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Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Park Guell

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days: the perfect itinerary (map included)

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days: the perfect itinerary (map included)

Table of contents

Barcelona is probably my favourite city ever😍 (except Porto, of course!). Maybe that’s why I’ve already been there 3 times, and I feel like it won’t stop there. It’s a city full of life and perfect for any occasion: solo, romantic or a family trip.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Sagrada Família
Sagrada Família

So, I decided to prepare this blog post with all the best places to see in Barcelona in 3 days in order to help you plan the perfect trip to the Catalan capital.

In this 3 days Barcelona itinerary, you will find tips on what to see and do in Barcelona in 3 days as well as where to stay in Barcelona or some restaurant suggestions. At the end of the post, you can also find two alternative versions of Barcelona itineraries: a 2-day itinerary and also a Barcelona 4-day itinerary.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Tibidabo
Tibidabo Park

If Barcelona is on your bucket list, don’t put it off any longer! It is a city that, besides being very cosmopolitan, has a vast architectural and cultural heritage. I promise it will surprise you 😉.

What is the best time of year to visit Barcelona?

Considering all the sights in Barcelona, any time of the year is a good time to visit Barcelona. Many of the attractions are located indoors, so even if it rains, there is plenty to do in Barcelona!

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Park Guell
Park Güell

However, it is also true that the spring and summer months are much more pleasant to visit Barcelona. The city takes on a different colour and is even more lively. And who knows, it might even be the perfect excuse for a refreshing dip on the famous Barceloneta beach.

I, therefore, recommend that you choose to plan your Barcelona itinerary for the months of April to October.

💡 EXTRA TIP: However, if you can avoid the peak summer months (July and August), your wallet will certainly thank you, as prices tend to be higher at this time of year.

How many days are enough to visit Barcelona?

The city of Barcelona has many points of interest, so you could easily spend a week exploring it without getting bored. However, most travellers opt for a quicker visit to the city.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Catalonia National Art Museum
Montjuïc National Palace

In order to get to know the main attractions of Barcelona, I recommend at least 3 full days in the city. This way, you will get to experience the best things to do in Barcelona without rushing from one place to another.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days La Pedrera
La Pedrera

The itinerary in this blog post is written having in mind the places to see in Barcelona in 3 days. However, in the end, you will find alternative versions of Barcelona itineraries for 2 and 4 days in the city.

How to get to Barcelona?

Barcelona has one airport with several direct air connections to various countries in the world – Barcelona-El Prat Airport. These are some examples:

  • Portugal (Porto, Lisbon, Faro)
  • France (Nice, Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes, Marseille, Toulouse, …)
  • United Kingdom (London, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, …)
  • Switzerland (Basel, Geneva, Zurich)
  • Italy (Milan, Venice, Bologna, Rome, Naples, …)
  • Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne)
  • Netherlands (Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, …)
Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days

Outside Europe, there are direct flights to countries such as Morocco, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, the United States, Chile, Colombia, Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil, among others.

How to get from Barcelona airport to the city centre?

Barcelona airport is located about 10 km from the city centre. And there are plenty of options for getting from the airport to the centre of Barcelona.

Metro

Barcelona Airport (both terminal 1 and 2) is served by the L9 metro line which takes you to other stations (e.g. Torrassa, Collblanc and Zona Universitària) that have connections with more central areas of the city.

The journey to these connecting stations takes about 30 minutes and the total journey time to the city centre takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour.

Barcelona Transports

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: A single journey between the airport and the city centre costs 5.15€. You can check the most up-to-date pricing information here. However, there are other ticket options available (more information below) that may be more interesting, such as the T-day or T-usual cards, for example.

Bus

There are also buses that run between Barcelona Airport and the city centre. One of these is the direct Aerobús service that connects Plaza de Catalunya with terminals 1 and 2 at El Prat airport (each terminal has its own line).

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: A one-way trip costs 6.75€. If you choose to buy the return journey as well, both tickets will cost you 11.65€. In the latter option, the return ticket must be used within 90 days of purchase. You must buy your tickets in advance here.

There are other less direct (but much cheaper!) buses that also run between the airport and Plaza de España, such as the N46 bus, N16 (which connects terminal 2 at night) or the N17 (night connection from terminal 1).

