3 DAY BARCELONA ITINERARY
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This post is about how to spend 3 days in Barcelona and provides the ultimate 3 day Barcelona itinerary
Barcelona is a city that has it all! From sunny city beaches, incredible Gothic architecture, delicious food and so much more.
You could spend weeks in Barcelona and barely scratch the surface of what this amazing Spanish city has to offer but I recommend at least 3 days which is why I’ve created with 3 day Barcelona itinerary as the ultimate guide to Barcelona if you’re short on time.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to rediscover the city’s magic, these three days will take you through iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and mouthwatering culinary adventures.
Are you ready to explore Gaudí’s masterpieces, stroll La Rambla, and soak in Mediterranean vibes? Let’s get started with this 3 day Barcelona itinerary.
I hope you discover you love Spain as much as I do.
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
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This post is about how to spend 3 days in Barcelona and provides the ultimate 3 day Barcelona itinerary
Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary – Quick Tips
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Best Hotels in Barcelona
Generator Barcelona (€)
Hotel Praktik Garden (€€)
Hostal Grau (€€€)
Best Experiences in Barcelona
If you’re planning to visit more attractions, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a Go City Barcelona. You can choose from over 45 attractions.
PLANNING YOUR BARCELONA ITINERARY
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Barcelona is one of those cities that truly has something for everyone - stunning architecture, sandy beaches, world-class cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene.
There’s honestly so much to do in Barcelona, you’re spoilt for choice as to how to fill 3 days. It is going to be jam packed if you do all the things I feature on this itinerary so your Barcelona trip will not be filled with siestas and getting up late, although it can be if you want to take it easier.
I’ve visited Barcelona so many times over the years as a good friend of mine used to live there and I always find new and interesting things to do. In this Barcelona itinerary I’ve including the main attractions and the things I feel everyone should do at least once when visiting Barcelona.
How many days to spend in Barcelona?
You can find 7 day Barcelona itineraries out there and honestly 7 days is easily do-able although most people spend around 3-4 days in Barcelona which is why I’ve created this 3 day Barcelona itinerary. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and La Rambla while still enjoying a more relaxed pace.
If you’re on a tight schedule, a 2-day itinerary can work, but be prepared for a jam-packed adventure. For those with more time, a week in Barcelona allows you to explore beyond the city center - think day trips to Montserrat, Sitges, or Costa Brava. Whatever your timeline, Barcelona is a city that rewards both brief visits and extended stays.
You can click below to see some top rated day trips from Barcelona if you do have longer than 3 days to stay and near the end of this guide I’ll share some of my favourite day trips from Barcelona.
Getting to Barcelona
Barcelona is incredibly accessible, whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or car.
By air: Barcelona Airport connects cities around the world but is particularly well-connected with other European capitals. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city center by taxi or Aerobus.
By train: Rail may not be the cheapest mode of transport in Spain but it’s the quickest. Book trains using Omio.
By bus: Travelling between Barcelona and other European cities like Paris, Brussels and Munich are super affordable thanks to Flixbus.
I don’t personally recommend driving into Barcelona as the streets are narrow and there is limited parking in the city, but nearby highways make the journey straightforward. If you do want to rent a car and drive in I recommend RentalCars.com
Getting around Barcelona
Barcelona has an excellent public transportation system that makes getting around a breeze. The metro is fast, efficient, and connects most major attractions. For shorter distances, walking is a great way to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
If you prefer a more scenic route, consider renting a bike or hopping on one of the city’s buses. Taxis and rideshare services are also available and pretty affordable. For the ultimate tourist convenience, grab a T10 ticket or Hola Barcelona travel card for unlimited public transport during your stay.
Metro: This is the quickest and easiest way to get around Barcelona. Save money with a multi-ticket pass.
Bus and trams: these are also efficient ways to move around Barcelona. You can get multi-ticket passes for these.
Funicular railway: connecting Montjuïc Park with the city, this fun mode of transport is also included in the ticket system.
Bike: Like many cities in Europe Barcelona is really bike-friendly. You can unlock one via mobile app and pay as you go or take a guided bike tour with a local guide.
Hop-on-hop-off bus: A great way to see the city if it’s your first time visiting. Grab your tickets here.
Taxis: there’s no Uber in Barcelona but you can use regular cabs. These aren’t especially cheap so stick to public transport if you’re travelling on a budget.
Best Season to Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is a year-round destination, but spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are arguably the best times to visit. During these months, the weather is warm but not overly hot, and the city feels less crowded than in the peak summer season.
Summer (July-August) is great for beach lovers, but be prepared for higher prices and bigger crowds. Winter (December-February) has much cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and a chance to experience local traditions like Christmas markets.
Where to stay in Barcelona
Some of the best budget to average cost hotels and hotels in Barcelona.
Generator Barcelona £ - A trendy hostel in the Gràcia neighborhood, offering both dorms and private rooms with a vibrant social atmosphere and modern design.
Hostal Operaramblas £ - A no-frills yet clean and comfortable hostel near the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Hotel Praktik Garden ££ - A budget-friendly boutique hotel with charming decor and a lush outdoor terrace in the Eixample district.
