How to Spend 3 Days in Barcelona - A Local’s Itinerary
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For the past five years, Barcelona has been my home. I’ve wandered through its barris (neighborhoods) from corner to corner, played tour guide to visiting friends and family, and savored countless meals at Barcelona’s top restaurants and cozy tapas bars. Along the way, I’d like to think that I’ve learned a thing or two about how to spend three unforgettable days in this incredible city, and that’s exactly what this article is going to share with you.
There seems to be an endless number of things to see, do, and discover in Barcelona. And even after living here for 5 plus years, I’m still amazed at the variety of places to eat, tucked-away parks to uncover, and the endless parade of stunning architecture.
Given the host of world-famous landmarks found here, the buzzing food scene, its cultural and artistic dynamism, and the city’s ideal position wedged between the mountains and the sea, it’s no surprise that Barcelona is a bucket-list destination for many (only 30 million or so tourists come here every year!). And whether you’re visiting for a few days or get to call this wonderful place home like I do, we’re all lucky to experience it.
Now, regarding this itinerary, I’ve spent a lot of time putting together a plan that I think really captures the essence of Barcelona, or at least my version of it. Of course, I’ve included iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Família and Gaudí’s other masterpieces, but I’ve also sprinkled in many quieter moments to more local places that show a very different side of the city: hidden parks and other green spaces that are favorites of mine, interesting neighborhoods, and restaurants cherished by locals.
Basically, this itinerary shows off the Barcelona I love - authentic, lively, and endlessly intriguing. And honestly? This is pretty much the exact itinerary I follow when I have visiting friends and family in town, so it’s most definitely tried and true (and well refined thanks to some very honest feedback!).
So, pack your walking shoes, and let’s dive in.
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Table of Contents
Itinerary overview
Things to know when planning your visit
Is 3 days enough time?
Where to stay
How to get around
3-Day itinerary
Optional 4th day - Day trips to the surrounding areas
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Itinerary overview
Day 1: Stroll down Passeig de Gràcia to admire stunning Modernisme architecture, then explore the Gothic Quarter and El Born. Afterwards, on to Parc de Ciutadella, a stroll through Barceloneta, and dinner by the beach.
Day 2: Spend the day discovering Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, starting with the Sagrada Família and Park Güell in the morning. Then, the city’s best viewpoint, the Bunkers del Carmel, before you descend back into the city to see Casa Vicens, one of Gaudi’s earliest creations. Finally, enjoy dinner and laid-back vibes in Gràcia.
Day 3: Walk La Rambla early in the morning before the crowds arrive, then head to Montjuïc for city views, cultural institutions, and sprawling green spaces. In the afternoon spend some time checking out the sights in Sant Antoni and El Raval, before wrapping up your trip with pintxos in Poble Sec.
Optional Day 4: Day trip outside the city to Girona, Montserrat, Sitges, or the Costa Brava
Things to know when planning your visit
Before getting into the itinerary, I just want to answer a few likely questions (below) and give a quick overview of a couple of key aspects that go into making this itinerary doable and efficient.
The first regards whether 3 days is really sufficient time to explore the city (it most definitely is for a first-time introduction), and then I cover which areas are convenient bases, followed by how to get around the city using public transportation.
Is 3 days really enough time?
For a decent introduction to Barcelona, I actually think 3 days is rather ideal, as it lets you explore the city beyond just the main sights, but doesn’t cut too much into your time in other worthy Spanish destinations (I’m assuming you’re not just coming to Barcelona), whether you’re heading onwards to Madrid, south to Andalusia, or venturing up to the little-visited northern regions.
Basically, 3 days in Barcelona gives you enough time to explore various different areas and see all the city’s major attractions: the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Picasso Museum, Gaudi’s Casas Batlló and Mila, and of course the Gothic Quarter and other historic areas in the center. There’s even enough time for a sprinkling of lesser-known attractions as well.
Now, if you have a little time to spare, I highly recommend hanging around for a fourth day, using it to travel out of the city and see some more of Catalunya. If you rent a car, you could drive up to the Costa Brava, stopping in at a few secretive coves and towns along the way.
