How Many Days In Barcelona?
The Essential Guide

Visiting Barcelona should be on every traveller’s bucket list. This incredible city has everything. A unique identity? Check! Plenty of culture and things to do? Check! Great food and fantastic nightlife? Check!

Barcelona is my most visited destination in Spain. I first visited in 2004 as a 14-year-old and have been back on six occasions since.

Each time, I have discovered something new about the city and I am already thinking about the next time I step off the plane and delve even deeper into the delights of Barcelona.

Booking those flights to Barcelona is such an exciting moment, especially if it your first visit. But with so many different things to do, you might be left scratching your head as to how many days in Barcelona you really need!

Short Answer

In short, you are going to have a great time no matter the amount of time you spend in the city.

My recommendation however would be to spend 4 days in the city. With four days, you can see a good amount of the city’s attractions and not have to race around the city at breakneck speed trying to cram everything in.

4 days will also allow you to delve more into the Barcelona way of life. You will have the time to get lost in the beautiful streets of the Gothic Quarter, spend some time at one of the city’s many beaches, relax in one of the city’s parks and spend an afternoon enjoying all the delicious tapas Barcelona has to offer.

That said, I guarantee no matter how long you spend in the city, your last thought on stepping on that plane home will be when you can return! This city will captivate you and have you coming back time and again!

24 Hours In Barcelona

So, you have chosen to ignore the advice above (you rebel!) or are just passing through the city and only have 24 hours in the city?! Get ready for a whistlestop tour of some of the attractions Barcelona has to offer!

24 hours is never enough to get to know any city! Barcelona has so many attractions that you will have to be prepared and smart about what you want to see.

My first recommendation for 24 hours is not something I do regularly. However, I have done it in Barcelona, and it turned out to be a good way to see many of the city sights.

If you have only 24 hours to spend in Barcelona, consider buying a ticket for one of the tourist buses. These buses stop off at all the main stops and have guides in many languages.

You can hop-on and hop-off and they are a great way to see a lot in a short amount of time.

24 Hour Itinerary

For those of you who want to do it independently, here is my quick stop guide to 24 hours in Barcelona.

Start early at Parc Güell and check out mosaic designs of the park. Next, get the bus to the Sagrada Familia and have a walk round the outside. Take some photos and marvel at the architecture.

Next hop on the metro and head to Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s best-known architectural works. Head round the corner and grab a quick lunch at Musiu, which serves up fantastic pasta at reasonable prices.

After lunch, head to Plaça de Catalunya, the central point of the city. Walk down La Rambla, taking in the street vendors, performers and atmosphere and head left to the Gothic Quarter. Explore the oldest part of Barcelona heading down towards the port area.

Pro Tip – Get a T-10 metro ticket that works on both metro and buses. This ticket offers 10 trips and is a great way of getting around the city. For a 24 hour trip, you’ll be thankful for the metro!

Once at the port area, head round towards Barceloneta. Explore the cute streets and then head to the beach. Grab an ice cream at Must Gelato and enjoy your ice cream whilst walking down the beach.

If you’re feeling hungry, head back to the Gothic Quarter and grab dinner at one of the tapas restaurants in the area. Finally head over to Montjüic by getting the metro to Plaça d’Espanya. If visiting on a weekend, check out the magic fountain.

And there you have it. A whistle-stop 24-hour tour of Barcelona! You won’t see everything, but you will begin to scratch the surface of Barcelona.

Are you an LGBTQ+ traveller and wondering if Barcelona is gay-friendly? Check out my post for my top 11 reasons why Barcelona should be your next gay vacation!

48 Hours In Barcelona

2 days will allow you to delve a little deeper into Barcelona and the Catalan way of life. Whilst a lot better than 24 hours in Barcelona, you are still going to be rushing around trying to pack everything in.

Careful planning is essential for a 2-day trip in the city. Decide what is most important for you to see and prioritise that. You may want to see the Sagrada Familia so budget a few hours to enjoy this properly.

If you are interested in a full 2-day itinerary of Barcelona, check out my recommendations for the best itinerary and activity ideas.

As with 24 hours in Barcelona, planning is key. Ensure you book the most important attractions and visit the most popular ones such as the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell, early on each morning to avoid the crowds.

