beer festival

04/26/2024 - 05/05/2024 | Festivals , Food & Drink

Feria de Abril 2024

04/26/2024 - 05/05/2024 | BCNX10 , Fairs

National Gathering of Gegants

04/28/2024 | Popular festivals and traditions , With the family

El Poble Dansa

04/29/2024 | Dance

Andrea Bocelli

04/30/2024 - 05/01/2024 | Main Events 2024 , Concerts

Docs Barcelona Festival

05/02/2024 - 05/12/2024 | Festivals , Film

Vermut & Soul

05/03/2024 - 05/05/2024 | Fairs , Food & Drink

Ressons Penedès by Cruïlla

05/03/2024 - 05/05/2024 | Festivals , Food & Drink

International Record Fair - Estació del Nord

05/03/2024 - 05/05/2024 | Fairs , Music

Comic Barcelona

05/03/2024 - 05/05/2024 | Main Events 2024 , Fairs

Saiko - Sakura Tour

05/04/2024 | Concerts

BRF. Barcelona Remember Festival

05/04/2024 | Festivals , Music

44th Cursa El Corte Inglés

05/05/2024 | Sports

ACCOMODATION

RESTAURANTS

TOURS & ATRACTIONS

You may be also interested

Barcelona Bus Turístic Hop on Hop off

Trip to PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land

Articket Barcelona

Casa Amatller

Fundació Joan Miró (Joan Miró Museum)

Hola Barcelona Travel Card, Transport card

Easy Montserrat

Barcelona Card Family

Enjoy barcelona.

Barcelona: a blue city where the sea welcomes you all year round

BCN Life , Seasonal

Barcelona's endless sunny days make the entire spectrum of blues glimmer throughout the year. Barcelona has surprises in store every day, in summer and throughout the other seasons of the year.

Barcelona with women's sport

Barcelona is Mediterranean, modernisme, art, design, culture, food… you already knew that. But did you know that the city also loves sport at all levels? The Barcelona that hosted the Olympic Games in 1992 is a city where people take part in sport at amateur and professional levels and women lead the field in every sporting discipline.

23rd April, Sant Jordi. Find out why you'll want to be in Barcelona.

There's one day every year when travellers and visitors to Barcelona feel like they're on another planet. This is a day when Barcelona is suffused with a different atmosphere and it seems that everybody heads to the streets. So if you're planning on coming to Barcelona and your visit coincides with 23rd April, you're in luck! You'll experience the city on what is arguably the Barcelonians' most cherished day.

Museum Night: art in the moonlight

The Barcelona moon bears witness to thousands of magical nights. Although, if you asked it about La Nit dels Museus (Museum Night), it would say that it casts its own peculiar spell, and has a special magnetism that is hard to explain, making it into a night that nobody, whatever their age, should miss.

• VisitBarcelona Tickets
• Affiliate VisitBarcelona Tickets
• Barcelona Access
• Barcelona Card
• Turisme de Barcelona Professional
• Barcelona Premium
• Barcelona Shopping City
• Barcelona Weddings

10 things to know before visiting Barcelona

Aug 7, 2023 • 6 min read

In the peak of summer Barcelona's city beaches get busy, read on for where to go instead © Westend61 / Getty Images

Barcelona is the kind of city that casts a spell over its visitors. Enticed by the epic architecture and promise of deep-running history set in the context of a coastal Mediterranean getaway, millions of travelers arrive every year to see the charms of Barcelona for themselves. 

Despite this popularity, it’s often misunderstood – especially if you fail to escape the typical tourist pitfalls. For me, though, it’s a city that always called me back and a place where I felt the most at home, but I admit that there are many missteps travelers can make in a city this big, popular and culturally complicated.

Today, the spotlight often shines on Barcelona for its overtourism problem, and local resentment makes itself known through aggressive graffiti near popular attractions. In some cases, this has even forced city officials to restrict access to once off-the-grid spots like the Carmel Bunkers , simply because the crowds have gotten out of control. In my years of living in Barcelona, I’ve learned how to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and enjoy the city as a local would. Here’s everything you should know before you come to Barcelona, from the essential safety tips to the cultural landscape.

1. You can’t see the whole city in a day

Barcelona may not be the biggest city you’ve ever been to, but it is massive when you consider all the ways you can entertain yourself. Because there is so much to see, the ideal number of days for a trip to Barcelona is between two and five. That should be enough to cover the must-sees, but if you want to explore more in the surrounding area, 10 days would give you additional time to plan day trips either to nearby cava wineries, the Costa Brava , or even as far north as the Pyrenees for a day of skiing.

2. There will be lots of tourists

There’s no use denying that overtourism is an issue in Barcelona, but you can plan to avoid the crowds by traveling during the off-season or trying to get an early start on the day before the cruise ships pull in and the streets fill up with visitors.

You can also book many tickets in advance so you don’t have to wait in the long lines, but in some places, you won’t be able to avoid the crowds. Try to space out the big attractions in your itinerary so you have some breathing room in between, ie, don’t go from the Sagrada Familia to Casa Batllò .

3. Avoid traveling during big events

Barcelona draws big acts from around the world every summer as a mainstay on the music festival circuit. But unless you’ve got your ticket to Primavera Sound or Sonar already, you may want to avoid traveling during these weekends or any other time when large trade fairs, like the Mobile World Congress, take over the city. It’s already an expensive city, but accommodation rates skyrocket when a big influx of visitors is on its way.

4. Know what cultural events to look for

If you want to have an authentic cultural experience in Barcelona, you can look for local events that embrace Catalan traditions like the parades of giants, human tower gatherings, Sardana dance circles and the Correfoc fire parades. You may stumble across them if you’re traveling over a holiday like Holy Week, but if you want to secure your odds, make a trip in September when the city celebrates La Mercè, one of Barcelona’s patron Saints, with a week of festivities that include cultural events and free concerts.

5. There’s more than one Rambla

Everyone will tell you La Rambla is a must-do, but for me, walking the Rambla feels a lot like walking through Times Square back at home – crowded, touristy, and to be avoided whenever possible. Thankfully, the city has more than one Rambla, where you can actually enjoy the slow strolling these city features were built for. In the center, you can venture down the Rambla del Raval with its famous Botero cat sculpture, or go a little bit out of the way to walk the Rambla del Poblenou from Diagonal all the way down to the beach.

6. The beaches get better the further away from the city center you get

Barceloneta is the most famous beach in Barcelona, and the adjacent neighborhood is worth checking out for its narrow streets and great tapas spots, but travel further down if you actually want to lay out on the beach. Barceloneta can get very crowded and noisy with tourists, so walk or cab your way past Port Olímpic to Platja de la Mar Bella . Because all the beaches in Barcelona are artificial, built for the 1992 Olympic games, the sand isn’t the nicest, to be frank. If you can travel outside the city to Sitges or up the Costa Brava , you’ll find more tranquil and scenic beaches.

7. Get to know Catalan culture

An autonomous region of Spain , the subject of Catalan independence is still a touch-and-go, but you should be respectful to the locals by learning about all the distinct characteristics that give Catalans their cultural identity. Show a little curiosity, and locals will be more than happy to tell you all about their favorite traditions, from wintertime onion barbecues to the cheeky caganer ("the pooper") a beloved Christmas icon.

8. Catalan is not a dialect of Spanish

If you’re looking for the quickest way to offend a Catalan, this is the one. Almost everyone in Barcelona can speak Catalan and Spanish, and the tourism circuit is well set up for English-speaking clientele, so you should have no problem getting around. However, you can make a good impression on your hosts by learning a few words. Some are similar to Spanish and French, like “ Hola ” and “ Merci ” for “Hello” and” Thank you,” but you can also try “ Bon día ” for “Good morning” and “ Adéu ” for “Goodbye.”

9. Pickpockets are a real issue

Just about everyone in Barcelona has a first or second-hand pickpocketing story, including me (they slipped two credit cards out of my wallet while I was working on my laptop in a crowded cafe). You should never let your guard down, especially when riding the metro or walking down crowded tourist areas like La Rambla. Keep your phone put away whenever you’re not using it, and never leave it sitting out on the table if you’re dining outside.

1o. Public transportation is safe and efficient

Although you do have to mind your belongings for the nefarious pickpockets, one of the best things about living in Barcelona is how easy and efficient public transportation is. I’ve had generally positive experiences, and it’s easy to connect to the major train and bus stations for adventures outside the city.

You may also see the red shared bikes called Bicing, but don’t bother trying to rent one because they’re only for residents. If you want to take advantage of Barcelona’s bike lanes, you’ll have to get a rental from a shop, but be strategic about how and where you lock it – bike thieves are as common as pickpockets.

Explore related stories

Architecture

Mar 26, 2024 • 8 min read

All built within the last 150 years, these stunning buildings around the world are monuments that will stand the test of time.

Mar 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 17, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 8, 2024 • 17 min read

Feb 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 2, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 1, 2024 • 10 min read

Dec 11, 2023 • 6 min read

Oct 25, 2023 • 7 min read

• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Itineraries
• Italy Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Shortcut Guides

Essential travel guide to barcelona [updated for 2024].

Barcelona is constantly alive with activity and excitement. La Rambla teems with people enjoying a stroll, heading out with a group of friends, and taking in the sights of the city. The Gothic Quarter tells the story of Barcelona’s ancient past with its narrow streets and medieval architecture.

All around the city are the famous works of beloved architect Antoni Gaudi, like Sagrada Familia . These are a few of the areas that tourists absolutely love about Barcelona and can’t seem to get enough of.

Whether you’re visiting Barcelona for a few days or a few weeks, you’ll find our essential travel guide to Barcelona very useful. It contains all the best things to do in Barcelona, places to eat and drink, and even includes our top picks for where to stay, all in one short infographic.

If you’re looking for where to eat in Barcelona , check out this post for top restaurants, and we also love going on a food tour in Barcelona to learn where to go back during your stay. Here’s a great 3-day Barcelona itinerary .

If your plans take you to other parts of Europe, check out our how to plan a trip to Europe guide. 

Are you planning your trip to Barcelona?

If you’re  traveling to Barcelona , ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks to help you plan!

• Book a transfer from the airport to Barcelona city center with Welcome Pickups.
• Rent a car from the Rome airport through Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in Barcelona See all hotel options

• Grand Hotel Central ⇒ 5-star luxury near La Rambla with poolside bar, rooftop terrace
• ME Barcelona ⇒ 5-star hotel near La Rambla
• Catalonia Catedral Hotel  ⇒ 4-star eco-friendly hotel near Plaça de Catalunya

Best Tours and Experiences in Barcelona:

• Skip the Line: Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour (definitely the way to go)
• Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour (we loved this tour)
• Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona (if you have extra time – super fun)

» Want more info on what to eat in Spain? Check out our Spain travel guide . I highly recommend a pinchos crawl in Logrono or pintxos in San Sebastian , in Northern Spain. If you’re going to Southern Spain, find out  where to eat tapas in Seville. And don’t miss a trip to the Rioja wine region .

Table of Contents

What to Do in Barcelona

I love Barcelona for the sheer number of things there are to do there. You will not have a quiet moment, unless you plan it into your itinerary.

For me, it’s all about trying all the great foods Barcelona is known for, so the first thing I recommend is taking this Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour . It’s about 3 hours long and is a great introduction to Barcelona and it’s food and wine.

If you want to see the Sagrada Familia (and of COURSE you do!), it’s always a good idea to book ahead for priority access, so you can avoid standing in the atrocious line. This is a good one to book: Priority Access: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour .

Other popular things to do in Barcelona include:

• Visit Park Güell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batlló – all Gaudi’s amazing masterpieces
• Walk along Las Ramblas from Plaça de Catalunya down to the waterfront
• Go to the beach – Barcelona has beautiful beaches that stretch for miles
• Eat your way around La Boqueria – this market has been around forever and there are dozens of places to eat both inside and out.
• Visit the Barcelona City History Museum – you’ll go underground to see the remains of the Roman sites that are long since buried
• Go on a wine tasting trip to try wine and Cava outside Barcelona. Here’s a tour you can book:  Wine and Cava Day Trip from Barcelona

Other Notable Attractions

Aside from the top attractions mentioned earlier, there are still several other notable attractions in Barcelona that you should consider visiting during your one day itinerary.

If you’re a fan of art and architecture, you should not miss Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, two of the most famous buildings designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Casa Batlló is known for its colorful facade and unique rooftop, while Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, features a wavy stone facade and a stunning rooftop terrace with chimney sculptures.

For those interested in art, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit. The museum houses an extensive collection of works by Pablo Picasso, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. You can also visit the El Born neighborhood, where you can find several art galleries and boutiques.

If you’re a football fan, you can visit the Camp Nou stadium, home to FC Barcelona. You can take a tour of the stadium, visit the museum, and even step onto the pitch.

Montjuïc Hill is another off-the-beaten-path destination that offers stunning views of the city. You can take a cable car to the top, where you can find several attractions, including the Montjuïc Castle, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

Passeig de Gracia is a popular shopping street that features several high-end boutiques, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. You can also find several notable buildings along the street, including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Plaça Catalunya is Barcelona’s main square and a bustling hub of activity. You can find several shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area, as well as several notable buildings, including the Barcelona Cathedral.

The Gracia district is a charming neighborhood that is known for its bohemian vibe and narrow streets. You can find several shops, cafes, and bars in the area, as well as several notable buildings, including the Casa Vicens and the Parc Güell.

Tours to Go On in Barcelona

We always schedule at least a few tours with local tour guides when visiting Barcelona. It’s a great way to learn more about the city and find all the great places to go during the rest of our trip. Indulge in some of the best food and drink that Barcelona has to offer on one of these fantastic tapas tours .

Here are some of the top tours we recommend:

• Barcelona in One Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Old Town with Hotel Pick-up
• Barcelona Segway Tour
• Paella Cooking Experience with Professional Chef and Bottomless Wine
• Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour
• Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona in Las Ramblas

How to Get to Barcelona

Most international flights will come into El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN). From there, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride or 30-minute train ride to the city center.

Another option is to take the Aerobus, the airport express bus. It comes to the airport every You can’t miss it – it has Aerobus across the side of it. They park right out in front of the terminal. The main bus stops in Barcelona city center are at Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça España. The cost is €5.90 for a single and €10.20 return.

For the train, the RENFE train runs every 30 minutes between the city and the airport. It takes about 25 minutes. You can catch the train from Clot, Passeig de Gràcia , or BarcelonaSants.

What to Eat & Drink in Barcelona

Barcelona is full of options for eating and drinking, from high-end restaurants to food markets, and tapas bars. You’ll want to get ready for a giant list of things you need to try while you’re there.

A few of the foods you must try in Barcelona are:

• Pimientos de padron
• Patatas Bravas
• Brocheta de Camarones

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated meal, there are a lot of fine-dining restaurants that will blow your mind, like Caelis, Moments, Alkimia, and Cinc Sentits. Be sure to make reservations well in advance to get a table.

Craft beer is also very big in Barcelona. You can make a day of it and visit some of the top craft breweries, like BierCaB, Ale & Hop, BlackLab, and Garage Beer Co.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

There are a couple of things we’ve come to expect from hotel rooms in Spain . One is that the walls and floors are typically not well insulated, so you can hear your neighbors in their rooms, in the hall, walking around, etc. Another is that the beds are not as soft or comfortable as in U.S. hotels. As long as you understand those two things, your expectations will be set appropriately.

Here are our recommended hotels in Barcelona . Please feel free to use any of these links to read reviews, see prices and book your stay (they are affiliate links that help us keep the lights on around here): For more choices, check out these  Hotels in Barcelona, Spain

Check out this post for what to do in Barcelona with kids .

Hotel Indigo

4-star hotel in the middle of the action in Plaza Catalunya, with a pool and Gaudi-inspired lobby.

Read Reviews | Book a Stay

W Barcelona

5-star beachfront hotel in Barceloneta, with a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and 2 bars.

4-star hotel with a restaurant, 2 bars/lounges and an indoor and outdoor pool.

Essential Travel Guide to Barcelona

You might also like:

• What to see in Barcelona in 3 Days  (by Surfing the Planet)
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona  (by Hostel Geeks)
• How to enjoy La Boqueria market in Barcelona

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Where to Eat in Barcelona: Top 10 Restaurants to Try

Try This Devour Barcelona Food and Wine Tour

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

The Perfect 7-Day Costa Brava Itinerary (Spain)

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

3 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Barcelona [Updated for 2024] ”

Cervesería Catalana was amazing! There’s always a long line-up there when we went. We also tried its sister restaurant Ciudad Condal – similar menu and just as delicious.

you have some nice tips for people here for the first time in Barcelona. If you are ever back in Barcelona I own a food tour business here in BCN and I would be happy to show you around some great spots to eat.

Absolutely will do!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Resources

Traveling to Barcelona for the First Time: 19 Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Traveling to Barcelona for the first time and not sure where to start and what to expect? This article covers all the essential Barcelona travel tips that will help you make the most of your trip.

Planning your first visit to Barcelona, Spain, might be overwhelming. There are so many questions… How much time do you need in Barcelona? When to visit and how to avoid the crowds? Where to stay and what to see? Any local tips and habits to be aware of? Or how to see the best that Barcelona has to offer in a limited time and without breaking the bank?…

To help you plan your first trip to Barcelona, we selected some of the best tips for visiting the city. This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your time and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in Barcelona:

• Sagrada Familia .
• Park Güell .
• Montjuïc Cable Car .
• Barcelona Pass .
• Casa Batlló .

Here are our essential Barcelona travel tips:

1. Research & Book in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting Barcelona for the first time is not to plan your trip in advance. So congratulations – because you are reading this, you already have a head start compared to other visitors!

Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or tickets for the main Barcelona attractions – booking in advance means that you have more choices and much better prices . It also means less wasted time queuing and more relaxing time sightseeing and enjoying this fabulous city. After all, you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona and not spend all your precious time standing in lines.

Also, doing your research in advance means that you will avoid disappointment to find that the places you want to visit are closed or tickets sold out . Below are some examples that illustrate what I mean.

For example, we really wanted to see the dancing fountain of Barcelona, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc , and were told that it dances every night. However, it’s not the case. Furthermore, since we were traveling in the low season, it was actually only dancing three times a week.

Because we arrived on a Saturday and left before the next weekend, we only had one chance to see the fountains during our visit – on the first evening in the city. So despite an early flight and a very long day, we decided to go. If we hadn’t done the research -assuming that we could just see it any night- we would have definitely missed it.

