Barcelona in two days

First thing in the morning, it’s time to start with breakfast in Barcelona’s most charming area, the Gothic Quarter (there are plenty of traditional chocolate shops and bakeries here!), and lose yourself in the narrow streets of what was once Roman and medieval Barcelona. Take a stroll around the Plaça del Rey, the Cathedral, the Church of Saint Philip Neri, the palaces of the Generalitat and the City Hall, and the Church of Santa María del Pi, taking in the sights as you go. You’ll find spots that look as though they’ve come straight out of a fairy tale, such as the beautiful Bisbe Bridge, which links the Generalitat with the Casa dels Canonges.

From here, you can reach the city’s most famous street: La Rambla: 1,200 metres that no visitor to Barcelona should miss. Terraces, street performers, florists and kiosks will line your route, and as you make your way along, you’ll come across some well-known landmarks such as La Boqueria Market (fancy taking part in a Spanish cookery workshop?), the Plaza Real and the Gran Teatre del Liceu. Where La Rambla meets the sea, you can see the iconic Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument), which you can climb to see Barcelona from up high.

At the end of La Rambla, you’ll arrive at the area known as Port Vell (the old harbour). If you carry on walking along the Moll de la Fusta (wooden jetty), you’ll see contemporary sculptures, moored boats, and so on, until you reach the Barcelonetabeach. Why not take the opportunity to book a table at one of the local restaurants specialising in paella, fideuá and seafood? And if it’s on a terrace with sea views, so much the better. What’s more, if the weather is nice and you feel like it, you can even have a quick dip in the water.

If you’ve got some time to spare before dinner and want to enjoy some stunning views of the harbour and the city, one way to spend the afternoon could be to head up to Montjuïc. It is easily accessible from Paral·lel station via the funicular and the cable car. That’s where the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and the Joan Miró Foundation are both located.If you’re travelling with your family, remember that on Montjuïc hill it’s also well worth a visit to Poble Espanyol, a unique open-air complex that recreates the architecture and spirit of different regions of Spain. Its streets, squares, handicraft workshops and cultural venues allow you to take a little trip around the country without leaving Barcelona.If you’re short on time, it’s best to take a short stroll through the lovely Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s green lung.

If you’ve made your way up to Montjuïc, whilst you’re in the area, be sure to enjoy watching the evening show of lights, music and water at the Montjuïc Magic Fountain (depending on the time of year, it usually takes place between 8.00 pm and 10.00 pm).

When it’s time for dinner, you could head over to El Born, a truly charming neighbourhood full of cool people, which is also home to some of the city’s other highlights, such as the Picasso Museum and the Church of Santa María del Mar. It’s certainly the perfect place for dinner and a pre-dinner drink.

We can start our tour today in Plaça de Catalunya, have a typical pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) for breakfast, and reach Casa Batlló in less than 10 minutes, right on Passeig de Gràcia. You’ll find Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera, a little further on, on Carrer de Provença. The exterior architecture of these two Modernist buildings designed by Gaudí and designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is sure to catch your eye. However, if you have time, we’d also recommend visiting them inside to learn even more about Gaudí’s imagination and his impossible shapes.

By the way, if you want to learn everything there is to know about Catalan Modernism, you can sign up for the Gaudí i Modernisme Walking Tour. And while you’re on Passeig de Gràcia… why not treat yourself to a spot of shopping? After all, this is where you’ll find some of the city’s most exclusive brands.

The Barcelona Bus Turístic Blue Route has a stop right in front of the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – we recommend that you book your ticket in advance. We’re at a very special point in our journey, as we’re about to discover a true icon of world architecture and Gaudí’s most famous work. Although construction has been ongoing since it began in 1882 (it is expected to be completed in 2036), it is well worth climbing to the top of its unique towers to take in the magnificent view of Barcelona. An interesting fact: Did you know that Gaudí himself is buried here, after being hit by a tram?

The Barcelona Bus Turístic Blue Route could also drop us off at Park Güell. But first, we could stop in the Gràcia neighbourhood for lunch. It is one of the most charming areas of Barcelona. It’s often said that life here has a real ‘neighbourhood feel’ – there’s a great atmosphere among the locals and, alongside the long-established bars and restaurants, shops run by new designers and multicultural eateries have opened up.

After lunch, the best thing to do is go for a walk in Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s creations and a World Heritage Site, and one of the best places to enjoy the sunset. You’ll definitely want to take some photos on the Dragon Stairway, in the Hypostyle Room, with the panoramic view of the city in the background… The park itself offers 50-minute guided tours in several languages if you’d like to learn all its secrets.

To round off your trip in style – and if you’re a fan of haute cuisine – why not treat yourself to a meal at one of the city’s most renowned restaurants, several of which are in the Eixample district: Lasarte, Moments, Caelis, Hofmann, Disfrutar, Cinc Sentits, Via Veneto… There are plenty to choose from. Alternatively, you could head to Port Vell to enjoy the Mediterranean breeze and have a good time at one of the bars in the Maremàgnum.

It’s difficult to fit everything there is to see in Barcelona into just two days. So, if you’ve got a bit more time to spare (for example, a Friday afternoon if you’re staying for the whole weekend), we can’t resist recommending two other places that are a little further from the centre but are also well worth a visit.

The first option is to take the funicular up to Tibidabo Mountain, where Barcelona’s theme park is located – it’s perfect if you’re travelling with children. The second option, which is somewhat lesser-known but more original, particularly among young people, is to head over to the Carmel Bunkers, a spot which, for many – despite being a bit out of the way – is the best viewpoint in Barcelona. Bus routes V17, 24, 92, 114 or 119 will drop you off nearby, although you’ll have to walk for about 10 minutes. A must to watch the city light up at dusk!By the way, we haven’t forgotten about the football fans. If, apart from cultural activities, your dream is to explore the inside of FC Barcelona’s stadium, Camp Nou, the Camp Nou Experience tour includes a visit to the museum, the trophy room, the players’ tunnel, the press area, and lots more.