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Planning a Barcelona itinerary is not an easy task. The city boasts a legendary cuisine and world-famous sights that are spread across the buzzing metropolis. Visitors limited to just 3 days in Barcelona need to go in with a good trip plan. Our guide of the best things to see in Barcelona in 3 days is designed to help you plan that perfect trip!
Planning a Perfect Barcelona Itinerary
Eclectic architecture, ancient history and a stunning shoreline are the main ingredients for a perfect Barcelona vacation. Add in the vibrant atmosphere and phenomenal gastronomy and it’s easy to see why Barcelona entices visitors from around the world.
We think 3 days in Barcelona, Spain is just enough time to get a feel for the city – and we packed our 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary with the top sights and attractions. Additionally, we share top travel tips for visiting Barcelona – like where to stay and how to get there.
Travelers visiting from abroad will also want to take a look at our Top Tips for Planning a European Vacation for more trip tips.
Staying organized is key when planning your trip! Use our Printable Travel Planner to keep track of all the details.
3 Days in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is more than a city of sights – it’s a city of culture, nature and experiences. Ideally, trips to Barcelona, Spain are approached as more than just a checklist. Visiting Barcelona in 3 days allows visitors the opportunity see the highlights, taste the cuisine and explore the neighborhoods.
Barcelona Itinerary 3 Days
This article focuses on how to best spend 3 days in Barcelona, but we also have tips for travelers attempting to see Barcelona in a day or who only have a weekend in Barcelona. At the end of the post you will find alternative Barcelona itineraries – for spending more or less time in the capital of Catalonia.
Be sure to Pin, Bookmark or Save our What To Do in Barcelona for 3 Days blog post so that you can access it during your trip to Spain!
Day 1: Experience the Best of Barcelona
On Day 1 of your three days in Barcelona, set off on foot on a free walking tour to explore the historic sights, then end your day with a classic meal.
Barcelona Walking Tour
Waste no time getting acquainted with the city during your three days in Barcelona! Explore on foot using our helpful Self-Guided Free Barcelona Walking Tour.
Walk down Las Ramblas – detouring into the iconic La Boqueria Market and into hidden squares revealing ancient history. Discover the dynamic waterfront on a stroll along La Rambla del Mar. Weave through the old fisherman’s quarter – now known as hip Barceloneta – and then visit the best green space in the city, Parc de la Ciutadella.
From the park, ease into the tangle of cobblestone streets in La Ribera, wander through the iconic Barri Gothic Quarter and end your walk at the grandiose Barcelona Cathedral.
Barcelona at Night
Stay in the historic center of Barcelona for the evening and see the sights under the glow of streetlamps. For dinner, indulge in classic Catalonian cuisine, feast on seafood paella or get an introduction to the region’s famous tapas.
Top Tip: Join the wildly popular evening Tapas Tour that includes a guided walk through La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter and the La Boqueria Food Market. Find out more!
Day 2: Barcelona History, Nature and Art
On Day 2 of your 3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary, travel to the south side of the city to the Sants-Montjuic District for a full dose of history, nature and art.
Montjuic Sights
The Sants-Monjuic District offers something for everyone – from architecture and nature to museums and malls. The following sights can be visited in the order they are listed for a full day of adventures!
Placa L’Espanya
A large and lively square, L’Espanya is a fantastic starting point to the southern sights of Barcelona. The current square was built in 1929 for the International Exhibition (but the site has a long history – and was once used for public hangings during Medieval times).
Sights on the square include the Arenas de Barcelona – an old bullfighting ring that now houses a mall (and has an outdoor rooftop terrace), the twin Venetian Towers (which stand at 154-feet), and an elaborate fountain that sits prominently in the middle of the roundabout.
Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina
Marked by the Venetian Towers, the grand Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristian leads from L’Espanya to Barcelona’s most famous art museum. The long, ornate road is part of the Fira de Barcelona fairgrounds – and the Magic Fountain sits in the center of the avenue.
On weekend nights, the fountain’s water streams are choreographed with music and lights, displaying a beautiful (and free!) show.
Top Tip: Plan on also ending your evening at the fountain…check show times in advance (which vary by season).
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
The National Art Museum of Catalonia – or MNAC, for short – features more than 5,000 paintings and Catalan art (including furniture by Antoni Gaudi).
The gallery is housed in the Palau Nacional (the National Palace), which was the featured architectural centerpiece of the 1929 International Exhibition. Buy Your Ticket to MNAC in Advance!
