The city of Barcelona is one of those places where it seems that time is never enough. It’s because there are so many things to do and discover that it is not easy to decide which sites to visit first or at what time for fear of missing out on the others. Therefore, we believe that one of the best ways to visit this city, and especially if you have a limited number of days, is to have a list of things you want to do, see and know, and thus make sure you do not miss anything.
It is one of the most important cities in Spain and the entire European continent, and if we think about the things to do in Barcelona in 3 days those that come to mind are many. Taking that into account, we decided to put together a list per day of what you can do there, taking into account the popularity of certain places, if the entrance is paid or free and its location. Thus, depending on where you are staying and what your preferences are, you will have several options with different criteria so that you can choose what you like the most.
You will be able to choose between world-renowned museums, houses and buildings, neighborhoods that seem like a city within a big city, promenades, urban parks and the inevitable boulevards. Being able to be in more than one place at the same time so as not to miss anything at all of everything the city has would be phenomenal, but until that is possible here are a series of things to see in Barcelona in 3 days so you can make sure not to miss some of its key places.
Each tour depends on each person, their rhythms, their tastes, as well as the things you want to prioritize, whether you prefer indoor or outdoor spaces, or places of historical importance or world-renowned for their architecture, and for That is why the list that we put together takes into account a little of each thing. In this way, it is a combination of the different things to do that the city has and that you can take advantage of in 3 days.
We recommend 17 things to do in Barcelona in 3 days
Here we are going to recommend the things you have to see in Barcelona in 3 days, activities that you can do for free, sites that you cannot miss. Although, of course, each tour depends on the pace of the person who does it, the things they prefer to see, their personal tastes, and how they want to do that tour, and this is a list that will help you time to choose places to create your own itinerary.
Among the suggestions we include outdoor spaces, urban parks, buildings that are known around the world, luxury walks, museums, monuments, to name just a few of the things. In addition, we leave you sites that you can enjoy for free and others that require the purchase of a ticket, but both with the necessary information such as hours, address and if it is necessary to buy the ticket of advance information.
Let’s start ????
Day 1
In the recommendations of what to do in Barcelona in 3 days we start with one of the best outdoor spaces that the city has. In fact, most of the suggestions we make to you on this first day are done outdoors, so that you can familiarize yourself with all the things this place has to offer, from homes with incredible designs to carefully planned parks.
1. Tour the Park Güell
To start your tour of things to do in Barcelona in 3 days, we suggest you visit a place that is outdoors. This is the Park Güell, or Parc Güell in Catalan, one of the city’s must-see sites that was designed by one of the best-known Catalan architects around the world, Antoni Gaudí.
Within this park you can find r sculptures, fountains and constructions that are inspired by nature. Among these attractions are the Austrian Gardens, the Dragon Staircase, the Hypostyle Hall, the Pórtico de la Lavandera, the viewpoints, the viaducts and the renowned Gaudí House-Museum.
This site has been considered part of the World Heritage Site since 1948, when UNESCO decided to include the ” Works by Antoni Gaudí “ in your list. It is a public park, but tourists who want to visit it will have to buy a ticket. This was a measure they took to limit the number of visitors, so that there are not many people in the same place and they could damage some of the works. The ticket can be obtained on the park’s website, where you will find different options.
Something important to keep in mind is that the entrance to the park does not include the entrance to the Gaudí House-Museum.
Hours : from 09:30 to 19:30, every day of the year, for the general public. Meanwhile, between 7 and 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., only people in Barcelona who have “Gaudir Més” will be able to access.
Address: Carrer Olot, 7, 08024 Barcelona, Spain.
2. Get to know the Barrio de Gracia
This neighborhood, also known as Gràcia neighborhood, is one of the places in the city of Barcelona that has its own personality and that is unmatched. It is distinguished by its s narrow streets and urban art that stands out in the different corners. It is considered as a town within the big city and if you are looking for what to do for free in Barcelona in 3 days, this is one of the options that you cannot miss.
Among the most prominent places in the neighborhood are its squares, some of them are Plaza del Diamant, Plaza de la Revolución, Plaza de la Virreina and Plaza del Sol. Particularly the latter is usually a one of the busiest on summer nights.
Knowing the Barrio de Gracia will allow you to take a look at what used to be an independent town but which since 1897 has been part of the neighborhoods of Barcelona. It is worth noting that despite being now a neighborhood, it still retains its identity that distinguishes it from other areas of the city.
3. Walk the Block of Discord
Located on Passeig de Gràcia, the name “Manzana de la Discordia” is used to refer to a set of five buildings, one more incredible than the other both outside and inside, which were designed by different Catalan architects. Although one of the most outstanding is Casa Batlló, designed by the great Antoni Gaudí, all of them are just as incredible.
