So you have just one long weekend or a few days to discover Barcelona—I get it, it happens. And you’re on the hunt for the best Barcelona 3 day itinerary to hit all the best spots in the city in the shortest amount of time possible!
I used to live in Barcelona, and it’s a city that is near and dear to my heart. Let me preface this guide by saying it isn’t possible to grasp the essence of Barcelona in just 3 days. This is a place where the evenings are lavender, long, and lazy; where every turn is a new delight of architecture, color, and design; and where the best joys are found tucked away in corners, alleyways, and locals’ homes. But—I’ll do my best.
Having a former resident put together your Barcelona 3 day itinerary is the way to go. Who else is going to tell you that the fresh-pressed orange juice at the Mercadona grocery store is life-changing, or that patatas bravas is the most overrated tapas dish ever? I’ve included tips and tricks in this travel guide that only the locals know.
To be serious—more than any other city in the world, Barcelona is incredibly special to me, and I’m deeply passionate about sharing it with others. I hope you can feel my love for Barcelona through this itinerary and the way I describe the sights and experiences here.
Consider a Barcelona Sightseeing Pass
You only have 3 days in Barcelona, so it might be worth getting a Barcelona sightseeing pass.
The Barcelona Card and the Barcelona Explorer Pass are two popular options for visitors looking to experience the city’s top attractions with ease. The Barcelona Card is an all-inclusive pass that grants free entry to over 25 museums and attractions, unlimited access to public transportation, and discounts at some restaurants and shops. Meanwhile, the Barcelona Explorer Pass allows you to choose a set number of attractions from a curated list if you prefer a more tailored experience.
I’m not usually a fan of these kinds of passes, but in Barcelona it may be worth it. Barcelona is a compact city where many of its most famous landmarks—such as La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and the Gothic Quarter—are close together, making it easy to explore multiple attractions in a day. With free access to buses, trams, and the metro, getting around is effortless and cost-effective. Additionally, fast-track entry at popular sites can save valuable time when you only have a few days!
Language in Barcelona: Catalan vs Spanish
As soon as you arrive in Barcelona, you might notice that the city has two official languages: Catalan and Spanish. While Spanish is spoken and understood all around Barcelona, this city is also the capital of Catalonia. Catalan is not a dialect of Spanish, but a distinct language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
You’ll notice that street signs, metro announcements, and official documents are usually posted in both Catalan and Spanish. However, the locals here are almost universally bilingual and can usually manage Spanish, Catalan, and English. Of course, knowing a few Spanish and Catalan phrases can go a long way in showing respect to the local culture!
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Luxury
- Hotel Sagrada Familia: You can’t get much more premium than a luxury hotel local right next to the iconic Sagrada Familia! Located just steps away, this hotel offers a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Gaudí’s masterpiece.
- Sercotel Rosellón: Situated near the Gothic Quarter, Sercotel Rosellón provides luxury accommodations with easy access to historic sites. The hotel features a contemporary design and a rooftop terrace offering gorgeous views of the Sagrada Familia.
- Hotel Claris & Spa GL: For boutique hotel lovers like me, this stay is perfectly housed in a 19th-century palace near Passeig de Gràcia. It boasts an impressive art collection, a rooftop pool, and elegant rooms.
Mid-Range
- Occidental Barcelona 1929: Located near Plaça d’Espanya, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It has a unique location close to the gorgeous mountain park, Montjuïc.
- Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella: Overlooking the Parc de la Ciutadella (one of my favorite spots in Barcelona), this hotel provides stylish accommodations at an affordable price. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring both the Gothic Quarter and the beach.
- Acta Splendid: Situated in the Eixample district, Acta Splendid offers spacious rooms within walking distance of Plaça de Catalunya (a popular hub) and La Rambla (the biggest pedestrian road in the city).
Budget
- Hotel Lloret Ramblas: Set right on La Rambla, this hotel provides basic yet comfortable accommodations. You can’t beat the location!
- Hotel Oasis: Located near the Barceloneta neighborhood, Hotel Oasis offers budget-friendly rooms close to the beach and the Gothic Quarter.
- Hotel Rialto: Nestled in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, this hotel provides affordable accommodations in a historic building. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Barcelona’s rich history and culture.
Thanks to Barcelona’s mild climate, the city is popular throughout the year. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance!
The Best Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary
Now we’re finally moving onto what you’ve all been waiting for: the best Barcelona 3-day itinerary, put together by a real local!
Day 0: Arrival & Paella For Dinner
After arriving in Barcelona, the best way to kick off your trip is with a classic Spanish dish—paella.
Once you’ve settled into your hotel, it’s time to fill up on one of the most famous dishes to come out of this part of the world. Real Spain fans will know that paella is actually from the city of Valencia, not Barcelona—but Barcelona has done a great job of perfecting it!
