Discover Barcelona: The Ultimate Three-Day Guide

We all know arrival days can be unpredictable, and because of that my golden rule is to never have set plans for day one. Take this day to settle into your hotel and get a feel for the city.

Staying in the Gothic Quarter offers a central hub for the must-see sights in Barcelona. Begin your day by walking around the neighborhood and checking out the Barcelona Cathedral. Dive into the chaos of the city as you walk down Las Ramblas and continue down to Mercado de la Boqueria for a lunch feast. With endless options, don't miss the empanadas and refreshing fruit juices – my personal favorites worth going back for! After you’re completely stuffed, continue exploring Las Ramblas, Placa de Catalunya and more of the Gothic Quarter. Lose yourself in the maze of tiny streets, discovering hidden gems in shops, restaurants, cafes and bakeries. On the way back to your hotel, make a pit-stop into Hotel Colon for a drink or tapas at their rooftop bar, indulging in views of the cathedral.

For the evening, consider getting tapas and a cocktail before the later dinner hour, especially if you’re adjusting from a US schedule. Head to Mood Rooftop Bar at The One to enjoy the lamb meatballs and a glass of cava with the potential for some killer sunset views if you get a clear night! Then make your way to your dinner reservation at Boca Grande for an incredible meal. You can venture into the attached cocktail bar, Boca Chica, afterwards or call it a night to get ready for your next day of exploring all that Barcelona has to offer!

Wake up and start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet at your hotel. Many hotels have a wide selection of pastries, yogurt, meats, cheeses and more included with the breakfast rate. If you're craving something specific like eggs or pancakes, some hotels also offer menu options for an additional cost.

Head to La Sagrada Familia, a famous basilica and UNESCO World Heritage site, designed by Antoni Gaudi, whose architectural influence is felt throughout the city. You’ll want to be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and to further minimize crowds, book the earliest available time. You can choose to do this tour with or without a guide and with or without access to one of the towers. If you are able, I highly recommend climbing up the towers for incredible views and more beautiful architecture.

Next up is Ciutadella Park, which is about a 15-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk from Sagrada Familia. This expansive public park features a zoo, a lake with rowboats, the Cascada Monumental and lush gardens. Consider picking up a snack or pastry on your way to enjoy a picnic in the park because you can easily spend a few hours here if you’d like!

For lunch, grab some tapas at a nearby spot or head back to Mercado de la Boqueria to explore more of their endless options. After refueling, you could head back to your hotel for a siesta or continue your sightseeing by checking out Casa Batllo or Casa Mila, two iconic buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi.

For dinner, consider an early tapas meal at La Alcoba Azul in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. They don’t take reservations, so you may want to go on the earlier side to avoid long lines. Make sure to get the stuffed peppers with goat cheese and rose jam! While it’s not typical to eat an early dinner in Spain, their food is so delicious and filling you likely won’t need another meal later during the typical Spanish dinner hours. End the evening with a glass of Cava Sangria at Ohla Rooftop before retreating back to your hotel for the night.

Today you’ll explore more of Gaudi’s imprint on the city by visiting Park Güell. Picture those Insta-famous tile benches with Barcelona views – you know, the ones everyone raves about in every travel blog and guidebook. And yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype! Again, I highly recommend booking tickets in advance for the earliest available time to avoid crowds and lines as much as possible. Take your time exploring the expansive grounds and immerse yourself in every little architectural detail as you eventually make your way to the tile benches. Sure, the area may be a bit crowded, but there is plenty of space to capture the perfect shot of the cityscape behind you.

For the afternoon, head to Barceloneta, the go-to beach area in Barcelona, offering a mix of sandy beaches, seafood spots and a laid-back atmosphere. You can relax on the beach, take a dip in the Mediterranean, or stroll down to the W hotel to relax with a glass of sangria in hand and your toes in the sand.

On your way back to your hotel in the Gothic Quarter, wander through the winding streets of the El Born neighborhood where you’ll stumble upon unique local shops that have everything from fashion and accessories to homeware and beautiful handmade pottery. And don’t forget to grab a gelato in one of the many gelaterias to cool off as you head back to your hotel!

For your last dinner in Barcelona consider Botafumeiro, a famous seafood spot with an extensive menu located in the Gràcia district.