3 Days In Barcelona Itinerary [2024]: Great For First-Timers

Take this itinerary and start sightseeing in one of the most exciting European cities today. I was happy to live, study, and work in Barcelona for 2 years. I can’t express enough how much I love the city. It offers endless activities, and its atmosphere is simply incredible.

Barcelona has won my heart, and I enjoy returning every single time. So, you have to experience it yourself. Follow this Barcelona itinerary for 3 days and see the city through my eyes as a local.

Overview Of The 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary

Here is an overview of this itinerary for Barcelona, including a map. Save it to your phone and navigate to the places once you’re visiting the city:

3-Day Barcelona Itinerary Map

My Experience Living & Working In Barcelona

Barcelona has much to offer, from history to culture, art, food, beautiful views, and more. So be prepared; this walking/sightseeing tour will be pretty intense. But if you want to see everything, you’re in the right place.

With my itinerary, you’ll see it and experience it all.

I’ve designed this 3-day Barcelona itinerary thanks to my life (2 years), work, and studies in the city. I learned many interesting facts from the locals and explored all the places. I even guided a group of tourists in the city. The itinerary includes my findings and stories.

So take it and have an authentic experience in Barcelona as if you were walking through with a local.

1. DAY: Barcelona Itinerary

On the first day, we’ll explore the old town of Barcelona, its origin and history. Nothing will give you a better understanding at the beginning of our tour than its old town.

We’ll take it easy in the afternoon, chill in one of the most beautiful parks, and get some beach vibes in the evening.

Our starting point will be the main square: Plaza Catalunya.
Nearest Metro Stop: Plaza Catalunya

📍 La Rambla Street

From Plaza Catalunya, walk down through La Rambla street. Turn left to see the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi.

📍 Basilica De Santa Maria Del Pi

We are now entering the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. The Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi was built between 1319 and 1391 in the Catalan Gothic style. It’s one of the largest Cathedrals in Catalonia. Before its construction, it’s believed this part was all covered in a pine forest. 

Entrance is free of charge.
Location: Plaça del Pi, 7, 08002 Barcelona

📍 Plaza De Sant Felip Neri 

The square is named after the Basilica de Sant Felip Neri, which stands there. You’ll see buildings damaged by bombing during the Spanish Civil War. 

Take a moment to sit down in silence and reflect. Imagine the time back in 1938 when fascist planes and their bombing raid bombarded the square, and 42 people lost their lives. Many of them were children hiding next to the basilica.

📍 Plaza De Sant Jaume

Besides other things, this square is the political center of Barcelona due to the 2 buildings standing on it: City Hall & Palau de la Generalitat. 

Both institutions date back to medieval times and have been ever since governing and guiding people living in Barcelona and Catalunya. The square used to be the Roman Forum of the city.

📍 Plaza Del Rei

I’ve brought you here since you need to see the historical museum. I’m not a big museum fan, but occasionally, I visit some, and the historical museum in Barcelona with its archaeological site is fascinating. 

You’ll learn a lot about the city’s history and origins. You’ll walk through the actual Roman ancient settlement of Barcelona: Barcino.

See how it looked like in the past. Barcino (the ancient settlement) is the place, from which Barcelona was built. It’s the largest Roman excavation outside of Rome and it’s impressive.

📍 Barcelona Cathedral

The official name of this Cathedral is The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. 

Saint Eulalia was persecuted, tortured, and murdered by Roman soldiers when Emperor Diocletian was fighting new colonies like Barcino.

She didn’t want to renounce Christianity and was eventually murdered by Roman soldiers at the age of 13. Nowadays, you can see her crypt inside the Cathedral.

What you also can’t miss is the garden of the Cathedral. You’ll spot 13 geese walking around. They live there and represent the martyrdom of Santa Eulalia. Also, see the miracle of a dancing egg on the fountain of Sant Jordi.

Try to find the Gargoyle at the exterior of the Cathedral (its wall). It’s a Gothic symbol and was built to protect the church from evil spirits and scare them off.

Location: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Barcelona Cathedral here.

