Planning out a 4 day Barcelona itinerary can be both exciting and intimidating. From La Sagrada Familia to the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, there is so much to do and see in this exciting Catalan capital that you may not know where to even begin.
So, let me – a Barcelona local – show you the way to the best of Barcelona. With 5 years in the books, I’ve got plenty of insider tips and recommendations to share about this exciting city.
4 days in Barcelona is the perfect amount of time to initially get to know the city, sprinkling in some authentic experiences and seeing the main tourist hubs.
Let’s dive into this Barcelona itinerary.
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Why visit Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is like a magical blend of culture, trendy places, and the coolest architecture you’ll ever see. From strolling down Passeig de Gracia to seeing the masterpiece that is Park Güell, every corner has its own story. Your taste buds are gonna love the food and Gaudí’s creations are unlike anything else you’ve seen.
Whether you’re into history, parties, or just soaking up good vibes, Barcelona’s got it all and then some.
So, let this itinerary for your first time in Barcelona inspire you to plan the most incredible trip to Spain!
4 Day Barcelona Itinerary
This itinerary is full of everything you need to know when visiting Barcelona for 4 days. From what to do to where to eat and drink, here is how to make the most of your trip to Catalonia’s capital.
Day 1 in Barcelona
Kickstart your first-time in Barcelona itinerary with a bit of architecture, local cuisine, and mystery of the Gothic Quarter. Here’s how to spend day 1 of your 4-day Barcelona itinerary.
Day 1: Morning in Barcelona
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 breakfast.
You might have seen La Sagrada Familia jutting out from the ground if you flew into the city. This is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona; it’s a symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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 who knows!
Either way, living in Barcelona for 5 years, it’s been interesting to watch it develop over time.
So, I recommend this La Sagrada Familia tour. You’ll see this cathedral in all of its brilliance with fast-track access (otherwise you might be stuck in a long, long line.)
The tour is also packed full of interesting history about the building, its lovely stained glass windows, and Antoni Gaudi 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 in advance! Tickets go quickly, especially guided tours. It’s also a religious side so a scarf or something that covers your shoulders is recommended.
Take the L2 or L5 metro 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).
Day 1: Mid-morning on Passeig de Gràcia
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 – but it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Barcelona in 4 days.
What makes it special in my book is how you’ll find two more of Gaudi’s best works here – Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
Casa Batlló has a quirky, colorful facade with mask-shaped balconies. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to stop during a day in Barcelona.
I’ve actually never been inside, so I can’t attest to its greatness. However, just a few blocks up you’ll find La Pedrera. If you have time during your Barcelona vacation, 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.
Day 1: Lunch in Barcelona
Since 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. 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.
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, Mexico. They’ll give you a buzzer and bring your food when it’s ready.
Day 1: Afternoon at Plaça Catalunya and Barcelona Cathedral
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.
Going further down into the oldest parts of Barcelona, you can either take La Rambla or Avinguda del Portal de l’Àngel. Tomorrow you will explore La Rambla, so carry on down Portal de l’Àngel.
Portal de l’Àngel is a shopping street with names like Mango, Zara, Brandy Melville, etc. It’s a wide street so it’s easy to get down. Several streets jug out from here that make for nice stops.
For example, I love this place called Raima for its nice pens, journals, and planners. It’s a locally owned store that’s been in business for YEARS. It has three different floors and it’s full of goodies.
The kissing mural in the Gothic Quarter
Don’t worry if you don’t stop anywhere as you walk down Portal de l’Àngel. However, you 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.” Makes for a lovely photo spot in Barcelona.
Barcelona Cathedral
Directly down from the mural you’ll find the stunning Barcelona Cathedral jutting toward the sky. 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.
Its Gothic architecture is full of intricate details and sculptures and the steps that lead up to it just add to its grandeur.
I don’t think it’s necessary to book a tour of the interior. The outside is enough to take in on its own.
If you come on a Thursday (sometimes the day changes but it’s usually one day a week), there will be a market set out. It’s a great chance to find vintage postcards and prints, old relics, jewelry, old coins, and other oddities.