Personally, I have used these lines several times and, although the journey takes slightly longer (about 30-45 minutes), it is worth it since it’s quite cheaper (2.4€ per ticket). You can find the most up-to-date information on all the buses that offer this service here.

Train

Another option that connects the centre of Barcelona to the airport is the train (RENFE), which has a station at terminal 2 of the airport. Each ticket costs 5.15€ and the journey takes on average around 30 minutes.

💡 EXTRA TIP: There is a free shuttle bus that transports passengers between the two terminals at Barcelona Airport. The journey takes between 10 and 14 minutes and exists daily for 24 hours with a maximum frequency of 10 minutes.

Taxi or transfer

Finally, there is the most convenient solution: a taxi. A trip to and from the airport costs at least 20€, and a trip to the centre costs, on average, 30-35€. As an alternative to the traditional taxi, you can also call a driver from Cabify, Free Now or Uber. Prices vary depending on supply and demand!

And if you want to make sure you have a dedicated driver once you arrive in Barcelona, I suggest using the services of Welcome Pickups.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Barceloneta
Barceloneta Beach

What is the best way to visit Barcelona?

Many of the places to visit in Barcelona are a bit far away from each other. I, therefore, recommend using public transport in some situations. Taking into account the individual price of each metro/bus ticket, it makes the most sense to buy one of the following:

  • T-usual: 20€ with access to 1 zone and an unlimited number of trips in a month
  • T-casual: 11,35€ for 10 trips
  • T-dia: 10,5€ with access to unlimited travel in one day in 1 zone
Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Arc de Triomf
Arc de Triomf

💡 EXTRA TIP: On my last 3-day trip to Barcelona, I opted for the T-casual card and it worked perfectly for the number of journeys I needed to make during the whole trip (excluding transport to/from the airport).

Alternatively, you can also opt for the Barcelona Hola Card which allows unlimited travel on Barcelona’s public transport. In addition to access to the metro, bus and urban trains, the Montjuïc funicular (not the cable car) is included. There are several options available:

  • 48 hours: 16,4€
  • 72 hours: 21,4€
  • 96 hours: 27,9€
  • 120 hours: 34,4€

💡 EXTRA TIP: If you buy the Hola Card Barcelona online you’ll get a 10% discount (the prices above already include this discount). You can buy yours here. It is also possible to buy through GetYourGuide here, with the option of free cancellation within 24 hours.

How to save some money in Barcelona?

Many of the must-visit places in Barcelona are quite expensive! So, besides trying to find cheap things to do in Barcelona, there are some cards that offer discounts and/or free entrance to some of the main points of interest in the city.

The decision of whether these options are worthwhile or not depends a lot on your Barcelona itinerary. As I usually suggest, I recommend that you decide on your itinerary before and only then check if there is an advantage in buying any of these options:

Accommodation in Barcelona

Considering the popularity of a city like Barcelona, there is no shortage of accommodation. However, given the demand, the price has skyrocketed over the years 😌. Nevertheless, I have two recommendations that might be interesting.

Firstly, in a more relaxed style, Casa Gràcia. I’ve been here twice before (2015 and 2018) in a private room with a bathroom and I really liked it. However, I know that the prices are not as attractive as they used to be.

However, more recently I have stayed in another accommodation that is also quite central and I would also recommend it. Center Gran Via is a relatively basic hotel, but it was clean and perfect for a restful night at the end of a day of sightseeing.

It was located in an old building, but the rooms were refurbished inside. I paid about 50€ per night per person in April.

However, there are other accommodation options in Barcelona. I leave you here some examples:

Activities & tours in Barcelona

Best places to see in Barcelona in 3 days What to Visit in 3 Days

Before starting this itinerary with all the places to see in Barcelona in 3 days, I’ll share with you a map with the must-see things in Barcelona to help you plan your visit.

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Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days – Day 1

The first day of this Barcelona itinerary will focus on the Montjuïc area at the beginning of the day, but will also pass by one of the most emblematic sites of the city and one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona.

