Barcelona in 5 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary

Experience the vibrant culture and rich history of Barcelona with every step you take.

22 April 2023

Visiting Barcelona means immersing yourself in the unique culture of Catalonia. From Gaudí's stunning architecture, to the bohemian vibe of the El Raval neighborhood, the city is brimming with vibrant energy. Whether you're exploring the Gothic Quarter or indulging in traditional tapas, the diverse neighborhoods and attractions ensure that there's something for everyone in this beautiful city.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrive in Barcelona and Explore

  • Check into the hip Hotel Brummell
  • Stroll along Las Ramblas, the famous pedestrian street in Barcelona
  • Visit the Palau Guell, a stunning mansion designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi
  • Take a cable car ride up to Montjuic Castle for breathtaking views of the city
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at La Cova Fumada, a hole-in-the-wall tapas joint loved by locals
Day 2

Discover the Best of Gaudi

  • Start the day with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece
  • Walk to Park Guell, a whimsical garden designed by Gaudi
  • See Casa Batllo, the famous building with a colorful facade designed by Gaudi
  • Lunch at La Pepita, a trendy restaurant serving creative tapas and delicious wine
  • Explore Casa Mila, another fascinating Gaudi building known as La Pedrera
Day 3

Get a Taste of Catalan Cuisine

  • Take a food tour with Culinary Backstreets and taste some of the best Catalan cuisine
  • Visit the Mercat de la Boqueria, a vibrant food market selling fresh produce, meats, and seafood
  • Have lunch at Bar Canete, a beloved local spot serving traditional dishes like marinated anchovies and crispy squid
  • Stop for a sweet treat at Pastisseria Hofmann, a top-rated bakery known for their chocolate croissants
  • Take a cooking class with Cook and Taste and learn how to make paella and other Spanish dishes
Day 4

Explore the Gothic Quarter

  • Spend the morning wandering the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and admiring the beautiful architecture
  • Visit the Barcelona Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture
  • See the Picasso Museum, which houses a large collection of the artist's works
  • Enjoy lunch at El Xampanyet, a cozy bar serving delicious cava and tapas
  • Take a sunset stroll along the beach and watch the boats in the harbor
Day 5

Day Trip to Montserrat

  • Take a day trip to Montserrat, a beautiful mountain range just outside Barcelona
  • Visit the Montserrat Abbey and see the famous Black Madonna statue
  • Take a scenic hike or ride the funicular to the top of the mountain for stunning views
  • Have lunch at Restaurant Abat Cisneros, located at the foot of Montserrat and serving delicious Catalan cuisine
  • Return to Barcelona and celebrate the end of your trip with a cocktail at the rooftop bar of the Hotel Barcelo Raval.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Barcelona by plane is to fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport, the main international airport in the city, served by many major airlines from all around the world.

Car

The best way to get to Barcelona by car is to drive on the AP-7 toll motorway that runs all along the eastern coast of Spain, passing through cities like Valencia and Alicante before finally reaching Barcelona.

Train

The best way to get to Barcelona by train is to take a Renfe Train from Madrid to Barcelona. The journey takes around two and a half hours and the train station in Barcelona is called Sants Station.

Boat

The best way to get to Barcelona by boat is to take a ferry that runs from several cities along the Mediterranean coast, such as Rome or Palma de Mallorca, to Barcelona Port. There are several companies that provide this service including Grimaldi Lines and Balearia.

Bus

The best way to get to Barcelona by bus is to take a Eurolines coach that runs from major European cities to Estació del Nord Bus Station in Barcelona.

Destination

Barcelona

In a city where the buildings are designed by Gaudi and the streets are filled with tapas, Barcelona is the perfect place to get lost in a maze of sangria-fueled adventure. Just don't forget to watch out for the tourist traps - they'll be the ones in fanny packs and matching I ♥ Barcelona t-shirts.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Barcelona Bound: A Budget-Friendly Family Adventure!

A family-friendly trip to Barcelona, Spain offers a perfect blend of vibrant culture, rich history, and exciting activities. The captivating architecture of Antoni Gaudí, such as the iconic Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, will awe both kids and adults alike. Families can also soak up the sun on the city's beautiful beaches, explore the fascinating Gothic Quarter, and indulge in delicious Catalan food, making Barcelona an ideal destination for an unforgettable family adventure.

A 1-Day Gaudi and Tapas Adventure in Barcelona

Barcelona offers a perfect mix of rich culture, world-class cuisine, and stunning architecture. A trip to Barcelona would leave you awestruck with its iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and La Rambla. Whether you're in pursuit of fun in the sun, beach life, or a thrilling cosmopolitan vibe, Barcelona has it all!

Barcelona Bliss: A Whimsical Family Adventure

Barcelona, Spain, offers a perfect mix of vibrant culture, breathtaking architecture, and family-friendly attractions to ensure an unforgettable trip for all ages. Explore the iconic Sagrada Familia or take a stroll down Las Ramblas, where street performers and local vendors will keep the little ones entertained. Delve into the city's rich history at the Gothic Quarter or take a day trip to the magical Park Guell, where the whimsical designs of Antoni Gaudí are sure to captivate both parents and children.

Barcelona on a budget: 4 days of adventure!

Explore the enchanting city of Barcelona without breaking the bank by prioritizing free activities like hiking Montjuic or strolling along La Rambla. Get around efficiently with a T10 metro card, and indulge in authentic local cuisine at affordable local eateries like tapas bar Ciudad Condal. Stay in budget-friendly accommodation options like hostels or Airbnb rentals to stretch your euro even further.