3 Days in Barcelona: Ultimate Itinerary (From a Local!)

From the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter to the allure of Sagrada Famila, there is much to explore with only 3 days in Barcelona, Spain.

Luckily, I spent nearly 6 years living in the Catalan capital and discovering the best of what Barcelona has to offer. After showing many friends and visitors around Barcelona in a weekend, I’m so excited to present this itinerary to you!

Let’s dive into the best of a 3-day Barcelona itinerary and see how you can make the most of a short trip.

The article was last updated January 2025.

Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!

Is 3 days in Barcelona enough?

Many people travel to Barcelona for a long weekend or “puente” as it’s said in Spain. Three days gives you enough time to focus on several different neighborhoods and enjoy some cultural experiences along the way.

I’m the type of traveler who thinks “the longer the better” but that’s because I include a lot of slow experiences, posting up in cute coffee shops with my laptop, and people watching at parks or cafes. 

However, that’s not everyone’s travel style. That’s why this Barcelona itinerary gives you a bit of everything from slow travel moments and leisurely walks to lively nights out and loads of sightseeings.

So, yes, 3 days is enough in Barcelona if you’re just looking to see some cool places and have fun along the way. Barcelona is the perfect place for all of that!

Where to Stay in Barcelona

3 Days in Barcelona – Itinerary + Tips

Here’s how to spend the next 3 days of your trip to Barcelona. Let’s get into it!

Day 1 in Barcelona

Start the day off with some must-see landmarks and then wind your way through the charming Gothic Quarter.

Sagrada Familia

Go for breakfast somewhere near your Barcelona accommodation or head to Buenas Migas next to La Sagrada Familia. This is a local chain in the city with coffee, focaccia, pastries, and other quick bites. You order and pay at the counter. 

See my guide on the best coffee in Barcelona if you want to know where to get coffee and breakfast pastries.

You might have seen La Sagrada Familia jutting out from the ground if you flew into the city. And because it’s such a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s where we’ll kick off your 3 days in Barcelona.

Construction on this great cathedral began in 1882 and it’s still not finished, making it one of the most famous unfinished buildings globally. It’s expected to be completed by 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death. However, it was supposed to be completed several times before that, so we shall see!

Either way, living in Barcelona for 5 years, it’s been interesting to watch it develop over time.

To get started, I recommend this La Sagrada Familia tour. You’ll see this cathedral in all of its glory with fast-track access (otherwise you might be stuck in a long, long line… not good if you’re only visiting Barcelona for the weekend).

The Sagrada Familia tour is also packed full of interesting history about the building, its lovely stained glass windows, and Antoni Gaudí himself (the mastermind behind La Sagrada Familia and a handful of Barcelona’s most famous places.)

It’s 1.5 hours, so if you make this your first stop of the day and book well in advance, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy other activities on this 4-day Barcelona itinerary.

Tips for visiting La Sagrada Familia:

Book your tickets in advance! Tickets go quickly, especially guided tours. It’s also a religious site so a scarf or something that covers your shoulders is recommended.

To get there via metro, take the L2 or L5 metro lines to the Sagrada Familia stop (these lines don’t go through a whole lot of the city though.) So, I usually take the L4 to Verdaguer or the L3 to Diagonal (but this one is a little farther).

Passeig de Gracia (Casa Batllo + La Pedrera)

After visiting La Sagrada Familia, walk toward Passeig de Gracia. This is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona, known for its luxury and high street shopping. Shopping here isn’t really my thing – I much prefer thrift stores and boutiques around El Born and Sant Antoni neighborhoods – but it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Barcelona in 3 days. 

What makes it special in my book is how you’ll find two more of Gaudí’s best works here – Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (also known as Casa Mila). 

Casa Batlló has a quirky, colorful facade with mask-shaped balconies. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to stop when I’m near Passeig de Gracia.

Then, just a few blocks up you’ll find La Pedrera. If you have time during your Barcelona trip, then I recommend buying a ticket to visit this once-residence.

