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Last updated on October 5th, 2024 at 01:00 pm
Barcelona is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe and reading this 4-day Barcelona itinerary is all you need to plan a fantastic trip to the Catalan capital.
Admiring the city’s unique architecture, learning its history and tasting exquisite local food are only a few of the countless exciting things to do in Barcelona. Yet, when in Barcelona, you may easily forget all about sightseeing goals and carefully curated lists of things to do. Because Barcelona is a city that can enthral you in a blink of an eye with its one-of-a-kind ambience and culture.
That’s why this 4-day Barcelona itinerary is here, though. To list all the amazing things to see in Barcelona but also to remind you when to take a step back and just soak up Barcelona’s atmosphere, letting the city take little pieces of your heart as you go about witnessing locals fervently chatting and couples falling in love by – or with – the sound of the crashing waves.
So, if you’re planning to spend 4 days in Barcelona, here’s how to do it.
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Where Is Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital and largest city of the autonomous region of Catalonia in Spain. It’s also the country’s second-largest city. In Barcelona, the Catalan language is widely spoken and written. That includes street names and road signs, too.
Catalan people are very proud of their culture and language and they strive to gain their independence from Spain. This is just a heads-up in case your carefree chat with the locals takes a quick turn towards politics. It often does in the south of Europe, Greece and Italy included.
Visiting Barcelona in The Low Season
With mild weather throughout the year, Barcelona is a year-round destination. However, in the peak season, which runs roughly from June to September, Barcelona is unbearably crowded. To be honest, the way tourism has evolved in Barcelona during the last few decades, the city is always crowded.
For fewer crowds, the best time to visit Barcelona is during the off-season. Moreover, going to Barcelona in the low season is one of the best ways to travel responsibly and help Barcelona solve its problem of over-tourism.
Off-season in Spain is roughly between November and March. This is our favourite time to visit Spain. So far, we’ve travelled to Palma de Mallorca in winter, enjoyed a late autumn 4-day trip to Seville and planned the best Gran Canaria road trip in late November – early December.
We’ve been to Barcelona in December and February, on two separate trips. Both times, the weather was chilly but with a lot of sunshine. The main attractions were still busy but not unbearably packed. For popular sites, such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, you still need to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. Better still, these attractions are best enjoyed on a guided tour.
Travel Resources To Help You Plan The Best 4-Day Barcelona Itinerary
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Barcelona in 4 Days: The Best Barcelona Itinerary
DAY 1: Barcelona Old Town Essentials
Start your 4-day Barcelona itinerary by exploring the better part of Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, the Old Town. The historic centre of Barcelona is squeezed between the Mediterranean Sea and the Eixample, this iconic neighbourhood that epitomises the city’s 20th-century architecture with its grid-like layout.
Santa Maria del Mar
A fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar – Saint Mary of The Sea – is your first stop for today. Constructed between 1329 and 1383 in El Born, Santa Maria del Mar is characterised by its austere exterior. The latter comes into striking contrast with the church’s bright and spacious interior.
Once inside the basilica, you can admire its pillars and stained-glass windows, visit the crypt and climb to the rooftop terrace.
Right next to the church, you can have a look at the Fossar de les Moreres, a memorial built in honour of the Catalans who died during the War of The Spanish Succession.
Museu Picasso de Barcelona
Housed in a complex of medieval palaces, this amazing museum in the heart of Barcelona Old Town explores the artistic genius of Pablo Picasso through a collection of 4251 of his early works. Open since 1963, the Picasso Museum also sheds light on the close relationship the artist had with Barcelona, a city he considered his true home.
For more information about admission fees, opening hours and guided tours, visit the museum’s website. Alternatively, skip the lines and book a guided tour of the Picasso Museum.
Mercat de Santa Caterina
Who can say no to a pit stop at a historic market that dates back to 1848? Barcelona’s first covered market, Mercat de Santa Caterina impresses with its colourful mosaic roof and the wide array of fresh produce that adorns its stalls. Apart from buying your fruit and vegetables, you can also grab a quick bite at the market before you resume your Barcelona sightseeing walk.
