Booked your trip to Barcelona, Spain? Sweet! Barcelona is a treasure trove of decadent eats wrapped up in a lively atmosphere. However, with so much to do and see, it’s hard to figure out how to plan out your days. Never fear though- we’ve got you covered. We have a four-day Barcelona itinerary, filled with the essential things to do, the best tours, and tips and tricks to help you plan.
Make it simple and use our itinerary as-is, or feel free to take a DIY approach and pick and choose. Or, use our Barcelona itinerary as inspiration for your own vacation. However you choose to go about it- we wish you ‘bon voyage’!
Here’s how to spend four days in Barcelona, Spain:
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 1
Day one in Barcelona is about checking out the iconic landmarks and sights and indulging in delicious foods- the Barcelona basics. In your first day of traveling, we suggest getting the lay of the land; exploring your neighborhood and getting the feel of the culture and lifestyle.
Day 1 Morning:
- Arrive at Barcelona–El Prat Airport and make your way to your accommodations in Barcelona
Hop off the plane, pick up your luggage and head down to Barcelona’s city center to check in to your accommodations. Get all the details and info on how to travel from the airport to downtown in our full Barcelona Transportation Guide.
- Arrive at your accommodations and check in
Where should you stay in Barcelona?
There are a few different, popular neighborhoods with tourists to stay in, in Barcelona. We’ve picked out three that we recommend for travelers staying in Barcelona. Here are the best areas to stay in Barcelona:
Gracia:
For an authentic, Barcelona-living atmosphere, book a hotel or B&B in the Gracia neighborhood. With deep Catalan roots, it’s more laid-back than other parts of the city, quite safe, and pedestrian-only. The area is still plentiful with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops but lacks the noisy party goers so your sleep won’t be disturbed.
Perfect for: couples looking for a getaway, solo travelers who want some R&R
El Gotico (Gothic Quarter, the old town):
This area is very central with a hopping nightlife. If you’re looking for a party- make this area your destination. The area also boasts cheaper accommodations and some major attractions like Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Reial. It’s also home to Barcelona shopping street- Portal de L’Angel.
Perfect for: groups of friends or solo travelers looking to meet people
Eixample:
With architectural gems dotting the streets, stay in the neighborhood if you’re looking to up your Insta game. The area features landmarks like: Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila. It’s a fashionable spot with high-end shopping, trendy cafes, and an overall safe environment.
Perfect for: tourists who are looking to treat themselves, travelers who want a central area with nearby attractions- and who are willing to spend for it
Pro-Tip: Once you’ve checked in to your hotel or B&B, be sure to brush up on your Barcelona 101 by reading over our transportation guide and our list of the 10 Essential Things to do in Barcelona.
- Take in some Barcelona architecture
Antoni Gaudi is one of Barcelona’s most prolific architects. He’s a pioneer of Catalan-modernism and his work exemplifies neo-Gothic art. Once you see one building, you’ll start to recognize the others- the skeletal movement and organic style stands out. There are a few Gaudi structures in Barcelona and they’re all worth checking out. We’re highlighting a few of Gaudi’s striking buildings that we recommend admiring while in Barcelona. If you’re short on time, we suggest making your way to Casa Batllo, Sagrada Familia Basilica, and/or Casa Mila only as you can appreciate the beauty without touring the interiors. If you’ve got a few minutes, be sure to take your time strolling through Park Guell and be sure to discover what’s behind the facade of Casa Batllo and Sagrada Familia Basilica.
Park Güell:
Explore Park Guell, where nature meets architecture. Building on the gardens started in the 1900s. The park is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the manicured gardens to catch a glimpse of Gaudi structures, homes, and buildings. See mosaic-covered features and meander through the winding pathways.