Alternatively, regular trains head from Barcelona to Girona, which is a lovely medieval city with a gorgeous historic core. You can also easily reach Sitges down the coast, which is a popular day trip option for a day by the sea, while inland is the famous Montserrat and its monastery, also accessible by train.
Where to stay
Of course, where you choose to stay can make a big difference in how you experience the city, and considering how touristy Barcelona is, it can be somewhat challenging to find a central area that doesn’t just feel like a carnival for tourists. With that in mind, I’d recommend one of the following four central neighborhoods, all of which are suitable for first-time visitors and still retain at least something of a local atmosphere.
For a more detailed guide that includes a few other neighborhoods, check out my article on where to stay in Barcelona.
La Dreta de l’Eixample
As central as it gets and home itself to a number of Gaudí’s masterpieces (which you’re sure to visit during your time here), this is an upscale area with wide boulevards, impressive architecture, and lots of high-end shops and restaurants. It’s super conveniently located for sightseeing, and while parts are quite touristy, the crowds dissipate quickly as you move into the side streets. Don’t expect to find cheap accommodation here though.
Esquerra de l’Eixample
This is where I live and I quite like it. A bit removed from the top touristic attractions, it has a real residential fee, with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars that are mainly frequented by locals. You’ll be just a couple of metro stops from most anywhere you want to go though, and can even walk most places on foot within 30 minutes or so.
El Born
If you really want that historic, medieval feel, I’d suggest staying in El Born, as it has lots of lovely old architecture and is filled with narrow, winding streets, but is a bit less touristy than the neighboring Gothic Quarter. There are also still plenty of people who actually live here (unlike in the Gothic Quarter), so you get a mix of locals and visitors.
Sant Antoni
Close enough to walk to all the main sights but with a fraction of the tourists of similarly central neighborhoods, Sant Antoni is an area that I love. It’s near the University of Barcelona, so you’ll see lots of students about, and is primarily local and residential, giving it a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere. It has a recently renovated market and a nice pedestrianized zone (lots of bars, cafes, and restaurants), meaning you’ll find a lot to do right in the neighborhood.
How to get around the city
Rest assured that whichever neighborhood you choose, getting around Barcelona is easy thanks to its excellent public transit system. The metro system, with its 11 lines that connect all major areas and attractions, is definitely best way to move about the city.
Trains run so frequently that you'll rarely wait more than 3-4 minutes during peak periods, and operating hours are from 5:00 AM until midnight on weekdays, extending to 2:00 AM on Fridays, and 24-hour service on Saturdays.
Complementing the metro are buses, trams, and regional trains (FGC and Rodalies), all integrated into the city’s transport card system. Night buses (NitBus) take over after dark, providing continual service.
For trips out of the city, major train stations like Estació de França, Passeig de Gràcia, and Estació Sants offer connections throughout Catalunya and beyond.
Taxis and rideshares (Cabify, Uber, Bolt) are also widely available, and you can use the FreeNow app to book official city taxis.
My favorite way to get around, however, is by walking or biking. Barcelona is a walker’s paradise, and the extensive network of protected bike lanes makes cycling a safe and super pleasant way to move about town.
Day 1: Passeig de Gràcia, Gothic Quarter & El Born, La Barceloneta
For your first day in Barcelona, I’ve planned a morning along Passeig de Gracia, home to elegant shops and stunning Modernism architecture, followed by a divie into the medieval charms of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s historic core.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore the alternative area of El Born, visiting the Picasso Museum and Palau de la Musica Catalana, before relaxing Parc de La Ciutadella and wandering through La Barceloneta neighborhood. Finally, end your day with dinner by the beach. There’s a lot of walking today, but plenty of opportunities for breaks!
Passeig de Gràcia at night. Photo: GeoTravellers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Passeig de Gràcia
Start your day strolling down Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most glamorous boulevard, where the Catalan architectural style Modernisme takes center stage. Begin at the Diagonal metro station (top end of the street) and walk down towards Plaça Catalunya, probably Barcelona’s most famous square.
