Barcelona is a Spanish city like no other.
Packed with culture and the epicenter of Catalonia, Barcelona instantly impresses even the most well-traveled of tourists. Cosmopolitan vibes fill the streets lined with Gothic and Modernisme architecture. It’s a place where you don’t need to choose between a museum-hopping city break, a beachy getaway, and an all-out party atmosphere.
If it's your first introduction to Spain, it’s ready to welcome you for an unforgettable vacation.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona
What is there to do in Barcelona?
Survey says: Eat tapas and drink sangria.
Now, those aren’t the only things to do in Barcelona, but they’re on every first-timer’s itinerary. When you’re not drooling over a table of Catalan cuisine, make time for these must-sees:
We’ve got a laundry list of the best things to do in Barcelona. Depending on how long you’re visiting, you’ll want to plan your itinerary with a balance of sightseeing, wandering, and hours spent at the tapas bars.
Image Credit: Getty Images, MasterLu. Image Location: Park Guell, Barcelona
What to do in Barcelona for 3 Days
Day 1: Take it all in.
Wake up early and hit the popular sites like La Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum before the crowds get crazy. The Gothic Quarter is an ideal midday destination, as it’s adjacent to the Old City and has its own collection of amazing architecture and museums like the Barcelona History Museum. Continue on to La Rambla for more drinks, dining, and shopping, finding a rooftop bar like Hotel 1898’s La Isabela for a sunset sangria.
Day 2: Take it easy.
If you spent all night at the tapas bars, then a late start to Barceloneta beach is perfectly acceptable. Milder weather might warrant an alternative morning plan, such as wandering the Boqueria or Sant Andreu markets for a hangover cure. Make room for another night of fun with a walk up Montjuïc and a stroll around Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Feel free to spend until sundown there, as it conveniently has an open-air bar with lovely views.
Day 3: Take the long way home.
With one day left, don’t be afraid to venture outside of the tourist areas. Get lost in The Horta Labyrinth and hang out at the Carmel Bunkers, both on the outskirts of the city. Get to know quieter neighborhoods like the laid-back Gracia or the boutique and mansion-lined Sarrià. Feel free to keep your schedule loose and follow the road wherever it leads. Unless of course there’s an FC Barcelona match that night; an evening at Camp Nou and club hopping with new friends will cap a memorable trip perfectly.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Gothic Quarter, Barcelona
Trainline’s Barcelona Travel Guide
What’s the best way to travel to Barcelona from the US?
New York City, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and more offer direct flights from the U.S. to Barcelona. Found a cheaper flight to Madrid? No problem! Barcelona is less than 3 hours from Madrid by train and one-way tickets start as low as $7.88.
What’s the best time to travel to Barcelona?
There’s never a bad time to travel to Barcelona. Summer is the obvious choice for beach goers and anyone who wants to tan under the Spanish sun. While the cities are just as enjoyable in the warm weather, visiting Barcelona in shoulder seasons like April and May or September and October offers exploration with fewer tourists.
How many days should I spend in Barcelona?
You won’t regret nor waste any amount of days spent in Barcelona, even if it’s only a day-long stopover. Three days is plenty to check off the headline sites and absorb the atmosphere. An extra day or two opens up more opportunities to indulge in the nightlife and savor every afternoon siesta to its fullest.
What are the best day trips from Barcelona?
Sun seekers will want to lather on the sunscreen for a day on the Costa Brava beaches. Hikers will get their fill of views at Montserrat while country counters should hop a bus to Andorra. If you’re visiting during July, a visit to Pamplona for The Running of the Bulls is a must and worth the overnight stay.
For help planning your Spanish getaway, look to Trainline for advice. Along with more destination inspiration, we can also get you squared away for all of your train travel needs.
Download the Trainline app where you can swipe through routes and instantly purchase e-tickets that’ll take you from Barcelona to Madrid, Valencia, and beyond — even Paris!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Pol Albarrán. Image Location: Sagrada Familia, Barcelona