Before visiting the market check out the opening hours on the official website.
Palau de La Musica Catalana
A fine example of Catalan Modernism – an architectural trend we will talk more about on the third day of this 4-day Barcelona itinerary – the Palau de La Música Catalana is a concert hall in the heart of Barcelona, known for its impressive facade.
The interior of the building is also spectacular. This is why the Palau de La Musica Catalana is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. You can either join a guided tour to admire the ornate interior or watch a live performance there. Book a guided tour in advance
Arc de Triomf
It may not be as famous as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but Barcelona has its very own super photogenic Arc de Triomf. Built in 1888 as the main gate for the Barcelona World Fair, the Arc de Triomf stands on the point where the Old Town and the Eixample neighbourhood meet.
Unlike other famous arches, Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf doesn’t represent the celebration of a military victory but the city’s warm welcome to people from all over the world. The imposing arch dominates the beautiful Passeig de Lluís Companys, a pedestrianised boulevard that leads to Barcelona’s most popular park.
Parc de La Ciutadella
Created in the 19th century on the site of the former citadel, Parc de La Ciutadella is abundant in romantic pathways, sculptures and beautiful buildings. Home to a lake with rowing boats and featuring century-old trees, some of which add an exotic touch to the city, Parc de La Ciutadella is the right place to take a break from your sightseeing in Barcelona or even have a picnic.
The ultimate highlight of Parc de La Ciutadella is the Cascada – Spanish for waterfall. This is an impressive fountain adorned with sculptures. A young and then unknown Antoni Gaudí, the great master of Catalan Modernism, is said to have helped design the park’s Cascada.
La Barceloneta
As hopeless beach lovers, we could write an entire article dedicated to La Barceloneta, this enchantress that is easily one of the main reasons to visit Barcelona in its own right. Apart from the beach itself, the name Barceloneta also refers to the neighbourhood that is adjacent to it, constructed in the 18th century on the site of a former fishing village.
La Barceloneta may be an artificial beach but this doesn’t take away any of its charm. With its endless stretches of golden sand, spectacular views of skyscrapers in the distance – such as the boat sail-shaped W Barcelona Hotel that ended up being one of the city’s most iconic buildings – and several tapas bars lining its promenade, La Barceloneta Beach is a great place to enjoy a stroll any time of the day.
In the morning and at noon, you’ll see many people working out or dancing on the beach. At sunset, it’s the perfect place to watch the sky take on the golden hour’s hues. When it gets dark, there’s no better place to relax and unwind by the sound of the waves, as the city starts lighting up to welcome another night.
Near the beach, BarCeloneta Sangria Bar serves the most mouthwatering vegan paella. Yes, it’s both vegan and delicious.
Can Paixano
At the end of your first day, it’s time to become acquainted with Spain’s sparkling wine which is no other than cava. The best place to enjoy cava is one of the oldest bars in Barceloneta, Can Paixano. Order a bottle of cava rather than a glass and accompany it with a few tapas for the perfect day closure.
DAY 2: The Gothic Quarter, El Raval & Tastes of Barcelona
For your second day in Barcelona, we’ve handpicked some of the best things to see and do in the heart of the city.
The World Begins With Every Kiss
Start your day with a short stop at the World Begins With Every Kiss mural. This mosaic mural depicts a kiss between two people. It’s made up of thousands of tiny pictures of everyday people enjoying moments of freedom. The photos were taken by locals who voluntarily sent them to El Periodico Newspaper.
Catedral de Barcelona
Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the Gothic Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, commonly known as Barcelona Cathedral, counterweights the architectural pluralism of Gaudi’s Catalan Modernism. Although its construction started in the 13th century, the Cathedral’s richly decorated facade was finished way later in the 19th century.