Admission: General ticket €10 (as of April 2019), full ticket pricing here
Open daily, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Directions can be found here
Casa Batllo:
Head over to Casa Batllo and see the renovated ‘Bone House’ completely decorated in mosaic. See the whimsical masterpiece in person and behold famed mosaic depictions. Discover the organic uses of wood, glass, stone, and ceramics that make it one of the most emblematic of the Modernisme buildings. If you want to view the interior and take advantage of the video guide, be sure to get skip-the-line tickets in advance of your trip.
Admission: General ticket €25 (full ticket pricing here and skip-the-line tickets here)
Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Directions can be found here
Sagrada Familia Basilica:
Visit the incredible Sagrada Familia Basilica. The basilica is designed by Gaudi and construction of the building is undergoing. Gaudi’s portion was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site; the design combines Art Nouveau and Gothic styles. The impressive church is intricately moulded and elaborately decorated. Grab fast-track tickets to the basilica here.
November – February: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
March – October: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
April – September: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
December 25 & 26, January 1 & 6: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Directions can be found here
Casa Mila:
Casa Mila was the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí and was built between 1906 and 1912. It features twisting, wrought-iron balconies and s spectacular terrace. Casa Mila is named after the Mila family who commissioned the building. This is one of Gaudi’s most iconic works for constructional and functional innovations.
Admission: General tickets €22 (full ticket pricing here)
March 1 – November 3: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
November 4 – February 28: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m.
December 26 – January 3: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Directions can be found here
- Enjoy tasty tapas walking tour
Finish the day by taking your taste buds on a tapas tour! Embark on a Barcelona walking tour. The tour will bring you through Barcelona’s historic La Rambla and Gothic Quarters before paying a visit to the famous La Boqueria food market. You can browse the stalls of this quaint market full of fresh produce and local delicacies. Your gourmet guide will fill your minds with knowledge of the city before you will your belly with Spanish foods! Once the walking tour is finished, make your way to a tapas bar to dine on cured meats, decadent cheeses and flavorful olives alongside calamari, mussels, and croquettes. Grab a glass (or two, or three) of Spanish wine to go with your tapas and feast the night away!
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2
On day two in Barcelona, set out on an adventure- GoT style. Embark on a day tour to Girona from Barcelona to see Game of Thrones filming locations IRL then end the night with flamenco dancing and drinks at a Barcelona bar.
- 8:00 a.m. Delight in an Instagrammable breakfast
Start day two off right with a hearty breakfast that tastes as good as it looks. We’ve found a few Instagrammy cafes that showcase fresh fruits, classic comfort foods, and trendy bites. Get a quick breakfast at a cafe then make your way to the meeting point for a GoT tour.
Citizen Cafe: Head to Citizen Cafe and indulge in pancakes smothered in fresh fruits. Treat yourself to a latte and sample eggs benny or a breakfast sandwich.
Address: Plaça d’Urquinaona, 4, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Federal Cafe: Stop by for granola with fruit, french toast, or avocado toast.
Address: Carrer del Parlament, 39, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- 9:00 a.m. Meet at Palau de la Musica, Central Barcelona for a Girona Game of Thrones Day Tour
Book your tickets for a Girona day tour that brings you to iconic GoT filming locations. The final season of Game of Thrones begins April 2019, so it’s only fitting that a trip to Barcelona pays homage to the incredible show. The medieval, riverside city of Girona doubles as King’s Landing in the program.
Step onto the cobblestone streets, and trace the journeys of the Starks and the Lannisters. Wander the snaking alleys past beautifully preserved villages, and recall when Arya Stark fled the streets of Braavos.
You’ll see the notable Girona Cathedral– where you can climb the steps like like Margery Tyrell, and imagine the Tyrell, Sparrows, and Faith Militant storming into the city.
- 5:00 p.m. Arrive back in Barcelona
- 6:00 p.m. Stop at a trendy Tapas bar for drinks and dinner
After a full day of trekking around ‘King’s Landing’, unwind at a trendy bar while you sip drinks and fill up on tapas. Here’s a few spots we’ve picked out to include in your Barcelona itinerary:
Teòric Taverna Gastronòmica: This popular spot is often overflowing so make your resos ahead of time. They serve up traditional Catalan cuisine using local ingredients, emphasizing the Spanish terroir.