1992 Olympic Village
Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics – most of which took place just south of the art museum. Built for the games, the Olympic Village is now a manicured and peaceful park. Sights within the park include the Olympic Stadium and Arena (both of which now host concerts and sporting events) and the iconic communications tower. There is a small museum on site as well.
Montjuic Hill and Castle
Winding roads and hillside trails lead up to the Montjuic Castle – and old military fort. The fortress, once surrounded by a moat, dates to the 1600s. The castle played a significant role in Catalan history – and was used as a prison during the Spanish Civil War in the late 1930s. Visitors can enter the castle with a ticket (and there are guided tours as well).
Top Tip: Don’t miss the incredible viewpoints over the sea from the top of Montjuic! Follow the trails along the ridge for the best vantage points.
More Montjuic Sights
We didn’t make it to these sights – but other travelers might be able to fit them into their Day 2 of their 3 Day Barcelona Itinerary.
Cable Car
We opted to hike up the hill, but there is also a fun (and convenient) cable car that transports people from the base of Montjuic to the hill-topping castle. Find out more!
Botanic Gardens
Explore the lush nature and colorful landscapes of the Barcelona Botanic Gardens. Featuring Mediterranean plants, the park offers a moment of tranquility in the city. Entry fee required.
Joan Miro Museum
The small Joan Miro Foundation museum features the abstract art of famous Barcelona artist Joan Miro. Buy your ticket in advance!
Top Tip: On the first Sunday of the month – and every Sunday after 3pm – both the Montjuic Castle and Botanic Gardens are free.
An Evening of Barcelona Tapas
On the second evening of your Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary, enjoy the art of Spanish tapas. Follow in our footsteps to three of the best tapas bars in the city, located just a short walk from Montjuic.
Begin the evening with wine and signature tapas from famous Quimet I Quimet, a small and lively spot. Next, sample an array of Basque-style tapas from a popular restaurant on the well-known Tapas Street.
Save some room for your final stop – Abirradero – a dedicated craft beer bar with fabulously paired tapas.
Get all the tasty tapas details in our Barcelona Blog Post: The Best Tapas in Barcelona.
Day 3: Barcelona Architecture: Neighborhoods and Gaudi
Spend the last day of your 3 perfect days in Barcelona seeking out the best – and most unusual – architecture. In a looping route, stroll through picturesque neighborhoods while taking in the Catalan Modernism marvels by Gaudi. Use this link to Google Maps for walking directions.
L’Eixample Neighborhood
Considered to be Barcelona’s finest neighborhood, wandering through L’Eixample is a must on your 3 day itinerary for Barcelona! The wide-lane, grid-patterned streets are home to numerous Catalan Modernism dwellings that Antoni Gaudi is so famous for.
Casa Batlló
A Gaudi masterpiece, Casa Batllo is located on the main thoroughfare in L’Eixample, Passeig de Gracia. The house, which Gaudi renovated in the early 1900s, is often called the House of Bones.
Casa Batllo is part of the “Block of Discord” – which includes three other architecturally intriguing buildings (not of Gaudi design): Casa Lleo-Morera, Casa Mulleras and Casa Amatller. Buy your ticket in advance!
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Another landmark building designed by Gaudi, Casa Mila – or La Pedrera, which means The Stone Quarry – was built between 1906 and 1912. Visitors have access to the courtyards, the Espai Gaudi exhibition and the rooftop terrace. Buy Your Skip-the-Line Ticket in Advance!
Casa de les Punxes
Likened to a Medieval castle, Casa de les Punxes was designed by Modernist architect Cadafalch in 1905. The home was built for the wealthy Terradas family and is a recognizable city monument. Ticket required for entry.
Gracia Neighborhood
Bohemian and hip, the Gracia neighborhood offers a glimpse into local Barcelona. Gracia features pleasant squares, boutique shops and hipster vibes.
Placa de la Vila de Gracia
The beating heart of the Gracia district, Placa de la Vila de Gracia is always bustling with activity. Even when there are not events – like Castellers (human towers) or Sardana dances – the square attracts both locals and tourists, who fill in the seats at the numerous restaurants and bars.
Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens was the first house built by Antoni Gaudi; he completed the Art Nouveau dwelling in 1885 for the Vicens family. The unique architecture spurred the Modernism movement that is so prominent throughout Catalonia. Buy Your Ticket in Advance!
Parc Güell Barcelona
Taking 14 years to complete, Park Guell was designed by Gaudi as a residential subdivision…but the project failed, and the city designated it a park in the 1920s. The playful artistic park reigns as one of Barcelona’s top landmark attractions. Buy Your Skip-the-Line Ticket in advance!
Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
Somewhat of a hidden gem, the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista Art Nouveau complex functioned as a hospital until 2009. Built by architect Domenech I Montaner in the early 1900s (and opened in 1930), the Recinte Modernista Sant Pau hospital features opulent gardens and underground tunnels. Buy Your Ticket in Advance!
La Sagrada Familia
The most famous – yet unfinished – work by Antoni Gaudi is the incredible La Sagrada Familia. The iconic church is a highlight of a Barcelona 3 Days Itinerary.
Construction on the church began in 1882 – and Gaudi was named lead architect on the project in 1883. He aimed to blend both Gothic and Art Nouveau styles into the church design – which has resulted in a bewildering and enchanting art-form.
When Gaudi died in 1926, the church was not even halfway complete. Following Gaudi’s instructions and style, the building was set to finally be completed in 2026 (100 years after Gaudi’s death), but has now been further delayed. Buy Skip-the-Line Tour Tickets Now!
Combo Tickets: Entry to many of the above listed UNESCO Heritage Modernist sites can be combined into a single, cost-saving ticket. Guided Gaudi Tours are another excellent way to experience the sights. Find the best deals on tickets and read fellow traveler reviews on Viator!
Evening in L’Eixample
The L’Eixample district is home to some of the best restaurants and bars in Barcelona! End your Barcelona, Spain vacation on a high note and dine in style at the famed Michelin Star restaurant Lasarte.
Or, if you want a more casual – but still memorable – experience, go to Tandem Bar for an exceptional hand-crafted cocktail, then enjoy a local meal at low-key Colmado.
More Things To Do in Barcelona
Our 3 Days Itinerary Barcelona features our top picks for the best things to do in the city. That said, fellow travelers may want to add a few more sights to their Barcelona trip plan – and we are highlighting a few of the most popular options!
Barcelona UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Sagrada Familia is the city’s most well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site – but there are actually 9 listed UNESCO sites in Barcelona.
We have already mentioned visiting Park Guell, Casa Batllo, Hospital de Sant Pau, Casa Mila and Casa Vicens – but there are 3 more UNESCO World Heritage Sites to seek out during your Barcelona trip.
The Palau de la Musica Catalana, located in El Born, is a Catalan Art Nouveau architectural gem (and one that Gaudi did not design!).
Palau Guell, an early Antoni Gaudi design, features a modern facade and sits just steps from Las Ramblas.
The Crypt of Colonia Guell – also designed by Gaudi – is actually outside of the city in the small town of Santa Coloma de Cervello.
Barcelona Museums
We featured a few of the top museums in Barcelona in our itinerary, but the city is home to many, many museums! Interested travelers may want to add one or more of these institutions to their 3 days in Barcelona trip plan.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
A bright and airy modern museum, the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona features a collection of Catalan artworks from the 1940s to today.
Maritime Museum
The Museu Marítim de Barcelona features the history of seafarers. The family-friendly displays include model ships, replicas and maps.
Picasso Museum
Celebrating the work of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, the Museu Picasso de Barcelona features the evolution of the artist’s iconic cubism art form. Check for free days or purchase a guided tour in advance.
MOCO Museum
A modern museum with a fresh take, the MOCO Museum features the works of famous pop artists, like Banksy and Warhol. Get tickets in advance!
Pro Tip: Several museums can be visited with one pass! Get the details here!
More Top Barcelona Attractions
Whether you are planning a trip to Barcelona with kids or traveling with sports fans, there are attractions in Barcelona that aim to impress! If you can make room in your Barcelona itinerary, consider adding one of these sights.
Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum
Home to the FC Barcelona football club (soccer), Camp Nou ranks as the largest stadium in Europe – and one of the top attractions in Barcelona. Visitors can tour the stadium and learn about the history of the legendary club. Get the details!
Barcelona Zoo
The Zoo de Barcelona is a top attraction for kids (but adults can go, too!). The zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals – including gorillas, dolphins, birds and reptiles. Get tickets online!
Barcelona Aquarium
Walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, take a peek at the funny penguins and see sea creatures up close at the Aquarium. As one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions, it’s best to get skip-the-line tickets in advance!
Barcelona Day Trips
Want to get out of the city and discover more of the region? With a little rearranging of the places to see in Barcelona in 3 days, you can squeeze in a little sightseeing outside of the city. Consider adding one of these Barcelona day tours to your itinerary.
Montserrat
Leave the urban landscape behind and head for the hills! Take the cable car up the mountain and visit the Montserrat Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy a 3-course farmhouse lunch. Find out more!
