I do not think Barcelona needs no introduction: it is one of the most famous cities in all of Europe and it is also one of my favorites.
There are so many of those things to see in Barcelona that a few days will be just enough: I myself, in addition to having been there several times, have lived there for 3 months and I assure you that 3 days are not enough:
for that you have to try to optimize, because it is quite sad to waste your time on vacation queuing up at various places of interest.
BUY the BARCELONA TRANSPORT PASS and get unlimited rides on all means of transport in Barcelona, including the Montjuic funicular and the journey between Barcelona El Prat Airport and Barcelona
Barcelona is big enough but it has a good public transport system: I'm sure that you too like me, however, prefer to spend more time visiting the city rather than moving from one part to the other so I have put together an itinerary of things to see in 3 days that allows you to visit all the major points of interest trying to waste as little time as possible on a bus or subway.
So I ordered what to see in Barcelona depending both on the ease of reaching the various places of interest and in the order in which it would be better to visit them in order to avoid queues as much as possible: in any case if you follow my file recommendations you should do few.
FREE TOUR OF BARCELONA WITH ENGLISH GUIDE
Warning! State industry leader, offers a tour Free subscription of 2 hours on Modernist Barcelona.
You can book it now HERE.
If you are interested, book it in advance because places are limited.
What to see in Barcelona and How to Skip The Lines
Consider first purchase the Tiqets Barcelona Card or the Barcelona Card su Getyourguide: both cards in fact offer free or discounted admissions (and there is also a discount on public transport), as well as tickets that allow you priority entrance and then skip the queues (and trust that in some places like the Sagrada Familia the queues can be really long and unnerving) and other benefits that will make your life easier.
☞ Vsee what is included in the Tiqets card
☞ Vsee what is included in the Barcelona Card
You can also buy the Barcelona Card from official website of the TOURISM BODY, by clicking on the blue button below:
Buy the BARCELONA CARD
Also there is the possibility of buy skip-the-line tickets also for the individual attractions, but if you want to see a lot the Cards are cheaper.
In any case in this post I have tried for each place of interest also to write which options there are and which are the best.
Obviously, an itinerary like this should only be a starting point for your visit: at the end of this guide on what to see in Barcelona in 3 days I also put some other options if you stay in the city 4 or 5 days.
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- Day 1:
- 1.1 Casa Milá
- 1.2 Casa Batlló
- 1.3 La Rambla
- 1.4 La Boqueria
- 1.5 Mirador de Colom
- 1.6 Las Golondrinas Boat Tour
- 1.7 Barcelona Aquarium and Museum of Catalan History
- Day 2:
- 2.1 Holy Family
- 2.2 Sant Pau Modernist Precinct
- 2.3 Gaudí Experience
- 2.4 Park Güell
- Day 3:
- 3.1 Chocolate Museum
- 3.2 Gothic quarter
- 3.3 Montjuïc Hill
- 3.4 Magic Fountain
- What to see in Barcelona in 4 or 5 days
- 1 Tour on foot or by bike
- 2 Palau Güell
- 3 Camp Nou
- 4 Citadel Park
- 5 Bellesguard Tower
- 6 Colonia Güell
- What to see in Barcelona in 3 days with children
- 1 - Barcelona Zoo
- 2 - Science Museum
- 3 - Montjuïc Cable Car (Montjuïc Cable Car)
- 4 - Museum of illusions
- Day 1:
- How to save
- Getting around in Barcelona
- Accomodation
1 day
Il first day is obviously focused on things to see in the center of Barcelona and the various points of interest are easy to reach either by walking or by a short bus or metro ride.
The first day covers some of the masterpieces of Gaudí and of course some of the most famous streets in the city.
BUY the BARCELONA TRANSPORT PASS and get unlimited rides on all means of transport in Barcelona, including the Montjuic funicular and the journey between Barcelona El Prat Airport and Barcelona
Milá House (La Pedrera)
One of the most famous (and most visited) houses in all of Barcelona, Casa Milá it is always very busy so keep it first and try to get there early in the morning, so as to avoid the crowd.
