“You haven’t been to Barcelona?!” This was the surprised reaction I got throughout last year. So I made it a duty to explore the most visited city in Spain. Thanks to a kind friend from Barcelona, I didn’t pay anything for accommodation. Below is a 3 day Barcelona Itinerary to get you started. 

Day 1

Placa d’ Espanya ( Day and Night)

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary- Placa d’ Espanya

Placa d’ Espanya or Plaza de España is the most popular location where many activities take place in Barcelona.  Just walking around Plaza de españa you’ll find interesting places to eat, sights to see and things to do. The Catalonian National Art Museum and many other Museums are also located in this plaza. Make sure to climb up in order to enjoy a beautiful sight of the entire plaza. I advise you to come here during the day and night. During the night, the Museum lights up with different rays of lights reflecting toward the sky. 

Sagrada Familia

 Fee: 15 euros

Hours: 

November to February,
9 am to 6 pm

March,
9 am to 7 pm

April to September,
9 am to 8 pm

October,
9 am to 7 pm

December 25, 26, January 1 and 6,
9 am to 2 pm

Address: Carrer de mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary- Sagrada Familia

One doesn’t simply talk about visiting Barcelona without mentioning the Sagrada Familia at least once. Barcelona is synonymous to this grand architecture. The Sagrada Familia which means the Sacred Family was founded by world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudi and built in 1882 (162 years ago!). The Cathedral is still in construction and yet to finish in 2028.  It is 550 ft (170metres). You can take a cool selfie in front of the Cathedral or go in for 15 euros. A fun fact of the Sagrada Familia is that the only funding it receives is from tourist visits. 

Las Ramblas

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary- Las Ramblas

This is another popular hot spot in Barcelona. Las Ramblas is a combination of 5 streets. It is the spot where locals and tourist go to. Here you can find all the Halal food you need and also masjids to perform prayer. Halal food in Barcelona isn’t hard to find. Las Ramblas to Barcelona is what Lavapies is to Madrid. I stopped by here for lunch at Paloma Blanca. The food was delicious!

Casa Batllo

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary- Casa Batllo

 Fee: 22.5 euros, 15 euros for students

Hours: Everyday; 8:30 am – 9pm

Address: Passeig de Gracia, 43, 08007 Barcelona

One of the fun things to do in Barcelona is to check out the Casa Batllo. It was by far my favorite activity.  I personally think that Gaudi is a genius for having such a creative imagination during his time period. Mr. Batllo hired Gaudi to design his house, hence the name. The Casa Batllo perfectly reflects his work. Not only would you be inspired by the design of this house turned Museum, but the interactive video engages you and brings each design to life. Normally when I go into museums, I find it boring listening to the audio regarding the history of painting or historical events but this was a game a changer. See for yourself!

For Casa Batllo tickets check here.

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary- Castle Montjuic

Montjuic Castle

Entry fee: 5 euros; Free on Sundays after 3 pm

Hours: Everyday; 10 am- 8 pm

Address: Ctra. de Montjuic, 66, 08038 Barcelona

The Montjuic castle is an old military fortress built in 1640. It is currently Barcelona’s Municipal facility and Museum. The Montjuic castle is on a hill overseeing the Mediterranean sea. The ride to the castle itself can be fun if you decide to hike up there (free) or get on the cable car (8 €). Using these methods you can see the entire astonishing city of Barcelona.

Although the list for my day 1 activity looks small, It took me 12 hours to explore all the places above. I started my adventure at 10 a.m and came back around 10 p.m.  Naturally, I was exhausted and went straight to bed once I got to my friend’s apartment.

Day 2

Chocolate Museum

Fee: 4.30 euros

Hours: Everyday; 10 am- 7 pm

Address: Carrer del Comerc, 36, 08003

This is an awesome Museum that showcases the history of chocolate in Europe, its origin and the process of making it. In the museum, you’ll find chocolate sculptures of famous characters like the Asteriks, Marvels, Minions, Stuart Little,  Don Quijote etc. It is a fun and an educative place to spend with friends, family or children. A cool thing about the Museum is that the entry ticket is a chocolate bar that you scan to get it in. I must say after the tour, I started craving something sweet to eat.

