3 Days in Barcelona

Our Barcelona 3 Days Itinerary on a Map

For a quick overview, you’ll find all the highlights for each day clearly marked on the map.

Day 1 in Barcelona

For your arrival day, we’ve planned a relaxed itinerary that works even if you get to Barcelona around midday.

Once you’ve made your way from the airport to the city center and dropped your bags at the hotel, your first tour begins:

• Plaça de Catalunya
• Casa Batlló
• Casa Milà
• Casa de les Punxes
• Stroll through Gràcia
• Optional: Bunkers del Carmel

#1 Plaça de Catalunya

Start your 3 days in Barcelona at Plaça de Catalunya, a central transport hub that’s easy to reach from anywhere. This busy square connects the old town with the modern part of the city.

It’s surrounded by cafés and big department stores, and is also where the famous shopping streets Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla begin.

Today, you’ll head north along Passeig de Gràcia, one of the most elegant streets in the city.

#2 Casa Batlló

A 10-minute walk up Passeig de Gràcia brings you to Casa Batlló, one of the most iconic buildings by architect Antoni Gaudí.

Its colorful façade looks like giant bones, and if you look up, you’ll notice the glittering dragon-like scales on the roof.

Don’t just admire Casa Batlló from outside — the inside is a surreal experience. Winding staircases, flowing lines and vibrant stained glass make every corner worth seeing.

Our tip: Buy your ticket online in advance. It’s a bit more expensive at the ticket counter and lines can be long.

Book your ticket for Casa Batlló online

#3 Casa Milà

From Casa Batlló, keep walking a couple of blocks toward Gràcia and you’ll arrive at the next Gaudí masterpiece.

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, stands out with its wavy stone façade. For the best view, cross the street — from there, you can even spot the chimneys that look like warriors from a sci-fi film.

If you’re interested and have time, you can also take a guided tour of the interior. It gives you a great idea of how people once lived there.

Our tip: Just like at Casa Batlló, you’ll save a few euros and skip the lines if you book your ticket online in advance.

Book your ticket for Casa Milà online

If you only have time to see one Gaudí house during your 3 days in Barcelona, we recommend Casa Batlló. Both are fascinating, but we found Casa Batlló just a bit more impressive.

#4 Casa de les Punxes

At Casa Milà, leave Passeig de Gràcia and turn onto Carrer de Provença. At the second intersection, turn left again and you’ll come across a building that looks straight out of a fairytale with its tall pointed towers: the Casa de les Punxes.

This house was designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, one of the leading architects of the Modernisme movement, just like Gaudí. But you’ll quickly notice that his style was very different from Gaudí’s.

It’s said that the design was inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria — and you can definitely see the resemblance, can’t you?

Sadly, the building is no longer open to visitors. It used to be, but today it’s privately owned. Still, it’s a great spot for a quick photo stop.

#5 The Gràcia district

Now it’s time for a little break. Keep walking to the Gràcia district, which is just a few minutes away.

Gràcia is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Barcelona. It’s full of locals and feels much more laid-back than the more touristy parts of the city — a great hidden gem in Barcelona.

End your first day in a cozy atmosphere with some tasty tapas on one of the many small squares. Our favorite? Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia.

#6 Optional: Bunkers del Carmel

If you still have energy, head up to the old military bunkers at Bunkers del Carmel in the evening. They’re perched on a hill near Gràcia and offer one of the most spectacular views of Barcelona.

The sunset from up here is absolutely breathtaking.

From Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, it’s about a 50-minute walk to the bunkers — a bit of a trek. If you’d rather save time (and energy), you can take the bus close to the top and walk the last 10–15 minutes.

Our tip: Bring a few snacks and drinks with you. There are no shops or kiosks up there.

Day 2 in Barcelona

Here’s what to see in Barcelona on your second day:

• Park Güell
• Casa Vicens
• La Rambla
• Plaça Reial
• Mercat de la Boqueria
• Barcelona Cathedral
• Museu d’Historia de Catalunya
• Playa de la Barceloneta

#1 Park Güell

Start your second day with one of the absolute must-sees in Barcelona: Park Güell. Try to get there as early in the morning as you can, since it gets crowded quickly.

