In a nutshell
- Planning to spend a day in Barcelona — maybe as a day trip from the Costa Brava or while passing through? You’re in the right place!
- Barcelona has so much to see that one day isn’t really enough. But if that’s all the time you have, you can still catch some of the top highlights like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell.
- We’ve put together our Barcelona in 1 day itinerary for you — complete with tips on how to get around efficiently.
- Spending the night in the city? No problem. We’ve also included three great, central hotel tips for you.
Getting to Barcelona
Whether you’re heading to Barcelona for a day trip from nearby or coming directly from abroad, there are several convenient ways to reach the Catalan capital.
#1 Arriving by train
Most trains from the surrounding area stop at Barcelona-Sants, El Clot-Aragó, and Catalunya stations.
Sants is the city’s main train station, where most long-distance and regional trains arrive. It’s just outside the city center in the Sants-Montjuïc district and is well connected by metro and bus.
El Clot-Aragó is in northeastern Barcelona and is a good choice if you want to visit places like the Arc de Triomf or Parc de la Ciutadella.
For a day trip to Barcelona, the underground station at Plaça de Catalunya is the most convenient. Right in the city center, it’s the ideal place to begin your day, whether you’re exploring on foot or by metro.
#2 Arriving by car
If you’re driving to Barcelona for a one-day visit and need parking, we recommend using Parclick.
There, you can book a parking spot in a garage. Just enter the name of your hotel, address, or attraction, and the site will show nearby options. Prices are usually reasonable.
Look for parking in the Eixample district or the Old Town. Both areas are great starting points for seeing what to do in 1 day in Barcelona.
Planning to stay overnight? Then choosing a hotel with parking is a good idea. Our recommendation: Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella. You’ll find more hotel tips later in this guide.
#3 Arriving by plane
If you’re flying in, you’ll land at either El Prat de Llobregat Airport in Barcelona or Girona Airport, which is about 90 kilometers north of the city.
To get from El Prat to the center, we suggest taking the Aerobus — it gets you downtown in about 35 minutes. From Girona, the best option is the Sagalés shuttle bus, which takes around 75 minutes.
Book the Aerobus from El Prat online
Book Sagalés shuttle bus online
Getting Around Barcelona
Most of Barcelona’s main sights are located in the city center and can be easily explored on foot. For places that are further out, like Park Güell, you can rely on the city’s excellent public transportation network.
Another good option is the hop-on hop-off bus in Barcelona. It takes you past all the top attractions without needing to navigate public transit. An audio guide gives you interesting facts along the way.
While the hop-on hop-off bus is the easiest way to explore Barcelona in 1 day, the ticket costs 33 euros, which is quite pricey. Public transport is more affordable and will get you to all the highlights just as quickly.
That’s why we recommend seeing the city on foot and by public transport — which is exactly how we’ve designed our Barcelona in 1 day itinerary.
Our tip: For a smooth, hassle-free day, go for the day ticket (T-Dia), available at metro station ticket machines.
Our Itinerary for 1 Day in Barcelona on a Map
To make your day trip to Barcelona easier, we’ve mapped out all the must-see highlights you can comfortably fit into one full day.
What to See in 1 Day in Barcelona
There are so many amazing things to see in Barcelona. With the right plan, you can fit some of the top highlights into your 1-day itinerary.
We’ve put together the perfect schedule for you — including time for breaks so the day doesn’t feel rushed.
Park Güell
- Neighborhood: Gràcia
- Allow time on site: 2 hours
Start your day in Barcelona at Park Güell — one of Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic creations.
With its lush gardens, whimsical architecture, and stunning views over Barcelona, the park is a real crowd-puller. The best way to beat the crowds is to get there right when it opens.
Important: Tickets often sell out quickly, so be sure to book in advance online.
If tickets are no longer available, don’t worry — just enjoy a relaxed breakfast instead. We recommend Cremat 11 in the trendy El Born neighborhood.
Book your ticket for Park Güell online
How to get there:
From Plaça Catalunya, take metro line L3 to Lesseps station, then walk around 20 minutes to the main entrance. Alternatively, take bus line 24 to Travessera de Dalt, followed by a 10-minute walk.
Casa Milà
- Neighborhood: Eixample
- Allow time on site: 10 minutes
Next up is another Gaudí masterpiece: Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera.
This former apartment building is famous for its wavy stone façade and surreal rooftop chimneys, making it one of the most photographed buildings in the city.
You can go inside, but for a 1-day trip to Barcelona, we recommend a quick photo stop here and focusing on Casa Batlló (next on our list), which we personally preferred.
Still want to go inside? Then it’s best to buy your ticket online — it’s cheaper and saves time.
Book your ticket for Casa Milà online
How to get there:
From Park Güell, walk 15 minutes back to Lesseps station and take the L3 metro for 3 minutes to Diagonal. From there, it’s just a short walk to Casa Milà.
Casa Batlló
- Neighborhood: Eixample
- Plan time on site: 1 to 1.5 hours
Casa Batlló is where Gaudí’s creativity truly shines. The building’s façade looks like a giant skeleton, and its shimmering rooftop tiles resemble a dragon’s back — one of the most distinctive sights in Barcelona.
