Barcelona is one of Spain's most visited cities. It's a city we love to wander around, admiring its architecture and entering its iconic buildings. Special mention must go to Antoni Gaudí! Catalonia's capital is multicultural and festive. Its cultural offerings are so extensive that you'll want to keep coming back for more. The following program is designed to give you some ideas for a three-day visit to one of Europe's most incredible cities, and one of the top 10 sun destinations for a long weekend. Monuments, museums, gastronomy, beaches and wild parties - we don't know about you, but we're already packing our bags!
Day 1: Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló, Barri Gòtic, Palau de la Música Catalana...
Petit Futé tip: if you want to make the most of your short stay, we recommend you book the Barcelona card here: valid for 3, 4 or 5 days, it gives you free access to over 25 of Barcelona's museums and attractions , as well as free use of public transport .
Morning:
It's hard to know where to start in bustling Barcelona, as the possibilities are so vast. But on this first day, you'll find yourself on the Rambla, a long shopping street where you can stroll, enter a few boutiques and stop for a coffee and some sweet treats. Then it's on to Passeig de Gràcia, another thoroughfare which, in addition to having been the most elegant promenade in the 19th century, is now home to several jewels of Modernist architecture. Get out your camera to capture the finest images of Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, masterpieces by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, as well as Casa Amatller, an exemplary model of Josep Puig i Cadafalch's architecture, and Casa Lleó i Morera, designed by architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner.
Afternoon:
After lunch in the area, we return to the magnificent façade of Casa Batlló, one of Barcelona's must-see sites, to visit the interior. Audioguides are available at reception to provide information on the various spaces. With its curves, stained glass windows, colored earthenware, door frames and exceptional roof terrace, you can't help but marvel at the originality of this building. What's more, the building regularly features immersive experiences. Once the tour is over, we retrace our steps to one of Barcelona's most beautiful districts: the Barri Gòtic. It's a pure pleasure to get lost in its narrow medieval streets. Pass through the Plaça Reial to enjoy the shade of the palm trees, enter the Santa Maria del Pi church to admire its Catalan Gothic style and look up at the façade of Barcelona Cathedral. Museum buffs can head to the Barcelona History Museum to learn more about the Catalan city's rich heritage.
Evening :
In the evening, you can't resist sharing a few tapas over a drink in the Gothic Quarter. Yes, Barcelona is creative, gourmet and daring. Then there are plenty of options for going out. You can join another bar in the Eixample district, or go see a Flamenco show at the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of the world's finest concert halls. If it's match night, soccer fans will be keen to catch an FC Barcelona fC Barcelona match at Camp Noua world-renowned stadium.
Day 2: Parc de la Ciutadella, Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Port Olímpic...
Morning:
On the morning of the second day, there's nothing like a few moments in the green to recover from the emotions of the previous day. At Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona's green lung, you can enjoy a romantic stroll along the plane and orange tree-lined paths. Here, you'll find institutional buildings such as the seat of the Parliament of Catalonia, Lluís Domènech i Montaner's Castell dels Tres Dragons and the sublime neo-Mudéjar Arc de Triomf. Then it's time to visit the Sagrada Familia, Spain's most visited monument, and admire its facade, towers and ornate interior. An inimitable style! Don't forget to book your Sagrada Famíliaticket with audioguide here, to avoid the wait at the entrance .
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Afternoon:
The afternoon continues with another curiosity created by Gaudí. Parc Guëll is a 17-hectare garden featuring some very unusual architectural elements. Once again, you can admire architectural marvels straight from the Catalan architect's imagination. Not to be missed: the conciergerie pavilions, the Sala Hipóstila with its sloping columns, the colorful undulating bench and the mythical salamander. This park, a hymn to nature and color with its many mosaics, is a space where Gaudí has scattered many small details. It's up to you to spot them as you stroll along. What's more, the view over Barcelona is magnificent. We advise you to book your entry just here before your visit to avoid wasting time in the queue at the entrance.
Evening:
We reach Port Olímpic, a district of Barcelona open to the Mediterranean Sea. It's a pleasant evening stroll to see the yachts in the harbor, Frank Gehry's steel behemoth with its golden scales, which changes hue in the sunlight, Barcelona's two tallest towers and many other futuristic buildings. At nightfall, Port Olímpic is a meeting place for revellers, with its bars and clubs. An argument that makes it one of the best destinations for an evg.
Day 3: Montjuic, Joan Miró Foundation, El Born...
Morning:
On the third day, a visit to Montjuic is a must. You can get there by funicular (remember to book your return ticket for the cable car here ) to enjoy an incredible panorama of Barcelona, the sea and the mountains behind. Once there, we start with a stroll along the castle ramparts, before heading to the botanical garden, located on a gentle slope of Montjuic mountain. This vast green space is home to 300 plant species from all over the world, adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Then it's on to the Joan Miró Foundation , which houses the Catalan artist's most comprehensive collection in a building designed by Josep Lluís Sert. An opportunity to discover paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings by one of the leading exponents of the Surrealist movement.
