Perfect 3-Day Barcelona Travel Guide: Must-See Sights and Hidden Gems
Park Güell
¡Hola, Barcelona! Whether it's your first time in this Mediterranean gem or a return trip, this guide will help you make the most of three unforgettable days filled with iconic landmarks, local flavor, coastal beauty, and hidden surprises. Barcelona is easily one of our favorite cities in Spain, the people, the culture, and the beaches make Barcelona an incredible city to visit. Seeing La Sagrada Familia for the first time, this truly generational landmark, makes you pause and reflect at this architectural wonder. There is so much to see in this city that makes it both uniquely Spain and uniquely Catalonia. Barcelona has a little something for everyone—from dreamy architecture and golden beaches to creative tapas and vibrant street life. Get ready to fall in love or re-fall in love with Barcelona.
Why Visit Barcelona?
If you’re still trying to decide if you should visit Barcelona - do it! Here are three reasons why you should visit Barcelona:
A Cultural Feast: Home to Gaudí’s masterpieces, Modernist architecture, Gothic wonders, and rich Catalan traditions. It isn’t just the architecture, the city is vibrant and full of life with plenty of quirky areas to explore.
Beach Meets City: Relax by the sea after a day exploring museums, cathedrals, and bustling boulevards.
The Food Scene: Tapas, sangria, seafood, and lively food markets make this a foodie’s paradise. You’ll want to get out and explore all of the different restaurants and try the pulpo!
The 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary
A long weekend in Barcelona is a great way to get to know this beautiful Spanish city on the coast. If this is your first time to Spain, Barcelona is a great first city to visit. If this is one of your many visits to Spain, Barcelona is a great city to visit again and check out a different side of this enchanting city. While 3-days can feel a bit rushed, you can definitely see a lot of the amazing sights in the city. Here is how we spent 3-days in Barcelona:
Day 1: Iconic Architecture & Panoramic Views
Day 01 was all about exploring the city. Public transit is fantastic, but if you are in a rush or prefer a more guided experience, check out one of the hop-on hop-off buses that will give you the flexibility to see the city while giving you the freedom to jump off at any stop that interests you. Since we were short on time and the city is very spread out, we opted to take a hop-on hop-off bus our first day.
La Sagrada Família: Gaudí’s breathtaking basilica is an absolute must see, but be sure to pre-book your ticket to beat the crowds. This church is definitely the most unique we have visited. This basilica has been under construction since 1882 and is not expected to be completed until 2026! If you aren’t familiar with the architect Gaudí, this is a great introduction to his work. This church looks and feels like.a sand castle come to life. Visit inside and admire the high ceilings and stained glass windows. This is one of the most iconic sites in the city and is a must see.
Park Güell: A colorful, whimsical garden above the city. Ideal for photos and architecture lovers. This is truly one of the most unique parks you’ll visit. The views are incredible from Park Güell and wandering around the plants and architecture are mesmerizing. This park is uniquely Barcelona and uniquely Catalonian. We loved meandering through the park and taking pictures. We found that the more you observe the park the more unique characteristics you notice. Take some time to really take in the unique architecture and the surrounding beauty.
Plaça de Catalunya: The city’s central square is great for people-watching and connecting to major neighborhoods. We loved stopping at the wide open plaza and grabbing a coffee and watching the world go by. This is a great place for a pit stop or to sit and relax and take in the city.
Las Ramblas: A must do while you are in Barcelona. We loved walking along the huge boulevard surrounded by trees and shops. While it is a very touristy area, it is a great place to visit the local markets and see the bustling city come to life. If you are looking for more luxury shopping, then be sure to check out Passeig de Gràcia for more upscale shops.
Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Tibidabo): Ride the funicular up to sweeping views of the city and visit the vintage amusement park. When we went to the top it was a bit overcast, but still made for some grand views of the city. The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was one of our favorite churches to visit in Barcelona. Be sure to check out the vintage amusement park great for those young and young at heart.
La Pedrera (Casa Milà): Explore Gaudí’s curving masterpiece with its surreal rooftop chimneys. We just did a quick pit stop to take pictures, but seeing this unique building is a must do.
Day 2: Montserrat Day Trip & Gothic Marvels
The monastery of Montserrat has been out bucket list and did not disappoint! Since we did not rent a car, we opted to take a tour through GetYourGuide.
Morning Day Trip to Montserrat: This sacred mountain escape has stunning views, a monastery, and optional hikes. Montserrat is just a gorgeous area while the jagged mountains add to the grandeur of the area. When you get to the monastery you are rewarded with grand views of the valley and the mountain range. If you have time take the cog-wheel train for amazing mountain views and views over the monastery. Besides the mountain views, the abbey and monastery seem to both blend in and stand out, a part of their surroundings but also distinctively different. This beautiful monastery is built right into (more like next to) the mountains. The inside of the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is beautiful with its ornate ceilings and alters. The biggest attraction is the black Madonna relic, known for its healing powers. Pilgrims come to this site to kiss the black Madonna while praying for miracle cures. This relic is powerful and absolutely worth the visit. If you choose only one day trip from Barcelona, make it this one.