Don’t miss the chance to step inside. The flowing staircases, stained glass windows, and vivid mosaics turn the whole house into a piece of art.
Just like with Casa Milà, buying your ticket online ahead of time saves you money and waiting time.
Book your ticket for Casa Batlló online
How to get there:
Casa Batlló is just 500 meters from Casa Milà. Simply walk 5–10 minutes down the Passeig de Gràcia toward Plaça Catalunya.
Mercat de la Boqueria
- Neighborhood: El Raval
- Allow time on site: 1 hour
Now it’s time for lunch at the Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona’s most iconic food market.
There’s a huge variety to choose from: Spanish ham and cheese platters, empanadas, fresh seafood, tasty fruit juices and plenty more.
How to get there:
From Casa Batlló, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the market. Just head down Passeig de Gràcia, through Plaça de Catalunya and along La Rambla. You can also hop on the metro: from Passeig de Gràcia station, take line L3 two stops to Liceu, which is right by the market.
Barri Gòtic
- Allow time on site: 1.5 to 2 hours
After a good meal, head over to the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), the historic heart of the city. With its narrow streets, charming squares and unique little shops, it’s one of the most beautiful areas in Barcelona. Just wander and enjoy the vibe!
Be sure to stop by Barcelona Cathedral for a photo. And once you’ve walked around a bit, it’s time for a break. Our tip: grab a table at one of the bars under the arcades on Plaça Reial and enjoy a refreshing sangría.
How to get there:
From Mercat de la Boqueria, just cross La Rambla and you’ll be right in the Gothic Quarter.
Sagrada Família
- Neighborhood: Eixample
- Plan time on site: 1 to 1.5 hours
Of course, your day in Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without seeing the city’s most famous landmark: In the early evening, it’s time to visit the Sagrada Família!
This massive basilica is Gaudí’s ultimate masterpiece and always draws a crowd. But it’s usually less busy in the evening than in the morning.
Tickets often sell out weeks ahead, so make sure you book as early as possible. If you can’t get one, definitely admire it from the outside — the façade alone is breathtaking!
Book your ticket for the Sagrada Família online
How to get there:
To get from the Gothic Quarter to the basilica, take the L4 from Jaume I to Verdaguer, for example. It’ll take you at least 20 minutes, so make sure to plan enough time so you don’t miss your time slot.
Restaurant Recommendation: La Pedreta
If you’re still in the mood for a great dinner after your day in Barcelona, we’ve got a personal favorite for you: La Pedreta.
This cozy spot is just around the corner from the Sagrada Família (Google Maps location). It’s a super convenient place to wrap up your day after visiting the basilica.
The tapas we had were excellent, but the paella really stole the show – don’t miss it!
Our Top Barcelona Hotel Tips
Planning to spend the night in Barcelona? Here are three excellent centrally located hotels we highly recommend:
Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella: A modern, stylish hotel in the city center with a rooftop bar, on-site parking, and great value for money. Our top pick!
Boutique Hostemplo Sagrada Familia: A small, charming hotel with spacious, beautifully designed rooms just steps from the Sagrada Família.
Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona: A centrally located boutique hotel with cozy boho vibes, only a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya.
FAQ about a Day Trip to Barcelona
Will one day be enough for Barcelona?
In one day in Barcelona, you can experience some of the highlights such as the Sagrada Família or Park Güell – provided you plan your day well.
But to really immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city, discover Barcelona’s insider tips and enjoy the relaxed Spanish lifestyle, one day is definitely not enough.
So if you have the opportunity, we recommend staying longer. We think 4-5 days is ideal.
This way, you can not only tick off the most famous sights, but also get to know the less touristy sides of Barcelona – and these are what really make up the city’s special charm.
Which public transport ticket is worth buying for 1 day in Barcelona?
For a day in Barcelona, the day ticket (T-Dia) for 11.20 euros is a great choice. It is valid for 24 hours for an unlimited number of journeys and is available from the ticket machines in the metro stations.
This means you don’t have to worry about individual tickets and can travel flexibly to all of the city’s highlights.
If you want to explore most of the city on foot and only want to use local transport for individual routes, such as to Park Güell or the Sagrada Família, one-way tickets are sufficient. They cost 2.55 euros per journey.
Is it worth visiting a museum in one day in Barcelona?
There are so many great museums in Barcelona, but if you only have one day in the city, you should concentrate on the main sights.
If you still have time, we recommend the Moco Museum – for us one of the most exciting museums in the city. It is centrally located, easy to reach and you don’t have to plan too much time for it: You can see the art exhibitions in 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is a city pass worthwhile for 1 day in Barcelona?
No – if you are visiting Barcelona in just one day, a Citypass is not worthwhile.
The pass only makes sense if you spend at least three days in Barcelona, as you then have enough time to visit many of the top attractions.
These were our tips for Barcelona in one day
Have you spent a day in Barcelona and have some great tips of your own? Drop us a comment – we’d love to hear from you!