3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary: How to Plan a Seamless Trip

Have you been looking for the best 3 days in Barcelona itinerary? I’ve got you covered!

Morning: La Sagrada Família

One thing you absolutely MUST do on your trip to Barcelona is see La Sagrada Família.

Designed by the beloved architect Antonio Gaudí, this stunning basilica is a prime example of Catalan Modernism.

Construction began in 1882, and believe it or not, it’s expected to be finished in 2026!

The way the light comes through the stained glass windows is beautiful. There are 36 columns designed to mimic a forest of trees and their branches.

La Sagrada Familia is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites designed by Gaudi in Barcelona.

Because thousands of people visit La Sagrada each year, you should get your tickets ahead of time. On my first visit, I bought the entry ticket with the audio guide for 30€, which was totally worth it.

If you want to avoid the long line at the entrance, I suggest booking a tour with GetYourGuide. You will get the full experience this way, and hear fascinating stories about how La Sagrada was built.

There is also an option to see one of the towers for 40€. I opted to save time and money and didn’t see the view from the towers, but this might interest you if you love a good panorama.

Also, if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to go inside. You can still admire the basilica from the outside!

But if you can, I strongly encourage you to visit La Sagrada Familia on your first visit to Barcelona.

Seeing the stained glass inside is a must-see at least once in your life!

🤩 Save time and book a skip-the-line guided tour of La Sagrada

Afternoon: Casa Milà and Casa Batlló (optional)

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is a must-visit for anyone new to Barcelona.

This architectural marvel, with its undulating stone facade and twisting wrought iron balconies, was commissioned in 1906 by Pere Milà and his wife Roser Segimon.

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Casa Milà stands out as his most iconic work of civic architecture, celebrated for its constructional and functional innovations, as well as its stunning ornamental and decorative solutions.

The rooftop of Casa Milà is particularly awe-inspiring. The view is incredible and the curves mixed with the jagged edges of the mosaics pose a pleasant contrast.

Tickets: An adult ticket starts at 28€. For a unique experience, night and sunrise tickets are also available.

If you have time to spare, check out Gaudí’s Casa Batlló as well. It’s another beautiful creation with its own unique charm.

Adult tickets for Casa Batlló start at 29€.

If you’re short on time and have to choose between the two casas, I personally recommend Casa Milà. It’s more colorful, and the rooftop is seriously stunning.

While Casa Batlló is undoubtedly impressive, I found Casa Milà to be slightly more awe-inspiring.

You can buy tickets for Casa Milà and Casa Batlló separately. Or, if you have the GoCity Barcelona All-Inclusive or Explorer pass, it includes admission for both!

🤩 Grab your GoCity pass now and start exploring the wonders of Barcelona!

Early Evening: Park Güell

Park Güell is one of my all-time favorite places and a fantastic destination for every first-time visitor to Barcelona.

Also designed by Antoni Gaudí, this park is a colorful, whimsical wonderland that captures the essence of Catalan Modernism. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can have so much fun exploring over 42 acres of gardens, strolling through the winding pathways, and admiring the views of the city from Park Güell.

However, it does get busy. I suggest booking your tickets at least two weeks in advance in the low season and 4-6 weeks ahead for the high season to make sure you get in.

From my own experience, I can tell you it’s worth the effort to plan ahead (more on that, below!).

💫 PRO TIP: Taking a guided tour not only secures your ticket, but also gives you a way to learn about the quirky stories behind the park’s interesting sculptures and mosaics.

The park’s most iconic feature is the mosaic-covered dragon at the main entrance.

Adorned with the most colorful, broken pottery pieces, this eye-catching sculpture has become the unofficial emblem of Park Güell. You’ve probably seen it on postcards before or recognized it from friends’ social media posts.

You can find the Gaudí House Museum in the park, as well.

The first time I visited Park Güell, I was on an EF Tour that I took right after graduating college. It was SO much fun seeing the park for the first time.

Then, in 2019, I went back with a friend, and we had even more fun taking photos with all the playful mosaics.

I even did a photoshoot in Park Güell before starting my Camino de Santiago journey in 2023. Memories!

But, on my most recent visit in May 2024, I totally messed up and didn’t book our tickets in advance. I thought I could get tickets the same day, but they were all sold out!

We couldn’t go at all during the five days we were there.

So, learn from my mistake. Book a guided tour in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the magical experience of exploring Park Güell!

You can also just reserve at skip-the-line ticket to explore the park at your own pace, but I recommend the guided tour so you can learn about Gaudí’s inspiration for the park.