After the half-day trip, we headed back to Barcelona. We were lucky enough to have our awesome tour guide hang out with us for the day! She took us to some amazing places as a local.
Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia: If you aren’t tired of seeing churches by now, be sure to check out this magnificent Gothic cathedral in the heart of the old city.
Lunch: We ate a fantastic pintxos (think small snack/bite size food) restaurant - famous in the Basque region of Spain, called Euskal Etxea. The unique thing about this restaurant was that every dish was on a single toothpick. You paid based on the number (and type) of toothpicks you have after you ate your food. It was a really cool way to try all different types of pintxos!
El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria: If you like history this cultural center is definitely worth a visit! This is a cultural museum built over medieval ruins. Check out the history of Barcelona and see the old ruins of the city.
Arc de Triomf & Parc de la Ciutadella: Stroll through wonderful green spaces, admire the fountains, and spot street performers. This was one of our favorite parks to wander through. The ornate fountains are instagram worthy and leave you mesmerized while wandering through the park. After you have taken some time to wander through the Arc de Triomf and the Parc de la Ciutadella be sure to head straight towards the beach.
Barceloneta: This area is a chill beachside district with plenty of bars, restaurants, bike rentals and a large boardwalk to wander. After a long day of exploring head to the beach to unwind and relax while listening to the crashing waves. This beach area has tons of restaurants and bars. If you like seafood or sushi, this area is a great one to visit. We grabbed a glass of sangria and listened to the waves crash to cap off an amazing and jam packed day.
Day 3: Design, Sports & Art
Our last day in Barcelona involved wandering through different areas of Barcelona to cap off an epic long weekend.
Casa Batlló: This is Gaudí’s fairytale-like structure, with vivid colors and skeletal balconies. This is another archtectural wonder to see and admire. Be sure to stop and take some pictures!
Camp Nou (Spotify Camp Nou): A must for soccer (football) lovers—check availability if you want to tour or if you can get tickets go see an FC Barcelona match! This felt like hallowed ground regardless if you are a fan of the club or not.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC): For art lovers and epic views of the Magic Fountain and Plaça d’Espanya. This is a great museum for local regional art and to gain a different perspective for the Catalonian region. If you are going to visit one museum, we would recommend checking out this one.
If We Had 2 More Days…
Take a day trip to Girona – Medieval streets and architecture, beautiful colored buildings, and churches. This town gives Game of Thrones vibes. Couple it with a trip to the beautiful coast of Costa Brava through GetYourGuide.
Poble Espanyol & Magic Fountain show – An open-air museum and dazzling nighttime display. Be sure to check out showtimes to catch the fountain show choreography!
More time in Gràcia – To enjoy plazas and tucked-away restaurants. This is one of the most popular districts in the city with plenty of cool bars to check out. This is one district we wish we had more time to explore. If you have some time consider spending more time in Gràcia to get to know this district better.
Raval rooftop bars & street art – If you are more of the creative type this is an area we wish we had more time to explore. Raval is the vibrant side of Barcelona with art galleries, street art, and local artists. A little more grungy but it seemed full of character.
A wine tasting in nearby Penedès – We really wanted to check out the Catalonian wine region about an hour away from Barcelona. If you have some time (and a car) head down to this well known wine region with plenty of wineries to visit and enjoy. If you don’t have a car consider this tour from GetYourGuide.
Practical Tips and Guides
Things to Know Before You Go
Book tickets in advance for Gaudí sites—especially La Sagrada Família and Park Güell you will want to make sure you get advanced tickets. .
Pickpocketing is something to be on alert for in touristy areas—use a crossbody bag and stay alert. For guys we would recommend an RFID wallet to keep your cards safe from potential skimmers.
Late dinners are normal – locals often eat at 9–10pm.
Siesta isn’t a myth – Smaller shops and restaurants may close in the afternoon, be sure to plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–June): Ideal weather, fewer crowds.
Early Fall (September–October): Warm temps, less touristy.
Avoid August if you can—many locals leave, and it can get very hot.
Different District Vibes
Eixample: Elegant, orderly, full of Gaudí masterpieces. There are a TON of things to do in this district. It is a very popular tourist area and has plenty to offer.
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): Winding alleys, history, and hidden bars. If you like history this is a great place to check out. You’ll find medieval architecture and old roman ruins in this area of the city. This area is definitely worth a visit.
El Born: Artsy, romantic, and full of tapas joints. Some people call this the hipster area of Barcelona with its cafes and mix of modern and medieval architecture. This is a great area to grab a coffee and wander.