The rooftop is AMAZING with odd chimneys and a great view of the city. In summer, you can even attend a party here with live music and fairy lights on display.

Lunch

Considering you’re on Passeig de Gràcia, I have two lunch recommendations in this area. El Nacional Barcelona is one of the most popular options for seafood and meat eaters, and it’s a lovely place. It’s an entire gastronomical experience. The place is not one restaurant but many and it’s a hot spot for locals and visitors alike.

At El Nacional, you’ll find Spanish/Catalan tapas, 4 different bars, fresh seafood, and meats. If you’re vegetarian like I am, you’ll have fewer options. However, you can always grab a glass of wine, some patatas bravas, or tortilla de patatas along with fresh salads, rice dishes, coffee, and more.

Nearby, a bit closer to the Gothic Quarter (which is next up on your Barcelona itinerary), you’ll find Honest Greens. This spot is all about whole, health food using the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re vegan or a meat-eater, there’s something for everyone here. Plus, I love their flavored water refills.

I typically order the Honest Poke, the Wild Mediterranean, or the burrata salad plate when it’s in season. See the menu here.

When you first walk in, you’ll see a coffee bar that sells coffee (obviously) and pastries. Keep walking and you’ll spy the counter where you order. 

Plus, Honest Greens is STUNNING. It reminds me of some leafy, tropical place you’d find in Tulum. They’ll give you a buzzer and bring your food when it’s ready.

Placa Catalunya

As you make your way down Passeig de Gràcia, you will spill out into Plaça Catalunya, which is the heart of the city center. This is also one of the city’s main transport hubs but it’s still a stunning plaza with a huge tiled center full of pigeons and surrounding fountains.

There’s not a lot to do here, but it’s one of the most bustling parts of Barcelona so it can be fun to take in.

Kissing Mural

As you make your way toward the Gothic Quarter, you absolutely must stop at The World Begins with Every Kiss mural. It’s a mural wall made up of photo submissions representing people’s moment of freedom.

A Catalan photographer, Joan Fontcuberta, then compiled them into mosaics to form the image of two people kissing.

An inscription next to it reads in Catalan as: “The sound of a kiss isn’t as loud as a cannon, but its echo lasts a great deal longer.”

It’s an awesome spot to set up your tripod if you’re traveling solo, or take some travel portraits with your travel companions.

Barcelona Cathedral

Directly down from the mural you’ll find the stunning Barcelona Cathedral. It soars toward the sky and is full of intricate, Gothic details. I’ve always lived in this area of the city, so it’s something I’ve had the chance to marvel at on a regular basis.

Honestly, I don’t think it’s necessary to book a tour of the interior (as it’s not free to enter). The outside is the most beautiful part, in my opinion.

Also! If you come on a Thursday (sometimes the day changes but it’s usually one day a week), there will be a market in the plaza in front of the cathedral. It’s a great chance to find vintage postcards and prints, old relics, jewelry, old coins, and other oddities.

Tostaderos Bon Mercat for Coffee

My all-time favorite Barcelona coffee shop is Tostaderos Bon Mercat, just around the corner from the cathedral in the Gothic Quarter.

It’s a locally owned, Catalan coffee bar where they roast their own beans – which you can buy as a very aromatic and delicious souvenir. Ugh – I can smell their coffee just writing this.

Order your favorite coffee drink. For me, it’s a cortado or a cappuccino and settle in at the bar or one of their very few tables and enjoy the smells, the atmosphere, and the friendly energy of the (mostly) women who work there.

Just next door is a history museum with a mini La Centrale bookstore next to it. There is a tiny English section just up the stairs, if you’re interested in getting a book during your 3 days in Barcelona.

Barcelona Gothic Quarter walking tour

One of the best ways to take advantage of your weekend in Barcelona is to book a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. There are so many tucked away gems, hidden plazas, and history to uncover in this old neighborhood, and a tour will take you to the best.