Coffee at Tostaderos Bon Mercat
If there is only one place you stop for coffee in Barcelona, let it be Tostaderos Bon Mercat. 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 a cortado or a cappuccino, settle in at the bar or one of their very few tables and enjoy the smells, the atmosphere, and the friendly energy of the 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.
Plaça de Sant Jaume
Plaça de Sant Jaume is Barcelona’s main political square, with Catalan governmental buildings on either side. It’s also just around the corner from the Instagram famous El Pont del Bisbe.
Sant Jaume is home to many events, demonstrations, and public displays. Different light displays, parades, protests, Barcelona’s main Christmas tree, and so much more happens here.
Plaça Reial
One of the city’s most famous and picturesque squares, Plaça Reial is palm-fringed with a lovely fountain at its center. It’s surrounded by bars, restaurants, apartments, and two of the most popular nightclubs – Jamboree and Sidecar.
Day 1: Evening in Barcelona
Keep wandering around the Gothic Quarter as the evening approaches. The winding streets will keep you entertained. Don’t miss out on seeing the tucked-away Plaça de Sant Felip Neri and its eerie history.
This Gothic Quarter guided walking tour is an excellent option for learning more about the city. For something later in the evening, try this Barcelona ghost tour.
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.
Tangent aside, either have dinner in the Gothic Quarter or somewhere closer to your accommodation.
Dinner in the Gothic Quarter Barcelona recommendations
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
Visit a Gothic Quarter Bar
If you’re still going at this point in the evening, add a Gothic Quarter bar to your 4 days Barcelona itinerary OR head to the nearby Comedy Clubhouse for some of the best English comedy in Barcelona.
Best 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
Day 2 in Barcelona
On day 2 of your trip, you’ll be exploring the charming old neighborhood of El Born, which is right next to the Gothic Quarter. It’s full part of Old Town, so there are plenty of winding streets.
You will also venture to the top of the city to see the famous Park Güell and the village-like neighborhood of Gracia. Then, explore Tibidado or unwind at Bunkers overlooking the city.
Day 2: Morning in Barcelona’s El Born neighborhood
El Born is a barrio, or neighborhood, right next to the Gothic Quarter after you cross Via Laietana. It’s a charming area with boutique shops, a few cathedrals, murals, and balcony-filled streets.
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.
I recommend coming here for breakfast before enjoying more of your 4 days Barcelona itinerary.
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.
Either way, please take a walk down Passeig del Born – it’s lovely! For all my fellow slow living people, my favorite yarn store All You Knit Is Love is right around the corner.
There are a few other highlights to see in El Born, but it’s mainly about enjoying the winding streets, plant-covered balconise, and local flair.
However, there are several cool musuems so pick and choose what you prefer to see or tour from this list:
Best museums in El Born
Palau de la Musica – very beautiful, tiled building with tours available
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
Money saving tip! To save money on your trip. you can get this Barcelona Card. You’ll get unlimited access to public transporation and tickets to 25+ museums in Barcelona.
Ciutadella Park and Arc de Trimof
Afterward, take a quick stroll through Ciutadella Park if you’d like. It’s a lively area where locals tend to gather. You’ll see people practicing acrobatics and hula-hooping, friends gathered playing card games, and the lone reader or two. Like in many parts of Barcelona, watch your bag here. I had a friend get his camera stolen from this park.
There is also an impressive fountain in the park that is worth checking out.
Then head up toward Arc de Trimof, which was constructed in 1888. I love this arch! It’s a wonderful photo spot in Barcelona.
Day 2: Early afternoon at Park Güell
Whether you are spending 2 days in Barcelona or 4 days in Barcelona, this famous park is a must-see. It’s offers stunning cityscape views from those iconic colorfully-tiled benches.
