Barcelona 3-day itinerary

Gaudi’s extraordinary, iconic masterpiece – and the most spectacular church of the 21st century.

The former home of the Batllo family, Gaudí’s shimmering, colour-drenched townhouse is a Modernista masterpiece.

A thrumming, lively street running through the heart of Barcelona towards the sea, is a magnet for outlandish street performers – and tourists.

Barcelona’s beautiful, palm-lined shore, from the 18th-century Barceloneta district to the ex-Olympic village, is a two-mile sweep of beach and boardwalk packed with trendy cafés and clubs, great for walking, cycling and rollerblading.

Gaudi’s endlessly playful, imaginative garden is a lyrical delight, with majestic views over Barcelona.

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.

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.

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.

In Europe’s biggest stadium, FC Barcelona’s museum is the third most visited attraction in Spain, and a must for sports fans.

Showcases a thousand years of Catalan art history, with rich Romanesque, Gothic and Modernista sections and plenty of Grand Masters in between.

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.

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.