Unravel Barcelona in 4 days

Friendly disclaimer! 

We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.

The enchanting seaside city of Barcelona promises to enthral you with its gothic alleyways,  bohemian neighbourhoods, glamorous boulevards, bustling market scenes, sandy beaches, Modernist architecture, panoramic hilltops and vibrant Catalan culture. 

Follow our four-day Barcelona itinerary to experience the best of what this Catalonian capital has to offer.

Barcelona 4-day itinerary at a glance

Day 1 – Barri Gòtic, La Rambla & Tapas tour

Begin your tour of Barcelona in the old town starting with the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter. Keep a lookout for architectural gems that lay hidden along its ancient alleyways including the alluring Cathedral at Pla de la Seu. Learn about the city’s origins at the History Museum (MUHBA) and wander down the popular but chaotic boulevard of La Rambla starting from the lively Plaça de Catalunya (Catalonia Square). Lose yourself amidst the colourful maze of markets inside La Boqueria and call it a day with a quintessential Tapas food tour, a must-try while in Barcelona.

• Gothic Quarter
• History Museum of Barcelona
• Barcelona Cathedral
• Plaça de Catalunya
• La Rambla
• La Boqueria Market
• Tapas food tour 

Day 2 – Modernisme & football

Be enthralled by Antoni Gaudí’s architectural marvels and Barcelona’s Modernisme movement on your second day at L’Eixample. Stroll along the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, home to some of the most celebrated modernist architecture in the city and make your way towards the dizzying Sagrada Família – an unfinished yet breathtaking architectural wonder by the master builder. Post lunch, unwind at the sprawling Ciutadella Park before making your way to the home of top-ranked FC Barcelona at Camp Nou for an electric bout of football.

• Passeig de Gràcia 
• La Sagrada Família
• Ciutadella Park
• Camp Nou

Day 3 – El Raval and El Born

Experience the bohemian side of the city at El Raval. Learn about the roots of the Catalans at the Museum of Catalan History and appreciate the architectural treasures of El born including the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar. Witness Europe’s best collection of Picasso paintings at the Picasso Museum and settle down for a concert inside the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana.

• El Raval 
• Museum of the History of Catalonia
• Santa Maria del Mar Church
• Picasso Museum
• Palace of Catalan Music in El Born 

Day 4 – Hills, beaches and parks

On your final day in Barcelona, take a scenic cable-car ride up to Montjuïc. Experience the many gardens, museums and views this hilltop neighbourhood has to offer including the Catalan Art Museum. Make your way down to the coast and soak in the sun and waves at Barceloneta Beach before taking a metro towards Antoni Gaudí’s Park Güell at Gracia. Experience Barcelona like a local amidst the vibrant alleyways of this quaint neighbourhood. Settle in for one of the best sunset views in Spain atop the Bunkers of Carmel for the perfect ending to your four days in Barcelona.

• Montjuïc
• Catalan Art Museum 
• Barceloneta Beach 
• Park Güell
• Gracia Barrio
• Bunkers of Carmel

Detailed 4-day itinerary for Barcelona

Day 1

Gothic Quarter

Brimming with old-world charm, this historic centre of the old city of Barcelona is a labyrinth of narrow and winding medieval streets opening out into peaceful squares (plaças). Its imposing Gothic buildings with their magnificent facades stand as remnants of the quarter’s Roman past.

Things to do:

• Take a walking tour of the Quarter and learn more about the history of Barcelona and hidden gems in the area.
• Walk along the streets of Plaça del Pi, lined with small shops, lovely little galleries and even a small art market on the weekends.

Useful Information:

• Location: Gothic Quarter

• Timings: NA

• Cost: Free entry.
• How to reach: Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3), Catalunya (Red Line, L1 or Green Line L3) and Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4)

History Museum of Barcelona

Located in the Plaça del Rei, the Historic Museum of Barcelona offers a unique perspective of the city’s transition from its foundation as a Roman town during the first century B.C up until the Medieval period. The museum does this through an ensemble of medieval buildings and fascinating ruins located at the Plaça del Rei.

Useful Information:

• Location: Plaça del Rei

• Timings: 

• • • October to March: Mondays- Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm.
    • April to September: Mondays- Sundays, 10 am to 7 pm.

• Cost:

• • Normal rate: €7
  • Reduced rate: €5 (for students under the age of 29, students over the age of 65 etc.)
  • Free entry for children under the age of 16 and holders of the Barcelona Card.
• Website: https://visitmuseum.gencat.cat/en/muhba-museu-d-historia-de-barcelona
• How to Reach:
  • Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3) or Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4).
  • Bus: Via Laietana / Jutjats: 45, 120, V15, V17.

Barcelona Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, more popularly known as the Barcelona Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. One of the main highlights of the Gothic Quarter, its marvellous facades, are a prime example of fourteenth-century Catalan gothic architecture.

Useful Information:

• Location: Pla Seu, 3

• Timings:

• • • Weekdays: 10:30 am to 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
    • Saturdays: 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.
    • Sundays: Not open for tourist visits.

• Cost: €9 per person.

• Website: https://catedralbcn.org/index.php?lang=en 

• How to Reach: 

• • Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3) or Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4).
  • Bus: Via Laietana / Plaça Ramon Berenguer: 45, V15, V17.

Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya forms the hub to some of Barcelona’s most prominent streets including La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia. Home to several shopping malls, stores, hotels, bars and restaurants, it is one of the largest and most lively squares in Spain.

Things to do: 

• The Plaça de Catalunya features an array of sculptures (over 30 of them), the most striking of which is the Francesc Macià monument, dedicated to Francesc Macià, the president of the Government of Catalonia  between 1931 and 1933.
• Apart from this, the square also features two fountains and a large circular mosaic at its centre and forms the location for all kinds of shows and exhibitions.
• The square also boasts two of the largest and most iconic shopping centres in Barcelona, El Corte and El Triangle

Useful Information:

• Location: Plaça de Catalunya

• Timings: 24 hours, every day.

• Cost: Free entry.

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Catalunya (Red Line, L1 and Green Line, L3).
  • Bus: Lines 19, 22, 24, 52, 55, 59, 62, 27, D50, H16, V13, V15.

Mosey down La Rambla

A lively boulevard packed with tourists, locals and street artists, La Rambla begins from Plaça de Catalunya and extends a kilometre south towards the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. Although chaotic, it offers a window into Catalan culture with its many markets, cultural centres, theatres and intriguing architecture.

Things to do:

• Sign up for a walking tour to discover the history and secrets behind this celebrated street.
• Spot the mosaic by Joan Miró- many locals pass by it every day not noticing the masterpiece by this Catalan artist. 
• Visit the raunchy but informative Museu de l’Erotica (or maybe not, if you’re visiting with your family) and discover the history of Barcelonian sensuality.

Useful Information:

• Location: La Rambla

• Timings: Always open.

• Cost: Free entry.

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Drassanes (Green Line, L3), Liceu (Green Line, L3) and Catalunya (Green Line, L3 and Red Line, L1). 
  • Bus: Lines 19, 22, 24, 52, 55, 59, 62, 27, 120, D50, H16, V13, V15.

La Boqueria Market

The Mercat de la Boqueria is a colourful maze of over 300 stalls selling a variety of fresh produce typical of Barcelona’s cuisine. Perpetually thronging with locals and tourists alike, it offers an explosion of colours, sounds and smells, inside a packed-out Modernista-influenced building.

Things to do:

• Try out the Catalan delicacies served at the many restaurants here.
• Go on a shopping spree whilst taking in the different spices, meat varieties, fresh fruits and vegetables on sale.
• Try some vermouth or tinto de verano – a type of fortified wine.

Unravelog Tips:

• Make sure to carry enough cash with you as very few vendors have debit card machines.
• The deeper you go into the market, the lesser the prices are.

Useful Information:

• Location: La Rambla, 91

• Timings: Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 8:30 pm (closed Sunday).

• Cost: Free entry.

• How to reach: 

• • Metro: Liceu (Green line, L3).
  • Bus: Lines 59, 91, and V13.

Tapas food tour

A popular Spanish dining tradition that involves sampling snack-sized plates of food (usually before the main meal accompanied by a glass of wine or beer), tapas is a celebrated and essential part of Barcelona (and Spanish) cuisine. With several tapas bars offering great ambience, excellent tapas and tempting wine, this is a must-try experience when in Barcelona.

Things to do: Some popular tapas tours are offered by Devour Barcelona, Taste Barcelona, The Barcelona Taste, Tapas Walking Tour & Flamenco Show, and Food Lovers Company

Useful Information:

• Timings: Around 5 pm to 10 pm.
• Cost: Depends on the tour chosen.

Day 2

Passeig de Gràcia

An upscale boulevard stretching from the historic city centre at Plaça Catalunya to the hip and free-spirited neighbourhood of Gracià, Passeig de Gràcia is home to several of the city’s most celebrated pieces of Modernist architecture.

Things to do: 

• Visit the Manzana de la Discordia (“Block of Discord”), a city block where modernist architecture clashes against each other owing to the unique styles of their architects.
• Explore the Casa Batlló, a remodel of a previously built house and a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí.
• Visit the Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera), a modernist building that gets its name from its unconventional rough-hewn appearance.

Useful Information:

• Location: Passeig de Gràcia

• How to reach: 

• • Metro: Catalunya (red line L1 or green line L3),Passeig de Gràcia ( L2, L3 or L4), Diagonal (L3 or L5).
  • Bus: Lines 7, 22, 24, V15.

Sagrada Famiia

An unparalleled testament to Modernist architecture, the unfinished Sagrada Familia is the most iconic symbol of Barcelona and the most visited landmark in Spain. Work on this modern temple with its grand facades is expected to be completed by 2026, a century after the death of its famed architect, Antoni Gaudi.

Useful Information:

• Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 401

• Timings: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 3 pm.

• Cost: 

• • • Basic fare: €20
    • Reduced rate: €18 (for students, pensioners, children), €16 (for seniors)
    • Free entry for children under the age of 10.

• Website: https://sagradafamilia.org/en/ 

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Sagrada Família (L2 and L5)
  • Bus: 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20 and B24.

Ciutadella Park

A sprawling green space located in the heart of the city, the 17-hectare Parc de la Ciutadella is home to several attractions including the city zoo, the Catalan Parliament and the Museu d’Art Modern. Designed by architects including Antoni Gaudí in the 19th century, the Ciutadella Park was the only public park in Barcelona for decades.

Things to do: 

• Stroll around the majestic Arc de Triomf, built as the gateway to the 1888 Barcelona World’s Fair over the Passeig de Lluís Companys promenade.
• Visit the zoo and the zoological museum (which houses actual dinosaur remains) 
• Ride a bike or go for a boating session across the pond.

• Have a picnic lunch or just kick back over its expansive lawns to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Useful Information:

• Location: Passeig de Picasso, 21

• Timings: 

• • • December- February: Mon-Sun, 10 am to 8 pm
    • March and November: Mon-Sun, 10 am to 7 pm
    • April and October: Mon-Sun, 10 am to 8 pm
    • May- September: Mon-Sun 10 am to 9 pm

• Cost: Free Entry

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4) and Ciutadella Vila Olimpica (Yellow line, L4).
  • Bus: Passeig Pujades / Parc de la Ciutadella: 40, 42, H14, H16; Parc de la Ciutadella / Princesa: 39, 51, H14.

Catch a football match at Camp Nou

An absolute treat for football fans the world over, Camp Nou, home to the celebrated FC Barcelona, is one of the largest football stadiums in the world with a capacity of a little under 100,000 spectators. 

Things to do:

• Grab a ticket and witness one of the epic matches that Camp Nou hosts in their world-renowned stadium.
• Experience the stadium inside and out with the ‘Camp Nou Experience’ where you’ll be able to take a closer look at the stands, the turf and even the team locker rooms.

Useful Information:

• Location: C. d’Arístides Maillol, 12

• Timings (for the Camp Nou tour):

• • • Friday: 3.00 pm to 7.30 pm
    • Saturday: 10.00 am to 7.30 pm
    • Sunday: 10.00 am to 3.00 pm

• Cost: 

• • • For the Camp Nou tour: €26
    • For match tickets: €150- €200 (approx.)

• Website: https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/club/facilities/camp-nou 

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Line 3 (Palau Reial or Les Corts) and Line 5 (Collblanc or Badal)/
  • Bus: D20, H6, H8, 7, 33, 54, 56, 57, 59, 63, 67, 68, 70, 75, 78, 113, 157 and L12.

Day 3

El Raval

Experience the bohemian neighbourhood of El Raval, famous for housing many vibrant works of art and art museums. Having a personality of its own, El Raval guarantees its visitors an authentic and stimulating experience. 

Things to do: 

• Find and take photos with the various public art sculptures in the neighbourhood, such as the Botero cat.
• Visit the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) and the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) to learn more about the art scene in Barcelona.

Useful Information:

• Location: El Raval Neighbourhood
• How to reach: Metro: L1 – Red Line at Universitat (Red Line, L1), Sant Antoni (Purple Line, L2), Drassanes (Green Line, L3), Liceu (Green Line, L3) and Paral·lel (Green Line, L3).

Museum of the History of Catalonia

The Museum of the History of Catalonia showcases the roots of the Catalans right from the Stone Age to the present day. The several interactive attractions and historical recreations here makes for a very visual and enjoyable experience. 

Things to do: Enjoy magnificent views of Port Vell from the cafe terrace on the roof of the museum. 

Useful Information:

• Location: Plaça de Pau Vila, 3

• Timings: 

• • • Tuesday-Saturday:10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
    • Wednesday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
    • Sunday (and holidays): 10:00 am- 2:30 pm.
    • Monday (except for holidays): closed.
    • Closed on 25 and 26 December, 1 and 6 January and 1 May.

• Cost: 

• • • Permanent Exhibition: Basic rate: €6, Reduced rate (People aged 65 and over, Pensioners, etc.): €4
    • Combined ticket (Permanent + temporary exhibition): Basic Rate: €8, Reduced rate: €6.
    • Free admission for children aged under 16, people who are unemployed according to the law and people with an accredited disability.

• Website: https://www.mhcat.cat/enmhc 

• How to reach: 

• • Metro: Barceloneta (Yellow Line, L4).
  • Bus: Lines V17, H14, D20, V15, V13, 39, 45, 51, 59 and 120.

Santa Maria del Mar Church

Built in the 12th century, the Santa Maria del Mar Church (Saint Mary of the Sea) is an impressive example of Catalonian Gothic architecture. It is famed for its architectural harmony and simplicity owing to its relatively short build time of 55 years.

Things to do: 

• Sign up for the 45-minute guided tour in English to discover the roots of the church, including the crypts.
• Visit the various terraces and towers that offer panoramic vistas of the city.

Useful Information:

• Location: Plaça de Santa Maria, 1

• Timings: 

• • • Monday- Saturday: 9:00 am- 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm- 8:30 pm.
    • Sunday (and holidays): 10.00 am- 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm- 8:30 pm.
    • Guided visits in English: Monday- Sunday: 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

• Cost: €8.5 to €10.

• Website: http://www.santamariadelmarbarcelona.org/ 

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Jaume I. (Yellow Line, L4).
  • Bus: (via Laietana / Jutjats): 45, 120, V15, V17.3

Picasso Museum

The Picasso Museums seeks to understand the early years of Pablo Picasso, with over 4000 of the young genius’ works on display. Here you will find a visual compendium of the relationship that Picasso shared with Barcelona, and how the city shaped his mind.

Useful Information:

• Location: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23.
• Timings: 
  • Tuesday to Sundays: 10:00 am- 8:00 pm 
  • Closed on Mondays
• Cost: 
  • General Rate: €12
  • Reduced Rate (for young people aged 18 to 25, people over the age of 65 and the unemployed): €7
  • Free entry for visitors under the age of 18
• Website: http://www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/en 
• How to reach: 
  • Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4) and Arc de Triomf (Red Line, L1).
  • Bus: Lines: 39, 45, 45, 120, H14, V15, and V17.

Catch a concert at the Palace of Catalan Music

One of the many modernist landmarks in the city, Palau de la Música Catalana is a historic concert hall famous for its impressive acoustics and awe-inspiring architecture. The Palau de la Música Catalana promotes music, knowledge and dissemination of the Catalan heritage. 

Things to do: 

• Go on a guided tour of the concert hall to know more about this architectural masterpiece.
• Attend a dazzling concert conducted here by the Maestros de la Guitarra.

Useful Information:

• Location: C/ Palau de la Música, 4-6.

• Timings: 9:00 am- 9:00 pm

• Cost: 

• • • Self-Guided Tour: €10
    • Shows €20- €90 (approx)

• Website: https://www.palaumusica.cat/en 

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Urquinaona station (Red Line, L1 and Yellow Line, L4).
  • Buses: Lines V15, V17, 47.

Montjuïc

A hilltop neighbourhood located 200 meters above sea level, Montjuïc boasts beautiful gardens, excellent museums and sensational views across Barcelona and the stunning blue Mediterranean waters. 

Things to do: 

• Take a scenic 750-metre cable car ride up to Montjuïc that offers breathtaking views of the city down below.
• Enjoy panoramic views over Barcelona from the observation deck at Monjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc), an old military fortress.
• Witness the popular music and light shows that take place every weekend at the Magic Fountain (Font Màgica).
• Visit Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum with full-scale replicas of some of the most historic Spanish buildings.
• Visit the Olympic Park, built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. 
• The El Jardí Botànic (Botanical Garden) is home to over 2,000 varieties of Mediterranean plant species.
• Witness the best of Spanish artist Joan Miro’s works and contemporary art at La Fundació Miró.

Useful Information:

• Location: Montjuïc

• Website: https://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/en 

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Paral-lel (Purple Line, L2 and Green Line, L3).
  • Bus: Lines 55, 150.
  • Montjuic Funicular (the cable car is located right next to the station) 

Catalan Art Museum

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, housed in the Montjuïc Castle, opened its doors in 1934. Browse its exuberant collection of Romanesque mural paintings, artworks of Catalan Modernism, Gothic art, European Renaissance artworks, Baroque painters and photography.

Things to do: Enjoy lunch at the Restaurant Òleum, which also offers a picturesque view of the city down below.

Useful Information:

• Location: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc

• Timings: 

• • • October- April: Tuesday- Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
    • May- September: Tuesday- Saturday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; 
    • Sundays and public holidays, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
    • Mondays closed, except public holidays. 
    • Annual closing: January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.

• Cost: 

• • • General admission: €12 
    • Entry to the rooftop viewpoint: €2
    • 30% discount for students and families (2 adults + 1 child)
    • Free entry for children under the age of 16 years, people over the age of 65 and accredited unemployed.

• Website: https://www.museunacional.cat/en 

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Pl. Espanya (Red Line, L1 or Green Line, L3)
  • Bus: Buses: Lines 55, 150, 13, 37, 9, 50, 65, 79, 109, 165, D20, D40, H12, V7

Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta Beach is one of the city’s oldest and best-loved beaches, situated in the fishing district of Barcelona. Walk along the beach, soak in the sun, have a swim or indulge in sumptuous seafood and drinks at the many beachside cafes here.

Things to do: 

• Find your favourite chiringuito (beach bar) and enjoy authentic Catalan seafood.
• Make use of the various sport and leisure facilities here including those for beach volleyball, table tennis and gymnastics.

Useful Information:

• Location: Playa de la Barceloneta

• Timings: NA

• Cost: Free Entry

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Barceloneta (Yellow Line, L4)
  • Bus: Lines 45, 59, D20.
  • Funicular: Mirador del Poble Sec/Hotel Miramar

Park Güell

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Parc Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated by locals and tourists alike. Visit the park for an enchanting experience amidst beautiful split ceramics decorations and market halls inspired by Roman architecture. 

Things to do: The Serpentine Bench. El Drac, Austria Gardens, Gaudí House Museum, Hypostyle Room and the Laundry Room Portico are must-see sights within the park.

Useful Information:

• Location: Park Güell

• Timings: 9:30 am- 7:30 pm

• Cost: 

• • • General ticket: €10 
    • Reduced rate (for children aged 7-12, people over 65, disabled and accompanying person): €7
    • Free entry for children under 6

• Website: https://parkguell.barcelona/en?q=en 

• How to reach:

• • Metro: Lesseps (Green line or L3) or Vallcarca (Green Line, L3).
  • Bus: Lines H6, D40.

Gràcia Barrio

An independent town until the late 19th century, Gràcia Barrio is popular amongst artists and attracts a bohemian crowd. Experience the easy-going Mediterranean way of life in this quaint neighbourhood with its lively plazas, vibrant cafe terraces and narrow alleyways.

Things to do: 

• Plaça de la Virreina: Spot street performances and try tapas at the vibrant Plaça de la Virreina
• Carrer Verdi: With vintage shops amidst lively streets, Carrer Verdi is one of Gràcia’s main arteries.
• Plaça del Sol: One of the most famous squares in Barcelona renowned for its unique combination of chic architecture, welcoming bars, and cool edge.

Useful Information:

• Location: Gràcia
• How to reach: Metro: Fontana (Green line, L3)

Bunkers of Carmel

The Bunkers of Carmel were underground anti-aircraft defences built during the Spanish Civil War. Today, these abandoned bunkers offer one of the best views of the city, especially during sunset. 

Things to do: 

• Visit the Bunkers of Carmel at dusk and watch the sunset over the city while taking in the jaw-dropping views.
• Visit the Turó de la Rovira heritage space to explore the history of these bunkers in detail 

Useful Information:

• Location: Carrer de Marià Labèrnia

• Timings: Monday to Saturday, 24 hours.

• Cost: Free Entry

• Website: http://www.bunkers.cat/en/ 

• How to reach: Bus lines 92, 119

Dwell deeper into the quirky and artistic side of the city by visiting these artsy hotels and eccentric public art displays that make Barcelona one of the most vibrant, fun and energetic cities in the world!