Barcelona is one of the most important cities in Spain and in Europe in general. It has an inexhaustible offer of things to do: museums, buildings, different neighborhoods, viewpoints, promenades, urban parks and, of course, the boulevards. That is why when visiting the city, it is advisable to have an itinerary organized with the places to visit to make sure you do not miss anything depending on how long you are going to stay.
When you visit a city like this it is understandable to want to see all the places, it has so much to offer that if it were possible to be in several places at the same time more than one person would try to take advantage of their 2 days in Barcelona to the maximum, but having Note that it is not something we can do (yet?) what we recommend is to establish a criterion.
In this sense, it can be for the amount of time you want to spend in each place, if you prefer to see historical sites over more modern ones, or urban outdoor spaces instead of museums. There is also the option, why not, to combine a little of each one and make the best use of time.
Once that is clarified, next we will tell what are the best things to do in Barcelona in 2 days, including places to visit, things to see, both paid and free, indoors and outdoors, so you have several options to choose from.
12 Things to do in Barcelona in 2 days
Here we recommend the best things to do in Barcelona in 2 days, of course the order in which you prefer to do the tour may depend on the location of the place where you will stay, or the pace you want to maintain in your walk around town. Either way, is a list that will undoubtedly help you to have it close by when you arrive at the capital of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.
We are going to tell you what you can do or what to see in Barcelona in 2 days, with a variety of options so that you can choose between doing free, paid activities, indoors, outdoors, or whatever. it best suits your tastes. In each recommendation, in addition, we leave you the address, schedules, if you can get tickets in advance and everything you need. There we go
Day 1
On day one of our recommendations for what to do in Barcelona in 2 days we will tell you those options that you cannot miss from any point of view, and with all the necessary information so that visiting them is as accessible as possible.
1. Visit the Sagrada Familia
The Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia is one of the places that you cannot miss in the city of Barcelona, whether you are there for only 2 days, 3 or more time. It is the masterpiece that Gaudí never finished, but that he designed knowing that it was going to happen, and it is one of his most important creations.
The entrance to the temple is paid but the days that there is mass it is possible to access for free. It is worth bearing in mind that in the latter case many people tend to attend so it is recommended to go early, taking into account that the capacity is limited.
To make the most of everything you can do in Barcelona in 2 days, it is advisable to take out the ticket in advance, you can do it through the official website the institution and the value of the ticket is destined to the completion of the construction of the building. There are different options, whether you go in a group of more than 10 people or up to 10 people and you can choose if you want to do the tour only with an audio guide or if it includes a guided tour, at an additional cost.
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 : Calle Mallorca, 401 Barcelona 08013 (Spain)
2. Tour the Park Güell
If you are looking for what to do in Barcelona in 2 days, the Park Güell, or Parc Güell in Catalan, is one of the visits that cannot be missed. Like the Sagrada Familia, it was designed by the well-known Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, and inside you can find incredible sculptures, fountains and constructions that were inspired by nature.
The park has 12 hectares and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, within the “Works of Antoni Gaudí” since 1948. Inside you can find the Austrian Gardens, the Staircase of the Dragon, the Hypostyle Hall, the Pórtico de la Lavandera, the viewpoints, the viaducts and the famous Gaudí House-Museum.
It should be borne in mind that although it is a public park, for some time the entrance has been paid and a limited capacity for tourists, so that there are not a large number of people inside it and the statues or the vegetation. That is why it is advisable to get the ticket in advance through the official website, where you can choose if you want only the ticket or include the guided tour, among other options. Something you have to know 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)
3. Get to know the Barrio de Gracia
The neighborhood of Gracia, or Gràcia, is one of the most beautiful in the entire city of Barcelona because it is one of those that still retains its own identity, his personality in a unique way. It is considered a town within this city, and it is one of the places that you cannot miss, especially if you want things to do for free in Barcelona in 2 days, although, of course, it is recommended if you stay more days as well.
Getting to know this site is one of the things you should do because you will have the chance to see a neighborhood that looks like a town, characterized by its narrow streets and urban art, within the big city. This is because, indeed, it had a period in which it was an independent town but in 1897 it was incorporated into the city’s neighborhoods.
Among the most prominent sites in the neighborhood are the Plaza del Diamant, Plaza de la Virreina, Plaza de la Revolución and Plaza del Sol, to name a few. The latter, in particular, can be visited throughout the year and at any time, but on summer nights it is usually more crowded.
