EXPLORING BARCELONA
You’ll be utterly spoiled for choice for things to see and do in Barcelona, which is packed with historical buildings, parks, museums, and beaches. Whether you’re coming for a weekend or want to get to know the city better, these two- and four-day itineraries will help you make the most of your visit.
Two Days in Barcelona
Day 1
Stroll along Barcelona’s most celebrated avenue, La Rambla, then dive into the warren of medieval streets that makes up the Barri Gòtic and visit Barcelona Cathedral.
Continue your exploration of Barcelona’s historic heart with a wander around the Born neighborhood. Visit the Museu Picasso, then see if you can get tickets for an evening performance at the lavish Modernista Palau de la Música Catalana.
Day 2
Spend the morning marveling at Gaudí’s incredible Sagrada Família, but make sure you’ve booked tickets online in advance to avoid the long lines.
Ride the funicular up the green hill of Montjuïc to the Fundació Joan Miró, a stunning modern building that is home to a spectacular collection of Miró’s work.
Four Days in Barcelona
Day 1
Make the day’s first stop the playful, whimsical Park Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Head south to the city’s most iconic building, the Sagrada Família, then take in the Museu Picasso, set in a complex of five interconnected Gothic palaces. Book tickets online in advance to avoid lines at these attractions.
Day 2
Take a stroll along La Rambla, ducking into the Mercat de la Boqueria (La Rambla) to admire the dizzying range of produce. Then meander through the medieval lanes of the Barri Gòtic to find Barcelona Cathedral.
The vibrant Mercat de la Boqueria is one of Europe’s largest markets for fresh produce, cheese, and meat.
Take in the smart boutiques of the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, then visit one of Gaudí’s most remarkable buildings, La Pedrera. In summer, you can book in advance for jazz on its undulating rooftop.
Day 3
Relax in one of the many gardens on Montjuïc—perhaps the Jardins Laribel or the Jardins de Miramar—before visiting the Fundació Joan Miró, one of the world’s largest Miró collections.
You’d need more than an afternoon to see every gallery at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, but the Romanesque and Gothic collections are a must. In the evening, enjoy the light show at the Font Màgica (Plaça de Carles Buïgas).
Day 4
Take a tour of the Palau de la Música Catalana, a breathtaking Modernista masterpiece with an eye-popping auditorium.
Check out the contemporary art at the Museu d’Art Contemporani (MACBA) and Centre de Cultura Contemporània (CCCB), then relax over coffee on the nearby Rambla del Raval.