Address: Carrer de Bailèn, 117, 08009 Barcelona, Spain
Tuesday – Saturday: 1:30 p.m.- 3:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday
Bodega Biarritz 1881: You may need to wait to be seated in this narrow space, but according to many reviews- it’s worth it. You can opt for a set menu with various tapas items. The menu isn’t typical tapas, so prep your palate for something a little more creative!
Address: Carrer del Vidre, 8, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Open daily, 5:00 p.m. – 10:55 p.m.
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3
On day three of your Barcelona itinerary, do it brunch-style, then spend some time in the city, getting acquainted the past. After wandering around a museum, head into the great outdoors and set up at a local beach. Finish your day with dinner, followed by live music.
- 10:00 a.m. Brunch it up
Treat yourself to a little bit of a lie-in on day three of your Barcelona itinerary before bringing yourself to one of Barcelona’s many brunch spots. Here’s two we recommend to satisfy that brunch craving:
Brunch & Cake: Think smoothie bowls, avo toast, fruit salads, eggs and greens and sandwiches packed with superfoods.
Address: Carrer d’Enric Granados, 19, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Open daily, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Milk: With menu options like ‘Turkish eggs’, ‘chorizo hash’, and ‘Mediterranean toast’, your mouth has got to be watering.
Address: Gignas 21, Barcelona 08001 Spain
Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Friday, Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Brunch 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Dinner 7.00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- 1:00 p.m. Barcelona museum hopping
With such a rich history and buildings that go back hundreds of years, it’s no surprise that one of the best things to do in Barcelona is visit the numerous museums. We’re showcasing two of the museums in Barcelona to hit up:
Picasso Museum: Work your way through the 4,251 Picasso works that make up the permanent collection. See how his style and work changed throughout the ages and gain insight into his relationship with Barcelona.
Address: Carrer Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Single admission: €12
Barcelona City History Museum: Get an overview of Barcelona’s history. From the Roman colonies, to the medieval ages and the Gothic architecture and from the turbulent, creative Barcelona of the early 20th century to the city of the Olympic Games. The museum brings together an extensive collection of more than 35,200 objects from Barcelona’s past.
Address: Plaça del Rei, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Closed Monday
Single admission: €7
- 3:30 p.m. Be a Barcelona beach bum
For the rest of your afternoon, bask in the Barcelona sun on one of the sandy beaches around the city. There are many beaches you can head to, that are accessible by public transit. Here are two of our favorites, check out our list of 10 Essential Things to do in Barcelona for more.
Barceloneta Beach: A popular tourist destination; the convenient location, with nearby restaurants and entertainment, always draws crowds. Take a dip in the cool water, unwind on the beach, or try your hand at water sports like windsurfing. You can easily take the metro to the beach and disembark at Barceloneta stop on the yellow line, L4.
Nova Icaria Beach: If you want a calmer beach environment, take the L4 yellow line to Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica to Nova Icaria Beach. It’s close to Port Olímpic as well as restaurants and bars. It’s a good spot for families and groups of friends- with facilities for beach volleyball and table tennis, it’s a fun and relaxing way to spend the day in Barcelona.
- 7:00 p.m. Sample next-level cuisine for dinner
After washing the sand out of your suit-areas, clean up for a fancy dinner! You might be tapas-ed out at the moment, so try one of Barcelona’s Catalan or Basque cuisine restos. When on vacation, we like to recommend at least one *splurge* meal, so make this it! We’ve picked out two joints, one high-end, and one more affordable for you to try:
Ipar-Txoko: This traditional Basque restaurant has an old school feel to it. It’ll run you a little extra, but it’s still reasonable for the quality of ingredients and food preparation. Classic and unpretentious- this resto is an experience.
Address: Carrer de Mozart, 22, 08012 Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
Monday – Saturday: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Disfrutar: If you really want something special, make your way to Disfrutar, a Michelin-starred restaurant, owned by El Bulli alumni. The modern interior is reflected in the modern cuisine that is influenced by the Mediterranean.