This entire street is simply lovely, and it has architectural flourishes all along it (make sure to look out for the ornate metalwork on the lampposts and the benches beneath them, covered in mosaics of ceramic tiles). So take your time enjoying the wide boulevard, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Scout out some of Barcelona’s finest modernist buildings
As you head south along Passeig de Gràcia, you’ll soon reach some of Barcelona’s most famous buildings, but before you actually start in that direction, I recommend a quick eastward jaunt down Avinguda Diagonal, so that you can see a couple of really exceptional but lesser-known structures. Those are:
Palau Robert - this is actually a neoclassical structure - not modernist - but it’s a great building that is now an exhibition center that offers free admission.
Casa Comalat - built by Salvador Valeri in the early 1900’s this is a great non-Gaudi designed modernist building that’s especially noteworthy because its facade is totally different from the back of the building (which you can see from Correr de Còrsega). It’s not open to the public, but you may be able to get into the foyer to check out the splendid interior.
Palau del Baró de Quadras - Basically just on the other side of Diaganoal from Casa Comalat, this building designed by Josep Puig adds in a distinctly Gothic and Arabesque flair. You can take a tour of the interior, which I think is worthwhile just to see the incredible stairway and lovely interior courtyard (you get to see lots of other areas as well).
Casa de les Punxes - Also designed by Josep Puig, this is a towering brick building with 6 grand towers covered in lovely and colorful tiles (it’s more of a castle than anything else). A co-working space and ground floor cafe now occupy part of the building, but it’s also been turned into a museum where you can take a self-guided visit and explore. You can climb each of the towers for great views of the city and there’s also a rooftop bar.
After checking out the Casa de les Punxes, head back to Passeig de Gràcia (around a 10-minute walk), and begin your southward stroll down the boulevard.
Palau del Baró de Quadras. Photo: Josep Panadero, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.
Casa Comalat. Photo: Canaan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Casa de les Punxes. Photo: CasaPunxes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Of Gaudi’s most famous masterpieces, the first one that you’ll reach is Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. With its undulating façade and balconies that look like bunches of twisted seaweed, this is justifiably one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona.
To go inside (which you should do) you’ll need to reserve a ticket with a timed entrance, and will then be able to tour the various different rooms, each of which is unique. There’s also a rooftop with some interesting artwork/monuments, and of course, nice views. Visits usually take about an hour.
A couple of blocks south and on the corner of the street immediately preceding Gaudi’s next masterpiece, you’ll find the all brick Fundació Antoni Tàpies. Built in a very different style from the other buildings you’ll have seen so far, it offers an interesting change of pace. The building is a museum dedicated to the works of the artist of the same name (Antoni Tàpies), so you can check it out if you’re interested.
Casa Batlló
Just across the street and back on Passeig de Gràcia is the wonderful Casa Batlló, which is even more fantastical than Milà, with a vibrant facade and rooftop tiling that evokes the shimmering scales of a dragon. It is literally like something out of a fairy tale, and you could spend ages just gazing at it from the outside, trying to notice every little detail.
As with La Pedrera, you can book a tour of the house, which will take you to different rooms/floors, each of which is designed very differently from the others and has whimsical, totally funky touches. There’s also a spectacular terrace, with colorful chimneys and the “dragon’s back” roof. Expect to spend about an hour inside.
Illa de la Discòrdia
This entire block is referred to as the Illa de la Discòrdia (block of discord), so named because it contains a row of beautiful buildings designed by 4 different architects who can all be considered to have been competing to build the “best” one. The other houses on the street are Casa Amatller, Casa Bonet, Casa Mulleras, and Casa Lleó Morera. As you’ll see, the styles of each are quite different, creating a really wonderful spectacle.
Casa Batllò. Photo: ChristianSchd, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The masterpieces of the Illa de la Discordia. Photo: de La Discordia, along Passeig de Gràcia. Photo: ChristianSchd, Xavier Badia Castellà, Amadalvarez, Balou46, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.
Plaça Catalunya
When you’ve finished gawking at Casa Batllò and the other houses on the Illa de la Discòrdia, continue south to Barcelona’s most famous square: Plaça Catalunya. This is the geographic center of Barcelona and it’s also a busy, grand square with fountains and statues and big shops and department stores around it.
It’s also incredibly touristy though, so have a quick look around, snap a photo or two, and then continue on.