Besides, if it’s your first time in Barcelona or you still haven’t learned much about the Gothic Quarter, I highly recommend doing this Gothic Quarter walking tour.

You’ll begin at Plaça de Sant Jaume, where many Catalan government buildings are located and the location where the Roman Forum once stood. From there, you’ll see the remaining bits of the Roman walls, explore eerie and historic squares, walk under the famous Pont del Bisbe (a bridge that connects two buildings), and you’ll even see the palm-tree-covered Plaça del Rei, La Rambla, and La Boqueria Market.

Dinner in the Gothic Quarter

After your tour, stick around the Gothic Quarter for dinner and drinks. There are a lot of delicious options to fit your mood. Here are some of my favorite recommendations.

Dinner in the Gothic Quarter Barcelona:

• L’Antic Bocoi Del Gotic: cozy, Catalan food, local wine
• Can Culleretes: historic and old-world Europe feel, generously-sized menu
• Bistrot Levante: Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine, leafy space, organic wines
• La Pachuca: late night spot with tacos and margaritas, small cozy space
• Koku Kitchen Ramen: ramen restaurant with vegetarian options, gyozas, beer/wine

Drinks in the Gothic Quarter

Depending on how tired and/or jet-lagged you are if you’ve flown internationally, you’ll either want to do an early dinner (which can be more difficult in a country where prime dinner time is 9 pm) or you’ll want to stay out and soak up the Barcelona nightlife.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend hitting the clubs on your first night, as your next day will be dampened by lack of sleep. Clubs don’t get poppin’ until past 2 am and keep going until quite literally the crack of dawn.

Anywho, here are some places to go for drinks in the Gothic Quarter during your 3 days in Barcelona. However, if drinking isn’t your thing, check out the Comedy Clubhouse, where there are English comedy shows every night of the week.

Bars in the Gothic Quarter:

• Bar Manchester: grungy British vibe with rock music
• Ocaña: set in Plaça Real with cocktails and live music
• Bar Oviso: laidback/eclectic with faux-ancient murals
• Craft Barcelona: craft beer bar right off Placa Sant Jaume
• Plaça del Rei: Historic square with terrace seatings

Day 2

Sunrise on Barceloneta Beach

If you can manage it, waking up for a sunrise at Barceloneta Beach is gorgeous. The beach is so peaceful and empty compared to the rest of the day, so it’s an amazing time to see it in any season. Plus, the sun rises over the sea and it looks phenomenal.

If you’re visiting during summer, you can actually book a sunrise paddle boarding excursion. This is a very memorable way to spend your second morning in Barcelona.

Afterward, there are plenty of breakfast spots around Barceloneta, which is the city’s beachside neighborhood that used to be a fishing village.

For breakfast nearby, try Buenas Migas or Coco House for something very close to the water or Brunch & Cake by the Sea for a trendy restaurant in Barceloneta barrio.

Breakfast in el Born

If you didn’t wake up for sunrise at the beach, no worries! Just start your day off with breakfast in El Born.

El Born is a barrio, or neighborhood, right next to the Gothic Quarter once you cross Via Laietana. It’s a charming area with boutique shops, a few cathedrals, murals, unique sculptures, and balcony-filled streets with plants.

I lived right off of the lovely avenue of Passeig del Born for a few years, so I can attest to this area’s greatness.

Depending on if you want a full breakfast or something simpler, either head to Alsur Café (there are a couple of different location options) for a nice brunch, Funky Bakers for a sweet or savory pastry or breakfast sandwich and coffee, or Pastisseria Hofmann for the best croissants in Barcelona.

Hofmann is just around the corner from Funky Bakers, so you could even grab a coffee from Funky Bakers and then a croissant from Hofmann. I’ve done this one too many times.

El Born Walk or Museum Visit

Either enjoy a slow travel roam through El Born or visit one of its museums. There are a few other highlights to see in El Born, but it’s mainly about enjoying the winding streets, plant-covered balconies, and local flair.