✨ TOP EXPERIENCES FOR TODAY:
You can add these experiences to your itinerary today:
➡ Old Town Barcelona Guided Walking Tour
➡ Guided Tour On E-Bikes
➡ Segway Guided Tour Of Main Sights

Afternoon Sightseeing In Barcelona

This is where our walking tour of the old town ends. Now I suggest you find a nice bar or a restaurant, where you’ll have lunch or take some tapas.

LUNCH RECOMMENDATION: El Pintor Restaurant or La Ascobita Tapas Bar

Then, you’ll have to get to Arc de Triomf, where we’ll continue our tour for today.

📍 Arc De Triomf

Like many other landmarks in Barcelona, this beautiful Arc was built for the World Exhibition in 1888 and served as the entrance to the World’s Fair.

It’s built in typical New Moorish style (red bricks), which you can experience a lot in Andalusia (southern part of Spain). 

It’s free of charge to see it.

Enjoy the little promenade, which will take you to our next stop – the stunning Parc de la Ciutadella.

Location: Passeig de Lluís Companys
Nearest Metro Stop: Arc de Triomf

📍 Parc De La Ciutadella

I love this park with its beautiful gardens. Now, just take your time and walk through. If you feel like it, you can prepare and buy some for stuff a picnic beforehand and have it in the park.

Entrance is free of charge.

📍 Port Olimpic

Olimpic Marina is the place to have fun and experience the nightlife of Barcelona. You’ll have endless options with its casino, bars, restaurants, and discos.

You’re also reaching the beach of Barcelona for the first time here. I am so excited for you. You can also buy food, head to the beach, and have a picnic there watching the sunset. 

Or you can eat at one of the restaurants near the Port. I’m not a fan of these touristy places, and this is one of them, so I prefer the first option. But it’s completely up to you.

📍 Barcelona Promenade & Barceloneta

Once you have enough, you can enjoy the walk through the sea promenade. This was one of my favorite walk spots in Barcelona. Just enjoy the sea breeze and the atmosphere under the palms.

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📍 Enjoy Barceloneta

At the end of your walk, you’ll reach another great part of Barcelona called Barceloneta. Sit down for a drink (Sangria) and enjoy the atmosphere. Or continue walking towards La Rambla, where you can have dinner.

Note that I don’t recommend having dinner in Barceloneta. The restaurants there are simply too touristy, and the food is often basic and overpriced.

Nearest Metro Stop: Barceloneta.

📍 Port Vell ⇒ Colombus Monument ⇒ La Rambla

Walk alongside the Port Vell until you reach Rambla de Mar. It’s close to the Aquarium of Barcelona with other options for evening drinks and cocktails. 

Afterward, you can walk towards the Colombus Monument and reach La Rambla Street, where we started our trip today. 

Have dinner at the Plaça Reial square.

DINNER RECOMMENDATION: MarisCo Seafood & Fish or Restaurante Glaciar
Nearest Metro Stop: Drassens

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Spain Itinerary: 14 Days In Spain

2. DAY: Barcelona Itinerary

Good morning to Barcelona. I hope you slept well and your legs don’t sore too much, because today, we have a lot to see again.

We’ll start exploring more landmarks from Gaudí, the pride of Barcelona, and enjoy a beautiful performance in the evening. Let’s have a great breakfast and then head back to the city. 

📍 Sagrada Família

Today, we’ll start with the most significant landmark of Barcelona: Sagrada Família.

This masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudí is still not finished. In fact, its construction started back in 1882, and well, it’s still in progress. The estimated date of construction is 2026.

In the past, it used to serve as a school. Nowadays, it has 18 towers, and Antoni Gaudí is buried there.

Explore more about its history and interesting facts during the tour inside. It’s worth seeing the interior. I’m curious what feelings you’ll get once you’re there.

It’s necessary to get skip-the-line tickets; otherwise, you won’t get in, as it’s usually fully booked a few days in advance.

Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona
Nearest Metro Stop: Sagrada Família

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Sagrada Família incl. audioguide here.

After the tour, take a metro to Liceu. Once you are at Liceu metro station, walk up, and you’ll be back at La Rambla Street. Walk towards the Boquería market.

