2 Days in Barcelona: The Highlights for First-Time Visitors
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Barcelona was the first destination I visited without my family, and it’s where the travel bug really bit me. It’s a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, offering visitors a unique and captivating experience. From the whimsical architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí to the vibrant Las Ramblas street, it’s no wonder that so many travelers flock to Barcelona every year. With its rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine, and stunning beaches, Barcelona has rightfully earned its place as one of Europe's most sought-after destinations.
With that said, of all the trips I’ve been on, Barcelona is the one destination that I’d love to have a do-over with. I was young, eager to see a new place, and gave zero thought as to what I actually wanted to see and eat while in Barcelona. I suppose you could say that Barcelona taught me to start planning my vacations. Lucky for you, I’ve learned my lesson and am sharing everything a first-time visitor needs to know about visiting Barcelona, so let’s dive in!
Gaudí’s House in Park Güell
Must-See Things in Barcelona
Barcelona truly has it all: vibrant culture, stunning architecture, a rich history, and an amazing food scene. Here are a few must-see attractions that should be on every traveler's itinerary and that are actually worth seeing.
Sagrada Familia: Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is a breathtaking basilica that has been under construction since 1882 and is set to be completed in 2026. Marvel at the intricate and whimsical detail, and be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Park Güell: Another Gaudí masterpiece, Park Güell is a unique public park featuring colorful mosaics, winding trails, and stunning architectural elements. Explore this iconic outdoor space and enjoy the panoramic views of Barcelona. A picnic here can’t be beaten!
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): Step back in time and wander through the narrow, winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona's historic center. Admire the medieval architecture, charming squares, and vibrant tapas bars that line the alleys. This is an area that getting lost in is part of the charm!
One thing that you’ll see on lots of lists of things to see in Barcelona is La Rambla. Personally, it’s not my cup of tea, and it’s extremely crowded and full of tourists. In my opinion, there are many other noteworthy areas to see, but if you’re interested in shopping or picking up a souvenir, then add it to your list. It’s a great place to people-watch as well.
Barcelona City Passes
There are multiple types of Barcelona City Passes and they’re a fantastic way to save money and time while experiencing the best attractions in Barcelona. If you’ve read any of my other itinerary articles for other major cities, then you know that I’m a huge fan of buying a city pass.
Here are the two best options for Barcelona City Passes, depending on what you want to see while you’re there. If you’re staying in Barcelona for more than two days, I would recommend purchasing both of these cards. Together, you can see almost everything this city has to offer!
Barcelona Card
This card doesn’t include the three main Gaudi sites, but it does give you skip-the-line access to the Picasso Museum, free entry to about 30 museums, discounts on other museums & tours, and an unlimited public transportation card.
Best of Barcelona Bundle
This is for travelers who want to see all things Gaudí. You’ll get entry to the three iconic landmarks, Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, at a discounted rate. It does not include any type of transportation, but it will save you about $30-$40 compared to if you purchased your admission tickets separately. Plus, you’ll get a Barcelona audio guide that you can listen to as you walk around the city.
Keep in mind that most museums in Barcelona are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Barcelona Cathedral
2-Day Barcelona Itinerary
Day 1: Picasso and the Flavors of Barcelona
Begin your first day in Barcelona by learning about the history and charm on a free walking tour. I mention Sandeman’s free walking tours in a lot of my itineraries because I truly think they’re the best. They’re completely free (aside from tipping at the end), led by a passionate local guide, and I personally think it’s the best intro to a city when visiting for the first time.
Sandeman’s free tour of Barcelona begins and ends in Old Town and is wheelchair accessible. You’ll explore the Gothic Quarter, learn about Picasso’s life in Barcelona, and hear Catalan legends. Tours are offered in English and Spanish and last about 2.5 hours.
Pro tip: ask your guide where they like to eat nearby and in the city. I find some of the best restaurants this way!