» Plaça d’Espanya

This Barcelona guide starts in what is one of the best-known squares in the city and one of the largest in Spain. It’s also one of the places you can visit in Barcelona for free, so enjoy. The square was built in 1929 for the International Exposition that was held that year in the city, and is located at the base of Montjuïc Hill.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Plaça d'Espanya

At its centre, you’ll find a fountain, but this is far from being the most prominent element in Plaça d’Espanya. There are, for example, the two Venetian towers in the middle of the square that immediately will remind you of Venice.

However, you can also take advantage of your visit to Barcelona’s largest square to go up to the Las Arenas shopping mall terrace for another perspective of this square.

» Montjuïc Magic Fountain

A few metres away from the two Venetian towers, we find the Montjuïc Magic Fountain. It attracts thousands of people after nightfall to watch a magnificent show of lights and water. The shows take place from Thursday to Saturday from 9 pm to 10 pm.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Plaça d'Espanya

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Due to the current drought situation in Spain, the show is temporarily suspended. I suggest you check the latest updates on this topic here.

» Montjuïc National Palace

Montjuïc National Palace houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia. Inside the museum, we can see an extensive and important collection of Romanesque art. It comprises works of art ranging from the Romanesque to the 20th century.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The museum’s opening hours, as well as the most up-to-date prices can be found here.

The visit to the museum costs 12€, but there is an option of only 2€ to visit the terraces (with phenomenal views over Plaça d’Espanya 😱!), as well as some parts of the palace’s interior, such as the dome. I opted for the second option and I highly recommend it since the visit truly surprised me.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Admission to the Museum is free every Saturday from 3 pm and on the first Sunday of every month. However, early booking is recommended.

» Montjuïc Hill

After visiting the National Art Museum of Catalonia, I recommend you continue uphill towards Montjuïc. This task is made much easier by the various escalators that we find along the way (in fact, these start to appear right at Plaça d’Espanya).

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Montjuic

Montjuïc Hill has several places to visit, but in my opinion, it is not worth going through absolutely all of them. In fact, I suggest you choose only 2 of these places, otherwise, you will need more time to visit Montjuïc.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Montjuic
Olympic Stadium

One of the most emblematic places in Montjuïc is the Olympic Stadium, built for International Exposition in 1929 and renovated for the Olympic Games held in Barcelona in 1992.

Relatively nearby, we can also see the Palau Sant Jordi – the main concert venue in Barcelona. There, it will also be difficult to miss the Calatrava Tower – a telecommunications tower and symbol of urbanism in Barcelona.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Montjuic

If you are already tired from your visit, I suggest a stop at one of the many green spaces on Montjuïc Hill, such as the Joan Brossa Gardens, the Botanical Garden of Barcelona or the Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer Gardens.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Montjuic
Montjuïc Castle

The Montjuïc Castle is also another interesting option for those who like history and want interesting views of the city. It’s far from being one of the most impressive castles I’ve visited, but it might be worth it for the views 😉.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The price to enter the Castle of Montjuïc is 9€. Entrance is free on Sundays after 3 pm or on the first Sunday of every month. Click here to check all the details.

And finally, the Joan Miró Foundation, where you can contemplate various works by this artist.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The ticket to visit the Joan Miró Foundation costs 14€. The latest information on pricing and opening hours can be found here.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Montjuic
Montjuïc Cable Car

💡 EXTRA TIP: You can also choose to use the Montjuïc Cable Car to move between some areas. The cable car departs from Parc de Montjuïc towards the Castle, but there is an optional intermediate stop. You can buy tickets here. Another option is the Montjuïc Funicular, which connects Paral-lel station to Parc de Montjuïc.

» Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia needs no introduction and is one of the top sights in Barcelona! It is probably the best-known work by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and has been under construction since 1882.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Sagrada Família

However, and although the church is still under construction (it is expected to be finished in 2026), it is possible to visit its interior and climb its towers. It is truly a unique work of art and it will be difficult not to be surprised.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The visit to Sagrada Familia costs 26€ (36€ with a visit to the towers) and includes an audio guide. I recommend buying tickets in advance on the official website, as this is the most popular monument in Barcelona and tickets usually sell out.

For the perfect framed photo of Sagrada Familia, nothing like a visit to the small park located right in front of the church entrance – Plaça de Gaudí.

