You’ve decided to give yourself a few days off and have booked your flight to the Catalan capital but once you’re there you’re in trouble! You only have a few days to visit the big city and you don’t know where to start, don’t panic, we have prepared a guide to visit Barcelona in 3 days.
Day 1 – The historical center
The Holy Cross Cathedral and the Gothic Quarter
What better way to start than in one of Barcelona’s most emblematic neighborhoods? The Barrio Gòtico is what you might call the city’s historic center. A medieval district, you can discover the Sant Jaume square, the Plaça del Rei, the Barcelona History Museum, the Plaça Nova, the Plaça del Pi and above all the Holy Cross Cathedral, considered one of the city’s most important monuments. Don’t just admire it from the outside, the 7€ entrance fee is worth it, cloister, choir, chapels, you won’t know where to look
Walk on the Rambla
The Rambla is a must-see avenue in Barcelona and is a must during your stay. It is the busiest pedestrian avenue and connects the port of Barcelona to the Plaça Catalunya for approximately 2km. Going down to the port you will be able to observe the Grand Theatre of the Liceu, the mosaic of Joan Miro, the Plaça Reial and the Güell Palace.
The Boqueria market
Also located on the Rambla you will find the Boqueria market. The oldest market in Barcelona, you can’t miss its entrance marked by a large portal in the Art Nouveau style.
Casa Batlló and Casa Mila
Both symbols of Barcelona, we owe these creations to the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. Located on the Passeig de Gracia, it takes about 20 minutes to walk from the market. Both registered in the world heritage of the UNESCO, the Casa Batlló can also be known as Casa del Ossos due to its balconies in the shape of skull and the Casa Mila under the name of La Pedrera in reference to the cliffs from which Gaudi would have been inspired. Our article will introduce you to these two essential works in more detail.
Day 2 – Gràcia
Güell Park
Built between 1900 and 1914, the Güell Park was built to house gardens and about 60 houses, but due to a lack of budget, only 4 houses were built. Divided in 2 parts (one paying and the other free) it is in the paying zone that you will be able to admire the wavy bench and the mosaic salamander. Don’t hesitate to go up to the Mirador de Virolai, which will offer you a panoramic view of the most beautiful places in Barcelona.
The Bunkers del Carmel
Let’s continue with another point of view which are the Bunkers del Carmel. Located on the Turo de la Riviera on an old anti-aircraft base, they offer a 360° view of the city. From the Parc Güell it is a 20-minute walk, but you can also get there by bus.
The Recinta Modernista de Sant Pau
Our path continues towards the Recinta Modernista de Sant Pau. Formerly a public hospital, it now hosts exhibitions. A visit to the different buildings that trace the history of the place is possible but if you are in a hurry you can just observe its architecture from the outside.
The Sagrada Familia
A must-see is the Sagrada Familia. Major work of Gaudi, this basilica is classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO and is the most visited monument in Spain. Although it will not be completed until 2026, it is well worth the visit from the inside, let yourself be enchanted by the colors of the stained glass windows and the spectacular architecture of the interior.
The El Born neighborhood
To finish this day nothing better than a walk in the El Born neighborhood. Together with the Barrio Gotico it forms the old town of Barcelona, old stores, tapas bars, gothic churches, Picasso museum, Music Palace, you will not lack things to see. Don’t forget the Citadel Park and the Arc de Triomphe in this neighborhood.
Day 3 – Montjuïc Hill
Plaça Espanya
To begin this last day of visit we give you an appointment on the Plaça d’Espanya. Built in 1929 for the Universal Exhibition according to the plans of the architect Puig y Cadafalch, this square is recognizable by its large sculpture installed in the center of the huge traffic circle. Around the square you can also find Las Arenas, an old bullring transformed into a shopping center, on its roof you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
The MNAC
The National Art Museum of Catalonia is located in front of the Plaça d’Espanya, passing by the Magic Fountain. Housed in a palace, it is one of the most interesting museums in Barcelona and one of the largest in Spain. It houses the richest collection of Romanesque art in the world!
Montjuic Park
The green lung of the city, take the Montjuic cable car to get there. The park is home to green spaces and gardens as well as museums such as the Olympic Museum and the Joan Miro Foundation. A good opportunity to enjoy beautiful views of the sea and the city, visit the botanical gardens, museums and historical monuments.
The Olympic facilities
In order to host the 1992 Olympic Games, many sports facilities had to be created, which you can visit today on Montjuic hill. You can see the Olympic stadium, the Palau Sant Jordi, the Calatrava Earth, the Sports Palace of Barcelona and the Pavilion of Industrial Spain.
The Castle of Montjuic
In the park of Montjuic you can also find the Castle. Built in 1640 to protect the city from Catalan rebels, Montjuic Castle was later converted into a prison and then a military museum in 1960. The visit, which will cost you 5€, will allow you to walk around the ramparts, visit the military museum and admire the magnificent panorama of the Barcelona coastline.
The Magic Fountain
To close these 3 days in Barcelona we suggest you return to the Plaça Espanya to enjoy tapas before enjoying the show at the Magic Fountain. Located between the MNAC and the square, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic welcomes the public every evening from Wednesday to Sunday (from 8pm from November to March, and from 9pm from April to October) with light shows on a musical background.
Now you know how to visit Barcelona in 3 days! Visiting the city by bike can also be rewarding, especially since we offer guided tours with local guides. Choose the Gothic to Modernism Bike Tour if you want to visit the points of the first day or the Montjuic Bike Tour to discover the last day itinerary by bike.