A gorgeous city brimming with art and culture, Barcelona is an absolute must-visit if you’re traveling to Spain. Located on the sun-kissed northern coast of the country, Barcelona has it all, whatever time of year you’re planning on visiting!
Travel during the summer, and you can enjoy lazy days at the golden sandy beaches, relaxed afternoons sipping cocktails in chic lounges, and lively evenings joining in with local fiestas that never seem to end. If you prefer things a little cooler, plan to visit during winter. At this time of year, the city turns into a real winter wonderland, and its magical art galleries, intriguing museums, and stunning boutiques provide you with plenty of opportunities to warm up.
There’s so much to do in the cosmopolitan Catalan capital that spending just a single weekend in Barcelona can feel like a pretty overwhelming task. From beautiful parks, world-famous architecture, and spectacular viewpoints to mind-blowingly good restaurants, iconic landmarks, and gorgeous pedestrian pathways, it’s almost impossible to decide what to see and what to skip!
To help you make the absolute most of your 3 days in Barcelona, we’ve put together a little itinerary for you. It includes the best ways to get around the city so you can save time, plus the attractions you’ve simply got to check out. We’ve also included some of our favorite spots to eat and a few extra recommendations for if you have a little spare time. Enjoy!
If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the best boutique hotels in Barcelona!
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How to Spend a Weekend in Barcelona, Spain
Getting Around Barcelona
There’s only one airport in Barcelona – Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. There are excellent connections via bus and metro between the airport and all over the city, so no matter where you’re staying, it won’t take you long to get to your accommodation. If you prefer to keep things as hassle-free as possible, you’ll find a huge number of taxis outside every terminal at the airport 24/7.
You definitely don’t need to waste any time or money renting a car for your 3-day trip to Barcelona. The best way to get around is using the public bus and metro system. You’ll find stops outside all the major attractions, so you’ll never have to walk far.
On the other hand, if you’re up for a wander, you can easily work your way around most of the city on foot. Barcelona is absolutely gorgeous, and walking is a great way to see some unexpected sights and street art.
It’s important to know that there are no ride-sharing options, like Cabify or Uber, available in Barcelona. There are plenty of taxis, but they can be a bit pricey if you’re on a tight budget. If the bus or metro isn’t an option and you’re not in the mood for walking, an electric scooter is a fun, speedy, and eco-friendly way of getting around the city.
LYNX is the biggest scooter company in Barcelona. Simply find a parked-up scooter, scan the QR code on the top with your phone, and follow the instructions. Electric scooters are super affordable and will get you all over the city in no time at all.
Barcelona Weekend Itinerary – Day 1
Sagrada Familia
Start bright and early by heading to the Sagrada Familia for the first time slot at 9 am. This is the best time to visit if you want to really appreciate the unique atmosphere of the spectacular building and avoid the crowds that come later in the day. Cross your fingers for sunny weather because the stained glass windows look remarkable when the light shines through.
If you just want a quick visit, you can sign up for a simple self-guided tour. But if you want to find out a little more about the mesmerizing building, you can join a guided tour and visit one of the cathedral’s sky-high towers.
La Selecta de Churros
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to move on to breakfast. Just a short walk away from the Sagrada Familia, you’ll find one of the best places in the city for light and fluffy churros. La Selecta de Churros churns out an astonishing number of churros each day and serves them up to hungry travelers eager to see the sights.
La Selecta de Churros isn’t a sit-down restaurant. So order your breakfast and enjoy it on the way to your next attraction. While the standard churros with chocolate dipping sauce are superb, they’re nothing compared to the thick churros stuffed with dulce de leche!
Park Güell
Park Güell is up next on this Barcelona itinerary. You can reach this work of art by walking from La Selecta de Churros or by hopping on the bus or tube, whatever suits you. If you’ve only got a small budget to work with, you can wander around the free woodland zone. This huge space covers 90% of the park’s area and is teeming with stunning walking trails and masterful landscaping.
Pay a little extra and visit the monumental part of the park to see Gaudi’s masterpieces up close. Here you can admire all kinds of colorful creations, from the Porter’s Lodge Pavilion and the Dragon Stairway to the Hypostyle Room and the Greek Theater.
The Rooftop at Sir Victor
Next, head to The Rooftop at Sir Victor Hotel for a leisurely lunch with an amazing view. This rooftop restaurant rewards visitors with dramatic views of the Sagrada Familia and Casa Milà, so you can reflect on where you started your day and get a sneak peek at where you’ll finish it.
