The Perfect Weekend in Barcelona: A 2 Day Guide to The City

By: Anisa Kersten

Barcelona, with its captivating blend of history and Gaudi’s architectural marvels, attracts travellers from across the globe. You could easily spend a week here but if you’re short on time and just have a weekend to spare, use this itinerary as a guide to see most of what this beautiful city has to offer!

DAY 1: GUIDE TO GAUDI

Today’s itinerary includes a lot of attractions that require entry tickets. Because of this, I linked all of them below for easy access. You don’t have to do all of these! I know attractions can add up quickly but in case you do here they are:

• Casa Batlló: Tickets from €29. Book here
• La Pedrera: Casa Milà: Tickets from €28. Book here
• The Sagrada Familia: Tickets from €24. Book here
• Park Güell: Tickets from €10. Book here

MORNING

One of the highlights of my trip was strolling through the streets of Barcelona early in the morning. This not only allows you to experience the city’s charm without the crowds it typically attracts but also sets the perfect tone for the day ahead. Begin your day by visiting Casa Batlló and La Pedrera – Casa Milà. While guided tours are available for both, if you’re watching your budget, consider saving for La Sagrada Familia, which we’ll explore later in the day. After immersing yourself in the unique architecture of these landmarks, treat yourself to breakfast before making your way to La Sagrada Familia.

AFTERNOON

The La Sagrada Familia is absolutely beautiful and a must-see in Barcelona. Its architectural magnificence is unlike any other cathedral. I highly recommend securing your tickets in advance, as they often sell out days before. However, if you’re unable to procure tickets, don’t miss the opportunity to admire its exterior and soak in the ambiance of the surrounding parks. After taking in the beauty of the Sagrada Familia, indulge in a meal nearby to recharge for your next destination.

EVENING

Now is the perfect time to explore Park Güell, a picturesque area featuring stunning mosaic-covered buildings, intricate steps, and sculptures amidst lush greenery. Aim to arrive just before sunset to witness the enchanting scenery at its finest.

There are many ways to reach Park Güell from the La Sagrda Familia. An Uber is the quickest, taking just over ten minutes. To save money however, I recommend taking the bus for 28-minutes or the metro for 25-minutes. Personally, I prefer the bus route. To do so, head to the intersection of Passeig Sant Joan and Carrer Corsega, then board the V19 bus. Ride for 8 stops until you reach Ana María Matute – CN Catalunya, leaving you just a 2-minute walk from the entrance. If you choose the metro, take the blue line L5 from Sagrada Familia station to Diagonal station, then transfer to the green line L3 to Vallcarca. From there, it’s about a 12-minute walk to the entrance.

After enjoying your time at Park Güell, treat yourself to a delightful dinner and prepare for the adventures of the next day. For a memorable dining experience, I recommend El Nacional Barcelona. While it may be on the pricier side, the delicious cuisine offers an authentic taste of Spanish flavours. Conveniently located just a few blocks from Plaça de Catalunya, it’s the perfect spot to conclude your first day in Barcelona.

DAY 2: EXPLORING HISTORICAL NEIGHBORHOODS AND SEASIDE ESCAPES

MORNING

Begin your day at Plaça de Catalunya, then embark on a leisurely stroll along La Rambla towards the Gothic Quarter. La Rambla is known as Barcelona’s most iconic street, which is why I suggest starting your exploration early to avoid the crowds that gather later in the day. Take in the beauty of the tree-lined avenue and be sure to take a pit stop at Mercado de La Boqueria to grab a delicious breakfast. This bustling market is filled with hundreds of food stalls offering everything from fresh fruit to giant oysters. It’s also an excellent place to find a unique souvenir to commemorate your visit to Barcelona. Even if you don’t make any purchases, the vibrant atmosphere of the market is worth experiencing.

AFTERNOON

From Mercado de La Boqueria, cross the street to enter the Gothic Quarter. There’s so much to see here, this area holds a special place in my heart as it’s my favourite part of Barcelona. I could easily spend an entire day wandering its charming streets. While I’ve listed some notable spots for you to explore below, don’t feel pressured to visit every destination. Embrace the freedom to wander at your own pace, soaking in the historical ambiance of the quarter. 

• Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi
• Sant Felip Neri Square
• C. del Bisbe 
• La Casa de l’Ardiaca
• Saint James’s Square
• El Gòtic (barri)

During your time here, I highly recommend indulging in some tapas for lunch before venturing into Old Town where you can continue exploring the old streets. If you’re into art be sure to check out the Picasso Museum, while here. Tickets start at just €7 and it’s a great gallery of the artist’s work. While here also be sure not to miss the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar for a glimpse into Barcelona’s rich history and architectural beauty. 

EVENING

After your afternoon exploring the historical neighbourhoods of Barcelona make your way to the waterfront of Barceloneta Beach. Feel free to hang out on the beach but be sure not to miss exploring the rest of the neighbourhood and the Marina at Port Vell. This is also a great spot to grab dinner as it’s filled with delicious restaurants. 

If you’re in the mood for more excitement, there’s no shortage of bars and clubs in the area where you can dance the night away. Depending on how the night unfolds, you might even find yourself back at the beach to witness the sunrise, completing a memorable day in Barcelona.

CONCLUDING THE ITINERARY…

This itinerary offers a comprehensive guide to maximising your weekend in Barcelona. If you find yourself with an extra day to spare, consider exploring my guide for the perfect day trip to Costa Brava for a serene seaside escape. While packed with suggestions, remember to embrace your own pace and preferences to fully savour your time in the city. The goal of this itinerary is to streamline your experience, allowing you to see the most without unnecessary back-and-forth travel. Barcelona’s rich history and architectural wonders await. Immerse yourself and enjoy every moment!