2 Days in Barcelona

You could easily spend a week or more exploring Barcelona and the surrounding region of Catalonia, but if you’ve only got two days, or a wild weekend, then you can still get a good feel for the city we call the Great Enchantress, and check out her most famous sights…

There are infinite ways you could plan your own perfect 2-day itinerary, so rather than give you an hour by hour breakdown of what to do, I’m going to focus more on what I consider to be the unmissable attractions for a short visit, and the smartest way to see them, in manageable ‘morning’, ‘afternoon’ and ‘evening’ blocks.

I’m sure you’ll want to remix my suggestions to your own tastes, having said that, these itineraries are designed to be ‘doable’ and minimise travel time, if you do want to follow them to the letter.

The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary!

The key to a successful two day stay in Barcelona, for first time visitors in particular, is to round up a selection of the city’s most breathtaking architecture and public spaces, while still leaving something cool to do, or to veer gently off the beaten track for a while.

Here’s how I would plan the perfect weekend itinerary, but don’t worry if something doesn’t vibe with your tribe… I will suggest some remixes and alternatives later on this page.

Got three days to spare finally? Then check out my itinerary for a long weekend instead!

Day 1: Exploring the City

Let’s start by exploring the very heart of the Catalan capital.

Morning: Discovering Gaudi (Day 1)

Arguably the world’s most famous architect, few cities owe as much to one man as Barcelona does to Antoni Gaudi, a genius who helped define the city’s aesthetic and its proud, creative and singular soul.

I’d suggest warming up to his visionary outlook with a walk up the majestic Passeig de Gracia, a wide and leafy boulevard full of designer shops and Modernista architecture. Here you’ll find two of Gaudi’s most famous creations.

– Casa Mila (La Pedrera)

Casa Mila is nicknamed La Pedrera, or The Quarry, because of its imposing, undulating façade that amazingly doesn’t contain a single straight line. The interior is impressive too, with its stairwell, preserved 19th century apartment and slaloming rooftop. Day tickets are €25 and available on Tiqets.com, or return at night for La Pedrera: Night Experience for a guided tour that finishes with a light show on the iconic rooftop.

The curvaceous Casa Mila

– Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo, meanwhile, is so strikingly different you might struggle to believe it’s by the same architect. A rather dainty, coral-coloured edifice, it is nicknamed the House of Bones thanks to its skeletal appearance – the balconies seem fashioned from shark skulls. Day tickets are €35 and available on Tiqets.com. During summer months you can also buy a ticket for their Magic Night series of rooftop concerts.

Capturing the House of Bones on camera…

– La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is Gaud’s crowning glory. An epic labour of love that is yet unfinished (the aim is to get it done before 2026, which will mark the centenary of the architect’s death), the scale of this basilica and the myriad details and sculptures of its four distinct façades really need to be seen to be believed. The interior is no less impressive, with a forest of white pillars soaring up in a nave lit by rainbow of light from the stained glass windows. Tickets cost €33.80 via Tiqets.com, or €46.80 if you want to climb one of the towers (recommended). La Sagrada is about 20-25 minute walk from the two mansions on Passeig de Gracia.

The afternoon sun on the Passion façade…

Afternoon: Old Town Treasures (Day 1)

Barcelona grew out of a Roman fort and trading post into a walled medieval city and the heart of the Great Enchantress still lies in the historic districts of El Gotico, El Born and El Raval.

– Gothic Quarter and Cathedral

El Gotico, or the Gothic Quarter is the most interesting for tourists, the cynosure of which is the Gothic Cathedral. The cathedral’s symmetry and style are a stark contrast to the bombastic Sagrada Familia, while a tour of the cloister with its 13 geese and the chance to walk the rooftop are good fun.

A glimpse of the Gothic Cathedral…

In fact, you can’t throw a hot patata brava without hitting a church in the Gothic Quarter, and just wondering the narrow winding streets of the Old Town is a rare pleasure, as elegant spires or imposing religious façades pop up around every corner. Similarly ubiquitous are charming plazas where you can invariably find a terrace to enjoy some tapas or a cheeky cerveza.

– Plaça Reial

Speaking of squares, Plaça Reial is the most becoming: the ochre houses, the lofty palm trees, a classy fountain and street lamps designed by Gaudi, set it apart from the others. This Plaça is also home to a plethora of restaurants, bars and clubs and a good place to find a spot of nightlife.