From the Arc, follow these steps to get to the iconic Park Güell. To get there, take the metro of the same name (you will need to switch at Placa Catalunya and then take the green line L3 to Vallcarca) or hop on the V19 bus by the Arc de Trimof. You will ride it for 14 stops. Get off at Ctra del Carmel – Albert Llanas, which is a two-minute walk to Park Güell.
Grab the Barcelona Card to save money on admission tickets & access unlimited public transportation.
Tickets sell out quickly, so it’s best to book your Park Güell tickets well in advance. I recommend these tickets from GetYourGuide.
Day 2: Lunch in Gràcia
Just below the park is the relaxed, hilly neighborhood of Gràcia. 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, cold beer, and wine. 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. During lunch hours there is a menú del día, which is a set-priced menu with a couple of different offerings in each category to create a 2 or 3-course lunch.
Later, grab coffee at one of the best places for specialty coffee in Gràcia.
Casa Vicens
If you’re still on an Antoni Gaudí architecture kick and have time, go see Casa Vicens in Gracia. It’s one of the more underrated buildings of his, but it is no less a masterpiece.
Plus, with 4 days in the city, you should be able to squeeze it in if you already in the Gracia neighborhood.
Day 2: Evening at Tibidabo Amusement Park or Bunkers
Here are two options for spending the 2nd evening during your Barcelona 4 day itinerary.
Day 2: Tibidabo
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.
Day 2: Bunkers El Carmen
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.
Otherwise, here’s a great round-up of how to get to Bunkers.
Day 3 of Barcelona 4 day Itinerary
Day 3 is less about tourist attractions and more about getting to know the city itself a bit better. Here’s how to spend day 3 in Barcelona, Spain.
Day 3: Brunch 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 visit MACBA. This is a modern art museum, but you don’t have to go inside and take a tour – though you’re welcome to! 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
Take a waltz down one of Raval’s main streets. 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.
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 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.
Day 3: Late afternoon on Montjuïc OR Plaça d'Espanya
Now hop on the metro from Liceu (or alternatively take the scenic cable car from Barceloneta to Montjuic) and take it to the Paralel stop or Espanya. It’s either you visit a cacti park with Mediterranean Sea views or see more of Barcelona’s city life and the views from Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
To visit Montjuïc
After getting off at Paralel, walk 15 minutes toward Montjuïc – the walk is uphill – and discover the Cactus Park called Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera.
It’s one of the best free things to do in Barcelona, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem to tourists. You’ll find hundreds upon hundreds of plant species, mainly cacti and tropical foliage. The hillside area gets a lot of sun so it’s the perfect climate for growing these species.
Take a walk, relax, and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea while you’re at it! And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the sea. You’ll get to see it upclose on day 4 this Barcelona guide.
If you still have time, you can also check out other parts of Montjuïc like the Montjuïc Castle and Jardins de Laribal or even head to Plaça d’Espanya.
To visit Plaça d'Espanya
After getting off at Espanya, you’ll spill out into a huge, car-filled roundabout. There’s the Arenas de Barcelona on one side, which has a free-to-visit rooftop balcony with sweeping views.
Otherwise, continue toward the lovely Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the fountains in front of it. There are steps and escalators that lead up to the hilltop building.
From there, you can tour the building – it’s historic and the art is top-notch, or you can simply take in the view from the top of the steps. If you go around the corner (left if you are facing the building), you will find more stunning cityscape views and paths that lead into the parks of Montjuïc.
You’ll find a good Barcelona city viewpoint here (link to where it is on Google maps).
Day 3: 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.
Day 3: Raval Nightlife
As I said before, Raval has some of the best bars and it’s a must-have experience during your 4 days here.
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 afforable, 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 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, Gaudi, and other artists used to hangout here. UGH!
Best bars in Raval, Barcelona
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
33/45 – dive bar with cheap drinks & good vibes
Day 4 of Barcelona 4 day Itinerary
On the last day of 4 days in Barcelona you’ll see the Port Vell marina and Barceloneta Beach with the option of a day trip to Costa Brava or Sitges.