📍 La Boquería Market 

Now, it’s time to get some fresh fruits or local specialties. Enjoy the special chaotic atmosphere of this market and see how Spanish people do their grocery shopping or even sit down and eat in the middle of the day. 

I can’t stop admiring the Spanish tapas culture. This is one place where you can also experience it. You can have a quick lunch or grab a snack before continuing your walking tour. 

Entrance is free of charge.

Location: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona
Nearest Metro Stop: Liceu

Walk further down La Rambla Street until you reach the Drassens metro station. After, take a metro (Drassens station at La Rambla) to Plaza España.

📍 Plaza España

Welcome to Plaza España. The first thing you can do here is to go inside the shopping center and up to the very top. Then, enjoy the views of Plaza España and the National Palace from the rooftop. 

Interestingly, this shopping museum was a bullfighting area until it was banned in Catalunya on 18th July 2010. 

Entrance is free of charge.
Nearest Metro Stop: Plaza España

After, walk towards the magical fountain. Then go to visit the Poble Español: Spanish Village.

📍 Poble Español De Montjuïc

If you are only visiting Barcelona and won’t have the chance to see more of Spain, it’s time for you to visit this Spanish village (Poble Español). It’ll take you back in time to many regions of Spain.

You’ll immerse yourself in each region’s architecture and culture and learn more about Spain, its attractions, and famous Spanish festivals. Try local products on the way or enjoy a café/hot chocolate with churros in one of the cafeterias.

Spanish village is very charming, and I highly recommend you visit it. It’ll give you a better understanding of Spain, in general. 

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Poble Español by clicking this link.

📍 National Palace & Olympic Stadium

After the Spanish village, take your time to walk towards the National Palace. Nowadays, it hosts the Catalan Museum of Archaeology. You’ll get stunning views of Plaza España from the top. Try to spot Sagrada Família as well. Then go further up to the Olympic Stadium.

Local authorities built the stadium for the Olympic Games held in Barcelona in 1992. The stadium itself was originally constructed for the World Exhibition in 1929.

Still, Parc de la Ciutadella and Arc de Triomf gained much more importance. Therefore, it was again reconstructed for the Olympic Games. Nowadays, many concerts are held in the area. Walk through and enjoy its atmosphere.

➡ Get entrance tickets for National Palace (Archaeological Museum) here.

After, walk up to the Montjuïc Castle. It is about 20 minutes walk, or you can also take the bus n.150.

📍 Montjuïc Castle

Montjuïc Castle is an old military fortress. It translates from Catalan and Latin to English as Jewish mountain. The name was given to it mainly because of the Jewish cemetery on the castle’s side. 

Montjuïc Castle served as a fortress against foreign troops from the sea and prison during the Spanish Civil War. Later on, it became a military museum; nowadays, it serves as a municipal facility. 

Walk through its beautiful gardens and drink at the La Caseta del Migdia outdoor bar. You can also walk slightly further to the Mirador del Migdia, a viewing platform to get nice views of the port and sea. 

📍 Plaza España & Magical Fountain Performance

Head back down to Plaza España once you have explored this military area (either on foot or with the bus n. 150).

Have a dinner around Plaza España.

DINNER RECOMMENDATION: TAPS Bar / Mi Casa Bar y Restaurante / Grupo Abrassame

In the evening, enjoy the sounds of the magical fountain under the National Palace. The opening times of the Magical Fountain change, so check the updated opening times before going.

The performance of Magical fountain is free of charge.

✨ TOP EXPERIENCES TODAY:
You can add these experiences to your itinerary today:
➡ Spanish Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Visit
➡ Montjuïc Hill E-Bike Tour
➡ Barcelona Helicopter 360 Tour

How To Get To Montjuïc Hill

You have 2 options for getting to Montjuïc Hill. Either follow the instructions described above, walking from Plaza España to the Olympic Stadium and taking bus n. 150 to the castle, or walk an extra 20 minutes.

Another option is to take the Montjuïc cable car. When you take the metro at Drassens station, you’ll get off at Parar-lel station. There is a connecting cable car that takes you directly to Montjuïc Hill. It’s the easiest and fastest option.