The Gothic Quarter
Walk across Plaça Catalunya to the south and you’ll be crossing into the Gothic Quarter. To start your visit, make your way to the square at the front of the Barcelona Cathedral, which is a very nice example of Gothic architecture. Nearby are the oldest ruins in Barcelona, the remnants of the Roman walls.
From here, follow the Carrer del Bisbe, a famous street running alongside the cathedral and featuring the iconic Pont del Bisbe (Bishop’s Bridge).
Continue to Plaça de Sant Jaume, home to two of Barcelona’s political powerhouses—the City Hall and Catalan Government building—and a popular spot for protests by locals. Just a short walk away is another wonderful square, the 14th century Plaça del Rei, surrounded by buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries.
From this point, I’d just suggest wandering aimlessly and getting lost within the Barri Gòtic’s winding medieval streets, something that’s just an essential part of visiting Barcelona. Last time I was here I eventually navigated my way toward the tranquil Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, a quiet square steeped in history with Civil War-scarred walls.
Spend as long as you want exploring the neighborhood. It’s touristy but utterly lovely, so make your peace with the crowds and just enjoy yourself.
The Cathedral of Barcelona. Photo: Mromanchenko, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Pont del Bispe along the Carrer del Bispe. Photo: Dieglop, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Plaça de Sant Jaume. Photo: Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon
Lunch and a wander through El Born
For lunch in the Gothic Quarter, head to Can Culleretes, in business since 1786, making it one of Spain’s oldest restaurants. It’s no-nonsense Catalan dishes at very competitive prices; it’s often busy with locals, which is a rare find in Barri Gòtic, so book ahead.
Once you’ve finished lunch, cross Via Laietana into El Born, another historic area of narrow, winding streets that are filled with creative boutique stores, cool bars and restaurants, and some more attractions to admire.
Palau de la Música Catalana
Start in the north of the neighborhood - or really this is probably a couple of blocks outside of it, but who’s counting blocks?! - with a visit to the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana, whose gorgeous facade is matched and maybe even surpassed by its incredibly beautiful, intricate, whimsical, and spectacularly decorated concert hall.
You can opt to just take a look at the exterior of the building, but there are also regularly scheduled 1-hour guided tours here. Given how wonderful the interior is, I think the tour is worth doing.
After your tour, head south to the Santa Caterina Market, with its colorful, wave-like roof. There are tons of food vendors and eateries inside, so why not take a look at what’s on offer and then post up at one of the cafés for an after-lunch coffee?
The Palau de la Musica Catalana concert hall. Photo: Tudoi61, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Museo Picasso
From the market, it’s just a quick hop over very deservedly popular Museo Picasso, which has a great collection of the artist’s early works. Here, his famed Las Meninas series offers insight into his Barcelona years, which is a nice local tie-in. Make sure you’ve reserved your tickets in advance and expect to spend an hour or two between the permanent collection and temporary exhibits.
Leave the museum and head south and you’ll almost immediately run into the wonderful Santa Maria del Mar church, built in gothic style in the late 1300’s. The exterior is lovely and the inside is incredibly light and airy, with towering ceilings and stained glass windows.
Mercat del Born
From the church, wander along Passeig del Born to another market (well, now a former market), the Mercat del Born, which you might also be interested in checking out. It holds the distinction of being the largest covered square in all of Europe, but is now actually a museum that displays ruins of the ancient city of Barcelona.
They discovered the ruins during renovations in 2002 when they were working to redevelop the building into a library, and thankfully they decided to turn it into a museum and event space. Visits are free of charge and it’s very neat to see.
The ruins inside the Mercat del Born. Photo: Canaan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Arc de Triomf and Parc de la Ciutadella
When you’ve had your fill of the museum, head northeast through El Born until you reach the Arc de Triomf, sitting at the top of a pedestrian boulevard often lined with street performers. Take some time to wander along here, making your way south toward Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s most iconic green space.
This sprawling park is perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll, and highlights inside include the grand Cascada Monumental, a stunning fountain partly designed by a young Gaudí, and the park’s tranquil boating lake, where you can rent a rowboat if you’re feeling adventurous.