Here are some of the best places to see in El Born:

• Passeig del Born: Lively pedestrian street with bakeries, boutiques, and weekly street markets
• Escultura Carmela: Unique sculpture of a woman’s face
• Palau de la Musica: Very beautiful, tiled building with tours available
• Mercat de Santa Caterina: Neighborhood market with colorful mosaics roof
• Antic Teatre: Hidden outdoor bar with a big tree and hanging lights
• All You Knit Is Love: Wonderful little yarn store near Passeig del Born

Then, if you want to visit a museum, here are my recommendations:

• Erotica Museum: if you want some fun, sexy, and quirky
• Picasso Museum: full of early works of Picasso
• Banksy Museum: replicas and recreations of Banksy’s
• Moco Museum Barcelona: trendy modern and contemporary art

I like to give different options because no 3 days in Barcelona itinerary is going to be identical. I like to leave room for your interests and not just create a basic itinerary. Do what sparks your interest, not what’s the “iconic” thing to do in Barcelona.

Tip! Get a Barcelona Card

If you plan on visiting different museums and landmarks in Barcelona, then I suggest getting the Barcelona Card to save money.

The card gives you free entry to over 25 Barcelona activities plus unlimited access to public transportation!

Arc de Triomf

After exploring the ins and out of El Born, feel free to stop somewhere for a snack and then head up toward Arc de Triomf, which was constructed in 1888.

I love this arch! It’s a wonderful photo spot in Barcelona. And there is a nice pedestrian pathway that leads from Ciutadella Park up to the Arc de Triomf.

This is a quick stop during your 3 day Barcelona itinerary, so don’t worry about this taking up too much of your time.

Afterward, you’ll head toward Gracia and the famous Park Güell. However, if you are already hungry, there are some lunch spots in the El Born/Arc de Triomf area.

Lunch in El Born:

• TXIRIMIRI: popular pincho joint in El Born
• Gringa All Day: Cool all day brunch spot
• Candela Gastro-Bar: Mediterranean food with oysters, etc
• Rimini Rimini Focacceria: Focaccia sandwich shop
• Honest Greens: Health-focused food, super flavorful and generous portions

Park Güell

This is one of the most famous parks to see during your 3 days in Barcelona. It has wonderful views of the city and features one of Gaudí’s most excellent works.

To get to Park Güell, you can take the V19 bus to Pl. Alfonso Comín and then walk up toward the park. Otherwise, the Arc de Triomf metro is an option. Take the red line to Urquinaona and then the yellow line to Joanic. Alternatively, Urquinaona is a 10 minute walk from the Arc de Triomf.

Obviously, you can also hail a taxi if that’s more your style!

The park is free to visit. However, if you want access to more of the Gaudí architecture and the mosaic benches, you’ll need a reservation. Tickets sell out quickly, so it’s best to book your Park Güell tickets well in advance. I recommend these tickets from GetYourGuide.

Get all the must-know details on how to plan your trek to the park with this complete Park Güell guide.

Eat in Gracia

If you didn’t already have lunch in El Born, or if you’re craving an aperitivo, then stop somewhere in Gracia to eat.

Gràcia is a relaxed, hilly neighborhood. It feels unique to the rest of the city and that’s largely because it used to be a separate village. Now it’s a cozy, bohemian neighborhood with orange tree-filled streets, cool bars, and cute apartments.

For lunch, visit Sol Soler for artisan tapas, beer, Aperol spitz, wine, etc. It’s set in Plaça del Sol, which is one of the best places to visit in Gràcia. If you’re lucky, you’ll score outdoor seating.

Otherwise, check out delicious Catalan cuisine seafood plus great wines at La Pubilla.

Later, grab coffee at one of the best places for specialty coffee in Gràcia.

And if you have time, you can stop by and see a lesser-known Gaudí building called Casa Vicens. It’s located in Gracia and may be one of the more underrated buildings of his, but it is no less a masterpiece.

Evening at Tibidabo or Bunkers

Two options for your second evening in Barcelona – Tibidabo or Bunkers. 

