(updated July 2024)
If you love Gaudi architecture, dining on tapas, and the electricity of a bustling city, you should plan a Barcelona vacation! However, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to see and do, especially if you are short on time. This comprehensive 2 day Barcelona itinerary will guide you through the must-visit landmarks and local hotspots that will make your short stay in Barcelona unforgettable.
We recently traveled to Spain and this blog post shares everything you need to know about Barcelona. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and energy of this enchanting city! Keep reading to learn more!
DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.
Barcelona Map
Arrivals in Barcelona
Your flight will arrive at the main airport BCN, known as El Prat. It is situated close to the city center and can be reached by taxi within 20-30 minutes. Simply grab a taxi outside on the lower level. The taxi stand is easy to find and has plenty of rides available to begin your Barcelona vacation.
Alternatively, you can arrange to be picked up by your hotel instead. Although convenient, it will be slightly more expensive. In addition, the city has an excellent network of public transportation.
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Barcelona Vacation- Day 1
We opted to stay in the heart of the Gothic Quarter or Barri Gotic. The location is a convenient home base for walking to most of the popular sites. The narrow, winding, medieval streets are the perfect place to get lost while you wander around the city.
The itinerary loop described below takes approximately an hour of walking each way, with time needed at each location.
Barcelona Cathedral
First, start your itinerary at Barcelona Cathedral. Admire the ornate architecture and gorgeous interior of the 13th century cathedral.
- Barcelona Cathedral Operating Hours: 9:30-6:30 pm
- Barcelona Cathedral Tickets: General admission is 9 Euros per person.
Seeking Stamps Tip: You must be inside before 5:45 to view the cathedral.
Mercat de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market)
After touring the cathedral, walk approximately ten minutes to the famous Mercat de la Boqueria for some snacks and shopping. This large space filled with vendors originated in 1217. You will see everything from fresh fruit, seafood, candy, olives, tapas and more. Some stalls to try are El Quim, Bar Pinotxo, and Bar Clemen’s. The area gets busy for lunch around 2 pm, so get there early.
- La Boqueria Market Opening Hours: 8:00 am-8:30 pm.
- Boqueria Market Entry is free.
Plaça de Catalunya
As you head towards Barcelona’s famous Gaudi sights, stroll through Plaça de Catalunya. This is a beautiful bustling plaza with ornate fountains. This square separates the Ciutat Vella and the Eixample districts. You will not need significant time here unless you plan to shop or dine, but it is worth a quick look.
Las Ramblas
Next, stroll down famous tree-lined Las Ramblas, which is a main street with stores and restaurants. It runs through the city center from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell. Dining here is considered more “touristy”, but you can enjoy some tapas and people-watch here without disappointment.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Keep your belongings close to you and look out for pickpockets here and all the famous sites in Barcelona. Do not place bags on the chair or floor next to you while dining and wear cross-body bags in front of you.
Casa Mila
Unquestionably, your Barcelona vacation will not be complete without admiring the famous creations of Antoni Gaudi. On the street, Passeig de Gracia, you will find Casa Mila/La Pedrera, or “the stone quarry” (aptly named because of the appearance of its facade).
As you enter this UNESCO World Heritage Site, intricate glass doors reminiscent of butterfly’s wings, welcome you inside. There are a few different sections to tour. First, is the tenant’s apartment which displays fully decorated rooms that depict Spanish life at the time. Next, view the Whale’s Attic with impressive arches and textures resembling a whale skeleton. Then, go outside to the rooftop for gorgeous views of the city. You can even see La Sagrada Familia in the distance. The terrace is dotted with sculptures that are rumored to be the inspiration for George Lucas’ Star Wars Storm Troopers. Finish with viewing the two lovely courtyards.
- La Pedrera Opening Hours: 9:00 am-8:30 pm with last entry at 7 pm. Plan to spend about an hour here.
- La Pedrera Tickets: basic audio tour “La Pedrera Essential” package costs 25 Euros for adults.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Are you trying to decide whether to visit Casa Mila or Casa Batllo? I personally enjoyed both La Pedrera and Casa Batllo. However, if you only have time for one I would choose La Pedrera for its 360 degree rooftop views of the city.
Casa Batllo
Just a few minutes from La Pedrera, is another Gaudi masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casa Batllo, initially built in 1877, was purchased by Josep Batllo in 1903. It was set to be demolished, however Batllo commissioned Gaudi to reconstruct the home between 1904-1906.
Today, you can admire “the house of the unexpected” and marvel at the mind-blowing ingenuity of the building. The exterior of Casa Batllo is beautiful to view from the street before you enter.
Once inside, explore the Gaudi dome and Gaudi Cube for immersive light shows that are a kaleidoscope of colors. Wind your way through the Noble Floor to view Gaudi’s style throughout. Take notice of detail- brightly colored tiles, window lined atriums, the intricate railing on the staircase, gorgeous stained glass windows, unique door knobs, and ergonomic furniture . . . it’s truly fascinating to experience.
