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:
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Officially known as Casa Mila, but immediately dubbed La Pedrera, ‘the stone quarry’ by critics, this extraordinary apartment block was Gaudi’s last building before he devoted the rest of his life to the Sagrada Familia.
It’s hard to imagine a more spectacular swan song, with a façade inspired by a sea cliff, compete with fantastical forged iron balconies resembling seaweed. The stepped roof – featuring twenty-eight colourful chimneys – has been called the precursor of Surrealism, Expressionism and Cubism.
One of the original apartments, with no right angles anywhere where Gaudi designed every single detail down to the doorknobs is part of the visit.
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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.
La Pedrera is a minute’s walk from the Diagonal metro. Book timed tickets online to avoid the lines and save money. There are a variety of tours on offer, all include either an audio guide or a small group guided tour.
La Pedrera is open year round from Friday to Sunday (although that may change). Try to avoid rainy days when the roof will be closed. In summer, book one of the evening tours if possible, when it’s cooler and less crowded, and the views over Barcelona by night are lovely.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[0.1 miles]
This chic, minimalist spa hotel in Eixample has smart rooms, a pretty secret courtyard and an indoor pool.
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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[0.2 miles]
Glamorous design hotel near Barcelona’s best dining and drinking, with one of the city’s loveliest rooftops.
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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[0.4 miles]
Large but stylish and hip modern hotel with all the bells and whistles, in the heart of Barcelona’s shopping district.
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Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[0.5 miles]
A strikingly modern concept, Room Mate Emma delivers good looks on a budget, in an enviably central location.
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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[0.5 miles]
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[1.4 miles]
Gleaming white museum housing a cutting-edge collection of international and Catalan contemporary art.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.4 miles]
Gaudi’s extraordinary, iconic masterpiece – and the most spectacular church of the 21st century.
Best for ages: 8+ | £23 | Any
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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.3 miles]
A thrumming, lively street running through the heart of Barcelona towards the sea, is a magnet for outlandish street performers – and tourists.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.3 miles]
The first private home Gaudi designed, this bright Orientalist building only opened to the public in 2017, so it’s a relatively new addition to Barcelona’s Modernista scene – as such, its brightly-tiled and painted interior is often blissfully quiet.
Best for ages: 13+ | £12
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.4 miles]
Catalan’s gorgeous Modernista concert hall, Palau Musica, is a must-see for its extraordinary architecture. It’s now a UNESCO world heritage site.
Best for ages: 18+ | £17
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain[1.7 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