I think you’ll agree that having time for yourself is the reason you’re on holiday in the first place.
So why spend hours and hours planning the thing? That’s why I’m here. In 10 minutes I’m going to show you the places to visit in Barcelona in 3 days from the main attractions to local secrets.
And just how exactly do I know?
Well, for starters I’ve been in the city six years. So if you need extra advice please leave me a comment below and I’ll get back to you with custom local advice within 24 hours.
Before You Arrive in Barcelona
When spending 3 days in Barcelona there is some essential information to know first.
You’re going to be inundated with options and there’s also a very good chance you’ll be standing in long lines and paying premium prices: with my links below you’ll make sure you get the best prices and skip lines.
Make sure you read:
- How to get from Barcelona airport to city center quickly.
- How to select the right discount travel card.
- Where to buy discounted attraction tickets and skip lines.
- How to find the best area to stay in Barcelona.
- My lists of best budget hotels, hostels and holiday apartments.
Barcelona Itinerary Map
A good part of any Barcelona itinerary is a map with all the attractions.
Here you’ll see how I’ve bunched them all together for your transport convenience and to make sure you don’t go more than a small time without some good food and a drink.
Still have any questions? Fire away below in the comments.
3 Days in Barcelona – Day 1
Sagrada Familia
What itinerary doesn’t have it? If you had just one day in Barcelona the world-famous Basilica of the Sagrada Familia would be the first stop.
This art nouveau behemoth is called ‘the most extraordinary interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages’. I can’t disagree. Get there for 9:00 am since the average tour lasts an hour and a half.
Long lines? Most tourists on a 3 day itinerary get tickets as part of the Barcelona City Pass discount card. It includes skip-the-line access to Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, airport transport, the Bus Turistic, and 20% discount codes to almost every other city attraction.
Snack
Time is of the essence so it’s great to hit up a place just a few steps from the Sagrada Familia at Enrique Tomas in Carrer Marina 261.
Here we try my favourite Spanish tapas dish: jamon iberico (Serrano ham/prosciutto). I recommend going for the Jamon Bellota Premium which is top of the line stuff. They’ll cut it right off the leg at the moment.
The best part? Spend 10 euros or more and mention Barcelonahacks.com for a free coffee!
Casa Batllò
Continuing our homage to master architect Antoni Gaudi we take the purple line (L2) and a few short minutes later get off at Passeig de Gracia.
Here we find the beautifully eccentric mansion called Casa Batllo and revel in its visceral, skeletal qualities. The tour takes an hour. This is my dream house and by the time you’re done with it it’ll be yours too.
Lunch
We’re in tourist trap hell and will need to dodge a few bullets here.
For this reason I suggest lunch at El Nacional (24 Passeig de Gràcia). This multi-zone culinary space serves traditional recipes from nearly every region in Spain.
Fish lovers can’t go wrong at La Paradeta (318 Consell de Cent). Here chefs cook fresh fish that you’ve selected yourself from a market counter. Wash it down with a Blanc Pescador white wine.
La Pedrera (also called Casa Milà)
We’ve barely scratched the surface of things to see when we head to another gem in Barcelona’s architectural crown.
La Pedrera is another Gaudi work and is arguably his best.
You’ll see this wobbling limestone apartment block on all the postcards but don’t miss the view from the incredible rooftop. Get a photo of yourself and the haunting chimneys standing on guard.
Casa Vicens
I want to get you in great position for a late afternoon stroll and an amazing local dinner so we walk up about 15 minutes to the picturesque, bohemian neighbourhood of Gracia for one of Barcelona’s most underrated attractions: the newly minted Gaudi gem Casa Vicens.
This summer chalet mansion with its lush garden is more fairy tale than home and at less than half the price of its contemporaries it offers a tremendous amount of value for both Gaudi fanatics and budget travelers.
If you’re not planning on buying tickets for Casa Batllo or La Pedrera then this would be the best way to experience Gaudi’s home architecture expertise up close.
Dinner
Let’s do this properly – leave a comment with where you’re staying and I’ll recommend you some of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
I do however suggest taking the short walk from Casa Vicens to the famous Plaça del Sol for some tasty tapas at Sol Soler (21 Plaça del Sol). Other nearby tapas restaurants for a great dinner are Cal Boter (Carrer del Tordera 62) and Casa Lopez (Carrer del Topazi 11).