Besides admiring the prominent gothic elements of the Cathedral, it’s worth visiting the crypt where Saint Eulalia is buried. Saint Eulalia is the co-patron saint of Barcelona and, according to tradition, she died a horrible death in Roman times. After being exposed naked in the public square, the Romans put her in a barrel with knives and rolled it.
MUHBA Temple d’ August
Dating back to the 1st century BC, when Barcelona was a Roman colony, the Temple d’ August is nothing like the typical Roman Temple you may have seen elsewhere. What makes it unique is that its ruins are somewhat incorporated into the surrounding medieval buildings. Three of the temple’s four columns were restored in the early 20th century, whereas the fourth column was added to the temple later.
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri
Named after the Church of Sant Felip Neri, this square is worth a visit primarily for the story that lies behind it. In 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, Franco’s bombs killed 30 people in the Church of Sant Felip Neri. Most of them were refugee children from Madrid. On the same day, a second bomb killed 12 more people, marking this event as the second-worst bombing in Barcelona during the war.
You can still see the marks from the bombs on the church’s walls. Back in the day, trying to cover up the deadly bombings, the Francoists alleged that those marks were from bullets used for the execution of priests by anarchists.
Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi
Opened in the 15th century, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi was built in the Catalan Gothic style. The latter is more simplistic than other Gothic styles in different parts of Europe. The large rose window over the church’s entrance renders the main facade impressive. Inside you can see the single nave and the ornamented chapels that come in contrast with the plainly decorated sanctuary.
La Rambla del Mar
Essentially, La Rambla del Mar is the extension of the famous La Rambla. It’s a wooden footbridge in a curved shape that connects the city to Port Vell, the Old Port. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll catch the moment when the walkway is raised for the boats to come into the harbour.
Next to La Rambla del Mar stands the Columbus Monument. It was erected in 1888 for the Barcelona Universal Exposition as a tribute to Columbus for his first voyage to America.
La Rambla
Walking along the tree-lined pedestrianised street known as Las Ramblas or La Rambla is one of the best things to do in Barcelona. La Rambla starts at Plaça de Catalunya and ends at the Columbus Monument. It’s the boundary between the Gothic Quarter and the El Raval districts. As La Rambla is one of the most famous streets in the world, watch out for pickpockets among the crowds.
While walking from the Columbus Monument along Las Ramblas and around, don’t miss the following:
Palau Güell
Located in the El Raval district, Palau Guell is one of Antoni Gaudi’s early works. Constructed in 1888, the building was commissioned by the industrialist Eusebi Guell, Gaudi’s main sponsor. Gaudi designed a multifunctional palace with magnificent iron details and the typical Gaudi-style chimneys on the roof.
The Guell family and their guests could get into the palace on a horse carriage, as there were ramps that led the animals to the stables in the basement. Undoubtedly gloomier than his later works, the Gothic Palau Guell is worth a visit for a glimpse into Gaudi’s genius.
Plaça Reial
A short walk from Palau Guell, Placa Reial is one of the most beautiful squares in Barcelona. It’s a good place for a quick pit stop as there are many cafés and restaurants there. Before you leave the square, have a look at the quirky lamposts. They were designed by Antoni Gaudi.
Miró Mosaic
As you continue your walk along La Rambla and before arriving at Mercat de La Boqueria, right at the Liceu Metro station, look down on the pavement. A huge colourful mosaic designed by the emblematic Catalan artist Juan Miro awaits. The mosaic is located where a city gate once stood but was demolished in 1760 alongside the city walls.
Mercat de La Boqueria
A stone’s throw from Miro’s Mosaic is the central public market of Barcelona, La Boqueria. The market’s main entrance – with the modernist metal roof constructed in 1914 – will welcome you to this lively gastronomical hub. In La Boqueria Market, you can find anything from fresh fruit and vegetable stalls to tapas bars where you can grab a quick yet delicious lunch.
