Barcelona 3-day itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Barcelona – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Bucket list experience:
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Barcelona’s waterfront is two-mile sweep of sandy beaches, esplanades, boardwalks and marinas, seafood eateries, trendy clubs, and chilled-out cafés. Amongst locals, it’s a popular spot for a walk, cycling or rollerblading; start facing the sea at the Christopher Columbus statue on Las Ramblas, then head left.
Watch for world-renowned public sculpture along the way, including Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘Barcelona Head’ and Frank Gehry’s ‘Flying Fish’.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Barcelona – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
If you’re exercising, it’s crowded and very hot in July and August, so go early. Mornings are fantastic; locals sleep late, so you’ll have it to yourself. Go at dusk for beachside sundowners in trendy bars. If you want to cycle, there are hire shops all over the city, or alternatively, Bike Rental Barcelona delivers bikes to the place of your choice.
Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Delivers rental bikes to the place of your choice across the city.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1 miles]
Exceptional boutique hotel with beautiful sea views and roof terrace, a short walk from Barcelona’s historic sights.
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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.1 miles]
Magnificent views, destination restaurants and chic bars, and a panoramic spa, set in a 44-floor architectural landmark by the beach.
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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.2 miles]
A thoughtfully-designed, modern boutique hotel in a striking building with historic features, hidden away in the heart of old Barcelona.
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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.2 miles]
This sceney, architectural waterfront hotel comes with edgy design, a party-feel pool terrace and sweeping Mediterranean views.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Catalonia, Spain
Spain’s cultural heart has unforgettable architecture, a pioneering arts scene, creative cuisine and nightlife that buzzes till dawn.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.2 miles]
Absorbing collection of early and late works by Picasso, in a beautiful Gothic palace. The collection includes Picasso’s 58 paintings inspired by Velazquez’s Las Meninas.
Best for ages: 18+ | £11
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.7 miles]
This vibrant market is a Barcelona institution, packed with almost a thousand stalls selling fresh produce or dine-in tapas.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[2.1 miles]
Gleaming white museum housing a cutting-edge collection of international and Catalan contemporary art.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[2.7 miles]
The former home of the Batllo family, Gaudí’s shimmering, colour-drenched townhouse is a Modernista masterpiece.
Best for ages: 8+ | £32
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[0.7 miles]
Barcelona’s aquarium, one of Europe’s biggest, has 11,000 sea creatures, plenty of sharks and an underwater tunnel.
Best for ages: Any | £20
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1 miles]
Barcelona’s Gothic jewel was built in the 14th century by the sea-faring community in only 50 years – hence its rare stylistic harmony. During the Spanish Civil War, its accumulated Baroque decorations burned, leaving behind the bare bones of its sublime interior.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.4 miles]
Barcelona’s seafaring past comes to life in this venue set in the city’s 14th-century shipyards, starring a life-size model of Don Juan’s flagship at Lepanto.
Best for ages: 13+ | £5
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.4 miles]
This massive pile is Catalan Gothic at its most grandiose, full of wonders: lavishly ornate chapels, Renaissance sculpted choir stalls, and crypt of patron saint Eulalia. The cloister is especially charming.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free