3 – 4 Days In Barcelona

Now, we are talking about a great amount of time to spend in Barcelona. 3 to 4 days will give you the time to explore the city at a more leisurely pace. You will also be able to dedicate more time to each site.

For a 3 to 4-day trip, I recommend you take each of the big attractions you want to see and base each day around that site.

Spending a morning or afternoon on one site will allow you to learn and experience more that you simply can’t do in 24 or 48 hours.

My Top Recommendations For 3 – 4 Days In Barcelona

I recommend you spend one of the mornings at the Sagrada Familia. Spend a few hours there, taking in the incredible architecture. With the extra time, buy a ticket to go up the towers to see the turrets up close and some great views of Barcelona.

Another morning should be dedicated to Parc Güell. Take a more casual stroll through the park taking in all of Gaudí’s masterpieces. You will even have time to visit the nearby museum.

For those sports fans, spend a morning or afternoon visiting Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona. Buy tickets for the tour and learn about the club’s history and importance to the city. If you are lucky, Barça may even be playing at home, which is a great experience.

Another idea is to visit Montjuïc and spend some time exploring the Olympic stadium (the current home of FC Barcelona during the 2023-24 season). You can visit the Palau Nacional which houses the Museum of National Art of Catalonia. Come back on a Thursday to Sunday night for the Magic Fountain display.

Finally, with 3-4 days you can spend an afternoon at one of Barcelona’s beaches. Head to Barceloneta close to the city centre for that city beach vibe. Alternatively, head out a little to Poble Nou for a more chilled-out vibe on one of the beaches there.

Pro Tip – Keep a close eye on your belongings on the beach. Unfortunately with so many tourists, Barcelona has become a bit of a haven for pickpockets. Don’t leave any expensive items unattended whilst swimming in the sea.

5 – 7 Days In Barcelona

With 5 to 7 days in the city, you’re going to have the chance to explore both Barcelona and more of Catalonia. For the main sites in Barcelona, see my recommendations above.

You’ll also have time for more shopping, more exploring and more eating. By the end of the trip, you’ll feel that you have really experienced Barcelona.

Whilst Barcelona is the most popular tourist destination in Catalonia, there are some fantastic trips from the city that should not be missed. Whether you are into history or nature, here are some of my top recommendations.

Tarragona

Escape the bustling streets of Barcelona for a day and embark on a journey to the enchanting town of Tarragona. Tarragona is a mere 90-minute train ride away and is perfect for a day trip.

Steeped in history, this coastal gem offers a captivating blend of Roman ruins and Mediterranean beauty.

Start your adventure at the Roman Amphitheatre before strolling through the charming Old Town, with its narrow alleys and medieval architecture. Don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine at one of the many seafood restaurants along the waterfront.

If you want some relaxation time, Tarragona’s sun-kissed beaches, like Miracle Beach, provide the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun before returning to the vibrant energy of Barcelona.

Make sure you don’t miss the iconic Tarragona Cathedral, the Roman Aqueduct and for history buffs, The Archaeological Museum of Tarragona which is a treasure trove of artifacts.

Girona

Located 62 miles north of Barcelona, Girona is a fantastic option for a day trip from Barcelona. The city has a well-preserved historical centre which draws tourists looking for those perfect Instagram photos.

First stop, Girona Cathedral – a towering Gothic beauty that’s hard to miss. After that, wander around the Jewish Quarter, with its colourful houses lining the river. The city walls offer amazing views, and you’ll get a taste of the past while you’re up there.

Girona isn’t just about history, though. There are art galleries, cosy squares, and cool cafes to explore. Plaça de la Independència is a good spot to grab a bite and watch the world go by.

Don’t forget the Cinema Museum, housed in an old church – it’s quirky and a great way to wrap up your day. Whether you’re into history, good food, or just a laid-back atmosphere, Girona’s an easy and satisfying day trip from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona.

Montserrat

Montserrat is a great choice for a day trip from Barcelona and is only 30 miles northwest of the city.

The first stop is the Montserrat Monastery, nestled in the jagged mountains. Take the funicular or cable car for spectacular views. The famous Black Madonna in the basilica is a must-see attraction when visiting.

