The Perfect 3-day Itinerary in Barcelona!
Welcome to the vibrant city of Barcelona, where history, art, and culture converge to create an unforgettable experience. With just three days to explore this captivating destination, it’s essential to make every moment count. This itinerary will guide you through the highlights of Barcelona, from strolling down iconic streets to discovering the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí and enjoying panoramic views of the city. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through this enchanting city.
Day One
Start your Barcelona adventure in Plaça de Catalunya – the beating heart of the city. walk around the central fountains and take in the energy of the crowds. Next, stroll south down the median of La Rambla boulevard. This iconic, tree-lined street, stretching to the port, is popular with tourists and locals alike. With endless sidewalk restaurants, shops and street performers, there’s always something to look at.
About half-way down the street, be sure to stop into Mercat de la Boqueria. This covered food market is a feast for all senses! Do as the locals do and order a tapa or two at one of the many bars and restaurants mingled between fresh fruit and seafood stalls.
For a break from the hustle and bustle, make your way to Plaça Reial, a regal gem tucked away off the southern end of La Rambla. Many restaurants line this palm tree-lined square, offering al-fresco dining or an afternoon cocktail in the shade. This large square often features live performances, artisanal kiosks and family-friendly installations.
Once you’re ready to continue, make your way through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter – the city’s oldest and picturesque neighbourhood – to the Plaça de la Catedral. At the foot of the Barcelona Cathedral, you’ll be sure to see many street performers and artists, and, on Thursdays, an antique fair.
Make your way back to Plaça de Catalunya as you stroll down Avinguda del Portal de l’Àngel, a wide pedestrian street with lots of big brand stores. If you prefer to save the shopping for another day, Zara and Mango stores (for the whole family) are aplenty in this city so one is never too far away. Once you’ve reached the main square again, you can call it a day. If you still have gas in the tank, make your way to Sky Bar, at the top of the Iberostar hotel on the north end of the square. The views are stunning both day and night!
Eat Here!
Check out Ciutat Comtal for some of the best tapas in town! It offers spacious and elegant indoor seating, and, for added people-watching, outdoor seating as well. This popular restaurant does not take reservations and is always busy so be sure to arrive early and expect to wait about 15 minutes to be seated. Make sure to try the “Torrija cremada de Sta. Teresa” for dessert – that alone is worth the wait!
Another tried and true recommendation is Txapela. There is one conveniently located on the north eastern corner of Plaça Catalunya and another just a couple of blocks up Passeig de Gracia avenue. This menu consists of a large variety of pinxos (bite-size open face sandwiches) and tapas (sharing plates). It’s inexpensive and has something for everyone! A great place for an introduction to Spanish flavours. The fried egg with Andalusian squid is fantastic, and so are the garlic shrimp are chef’s kiss delicious!
For an innovative and upscale experience, check out El Nacional, also on Paseig de Gracia avenue. This a gastronomic one-stop-shop venue, featuring 4 restaurants and 4 bars, all under one very high, art nouveau style ceiling. Reservations are required for the restaurants, but they may take walk-ins if available. We chose to step up to one of the bars for some tapas, cocktails and people-watching.
Day Two
Barcelona is world-famous for its unique architectural style and iconic buildings and parks, designed by the architect Antonio Gaudí, over a century ago. His distinctive style, based on a combination of natural lines and Catalan heritage can be seen throughout various parts of the city. His greatest works, among others, include Park Guëll, Casa Milá, Casa Batlló and the iconic, grand basilica known as the Sagrada Familia.
The best way to experience these is with an organized tour lead by an experienced guide. You can book one that tours just the Sagrada Familia (tip: book this well in advance as they sell out fast), or a longer one that includes entrance and tour of several locations, like Parc Guell, the Gothic Quarter and Casa Battlo. There are many operators offering small group or private tours in various languages. We like Get Your Guide and The Tour Guy tours. You can also find many options with Viator tours. Where available, upgrade to a fast-pass to avoid long waits (especially at Sagrada Familia). It’s worth the extra few dollars and will save you precious time especially on a short visit!
Kids Tips
If you’re travelling with kids, consider tours that are specially designed for families. They can include games, treasure hunts and other activities to keep the young ones entertained and engaged. If you’re looking for something 100% kid-centric, the Museum of Fun is located directly on La Rambla (next door to the erotic museum, so don’t walk into the wrong museum!). There are all kinds of installations, including an upside down house, mirror maze, giants’ world, and lots more. It may not be a culturally inspiring activity, but at least the kids will get to blow off some steam, and you’ll get to take cool pics like these ones!
