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3 days in Barcelona

Are you coming for the first time to Barcelona and you have 3 days for the city? Great, this itinerary will help you to make the most out of your stay.

This is your guide for 3 days in Barcelona.

Soon: What you can find here?

  • Travel itinerary – what to do in Barcelona in 3 days?
  • What to do and see?
  • The best attractions, experiences and sights in 3 days
  • Recommended travel cards and passes for 3 days in the city.

Here is a suggested three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1

  • Start your day by visiting the Sagrada Família, the iconic and unfinished basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. The Sagrada Família is one of the most famous and visited attractions in the city, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and history.
  • After visiting the Sagrada Família, take a stroll along Las Ramblas, the famous boulevard in the heart of the city. Las Ramblas is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and it’s a great place to people-watch, shop, and grab a bite to eat. You can also visit the nearby Mercat de la Boqueria, one of the largest and busiest markets in Europe.
  • In the afternoon, explore the Gothic Quarter, the historic center of the city. The Gothic Quarter is home to many medieval buildings and landmarks, such as the Barcelona Cathedral, the Plaça de Sant Jaume, and the Plaça del Rei. You can also visit the Gothic Quarter to shop, eat, and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
  • In the evening, visit the Picasso Museum, one of the most important museums in the city. The Picasso Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous artist, and it has one of the largest collections of his paintings, drawings, and sculptures. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in art and history.
  • After visiting the museum, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city. Barcelona has a rich culinary heritage, and you can try a wide variety of local dishes and international cuisines.
  • In the evening, you can enjoy a performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of the most important concert halls in Europe. The Palau de la Música Catalana is known for its beautiful and ornate interior, and it offers a wide variety of classical, jazz, and popular music performances. It’s a great way to end your first day in the city.

Day 2

  • Start your day by visiting the Park Güell, another iconic work by Antoni Gaudí. The Park Güell is a public park that combines nature and architecture, with colorful mosaics, sculptures, and gardens. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the city’s greenery, and it offers beautiful views of the city.
  • After visiting the Park Güell, take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. Barcelona has a long and beautiful coastline, and the city’s beaches are a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. You can also visit the nearby Barceloneta neighborhood, known for its seafood restaurants and lively atmosphere.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), one of the most important museums of its kind in Europe. The MACBA has a large and diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró. It’s a great place to learn about the city’s art and culture.
  • In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city. Barcelona has a rich culinary heritage, and you can try a wide variety of local dishes and international cuisines.
  • After dinner, you can visit the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Magic Fountain is a spectacular display of water, light, and music, and it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great way to end your second day in the city.

Day 3

  • Start your day by visiting the Barcelona Zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in Europe. The Barcelona Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, including elephants, gorillas, lions, and giraffes, and it offers a wide variety of educational and interactive programs.
  • After visiting the zoo, take a stroll through the Montjuïc area, located on a hill overlooking the city. The Montjuïc area is home to many cultural and historical attractions, such as the Montjuïc Castle, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, and the Poble Espanyol, a museum of Spanish architecture and culture. You can also visit the Montjuïc area to enjoy the beautiful views of the city and the sea.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Barcelona Aquarium, one of the largest and most visited aquariums in Europe. The Barcelona Aquarium has more than 11,000 animals, including sharks, rays, seahorses, and jellyfish, and it offers a wide variety of interactive and educational programs.
  • In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city. Barcelona has a rich culinary heritage, and you can try a wide variety of local dishes and international cuisines.
  • After dinner, you can attend a show or a concert at one of the city’s many theaters or music venues. Barcelona is known for its lively arts and entertainment scene, and you can find a wide variety of shows and performances to enjoy. It’s a great way to end your three-day trip to the city.

There is so many things to do and see in Barcelona during your three-day trip!

What is the best travel or tourist card if you spend 3 days in Barcelona?

You have several options to choose from. We summarised all of them in our article Best travel card for 3 days in Barcelona. Read the article to get a brief overview.

In a nutshell, for 3 days we’d recommend you to check out these cards and passes:

Special 3-day cards

Other cards to check out