Rambla del Raval
From La Boqueria, wander around the narrow streets of El Raval, a multicultural and diverse area of Barcelona. The district has its own Rambla, the Rambla del Raval. It was constructed in 1995 when the area was remodelled. Rambla del Raval is the newest Rambla in the city.
El Gat de Bodero
As you walk along the palm-tree-lined Rambla del Raval, it’s impossible to miss a huge smiling cat, known as El Gat de Bodero. This is a great spot to take a selfie with this cutie.
Bar Marsella
Finish your second of 4 days in Barcelona at one of the oldest bars in Barcelona. Opened in 1820, Bar Marsella hasn’t changed much since then. Its original interior can attest to that.
The wooden panels on the walls and the peeling ceiling create a shabby ambience that makes you feel as though you travelled back in time when the bar was frequented by the likes of Picasso and Hemingway, who never missed a chance to sip on a glass of absinth or two within those century-old walls. Bar Marsella is still the ideal place to try absinth, but please don’t overdo it. Absinth is no joke.
An alternative way to explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is through its tastes. This Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour run by Devour combines a history-focused guided walking tour of the city with a visit to – and a taste of – some of Barcelona’s best traditional tapas bars. The tour is adaptable for vegetarians and people with other dietary restrictions and needs.
DAY 3: Catalan Modernism, The World of Gaudi & a Unique Viewpoint
As promised above, now’s the time to share a bit more about Catalan Modernism or Modernisme, an art and literature movement that’s intertwined with Catalan culture and the city of Barcelona. In terms of architecture, Modernisme is Catalonia’s take on Art Nouveau. It dominated Barcelona’s urban development between 1888 and 1911.
Over 100 architects adorned Barcelona with Catalan Modernism buildings during that period. However, there are three architects who are considered the masters of this architectural trend: Antoni Gaudi, Lluis Domenech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Among them, Gaudi stands out for creating his very own style within the framework of Catalan Modernism.
Antoni Gaudi is one of the most famous architects in the world and the most important representative of Catalan Modernism. Seven of Gaudi’s works – Parque Guell, Palacio Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, the Nativity Façade and Crypt of La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo and the Crypt in Colonia Guell – are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective name Works of Antoni Gaudi.
Gaudi is the main focus of your third day in Barcelona, which is dedicated to the city’s architectural masterpieces from that period.
If visiting the works of Gaudi on your own sounds overwhelming, we recommend opting for a guided tour that will show you around some of them in the most hassle-free way. One of our favourite Gaudi tours in Barcelona is this Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Guell & Extended Sagrada Família run by Walks.
During our recent trip to Barcelona, we joined this tour, making the most of skip-the-line tickets and guided tours of Casa Batllo, Parc Guell and La Sagrada Familia in the company of an expert local guide. We also saw Casa Vicens and Casa Mila (La Pedrera) from the outside while our guide narrated several stories related to those buildings.
This Gaudi tour combines short walks with minibus transfers from one site to the other. As this is a top-rated Gaudi tour in Barcelona, there’s usually limited availability. Therefore, make sure you book your spots in advance.
Hospital de Sant Pau
The bulk of your third day in Barcelona is dedicated to the works of the city’s most brilliant architect, Antoni Gaudi. However, your first stop is Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, one of the finest works of another major Catalan Modernist Architect, Lluis Domenech i Montaner.
Its construction started in 1901 and the hospital opened in 1930. It was fully functional until 2009. The hospital was then restored and transformed into a museum and cultural centre in 2014.
The hospital consists of 16 separate pavilions which are connected by underground tunnels. Hospital de Sant Pau is the largest Art Nouveau complex in the world with unique historic and architectural value. Buy your tickets online to step inside this masterpiece of architecture.
La Sagrada Familia
Probably the most emblematic Catholic Church in the world, La Sagrada Familia is undoubtedly the symbol of Barcelona. Its construction started in 1883. Gaudi worked on this project until 1926 when he died in a tram accident. Works are still in progress and the church is expected to be finished in 2026.