➡ Get tickets for the Montjuïc cable car by clicking this link.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary 10 Days

3. DAY: Barcelona Itinerary

I’ve reserved some famous landmarks and Gaudís monuments for today.

Our last day will be full of adventure and extra must-see places in Barcelona. You honestly can’t leave the city without seeing them. So, let’s head into our third day of the itinerary.

Today is when you visit the most famous monuments, for which you need the skip-the-line ticket and to buy them in advance. Otherwise, it’s very difficult to get in.

First, take the metro to the Passeig de Gracia metro station.

📍 Casa Batlló

One of the most famous masterpieces of Gaudí, Casa Batlló, stands on the famous shopping street in Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia. It was a regular house bought by Josep Batlló in 1900. He asked Antonio Gaudí to reconstruct and redesign the entire building in 1904. 

Gaudí created a masterpiece that you can admire today. He invented his own ventilation system and used recycled material to decorate the house. Explore its aquatic shape and mystery balconies.

This house is also named ‘The House of the Dragon’ because the symbols on its roof symbolize Saint George and its legend, the saint patron of Catalonia.

Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona
Nearest Metro Stop: Plaza España

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Casa Batlló by clicking here.

📍 Casa Mila = La Pedrera

Another building you shouldn’t miss while walking through Passeig de Gracia is Casa Mila. Gaudi didn’t like straight lines. He always avoided them, which is perfectly reflected in Casa Mila. 

It’s mainly famous for its rooftop terrace and exciting chimneys called ‘The Garden of Warriors.’ You might be wondering why it has two names. Well, because a family named Mila used to live inside the house. The current name, however, is La Pedrera, which means stone quarry.

This name was given to it by locals, who disliked the design of this building. La Pedrera was the last building Gaudí constructed before he decided to focus only on Sagrada Família. It took him 4 years to complete, and its construction started in 1906.

Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona

➡ Book skip-the-line tickets for Casa Mila here.

📍 Park Güell

What would our visit to Barcelona look like without visiting Park Güell, perhaps the most famous place in Barcelona (apart from Sagrada Família)?

Park Güell was supposed to be a modern housing estate. Gaudí planned it with modern facilities such as laundry rooms, markets, church, etc. However, this plan changed after constructing the first buildings since they didn’t attract investors. That’s why the authorities decided to open it as a public park in 1926.

Antoni Gaudí lived in this park until he died. Interestingly, he lived in a house that he didn’t design.

PRO TIP: I highly recommend you explore a lot more from Park Güell than just the site with monuments and buildings. Walk further up and see native plants and trees, enjoy views of the entire Barcelona and feel that special atmosphere.

Nearest Metro Stop: Vallcarca (from there you’ll have to walk slightly up to reach the park).

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Park Güell by clicking this link.

➡ Join this guided tour of Park Güell if you want to learn more with a local (incl. ticket).

📍 Tibidabo

If you want to get the best views of Barcelona, Tibidabo is a great place. This amusement park not only offers stunning views but it has a fun park with many roller coasters. 

However, the most important landmark standing on the top of this hill is the Church of the Sacred Heart, where the statue of Jesus Christ looks at the city and the Mediterranean Sea with his open arms as if he were welcoming every visitor of this place.

Tibidabo is part of the Collserola Parc, which, as I told you at the beginning of this itinerary, is the largest metropolitan park worldwide. You might also check out Barcelona’s Planetarium and Science Museum, Fabra Observatory, and the Collserola Tower.

You only need tickets to enter the amusement park, which you can buy on the spot. The rest is free for you to walk around.

Location: Ctra. de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, 111, 08035 Barcelona
Nearest Metro Stop: Peu del Funicular

📍 Camp Nou & FC Barcelona Museum

For all the soccer fans out there, I haven’t forgotten about you, don’t worry. Barcelona tour couldn’t be complete without experiencing Camp Nou stadium and seeing a museum of one of the most famous soccer teams in the world.

So in the afternoon, as your last stop, check out the largest football stadium in Europe, Camp Nou.

Learn about its history, have a panoramic tour, and experience the routine of FC Barcelona players, their changing rooms, and everything behind the scenes.

