Barcelona, on the Mediterranean coast, is one of those ideal destinations for a weekend getaway: history, art, good food and fun, in fine weather even sea and sun!
It is also true that it has so much to offer that not even a month would be enough to visit it all, but with a few sacrifices and some tricks to optimise time, in 3 days you can manage to see the must-sees and enjoy the best of the city!
Here are some ideas and arecommended itinerary for visiting Barcelona in 3 days!
Consider buying a card: to save on the cost of individual attractions or transport, we recommend buying the Barcelona Card. Prices from €48.00. Find out more
Day 1
Distance travelled: 5.5 km
Places visited: Sagrada Familia(priority ticket €31.60), Casa Batlló(admission with audio guide €35.00), Mercat de la Boqueria, Barrio Gotico and Catedral de Barcelona (€9.00), Parc de la Ciutadella (free) or Zoo (full price €21.40)
Where to eat: Lunch at Mercat de la Boqueria(Get directions), Dinner at Sabor de Barrio(Get directions)
First time in Barcelona? Let us guide you: for a first approach to the city, we recommend a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tour, to identify landmarks and learn stories and anecdotes.
1 - Sagrada Familia
The day gets off to a great start with the Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona's symbols par excellence (November to February 9am-6pm, March and October 9am-7pm, April to September 9am-8pm; entrance €20.00). To get there, take the metro station Sagrada Família, line L2.
Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2015, it is the masterpiece of architect Antonio Gaudí and houses the crypt where his tomb is located. The Sagrada Familia was a very ambitious project, still 'incomplete': of the three planned facades, there are currently only two. Visit it now when it opens, to enjoy it at its best (the visit lasts on average 1 h 30 min).
SEE ALSO: Visit the Sagrada Familia: how to get there, prices and tips
Watch out for queues: as one of the most visited attractions in Barcelona, you risk losing precious time in line! Optimise your time and skip the queue with the priority entrance ticket, or better still, book a guided tour with fast-track entry, accompanied by an expert guide.
2 - Casa Batlló
From the Sagrada Familia to another symbol of Barcelona and work of Gaudi: Casa Batlló (Mon-Thu 9:30am-6:30pm, Fri-Sun 9am-8pm, average duration 1 h; full price €35.00, concessions €29.00). From Sagrada Familia metro line L2 (Sagrada Família-Passeig de Gràcia, 4 min).
Casa Batlló is one of the most extravagant and original buildings in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since 2007 it has also been part of the Seven Wonders of Barcelona, the city's must-see attractions, so you certainly can't skip it despite the high entrance fee compared to other attractions.
SEE ALSO: Visit the Casa Batllò: opening hours, prices and tips
Optimise your time: the queue at the entrance here is perhaps longer than at the Sagrada Familia. It is therefore essential to buy a skip-the-line ticket (which includes an audio guide) in advance, to avoid the ticket office and get straight to the entrance.
3 - Mercat de la Boqueria
For lunchtime on the first day there's only one place to go: the Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona's most famous market (Mon-Sat 8am-8.30pm; free entry). From Casa Batlló it's an easy walk (15 min) along La Rambla, the city's famous street, which you'll be able to explore at your leisure on the following day.
Not only is it the city's most famous market, it is also the largest market in the whole of Spain! A veritable riot of colours, smells and stalls, the right place to immerse yourself in a slice of daily life in Barcelona! You will find around 300 stalls selling all kinds of goods! Choose the stall that inspires you the most to taste the local street food!
SEE ALSO: Visit the Boqueria Market: opening hours, prices and tips
Go to tapear: start your Spanish culinary journey right inside the market, more precisely at El Quim de la Boquerí, where you can sample numerous tapas that cover all the flavours of Barcelona and Spain! Get directions
4 - Gothic Quarter and Catedral de Barcelona
After discovering the Mercat de la Boqueria far and wide, dive into the Barrio Gotico, or Barri Gòtic, the medieval heart of Barcelona. This is one of the most characteristic districts, characterised by narrow streets, cobbled streets and beautiful squares.
There is no shortage of wonderful Gothic monuments, first and foremost the splendid Catedral de Barcelona, an imposing Gothic cathedral that also offers a splendid view of the whole city and the centre from its terraces, not to be missed (10.30am-2pm and 4-7pm, €9.00).
Stop at the Xurreria: between strolls in the old town, you can't miss this place specialising in churros, which are really delicious! They don't make anything else here and the quality is really good, definitely some of the best churros in Barcelona. Get directions
5 - Parc de la Ciutadella or Zoo
Finally, end this first day at Parc de la Ciutadella, one of Barcelona's best-loved parks (daily 10am-10.30pm; admission free).
It is the city's true green lung and community centre. Enjoy a walk through its paths, admire Plaça de Joan Fiveller and take a photo of the Monumental Waterfall, one of the park's main attractions. Also take advantage of this to take a photo under the Arc de Triomf, located a few steps away from the park.
Alternative option with children: Zoo. If you're travelling with the family, in the afternoon instead of visiting the Cathedral and the historical centre you can visit the Parc Zoològic de Barcelona, the Barcelona Zoo housed within the park (hours vary, in summer usually 10am-8pm; full price €21.40, reduced €12.95).
