This itinerary covers the city’s highlights while keeping a balanced pace. Travel times are estimated to help you plan efficiently.
Day 1: Iconic Gaudí & Gothic Quarter
📍 Morning (9:00 – 13:00)
- Sagrada Familia (pre-book tickets, ~1.5-2 hrs)
- Walk or take the metro (L2 or L5) to Passeig de Gràcia (~10 min)
- Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) (~1.5 hrs total)
🍽 Lunch (13:00 – 14:30)
- Grab lunch at El Nacional or a local tapas bar nearby.
📍 Afternoon (15:00 – 18:00)
- Metro or walk (~15 min) to the Gothic Quarter
- Explore Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial, and El Call (Jewish Quarter) (~2 hrs)
- Walk to El Born and visit Santa Maria del Mar (~30 min)
🌅 Evening (18:30 – 22:00)
- Sunset at Bunkers del Carmel (bus V19 or taxi, ~30 min)
- Dinner in Gràcia (options: La Pubilla, Bodega Joan)
Day 2: Montjuïc & The Beach
📍 Morning (9:00 – 12:00)
- Start at Plaça Espanya, take the Montjuïc Cable Car (~20 min)
- Visit Montjuïc Castle (~45 min)
- Explore MNAC (Catalan Art Museum) or the Olympic Stadium (~1.5 hrs total)
🍽 Lunch (12:30 – 14:00)
- Eat in Poble-sec (recommendation: Carrer de Blai for pintxos Blai 9 is my go-to)
📍 Afternoon (14:30 – 17:30)
- Head to Barceloneta Beach (~20 min by metro or bus)
- Walk along the Port Vell and stop at La Boqueria Market (~1 hr)
🌅 Evening (18:30 – 22:00)
- Drinks at a rooftop bar (Hotel Colón or El Corte Inglés, ~1 hr)
- Dinner in El Born (options: Cal Pep, Tapeo)
Day 3: Park Güell & Local Vibes
📍 Morning (8:30 – 12:00)
- Park Güell (book tickets in advance, ~1.5 hrs)
- Walk (~15 min) to Casa Vicens (~1 hr visit)
🍽 Lunch (12:30 – 14:00)
- Eat in Gràcia (recommendation: L’Arrosseria Xàtiva for paella)
📍 Afternoon (14:30 – 17:30)
- Metro (~15 min) to Hospital de Sant Pau (~1 hr visit)
- Free time for shopping in Passeig de Gràcia or La Rambla
🌅 Evening (18:30 – 22:00)
- Final dinner at a traditional Catalan restaurant (recommendation: Can Culleretes)