We also researched whether it was a good idea to visit Montserrat Monastery on Sunday. It turns out that it’s the busiest day of the week. So we booked a tour for Monday instead…

I also heard from some of our readers that they couldn’t visit the famous Barcelona market Mercado de La Boqueria because they didn’t realize that it was closed on Sundays. By the way, all indoor markets in Barcelona are closed on Sundays.

Another reader told us that they couldn’t visit Park Güell because they didn’t buy tickets in advance and no walk-ins were possible… (Btw, Park Güell is one of the most-visited Barcelona attractions and you really have to book your tickets in advance!).

Good to know: Tickets for the most popular Barcelona attractions often sell out up to 2-3 weeks in advance. This is especially the case in high season. Plus, most entry tickets are now timed, so you need to see what’s possible and how to fit it all into your itinerary. Further below, you will find more details and tips, but if you get the Barcelona Pass , you will have the option to pre-book a timeslot for your skip-the-line entry to all the main sights.

By doing your research in advance, you can also compare prices, reviews, and itineraries for the best tours in Barcelona… This brings us to the next point.

READ ALSO: Top Sights & Attractions in Barcelona

2. Save Time & Money When Visiting Barcelona’s Main Landmarks

Visiting Barcelona for the first time also means visiting all the main landmarks and attractions. Of course, you will want to see the famous La Sagrada Familia and the other iconic Gaudi buildings and architecture! Just make sure that you are well prepared so that you don’t waste hours and days standing in lines.

TIP: If you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona, consider skip-the-line tickets for ALL the main landmarks and the most popular tourist attractions. We also recommend booking guided tours for the Sagrada Familia and the main Gaudi buildings – that way you’ll get a much better understanding of all the symbolism and stories behind the architecture.

You can find Barcelona tours and skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and also on Tiqets . More information – further below.

Skip the Line Tickets

Some of the most popular attractions in Barcelona like Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Park Güell, or La Sagrada Familia can have extremely long waiting times. Buying your tickets in advance is essential when visiting these places in any season!

Here you can get skip-the-line tickets for Casa Batllo , Casa Mila , Park Güell , and – the most popular of them all – La Sagrada Familia .

PRO TIP: With this Barcelona Pass , you can immediately reserve timed-entry tickets for the most popular sights, including the towers of La Sagrada Familia (regular tickets don’t include tower access!). This is a digital pass, so you will get tickets per email (= very simple to book and use).

TIP: If you didn’t think of buying the tickets in advance and they are sold out, try booking a guided tour instead. Guided tours prebook tickets and make it possible to visit the main landmarks even if the tickets are sold out. I recommend visiting Gaudi’s buildings and especially La Sagrada Familia with a tour anyway. Read on to learn why!

Guided Tours

Even when we visited in the low season, all the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona were incredibly busy. Often, it wasn’t even clear where to go even if you had already pre-booked your tickets…

That’s why we chose to visit all the Gaudi buildings on a tour. Here you can read more about our experience with the Gaudi tour (we chose this amazing tour that covers all the main Gaudi landmarks in a day).

We visited Barcelona with our three kids who, obviously, have no patience when it comes to long queues. Taking a tour meant that we could relax while the guide took care of everything. We just followed the guide and never had to wait anywhere longer than 10 minutes.

I can’t imagine how different our experience would have been if we had to figure out where exactly to go and wait in endless lines everywhere. We wouldn’t have been able to see half as much, not even to mention our sanity having to deal with bored kids…

Furthermore, having a local guide who explained what, where, and why, enabled us to appreciate what we were seeing. We never knew there were so many symbols and stories behind all the tiny details in Gaudi’s buildings! Gaudi was a real genius and we would have never gotten to know any of that if we had visited his buildings on our own.

Free Museums

Most Barcelona museums have specific days or hours when you can visit them free of charge. In general, you can expect most museums to be free on the first Sunday of the month. But there are also additional times when you can enter free of charge.

For example, the Picasso Museum is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month and also on Thursday evenings. Barcelona Cathedral (not to be confused with Sagrada Familia) is free to visit between 8.30 AM and 12.30 PM and in the evenings from 5.45 PM to 7.30 PM (hours vary a bit per day and on some days are a bit longer, but the hours indicated here apply daily).

Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA Plaça del Rei) is free on the first Sunday of the month and in the late afternoon on other Sundays.

These are just a few examples – there are so many museums and other attractions in Barcelona. So do your research for the places you want to see and, if possible, time your visit accordingly.

City Cards & Package Deals

If you are planning to visit several of the main Barcelona attractions on your own, you may want to look into getting one of the city cards that offer discounts and free entrances to certain attractions and also public transport tickets.

There is also a museum card that gives access to 6 of the most popular museums in Barcelona. So do your research and see if and which card makes sense for you, depending on your interests.

TIP: If you find the choice overwhelming, we recommend this Barcelona Pass . This is the best pass for Barcelona’s top sights including Park Güell & Sagrada Familia. If you also want to visit the towers of the Sagrada Familia (recommended), then this all-in pass is the best option for you. In case you wonder, there is a lift to get to the top of the towers.

Good to know: These passes not only save you money but make it really easy to book fast-track tickets to the most popular attractions in one place. Furthermore, the tickets are digital so you don’t have to waste your time once you get there!

3. Avoid High Season, Bank Holidays, and School Breaks

As one of the most-visited cities in Europe, Barcelona is always busy . Still, there is a huge difference between visiting Barcelona in the high season (June-August), in the shoulder season (April-May and September-October + New Year), or in the low season when there are fewer international travelers and hardly any cruise ships in town.

Because we travel with kids, however, we can only travel during school breaks. For years, we have been postponing a trip to Barcelona for that reason. However, we decided that it was high time to see this iconic city and chose the first week of November (autumn break) for our trip.

We were pleasantly surprised. It was still busy at the main attractions in the city, but it never really felt too crowded or overwhelming AND we had quite a few amazing places almost to ourselves.

Needless to say that this greatly influenced our experience and we loved Barcelona so much more than I ever expected. Based on all the horror stories about the crowds, we were really fearing the worst. But what we found was a really pleasant city that gave us plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights without having to brush elbows with thousands of strangers.

Furthermore, the weather in early November was fabulous with plenty of sunshine and temperatures that were warm enough to wear a t-shirt during the day.

So if you can, visit Barcelona in the shoulder season or in the low season. It will be so much more enjoyable!

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

4. Stay in the City Center

Another very important thing to take into account when traveling to Barcelona is where to stay .

While it’s often tempting to choose cheaper accommodation further away from the city center, we have learned the hard way that it’s not the best idea. Yes, it can save you some money, but it will cost you time and comfort. It’s so easy if you can just walk to a nice restaurant for dinner from your hotel or sleep longer in the morning knowing that your tour starts right around the corner and not on the other side of town…

So if you are visiting Barcelona for the first time and want to make the most of your short trip, stay in the city center! Also, stay somewhat close to a metro station – that way you can always get to the other parts of town quicker.

We recommend staying in the area close to Plaça de Catalunya . It’s a perfect location for sightseeing and you can easily walk to most attractions in the old town or to the nicest Gaudi buildings… There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, and most tours and excursions start in this area.

Here are our hand-picked recommendations with an excellent location near Plaça de Catalunya for all budgets:

• If you are looking for a really nice place to stay in the heart of Barcelona, check out Ohla Barcelona , a fabulous 5* hotel with a rooftop pool and bar.
• Some of the best mid-range 4* hotels are Acta Atrium Palace and  Exe Plaza Catalunya .
• If you are on a l ower budget , check out these popular and highly-rated options with excellent locations: Hotel Lloret Ramblas (the best-rated and most popular budget hotel in the center) or  Hostal Boqueria (a very good, simple hotel on a low budget).

Where we stayed: We stayed at the Acta Splendid Hotel.  The location couldn’t be better and the price/quality was unbeatable for this area.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in central Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya area).

Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

5. Explore the Gothic Quarter

One of the most beautiful parts of Barcelona is the old Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). No visit to the city would be complete without exploring this fascinating area.

While the district gets its name thanks to the 13-15th century Gothic buildings, it’s actually the oldest part of Barcelona with archeological finds dating to Roman times.

The main landmarks here are the Cathedral of Barcelona (The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia), Plaça del Rei , and the underground Roman city that is part of the earlier mentioned Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA). But the real charm of the Gothic Quarter is its fascinating maze of streets and historic buildings.

TIP: This part of town can get really busy. The best time to visit is as early in the morning as possible, or in the low season.

6. Use Barcelona Metro

Barcelona is a big city and its attractions are scattered throughout. So no matter where you stay, eventually, you’ll find yourself in need of a transfer. By far the easiest and the fastest way to get around the city is by taking the metro . And, if you avoid peak times, the metro is surprisingly quiet.

There are all kinds of multi-day and multi-journey tickets available for Barcelona metro and public transport, so choose one that best suits your needs. When we traveled, we got a 10-journey card that could be used by multiple people at the same time. Names and conditions of these cards change often, and you can find the best up-to-date information on the official website .

If you’re just taking the metro (so not a bus and other public transport options), you can easily get ticket cards at any metro station as well. There are ticket machines and everything is well-explained, also in English. Credit cards are accepted.

TIP: You can also take a metro to the airport , but it takes very long (it took us over 1.5 hrs to get to the city center). Alternatively, there are airport shuttle buses that run frequently, cost about the same as the metro ticket, and take much less time. On our way back to the airport, we took a taxi and it was surprisingly affordable. You can find more information about Barcelona airport transport here .

7. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Just as with any city trip, traveling to Barcelona means that you’ll be walking a lot. Make sure that you wear comfortable walking shoes!

Take my word for it, wrong footwear can ruin your entire vacation. Get lightweight sneakers or slip-on shoes for your Barcelona trip. I wear and recommend shoes in this style ; they are light and comfy – ideal for city trips.

TIP: If you don’t like walking too much, consider taking a hop-on hop-off bus instead.

8. Adjust Your Dining Schedule

You may have heard this before – Spanish people have very different habits when it comes to dining times. The main meal of the day is lunch and it usually starts at around 2 – 2.30 PM. Most restaurants will not open for dinner before 8 – 9 PM.

We were a bit worried about late dinner times because we traveled to Barcelona with kids, but it worked out quite well. Since it’s such a touristy place, there are quite some restaurants that have adapted their opening times and it was usually possible to find a place to eat at 7.30-8 PM.

We were told that the best local restaurants don’t open before 8.30-9 PM, but we found plenty of good restaurants that do.

That being said, you won’t easily find a good local restaurant open for dinner before 7 – 7.30 PM.

9. Try Tapas

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without tapas . In case you don’t know what tapas are, this is just a popular Spanish word for small snacks. Like appetizers in the US or antipasti in Italy. Basically, tapas are just small-sized portions of food – from seafood, meat, to all kinds of vegetables or potatoes ( patatas bravas ).

Everywhere you go, you’ll see tapas on the menu. It’s a great way to try a big variety of Spanish food without having to order an entire dish not knowing whether you’ll like it. It’s ideal if you are traveling with a bigger family or a group of friends because you can order a big variety of tapas and everyone will easily find something they like.

Some restaurants have set tapas menus which are a real lifesaver if you are feeling overwhelmed. After a couple of tapas meals, you’ll get more familiar with the concept, and ordering tapas will actually be fun.

Good to know: Tapas are EVERYWHERE in Barcelona, but they are not the only option (luckily). If you stay in Barcelona longer, it’s quite likely that you’ll eventually get tired of tapas. No worries – there are plenty of restaurants serving traditional Spanish food, seafood, paellas, but also a big variety of international cuisines. After five days in Barcelona, our kids didn’t want to see or hear of any more tapas, so we found a really nice pasta restaurant that the whole family loved.

TIP: If you want to try some of the best local dishes, consider joining a food tour as well! Food tours are our favorite thing to do when visiting any city! Check out this highly-rated tapas & wine tour . Another popular choice is this paella cooking experience + Boqueria market visit .

10. Tipping in Barcelona

Generally speaking, tipping is not that common in Europe, and so also not in Spain. However, American habits quickly find their way here too and it’s now more and more common to tip. That being said, it’s never really expected, let alone obligatory.

In Barcelona, you do not have to tip and locals usually don’t tip or just round up the bill. If you find the restaurant service exceptionally good, you can tip 5-10%. It’s not common to tip at a bar. Taxi bills are usually just rounded up. For bellboys – a euro or two is enough.

Many people tip tour guides, but it’s really your call how much. In Europe, we usually tip 20 EUR for a day tour that we take as a family of 5. If you are alone or traveling as a couple, 5-10 EUR is acceptable, but most Europeans don’t even do that.

11. It’s OK to Haggle

If you are planning to buy any souvenirs from street vendors, at the markets, or at the tourist shops in town, you should know that haggling is completely acceptable. Very often, you’ll see that no prices are advertised and in such cases, you definitely have to haggle or you’ll be overpaying up to twice the price, if not more.

It’s also very common that the same souvenirs will cost twice as much close to the most popular tourist landmarks, compared to some lesser-visited places. However, it’s not always the case.

My best advice is not to buy souvenirs immediately. Take your time, ask for prices, and get a better idea of what’s acceptable before buying anything.

12. Know That Things Are Laid Back

Barcelona is a very laid-back place. You’ll notice it in many ways. Depending on where you’re from and what you’re used to, things might seem a bit too relaxed, or maybe just normal…

The best way to enjoy your time in Barcelona is just go with the flow. Don’t get upset if it takes a bit longer for a waiter to take your order, or if the shops are closed for siesta a bit longer than advertised…

Good thing is that Barcelona is also much more casual in terms of clothing than, for example, Madrid. There is no need for fancy clothing and even at dinner at some nicer restaurants we dined at, most people were quite casually dressed. That being said, when in doubt, I’m always in favor of overdressing.

13. Beware of Pickpockets

Just as in any other big city or popular tourist destination, Barcelona has a problem with pickpockets. These guys are real professionals and it’s not uncommon that they manage to distract attention and even rob a big group of people at the same time.

So take precautions and don’t carry too much money or any other unnecessary valuables around. Also, make sure that you have good travel insurance! Be careful at the most popular tourist places, such as La Rambla or around La Sagrada Familia, and also when using public transport.

An anti-theft backpack might be a good idea too. Or – if you have a regular backpack – wear it in front of you and not on your back. Also, it’s really not a good idea to store your wallet or your smartphone in your jeans pocket.

14. Don’t Try to See Everything

Barcelona is a huge city and there is so much to see and do ! But… there’s no way to see everything in just a couple of days. So plan your itinerary well! If you don’t know where to start, check out our tips on how to spend 1 day in Barcelona and also an itinerary for 2 days in Barcelona .

I recommend choosing a couple of must-see places each day or maybe one specific area, and not try to do it all at once. You’ll enjoy the city much more if you also leave some time for a relaxing lunch at a nice café or some unexpected discoveries.

When it comes to visiting Barcelona, remember that less is more!

I know that it’s very tempting to try and see as many landmarks as you possibly can, but you’ll just get tired and frustrated. Take your time to sample some local specialties at the market, turn into a little picturesque alley and see where it leads, or explore some lesser-known places that don’t involve standing in line for hours… This brings us to the next tip…

15. Get off the Beaten Path

Barcelona is so much more than its most famous landmarks , La Rambla, Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta beach, or Gaudi architecture… There are so many other amazing places that are worth visiting just as much, yet are overlooked by most first-time visitors.

Some of our favorite moments in Barcelona were visiting the lesser-known and less-visited places . And while it’s not easy to find any truly ‘hidden’ gems, even just getting a bit off the main tourist routes will show you a very different side of Barcelona.

One of our favorite places in Barcelona was the beautiful Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site , which we had practically to ourselves. While it is not completely unknown, it was completely deserted when we visited it in the low season… And so worth a visit!

We particularly enjoyed the Port Vell and La Barceloneta – an old fishermen’s quarter with narrow streets and local restaurants. And yes, there is a really busy area in this part of town as well – with a seaside promenade, fancy yachts, and tourist restaurants. But if you take the time to explore deeper, you find a totally different place, just a few blocks away…

The same counts for the El Born and La Ribera areas which are like a labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways – so fun to just get lost and explore this area without a map.

We also went to a more local Poublenou area and explored Gracia , L’Eixample , and Montjuïc on foot. We visited some little-known sights and some really nice markets that had many more locals than tourists (Mercado de La Boqueria is really not the only market worth seeing in Barcelona)…

Each and every area has something special and unique. Behind the busier streets and popular areas, there are always lesser-visited gems just waiting to be discovered.

Even if you just see a few of these more local areas, it will make your trip to Barcelona so much more memorable.

16. Attend a Performance at Palau de la Música Catalana

If you want to experience something really special in Barcelona, try to get tickets for a performance at Palau de la Música Catalana . This stunning music hall is a real masterpiece and worth visiting in itself, but it’s even more special if you can attend a concert here.

They organize various concerts every evening and also during the day on the weekends. From classical music and dance to the most modern musical performances and traditional Flamenco dances – there are always plenty of choices to suit any interest. Most of the time, tickets are available just a few days in advance (or even on the day itself), so check the program and go. It will be totally worth it!

Good to know: You can also just visit the music hall itself. Self-guided and guided tours are available throughout the day and take less than an hour. Here you can get tickets for your visit .

17. Escape the Hustle of the City for a Day

Visiting a busy city like Barcelona can leave you exhausted, especially if you are not used to the crowds or if the summer heat becomes too much for you.

While most tourists head to Barceloneta beach , you’ll hardly find any locals there. The better beaches (nicer and also less crowded) can be found a bit further away. Try Playa de Bogatell if you don’t want to go too far. Or – outside of town – Platja de Castelldefels in the south or Platja de Badalona in the north of Barcelona.

The most popular day trip outside of the city is visiting Montserrat Monastery . Because it’s located in the mountains, the temperatures are usually cooler there too. We also took this day trip and here you can read all about our Montserrat tour .

These are just a few examples of places to visit outside the city. There are many more beautiful areas that you can visit on a day trip from Barcelona! Here are a few other popular options:

• Catamaran Sailing Tours (1.5-2 hrs)
• Kayaking & snorkeling (half a day)
• Hot air balloon flights (half a day)
• Vineyards near the city (half a day)
• Girona and Costa Brava (full day)
• Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum (full day)
• 3 Countries in a Day (full day)

So if you are staying in town for more than 2-3 days, I suggest you take at least one day trip to see more of the surroundings or just to escape the crowds. As a minimum, rent a bike and drive along the beach – there is a beautiful waterfront promenade with bike paths that bring you to the quieter beaches and districts of Barcelona.