The park is also home to the beautiful Castell dels Tres Dragons, originally built as a café for the 1888 Universal Exposition, and the impressive Catalan Parliament.
The Arc de Triomf. Photo: Mattia Felice Palermo, CC BY-SA 3.0 ES, via Wikimedia Commons
Explore La Barceloneta neighborhood
Exit the park at its southwestern end and you’ll be perfectly poised to continue past the impressive train station, Estación de Francia, toward the Barceloneta neighborhood, which is on the far southern end of the city right by the beach.
Here, forgo the large main street leading to the beach and intead duck into the barri to meander through the narrow, sun-dappled streets, where pastel-hued buildings have laundry hanging from balconies and you’ll find tapas bars and cafés with far more locals than tourists.
Barceloneta is an old neighborhood so it has a lot of character, and the community here is working hard to avoid being forced out by tourism and gentrification, so it has a very cohesive, neighborly feel to it. It’s mostly working class, so some parts may feel like they’ve seen better days, but all in all it’s a very interesting place to explore and I quite like the vibe.
The waterfront by the Museu d’Historia de Catalunya. Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Barceloneta beach
Evening
Dinner at the beach
Locals might only ever eat paella for lunch, but one of the good things about being a tourist is bending the rules. So, when you’re ready for dinner, it’s just a very short walk out of the neighborhood’s side streets and down towards the beach (also called Barceloneta, after the neighborhood). Make sure to get here in time to catch the sunset and rest your feet in the sand after a long day of exploring.
After, it’s time for that paella. Head to Can Solé, another long-standing favorite in Barcelona and renowned for their seafood paellas. Their squid-ink paella (arroz negro) is a standout dish for me, with its rich flavor and jet-black rice infused with cuttlefish ink.
If you’re in the mood for a post-dinner drink, stroll along the beachfront promenade, where you’ll find plenty of outdoor terraces.
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Day 2: Gaudí's Modernist Masterpieces
On your second day in Barcelona, you’ll tick off Gaudi’s two biggest attractions: start at the Sagrada Família, one of Europe’s most famous architectural masterpieces, before heading over to Park Güell, where Gaudi’s natural forms and geometry meet with green spaces and outstanding views.
In the afternoon, it’s on to 2 lesser visited places, the Bunkers del Carmel and Casa Vicens, before we end the day in the bohemian neighborhood of Gràcia, where buzzing squares and laid-back local vibes offer the perfect contrast to Gaudi’s larger-than-life creations.
Morning
Sagrada Família
Make sure to reserve your spot far in advance to visit La Sagrada Família, Barcelona’s iconic and most ambitious landmark. This is Gaudi’s magnum opus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and still under construction over 140 years since it began. The façades alone are enough to amaze, each one telling a different biblical story, and something that I think is an absolute must-do when in the city, even if you don’t go inside.
But with that said, the interiors are worth the hype, with the audio guide giving you all the juicy details on Antoni Gaudi’s world-famous design. A visit here can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on whether you go with a guide or on your own, and how interested you are in discovering all the wonderful little details.
Photo: Maksim Sokolov (maxergon.com), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Parc Güell
Be sure to book your tickets at least a week in advance, or even earlier in summer. I would say you don’t need to reserve the additional tower access unless you really want to; you’ll be enjoying great views later from Parc Güell.
After Sagrada, onwards to Gaudi’s imaginative park, designed as a garden city in the early 20th century. Today, it’s another of Barcelona’s most beloved landmarks. The main attraction is the Monumental Zone, where you’ll see the colorful mosaics and whimsical sculptures.
The highlights include the colorful Salamander Fountain (El Drac), the serpentine mosaic bench, and the gingerbread-like gatehouses. To access all of this, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket (book online in advance).
Beyond this ticketed area, the entire park is also a lovely spot for a walk. Winding paths meander through the woods, and the crowds dissipate, offering a peaceful time for enjoying the stellar views over the city.
Parc Güell. Photo: Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The entrance to the park. Photo: Canaan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon
A good lunch can be hard to come by in the streets surrounding Parc Güell, but on your way to your next stop is a fantastic little tapas bar called Las Delicias.
