Curator’s statement
Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Europe. I’ve been in both summer and fall, and the weather was gorgeous both times. The food is out of this world—tapas, olives, Spanish wine, truly, what more do you need? It’s a lovely mix of historic European charm and laid-back Mediterranean vibes, with Gaudí’s whimsical architecture making it so magical and unique. Barcelona is a city I could wander around endlessly and never get tired of.
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Day 1: The heart of Barcelona
Start your trip in the heart of Barcelona by exploring its most dynamic neighborhoods—La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and the chic avenues of L’Eixample.
Mercat de la Boqueria
Begin your morning at Barcelona’s iconic food market, just off La Rambla. Go early to beat the crowds and enjoy fresh juices, jamón ibérico, local cheeses, and even a sit-down breakfast at one of the counter stalls. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for the day ahead.
Gothic Quarter & Barcelona Cathedral
After the market, head into the historic alleyways of the Gothic Quarter. Explore hidden plazas and medieval courtyards before arriving at the grand Cathedral of Barcelona, a 14th-century Gothic masterpiece. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood.
La Rambla
After the Gothic Quarter, stroll along this bustling pedestrian street lined with performers, flower stalls, and historic cafés.
Plaça de Catalunya
Next, head north to reach this lively square, the central hub connecting the old city to the modern Eixample district. It’s a great place to pause, people-watch, or browse a few shops before continuing up one of Barcelona’s most iconic avenues, Passieg de Gràcia.
Lunch
There are tons of amazing restaurants and cafés surrounding La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya, and along Passeig de Gràcia, so you really can’t go wrong. However, I’d recommend grabbing a bite at Vinitus, a modern tapas bar, just a short walk from Casa Batlló.
Casa Batlló
After lunch, make your way up Passeig de Gràcia to admire one of Antoni Gaudí’s most beloved works. The mosaic-covered façade of Casa Batlló looks straight out of a fairytale, and the immersive interior is just as magical. Be sure to book your skip-the-line ticket in advance!
Casa Milà
Just a few blocks north, this sculptural building is another Gaudí icon, best known for its funky stone exterior and surreal rooftop chimneys. Since you’ve already experienced Casa Batlló, I recommend simply admiring Casa Milà from the outside as you pass, rather than doing the full tour inside.
The Rooftop at Sir Victor
After a day of exploration, unwind with cocktails and panoramic views at this stylish rooftop bar. It offers a unique view of Casa Milà and your first glimpse of the famed Sagrada Familia. Stay for sunset for some amazing photo ops!
El Nacional
Conclude your first day at this iconic gastronomic multi-space right on Passeig de Gràcia. It offers four distinct restaurants and four specialized bars under one roof with options from seafood and tapas to grilled meats and crafted cocktails. A great place for dinner and maybe another cocktail or two.
Day 2: Sightseeing & beach day
Start your second day in Barcelona with its most famous landmark, and then enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the beach.
Sagrada Família
Begin your morning at the city’s crown jewel, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece. The towering spires and colorful stained-glass windows are just as breathtaking as you’d imagine, especially in the morning light. The building is set to be finished in 2026, after more than 140 years of construction! Pre-book a timed entry (ideally before 10 am) and give yourself 1.5–2 hours to explore this magnificent building.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Next, take a taxi or walk (~30 minutes) to this lush city park, a favorite among locals for its fountains, palm trees, and peaceful atmosphere. Rent a rowboat, relax by the lake, or stroll through the gardens past the Arc de Triomf.
Picasso Museum
If you’re a fan of art museums, I highly recommend Museo Picasso. Just a few blocks away from the park, this museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s early works. It’s fascinating to see how his style evolved over time. Tickets are timed, so book in advance if it’s a priority.
Lunch by the beach
Head to Barceloneta Beach for a breezy, Mediterranean lunch with ocean views. I recommend Sal Mar, but there are tons of delicious beachfront restaurants to choose from.
Barceloneta Beach
Spend the afternoon lounging on the sand, go for a swim, or rent bikes for a ride along the waterfront promenade. Enjoy the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea!
Dinner at Bodega Oliva
You don’t want to miss this hole-in-the-wall tapas bar. This was the best meal I had in all of Spain. With just a few tables, there is often a wait, but trust me, it is so worth it. It has an intimate vibe and the most delicious food.
Dessert: End your night with churros and chocolate at Café de l’Òpera, a historic café right on La Rambla.
Day 3: Montjuïc & Park Güell
Spend your final day in Barcelona admiring the city from above, starting at Montjuïc and ending at my favorite spot in the whole city, Park Güell.
Montjuïc Hill
Start your day by heading up to Montjuïc, the hill overlooking Barcelona’s harbor. Ride the cable car up the hill for spectacular views over the harbor and city.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Perched on top of Montjuïc, this grand museum houses an impressive collection of Catalan art, from Romanesque murals to modern works. Even if you’re not a museum person, the views from the steps are worth the visit alone.
Montjuïc Gardens
After the museum, stroll through the surrounding gardens—Jardins de Joan Maragall or Jardins de Laribal for a peaceful, green break.
Lunch
Make your way back down the hill towards the Magic Fountain for a relaxed lunch. I recommend El Camarote de Tomás, a cozy and classic seafood spot a short walk away.
Park Güell
Wrap up your trip with an afternoon visit to Park Güell, one of Gaudí’s most imaginative and beloved works, and my personal favorite place in the city. Mosaic-covered benches, storybook structures, and hillside views make this a magical way to end your time in Barcelona. Book timed-entry tickets in advance!
Dinner & drinks
Head back towards the city center for your final dinner in Barcelona. Enjoy a relaxed meal at La Peptia followed by drinks at Mood Rooftop Bar to end your trip with one final rooftop view.
Need to know
Transportation: Barcelona is incredibly walkable, but also has a reliable and easy-to-navigate public transit system. The metro is safe, efficient, and well-connected, and especially helpful for longer distances like between Park Güell and the beach. You can pay per ride or grab a T-Casual card (10 rides for a discounted price). Taxis and Ubers are abundant and affordable as well.
Entry tickets: Buy your tickets ahead of time! Most major attractions and museums require timed-entry tickets, and top spots like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell tend to sell out! Especially if you’re traveling during high season, I recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
Meal times: Spain operates on a later schedule than most travelers are used to. Lunch is typically from 1:30–3:30 pm (some restaurants don’t even open until 1 pm) and dinner often doesn’t start until 8:30–9 pm. Also, service tends to not be as quick as in the United States, so be prepared for longer dining experiences.
Travel Advisor
Bria Rosenberg
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