Beautiful Barcelona: Your Perfect 3-Day See-It-All Itinerary
Barcelona, Spain’s unique architecture and vibrant culture makes it a must-see destination. Here’s how to experience the best of the city in just three days.
With so much to offer visitors, it’s no wonder Barcelona consistently ranks in the top 10 best cities in the world. It’s where you’ll find everything from delicious Catalonian cuisine to some of the most elaborately designed architecture in the world.
Barcelona is also the getaway to many other wonderful Spanish cities. The city’s El Prat Airport (BCN) is the second largest airport in Spain, offering many flights to and from the U.S.
Hoping to see what’s so special about Barcelona in just 3 days?
Never fear, ambitious traveler.
We’ve got a 3-day Barcelona itinerary that will make sure you see the best of the city. And you’ll save enough time for other worthy European spots.
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Day 1 In Barcelona
Morning: Las Ramblas
Wake up to the city’s charm by visiting Barcelona’s Las Ramblas early in the day before the crowds. Collectively these “ramblas”, or tree-lined boulevards, consist of about 3/4 of a mile of pedestrian streets. They separate the Old Town of Barcelona into two distinct areas.
Mercat de la Boqueria is one of the most famous spots here. It’s a great place for local breakfast fare. This famous food market has been open since 1836. Today over 200 traders offer fresh produce, meats, and local delicacies.
Or just grab some coffee as you stroll by the sites. See things like the Canaletes Fountain, Miro’s Mosaic, the Christopher Columbus Monument, and the opulent Liceu Theater.
Shops begin to open in this area around 11 a.m. and performers showcase their talents later in the day. If you can handle the crowds, stay to enjoy the boisterous atmosphere for which this area is known. Or head to the next place on the list for the day.
Afternoon: Gothic Quarter
Step back in time as you visit the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city.
You don’t want to miss seeing the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral or walking under the Pont del Bisbe. This ornamental bridge connects the House of Canons and the Palau de la Generalitat.
But one of the best things to do is to just get a little lost amongst the narrow alleyways. The area is a labyrinth of streets representing various periods of Spanish history.
You’ll view original first century BC Roman walls, roads, and the columns of the former Temple of Augustus.
You’ll see medieval (13th -15th century) architecture.
And you’ll be surrounded by restored and reimagined 19th and 20th century construction.
It’s also a great place for lunch. Restaurants, tapas bars, and cafes serve both traditional Catalan cuisine and a variety of other dishes.
Evening: Dinner With A View Of The City
Unwind on your first evening of your 3-day Barcelona itinerary with dinner with a view.
Mirablau is one such place with a casual vibe, while El Xalet de Montjuïc, our choice, is a more upscale option.
Or check out THIS guide to other rooftop restaurants in Barcelona.
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Day 2 In Barcelona
Morning: La Sagrada Familia
The morning of your second day in Barcelona is a perfect time to tour the crown jewel of the city.
The Basilica De La Sagrada Familia is a towering architectural wonder and Roman Catholic basilica. The interior and exterior spaces are so ornate and detailed that construction is still ongoing, despite building beginning in 1882. (Construction is expected to be finished in 2026).
Tour options vary depending on how much of the basilica you hope to experience. Whichever tour you choose, it’s worth having a tour guide to learn about the fascinating history.
Afternoon: Park Güell
You’ll be pretty familiar with Barcelona’s most famous inhabitant, Antoni Gaudi, after your visit to La Sagrada Familia.
So, it’s the perfect time to explore Park Güell, another of the renowned architect’s designs.
The park was originally intended as a housing complex for Barcelona’s elite residents. It was later opened as a municipal park. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While visiting you’ll have a chance to sit on the mosaic Serpentine Bench, the longest bench in the world. You’ll see the Dragon Stairway with its salamander fountain. And you’ll view the gingerbread house at the entrance.
One of our favorites though was the Hypostyle Room. It has 86 columns that were designed to be both functional and beautiful.
Evening: Tapas Tour or Paella Cooking
One of our favorite ways to experience a city is through our tastebuds. Food tours do this, while providing a fun way to learn about the city.
An El Born Walking Tour with Tapas and Drinks provides a tasty way to explore two areas. You’ll start in El Born and end in the Gothic Quarter.
Or try your cooking skills as you learn to prepare paella, the unofficial dish of Barcelona. A Paella and Mediterranean Tapas Cooking Class makes sure you go home with a little cooking knowledge as a souvenir.
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Day 3 In Barcelona
Morning: Eixample
Before embarking on your last day in Barcelona, head back to the Eixample area for a morning walk. Lots of coffee shops and cafes are situated in this large area. And the streets are set up on a grid system, making it easy to get around.
