Barcelona in 3 Days: Recommended Itinerary and Hotels

Barcelona was my first trip with Fabio so every time I return, Barcelona excites me as if it were the first time, with its irresistible mix of history, modernity, and unique atmosphere.

How to reach the city center from Barcelona El Prat Airport:

You have several options:

Metro L9S: Convenient and simple, you’ll be in the city’s bustling heart in about 45 minutes.

Aerobus: Fast and direct, ideal for avoiding transfers, reaching Plaça de Catalunya near Las Ramblas in about 35 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €7.45, round-trip €12.85 (updated April 2025).

R2N Train: If landing at Terminal 2, this train is a fast and practical option.

Bus 46: Economical and convenient, taking you to Plaça d’Espanya—perfect if your hotel is nearby.

There’s no absolute best option it depends on your needs and accommodation location. Choose accordingly and enjoy your trip to this splendid city!

DAY 1

Hotels

Regarding hotels, Barcelona can be quite expensive, so my advice is to book well in advance. Finding decent accommodation under €150 per night can be challenging, especially in high season, but not impossible! We had a great experience at Hostal Live Barcelona. An excellent compromise between price and location, highly recommended! Book it HERE. It’s conveniently located a 5-minute walk from the Aerobus stop.

Other recommended hotels for their excellent price/location ratio:

Somnio Hostel – Close to Las Ramblas, in the heart of Barcelona. Find it HERE.

Hotel Best Aranea – Just 5 minutes’ walk from Sagrada Familia. Find it HERE.

Hesperia Barcelona Barri Gòtic – In Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, 100 meters from the port and 500 meters from Las Ramblas. Barceloneta Beach is a 15-minute walk. Booking link HERE.

BYPILLOW Mothern – Near central Plaza Catalunya, airport buses 100 meters away. Booking link HERE.

Hostal Benidorm – On Las Ramblas, close to the beach. Link HERE.

Booking.com

The Itinerary

Our first day in Barcelona began at the famous Las Ramblas, the city’s most vibrant and well-known boulevard. This lively pedestrian street, just over a kilometer long, is filled with street performers, cafés, and colorful stalls.

Just off Las Ramblas, we explored Mercado de La Boqueria, an essential stop for food lovers. Here you’ll find fresh fruit, typical sweets, freshly squeezed juices, and many local specialties perfect even for a quick snack.

For lunch, I recommend trying Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, Can Culleretes. The food was incredible, with spinach cannelloni being an absolute must! Prices are very reasonable, with a fixed lunch menu of two courses plus dessert for around €20. Besides delicious food, you’ll enjoy a historic, authentic atmosphere.

After lunch, we explored the Barrio Gotico, the city’s charming historic center, with its narrow streets and old buildings. We stopped at Plaça Reial, one of the area’s most beautiful and lively squares ideal for a coffee or drink in the sun.

Next, we visited the majestic Barcelona Cathedral, a Catalan Gothic masterpiece, well worth visiting, especially its enchanting and peaceful cloister.

We ended the day strolling through my favorite neighborhood, El Born, full of boutiques, trendy spots, and picturesque corners.

DAY 2

The second day started very early. I love waking up early during trips because there’s something special about walking Las Ramblas while the city is still asleep everything is quieter, and you experience a different atmosphere.

After a quick breakfast at “El Fornet,” we headed straight to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Parc Güell. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, this park bursts with colors, quirky shapes, and spectacular city views. Walking among Gaudí’s creations feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Remember to buy tickets online in advance from the official site HERE.

Inside Parc Güell, you’ll find Gaudí’s original house, which I found more interesting from the outside. Don’t miss the Hall of 100 Columns (curiously only 85 columns): an open hall with impressive Doric-style columns supporting a panoramic terrace. The ceiling features beautiful mosaics filled with religious, mythological, and astrological symbols. Allocate at least an hour to visit everything calmly.

Our next stop was the magnificent Sagrada Família, another Gaudí masterpiece, still under construction after over a century. Buy tickets well in advance (at least a month before) from the official site HERE to avoid long queues or disappointment.

Before entering, we had lunch nearby. You can try local spots like “Gigi Von Tapas” or “Micu Maku,” where we tasted delicious paella. Though slightly burnt (likely intentional), it was very enjoyable.

Practical note: In summer, cover your shoulders to enter the Sagrada Família. If you forget, vendors outside sell scarves and shawls.

Inside the UNESCO-listed basilica, you’ll feel immersed in a forest, with columns resembling giant trees and a ceiling like a starry sky. Gaudí, deeply religious, designed it respecting the natural landscape, choosing not to surpass the nearby Montjuïc hill out of reverence for God’s creation.

In the afternoon, we visited the “Encants Barcelona” flea market, about 15 minutes away. One of Europe’s oldest markets, perfect for finding antiques and unique items.

We continued walking past the majestic Arc de Triomf and through Parc de la Ciutadella, one of my favorite city parks. For a sweet break, El Born neighborhood nearby has a special recommendation: the best San Sebastian cheesecake at “Couleur Café Barcelona” much better than the famous “Jon Cake & Coffee” which often has long waits.

For dinner, download “The Fork” app, very popular in Barcelona. It offers great discounts and deals at participating restaurants. We often used it and were always satisfied!

DAY 3

For your final breakfast, I have several tasty options: start at The Coffee House Barcelona, perfect from classic pan y tomate to delicious cappuccino. If you prefer something different, try the excellent matcha latte at Syra Coffee, or a cinnamon roll at Funky Bakers. Alternatively, Coco House in Barceloneta serves amazing bowls.

Begin your day visiting the stunning Casa Batlló, another Gaudí masterpiece and city icon. Book entrance tickets from the official site HERE. Nearby, you can also visit the famous Casa Milà (La Pedrera), another Catalan modernism icon, official site HERE.

Continue along Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s famous shopping and architectural street. Don’t miss Palau de la Música Catalana (site HERE), highly recommended by everyone who’s visited.

Then head to Barceloneta neighborhood, famous for its long golden beach and picturesque port. Ideal for a leisurely walk along the waterfront, with plenty of lunch options, such as the popular Arenal.

At sunset, visit Montjuïc, one of the best spots for panoramic city views. Besides Palau Nacional, the hill offers numerous viewpoints.

For dinner, head to Carrer de Blai, famous for tapas and pinchos. We enjoyed excellent tapas at La Esquinita de Blai and a delightful seafood dinner at Al Bistrò, booked through The Fork with a 30% discount.

If you have extra days or want to explore further, consider these spots:

El Raval: Bohemian district famous for MACBA, contemporary art, and multicultural vibe.

Hospital de Sant Pau: UNESCO-listed Catalan modernism masterpiece.

Tibidabo: Historic amusement park with stunning city views.
Bunkers del Carmel: Another panoramic viewpoint, ideal at sunset.

Barcelona is captivating: the more you discover, the more you fall in love. Every corner has a story, each neighborhood a unique personality. I leave a piece of my heart here every time, eager to return and explore even deeper.