You wish to Barcelona in 3 days ?
I'd like to give you a quick guide to what to see in the city during your stay.
Get your comfortable shoes ready and let's set off on an incredible city escapade!
Barcelona in 3 days: article summary
Barcelona in 3 days: what to do on the first day of your visit?
For your first day in the city, I recommend a visit to Barcelona's most emblematic places.
Visiting the Sagrada Familia in the morning
Gaudi's masterpiece was his last architectural work. The truth is, the Sagrada Familia is still under construction with a completion date of 2026 in honor of the 100ᵉ anniversary of Gaudi's death.
La Sagrada Familia is Gothic design inspired by nature where the religious theme is on the outside, as opposed to other cathedrals which favor the interior. Once you've seen the Sagrada Familia, it's hard to know where to look. so many details!
If you'd like to visit the inside of the building, I recommend book your ticket as early as possible. You'll benefit from queue-cutting access, which will save you an enormous amount of time.
Barcelona in 3 days: casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Walk about 15 minutes along Carrer de Provenca to see two of the most famous houses in Gaudistarting with the Casa Milaalso known as La Pedrera because of its stone exterior.
Casa Mila was Gaudi's last design for a private home and has since been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the wrought iron and stonework to admire from the outside, you'll be able to see the roof with its covered stairwells and famous chimneys, one of Casa Mila's most incredible features!
Here again, you can book your tickets in advance in order to save time during your visit.
Casa Batlló
Turn left onto the Passeig de Gracia and walk approximately 5 minutes to Casa Batllo.
Casa Batllo is one of the jewels in the Casa Batllo's crown. Gaudi! It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Completed at the end of May 2019, the façade of Casa Batllo has undergone a complete restoration. The colorful glass mosaic pieces and ironwork reflect their brilliant shine and demonstrate Gaudi's genius.
Barcelona in 3 days: spend an afternoon on Las Ramblas
Visit Passeig de Gracia leads to Placa Catalunya and at the top of Las RamblasBarcelona's main pedestrian thoroughfare. Every visitor to Barcelona must take a stroll along Las Ramblas! Expect it to be crowded, especially in high season.
Along the way, you'll pass florists, artists and hawkers selling souvenirs and gadgets. Las Ramblas ends at Christopher Columbus monument just across from the port.
Take a moment at the Boqueria market
Halfway down Las Ramblas, you'll see the entrance to La Boqueria on the right.
La Boqueria is without doubt one of the best markets in the world. You'll find fresh foods such as meats, cheeses, vegetables and fruit, as well as ready-made meals. Don't miss this opportunity to and sample some of our delicacies..
Visit Barcelona in 3 days: end your day in the Gothic Quarter
Exit La Boqueria and return to Las Ramblas, cutting across to Carrer de la Portaferrissa. This street, and the many others on the outskirts of Las Ramblas, lead to the Barcelona's Gothic Quarter.
The Gothic Quarter boasts some of Barcelona's earliest streets, some of which date back to the Roman Empire. Stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways. The district is packed with stores, restaurants and hotels. You'll meet popular squares such as the Place Reial.
What to do on your second day in Barcelona
You've finished your first day on a high note. Now it's time to set off on an adventure and discover what your second day has in store for you.
Parc Güell: a must for your visit
Start your second day in Barcelona with another famous Gaudi site, the parc Güell. It's located a little way from the city center, and even if you take public transport, you still have to walk to get to the park.
Nevertheless, you'll want to book an entrance to Parc Güell. It's one of Gaudi's most popular sites in the whole of Barcelona and, although at one time tickets weren't necessary, they were have been set up to manage the flow of tourists.
Parc Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mosaics and sculptures designed by Gaudi. There is a green zone in the park where you can still enter without a ticket.
Your entrance ticket allows you to stay in the park for as long as you like. However, I'd advise you to visit in the morning to avoid crowds of tourists.
Barcelona in 3 days: La Casa Vicens
Located in Barcelona's Gracia district and just a 15-minute walk from Parc Güell, discover the Casa Vicensthe first house designed by Gaudi. You'll no doubt recognize the way Gaudi was inspired by nature, his love of vibrant colors and his love of the environment. the symbolism he infused into all his work.
Casa Vicens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, unlike Gaudi's other sites in Barcelona, it remains something of a hidden gem. It's smaller and much less visited than places like Parc Güell or Sagrada Familia.
Plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half visiting Casa Vicens.
Explore Barcelona's Gracia district
Gracia offers an ambience very different from Las Ramblas and Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. The neighborhood's narrow streets, hidden squares and local cafés might even make you think you're in a small village instead of a bustling city.
From Casa Vicens, it's best to set off on foot and go wherever your curiosity takes you. Relax on the Placa de la Virreina with a drink or tapas. This pretty square has all the elements that contribute to Gracia's cosy atmosphere. Discover the clock tower on the Placa de la Vila de Gracia. Take a stroll along Carrer de Verdi for enjoy the architecture and window-shop.
Barcelona in 3 days: spend an afternoon at Montjuïc
Montjuïc is the hill overlooking Barcelona and its port. There are many things to do in this area, so it's possible to devote the 2nd half of day 2 in Barcelona to exploring the Montjuic area.
If you took the funicular from the Paral-lel metro station, you'll come out right next to the Montjuic cable car. This cable car is different from the port cable car, takes you to Montjuic Castle.
Montjuïc Castle
This 17thᵉ century castle has been a military outpost throughout Barcelona's history. It's easy to see why the panoramic views over the city and port were the best way to spot invaders. In fact, you're unlikely to find another view of the city as beautiful as the one from the castle. The castle also boasts well-kept gardens and a small museum that's a must-see.
Barcelona in 3 days: the magical Montjuic fountain
The Magic Fountain features water and light shows several nights a week for most of the year. The fountain is usually closed shortly after New Year's Eve from January to the end of February. The shows are choreographed to accompany different styles of music and dance. last about 20 minutes with a 10-minute break between shows.
Last day in Barcelona: fine-tuning your visit
Then you've reached the end of your stay. On this day, I recommend you visit the last sites to see and do a little shopping in town.
Palau Guell: a morning steeped in history
Start your last day by heading back down to Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. If you missed Picasso Museum or the Barcelona History Museum on the first day and want to go there, now's the time to visit.
If you want to see another Gaudi-designed house, I highly recommend stopping off to see Palau Guell, a hidden gem just off Las Ramblas. Commissioned by a wealthy family to design their home, Gaudi created a one-of-a-kind living space with stables and colorful chimneys on the roof that will remind you of the roof of Casa Mila and some of the spires of Sagrada Familia.
Visit Barcelona in 3 days: spend the rest of the day in Barceloneta
Walk to the end of Las Ramblas to the Christopher Columbus column and head towards the port and Barcelona's waterfront. Turn left onto the promenade for a stroll, exploring the pier with its restaurants, stores and, if you like, the Barcelona Aquarium. Continue along Passeig de Colom until you can turn right into the district of la Barceloneta.
In warm weather, you can sit on the beach and swim in the waters along the coast. There are street vendors selling beach towels, beach sheets and even mojitos. The region also boasts some of the city's best seafood restaurants.
Now you know what to do with your 3 days in Barcelona. Of course, I advise you to go at your own pace to enjoy the city. If you don't have time to explore everything, you'll have to come back another time to finish your visit!
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