If you love Europe but haven’t been to Barcelona yet, I encourage you to add it to your list of must-visit destinations! This vibrant city is the perfect vacation getaway. It’s an easy place to live like a local, has amazing attractions and offers both urban and beach experiences. A few of my fondest memories from my last trip there include: sipping on cava and noshing on delicious tapas, taking in all of the beautiful modern and gothic architecture, and soaking up all of the culture and sights the city has to offer.
From UNESCO world heritage sites to breathtaking beaches and so much more, there’s definitely something for everyone. And don’t worry about running into language issues. Barcelona is a multicultural city and English is commonly spoken in all tourist areas. Plus, Barcelona is totally walkable and its Metro (or subway) is very user friendly and an easy way to get around the city. I originally spent a week exploring the city but if your vacation time is limited or you simply want to squeeze in a quick side trip, here are my top suggestions for an easy three day Barcelona getaway.
Day One
Spend your first day in Barcelona getting acquainted with the iconic La Sagrada Familia church and the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gothic).
Take the Metro line L2 or L5 to get to the La Sagrada Familia station. The basilica is just outside of the station. To get to the Gothic Quarter, take the Metro line L3 and get off at Liceu station or take the Metro line L4 and get off at Jaume I station.
La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona’s most recognizable landmark is La Sagrada Familia. It’s an unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica designed by renowned Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. This church is one of Gaudí’s most famous achievements and was declared a UNESCO Heritage site in 2005. It’s been under construction for over one hundred years and is expected to be completed by 2026.
La Sagrada Familia has sparked a number of controversies but most notably over the potential disregard of Guadí’s original design vision after his death in 1926. Regardless of any drama, the basilica is a breathtaking sight to behold and a must-see attraction. I felt an immense feeling of awe being in the presence of this architectural marvel. Tickets to go inside the basilica are often sold out days in advance. So make sure to buy your tickets ahead of time.
TIP: Across from the main entrance of La Sagrada Familia is a small park (Placa de Gaudí) with a pond that catches the reflection of the church. It’s the perfect spot to snap your obligatory Instagram shot!
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gothic)
I instantly fell in love with the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gothic) of the city. It’s known for its historical structures that have been around since medieval times, maze-like streets made up of arcade style shops and beautiful gothic architecture. There’s a romantic feeling in this area due to all of the charming and Instagram-worthy backstreets, alleyways and pretty medieval squares. I had fun deliberately getting lost in the labyrinth of streets and perusing cute souvenir shops and unique artisan boutiques.
You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering this area. However, make sure to check out the Barcelona Cathedral, the quintessential medieval square Plaça del Rei and the Picasso Museum. There’s also a great selection of restaurants and tapas bars. So plan to grab a bite and a drink (or two) and soak up the mood and ambiance of this delightful section of the city.
TIP: Lose your map and enjoy wandering the area’s winding streets, exploring the shops and discovering all the Gothic Quarter has to offer.
Day Two
Start your second day discovering modernist architecture and window shopping with a jaunt down Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district. Then make your way to Park Güell in the afternoon to explore another one of Gaudí’s creations.
Take the Metro line L2, L3 or L4 to get to Passeig de Gràcia station and exit out to Passeig de Gràcia Avenue. To get to Park Güell, take the Metro line L3 to Vallcarca station and walk from the station down the hill to Baixada de la Gloria. Then take a left uphill to a set of escalators that will take you up the hill to Park Güell.
Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia is an elegant avenue in the heart of Barcelona dotted with a mixture of shops, restaurants, monuments and modern architectural masterpieces. Gaudí, Domenech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalch and many other architects from the early modernist architecture period contributed to the beautiful architecture along this boulevard.
Although many of the modernist buildings have been renovated to house a range of luxury and high street fashion brands, some remain historically in tact and are open to the public. You’ll find brands like Adidas, Zara, and Uniqlo as well as upscale ones like Chanel, Gucci, Prada and more. I’m not going to lie, I love to shop and Passeig de Gràcia has the perfect mix of shops and boutiques for everyone.
Make sure you check out the two stand out modernist Gaudí buildings: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (or La Pedrera). You can’t miss them and they’re both breathtakingly beautiful and extraordinary at the same time. I ultimately got a better understanding of Gaudí’s magnificence and his design genius by visiting them.