18. Stay Clear of Politics and Protests

Political protests in Catalonia are not uncommon. There were huge protests and even riots in Barcelona just a few days before our trip, and there were also some violent protests in the city while we were there.

But, in general, these protests don’t really influence your travel experience much (unless they block an airport, which happened once a few years ago).

My best advice is to just stay clear of any political protests. If you see any demonstrations, just walk around or take another street. Barcelona is a big city and the chances that you’ll find yourself amidst the protesters are really not that high.

19. Don’t Forget Little Important Details

Here are some  more practical tips  to consider when traveling to Barcelona for the first time:

• You can  pay  by credit card pretty much everywhere, but it’s always useful to have some cash as well. Spain uses the EURO .
• If you don’t have a credit card with a chip and a 4-digit pin , check out this selection of  the best American credit cards for travel and get one – you’ll need a car with a pin everywhere in Europe. I recommend choosing  a card with no foreign transaction fees .
• While you can easily get around using English , it’s always useful to learn a couple of words of Spanish or Catalan. Hola (hello) and gracias (thank you) go a long way.
• Barcelona has a pretty good network of free WiFi with hundreds of access points throughout the city. Hotels and some restaurants also usually offer free wifi.
• Download an offline map of Barcelona using apps like Google Maps or Maps.me. It’s so much easier than a paper map and you can always easily find your way around.
• Make sure to pack a travel adapter . Spain uses  European plugs .
• Remember that many shops and markets are closed on Sunday . However, most museums and other attractions remain open. We chose to do a Gaudi tour on a Sunday and it worked out great.
• Pack comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the season. It can get really warm in Barcelona and sun protection is an absolute must in summer. Don’t forget your sun hat !
• Make a copy of your travel documents and send it to yourself by email (or save it in the cloud). As with any international trip, make sure that you have good travel insurance .

So, these are some of the most important practical tips that you should know when traveling to Barcelona for the first time.

Below, you can also find some frequently asked questions for your first visit to Barcelona. Take a look!

Barcelona Travel FAQs

The best time to visit Barcelona are the shoulder months between March and May and also from September to October. The weather is best for sightseeing and it’s not as busy as in the summer.

While you can see the main landmarks of Barcelona in one or two days, we recommend at least 3-4 days for your first trip to Barcelona. This will allow you to explore the city at a more relaxed pace, visit Gaudi buildings and a few museums, and maybe even take a tour to Montserrat.

Barcelona is a very popular destination, so it’s best to book your accommodation and the tours that you absolutely want to do in advance. Make sure to book skip-the-line tickets for the most popular landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia!

Yes, Barcelona is a safe destination. However, just like in any other big European city, you should be careful with pickpockets and common travel scams. If you are not sure about visiting certain areas at night, ask your hotel for advice.

We recommend staying in the area close to Plaça de Catalunya . The location is perfect for sightseeing and you can easily walk to the most popular attractions in the city center. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. Most tours also start in this area.

Do you have any questions or maybe want to share your experience when visiting Barcelona? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

More tips for your trip to Spain:

• Best Things to Do in Barcelona
• Barcelona 1 Day Itinerary
• How to See the Best of Barcelona in 2 Days
• Complete Guide to Visiting Montserrat
• Montserrat Tour Review
• Best Barcelona Gaudi Tour
• 1 Day in Seville
• 2 Days in Seville
• Flamenco in Seville
• One Day in Madrid: What to See & Itinerary
• Madrid to Toledo Day Trip

READ ALSO: Spain Bucket List: Top Places & Experiences

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Siena, Italy
• Sintra, Portugal
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• Read also our tips for traveling to Europe .

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

Hi Jurga! I love your blog and I'm planning to visit Barcelona in October. Did the Acta Splendid charge you a resort fee in addition to the price of the room & tax?.....Elaine

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi Elaine, I don't remember hotel charging us any special fees. When you book on Booking.com, it's always very clearly shown what's included. Usually, for most places, they already include the city tax in the price, or show you how much it will be. For Acta Splendid, if I try just random dates, I see that it shows me in the booking window that 10% VAT and City tax are included in the price. What sometimes happens is that you first get charged just for the room and then have to pay the taxes at the property separately. But the total price you see on Booking is usually the total of what you'll pay in the end (unless clearly stated otherwise). That's a big difference vs. booking with hotels directly. Most hotels don't show taxes in their price at first and then add it to your bill later. This way, you might think that you are paying less but, often, it's quite the opposite. Just one more reason why we always use Booking.com for all our accommodation bookings. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

• X (Twitter)

The Ultimate 4-Day Barcelona Itinerary & Guide

Last updated on April 6th, 2024 at 11:17 am

Barcelona is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe and reading this 4-day Barcelona itinerary is all you need to plan a fantastic trip to the Catalan capital.

Admiring the city’s unique architecture, learning its history and tasting exquisite local food are only a few of the countless exciting things to do in Barcelona. Yet, when in Barcelona, you may easily forget all about sightseeing goals and carefully curated lists of things to do. Because Barcelona is a city that can enthral you in a blink of an eye with its one-of-a-kind ambience and culture.

That’s why this 4-day Barcelona itinerary is here, though. To list all the amazing things to see in Barcelona but also to remind you when to take a step back and just soak up Barcelona’s atmosphere, letting the city take little pieces of your heart as you go about witnessing locals fervently chatting and couples falling in love by – or with – the sound of the crashing waves.

So, if you’re planning to spend 4 days in Barcelona, here’s how to do it.

Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. This means that if you click through them to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Also, this article contains sponsored content. For more information, visit our  Disclosure page .

Where Is Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of the autonomous region of Catalonia in Spain. It’s also the country’s second-largest city. In Barcelona, the Catalan language is widely spoken and written. That includes street names and road signs, too.

Catalan people are very proud of their culture and language and they strive to gain their independence from Spain . This is just a heads-up in case your carefree chat with the locals takes a quick turn towards politics. It often does in the south of Europe, Greece and Italy included.

How Many Days in Barcelona

Even though Barcelona is a bustling modern city, it manages to have an irresistibly relaxed vibe. For that alone, we’d wholeheartedly choose to live there at some point in our lives. Even then, we believe we’d hardly ever get bored in this city of wonders.

With that being said, we understand that your vacation time is limited. In that case, you can plan a trip to see Barcelona in 4 days but consider that the absolute minimum.

Travel Resources To Help You Plan The Best 4-Day Barcelona Itinerary

Find the best deals for your flights to Barcelona here .

• Book your airport transfer to your hotel in advance with Welcome Pickups
• Check out prices for the bus or train here .
• Find the best deals for your accommodation in Barcelona.
• Book the best tours with GetYourGuide or Viator in Barcelona.
• Venturing out of Barcelona on a dreamy Spain road trip? Rent your car here!
• Travel without worries.  Click here  to buy your travel insurance .
• Make your transactions in foreign currency  simple without visiting a bureau de change.  Order your Wise Card here!

Watch our Barcelona YouTube video

Barcelona in 4 Days: The Best Barcelona Itinerary

Day 1: barcelona old town essentials.

Start your 4-day Barcelona itinerary by exploring the better part of Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella , the Old Town. The historic centre of Barcelona is squeezed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Eixample , this iconic neighbourhood that epitomises the city’s 20th-century architecture with its grid-like layout.

Santa Maria del Mar

A fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar – Saint Mary of The Sea – is your first stop for today. Constructed between 1329 and 1383, Santa Maria del Mar is characterised by its austere exterior. The latter comes into striking contrast with the church’s bright and spacious interior.

Once inside the basilica, you can admire its pillars and stained-glass windows, visit the crypt and climb to the rooftop terrace.

Right next to the church, you can have a look at the Fossar de les Moreres , a memorial built in honour of the Catalans who died during the War of The Spanish Succession .

Museu Picasso de Barcelona

Housed in a complex of medieval palaces, this amazing museum in the heart of Barcelona Old Town explores the artistic genius of Pablo Picasso through a collection of 4251 of his early works. Open since 1963, the Picasso Museum also sheds light on the close relationship the artist had with Barcelona, a city he considered his true home.

For more information about admission fees, opening hours and guided tours, click  here . Alternatively, combine a guided tour of the Picasso Museum with a walk around the Born neighbourhood .

Mercat de Santa Caterina

Who can say no to a pit stop at a historic market that dates back to 1848? Barcelona’s first covered market, Mercat de Santa Caterina impresses with its colourful mosaic roof and the wide array of fresh produce that adorns its stalls. Apart from buying your fruit and vegetables, you can also grab a quick bite at the market before you resume your Barcelona sightseeing walk.

For more information about opening hours, click here .

Palau de La Musica Catalana

A fine example of Catalan Modernism – an architectural trend we will talk more about on the third day of this 4-day Barcelona itinerary – the Palau de La Musica Catalana is a concert hall in the heart of Barcelona, known for its impressive facade.

The interior of the building is also spectacular. This is why the Palau de La Musica Catalana is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. You can either join a guided tour of the building or watch a live performance there.

For more information about admission fees, opening hours, guided tours and the schedule of the live performances, click  here . Alternatively, you can book a guided tour of the Palau de La Musica Catalana directly through this link .

Arc de Triomf

It may not be as famous as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but Barcelona has its very own super photogenic Arc de Triomf. Built in 1888 as the main gate for the Barcelona World Fair, the Arc de Triomf stands on the point where the Old Town and the Eixample neighbourhood meet.

Unlike other famous arches, Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf doesn’t represent the celebration of a military victory but the city’s warm welcome to people from all over the world. The imposing arch dominates the beautiful Passeig de Lluís Companys , a pedestrianised boulevard that leads to Barcelona’s most popular park.

Parc de La Ciutadella

Created in the 19th century on the site of the former citadel, Parc de La Ciutadella is abundant in romantic pathways, sculptures and beautiful buildings. Home to a lake with rowing boats and featuring century-old trees, some of which add an exotic touch to the city, Parc de La Ciutadella is the perfect place to take a break from your sightseeing in Barcelona or even have a picnic.

The ultimate highlight of Parc de La Ciutadella is the Cascada – Spanish for waterfall. This is an impressive fountain adorned with sculptures. A young and then unknown Antoni Gaudi, the great master of Catalan Modernism, is said to have helped design the park’s Cascada.

La Barceloneta

As hopeless beach lovers, we could write an entire article dedicated to La Barceloneta, this enchantress that is easily one of the main reasons to visit Barcelona in its own right. Apart from the beach itself, the name Barceloneta also refers to the neighbourhood that is adjacent to it, constructed in the 18th century on the site of a former fishing village.

La Barceloneta may be an artificial beach but this doesn’t take away any of its charm. With its endless stretches of golden sand, spectacular views of skyscrapers in the distance – such as the boat sail-shaped W Barcelona Hotel that ended up being one of the city’s most iconic buildings – and several tapas bars lining its promenade, La Barceloneta Beach is the ideal place to enjoy a stroll any time of the day.

In the morning and at noon, you’ll see many people working out or dancing on the beach. At sunset, it’s the perfect place to watch the sky take on the golden hour’s hues. When it gets dark, there’s no better place to relax and unwind by the sound of the waves, as the city starts lighting up to welcome another night.

Near the beach, BarCeloneta Sangria Bar serves the most mouthwatering vegan paella. Yes, it’s both vegan and delicious.

Can Paixano

At the end of your first day, it’s time to become acquainted with Spain’s sparkling wine which is no other than cava. The best place to enjoy inexpensive cava is one of the oldest bars in Barceloneta, Can Paixano . Order a bottle of cava rather than a glass and accompany it with a few tapas for the perfect day closure.

DAY 2: The Gothic Quarter, El Raval & Tastes of Barcelona

For your second day in Barcelona, we’ve handpicked some of the best things to see and do in the heart of the city.

The World Begins With Every Kiss

Start your day with a short stop at the World Begins With Every Kiss mural . This mosaic mural depicts a kiss between two people. It’s made up of thousands of tiny pictures of everyday people enjoying moments of freedom. The photos were taken by locals who voluntarily sent them to El Periodico Newspaper.

Catedral de Barcelona

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, commonly known as Barcelona Cathedral , counterweights the architectural pluralism of Gaudi’s Catalan Modernism. Although its construction started in the 13th century, the Cathedral’s richly decorated facade was finished way later in the 19th century.

Besides admiring the prominent gothic elements of the Cathedral, it’s worth visiting the crypt where Saint Eulalia is buried. Saint Eulalia is the co-patron saint of Barcelona and, according to tradition, she died a horrible death in Roman times. After being exposed naked in the public square, the Romans put her in a barrel with knives and rolled it.

You can book your ticket to Barcelona’s Cathedral here .

MUHBA Temple d’ August

Dating back to the 1st century BC, when Barcelona was a Roman colony, the Temple d’ August is nothing like the typical Roman Temple you may have seen elsewhere. What makes it unique is that its ruins are somewhat incorporated into the surrounding medieval buildings. Three of the temple’s four columns were restored in the early 20th century, whereas the fourth column was added to the temple later.

Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

Named after the Church of Sant Felip Neri, this square is worth a visit primarily for the story that lies behind it. In 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, Franco’s bombs killed 30 people in the Church of Sant Felip Neri. Most of them were refugee children from Madrid . On the same day, a second bomb killed 12 more people, marking this event as the second-worst bombing in Barcelona during the war.

You can still see the marks from the bombs on the church’s walls. Back in the day, trying to cover up the deadly bombings, the Francoists alleged that those marks were from bullets used for the execution of priests by anarchists.

Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi

Opened in the 15th century, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi was built in the Catalan Gothic style. The latter is more simplistic than other Gothic styles in different parts of Europe. The large rose window over the church’s entrance renders the main facade impressive. Inside you can see the single nave and the ornamented chapels that come in contrast with the plainly decorated sanctuary.

La Rambla del Mar

Essentially, La Rambla del Mar is the extension of the famous La Rambla. It’s a wooden footbridge in a curved shape that connects the city to Port Vell , the Old Port. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll catch the moment when the walkway is raised for the boats to come into the harbour.

Next to La Rambla del Mar stands the Columbus Monument . It was erected in 1888 for the Barcelona Universal Exposition as a tribute to Columbus for his first voyage to America.

Walking along the tree-lined pedestrianised street known as Las Ramblas or La Rambla is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. La Rambla starts at Plaza Catalunya and ends at the Columbus Monument. It’s the boundary between the Gothic Quarter and the El Raval districts. As La Rambla is one of the most popular streets in the world, watch out for pickpockets among the crowds.

While walking from the Columbus Monument along Las Ramblas and around, don’t miss the following:

Palau Güell

Located in the El Raval district, Palau Guell is one of Antoni Gaudi’s early works. Constructed in 1888, the building was commissioned by the industrialist Eusebi Guell, Gaudi’s main sponsor. Gaudi designed a multifunctional palace with magnificent iron details and the typical Gaudi-style chimneys on the roof.

The Guell family and their guests could get into the palace on a horse carriage, as there were ramps that led the animals to the stables in the basement. Undoubtedly gloomier than his later works, the Gothic Palau Guell is worth a visit for a glimpse into Gaudi’s genius.

Plaça Reial

A few steps from Palau Guell, Placa Reial is one of the most beautiful squares in Barcelona. It’s the perfect place for a quick pit stop as there are many cafés and restaurants there. Before you leave the square, have a look at the quirky lamposts . They were designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Miró Mosaic

As you continue your walk along La Rambla and before arriving at Mercat de La Boqueria, right at the Liceu Metro station, look down on the pavement. A huge colourful mosaic designed by the emblematic Catalan artist Juan Miro awaits. The mosaic is located where a city gate once stood but was demolished in 1760 alongside the city walls.

Mercat de La Boqueria

A stone’s throw from Miro’s Mosaic is the central public market of Barcelona, La Boqueria . The market’s main entrance – with the modernist metal roof constructed in 1914 – will welcome you to this lively gastronomical hub. In La Boqueria, you can find anything from fresh fruit and vegetable stalls to tapas bars where you can grab a quick yet delicious lunch.

Rambla del Raval

From La Boqueria, wander around the streets of El Raval, a multicultural and diverse area of Barcelona. The district has its own Rambla, the Rambla del Raval . It was constructed in 1995 when the area was remodelled. Rambla del Raval is the newest Rambla in the city.

El Gat de Bodero

As you walk along the palm-tree-lined Rambla del Raval, it’s impossible to miss a huge smiling cat, known as El Gat de Bodero . This is the perfect spot to take a selfie with this cutie.

Bar Marsella

Finish your second of 4 days in Barcelona at one of the oldest bars in Barcelona. Opened in 1820, Bar Marsella hasn’t changed much since then. Its original interior can attest to that.

The wooden panels on the walls and the peeling ceiling create a shabby ambience that makes you feel as though you travelled back in time when the bar was frequented by the likes of Picasso and Hemingway, who never missed a chance to sip on a glass of absinth or two within those century-old walls. Bar Marsella is still the ideal place to try absinth, but please don’t overdo it. Absinth is no joke.

An alternative way to explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is through its tastes. This Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour run by Devour combines a history-focused guided walking tour of the city with a visit to – and a taste of – some of Barcelona’s best traditional tapas bars. The tour is adaptable for vegetarians and people with other dietary restrictions and needs.

DAY 3: Catalan Modernism, The World of Gaudi & a Unique Viewpoint

As promised above, now’s the time to share a bit more about Catalan Modernism or Modernisme, an art and literature movement that’s intertwined with Catalan culture and the city of Barcelona. In terms of architecture, Modernisme is Catalonia’s take on Art Nouveau. It dominated Barcelona’s urban development between 1888 and 1911.

Over 100 architects adorned Barcelona with Catalan Modernism buildings during that period. However, there are three architects who are considered the masters of this architectural trend: Antoni Gaudi , Lluis Domenech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch . Among them, Gaudi stands out for creating his very own style within the framework of Catalan Modernism.

Antoni Gaudi is one of the most famous architects in the world and the most important representative of Catalan Modernism. Seven of Gaudi’s works – Parque Guell, Palacio Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, the Nativity Façade and Crypt of La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and the Crypt in Colonia Guell – are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective name Works of Antoni Gaudi.

Gaudi is the main focus of your third day in Barcelona, which is dedicated to the city’s architectural masterpieces from that period.

If visiting the works of Gaudi on your own sounds overwhelming, we recommend opting for a guided tour that will show you around some of them in the most hassle-free way. One of our favourite Gaudi tours in Barcelona is this Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Guell & Extended Sagrada Família run by Walks . During our recent trip to Barcelona, we joined this tour, making the most of skip-the-line tickets and guided tours of Casa Batllo, Parc Guell and La Sagrada Familia in the company of an expert local guide. We also saw Casa Vicens and Casa Mila (La Pedrera) from the outside while our guide narrated several stories related to those buildings. This Gaudi tour combines short walks with minibus transfers from one site to the other. As this is a top-rated Gaudi tour in Barcelona, there’s usually limited availability. Therefore, make sure you book your spots in advance here .