Acta Antibes ££ - An affordable and simple hotel near Sagrada Familia, offering clean, spacious rooms and great public transport links.
Hostal Grau £££ - An eco-friendly and affordable boutique option in the heart of the city, just steps from Las Ramblas and Plaça Catalunya.
Browse all Barcelona accommodation on Booking.com
BARCELONA ITINERARY DAY 1
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Gaudi Masterpieces and Gothic Quarter
La Sagrada Familia
You’re going to start off your time in Barcelona with a visit one of Barcelona’s most spectactular sights and iconic landmarks : the Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is an incredible sight and has to be seen to be believed.
La Sagrada Familia is one of many places in Barcelona you can see the works of Gaudi.
Gaudí began work on the cathedral in 1883 and was still in the process of designing it when he died in 1826. Incredibly, La Sagrada is still in construction to this day with the estimated date of completion set for 2026, a century after his death.
If you only do one thing in Barcelona, make sure it’s visiting this amazing landmark. Once inside, you’ll be captivated by the stunning architecture and the kaleidoscope of colors created by the vibrant stained glass windows. Gaudí’s vision for this masterpiece is nothing short of breathtaking and provides a fantastic introduction to Barcelona’s unique style and charm.
A basic ticket (€26) only includes visiting the interior, but I would highly recommend upgrading to a tower climb ticket that includes the towers (€36). A close-up of the towers is fantastic, as are the views over the city.
To save yourself some time I recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket in advance as it can get busy.
Nearest Metro station: Monument, Verdaguer and Escants are all a short walk away.
Park Güell
After soaking in the beauty of La Sagrada Familia, you’re going to head over to another essential stop on your Barcelona 3 day itinerary - Park Güell, one of Gaudí’s other must-see creations.
This 17-hectare park is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona and a lovely place to wander round on a sunny day. The monumental area is a UNESCO heritage site and is full of world-famous modern art.
Construction of Park Güell began in 1900. Entrepreneur, Eusebi Güell wanted to create a stylish park for the aristocracy and commissioned several architects to begin work on Park Güell. This included Gaudí who’d designed his house, Palau Güell on Las Ramblas, almost 20 years before.
You can wander through the whimsical designs, colourful mosaics, and enchanting gardens.
The park’s hilltop location also offers incredible panoramic views of Barcelona, making it a perfect spot for solo travellers to take some memorable photos.
Make sure to explore the famous dragon staircase and the iconic serpentine bench while you're there.
If you want to learn more about the area you can book a guided tour.
Free Walking Tour in the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla
A fantastic thing to do in any city is to try and find a free walking tour. It’s one of my favourite ways to discover a new place and the guides are always so friendly and knowledgable.
Free Walking Tours Barcelona offer incredible 2 and a half hour walking tours of the Gothic Quarter every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3:00pm. They are a fantastic way to explore the area’s narrow, cobbled streets, hidden plazas, and centuries-old landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral.
As part of your exploration, take a stroll along La Rambla, the city’s bustling pedestrian boulevard that connects the Gothic Quarter to the port. Along La Rambla, you’ll find vibrant street performers, souvenir stalls, and even the famous Boqueria Market, where you can grab a quick snack or admire the fresh produce.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be on your feet for 2–3 hours, and don’t forget to tip your guide to show your appreciation!
If you’re not around for the free tours you can always book a paid for guided tour which are also fantastic!
Evening relaxation and tapas in the Gothic Quarter
After your walking tour, spend some more time wandering the Gothic Quarter at your own pace. The area comes alive in the evening, with a mix of cozy cafes, street music, and twinkling lights.
You can explore charming corners like Plaça Reial and find a wonderful tapas restaurant to enjoy some traditional Spanish food.
BARCELONA ITINERARY DAY 2
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Montjuïc, the Beach, and Sunset Views
Montjuïc Hill
Your second day in Barcelona is going to start with a trip to Montjuïc Hill. There’s a castle on top of Montjuïc with incredible views of the city. In the summer they even put on open-air cinema nights, plus it’s home to the swimming pool where Kylie Minogue filmed Slow. To get there you can either take the funicular which is included in your metro ticket or the more toursity cable car which costs €11. You can even just catch the 150 bus if you’d rather.
Once there you should visit Montjuïc Castle or the Joan Miró Foundation. Montjuïc is a great place to enjoy nature and history.
Relax at Barceloneta Beach
Spend the afternoon at Barceloneta, Barcelona’s iconic beachside neighbourhood. This is the neighbourhood my friend used to live in so I’ve spent alot of time in this neighbourhood and I love it! Before you head to the beach there are many little squares with restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or a relaxing drink if you’d like.
You could take a peaceful stroll along the promenade before finding a comfortable spot to relax on the sand to enjoy the afternoon sun. If you prefer something more active, rent a bike and explore the waterfront paths.
There is a great Xiringuito (beach bar) if you fancy a few drinks or a snack.
You could stay here into the evening and enjoy a few cocktails at one of the many bars down by the beach or you could head back up to Montjuïc.