If you are wondering if Casa Batllo is worth going in, it is definitely is worth a visit. The tours take about an hour, and there is an audio guide available to explain what you are seeing.
- Casa Batllo Operating Hours: 9:00 am-10 pm with last last entry is 8:45 pm.
- Casa Batllo Tickets: 35 Euros online and it is a bit less expensive if you purchase in advance.
After Casa Batllo, head back to your hotel for dinner and rest. For dining recommendations, keep reading . . .
Click Here for Casa Batllo Admission With Audio Guide!
Barcelona Vacation-Day 2
Visit Park Guell
Park Guell can be quite a distance depending where you stay overnight. We decided to grab a taxi for the easiest transportation there. The ride from the Gothic Quarter took approximately 20 minutes. I strongly recommend purchasing Park Guell tickets in advance.
I highly recommend using a Park Guell guided tour to get the full details and history of the park. Additionally, there is a virtual tour available if you do not want a private guide.
If you are meeting a tour please note there are several park entrances. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Also, wear comfortable walking shoes because there are gravel paths and stairs to navigate.
As you make your way through the park, you will see brightly colored mosaic tiles and whimsical buildings that look like they belong in a children’s fairytale. The Greek Theater/ Nature’s Square area of the park is the scenic vantage point you have probably seen on social media. The view of the city and the ocean in the distance are worth battling crowds to see.
Seeking Stamps Tip: We heard several travelers saying they had issues finding a ride, so plan to give yourself extra time.
- Operating Hours for Park Guell daily 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
- Park Guell Tickets: General admission is 10 Euros and 22 Euros for guided tours.
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Visit La Sagrada Familia on Your Barcelona Vacation
Undoubtedly, if there is one building that most defines Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is it. Much like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum of Rome, La Sagrada is the basilica featured in photo after photo. A Barcelona vacation without a stop here, would be incomplete. This Roman Catholic church was designed by Gaudi and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in the 1880’s and has been in progress for more than 140 years.
In particular, you will be amazed at the detail of the structure when standing at the church entrance. As you learn more about the meaning behind the design, you will be even more captivated. I have heard remarks that people consider Sagrada Familia ugly, which I find shocking. Once inside, the rainbow colors of the sunlight pouring in through the stained glass will stun you. It’s a remarkable work of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and Spanish Late Gothic architecture.
- La Sagrada Opening Hours:
- Monday through Saturday 9:00-8:00 pm and Sundays 10:30 am-8:00 pm.
- La Sagrada tickets: 26 Euros with the option of upgrades.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Tickets sell out in advance, so make sure to purchase yours early. Make sure to double check your travel dates for any religious holidays.
Book Your La Sagrada VIP tickets for a “Skip the Line” Tour to Expedite Your Visit.
Arc De Triomf
Additionally, take a twenty minute stroll to Parc de la Ciutadella and admire the Arc De Triomf. The Arc was built in 1888 as the gateway for the Universal Exhibition Fair. You don’t need to spend more than about 15 minutes walking along the path through the park. Stop for lunch before your next destination.
Pablo Picasso Museum
Afterwards, go to the one of the best museums in Barcelona. At the Picasso Museum you can learn about the artist and view his famous pieces. Witness the metamorphosis of his work as he matured as an artist. There is an audio tour that guides you through his life and artistry.
- Picasso Museum Operating Hours: 10am-8pm but closed on Mondays.
- Picasso Museum Tickets: Prices start at 12 Euros.
Plan to spend about an hour here depending on how much time you like to gaze at each piece.
Click Here for Skip the Line Picasso Museum Tickets With Audio Tour.
Barcelona Vacation Tips
Language in Barcelona
Although the official languages of Barcelona are Spanish and Catalan, English is widely spoken. We had no language barriers that proved to be difficult during our Barcelona vacation. Nonetheless, it’s polite (and fun) to learn a few Spanish phrases before you go.
How Long to Visit Barcelona
I recommend a minimum of two full days in Barcelona, but 3-4 days is an ideal amount of time to see most of the most popular sites (if you don’t want a packed itinerary). If you have a week or more, you can experience all that Barcelona has to offer.
When to Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is a year-round destination. However, September and October are my favorite months to visit Europe when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds have died down. March to May is also an ideal time, but try to void the Easter holiday. If you visit over the summer months, book activities and hotels in advance because the city will be PACKED.
What To Pack For Your Barcelona Vacation:
Barcelona is a conservative Catholic city, so modest attire is recommended. Locals do not generally wear casual shorts in the city, so if you want to blend in, wear skirts, dresses or dressier shorts for men.
Pack comfortable shoes! During our trip we walked an average of 9-10 miles a day. I paid the price by wearing my “cuter” sneakers the first day and had horrible blisters. I was pretty miserable and had to buy a new pair of shoes after a few days.