For lunch, walk down to the waterfront to Time Out Market, where you can find food from Michelin chefs to popular street vendors. These markets strive to showcase the best food in the city, and there are only eleven worldwide. I visited the one in Lisbon and really enjoyed it. It can be crowded and a little higher priced, but it’s one of the easiest ways to try food from all over the city under one roof.
Next, walk over to the Picasso Museum. The Picasso Museum is home to over 4,000 works of art and is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and you can choose to experience the museum on your own or with an audio guide. If you’re looking for a deeper experience, you can book a guided tour where you’ll be in a small group with a local guide throughout your time in the museum (this includes skipping the line, too!).
End your first day in Barcelona with a cooking class that will substitute as your dinner - or eat again later, I won’t judge! This region of Spain is known for its sizzling Paella, so why not learn from the best and make it yourself while you’re there? This cooking class lasts three hours and starts off by taking a short tour of the famous Boqueria Market. This market dates back to the 13th century, making it the oldest one in Barcelona! You can find some of the freshest food at Mercat de la Boqueria, and it’s a must-see for any food lover visiting Barcelona.
After your group and the chef purchase all of the ingredients, you’ll head to the private dining and kitchen space in The Old Town where you’ll sip sangria and make traditional tapas, while your chef tells you the history of paella and walks you through the steps. Cooking classes are one of my favorite things to do in a new destination because not only do you learn something, but you can recreate the flavors and memories when you’re back home.
Day 2: A Tour of Gaudí’s Masterpieces
Start day two early with a morning visit to the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. This is hands down the most popular site in Barcelona, so be ready for large crowds. My biggest tip is to get there as close to opening time as possible for a smoother visit. You can purchase tickets online, as well as skip-the-line priority tickets, but you will still most likely encounter a line or crowds of some sort.
This basilica is one of a kind, and it’s mind-boggling that it still hasn’t been completed. It’s been under construction for over 140 years and is set to finally be completed in 2026. It’s iconic and overrun with tourists, but to me, it’s still worth visiting. I was in awe the moment I laid eyes on the building - it’s truly fascinating, and the intricate detail is breathtaking. Plan to spend a couple of hours here and then move out of this busy area.
After a crowded morning, spend some time taking in the fresh air and the wonders at Park Güell. You can take the N0 or N6 bus to cut your walking time down or take a taxi to get there faster. Park Güell is another site created by world-famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí pushed the limits and created stunning masterpieces throughout the city, many of which are well worth seeing when visiting Barcelona!
Park Güell is large, and you could spend hours here. You’ll find panoramic views of the city, buildings covered in mosaic tiles, and the Gaudí Museum. One of my favorite ways to enjoy the park is to sit, relax, and have a picnic. There are designated picnic areas inside the park and some areas that are strictly off-limits, so make sure you read the signs before setting up your area. Many grocery stores just outside the park are perfect for grabbing tasty meats, cheese, and bread.
Once you’ve soaked in the park, hop back on the bus and make your way to Casa Batlló. You’ll probably recognize this iconic masterpiece built by (you guessed it!), Antoni Gaudí. Both the interior and exterior are whimsical and delightful, from the wavy facade to the dragon-scale-looking roof and colored glass windows. Gaudí completed his renovation of this building in 1906, and it’s clear to see that he was well ahead of his time.
This attraction cannot be missed! Kids 12 and under are free, and adults get a complimentary glass of cava on the main floor. In addition to being a historically great place to visit, Casa Batlló has made sure to be fully accessible to visit as well! The museum is wheelchair accessible in all areas of the house, they have tablets with subtitles in over 15 languages, and audio guides.
Plan to spend an hour and fifteen minutes here. And, if you’re visiting in the summer, check out their night visits and summer concert series for a unique experience under the stars.
End your last day in Barcelona by going on a tapas tour in the Gothic Quarter. This tapas tour consists of no more than 16 people, and you’ll sample delicious local cuisines at four stops in the neighborhood, all while hearing the history of the food and sipping on wine or vermouth. Tapas tours have been the highlight of many of my trips to Spain! They’re fun and engaging, and you get the opportunity to try dishes that you may not order yourself.
