3 days in Barcelona – immerse yourself in

the heart of the city – day 1

Favorites , Places of interest on March 8, 2012 09:46

This route will not be enough to see the city completely. Visitors and residents will tell you
that the city offers something new every day and that you will find it around every corner.
At Oh-Barcelona.com we have got to work and have created a guide especially for those
who have just the right amount of time. We offer you the best of Barcelona in a visit of
just 3 days .

First day

If you look at a map of Barcelona you will notice how the city opens like a fan towards the
mountains, from a core of tangled streets. This nucleus is Ciutat Vella, the old town, and
the part we will focus on on this first day. The area is ideal as a starting point for visiting
Barcelona, it not only shows the beginnings of the city, but also brings together many
points of tourist interest.

The famous Ramblas

09:00 Stroll along Las Ramblas

Head towards Plaça de Catalunya, located just at one end of the old town and a central
point for any public transport. From here walk along Las Ramblas, the best-known avenue
in the world. This street is always full of tourists, so you will move to the rhythm of the
people around you, passing the flower kiosks and human statues. During this walk along
Las Ramblas, look at the mosaics that adorn the floor and are the work of the surrealist
master Joan Miró.

The obligatory stop is the Mercat de la Boquería, the largest food market in Europe – an
ideal place to buy some local products or have a fresh fruit juice and continue on your way.

10:00 Rest in the Gothic squares

Now go to the left side of Las Ramblas and enter the Gothic Quarter. From Las Ramblas
you can already glimpse the splendid Plaça Reial, a neoclassical jewel that includes Antoni
Gaudí's first work in the city – the lamppost next to the central fountain. Take the
opportunity to have a drink in one of the cafes in this square so full of life. You will not
forget the atmosphere that is breathed here.

El Gótico has many boutiques and galleries, perfect for browsing. Carrer de Ferran is
especially attractive for strolling through the shop windows and at the end you will reach
Plaça de Sant Jaume, where the municipal buildings of Barcelona are concentrated. Here is
the Palau de la Generalitat, seat of the Catalan government and right in front you will see
the town hall.

11:00 Visit the cloister's geese

From this square, head to the left, to Carrer del Bisbe, where you will see a Gothic style
arch that could well be the typical image on a postcard of the city. At the end of this street
you will find a 13th century Cathedral (its full name is Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa
Eulàlia). Considered the most prominent Gothic building in the city, the Cathedral
impresses both outside and inside. Its numerous chapels, dedicated to different saints, are
extraordinary works of craftsmanship, where you can see how the most devout visitors take
time to be with their favorite saint.

The cloister is home to a surprising group of residents – 13 ducks, one for each year of the
life of Saint Eulàlia, the martyr after whom the church is named. Especially in summer this
part of Barcelona can feel a bit claustrophobic – if you want to enjoy wider views over the
old town, go to the top of the cathedral. If you are looking for a quiet place in the Gothic
Quarter, look for Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, you will remember the peace of this place for a
long time.

1:30 pm Enjoy lunch with the locals

Would you like to eat something? Well, you're in the right place – the old town offers you a
wide range of restaurants to choose from. To avoid the most popular places for tourists in
the Gothic Quarter, cross Via Laietana and you will reach Born – eating here will be quieter
and you will be accompanied by the locals. If you are looking for tapas try Bubó , if you
prefer a good plate of paella at a good price and in a more intimate atmosphere we
recommend Mar de la Ribera . The best option is to choose the “menu of the day”, you will
be satisfied without paying too much for it.

15:00 Get inspired by the divine

After enjoying a good meal, begin to discover the Born district. Immersed in history, for
decades it has offered a lot of artistic activity and represents a calmer and more authentic
alternative compared to the Gothic. If you compare it with the cathedral you visited this
morning, the church of Santa María del Mar on Passeig del Born, it is more austere but it is
still a majestic work of Gothic architecture. The history of this church served as inspiration
to write an award-winning novel and the proportions of its interior are a perfect example of
medieval architecture par excellence.

16:00 Enter the Born

After enjoying a good meal, begin to discover the Born district. Immersed in history, for
decades it has offered a lot of artistic activity and represents a calmer and more authentic
alternative compared to the Gothic. If you compare it with the cathedral you visited this
morning, the church of Santa María del Mar on Passeig del Born, it is more austere but it is
still a majestic work of Gothic architecture. The history of this church served as inspiration
to write an award-winning novel and the proportions of its interior are a perfect example of
medieval architecture par excellence.

