Weekend: visit Barcelona in 3 days

ViaMichelin Le Mag

Prepare my trip

Vue sur Barcelone depuis le parc Guell (

©Gatsi/iStock

At the heart of the Catalan coast, Barcelona welcomes you with its modernist architecture, museums, ramblas and pan tumaca (bread with tomato) ... Follow our guide to visiting Barcelona in 3 days.

Day 1: Get into the spirit of Barcelona

Morning
Start your stay in Barcelona with a morning stroll through the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Take a look at the Santa Eulàlia Cathedral before visiting the Museu d’Història de Barcelona (MUHBA), which offers a fascinating underground tour of the ancient Roman city’s remains.
Lunch
Stroll through the Mercat de la Boqueria, Spain’s largest and most famous food market, where you can enjoy a few tapas for lunch. Or perhaps you’d prefer the terrace of the Taller de Tapas restaurant, on the pleasant Plaza de Sant Josep Oriol.
Afternoon
Continue your day with a visit to the MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art), followed by a stroll along the Rambla. Alternatively, head straight to El Born district and visit the fascinating Picasso Museum. Continue with some window shopping in the neighbourhood and treat yourself to a well-deserved drink at Vinya del Senyor, opposite the Santa Maria del Mar.
Evening
Want to keep the evening going? Have dinner at Cucine Mandarosso before heading out to Jamboree, a jazz club, or a cocktail bar in El Born.

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Tip

Football fan? Plan a visit to Camp Nou stadium and its museum with the ‘Barcelona Immersive Tour & Museum’. FC Barcelona’s legendary stadium is undergoing renovation until 2026, but this interactive tour offers a fascinating alternative.

Day 2: Visit the Sagrada Familia, a symbol of Barcelona

Morning
Start your second day in Barcelona by exploring the Sagrada Família, then relax in Park Güell, taking in its breathtaking views of the city. Also visit the Palau Güell, the first major commission received by Gaudí, which he designed at the end of the 19^th century. Remember to book your tickets online well in advance for both of these popular destinations! If you enjoy contemporary art, consider visiting the Antoni Tàpies Foundation. At lunchtime, dine in the Eixample neighbourhood, at Etapes or in a tapas bar.
Afternoon
Stroll along Passeig de Gràcia and visit Gaudí’s Casa Milà or Casa Batlló — or do both! If you’re into chic shopping and big brands, you’re in the right neighbourhood!
Evening
If you want to sample the local atmosphere, take an evening stroll through Gràcia, a charming neighbourhood with narrow streets and lively little squares. Enjoy an aperitif in the Plaza de la Virreina before treating yourself to dinner at Prodigi.

Day 3: Expedition to Montjuïc and take a break at Barceloneta Beach

Morning
Start your third day with a stroll through Montjuïc, a large park situated on a lush hill that makes for a great place to relax in Barcelona. Continue with a visit to either the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), located in the National Palace of Montjuïc, or the Joan Miró Foundation, where you can admire The Gold of the Azure, among many other must-see works.
Afternoon
Get some fresh sea air on Barceloneta Beach before following the promenade to El Poblenou, a dynamic, designer neighbourhood that symbolises the city’s architectural renewal after the 1992 Olympic Games. Stroll at your own pace along Rambla del Poblenou, a pleasant shaded promenade lined with shops and cafés, or visit the Barcelona Natural Science Museum (MCNB, or Museu Blau).
Evening
Plan dinner in El Poblenou and party in the huge warehouse of the Ovella Negra.

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Tip 1

On the first Sunday of the month, admission to some major museums is free (MNAC, Museu Picasso, MUHBA, Museu Frederic Marès, Museu de cultures del món, and Museu del Disseny). Some museums offer free admission every Sunday afternoon, such as the Museu Blau.

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Tip 2

The first weekend of the month is also a great time to visit the Palo Market Fest, a mix of art exhibitions, tastings and concerts.

An extra day to spend in Barcelona?

Barcelona offers many more activities than this short programme suggests. In summer, the humid heat will draw you to the city’s beaches or nearby seaside resorts, easily accessible by train, such as Garraf or Sitges, to the south.

You might consider taking a day trip to visit the great sacred site of the Catalans, Montserrat (60 km northeast), the monastery of Sant Cugat del Vallès (18 km northwest), or the Colònia Güell (23 km southwest), all of which are easily accessible from Barcelona by suburban trains.

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Take your time

Do you have a little more than three days to spare? Why not spread this itinerary over four or five days? Take your time to enjoy the panoramic views, relax on the beach or do as the locals do. A proper slow holiday!