Anna's Adventures

You’ve booked your hotel and airfare to Barcelona, Spain, and now it’s time to plan your trip. You’re in the right place because I’ve crafted the perfect three-day itinerary for exploring the city. In this post, I’ll cover where to stay, what to pack, and share our itinerary to help you make the most of your Barcelona experience.

About Barcelona:

Barcelona is such a unique and special city! With its rich history and vibrant beach scene, it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend (or longer!).

The city’s most iconic landmark is the Sagrada Familia, a church that has been under construction for over a century. Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, the building is deeply inspired by nature, so you’ll notice plenty of natural symbolism woven into his designs.

Where to stay:

The airport is about a 25-minute drive from the city center. With that in mind, I recommend booking a hotel closer to the center to avoid the hassle of taking a taxi every day. We opted to stay in the El Born district, which felt a bit less touristy but still close to everything we wanted to see. We stayed at the Borneta and had a wonderful experience!

What to pack:

I’m a big believer in a travel capsule wardrobe, and since we only use carry-on luggage, my packing is pretty much down to a science. While I won’t list every single item, I’ll share a quick rundown of my absolute must-pack essentials.

• A comfy walking shoe that works day and night is a must. I’m a big fan of white tennis shoes because they go with just about everything. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to break them in before your trip!
• A cross body bag is a must! I’m still on the lookout for a new one that’s both stylish and functional. Pickpocketing is common in Europe, so make sure to keep your belongings close at all times.
• A power adapter is essential. While our hotel had USB outlets, if you need to use anything with a US plug, be sure to bring a plug adapter.
• A light puffer jacket is a must. It can get chilly at night, so you’ll want something to keep warm. I recommend a light jacket, as it’s easy to pack and perfect for layering.

3-day Itinerary:

Day 1: El Born, The Gothic Quarter, and the Cathedral of Barcelona.

• Start your day with breakfast in the El Born district. There are plenty of spots to grab a quick pastry or enjoy a trendy brunch.
• Wander through the charming streets of El Born, then head to the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar for stunning 360-degree views of Barcelona.
• If you’re interested in history, visit the Barcelona History Museum to see Roman ruins.
• Grab some tapas and stroll through the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter.
• Take your time exploring the Cathedral of Barcelona—it’s worth the visit!

Day 2: La Ramblas, Park Güell, and the Sagrada Familia.

• Start with a walk down La Ramblas, where you’ll find shops and eateries. Stop by the famous Mercat de la Boqueria for a bite to eat.
• Once you’ve explored the area, take a taxi to Park Güell (trust me, it’s worth saving your legs!).
• Spend some time wandering the park and learning about its history.
• Next, grab a cab to the Sagrada Familia. Stop for lunch in the Eixample district. Pro tip: avoid touristy spots, especially those with photos on their menus.
• Take your time at the Sagrada Familia—don’t rush. The stained glass windows create beautiful color displays throughout the day.
• Be sure to book tickets in advance for both Park Güell and Sagrada Familia, as they tend to sell out quickly.

Day 3: Barceloneta Beach and Montjuic

• Use the morning to visit any spots you may have missed.
• In the afternoon, head to Barceloneta Beach for lunch and some sunshine! There are plenty of beachside restaurants, but be sure to check reviews before picking one.
• Optional: Take the cable car from the beach to Montjuïc Hill, though we opted for a taxi since there was an over-hour wait for the cable car.
• While exploring Montjuïc, be sure to stop by the beautiful gardens along the way.
• Finish your day with a visit to the Montjuïc Castle for a peek into the fortress’s history and panoramic views of the port!