» Tibidabo

With the first day of this itinerary coming to an end, I suggest a visit to the highest point in the city, where we find one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona. However, Tibidabo is actually an amusement park (the oldest in Spain!) located at the peak of the Sierra de Collserola. Tibidabo is actually one of the best free attractions in Barcelona!

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Tibidabo

But, my suggestion is to stay for the views we have next to the Tibidabo Amusement Park and eventually to visit the Temple of the Sacred Heart (Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor) which also marks the Tibidabo surroundings.

Tibidabo is the most off-hand location on this itinerary, thus requires a bit more effort in getting there! But I assure you it’s worth it 😍. The simplest way to get to Tibidabo is through its funicular, which departs from Plaça Doctor Andreu. This square is located about 25–40 minutes by public transport from the city’s main squares (Plaza de España or Plaza de Catalunya).

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Tibidabo

💡 EXTRA TIP: Depending on how much time you have dedicated to Montjuïc on this day, it may make more sense to take a taxi or Uber to Tibidabo, thus saving some time in commuting.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days – Day 2

The second day of this itinerary is dedicated to Barcelona’s old city centre, passing by some of Barcelona’s main attractions, such as La Rambla and its famous market. But it also includes a long walk through the Gothic Quarter.

» Plaça de Catalunya

Despite not being one of the prettiest squares in Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya is one of the most important squares in the city and worth a brief visit. The square is a meeting point for tourists and locals, and you can find a wide variety of shops in the surrounding buildings.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Plaça de la Catalunya

» Palau de la Música Catalana

We move on to a place I totally consider a must-see in Barcelona – Palau de la Música Catalana. This is one of Barcelona’s concert halls and certainly the most beautiful. I highly recommend a visit inside as it is probably one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

There is the possibility of a guided tour or, alternatively, with an audio guide (on your mobile phone). I opted for the second option, and I think it is a great choice.

The details in the main concert hall are jaw-dropping. Prepare to spend several minutes looking at the ceiling, columns, stained-glass windows, or the organ in the centre of the room.

And, to finish, a visit to the small outdoor terrace with some colourful columns, which immediately liven up any photo 😍.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The guided tour lasts about 50 minutes and costs 20€, while the tour with audio guide costs 18€. Tickets can be bought in advance on the official website or on Get Your Guide, where you can benefit from the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

» La Rambla

It is time to visit the most famous street in Barcelona, which connects Plaça de Catalunya with the port of Barcelona. You will probably find this street packed as it is visited by thousands of tourists every day. However, your Barcelona bucket list won’t be complete without a walk on this street, so take your time and enjoy.

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There are several shops, cafés and restaurants on La Rambla, but beware that prices tend to be higher in this area as it is very touristy.

» La Boquería Market

And a trip to Barcelona is not complete without visiting Barcelona’s most famous market, located on La Rambla – La Boquería Market.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days La Boqueria Market

This market, officially called Mercado de San José, has hundreds of shops, where we can find the most varied products. However, the colourful fruit juices are the product that has gained popularity in recent years.

Nowadays, this market is more of a tourist attraction than a real market where locals do their shopping. Even so, it is worth a visit and, who knows, you might even try some of the tempting food on sale there.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: La Boquería Market is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8.30 pm. It is closed on public holidays.

» Plaça Reial

Escaping the hustle and bustle of La Rambla, we arrive at Plaça Reial. This is rather a small town square, but no less beautiful.

Look out for the fountain at its centre, the beautiful façades of the buildings that act as the square’s “walls” or the street lamps (work of Gaudí). Surprising, isn’t it? 🥰

» Plaça George Orwell

We move on to yet another square – George Orwell Square. This one is less imposing than the other squares on this itinerary, but it is still full of life. Be sure to notice the surrealist statue of Leandre Cristòfol, located in the centre of the square.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Take advantage of your visit to this square to have a look at the Carrer de Milans. When you get there, look at the sky! It’s probably one of the best photographic framings in Barcelona 😉.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Carrer Milans
Carrer Millans

» Santa Maria del Pi Basilica

Following Carrer d’Avinyó (one of the most emblematic streets of the Gothic quarter), head for Santa Maria del Pi Basilica. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this is a Gothic-style church.

