Barcelona is Spain’s most visited city due to its vibrant atmosphere. Three days in Barcelona is enough to visit and appreciate the iconic things about the city. Get started on your list of what to do in Barcelona by exploring the masterpieces of Gaudi, like the Casa Batllo, the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Casa Mila. Dine on tapas and stroll through the Gothic Quarter. If you’re unsure of where to eat in Barcelona and what to see in Barcelona in 3 days, we have made things easier for you by creating an itinerary of things to do in Barcelona.
Barcelona Itinerary Day 1
After you arrive, head straight to some of the city’s iconic attractions, which are at the top of the list of things to do in Barcelona. These include the masterpieces created by Antony Gaudi and the La Sagrada Familia.
The Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is a Catholic church built on Antony Gaudi’s design and is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. It looks like a sandcastle on the outside and has a gorgeous and colorful interior featuring several works of art. You can take a guided tour of the church, which requires an entry fee, and the tour lasts about 1.5 hours.
Park Guell
Also a Gaudi masterpiece, Park Guell should not be missed on your Barcelona city tour. It’s a colorful spot with buildings resembling gingerbread houses with a serpent-looking long tiled bench. We recommend booking your guided tour tickets in advance since they quickly sell out.
Las Ramblas
One of the exceptional things to do in Barcelona is to take a stroll on Las Ramblas, the main pedestrian walkway in the city. It connects the Christopher Columbus monument with Place de Catalunya and is a nice way to spend your afternoon. The walk from Ramblas de Catalunya to Las Ramblas should take about 40 minutes.
La Boqueria
If you’re taking a stroll at La Rambla, then you must check out La Boqueria, one of the biggest markets in Spain located on La Rambla Street. You can find fragrances, flowers, vegetables, cheeses and meats to make a home-cooked meal later.
Day 2
Magic fountain of Montjuic
Located near Plaza de Espana, the perfect way to spend your second evening in Barcelona would be to enjoy the beauty of the fountain. Moreover, a sound and light show takes place at the fountain every weekend for about 30 minutes, and you might be lucky enough to catch it.
Gothic Quarter
Travel back in time by walking through the Gothic Quarter, one of the most interesting things to do in Barcelona. The quarter is home to several major landmarks, and relics of ancient Roman buildings are here, which you can see during your walk.
Casa Batllo
Another Gaudi masterpiece, Casa Batllo, is one of Barcelona’s unique modernist buildings. Appreciate its architectural beauty and interior decorations.
Day 3
Barcelona beaches
Barcelona has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it’s the perfect way to end your Barcelona trip. Some popular beaches that you should visit on your last day here are Icaria, Marbella and Barceloneta. Beaches have free entry, and you can enjoy activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. While at Barceloneta Beach, take the Port Cable Car ride to Montjuic hilltop, where you can appreciate stunning views of the port area, marinas and the coastline.
Where to eat in Barcelona
One of the main things to do in Barcelona is sample its scrumptious cuisine. A Barcelona restaurant to try includes Moments Restaurant, which serves modern Catalan cuisine. Barca Café near Barca Museum is a restaurant you should try for its tantalizing traditional Catalan dishes. You can also try restaurants along Barceloneta Beach while enjoying views of the coastline.
Explore more with SIXT ride in Barcelona
A Barcelona city tour is more memorable if you opt for private transfers to get to your destinations. SIXT ride offers affordable private chauffeur service and taxis with professional drivers to take you where you need to go in the city.