For some of these houses the income is paid, but in case you do not want to enter into expenses it is worth visiting them even if it is from the outside and admiring the design work that Catalan architects have done several years ago.
These five houses are:
- Casa Lleó Morera, by Lluís Doménech y Montaner;
- Casa Mulleras, by Enric Sagnier;
- Casa Bonet, by Marceliano Coquillat;
- Casa Amatller, by Josep Puig i Cadafalch; and
- Casa Batlló, by Antoni Gaudí
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 41, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
4. Recorrer el Paseo de Gracia
El Paseo de Gracia, o Passeig de Gràcia, es una de las calles más importantes de la ciudad y su recorrido es una de las cosas que es necesario incluir en la lista de qué hacer gratis en Barcelona en 3 días (y si vas por más tiempo, también). Es conocido como uno de los sitios más elegantes y lujosos de la ciudad, allí se encuentran varias tiendas de renombre internacional.
Hay que destacar que el Paseo no solo es famoso por sus comercios, sino que allí se encuentran importantes edificios que fueron construidos por arquitectos conocidos alrededor del mundo como es Antoni Gaudí y Lluís Domènech i Montaner, por nombrar algunos, entre las que se encuentran las casas que encontramos en la Manzana de la Discordia.
It is a great place whether you want to know Barcelona landmarks that are known in different parts of the world or to shop. In addition, connects directly with Plaza de Catalunya, another place that is part of the route.
5. Enjoy Plaza de Catalunya
This square is at the same time a good resting place as a meeting point since it is the starting point for several iconic places in the city, among which is the Paseo de Gracia but it is not the only one. Plaça de Catalunya also connects with the boulevards, the roundabouts of the University and San Pedro, Pelayo street, Portal del Ángel avenue, the old gate to the walls and with a great commercial circuit in Barcelona. < / strong>
It is a five-hectare space where you can take a break before continuing with your tour and, of course, things you can do in Barcelona for free cannot be missing from the list. In addition to the places that have the square as a starting point, what makes it attractive is also everything it has to offer. There you can find twin fountains, separated by a terrace, and sculptures made by various Catalan artists.
As if having a green space within the city and being the starting point of several iconic places was not enough, Plaza de Catalunya is also the place where they go and from where the media also depart. public transport circulating through the city. This means that if you want to end your tour here, you can probably go where you want or come from wherever you want by local means of transport.
Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
6. Walk along Las Ramblas
“Rambla pa’ aquí, rambla pa’ allá, esa es la rumba de Barcelona“, says a song, and the question is: yes did you go to Barcelona and not you walked along Las Ramblas, did you really go to Barcelona? Protagonists of songs and movies alike, it is a walk that is worth the time. Not only because it is one of the things to do for free in Barcelona, but also because of everything they have to offer.
Las Ramblas extend from Plaza de Catalunya to the Columbus monument, along a kilometer and a half, and during that journey you will find the Fuente de las Canaletas, the Boquería Market, the Gran Teatro del Liceu, the Palau Güell and the Plaza Real. To that you can add the different businesses and flower stalls that you will find along the way.
This route consists of five boulevards: Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla de los Estudios, Rambla de las Flores, Rambla de los Capuchinos or del Centro, and Rambla de Santa Mónica.
Address : they start at Plaza de Catalunya
Day 2
Our recommendations of things to do in Barcelona in 3 days for day two of your stay begin with no of the best-known architectural sites in the world, continuing with walks and a classic neighborhood of the city. As we anticipated, there are paid options, free, and for all tastes.
7. Visit the Sagrada Familia
Its full name is Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia and it is one of the things of the city that you cannot miss no matter how long you are going to stay there. It is one of Gaudí’s most outstanding works, probably the best known around the world even without being finished.
If you are looking for things to do in Barcelona in 3 days, this is one of those that cannot be missed, and not necessarily for religious reasons, but it is a place that is worth knowing because of how incredible it is, both outside and inside. It should be noted that in general terms the entry is paid and it is advisable to get the ticket in advance through the web page. There you can choose the option that best suits your needs.
Anyway, there is a way to include this site in the list of what to do for free in Barcelona in three days and that is by attending the days that there is mass. In that particular case, having Taking into account the number of people who attend, it is advisable to go as early as possible to enter.
Hours: from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm; and from Friday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address : Street; Mallorca, 401 Barcelona 08013 (Spain)
8. Walk the Promenade and Maritime Museum
Walking along the Paseo Marítimo is an activity that you cannot miss if you are looking for what to see in Barcelona in 3 days, since it offers a view of the coastal area that is worth checking out. It is a route that has an extension of 5 kilometers, where you can find outdoor gyms but also different institutions to visit.