Another activity that is sure to please kids of ALL ages is taking a boat cruise along the Barcelona coastline. From a 60-minute site-seeing tour along the skyline, to dinner and jazz cruises, there are many options to choose from. A good place to start are with these offered by Viator or GetYourGuide.
Day Three
On the final day, enjoy a different perspective with a panoramic view of Barcelona and the sea with a cable car ride to the top of Montjuic, the city’s most famous hilltop. Take the metro to Paral-lel metro station, and follow the sign to the Funicular de Montjuic, which can be reached from within the metro station. Take the funicular – a slanted mountain train – which drops you off directly next to the Teleferic de Montjuic base station from which the cable cars depart. You can purchase tickets online at a slight discount or directly at the station. Be sure to note when the last cable car departs, which will differ depending on the time of year.
Once at the top, the 17th-century Montjuic Castle, once a military fortress, is just a few steps away. Tickets to enter can be purchased onsite. There are many walking trails with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean sea and port below. There are also many open air concerts taking place at the Castle and parks on the mountain so check local sites, such as this one, for event information. After descending, modern art lovers can visit the Miro Museum located only a five-minute walk away.
For an unforgettable nighttime event, check out the Montjuic Magic Fountain. This free outdoor show combines sound, light and spectacular waterworks at the Font Màgica situated at the foot of the Palau Nacional near Plaça de Espanya. Show dates and times vary by season and can be found here.
My Hotel Recommendations
Since Barcelona is so close to where we currently live, I’ve been fortunate to get to visit this amazing city several times, with family, on a momcation with friends, or solo. Here are hotels I’ve stayed at and would happily recommend. They may vary in style, but they’re all super central and have a great rooftop!
Hotel Gaudi (3 star) – If you’re a Gaudi fan, consider staying her! It’s located directly facing Palau Guell, one of Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces. Ask for a room on the 5th or 6th floor for an unobstructed view of an iconic Gaudi rooftop with colourful mosaic spires. Centrally located on a side street just 100 feet away from all the action on La Ramba, this hotel has modern and clean rooms as well as spacious family suites. If your room faces away from Palau Guell, you can see it from the rooftop patio which also has a splash pool.
Hotel Colon (4 star) – Located in the heart of Barcelona’s historical centre, the Gothic Quarter, this upscale hotel has welcomed guests such as Hemingway and artist Juan Miró. It offers refined rooms, some with views of the Barcelona Cathedral. You can enjoy a welcome glass of cava on the rooftop while taking in a spectacular view. Ask me how I can get you perks for your next stay here including complimentary breakfast for 2, USD100 hotel food/bev credit, room upgrade, and early/late checkout.
Avenida Palace (4 star) – You can’t get more central than this hotel, which is situated between La Rambla and Passeig de la Gracia, Barcelona’s most iconic streets, and just 5 minutes from Plaça Catalunya. This historic gem is woven into the city’s exciting past and has even welcomed the Beatles in 1965. Its grand interior features an impressive staircase and marble columns. If you’re planning to shop, look no further! All the best stores are right outside the door. The rooftop features a plunge pool and a bar.
Royal Passeig de Gracia (4 star) – Located along the posh Passeig de Gracia avenue (Barcelona’s Champs d’Elysées), this modern hotel offers spacious and functional, designer rooms of all sizes (great family rooms, too!), as well as a fabulous roof top lounge with views stretching out to the Sagrada Familia and the surrounding hills.
Monument Hotel (5 star) – I recommend this hotel for its fabulous rooftop terrace and restaurant where my mother and I enjoyed a beautiful breakfast buffet. But our room was directly over a metro line so it felt like a train was rumbling through our bed every 15 minutes. Perhaps this is why I was able to book it at a third of the regular room price??? So if you plan to book here, make sure you request a room that is on a higher floor and away from Passeig de Gracia. Request to be directly above Calle de Mallorca.
And there you have it! With this itinerary, you’ll have a glimpse into the vibrant streets, awe-inspiring architecture, and panoramic views that make Barcelona a truly unforgettable destination. For more information, or help planning your perfect itinerary, feel free to reach out to me directly.
Happy travels!