TIP: Book your tickets for Casa Batlló and Casa Milà in advance and try to go first thing in the morning on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Park Güell
Make your way to Park Güell for stunning panoramic views of Barcelona and to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built from 1900-1914. It’s another one of Antoni Gaudí’s brilliant designs.
It was originally commissioned by Count Eusebi Güell to be a housing project for Barcelona’s aristocracy. However, the project fell through and became a municipal park in 1926. Gaudí lived in the home in the park that is now the Gaudí House Museum from 1906-1926. The park’s design was part of the architect’s naturalist phase where he drew inspiration from organic forms found in nature.
As you experience the park, you’ll notice how the buildings and structures are seamlessly integrated into the parks surroundings. Everything feels like a natural extension of one another. I loved exploring this enchanting park and had moments where I literally felt like Alice in Wonderland. Vibrantly coloured mosaics, wonderful stone structures and a couple of outlandish Hansel and Gretal-inspired houses made it all feel like being in a dream. Everything about the park is fantastical but real at the same time.
Make sure to check out the hall carved into the side of the mountain and the balcony (Plaça de la Natura) with the long winding bench to get your shots for the ‘gram.
TIP: The park has a free zone and a restricted zone. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance for the restricted zone, wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend a few hours exploring all of the different areas.
Day Three
Spend your last day perusing the stores and taking in the culture along La Rambla. Then stop for lunch at La Boqueria market and move on to relax in the sun on La Barceloneta beach.
Take the Metro line L1 or L3 to Catalunya station and exit on to La Rambla. La Boqueria market is half way down La Rambla. You can walk to La Barceloneta beach from La Rambla or take the Metro line L4 to Barceloneta station.
La Rambla
This beautiful tree-lined promenade in the heart of Barcelona is comparable to Paris’s Champs-Élysées. It’s a busy street that has bustling crowds throughout the day and late into the night. You’ll find kiosks along the way that sell everything from souvenirs and flowers to charming cafes and bars. Some of the world’s best street performers can also be found here. I loved the energy of La Rambla and found it quintessentially European. Along the way, keep an eye out for La Boqueria Market and plan to stop there for some food and refreshments.
TIP: Although I didn’t run into any issues, this area is a known hot spot for pickpockets. Be aware of your surroundings and keep any valuables safely guarded.
La Boqueria Market
If you’re a fan of markets, La Boqueria is one you can’t miss. It has over 200 vendors offering the best local and international gastronomic products. You’ll find tourists and locals alike shopping here for the freshest fruit, spices, meats, and more. I recommend stopping here for lunch and taking in all the market has to offer.
It’s a food lover’s heaven and an experience in itself. I especially enjoyed exploring all the different food stalls. Try sampling a variety of fresh fruit cups, fruit juices, cured meat sandwiches and more all at affordable prices (€ 1- € 5). Tapas bars can also be found at the back of the market in case you want something other than market food. Plus, check out the space outside the rear of the market where you can find seating to take a break.
TIP: Move further in beyond the stalls near the front of the market to find better deals and less tourists.
La Barceloneta Beach
The neighbourhood of La Barceloneta was originally a fisherman’s village and was designed in the 18th century. It’s home to charming narrow streets lined with beautiful historical buildings, stores and restaurants. The beaches are the main attraction of this area. You can easily spend the entire afternoon relaxing on the sand or sipping cocktails and having tapas at one of the waterfront bars or restaurants. There’s also an Aquarium and the Maremagnum Shopping Centre nearby if you decide you need to take a break from the sun and sand.
Barceloneta beach is the most popular beach by far. Furthermore, it’s home to the infamous W Hotel which you’ve probably seen on Instagram and in pictures. I spent the afternoon wandering along the beach and taking in the breathtaking views while getting my zen on from the peaceful sounds of the waves rolling in from the sea. It was perfect for me because I had the joy of being on a beach while still having easy access to the city just minutes away if necessary.
TIP: Plan to have dinner at one of the restaurants in this area and lean towards seafood if you’re a fan. You won’t be disappointed because restaurants in this area are infamous for their freshly-caught seafood and authentic Catalan dishes.
There’s definitely so much more to see and do in Barcelona, but the activities and attractions I’ve mentioned above are ones I believe you shouldn’t miss. It’s the perfect vacation destination if you want a combination of city and beach. Plus, with all of the amazing history, delectable food and vibrant culture, you can’t go wrong. I can’t wait to get back to this city and hope to travel there again soon! Let us know in a comment below if you have any hidden gems in Barcelona that we should check out on our next trip.