Gràcia: Bohemian, low-key, local, and full of charm. This is a bit more of a quirky area, but worth a visit if you want to see the more artsy side of Barcelona.
Barceloneta: Beachfront and laid-back. If you want to stay on the beach, this is the place to go.
Eixample
Getting Around Barcelona
Walkable city center: Barcelona is a great place to experience on foot. We found signs easy to follow and we loved seeing all of the different architectural styles and sights.
Metro and buses: They are both affordable and easy to use. Google Maps really helps you map your route. We found the metro to be the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Also consider taking a hop-on, hop-off bus if you want more of a sightseeing tour of the city.
Taxis and Uber are widely available.
Rent a bike or use e-scooters for fun local transport. Check out Lynx if you want to rent an e-scooter to explore on your own or to take a guided tour.
Day Trips to Consider
Montserrat: Monastery, hiking, and views. Check out the itinerary above for more information!
Marimurtra Botanical Gardens: A tranquil seaside escape in Blanes.
Girona and Costa Brava: Check out this medieval town and the beautiful Spanish coast. When Ash took a girls trip to Barcelona, they visited this beautiful area. Costa Brava truly lived up to its name!
Pinedas: Check out the Catalonia wineries and take an ATV tour through one of the oldest wineries in the area!
Other ideas from Viator or Getyourguide
Costa Brava
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Luxury:
Hotel Casa Fuster – A stunning Modernist building in the upscale Eixample district.
Hotel Arts Barcelona – Chic beachfront luxury near Barceloneta.
Majestic Hotel & Spa – Elegant and centrally located, with a rooftop pool and La Rambla views.
Mid-Range:
Room Mate Anna – Boutique vibes, rooftop pool, and near Passeig de Gràcia.
Hotel Jazz – Comfortable, stylish, and walkable to most attractions.
H10 Casa Mimosa – Near La Pedrera with garden views and excellent amenities.
Budget-Friendly:
TOC Hostel Barcelona – Chic, clean, and social, with a rooftop pool.
Hostal Grau – Eco-friendly and centrally located in El Raval.
Yeah Barcelona Hostel – Social, stylish, and offers free walking tours.
Food & Drink Highlights
Tapas (pulpo!) at Tapas 24
Must-Try Restaurants
Tapas 24: Upscale yet approachable tapas near Passeig de Gràcia. This was one of our favorite tapas places. Be sure to get there early because the line can get very long!
El Xampanyet: A beloved classic for cava and small plates.
Besta: Modern Galician-Catalan fusion. Try the tasting menu!
La Cova Fumada: No-frills, historic, and home to the bomba. This place is well known for its seafood tapas.
Basque Spots to Try
Sagardi Muntaner: Pintxos heaven with plenty of meat and seafood dishes to try, as well as local wines.
ORIO BCN Gòtic: A colorful array of Basque delights.
Euskal Etxea: We loved this place - you pay by the toothpick and have a wide variety of pintxos to try!
Top Sangria Places
Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria): Crowded and fun with house-made cava sangria.
Ciudad Condal: Fantastic tapas and solid sangria.
Bar Lobo: Trendy and centrally located.
Drinking Sangria near Park Guell
Top Bars in Barcelona
Bobby’s Free – A speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a barber shop façade.
Paradiso – Ranked among the world’s best bars; hidden behind a pastrami shop in El Born.
Boadas Cocktails – One of the oldest cocktail bars in the city, right off La Rambla.
Dr. Stravinsky – Creative cocktails with apothecary vibes in the Gothic Quarter.
El Nacional – Multiple bars and eateries in a stunning industrial space—great for groups.
Chupitos – Shots galore! Quirky and fun for a late night out.
Hidden Gems & Can’t-Miss Spots in Barcelona
Hidden Gems
Bunkers del Carmel: A local favorite for sunset views with panoramic scenery.
Hospital de Sant Pau (Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau): Peaceful and ornate Art Nouveau architecture, close to Sagrada Família.
Antic Teatre: Secret garden bar perfect for a chill drink.
El Refugi 307: Atmospheric Civil War shelter tour beneath Montjuïc.
Carrer de Petritxol: Quaint alley full of art and chocolaterías near the Gothic Quarter.
Can’t-Miss Moments
Golden hour rooftop drinks – Try Hotel Casa Fuster or Terraza Ayre at Hotel Rosellón.
Tapas crawl in El Born – The best way to savor local cuisine.
Exploring Gràcia’s plazas – Boho charm and local vibes.
Tour Palau de la Música Catalana – Jaw-dropping interior and rich history.
Beach-to-bar stroll at Barceloneta – Classic coastal vibes.
Enjoy every second in this electric, sun-soaked city. Barcelona will stay with you long after you’ve left—and you’ll already be planning your return.
¡Bon viatge!
If you are interested in more Spanish ideas these are our favorite places in Spain.