Plaça Reial is arguably the city’s most picturesque square

– Barcelona History Museum (Roman Ruins)

For history buffs, the central branch of the MUHBA offers an unmissable insight into Barcelona’s origins, including a look at the well-preserved Roman ruins that lie underneath the city. Other museums include the rather fun Frederic Mares Museum, while you can see the remains of the Temple of Augustus for free.

The hidden remains of the Temple of Augustus

Evening: Flamenco & Tapas (Day 1)

If you’ve never experienced a flamenco show, this southern Spanish song and dance has a strong presence in Barcelona, dating back to the days of the legendary Carmen Amaya. There are several great tablaos in Barcelona, which you can read about here.

Feel the passion of a flamenco performance…

Naturally, you’ll want to dine out on traditional Spanish cuisine on your first night in the city. The custom of sharing these small plates of seafood, cured meats, cheeses and plenty of fried treats is a lot of fun, and I suggest you check out my list of recommended tapas restaurants, which also includes a guide to the classic tapas you might want to try.

Treat yourself to some tapas and vino at the end of the day

Of course you could combine both flamenco and tapas in one evening, with this one activity available on Get Your Guide…

Day 2: Beyond The City Centre

On day two we will circle out a little further to track down some world famous attractions.

Morning: Parks & Recreation (Day 2)

On your second day, I’d recommend checking out the sights on the edge of the city, like Park Guell, Camp Nou, and the many cultural treasures of Montjuic. Barcelona’s Tourist Bus does a pretty good job of joining these up, although it can get crowded in high season, so I’d recommend setting off early to get to Park Guell for example. Otherwise, Barcelona’s metro is cheap and reliable, and the majority of trains are now air-conditioned (but not all!).

– Park Guell

Gaudi’s landscaped gardens form a leafy retreat just outside the city centre, and I’d advise any visitor to check them out. Highlights are the Dragon Staircase, guarded by a mosaic-coated salamander lizard, which has become one of the symbols of the city, and the oval terrace, with its snaking seating and views over the entire city. Reserve a time slot via Tiqets.com (or consider buying the aforementioned Barcelona Pass, also available on Tiqets).

A park with a view…

– Camp Nou

Sports fans won’t need more encouragement to stop off at the legendary home of FC Barcelona, and see the hallowed turfs where the likes of Cruyff, Maradona and Messi all plied their trade. Undergoing renovation at the time of press it should be available to visit in 2024.

Camp Nou is one of Europe’s legendary stadiums

– Montjuic

This leafy coastal rise on the edge of the city is covered in parks, gardens and an assortment cultural treasures. Take your pick from Poble Espanyol, MNAC, Joan Miro Foundation, Botanical Gardens or the Olympic Ring. One cool thing to do is ride the Teleferic Cable Car up to Montjuic Castle at the top of the hill.

The Olympic Ring (Anella Olimpica) is well worth a gander…

Afternoon: The Beach & El Born (Day 2)

If you followed my morning itinerary it will likely be quite late in the day already by the time you finish up, so reward yourself with a stroll or cocktail by the beach, before heading into the lively and picturesque El Born district. If you have energy for one more cultural treasure, make it the Picasso Museum… otherwise just start stocking up on the tapas and beers!

– Barceloneta Beach

Barcelona’s most famous beach is a lively hub of sun worshippers, sports lovers, chiringuitos (beach bars), urban sculptures, and holiday makers sipping sangria on restaurant terraces. Don’t expect too much towel space or peace and quiet, but go for the atmosphere instead.

Jostling for towel space, with the W-Hotel in the background

– Picasso Museum

This expansive tribute to the 20th century’s greatest artist focuses on his early works, many of which were brushed up right here in Barcelona, before he left Spain to live in Paris. An insight into his Blue and Rose periods provide context into his development as a Cubist.

See the evolution of an artist

– Passeig del Born

This elongated, tree-lined square is one of the most attractive plazas in Barcelona and practically every address is a bar or restaurant. Whether you fancy an ice cream, crepe, slice of pizza, tapas, vermouth or cocktail, you can refuel and enjoy the vibe.

Passeig del Born is one of the most attractive social hubs in the city

Evening: Paella & Cocktails (Day 2)

Sure you could order paella at a restaurant, but what about rounding off your 48 hrs in Barcelona with a paella cooking class. Learning how to rustle up this renowned Spanish rice dish is a lot of fun, and the end results will be delicious thanks to the advice of your expert local chef and fresh local ingredients used to make it.

Learn how to cook Spain’s most iconic dish…

With dinner taken care of, put the finishing touches to your perfect Barcelona weekend itinerary by dropping into one of the city’s foremost coctelerias. The art of mixology has taken off in a big way in Barna, so kick back and sip away…