Afternoon:
We end our 3 days in Barcelona with a stroll through El Born, one of the most typical districts of Catalonia's capital. Stroll along its cobbled streets and contemplate the stone facades of its many historic buildings. The shopping streets are the perfect place to do a little shopping and stop for a drink, as on Carrer Princesa. And don't miss the Plaça Santa Maria, with its Gothic basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. Travellers with time on their hands can take advantage of this to visit the Picasso Museum. This is home to many works by another great Spanish artist, renowned the world over. You can even book a guided tour of the interior and terraces of Santa Maria del Mar right here in advance!
What to visit in Barcelona in 3 days with your family?
What to do in Barcelona in 3 days with your family? TheBarcelona Aquarium, of course! It's home to 450 different species, including a dozen sharks. Its underwater tunnel is impressive. There's something magical about visiting Barcelona's most beautiful buildings with your family. The Casa Batlló, the Parc Guëll and the Sagrada Familia, which all feature on the list of Unesco World Heritage sites in Europe, give children the feeling of being in another world, one of fairyland and color! For more fun, head to the Tibidabo park to enjoy the many attractions. The bonus is a breathtaking panorama of the city. Barcelona also boasts a number of family-friendly beaches where you can play in the sand and put your feet in the water. The most central are Barceloneta and Nova Icària beaches.
What's free to visit in Barcelona in 3 days?
It's easy to marvel at Barcelona without spending a thing. Its historic districts, the Barri Gòtic and El Born, offer the opportunity to contemplate and photograph splendid monuments. You can also follow the Route of Modernism through the Barcelona of Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner, Puig i Cadafalc and other architectural gems. Many of the city's beautiful parks are also free of charge. Head for Parc de la Ciutadella, Montjuic Gardens, with its magnificent cactus garden, or Parc de Joan Miró. The latter is home to a monumental sculpture by the artist called Woman and Bird. It is 22 m high! Last but not least, the Picasso Museum, the Barcelona History Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia are free of charge on certain days. A must-see!
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What to do in Barcelona in 3 days as a couple?
Is Barcelona an ideal destination for a couple's getaway? The answer is yes, and it's easily one of the top 15 destinations for a romantic weekend away! You can start by admiring the colorful water ballets of the magical Montjuic fountain. What could be more romantic than exchanging a kiss in front of photographer Joan Fontcuberta's giant kiss? Located in the Gothic Quarter, the work combines 4,000 individual photos printed on cement tiles. During the day, you can lie back on the soft sand of Bogatell beach and enjoy the Mediterranean spray. In the evening, a flamenco concert is another idyllic moment for lovers. Food-loving couples can also take advantage of the colorful alleys of the Boqueria market to stock up on local produce. To be enjoyed later around a candle.
Where to stay in Barcelona? Our selection of the best hotels
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities on the European continent, so there's plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation. From youth hostels to hotels, the choice is yours, depending on your budget. The establishments are scattered all over the city, but don't worry, with the presence of the metro and bus network, you'll have no trouble getting from one district to another, and getting closer to the sea to enjoy the sun. Barcelona is one of the 10 sun destinations within a 3-hour flight of Paris.
- Casa Bonay: the trendiest
This boutique hotel, which you can book right here, appeals to hipsters at heart. The decoration of the rooms offers a perfect balance between past and present. The communal areas are also sublime and make you want to chill out for hours. Just what you need: a restaurant serving Catalan dishes, a cocktail bar and a rooftop terrace. Casa Bonay's location offers quick access to many of Barcelona's sights, including the Eixample district and the Sagrada Familia.
- Hostal Girona: excellent value for money
Housed in an attractive 19th-century building, Hostal Girona boasts bright, finely decorated rooms that you can book here. A Mediterranean breakfast is served in the morning, with nothing but the finest produce. The location is perfect, just a 5-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya. An excellent choice for those who like to go out in the evening, as the establishment is next to the El Born district, renowned for its historic streets full of bars and restaurants.
- Hotel Ciutat Vella: for the rooftop spa
This hotel is ideally located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. The Hotel Ciutat Vella has simple rooms with all the comforts you need for a pleasant stay. The restaurant's cuisine is delicious, and the staff are always attentive and helpful. As a bonus, there's a roof terrace with solarium and whirlpool to soothe aching muscles after a long day's walking. Click here to book your room in just a few clicks!
Did you enjoy your 3 days in Barcelona? Here's an itinerary to discover the beauty of Spain.