Address: Address: Carrer de Villarroel, 163, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Tuesday – Friday: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday, Sunday
- 10:00 p.m. Take in some tunes
Cure the post-dinner comas with live jazz, funk, or soul music at a hot Barcelona club. We suggest making your way to one of these jazz joints:
Harlem Jazz Club: Harlem Jazz Club is the oldest concert hall in Barcelona. It’s located in the heart of the city, in the Gothic Quarter. Head over to hear blues, jazz, and funk, as well as Brazilian music, tango, flamenco, and salsa.
Address: Carrer de la Comtessa de Sobradiel, 8, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Tuesday: 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Wednesday – Saturday: 8:00 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday
Jamboree Jazz Club: FInd yourself at Jamboree, a bustling bar with live jazz, blues and funk in an intimate setting.
Address: Plaça Reial, 17, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 4
- 9:00 a.m. Cheap n’ cheerful Spanish eats for breakfast
For your last day in Barcelona, make your wallet happy with some cheap eats. For breakfast, taste typical dishes like toasted cheese and ham sandwiches, pa amb tomàquet (bread rubbed with tomato, garlic and a drizzle of olive oil) or a slice of Spanish omelette. For a treat, sample traditional drinking chocolate, with a side of churros. Try your hand at eating like a local at these breakfast restaurants:
Restaurant Tossa Barcelona
Address: Carrer de Nàpols, 291, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Champanillo Barcelona
Address: Plaça del Dr. Letamendi, 37, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Open daily, 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Bar Zanon
Address: d’Àustria,, Carrer de Joan d’Àustria, 87, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
Monday – Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- 10:30 a.m. Shop ‘til you drop on Barcelona’s major shopping streets
Before you head out to the airport, be sure to stock up on souvenirs for yourself and friends and family back home. For cheap shopping, make your way to Portal del Angel. Starting at Plaça de Catalunya, the street is 250 meters long; you can find shopping chains like Pull and Bear, Zara, H&M, or Mango. If you’re splurging, go to Passeig de Gracia. As you shop along the streets, you’ll find designer stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and Gucci.
Or, opt for a trip to Mercat de Sant Antoni, containing 235 stalls! Not only can you find delicious local foods here as well, but on Sundays, though the market is closed, there is a book market outside on Urgell Street. On the hunt for something unique to remember your Barcelona vacation? Keep your eyes peeled for ceramics, porcelain and jewelry- all locally made artisanal crafts.
Address: Carrer Comte d’Urgell, 1, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Monday – Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
- 12:00 p.m. Grab a *cool* drink at Icebarcelona
Chill out at Icebarcelona, the “first icebar on the beach in the world”! Head into the intimate ice lounge and find ice sculptures carved by hand. Bundle up in a parka with mitts and relax surrounded by the icy interiors. If you’d like to pre-book your spot, head over here for available spots.
Address: entrada por la playa, Carrer de Ramon Trias Fargas, 2, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Open daily, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
- 4:45 Take in a flamenco show
Reserve your spot for a flamenco experience that includes a high-energy dance performance, wine tasting, tapas trying and a tour of a local Barcelona market. Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine, some tapas, and watch as professional dancers perform the lively, enthralling dance.
The flamenco is a Spanish dance with intricate footwork and body movements along with hand clapping. The traditional dance dates back to 1774 and in 2010, UNESCO even declared the folklore dance one of the ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’.
- Make your way to the airport and head home- be sure to use our transportation guide!
So there you have it- a full Barcelona itinerary for four days in this incredible city! Of course, flight times differ, so pick and choose your favorite activities to adjust this itinerary to fit your schedule. Or, simply find the attractions that you fit your interests and use this Barcelona itinerary as inspo to build your own. Whatever you choose, soak up some sun, gain insight into the fascinating history and eat, eat, eat your heart out in this awesome city!