Hospital de Sant Pau

The bulk of your third day in Barcelona is dedicated to the works of the city’s most brilliant architect, Antoni Gaudi. However, your first stop is Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau , one of the finest works of another major Catalan Modernist Architect, Lluis Domenech i Montaner .

Its construction started in 1901 and the hospital opened in 1930. It was fully functional until 2009. The hospital was then restored and transformed into a museum and cultural centre in 2014.

The hospital consists of 16 separate pavilions which are connected by underground tunnels. Hospital de Sant Pau is the largest Art Nouveau complex in the world with unique historic and architectural value.

For more information about admission fees, opening hours and guided tours, click  here .

La Sagrada Familia

Probably the most emblematic Catholic Church in the world, La Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly the symbol of Barcelona. Its construction started in 1883. Gaudi worked on this project until 1926 when he died in a tram accident. Works are still in progress and the church is expected to be finished in 2026.

Two out of the three facades of La Sagrada Familia are completed. The eastern facade, which is more elaborate and impressive, is the Nativity Facade. Symbolically, the western facade, more simplistic and austere, is the Passion Facade. Look for the Magic Square and the portrait of Gaudi on the Passion Facade.

The southern facade, which is still incomplete, is the Glory Facade. It’s expected to be the most impressive among the three.

The interior of La Sagrada Familia is unlike anything you’ve seen so far. Columns inspired by trees and curved details compose a magical religious world bathed in the colourful sunlight that passes through the stained-glass windows. Needless to say that Gaudi is buried at La Sagrada Familia’s crypt.

We strongly recommend booking a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia with skip-the-line tickets. Have a look at this Sagrada Familia tour.

Passeig de Gracia

Passeig de Gracia is one of the most luxurious avenues in Barcelona. Originally, it connected Gracia to Barcelona. When the Eixample district started being developed, filling the urban gap between Gracia and Barcelona, some of the architectural masterpieces of Barcelona were constructed along Passeig de Gracia, namely Casa Amatller , Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera) .

Casa Amatller

Originally constructed in 1875, Casa Amatller was redesigned between 1898 and 1900. When the wealthy chocolatier Antoni Amattler bought the building, he commissioned the renovation project to another famous Catalan Modernist, Josep Puig i Cadafalch . Inspired by Dutch architecture, the ornamented facade makes Casa Amatller one of the must-visit places in Barcelona.

As entrance is limited to 25 people, book a time slot in advance for your visit to Casa Amatller.

Casa Batlló

Right next to Casa Amatller, one of Antoni Gaudi’s most celebrated masterpieces awaits – Casa Batllo. The out-of-this-world facade is inspired by the Legend of Saint George. Decorated with wooden details and furniture designed by Gaudi, the interior is equally magnificent. Ventilation and heating are a few of the innovations that Gaudi installed in Casa Batllo.

As you climb the floors to reach the rooftop terrace, you will see the extraordinarily colourful chimneys, a typical element in Gaudi’s work.

Book your Casa Batllo ticket in advance here. You have the option for a fast pass as long queues are common.

Casa Milà‎ (La Pedrera)

La Pedrera was commissioned by the widow Roser Segimon who was remarried to Pere Mila. Built between 1906 and 1912, Casa Mila – or La Pedrera as locals used to call it – was the last residential building designed by Gaudi. La Pedrera translates into stone quarry in Spanish. Although locals disapproved of the unusual rocky facade at first, Casa Mila is one of Gaudi’s masterpieces.

Inspired by nature’s elements, Gaudi constructed a wavy rocky facade with wrought iron balconies, a garage in the basement, a spectacular attic with 270 parabolic arches and a magnificent rooftop terrace with chimneys disguised into medieval knights.

Book your skip-the-line tickets to La Pedrera here.

After visiting all the Catalan Modernism buildings along Passeig de Gracia, it’s time for Gaudi’s larger-scale project, the famous Parc Guell . To get there, you can either ride the metro from Passeig de Gracia and get off at Vallcarca Station or grab a taxi.

Parc Guell is named after Eusebi Guell – again. This time, Guell assigned Gaudi the urban development of a garden city. Gaudi worked on this project from 1900 to 1914. He even moved in there at some point. His house is now a museum and it’s open to the public.

Don’t expect to see a whole city as the project was never completed. That said, you will see a hypostyle hall with doric columns, designed to be a covered market. Over the hall, you can wander around the public square with its winding mosaic benches and enjoy great views of the city from the rooftop terrace.

As Parc Guell is usually packed with people, especially in the peak season, book your tickets in advance . You can check ticket availability here.

Turó de La Rovira

After a full day of sightseeing, head to a unique viewpoint for panoramic views of Barcelona. To avoid the uphill walk, take a taxi to get to the nearby Turo de La Rovira, a hill overlooking Barcelona. The remains of the anti-aircraft batteries that date back to the Spanish Civil War are among the most popular spots for locals to enjoy the sunset.

DAY 4: Gràcia, The Wonders of Montjuïc & Tapas with Locals

Although now a neighbourhood of Barcelona, Gracia used to be a separate village in the past. On the last of your 4 days in Barcelona, you’ll be spending some time in this lovely residential area before you explore the treasures of Montjuic Hill.

Casa Vicens

Built between 1883 and 1885, Casa Vicens is considered Gaudi’s first important work. This building might just be the highlight of the Gracia neighbourhood. Casa Vicens was originally built on a larger plot with a big garden featuring an artificial waterfall and a fountain. Later, parts of the plot were sold for the construction of the neighbouring buildings.

Influenced by Orientalism, Gaudi incorporated elements from the Near and Far East. The flora found on the site inspired him to implement it in the decorative details, such as the ceramic tiles covering the facade. What’s more, you will notice that on this very first of Gaudi’s major buildings, straight lines dominate the structure over curved and winding forms we can see in his subsequent works.

Needless to say, along with the smoking room, the playful chimneys on the rooftop terrace are among the highlights of Casa Vicens.

You can book your tickets to Casa Vicens online here.

Plaça del Sol

Before leaving Gracia, don’t miss the chance to wander around its beautiful streets and discover quaint squares where mostly locals hang out.

Built in 1840, when Gracia was still a small town, Placa del Sol is one of the most popular squares in the area. One of the air-raid shelters constructed during the Civil Spanish War was in Placa del Sol, but later on, it was demolished. For delicious tapas, don’t miss the legendary Sol Soler .

Plaça de La Vila de Gràcia

A few blocks from Placa del Sol, you will find the lively Placa de La Vila de Gracia. The iconic bell tower has stood in the middle of the square since 1864. The once town hall of Gracia was housed in the building with the blue facade. Placa de La Villa de Gracia is ideal for a pit stop for a coffee before you move on to Montjuic Hill.

We always love a good food tour! Book this Gracia Neighbourhood Food Tour run by the specialists of Devour Tours to taste Barcelona like a local!

Overlooking Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea, Montjuic Hill offers spectacular panoramic views and beautiful viewpoints to enjoy the sunset. From museums and gardens to sports and leisure facilities, Montjuic Hill has something to offer to everybody.

To get to Montjuic, take the metro from Placa de Catalunya and get off at Parallel Station . From Parallel Station, you can use the same ticket to ride the funicular and get to Montjuic Park. Most of the Montjuic attractions are accessible from the funicular station.

However, to get to the top of the hill where the Montjuic Castle is, you have to either climb on foot or buy a ticket for the cable car that departs from the funicular station.

Here is our list of the most amazing places you can visit in Montjuic:

Located at the foot of Montjuic, Refugi 307 is only one of more than 1000 air-raid shelters in Barcelona. Bomb shelters were constructed in Barcelona to protect the population from ruthless bombings during the Spanish Civil War. Barcelona was used as a test before air raids became established during the Second World War.

Like the 10-Z Bunker in the Czech city of Brno , Refugi 307 has tunnels that can reach 400 metres in length and facilities for civilians. You can visit Refugi 307 before taking the funicular to Montjuic. There are tours in English, but keep in mind that you need to book in advance here .

Fundació Joan Miró

The Juan Miro Foundation is a few steps from the Montjuic funicular station. It houses a large collection of paintings and sculptures by the important Catalan artist. The museum has been open since 1975 after Miro’s initiative. Since then, it’s been one of the most important cultural centres of contemporary art in Barcelona.

Top Tip: If you’re a huge fan of Joan Miro, in Palma de Mallorca , you can visit the place he called home for 30 years.

Teatre Grec

Carved into the slope like the original theatres in Ancient Greece, the Greek Theatre of Montjuic is the venue of the Grec Festival that takes place every summer. It was constructed in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition on the site of an old stone quarry.

Salts Montjuïc

If all you need is a drink or a cup of coffee and a snack with spectacular panoramic views, then Salts is what you’re looking for. Salts Montjuic is conveniently located right next to the funicular station.

Castell de Montjuïc

Sitting atop Montjuic Hill, Montjuic Castle dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It used to be a military fortress in the past as well as a prison and torture centre in recent history. The castle’s rooftop terrace is ideal for sunset as it offers jaw-dropping views of the city and the sea.

The easiest way to get to Montjuic Castle is by cable car from the Montjuic funicular station. The hard way is – yes, you guessed it right – walking.

Estadi Olímpic

With a capacity of 65,000 people, the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic was built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition. After being renovated, it was used as the main stadium for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. When music festivals and events don’t take place in the Olympic Stadium, you can visit it.

For more information about opening hours click here .

Jardí Botànic de Barcelona

Situated above the Olympic Stadium, the botanical garden of Montjuic hosts over 40,000 plants and 1500 species from regions with climates similar to the Mediterranean.

Museu Nacional d’ Art de Catalunya

Housed in the Palau Nacional, the National Art Museum of Catalonia boasts a huge art collection from Romanesque frescoes and Gothic paintings to masterpieces of El Greco and Gaudi’s furniture.

For more information about admission fees and opening hours, click here .

Font Màgica

Situated below the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Magic Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona. It was built in 1929 for the International Exposition in Barcelona and offers a spectacular light show with music. It’s also the main site where Piromusical, a firework festival, takes place every year.

You can check the show times here .

Carrer de Blai

The best place to wrap up your 4-day Barcelona itinerary is Carrer de Blai , a pedestrianised street lined with tapas and pintxos bars in the Poble Sec district.

You might be familiar with tapas, but do you know what a pintxo or pincho is? A pintxo is a small snack made up of a piece of bread with a wide variety of toppings. Carrer de Blai is the ideal place to try pintxos accompanied by beer or vermouth, just the way the locals do.

What To Do in Barcelona in Less or More Than 4 Days

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe for a reason. Spending a weekend in Barcelona isn’t enough as the city is packed with charms and wonders. Given that you need at least one whole day to dedicate to Barcelona’s architectural gems and Gaudi’s masterpieces, Barcelona in 2 days is something you should avoid. Therefore, the least you should plan is a Barcelona 3-day itinerary.

3 Days in Barcelona

If you plan to see Barcelona in 3 days, you can just skip the fourth day on this Barcelona 4-day itinerary and follow our recommendations for the first three days.

5 Days in Barcelona

If you have more than 4 days in Barcelona, that’s excellent news. Apart from checking out everything we recommend on this 4-day Barcelona itinerary, you have the opportunity to take a day trip near Barcelona, too.

Here are some ideas for day trips from Barcelona:

One of the most popular day trips from Barcelona is the Montserrat Mountain. Located approximately one hour from Barcelona, Montserrat is the ideal place to spend a day in nature, away from the buzzing city. The ultimate highlight is the Montserrat Monastery with the famous Black Madonna . Other than that, Montserrat offers several trails for hiking and it’s home to wine regions.

The best way to get to Montserrat is by train and cable car. Alternatively, you can book this Montserrat & Cava Winery Tour: Day Trip from Barcelona with Lunch tour , yet another amazing activity by Walks that offers private transport to Montserrat, a guided tour of the Monastery and a cava winery tour with lunch.

If mountains and wine are not your thing, then the next best option for a day trip from Barcelona is Girona. Located less than an hour from Barcelona by train, Girona is compact and easy to explore. The city’s Cathedral and quaint alleys became known thanks to the Game of Thrones films. The town’s iconic bridge was created by Gustav Eiffel before the construction of the renowned Eiffel Tower.

If you want to explore Girona along with the whitewashed villages of Costa Brava on a guided tour , check out this Get Your Guide activity.

A Brief Barcelona Travel Guide

Best time to visit barcelona.

Similar to most of the big European cities, Barcelona is a year-round destination. However, in the peak season, which roughly runs from June to August, Barcelona is unbearably crowded. The best time to travel to Barcelona is in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasantly warm and the city is not too busy with tourists.

How To Get To Barcelona

A mere 15-kilometre drive from the city centre, Barcelona Airport – El Prat (BCN) connects the Catalan capital to the rest of Spain , Europe and the world with frequent direct flights.

To reach Barcelona city centre from the airport you can choose among the Aerobus – a fast and efficient direct bus service – or opt for a private airport transfer , especially if you’ve booked a very early – or very late – flight and you want to get to your hotel room as soon as possible.

Book your Aerobus tickets here. Alternatively, arrange for a private airport transfer here .

Train travel is also a very popular means of transport within Spain. If Barcelona is only one stop on a longer Spain itinerary or if you’re visiting neighbouring France on the same trip, you can easily get to Barcelona by train. The train is also the best way to get from Madrid to Barcelona if you ask us.

Book your train tickets to Barcelona here.

Last but not least, although Flixbus isn’t that popular in Spain, they do operate buses between Barcelona and certain cities in France.

Browse through the available Flixbus routes to and from Barcelona here.

For road trip lovers, Barcelona can also be reached by car. Check the best deals for car rentals in Barcelona here.

How To Get Around Barcelona

Barcelona is a very walkable city. On a sunny day, there’s nothing quite like walking around this unique city, taking in its irresistible vibes at every turn. However, for longer distances or when you want to get to your destination fast, you can rely on Barcelona’s efficient public transport system.

Apart from the Montjuic Funicular & Cable Car that we’ve already mentioned, during our recent trip to Barcelona, we also took the metro or jumped on a bus a couple of times. TMB is the main public transport operator in Catalonia. For more information on the available routes and ticket prices, visit the official TMB website .

A fun way to get around Barcelona is a ride on the city’s hop-on hop-off bus. Get your 24-hour or 48-hour tickets here.

Where To Stay in Barcelona

Barcelona is a very diverse city. As such, its neighbourhoods range from super touristy/packed-with-sites districts to more laid-back residential areas where you will be mostly among locals. Barcelona is also one of the cities that suffer from the Airbnb effect . Therefore, we recommend staying at one of the city’s fantastic boutique hotels instead of booking an Airbnb.

If it’s your first time in Barcelona, we recommend staying in or near the Gothic Quarter as this is the area that concentrates the majority of Barcelona attractions.

Here are some of the best hotels in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter :

• Serras Barcelona if you want to splurge on an elegant stay in a historical building where Pablo Picasso started his career.
• Hotel Neri – Relais & Chateaux for a chance to sleep within the walls of a historic building complex, part of which dates back to the 12th century.
• Maldà Singular Hotel for a unique and value-for-money stay in a 17th-century palace in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.

No matter if it’s your first, second or zillionth time in Barcelona, the Eixample is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona. With the inescapably authentic aura of a residential district, this iconic in terms of architecture and urban planning neighbourhood is one of the top choices for your accommodation in Barcelona.

Here are some of the best hotels in L’Eixample :

• Monument Hotel for a chance to open your window to the lavish Passeig de Gracia and be pampered at a 5-star hotel with character.
• Ohla Eixample for a memorable stay that combines urban vibes, elegance and fine dining.
• Circa 1905 for anyone eager to experience the old-fashioned charm of a Catalan Modernism building.

Why We Love Barcelona

Barcelona is one of our favourite cities in Europe. Apart from its monumental architecture, which we absolutely adore, we love Barcelona for several other reasons, too.

Barcelona is an open-minded city where you can effortlessly mingle with locals over tapas and cold beer. It’s a city where you can genuinely have an amazing time and find happiness in the simplest of things, like sitting on the sand and taking in the glory of Barcelona’s skyline.

Another reason we love Barcelona is its untamed heart, beating in a city that strives to preserve its local culture and traditions without sticking to obsolete and cruel practices.

Yes, we’re referring to the fact that Barcelona and the whole of Catalonia banned bullfighting in the region back in 2010, for being an act of animal cruelty. Although this decision made by the Catalan Parliament was overturned by one of Spain’s higher courts, the Catalans, these proud and fearless people, still refuse to continue this violent tradition. And we couldn’t love them more for it.

We hope that this 4-day Barcelona itinerary inspired you to visit the Catalan capital and that you will use it as a guide during your next trip to Barcelona. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts about Barcelona in the comments!

Before you go, have a look at our other Spain articles:

The Best 3-Day Madrid Itinerary Madrid Tips & The Best Madrid Travel Guide What To Do in Palma de Mallorca Spain All Year Round + Travel Guide What To Do in Nerja, One of Spain’s Sunniest Corners What To Do in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

WORDS: Maria & Katerina IMAGES: Katerina EDITING: Maria

Disclosure:  To facilitate us in writing this 4-day Barcelona itinerary, we were offered press passes for the Joan Miro Foundation, Casa Vicens, Hospital de Sant Pau and Walks/Devour Tours. As media and marketing specialists, we often visit destinations on press tours or as part of marketing campaigns, but under no circumstances does this affect our opinions about the places we visit and the experiences we try. Rest assured that you will find nothing but honest reviews throughout our content.

Related Posts

Athens in 3 days: the perfect itinerary by two locals, porto in 3 days: the perfect itinerary & things to do, what to do in las palmas de gran canaria (spain), write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
• WRITING PORTFOLIO
• CZECH REPUBLIC
• TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
• TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY
• SAVE TIME TO TRAVEL
• SAVE MONEY TO TRAVEL
• BOOK FLIGHTS ONLINE

• irBarcelona, your Barcelona Travel Guide

Updated Apr 02 2024

IrBarcelona is a Barcelona tourist guide , in which you’ll find all sorts of useful tourist, cultural and historical information about the city, and also about the most beautiful parts of Catalunya .

From the unmissable sights that are most well known and recognised by the majority of people, to the hidden gems that you’ll find in this beautiful city and its surroundings, many of which remain undiscovered even by many of Barcelona’s locals, you will find it all at irBarcelona.