SEE ALSO: Visit the Parc de la Ciutadella: how to get there, prices and tips
Spend the evening in the Barrio Gotico: one of Barcelona's movida spots! In the evenings its streets and clubs are filled with young people. Alternatively, to soak up the Spanish atmosphere, you can catch a flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes!
Day 2
Distance travelled: 6.7 km
Places visited: Park Güell(entrance fee €10.00), La Pedrera(priority entrance €25.00), La Rambla, Font màgica de Montjuïc (free)
Where to eat: Lunch at Dora Tapas Bar(Get directions), Dinner at Bodega Amposta(Get directions)
1 - Park Güell
Second day in Barcelona, start by visiting one of the most popular attractions: Parc Güell (November to February 9:30am-5:30pm, March 9:30am-6pm, April to October 9:30am-7:30pm). It is located in the northern part of the city, just under 5 km from the Gothic Quarter, and to get there you will have to take the metro or bus, depending on your starting point.
The Park Güell is a real garden city! Also built to a design by Gaudí and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is so large and extensive that we recommend you dedicate the whole morning to it! In addition to the park, you can visit the museums here, such as the Casa-Museu Gaudí or the Casa del Guarda. Don't miss theEscalinata del Drac and enjoy the beautiful views of Barcelona.
SEE ALSO: Visit the Parc Güell: how to get there, prices and tips
Buy the cumulative ticket: Take advantage of the cumulative ticket for the Parc Güell, which also includes entrance to the Casa del Guarda, to discover all areas of the park.
2 - La Pedrera (Casa Milà)
Around lunchtime head back towards the centre of Barcelona and in the early afternoon visit La Pedrera, Antoni Gaudí's last civilised work (daily 9am-6.30pm; full price €25.00, concessions €12.50). From the Parc Güell you can reach it by direct metro line L3 (Vallcarca-Diagonal, 5 min).
Also known as Casa Milà, La Pedrera was built in the early 20th century and has a modernist style, very different from the nearby Casa Battlò. The house has no less than 9 floors, a true spectacle of architecture. To visit it at your leisure, you should allow at least an hour.
SEE ALSO: Visit to La Pedrera: opening hours, prices and tips
Buy your ticket online: the best time to avoid queues is to arrive at opening time. If you visit in the early afternoon, we recommend that you buy the priority ticket with audio guide in advance. The attraction also offers a truly unique experience, the night tour, which is truly spectacular!
3 - La Rambla
Photo by Banja-Frans Mulder. After visiting La Pedrera, take some time to stroll along La Rambla, Barcelona's most famous street. You can reach the starting point, located in Plaza de Catalunya, directly on foot (1.2 km, 14 min).
The famous street stretches for about 1 km until you reach the Monument a Colom, the Columbus Monument, which offers a beautiful view of the sea. The whole street is animated by locals and street artists and framed by numerous buildings. If you're hungry, you can also drop by the La Boqueria Market, any occasion is good to take another trip there!
One of the best ice-cream parlours in Barcelona: if you are visiting the city on a hot summer's day, while strolling down La Rambla make a stop at Rocambolesc Barcelona, one of the best ice-cream parlours in the city! You'll probably find a bit of a queue, but it's worth it. Get directions
4 - Font màgica de Montjuïc
Finally, in the late afternoon head to the Montjuïc district, one of Barcelona's most characteristic neighbourhoods! From the Columbus Monument, where the Rambla ends, take the metro L3 to the Paral-le stop (1 min), then hop on the cable car that will take you to the top of the hill on which the neighbourhood is built, getting off at the Parc de Montjuïc stop (1 min; ticket €14.20 per person).
In the neighbourhood you will have a choice of different experiences. Depending on the time of day you arrive here, you can visit one of the many museums, stroll through the wonderful Jardins de Joan Brossa, visit the Jardí Botànic de Barcelona if you are travelling with children or take a wonderful photo from the Palau Nacional de Montjuïc. Of course, what you cannot miss is the light and colour spectacle of the Font màgica de Montjuïc!
Alively and modern district: Montjuïc is also a great place to spend the evening, especially in summer! There is no shortage of clubs and restaurants, while in summer there are numerous events in the evening and during the day, including theatre festivals.
Day 3
Distance travelled: 2.5 km
Places visited: Plaça de Catalunya, Picasso Museum(guided tour €33.00) or Camp Nou(ticket from €28.00), Barceloneta Beach or Aquarium(priority ticket from €21.00)
Where to eat: Lunch at La Cua Curta(Get directions), Dinner at Torre d'Alta Mar(Get directions)
1 - Plaça de Catalunya
Photo by G Da. Last day in Barcelona, start it in the Barrio Gotico from the wonderful Plaça de Catalunya, the heart of the historic centre. Getting there is very easy, if you are staying in the centre you can do it on foot, otherwise by public transport, keep to the Catalunya metro station, served by lines L1, L3, L6 and L7.