Paella is a rice-based dish cooked in a wide, shallow pan. A good paella is packed with flavor, featuring al dente rice infused with saffron, seafood, or meat. A typical paella might have prawns, squid, mussels, and clams. However, you can get pretty much whatever you want on your paella these days—meat, veggie-only, you name it.
Here are a couple of my recommendations for the best paella in Barcelona. (Hint: none of them are in the Gothic Quarter!)
- Mana 75: Located near the beach, this stylish restaurant is famous for its generous paella portions and fresh ingredients. You can also watch the chefs cook a massive line of paella pans!
- Restaurant Can Fisher: Another fantastic beachfront option with incredible seafood paella and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Restaurant Cheriff: A refined choice if you’re looking for both tapas and paella. If you can speak Spanish, I noticed that the service here is better. Make sure to specify you want your paella in the pan as they will remove it otherwise, and their paella is super al dente—definitely a polarizing choice.
After enjoying a leisurely meal—Spanish dinnertime often takes hours—soak in the ambiance and get ready for a colorful few days ahead!
Day 1: Gaudí’s Masterpieces & Tapas
Morning: Sagrada Família
We’re going to kick off the first full day of the Barcelona 3-day itinerary with Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s most famous work and an absolute must-see. Crazily enough, this fantastical basilica began construction illegally and is still unfinished after more than 140 years!
The basilica’s intricate facades depict scenes from the Bible, while its interior is a stunning play of light and color through rainbow stained glass windows.
I highly, highly recommend booking your ticket for Sagrada Familia well in advance (a month out if possible). This UNESCO World Heritage site is super popular and the most-visited attraction in all of Barcelona! Tickets easily sell out more than 2 weeks in advance, and it’s very difficult to secure a ticket once the official site is out of them.
If you’re really out of options, it’s possible to get tickets through a tour like the ones below, but these can be pretty expensive and still sell out days or weeks prior.
By the way, here’s a pro tip: for a unique and less crowded view of the Sagrada Familia, head to Placa de Gaudi just a short stroll from the front of the facade. There’s a pretty green lake with a gorgeous reflection just begging to be photographed!
⛪ Read more: Discover Gaudí in Barcelona With This Colorful Art Nouveau Route
After taking in the breathtaking architecture, head to Faire for a delicious brunch. This cozy café offers fresh, locally sourced dishes, perfect for fueling up before your next stop.
Afternoon: Casa Batlló
After eating, it’s time to visit Casa Batlló—possibly the most famous of Antoni Gaudí’s house series. The outside facade is adorned with colorful mosaics and undulating shapes, making it a showstopper even from the road.
The inside is equally mesmerizing. It’s said that there are no straight lines inside Casa Batlló, and I have to agree—I couldn’t find a sharp corner anywhere. From the endless marine motifs to the sculpted woodwork to the beautiful hydraulic windows, every detail reflects Gaudí’s thoughtfulness and creativity.
Don’t miss the rooftop, which is super whimsical and unique! It feels like a mix between a dragon’s spine and St. Peter’s Basilica…you’ll see what I mean when you get there!
Evening: Tapas
Wrap up your first day with the best tapas in Barcelona—and I don’t say that lightly! I’ve had hundreds, maybe thousands of tapas in Barcelona from when I lived here, and the best tapas spot in town for taste and value is Anxoita Bodega on La Rambla.
Expect a lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and an excellent selection of small plates. Plus, they have both a standard menu and a rotating daily menu, so there’s always something new to try! I would make a recommendation, but you can’t go wrong with a single dish here.
Often times there will be a 30-45 minute wait around dinnertime. The earlier you show up, the better—Spanish people tend to eat on the later side (not to mention very slowly).
Day 2: Markets, Music, and Modernist Architecture
Morning: Palau de la Música Catalana and Mercat de la Boqueria
Begin the second day at the Palau de la Música Catalana, a stunning concert hall and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if you don’t have time for a concert, it’s completely worth buying a self-guided tour ticket simply to marvel at the inside. The construction is richly colorful and maximalist in the typical Calatan way. See if you can spot the roses on the ceiling!
Don’t forget to check out the outdoor pavilion on the second floor. The rainbow mosaics make it one of the prettiest spots in Barcelona!
For an early lunch, walk over to Mercat de La Boqueria, the most famous food market in Barcelona. La Boqueria has a touristy reputation, which isn’t necessarily wrong—but there are still gems here, you just need to know where to look. Definitely do not buy anything at the fantastic-looking fruit stall at the front of the market because everything there is super overpriced! (I’m talking 7-8x the price of small stalls inside the market!)
Instead, walk around La Boqueria and check out some of the stalls in the middle or towards the back. You can try anything here, from delicious fresh fruit juices to olive tapas to raw seafood and lobster.
I recommend trying one of the jamon iberico and cheese cones for a sampler of the most famous and expensive ham in the world! (Make sure to go for the jamon iberico bellota, as that one is the highest quality.) If you’re looking for a sit-down option, I recommend Quiosc Modern for delicious fresh seafood and mushroom tapas.