The best temporary exhibitions in Barcelona

“sorolla, a new dimension” immersive exhibition.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Fascinating exhibition to immerse yourself in the work of Sorolla, the Valencian painter considered the great dominator of light

360º projections, virtual reality and digital art

Centre d’Arts Amatller (Arts Center)

Tutankamun the Immersive Experience

Immersive exhibition on Pharaoh Tutankhamen

IDEAL Digital Arts Center

The World of Banksy

Immersive exhibition on the artist Banksy

Espai Trafalgar Barcelona

What to do these days in Barcelona?

Ou Com Balla tradition

Cloisters of the churches and other spaces of the city

From May 30th to June 2nd

Sant Jordi Festival in Barcelona

Streets and squares of Barcelona and the rest of the towns in Catalonia

April 23, 2024

Catalonia’s April Fair in Barcelona

Parc del Fòrum (Park)

April 26 – May 5, 2024

The next months events in Barcelona

Barcelona in April 2024

Barcelona in May 2024

The must to see places in barcelona: book your tickets online.

Sagrada Familia

Skip the line

Casa Batlló

Barcelona’s Picasso Museum

Avoid the long queue at the box office

Camp Nou Experience FC Barcelona

Direct access to the Camp Nou and the F.C. Barcelona

Recinte Modernista of Sant Pau

The largest modernist complex

Book your hotel or apartment in Barcelona

Barcelona public transport pass and tourist cards.

Barcelona Pass

Barcelona Card + Gaudí Bundle

Barcelona Card

Public transportation included (3, 4 and 5 days), access to various museums and discounts

-10% online

ArticketBCN Passport

6 Museums and art foundations

Hop-On Hop-Off Barcelona Bus

1 or 2 days option

Online discount

Hola Barcelona Travel Card

Public transport included (48h, 72h, 96h and 120h)

AeroBus BCN

Bus transfer to / from Barcelona Airport

Suggestions, proposals and useful information to enjoy Barcelona

My aim is simply to introduce you to the wealth of possibilities that this wonderful city has to offer in the most detailed and personal way possible, so that whatever your interests, you’ll be able to organize and plan your holidays .

We also want to make your stay in the city a memorable one, and we’ve therefore introduced various sections that we think are very useful (especially from our experiences of visiting other cities), such as those that refer to the trips and visits that we suggest according to the number of days that you’ll be in Barcelona, as well as the section that highlights the events , traditions and celebrations that take place in the city throughout each month of the year.

The best proposals by irBarcelona to enjoy the city

Making plans for your time in Barcelona

The best plans based on the number of days you will be in Barcelona

Day trips from Barcelona

Discover the best of Catalonia

What things to do in Barcelona

The most important places in the city and the best proposals

Barcelona with children

Planes y propuestas para hacer en Barcelona con niños

Our typical cuisine and much more

Conoce y disfruta de las maravillas de la gastronomía catalana

Private tours and visits in Barcelona

Tailor made tours in Barcelona with official guides

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Barcelona Trip Planner

Top attractions in barcelona.

Other notable attractions

Top searches in Barcelona

Popular road trips from barcelona, all road trips from barcelona.

• Barcelona to Paris drive
• Barcelona to London drive
• Barcelona to Madrid drive
• Barcelona to Rome drive
• Barcelona to Valencia drive
• Barcelona to Florence drive
• Barcelona to Amsterdam drive
• Barcelona to Lisbon drive
• Barcelona to Milan drive
• Barcelona to Berlin drive
• Barcelona to Prague drive
• Barcelona to Venice drive
• Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca drive
• Barcelona to Salou drive
• Barcelona to Seville drive
• Barcelona to Budapest drive
• Barcelona to Vienna drive
• Barcelona to Edinburgh drive
• Barcelona to Dublin drive
• Barcelona to Turin drive
• Barcelona to Granada drive
• Barcelona to Marseille drive
• Barcelona to Zaragoza drive
• Barcelona to Brussels drive
• Barcelona to Nice drive
• Barcelona to Munich drive
• Barcelona to Porto drive
• Barcelona to Istanbul drive
• Barcelona to Benidorm drive

Explore nearby places

• L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
• Sant Adria de Besos
• Esplugues de Llobregat
• Sant Just Desvern
• Santa Coloma de Gramenet
• Sant Joan Despi
• Cornella de Llobregat
• El Prat de Llobregat
• Sant Feliu de Llobregat
• Sant Boi de Llobregat
• Montcada i Reixac
• Sant Cugat del Valles
• Cerdanyola del Valles
• Santa Coloma de Cervello
• Molins de Rei
• Sant Vicenc dels Horts
• Badia del Valles
• La Llagosta
• Barbera del Valles
• Torrelles de Llobregat
• Sant Fost de Campsentelles

All related maps of Barcelona

• Map of Barcelona
• Map of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
• Map of Sant Adria de Besos
• Map of Esplugues de Llobregat
• Map of Sant Just Desvern
• Map of Santa Coloma de Gramenet
• Map of Sant Joan Despi
• Map of Cornella de Llobregat
• Map of El Prat de Llobregat
• Map of Badalona
• Map of Sant Feliu de Llobregat
• Map of Sant Boi de Llobregat
• Map of Montcada i Reixac
• Map of Sant Cugat del Valles
• Map of Cerdanyola del Valles
• Map of Santa Coloma de Cervello
• Map of Ripollet
• Map of Montgat
• Map of Molins de Rei
• Map of Sant Vicenc dels Horts
• Map of Tiana
• Map of Badia del Valles
• Map of El Papiol
• Map of La Llagosta
• Map of Viladecans
• Map of Palleja
• Map of Barbera del Valles
• Map of Alella
• Map of Torrelles de Llobregat
• Map of El Masnou
• Map of Sant Fost de Campsentelles

Barcelona throughout the year

• Barcelona in January
• Barcelona in February
• Barcelona in March
• Barcelona in April
• Barcelona in May
• Barcelona in June
• Barcelona in July
• Barcelona in August
• Barcelona in September
• Barcelona in October
• Barcelona in November
• Barcelona in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Barcelona?

Get inspired for your trip to Barcelona with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• 2-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• 4-Day Barcelona Itinerary
• 5-Day Barcelona Itinerary

Q&A about Barcelona

Weather in barcelona, add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

The Perfect 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary (For 2023)

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Please refer to my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Table of Contents

Ahh, Barcelona… this magical cosmopolitan city has so many amazing landmarks—if you ask a dozen people, they’ll probably each think of a different one. From gothic cathedrals to sandy beaches, the city is chock-full of stunning architecture, UNESCO World historical sites, and delightful nature. So, how can you fit it all into the perfect 2 day Barcelona itinerary?

Well, with everything Barcelona has to offer, it would take years to enjoy them all! But if you plan your trip well, you can fit a considerable amount of things into two days, so you can have a fantastic trip without running yourself ragged.

And lucky for you, I’ve already done all the planning for you! 

In this post, I will guide you through the perfect 2 day Barcelona itinerary, including transportation, costs, opening hours, and exclusive travel tips for Barcelona, so you can make the most out of your trip.

Without further ado, let’s begin: this is the perfect 2-day itinerary for Barcelona.

Summary of my 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary

First, here’s a little summary of my 2-day Barcelona itinerary:

Now, let’s get into the details. 

The Perfect 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary

La sagrada familia.

• Opening Hours : 9 am to 8 pm, Monday through Sunday.
• Cost : 26 or 27 euros for individuals (with either an app audio guide or a guided tour).
• Recommended Start Time : 9 am (avoid the crowds and get an early start!).
• Time estimate : 30-90 minutes (depending on the tour type & your pace) + optional terrace drink for 30-60 minutes.
• Website : https://sagradafamilia.org/en/

Imagine a work of architecture so grandiose, its creation started in 1882 and it still hasn’t been completed, 139 years later. Now stop imagining and get ready to be amazed, because that’s exactly where your Barcelona itinerary will start — at the Sagrada Familia. 

This architectural wonder was originally designed by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, according to the standard design for churches of his time. However, due to disagreements regarding the cost of materials, Villar was quickly replaced as head of the project by a budding young architect, Antoni Gaudí. 

Gaudí swiftly transformed the traditional church design into that of a modernist masterpiece that would soon tower majestically over the city. If you think the outside looks impressive, wait until you see the inside… check the photo below for a sneak peak.

If you’d like to avoid the crowds, purchase tickets in advance for the very first entry at 9 am.

Tip for Barcelona travel : If you want to gaze at this architectural gem throughout your entire Barcelona stay, consider booking a room at the Hotel Ayre Rosellón , where you’ll have a stunning view of the temple just 200 meters away; it’s definitely one of the most romantic places in Barcelona!

Alternatively, you can also just make a reservation on the rooftop terrace. Access is free, but you must buy a minimum of one drink, which you can enjoy on the terrace lounge chairs for up to 1.5 hours. Rest up, because you have lots more things to see in Barcelona!

Planning a trip to Portugal and wondering where to go? If so, read my article on the best beaches of Lagos !

Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

• Opening Hours : 9 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Sunday, with night tours from 8:40 pm to 10 pm.
• Cost : 24 to 31 euros, depending on the ticket type.
• Time Estimate : Approximately 90 minutes.
• Website : https://www.lapedrera.com/en

A 20-minute stroll down Carrer de Provença will take you from the Sagrada Familia to Casa Milà, another masterpiece by Gaudì. Unsurprisingly, most Barcelona walking tours include these top two destinations !

To avoid long queues and to save a little money, I recommend buying tickets online in advance. Fortunately, the premium tickets aren’t tied to a specific time, so you don’t have to rush your sightseeing!

You can choose from a selection of different self-guided or guided tours, which will teach you everything there is to know about the rooms and their design. But, if you want to make the most out of your trip, I recommend reading up on the history in advance.

Between the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà, there will be a lot of new information to absorb — and your tour has barely even started!

One of my best tips for traveling in Barcelona is to therefore familiarize yourself with the history of the places you’re visiting, to avoid fatigue from information overwhelm. That way, you can just let yourself relax and take in the incredible sights as you step foot inside them. 

This page is a great place to start, with a surprisingly funny backstory to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Casa Batlló

• Opening Hours : 9 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Sunday.
• Cost : 35 to 45 euros, depending on how flexible you want to be.
• Time Estimate : 75 minutes
• Website : https://www.casabatllo.es/en/visit/

As you can see, Day 1 is all about Gaudì, Gaudì, and nothing but Gaudì; it’s almost like we’re on a Barcelona Gaudi walking tour ! Needless to say, a Barcelona itinerary would be incomplete without admiring Gaudì’s best works .

But before you move onto his third masterpiece, let your eyes and mind rest from the explosion of colors and creativity you’ve already witnessed, and have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. I recommend the Eixample area (you certainly won’t lack for options!).

Next, you’ll turn onto Passeig de Gràcia and walk for about six minutes until you reach the stunning Casa Battló. 

This building was originally built in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortés, one of Gaudí’s architecture professors. Then it was purchased by a prominent businessman named Josep Batlló y Casanovas in 1903. Soon, the project was in the hands of Cortés’ most accomplished student. 

Gaudí was originally supposed to demolish and rebuild the house, but decided to reform it instead. The result is a mind-boggling array of curves and colors that manages to scream for your attention, even amidst dozens of other buildings that all vie to be the baddest and boldest on the block.

Your Barcelona itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this sumptuous home, which brings to mind theater masks and the inside of a seashell all at once. 

Tips for Barcelona travel : Tickets to Casa Batlló must be purchased for a specific time slot, so it’s best to book them in advance to ensure they’re not sold out. Give yourself enough time to eat lunch and travel between stops when booking — this itinerary is for a vacation, not a race, after all!

Montjuïc Hill

• Opening hours : Varies, based on what you’d like to see.
• Cost : Varies, based on what you’d like to see.
• Time estimate : 2-3 hours, based on what you’d like to see.

Your last stop of day 1 in Barcelona is Montjuïc — essentially, an enormous park sprawled over a hill. Your feet might be crying at the thought of schlepping up a hill after a busy day exploring the city, but remember, there are lots of options for getting around Barcelona comfortably. 

To get to Montjuïc, take the green L3 metro line to Parallel station, then switch to the FM metro line, operating between Parallel and Montjuic Park halfway up the hill. From here, you’ll be able to take the “teleferic” cable car.

It’s more expensive than a bus at 13.50 euros, but you’ll be able to admire a breathtaking view of Barcelona from the sky and get off at any of the three cable car stops, depending on what you’d like to visit.

Cable car tickets can be purchased here , and can be used anytime within 90 days of purchase. Just keep in mind that, depending on the season, this service can stop running as early as 6 pm, so be sure to arrive well in time to use your tickets!

Once at the hill, there are endless possibilities for things to do. You surely won’t be able to visit everything, so pick one or two things to focus on, to maximize your enjoyment!

One option is to get off at Castell Stop and do a one-hour guided tour of Montjuïc Castle for 9 euros. This will have to be booked for a specific time slot, so you’ll have to plan your evening well. 

From the same stop, you can take a stroll around the botanical gardens for 5 euros. They boast over 1000 species of flora, offering an oasis of calm to recharge your energy after a day packed with activities. But be aware that they may close quite early, depending on the season. 

Back down at the teleferic base station, the MNAC Museum has a marvelous modern art collection, which is yours to browse to your heart’s desire for an entry fee of 12 euros.

And even if you’re not an art buff or don’t make it in time before closing (which is 8 pm most days in the summer), the expansive gardens of Palau Nacional are still worth-visiting, with wonderful views of the city from above. 

Tapas and Flamenco/Cultural Shows

• Opening Hours : 12 pm-8 pm on Monday, 10 am-12 am Tuesday through Sunday.
• Cost : 14 euros entrance fee (but 11.20 euros if you purchase your reservation online in advance) + the additional costs of dinner.
• Time Estimate : However long you like, or until closing.

From the base of Montjuïc hill, you’re just a stone’s throw away from Poble Espanyol, the perfect place to unwind, grab some of the best tapas in Spain for dinner, and enjoy the rest of your evening. It’s only open until 8 pm on Mondays, but until midnight Tuesday to Thursday and 4 am Friday to Sunday, offering an endless supply of things to do in Barcelona at night .

No matter what time of year you’re visiting, there is always a concert, workshop, or exhibition going on here — you can search for activities on the dates you’re visiting on their official website . Poble Espanyol is also a great place to find things to do in Barcelona with kids, if you’re traveling with family. 

Wondering where else to go in Spain ? If so, I recommend exploring Seville! To learn more, click here to read my self-guided walking tour of Seville .

Tips for traveling to Barcelona : Many things on your itinerary for Barcelona require purchasing tickets, which can quickly add up. If you plan on visiting several attractions, see if there’s a discounted combined ticket available you can buy. You can save quite a bit of money this way; just plan your stops and purchase your tickets in advance!

Rise and shine, and welcome to day two of your 2 day Barcelona itinerary! According to Google, it only takes 36 minutes to walk from our first stop to our second-to-last stop of the day, but don’t be fooled — plan for this part of your Barcelona itinerary to take 4 to 6 hours, depending on how long you’d like to spend at each place.

To wrap up your second day, you’ll take public transport from Ciutadella Park up to Park Güell.

Gothic Quarter

• Opening Hours : None (outdoors)
• Cost : None
• Time Estimate : 1-2 hours

While it may not look particularly special on the map, the Gothic Quarter is filled with interesting architecture, including Roman remains and medieval landmarks. This is the oldest part of the city, and it actually used to constitute the entire city back in 15 BC, with a walled circumference of roughly 1.5 kilometers. 

Barcino, as the medieval city was called, has since grown into the second largest city in Spain , and one of the best cities to visit in Spain , but you can still explore the original “Barri Gotic” to admire several culturally significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Church of Santa Maria del Pi, Plaça Sant Jaume and Plaça del Rei, City Hall, Portal de l’Àngel, Basilica of La Mercè, and many more. 

Visiting the Gothic Quarter is arguably one of the most interesting free things to do in Barcelona, so make sure to set aside an hour (at the very least) to wander around these streets! There are also many free walking tours in Barcelona offered in this area, so plan your time well. And if you’re looking for great photo spots in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter offers some of Barcelona’s best Instagram shots !

Tips for Barcelona travel : Don’t underestimate the time it’ll take for you to explore a place! There are so many possibilities for things to do in Barcelona, so it’s much easier to fill up extra time if you’re ahead of schedule than it is to break your neck trying to make your next museum entry time!

La Boqueria

• Opening Hours : 8 am to 8:30 pm, Monday to Saturday.
• Cost : Depends on whatever you purchase.
• Time Estimate : 45-60 minutes
• Website : http://www.boqueria.barcelona/home

On its website, La Boqueria makes the bold claim of being “the best market in the world” — and they may be right. From morning till evening, six days a week, La Boqueria offers visitors every type of food and drink you could imagine.

This is the perfect place to load up on energy and grab a seafood or tapas platter at Bar Ramblero, huevos rotos at El Quim de La Boqueria, or traditional Catalan dishes at Bar Pinotxo. Needless to say, it’s one of the best things to do in Barcelona when it rains!

Perhaps the best testament to the quality of the food at La Boqueria is the fact that it’s not just a tourist trap, but tons of Barcelona locals do their shopping at this market (though most of them come first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds!).

• Cost : None (outdoors)

After exiting La Boqueria, you’ll already find yourself at the next stop on your Barcelona itinerary: La Rambla.

This 1.2 kilometre-long boulevard used to line the contours of the medieval city walls, and was a popular hangout spot for members of all social classes. Today, it remains a popular place for both locals and tourists to mingle. It’s also filled with street artists and performers, giving it a lively vibe.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is one of the best places to find things to buy in Barcelona!

But there’s more to do than just shopping. You can take a 15-minute walk down to the Columbus Monument and loop back up to Plaça Catalunya, admiring some of the best Spanish landmarks such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu and the Palau de la Virreina en route. 

Passeig de Gràcia

• Cost : Free
• Time Estimate : Flexible, depending on how much time you have.

The year is 1860. The Cerdà Plan is approved by the Government of Madrid, granting Barcelona permission to expand passed its outer walls. Architects leap forward for work, and it isn’t long before the finest cafés, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, and homes line the new streets of Barcelona.

No street is better proof of Barcelona’s blossoming development than the Passeig de Gracia. It was once home to some of the wealthiest and most ambitious members of the Catalan bourgeoisie, all playing a game of “my architect is better than yours.” Today, you can admire the wacky wonders of their one-upmanship along this street. 