If you’re not interested in exploring Gracia I would go for the paella tasting menu at nearby Bodega Joan since my readers get a pretty healthy discount 🙂
3 Days in Barcelona – Day 2
Breakfast
In winter we’re starting the day with a delicious breakfast in Barcelona city center eating delicious churros con chocolate on historic Petrixol Street.
If it’s summer we’re heading to the even more historic La Boqueria Market for fruit smoothies and tostadas. If you’re looking for something a bit more savory head to the market’s Bar Pinotxo – the classic breakfast here is blood sausage and garbanzo beans.
Get this breakfast in the earlier the better especially at Boqueria where lines get heavy even around 9:00 am.
Park Guell
Any Barcelona itinerary has to include the city’s most beautiful park and I want us to see it early because the temperatures are cooler, there are less crowds, and the light is better for photography!
We take bus 24 from Passeig de Gracia (just a couple hundred meters from our breakfast spots) and 30-40 minutes later we’re left at the gates. We could also take the yellow metro line to Alfons X and grab the free shuttle (with Park Guell tickets only),
Visiting the park in its entirety should take a couple of hours but fear not: the reward at the end (if lucky) is a fantastic panoramic view of the city!
Lunch
Let’s grab that same bus 24 to Plaça Catalunya because we’ll be spending the afternoon in the famous Gothic Quarter, starting with another Spanish culinary classic: pintxos!
These bite-sized toothpicked tapas are famous in the Basque region but El Pintxo del Petrixol (9 Carrer de Petritxol) holds the traditions dear. It’s also according to a Catalan friend ‘the only restaurant near the Rambla that doesn’t serve garbage’.
Another option nearby is La Fonda (10 Carrer dels Escudellers) which is a great place to get some of the best paella in the city at a great price.
Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter
No Barcelona itinerary is complete without a stroll on the world-famous pedestrian boulevard La Rambla. There we find enough shopping, street performers, bars, and museums to last a lifetime!
For more info check out my essential Rambla guide.
After we head into the heart of the old city and wander around the quirky Gothic Quarter. Some of the things we can’t miss are the Barcelona Cathedral, the old Roman walls, and the beautiful squares Plaça Reial and Plaça del Pi.
If we feel like a beer (we feel like a beer) we’ll go to my favorite bar: Bar Jardi, a terrace oasis in the middle of the city chaos. It’s on 17 Carrer Portaferrissa. We look for the camel outside the bar and find it at the back of a store called El Mercadillo.
Dinner
We’re super central and will have to ninja our way around a ton of tourist traps but luckily I’ve found the only authentic place on La Rambla: El Louro. Spanish tapas classics are given a modern twist here and mains like the Galician beef filet and crunchy octopus are to die for.
The kicker? Some of the best original cocktails in the city like the legendary blackberry mojito.
You’ll also get a free glass of cava per diner by reserving no money down via the form below:
A Night on the Town
I won’t pretend to know what kind of music you like but if you’re looking for a big night out I suggest checking out my list of the best clubs in Barcelona.
My first choice is Razzmatazz, a massive five room club. If this is the case we’ll be pre-gaming at Ovella Negra at 78 Carrer Zamora. It’s the ideal pub for all sorts of revelry and it’s easy to get to know locals playing a game of Spanish billiards.
The second choice is Sala Apolo, a former theater that’s been transformed into one of Barcelona’s most famous clubs! We take the green metro line to Parallel.
Pre-drinks in the area go down at Bar Marsella, a dusty ol’ bar that served Hemingway and Salvador Dali in the not so distant past. It’s located at 65 Carrer de Sant Pau. People go here for the absinthe, but if you’re not in the mood for the green fairy they have enough beer to get you through the night.
When we finish we head to bed: the metro opens at 5:00 am (though it runs all night on Saturday).
3 days in Barcelona – Day 3
Shopping or Camp Nou?
We’ve got two choices now and I’ll leave it up to you, my distinguished guests.
There’s tons of world-class shopping in Barcelona city center. The largest shopping areas are Passeig de Gracia, Plaça Catalunya, Las Ramblas and Portal del Angel.
If we’re allergic to shopping (I really am!) we really have to ask ourselves what Barcelona itinerary wouldn’t include a tour of historic Camp Nou stadium – home of Messi and that little squad called FC Barcelona.