➡ Book skip-the-line tickets for Camp Nou Museum & Stadium here.

Evening In Barcelona

Today in the evening, it’s your decision what you want to do. Now, you’ve explored the most important parts and seen the famous landmarks of Barcelona.

You can go to the beach once again and swim for a while. Or go to your favorite area and have a nice dinner or check out some tapas bars (I recommend Gracia). You might walk on the seaside promenade again towards Barceloneta and enjoy cocktails there. Barcelona offers plenty of things to do.

PRO TIP: One more thing I highly recommend you do is to go up to the Carmen Bunkers. You’ll get breathtaking views of Barcelona, watch the sunset, and enjoy the moments in this beautiful city. Go to a supermarket, buy some food and drinks for a picnic and enjoy it up with those views.

Interesting Facts About Barcelona

💡 Barcelona has 2 official languages – Spanish (Castellano) & Catalan
💡 The city didn’t have a single beach until the Olympics were held there in 1992
💡 Some claim the city was founded by Hercules, which would make Barcelona 400 years older than Rome
💡 It’s the largest city on the Mediterranean Sea and the second largest in Spain (after Madrid)
💡 Picasso studied in Barcelona at the School of Fine Arts
💡 It has the busiest port in Europe (almost 3 million cruisers yearly)
💡 International Book Day and its celebration originated in Barcelona
💡 Barcelona has the largest metropolitan park in the world – Parc de Collserola
💡 It’s home to the busiest pedestrian streets in the world
💡 The city has the first beach ice bar in the world

How To Get To Barcelona

Depending on where you are, you can reach Barcelona by plane, train, or bus.

Flying to Barcelona is fairly easy, and it has great international connections. European budget airlines, offer cheap flight tickets from other European cities. The only disadvantage is the luggage allowance.

Getting to Barcelona by bus is perfect for budget travelers. The bus rides often take over 10 hours from other major European cities, so you can travel overnight and save on accommodation. Plus, you can take as much luggage as you want to.

Tran travel is awesome if you’re coming from other Spanish cities such as Madrid or Valencia, you can get to Barcelona within a few hours on a fast-speed train AVE. It’s fast, and there are no baggage restrictions.

Getting To Barcelona By Plane

Barcelona has 2 airports: El Prat Airport & Girona Costa Brava Airport.

Mainly all European low-cost airlines fly to Girona if your main destination is Barcelona. So, if you book a flight to Barcelona with Ryanair or Wizzair, you’ll likely land at Girona Costa Brava Airport. Then you can take the RENFE train or a local bus from Girona to Barcelona city.

The main international airport in Barcelona is El Prat. It’s located 15 kilometers from the city center. You’ll arrive here on all international flights.

➡ Get the best flight deals to Barcelona by clicking here.

How To Get To Barcelona Center From El Prat Airport

You have 4 options to get to Barcelona city center from El Prat airport:

• Aerobus
• Metro L9
• RENFE train
• Taxi

The blue Aerobus brings you directly to the main square in Barcelona, Plaza Catalunya. It runs every 30 minutes and takes 35 minutes to get to the city center.

Another option is to take metro line 9 (L9). It runs between El Prat and Zona Universitaria. Get off at the station called Torassa. It connects with the L1 metro line that will take you to Plaza Catalunya (center). It takes about 30 minutes to the center.

You can also take the RENFE train from the airport that stops at Barcelona Sans, Passeig de Gràcia, and Clot. It’ll take you to the city within 25 minutes.

Or you can take a taxi directly to your hotel. Taxi prices range between 30 EUR and 35 EUR, and the ride takes anywhere between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Getting To Barcelona By Bus

Buses are also a great choice if you’re traveling from other major European or Spanish cities to Barcelona. The only disadvantage is that it takes a lot of time, but it’s cheap and without luggage restrictions.

You’ll arrive at the major bus stations in Barcelona: Barcelona North & Barcelona Sants Station. Then take metro to the city center, it’s fairly easy.

The 2 main bus companies that operate in Barcelona are Flixbus and Alsa (Spanish bus company).