Plaça de Catalunya is not just a square, but a real meeting point and cultural centre. Surrounded by beautiful buildings, surrounded by greenery and full of clubs, here you will also find theHard Rock Cafe Barcelona. In the evening, don't miss the Sky Bar Hotel Iberostar, a place specialising in cocktails with a wonderful panoramic terrace.
Breakfast at a historic venue: the square is home to some of Barcelona's historic venues. Stop for breakfast at Cafe Zurich, open since 1920. Here you can drink one of the best coffees in the city, not as good as ours but close enough. Get directions
2 - Picasso Museum or Camp Nou Stadium
Photo by MARIA ROSA FERRE ✿. In the morning visit the Museu Picasso, one of the city's most visited museums (Tue-Sun 10am-7pm; full admission €12.00, concessions €7.00). It is located in the La Ribera district and can be reached easily on foot from Plaça de Catalunya with a walk through the streets of the centre (1.1 km, 15 min).
The Picasso Museum in Barcelona houses one of the largest collections of his works, some 3,800 pieces, in a building that was created by merging two medieval buildings dating from the 13th-15th centuries. In addition to the permanent collections, various temporary exhibitions are also organised and today it is a real centre of culture and community.
Option B: Camp Nou Stadium. If you are not interested in visiting the Picasso Museum but are instead a football fan, then you can certainly dedicate the morning to visiting the Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona's stadium. The entrance ticket gives access to both the stadium and the FC Barcelona Museum, or you can take part in a guided tour to visit the dressing rooms, press room, stands and even walk through the tunnel leading to the pitch!
Are you a Picasso fan? Opt for the guided tour: if you particularly love Picasso and want to know more about his life and works, take part in a guided tour with priority entrance to the museum, in the company of an expert guide.
3 - Platja de la Barceloneta or Aquarium
Barcelona is not only culture and sightseeing, but also beach and sea. So enjoy the warm Spanish sun in the afternoon at Platja de la Barceloneta. From the Picasso Museum it is a 20 min walk, or by bus line 47, which stops right on the seafront (11 min).
Platja de la Barceloneta is the most famous beach in Barcelona, in summer taken by locals and tourists alike. Here you can relax under the rays of the sun, swim and play beach volleyball or other sports in the many small fields.
Option B: Aquarium. If you visit Barcelona in winter or do not feel like spending a few hours at the beach, we recommend a visit to theBarcelona Aquarium, which is open daily from 10am and is one of the city's main attractions. It is also ideal to visit with the family. To avoid queues at the ticket offices, we recommend you buy a ticket with priority admission.
Last night at Barceloneta: On the seafront, in the Barceloneta district, you'll find some of Barcelona's best clubs, such as Pacha, Opium and Shoko, true institutions of the city's nightlife. Say goodbye to Barcelona with a night of crazy partying!
How much does a weekend in Barcelona cost
Barcelona is a city to suit all budgets. Reaching it is very easy, thanks to the many direct low-cost flights from Italy. Of course, in periods like July and August prices tend to rise, June and September are good alternatives to enjoy the sea too!
The centre is the best place to stay and is also full of hostels, but you can also find numerous flats or hotels. For a comfortable and memorable stay, the Barcelona Princess Hotel is a great choice. This four-star hotel offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean, and it's located in the heart of the Diagonal Mar district, close to major attractions, beaches, and shopping centers. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the city.
To get around you will mainly have to take transport, but to save money we recommend buying Hola BCN for public transport. The tourist bus is also a good option!
Finally, for meals, we recommend lunch in the markets and then indulging in typical dishes in restaurants, avoiding the more touristy ones.
Let's look in detail at the costs of a weekend in Barcelona:
Costs for eating: about €40.00 per day per person (including breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Costs for museums and attractions: average price €35.00 per person per day following our suggested itinerary
Transport: average price €10.00 per person per day (indicates costs for public transport, possible taxis and transfers to and from the airport)
Hotels, accommodation and b&b: from €50.00 per room - see offers
Entertainment: from €30.00 per day per person (the cost increases if you plan a night out at one of the city's most famous clubs)
Total cost of a weekend in Barcelona: from €395.00 per person (excluding flights and/or transfers)
Before you go: useful tips
Choose the best neighbourhood to stay in: the top is Ciutat Vella, the historic centre. For families, El Raval and La Barceloneta are also good, for young people El Born and Barrio Gotico. To save money, the out-of-centre districts of Gràcia, Poble Sec and Poblenou - see the map of districts here;
Get around on footor by transport: walk to explore individual neighbourhoods, but opt for transport to reach more distant attractions such as the Sagrada Familia or Parc Güell. We recommend the Hola BCN transport card (from 48 h - see details);
Plan visits according to budget: attractions such as Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo and La Pedrera are very expensive. Consider whether you want to include them all in your itinerary or make a selection. To save on entrance fees buy the Barcelona Card;
Eat in the markets: these are the best places to sample Barcelona's street food and also traditional dishes at great prices. So ideal if you are travelling cheap - find out more here;
Go tapear: that is, go from one place to another to eat small portions of Spanish specialities called tapas, to be accompanied by mugs of chilled cerveza. A bit like 'andare per bàcari' in Venice.