Afterwards, don your hiking shoes and explore the surreal rock formations. Montserrat perfectly combines nature with history, providing a fantastic option for those wanting to explore more of Catalonia.

Whilst a trip to Montserrat is a good experience all year round, it is a perfect activity and one of my top recommendations if visiting Barcelona in October where you will avoid the summer heat and crowds.

With a 7-day trip in Barcelona, you will be able to see all of Barcelona’s top attractions and delve deeper into Catalonia as a whole. You are sure to leave Barcelona having had a great and varied time.

How To Get Around

Barcelona is a straightforward city to get around. The public transportation system is fast, efficient, and well-connected. The network of buses and metro system means you won’t need to hire a car to explore.

For getting around the city I highly recommend taking the metro. It has stops close to all the major attractions and will be absolutely invaluable if visiting the city for a shorter period of time.

If you are staying longer and are heading out of the city, you will find Spain’s train system to be reliable and reasonably priced.

For more information on the various transportation options and my top recommendations for how to travel around the city, check out my post on Barcelona’s transport network where I answer the question ‘Is There Uber In Barcelona’ and give you my top tips to ensure your trip is as smooth as possible.

Hotel Recommendations

When deciding where to stay in Barcelona, you are inundated with options. If you are only staying for a short amount of time, consider staying somewhere very central, close to Plaça de Catalunya to maximise your time.

Here are some of my top recommendations for accommodation in Barcelona to suit every budget:

Budget
Itaca Hostel – Small hostel located in a quiet street from the cathedral. A great location to explore the city from!
Onefam Ramblas – Located within walking distance of many of the main sights, Onefam Ramblas is a great place for solo travellers.

Mid-Range
Catalonia Ramblas – A modern hotel with a spa, sauna and hot tub. The hotel also has an outdoor rooftop swimming pool.
H10 Universitat – Recently refurbished, the H10 Universitat offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city centre.

Upscale/Boutique
Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona – Located on Passeig de Gràcia, the hotel offers a luxury service with pool, terrace and concierge.
W Hotel – Barcelona’s iconic hotel located right on the beach. Perfect for a summer getaway and close to the city centre.

Best Places To Eat

Food is always an important part of any trip, especially in Spain. Each region has its own delicacies that are intertwined with the region’s identity. In Barcelona, you will be able to find all the traditional Spanish dishes but make sure you try some Catalan delicacies.

Here are some of my suggestions for where to eat:

Casa Lolea: This cosy spot is known for its Catalan cuisine and budget-friendly daily specials. You can savour dishes like paella, fideuà, and other local specialities without breaking the bank.

Can Culleretes: Established in 1786, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in Barcelona. Can Culleretes offers traditional Catalan dishes in a historic setting.

Els Quatre Gats: A Barcelona institution ! This historic modernist-style restaurant and artistic hotspot, Els Quatre Gats offers a mix of Catalan and Spanish cuisine in a unique atmosphere.

Cal Pep: A classic tapas restaurant, Cal Pep is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Catalan tapas served in a lively atmosphere.

Casa Leopoldo: Located in El Raval, Casa Leopoldo is a beloved Barcelona institution serving Catalan and Mediterranean dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Pro Tip – If travelling on a budget, keep a look out for the ‘Menú del Día’. This is a set menu usually consisting of two courses, bread and a drink for a reasonable price.

Final Thoughts: How Many Days In Barcelona?

When planning your trip to Barcelona, definitely err on the side of going for a longer rather than shorter break. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous monuments and with a short stay, you will barely begin to scratch the surface.

3-4 days is a great option for a first-timer. This will give you the perfect amount of time to explore Barcelona’s sites at a more leisurely pace. With this amount of time you can dedicate each day to one of the major attractions and go from there.

That being said, if you do only have the option for a short stay in Barcelona, you definitely should make it a part of your plans. Whilst with 24 or 48 hours, you will be going round the city at breakneck speed, it will give you a taste for more.

After 6 trips and counting, I can wholeheartedly say that Barcelona is not a city you visit only once! Once you have been for the first time, you will be planning your next trip on the flight home! I hope you have a great time exploring this Catalan gem!