His nickname, the Pedrera (the Quarry) originates from its self-supporting facade in corrugated limestone.
From the ground floor courtyard looking upwards there is an incredible view of the interior of the building, with the light entering from the roof into the interior apartments.
The highlight for many is the roof terrace, with its famous fireplaces,
skylights and stairs. From here there is a breathtaking view over the whole city,
including some of Gaudí's other works, most notably the Sagrada Familia.
Casa Milá is among the busiest destinations in Barcelona. To see her without anyone around there is this great tour early in the morning (before all the others).
If, on the other hand, you don't like to get up early (I understand you also like to sleep on holiday) there is also this option with Skip the Line ticket it's one discount of EUR 3 compared to the cost it would cost you if you bought it directly at the ticket office.
You can also buy from the official website but the purchase process is only in English and Spanish.
Casa Batllo
One of the most famous (and most visited) houses in all of Barcelona, it is always very busy so keep it first and try to get there early in the morning, so as to avoid the crowd.
Famous on the outside for the balconies on the facade that resemble Venetian masks, Casa Batllo inside it has an extraordinary spiral staircase and some rooms that you can explore at your leisure and at your leisure. The incredible roof terrace is modeled to represent a dragon, one of Gaudi's favorite icons.
- You want to visit Casa Batlló? Read my complete guide before visiting it!
- Maybe you might also like: Casa Milà or Casa Batlló?
Also Casa Batlló is one of the most touristic destinations in Barcelona and to visit it by skipping the queue you have various options:
1 - Casa Batlló is included in the Barcelona City Pass which in addition to the skip the line priority entrance also gives you a 20% discount.
2 - If you want to buy only the priority entrance ticket, there is this option with video guide.
3 - Purchase tickets online from the official website of the TOURISM BODY by clicking on the blue button below:
Buy BATLLO HOME TICKETS
La Rambla
Surely the first or one of the first streets you will travel on in Barcelona is the Rambla which can be reached from Casa Milá by crossing Plaça de Catalunya: get yourself a sangria, after all this walking, from the fountain at the northern end of the street which is a beautiful place!
La Rambla is the perfect place to soak up the Barcelona atmosphere or to find a place to have lunch. The options are so many: ok they are not the cheapest places and they are also very touristy, but what is wrong with sitting down, drinking a sangria with tapas and watching the people go by?
Please note:: although I have never had any problems, it seems that some tourist areas of the city are very fertile ground for thieves.
Especially on the Rambla and the metro, be careful with your wallets and in bars or cafes never leave bags or expensive items unattended.
It is not uncommon that in the evening, in some areas of the city, you will be approached by "smoke" sellers who want to sell drugs: they are generally harmless, just refuse and they will leave.
Try to avoid buying drugs and keep in mind that, in addition to being illegal, under the influence of alcohol and drugs you become much more easily the target of any criminals.
La Boqueria
About halfway up Las Ramblas, you find it La Boqueria, the oldest and most famous market in the city. In ancient times it was located just outside the old walls and was famous because it was the market in which to find things that could not be found elsewhere.
Today, the market is still popular with the locals and still has the reputation of being the city market with the widest choice: there really is everything here, from meat and fish to fruit, sweets and even food stalls. food and tostadas.
It's a good place to grab a freshly squeezed fruit juice (try the fruit popsicles too), have a snack or just admire the XNUMXth century modernist design, which is definitely worth a visit.
How to reach us: Passeig de Gracia 43, Barcelona. Metro green line L3, yellow L4 and purple L2, Passeig de Gracia stop.
Opening Hours: lun-ven 9:00 – 21:00
Ticket cost: full € 23,50, reduced € 20,50
Mirador de Colom (Monument of Christopher Columbus)
From Palau Güell, keep going down La Rambla to the end, where you will see a large column, on which there is a statue of Christopher Columbus, the famous Italian explorer (Genoese!) who discovered America.
Originally built for the Universal Exhibition of Barcelona in 1888, today the statue serves as both a monument and a tourist attraction, with the advantage of being able to climb inside for a nice view of the south side of the city.