Two out of the three facades of La Sagrada Familia are completed. The eastern facade, which is more elaborate and impressive, is the Nativity Facade. Symbolically, the western facade, more simplistic and austere, is the Passion Facade. Look for the Magic Square and the portrait of Gaudi on the Passion Facade.
The southern facade, which is still incomplete, is the Glory Facade. It’s expected to be the most impressive among the three.
The interior of La Sagrada Familia is unlike anything you’ve seen so far. Columns inspired by trees and curved details compose a magical religious world bathed in the colourful sunlight that passes through the stained-glass windows. Needless to say, Gaudi is buried at La Sagrada Familia’s crypt.
Expect long lines outside Sagrada Familia as it’s the most popular landmark in Barcelona. Book a guided tour to skip the lines and explore the iconic church with a local guide.
Passeig de Gracia
Passeig de Gràcia is one of the most luxurious avenues in Barcelona. Originally, it connected Gracia to Barcelona. When the Eixample district started being developed, filling the urban gap between Gracia and Barcelona, some of the architectural masterpieces of Barcelona were constructed along Passeig de Gracia, namely Casa Amatller, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera).
Casa Amatller
Originally constructed in 1875, Casa Amatller was redesigned between 1898 and 1900. When the wealthy chocolatier Antoni Amattler bought the building, he commissioned the renovation project to another famous Catalan Modernist, Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Inspired by Dutch architecture, the ornamented facade makes Casa Amatller one of the must-visit places in Barcelona.
As entrance is limited to 25 people, book a time slot in advance for your visit to Casa Amatller.
Casa Batlló
Right next to Casa Amatller, one of Antoni Gaudi’s most celebrated masterpieces awaits – Casa Batllo. The out-of-this-world facade is inspired by the Legend of Saint George. Decorated with wooden details and furniture designed by Gaudi, the interior is equally magnificent. Ventilation and heating are a few of the innovations that Gaudi installed in Casa Batllo.
As you climb the floors to reach the rooftop terrace, you will see the extraordinarily colourful chimneys, a typical element in Gaudi’s work.
Buy your Casa Batllo ticket in advance. You have the option for a fast pass as long lines are common.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
La Pedrera was commissioned by the widow Roser Segimon who was remarried to Pere Mila. Built between 1906 and 1912, Casa Mila – or La Pedrera as locals used to call it – was the last residential building designed by Gaudi. La Pedrera translates into stone quarry in Spanish. Although locals disapproved of the unusual rocky facade at first, Casa Mila is one of Gaudi’s masterpieces.
Inspired by nature’s elements, Gaudi constructed a wavy rocky facade with wrought iron balconies, a garage in the basement, a spectacular attic with 270 parabolic arches and a magnificent rooftop terrace with chimneys disguised into medieval knights.
Buy your tickets online to skip the lines in La Pedrera.
Parc Güell
After visiting all the Catalan Modernism buildings along Passeig de Gracia, it’s time for Gaudi’s larger-scale project, the famous Parc Guell. To get there, you can either ride the metro from Passeig de Gracia and get off at Vallcarca Station or grab a taxi.
Parc Guell is named after Eusebi Guell – again. This time, Guell assigned Gaudi the urban development of a garden city. Gaudi worked on this project from 1900 to 1914. He even moved in there at some point. His house is now a museum and it’s open to the public.
Don’t expect to see a whole city as the project was never completed. That said, you will see a hypostyle hall with doric columns, designed to be a covered market. Over the hall, you can wander around the public square with its winding mosaic benches and enjoy great views of the city from the rooftop terrace.
Parc Guell is usually packed with people, especially in the peak season, so buy your tickets in advance.
Turó de La Rovira
After a full day of sightseeing, head to a unique viewpoint for panoramic views of Barcelona. To avoid the uphill walk, take a taxi to get to the nearby Turo de La Rovira, a hill overlooking Barcelona. The remains of the anti-aircraft batteries that date back to the Spanish Civil War are among the most popular spots for locals to enjoy the sunset.