From Plaça Catalunya we get there in 15 minutes with the green metro line getting off at Les Corts.
Beach at La Barceloneta
When talking about Barcelona in 3 days you don’t think we’d leave out the beach did you? We get the metro from wherever we are and grab the yellow line for the Barceloneta stop.
Barceloneta is a great neighborhood to explore inner alleyways where elderly residents sit outside playing cards while young people gather to socialize in kitschy bars.
It’s not one of the best beaches in Barcelona but we’ve only got a couple days so let’s be time-effective. For the early afternoon (like locals) you’ll want to work on that tan to make your colleagues jealous so lay down a towel and take it in!
After we can’t stop by without saying hello to Mrs. Leo, a little spark-plug of a woman in her 70’s who owns a bar where on weekend afternoons Andalusian flamenco and live Spanish guitar is the name of the game! Bar Leo is at 34 Carrer Sant Carles.
Lunch
We’re getting really local now by having a late lunch (around 3:00 pm) and for this I’d recommend going for quality tapas at Bitacora (at the back of the restaurant there’s a cool little terrace) at 1 Carrer Balboa.
There’s also the ridiculously cheap wine bar La Champagneria at 7 Reina Cristina. We also can’t miss the minuscule fried fish restaurant Can Maño.
All places are fifteen minutes or less walking from the beach.
Looking for something a little closer to home? One of Barcelona’s best burgers is just what the doctor ordered. Kiosko Burger (Avinguda del Marquès de l’Argentera, 1 bis) is great place to start and it’s no tourist sin! Get the one with traditional manchego cheese.
See? We’re doing Spanish things.
Montjuic
We get to Montjuic Hill by taking the Port Cable Car from the Barceloneta.
At the top of Barcelona’s tallest hill we find the castle with its majestic view of the harbour, the Miro Foundation, the ’92 Olympic Stadiums and the botanical garden.
There’s also the option to experience the fantastic open-air architecture museum Poble Espanyol.
The Magic Fountain
Always high on the list of things to do in Barcelona, this beautiful fountain of towering water sprays to the rhythm of contemporary music – the view of Plaça Espanya is really something!
We find the fountain a short fifteen minute walk away at the foot of Montjuic. Make sure to check the Barcelona Magic Fountain show schedule first.
Dinner
We’re looking to keep it local for the third night so we hit up Can Margarit (21 Carrer de la Concordia) for some authentic Catalan fare. Here it’s all about rustic charm, cask wines, rabbit, squid, and cod.
For something a little more upscale that’s a modern take on Spanish classics we go to Plata Bistro (23 Carrer de Sepúlveda), which is just a short walk from the fountains. You can book your table with a simple message on their Facebook page.
Looking for something a little cheaper?
Head for Calle Blai and its endless supply of one euro tapas and beer bars. I recommend La Tasqueta de Blai (Carrer de Blai 17).
After Dinner
In the Gotico area we’ll head to Manu Chao’s bar. This incredibly eclectic French singer who sings in 7(!) languages sometimes shows up to play guitar.
The bar is called Mariachi and is located at 14 Carrer Codols. Of course, I’ve been a little pushy with my ideas haven’t I? We’d actually be good going to any of Barcelona’s best bars.
That’s 3 perfect days in Barcelona down!
3 Days in Barcelona – Day 4!
Yes, you didn’t think I’d stop there did you? Barcelona has so many attractions that I couldn’t sum it up in just 3 days.
This Barcelona itinerary is heading to day 4.
Tibidabo
Let’s save some cash and grab the free breakfast at your hotel and get elevated!
Tibidabo (I will give you in Latin) is a 3 in 1: a basilica with a gigantic statue of Christ, the highest panoramic view of the city, and a retro theme park counting 25 rides. The latter is truly unique for the antique rides like the airplane one from 1928.
This is a must for Barcelona travelers with kids.
We get there in 45 minutes from Plaça Catalunya with bus T2A.
If we don’t feel like the long bus ride we can just as easily spend a few hours in centrally-located Ciutadella Park. The city’s largest green space has a zoo, a lake for row-boating, and holds a ton of events throughout the year.