Tickets can be purchased online or in person. With the Barcelona City Pass, you are also entitled to a 20% discount here.
Las Golondrinas boat tour
At the end of the Rambla, where the Columbus monument is located, is the famous one Marina of Barcelona.
From the harbor area, a number of operators offer different boat excursions
duration that will give you a different perspective of the port of Barcelona.
We took the 90 minute boat tour with Las Golondrinas (and that with the Barcelona City Pass is discounted by 20%): the choice of tours is wide with different duration and itineraries.
Barcelona Aquarium and Museum of Catalan History
If a boat ride isn't your thing, there are a couple of other great options
in this part of the city. Depending on your interests, you can visit them
theBarcelona Aquarium or Museum of the History of Catalunya.
I have been to both: the first is an excellent aquarium and a good option for families.
Il Museum of the History of Catalunya instead it will take you through the complete history of the region and its people, from prehistoric times to the days
our. If you go there take into account that it will keep you busy for a few hours.
And this is the end of a whole first day in Barcelona! Now you just have to have an aperitif with tapas and have a nice dinner (perhaps based on paella)
Consiglio: Barcelona is famous for its oyster shops where you can eat oysters and champagne as an aperitif or after dinner. After dinner, in a side street of the Rambla, if you have time for a drink, go to the Pub Fairy forest. When I was there it was a magical place with tables in the midst of fountains and plants, let's hope it hasn't changed.
2 day
During the second day the itinerary will take you to explore the most northeastern part of the city and visit some of the highlights of Barcelona, starting with the famous one Sagrada Familia.
Sagrada Familia
Undoubtedly Gaudí's masterpiece, this impressive basilica was the work Gaudí was working on when he tragically died. The construction of the Sagrada Familia it began in 1882, although at the time of Gaudí's death in 1926 it was still less than a quarter finished.
Read my post on visit to the Sagrada Familia and the mistakes not to make!
Even now that I write the work is not finished (the work should finish in 2026).
I have never been able to see it without scaffolding.
This does not mean that you cannot visit it, quite the contrary. Despite the work of
construction and renovation never seem to end, most of the buildings are open to the public.
This really is one of the destinations with the longest queues you can imagine so go early in the morning as your first visit to avoid the crowds of the rest of the day.
THEentry is timed, so your best option is to buy your ticket online in advance and choose the best time slot for you.
With the Barcelona City Pass, admission is free and with a skip the line option.
Or you can choose from the many tours (some with access to the towers too) that found here with skip-the-line options.
If you are undecided, then take a look at my post on which ticket for the Sagrada Familia?
I also recommend that you read mine Complete Guide to the Towers of the Sagrada Familia
How to reach us: Eixample district, Metro L2 and L5 Sagrada Família stop
Opening Hours: from November to February: 9: 00-18: 00 / March: 9: 00-19: 00 / April-September: 9: 00-20: 00 / October: 9: 00-19: 00 / Closed 25 and 26 December, 1st and 6th January from 9:00 to 14:00
Ticket cost: 15 €
Sant Pau Modernist enclosures
A relatively new opening for visitors to Barcelona, the Sant Pau Modernist enclosures is fast becoming one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona.
Originally built as a hospital, this series of buildings is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe and has achieved the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Palau de la Musica Catalana in the Gothic Quarter.
It's just an incredibly beautiful place to stroll, both indoors and out, and it's only a 15-20 minute walk to the Sagrada Familia. It is worth doing.
20% discount with the Barcelona City Pass.
Gaudí Experience
Before moving on to the next stop, Parc Guell, take a trip to the Gaudí Experience an interactive exhibition that will take you through the life and works of the architect responsible for many places of interest in Barcelona. There is an overview of some of his most important works, as well as a 4D cinema.
20% discount with the Barcelona City Pass.
Park Güell
Located in the hills towards the north of the city, Park Güell is another of Gaudí's works.
This is a bit different from the ones seen so far, as it is a large park with a number of works to explore and visit.
