Barcelona in 3 days
Barcelona is the Sagrada Família still rising, the lanes of the Gothic Quarter and tapas on a terrace until late. The sea is at the end of a metro line, and Gaudí's mark is on every other street corner.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
The Sagrada Famíliaabout 1 h 30Gaudí's basilica, under construction since 1882, whose stone forest of columns fills the nave with coloured light from the stained glass.
- Afternoon
Gaudí's Park Güellabout 1 h 30A hillside park of mosaic benches, a tiled salamander and gingerbread-like lodges, with a view across the city to the sea.
Day 2
- Morning
The Gothic Quarterfree · about 2 hMedieval lanes around the cathedral, with stretches of the Roman wall, Plaça del Rei and the quiet square of Sant Felip Neri.
- Afternoon
La Boqueria on La Ramblafree · about 1 h 30The city's best-known covered market, with stalls of fruit, ham and seafood and counter bars where you eat standing up.
Day 3
- Morning
Barceloneta beachfree · half a dayThe city beach beside the old fishermen's quarter, a short walk from the centre, with a seafront promenade and beach bars.
Where to sleep in Barcelona
- Generator Barcelona · €35 a night
- Hotel Peninsular · €85 a night
- Hotel Mesón Castilla · €110 a night
- Hotel Barcelona Catedral · €140 a night
- Hotel Jazz · €125 a night
- Hotel Gaudí · €110 a night
- Hotel Casa Fuster · €320 a night
- Hotel Neri · €380 a night
- Mandarin Oriental Barcelona · €600 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.