For years and years, people have been telling that I needed to go to Barcelona, Spain because they thought I would love it. I don’t really know why, but I was never that interested in going. However, I decided to pop in for 3 days on my 2-week Europe trip this past summer to see what the fuss was all about. Oh boy! My friends were right. I cannot express how much I loved this city! The food was good, the people were super friendly, and the sights were like nothing I had seen! I spent 3 days in Barcelona, and I would not have done anything differently!
Best Time to Spend 3 Days in Barcelona
There is not a bad time to spend in Barcelona. If you are wanting to spend time at the beaches, then you will need to visit during the warmer months of April to September. However, summer is the most crowded time of year. If you are looking to only sightsee, then you can visit any time other than July and August for cooler weather and less crowds. The least crowded and least expensive times to visit is October – November and February – April.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
If you are a first-time visitor or only visiting for a short period of time, I recommend staying in one of the three more popular (and touristy) neighborhoods: Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, or Placa de Catalunya. I stayed in the Gothic Quarter near Las Ramblas, so I had the best of both places. I loved walking around the dark, narrow streets of Old Town in the mornings and evenings as I was coming and going.
How to Get Around in Barcelona
Public Transportation. Like most major European cities, Barcelona has great public transportation systems. The bus and trains will get you to every tourist sight you want to visit. You can buy multi-day passes here.
Taxis. If you do not feel comfortable navigating public transportation, Barcelona has a million taxis driving around the city. The city also has Uber, but it is cheaper, quicker, and more convenient to walk to the nearest street and hail a taxi. The taxis were cheaper than I thought they would be, but still more expensive than public transportation.
Hop On/Hop Off. I love Hop On/Hop Off bus tours when I am visiting new cities. It is a great way to combine public transportation and a guided tour to learn more about a city. Even though I really wanted to take advantage of the hop on/hop off tour, I just could not make it work with my tight schedule and the timed entries of the attractions. If I go back and have more time, I will be doing this option!
Very Important Things to Know
- Most of the attractions in Barcelona completely sell out days ahead of time and require timed entries, so you will really need to plan your days to see all thing places you want to. If you’re not a planner, you may be disappointed when you do not get to see everything you wanted to.
- Pick Pocketers run rampant in Barcelona. Be vigilant about protecting your belongings.
- New Visa requirements for American travelers are coming soon to Europe, so make sure to check if you need to apply before your travels.
- Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, other churches and monasteries mention dress codes on their website. Be sure to check before you enter. The only place I saw strictly enforce their publish dress code was Barcelona Cathedral, but you should be aware that you could be denied at any place if you do not adhere.
- Catalona, culture and language is different than rest of Spain. This area does speak Spanish, however.
- Currency is euros.
- Make copies of passport. This is good practice for every time you travel outside your home country.
- Bring comfortable shoes! You will be walking a lot!!
What to Pack for Your 3 Days in Barcelona
- Sunscreen – The Athens sun can be unforgiving, and I learned the hard way that sunscreen is a must. If you have room in your luggage, bring your own because sunscreen in Greece is very expensive.
- Comfortable shoes – Stylish but comfortable is the name of the game when walking around the city. Here is an option for men and women.
- Rolling Luggage – You will need a durable and easy to maneuver piece of luggage for your 10 day Greece itinerary.
- Packing Cubes – These make organizing your luggage super easy.
- Plug Adapter – Keep your devices charged with this European plug adapter.
- Hobo Bag – I often carry this cute hobo bag on my travels. It isn’t too big but big enough to carry small souvenirs I buy along the way. Plus this style bag helps deter pick pocketers.
- Daytime Dresses – These cute daytime dresses are appropriate for visiting the Barcelona sites. Make sure to not wear flip flops, cover your shoulders and cover your knees when visiting the Barcelona Cathedral.
Who is Antoni Gaudi?