DAY 4: Gràcia, The Wonders of Montjuïc & Tapas with Locals
Although now a neighbourhood of Barcelona, Gracia used to be a separate village in the past. On the last of your 4 days in Barcelona, you’ll be spending some time in this lovely residential area before you explore the treasures of Montjuic Hill.
Casa Vicens
Built between 1883 and 1885, Casa Vicens is considered Gaudi’s first important work. This building might just be the highlight of the Gracia neighbourhood. Casa Vicens was originally built on a larger plot with a big garden featuring an artificial waterfall and a fountain. Later, parts of the plot were sold for the construction of the neighbouring buildings.
Influenced by Orientalism, Gaudi incorporated elements from the Near and Far East. The flora found on the site inspired him to implement it in the decorative details, such as the ceramic tiles covering the facade. What’s more, you will notice that on this very first of Gaudi’s major buildings, straight lines dominate the structure over curved and winding forms we can see in his subsequent works.
Needless to say, along with the smoking room, the playful chimneys on the rooftop terrace are among the highlights of Casa Vicens. Buy your tickets to Casa Vicens online.
Plaça del Sol
Before leaving Gracia, don’t miss the chance to wander around its beautiful streets and discover quaint squares where mostly locals hang out.
Built in 1840, when Gracia was still a small town, Placa del Sol is one of the most popular squares in the area. One of the air-raid shelters constructed during the Civil Spanish War was in Placa del Sol, but later on, it was demolished. For delicious tapas, don’t miss the legendary Sol Soler.
Plaça de La Vila de Gràcia
A few blocks from Placa del Sol, you will find the lively Placa de La Vila de Gracia. The iconic bell tower has stood in the middle of the square since 1864. The once town hall of Gracia was housed in the building with the blue facade. Placa de La Villa de Gracia is ideal for a pit stop for a coffee before you move on to Montjuic Hill.
Montjuïc
Overlooking Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea, Montjuic Hill offers spectacular panoramic views and beautiful viewpoints to enjoy the sunset. From museums and gardens to sports and leisure facilities, Montjuic Hill has something to offer to everybody.
To get to Montjuic, take the metro from Placa de Catalunya and get off at Parallel Station. From Parallel Station, you can use the same ticket to ride the funicular and get to Montjuic Park. Most of the Montjuic attractions are accessible from the funicular station.
However, to get to the top of the hill where the Montjuic Castle is, you have to either climb on foot or buy a ticket for the cable car that departs from the funicular station.
Here is our list of the most amazing places you can visit in Montjuic:
Refugi 307
Located at the foot of Montjuic, Refugi 307 is only one of more than 1000 air-raid shelters in Barcelona. Bomb shelters were constructed in Barcelona to protect the population from ruthless bombings during the Spanish Civil War. Barcelona was used as a test before air raids became established during the Second World War.
Refugi 307 has tunnels that can reach 400 metres in length and facilities for civilians. You can visit Refugi 307 before taking the funicular to Montjuic. There are tours in English, but keep in mind that you need to book in advance here.
Fundació Joan Miró
The Juan Miro Foundation is a few steps from the Montjuic funicular station. It houses a large collection of paintings and sculptures by the important Catalan artist. The museum has been open since 1975 after Miro’s initiative. Since then, it’s been one of the most important cultural centres of contemporary art in Barcelona.
Teatre Grec
Carved into the slope like the original theatres in Ancient Greece, the Greek Theatre of Montjuic is the venue of the Grec Festival that takes place every summer. It was constructed in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition on the site of an old stone quarry.
Salts Montjuïc
If all you need is a drink or a cup of coffee and a snack with spectacular panoramic views, then Salts is what you’re looking for. Salts Montjuic is conveniently located right next to the funicular station.