The Born
We get back to the city with the same bus T2A and disembark at Plaça Catalunya. From here it’s just a 15 minute walk to another of Barcelona’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Despite its history of jousting this area full of unique bars and boutique shops is one of Barcelona’s best neighborhoods. We get there by metro getting off at Jaume 1 (yellow line).
We can’t walk through without seeing Barcelona’s second Gothic behemoth: La Santa Maria del Mar.
We could also check out the more than 4000 pieces at the Picasso Museum (15-24 Carrer Montcada).
Lunch
When we get hungry we’ll fill up at one of my favourite tapas spots Bormuth (31 Carrer del Rec).
I haven’t mentioned it before but you should be drinking vermouth on your itinerary. This a red or white aromatised wine is a massive part of Barcelona’s drinking culture. We get a couple here with the tapas and boom!
This is so good, how can we ever go back home?
Raval
For those a little more rough and ready I suggest we go for a 20 minute walk to get to the ‘gentrified gem’ El Raval.
There are tons of good value bars and ethnically diverse eateries here – if you’ve skipped my tapas advice above there’s no shame getting a €5.00 curry lunch on the fly at Bishmillah (Carrer Joaquin Costa 22).
Then you can round out the afternoon going to one of my favourite contemporary museums: MACBA (the modern art museum) or the CCCB (a contemporary culture museum).
Flamenco
We round out the evening taking in a show of not only one of the most popular art forms in Spain, but the entire world.
The flamenco shows at the Palacio del Flamenco have been known to bring guests to tears, and you’ll find out if you’re one of them watching the intricate dances, passionate yelps, and spirited guitar rhythms.
Shows run daily at 6:30, 8:30, and 10:30 and can include drinks and dinner.
Fine Tune Your Itinerary in the Comments
We’ve done 3 days in Barcelona and it’s time to go home but wait! If you’re missing that special something that would really tie all of this together please get a hold of me in the comments below for custom advice.
As I said earlier if you need any extra advice fire away! And please let me know how your Barcelona holiday went by leaving a comment below.
Also don’t be afraid to join the 3 day itinerary discussion by first giving me a like on Facebook and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.
Anything goes!
Tara
Your site is GREAT! Thank you for saving us a lot of work. My husband and I are arriving in Barcelona (BCN) Wednesday morning October 16th. We are staying at the Renaissance Barcelona for three nights before taking the train to Madrid for a day and a half. We return to Barcelona on October 21st and stay at the Grand Hotel Central one last night before returning to the USA.
We are foodies and would love your recommendations for meals around our hotel. We plan on following your three-day itinerary but are trying to decide between buying a Barcelona card, City Pass, BCN or just paying as we go. What is your expert opinion?
Thanks so much!
Tara and Dusty
Ash
Hi Tara,
Thanks so much for the kind words, always glad to help 🙂
First off… which Renaissance Barcelona hotel are you referring to? There are multiple so just want to make sure. I’ll assume it’s the most central one (Eixample). I’d check out Ciudal Condal, El Nacional, or Bodega Joan.
If you’re going to be following my three day itinerary I suggest getting a City Pass to maximize savings on all those attractions and have it all booked with ease.
Cheers,
Ash
J
Hi Ash,
Thanks for a wonderfully informative site! I have really enjoyed reading through all of your suggestions. My husband and I will be in Barcelona in late October for business, and will be staying at the AC Hotel Barcelona Forum (no choice on the location, unfortunately). For the days when our schedules don’t allow us to roam far from the hotel, do you have suggestions for breakfast or dinner in the general vicinity of the hotel? On our free days we plan to walk all over the city.
Thanks,
J
Ash
Hola J,
Thanks so much for your very kind words on the site, I am glad to help 🙂
Let’s see, this hotel is quite far out and so it’s not exactly easy to come up with anything off the top of my head. For breakfast I can only say I’ve never eaten breakfast in that area haha… as much as I hate to say, I would yield to a site like Tripadvisor on this one. I simply wouldn’t want to give you advice on something I haven’t tried myself.
As for the dinner I can help with some stuff which aren’t completely close but close enough. Xiringiuto Escriba makes an outstanding paella and has some nice seaside atmosphere and view. You’ve also got arguably the best pizza within striking distance at Madre Lievito. Another classic is Raco de la Vila for Spanish cuisines.