On the Paseo Marítimo is the Barcelona Aquarium, the Parc del Fòrum and the Maritime Museum. The latter is an institution that is especially dedicated to the culture of the sea, and has the objective of preserve and make known the maritime heritage of Spain. Those who visit it will be able to find exhibitions, photos and maps of archives and historical ships.
This is a tour that can be done for free, but institutions usually request a ticket. For example, in the case of the Maritime Museum, it is necessary to buy a ticket to be able to pass but on Sundays from from 3 pm you can enter for free.
Maritime Museum Hours: from Monday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm; closed on December 25 and 26, and January 1 and 6; On December 24 and 31, open until 3:00 p.m.
Museum address: Av. de les Drassanes s / n, 08001, Barcelona.
9. Get to know the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gotic as its name is in Catalan, is the oldest in the entire city. It is made up of other small neighborhoods that still retain their identity, among which are El Call, Santos Justo y Pastor, Santa María del Pino, the Cathedral, Santa Ana, La Merced and Palacio.
Located in the historic center of the city, it is known as the “Cathedral neighborhood “, although there are also the Carrer del Bisbe, the Plaza Real, the Museum of History of Barcelona and Casa Martí, to name a few.
The Gothic Quarter is part of our recommendations of things to do in Barcelona in 3 days because it is a way to meet the historical part of the city in person. In addition, a fact to keep in mind, is that it is one of the recommended places to go for tapas.
10. Visit the Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya
The Palau de la Generalitat, as its name is in Catalan, or Palace of the Generalitat is the seat of the presidency of the Generalitat of Catalonia. It is located in the Gothic Quarter and is one of the few buildings in all of Europe that is of medieval origin and still remains as the seat of government.
Its construction began in the 15th century and ended in the 17th, although modifications and additions were made in different stages, the most recent being around 1970.
This Gothic palace can be visited for free either in groups or individually, on the second and fourth weekends of each month, although it is necessary to make a prior reservation at official page of the Presidency of the Generalitat. Furthermore, April 23, September 24 and September 11 are considered “open days”.
Hours : Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: Plaça de Sant Jaume, 4, 08002 Barcelona.
11. Get to know the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Santa Eulalia
The Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, or Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia in Catalan, is better known as “ Barcelona Cathedral “and it is one of the sites in the city that can be accessed for free, although it has exceptions.
Located in the Gothic Quarter, the Cathedral was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is about 70 meters high. To be able to take the tourist route and get to know all the points of the temple, including the terrace, you can buy tickets at the website and in advance, choosing between the different options.
Hours : from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 18:30; Saturdays, from 10:00 to 17:00.
Address: Pla de la Seu s / n, 08002, Barcelona.
Day 3
On the third day in your city we recommend one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, as well as some walks and institutions that are part of the World Heritage Site according to UNESCO. Among the available options are outdoor activities and others that take place in closed spaces, and of course you can adapt them according to your tastes. Here we tell you how to finalize your list of what to see in Barcelona in 3 days and what to do too, of course.
12. Tour the El Born neighborhood
This neighborhood is nothing more and nothing less than one of the oldest in the city and we include its tour as one of the things that can be done for free in the city of Barcelona. It stands out for its history, its cultural offer, its cafes, galleries and its nightlife.
Within El Born there are cultural institutions such as museums, as well as temples and parks, which makes it an attractive place beyond its history, due to the wide range of places to visit.
On the other hand, is a place that is attached to the iconic Gothic Quarter, 10 minutes from the beach, and another 10 minutes from downtown and the Ramblas. This means that from here you can access several sites quickly.
13. Visit the basilica of Santa María del Mar
This basilica is one of the most popular in the city of Barcelona, both for its historical and artistic heritage. In addition to its incredible façade, the building inside has stained glass windows, sculptures, religious images and various works of art. In fact, the organ found there is believed to date from the mid-18th century.
Entrance to the basilica is paid, but it has different modalities (and different costs) so that each person can choose the option they like the most. It should be noted that it was declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest and Asset of Cultural Interest, and that it was built between 1329 and 1383. A curious fact is that it is popularly known as the “Cathedral of the Sea”, and in fact it counts with his own series, inspired by the homonymous book.
Hours : from Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sundays and holidays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is not necessary to check out in advance.
