Visit Barcelona in 3 days is possible, but you have to plan this very well. It is important that you take advantage of the times and the displacement by the city to visit the main places of interest. The city is a mix of modern architecture, history, good food and a lively nightlife. If you are thinking of making an itinerary weekend in Barcelona, this guide can help you.
One of the problems that are encountered by people when they arrive at the station Sants Barcelona is that you do not know where to leave your luggage. Normally, the ticket office of the station tend to be filled or don’t cover times that the tourists need.
If you do not want to carry your luggage during the day, you can find lockers in Barcelona, distributed throughout the city so you can move with more freedom.
What to see in 3 days in Barcelona?
| Day | Main Area | What to See / Do | Recommended Extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Historic Center | Barcelona Cathedral, Gothic Quarter, Plaça Sant Jaume, Las Ramblas, El Born | Picasso Museum, walk along Barceloneta |
| Day 2 | Gaudí's Modernism | Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera | Stroll and dinner in Gràcia neighborhood |
| Day 3 | Montjuïc & Farewell | Montjuïc Castle, Fundació Miró, Poble Espanyol, Boquería Market | Last-minute shopping in the city center |
Day 1: Historic Center and Gothic Quarter
Arrive at Sants and first visits
9:00 – Arrival to Barcelona
If you are coming by train, it’s sure that you arrive at the station Sants, Barcelona. First, looking for a place to store your suitcases. The lockers Sants Barcelona tend to get crowded, especially in high season or on weekends.
10:00 – Gothic: Cathedral of Barcelona and Plaça Sant Jaume
If you come by train, it’s sure that you arrive at the station Sants, Barcelona. First, looking for a place to store your suitcases. The lockers Sants Barcelona tend to get crowded, especially in high season or on weekends.
11:30 – Las Ramblas
One of the main symbols of Barcelona is Las Ramblas. You can take a walk through there, but beware, it is a very tourist area and is full of pickpockets. Be careful of your belongings.
Afternoon: Born and relax at the beach
14:00 – The Born: Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum
The neighborhood of El Born is one of the most modern in Barcelona. There is the basilica of Santa María del Mar, also known as the “Cathedral of the Sea”, and The Picasso Museum with some of the most famous works of the painter, as The maids of honour.
16:30 – Barceloneta beach
You can end the day with a stroll along the beach of Barceloneta. Was originally a neighborhood of the fishermen, but now it is another of the symbols of the city. A walk by the Beach of Sant Sebastià and enjoy taking something in one of his numerous terraces with views of the Mediterranean.
Neighborhood of El Born is one of the most visited of the city. For many people, it has a special charm and it is an area with plenty of atmosphere. You can dine for tapas or enjoy a more traditional restaurant depending on your mood at that day.
Day 2: All about Gaudi
Discover the life of Gaudí
9:00 – Sagrada Familia
Starts the day early in the Sagrada Familia, one of the most visited monuments during the year in Barcelona. This monument of Gaudí’s been years in construction, but, even so, many tourists come to see him every year.
It is important you book your ticket in time to avoid being left without entering. Spend at least 2-3 hours to visit both the inside and the outside, I promise you that it is worth!
11:30 – Park Güell
After you go to the Park Güell, a public park, Barcelona’s most famous. I recommend you get input with time, as they now charge for a visit to the park. Highlights are its mosaics and its stunning panoramic views from its famous terrace, circular.
Afternoon: Passeig de Gracia and shopping
14:30 – Passeig de Gracia: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera
The Passeig de Gràcia is one of the most elegant avenues of Europe. In this walk are the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (Casa Mila), famous for its rooftop carved and its courtyards. You can take advantage of to make shopping for this area, since here you will find the main shops of luxury design and Catalan. If you need to keep your purchases, you can save them in our watchwords distributed by the city to enjoy the night without loads.
Night: The district of Gràcia,
19:00 – Dinner in the neighbourhood of Gràcia
Is a former independent village annexed to Barcelona. In the squares of Plaza del Sol and Plaza de la Vila de Gràcia you can find many local restaurants and alternative bars.
Day 3: Montjuïc and latest visits
Morning: The green lung of Barcelona
9:30 – Montjuïc: Castle, Miró and Poble Espanyol
Dedicated the morning to visit the area of Montjuïc, a space with many cultural attractions. Visit the Castle of Montjuïc, the Fundació Joan Miró and the Poble Espanyol, among others.
Afternoon: la Boqueria Market
Low back toward the center, and close to The Ramblas, the Boqueria Market. Market is one of the chef’s most famous in the world. You can find stalls with iberian ham, cheeses, tropical fruits and fresh juices. If you don’t know where to eat that day, the market can be a good option.
16:00 – Last-minute shopping and farewell
Before you go to Barcelona, take a stroll through the center and make last-minute shopping in the city. If you want to make a gift, you can choose some of their products more typical: nougat, premium olive oil or fashion designs Catalan.
With this itinerary of 3 days in Barcelona is enough to know the corners must-haves of the city.
To find out more about Barcelona and the restaurants you shouldn’t miss, check out our article Where to Eat in Barcelona, where you’ll find plenty of useful and interesting information.
We’ve also prepared this map featuring the most notable places mentioned in the article, so you can easily locate them and see the distances and areas between each spot.
If after exploring Barcelona in 3 days you want to continue your journey through Spain, Valencia awaits you with its Mediterranean vibe. Discover what to see and do in Valencia with our complete city guide.