Tibidabo is a mountain-top amusement park that you can see from the bottom of Barcelona, thanks to the massive cathedral standing 512 meters (1,680 ft) tall.

It’s not often that an amusement park and a cathedral collide, but this is Barcelona and anything can happen. At the park, there’s a Ferris wheel, carnival-esque snacks, VR rides, ice skating during winter in Barcelona, free-fall rides, and more. This can be a great way to unwind during 4 days in Barcelona with family.

The park also has an amazing view of Barcelona and you can explore much of it without paying.

To get there by metro, you’ll need to take the brown line L7 (rodalies train) from Placa Catalunya to Avenida Tibidabo. You can get to Placa Catalunya from Gracia by easily taking the green line L3.

Alternatively, head to Bunkers El Carmen. This part of the city remains from the Spanish Civil War offering panoramic views and a great addition to an itinerary for couples.

What makes it unique is how it gets filled with locals during the evenings. People bring wine, beer, cheese, and baguettes and just enjoy the simplicity of this somewhat abandoned space. 

To get there from Gracia, you can take the 22 bus to the last stop (Pl Mitja Lluna). Pull up Google Maps and see the current best route to Bunkers El Carmen. There is a bus stop on Gran de Gràcia near Sabadell Bank.

Day 3

Breakfast in Raval

Raval is Barcelona’s rough-around-the-edges-but-really-cool kind of neighborhood. It’s full of trendy bars, delicious specialty coffee shops, eco-friendly restaurants and boutiques, and MACBA – where all the skaters of BCN love to hangout.

It’s probably my favorite neighborhood in Barcelona and it’s where I spend the most of my time. Either way, it’s a must-see barrio during your 4 day Barcelona itinerary.

For brunch in Raval, I recommend Caravelle. They serve up an all-day brunch and specialty coffee drinks. Find these like ricotta pancakes, eggs benedict, overnight oats, shakshuka, and more. The venue is a cute open plan space, and there may be a line if you visit on the weekends.

Backup choice is La Desayunería, which has more heavy plates like pancakes, bacon egg sandwiches, etc.

MACBA

See the heart of El Raval when you stop by MACBA. This is a modern art museum, but you don’t have to go inside and take a tour – though you’re welcome to if you have time! This museum and the one next to it, the CCCB, are always hosting cool exhibits. I’ve seen Stanley Kubrick and Andy Warhol exhibits here.

What I would like to draw to your attention, however, is the side of MACBA where you’ll see a wide open plaza and people skateboarding and sitting in the sun. It’s a huge hotspot in Barcelona and it’s worth checking. The white-washed building is also a stunning backdrop for skate tricks.

Rambla del Raval

Continue through Raval and make your way to one of its main hubs – Ramba del Raval. There are cool bars, restaurants, and a hotel with a rooftop bar here. But I personally just love the giant bronze cat statue that lives here.

It’s a quick little wander that will set you up to go toward another Rambla, the most famous of them all.

By the way, I have a whole guide on Barcelona outfit planning in summer. So check out my guide on what to wear in Barcelona for loads of tips.

Jardins de Rubió i Lluch

This is one of my favorite hidden gems in Raval. It’s a quiet courtyard square with a histoic central fountain, and is the perfect spot for some greenery in the middle of Ciutat Vella.

It’s also home to the Library of Catalonia and plenty of benches to sit and relax during your 4 days in Barcelona.

Historically, it was the courtyard of Antic Hospital de la Santa Creu until it closed in 1929.

This was the hospital where Gaudí spent his final days after his tram accident in 1926.

La Rambla

You might as well check out the most touristy street in Barcelona where you’re at it! It’s not technically in Raval but it’s the middle ground between it and the Gothic Quarter.

I don’t suggest buying much of anything along this street as it’s going to be overpriced and likely low quality compared to the rest of the city. Nonetheless, it’s a cool place to see. Just mind your bag and belongings! This is a pickpocket’s paradise. Carry this anti-theft bag for maximum protection – it’s my fav.