17:00 Let yourself be surprised by Catalan craftsmanship

The Born district extends inland, where its pedestrian streets become residential with small
bars and fruit shops. Carrer Sant Pere Mes Alt has the best building in the entire city – the
Palau de la Música Catalana . If you still have time, a visit to this incredible modernist
concert hall is worth it (don't forget to purchase tickets in advance). And if not, just
admiring the façade of this sanctuary of Catalan culture is already an event.

18:00 Cool off by the sea

The first day is almost over...

For a perfect ending after exploring the city streets, hop on the metro at Urquinaona station
and take line 4 to Barceloneta . This route will take you to the elegant maritime area. The
relaxed atmosphere of the area makes it an ideal place to remember your experiences in the
old town while having a drink. You'll find plenty of dining options, especially if you want
to enjoy a dish that includes seafood. Don't forget that in Catalonia, just like in the rest of
Spain, people usually have late dinners. If you're hungry, we recommend an excellent
Indian restaurant, Rangoli , (the tasting menu is a delight). As you can imagine, restaurants
serving seafood dominate this area of the city. Can Maño is an authentic Barcelona place to
eat – book in advance, the restaurant is very popular for its noisy atmosphere.

3 days in Barcelona - Day 1 auf einer größeren Karte anzeigen

What did you think of the first day? Leave us your comment below. Or if you're ready, let's
start with day 2 , let's go!

3 days in Barcelona – Gaudí, the man who

built the city: day 2
More than any other city in the world, Barcelona is famous for its architecture. On the first
day of your three-day route through Barcelona you have already had a first impression of
some centuries-old works and also of the attention to detail in the oldest areas of the city.

You learned how the brilliant imagination of the city's most famous artist evolved and was
channeled: Antoni Gaudí . Today we will leave the old town to enter the L'Eixample
district. You will see how the movement most associated with Gaudí, Modernism, has left
us a unique legacy that still defines the city of Barcelona today.

10:00 – the busiest hospital?

Start your day at the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, in the northern part of
L'Eixample. This amazing work was designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner who also
designed the Palau de la Música Catalana that we visited on the first day. The hospital
functioned as such until 2009 and is now being converted into a museum and cultural
center, it is one of the first works listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that we will see
today. Take advantage of the guided tour in your language to learn more about the
extraordinary building, but remember to book it in advance.

11:00 – an unfinished masterpiece

Take the time to walk around Barcelona's most emblematic work and Gaudí's magnum
opus, the Sagrada Família basilica. The almost inconceivable attention to detail of this work
full of love of art defines the city of Barcelona better than any other building. Throughout
its history it has attracted worshipers and those who have not respected it as much (George
Orwell regretted that it was not destroyed like many other churches during the Spanish
Civil War).

Gaudí's intention when creating the Sagrada Família was to compensate the city that was
going through different problems with an offering of pure artistic brilliance. He also wanted
to celebrate the Glory of God and all creation. The result of this project is a building full of
details, the closer you get to it, the more details you will be able to discover. Try to
organize yourself so that you can dedicate at least an hour to the structure full of images,
such as the bronze door on the Passion façade or the dramatic scenes on the Nativity
façade.

12:30 – who would live in a house like this?

The glamorous Passeig de Gràcia offers us Gaudí's next wonder: La Pedrera or Casa Milà.
A wealthy Catalan couple commissioned the project to show off in Barcelona society. The
result is a strangely wavy structure. Its rare fireplaces, arched windows and wrought iron
balconies surprise us and will remain in our retina for a long time. Take photos from the
top, visit one of the renovated apartments on the upper floors and get an idea of Gaudí's life
and his works in the Espai Gaudí inside the museum.

13:30 – Would you like some tapas?

It is very likely that you are already wondering where you will eat today. You can walk
along Passeig de Gràcia in search of the place you like best for lunch and at the same time
enjoy the facades of the Manzana de la Discordia, where the works of three of the best-
known modernist artists will catch your attention: Gaudí, Cadaflach and Montaner.
And now yes: it's time to find a good place to eat and we recommend looking for it on
Rambla de Catalunya, which runs parallel to Passeig de Gràcia. You'll see countless
restaurants and bars on this trendy avenue, but you won't pay more than €20 per person for
lunch. If you want to try Iberian ham, Mesón Cinco specializes in this delicacy and other
tapas. If you prefer to enjoy tapas in a more contemporary atmosphere, try the Tapas
Workshop. Take advantage of the establishments with terraces on Rambla Catalunya and
enjoy eating while remembering the modernist works that you have seen during the
morning.

15:00 – a walk in the park

Are you amazed by Gaudí's work in the city? Well, you still have to enjoy one of the most
beloved creations, Parc Güell . This psychedelic park covers 15 hectares and is located at
one end of the city center.