Originally designed as a residential property complex that offered spectacular views, the vision of sixty homes was never realized, with only two actually completed.
However, many of Gaudí's fictional works were created for the public spaces, including the entrance houses, the main terrace, the serpentine mosaic bench, and the colonnaded paths.
There is also a museum in what was Gaudí's home for the last twenty years of his life. This one has a separate ticket but it's worth it if you're curious to see how the artist lived.
Park Güell until a few years ago was free and you could visit freely, but its enormous popularity (and the need to make money always and in any case) meant that this heritage that belonged to everyone, has become paid.
When I was in Barcelona I used to go there often for lunch, on beautiful sunny days.
But everything has a downside: timed entry allows for few visitors and therefore makes the visit more enjoyable. Some parts of the park are still visible for free, but key attractions require a ticket.
We recommend book Park Güell tickets online in advance to make sure you don't get ripped off and can't enter or have to wait hours when you arrive. If you do, make sure you arrive at the specified time of entry on the ticket, otherwise they won't (rightly) let you in.
Free entry with the Barcelona City Pass and with the Skip the Line option.
How to reach us: Via Olot 13, Barcelona. Bus 24 from Plaça Catalunya or Passeig de Gracia, Metro with stop Lesseps or Vallcarca. Tourist bus.
Opening Hours: lun-ven 8:30 – 20:30
Ticket cost: the monumental part of the Park is paid for with a full ticket at € 5,50 and reduced € 4,50
There are not many things that I have put on this second day itinerary. Trust that although they seem few, the visits that I have recommended will take you most of the day if not all.
3 day
Il third day you must definitely see the gothic quarter: it is where I lived in a small attic, if I think about it I am moved, they were among the best days of my life.
From the Gothic quarter we move up to visit the castle and some important museums, and we finish the day with a must-see: the sound and light show of the dancing fountain of Barcelona.
Consiglio: the Gothic Quarter is also one of the best places to sleep. I don't like AirBnb for the simple reason that it is creating some problems for the inhabitants of Barcelona who can no longer find houses at a decent price and for this reason there has been a crackdown on accommodations in the city center lately.
But in the Gothic Quarter there are other great options, both hotels, hostels and guest houses.
Chocolate Museum
Ok, I love chocolate (even in my travels around the world such as when I was on the Vulcano Arenal in Costa Rica I did not miss the chance of a chocolate tour).
I don't know about you, but I think there is no better way to start the day than a little sweetness.
And considering that with the entrance you will have a gift just in chocolate, if I were you a little thought I would do it, especially since you have a discount with the Barcelona City Pass.
In this museum you will learn all about the history of one of the world's delicacies, including how it became so popular in Europe, how it was created and what its role was in European culture.
Barcelona was in fact one of the main ports in the chocolate trade, and played a key role in the city's economy.
The numerous chocolate statues are also amusing.
And if you have children, well it goes without saying that you have to go there by force.
Gothic Quarter
Il gothic quarter it is a narrow labyrinth of narrow streets: it is the oldest part of the city and has some hidden gems to go and visit.
If you don't want to get lost, bring a map even if you get lost anyway.
If wandering around the Gothic Quarter is an experience in itself, there are a number of interesting places you can go looking for. The first of these is theexcellent Picasso Museum, which celebrates the first part of the artist's life and work, as well as hosting some of his works.
From here, you can also visit the Palau de la Musica Catalana, A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can do this guided tour which is great because it allows you to visit some areas otherwise closed to the public, or book tickets online or buy them in person at the box office.
Heading further west into the Gothic Quarter, you'll find yourself facing the big one gothic cathedral of barcelona. Admission is free.
Next to it is the Gaudí Exhibition Center, the first museum entirely dedicated to the works of Anton Gaudí. Here too, as in the Gaudí Experience, you will learn everything about the architect through images, models, audiovisual material and documents: a must if you are a fan of his.
Attractions of the Montjuïc hill
If you still have time and breath (if you follow this itinerary you will walk a lot) another must is there Montjuïc hill where there are some things to see.