While you’re on La Rambla, take a walk through Mercado de La Boqueria, where you’ll find fresh fruit, snacks, light bites, and more. It’s one of the best things to do in Barcelona for first-time visitors.

You can grab a light lunch from the market, then hop over to Chök Carme for a gourmet donut dessert or Amorino Gelato for yummy gelato.

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Lunch at Bo De Be

You may have heard of this viral sandwich shop in Barcelona called Bo de B. They serve classic bocadillo-style sandwiches with more of a Middle Eastern flair than Spanish.

You choose your sandwich base (tortilla de patatas, avocado, different meats, falafel, etc) and then select your toppings and sauces.

If you don’t want a sandwich, they also sell plates and hearty sandwiches. 

When you get there, there may be a line.  The right side is the line for takeaway and then left is for those dining in. The space is very tiny with limited seating, so it’s most common to take your sandwich to go. 

Luckily, I have the perfect suggestion for where to take your lunch for a scenic, casual picnic. Just make sure you grab a drink from Bo de Be or some of the little markets nearby.

Port Vell Marina

Get your takeaway lunch and bring it right down the street to the Barceloneta Marina called Port Vell. Here you’ll have beautiful views of the many boats and yachts, the gleaming Mediterranean Sea, palm trees, Barcelona sculptures, and unique architecture.

And once you get there, you should have no problem finding somewhere to sit. There are plenty of places to plop down in the sun and enjoy your sandwich. 

Plaça d’Espanya

You’ve seen so many different parts of Barcelona already, so now it’s time to see one more area. Plaça d’Espanya is a very large and busy square.

It has a central roundabout with a massive sculpture in the middle and is surrounded by lots of places to see like the Arenas de Barcelona mall and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.

To get there, you can either walk to the Port Cable Car in Barceloneta and take the cable car to the Telefèric de Montjuïc.

This is the most touristy option, but you’ll get some great city and Mediterranean views.

You’ll then walk through some of lovely parks to get to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Plaça d’Espanya

Otherwise, take the L3 metro from Drassanes (at the bottom of La Rambla) to Pl. Espanya.

Tip! If you go into Arenas de Barcelona and take the escalator to the top, you’ll find a restaurant as well as free rooftop views of Plaça d’Espanya. There is also a paid elevator right outside of the mall.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

If you’d like to visit another museum, or if you simply want more beautiful city views of Barcelona, then walk up to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. 

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is just at the bottom, which puts on evening light shows with music. 

And then, from the top, you’ll have gorgeous views of the city. People tend to gather on the steps to watch the city turn to evening. Behind the museum are the parks of Montjuïc and the cable car.

Anyway, the museum has a beautiful interior with permanent and temporary exhibits. The focus is on Catalan art and covers a thousand years of works.

Dinner on Carrer de Blai

You can take the green line metro (same one you came in on) to Poble Sec or you can walk back down the hill if you went to the park or walk down Ave. de Paralel if you’re coming from Espanya.

Type in Carrer de Blai on your maps, and you’ll soon discover Barcelona’s amazing pinchos street. If you don’t know, pinchos are bite-sized bar foods often served on skewers and/or with a piece of baguette bread at its base.

These dishes are most popular in the north of Spain but Barcelona loves them, too.

You’ll pay around €1 – €2 euros per pincho and the price of una cerveza or a glass of wine will be about the same. So it’s a fun way to eat cheaply and enjoy a cultural experience.

Most of these bars have both indoor and outdoor seating, so hop around and do a little pincho tour.

For the absolute best pinchos and tapas in Barcelona, visit Quimet & Quimet. It’s right off of Blai and they sell gourmet pinchos at a low price. The venue is tiny and everyone has a stand. I love how the walls are filled to the TOP with antique wines and spirits.

It was one of the first places I discovered as a tourist in Barcelona and a place I kept coming back to long after becoming a local.