If you’re still full from your churros, you can soak up the sunshine and sip on all kinds of fruity cocktails. But if all the walking around has worn you out, you’ll discover a fabulous menu laden with chic Mediterranean dishes.
Casa Milà
End your Gaudi-themed day with a trip to Casa Milà. You may have seen it from the rooftop bar, but that’s nothing like seeing it up close. Sign up for one of the guided tours, and you’ll receive a pair of augmented-reality glasses that take your experience to a whole new level. You’ll get to see holograms and all kinds of magical stuff that give you an insight into what Gaudi was thinking when he created this spectacular building.
If you’re running late, you can sign up for the night experience and watch a fascinating light show from the rooftop of the building with a glass of cava.
Make a reservation for Pepito Restaurant for your first evening. This elegant dining spot dishes up typical Catalonian cuisine that’s been enjoyed in the city for generations.
There are plenty of tempting tapas-style dishes to share, as well as a decadent selection of main courses that will leave you drooling. It’s a wonderful place to end your first day and experience true Catalonian food.
Barcelona Weekend Itinerary – Day 2
After an early start yesterday, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed morning today. Part 2 of your 3-day Barcelona vacation begins with a gourmet brunch at EatMyTrip. Whatever type of cuisine you like best, you’re guaranteed to find it here!
This popular breakfast and brunch spot serves fun, creative dishes from all over the world. You can keep it local and opt for the Macho Iberico Benedict or try something exotic like the Sweet Korean or Thai Eggs Benedict. There’s a fabulous selection of specialty coffees, juices, and smoothies to try, too.
La Rambla
It’s easy to overdo it at EatMyTrip. If you’re feeling too full, take a stroll down La Rambla toward the port. This fascinating street covers around 1km and is lined by a huge assortment of cafes, restaurants, big-name stores, and small boutiques.
The most interesting part of the street is the theatrical performers who show off their skills and talents every day. Depending on when you visit, you could spot all kinds of colorful characters, from skeletons riding bicycles and a levitating Satan to a headless man and someone who looks like they’re made entirely out of scrap metal.
Perikete
After your walk, take a break at Perikete. This casual local spot is half cafe and half tapas bar. So whether you’re in the mood for a milky coffee, a glass of wine, a beer, or a juice, you’ll find it here.
There’s a staggering selection of tapas and bar snacks available, from plates full of gourmet cheeses and cold cuts to crunchy croquettes filled with steak and beautifully crisp fried squid.
L’Aquarium
If you’re a fan of animals, today will be the highlight of your weekend trip to Barcelona. Continue heading down to the port, and you’ll come across Barcelona’s remarkable aquarium. Known as L’Aquarium, this popular tourist attraction is home to so many things to see and do that you could easily spend the rest of the day here.
Take a look around, and you’ll discover shark eggs, tropical corals, poisonous fish, jellyfish, penguins, iguanas, and loads more. There’s also a dedicated children’s section with more than 50 interactive zones. If you’re feeling brave, you can even sign up to swim with sharks!
Telefèric de Montjüic
If you’ve got time, catch the bus to Plaça de Dante and ride the Telefèric de Montüic to the top of the hill. During the cable car ride, you’ll get to take in fantastic views that stretch all across the city and out to sea.
When you get to the top, not only will you find even more impressive panoramas, but you’ll also come across a number of attractions to check out. Up here, you can explore the Fundació Joan Miró, Montjuïc Castle, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.
Fundació Joan Miró
Montjuïc Castle
National Art Museum of Catalonia
If the sun is starting to set, we suggest checking out the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Throughout the evening, the fountain puts on a spellbinding light, water, and sound show that you won’t be able to take your eyes off.
If Monjüic has left you craving more eye-catching vistas, head to Grupo Abrassame and grab a table. This cool restaurant is perched on a rooftop and offers phenomenal panoramic views across the city. Look the other way, inside the restaurant, and you’ll spot an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs working their magic.
We suggest you take advantage of the three-course weekend menu. It’s excellent value for money and provides you with a huge range of local Catalonian dishes to choose from.
Barcelona Weekend Itinerary – Day 3
After running around all over the place, the final day of your 3-day Barcelona itinerary is a lot more chilled out. Make sure to pack your beach stuff, then head to Cremat 11 for something to eat. This trendy brunch spot serves brunch all day, every day, so it doesn’t matter how late you get up.
Choose between a vast assortment of sweet and savory options, from waffles, pancakes, and cheesecake to eggs benedict, avocado toast, and delicious vegan options. If you have a great experience, you can return in the evening for dinner.