I suggest visiting Park Guell around 4 p.m. By then, the hottest part of the day will have passed, and you’ll be there in time to catch the sunset (in the summer months).

Insider tip: Don’t be more than 30 minutes late for your timed ticket. The admission staff can (usually) be pretty strict about this!

After your visit at Park Güell, you can head to dinner in nearby Gràcia. My favorite restaurant in the area is Pepa Tomate.

🤩 Book a Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entrance to Park Güell

Afternoon: Lunch at Federal Café

If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time, Federal Café should be on your list. Known for its trendy and delicious offerings, this popular spot is famous for its delicious and inventive food.

Come early if you can to avoid the line—it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

On my first visit to Federal Café in Barcelona, I had a latte and this avocado toast that seriously took my breath away when it came out.

On my next visit (actually at their Madrid location), I indulged in their fluffy pancakes topped with banana, mascarpone, maple syrup, and hazelnut praline.

It was absolutely divine! 😍

The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made the experience even better.

Whether you’re there for breakfast, brunch, or just a coffee break, you won’t be disappointed.

Evening: Tapas Crawl

When in Barcelona, a tapas crawl is a must-do experience! Tapas are small dishes meant to be enjoyed in multiples—typically 2-3 (or more) per sitting.

It’s a fun and tasty way to sample a variety of flavors. Some popular spots for tapas include Colmado Wilmot, El Quim de la Boqueria (in La Boqueria market), Bar del Pla (a locals’ favorite), and Teòric.

Traditionally, tapas are served for free when you order a drink. But, in Barcelona, that’s not as common, and they’re harder to find.

A great way to experience a tapas crawl is by joining a guided tour. This allows you to discover two of Barcelona’s most beloved neighborhoods while indulging in the mouth-watering flavors of Catalan cuisine.

This 2.5-hour long tour helps you find the best tapas bars in Barcelona.

You’ll sip on iconic Spanish drinks like vermouth and cava, savor the best tapas and drinks with the help of a guide, and immerse yourself in the lively atmospheres of these stunning areas.

Plus, you’ll get to meet like-minded travelers from around the world and learn about the history of Catalan culture and cuisine.

It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of authentic Spanish drinks all while exploring the culinary delights of Barcelona!

🍷 Join a guided tapas crawl now and taste the best of Barcelona’s cuisine!

Morning: Train to Sitges

On your third and final day in Barcelona, I suggest heading to the beach for some relaxation.

While Barceloneta Beach is the nearest option, it’s often overcrowded. Instead, take a short train ride to Sitges and enjoy one of the area’s best beaches.

If you prefer to skip the beach day and stay in the city, consider visiting Montjuïc Castle and the Picasso Museum.

The fastest and easiest way to get to Sitges from Barcelona is by train, Cercanías Renfe, which takes about 45 minutes.

You can catch the train from any of Barcelona’s three main stations: Sants, Franca, or Passeig de Gracia.

Tickets cost about $7 each way, with multiple departures daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.

Once you arrive at the main train station in Sitges, the beach is just an eight-minute walk away.

Afternoon: Sitges Beach OR Montjuïc Castle

Once you’ve arrived, you can rent a beach chair or lay out on your own towel. Now, it’s time to just relax!

When I visited the beach in Barcelona, I went to Garraf, which is just a little farther than Sitges.

It was such a wonderful, local experience. The beach was beautiful and less crowded, making it the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun.

Sitges offers a similar vibe, providing a peaceful and enjoyable beach day away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

OPTIONAL: If you decide to stay in the city for the day, visit Montjuïc.

To get there, you can either take the bus or metro. If you opt for the metro, take it to the Paral·lel station. From there, catch the funicular to Montjuic.

The cable car ride is absolutely GORGEOUS, so get your camera ready!

You’ll have plenty of great views of the city, water, and Mont Tibidabo. While you’re exploring Montjuïc, don’t miss the Joan Miro Foundation, the botanical gardens, and the Olympic ring left from 1992.

🤩 Get your round-trip Montjuïc cable car ticket ahead of time to save you the stress of buying at the train station!

Evening: Return to Barcelona and Dinner in El Born

For first-timers in Barcelona, a return to El Born for dinner is a must.

This older part of the city is full of hip stores, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants.

One gem you can’t miss is De Tapadillo. It’s a cozy, hole-in-the-wall spot that’s perfect if you’re craving some Spanish paella.

El Born is known for its great atmosphere, making it a highly recommended area for enjoying dinner or grabbing the first drink of the evening.

I dined at De Tapadillo many years ago and I still remember how delicious the pizza was that we had there.

