Exploring the Best of Barcelona in 3 Days: A Traveler’s Guide

I first visited Barcelona, Spain in 2007 and again 6 years later. Ever since my husband and I started dating I have been telling him how much I thought he would love Barcelona. He loves culture, good food, and good wine. So, we finally booked the trip! This is part one of our three part trip to Spain. We visited Barcelona, Mallorca, and Ibiza. 

Barcelona is a city that effortlessly combines rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant food and wine scene. From the iconic Sagrada Familia to the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona offers something for every traveler.

In you’re trying to decide how much time to spend in Barcelona, I recommend 3-4 full days to make sure you have time to experience everything Barcelona has to offer. Here are some other tips to keep in mind for your trip:

• Plan Ahead: Research and plan your itinerary in advance. Barcelona has so much to offer, and a well-structured plan will help you make the most of your time. Reservations for popular restaurants and attractions are a must!
• Keep Your Valuables Safe: Barcelona is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep your belongings close to you, especially on Las Ramblas.
• Use Public Transportation: Barcelona has an excellent public transport system, including buses and the Metro. Consider buying a T-10 card for discounted rides.
• Plan an Afternoon Siesta: Many shops and businesses close for a siesta in the early afternoon. Plan your activities accordingly. I recommend participating and enjoying an afternoon siesta.
• Prepare to Eat Dinner Late: Barcelona comes alive at night. Make sure to make dinner reservations between 8-10pm to enjoy the night life.

I’m sharing our 3-day itinerary to guide you through the must-see attractions and the best dining spots to make the most of your trip.

Day 1

Morning

• Start your Barcelona adventure by arriving in the city. Check-in to your accommodation and get ready to explore. There is public transportation from the airport, but we opted for a taxi so that we would have more time on our first day. We stayed at Hotel Bagues on Las Ramblas and it was ~30 euros. We loved the location of this hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the staff was so friendly, and the rooms were very clean and comfortable.

Afternoon

• After checking in, I recommend starting with with a cava bar. We visited Can Paixano, a local spot known for its delicious cava (Spanish sparkling wine) and tapas. Can Paixano is standing room only. For each bottle of cava you will be asked to order tapas. We had no problem ordering in English. There are some other great cava bars, but they were closed for the summer holiday while we were there. Be sure to check in advance the hours of operation for each cava bar.

Evening

• To celebrate your first night in Barcelona, make a reservation at Bar Cañete. This restaurant is renowned for its Catalan cuisine and welcoming ambiance. They accept reservations for groups of 4+ and I highly recommend making a reservation. If you don’t have a reservation, I recommend arriving early because there were long lines.

Day 2

Morning

• Start your second day with a visit to Park Güell, a whimsical park designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Explore the colorful mosaics, unique structures, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. You can avoid big crowds by going early in the morning. We opted for a taxi to Park Güell because it was raining, but there is public transportation.
• Next, head to the iconic Sagrada Familia, another Gaudí masterpiece. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues and enjoy the awe-inspiring interior.

Afternoon

• I highly recommend making a lunch reservation at Sercotel Rosellon. The views of Sagrada Familia are amazing! They open reservations on their website one week in advance.
• After lunch, take a stroll along Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s most famous avenues, known for its high-end shops and Modernist architecture. Don’t miss Casa Batlló, a building designed by Gaudí. You can purchase tickets to visit the inside.
• After a lot of walking and shopping, visit El Nacional, a beautifully restored modernist space offering several restaurants under one roof, for a glass of wine or afternoon tapas.

Evening

• After an afternoon siesta, get ready for dinner and walk along the beautiful Barcelona beachfront.
• Finish your day with a delicious dinner at Velissima, an Italian restaurant with delicious seafood dishes and water veiws.

Day 3

Morning

• Start your day with a possibly the best cup of coffee in Barcelona at Nomad Coffee Shop to get ready for a day of exploring.
• Once you’ve secured your coffee, head to Pastelería Hofmann, a local favorite for freshly baked croissants. 
• With caffeine and breakfast, you will be ready to explore the Gothic Quarter, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. Don’t forget to visit Placa Reial, a stunning plaza designed by none other than Antoni Gaudí himself. 

Afternoon

• Wander down the bustling Las Ramblas, a famous boulevard lined with shops and street performers. Be very mindful of your belongings on this street!
• Next, and possibly my favorite thing to do in Barcelona, visit La Boqueria Market for lunch with your choice of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. You will have your choice of market stalls and restaurants. Make sure to have Euros for the market.
• Before dinner, unwind with a pre-dinner drink at La Vinya Del Senyor, a cozy wine bar near the Santa Maria del Mar basilica. We loved this wine bar so much that we went three times during our trip, so don’t miss this stop!
• End your Barcelona adventure with a memorable dinner at Cal Pep, a renowned seafood restaurant known for its exceptional flavors. There is no menu, so be prepared to be surprised with delicious food after a conversation with your waiter.

If you are anything like me and have a sweet tooth after dinner, here were my favorite spots for a delicious treat:

• DeLaCrem Gelato was the best gelato we had in Barcelona! It’s nearby El Nacional, so a great place to visit on Day 2.
• We also visited OGGI Gelato, other delicious option for gelato and a lot flavors to choose from.
• Don’t forget to try churros in Barcelona, Spain’s equivalent to donuts! We visited Xurreria in the Gothic Quarter and they were fresh and so tasty dipped in the chocolate sauce you get on the side.

Remember to plan ahead, book tickets in advance whenever possible, and embrace the unique charm of Barcelona at every turn. Enjoy your unforgettable journey!

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– Karen