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:
Covering Catalan art over a thousand-year period, this museum features an especially rich collection of Romanesque art, including a unique series of tenth-and 11th-century frescoes detached from Pyrenean chapels. The Gothic and Modernista sections are nearly as rich, and there are plenty of Grand Masters in between.
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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.
The museum is open all year round. The nearest metro stop is Placa Espanya, on lines 1 and 3; or take bus 55 to Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. After seeing the museum, walk down the steps to the right of the entrance to see the cascading Magic Fountain, and see lovely views of the city.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
A chic, intimate boutique hotel set in a former jewellers, right on the Ramblas, perfect for shopping and sightseeing.
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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
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
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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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
Luminous museum of modern and contemporary art, housing the world’s top collection of works by Joan Miro. Set in a striking rationalist-style building, designed by Josep Lluis Sert.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Gleaming white museum housing a cutting-edge collection of international and Catalan contemporary art.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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
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
Just above Placa Espanya, the fountain (another relic of the 1929 International Exhibition) explodes into a fabulous aquatic ballet of colour, music and light (Summer: Friday-Sunday 9.30-11pm. Winter: 7-9pm).
Best for ages: Any | Free | 20 minutes
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
A fun, interactive museum covering the history of the sport and the Olympics (especially Barcelona’s in 1992).
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Take to the top of the Montjuic hill for spectacular city views (there’s also a stop for Montjuic Castle). Go in the other direction over the port to the San Sebastian tower.
Best for ages: 10+ | £10 | 7 mins one way
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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