Bunkers del Carmel
Afterwards, it’s time to head further uphill to the Bunkers del Carmel, just a 10-minute walk from the restaurant. This hilltop perch offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Barcelona.
Originally built as an anti-aircraft battery during the Spanish Civil War, the Bunkers are now a favorite spot for locals to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take in the sprawling cityscape below, with landmarks like the Sagrada Família and the Mediterranean glittering in the distance.
The bunkers are in the Parc del Guinardó, which is a rather extensive green space with lots of little trails meandering through it, so plan to spend a bit of time relaxing in the park as well. Barcelona doesn’t have tons of big green spaces, so when you find one, it’s nice to hang out for a while.
Casa Vicens
Once you've taken in the views (the police will kick you out around 7pm anyways to control noise levels for the residents who live right next to the viewpoint), make your way back downhill and set off on a 30-40 minute walk through the streets of Gràcia to visit Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first major architectural work and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (you could also take the subway or hail a cab if you prefer).
The walk won’t be terribly interesting, but if you wander along Travessera De Dalt or one of the streets parallel to it, it’s a kind of nice chance to see a part of Barcelona that really is not at all touristy. This will give you a bit of perspective on what life here looks like in the areas that aren’t dominated by tourism.
On arrival to Casa Vicens, you’ll be confronted with a colorful house built in a striking mix of Moorish, neoclassical, and nature-inspired influences, which offers fascinating insight into the early stages of Gaudí’s career. Compared to the other two Gaudi casas on Passeig de Gracia, this place is positively peaceful - far fewer visitors venture here or even know about it.
Plan to spend an hour to an hour and a half checking it out.
The view from the Bunkers del Carmel. Photo: Thingstodoinbarcelona, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A view of the Casa Vicens from the garden. Photo: Pilar DM, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening
Dinner and wandering in Gràcia
Since you’re already in the neighborhood, you should plan to spend the evening in Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most authentic neighborhoods. Formerly a village separate from the city, Gràcia retains its bohemian charm, with narrow streets and lively plaças filled with locals chatting, dining, and enjoying the evening.
Start out at the central Plaça del Sol, the heart of Gràcia’s social scene. Grab a table at one of the terrace bars or cafés and soak in the neighborhood’s laid-back atmosphere.
For dinner, there are plenty of good options; I like Bocanariz Wine Bar for excellent tapas and the crackle of vinyl over the speakers, or La Xula Taperia, a neighborhood classic. Otherwise, simply go for a wander and you’re bound to turn up countless gems for eating.
After dinner, wander the neighborhood’s other charming squares, like Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, where the clock tower creates a postcard-perfect setting. If you have room for dessert, Nabucco Tiramisu is also located in this Plaça, serving up some of the city’s best (you guessed it) Tiramisu.
Day 3: La Rambla, Montjuïc, Sant Antoni & El Raval
Your final day in Barcelona takes you for an early morning walk down La Rambla, before the worst of the crowds have arrived. Then, escape the city streets onto Montjuïc Mountain, where you’ll spend the rest of the morning taking in city views, visiting the fantastic Joan Miro Foundation Museum, and more.
Afterwards, explore the pleasant neighborhoods of Sant Antoni and El Raval, before heading for dinner along Carrer de Blai in Poble Sec, home of pintxos in Barcelona.
The Monumento a Colón, on the southern end of La Rambla
Morning
An early morning stroll down La Rambla & visit to La Boqueria
La Rambla is one of the busiest points in the city, thick with tourists and waiters hawking overpriced paellas and cocktails most of the day. But first thing in the morning is a different story; before everyone else has emerged, go for a brisk stroll down the famed pedestrian street, keeping an eye out for the handsome buildings on either side.
This is also a good time to duck into La Boqueria, Barcelona’s oldest marketplace, admire the elegant La Liceu Theater, and snap some photos inside the pretty square Plaça Reial.
La Rambla. Photo: Nikos Roussos, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
La Rambla (at a busier time of day). Photo: Jinx Vilhas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Museu d’Història de Barcleona
For a deeper dive into Barcelona’s history, consider visiting MUHBA (Museu d’Història de Barcelona), located just off Plaça del Rei in the adjacent Gothic Quarter. This fascinating museum lets you wander among well-preserved Roman ruins beneath the city, which are right there but hidden within plain sight. There are ancient streets, wine vats, and baths to be explored, and the whole place is just atmospheric, as well as surprisingly quiet for its central location.