Costa Brava Kayak and Snorkel Tour
Escape the mainland and spend a day at sea! Discover the coastline at Costa Brava on a kayak tour then dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea for a swim! Get the Details!
Barcelona Guided Tours and Activities
There are many Barcelona activities and Tours that don’t leave the city – but can significantly enhance a Barcelona trip!
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Set sail at sunset and enjoy a relaxing 1.5 hours at sea. Listen to live jazz music aboard the ship as a perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing! Find out more!
Flamenco Show
Watch a flamenco performance at the renowned Los Tarantos. The short – but epic – performance is a perfect pre- or post- dinner event. Reserve Your Seat!
Paella Cooking Experience
Accompany a local chef to the market to buy ingredients for tapas, sangria and paella. Watch – and help – prepare the feast and then indulge in the traditional meal. Book it now!
Barcelona Sightseeing Passes
Our itinerary features the top places to see in Barcelona – many of which require entry tickets. To help save a little money during your trip, consider purchasing one of the Barcelona sightseeing passes.
Barcelona Card
Save money and time with the Barcelona Card! The Barcelona city pass is good for 3, 4 or 5 days and includes free or discounted admission to 20 attractions. Find out more!
Hola Barcelona Travel Card
The Hola Barcelona Travel Card is an all-in-one Barcelona pass for public transport. Use the card to ride the metro, buses and trams! Get the details!
How Many Days in Barcelona?
Deciding how long to spend in Barcelona often comes down to three factors: Time, Money and Interest. Visitors short on time – or breezing through on a layover – can create an ideal Barcelona 1-Day Itinerary.
Travelers who want to get immersed in the culture or explore in detail can easily spend 1 week in Barcelona. Check out our tips below for alternative itineraries – and then decide how many days to spend in Barcelona.
Itinerary Suggestions for How Long To Stay in Barcelona
Our Barcelona Trip Planner includes our top recommendations for things to do in Barcelona in 3 days. But what if you have more or less time in the city? We offer our top tips for planning a trip to Barcelona – whether you are trying to plan a fun Barcelona weekend or a week in Barcelona, we’ve got you covered!
One Day in Barcelona
There are numerous ways to create the perfect Barcelona One-Day Itinerary.
Barcelona One-Day Tour City Highlights
Visitors with 1 day in Barcelona will really need to pick and choose which sights to see. Our plan for Barcelona in One Day would start with Old Town exploration (using our Self-Guided Barcelona Walking Tour). Then, in the late afternoon, go to La Sagrada Familia (and don’t forget to buy Skip-the-Line tickets in advance!).
Barcelona Culinary Expedition
If you are less concerned about what to see in Barcelona in one day and more interested in what to eat, then we suggest focusing your trip on the best Barcelona food! Join a chef to make paella, go to Barceloneta for seafood snacks, then create your own Spanish Tapas Tasting Tour (using our guide to the Best Tapas in Barcelona) or join a guided tapas tour through the city.
Guided One-Day Barcelona Trip
If it is too overwhelming to plan what to see in Barcelona in 1 day on your own, consider hiring a guide for an all-day tour that features the absolute best of the city. No pre-planning required! Learn more here!
2 Days in Barcelona
Visiting Barcelona in 2 days allows for a lot more sightseeing. With two days in Barcelona, we recommend using our 3-Day Itinerary for Barcelona…and making just a few adjustments.
Barcelona Itinerary 2 Days
On your first day, follow Day 1 as outlined in our 3-Day Itinerary. Then, on day two, eliminate some activities from both days 2 and 3 to create a full second day of sightseeing. We recommend spending the morning in L’Eixample, mid-morning at La Sagrada Familia, the afternoon at Montjuic and – in the evening – go tapas-hopping.
4 Days in Barcelona
Visiting Barcelona in 4 days opens up the sightseeing possibilities!
Barcelona Itinerary 4 Days
Use our tips for what to see in Barcelona for 3 days and add one of the day trips from Barcelona on your last day. Alternatively, spend the last day visiting museums in the morning and lounging at the Barceloneta beach in the afternoon while feasting on fresh seafood.
5 Days in Barcelona
There is a lot you can see in Barcelona in 5 days – plus, you can really get a good feel for the city.
Barcelona Itinerary 5 Days
Using our guide of what to do in Barcelona in three days, add one full-day trip and one day of museums then relaxation at the beach.
7 Days in Barcelona
There are endless possibilities of how to spend one week in Barcelona – and many opportunities to experience the absolute best of the city.