Montjuïc Castle
The first thing to see is undoubtedly the great fortress on top of the hill, the Montjuïc Castle. This immense fortress has played a key role in the history of the city over the past hundred years, serving as Spanish control over the Catalan city, as well as a prison center.
Today the castle is open to visitors and you can wander its halls admiring the views of the city skyline. At the time of writing, admission was free on Sundays.
Poble Espanyol
If you are interested in learning about the different regions of Spain, and in particular their architecture and food, then a visit to Poble Espanyol it should be on your list.
It is a huge open-air architecture museum, built in 1929, which consists of 117 buildings representing fifteen different regions of Spain, many of which are replicas of real buildings.
The Poble Espanyol is also home to local artists, restaurants and shops, and artists are also found here showing their crafts from glass blowing to jewelry making.
In short, there is a lot to see and do here and you could spend whole days there.
It also regularly hosts concerts, food festivals and other events.
Joan Miro Foundation
Barcelona fans, Joan Miró, will definitely want to stop by Joan Miró Foundation on the Montjuïc hill. Created by the artist himself with the aim of promoting the work of young experimental artists, the museum exhibits a large number of Miró's creations, from the beginning to the end of his career.
The purpose-built building is also an impressive and logically structured structure, which will guide you through the artist's works. There is also a library which houses Miró's book collection.
There is an entry fee, Barcelona Card holders get free admission.
National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC)
An impressive building with spectacular views over the city, the National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) is a must see for anyone with an interest in Catalonian art. The collection is spectacular and so is the building itself: the Oval Hall in particular is worth seeing with one of the largest organs in Europe.
Take the elevator to the top floor to walk to the roof, which offers excellent views of the city.
Fontana magica
The greeting to your days in Barcelona let you give it from the show of the Magic Fountain, which you can see from the steps in front of the National Museum of Catalan Art.
This fountain transmits a spectacular sound and a light show in the evening hours, a real spectacle to watch colorful jets of water to the rhythm of music!
Built in 1929 for the International Exposition and restored for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, this is definitely a sight not to be missed. The program depends on the time of year - you can see it here.
FREE TOUR OF BARCELONA WITH ENGLISH GUIDE
Attention! Civitatis, a leading company in the sector, offers a tour Free subscription of 2 hours on modernist Barcelona. You can book it right now here.
What to see in Barcelona in 4 or 5 days
I have written an itinerary of what to see in Barcelona in 3 days simply because so many people visit the city only for a weekend and I wanted to highlight what I like best, but there are still many things to see.
So if you spend 4 or 5 days in Barcelona you can add the following things (or maybe add them or exchange them with the ones I told you before)
Tour on foot or by bike
If you have purchased or will purchase the Barcelona city Pass you get a discount on various tours.
Tours include tours of the Gothic Quarter, Picasso, bicycle, Montjuic and various others.
I did the walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and I assure you that it is worth it: having a guide who explains the various points of interest, especially in this area where getting lost is super easy, it is priceless.
Taking part in the tours is an excellent way to learn a little about the history of the city and see some of the main attractions with a local. Try to plan it at the beginning of your trip as it will help you find your way around the city, you can also take advantage of it and ask the guide for suggestions and advice on local restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Palau Güell
Just off the Rambla you will find the Palau Güell, one of Gaudí's first works in the city: you will notice it right away, unmistakable with its extremely imposing twin front doors in Gaudí's famous parabolic arch shape.
These were designed to be large enough to accommodate a horse-drawn carriage, with one door to enter the building and the other to exit.
Once inside you will have the opportunity to see many of the rooms, including the lobby
central and the bedrooms and of course the roof terrace.
Consiglio: go there in the evening to admire the sunset over Barcelona from up there.
Camp Nou
FC Barcelona fans will definitely want visit the Camp Nou, the home of the hugely successful Barcelona football team. Tours are held throughout the day to get a peek behind the scenes, from the VIP suites to the players' changing rooms.
And it is also possible to sit on the bench!
Inside the stadium there is also a well-structured museum that will lead you to discover the history of the club, its impact on the city, and some of its most famous players.
