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
The extraordinary concert hall of La Palau Musica – another Gaudi masterpiece
Credit Rodrigo Garrido / Shutterstock.com
When Barcelona is prosperous, it builds with breathtaking flair. Its superb Gothic buildings are engineering marvels; not for their height, but their width.
During the late 19th century, the city evolved its own Modernista style, related to Art Nouveau but filled with Catalan national symbols (notably dragons).
It also produced one extraordinary genius, Antoni Gaudí, whose inspiration went beyond mere decoration to the forms of nature herself. Today Barcelona is reinventing again; just visit the new 22@ District.
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Spain
Where to go and what to see in Barcelona – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
The Barcelona tourism office has an architecture audio guide to Gaudí’s 11 Barcelona buildings, available in Spanish, English and French. Download it from the tourism office website. The Ruta de Modernisme is a self-guided route with all 117 Modernista buildings, and 105 Modernista hotels, bars and restaurants. A physical version of the guide and map are also on sale at Barcelona’s tourist office; it also offers 50% discount on admissions. Or just explore for yourself: the 19th-century suburb of Eixample is full of stunning Modernista façades that most tourists never find: hire a bike and explore at leisure.
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Barcelonans, understandably, call it a ‘giant suppository’. Designed in 2005 by French architect Jean Nouvel, it features an innovative, shimmering skin of 4,500 LED lights that display delightful, infinitely varied coloured patterns.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
The former home of the Batllo family, Gaudí’s shimmering, colour-drenched townhouse is a Modernista masterpiece.
Best for ages: 8+ | £32
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Marking the culmination of his experimentation with natural forms, Gaudi’s landmark apartment building resembles a giant cliff face battered by the sea. Inside, a remarkable Gaudi-style apartment, an attic filled with architectural exhibits, and the extraordinary roof and chimneys.
Best for ages: 8+ | £25
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
A stylish, central hotel in the hip El Born district, with 1920s features and one of the best rooftop pools in town.
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Barcelona, Catalunia, Spain
Historic charm, contemporary chic and great food combine in this beguiling bolthole, on a picturesque square in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
The MO boasts spectacular interiors, a world-class spa, double-Michelin starred restaurant and an unparalleled location on the beautiful Passeig de Gracia.
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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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.