Passeig de Gracia is also a prime spot to go shopping, with a mile-long list of brands to choose from. You’ll already have seen some of these while moving between the stops on your first day, but now you have free reign to browse, explore, and find some of the best things to buy in Barcelona. But don’t stray too far, because your next stop is something you definitely won’t want to skip. 

Want to travel the world, but still a student? If so, read my guide on how to travel as a student !

Parc de la Ciutadella and the Arco de Triunfo

• Opening Hours : 10 am to 10:30 pm, Monday through Sunday.

Parc de la Ciutadella is not just a park — it’s also a waterfall, an outdoor art museum, and a lake. Built towards the end of the 19th century as part of Barcelona’s expansion, Parc de la Ciutadella was the first location specifically designed to be a public park.

With over 100 species of plants, a large number of 100-year-old trees, and fascinating works of art (including pieces by world-renowned artists), the Parc de la Ciutadella is absolutely delightful, and undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Barcelona for free!

For your Barcelona itinerary, you’ll enter the park at its Northern end, through the Arco de Triunfo. Now, take your time to wander around the expansive grounds! If you’re traveling Barcelona with kids, this is a great place for them to play to their hearts’ content.

• Opening Hours : 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, Monday through Sunday.
• Cost : 10 euros
• Website : https://parkguell.barcelona/en

Day 2 is coming to a close, but you still have one more stop! Although you might be feeling a little tired by now, your itinerary for Barcelona would not be complete without Park Güell. 

At the turn of the 20th century, Spanish entrepreneur Eusebi Güell bought a large property known as Muntanya Pelada (“bare mountain”), and wanted an architect to design an estate for wealthy families. And who could be better for that job than his favorite architect and friend, Antoni Gaudì? (It’s almost like he single-handedly designed half the landmarks in the city!).

The property would soon hold 60 plots connected by winding paths, viaducts, and steps, giving the residents access to their homes on the irregular landscape. Gaudì respected the plants that were already growing on the property in his design, and the city continues to care for the conservation of the park by regulating access and preventing tourist overcrowding. 

You can read all about the park and the history behind its creation on the Park Güell Official Website , but if you’ve had enough of reading, just head over on the L4 metro or bus V19, and let the sights speak for themselves. 

And That’s It for the Perfect 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary!

And there you have the entire 2 day Barcelona itinerary for a perfect weekend stay. I hope you can make good use of my Barcelona travel tips, and be sure to leave a comment to let me know how your trip went!

And of course, feel free to share any other Barcelona tips you might have picked up on your travels.  

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on a trip around Europe? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Around Europe
• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• My 5-Week Europe Itinerary
• The Minimalist Europe Fall Packing List for Women
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on Europe
• Click here for more posts on Spain
• Click here for more resources

Like this post? Share it!

Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• An A+ company rated by BBB

• Call US 7 days a week from 8AM to Midnight ET 1-800-430-0484

Destinations

• Europe, Africa & Middle East
• Asia & South Pacific
• The Americas
• Build your Vacation Itinerary
• Gift Certificate
• Subscribe to our Newsletter

All Destinations A - Z

Most Popular Packages

Manage bookings, additional information.

• Travel Insurance

Recently Viewed

• Terms & Conditions

• Destinations ❯
• Build Your Vacation Itinerary
• My Booking ❯
• About Us ❯
• All Destinations A-Z
• See all Recently Viewed
• [tmpagetype=city]
• [tmpagetypeinstance=gp3]
• [tmadstatus=]
• [tmregion=europe]
• [tmcountry=]
• [tmdestination=barcelona]

Barcelona Vacation Packages

Barcelona , the old Roman Barcino , is on the cutting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times. Its most powerful monuments: the intricately carved edifices of the medieval Gothic Quarter; the curvilinear modernism (Catalan Art Nouveau) that inspired Antoni Gaudí's Basilica de la Sagrada Familia; and the seminal surrealist works of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro. Walk its narrow streets and wonderful plazas, or along the Ramblas, stretching from Placa de Catalunya to the Harbor. Capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second city, Barcelona is utterly incomparable. It’s one of a few must-see cities with its own identity. This is partly down to a generation of early-20th-century artists and architects, whose buildings are like nothing you’ll see anywhere else.

Best Barcelona Vacation Packages:

The best of barcelona, 6 nights from $1,749 *.

The Catalan capital in Spain! . Discover exciting Barcelona (with the eccentric and bewildering architecture of Gaudi, the dramatic Gothic Quarter and cosmopolitan Rambla district) and sample the best of the city with this flexible vacation package!. Get a feel for the city's history and culture with a guided tour, see Guadi's famous Sagrada Familia cathedral and inspiring Park Guell, taste the iconic cuisine and see a captivating flamenco show ... You won't want to leave!. This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

2 Customer Reviews

Customize and Book!

Other Barcelona Vacation Packages:

The Best of Barcelona plus the Costa Brava

Barcelona for Foodies

Historic and Artistic Barcelona

Barcelona plus the Costa Brava for Outdoor Enthusiasts

• Hotel for 8 nights in Barcelona Sample of Included Tours:
• Barcelona Hop on Hop Off Tour
• Sagrada Familia and Park Guell Tour
• Food and Wine Tasting Tour
• Day Trip to the Costa Brava
• Meal and Flamenco Show
• Boat Tour Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

• Hotel for 6 nights in Barcelona Sample of Included Tours:
• Tapas Food Tour
• Spanish Cooking Class
• Cava Sparkling Wine Tasting Tour
• Barcelona Market Tour
• Meal and Flamenco Show Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• Gaudi Architecture Tour
• Gothic Quarter Tour
• Dali Musuem Tour
• Picasso Museum Tour Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• City Biking Tour
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Guided Hiking Tour
• Day Trip to The Costa Brava
• Sunset Boat Tour Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

Map of Barcelona

Hotels and activities, regions of spain.

SUGGESTED Barcelona VACATION PACKAGES:

• Flight into Madrid and out of Barcelona
• Hotel for 4 nights in Madrid
• Train from Madrid to Barcelona
• Hotel for 4 nights in Barcelona Sample of Included Tours:
• Guided City Tour in Madrid
• Flamenco Show in Madrid
• Wine Tasting and Tapas Tour around Madrid
• Visit to Prado and Reina Sofia Museums in Madrid (Closed on Mondays)
• Guided City Tour in Barcelona
• Sagrada Familia and Park Guell Tour in Barcelona
• Barcelona Market Tour Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.

• Train from Madrid to Seville
• Hotel for 3 nights in Seville
• Train from Seville to Madrid
• Hotel for 3 nights in Barcelona Sample of Included Tours:
• Dining Experience in Seville
• Major Monuments of Seville
• Flamenco Show in Seville
• Sagrada Familia and Park Guell Tour in Barcelona Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• Food Tour around Madrid
• Wine Tasting Tour from Madrid
• Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid
• Food and Wine Tasting Tour around Barcelona Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• Historic City Tour in Madrid
• Skip the Line: Royal Palace Tour in Madrid
• Day Trip to Segovia and Toledo from Madrid
• Sagrada Familia Cathedral Tour in Barcelona
• Gothic Quarter Tour in Barcelona Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• Visit to Thyssen Museum in Madrid (Closed on Mondays)
• Gaudi Architecture Tour in Barcelona
• Dali Musuem Tour from Barcelona
• Picasso Museum Tour in Barcelona Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• Private City Tour in Madrid
• Visit to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid
• Family Friendly City Tour in Barcelona
• Park Guell Tour in Barcelona
• Montjuic Mountain Tour in Barcelona Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• Day Trip to Italica from Seville
• Sagrada Familia Cathedral Tour in Barcelona Your price will only include confirmed available tours; if an included tour becomes unavailable there may be alternate options available at an additional cost.
• Dining Experience in Madrid
• Wine Tasting Tour from Seville
• Spanish Cooking Class in Seville
• Flight into and out of Barcelona
• Hotel for 6 nights in Barcelona
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Madrid
• Hotel for 3 nights in Barcelona
• Flight from Barcelona to Madrid
• Hotel for 3 nights in Madrid
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Seville
• Train from Barcelona to Madrid
• Hotel for 2 nights in Seville
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Paris
• Flight from Barcelona to Paris
• Hotel for 3 nights in Paris
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Rome
• Flight Barcelona - Rome
• Hotel for 3 nights in Rome
• Flight into Amsterdam and out of Ibiza Island
• Hotel for 3 nights in Amsterdam
• Flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona
• Flight from Barcelona to Ibiza Island
• Hotel for 3 nights in Ibiza Island
• Flight from Barcelona to Seville
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Palma de Mallorca
• Flight from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca
• Hotel for 3 nights in Palma de Mallorca
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Ibiza Island
• Hotel for 3 nights in Ibiza
• Hotel for 2 nights in Barcelona
• Flight from Barcelona - Nice
• Hotel for 2 nights in Nice
• Train from Nice to Carcassonne
• Hotel for 2 nights in Carcassonne
• Train from Carcassonne to Toulouse
• Hotel for 2 nights in Toulouse
• Train from Toulouse to Paris
• Hotel for 2 nights in Paris
• Intercity Flight from Barcelona to Paris
• Intercity Flight from Paris to Rome
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Amsterdam
• Flight from Paris to Amsterdam
• Flight from Barcelona to Granada
• Hotel for 2 nights in Granada
• Rental Car for 6 days
• Hotel for 2 nights in the Alpujarras
• Hotel for 2 nights in Mojacar
• Hotel for 1 night in Almeria

Driving Time Granada - Alpujarras: 2 hrs. 15 mins. approx. Alpujarras - Mojacar: 2 hrs. 55 mins. approx. Mojacar - Almeria: 1 hr. 5 mins. approx.

• Flight into Barcelona and out of Malaga
• Rental Car for 4 days
• Pick Up: Seville Downtown/Drop Off: Malaga Airport
• Hotel for 3 nights in Costa del Sol

Driving Time Seville - Costa del Sol Area: 2 hrs. 35 mins. approx. Costa del Sol Area - Malaga Airport: 55 mins. approx.

• Flight from Barcelona to San Sebastian
• Hotel for 3 nights in San Sebastian
• Train from San Sebastian to Madrid
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Cairo
• Flight from Barcelona to Cairo
• Hotel for 3 nights in Cairo
• Ramadan is a month of spirituality and purification during which participants abstain from eating, drinking, and smoking. Ramadan is typically celebrated in late winter or early spring. Please verify dates before booking travel because food and entertainment services in hotels and other public places may be affected.
• Flight from Barcelona to Rome
• Flight from Rome to Naples
• Hotel for 3 nights in Naples
• Flight into Barcelona and out of Lisbon
• Flight from Madrid to Marrakech
• Hotel for 3 nights in Marrakech
• Flight from Marrakech to Lisbon
• Hotel for 3 nights in Lisbon
• Flight from Barcelona to Amsterdam
• Flight from Amsterdam to London
• Hotel for 3 nights in London
• Flight from Barcelona to Nice
• Train from Nice to Paris
• Flight into London and out of Barcelona
• Flight from London to Paris
• Flight from Paris to Barcelona
• Hotel for 2 nights in Madrid
• Train from Madrid to Valencia
• Hotel for 2 nights in Valencia
• Train from Valencia to Barcelona
• Train from Seville to Granada
• Flight from Granada to Barcelona
• Hotel for 3 nights in Marid
• Flight into Madrid and out of Paris
• Flight from Madrid to Barcelona
• Flight into Madrid and out of Rome
• Intercity Flight from Madrid to Barcelona
• Intercity Flight from Barcelona to Rome
• Train from Madrid to Cordoba
• Hotel for 1 night in Cordoba
• Train from Cordoba to Seville
• Flight from Barcelona to Lisbon
• Transfer from Hotel in Lisbon to Hotel in Porto via Batalha
• Hotel for 3 nights in Porto
• Hotel for 3 nights in Dublin
• Flight from Dublin to Barcelona

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

• ----- No customer comment ---- . .. Read more - See this traveler's itinerary Traveled on:3/30/2024
• The flights connections will be ideal to much of gap between flights everything else for me and my family was excellen . .. Read more - See this traveler's itinerary Traveled on:3/30/2024
• Hotels were ideally located in the center of the areas I was going to visit. This was a big plus! ... Read more - See this traveler's itinerary Traveled on:3/28/2024
• Dear Hotel Madrid-fantastic Cetina Hotel Seville-fantastic Victoria Hotel Granada-fantastic REC Hotel Barcelona-terrible. Ants in the room, poor acco ... Read more - See this traveler's itinerary Traveled on:3/26/2024
• My experience with triipmaster was very good. Vicky Rodriguez helped me to plan my trip perfectly. She was always willing to help me with any question ... Read more - See this traveler's itinerary Traveled on:3/24/2024

Orientation

• Sample Itinerary
• Neighborhoods
• Getting Around
• Tipping in Spain
• Driving in Spain
• Best Time to Visit
• Barcelona Sants Train Station
• Estacio de Franca Train Station

What to Expect

• Train Travel
• Sightseeing Tours
• Rental Cars

Cities in Spain

• Madrid   
• close X Madrid In the last few years, <b>Madrid</b> has gained the reputation of being one of Europe's most active and attractive cities for its nightlife and cultural activities. Capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid's museums host, among others, Dalis, Miros and Picasso's Guernica. Madrid is a city of great contrasts: the Old City, the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala, the Retiro Park. At night, the city changes gears with its famous Madrid nightlife. The city's endless energy is hard to resist, and its sociable style invites you to jump right in.<br /> <br /> Visit Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Via, Madrid Cathedral, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia Museums and so much more!<br />
• Barcelona   
• close X Barcelona <b>Barcelona</b>, the old Roman Barcino, is Spain's second city, always on the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times. Walk its narrow streets and wonderful plazas, or along the Ramblas, stretching from Plaza de Cataluna to the Harbor, encompassing the magic of the city: stalls full of books, birds and flowers. The city's most powerful monuments open a window onto its history: the intricately carved edifices that comprise the medieval Gothic Quarter; the curvilinear modernism (Catalan Art Nouveau) that inspired Gaudi's Sagrada Familia; and the seminal surrealist works of Picasso and Miró, found in museums that peg Barcelona as a crucial incubator for 20th-century art. The recent restoration of the port area began with the development of a harbor for the Olympic Games of 1992. New modern squares, designed by leading artists such as Miro and Barcelo have created a new style alongside Gaudi's modernist buildings. Now the city is ready to show every visitor how it has been transformed into one of the most moderns and active cities in Europe.<br><br> Explore The Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, La Rambla, Barri Gotic, Park Guell, modernist buildings, Montjuic Hill, Barceloneta and so much more!
• Seville   
• close X Seville <p align="justify"><span class="P_Blk_Arial_11"><span class="P_Blu_Arial_12"><strong>Seville</strong></span> is the largest town in the famous Southern province of Andalusia, best known for the impressive Cathedral with its Giralda tower, as well as the Alcazar, which also serves as a visiting residence for the Spanish Royal family. Seville seems to move at half the pace of a normal major city, creating a relaxing and even small-town atmosphere that complements the sevillano way of savoring every moment of life, bite of food and sip of drink. Don't forget your dancing shoes, because from the moment the sun goes down right up until it comes up again, the bars and clubs of Seville's nightlife are brimming with festive people, great music, lively conversation and unrivaled excitement.<br /> <br /> Visit Cathedral & Giralda, Royal Alcazar, Gold Tower, Barrio Santa Cruz, Archivo de las Indias, Maria Luisa Park, Triana, Fine Arts Museum, Flamenco and so much more.<br />
• more cities ►

Combine other Countries

• Netherlands

10 Cheapest Ways to Travel in Barcelona (Save Big!)

So, you’ve caught the Barcelona bug, huh? I don’t blame you. With its rich culture, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering paellas, who wouldn’t be lured by its charms? 

But if the thought of your wallet taking a hit is making you sweat, fear not! You’re about to uncover the holy grail of budget-friendly tips with the cheapest ways to travel in Barcelona.

After all, I live in Spain and have spent a chunk of my life wandering around Barcelona. And trust me, I’ve mastered the art of pinching pennies (or, well, euros) without missing out on the fun. 

Get ready for the insider scoop on the cheapest ways to soak in the magic of Barcelona!

Table of Contents

What is the cheapest way to get around Barcelona?

The metro is a popular and cost-effective way to see Barcelona. The underground system is extensive, reaching many of the city’s top attractions, making it easily one of the best ways to get around Barcelona .

Affordable ticket options include single trips or unlimited daily, weekly, and monthly passes, so choose the one that best fits your travel plans.

When it comes to the cheapest ways to get around Barcelona, the metro here is going to be high up on your list. 

Using the metro system in Barcelona is also pretty straightforward, and the color-coded lines make navigation a breeze. Plus, with several options for public transport tickets in Barcelona , like the T-casual pass that gets you 10 rides, you’ll be able to pick the most budget-friendly choice for you based on your travel style!

PRO TIP: The Hola Barcelona Travel Card gives you free public transport in Barcelona, including to and from the airport – which in itself would normally cost just over €10 for a return trip.

It’s great for getting around the city quickly, efficiently and cheaply!

Get your own Hola Barcelona Travel Card here.

Now, if you’re not in a rush and you fancy seeing a bit of the city as you travel, give the buses a try. They’re frequent, comfortable, and offer routes that the metro might not cover. 

Barcelona’s bus network is extensive and can take you almost anywhere in the city. And the bus system is so well connected that it offers a cheap way to explore the city.

The bus stops have digital displays showing when the next one’s due, so you’re never left guessing. And those metro tickets you just bought, like the T-casual pass or Hola Barcelona Travel Card ? Yep, they work here too.

One other thing to keep in mind: The Aerobús is a great way to get to and from the airport. While the Hola Barcelona card includes free metro trips to and from the airport, it doesn’t cover the bus, so if that’s what you prefer when arriving to or leaving the city, check out the Aerobús airport bus to find out more.

3. Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

Alright, before you roll your eyes and say “that’s too touristy for me!”, hear me out. The Hop-On Hop-Off buses can be a real asset for your trip if you’re short on time or just want a quick overview of the city. 

While it’s a tad pricier than the regular bus or metro, it’s super convenient, especially if you’re trying to hit a bunch of landmarks in one day. You can jump off at a site, explore a bit, then catch the next one. 

Remember, it’s all about the experience, and sometimes it’s cool to play tourist – especially if you are one!

Check the latest price and availability of the hop-on hop-off bus here for your planned travel dates!