The visit is interesting even if you are not a football fan but keep in mind that this is one of the most visited places in the city so try to get there early.
do not queue Also here you have various options.
You can take part to this Get Your Guide tour or buy the ticket directly from Official site, or buy the Barcelona City Pass which allows you, in addition to having the discount, also to skip the line.
FC BARCELONA TICKETS
Are you a big fan of Barcelona Fc? Then you can't miss the MUSEUM!
You can buy tickets online here on Tiqets!
Ciutadella park
If you want to visit a park in the city center or just to spend a few hours under the shadows of the trees, a good option is the Citadel Park, or Ciutadella park, a 70-acre park that's not too far from the Chocolate Museum. Dating back to the 19th century, it is the first green space in the city.
Its best known feature is probably the use of the element "water", which was one of the first works in the city in which Gaudí was involved, although at the time he was not well known and his contribution in this case was rather limited. It is a large construction, topped by giant golden horse-drawn chariots, and is well worth seeing. Admission is free.
Bellesguard Tower
A little further north of the city center, the Bellesguard Tower it is a relatively recent addition to Gaudí's works that can be visited.
Built for a private individual between 1900 and 1909, the house is still occupied by a
owner, so only parts of it can be visited, even if this includes the spectacular lofts and roof areas.
I'd suggest it's worth doing - this is a far less popular attraction than many other Gaudí properties, and you'll have a little more room to breathe.
Personally, I particularly enjoyed visiting the roof terrace, which has spectacular views over the city, with the advantage that the entire roof is designed to look like a dragon. Guided tours run on weekends, and there are also guided audio tours available. See timetables and languages on the official website here.
Colonia Güell
Colonia Güell it is located 23 kilometers from the city center of Barcelona, but can still be reached by public transport, so don't let the distance put you off. It is a purpose-built XNUMXth-century industrial village, which you can explore with the help of an audio guide.
The village is definitely worth a visit, but its highlight is the church known as the crypt of Gaudí. Although never completed, this building was where Gaudí first gathered all of his
architectural innovations, also a project for much of the Sagrada Familia.
The only part of the church to be completed was the crypt area. It is a truly unique creation, and since it takes a little more effort to get here than to say I prefer this one to the Sagrada Familia, because it is much less crowded.
What to see in Barcelona in 3 days with children
Ok, if you have children this itinerary should be slightly modified, Barcelona offers delicious things for the little ones!
I have already told you about 2 or 3 things to do or see in Barcelona with children, such asAquarium, Tibidabo and also the Chocolate Museum.
In addition to those already mentioned, here you will find some other ideas!
1 - Barcelona Zoo
The zoo was opened in 1892 with the aim of wildlife conservation.
Located in the vast Parc de la Ciutadella, the Barcelona Zoo it hosts a great variety of reptiles, birds, mammals and amphibians.
In addition to the animal enclosures, you will find more interactive spaces such as the farm, the ponies, the elephant training area and the large playgrounds.
There are daily dolphin and sea lion shows and kids can enjoy watching the adorable penguins being fed too.
Children under the age of 3 can enter for free.
2 - Science Museum (CosmoCaixa)
I always enjoy visiting i science museums and if you have kids you can't go wrong coming here.
Descend the 5 floors via the beautiful spiral ramp (kids love it), and you'll find the main exhibits. Here are loads of fun things to get the whole family involved.
You can explore the Amazon rainforest, or at least part of it. Start by looking through the glass windows at the fish, turtles and the water-soaked undergrowth of the forest.
Go through the dark educational tunnel under the trees (kids love this part, it's a little scary).
Then there is the typical “touch the buttons and learn” section: an interactive way for children to learn.
A section on geology helps them understand volcanoes and the different types of rock.
Check out what temporary shows there are, I've never been disappointed with any of them. There are also workshops, activities and a planetarium.
3 - Montjuïc Cable Car (Montjuïc Cable Car)
Children usually love heights and what better activity for the whole family than a nice cable car ride to see the city from above?
Here in Barcelona, there are two different cable cars, both of which are located on the Montjuïc mountain.