Where to Stay in Barcelona by Neighborhood
Some of the best neighborhoods for tourists to stay in include the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, El Born, and El Raval. These areas are centrally located, pedestrian-friendly, and offer easy access to many of the city's top attractions.
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) - If Gothic architecture and old-world vibes are your thing, you’ll want to stay in this neighborhood. I absolutely loved getting lost in the narrow, winding streets!
Hesperia Barcelona Barri Gòtic - Dark, moody, and contemporary, while perfectly situated near the edge of the Gothic Quarter near the marina.
Hotel Neri - Spanish apartment-style with quaint rooftop and pool.
Lamaro Hotel - Stunning views of the Barcelona Cathedral from both guest room terraces and the rooftop terrace.
El Born Neighborhood - this trendy neighborhood perfectly mixes medieval streets and the art scene. You’ll find tons of cafes, cocktail bars, and small shops here. This neighborhood oozes flair (you can even tell by looking at the hotels in this area!).
Miiro Borneta - Stylish hotel across the street from Ciutadella Park and steps from the train station and Picasso Museum.
H10 Port Vell - Modern rooms with a rooftop pool and views overlooking the port.
chic&basic Habana Hoose - Smaller concept hotel that is both chic and basic… and affordable!
Eixample District - this bustling neighborhood is the perfect place for your home-away-from-home if you like being steps from famous monuments and museums. This is the neighborhood I stayed in, and we loved the walkability and how close everything was.
Claris Hotel & Spa GL - Art lovers will appreciate the museum-like feel and art on display at this boutique hotel that’s within walking distance of La Sagrada Familia.
Room Mate Anna - Stylish, modern, and just around the corner from Casa Batlló. This hotel is also part of my favorite hotel chain in Spain!
How to Get Around Barcelona
Barcelona is a very walkable city, with many of the top attractions located within a compact area. However, you'll likely want to use public transportation or taxis for at least part of your 2 days in Barcelona to save time.
Metro: The metro system in Barcelona is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It has 8 color-coded lines that can quickly get you to most major sights and neighborhoods. An unlimited pass comes with the Barcelona Card mentioned at the beginning of this article, which is very handy to have. You can purchase a Hola Barcelona Travel Card separately. This can be purchased online with options spanning 2-5 days, and all include the airport transfer fare.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available and can be a convenient choice for shorter trips, especially when carrying luggage or going to & from the airport or cruise port. But the fares can add up if you rely exclusively on taxis, so I recommend only taking them for longer-distance journeys. You can use popular rideshare apps, like Uber, in Barcelona, but it works a little differently than it does in the US. In Barcelona, you’ll be connected with licensed taxi drivers vs independent drivers.
Walking: Many of Barcelona's top attractions are clustered together, making it possible to explore areas like the Gothic Quarter and the Eixample district on foot. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes! Nothing is worse than having to walk a ton in uncomfortable shoes.
Are Two Days in Barcelona Enough?
Spending two days in Barcelona is the least amount of time that I would recommend to first-time visitors. It’s quick, but you’ll be able to experience the city's most iconic sights and get a taste of its vibrant culture. Additional days would allow you to explore the city and the surrounding areas at a slower pace.
Another great thing about Barcelona is that it’s an easy add-on destination if you’re visiting other nearby cities in Spain. It’s easily accessible by train or bus, and you don’t need to spend more than a couple of days in Barcelona to really enjoy the city.
I hope you find this easy itinerary helpful in planning your trip to Barcelona! Have a favorite place in Barcelona? Let me know in the comments below! Barcelona remains on my list of places to visit so that I can do it right the second time around, and I’m always looking for suggestions!
Happy travels!
- Tess
Looking for more information about destinations in Spain? Check out these articles!
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!