Castell de Montjuïc
Sitting atop Montjuic Hill, Montjuic Castle dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It used to be a military fortress in the past as well as a prison and torture centre in recent history. The castle’s rooftop terrace is ideal for sunset as it offers jaw-dropping views of the beautiful city and the sea.
The easiest way to get to Montjuic Castle is by cable car from the Montjuic funicular station. The hard way is – yes, you guessed it right – walking.
Estadi Olímpic
With a capacity of 65,000 people, the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic was built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition. After being renovated, it was used as the main stadium for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. When music festivals and events don’t take place in the Olympic Stadium, you can visit it.
Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
Situated above the Olympic Stadium, the botanical garden of Montjuic hosts over 40,000 plants and 1500 species from regions with climates similar to the Mediterranean.
Museu Nacional d’ Art de Catalunya
Housed in the Palau Nacional, the National Art Museum of Catalonia boasts a huge art collection from Romanesque frescoes and Gothic paintings to masterpieces of El Greco and Gaudi’s furniture.
Font Màgica
Situated below the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Magic Fountain is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona. It was built in 1929 for the International Exposition in Barcelona and offers a spectacular light show with music. It’s also the main site where Piromusical, a firework festival, takes place every year.
Carrer de Blai
The best place to wrap up your last day in Barcelona is Carrer de Blai, a pedestrianised street lined with tapas and pintxos bars in the Poble Sec district.
You might be familiar with tapas, but do you know what a pintxo or pincho is? A pintxo is a small snack made up of a piece of bread with a wide variety of toppings. Carrer de Blai is the ideal place to try pintxos accompanied by beer or vermouth, just the way the locals do.
What To Do in Barcelona in More Than 4 Days
Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe for a reason. Spending a weekend in Barcelona isn’t enough as the city is packed with charms and wonders. Given that you need at least one whole day to dedicate to Barcelona’s architectural gems and Gaudi’s masterpieces, Barcelona in less than 4 days is something you should avoid.
If you have more than 4 days in Barcelona, that’s excellent news. Apart from checking out everything we recommend on this 4-day Barcelona itinerary, you have the opportunity to take a day trip near Barcelona, too.
Montserrat Day Trip From Barcelona
One of the most popular day trips from Barcelona is the Montserrat Mountain. Located approximately one hour from Barcelona, Montserrat is the ideal place to spend a day in nature, away from the buzzing city. The ultimate highlight is the Montserrat Monastery with the famous Black Madonna. Other than that, Montserrat offers several trails for hiking and it’s home to wine regions.
The best way to get to Montserrat is by train and cable car. Alternatively, you can book this Montserrat & Cava Winery Tour: Day Trip from Barcelona with Lunch tour, yet another amazing activity by Walks that includes private transport to Montserrat, a guided tour of the Monastery and a cava winery tour with lunch.
Girona Day Trip From Barcelona
If mountains and wine are not your thing, then the next best option for a day trip from Barcelona is Girona. Located less than an hour from Barcelona by train, Girona is compact and easy to explore. The city’s Cathedral and quaint alleys became known thanks to the Game of Thrones films. The town’s iconic bridge was created by Gustav Eiffel before the construction of the renowned Eiffel Tower.
How To Get To Barcelona
By Air
A mere 15-kilometre drive from the city centre, Barcelona Airport – El Prat (BCN) connects the Catalan capital to the rest of Spain, Europe and the world with frequent direct flights. Read our guide on how to book a flight for beginners and find the best deals for your flights to Barcelona.
To reach Barcelona city centre from the airport you can choose among the Aerobus – a fast and efficient direct bus service – or opt for a private airport transfer, especially if you’ve booked a very early – or very late – flight and you want to get to your hotel room as soon as possible.
By Train
Train travel is also a very popular means of transport within Spain. If Barcelona is only one stop on a longer Spain itinerary or if you’re visiting neighbouring France on the same trip, you can easily get to Barcelona by train. The train is also a perfect way to travel if you plan to also visit Madrid for a few days. Check out timetables and buy your train tickets across Spain.