Park Güell was also designed by Gaudí, and throughout the park you’ll find imaginative stone paths, fairytale houses, and whimsical details everywhere you look.

Note: Be sure to buy your Park Güell ticket online a few days ahead of time. It’s a popular spot and tickets sell out fast.

Book your ticket for Park Güell online

#2 Casa Vicens

Just a short walk away is Casa Vicens, one of Gaudí’s earliest works. Even from the outside, it’s quite striking – the colorful tiled façade and Moorish-inspired details really stand out.

You’ll have plenty of time today to take a look inside. Expect a unique mix of modernist art and creative design. The inner courtyard is especially lovely – and it’s included with your ticket.

A small detour that’s absolutely worth it – and unlike some of Gaudí’s other works, it still doesn’t appear in every travel guide.

Our tip: Book your ticket online ahead of time. It’s a bit pricier at the door.

Book your ticket for Casa Vicens online

#3 La Rambla

From here, you can either walk or hop on the metro downhill toward the sea. The green line from Fontana station (near Casa Vicens) takes you straight to Liceu, right by Barcelona’s opera house. Once you step out, you’re right in the middle of La Rambla – Barcelona’s most iconic promenade.

As you wander down the wide boulevard, you’ll pass by plenty of shops, cafés, and stands selling flowers and souvenirs.

#4 Plaça Reial

Keep walking down the Rambla toward the port and you’ll come to Plaça Reial – one of the most beautiful squares in the old town. It’s a great spot to take a break, grab a drink at one of the bars under the arcades, and enjoy a refreshing sangría.

Check out the lampposts in the square – can you spot the two designed by Gaudí?

#5 Mercat de la Boqueria

Next, walk back up the Rambla to reach the Mercat de la Boqueria.

At Barcelona’s most famous market, you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and seafood to ham, empanadas, and more.

Once you’ve had a bite, step off the Rambla and head deeper into the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic).

#6 Barcelona Cathedral

Right on Plaça de la Seu stands one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in the Barri Gòtic: the Barcelona Cathedral.

The ornate façade with its intricate details is a sight in itself. If you have the time and feel like it, go inside. The chapels and the cloister – home to 13 white geese – are absolutely worth seeing.

There’s also a roof terrace offering stunning views over the nearby Barcelona neighborhoods.

Note: To visit the cathedral, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.

You can get tickets at the Tourist Info next to the entrance, or just book them online.

Book your ticket for Barcelona Cathedral online

#7 Museu d’Historia de Catalunya

As your second day winds down, take a 15-minute walk toward the harbor to visit the Museu d’Historia de Catalunya – one of the top museums in Barcelona.

The interactive exhibits take you through the history of Catalonia from ancient times to the present.

Our tip: Even if you don’t go inside, take the escalator to the rooftop terrace. It’s free and the view over the port is fantastic.

Book your ticket for the Museu d’Historia de Catalunya online

#8 Playa de la Barceloneta

From here, follow the harbor until you reach Playa de la Barceloneta – Barcelona’s best-known and most central beach.

Now it’s time to kick back in the sand. After all, no weekend in Barcelona is complete without a beach visit.

There’s always something happening at Playa de la Barceloneta: people swimming, dancing, playing beach volleyball – and plenty of places where you can grab a drink and soak up the chilled-out vibe.

Day 3 in Barcelona

This is what’s planned for your third day in Barcelona:

• Sagrada Família
• Parking Pizza – Parking Pita
• Parc de la Ciutadella
• Optional: El Born

#1 Sagrada Família

No weekend in Barcelona is complete without visiting the city’s most famous landmark: Today it’s finally time to see the Sagrada Família!

Gaudí created a true architectural masterpiece with this massive basilica. Even though we’ve been here multiple times, it still takes our breath away.

Note: The Sagrada Família is the most visited attraction in Barcelona, and tickets often sell out weeks ahead of time. So be sure to book your ticket as early as you can.