Antoni Gaudi is one of the most influential artists/architects in Spain. His unique style and intricate details in his art and architecture can be seen throughout the city. You will explore most of his famous works, including Sagrada Familia, in this itinerary. Gaudi not only loved nature but studied nature because he believed God was the best architect that existed. He replicated structures in nature like a whale’s rib cage and giant trees to support his works of art. He also incorporated nature into his artistic designs like creating a spiral staircase that looks like a seashell.
His most iconic work of art is the Sagrada Familia Basilica which is still being built today. Gaudi became involved with the project in 1883, and he knew he would not live to see its completion. So he spent his last years sketching, drawings, and leaving instructions on how to construct his masterpiece. In 1926, at the age of 73, Antoni Gaudi died from being struck by a trolley car. Still to this day, construction on the basilica continues and will continue for years to come.
Without his works on throughout the city, Barcelona would not be the tourist mecca that it is today.
Day 1 of 3 Days in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia
I have been to several basilicas, cathedrals, and church in Europe in the past. Sometimes I feel like if you’ve seen one old catholic church, you’ve seen them all. However, this basilica is like no other I have ever seen. The rainbow colored stained glass that shines more after sunrise and before sunset, the stone columns shaped like giant trees, the sculptures that tell Jesus Christ’s story, and so many other details make this cathedral like no other you will ever see! Do this first in your 3 days in Barcelona.
Book your tours early to Sagrada Familia as they do sell out, especially if you want to see one of the towers. I booked a month in advance, and there was only 1 time available for a English speaking guided tour. You can buy a ticket without a guided tour, but I would not recommend this. The guide gives a lot of interesting details and facts about Antoni Gaudi and the construction of Sagrada Familia that I am glad I did not miss out on. After your tour, you can spend as much time as you want inside the church.
Also booking tickets to tour one of the towers can be difficult. Tickets to only one tower was available when I booked, and it was not particularly the one I wanted, but beggars can’t be choosers. Luckily, the time available was first thing in the morning, so I didn’t have to work too hard to plan my day around it. Allow 3-4 hours (or possibly longer) as this place is amazing! I had a lot to do today, so I did leave a little earlier than I had wanted to. But with so many amazing places to see, I didn’t have a choice!
RECOMMENDATION!!
If at all possible, visit Sagrada Familia first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon/evening before sunset! The church has 2 walls that are lined with beautiful stained glass. The sun hits one wall in the morning, and blue and green light projects throughout the church. Before sunset, the sun shines onto the west-facing wall with orange, yellow, and red stained glass. Intense fiery-colored rays shine through the stained glass before sunset.
Park Guell
Eat lunch before entering Park Guell. Allow 2-3 hours to walk around this park designed by Antoni Gaudi. By the end of the day, you will start to recognize Gaudi’s unique style. Make sure to see the Serpentine Bench made with a mosaic tile design. A lot of Gaudi’s art consists of this mosaic tiled design called Trencandis technique that Gaudi created. Make sure to check out a map of the park so you do not miss any of the sights.
La Pedrera – Casa Mila
La Pedrera – Casa Mila is one of Gaudi’s most famous works because of the innovations in construction and functionality. The attic in Casa Mila was my favorite part of the house because of the whale rib cage structure design as well as the information given on how Gaudi used structures and supports in nature to help with his designs. It was very informative. However, of the three Gaudi homes I visited, this was my least favorite. Not that I didn’t like it. But if I had to skip one of the three due to time constraints, this would be the one.
Explore your Neighborhood
Spend the evening exploring the neighborhood that you chose to stay in. Since I stayed in the Gothic Quarter, I spent the evening walking through the narrow alleyways feeling like I was transported to medieval times. Check out Royal Square for an amazing tapas dinner. Save room for dessert, and I am talking about churros! At some point during your 3 days in Barcelona, get churros and chocolate dipping sauce. Yum!!