Montjuic
From the museum, continue all the way to the bottom of La Rambla, where you’ll reach the Christopher Columbus statue. From there, continue a bit further south and then make a beeline for Montjuïc, the green mountain rising above the city.
While there are lots of ways to get into the park, I suggest heading through the Parc del Mirador del Poble-sec from the street Passeig de Montjuïc. From there, you’ll be able to follow the paths up to the large terrace above, called the Jardins Miramar. This is a beautiful, landscaped garden with my absolute favorite views over Barcelona.
From here, continue along Avinguda Miramar, stopping for a coffee or light snack at Salts, the outdoor bar overlooking the Olympic swimming pool and cityscape. Then make your way to the Fundació Joan Miró, a museum home to a huge collection of sculptures and paintings by the famous Catalan artist.
Alternatively, if more art isn’t your thing, consider taking the Telefèric cable car up to Montjuïc Castle for sweeping views and a bit of history. You can also wander through the Olympic Stadium and sports facilities or explore the area’s peaceful gardens, dotted with fountains, flowers, and serene viewpoints. There is a lot to see and do up here and you can basically spend as much or as little time as you’d like.
The Castle of Montjuic. Photo: :Puigalder, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the gardens in Montjuic. Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Palau Nacional and Plaça Espanya
Whatever you choose to do, afterwards, continue through Montjuïc and find your way to the steps outside the Palau Nacional (Montjuic National Palace, as it’s also called), the palatial hilltop castle looking over the Magic Fountain (currently closed due to drought conditions) and Plaça Espanya.
There will usually be a busker playing songs on a guitar or keyboard while people chill out, drinking beers and watching the afternoon light turn the sky hues of orange and pink. It’s a great spot to rest before heading back down into the city.
Plaça Espanya seen from the Palau Nacional
The Palau Nacional. Photo: Juanedc from Zaragoza, España, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon
Mercat de Sant Antoni
For lunch, make your way into Sant Antoni, just a short walk from Montjuïc. I recommend finding somewhere surrounding the Mercat de Sant Antoni, the beating heart of the barri. In the streets around here are plenty of great places to eat.
For hardcore Catalan (snails are the specialty), head to Can Cargolet. Otherwise, there are plenty of brunch spots and other international options like Mexican or Italian.
A wander through Sant Antoni
After lunch, spend some time exploring the trendy streets of Sant Antoni, which is quickly transforming into one of Barcelona’s hippest areas. Carrer de Parlament is a pedestrian-friendly street lined with cool boutique stores and popular tapas bars, but most anywhere will be interesting and pleasant to explore.
This barri doesn’t really have any big sights, but it’s just a nice part of the city with a laid-back, local atmosphere, so a wander through it is a nice change of pace from much of the rest of this itinerary. If you’re interested in the arts, you could head over to Teatro Lliure (the building is nice just to look at) to see if they have anything showing this evening.
Mercat de Sant Antoni. Photo: Enric, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
El Raval
Whenever you’re ready to move on, cross over further east into El Raval, which is one of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhoods and now one of its most diverse. A hub for working class immigrants, the barri gets an unfair rap for being seedy (somewhat true), even dangerous (not true), but I think it’s one of the coolest places in the city.
The labyrinth of streets here is home to quite a few historic buildings and monuments, as well as vintage bookshops, record stores, street art, and independent boutiques that are a lot of fun to browse from one to the next.
It’s also very different from other parts of central Barcelona, so as with Sant Antoni, provides an interesting contrast with the other places you’ll have seen during your visit.
Check out Rambla del Raval, a leafy promenade, and further up in the barri, you can chill out and watch the skaters out in front of MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art). The museum is definitely worth checking out, so by all means, head inside and take a look around.
And finally, be sure to visit the stunning Antic hospital de la Santa Creu de Barcelona, a peaceful 9th-century medieval complex with a secretive garden square complete with a bar.