Day 4: Barceloneta Beach & Breakfast
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. 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 last day 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 breakast, try Buenas Migas or Coco House for something very close to the water or Brunch & Cake by the Sea for a trendy restaurant.
If you don’t wake up for sunrise, I recommend walking from the bottom of the La Rambla where it meets the coast. From there, you’ll be able to walk along the picturesque Port Vell marina with its many boats that quickly turn into yachts.
There are also several sculptures and other works of art along the long promenade, like the quirky El Cap de Barcelona, which means “the face of Barcelona” in Catalan.
Travel tip! I never recommend Barceloneta Beach as a place to hangout or spend too much time. It’s a rather dirty man-made beach, thanks to the ‘93 Olympics, and it’s often dotted with hagglers, thieves, and men looking to talk to you.
Everytime I have come here alone to read, I’ve been approached and gotten unwanted attention. Plus, there are WAY better beaches outside of Barcelona like Sitges, Castelldefels, and most of Costa Brava.
So, if it’s summer and you want to spend your last day on the beach, go to Sitges or Castelldefels, they are an easy train ride away.
Day 4: Mid-morning Day Trip
So by this point in your 4 day Barcelona itinerary you’re either happy to do a day trip or eager to keep exploring around Barcelona. So, you have options.
Some sort of day trip or excursion can definitely add to the memorability of your trip. And you don’t have to go at it alone. There are tons of group day trips that take away the hassle of planning and figuring out trains, etc.
Here’s my guide on my favorite day trips from Barcelona, any of which are a great way to spice up your itinerary for Barcelona.
So, here are a few ways to spend your last day outside of the city, even if just for a few hours.
Half-day Barcelona day trips:
Montserrat Day Tour from Barcelona: Ride a cog-wheel train up to Montserrat on this half-day trip. This village is carved into a wonderfully jagged mountain with a monastery and delicious bakery. This other delightful tour includes Montserrat plus a wine & tapas tour.
Winery + Paella Cooking Class: If you want some more culture on your trip, this tour is perfect. You’ll venture to a vineyard, see the beauty of the Catalan countryside, and learn how to make your own paella.
Costa Brava Kayaking & Snorkeling: This is one of my favorites! Costa Brava is a dreamy place with hidden caves, grottos, and secluded beaches.
While there’s always more to see in Barcelona, even as a local, day trips allow you to see more of Catalonia and its rich culture, history, and towns. So, during your vacation, I encourage you to get out of the city even just for a little while.
Day 4: Afternoon in Barcelona
If you don’t head out on a day trip, grab Barcelona’s famous bocadillo (sandwich) from Bo de B. It’s at the bottom of the Gothic Quarter right by the marina. You can eat inside but it’s tiny, so I tend to take mine to go and then sit out by the marina.
There is a shop right up from Bo de B where you can grab a drink if you don’t get one at the restaurant.
Tip! The place fills up quickly, so you may notice a line when you arrive. Don’t worry; it moves quickly.
Day 4: Late afternoon at a rooftop bar
Go out for rooftop drinks at Ayre Hotel Rosellón while the sun is still out. This hotel has a rooftop bar with INCREDIBLE views overlooking La Sagrada Familia.
Just walk in and take the elevator up to the top floor and you’ll quickly find the bar. Order a glass of cava, Spain’s favorite sparkling wine, and settle in with majestic cityscape views. Such a perfect way to finish off your trip to Barcelona!
Day 4: last Evening in Barcelona
Complete your last night in Barcelona with a delicious meal. Barcelona is a foodie city, so there is so much to choose from. Some people say it’s not cultural enough to eat international cuisine while traveling in a particular country, but to that I say Pfftt!
The food scene in Barcelona is incredibly diverse, just like the population, so if you want to dine at this AMAZING Italian restaurant called La Patsa Lab (no I didn’t make a typo), then so be it. The largest international population in Barcelona is Italian, so it’s cultural in my book.
Otherwise, check out this delightful Catalan restaurant called Cuines Santa Caterina set inside the lovely Santa Caterina Market in El Born. It’s well-decorated and a delicious opportunity to try Catalan dishes. Escalivada is my favorite!