➡ Check out Busbud for the best bus connections by clicking this link.

Getting To Barcelona By Train

Alternatively, you can reach Barcelona by train. It’s best if you come from other Spanish cities such as Madrid, Valencia, or Sevilla. Take the fast-speed train AVE, and you’ll be in Barcelona in a few hours, it’s amazing.

The 3 main train stations in the city to which you’ll arrive are Barcelona Sants, Estació de França, and Passeig de Gràcia. You’ll most likely arrive in Barcelona Sants station.

➡ Get the best train tickets via Trainline here.

👉 READ ALSO: How Far Is Barcelona From Paris? Complete Guide

How To Get Around Barcelona

Barcelona is a huge city; the best way to get around is by metro and on foot. I was always using the metro in Barcelona for longer distances (e.g. Plaza Catalunya to Plaza Espana). You can buy a ticket with 10 rides in a ticket machine in any metro stop, which will cost slightly more than 10 EUR.

If you don’t like too much walking and will take more than 10 rides, the best thing you can do is to get this Barcelona Public Transport Ticket. You’ll save so much money on transportation and can travel unlimitedly for 3 days in Barcelona.

Check it out below. It’s the best value:

How To Buy Tickets For Attractions In Barcelona

I strongly recommend you buy skip-the-line tickets for some attractions in Barcelona, mainly Sagrada Família, Casa Batló, La Pedrera, Camp Nou, and Gaudí Park.

Having skip-the-line tickets not only assures you that you’ll get into these attractions (admission tickets are often fully booked). But it’ll save you time as you won’t have to stand in the crowd and wait for a ticket.

Also, these skip-the-line tickets are often cheaper if you purchase them online rather than on the spot.

You can get tickets to all attractions under each sight description in this itinerary.

PRO TIP: If you have the Barcelona Card, it automatically works as a skip-the-line ticket for all attractions that are included. So you don’t have to worry about buying single tickets.

BONUS: 8 Best Road Trips From Barcelona

If you have more time in Barcelona, explore other places and sites in Catalonia. Check out my article about the best road trips from Barcelona.

You can make these as day trips from Barcelona.

Practical Tips For Visiting Barcelona

I also have some travel tips to help you plan your visit to Barcelona in more detail. It includes the best time to visit, how to get around the city, where to stay, the best restaurants, and how to budget your trip.

How Many Days Are Enough For Barcelona?

3 days in Barcelona is the minimum time you’ll need to explore the city. You can easily see the main sights in 2 days, but you would be in a rush and have to skip some activities. So 3 days is the minimum time you need to spend in Barcelona.

The perfect time to visit Barcelona is 4 to 5 days. This way, you’ll have much time to take it slow and immerse in the city. On the last day, you can make some day trips from Barcelona.

Best Time To Visit Barcelona

The best times to visit Barcelona are April, May, September, October, and December.

Barcelona still has excellent weather during these months, yet it’s not too hot. The temperatures range from 20°C/68°F to 25°C/77°F, perfect for walking tours and sightseeing.

Another advantage of visiting Barcelona in spring and autumn is fewer crowds. You’ll enjoy the sights more as there are usually fewer visitors. In addition, prices also drop as it’s the shoulder season.

Barcelona in December is great for fewer crowds and a fabulous Christmas atmosphere.

You can visit Barcelona in the summer (June, July, and August). But be prepared for thousands of tourists and incredibly high temperatures.

Where To Stay In Barcelona: My Top Tips For Accommodation

Barcelona has many beautiful neighborhoods with great hotels. So first, choose the neighborhood where you want to stay. After, look for hotels within the part of Barcelona.