Book your ticket for the Sagrada Família online

#2 Parking Pizza – Parking Pita

As you make your way to Parc de la Ciutadella, you’ll come across an old parking garage on Passeig Sant Joan. What makes it special? It’s been transformed into a cool, industrial-style restaurant space.

On one side you’ll find freshly baked pizza, and on the other, flavorful Middle Eastern pita dishes—including great options for vegetarians and vegans. We especially loved the pita! A great local tip for a tasty and casual lunch in Barcelona.

#3 Parc de la Ciutadella

Refueled and recharged, head through the Arc de Triomf and into the lovely Parc de la Ciutadella.

This is Barcelona’s biggest city park, perfect for kicking back in the sun before wrapping up your trip after three amazing days.

#4 Optional: El Born

If your flight doesn’t leave until the evening, take a little extra time to wander around the trendy old town neighborhood of El Born after visiting the park.

The vibrant little streets are packed with stylish cafés, independent boutiques, and unique art galleries.

If you’re feeling hungry, grab a table at one of the many excellent tapas bars and enjoy some local Catalan dishes. A perfect way to end your 3 days in Barcelona!

The Optimal Planning of your Barcelona 3 Days Trip

To make the most of your Barcelona weekend trip, here are some important planning tips.

#1 Less is more

Don’t try to fit in too much and allow yourself some room to explore. Often, the best moments are the unplanned ones—like finding a charming plaza or chatting with a local.

Instead of rushing from one spot to the next, it’s better to skip a few things and save them for your next Barcelona trip.

#2 Location of your hotel in Barcelona

If you’re visiting Barcelona for 3 days, we recommend choosing a centrally located hotel with good access to public transport. That way, you’ll waste less time getting to the main sights.

Here are some hotel tips for your 3 days in Barcelona:

Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella: right in El Born, stylish, and one of the best-value options in central Barcelona.

Boutique Hostemplo Sagrada Familia: a charming, family-run hotel just six minutes from the Sagrada Família.

Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona: our top boutique hotel pick—with a rooftop bar, excellent restaurant, and unbeatable central location.

#3 Buy tickets online in advance

Some of the most popular sights and museums in Barcelona require you to book a specific time slot for your visit. This helps manage the number of visitors and avoid overcrowding during peak hours.

The most famous attractions often sell out quickly—either for certain times or entire days. So if there’s something you absolutely want to see during your 3 days in Barcelona, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance.

You can do this either through the official website of each attraction or through a third-party platform like GetYourGuide.

We recommend buying tickets in advance for these attractions:

#4 Getting around on site

Barcelona is very walkable. Most of the main sights are close together in the city center. For anything a bit further away—like Park Güell—you can use the excellent public transport system.

If you plan to take public transport more than a few times, the Hola Barcelona Card is a great option. This handy card gives you unlimited access to public transportation for 2 to 5 consecutive days.

Buy the Hola Barcelona Card online

Another fun way to explore the city is by taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These buses stop at all the major attractions, and you can get on and off whenever you like.

You’ll also get a German-language audio guide so you can learn more about what to see in Barcelona in 3 days while on the move.

Book a hop-on hop-off bus tour through Barcelona

#5 Citypass for a Barcelona weekend

There are several city passes for Barcelona that give you free entry to many top sights and often include discounts on activities like guided tours in Barcelona.

For our Barcelona 3 days itinerary, we recommend the Explorer Pass for 4 attractions. It costs 134 euros.

Here’s how to make the most of it. These are the highlights we suggest including (with regular prices in brackets):

• Sagrada Família with 2-hour guided tour (from 49.50 euros)
• Casa Batlló (from 25 euros)
• 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour (33 euros)
• Casa Milà (29 euros)

Individually, these would cost 136.50 euros. With the Explorer Pass, you save 2.50 euros. It’s not a huge difference, but you only need to buy one pass and can plan your visit more easily and stress-free.

Keep in mind that many attractions still require you to book a time slot after buying the pass.

Book your Explorer Pass online

This was our itinerary for Barcelona in 3 days

Do you have any questions or is there something you think should definitely be included in a 3 day itinerary in Barcelona? Feel free to leave us a comment—we’d love to hear from you!