Barcelona in 3 Days

La Pedrera outside on a sunny day in Barcelona Spain

At the end of every day, I would say I’m loving this city more and more. By the end of my three days / four nights, I didn’t want to leave. My time in Barcelona gave me the feeling of wanting to spend every summer in that city. Beaches, tapas, museums, architecture, sangria — all of those and more combined to create a great few days.

Three days in Barcelona felt enough to ’see the sights’ as long as you’re moving at a quick pace, but it wasn’t enough to get into the full groove of the city. I felt torn between sitting at a cafe having a coffee and seeing the next thing to see. The city has plenty of sights and tourist things to do that you can easily fill a long weekend. But that aside, I always feel a calling to do what the locals do and take my time around the neighborhoods, and even more so in this city.

The Best Daily Itinerary in Barcelona

  • Breakfast

  • Sightseeing / Beach

  • Lunch

  • Shopping / walking / sightseeing

  • Coffee / Refresh at hotel

  • Late dinner

  • Night out

Outside of Casa Battlo in Barcelona Spain on a sunny day and bright colors

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner in Barcelona

I cover these in more depth in Where to Eat in Barcelona.

Sightseeing in Barcelona

Cathedrals, architecture, museums, beaches. My favorite stops were the Gaudi houses: Casa Batllo and La Padrera. I did one house during the day and the other house during one of the Magic Nights. The Magic Nights include entry to the house, a live performance (music, art, etc.) on the rooftop, and a drink. I went for the VIP experience which came with one extra drink and a surprise souvenir (a fancy photo of myself in one of the decade themed rooms).

For all of the main sights that require a ticket, I would wake up, reserve my ticket online, and pick my time. It saves time and money booking in advance, but it’s as easy as doing it the day of.

Rooftop of La Pedrera in Barcelona Spain with blue sky and swirling towers
La Pedrera Courtyard in Barcelona Spain looking up at the windows facing the interior in a curved shape and a curved staircase
Casa Batllo interior curved windows looking out to the street
Exterior of MACBA in Barcelona Spain three story square white building with glass exterior and people walking and skateboarding in front

Beaches

There are a handful of beaches throughout Barcelona. In the city proper there is the Barcelonetta neighborhood with the beachfront. Outside of the city (where I ventured), there are small beach towns. I went 20 minutes south to Castelldefels for some great sand and refreshing water. It’s a little out of the city, more full of locals, and less peddlers. I felt comfortable to leave my bag and towel up on the beach when I would go in the water to cool myself off. To get there I caught the R2 from Barcelona Sants to Platja de Castelldefels.

Boardwalk over sand towards the water with blue sky and water in the distance at Castelldefels Beach
In the water with other people swimming and floating at Castelldefels beach near Barcelona Spain
Main road and buildings along Castelldefels Beach Boardwalk with people walking and cars driving by

Shopping and Walking in Barcelona

Just before or after lunch I’d go for a nice walk (using my Rick Steve’s guide book) and stop into shops along the way. I found a wealth of mainstream stores like Mango, Zara, Oysha, or Pull & Bear where I always need to make at least one stop. I also found local stores like La Nostra Ciutat for cute souvenirs from local artists and Claudine for some unique clothing items. Overall there is so much to take in from the city, so much history, a visual feast. Don’t take the same path home twice.

Claudine store in Barcelona from the outside looking into store with clothes and accessories inside
Graffiti on door in Barcelona Spain with two plants in front

Coffee and Refresh at the Hotel

Siesta is a thing. I never seemed to time mine with the rest of the city, but after a long day out and about I always wanted to come back for a change of clothes and maybe a shower before dinner. There were plenty of coffee shops and cafes to stop and have a coffee before heading back to the hotel, but I was always wrapping my day a little late in the evening. I would grab a coffee at the beautiful rooftop pool at my hotel, cool off in the water, and reset for the night ahead.

View of Barcelona skyline from rooftop pool at Adante Hotel in Barcelona Spain at sunset

Night out in Barcelona

Barcelona definitely has great night life, but traveling on my own, I kept it to checking out a bar or two. As recommended by a friend, on my last night I went to Boca Chica. A part of the Boca Grande hotel, it’s probably one of the best cocktail bars I’ve ever been to. They aren’t the most affordable cocktails, but they’re definitely creative. Their mixology is on point, and the drinks are strong. I started with a tequila based drink created by the very bartender who was waiting on me. I finished the night with a super strong gin and tonic shaken with dry ice to keep it extra cool. All in all it was a great vibe, lots of different people coming through, and great bar tenders. Oh, and the bathroom itself becomes a night club on the weekends with a DJ and all!

View of Bar at Boca Chica in Barcelona Spain lights hung over bar and bottles on shelves behind the bar with mirrors and glass

My Day-by-Day Barcelona Itinerary

Day 1 in Barcelona

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • La Padrera

  • Walk and shop around Eixample (Etam, Mango)

  • Lunch at La Flaunta

  • Refresh at hotel

  • Evening at Casa Battlo

  • Dinner at Parellada

Day 2 in Barcelona

  • Breakfast at Kino

  • Casual walk through Bario Gotico

  • Visit Picasso Museum

  • Shopping at Claudine

  • Lunch at El Drac de Sant Jordi

  • Refresh at hotel

  • Dinner in Castelldefels

Day 3 in Barcelona

  • Breakfast at hotel

  • Day at the beach in Castelldefels

  • Lunch at Chiringuito Ibiza

  • Shopping at Mango, Pull & Bear, Oysha, and La Nostra Ciutat

  • Dinner at Blai 9

  • Drinks at Boca Chica


Barcelona Pin it for Later

Pin of Gothic Quarter in Barcelona Spain with 3 Day Travel Guide text on top
Pin of champagne glass held up in front of rooftop pool and Barcelona Spain skyline in the distance with text on top that reads Barcelona 3 Day Travel Guide
Pin of four images one of tapas and sangria on the table one of woman standing in front of the rooftop spire at Casa La Pedrera one of woman in rooftop pool and one of La Pedrera from the outside
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