The main neighborhoods in the city in which you can stay are:

Best Hotels In The Old City (Ciutat Vella/Gothic Quarter)

Here are my top hotel picks if you want to stay in the old city of Barcelona:

➡ Park Hotel – budget-friendly hotel – book here
➡ Hotel Barcelona Cathedral – mid-range hotel – book here
➡ Mercer Hotel Barcelona – luxury hotel – book here

Best Hotels In Barceloneta

These are the best hotels if you want to stay close to the beach and Barceloneta:

➡ HGC – budget-friendly apartment – book here
➡ Barceloneta Port Ramblas – mid-range apartment – book here
➡ W Barcelona – luxury hotel with ultimate views – book here

Best Hotels At Plaza Cataluya

I recommend the following hotels if you want to stay in the city center:

➡ HCC Montblanc –budget friendly hotel – book here
➡ Catalonia Plaza Catalunya – mid-range hotel – book here
➡ Olivia Plaza Hotel – luxury hotel – book here

Best Hotels Around Sagrada Família

If you want to have views of Sagrada Família from your room, book one of these hotels:

➡ BBarcelona Gaudí Flats – budget-friendly apartments – book here
➡ Sercotel Hotel Rossellon – mid-range hotel – book here
➡ Radisson Blue 1882 Hotel – luxury hotel – book here

Best Hotels At Plaza España

These are the best hotels around Plaza España, close to the magical fountain and Montjuïc Hill:

➡ Hotel Vilamari – budget-friendly hotel – book here
➡ Barcelona Gran Via Plaza Espana – mid-range hotel – book here
➡ Occidental Barcelona 1929 – luxury hotel with pool views – book here

Where To Eat & Drink In Barcelona

It’s important to choose a good neighborhood to eat and drink in. Some, especially the most touristy places, are overpriced and have less quality. But then some neighborhoods offer good quality local cuisine for less.

I would avoid eating at La Rambla, Olympic Port, and Barceloneta (the row of restaurants leading to the beach). These places are often big touristy traps with low food quality.

If you want to enjoy great and local Spanish cuisine, I recommend eating in Gracia, Old Town (Ghotic Quarter), Eixample, and El Clot.

These are some great bars & restaurants in Barcelona:

• Bar Salvatge – in Gracia (for great wine and tapas)
• Berbena – in Eixample near Casa Mia (Catalan cuisine)
• Lomo Alto – in Eixample near Casa Mia (great steaks)
• L’Arrosseria Xàtiva – in Gracia (Mediterranean, seafood & paella)
• L’Antic Bocoi del Gòtic – In Old Town (Catalan restaurant)

Stop by in these bakeries in Barcelona for a coffee break with a snack:

• Forn Boix
• Forn De Pa Sant Jordi
• Bakers Panadería

Best Guided Tours In Barcelona

Exploring the city with a local guide will give you an even better experience. You’ll hear interesting stories and learn about the history and culture engagingly.

So, if you want to do any tours or guided trips in Barcelona, these tours are worth booking to explore Barcelona with a local:

➡ Old Town & Ghotic Quarter Walking Tour ➡ E-Bike Tour Of Barcelona (Main Sights in 2.5 Hours) ➡ Segway Guided Tour Of Barcelona (City Sights) ➡ Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour ➡ Barcelona For History Lovers: Guided Tour ➡ Tapas Food Tour Of Barcelona & Tasting ➡ Half-Day Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Visit

Budget For Your Barcelona Itinerary 3 Days

The budget for this 3-day itinerary per person (mid-range traveler) is $610. This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in a nice hotel, get a transportation card, eat well, and enjoy all the attractions and activities mentioned in this itinerary.

Here is a breakdown of this itinerary budget for each travel category:

➡ Accommodation: $80 per night p.p. (on average) in a nice mid-range hotel = $240 per person ➡ Transportation Card: $25 for 3 days in Barcelona = $25 per person ➡ Food & Drinks: $45 per day p.p. = $135 per person ➡ Activities & Attractions: approx $210 per person (all sights mentioned in this itinerary)

So the total budget for a 3-day trip to Barcelona, without restricting yourself too much and enjoying each attraction, is $610 per person.

You can easily lower the budget to $300 if you choose only a few activities, not all of them.

Budget Reakdown For Each Traveler Type

Here is a quick overview of a budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 3-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $150
➡ 3-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers: $610
➡ 3-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers: up to $900

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on the activities on this itinerary. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences.

What To Pack For Your Barcelona Itinerary

When packing for your visit to Barcelona, check the weather forecast first. It’ll help you decide what to bring.