It is possible to visit its interior, as well as the crypt, interior garden and bell towers which offer us privileged views of Barcelona.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The Basilica is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. The price to visit is 8€. For the most up-to-date information, please click here.

» Plaça de Sant Jaume

A few minutes walk from the Basilica is Plaça de Sant Jaume. This is a meeting place for important events, such as some celebrations and demonstrations.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Plaça de Sant Jaume

This is because two of the most important buildings in Catalonia are located here: the Town Hall and the Generalitat of Catalonia.

» Saint Philip Neri Square

Despite its rather small size, I also suggest a walk through Saint Philip Neri Square. This square tells a sad story, as it was bombed in 1938 by fascist forces supporting the nationalist group in the Spanish Civil War.

You can still see the marks that the bombs left in the church in this square.

» Barcelona’s Catedral

It is also in the Gothic Quarter that the city’s second largest religious monument is located – Barcelona’s Cathedral. Dating back to the 14th century, this is a church of Gothic architectural style.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Visiting times to the Cathedral vary depending on the day of the week, with the adult ticket costing 9€. All the information to plan your visit is available here. You can also buy your ticket to visit Barcelona Cathedral directly here.

Visiting its interior, you can access the Saint Eulalia crypt, the cloister and also the terrace, where there are views over the city. This is one of the must-do things in Barcelona, so be sure not to miss it!

💡 EXTRA TIP: The place with the best views of Barcelona Cathedral is the rooftop of Hotel Colon, located right in front of the church.

» Carrer del Bisbe

Carrer del Bisbe is probably one of the busiest streets in Barcelona and also one of the most beautiful in the Gothic Quarter 🥰. The unique feature of this street is its elevated bridge that connects two buildings located on opposite sides of the street – Casa dels Canonges and Palau de la Generalitat.

This bridge’s details are absolutely beautiful! This was built in the late 1920s by one of Gaudí’s disciples – Joan Rubió i Bellver.

» El Beso Mural

Hidden in an alley next to the Cathedral, we find the El Beso Mural. This is probably one of the most photographed murals in Barcelona. The mural is constructed with hundreds of photos that together create the effect of two kissing mouths.

» Santa Caterina Market

Although much less famous than La Boquería Market, Santa Caterina Market is another of Barcelona’s popular markets. This was the first covered market in the city and it sells mostly fresh produce. However, it is also possible to find some restaurants and bars there.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Santa Caterina Market

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Santa Caterina Market is open on Mondays from 7.30 am to 2 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm and Thursdays and Fridays from 7.30 am to 8.30 pm.

» Picasso Museum

Although he was born in Malaga, we can appreciate thousands of works by one of the most famous Spanish painters in Barcelona at the Picasso Museum. This is the largest collection of the painter’s works in the world. So, if you like this kind of visit and you have time available, I strongly suggest a visit to this museum.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The Picasso Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. The ticket to visit all the collections costs 14€ if bought online. A visit to the temporary exhibitions costs 6.5€.

» Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

We continue towards another of Barcelona’s most famous churches – the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. It was built in the 14th century and is one of the best examples of Catalan Gothic architecture.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The church is open from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 8.30 pm. However, you have to pay 5€ to visit its interior only at certain times of the day (Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 1.30 pm to 5 pm). More information here.

» Passeig del Born

With the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar at one end and walking towards the El Born Market, Passeig del Born is one of the most popular streets with locals. Here we find many cafés and restaurants, which makes this part of the city very lively (especially at night!).

But this street’s history (and of the whole El Born neighbourhood) has not always been the happiest, as it was here that some jousting and executions took place during the Inquisition period.

» Barceloneta Beach

And to end the day, I recommend a visit to Barceloneta, where Barcelona’s beach is located. This is actually of the most fun things you can do in Barcelona. However, there is much more to Barceloneta than just the beach. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the narrow streets that are part of an old sailors’ quarter.

And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to try one of the many fish and seafood restaurants located in this part of town!