To access it, take metro line 3 from the Diagonal station to the Lesseps station. From here
you will reach the park entrance in 10 minutes. The park project was sponsored by the
eccentric businessman Eusebi Güell, whose idea was to create a small city for the
wealthiest citizens of Barcelona. But seeing the scope of the project it is not surprising that
it was never completed.

Today it is one of the most famous garden places in the city, it has terraces with mosaics
and sculptures, including the iconic lizard in the fountain at the main entrance. In fact, it's
so iconic that you may have to wait in line just to take a photo. The park offers excellent
views over the city and also many quiet places where you can relax for the remainder of the
afternoon.

17:00 – enjoy the tranquility of the squares

If you still want to continue getting to know the city, walk back to the center of Barcelona
through the Gràcia district. Today it is the favorite place for those who live the bohemian
life, full of quaint shops and small bars and restaurants. In its time it was a town separate
from Barcelona, until L'Eixample grew so much that it connected it with the oldest areas of
the city, even now you can still feel an atmosphere like a bustling small city. You will see
local people socializing in their quiet squares – the perfect place to relax and share the
experiences of this second day discovering Barcelona.

Four days in Barcelona can go a long way, if you plan well. Here you
have a proposal that includes the most emblematic places in the city and that invites you to get to
know an area beyond Barcelona, so that your trip is as successful as possible.

DAY 1. Gaudi.
Get the Barcelona Card and start the day taking advantage of it to go to the Sagrada Família and visit the
impressive temple. You will see how its contemplation does not leave you indifferent. When you're done, you
can get advice at the tourist information booth . Another good option is to walk to the nearby Gràcia
neighborhood where you can eat in one of its numerous and charming squares. From the Fontana Metro
station, line 3 will take you to Park Güell ; There you can continue admiring Gaudí 's spectacular work. And
since you are in the northern part of Barcelona , at sunset a good idea might be to climb the Tibidabo
mountain and have dinner enjoying a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

DAY 2. Barcelona Walks.

The Barcelona Walks guided tours are perfect for seeing the city while walking, so you can dedicate this day
to two of their proposals. In the morning we recommend you cover the seafront, you can visit the beaches of
Barcelona and even enjoy a trip on Las Golondrinas , the typical boats of the port of Barcelona . When you
finish, you can finish your morning with a seafaring flavor by tasting a good paella in Barceloneta . In the
afternoon, the Barcelona Walking Tours Modernisme will make you fall in love with Gaudí's work by visiting
La Pedrera and Casa Batlló , his two jewels on Passeig de Gràcia. You will also discover works by other
architects such as Puig i Cadafalch or Domènech i Montaner that you will surely love. And since you're walking
through Eixample, let yourself be seduced by one of its restaurants. Mmmm… maybe some tapas?

DAY 3. From yesterday's history to today's art.

Barcelona exudes history in every corner. In the morning, we invite you to discover the city's medieval and
Roman past in the Barri Gòtic and the Museu d'Història de Barcelona , which is full of surprises. Then get
lost for a little while among the tasty stalls of the Boquería market , and from there, go to the Mirador de
Colom : at 60 meters high, the Rambla that you just walked takes on a new dimension. The rest of the
morning can be dedicated to shopping in the Portal de l'Àngel area and Pelai Street , a paradise of shops for
all tastes. In the afternoon, the Funicular will take you to Montjuïc and its Anella Olímpica , an imposing
witness to the famous '92 Olympic Games, and also to the Fundació Miró or Poble Espanyol . At night,
round off your visit with dinner and a drink in the lively Born neighborhood.

DAY 4. An incredible excursion.

Near Barcelona there are very interesting places waiting for you, and getting there is very easy with the
Catalunya Bus Turístic . One option could be an excursion to the Montserrat mountain and its abbey, very
loved by Catalans, and which also includes a visit to Antoni Gaudí's Colonia Güell . If you prefer, you can opt
for the northern area excursion. Figueres , Dalí's town that houses the museum dedicated to the painter, and
the fascinating city of Girona await you there, with a guided tour included. You will see how they do not leave
you indifferent.

Do you have three days to enjoy the city? Here we present an

alternative that will allow you to discover the most characteristic of Barcelona. Get a Barcelona
Card and get ready for three intense… but memorable days!
DAY 1
The day begins in the oldest part of the city: at 10 o'clock the Barcelona Walking Tours Gòtic begins (free
with the Barcelona Card ), a guided and exciting tour of the city's impressive Gothic legacy. Once finished,
you can continue discovering and admiring the city's jewels if you head to Passeig de Gràcia , visiting Casa
Batlló and La Pedrera , works by Gaudí. If you want, you can regain strength in this same area by eating
some tapas. Then you can continue to the Estadi and the FC Barcelona Museum , one of the most visited
places in the city. And then, how about you go to the Blau Tram and go up to Tibidabo ? From there you can
enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona . In addition, it is a good place to have dinner while
contemplating the city.