I also love so many Asian restaurants in El Born, such as Grasshopper for ramen, the Red Ant Noodle Bar for Thai curry or ramen, and Mosquito for Asian-style tapas. I know all these places have insect names….
Day 4: Nightlife entertainment in El Born
Finish off the last night of your trip with organic wine at either DIECI8 Bar or Can Cisa/Bar Brutal. If you’ve not tried organic wine, you are in for a treat. Try the orange one if you go to DIECI8 Bar.
If you don’t want wine, you could also checkout the Bobby’s Free speakeasy bar. It’s next to Placa Catalunya. They have AMAZING cocktails and the 1920s vibe is everything.
Also in El Born, you can see an authentic flamenco show outside of Andalusia at Flamenco Palau Dalmases. You can head there after a glass of wine. The venues are close by.
I will say, if you are traveling to the south of Spain, wait to see a flamenco show there. That’s where it is culturally from and where you’ll find the absolute best shows.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
One of the hardest parts about planning a trip to Barcelona is choosing where to stay. There are so many cool neighborhoods to choose from, but if you want to make the most of this itinerary travel guide, stay in either El Born, the Gothic Quarter, or at the bottom of Eixample close to Gran Via.
Here are some of the best hotels in Barcelona.
This is a stunning 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool in the Gothic Quarter. The rooftop overlooks the Barcelona Cathedral, my favorite landmark in the city. If you want to stay in an upscale boutique hotel in Barcelona, this is the one for your first trip! See room rates here.
Stay at Hotel Ciutat de Barcelona to be right at the heart of El Born. This charming neighborhood already offers so much in terms of boutique shopping, delicious coffee, and excellent dining and drinking. Plus, this 3-star hotel also has a rooftop pool and city views. Check availability here.
Pension Ciudadela Barcelona is located El Born with coz-cute rooms and quaint balconies. What makes it incredible are its affordable prices and stunning location. See current rates here.
If you really want to stay on La Rambla, Hotel Lloret Ramblas has affordable rooms with balconies overlooking the street. Keep in mind you might have trouble sleeping at night because of noise.
This is the best budget-friendly hostel in Barcelona. It has hotel-like perks with its rooftop pool, ideal location, and breakfast but with the convenience of a cheap price if you don’t mind sharing a dorm room with others.
FAQ
Here are some common questions about planning a trip to Barcelona.
Are 4 days enough to see Barcelona?
Yes! While you can spend weeks, months, and even years getting to know Barcelona, you can definitely see the main highlights of this city in 4 days. You might not want to leave by the end of it, but 4 days is enough for a first-time trip.
How to spend 4 nights in Barcelona?
A mix of tourist attractions, cultural experiences, and wandering around make for the best trip to Barcelona. Book ahead for the tours, excursions, and landmarks you really want to do/see, and then leave room for a bit of spontaneity. You never know who you might meet and the recommendations they may have to help personalize your trip to Barcelona.
Is 4 days in Barcelona enough?
Four days is enough to see the main places in Barcelona like La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, Passeig de Gracia, Park Guell and others. So, yes, 4 days in Barcelona is enough.
How much cash should I take to Barcelona for a 4 days trip?
Don’t carry too much cash on you. Most places in Barcelona these days accept card, some ONLY accept cards, and very few only take cash. So, keep a 20 euro bill and some change for rounding up tips (if you like), but don’t bring a lot of cash.
Tip! You can take out cash at an ATM for the best rate. I recommend any Deutsche Bank before they do not charge a fee, though your bank might.
How many days should a tourist spend in Barcelona?
Some people spend a weekend in Barcelona, often traveling through Europe or visiting from a nearby country. Many people spend around 3-5 days in Barcelona and often up to a week. There is plenty to see and do – this is a city that always has something going on, day and night.
Tips for Visiting Barcelona
- 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
Looking for more things to do in Barcelona? Check out these FREE things to do.