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days – Day 3

The third and last day of this itinerary will start with the admiration of some cool places in Barcelona such as Antoni Gaudí’s greatest works, as well as the most beautiful green space in the city and also one of the city’s viewpoints that will make this visit to Barcelona even more special😍.

» Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia is one of the most beautiful avenues in Barcelona and where we find some of the most emblematic and surprising buildings in the city! This is because this avenue has been the chosen place for many of the richest Catalan families to build their houses.

» La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Located on Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera is one of Gaudí’s most famous works and was built between 1906 and 1912. This house was inhabited by the Milá family. In fact, the house’s rooms are one of the first parts we get to visit inside.

During the visit, it is also possible to learn more about the projection techniques used by Gaudí. However, the most surprising place of the whole visit is its terrace, both for its views of the city and its ventilation towers.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Since La Pedrera is one of the top things to see in Barcelona, you should buy your tickets in advance. You can do so on the official website or here to ensure a free cancellation option. The most basic ticket to visit La Pedrera (includes an audio guide) costs 25€. However, there are other options available.

» Casa Batlló

A few metres from La Pedrera, we find Casa Batlló. This is probably one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona. It was built at the request of Josep Batlló at the beginning of the 20th century and was also designed by Gaudí.

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Like La Pedrera, during the visit, we can also see some of the rooms of the old house where the Batlló family lived. At the end of the tour, we are also surprised by its fantastic terrace.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: The most basic visit with an audio guide costs 29€ if bought online (at the box office it is more expensive).

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Casa Batllo

💡 EXTRA TIP: Given the high price to visit both La Pedrera and Casa Batlló (and also given the time available on this itinerary), I suggest you visit inside only one of the buildings. Having already visited both, I prefer the exterior of Casa Batlló and the interior and terraces of La Pedrera. However, whatever you choose, it will always be an incredible experience!

» Casa Amatller

Next to Casa Batlló, we find the no less surprising Casa Amatller. This building was renovated by the architect Puig i Cadafalch, at the request of Antoni Amatller (chocolate industrialist) who had bought this house to live there.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Casa Amatller

Given the time available for this itinerary, I suggest only observing the house from the outside.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: There are several visit options and the cheapest is the one that includes an audio guide (17€). The house can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm. All information is available here.

» Casa de les Punxes

While visiting this part of the city, I also suggest a visit to Casa de les Punxes. This is another of the city’s important Modernist works and was designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

This house results from the junction in one single building of 3 buildings that existed there. Once again, the details of the façades will most likely amaze you. Its name comes from its towers, which remind us of a castle.

» Arc de Triomf

Arc de Triomf is another of Barcelona’s must-see places. Designed by the architect Josep Vilaseca at the end of the 19th century, it served as the main entrance to the Barcelona International Exhibition.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Arc de Triomf

Nowadays, it is a place that is loved by tourists and locals who usually stroll around there, also due to its proximity to Ciutadella Park!

» Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park is the largest and most popular green space in the city, and also one of the outdoor activities available in Barcelona. It covers over 17 hectares and is built on the site of the former Barcelona fortress.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Ciutadella Park

The best way to enjoy this park is to wander around without much direction (or, who knows, even hire a small boat for a ride on the lake there). However, there are some must-see spots such as the Castle of the Three Dragons or the Neptune Fountain with its staircase – one of the most beautiful places in the whole park.

» Park Güell

We move on to the second most important and visited park in the city – Park Güell. This is located high up in the city and the best way to get there is by public transport!

A visit to this park is another must on a visit to Barcelona. It was also designed by Gaudí with the initial aim of building a luxury residential complex.

Opened in 1922, this park covers over 17 hectares and the main attraction of the park is the Greek Theatre, the Hypostyle Room and the Dragon Staircase. But, there is so much more to discover in this magical place in Barcelona. And the views over the city with the sea in the background are one of them🥰.

We can also find the Gaudí Museum House (where Gaudí lived) inside the park, but honestly, I don’t think the visit is worth much.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Tickets cost 10€ and must be bought online in advance as they sometimes tend to sell out.

💡 EXTRA TIP: If you have extra time, you can take the opportunity to stop by Gaudí’s first work – Casa Vicens. It is possible to visit inside, and the ticket costs 18€. All updated information here.