Museu Picasso de Barcelona
Just steps away from Cremat 11, you’ll find one of the best art galleries in Barcelona – Museu Picasso. Hidden away inside five medieval palaces, this museum is home to loads of Picasso’s early works and gives you a fascinating insight into his connection with the city.
Even if you’re not particularly into art or Picasso, the museum is still an intriguing place to visit, thanks to its one-of-a-kind architecture. As you explore, you’ll go up and down staircases, through secret courtyards, and past ancient fortifications.
La Barceloneta Beach
Head toward the coast and stop when you feel wonderfully soft sand beneath your feet. La Barceloneta Beach is one of the few sandy shores in the city, and it’s just the place you want to be after two hectic days of sightseeing.
Lay your towel down on one of the sun loungers and get ready for an afternoon of total peace and quiet. If you ever get tired of working on your tan and dozing, head for the water. The sea here is consistently calm, making it great for swimming.
At the southern end of La Barceloneta Beach, you’ll find a number of casual beach bars. We suggest you make a beeline for La Beach Life. This chic spot serves up all kinds of luxury cocktails and gourmet versions of fast food, such as nachos and burgers. The seating is all outdoors, making it a great place to enjoy lunch while still making the most of the Mediterranean sunshine.
More Places to Eat & Drink in Barcelona
If you’re craving an incredible steak, make a reservation for Mr. Porter:
This top-end dining spot looks like a typical steakhouse but with a few luxury upgrades, such as black leather booths and chic bar seating. The menu boasts a huge selection of delicious grilled meats, such as the epicurean Japanese Wagyu A5. But there are plenty of veggie options, too, including intriguing plant-based carpaccios.
For the most astounding sunset views in the city, visit La Caseta del Migdia:
Located at the top of Montjuïc, you’ve got to ride the cable car to get here, but it’s worth the effort for the spellbinding views. It doesn’t matter whether you visit during the daytime to spot all the attractions you’ve been to or at night to see the city illuminated with twinkling stars. The same menu is available throughout the entire service, featuring simple yet classic Catalan dishes.
Monvínic is the place to go if you tend to struggle to find a wine you enjoy:
This remarkable wine bar boasts more than 3,000 varieties, all of which are available by the bottle and many of which are available by the glass or half glass. As well as the impressive labels, Monvínic also offers an excellent menu with innovative Catalan dishes and contemporary tapas.
What to do if you have more than 3 days in Barcelona
PortAventura
If you can spare a complete day or two, make plans to visit PortAventura. This amazing theme park is home to loads of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, as well as more family-friendly attractions and even a section dedicated to the littlest ones. Visit during summer, and you’ll have the chance to spend the day at Portaventura’s waterpark, too.
Parc del Laberint d’Horta
For something a bit out of the ordinary, head to Parc del Laberint d’Horta on the outskirts of town. This sprawling park is hugely popular among local families, and for good reason, too. There are loads of wide-open grassy spaces, shady spots to lounge under, walking trails to follow, and cafes to relax in.
But the best part of the park is the hedge maze. It’s surprisingly difficult! But if you can get to the center, you’ll be rewarded with the view of a beautiful pond surrounded by flowers.
La Boqueria
Barcelona is an excellent place for foodies, and La Boqueria is where you’ll find them. This huge food market has been running since 1836 and is home to every kind of ingredient and local dish you can imagine. If you’re planning on making your own meals, you can shop for a huge assortment of fresh produce, meat, fish, and seafood, as well as herbs and spices.
Don’t worry if you haven’t got access to a kitchen. There are plenty of stalls here selling all kinds of delicious Catalan dishes that are ready to eat.
CosmoCaixa
If you’re visiting Barcelona with kids, CosmoCaixa is an amazing place to go. The best science museum in the city, this popular attraction boasts a huge number of interactive exhibits that really do make learning fun.
There’s the Universe Gallery, where you can find out about almost everything there is to know about the cosmos. But for many, the most interesting part of the museum is the Amazon ecosystem. Here you can spot loads of flora and fauna from the Amazon, including piranhas, capybaras, and crocodiles.
Museu de la Xocolata
A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, the Museu de la Xocolata is not a place you want to visit on an empty stomach! This drool-worthy museum is home to fascinating sculptures and displays that are made entirely out of chocolate. Each piece is so complex, ornate, and detailed that it’s almost impossible to believe they’re made out of something you usually snack on.
If you want to get your hands dirty, you can sign up for one of the chocolate workshops. There are simple ones designed for families with little kids, as well as more complex ones that teach you how to make gourmet chocolate gifts.
We hope you enjoy your weekend trip to Barcelona, Spain! Should we add something else to our 3-day Barcelona itinerary? Let us know in the comments.
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