This itinerary includes everything that is essential for a perfect visit to Barcelona, Gaudi’s work, rooftop bars, beach chilling and exploring narrow streets.
Barcelona is our favourite city ever! It has the grandeur of a major city but with the cosiness of sunbathed streets and cute quirky shops. It’s surrounded by mountains and coastline. In the morning you can be trekking up a mountain and by afternoon laying on the beach… It is definitely achievable to see most of this city on foot making it such a convenient location to travel around.
Day One: Arrive in Barcelona and explore the Gothic Quarter on foot and visit the Basilica
This itinerary assumes you have arrived in Barcelona early in the day. Start out with a hearty breakfast as you will have a lot of walking around to do!
The great thing about Barcelona is that you can get lost wandering around and still manage to see all the sights. Spend the first few hours walking around the gothic quarter starting at La Rambla. The gothic cobbled streets are enough to satisfy your sense of wonderment. Here are some of my favourite stops around the gothic quarter:
Barcelona cathedral, this gothic beauty has a pond inside that is home for white geese. It is a nice place to walk around and get some photos.
Temple of Augustus, finding this gem takes you through many winding alleys and some beautiful architecture that by themselves are awe-inspiring. Once inside the ruins tower above you and its almost impossible to imagine the grandeur of the building that was once there.
San Felipe Neri, considered one of the most beautiful, authentic and historic squares in the city.
Have a stop for somewhere quant for lunch, for our top Barcelona vegan food recommendations check out this post.
La Sagrada Familia
Head to the La Sagrada Familia for the afternoon. The park before you enter the Basílica is so beautiful and provides an opportunity to view the Basílica from different angles. Give yourself time to explore. We recommend booking tickets to skip the line and get a guided tour (no one wants to spend hours queuing). Inside the Basilica is so beautiful you don’t want to miss this. The glass stained windows from all angles offer you a different experience at different times of the day. It is truly beautiful and shouldn’t be missed off your Barcelona Itinerary.
After lots of walking, rest your feet and have some dinner. If you are looking for a place with great ambience we would recommend Teresa Carles or Rasoterra.
Day Two: Park Guell for sunrise and Carmel bunkers
Park Guell
Book a before opening hours tour of Park Guell. Be prepared for an early rise. You will get the opportunity to explore the park before anyone else, with only 30 of you in the park! Watch the sunrise over the park and catch the light reflecting off the mosaic walls and take in the golden rays over the beautiful city!
Although we are not in love with group tours, we would recommend one here. Gaudi’s work is so fascinating it definitely makes visiting this place much more insightful. The grounds here are so beautiful, give yourself time to explore after the tour at your own pace.
If you decide a tour isn’t for you, or do not want to pay entry, the park is free to enter but leave before the access gates are set up. Check out opening times before you plan to go to see when you will need to leave before you get charged.
Bunkers Del Carmel
Now that you are already at the top of the city, walk to the best views in the whole of Barcelona. The Bunkers Del Carmel. This place doesn’t offer anything more than beautiful views of the city. Spend time just taking in the beautiful architecture of the city and get some great photos.
Time to head back into the city. After so much walking, sit down have a coffee and some lunch.
Now for some more amazing city views. Barcelona rooftop bars are so dreamy. I have discovered quite a few during my time in Barcelona. Rooftop bars are always more pricey but its definitely worth getting a drink or two and taking in the slights!
Next up, Walk around the harbour, take the cable car up the mountain and have a drink at the cafe over the city. You can also take the time to explore the old Olympic park.
Travelling to Barcelona? Check out our Vegan Guide
Day three: Morning at the beach, Rooftop bars, getting lost in the Barcelona Parks.
Spending time on the beach in Barcelona is a essential addition to your trip! Watching the way of the city from the beach with the sun beaming down in an amazing way to watch how the locals live and spend some time relaxing.
Tip for the early risers: The beach provides the most perfect sunrise view. Make sure to get up super early and head down to the beach for sunrise. Eat breakfast and explore the beach and narrow streets and shops nearby.
Get lunch somewhere along the beach front and stop for ice cream.
After all this chilling its time to get exploring again. Next up, head to Ciutadella Park, this park is by far a hub of interesting sights. There is alot of Catalonian history to take in here so its worth taking your time to explore.
Cascada Monumental
A beautiful gold dripped fountain, perfect for a photo opportunity. This fountain was built to keep watch over barcelona but was later used as a political prison.
The Palau del Parlament de Catalunya
The assembly hall of the Parliament of Catalonia, the building itself is impressive. However, I love the trees leading up to this building they are so beautiful!
Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona,
Built in the 19th Century as the main access gate for the Barcelona world fair which took place in the very park you will of walked from.
Near this part of Barcelona is a really quirky cafe. El Café Blueproject, there is connected to an interesting Art exhibit if that’s your thing!
Optional Addition: Morning at Tibidabo
When in Barcelona city itself you will have definatly of seen this amazing church that sits at the top of a hill towering over the city, its so beautiful!
On my last trip to Barcelona curiosity got the better of us and we took a visit. It is worth a visit if you have the time.
Firstly, get a taxi to Tibidabo and enjoy the gradual climb with the city becoming smaller and smaller as you travel. Even just the views from here are stunning. Walk up and towards the church. It is quite a surprise as there is a fun park just outside of the church.
We decided to go on the ferris wheel, It was slightly terrifying as it hangs over the edge but provides AMAZING views over the city!
After that, Explore the church and its amazing levels, there is a lift inside the church so you can go right to the top. Such a worthwhile climb up to the top!
Important Information to Travel to Barcelona
Booking Flights
Be aware there are two airports in Barcelona if you book a flight to the wrong one you could be paying a lot to get to the centre of Barcelona!
Where to Stay
The more central you can stay the more you can make the most out of your time in the city, but of course the more central the more you pay!
Our recommendations:
Hotel 1898
Category: Luxury
Location: La Rambla (as central as you can be!)
We love this hotel! It has the most beautiful rooftop bar and rooftop pool.
Caledonian
Category: Affordable
Location: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes (pretty central!)
Booking.comHave any questions about Barcelona? We would love to hear from you….