If you’re itching to explore some of the newer parts of Barcelona, the tram is your buddy. While it doesn’t cover the older parts of the city, it gets you smoothly to areas that buses and metros might skim over. 

It’s especially handy for reaching places along the coast. Trams are modern, clean, and yep, your trusty Hola Barcelona and T-casual pass work here too. 

There’s something soothing about tram rides, watching the city slide by while you’re cozy inside. And the fact it’s one of the cheapest ways to travel in Barcelona is definitely a good thing too!

Here’s where the real magic happens. While public transport is great for longer distances, sometimes you’ve got to pound the pavement to discover those hidden corners of the city. 

Barcelona’s neighborhoods are full of character and little surprises, so slipping on comfy shoes and wandering around is often the best way to get a feel for the city’s heartbeat. 

Plus, it’s free, easily making it the cheapest way to travel in Barcelona – and who doesn’t love a good bargain?

Biking around Barcelona? Oh, it’s a thing, and it’s gaining steam. 

The city’s made a big push for eco-friendly transport, which means more bike lanes and bike-friendly zones. Renting a bike for a day won’t burn a hole in your pocket, and it gives you the freedom to roam as you please. 

From beach promenades to the winding lanes of El Raval, two wheels can be your ticket to an offbeat Barcelona adventure. Just remember to lock it up properly when stopping for those impromptu tapas breaks, as if not, your bike might not be waiting for you when you come back…

7. Electric scooter

For a quick and easy way to get around, consider renting an electric scooter. There are multiple scooter-sharing platforms in the city that offer affordable prices and allow you to zip around Barcelona effortlessly.

Gone are the days when scooters were just for kids. Electric scooters have taken over the streets of Barcelona, and honestly, they’re kinda fun. 

They’re quick, zippy, and perfect for short distances. Plus, you’ll find several apps offering scooter rentals by the minute, so just pick, unlock, and off you go. 

(And while it’s a blast to ride one, always wear a helmet. Safety first, right? Not to mention that it’s the law here.)

Cabify is a solid alternative to the regular taxi. Think of it as Spain’s answer to ridesharing. 

It’s app-based, so you can book and track your ride from your phone. Fares are transparent (in that you agree on the price when you select a ride) and, at least in my experience, often cheaper than taxis. 

Basically, if you’re someone who likes a set price before jumping in, Cabify’s a good choice.

Taxis in Barcelona are more affordable than you’d expect. They’re everywhere, and they’re recognizable by their black and yellow design. 

If you’ve had one too many cervezas or you’re lugging around bags from a shopping spree, taxis are a convenient way to get back to your accommodation. While it’s not the cheapest option on the list, sometimes convenience wins. 

And while fares are regulated, just remember to ensure the meter’s running to avoid any unwelcome surprises…

Ah, the ever-present Uber. Yep, it’s in Barcelona too. While it had its ups and downs in Spain, it’s now operational and a popular choice for many. 

One different aspect of it here is that it’s basically the same as a taxi. While you can use the Uber app, the price and availability will be in line with taxis, so don’t necessarily feel like one offers a better deal than the other.

Despite this though, it’s certainly one way to travel in Barcelona and so is worth having on this list so you’re aware it’s out there – even if it’s not the cheapest, even amongst the rideshare apps (Cabify takes the cake for that).

Mastering Barcelona’s Transport System

Understanding barcelona public transport fares.

If you’re new to Barcelona, don’t worry, as the fare system is pretty easy to get the hang of. 

Basically, fares depend on zones. Most of the main attractions are in Zone 1, so if you’re mainly sightseeing, you won’t need to venture beyond that. 

Single tickets can be bought for €2.40 per ride from vending machines at metro stations or aboard buses – but honestly? They’re not super wallet-friendly for multiple rides. 

If you’re making more than a couple of trips, multi-ride tickets like the T-casual are where the real savings are at. 

Or, as I mentioned earlier, you can get the Hola Barcelona Travel Card for free public transport for your selected validity period. It’s great if you’ll be seeing a lot of sights – or even if you’re going to or from the airport – as it more than pays for itself.

Barcelona Travel Cards Explained

If you plan to use public transportation frequently, then travel cards are your best bet to save money. Here are the most popular options:

• Hola Barcelona Travel Card : This is like the golden ticket for those on a whirlwind visit. It offers unlimited travel for specific timeframes: 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. So if you’ve got a packed itinerary and you’re zooming around the city, this card can be a real money-saver. The clock starts ticking from the first use, so plan your adventures accordingly!
• T-Dia ticket : Meet the one-day champ of Barcelona travel cards. The T-Dia offers unlimited rides for a single day. Perfect if you’ve got one day of heavy travel or if you’re attempting a Barcelona-in-a-day kind of challenge. Just remember, there’s a midnight expiry on this one, regardless of when you start.
• T-Casual : Enter the favorite of many locals: the T-Casual. Designed with the occasional commuter in mind, the T-Casual offers ten rides. However, there’s a catch: it’s personalized for individual use. That means no sharing with your travel buddy, sorry! On the bright side, it’s per ride price is cheaper than buying a single ticket each time you travel somewhere. And if you transfer between the metro and a bus within 75 minutes, it counts as a single journey. All this means that if you’re planning to spread out your travels over several days, this one’s a pretty smart choice.

Getting around the Barcelona metro

Now, onto the backbone of Barcelona’s transport – the metro. It’s efficient, fast, and usually the quickest way to get from A to B. 

The lines are color-coded, making it easy to follow, even if you’re terrible with maps (like yours truly). Stations are well-marked, and there are digital boards showing when the next train is due. 

To start your journey, simply validate your travel card or single ticket at the station entrance. Ta-da! You’re good to go.

Remember to explore the metro map, which will help you decipher which stops you need to reach. Keep in mind that some stations may connect to multiple lines, so plan your route accordingly.

Pro tip: during peak hours, things can get packed, so keep your belongings close (pickpockets are particularly rife at these times) and be prepared for a bit of a squeeze.

Important Metro Information

A few essential tips to keep in mind when traveling on the Barcelona metro:

• Firstly, it doesn’t run 24/7 . While it’s open till midnight on weekdays, on Fridays it’s till 2am, and on Saturdays, it runs all night. Handy for those late-night fiestas! 
• Be aware of pickpockets – keep your belongings close and remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Barcelona’s a safe city, but like in any major metropolis, it’s always smart to be cautious in crowded places. 
• Accessible stations are available for persons with disabilities – look for the wheelchair symbol on the metro map for guidance.
• If you’re traveling to or from the airport, there’s a special fare . Don’t try to use a regular T-casual ride for it, as it won’t work (although the Hola Barcelona Travel Card does!)

Avoiding pickpockets when traveling in Barcelona

Barcelona, like any other busy city, can have its share of pickpockets in crowded areas – although it can be a bit worse here than in other places, I have to say, especially in touristy areas.

But don’t worry! Just follow these simple tips to keep your belongings safe while enjoying the city:

• Be Aware : Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like metro stations, markets, and tourist hotspots. Don’t ever put your bag somewhere you can’t see it (like over the back of a chair) or where it’s not somehow attached to you – even setting it down “securely” on the seat next to you could see it disappear in the crush of a crowded metro.
• Secure Your Valuables : Keep your cash, cards, and ID in a secure money belt or neck pouch hidden under your clothes (my preferred way is a cross body bag so it’s hard for someone to pull it off me). Also, avoid using back pockets or open bags for valuable items.
• Travel Light : Carry only what you need for the day, leaving your passport, extra cash, and other items locked in your accommodations safe. If you’re going into the metro and have a backpack, wear it on your front so you can see where it is at all times.

Is Uber in Barcelona expensive?

No. Good news, you won’t break the bank getting around Barcelona with Uber! In fact, Uber is the same price as taxis in the city. However, it’s generally more expensive than Cabify, which is the more popular rideshare app in Spain.

With Uber, you can explore Barcelona at an affordable price while enjoying the comforts of a private ride.

The base fare for an UberX ride in Barcelona is €0.95, and the fare per kilometer is €1.10. There’s also a charge of €0.10 per minute when the vehicle is traveling at a speed below 10 km/h, and a booking fee of €0.35 for each ride. 

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on factors like demand, time of day, and special promotions.

A few things to remember while using Uber in Barcelona:

• Although usually around the same price as taxis, peak hours might see a surge in pricing, so plan your travels accordingly.
• Uber might be a better choice if you need some extra assistance as drivers often help with luggage and provide door-to-door services.
• If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, consider using public transportation like buses, trams, or the metro. It’s efficient, reliable, and budget-friendly.

Is it better to Uber or taxi in Barcelona?

In Barcelona, Uber and taxis effectively work the same. This means that one isn’t better than the other as both are similar prices using the same app. Instead, in my opinion, Cabify is better than both of them.

During your stay, you’ll find that taxis are easily accessible whether you’re at the airport or just wandering the streets. The city has a well functioning taxi service, and you can even use taxi booking apps to make your rides more convenient. 

But with Cabify being cheaper and just as convenient, I’d say that it takes the cake over Uber and taxis in Barcelona.

Should I get a Barcelona public transport card?

Yes, getting a Barcelona public transport card can be a cost-effective and convenient way to explore the city. With a variety of travel cards available, you can go unlimited rides on buses and the metro. It’s a great option for those who want hassle-free travel while saving money!

The Hola Barcelona Travel Card offers unlimited travel on public transport for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. Here are the prices for each duration:

• 48 hours (two days): €16.40 (i.e. €8.20 per day)
• 72 hours (three days): €23.80 (i.e. €7.93 per day)
• 96 hours (four days): €31 (i.e. €7.75 per day)
• 120 hours (five days): €38.20 (i.e. €7.64 per day)

For tourists who are interested in visiting museums and attractions, the Barcelona Card can be a great choice. This card combines unlimited public transport with discounts and free entry to various attractions, depending on the version you choose.

Another popular choice is the T-casual card, which is perfect for short visits or infrequent use. This card offers 10 journeys with no expiration date, although it’s for your personal use only – that is, no sharing with others in your group. 

For some, this may be enough. On the other hand, if you expect to use public transport frequently during your stay, you might want to consider a more comprehensive option like the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.

A quick tip: When visiting Barcelona, be aware that the single ticket option is relatively expensive at €2.40 per ride , making it far from the cheapest way to travel in Barcelona. Instead, it’s best to choose a travel card based on your needs.

By opting for a Barcelona public transport card, you can save your valuable time, avoid the hassle of purchasing individual tickets, and explore the city’s attractions with ease. 

So go ahead and enjoy your Barcelona adventure with the card that suits your needs best!

Anna is the founder of Spain Inspired, where she shares insider tips and hidden gems to inspire thousands of visitors each month to take the road less traveled and explore Spain like a local. Having lived in Spain for some time now, Anna's made it her mission to help fellow travelers experience the very best of this stunning country - with some great wine and tapas along the way, ideally!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Hola Barcelona Travel Card (Hola BCN Card) – Is it worth buying 2024?

What is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card? Does it make sense to buy a HolaBCN card?

What is the Hola BCN card?

The Hola Barcelona Travel Card (English: Hello Barcelona Card) is a multi-day ticket for public transport in Barcelona . It entitles you to:

1 Any number of journeys on the metro (Metro) , the city buses (TMB) , the tram, the light rail (FGC, Zone 1), the Montjuïc funicular railway and the regional or suburban railway (Rodalies de Catalunya, Zone 1).

2 Use of the airport line of the Metro . You cannot use this route with regular single tickets or a 10-trip metro card (T-Casual). If you do not have a Hola Barcelona card, you must buy the Airport Ticket. For a return journey, the Airport Ticket currently (2024) costs €11 per person.

Hola Barcelona Card: Unlimited use of Metro (incl. airport transfer), TMB city buses, tram, FGC light rail zone 1, Montjuïc funicular and the Rodalies de Catalunya regional train (zone 1) – (Pictures: Blog Viajes, F. Lenn, R. Rodríguez, Alquiler de Coches , A. Marques – CC 2.0 licence)

One card – many names: “HolaBCN!”, “Hola Barcelona”, or “Hola Barcelona Travel Card”?

Many names for one card. Until 2019, the card was called “HolaBCN!” Card. Now it is called “Hola Barcelona” or “Hola Barcelona Travel” Card. Nothing has changed except the name. Since both names are familiar, we will use both names here.

How much does the Hola Barcelona Card cost in 2024?

In 2024, the Hola BCN! Card costs per person when purchased in Barcelona:

2 days / 48h validity: €17.50 (€8.75 per day) 3 days / 72h validity: €25.50 (€8.50 per day) 4 days / 96h validity: €33.30 (€8.33 per day) 5 days / 120h validity: €40.80 (€8.16 per day)

Is the Hola Barcelona Card useful for your Barcelona trip?

We have calculated this for a typical 3-day trip:

Barcelona is a large metropolitan region with almost 5 million inhabitants.

Barcelona is too big to cover all distances on foot

If you want to be reasonably mobile and see a few of the city’s attractions, you will use local transport. It’s nice, especially in the summer heat, to be able to take an air-conditioned bus or metro instead of walking for miles.

Free airport transfer

You arrive by plane and then have to get from El Prat Airport to your accommodation in the city centre. For transfers from the airport to the city centre , the metro or train offer a fast and inexpensive connection.

You can either buy the “Airport Ticket” for the metro or the Halo Barcelona Travel Card . Regular single tickets or the T-Casual 10-trip card are not valid here.

Our conclusion:

For a typical 3-day stay, buying a Hola Barcelona card can quickly pay for itself: Just 2-3 trips per day by metro, bus or tram will save you money.

We can’t put a monetary value on comfort or time savings:

What is it worth to you, for example, if you don’t have to buy single tickets from the ticket machine more often and may have to stand in a queue?

• The Hola Barcelona Card is very convenient . You don’t have to worry about the validity of single tickets and can also use the bus spontaneously for 1 or 2 stops. Just get on and ride…
• Moreover, you won’t notice that local transport is run by different companies. Even the metro has two operators (TMB, FGC). The HolaBCN card is valid for all of them: TMB (Transporte Metropolitans de Barcelona), FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya) and Rodalies de Catalunya.

Save yourself time and stress abroad.  The Hola BCN! Online Ticket can be purchased via this website. With an online ticket, you don’t have to deal with ticket purchase and fare systems after your flight.

When is the Hola Barcelona ticket not suitable – what are the alternatives?

There are several cases when the Hola BCN ticket is not worth it. Here are some examples and alternative suggestions:

• You are staying in Barcelona for a longer period of time. In this case, a monthly ticket could be the better choice.
• You are not travelling by plane and do not want to use public transport very often. In this case, single tickets or a 10-trip T-Casual card are the better choice.
• If you want to visit a lot of sights. In this case, the “Barcelona Card” may be cheaper for you. The Barcelona Card includes all the services of the “Hola BCN” card and offers additional free or reduced admission to many sights.

→ You can find more information about the Barcelona Card here

→ More information on tickets (10-trip card, single tickets…) for local transport in Barcelona can be found here.

Area of validity of the Hola Barcelona Travel Card (+City Map)

The Hola Barcelona Travel Card entitles you to unlimited travel on all metro (Metro), city bus (TMB), tram (Tram), light rail (FGC, Zone 1), Montjuïc Funicular and Rodalies regional trains lines (Zone 1).

Zone 1 covers most of the main attractions in the city of Barcelona and El Prat airport.

HolaBCN cards on Rodalies / FGC suburban trains

The Rodalies trains (Catalan: local transport) connect Barcelona with the surrounding area. Trains go to destinations more than 50 km from the city center.

Here, the HolaBCN card is valid in zone 1.

→ Download: Map with public transport zones in Barcelona

Not valid on buses operated by private companies

With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, you can travel on more than 100 lines of the city’s TMB bus company. In bus routes of private companies, such as the airport shuttle bus Aerobús or NitBus, the HolaBCN! Card not valid.

Barcelona El Prat Airport: The HolaBCN card is valid on the red TMB bus. However, it is not valid on the blue bus operated by the private company Aerobús. For the transfer from the airport to the city centre, you can use the metro or the train as an alternative to Aerobús. With the Hola Barcelona Card, you can take the metro or train free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ 2024

Where can you buy the Hola BCN card?

You can buy the Hola Barcelona either in Barcelona at the ticket machine, or online before your trip.

We recommend buying the Hola BCN cards online before your trip. You can do this, for example, via this website – click here. This saves time and stress in Barcelona. There are more exciting things to do in Barcelona than dealing with the local transport fare system.

Where is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card valid?

With the Hola Barcelona Travel Card you can make as many journeys as you like on all lines of the metro (Metro), the city buses (TMB), the tram (Tram), the light rail (FGC, Zone 1), the Montjuïc funicular railway and the regional or suburban railway (Rodalies de Catalunya, Zone 1). This zone includes almost all the sights of the city of Barcelona and El Prat airport.

You can find more information and a map in our travel guide .

Is there a Hola BCN card for children?

No, unfortunately not. As with most other tickets in Barcelona, the same applies here: Children under the age of four do not need a ticket. From the age of 4, children must also have a valid, correct and paid ticket.

Validity: What exactly is the period of use of the Hola Barcelona Travel Card?

The period of use is no longer measured in days, but in hours. The time starts running with the first validation. So, for example, you can use the 3-day ticket 72 hours after the first validation.

Is the HolaBCN! Card valid on the AEROBUS (shuttle bus to and from the airport)?

No. As the Aerobus is privately operated, it is not part of the Barcelona city bus system. However, you can use the metro to the airport or city centre for free with the HolaBCN card.

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Flight Deals

This British Airways Sale Has Discounted Flights to London, Barcelona, Athens, and More

The sale must be booked by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 23.

A-Tom/Getty Images

British Airways is making it easier to go abroad with a spring sale that has big discounts on international routes across the globe.

The sale, which must be booked by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 23, has big savings on flights from London to Madrid, Copenhagen, India, and more, British Airways shared with Travel + Leisure . The sale includes both economy and premium economy seats as well as business class seats .

“The British Airways Spring flight and vacation sale has something for everyone,” Colm Lacy, the airline’s chief commercial officer, said in a statement provided to T+L. “Whether you are looking for a city getaway to London, a relaxing vacation in Europe or a long-awaited trip to visit family and friends, we have offers to suit every budget, from across all our 26 US routes.”

Fly from Chicago to Barcelona starting at just $491 roundtrip, from Los Angeles to Athens starting at just $507 roundtrip, or from  Cincinnati to London starting at just $619 roundtrip. Or fly all the way to Mumbai starting at just $999 roundtrip from Chicago and starting at just $1,049 roundtrip from New York. 