Barcelona has warm weather most of the time of the year. It’ll be super hot in the summertime, so you’ll pack light clothes, tops, and a swimming suit.

If you’re visiting in spring and autumn, pack summer clothes with some long-sleeve jumper, pants, and a light jacket as it gets colder at night.

If you’re visiting Barcelona in the wintertime, make sure also to bring warm clothes such as a winter jacket and white shoes.

Is Barcelona Safe?

Yes, Barcelona is a safe city. I used to run alone at night along the coast and Barceloneta and take a train/metro in the late evenings, and I felt safe all the time.

Avoid walking alone at night in areas such as El Raval, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Montjuïc, or El Clot to be extra safe. You’ll be safe if you stay in touristy areas such as Barceloneta, Plaza Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, or Gracia.

A big disadvantage of Barcelona is pickpockets. It’s the major thing why you might feel unsafe. However, don’t be too scared. Just watch your stuff, walk around with your bag closed, and don’t have many valuables on you and with you. Luckily, I have never pickpocketed following these steps.

How To Connect With Locals In Barcelona: Learn Spanish With Me

I’m a huge believer that foreign languages make better travelers and help us have better experiences. Knowing a few words of Spanish before visiting Barcelona will bring you closer to locals and explore a whole other side of the city.

That’s why I’ve designed a small sheet for ordering food and drinks in Spanish. It includes a dialogue you can learn, and once you’re in Barcelona, try to order something in Spanish. It’s so much fun.

So get my Spanish sheets for free here and start learning a few Spanish words in a fun way:

FAQs

Let’s dive a bit deeper. Below, I’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about Barcelona.

Are 3 Days Enough In Barcelona?

Yes, 3 days is the perfect time to explore Barcelona city. You’ll have enough time to explore all the sights in Barcelona, join a guided tour, or even participate in a cooking class. 3 days in Barcelona is great for exploring the entire city.

Is Barcelona Cheap Or Expensive?

Barcelona is one of the most expensive cities in Spain. Expect your costs to be around 85 EUR to 120 EUR per day, depending on the number of activities you do and the hotels/hostels you’ll stay at.

Barcelona has many faces. You can expect to pay a lot if you eat and stay around the center. However, if you are on a budget, the city offers many cheap places to eat and sleep. On average, as a backpacker, you can spend between 40 EUR to 60 EUR a day.

Is Barcelona A Walkable City?

Barcelona is partly a walkable city. You can see a lot in Barcelona on foot, depending on the part of the city you’re in.

For example, the most walkable part of Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter (Old Town), which you can visit on this itinerary day 1. Another great walkable part is from Arc de Triomphe, via Ciutadella Park, to Port Olympic until the Barceloneta beach.

If you want to visit other major sites such as Sagrada Familia, Plaza España, Park Güell, or Tibidano, it’s very far from the city center on foot. So I suggest taking a metro or taxi.

What Is The Best Way To Explore Barcelona?

The best way to explore Barcelona is to see the city in 3 main parts: Old Town & Barceloneta, Plaza Espana and Montjuic, and Gaudi Sights.

The best way to explore the Old Town and Barceloneta is on foot and with a local guide on a tour. Explore Plaza España and Montjuïc on foot or a bike. The best way to explore Gaudí Sights is by taking a metro or a taxi.

Getting from one part of Barcelona to the other districts is best by metro or a taxi. Exploring one part of Barcelona is best done on foot.

Do I Need Spanish In Barcelona?

While it’s not necessary to speak Spanish for your visit to Barcelona, it’s certainly a big advantage.

But you don’t have to be worried. Most locals in Barcelona speak English, e.g., in restaurants, hotels, attractions, and transportation services.

With that said, if you’re interested in learning a few Spanish words before your trip, check out my article about how to learn a language for travel in 7 basic steps.

Wrap-Up: Barcelona Itinerary 3 Days

This is my 3-day itinerary for Barcelona for you guys. It’s one of the best cities in Europe, so get the most out of it and have fun. Choose the activities that fit your interests, and join one of the guided tours to get better insights with a local.

If you have any questions or want me to design a customized itinerary for your travel, you can contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!