By Bus
A bus is certainly not as fast as trains in Spain, but it’s a great way to travel between nearby cities. If you plan to explore the wider region of Barcelona, check out bus routes and timetables from and to Barcelona.
How To Get Around Barcelona
Barcelona is a very walkable city. On a sunny day, there’s nothing like walking around this unique city, taking in its irresistible vibes at every turn. However, for longer distances or when you want to get to your destination fast, you can rely on Barcelona’s efficient public transportation system.
Apart from the Montjuic Funicular & Cable Car that we’ve already mentioned, during our recent trip to Barcelona, we also took the metro or jumped on a bus a couple of times. TMB is the main public transport operator in Catalonia. For more information on the available routes and ticket prices, visit the official TMB website.
A fun way to get around Barcelona is a ride on the city’s hop-on hop-off bus.
Where To Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is a very diverse city. As such, its neighbourhoods range from super touristy/packed-with-sites districts to more laid-back residential areas where you will be mostly among locals. Barcelona is also one of the cities that suffer from the Airbnb effect. Therefore, we recommend staying at one of the city’s fantastic boutique hotels instead of booking an Airbnb.
If it’s your first time in Barcelona, we recommend staying in or near the Gothic Quarter as this is the area that concentrates the majority of Barcelona attractions.
Here are some of the best hotels in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter:
- Serras Barcelona if you want to splurge on an elegant stay in a historical building where Pablo Picasso started his career.
- Hotel Neri – Relais & Chateaux for a chance to sleep within the walls of a historic building complex, part of which dates back to the 12th century.
- Maldà Singular Hotel for a unique and value-for-money stay in a 17th-century palace in the heart of the Gothic Quarter.
No matter if it’s your first, second or zillionth time in Barcelona, the Eixample is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona. With the inescapably authentic aura of a residential district, this iconic in terms of architecture and urban planning neighbourhood is one of the top choices for your accommodation in Barcelona.
Here are some of the best hotels in L’Eixample:
- Monument Hotel for a chance to open your window to the lavish Passeig de Gracia and be pampered at a 5-star hotel with character.
- Ohla Eixample for a memorable stay that combines urban vibes, elegance and fine dining.
- Circa 1905 for anyone eager to experience the old-fashioned charm of a Catalan Modernism building.
Why We Love Barcelona
Barcelona is one of our favourite cities in Europe. Apart from its monumental architecture, which we absolutely adore, we love Barcelona for several other reasons, too.
Barcelona is an open-minded city where you can effortlessly mingle with locals over tapas and cold beer. It’s a city where you can genuinely have an amazing time and find happiness in the simplest of things, like sitting on the sand and taking in the glory of Barcelona’s skyline.
Another reason we love Barcelona is its untamed heart, beating in a city that strives to preserve its local culture and traditions without sticking to obsolete and cruel practices.
Yes, we’re referring to the fact that Barcelona and the whole of Catalonia banned bullfighting in the region back in 2010, for being an act of animal cruelty. Although this decision made by the Catalan Parliament was overturned by one of Spain’s higher courts, the Catalans, these proud and fearless people, still refuse to continue this violent tradition. And we couldn’t love them more for it.
We hope that this 4-day Barcelona itinerary inspired you to visit the Catalan capital and that you will use it as a guide during your next trip to Barcelona. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts about Barcelona in the comments!
WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: To facilitate us in writing this 4-day Barcelona itinerary, we were offered press passes for the Joan Miro Foundation, Casa Vicens, Hospital de Sant Pau and Walks/Devour Tours. As media and marketing specialists, we often visit destinations on press tours or as part of marketing campaigns, but under no circumstances does this affect our opinions about the places we visit and the experiences we try. Rest assured that you will find nothing but honest reviews throughout our content.