Barcelona has everything a cosmopolitan city has to offer: architecture, culture, gastronomy and leisure activities. We could say that it would take a lifetime to know all of it! But if you only have three days, we offer you a guide to make the best of every minute of your stay in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Day 1
Our Tour begins in the most glamorous and busy streets of the city, el Passeig de Gràcia (you can take a long walk from the hotel or take the metro green line from Drassanes). It is famous for being one of the main commercial areas of the city and also one of the cores of the modernism in Barcelona.
There you will find the casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera), an architectural marvel designed by Gaudí from which you will be able to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Continuing with the Modernist architecture, the next stop is known as la Manzana de la Discordia, located between Aragó and Consell de Cent streets. An architectural open-air museum that brings together in a single facade three masterpieces from the most important architects and designers of modernism, competing in beauty since its construction: Casa Lleó Morera (designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner), the Casa Ametller (by Joan Puig i Cadafalch) and Casa Batlló (by Antoni Gaudí).
After immersing yourself in the secrets of modernism, it may be a good moment to indulge yourself and go shopping in one of the top fashion shops of the city, and then continue the tour to Plaça Catalunya and go down to La Rambla.
There you’ll find Canaletas fountain, the meeting place where FC Barcelona fans celebrate their victories. In addition, the legend says that whoever drinks of its water is “condemned” to return to the city.
Much more than a market
Time to regain strength and the best place to do it is la Boqueria market, one of the most important markets in Europe. In this gastronomic paradise you can taste the typical Catalan dishes as well as the most exotic products from countries around the world.
After enjoying the magic of the colors, flavors and aromas offered by La Boqueria, you can continue the tour along La Rambla until you reach the imposing Teatre del Liceu. Along the way you will see the famous human statues, the beautiful flower stands and local products that adorn the promenade.
On the sidewalk in front of El Liceu you will find La Plaça Reial, a neoclassical work full of life where you can have something to drink before starting the walk on the medieval and Roman Barcelona.
After a well-deserved rest (which can be completed by the typical Spanish siesta in the hotel …;) it comes the time to wander through the maze of the streets of the Gothic Quarter which are full of magical places like the Cathedral of Santa María del Pi or the Plaza de San Felipe Neri.
Also, you can’t miss the chance to discover one of the many thrift stores, antique shops and vintage clothes boutiques on that area.
Continuing along the street Ferrán you will reach the majestic Plaça de Sant Jaume, home of the Palau de la Generalitat, the Catalan government headquarters and, right in front, the Barcelona City Council.
A few meters from there emerges the powerful Cathedral of Barcelona, a Gothic temple of the XV century which will seduce each and every visitor.
Walking along el Born
Not far from there, in the Born district, the elegant Santa Maria del Mar, the construction of which inspired the famous novel “La Catedral del Mar” (“Cathedral of the Sea”) by Ildefonso Falcones. The temple was defrayed by the parishioners of the neighborhood during the middle Ages, who helped with their money or with their hard work.
Along the pedestrian streets of the neighborhood you will find the Palau de la Música Catalana, the only modernist concert hall declared World Heritage for its lush beauty.
Nearby is the Picasso Museum with a collection of over 4,000 works by the Malagan artist.
If you still have any energy, you can reach the beach of Barceloneta. After a leisurely stroll, you can have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area with the Mediterranean as an excellent backdrop.
After dinner it’s time to return to el Born and enjoy one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Barcelona. Its Bohemian environment and cosmopolitan atmosphere is ideal to have a drink and relax before coming back to the hotel.
Did you like our suggestions for the first day? Click here for day 2
