Barcelona captivates you from the moment you arrive. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover. While this itinerary is perfect for those who have only 3 days in Barcelona, know that this vibrant city could easily merit a much longer stay. I’ve been several times and just scratched the surface of all it offers.
We stayed at the lovely Corner Hotel in the Eixample neighborhood for our most recent trip. This is an elegant area of Barcelona with many dining options. Other good locations to use as a home base are the Gothic Quarter and El Born. The hotel has a lobby filled with hip Spanish people working on their laptops, stylish rooms with lovely views, and a pool on the roof. We loved the jars of candy and bottles of cava in the lobby. The room sound system, complete with its own playlist, was also a hit.
Unfortunately, our air conditioning broke on a very hot night. They refunded us for that night and moved us to an identical and much cooler room.
Where to Eat During Your 3 days in Barcelona
I was overwhelmed with choices when it came to picking restaurants in Spain. The country has many Michelin-starred restaurants. You can easily eat at world-class and very pricey places every night. However, I find that my favorite meals aren’t the fanciest. So, we decided to limit ourselves to just a couple of “fancy” spots. The Spanish eat very late, so we made all of our reservations for 9 or 9:30 p.m. Any earlier and you will find yourself alone or eating with only Americans.
We enjoyed a moderately priced meal at the stylish Fismuler on our first night. This spot from El Bulli alums originally began in Madrid. It was filled with hip 30—and 40-something Spaniards. I love being somewhere where locals actually eat. The highlight was their unique take on cheesecake made with Idiazabal and Gorgonzola. It was a little funkier than what you’re used to, but so, so good.
I wanted to have paella at least once in Spain, and we chose Martinez. It has renowned paella dishes and a stellar view from Montjuic Mountain to the sea. It was a lovely spot to enjoy seafood paella, a bottle of Spanish white, and some jamon croquettes!
Dining at the #1 Restaurant in the World
The star of our 3 days in Barcelona was definitely Disfrutar, recently named the #1 restaurant in the world. This chic restaurant offers a whopping 25 courses with eclectic wine pairings, and every single dish is both interesting and delicious. This was one of the most expensive meals I’ve ever had. Often, that results in my expectations not being met, but in this case, I’m glad to say it was worth every penny! We sat at a prep bar, which gave us a close-up view of the pastry chefs at work. Highly recommended!
A food tour is one of my favorite ways to get to know a city’s food and sample as much as possible. Consider booking one to make the most of your short time in Barcelona.
Sweet Treats for Your 3 Days in Barcelona
Sweet treats abound in Barcelona. Don’t miss dipping your churros in the thick Spanish hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés. Another adorable spot was Caelum, which serves Tocinillo de Cielo, a truly heavenly custard made from leftovers of sherry winemaking
Barcelona’s Famous Markets
Barcelona has many food markets, the most famous of which is Boqueria. While it is definitely worth a visit, you’ll be there with every other tourist in town, so go early if you want it to yourself, or consider going with a tour to get the most out of it.
Santa Catarina is a less touristy option. Stop in and grab some jamon iberico to enjoy as you stroll around. Mercat de la Llibertat is another authentic option. Sidle up to El Tast de Joan Noi for ultra-fresh seafood, especially tuna with soy sauce, sherry, walnut dressing, or squid, clams, and white beans.
What to See in Barcelona
We prefer to wander around a city and just soak it in, versus hitting a rigid schedule of museums and churches, but no visit to Barcelona would be complete without a stop by Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. I highly recommend booking your timed tickets in advance to avoid the lines and don’t skip the audio tour that comes with your ticket. The church has come a long way since I visited nearly 20 years ago as a backpacker, and allegedly will finally be completed in 2026.
There are lots of other Gaudi spots in town. We chose only one, Casa Mila, an apartment building still inhabited by a few residents. It’s lovely and weird in just the way you’d expect of something Gaudi designed, and it was well worth a visit.
Exploring Park Guell During Your 3 Days in Barcelona
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without spending some time at Park Guell. Also designed by the legendary Gaudi, this vibrant park is a feast for the eyes with its colorful mosaics, whimsical architecture, and stunning views of the city. Even if you have only 3 days in Barcelona, make sure to carve out a few hours to explore this iconic park. Wander through the winding pathways, take in the panoramic views from the terrace, and marvel at Gaudi’s unique artistic vision. While some areas of the park require a ticket, many parts are free to explore, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and a few unforgettable photos.
Our 3 days in Barcelona flew by. Hungry to see more of Spain? Check out our week in Spain itinerary, including Madrid, Rioja, and San Sebastian stops.
Tips for Making the Most of Your 3 Days in Barcelona
- Use Cabify to get around. Uber coverage is spotty in Barcelona, so we used Cabify the whole time and found it cheap and easy. When possible, we opted to hoof it, as wandering around the beautiful old parts of town is one of the best parts of the visit.
- Buy Attraction Tickets in Advance: Popular sites like La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell can have long lines. Book your tickets online ahead of time to save hours of waiting, or consider a tour.
- Beware of Pickpockets: Barcelona is the only place where I was ever the victim of a pickpocket, and it was a total nightmare getting money without my bank card. The city is known for its pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like Las Ramblas and public transportation. Keep an eye on your belongings and use a money belt or hidden pouch. In all of my travels, My wallet was stolen from my purse as it sat between my feet!
Looking for additional European family destinations?
The Ultimate Kid-friendly Tuscany Guide
Unforgettable 2024 Family Vacation Ideas in Europe
I’ve included affiliate links to recommended tours so I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. All opinions are my own.
This article was originally published in 2019. I have updated it for 2024.
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