So pick a spot you haven’t seen or go back to one you want to see again. One of our favorites was Passeig de Gràcia. It offers views of Gaudi’s La Pedrera - Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, as well as great shopping and cafes.
If you have extra time, you can also check out THIS self-guided walking tour of Barcelona’s Eixample’s district. It has all the highlights of the area.
Afternoon: Explore Outside The City
Beyond Barcelona’s well planned city streets sits much more that’s also worth seeing. On your last day in the city, pick one of those worthy spots to visit. Places like Montserrat, Barceloneta Beach, and Collserola Natural Park make the list.
We chose Montserrat.
Montserrat is a mountain range near the city known for its rocky peaks.
And it’s the location of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. The Abbey is a sprawling property that encompasses a monastery, chapels, the "Black Madonna" statue, hiking trails, and a restaurant. Visitors can access it via funiculars that ascend the mountain.
As a Christian, I found Montserrat inspiring and faith-affirming. But I think even those with different beliefs will appreciate the peace and serenity found in the buildings, hiking trails and monuments.
Evening: Flamenco Dancing
Spend your last evening in Barcelona enjoying a tradition that has lasted centuries throughout Spain.
Flamenco dancing dates back to the 1700s in Barcelona when people from neighboring Andalucía brought the dance to the city. The passionate form of dance uses movement to tell stones of love, grief, joy and sadness. It’s often unscripted and improvisational.
We loved THIS flamenco dancing and tapas experience at Tablao de Carmen. The food and dancing were both great. It’s located in Pueblo Espanol, a walking area that represents the architecture of the different regions of Spain. It’s a perfect spot for last chance photos and time spent soaking in all Spain has to offer.
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FAQ’s for 3 Days In Barcelona
Are 3 days enough to see Barcelona?
You could easily fill much more time with things to see and do in Barcelona. But, three days allows you to see the highlights and experience the culture. The area around Barcelona has a lot to offer as well. A short stay allows time for exploring more of Catalonia or Spain as a whole. In fact, exploring smaller towns outside of cities are one of our favorite ways to travel. Three days in the city more easily allows for that.
Is it difficult to get around without being fluent in Spanish or Catalan?
No, it is not difficult to get around Barcelona without speaking Spanish or Catalan, the two official languages of Barcelona. Many people speak English. However, it is best to learn a few simple phrases in Spanish or Catalan. It’s a great way to show you respect the local customs.
How far is the airport from downtown Barcelona?
Barcelona’s airport, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), is located about 25 minutes from the center of the city.
When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
Each season has something to offer travelers to Barcelona.
The spring months of April, May and June mean mild weather and flowers in bloom. However, it can begin to warm up and get more crowded in later spring.
Summer, July through August, also is a time for festivals and great for beach trips. But, crowds are heavy and it can get scorching hot.
Fall begins with warm weather in September but becomes less hot and humid by October. And crowds thin out throughout fall, with a noticeable difference even at the start.
The winter months of November through February have the lowest crowds of the year. While you might not be able to enjoy beach weather, it’s a perfect time to explore the city.
Do I need a car in Barcelona?
No, you do not need a car in Barcelona. In fact, you might find it easier without one. Parking is limited, especially during busy seasons and streets can be crowded. Barcelona’s metro, buses, trams, and taxis are great options for distances that are too far to walk.
However, you may choose to rent a car to explore outside the city. Car hires and trains are available as well for this.
Is Barcelona overcrowded?
Barcelona, can be very crowded, especially during peak seasons. We recommend booking with small, local tour companies or companies that work directly with locals. If booking on your own, be sure to book hotels and tours early.
Is Barcelona a good place to visit with kids?
If your family is looking for a city outting, Barcelona is a good spot to go with kids. Beaches, parks, playgrounds, and aquariums provide entertainment for the younger set.
Since much of the city features buildings designed by Gaudi, even visiting architectural sites here can be more kid friendly than in some other places. Gaudi’s style is colorful and whimsical so may keep your kids’ attention more than more traditional architecture.
Keep in mind though that it is a busy city so be sure your kids are in for an urban vacation.
Additionally, if your kids don’t do well with touring cities in hot weather, skip a trip to Barcelona in the summer.
And also remember dinners in Spain are typically served late. If jet-lag and late dinners don’t sounds like a good time to your young child, plan accordingly.
Is tipping customary in Barcelona?
Tipping in not as common in Barcelona as it is in the U.S. It is not required in Barcelona.
While many travel sites will tell you it is also not expected, we found some places did seem to expect small tips. Perhaps that is because they know Americans are accustomed to tipping.
We suggest rounding up or leaving a smaller amount than is expected in the U.S. if you’re inclined to thank someone for serving you.