La Port cable car (Telefèric del Port) is an 8-minute one-way journey from the port to take you to the Mirador del Mar, a viewpoint located in the middle of the Montjuïc mountain.
It is a spectacular ride (70-90 meters) with a great view of the harbor.
You can have a cold drink on the spectacular terrace of the restaurant where the cable car ends. The views are great but the food is average so you should just have a drink.
More modern and cheaper is the Montjuïc cable car.
It's not very high but it takes you to the fort at the top of the mountain so the views are spectacular.
There are 4 seats inside, so you can sit back and enjoy the experience without feeling suffocated.
Finish with a walk around the castle, which offers great views over Barcelona.
4 - Museum of illusions
Located in the heart of El Raval, the Museum of Illusions it will be a sure hit among children.
You really can't stop laughing.
How does it work? Well, there are realistic painted scenes on floors and walls and you can just pop into the mural and ask a member of your party to take a photo.
Allow around 45-50 minutes for the visit as it is quite a small space.
How to save money on your visit to Barcelona
There are two main ways to save on the attractions in your visit to Barcelona: the Barcelona Card and Barcelona City Pass. Both are valid and are different from each other so depending on what you intend to visit, evaluate which of the two is best suited to your needs.
☞ Vsee what is included in the Barcelona Card
If you are planning to visit everything on the main itinerary above, the Barcelona City Pass is a must because you will have a discount, if you visit everything, of almost 30 euros and you have included the transport to and from the El Prat airport and a discount on Hello BCN card, that is the one for public transport.
Consider that this pass also includes the Barcelona Bus Turístic hop on hop off bus tour worth € 28, as well as a number of other attractions, so I think the Barcelona Pass is really affordable.
If you don't plan on visiting enough attractions to qualify for the Barcelona City Pass, then you might want to consider the Barcelona Card.
This is a cheaper option, and while it offers discounted entry to a number of attractions, most of its benefit comes in the form of free public transport (including the train to the airport) and a variety of discounts on popular attractions.
Getting around Barcelona
Barcelona is easy to get around, with an extensive bus and metro network.
If you want to use the By public transport, the most convenient way to do this is the ten-ticket card (T10), which allows multiple travelers to use the same card. This is much cheaper than buying individual tickets.
There are a couple of other options for save on transport.
If you buy a Barcelona City Pass, it comes with one day access to the tour in bus Hop On Hop Off of Barcelona, which covers almost all the main tourist sites of the city.
In addition to the discounts, the Barcelona Card also offers all free transport.
If you want to all free and unlimited transport in the city, including the 46 train / metro / bus that goes from the airport to the city center (and vice versa) and the metro, daytime city buses, trams and funicular all over Barcelona, then you can purchase the Hola BCN card.
Where to stay in Barcelona
Barcelona has no shortage of choice when it comes to accommodation.
My preferred option when booking accommodation is always booking.com. It lists everything from hotels to apartments to hostels, and they usually have a wide range of competitive prices.
Read also my post on the best neighborhoods to sleep in or the 10 best budget hotels in Barcelona
To give you an idea of what's available, here are some options I've been looking for that I think might be perfect:
Hostel One Ramblas - a very well reviewed and incredibly central hostel.
The 8 Boutique B&B - a highly qualified and well located bed and breakfast.
Duchess of Cardona - a 4 * waterfront property with a rooftop bar.
It is worth mentioning that Barcelona is a city somewhat overwhelmed by tourism and, as such, is taking steps to ensure that residents can afford to live in the city.
As I already told you before, recently due to the problems created by Airbnb, a "crackdown" has been given.
Short-term rental properties, such as those found on sites like AirBnB, must be registered, and a license number.
If you want to stay in a vacation rental, it is recommended that you choose one that has the license number on the list to make sure you don't have any trouble during your stay.
Unfortunately, this will really limit your apartment options, as most licensed listings are outside of the Gothic Quarter and surrounding area.
With these last tips my post on what to see in Barcelona in 3 days. If you found it useful or not, write it in the comments!
