Want to visit Barcelona for a few days or spend a weekend? Want a helpful day-by-day itinerary? Barcelona is a bustling city known for its architecture, much of which was influenced by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. I spent a long weekend here when I visited and thought that was the perfect amount of time. Keep reading for the perfect three-day Barcelona itinerary.

Barcelona is a bit different from its sibling Madrid, here’s the perfect itinerary to get you started!

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary: Best of Barcelona

Day 1: Visit all things Gaudi

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous architectural feats in Spain and was at the top of my Barcelona itinerary. This beauty is a Roman Catholic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi. Even though we visited early in the morning to avoid the crowds, it is also recommended to visit at sunset. The light at sunset brings a unique and exquisite view of the basilica as the light shines through the stained glass. It’s essential to buy your tickets in advance, regardless of what time you want to visit as La Sagrada Familia is the most famous thing to see in Barcelona.

When buying tickets in advance opt at this time to visit the Nativity Tower (more decorated than the Passion Tower). When we arrived later in the morning for our specific pre-purchased ticket time, all the tickets for that day were sold out for both the basilica and tower. The Nativity Tower has an elevator ride to the top and 400 steps down. The views of Barcelona from this tower are spectacular.

Park Guell

Next on your Barcelona itinerary are Gadui’s other famous architectural sites which include Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and Park Guell! There are tours available at Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, but again you would need to plan ahead of time and buy tickets before visiting. Even though Park Guell is another popular place to visit in Barcelona, I will say it felt a bit underwhelming. You can get through the park in about an hour, and could easily visit all of these spots in one day.

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Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona

Eixample: Perfect for sightseeing

Eixample is located in central Barcelona and is the perfect place to stay if it’s your first time in Barcelona.

El Avenida Palace: This spot has incredible Spanish glamour and even a rooftop pool.

Hostal Central Barcelona: This is a rare budget find in the heart of Barcelona.

Hostal Girona: Here’s another budget option with a beautiful Spanish character.

Gothic Quarter: The best area to stay

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is one of the trendier and most beautiful parts of town. I loved walking through its narrow, cobblestone alleyways, it has so much medieval charm! This is the best area to stay in Barcelona, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Hotel Bagues: This is a luxury hotel with incredible views of the city and a rooftop pool.

Duquesa de Cardona: Here’s a spot in the heart of the Gothic Quarter close to the beach.

Hotel Rialto: This is a great budget option in a beautiful, historic building.

Gracia: Close to La Sagrada Familia

Gracia is located a bit outside of the central part of town but near some popular tourist sites including La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Check out some recommendations below.

Be Mate Paseo de Gracia: Here’s a sunny apartment with lots of space, perfect for a family.

Radisson Blu 1882: This is a fabulous spot with views of La Sagrada Familia.

Suites Center Barcelona: These suites are wonderful options for larger groups or families.

Day 2: Admire the beauty of the Gothic Quarter

La Boqueria Market and Las Ramblas

Spend the next day of your three-day Barcelona itinerary in the Gothic Quarter. Similar to Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, Barcelona has its own lively market! La Boqueria Market and Las Ramblas are busy tourist areas located within blocks of each other. You can find anything and everything to buy and eat in this area. Keep in mind that these are some of the most popular areas where tourists are targeted by pickpocketers.

It is recommended to wear a backpack or crossbody purse in front of your body at ALL times. I would also suggest you use a lock, as I was pickpocketed in Rome on a bus despite using a front-facing crossbody. When researching the subject I also read pickpocketers can potentially cut the purse or bag straps. To avoid this you can buy travel bags with straps that are difficult to cut. To avoid being pickpocketed also avoid others trying to distract you in any way, there are usually working with the pickpocketers in the area.

Enjoy this beautiful neighborhood

Take a break for lunch before walking around the beautiful neighborhood that is the Gothic Quarter. Some must-see sites include the Picasso Museum, Placa Reial, and Placa de Sant Jaume. All these popular Barcelona spots are within walking distance of each other and should be included in your Barcelona itinerary.

Day 3: Visit Barcelona’s Magic Fountain and more

On the third day of your Barcelona itinerary visit the Museum of National Art of Catalunya and the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. From the fountain you can see a spectacular view of the mountains beyond the city; try and spot the mountain tram! If you’re interested in architecture, the Barcelona Pavilion is within a few minutes from this location. During our time in Barcelona, we started our day touring the Pavilion and then headed to the art museum.

Buy a ticket for an FC Barcelona soccer/football game

One of the highlights of our trip to Barcelona was attending the FC Barcelona soccer game (or football as Europeans call it). The Barcelona stadium is the largest in Europe and does offer guided tours during the day for fans. To watch the game with such an ambiance was an experience like no other!

Other things to see and do in Barcelona

When doing research, these spots below were places we had on our list but because of time constraints we didn’t get the chance to visit- Santa Maria Del Mar, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Palau de la Musica Catalan, Saint Eulalia, Labyrinth Park of Horta, Montjuic Castle, Port Cable Car

Take a Day Trip to Girona

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Barcelona, Girona was the perfect spot for a day trip and I must say I enjoyed it almost more than Barcelona!

Where to Eat in Barcelona

Find the courtyard in the Gothic Quarter at Palosanto. Sit outside on a sunny day and enjoy the views of this quaint courtyard space.

Firebug is perfect for brunch or any meal, sit outside and you may be able to spot the Arc de Triomf.

I highly recommend Cerveseria Catalana, it was hands down the BEST food we ate while in Spain. This popular spot does have outdoor seating, but you may have to be there early when they’re opening for the day. If you’re up to sitting family style and making new friends, they do have this option which will help you avoid a long wait.

Takumi Ramen is a delicious Japanese option if you have had your fill of tapas, sit down for a casual meal or order take takeaway.

If you’re coming from or also visiting Madrid, here are some of my favorite spots we enjoyed while visiting.

Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:

Barcelona to Girona: A comprehensive Day Trip guide

3 Day Madrid Itinerary: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid: a Detailed Guide

Best Restaurants in Madrid: Top 3 Restaurants

3 Days in Rome Italy: The ONLY itinerary you need!

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