Barcelona 2 Day Itinerary

Barcelona in 48 Hours: A Sample Itinerary

This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of a short trip to Barcelona. It focuses on some of the must-see attractions but can be easily customized based on your interests!

Day 1: Gaudí & Gothic Charm

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Família.

    • Things to Know: This basilica is a masterpiece of unfinished architecture, designed by Antoni Gaudí and still under construction after over a century. It’s best to buy tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
    • Time: Allow 2-3 hours for exploration.

  • Afternoon: Wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter, exploring:

    • Barcelona Cathedral: Marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate details.
    • Plaça Reial: Enjoy a coffee or drink at one of the cafes while admiring the palm trees and fountains.
    • Plaça de Sant Felip Neri: Reflect on the history of this tranquil square amidst the bustling city.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Experience traditional Catalan cuisine at Can Culleretes, Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, established in 1786. Enjoy their paella or a hearty “escudella i carn” (a traditional stew).
    • Activity: Take a stroll along Las Ramblas and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Art & History, Beach Vibes & Tapas

  • Morning: Explore Park Güell, another Gaudi masterpiece with stunning mosaic work and panoramic views of the city.

    • Enjoy: The whimsical architecture, vibrant colors, and unique atmosphere of this park.

  • Lunch: Indulge in a delicious Catalan “Menu del Dia” at Can Cuchillitas. This traditional restaurant offers affordable set menus with a variety of local dishes for under €15.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the world of art and architecture:

    • Visit: The Picasso Museum to delve into the artist’s early works.
    • Explore: La Boqueria Market on Las Ramblas, a feast for the senses with colorful stalls and fresh produce.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional tapas dinner at one of the many restaurants in El Born, like Bar del Pla or Els Quatre Gats.

  • Activity:

Things to do while exploring:

  • Things to know:

    • Tapas culture: Barcelona is known for its delicious tapas.

  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional tapas dinner at Bar Tomás in the Gothic Quarter.

  • Explore:

    • El Raval: Immerse yourself in the diverse and vibrant neighborhood of El Raval, with its street art, cafes, and unique atmosphere.

    • Enjoy: The vibrant nightlife and lively bars and restaurants in the El Born district.

    • Enjoy: A delicious “Menu del Dia” at a traditional restaurant like Bar del Pla or La Tasqueta de Enfrente

  • Things to remember:

    • Tapas: Enjoy the variety of tapas dishes, but be prepared for long lines and a lively atmosphere.
    • Barcelona’s history: Explore the city’s rich architectural heritage.

Things to consider:

  • Walking tours: Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.

  • Transportation: Barcelona is a walkable city, but public transportation is readily available and highly recommended for navigating longer distances. The Barcelona metro system is efficient and affordable, while the bus system can take you to areas not easily accessible by metro.

  • Things to consider: Barcelona’s vibrant atmosphere means there’s always something to see and do!

Enjoy:

  • The unique atmosphere of Barcelona:

    • Eat:

      • Explore the Gothic Quarter: This historic area is a must-see for its medieval architecture, charming cafes, and hidden squares.
      • Pick up a “Menu del Dia”: Enjoy this Catalan tradition of ordering a set menu with a variety of small dishes.

    • Experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene:

      • Explore the Gothic Quarter: Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city’s oldest district, known for its traditional architecture and delicious tapas restaurants.

  • Barcelona is a safe city: Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.

    • For a traditional experience:

      • Consider “Els Quatre Gats” for a taste of Barcelona’s history as a bohemian art hub.

Things to do:

  • Explore: the Gothic Quarter’s stunning architecture and historical sites.

  • Enjoy the diverse tapas scene in different parts of the city, such as La Boqueria Market, where you can find a wide variety of traditional Catalan dishes for a great price.

  • Visit: the Picasso Museum to see some of his early works and get a glimpse into his artistic journey.

  • Things to consider:

    • “El Gato Negro” (The Black Cat):
      • Enjoy the variety of tapas, but be mindful of costs and potential for small plates to add up.**

Enjoy:

  • Explore the Gothic Quarter’s history:

    • Enjoy the diverse and delicious food options available in the bustling marketplace.

  • Experience a variety of flavors:

    • Remember: to visit a few different places throughout the city, as each neighborhood offers its own unique take on tapas!

Other things to consider:

  • Enjoy local experiences:

    • Enjoy: the vibrant atmosphere and diverse activities in Barcelona.

  • Consider a “pintxo” crawl:

    • Enjoy: a variety of pintxos (small, savory snacks) offered at different bars.

    • Enjoy:

      • Barcelona is known for its vibrant nightlife:
        • Consider visiting the “Gothic Quarter” to experience the city’s history and culture firsthand.

    • Enjoying the vibrant cultural scene in Barcelona.

  • Explore:

  • Barcelona:

A bustling metropolis with a rich history, Barcelona offers a variety of experiences:

  • Enjoy:

    • The unique charm of the “El Born” neighborhood

  • Experience:

The vibrant atmosphere and history of “El Born”

  • Enjoy traditional Catalan cuisine.
  • Enjoy affordable “tapas” (small plates) in a variety of settings

Things to enjoy:

  • Enjoy:

  • A variety of tapas: Explore the diverse culinary offerings of the city’s restaurants, from simple classics to more innovative dishes.

  • Experience:

    • The vibrant atmosphere and architecture of “El Born”

  • Enjoy a fun evening: Enjoying the nightlife and entertainment options in “El Born”.**

Remember:

  • Barcelona:
  • Bring your appetite for a “tapas” tour!

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and food scene of “El Born,” with its lively bars, restaurants, and clubs.

  • The “Tapas” Culture:
  • Enjoy this delicious and affordable option on a budget-friendly trip.

Things to enjoy: