Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Barcelona

Last Updated: December 20 2023

As the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, the city of Barcelona has a lot to offer. Famous for its coastal location, unique architecture, and delicious food, there’s something for everyone here.

This Barcelona 3-day itinerary will take you through the city’s top attractions. As there’s so much to do here, deciding where to visit can be difficult. Don’t worry though, that’s where we come in!

This guide will cover the best things to do in Barcelona, where to stay, and other helpful information such as how to get around. This way, you can truly make the most of your visit.

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The Cheapest Way to See Barcelona’s Top Sights

When planning a 3-day itinerary for Barcelona, the cost of your trip is inevitably going to come into play! Although this city can be quite pricey, there are ways for you to save money.

First of all, there’s the Barcelona Card which includes unlimited public transport and free entrance to 25+ attractions including some of the city’s popular museums.

Go City also offers two city passes; the All-inclusive Pass which is the most popular option and the Explorer Pass. These two passes allow you to save up to 50% off attractions, but make sure you do some research to see which one is most suited to your trip.

A Quick Overview of This Barcelona 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

The Picasso Museum, Ciutadella Park, The Arc de Triomf, La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Mount Tibidabo

Day 2:

Casa Batlló, Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, Cathedral of Barcelona, Barcelona Erotic Museum, Mercado de La Boqueria, Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Day 3:

Montjuïc Castle, Barceloneta Beach, Marina Port Vell, Eat Tapas at a Local Restaurant, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Flamenco Show

*We’d usually suggest visiting Camp Nou (Barcelona’s FCs stadium) although it’s currently not set to re-open until 2026. However, it’s a fantastic option for future trips!

Your 3 Days in Barcelona: Day One

Day one of this Barcelona 3-day itinerary will see you explore some of the city’s most popular attractions. Just make sure you start early and make the most of public transport to get around.

The Picasso Museum

If you’ve only got 3 days in Barcelona, then we’d suggest heading to the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso). It’s one of the city’s most popular attractions as it houses one of the world’s largest collections of Pablo Picasso’s artworks.

Boasting three storeys and 4,300 artworks, there is so much to see here. These art pieces date from 1890-1957 and consist of drawings, ceramics, oil paintings, and prints.

Some of the museum’s highlights include the First Communion (1896) and Science and Charity (1897); two of Picasso’s biggest works. For the best experience, allow at least 1.5 hours for your visit.

The Picasso Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday (10 am to 7 pm). You can purchase your entrance ticket online and this will allow you to skip the line. You’ll also have a guide who will teach you all about Picasso’s different pieces.

Ciutadella Park

The Parc de la Ciutadella, better known as Ciutadella Park is a picturesque park that sits in the heart of the city. Found toward the northeastern edge of Ciutat Vella, this 77-acre (31-hectare) park is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city!

Constructed in the mid-19th century, for many years, this park was the city’s only green space and in our opinion, it’s still one of the best. Inside Ciutadella Park, you’ll find the Barcelona Zoo, Palau del Parlament de Catalunya, museums, a large fountain, and a beautiful lake.

We headed straight for the fountain and the Parlament building because those are the most impressive sites. The fountain that sits in the middle of the lake is truly a sight to behold.

If you think you’ll have enough time, you could then hop on this entertaining Ciutadella Park Segway Tour.

The Arc de Triomf

This next one might leave you a little confused because you would expect to see the Arc de Triomf in Paris, however, there’s one in Barcelona too, and we recommend visiting it straight after Ciutadella Park. The Arc de Triomf is just a 5-minute walk from Parc de Ciutadella.

This stunning piece of architecture was designed and built by Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas in the 19th century. It’s a memorial arch that was originally the access gate for Barcelona’s 1888 World Fair.

Today, it’s a popular attraction that crosses over a wide promenade that leads to Ciutadella Park. The arch is intricately made out of red brick and it follows a Neo-Mudéjar style!

If you look closely, you’ll notice that the front of the arch features a stone sculpture called Barcelona rep les nacions, which means ‘Barcelona welcomes the nations’.

La Sagrada Familia

No Barcelona 3-day itinerary is complete without visiting La Sagrada Familia. This monumental building is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The church was designed by world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí who sadly never got the chance to see his masterpiece complete. In fact, no official completion date has been set. That’s crazy considering construction started more than 140 years ago!

Designed in a Gothic and Art Nouveau style, everything about the church is magnificent. Both the exterior and interior feature intricate sculptures carved from natural stone and concrete, stunning stained glass windows and breathtaking monuments.

Things to look out for at La Sagrada Familia include the 18 spires, Gaudí’s crypt, the nature columns, and the Baldachin. The church is open from 9 am to 7 pm most days and you can book your tickets online. Most tickets include a free audio guide.

Park Güell

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site you need to visit in Barcelona is Park Güell. It was also designed and built by Antoni Gaudí. This otherworldly location is home to a privatized park system that was established between 1900 and 1914.

It consists of lush gardens, uniquely shaped buildings, quirky staircases, and quite honestly, bizarre properties. Gaudí was commissioned to build the park by Eusebi Güell, whose original plan was to develop an estate for the super-rich.

Park Güell is the perfect place to admire the work of one of the world’s greatest architects. Especially as this place brilliantly reflects Gaudí’s artistic passions and skills.

You can book Park Güell tickets online and the park is open between 9:30 am and 7:30 pm. You’ll find mesmerising mosaics, amazing stone structures, fascinating buildings, and so much more here.

We loved the Gatehouse, the Dragon Fountain, and Gaudí’s house best, so keep an eye out for those!

Mount Tibidabo

Tibidabo is a large hill overlooking Barcelona. As such, it offers some of the best views in the region!

Sitting at 512 metres (1,679 feet), Tibidabo is the tallest hill in the Serra de Collserola. From the top, which you can reach by walking or a funicular railway, you can see the entire city, the coastline and mountain ranges in the distance.

The top of the hill is also home to an amusement park and Sagrat Cor Church. We strongly recommend taking a look at the church because it’s incredibly beautiful. It’s free to enter, so you’ll definitely want to go inside.

The Funicular Railway leaves Plaça del Doctor Andreu, which is accessible on the Metro from La Rambla. It runs approximately every 10 minutes from 10:25 am to 6:30 pm.

Tickets for the funicular cost €12 (£10.37) for adults and €6 (£5.18) for children.

Your 3 Days in Barcelona: Day Two

Day two of this Barcelona 3-day itinerary will see you explore more iconic attractions. From breathtaking architecture to an erotica museum, there’s something for everyone!

Casa Batlló

Barcelona itineraries are always jam-packed with Antoni Gaudí attractions and Casa Batlló is another fine example of Gaudí’s work. Found on Paseo de Gracia, this building is considered one of the architect’s greatest designs!

The building was a remodel of another house, but it was redesigned by Gaudí in 1904 and it has been refurbished several times since.

Interestingly, the house is known locally as Casa dels ossos, meaning house of bones because it has a skeletal appearance. You can book entrance tickets to Casa Batlló online and the property is open from 9 am – 8 pm every day.

The interior is quite fantastic but the standout has to be the ground floor, which features unusual stonework, irregular oval windows, uniquely sculpted stone, and few straight lines. Having said that, we love the colourful exterior most, as it features vibrant patterns and a roof shaped like a dragon’s back!

Plaça de Catalunya

Up next, we have Plaça de Catalunya, which is a 10-minute walk or 5-minute metro ride from Casa Batlló. This is a lively square that separates the Ciutat Vella and Eixample districts. It’s also believed by many to be the centre of the city.

Packed with history, the square is home to a 2.5-acre (5-hectare) plaza. It was opened in 1927 by King Alfonso XIII. A great place to enjoy a relaxing wander around, the square features sculptures by famous artists such as Llimona, the Josep Maria Subirachs’ Francesc Macià monument, and the iconic Plaça Catalunya Fountain.

For those of you who are interested, the square is also a popular shopping location, offering a wide range of department stores and shopping centres. You’ll also find plenty of places to grab something to eat and drink. You can even grab takeout and sit on the grass in the sun!

La Rambla

The next stop on this Barcelona 3-day itinerary is La Rambla, which is arguably the most famous street in the whole of Catalunya, not just Barcelona. If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir to take home, somewhere to meet friends or some delicious tapas food, Las Ramblas is the place for you!

This 0.75-mile (1.2 kilometre) tree-lined pedestrian street is home to some of Barcelona’s most popular attractions, market stalls, bars, restaurants, and more. It connects the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell with Plaça de Catalunya.

Therefore, you could walk along Las Ramblas after exploring the plaza. Right the way along the street, you can see traditional architecture so keep your eyes peeled and have your camera with you.

Stopping for a bite to eat along Las Ramblas is a great idea. However, we must warn you, this street does get extremely busy, so pickpocketing is rife!

Cathedral of Barcelona

In the city’s stunning Gothic Quarter, you can find the iconic Cathedral of Barcelona. The cathedral’s official name in English is The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, and it was built in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, this cathedral was completed in 1448 and is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona. Today, it’s one of the most impressive buildings in the city, thanks to its unique features and intricate details.

Admittedly, seeing the cathedral from the outside is enough, but you may as well take a look inside because entrance tickets only cost €11 (£9.50) per person. You can book your entrance tickets online.

You can usually visit between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm most days, but opening hours do depend on service schedules. Visitable places inside the cathedral include the Saint Christ of Lepanto’s Chapel, the cathedral floor, and the Chapter Hall.

Barcelona Erotic Museum

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique to add to your Barcelona 3-day itinerary, we recommend visiting the Barcelona Erotic Museum. For obvious reasons, this museum, which you can find in La Rambla, is home to an enormous collection (pardon the pun) of erotica from all over the world.

A lot of the erotic objects and exhibits in the museum date back to ancient times, making the museum surprisingly interesting, as well as a little bit funny. We actually found out about the Erotic Museum when we saw a woman dressed as Marilyn Monroe waving at us from a window.

Open every day from 10 am to 12 am, the museum costs £10.55 (€12) and has 16 rooms to explore. Some of the most popular rooms include the F*** Machines, the S** Dolls, and the Culturas del Mundo room. You can book your entry tickets online!

Mercado de La Boqueria

Mercado de La Boqueria is a big market that you can find in the Ciutat Vella district, again along La Rambla. Aside from being a super popular tourist destination, this market is also one of the most historic locations in the city.

That’s because the first mention of La Boqueria market was in the 13th century, 1217 to be precise. Back then, tables were set up to sell meat.

Now, Mercado de La Boqueria is where tourists and locals alike can find a diverse selection of food and drink. Some examples of the things you can buy in this market include sweets, fresh fruits, fresh meat, pastries, and poultry.

We love the sweets here and the fresh fruit juices. The market is open from 8 am to 8:30 pm every day and you can visit it on this Barcelona Market Walking Tour.

Go on a Sunset Catamaran Cruise

The best way to end a day in this amazing city is by heading out on a sunset cruise on a catamaran. A sunset cruise along the Barcelona coast will spoil you with epic views of the city and awesome sunset skies.

In our opinion, this 1.5-hour sunset catamaran trip is one of the best you can choose if you’re looking for a relaxing evening on the water. This tour will see you cruise along the coast on a beautiful 24-metre (78-foot) catamaran.

The views of the city are out of this world and the overall atmosphere is wonderful. To create the best atmosphere possible, a live musician will be onboard to play jazz music!

One thing we really love about this catamaran tour is how you can lie down just 1 metre above the sea on a net. This makes things super comfortable and unbelievably relaxing.

Your 3 Days in Barcelona: Day Three

The last day of your Barcelona itinerary will see you explore a castle, relax on the beach, and embrace the Spanish culture by attending a flamenco show. That’s the perfect end to any trip if you ask us!

Montjuïc Castle

If you want to take in more of the city’s history during your visit, add Montjuïc Castle to your Barcelona 3-day itinerary. Montjuïc Castle is a military fortress that dates back to 1640. You can find it on top of Montjuïc Hill.

The summit is 173 metres (567 feet) above sea level and offers 360º views of the city. There is a cable car that leads to the top of the hill.

The Montjuïc Cable Car starts at the Parc Montjuïc stop and goes directly to the castle. It costs around €15 (£13) for a round trip and you can book your tickets online. When you get to the fort, spend some time walking around the grounds.

You can take a look at the moat, walk across the entrance bridge, climb the watchtower, and explore the parade ground. There is even a sculpture to commemorate the metre (this unit of measurement was invented here).

Barceloneta Beach

No Barcelona 3-day itinerary is complete without visiting Barceloneta Beach. It’s one of the city’s most famous beaches and you’ll get to enjoy over 1,100 metres (3,609 feet) of golden sandy shores.

Barceloneta Beach is located within Barcelona’s traditional fishing district. As such, it’s the perfect place to grab some seafood or tapas from one of the local restaurants. So get ready to try some delicious Spanish cuisine!

Thanks to its endless shores, this beach is the perfect place to relax, especially if it’s a hot summer’s day. The waters are very clear and inviting too, so it’s no surprise that many people choose to go swimming here.

If you’d prefer to be more active, there are plenty of other activities on offer. This includes beach volleyball, beach tennis, and table tennis.

For those visiting during the colder months, you can simply walk along the boardwalk and admire the views.

Marina Port Vell

If you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona for 3 days then we highly recommend walking around Marina Port Vell. 

This bustling marina is home to endless luxury superyachts, so it’s a great place to visit or dream of a luxurious lifestyle (if having one of these yachts is your thing). It’s just a short walk from Barceloneta Beach too, so it’s best to visit one location after the other. 

The great thing about Marina Port Vell is that there’s a promenade which will take you around. Here, you’ll see unique monuments, cafes, and shops, so there’s something for everyone. Not to mention, there’s often live music on here! 

If you get a sunny day in Barcelona, there’s no better place to relax. Better yet, we recommend grabbing a drink in one of the bars overlooking the marina. 

Just keep in mind that Marina Port Vell can get pretty busy. 

Eat Tapas at a Local Restaurant

One of our favourite things to do in Barcelona is eat tapas. For those who don’t know what it is, tapas is essentially a small snack or appetiser in Spanish cuisine.

A tapas dish can be eaten on its own or combined with other tapas dishes to make a full meal. The best thing about it is that you can try 5 or 6 different dishes in one sitting!

Perfect for lunch or dinner, tapas restaurants usually advise you to order 1 or 2 big dishes for the table. Servers will then walk around with smaller dishes that you can pick off if it’s something you want to try.

Popular dishes include patatas bravas, croquetas, chorizo, Tortilla española, and Jamon Serrano. We enjoyed eating at Lizarran near Camp Nou and the small street-side tapas bars on La Rambla.

You could also head out on a Barcelona Tapas Walking Tour if that’s more your thing.

Magic Fountain of Montjuïc

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc at the head of Avingyda Maria Cristina is a large fountain that comes to life in the evening with vibrant lights and water displays. Found below the Palau Nacional (Montjuïc National Palace), the fountain is a fascinating attraction you don’t want to miss.

The fountain was first turned on in 1929 after being constructed by more than 3,000 workers. Today, the fountain is turned on every night. Incredibly, it sprays more than 700 gallons of water a second through more than 3,600 jets.

The spout shoots water 52 metres (170 feet) into the air. You can visit the fountain any time of day because it’s still turned on, but you’ll want to visit in the evening if you want to see the lights. The show usually starts at 8, 9, 9:30 or 10 pm and lasts for 1 hour. Better yet, the fountain is free to visit.

Watch a Flamenco Show

One of the coolest things you can do in Barcelona is watch a flamenco show and this Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Flamenco show is perfect. If you book this show, you can expect an entertaining evening of traditional flamenco dancing in a historic part of the city.

You’ll have the opportunity to watch some of the most famous flamenco dancers in the world and you can even sample some local food if you choose the added extras.

We recommend adding the food extras to your show ticket because there are more than 40 traditional Spanish dishes to choose from! Some of the dishes you can tuck into as you watch the show include patatas bravas and paella.

You can grab a complimentary drink before the show too. Most flamenco shows include a 1-hour performance, live music, and live singing.

Helpful Information for Your Barcelona 3-Day Itinerary

How to get to Barcelona

Flying to Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is perhaps the most popular way to reach the city. It’s located around 16 km (10 miles) from the city and can easily be reached by the Aerobus, which takes around 35 minutes.

For those already travelling around Europe, there’s also the option to catch a bus. Coaches depart from several cities outside of Spain including Toulouse (France) and Lisbon (Portugal).

Of course, you can also catch a bus to Barcelona from within the country. We recommend checking out the bus routes and prices on Bus Bud.

Barcelona is also home to one of the country’s busiest train stations. You can get to the city from Madrid in only 2.5 hours and there’s a new line that connects Barcelona with Paris (France’s capital).

There’s always the option of travelling by car too, especially if you’re road-tripping around Europe.

How to get around Barcelona

Although Barcelona is a fairly walkable city, you’ll want to make use of public transport. This will allow you to make the most of your time if you’ve only got 3 days in Barcelona.

Here are some of the best ways to get around:

The Metro: This is by far one of the most popular options. There are eight lines in total, servicing a total of 165 stations, and you’ll find that services run pretty regularly.

Public Bus: Barcelona has an extensive bus system which is made up of over 80 routes. Although cheap, the traffic can be an issue, especially if you want to get around quickly.

Taxi: Metered taxis are found throughout the city although these tend to be costly. Uber is available in Barcelona and you’ll find that prices may even be cheaper.

Cycling: Exploring Barcelona by bike is a popular option. There are plenty of rental shops in the city, and there’s a great network of cycle lanes here.

To make your money stretch further, we’d recommend checking out the Hola Barcelona Travel Card. These passes offer you free and unlimited public transport and there are several cards to choose from; 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, and 120 hours.

Looking for another way to get around Barcelona?

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is another great way to explore Barcelona. These bus tours generally consist of two routes and will take you on a sightseeing tour around the city.

On these buses, you can hop off at the sites that interest you, and then hop back on whenever you fancy. You’ll also get to listen to audio commentary along the way, so what’s not to like?

When it comes to these bus tours, there are two fantastic options; City Sightseeing Europe and Julià Travel. Generally, there are two ticket options; 24 hours and 48 hours.

The best time to visit Barcelona

Barcelona can be visited at any time of the year so you won’t be short of options. Whether you’re looking to explore the Christmas markets or relax on the beach, there’s always something on offer.

The shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October) are considered the best times to visit. During this time of year, crowds are fewer and yet, the weather is still very pleasant.

The peak season runs from late June to the end of August, as this is when some fantastic festivals occur. Just be aware that you’ll experience plenty of crowds and hotel prices can be more expensive.

Winter is another great time to visit, especially from mid-November as there are some great Christmas markets to explore. Not only that but there are several day trip opportunities if you fancy skiing.

As you can see, there’s no ‘right’ time to visit Barcelona. No matter when you go, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic trip!

Exploring Barcelona by tour

If you’re looking to see the best of Barcelona in 3 days then there’s always the option of a tour. Generally, we like to wander around on our own as this allows us more flexibility. However, guided tours are also a great way to explore as you’ll get a local insight into the area.

Here are some of the most popular tour options in Barcelona:

• Barcelona Main Sights 2.5-Hour Tour by E-Bike – This tour will see you explore by electric bike. Your guide will take you to all the best spots and you’ll learn so much about the city.

• Barcelona in One Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Old Town – This 8-hour tour will allow you to see the city’s highlights in one day. It also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.

• Barcelona: Old Town and Gothic Quarter Walking Tour – This 3-hour walking tour will take you to some popular spots including Plaça de Sant Jaume, Barcelona Cathedral, and La Rambla.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

To make the most of this Barcelona 3-day itinerary, you’ll want to stay relatively close to the centre. This means you’ll be within walking distance of some of the city’s most popular attractions and metro. It’s important to note that accommodation in Barcelona can be costly though, so keep that in mind.

Here are some of our top recommendations:

Budget: Unite Hostel Barcelona

Unite Hostel Barcelona is one of the most affordable properties you’ll find in the city. The dormitory rooms are spacious and clean, and there are both mixed and female dorms available.

Boasting a charming rooftop terrace, shared lounge, bar, and restaurant, this place has so much to offer, especially for the price. You’ll also benefit from free WiFi and private parking.

Mid-range: Cami Gallery Barcelona

If you’re after a private room then Cami Gallery Barcelona is one of the more budget-friendly options (although still pricey). You’ll find this place in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Plaza Catalunya.

The rooms here are stylish with plenty of amenities including a private bathroom. If you decide to stay here, then you can also make use of the shared kitchen, tour desk, and shared lounge area.

Luxury: Hotel Casa Sagnier

This gorgeous 5* hotel is in a fantastic location as the famous Casa Batlló is nearby. With an on-site spa, restaurant, bar, and fitness centre, Hotel Casa Sagnier has all the facilities you’ll need!

Not only that, but the rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated. Many of them also feature a private balcony where you’ll be treated to stunning city views. What more could you ask for?

Frequently Asked Questions about Barcelona

How many days should I spend in Barcelona?

In our opinion, you want to spend at least 3 days in Barcelona. This will give you enough time to visit the city’s most famous attractions while squeezing in a cultural experience or two such as a cooking class.

If you have more flexibility, then try to spend 4-5 days in the city. Not only is there plenty to see in Barcelona itself but there are also ample day trip opportunities.

What is a good budget for Barcelona?

We recommend a budget of at least £50-£90 per person per day (€58-€104). Barcelona is a costly city, so you’ll need a fair amount of cash. Of course, how much you spend will all depend on your budget.

For those looking to cut costs, stay in a hostel and eat out at the local markets. If you’re looking to splash out, then there are plenty of gorgeous 5* hotels to choose from as well as fine-dining restaurants.

Is Barcelona easy to walk around?

Although Barcelona is a large city, it’s certainly very walkable. The majority of popular attractions are located relatively close together, and walking around is a great way to get a feel for the city.

The majority of Barcelona is fairly flat, although there are a few steep areas to contend with. However, you will want to make use of public transport to reach some of the places in this guide.

Is Barcelona a cheap city?

Unfortunately, Barcelona isn’t cheap (although it’s much more affordable than the likes of London or Oslo). However, you can enjoy a trip here without spending all of your hard-earned cash.

To make the most of your Barcelona 3-day itinerary in terms of budget, we’d suggest staying in a hostel. There are also some great markets and street food options if you’re looking to cut costs further.

Final Thoughts on this Barcelona 3-Day Itinerary

Hopefully, this Barcelona 3-day itinerary has given you a good idea of what this city has to offer. There are so many amazing things to do here, so you certainly won’t get bored.

For those planning a long weekend in Barcelona, you’ll need to prioritize the places you want to visit most. Although there’s a lot on offer, take your time and simply go with the flow. This will ensure you have the best trip!

If you have any questions about your 3 days in Barcelona, don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

Here are some other travel guides that you may find helpful:

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• 3 Days In Rome: The Ultimate Itinerary
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