4. Tour Paseo de Gracia
If you went to Barcelona and you didn’t walk one of its most important streets, did you really go to Barcelona? The Paseo de Gracia, or Passeig de Gràcia as it is known in Catalan, is an incredible place and the best thing is that it is part of the options that you can enjoy for free in your 2 days in the city.
It is one of the most elegant places in Barcelona, it has luxury shops and, in addition, it has buildings that were built by Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The advantage of doing this route is that it connects directly with Plaza de Catalunya and is located in the Ensanche of Barcelona, the second district of the city.
It is an excellent place to shop, as there are local and international brands, or to enjoy and admire the magnificent works of architecture.
5. Enjoy the Plaza de Catalunya
The Plaça de Catalunya is one of the reference points and a place that you cannot miss among your 2-day activities in Barcelona. It is a central point of the capital of Catalonia and a starting point for key places. As we told you, Paseo de Gracia connects directly with this square but it is not the only one.
Plaça de Catalunya also connects with La Rambla, the rounds of the University and San Pedro, Pelayo street, Portal del Ángel avenue, the old door to the walls and with a great commercial circuit of Barcelon a. Inside the square you can find twin fountains, separated by a terrace, and sculptures by different important artists, mostly Catalan.
It is a space of five hectares that you can use to take a break from the walk, and decide the next place you will go to visit, and, also, where they are going and from where the means of public transport that they circulate through Barcelona. That is, no matter where you want to go next, you probably have direct transport from the square.
Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
6. Walk down Las Ramblas
The Ramblas of Barcelona, stars of films and songs not only by Spanish artists but also international ones, clearly deserve a tour on the first day in the city. They stretch for a kilometer and a half, starting from the Plaza from Catalonia, or Catalunya, to the monument to Columbus.
What you should keep in mind on your walk is that you should take your time, since it is usually a fairly crowded place. In addition, you will find several very popular sites such as the Fuente de las Canaletas, the Boquería Market, the Gran Teatro del Liceu, Palau Güell and the Plaza Real.
It is one of the highly recommended proposals if you are looking for what to do for free in Barcelona in 2 days, because although there are several businesses and stalls along the way, you can visit them for free and without having to incur expenses, if that is what that you want.
Although many times he refers to the Ramblas as if they were one, in reality it is made up of five of them: the Rambla de Canaletes, Rambla de los Estudios, Rambla de las Flores, Rambla de los Capuchinos or del Downtown, and the Rambla de Santa Mónica.
Address: they start at Plaza de Catalunya
Day 2
On this second day, our recommendations of things to do in Barcelona in 2 days will take you through one of the most outstanding neighborhoods of the city, as well as one of the most beautiful temples and that are worth visiting, regardless of whether you are a religious person or not, and architectural sites that were designed by renowned architects.
7. Visit the El Born neighborhood
We propose a visit to this historic neighborhood, one of the oldest in the city, as one of the free options among the things to do in Barcelona in 2 days. It is currently one of the most popular in the capital, both for all it has to offer in terms of culture as well as for leisure.
It is a very popular place among tourists who visit the city, mainly for its cafes and galleries, and because it has a great nightlife. In addition to that, the neighborhood has cultural institutions that are worth visiting on your journey, including museums, parks and temples. That is what makes it a good place to walk. so you don’t miss out on anything.
The visit to the Born, thanks to its location, opens up a range of possibilities for what you can do next, since it is 10 minutes from the beach, 10 minutes from the center and Las Ramblas, and stuck to the Gothic Quarter.
8. Tour the basilica of Santa María del Mar
This basilica recognized as a Cultural Asset of National Interest and Asset of Cultural Interest is better known as the “Cathedral of the Sea“. It was built between 1329 and 1383 and in 1923 it was named “minor basilica”. It is one of the most popular basilicas in Barcelona, not only for its historical heritage but also for its artistic heritage.
Inside this incredible building you can find different stained glass windows, sculptures, religious images and works of art in general that add even more value to the site. It is worth noting that even the organ that is in the institution has an important history, and although it is not known exactly from what year it dates, it has a decoration that is typical of the second half of the 18th century.
This is one of the sites in Barcelona for which it is necessary to pay an entrance fee to be able to visit it, but it must be borne in mind that although the entrance is not free, it is somewhat cheaper than in other renowned sites. In addition, you can choose different types of visit, and the cost will depend on them.
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: Plaza de Santa Maria, 1, 08003, Barcelona
9. Get to know the Picasso Museum
This Museum, known in Catalan as Museu Picasso has the most complete collection of the works that the artist created in his youth. In total there are more than 4,200 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and engravings.