Montjuïc Magic Fountain Show
If you decide to leave Barceloneta for the evening I recommend you head back to Montjuïc to end your day.
There is an incredible Magic Fountain light and water show at Montjuïc. See the schedule below.
1 March to 31 March - Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8pm to 9pm
1 April to 31 May - Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9pm to 10pm
1 June to 30 September - Wednesday to Sunday 9:30pm to 10:30pm
1 October to 31 October - Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9pm to 10pm
It’s a magical experience that’s free and perfect for solo travellers.
2025 update : Due to drought warnings in Barcelona the fountain is not currently in operation however heading up to Montjuïc in the evening is still a fantastic thing to do to get glorious sunset views over Barcelona.
BARCELONA ITINERARY DAY 3
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Tour Casa Batlló and Casa Milà
Spend your final morning exploring Gaudí’s architectural gems on Passeig de Gràcia.
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà can be found a 5-minute walk apart on Paseo de Gràcia.
Casa Batlló is a colourful, whimsical creation inspired by the ocean, while Casa Milà (La Pedrera) offers stunning rooftop views. Both are conveniently located near each other, making it easy to visit in one outing.
Casa Batlló: This pre-existing house was given with full creative license to Gaudí who transformed it between 1904 and 1906. It has a striking facade which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts more than a million visitors each year.
Entrance is quite expensive at €35 but includes the Gaudí Dome, Gaudí Cube and roof terrace views. Visit between 9am and 6.30pm (open 7 days a week).
Casa Milà: This is not as incredible from the outside but it’s definitly still worth a visit. It is also known as La Pedrera. It has striking sculptures on the Warrior Rooftop and the restored period apartment.
Visit between 9am and 6.30pm (open 7 days a week).
Lunch Along Passeig de Gràcia
You can take a break from sightseeing by grabbing lunch at a chic café or bistro along Passeig de Gràcia. Cervecería Catalana is a favourite spot known for its wide variety of tapas.
Discover El Born
No Barcelona itinerary is complete without a visit to El Born, a vibrant neighbourhood between the Gothic Quarter and the Ciutadella Park. El Born is great for art enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone looking to soak up the local culture.
Begin your exploration of El Born with a visit to the Picasso Museum, one of the most celebrated art institutions in Barcelona. This museum is dedicated to Pablo Picasso’s formative years, showcasing over 4,000 pieces of his early work.
Pro tip: Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines, especially during peak travel seasons.
A short walk from the Picasso Museum is the Santa Maria del Mar, often referred to as the "Cathedral of the Sea." This stunning Gothic basilica, built in the 14th century, is an architectural masterpiece. Head inside to admire its soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider joining a guided tour to access the rooftop, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the neighborhood.
El Born isn’t just about its landmarks. You should wander down the narrow, cobblestone lanes to discover a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and independent designers. From handcrafted jewelry to quirky home decor, there’s something unique to suit every taste.
DAY TRIPS FROM BARCELONA
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If you have extra time in Barcelona you could head further afield and go on a few day trips to the nearby area. These are the top rated ones.
Montserrat – Just an hour from the city, Montserrat is a stunning mountain range known for its dramatic peaks and the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, home to the famous Black Madonna statue. You can hike scenic trails, take the funicular for breathtaking views, and enjoy the atmosphere of this spiritual retreat. Don't miss the boys' choir performance, a cherished tradition at the abbey. You can book a day trip that will provide you transport to and from Monserrat.
Girona - this charming town is a great way to escape the busy city and only takes 40 minutes to reach. You can book a day trip which also includes a visit to the Dali Museum.
BARCELONA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
The best time to visit Barcelona is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). The weather is mild, and the city is less crowded compared to the busy summer months. Avoid August if possible, as many locals take vacations, and some smaller businesses may close.
Is Barcelona safe for tourists?
Barcelona is generally safe, but it’s known for pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Las Ramblas and on public transportation. Keep your belongings secure, avoid flashing valuables, and stay alert in busy spots.
Do I need to speak Spanish or Catalan?
While Spanish and Catalan are the official languages, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish or Catalan is appreciated and can enhance your experience.
Where should I stay in Barcelona?
For first-time visitors, neighborhoods like Eixample, El Born, or Barri Gòtic are ideal. They’re central, safe, and close to major attractions. Beach lovers might prefer staying in Barceloneta or Poblenou.
What is the local cuisine like in Barcelona?
Barcelona is famous for Catalan dishes like pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), escalivada (grilled vegetables), and crema catalana (a dessert similar to crème brûlée). Don’t miss trying tapas, paella, and cava, a sparkling wine.
Is tipping common in Barcelona?
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. Locals often round up the bill or leave a small amount (5-10%) for good service at restaurants and cafes.
Can I drink the tap water in Barcelona?
Yes, the tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink. Many locals prefer bottled water due to taste, but carrying a reusable water bottle is a great eco-friendly option.
BARCELONA ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to Barcelona? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to Barcelona using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Spain and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from GetYourGuide
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in Barcelona on Booking.com.
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your transport once you’re in Barcelona but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy private transfers online through Bookaway .
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in Barcelona on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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