If you have 3 days in Barcelona, consider yourself lucky.
That’s the perfect amount of time to experience most of the city’s main tourist attractions and even get a little bit off the beaten path! The Catalan capital, widely considered one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, is bursting with unique energy and culture. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Barcelona that you won’t soon forget!
Insider’s Tip: Consider purchasing a Barcelona Pass or Barcelona Card to use over the course of your 3 days in Barcelona. These allow you to save time and money by giving you free or discounted admission to major sights, as well as skip-the-line access. It’s also worth considering a guided tour of Barcelona’s top sights.
Morning/afternoon, Day 1: Boquería Market and Gaudí houses
Start off your 3 days in Barcelona with a visit to its most iconic market! The Boquería Market (La Rambla, 91) has become a bit of a tourist favorite in recent years, but it’s still a must-visit in Barcelona. We recommend going first thing in the morning before the tourist crowds arrive. Grab breakfast from one of the stalls and wander around as locals do their morning grocery shopping.
After your market visit, head up to the Paseo de Gracia, where you’ll find two of Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudí‘s most famous works. First, head to Casa Batlló (Passeig de Gràcia, 43), Gaudí’s most famous house in Barcelona. You’ll definitely want to go inside, but even the exterior is one of a kind. Can you spot the Venetian masks hidden in plain sight in the façade?
Tour it: Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Guell & Extended Sagrada Família
Following that, head to nearby Casa Milá (Provença, 261-265), one of Gaudí’s most important masterpieces here in Barcelona. Known as “La Pedrera” (“the quarry”) due to its unique stone exterior, the interior is quite fascinating as well. Make your way up to the spectacular rooftop terrace for some of the best views in Barcelona.
Afternoon/evening, Day 1: Gracia and food tour
Casa Milá is the perfect starting point for exploring the beautiful Gracia neighborhood. It was once its own little village before being completely absorbed by the sprawling metropolis that is Barcelona! Take some time to wander its picturesque, narrow streets and see where they take you.
End the first of your 3 days in Barcelona with a fascinating food tour! Step back into the glamorous Barcelona of the past on our Tapas, Taverns & History Tour, or taste your way through the vineyards of Spain on our Evening Tapas & Wine Tour. No matter which option you pick, you’ll walk away full, happy and armed with knowledge about how to eat like a local!
Morning/afternoon, Day 2: Sagrada Familia and Sant Pau
Start the second of your 3 days in Barcelona with a trip to its most iconic church. The Sagrada Familia (Carrer de Mallorca, 401) is another Gaudí masterpiece that began construction in 1882 and won’t be complete until 2026! The interior is reminiscent of a magical fairytale forest, with its towering tree-like columns and glittering light produced by the stained glass windows.
From there, head to the Recinte Modernista Sant Pau (Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167). This gigantic art nouveau complex was originally built as a hospital! You can step back in time and check out the former hospital set up in the historical recreation space, then walk around and admire the stunning mosaics and gardens.
Afternoon/evening, Day 2: Park Guell and Carmel Bunkers
A must-stop during your 3 days in Barcelona is nearby Park Guell, another Gaudí masterpiece. The famous architect originally intended to build an upper-class housing development. That vision never came to pass, but the public areas of the development were completed and turned into a whimsical park.
To end the second of your three days in Barcelona, head to the Carmel Bunkers (Carrer de Marià Labèrnia, s/n) just a little way north of Park Guell. These abandoned military structures left over from Spain’s Civil War in the 1930s might be Barcelona’s best-kept secret. It’s a spectacular place to watch the Barcelona sunset, but the views are unbelievable any time of day!
Morning/afternoon, Day 3: Gothic Quarter and Born museums
Your 3 days in Barcelona are almost up! End them on a high note by starting off Day 3 in the storied Gothic Quarter. With over 2,000 years of history lining its streets, there’s no shortage of things to see and do here. Step into the shoes of Gaudí or Picasso, relax in a picturesque plaza, get lost in the winding streets of the old Jewish Quarter or step into the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral—this neighborhood is full of magic just waiting to be discovered.
This is also a fantastic starting point for exploring some of Barcelona’s many fascinating museums, many of which are located in the nearby Born district. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum (Carrer Comerç, 36), pay tribute to Spain’s most iconic artist at the Picasso Museum (Carrer Montcada, 15-23), or continue your journey of Gaudí’s works at the Gaudí Exhibition Center (Pla de la Seu, 7). Swing by Barcelona’s cathedral while you’re in the neighborhood, too!
Afternoon/evening, Day 3: Montjuïc Hill and Magic Fountain show
From there, head up Montjuïc Hill and check out some of the many attractions there along the way. Learn about the different regions of Spain at Poble Espanyol (Av Francesc Ferrer i Guardia, 13). For art lovers, the Joan Miró Foundation (Parc de Montjuïc, s/n) or the National Museum of Catalan Art (Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc, s/n) are must-sees.
When you get to the top, take some time to explore stunning Montjuïc Castle. This huge fortress has a bit of a dark past. However, today it offers a somber look back at Barcelona’s tumultuous history. On a lighter note, the views of Barcelona from up above are unbeatable.
If you’re in town on a weekend throughout most of the year, you’re in luck—you can end your 3 days in Barcelona by taking in the spectacular Magic Fountain Show. This incredible spectacle of light, water and sound is the perfect way to end your Barcelona adventure on a high note. Sit on the steps of the National Museum of Catalan Art and enjoy the show. Even if there’s no show scheduled for the last night you’re in town, this is still one of the best spots in Barcelona to relax and watch the sunset.