Barcelona Itinerary 7 Days
Use our outline for 5 days in Barcelona for the beginning of your trip. On Day 6, take a second day trip to explore more of the region. On the last day, join one (or more) of the Barcelona tours where you can experience and understand more of the culture.
Visit three of the best cities: Barcelona, Seville and Madrid – as outlined in our One Week Spain Itinerary! You could also add a visit to Basque Country to your vacation!
Barcelona Travel Tips
Get ready for your Barcelona trip with our top travel planning tools!
Pro Tip: Get (and stay) organized by planning your vacation to Barcelona with our Travel Planning Printables!
How To Get To Barcelona, Spain
Travelers can get to Barcelona by plane, train, bus, boat or car.
Barcelona Airport
Barcelona International Airport (BCN) is serviced by all major international airlines as well as numerous European low-cost carriers. US Cities with direct flights to Barcelona include Philadelphia, New York, Boston and Chicago.
Nearly every major European city is connected to Barcelona, with the most frequencies offered from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Lisbon and Frankfurt.
Search for the best deals on flight to Barcelona at Skyscanner!
Public Transportation in Barcelona
Barcelona is a big city! However, the city is well-connected by a network of public transportation. Buy an unlimited public transport pass that allows you to ride buses, the Metro, trains and trams!
Where To Stay in Barcelona, Spain
With just 3 nights in Barcelona, you will want to be centrally located. There are hundreds – thousands – of places to stay in the city – so we are highlighting just a few of our preferred neighborhoods and hotels.
L’Eixample
We have stayed in the L’Eixample District in an Airbnb Apartment (which we loved for the extra space and kitchen, where we could prepare breakfasts). The neighborhood was excellent for seeking out local cafes and bars – and extremely convenient to exploring the Modernism architecture.
El Poble-sec
Recently, we stayed in the El Poble-sec district – which lies between Montjuic and the Old Town. The location was ideal for local transportation from the airport and within reasonable walking distance to the Old Town, Montjuic and the famous tapas street.
We got a room at the Hotel Concordia Barcelona, which was perfect for our stay! The highly rated hotel features modern rooms, an outdoor pool and a casual on-site restaurant and bar.
Start your search for the perfect hotel in Barcelona on Booking.com! – but first, use our tips for Finding the Best Hotels at the Best Rates.
When To Go to Barcelona, Spain
Figuring out the best time to go to Barcelona will depend on your interests and budget.
Many travelers go to Barcelona in the summertime when the weather is warm. However, that is the busiest time of year – which means big crowds and high prices.
We recommend visiting Barcelona in the shoulder season – either autumn or spring – when there are far fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations.
Alternatively, consider visiting Barcelona during the holidays! If you have been thinking about spending the Christmas holidays in Barcelona, we highly recommend it! Get all of our top tips for enjoying Christmas in the city on our Barcelona Travel Blog: Christmas in Barcelona: Churches, Markets and Traditions.
What You Will Need For Your Trip to Barcelona
Just a few travel tips and packing hacks for things you will need for your trip to Barcelona! You can find all of our advice on our Packing Tips blog page – and grab your Free Packing Checklist here!
Barcelona Walking Shoes
Our Barcelona Itinerary covers some ground! Be sure to pack comfortable travel shoes. I pack lightweight and versatile shoes, like these Columbia shoes – which are good for the city and for trails. Kris likes wearing his Merrell shoes.
Anti-Theft Bag for Barcelona
Barcelona – like many big cities – has occurrences of petty crimes. Tourists are a pick-pocketer’s dream…so be sure to keep your valuables zipped up and out of the reach of sticky-fingered thieves in a great Day Bag.
We have never encountered any issues in Barcelona, but we keep our phones and wallets tucked into money belts and in zippered pockets of a Timbuk2 Messenger Bag. Although we don’t own one, Travelon produces quality anti-theft bags and purses.
Barcelona Travel Camera
Don’t rely on your mobile phone camera to capture the sights of the city (besides, it’s not a good idea to wave around an expensive phone that can easily be snatched from your hand!). Instead, upgrade to a real camera (with a neck or wrist strap)! We use a Canon Rebel, but we also carry a slim Canon PowerShot that takes fantastic pictures, can easily fit into a zippered pocket and a great budget camera.
Spain Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential! Insurance can protect travelers from flight delays, lost luggage, theft and unexpected illnesses or injuries abroad. Check the affordable rates and robust coverage at World Nomads!
We Want To Know: Is there anything you would add to our list of things to see in 3 days in Barcelona? What were the highlights of your Barcelona itinerary? Give us all your tips and advice in the comments below!
Start planning your trip to Barcelona! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!
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