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Safety Tips For Barcelona
Barcelona is generally a safe city, but pickpockets are rampant in tourist spots and transit. We were warned to put our cell phones away when we were walking down the street using online maps. Furthermore, you will see a few homeless people sleeping in corners of the city. We felt very safe walking around at night (as two female travelers). Keep your passport and most of your cash in the hotel safe!
Siesta
Yes, siesta is a real phenomenon where many small shops and restaurants close during the mid-day. Fortunately, the large tourist attractions stay open.
Dining Times in Barcelona
Contrary to the U.S., lunch in Spain is the largest meal of the day and takes place around 2-2:30 pm. Dinner is often smaller and eaten later at 9:00-10:00 pm.
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Where to Stay in Barcelona
H 10 Madison
The H10 chain of hotels are very budget friendly if you are looking for a lower priced option in the city. My friend and I planned to sight-see all day, so we opted to stay here for its Gothic Quarter location and price.
Honestly, I expected this “chain hotel” to be like a U.S. Holiday Inn, but H10 Madison was adorable. The lobby and breakfast areas looked much higher end than the price we paid. Rooms were a bit small, but I expect that with most European hotels. Our bedroom window had an amazing view of the Barcelona Cathedral. The service and breakfasts were excellent. The hotel has a small pool and chic rooftop lounge offering views of the city.
Serras Hotel Barcelona
Serras Hotel Barcelona is a five star option in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Service here was above and beyond our expectations. It is conveniently located within walking distance to Barceloneta beach, restaurants, and the El Born neighborhood. This Barcelona hotel also offers a rooftop bar with scenic city and marina views. It is a magical place to enjoy on a Barcelona luxury vacation.
Where To Eat During Your Barcelona Vacation
El Xampanyet
After several hours of sightseeing, you will work up an appetite. El Xampanyet is a quaint restaurant near the Picasso Museum. The decor is comprised of everything you might associate with Spain- ham hanging from the rafters, mosaic tiles lining the walls, cozy tables, and barrels of wine lined up on the shelves. The delicious smell of roasting meat and patron peppers welcomes you inside. For the best experience, order a variety of tapas. The calamari, Iberian ham, Spanish cheeses, tomato bread, and olives are delicious!
Colom Restaurant Barcelona
If you are looking for traditional Spanish food in a cozy atmosphere, try highly-rated Colom Restaurant in the Gothic Quarter. We wandered here based on a recommendation from our hotel , as we looked for the “best paella in town”. Plan to wait in line for a table, as it is popular with locals.
If you are ordering paella, make sure to get your order in quickly because it takes a full twenty minutes to craft this vat of seafood deliciousness. Two of us shared a giant pan and there was enough left over for another two people.
Dine at El Nacional During Your Barcelona Vacation
El Nacional calls itself a “gastronomic multispace”. It’s a stylish food hall with four different restaurants, four bars and a small gelateria. I loved the decor and vibe inside. They have a restaurant specializing in meat, La Braseria. La Llotja specializes in fish and seafood. La Taperia serves tapas and rice. Lastly, La Parada is a deli restaurant. After doing a lap of the building, we decided to dine at La Parada. This is an exceptional place to relax, have drinks, and finish with dinner.
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Rooftop Bars for Your Barcelona Vacation
Last but not least, make sure to set aside time to have cocktails at one of the many fabulous rooftop bars in the city. Our favorite was Hotel Colon with its picture perfect view of Barcelona Cathedral.
Seeking Stamps Tip: The rooftop bar does not take reservations, so arrive before sunset to get a table.
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Barcelona Vacation: Final Thoughts
Barcelona is a vibrant city in Spain with delicious food, stunning architecture, exuberant nightlife and thrilling sightseeing. It has so much to offer travelers on a quick weekend trip or a week long vacation. My experience in Spain was memorable and I hope these travel tips help you plan a fabulous two day Barcelona vacation.
We have been to Barcelona a few times and never have found it hard to find new spots to visit. Your post has added a few spots for a return visit. But I must admit that I still can’t get used to the late dinner times. So dinner will always be a light snack. So many great tapas spots to fill us up.
Love this itinerary of Barcelona – beautiful and historic city I’ve been to Madrid and would love to return to Spain.
Thank you for your kind comment!
Great itinerary! I always love Barcelona…although we never made it to Casa Batllo – we really should have, it is so flipping cool! Now I really fancy some catalan food…
The food in Spain, is amazing. The paella . . . the ham . . . the olives . . oh my!
All these popular sites sound great, but I hadn’t heard of La Boqueria market before. That sounds like a fun place to walk through and shop and grab some fresh food!
Mercado Boqueria is a fabulous place to wander and taste tapas. Check it out if you have the chance one day.
I loved Barcelona! You reminded me that there was so much I didn’t get to do on my short visit there. I guess I’ll need to go back 😉
A return visit sounds like an amazing plan!