Travelers wanting to fly in style can book a trip to London in business class with fares starting at just $2,599 roundtrip from either New York or Boston. Business class flights to London from Denver and Houston are also on sale, starting at just $3,599 roundtrip.

The sale also includes flights to Britain and Europe on routes from British Airways’ codeshare partners, including American Airlines .

In addition, travelers can save big on vacation packages with the airline offering up to $600 off flight and hotel bookings. New Yorkers can enjoy a round-trip flight and five night hotel stay in London, for example, starting at just $899 per person; or opt for the same setup in Paris starting at just $999 per person.

Champions League matchday highlights: PSG vs. Barcelona

Champions League soccer is back for the quarterfinals! Europe's premier club competition returns with two high-stakes, heavy-weight matches on Wednesday, providing exciting storylines, top talent and drama.

Enjoy the play-by-play from both of the games as Paris Saint-Germain host Barcelona and Atlético Madrid face Borussia Dortmund .

Advertisement

Supported by

Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

• Share full article

By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Advertisement

How Barcelona came from behind to beat PSG 3-2 thanks to Raphinha and Andreas Christensen goals in Champions League quarter-final first leg

Result: Paris Saint-Germain 2-3 Barcelona

• 37’: Raphinha fired Barcelona in front after Donnarumma error
• 48’: Dembele scored against his old club with fierce drive inside box
• 50’: Vitinha then scored from close range as PSG got in front
• 61’: But Raphinha scored again for Barcelona with fine volley
• 77’: And Christensen won the game with his first touch

So, what next in the Champions League?

Getty Images

Luckily for you, the thirst for more Champions League football will be quenched in less than a week.

Here is the schedule.

Tuesday, April 16

• Barcelona (3) vs (2) PSG – 8pm BST/3pm ET/12pm PT (Covered live here on The Athletic )
• Borussia Dortmund (1) vs (2) Atletico Madrid – 8pm BST/3pm ET/12pm PT

Wednesday, April 17

• Bayern Munich (2) vs (2) Arsenal – 8pm BST/3pm ET/12pm PT (Covered live here on The Athletic )
• Manchester City (3) vs (3) Real Madrid – 8pm BST/3pm ET/12pm PT (Covered live here on The Athletic )

Oh, and we will be back tomorrow for Liverpool's visit to Italy where they face Atalanta in the Europa League – our build up to that one will start at 12pm BST/9am ET/6am PT.

The Briefing: How did Barcelona quieten Mbappe?

Mbappe has so often been the difference-maker for PSG in the Champions League — he scored three of their four goals in the last round against Real Sociedad.

But on what could be his final European night as a PSG player at the Parc des Princes, he was not at his game-breaking best. No shots on target, the first time for Mbappe in a home Champions League game since September 2021 against Manchester City. Only one of three dribbles completed, three fouls made and three offsides. Those are not Mbappe numbers.

A big part of Mbappe’s quiet was Barcelona’s strong defensive shape, in a compact 4-4-2 mid-block that gave plenty of wide coverage. His international team-mate Jules Kounde was quick to get tight and was backed up by Ronald Araujo, who has often been used by Barcelona to defend against Vinicius Junior in Clasicos — the best practice for defending Mbappe.

Luis Enrique’s half-time switch to a split-strikers system gave him more space to run in behind, as in the first half Mbappe had been too eager to drop to the edge of the box when PSG got into crossing positions. Xavi stressed a necessity to prevent PSG counter-attacks, aware of Mbappe’s threat in big spaces, with Sergi Roberto’s tactical foul yellow card an example of their defensive approach.

Read more below

PSG 2 Barcelona 3: The tactical to-and-fro, a glimpse of Barca’s future and Mbappe quelled

The Briefing: A night to forget for Donnarumma?

Gianluigi Donnarumma has so often bailed Paris Saint-Germain out of a hole, especially this season during the teething pains of Luis Enrique’s adaptation.

Frequently, and more often than not away from home, PSG have been left wide open in matches. They have conceded plenty of shots — an average of around 15 conceded per match in the league and in Europe when playing away from home. It has been Donnarumma to the rescue.

But against Barcelona, the Italian goalkeeper turned in a particularly below-par display.

The one nagging concern, and a longstanding one, is his distribution and that was painfully evident for Barcelona’s second goal. His pass turned over possession, with Pedri and Raphinha taking full advantage.

But it was his overall performance that made an impression. He struggled to deal with aerial balls into his box; beaten by Robert Lewandowski in the air from an early corner, requiring Nuno Mendes to clear off the line, and then palmed Yamal’s cross straight to Raphinha for the first goal of the night. By the time Barca were scoring their third, from a corner that landed inside his six-yard box, his confidence seemed to be shattered.

The Briefing: Was Dembele always going to haunt Barca?

Among the multitudes of sub-plots ahead of this fixture, the reunion of Dembele and Barcelona stood out.

His departure for PSG last summer shocked Barcelona; an unexpected transfer of a key player sold for a fee, at €50million (£42.8m; $53.7m), well below his true value.

Dembele has become an integral figure at his new club this season, even if he has not had the numbers to show it. Before tonight he had only scored one goal for PSG this season — his role is far more rounded than that — but it’s the criticism that masks the rest.

For 45 minutes, this match was passing him by but then, after Luis Enrique’s half-time changes, he came alive.

Just as against Real Sociedad in the round of 16, Dembele was planted into the centre of the field. He now saw more of the ball, more of the play, and had more opportunities to run and torment with his quick feet.

Was it inevitable that he would score? No, and certainly not with his left foot– he is a two-footed player but he has said that he prefers to dribble with his left and shoot with his right. But his dummy and then finish, beating young defender Cubarsi, was a moment of excellence. It changed the game and lifted the atmosphere. It reflected the influence he now has at PSG.

The Briefing: Did we glimpse a bright future at Barca’s opener?

It is easy to forget just how young Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi actually are. At 16 and 17 years old respectively, they rarely look out of place alongside their more experienced team-mates — even on a stage as grand as this.

At 16 years and 272 days old, Yamal became the youngest player to appear in a Champions League quarter-final and he played a key role in Raphinha’s 37th-minute opener. Robert Lewandowski offloaded to the winger and he put in what is fast becoming a trademark outside-of-the-boot cross for the Polish striker.

Donnarumma could only stretch a hand to it and Raphinha, calmly and precisely, was on hand to turn home his first Champions League goal.

But it all stemmed from Cubarsi.

A line-breaking pass from the centre-back to Lewandowski kickstarted the move and showed why he has already been compared to Barca greats such as Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol. He was equally nerveless in defence, looking assured when called upon and helping Barca neutralise Kylian Mbappe in the first half.

The Briefing: How did Xavi react to Luis Enrique’s changes?

It was all going so well for Barca — they had looked on top of Kylian Mbappe and his team-mates for much of the first half and were good value for their 1-0 lead.

But then Luis Enrique made some clever tweaks at the start of the second half and Dembele and Vitinha turned the game on its head within three minutes. Xavi was forced to react against his former coach — and his changes paid off.

Pedri’s introduction just after the hour provided an instant boost.

Less than a minute after he had come on for Sergi Roberto, he had played an inch-perfect pass over the top of the PSG defence for Raphinha to score his second and drag Barca back into the game. This was the midfielder’s first appearance since an injury at the start of March, but Xavi’s side need his quality in the build-up.

Barca’s third also came from a Xavi substitute making an instant impact.

The Briefing: Did Luis Enrique get his starting lineup wrong?

Based on the opening five minutes of the second half alone, Luis Enrique’s half-time tactical tweaks had the desired effect.

Replacing false nine Marco Asensio with Bradley Barcola allowed PSG to move back to the 4-3-1-2 system that worked so well in the round of 16 second leg away at Real Sociedad — Kylian Mbappe and Bradley Barcola as split strikers with Ousmane Dembele operating as a No 10 and able to drop deep.

Just as important, though, was the shift of captain Marquinhos from right-back to centre-back, changing places with Lucas Hernandez.

This offered greater protection against Robert Lewandowski as Barcelona had played long to their No 9 in the first half with repeated success. PSG’s split-striker system worked to pin Barcelona’s full-backs wider, better isolating their centre-backs to create angles to slip central midfielders into the box — which is exactly how Vitinha put PSG ahead.

PSG 2-3 Barcelona: Your post-match thoughts

Time for some of the contributions from The Athletic subscribers in our matchday discussion page.

Adarsh S : A classic example why elite teams need goalkeeper that can play with the feet and attacking players that can defend. PSG are lacking in both.

Fernando S : Cubarsi my favorite player of the year. As a Barça fan it’s amazing to see a young Masia alum work their way into the first team. Calm and courageous on and off the ball.

Diego H : Barca playing some of the best football of all season when it matters most (doesn’t mean much high given how bad they have been playing). It’s still way off the level needed but it would be a welcome boost financially if we get to semis… anything can happen still though.

Michael S : Barca remind me of Chelsea a few years back, getting hot at the right time. They are dangerous when healthy and have a ton of ridiculously young extreme talent. If they make the semi-final they will not be a team anyone wants to play.

Pedri: I came on buzzing with hunger

Pedri came into a game being played at a ferocious pace without any football in his legs in a month.

Yet, with his first pass, he played Raphinha clean through on goal with arguably the best moment of the match in terms of quality. The instructions he received from his manager were simple.

"Xavi simply told me to come on mentally prepared and ready to contribute," he told Prime Video. "He wanted us to push PSG and to squeeze them high up the pitch.

"I came on absolutely buzzing with the hunger to help the team and that pass to Raphinha for the goal just came off nicely. Both coaches tonight love to play attacking, high-pressing football and that accounts for the match we saw here."

Raphinha: Winning is important, but the tie is not finished

It seems fair to say that was Raphinha's best performance in a Barcelona shirt.

He was excellent and his tiresome running was rewarded with two very well-taken goals and the Player of the Match award.

"These last few weeks we've been working very hard in training," he told Canal+. "To come here and to return home with a win is pretty positive I'd say. Winning is important, but this tie is nowhere near finished."

Luis Enrique: It was a pity to lose the match

"It's too soon, I haven't had time to reflect," he told TNT Sports. "But it is a pity because we started the match properly, in a good mood. But, after we conceded the goal, we were disappointing.

"We started the second half in the best way and we could've scored the third goal, but suddenly we conceded a second goal and the last goal. At 2-2, we created some chances.

"But we still have the spirit to go to Barcelona and win.

"We have (Hakimi) back, but it is not just about one player. You have to play as a team and try to overcome Barcelona. We are going to go to Barcelona with the right attitude and commitment to win the match."

Xavi: We have to be proud of the young players

"We are just halfway," Xavi continued. "The game in Barcelona will be tough because Paris Saint-Germain are one of the best teams in Europe right now.

"We have to be proud (with the young players). Cubarsi is 17, Lamine is 16, Fermin is a new player. Players from La Masia also have more commitment with the team.

"I'm very happy because it's a new Barca but we are in a good way."

Xavi: "It's a big win'

"It's a big win, of course," the Barca boss told TNT Sports. "Playing away in the Champions League, it's always a big win. We did really well, especially in defence.

"Everybody worked for the team – the wingers helped us a lot. We defended so well against Mbappe with Kounde and Ronald Araujo.

"And we created many chances. Robert (Lewandowski) made the difference, Raphinha as well. So I'm very happy and very proud of the team."

Reminder: Roberto and Christensen will miss the second leg

Seven Barcelona players arrived at today's game in the knowledge that another yellow card would see them miss the second leg.

Of those seven, two were shown bookings and will be suspended for next Tuesday's match.

Those two are captain Sergi Roberto and goalscorer Andreas Christensen.

PSG did not lose any players to suspension and they will have Achraf Hakimi back in Catalonia after he served a suspension tonight.

Unbridled quarter-final chaos

The four quarter-final first legs coughed up a whopping 18 goals over yesterday and today.

That is the most since the 2010-11 campaign when the same amount were scored.

Xavi's Midas touch

I'm not sure even Xavi thought his substitutes would pan out as well as they did.

Pedri assisted Raphinha's second goal with his first pass after replacing Sergi Roberto.

Then Andreas Christensen scored to make it 3-2 with his first touch after replacing Frenkie de Jong.

Everything the Barcelona manager touched turned to gold at Parc des Princes.

What a week in the Champions League!

The Champions League, don't you just love it?

It has been non-stop drama in the quarter-finals so far with all eight teams still well in with a chance of making the semi-final.

Barcelona are the only team that will have a lead in the second leg while Atletico Madrid are the only team who will have a lead to defend away from home.

In the other two quarter-finals, it is a straight shootout.

• Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich (Saka, Trossard; Gnabry, Kane)
• Real Madrid 3-3 Manchester City (Dias [OG], Rodrygo, Valverde; Silva, Foden, Gvardiol)
• Atletico Madrid 2-1 Borussia Dortmund (De Paul, Lino; Haller)
• PSG 2-3 Barcelona (Dembele, Vitinha; Raphinha [x2], Christensen)

The perfect night for Raphinha's first Barca brace

(Photo: Getty Images)

Raphinha was making his 80th appearance for Barcelona tonight and he marked it with his first brace for the club.

He has just been celebrating being awarded the Player of the Match award with his team-mates, and rightly so — he was excellent before being substituted.

And he is in esteemed company as the last Barca player to score a brace in a Champions League knockout match was Lionel Messi against Liverpool in the semi-final in May 2019.

PSG's 27-game unbeaten run comes to a grinding halt

From controlled to chaos.

Barcelona steadied themselves really well after Luis Enrique's half-time changes completely altered the game.

It's a big result, as they have ended PSG’s 27-match unbeaten run.

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

• Services & Software

Watch Champions League Soccer: Livestream PSG vs. Barcelona From Anywhere

The French champions take on the Catalan giants in a game with real glamour.

Paris Saint Germain boss Luis Enrique faces his old paymasters on Wednesday, as PSG host Barcelona at Parc des Princes in the first leg of this UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. 

PSG glided into the last eight with a professional 4-1 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, while Barça battled their way past Italian champions Napoli with a 4-2 aggregate win to set up this clash.

The hosts come into this game with the talismanic Kylian Mbappé and former Blaugrana forward Ousmane Dembélé in line to start alongside their fit-again skipper Marquinhos. Barcelona boss Xavi's main concern ahead of this fixture is that seven of his players are on the precipice of suspension, meaning a cautious approach may be taken by the visitors. 

Below, we'll outline the best  live TV streaming services  for watching every game wherever you are in the world.

Only Andriy Shevchenko and Thomas Müller have scored more Champions League goals against Barcelona than PSG star Kylian Mbappé.

PSG vs. Barcelona: When and where? 

PSG play Barcelona at Parc des Princes on  Wednesday, April 10 . Kickoff is set for  9 p.m. CET local time in France, which is 3 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. PT in the US and Canada, 8 p.m. BST in the UK and 5 a.m. AEST on Thursday, April 11, in Australia . 

How to watch PSG vs. Barcelona online from anywhere using a VPN

If you're unable to view Champions League matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the action; that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN can stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you want an extra layer of privacy for your devices and log-ins while traveling and using various Wi-Fi networks.

With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to access the game. If your internet provider or mobile carrier assigns an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can fix that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, non-blackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN , make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. Be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it suspects is circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the great VPN deals taking place right now.

Best VPN for streaming

ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 35% -- the equivalent of $8.32 a month -- if you get an annual subscription. 

Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Livestream PSG vs. Barcelona in the US

American soccer fans can stream this season's tournament via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for UEFA Champions League matches.

Paramount Plus

Watch the champions league in the us from $6 a month.

Paramount Plus has two main subscription plans in the US: Essential for $6 a month and Premium for $12 a month. Both offer coverage of the Champions League.

The cheaper Essential option has ads for on-demand streaming. It also lacks live CBS feeds and the ability to download shows to watch offline later. Newcomers can take advantage of a 30-day free trial, while students may qualify for a 25% discount. Black Friday savings are also still available, though we don't know how long for.

Read our Paramount Plus review .

Livestream PSG vs. Barcelona in the UK

TNT Sports has Champions League live broadcast rights in the UK. 

Watch Champions League games live in the UK with TNT Sports

Formerly BT Sport, TNT Sports is offering Champions League matches exclusively live this season to viewers in the UK. You can access TNT Sports in the same way as its predecessor, including via Sky Q as a TV package, as well as by streaming online. It costs £30 either way and comes in a package that includes Discovery Plus' library of documentary content.

Livestream PSG vs. Barcelona in Canada

If you want to stream UCL games live in Canada, subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the Champions League this season.

Watch the Champions League in Canada from CA$30 a month

A DAZN subscription costs CA$30 a month or CA$200 a year. It will also give you access to Europa League and EFL Championship soccer, Six Nations rugby and WTA tennis.

As well as dedicated apps for iOS and Android, there's a wide range of support for set-top boxes and smart TVs.

Livestream PSG vs. Barcelona in Australia

Football fans Down Under can watch UCL matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the Champions League live in Australia this season.

Watch the Champions League in Australia from AU$10 a month

Stan Sport will set you back AU$10 a month (on top of a AU$10 Stan subscription), but the streaming service is currently offering a seven-day free trial.

A subscription will also give you access to Europa League and Europa Conference League action, as well as international rugby and Formula E.

Quick tips for streaming UEFA Champions League matches using a VPN 

• With four variables at play (your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN), your experience and success when streaming Champions League games may vary.
• If you don't see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the "search for city or country" option.
• If you're having trouble getting the game after you've turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs including Roku don't have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you'll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you're using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main sites for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network's sports app, you'll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location. 
• Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you're using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We recommend  Brave .

Services and Software Guides

• Best iPhone VPN
• Best Free VPN
• Best Android VPN
• Best Mac VPN
• Best Mobile VPN
• Best VPN for Firestick
• Best VPN for Windows
• Fastest VPN
• Best Cheap VPN
• Best Password Manager
• Best Antivirus
• Best Identity Theft Protection
• Best LastPass Alternative
• Best Live TV Streaming Service
• Best Streaming Service
• Best Free TV Streaming Service
• Best Music Streaming Services
• Best Web Hosting
• Best Minecraft Server Hosting
• Best Website Builder
• Best Dating Sites
• Best Language Learning Apps
• Best Weather App
• Best Stargazing Apps
• Best Cloud Storage
• Best Resume Writing Services
• New Coverage on Operating Systems
• Hostinger Coupon Codes
• HR&R Block Coupons
• ShutterStock Coupon Codes
• FedEx Office Coupons
• Coursera Coupons
• Autodesk Coupons
• Codeacademy Coupon Codes
• iolo Techologies Coupons
• Norton Coupon Codes