Day 2 of 3 Days in Barcelona
La Boqueria Market
If you wake up early enough, head to La Boqueria Market first thing. This market sells fresh produce and high quality meats to locals. They also have several booths that sale unique candies and delicious smoothies. Grab a smoothie to enjoy while walking around.
Barcelona Cathedral
If you are not staying in the Gothic Quarter, now is your time to roam the medieval alleyways and buildings. The Barcelona Cathedral is a major part of the area. Make sure to head to the roof before you leave for a view of the city. The rooftop area gets very crowded, so I recommend going there first before exploring the rest of the church.
Palau Guell
Palau Guell is another home that was commissioned to Antoni Gaudi to design and construct. This palace is located near the Gothic Quarter just on the other side of La Rambla. The building’s design looks different than the other Gaudi homes. The design is more dark and gothic than whimsical, but the work is still so impressive. I liked this house more than I thought I would. If you are thinking of skipping because you prefer that whimsical, “Candyland” look, then just head to the roof. The fireplaces are designed with vibrant and colorful mosaic tiles that look similar to Gaudi’s other artwork.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is right here, so spend a little time walking along this boulevard lined with large elm trees. This street is also filled with souvenir shops and open-air restaurants. Many of the locals said the food here is not very good because it is a tourist trap. So I would not recommend eating here, but definitely spend some time soaking in the area.
Palau de la Musica Catalana
Palau de la Musica Catalana is the only building in Barcelona not designed by Gaudi in this itinerary. Do not let that dissuade you from visiting because the architecture and design of this building is absolutely stunning. This concert hall was designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner in the Art Nouveau style. The mosaic tiled designs and stained glass ceiling that resembles the sun shining are spectacular.
If you are tired of seeing exceptional architecture, you could choose to see the Picasso Museum instead of the Palau de Musica Catalana. I, personally, have seen a lot Picasso art work in other cities I have visited, so I opted for the Palau se la Musica tour instead. Plus, I love unique architecture!
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is the last of Gaudi’s work to explore during your 3 days in Barcelona, and it was my favorite of the three houses. The building’s facade is so unique but so typical Gaudi. You immediately feel like you are entering a real life game of Candyland. The entire house from top to bottom is full of his unique designs. The self-guided tour ends with a 360-degree audiovisual experience which was like nothing I have ever encountered.
Day 3 of 3 Days in Barcelona
You have lots of options for your last of 3 days in Barcelona. If you are not yet tired of amazing architecture, there are other Gaudi’s works to explore as well visiting Ciutadella Park. If you want to relax and get some sun, then spend the day at the Barcelona beaches. Just be aware that many people go topless in Spain, so do not be shocked when you see something you weren’t expecting to see.
However, I chose to do a guided tour of Montserrat, Girona, and Costa Brava to get a taste of other parts of Spain. You see these sights on your own without paying for a guided tour. However it would be difficult getting it all done in one day using public transportation. So I opted for paying for a guided tour.
Montserrat
Montserrat is a Benedictine monk mountain retreat northwest of Barcelona. This quiet and serene area offers great panoramic views of the Catalana landscape. Visit the monastery’s basilica and wonder around exploring the historic site.
Girona
Girona is a beautiful medieval town with narrow streets and bridges. Girona is just as beautiful as the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona but way less crowded. The tour guide will walk you through the town showing you sights like the Jewish Quarter, Game of Thrones filming sights, the Girona Cathedral, and the Arab Baths in Girona. The Girona stop ends with a traditional Catalana meal which was super delicious!
Costa Brava
The last stop on the tour is at Tossa de Mar on Costa Brava. The gorgeous beach with turquoise waters is next to a medieval fort and old town that looks like a castle. Spend the little bit of time here walking the beach, exploring the old town, or have a glass of Sangria at a open air bar.
In my opinion, this is the best way to spend 3 days in Barcelona. However, after coming here for 3 days, I can guarantee you’ll want to come back here and spend more time!
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