Barcelona in three days
Would you like to truly discover one of the most attractive Mediterranean capitals in Europe? We will help you to make the most of your visit. Below we offer you the essential Barcelona and a suggested itinerary, depending on the length of your stay. The main tip? Come wanting to have a good time, with your eyes wide open and for as many days as you can to really experience Barcelona.
Day 1
Modernism, the work of Antoni Gaudí and an exclusive shopping experience are the key features of your first day in the city of Barcelona.
Casa Batlló and La Pedrera
Barcelona Walking Tours Modernisme
This is a good option if you want to discover Barcelona’s modernist architecture. It is a guided tour that includes discounts for visiting the most iconic modernist houses and admission to the Museum of Modernism in Barcelona. The tour is two hours long and is available in English, French and Spanish.
Passeig de Gràcia, the shopping boulevard
This boulevard, as well as looking like an open-air modernist museum due to the large number of examples of this style of architecture found there, is also home to a number of flagship stores of the most exclusive brands. Armani, Guess, Burberry, Replay, Macson and many more await you on a pleasant stroll that we recommend you take from Plaça de Catalunya, which will also take you past prestigious jewellers, watch shops and retail galleries with the latest in design or decoration.
Some of the shops are even housed in modernist buildings of great artistic interest. These include Loewe, which you can visit in Casa de Lleó i Morera, and the jeweller's Bagués-Masriera which is in Casa Amatller. These two buildings are among the best examples of Catalan Modernism.
Remember that in this area you will find three tourist offices offering the Tax Free service so you can claim back the 21% corresponding to taxes from your shopping bill. These offices are in Plaza de Catalunya, Passeig de la Concepció and in the Palau Robert.
A pause for some 'pa amb tomaquet'
A simple, tasty 100% Catalan tapas dish which is the perfect way to recharge your batteries during your stroll. You will find it at any eatery in the city.
It consists of a slice of bread with tomato on top, although in this area it includes special touches that make it even more delicious. For example, it is made using toasted pan payés (a typical rustic-style Catalan bread, with a thick crust and soft centre) vine ripened tomatoes (less acidic and less liquid pulp than other tomatoes), which is rubbed over the bread until the bread is bathed in tomato; and locally produced extra virgin olive oil.
The Sagrada Familia
This is a world famous architectural symbol and Gaudí’s most international work. On the visit you will discover a temple, the construction of which began in 1882, which is truly stunning, despite the fact it is still being built to this day. On the outside, its façades covered with images and symbols depict part of the history of Christianity. Its interior is a wonder to behold and makes use of natural light to illuminate the basilica and fill it with colour, thanks to its enormous stained glass windows. We recommend a guided tour, including a visit to its towers. In total, it will take a little over an hour to learn the secrets of its construction and to enjoy the panoramic view over Barcelona from a height of 65 metres.
Very close by is the Sant Pau modernist complex. It is the biggest Modernist centre in Europe and is the work of Lluís Domènech i Montaner, one of the most renowned Catalan modernist architects.
Park Güell
This is a very popular place to enjoy the sunset in Barcelona. A stroll through this unique garden - the work of Gaudí, declared a World Heritage Site - is a must. We recommend that you go with plenty of time as you’ll want to take lots of unforgettable photos. Also, within the park is the Gaudi house museum.
Ride in a vintage car
Do you prefer a Rolls Royce from the 1930s or a Hispano Suiza, made in Barcelona in the 1920s? Simply take your pick and you’ll be able to visit the city’s most interesting sights in an original, comfortable and exclusive way. You will find more information on the Barcelona Tourism website.
Gourmet dinner
If you like haute cuisine, you’ll love Barcelona. The city is home to a number of internationally renowned restaurants (some with Michelin stars). The area around Passeig de Gràcia and the Eixample district are good areas to try great food. There are a number of prestigious restaurants such as 'Lasarte', 'Enoteca', 'Moments', 'Caeli', 'Roca Moo', 'Hofmann', 'Hisop', 'Gaig', 'Disfrutar', 'Cinc Sentits', 'Tickets', 'Nectari' and 'Via Veneto' offering exquisite tasting menus.