Parc de la Ciutadella

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary- Parc de la Ciutadella

Fee: Free!

Address:  Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona

Barcelona has a lot of parks, but Parc de la Ciutadella was highly recommended. I could see why after my visit there. For an early Sunday Morning, Parc de la Ciutadella was already bustling with activities. There were people taking part in some type of Tai chi exercise, others drumming to an ongoing marathon, while some people dance on the grass. It felt really lively. Parc de la Ciutadella was created in 1869. It’s a large park with several sites inside. A majestic fountain, a pond where you can ride a boat, a parliament, a zoo, A large Mammoth etc.

Fc Barcelona Stadium Camp Nou

Fee: Free! (entering and taking pics in front of the stadium)

Hours: Everyday 10am- 6pm

Address: Carrer Aristides Maillol, 12, 08028Barcelona

This is where the FC Barcelona team plays. I am not a Futbolista but I thought the right thing to do was to pay homage to Madrid’s rival.

Park GÜell

Fee

Hours: Everyday 8:00am – 8:30pm ; except Sunday 8:30am- 6:30pm

Address: 08024 Barcelona

A really cool park inspired by Architect Gaudi. This is another must visit sight in Barcelona. As you go down the hill towards the park you’ll find the Architect’s house which has a very distinctive shape. You’ll also find cave-like corridors whereby buskers play soothing music. Once you have come down the hill, you will find a long line of tourists standing in line to either purchase a ticket or enter. Skip that line, turn left and go straight on until you see the entrance to the park. There you can purchase your ticket and enter.  

Bunquers del Carmel

3 Day Barcelona Itinerary – Bunkers del Carmel

Fee: Free.

Address:  Carrer de Maria Labernia, 08032 Barcelona

Once Barcelona’s best-kept secret. If you have the stamina and strength you can climb up the hill to get to the top of the bunkers. I must tell you the hike is worth every tired breath. Here you can enjoy a 360 view of Barcelona. The best time to come up here is during sunrise and sunset.  Bunquers del Carmel was the perfect way to end my day.

Day 3

Federal Cafe 

Price: $

Hours: Everyday; 8a.m- 12a.m

Address: Calle Parlament 39, 08015

Federal cafe offers the best brunch in Barcelona. The cost of the food is average but what I love the most is the way the food is served. This restaurant is great for Instagram foodies.

Parc de Joan Miro

Fee: Free

Hours: 

December, January & February, daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
March & November, daily from 10 am to 7 pm.
April & October, daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
From May to September, daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

Address: Carrer d’Aragó, 2, 08015 Barcelona

This large park with lots of open space is also known as the Parc l’Escorxador , a former Slaughterhouse. It is visited by tourists and locals alike and a great start to exploring Plaça Espanya.

Mercury fountain

Fee

Hours:

Address: Fundacio Joan Miro, Barcelona, 08038

Located in the Joan Miro foundation, This museum pumps pure mercury through its fountain. It’s definitely a sight to see.  Note: Mercury is dangerous when in contact with the body. A glass frame is placed around the fountain due to its toxicity however the site is a beauty. 

Recommended Eateries

I didn’t get to go to all the places, I planned but these are some of the best places to enjoy a meal in Barcelona. Try and eat in at least one of them before you leave Barcelona, you’ll thank me later. 

Picnic Restaurant: Carrer del comerc Barcelona, 08000: *Great for Instagram pics*

Casa de tapes Canota: Carrer de Lleida, 7, 08004 Barcelona

La Cova Fumada: Carrer del Baluart, 56, 08003 Barcelona

Mar Salada: Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 58-59, 08003 Barcelona

La Paradeta: Carrer Comercial, 7, 08003 Barcelona

Did I miss anything?