24 hours of sightseeing in Barcelona

Want to know what to do during 24 hours of sightseeing in Barcelona? Read the blog of Hotel Arc la Rambla and discover where to eat, what to visit and the best activities to do during a day. 

If you are planning a trip to Barcelona and you only have 24 hours to get to know the city, don’t worry. Although one day may seem like a short time, there is actually a lot you can do in Barcelona in just one day. 

A morning discovering Catalan modernism 

You can’t leave Barcelona without visiting a modernist building. Antoni Gaudí is the most important exponent of this artistic movement that emerged in Barcelona at the end of the 19th century. The architect gave us jewels such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera or Park Güell, but undoubtedly, La Sagrada Família is his most emblematic work and a symbol of the city. 

This famous basilica was begun in 1882 and is still under construction, but you can visit the interior of the church and climb the towers to enjoy spectacular views of the city.

Visit a market and sample the local food

If you fancy a less touristy plan, you can go to one of Barcelona’s most popular markets and surround yourself with locals. The Boqueria Market is next to the hotel and is the most popular and visited. It offers a wide variety of fresh produce, from fruits and vegetables to meat and fish. In addition, in the market you will also find a lot of bars and restaurants where you can taste the delicious local food

The Mercado de los Encantes is the best known and most peculiar, there you will find second hand items, clothes, jewelry and antiques. In the Mercado de La Concepción you will find all kinds of flowers and plants and in the Mercado de Santa Caterina you will be surprised by the colorful ceiling. 

An unforgettable stroll through the Gothic Quarter 

After lunch, there is nothing better than a walk to digest. The famous Gothic Quarter is the best place in Barcelona to get lost walking and discovering its streets. It gathers some of the most interesting historical buildings and tourist attractions of the city such as the City Hall or the Cathedral of Barcelona.  

On the other hand, it is an area known for its artisans and traditional stores, there are the oldest stores in the city. However, at this time of the year the best thing to do is to visit the Fira de Santa Llúcia, a Christmas market with almost 200 stalls located in front of the Cathedral. 

Get to know the history and art of Barcelona

If the weather is not good, you can visit a museum. The Museum of History of Barcelona is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and has interesting exhibitions where you can learn about the history of the city from its origins to the present. 

A visit to the Picasso Museum is an excellent option, it houses one of the most important collections of works by the famous artist and offers a fascinating experience for both aficionados and those unfamiliar with his work. After visiting the museum, you can continue to enjoy the charming atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter and find a place to diner.

Our recommendation is that you don’t leave Barcelona without trying the tapas, if you feel like tasting them the best tapas in Barcelona are these 5. 

In short, if you have only 24 hours to get to know Barcelona, there is a lot you can do in such a short time. From visiting the impressive Sagrada Familia to enjoying the delicious local food in one of the city’s markets


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