Afternoon: Parc de la Ciutadella and Gaudi Houses
After stuffing yourself with food from La Boqueria, take a break and stroll through Parc de la Ciutadella. This is one of my favorite local spots in Barcelona and a beautiful green space in the heart of the city. It’s also conveniently attached to the Arc de Triomf as an easy-to-spot landmark.
Relax by the fountains, rent a rowboat on the lake, or people watch! I’ve done everything here, from watching a partner dancing flash mob to trying tightrope walking after a local’s invitation. Don’t miss the greenhouse!
Next, I recommend exploring one more of the Gaudí houses. If you’re fascinated by Gaudí’s architectural style, visit Casa Milà (La Pedrera), famous for its wavy stone exterior and surreal rooftop sculptures. It has a rough stone facade, which is where the name comes from, but the inside is filled with soft, dreamy colors.
🦎 Read more: Discover Gaudí in Barcelona With This Colorful Art Nouveau Route
If you prefer something lesser-known, opt for Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first major project. The warm, earthy house is full of Moorish influences, geometric patterns, leafy and floral motifs, and bold colors. I loved walking through the house with the free audio guide, discovering firsthand how Gaudí’s style became the way it was towards the end of his career.
Evening: More Tapas!
I promise that having tapas for dinner twice in a row is the best idea you could possibly have. For the evening, head to Cal Pep, a renowned tapas bar in the Gothic Quarter. Cal Pep is famous for its “no menu” style, where you simply tell the chefs what you like to eat and they prepare tapas for you on the spot!
The line here can get pretty long, but it’s a fun experience and well worth your time. You’ll have to decide for yourself if you prefer Anxoita Bodega or Cal Pep—the jury is still out!
Day 3: Park Views & Historic Barcelona
Morning: Park Güell
Can you believe it’s already the last day in Barcelona? Start off your final morning at Park Güell, a whimsical, colorful park designed by (you guessed it) Antoni Gaudí. Unlike the stately grandeur of Sagrada Familia or the soothing designs of Gaudí’s houses, Park Güell has a childlike whimsicality and cuteness.
The park’s highlights include the colorful mosaic bench that winds around the main terrace and the famous Salamander sculpture at the entrance. The pavilions, like the famous Greek Theater, have curvy fairytale designs with rainbow mosaics overlooking the gingerbread house-esque buildings at the front of the park. However, Park Güell does require timed entry and tickets regularly sell out, so make sure to get yours in advance!
After enjoying Park Güell, head to the Gothic Quarter for lunch. Some great options include Bodega Biarritz 1881, a fantastic tapas spot with a cozy, old-world charm; and El Pintxo de Petritxol, a great place for traditional Catalan dishes.
Afternoon: The Gothic Quarter & Barcelona Cathedral
Now that you’re in the Gothic Quarter, or the Barri Gòtic, spend some time wandering around. This medieval neighborhood is filled with charming alleyways, historic buildings, and hidden squares. You’ll probably pass under the Pont de Bisbe, a famous little Gothic-style bridge and iconic photo spot. (However, fun fact—the Pont de Bisbe actually isn’t from the Gothic period and was added in 1928!)
🥘 Read more: 18 Top Things to Do in Barcelona, From Famous to Hidden Gems
Also, stop by the Barcelona Cathedral, an impressive Gothic church based in a large communal square. For a special treat, head to the Hotel Colón rooftop bar for a drink with a stunning cathedral view. Just be prepared to queue for a good spot!
Evening: Bunkers del Carmel
I’ve saved something incredibly special for the last evening in Barcelona. End your three-day Barcelona itinerary with a sunset at Bunkers del Carmel, hands-down the best viewpoint in the city. The retired military bunkers used to be a local haunt but became famous after they were featured in a popular movie. These days, you’ll definitely be sharing the area with dozens of other people, but it’s still absolutely breathtaking.
From here, you can see every landmark in Barcelona all the way to the Mediterranean, and even make out the famous “square courtyard” design of the city from above. Bring a drink, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views, and reflect on an amazing trip.
⚠️ Due to resident complaints, the police now close the Bunkers del Carmel at 7:00 PM. It’s enough time to catch the lovely sunset and then head down the hills to have dinner! Respect the local rules and leave no trace behind, too.
Final Thoughts on This Barcelona 3-Day Itinerary
Even though your short time in Barcelona is coming to an end, I hope you fell in love with the city that I used to call home.
Barcelona is honestly incredible, filled with history, architecture, and world-class food. I tried as hard as I could to put together a Barcelona 3-day itinerary that hits all the popular spots while also mixing in a few options that only the locals would really recommend.
Enjoy your trip, and please stay longer next time! Barcelona—and I—will be happily waiting to welcome you home.
Did you find this post helpful? Please consider pinning it on Pinterest with the buttons below, or following me on Instagram!