This institution occupies five large bodies, all located on the same street, and each of them was built with a specific and similar pattern. These are: the Aguilar Palace, the Barón de Castellet Palace, the Meca Palace, the Mauri House, and the Finestres Palace. In addition, since 2011 it has a Picasso Museum Knowledge and Research Center, which aims to be “a space for discussion, dialogue, debate and knowledge and not a space for consumption.”
In general terms admission to the Museum is paid but there are certain exceptions and during those days it becomes one of those to do for free in Barcelona, and if you can take advantage of it in your 2-day stay better. Free admission is given on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m., the first Sunday of each month, and on February 12, May 18 and September 24, which are considered “days of open days”.
Hours : Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. 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 borne in mind that if you decide to attend the days and times for which admission is free, early entry is mandatory and can be requested from museum website.
Address : c / Montcada, 15-23 – 08003 Barcelona
10. See the Palau de la Música Catalana
If you wonder what to see in Barcelona in 2 days, then a visit to the Palau de Música Catalana is one of the places that you cannot miss on the list. It is nothing more and nothing less than the only concert hall in the world that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
It is located in the Ribera neighborhood and inside is the concert hall, the Lluís Millet hall, the Vestibule, a rehearsal room, the Petit Palau, and, as if that were not enough, it has its own terrace.
Image via Palau de la Música Catalana
Access to the Palau de la Música is not free but you can choose between different options: you have free visits with an audio guide, which lasts about 50 minutes; guided tour, also 50 minutes; visit open date, which allows you to buy your ticket and decide the date to attend later, to name a few. You can check all the offers at Palau’s official website.
Hours: from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Address: C / Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
11. Visit Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is another of the incredible works by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. His visit is, without a doubt, one of the things to do in Barcelona in 2 days, something not to be missed. It is a house whose design is as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside.
The description of this site is “an apology for happiness”, a world that “evokes nature and fantasy” and that can be seen from the view of the façade, the entry point to that world. Gaudí took care of completely reforming this site between 1904 and 1906, avoiding its collapse, and currently occupies a total space of 4300 square meters, with 32 meters high and 14.5 meters wide.
This house has eight floors and it is not a construction that e is very pleasing to the eye, but it is also functional, a very characteristic combination of Gaudí.
This is one of the visits worth seeing in Barcelona in 2 days. Regarding the entrance, it is necessary to buy a ticket, you can do via web or by ticket office and the visits have an approximate duration one hour.
Hours: from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., but keep in mind that the last entry is allowed until 17:30.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona
12. Walk the Block of Discord
The Manzana de la Discordia is located on Paseo de Gracia, and refers to a set of five buildings that were designed by well-known Catalan architects. Of course, among them is Gaudí and his Casa Batlló, but he is accompanied by others.
The outstanding houses that shape one of the sites that you have to add to your list of things to do in Barcelona in 2 days are:
- Casa Lleó Morera, by Lluís Doménech i Montaner;
- Casa Mulleras, by Enric Sagnier;
- Casa Bonet, by Marceliano Coquillat;
- Casa Amatller, by Josep Puig i Cadafalch; and
- Casa Batlló, by Antoni Gaudí
Even if for different reasons you cannot enter all the houses, it is worth walking there and appreciating the incredible architectural work that these exponents did so many years ago. Also, in that case, it already counts as a free activity to do in the city.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 41, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
These are some of the things to do in Barcelona in 2 days so that you have a more complete experience and get to know a little about the city’s landmarks. In case you can stay one more day, below we will tell you things to do in Barcelona in 3 days and, if you want to enjoy it to the fullest, you can also check 17 things to do, see and enjoy that you cannot miss.
Things to do in Barcelona in 3 days
If you have one more day to enjoy this beautiful city, we have even more things to suggest to you. If there is something that Barcelona does not lack, it is things to do, see, enjoy and places to visit. As we already mentioned before, it will always depend on the pace that each person wants to take when walking around the city, or the things they prefer to visit (and which ones to leave aside), but here is our suggestion of what what you can do on that extra day.
To the things to do in Barcelona in 2 days, for this new day we recommend you visit the Gothic Quarter, one of the oldest in the city, where you can visit the Catedral de la Santa Cruz and Santa Eulalia, and the Call, for example. From there, the next plan is to visit the Ciudadela Park and the Triumphal Arch, closing with the Paseo Marítimo and everything it has to offer.
If after visiting Barcelona you want to know new cultures and incredible cities in Spain, we invite you to check which are the places in Valencia that you cannot miss, as well as these hidden places near Madrid.
