Known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant streets, Barcelona is the perfect place for a short stay. Four days is just enough time to see many of the city’s most famed sites and have time to explore outside the bustle of the city as well. Personally, I’ve visited at least 3 times and each time found something new and different to enjoy. I’ve included an itinerary for how you can spend 4 days soaking up the city.
Day 1: Exploring Barcelona’s Historic Sites
Morning: Start your adventure with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece. Be sure to book tickets in advance to skip the lines and marvel at the intricate details of this stunning basilica. Head to the nearby charming neighborhood of Gràcia for a taste of authentic Catalan cuisine at La Pubilla. Indulge in traditional dishes like paella or Catalan-style tapas.
Afternoon: Dive into history at the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Wander through narrow alleys, stumble upon hidden squares, and admire historic buildings like the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Sant Jaume. End your day with dinner at El Xampanyet, a bustling tapas bar established in 1929. Savor their delectable array of tapas paired with a glass of cava, a sparkling wine synonymous with Catalonia.
Day 2: Art, Culture, and La Rambla
Morning: Immerse yourself in art at the Picasso Museum – even if you have seen many of his other works, this museum is worth seeing. The extensive collection contains many of Picasso’s early sketches and paintings, with great audioguides available. After the mustum tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at La Boqueria Market, a foodie paradise offering a variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, and tapas stalls.
Afternoon: Take a stroll down La Rambla, Barcelona’s bustling boulevard. Admire street performers and stop by the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona’s opera house. This is also the perfect place to stop for an afternoon glass of sangria and people watching. For dinner, try Ciudad Condal, known for its delicious array of tapas. Be prepared for a bustling atmosphere and an incredible selection of Spanish small plates.
Day 3: A Day of Architecture
Morning / Afternoon: Enjoy a morning cappuccino and get ready for a day of walking. Start by exploring Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece. Marvel at the whimsical architecture, mosaic tiles, and panoramic views of the city. This is another site you can book tickets to in advance, but the line isn’t typically as long here so you should be able to show up day-of if needed. From there, you can stroll the city streets (taking breaks along the way) until you reach Casa Batlló, an architectural gem designed by Gaudí. Explore the fantastical interiors and the fascinating rooftop terrace. Keep in mind this is about an hour’s walk so I definitely recommend breaking it up. Finish the day with dinner at Restaurant Martínez, offering exquisite seafood dishes and a terrace overlooking the beach.
Day 4: Montserrat and Winery Tours
Morning: Embark on a day trip to Montserrat, a mystical mountain range known for its dramatic rock formations and the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Explore the monastery, visit the Black Madonna, and take in the stunning views.You can find a list of tours to take you Montserrat and several local wineries here.
Afternoon: After experiencing the beauty of Montserrat, venture to the nearby Penedès wine region for a tour of its renowned wineries. Discover the art of winemaking, stroll through vineyards, and indulge in tastings of exquisite Catalan wines, particularly the region’s famous Cava, a sparkling wine.
Evening: Return to Barcelona, but if time permits, savor a relaxed evening at a cozy wine bar like Monvinic, where you can further explore Catalonia’s wine offerings and unwind after a day of exploration.