I also loved the stone walls, which make the restaurant feel like a cool cave and really set the atmosphere.

Whether you’re dining solo or with friends, De Tapadillo in El Born is a fantastic choice for a memorable evening.

De Tapadillo, Carrer del Fonollar, 8 08003 Barcelona Spain

Best Time to Visit Barcelona

The best time to visit Barcelona for a 3-day itinerary is during the spring and fall (side note – don’t visit Barcelona in the summer).

These seasons bring fewer crowds and more comfortable weather, making it an ideal time to explore the city. In the summer months, Barcelona gets super hot and swarms with tourists, which can make sightseeing less enjoyable.

Visiting in spring or fall is also perfect for enjoying Park Güell, as you’ll be able to wander through Gaudí’s whimsical park without the intense heat or overwhelming crowds.

This way, you can fully appreciate the beauty and charm of Barcelona’s top attractions.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Budget Option: Sant Jordi Hostels in Gracia

Sant Jordi Hostels in Gracia is perfect for digital nomads on a budget.

Located in the vibrant Gracia neighborhood, this hostel offers a friendly and social atmosphere. I stayed here for a few nights before heading to France to start the Camino de Santiago, and I absolutely loved it.

With reliable Wi-Fi, communal areas for working, and a great location near cafes and shops, it’s an excellent base for exploring the city without breaking the bank.

🤩 Check Availability at Sant Jordi Hostel

Mid-Range Option: Coliving.com

For digital nomads seeking a more integrated living and working experience, Coliving.com offers premium coliving spaces in Barcelona.

There are a number of options available throughout the city. Usually, you’ll need to book for one month or longer.

Coliving spaces are designed for remote workers, providing high-speed internet, comfortable living arrangements, and a community of like-minded individuals. It’s a great way to meet other people while you’re traveling and working!

🤩 Check Availability at Coliving.com

Premium Option: Hotel NH Collection Barcelona Pódium

For those looking for a luxurious stay, Hotel NH Collection Barcelona Pódium is a fantastic choice.

I stayed here in 2019, and it was so nice. The room was very comfortable, and it’s super central to everywhere you want to go in the city.

Plus, the rooftop terrace and pool offer a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing or catching up on emails.

🤩 Check Availability at Hotel NH Collection

Getting Around Barcelona

The best way to get around Barcelona is by train. Uber and rideshares are hard to call, and taxis can be tough to find.

The train system might be confusing at first, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

The metro runs from 5 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and nights before public holidays.

Buy a pass instead of individual tickets to save money.

Ticket options:

• T-Dia (€10.50): 24-hour individual ticket for solo travelers planning several rides in one day.
• T-Casual (€11.35): 10-journey individual ticket for solo travelers staying a few days.
• T-Familiar (€10): 8-journey multi-person ticket for families or groups.
• T-Usual (€40): 30-day unlimited individual ticket for longer stays.

All integrated tickets allow transfers within 75 minutes. For late-night travel, the bus is best.

Have More Time in Barcelona?

If you have extra time in Barcelona, there are plenty of additional experiences to enjoy. Consider taking a day trip to Montserrat to explore the stunning mountain and its monastery, or visit Mount Tibidabo for breathtaking views and an amusement park.

Tour the Palau de La Musica Catalana or catch a flamenco show there for a cultural treat.

See more of Gaudí’s work at Casa Vicens, his first major project. Or, you could take a day trip to Girona to snap photos of the famous hanging houses over the Onyar River.

FAQs

How many days in Barcelona?

Deciding how many days to spend in Barcelona depends on what you want to experience. For first-timers, three days is ideal to cover the main attractions like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and a beach trip to Sitges. However, if you have more time, extending your stay to five days allows you to dive deeper into the city’s rich culture and history!

How much money do I need for 3 days in Barcelona? 

For a 3-day trip to Barcelona, budget around $100-$150 per day. This covers accommodations ($40-$100), meals ($20-$50), public transport passes ($10-$15), and entry fees to major attractions ($30-$50).

For a more comfortable experience, plan for $150-$200 per day.

What is the best area in Barcelona to stay?

It’s not the Gothic Quarter, despite what many suggest! The Gothic Quarter is too crowded, and also, theft is a serious issue. Instead, I suggest neighborhoods like Eixample, La Barceloneta, or El Born (if you like nightlife).

Is Barcelona a walkable city?

Yes and no. In the Gothic Quarter and surrounding areas, it’s very walkable. But if you’re looking to get across the city quickly, it’s better to take public transit.