Alternatively, you can book a food tour to try different Spanish dishes and drinks while in the area.

This is one of the most popular food tours in Poble Sec, so feel free to check it out and see if works with your itinerary.

Drinks in Raval

Because Plaça d’Espanya and Poble Sec are close enough to Raval, return here for the final night of your 3 days in Barcelona.

You have a lot of options here depending on your tastes, there’s a grungy AF bar called Nevermind that has an actual functional skate ramp inside. On the other hand, there’s an amazing whisky/cocktail bar called La Whiskeria OR something that’s a bit of a dive bar but still very cool is Bar 33/45 – the drinks are affordable, there’s artwork everywhere, and they have good vermut (a bittersweet fortified wine often served with an olive).

Tip! Vermut is a big deal in Barcelona and you should try it. 🙂 When you order it, they might ask “negro?” and to this you say, “si, por favor.”

However, whatever you do and wherever you decide to go, you can’t miss out on visiting Bar Marsella, the oldest bar in Barcelona. 

The wallpaper, the floor, the bathroom with the broken window, the dusty bottles on the walls – nothing has changed. It was only a couple of years ago that they even got a card machine. There’s no music but the place fills up with chattering guests and you can’t help but feel like you have traveled back in time when Picasso, Hemingway, Gaudí, and other artists used to hangout here. UGH!

Best bars in Raval:

• Bar Marsella: oldest bar in Barcelona, a must-visit
• La Whiskeria: cozy, slightly upscale whisky/cocktail bar
• Bar Betty Ford: small semi-dive bar with food and drinks, sometimes live music
• La Rouge: two-story cool bar on Rambla de Raval
• La Rubia: near MACBA with beer, wine, & cocktails, sometimes English comedy shows
• L’Ovella Negra: touristy old medieval-style bar with free popcorn; younger vibe
• Bar 33/45: dive bar with cheap drinks & good vibes

Tips for Visiting Barcelona in 3 Days

• You can buy a T10 metro ticket that will give you 10 metro/bus trips. Switching metro/bus lines does not count as two tickets.
• Keep your eye out for pickpockets in Barcelona. During your time in Barcelona, it’s not uncommon to hear about something getting stolen. Whether it’s a phone or purse, be mindful of your stuff. Keep your phone out of your back pocket and never leave your table with your bag unattended. See my guide on masterfully avoiding pickpockets here. 
• This anti-theft bag has been really helpful for my life in BCN.
• Purchase skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions and consider other city passes, like the Barcelona Card, for convenience with unlimited public transport and skip-the-line access. But really, attractions like Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia sell out fast. So, as soon as you have your flights and hotel booked, go ahead and reserve a couple of the most popular tours so you can get the best time slots available. 
• Learn a few phrases in Catalan. It will go a long way when visiting Catalan establishments.
  • Bon dia (bon-dee-yah) – good morning
  • Hola – hello
  • Adéu (ah-day-o) – goodbye (people also say ciao like in Italian) 
  • si us plau (si oos plow) – please

FAQ – Barcelona Itinerary

Here are some of the most common questions I see from those planning a 3 day trip to Barcelona.

Is it worth going to Barcelona for 3 days?

If you are coming from somewhere in Europe or North Africa, then yes, absolutely! It will be a short flight, the airport is close to the city, and because Barcelona is so walkable it will be easy to see a lot of the city in 3 days.

What places should I visit in Barcelona if I have three days?

This Barcelona itinerary focuses on all the best places you should see in just 3 days in Barcelona. You’ll start with the most iconic like Sagrada Familia and move through some more Gaudi landmarks before exploring other neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter, El Born, Gracia, and Raval.

Expect to make time for amazing city viewpoints, cultural activities like visiting pincho bars and foodie spots, and enjoying walks through the most picturesque parts of the city.

Is it easy to get around Barcelona?

Yes! The city is well connected with metros, buses, and sidewalks. The Barcelona Card will give you unlimited access to public transportation. #

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