DAY 2
Taking advantage of the Barcelona Card , you can take the Funicular and explore Barcelona 's other
mountain: Montjuïc . There you can visit the Fundació Miró , the Anella Olímpica , the Poble Espanyol , a
place full of charm, and the impressive Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya . Lunchtime can be a good
excuse to get closer to the sea and Barceloneta and, after enjoying a good plate of rice or fish, go up to the
Mirador de Colom (free with the Barcelona Card ) to enjoy a magnificent view over Barcelona and on the
famous Rambla . Taking advantage of the fact that you are at the foot of the viewpoint, a good idea could be
to rent some bicycles at Barcelona Bici and ride them along the city's seafront to the Vila Olímpica , where
the gastronomic offer and the sea breeze will seduce you to stay for dinner. .

DAY 3
The morning can start with a good taste in your mouth if you sign up for Barcelona Walking Tours Gourmet ,
a guided tour of the Boquería market and establishments in Ciutat Vella related to gastronomy, with tastings
included. Take advantage of being in the city center to spend the rest of the morning shopping, and when it's
time to eat, there will be no shortage of alternatives for all tastes in this area of the city. Getting to the Sagrada
Família by metro from there is a moment and it is certainly worth taking in the contemplation of Gaudí 's
masterpiece. You can continue by metro or bus to Park Güell where you can spend an idyllic afternoon
walking through the magical place designed by Gaudí. You can walk down to the Gràcia neighborhood whose
narrow streets, squares and shops will be the perfect icing on the cake of your intense visit to Barcelona .

Get ready for two intense days full of surprises. Here is an

itinerary thinking about everything 48 hours can give.

On the first day, a good idea might be to go out and soak up Modernism. To do this, take the Barcelona
Tourist Bus in the morning to the Sagrada Família , where you will discover the rich symbolic meaning of
Gaudí 's masterpiece. Later, in Park Güell , you will find the key to Gaudin's game between nature and
architecture. When it comes to eating, the Gràcia neighborhood becomes a magnificent option: you will see
how it surprises you with its character as a lifelong neighborhood, its extensive range of restaurants from all
over the world and the combination of artisan and design shops.

In the afternoon, at 4 p.m., Barcelona Walking Tours Modernisme gives you an excellent opportunity to
enjoy a guided tour of Passeig de Gràcia and the Quadrat d'Or . You will see buildings such as Pedrera and
Casa Batlló , by Gaudí, and others by architects such as Domènech i Montaner and Puig i Cadafalch, on a
tour that brings you closer to this type of modernist open-air museum. At night you will enjoy the most modern
character of Barcelona if you dine at El Born . There you can contemplate Santa Maria del Mar , and get
caught up in a neighborhood that wonderfully combines medieval charm with the most "in" bars and
restaurants in Barcelona .

The next day you can get lost in the Barri Gòtic until 11, when we recommend that you go "open your mouth"
with a Barcelona Walking Tours Gourmet if it is Friday or Saturday. It is a walk that will allow you to taste
Barcelona through a gastronomic route through Ciutat Vella that includes discovering the charm of the
Boquería Market , visiting some of the most emblematic and oldest establishments in Barcelona , delighting
in the famous chocolate shops on Petritxol Street. and taste typical products of Barcelona 's culinary culture.
Once the walk is over, take the opportunity to let yourself be seduced by some of the architectural jewels of the
Barri Gòtic such as the Cathedral , in Plaça Nova, the group of buildings in Plaça del Rei , the civil and
political buildings in Plaça Sant Jaume , and the medieval charm of the surroundings of Plaça del Pi . From
there, you are very close to the commercial artery of Portal de l'Àngel , ideal for doing some shopping and
regaining strength in one of the restaurants in the area. In the afternoon, we invite you to continue visiting the
north of the city with the Barcelona Tourist Bus : while you rest, you can admire from your seat such
emblematic buildings as the Monestir de Pedralbes or the Futbol Club Barcelona stadium. To top off your
stay, how about dining at Port Vell enjoying the Mediterranean breeze? You can end your night right there, in
the Maremàgnum , a leisure area full of clubs and fun. You may end up a little tired, but it will surely be worth
it.