Cheers,
Ash
ping
Hi Ash,
Thanks for your wonderful, informative website! It helps alot in my planning to Barcelona this coming November.
I will be reaching Barcelona on Sat afternoon and leaving on Wed morning to Madrid. Here is my plan:
Day 1 Sat: Camp nou
Day 2 Sun: Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau > Segrada > Casa Mila > Dinner > Casa Batllo
Day 3 Mon: Park Guell > Gothic area > Palau de la Música Catalania >
Day 4 Tues: Montserrat
Kindly seek your comment whether the above is doable?
Any suggestion where to buy iconic Barcelona souvenirs?
Thanks for your advice in advance
Cheers,
Ping
b
Hello. You have a very informative website. We will be there in the middle of March with a 11 year old and a 15 year old. It is our first time in Barcelona and we will have 3 days. We would like to see some of the most interesting sights as well as enjoy the city at leisure. We will be staying at Amister Apartments on Carrer de Pelai. Could you please offer some ideas that don’t tire everyone out? Also a couple of questions:
How practical is it to take the bus from BCN to the Placa, then walk to the apartments with kids and luggage?
Your recommendations for breakfast and tapas around the hotel..non touristy please.
I would like to take a tour of a market and a cooking class; Is there a tour company that you would recommend? Thank you in advance.
Ash
Hola B,
If you get off the Aerobus at Universitat your hotel will be a 2-3 minute walk. This is not only doable but completely recommended.
For breakfast I’d do Granja Viader or Brunch & Cake though keep in mind you’re in tourist central and will never really be able to truly escape them! For tapas I’d go to Ciudad Comtal or El Nacional.
For a market tour and cooking class I recommend this one. It’s the best value for money one I’ve been on of the sort.
Also… I’m not sure what you mean by activities that don’t tire people out? All sightseeing involves walking and getting around… maybe you could take in a flamenco show or a concert at the Palau de la Musica 🙂
Cheers,
Ash
R
Hey!
Do you need to carry your passport around the city to get into certain places or make purchases?
Ash
Hola R,
I’ve rarely been asked for my passport… maybe at the casino once but otherwise it’s totally not necessary. I would leave it at the hotel and then not risk losing it. If you have another smaller piece of ID like a driver’s license I would carry that just in case.
Ash
de
Hey there!
Which restaurants do you recommend before a night in town (rosa negra + razzmatazz)?
Ash
Hola De!
I’ve got tons of restaurant suggestions in my article on Barcelona’s best restaurants.
Was there something specific that you were looking for?
Ash
Denis
Hi there. Great site. Just looking at your 3 day itinerary. We’ve actually got 4 full days at end of October and with a 15 and 12 year old might not be able to go quite as intensively as your 3 day schedule (need to take a few downtime breaks to stop overload and tempers fraying). We absolutely want to do Sagrada, Picasso Museum, Casa Milo, and Batlo, the Guell park and the Camp Nou. Would also like to see the fountains at night. Possibly some beach time but could swap that for a park. Quite happy sitting on the tourist bus between stops/to get some downtime. Seems like we’ll be just better off (in euros) with the Barcelona City Card (and a lot better off in time). We’re staying on Carrer de l’Aliga. With your experience can you suggest an ideal running order for these (so I can start booking the tickets for the right days and times). Any food (especially veggie) tips also would be really good.
Kind regards
Ash
Hola Denis,
Thanks for the kind words on the site, always glad to help 🙂
Let’s see, first of all you’re staying fairly central but a little away from most of the sights except for the Magic Fountain. It looks like you’ve got 7-8 things on the list so since you’re not wanting to go as intensely I’d break it up into twos and group them by location for convenience.
It could go something like this:
Day 1 – Sagrada and Park Guell
Day 2 – Casa Mila and Casa Batllo
Day 3 – Picasso Museum and beach and/or Ciutadella Park (park right near Picasso Museum, beach will be just two metro stops)
Day 4 – Camp Nou and Magic Fountains (are sort of in the same area, close to your hotel)
This looks like a great way to break it up without going too intensely.
For vegetarian options Barcelona is a great city and I’ve broken down some of the best ones in my best vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona article.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.
Cheers,
Ash
Denis
Fabulous! Thank you ever so much, Ashley. This is really helpful. Looking forward to being back in this city after way too many years.
Kind regards
Denis