Address: & nbsp; Plaza de Santa María, 1, 08003, Barcelona
14. Get to know the Picasso Museum
The Picasso Museum, or Museu Picasso, is one of the places you have to see in your 3 days in Barcelona. It consists of five large sections: the Aguilar Palace, the Baron de Castellet Palace, the Meca Palace, the Mauri House and the Finestres Palace. In addition, it also has a Knowledge and Research Center.
This institution is a special place for those who enjoy art, as it has the most complete collection of works that Picasso made in his youth. It consists of more than 4,200 pieces, adding paintings, sculptures, drawings and engravings.
Entrance to this museum is paid, in general terms, but there are special occasions in which we can include it in the list of what to do for free in Barcelona in 3 days. Those occasions are: Thursdays from 5 pm; the first Sunday of each month; February 12, May 18 and September 24, which are considered “open days”.
Hours : Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is advisable to get the ticket in advance, they are available about four days before the date you want to go. It should be noted that if you decide to attend the days and times for which admission is free, early entry is mandatory and can be requested from & nbsp; museum website.
Address : c / Montcada, 15-23 – 08003 Barcelona
15. See the Palau de la Música Catalana
What to see in Barcelona in 3 days? The rooms of the Palau de la Música Catalana are undoubtedly part of that list. It is located in the Rivera neighborhood and some of these rooms are the Luís Millet, the rehearsal room, the Petit Palau, the Vestibule and it also has its own terrace.
This site is so incredible that it is the only concert hall in the world that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Although access to the rooms is paid, the institution offers different options for each person to choose what they prefer, be it a free visit, a guided visit, an open date visit, or more. All offers are available at official website of the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Schedule: from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
Address: C / Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
16. Visit the Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the best-known monuments in Barcelona, and it was inaugurated in 1888. It is a symbol that represents the respect between the nations that participated in The World’s Fair.
It was designed by the architect José Vilaseca and is part of the list of Cultural Assets of Cultural Interest of the Catalan Cultural Heritage and is characterized by artistic progress, scientific and economic, which distinguishes it from other arches of triumph.
At the back of the arch there is a large pedestrian area where events and concerts are usually held, and it is located a few meters from Parque de la Ciudadela. Visiting this historical monument is one of the things that can be done for free in the city of Barcelona.
Address: Passeig de Lluís Companys, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
17. Tour the Citadel Park
We start this list of recommendations by suggesting an urban park and we end it in the same way. One of the things to do in Barcelona in 3 days is to visit the Ciudadela Park, or Parc de la Ciutadella, the first park that was completely designed to be a public park.
Inside this site you will find the Monumental Waterfall, the castle of the three Dragons and the Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as two sites that are dedicated to the conservation of botanical species: < strong> the Umbracle and the Greenhouse.
The park covers an area of 17 hectares and if the zoo is added it reaches 31, and was designed by José Fontseré with a style inspired by the Luxembourg garden, in Paris. It is located near the Born neighborhood and Barceloneta, and is one of the things to do in Barcelona for free in your 3 days of stay.
Hours: every day, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Address: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
These are some of the things to do in Barcelona in 3 days, so you can enjoy everything it has to do, see and know. Of course, as we have mentioned before, your route will depend a lot on your tastes, the pace you want to take on those days and also how you want to do it, such as if you prefer to move on foot or prefer to use a vehicle, for example, But undoubtedly having this list nearby can facilitate that organization.
With so many things to see and do, it is not easy to make a selection, but in this tour we include monuments, religious sites that transcend religious issues, urban parks, and among them several things to do for free in Barcelona in 3 days. We hope it helps you organize your next trip.
Things to do in Barcelona in 2 days
In case you have plans to travel to this city that blends its historical part with the modern and contemporary but you have one less day to enjoy it, we also have activities to offer you. It should be noted that for things to do in Barcelona in 2 days the order of the tour is different since having less time, the order of priority varies.
In that case, our recommendation is to start your first day at the Sagrada Familia, one of the must-see places in the Catalan city and from there continue visiting key points such as Las Ramblas, Paseo de Gracia, Casa Batlló and the Picasso Museum, among others.
As when you organize what to see in Barcelona in 3 days, to our suggestions for the 2 days in this city you can add yours and adjust them to your tastes and preferences, although we hope they will facilitate the organization time for when put together your own itinerary.
Barcelona is a huge city in cultural and historical terms, and an inexhaustible source of places to visit and activities to do, things that are definitely worth doing. That is why if you have a little more time, or if you want to know more places, you can check the 17 things to do, see and enjoy in Barcelona that we recommend you not to miss.
If after seeing Barcelona you have more desire to continue knowing what the most important cities in Spain have to offer, you can see which are the places in Valencia that are not to be missed or the hidden places near Madrid that you cannot stop visiting.