There are quite a few other historic sights here, from the Monasterio de San Pablo del Campo, Iglesia de Belén, the 17th century Fuente de Santa Eulalia (thought to be the city’s oldest monument), and the Gaudi-designed Palau Güell, to name but a few. You could easily map out a little neighborhood sightseeing tour and check all of these out.
The famous Gato del Raval sculpture. Photo: Valugi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu. Photo: Simo Räsänen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
MACBA. Photo: Canaan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening
When you’ve had your fill of El Raval, your final destination for the evening is Poble Sec, a lively entertainment area that’s about a 15-minute walk away (you’ll reach it after crossing the thoroughfare of Avinguda Parallel).
Vermouth at Quimet & Quimet (an institution!)
Considering how late we eat in Barcelona, it will be too early to consider dinner yet, so I suggest stopping for a glass of vermut, Barcelona’s beloved aperitif. Vermut culture is a quintessential part of local life, and bars like Quimet & Quimet or V de Vermut (across the road in Sant Antoni) are excellent spots to try this fortified wine paired with olives, anchovies, or chips. It’s a small, authentic ritual that will give you a true taste of Catalonia.
Afterwards, you can wander around the neighborhood a bit, basically killing time until you’re ready to start eating.
Pintxos in Poble Sec
Ok, it’s now time to relax and unwind with a lively evening of pintxos. Carrer de Blai, epicenter of pintxo bars in Barcelona, is the destination I’ve selected for the evening, and thick with pintxo bars, it’s exceedingly easy (and pleasant) to hop from one spot to another, trying tons of different dishes.
For those that don’t know, pintxos are tapas from northern Spain, delicious bites of different toppings skewered to a piece of bread. These toppings range from the simple – creamy brie paired with tangy jams or jamon-filled croquettes – to the more elaborate, like grilled octopus crowned with a drizzle of paprika-infused olive oil or marinated peppers layered with anchovies, delicate white asparagus, and a garlic aioli.
As I mentioned above, this is also a hub for culture, entertainment, and nightlife, so you’ll have no shortage of options for extending your evening: you could seek out a show or some live music, make your way to any of the many bars, or just wander around and head in anywhere that calls out to you.
Optional 4th day: time for a day trip
If you’ve ticked off Barcelona’s highlights and want to explore a bit further afield, you’re in luck: just beyond the city lie medieval towns, beautiful beaches, and dramatic mountain landscapes - all perfect for a memorable day trip. Here are a few recommendations.
Girona
Step back in time with a trip to Girona, just an hour by train from Barcelona, and Catalunya’s second largest city. This enchanting medieval destination boasts Roman walls, narrow lanes in the Jewish Quarter, and the awe-inspiring Girona Cathedral, a star of Game of Thrones. The history here is incredible, and you can easily spend an entire day walking around the stunning city center with all its medieval sights and features.
Sitges
A quick 40-minute train ride away, Sitges is the ultimate coastal retreat and one of the most popular day trips from Barcelona. Known for its golden beaches and vibrant arts scene, this seaside town is perfect for unwinding after a few busy days in the city.
There’s not much more to do than stroll along the waterfront promenade, dip your toes in the Mediterranean, explore the central streets, and savor fresh seafood at one of Sitges’ excellent beachside restaurants. There’s a very relaxed and bohemian vibe here, the perfect remedy after the hectic crowds of Barcelona.
Sitges. Photo: Werner Lang (Wela49), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Costa Brava
If you’ve got a rental vehicle for a day, then I would recommend setting out for the picture-perfect Costa Brava. Known for its gorgeous beach coves and sparkling turquoise waters, this rugged coastline is dotted with charming seaside towns like Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell, and Cadaqués.
I recommend picking one or two towns close together to visit, and then finding some stunning beaches nearby to those towns, making for a great day’s adventure.
Montserrat
Rising dramatically from the plains north of Barcelona, Montserrat is a must for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a spiritual escape. Just an hour by train from the city, this striking mountain range is home to a Benedictine monastery and the famous Black Madonna statue.
Once you’re off the train you can choose to either ride the funicular to the summit for sweeping views or follow one of the many hiking trails to the peak. While the monastery itself can get busy, the surrounding trails offer a peaceful retreat into the mountains.
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