» Bunkers El Carmel (Turó de la Rovira)

And to end your stay in Barcelona, I suggest what is, for me, the best viewpoint in the city. Join the hundreds of tourists and locals who gather there daily to enjoy the sun setting deep into the sea. I promise it is truly enchanting! If you’re travelling with a loved one, let me tell you that this actually one of the most romantic things to do in Barcelona.

The place that today is a place where life is celebrated, was not always like that. This place was once a military base with anti-aircraft cannons, built during the Spanish Civil War. In fact, some of the bunkers’ remains are still visible today.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Bunkers El Carmel

💡 EXTRA TIP:This venue has become increasingly popular, so don’t expect to find the place empty, especially during sunset.

Alternative version: 2-day itinerary in Barcelona

Although the minimum recommended duration of a trip to Barcelona is 3 days, I’ll share with you an alternative version of a 2-day itinerary in the city, passing through the best tourist attractions in Barcelona:

  • Day 1: Plaça d’Espanya – Montjuïc Magical Fountain – Montjuïc National Palace (outside) – Passeig de Gràcia (only from the outside: La Pedrera, Casa Batlló or Casa Amatller) – Arc de Triomf – Ciutadella Park – Sagrada Familia (inside) – Plaça de Gaudí
  • Day 2: Plaça de Catalunya – Palau de la Música Catalana – La Rambla – La Boqueria Market – Plaça Reial – Carrer d’ Avinyó – Santa Maria del Pi Basilica – Plaça Sant Jaume – Cathedral – Carrer del Bisbe – El Beso Mural – Santa Maria del Mar Basilica – Passeig del Born – Park Güell and/or Bunkers El Carmel

Alternative version: 4-day itinerary in Barcelona

In my opinion, a 4-day itinerary would be similar to the one presented throughout this post for 3 days. By spending 4 days in Barcelona you will have more opportunity to visit some of the sites mentioned throughout this post (e.g. Gaudí’s houses, Casa Amatller, Picasso Museum and Joan Miró Foundation) inside. Plus, it’ll also allow you to do some more non-touristy things in Barcelona.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Hospital Sant Pau
Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau

Anyway, I also add a suggestion of a lesser-known place that is one of my favourites in the city – Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau. This is an old hospital complex with several buildings (each building was dedicated to a speciality) connected by underground tunnels.

Places to see in Barcelona in 3 days Hospital Sant Pau
Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau

The visit is very interesting and the buildings extremely beautiful. This is one of the best examples of modernist architecture in the city.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: Visits (16€) are possible from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6.30 pm (April to October) and from 10 am to 5 pm in the other months. Guided tours (20€) are only available at weekends. All updated information is here. You can purchase your tickets with a free cancellation option here.

Another interesting option to add to your itinerary if you have some extra time available in Barcelona is Palau Güell – another of Gaudí’s works.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: A visit to Palau Güell costs 12€, but it is free on the first Sunday of every month and on some days of the year. You can check this updated information as well as the opening hours here.

Restaurants in Barcelona

Of course, Barcelona, like the rest of Spain, is an excellent city to try Spanish cuisine, namely its famous tapas. So, I’ll share with you a list of some places I tried and really liked.

For lunch/dinner

  • El Nou Ramonet (€€): Next to Barceloneta, this is the perfect place to try paella.
  • Jabato Tapería (€€): A very cosy space with tapas in generous portions.
  • Tantarantana (€€): Very cute decoration and excellent quality tapas. I particularly recommend the croquettes and huevos rotos.

To have a drink

I recommend a visit to one of the most original (and secret 🤫) bars in the city – Bobby’s Free. Nowadays, the bar is no longer that secret, but it is well worth it. The entrance is through a shop that looks like a barber shop, and inside we are surprised by an incredible atmosphere. Besides, the cocktails are delicious!

Disclaimer: this post may contain some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy something through my links. This doesn’t represent any additional cost to you and you’ll be supporting my work here on the blog😊

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about me

A Ticket To Take Off About Me

I am Mariana from Porto, Portugal. I am truly passionate about traveling and all things travel related. And that’s exactly what led me to create this page: so I can inspire others to travel and help plan all those trips with my tips and itineraries.

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