Are you planning to spend 4 days in Barcelona? This detailed itinerary is your spot for the top details and information to plan an epic trip!
Barcelona is one of the most bustling cities in Spain. The cosmopolitan city is known for colorful art built into local architecture, a lively atmosphere, tons of history, and beaches!
My favorite things to do during a 4 day Barcelona itinerary include visiting the most popular spots like Park Guell, La Sagrada Familia, and the Gothic Quarter.
I also include how to get to the best city views like Montjuic, and how to take amazing day trips.
Its mountainous location alongside neighboring beach towns makes it perfect for all kinds of visitors.
4 days in Barcelona is a perfect vacation to begin scratching the surface of Spain’s Catalonia capital! From taps to flamenco and so much more, let’s dive in!
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Day 1
Park Güell
Begin your day bright and early at Park Güell right as the park opens! I recommend purchasing your entrance tickets in advance online, as the site requires timed entry tickets.
Park Güell is by far one of the most popular things to do in Barcelona, so there’s gonna be crowds no matter when you go.
However, reserving your entrance tickets right as the park opens will reduce crowds as much as possible.
I visited the park at opening and felt the crowds only grew every 15 minutes after.
Some visitors think Park Güell is too touristy, and of course, it IS touristy! But it’s also beautiful, charming, and iconic.
I do not advise skipping this activity. It is a must-visit, even if you only have 24 hours in Barcelona.
The park is also HUGE and allows you to spread out. All of the iconic photos you see from the colorful, mosaic bench are literally at one point in the entire, vast park.
We almost got lost in the park trying to get there- THAT’S how big it is!
Tip: If the weather is nice and you think you might want to stay a while longer, you can even consider packing a picnic lunch, just in case!
🕑 Hours: 9:30am-6:30pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: €10 ⏐
La Rambla
After your lovely morning in the park, take to La Rambla, the most famous street in the city!
La Rambla is nearly 1 mile long, and I don’t think you necessarily need to walk through the entire thing.
I recommend getting dropped off near the start of the street, strolling for a few blocks (or as long as you are comfortable), and then hopping off at La Boqueria Market for lunch!
Lunch at La Boqueria
La Boqueria is a GIANT, sprawling market in the central hub of Barcelona! It is located conveniently halfway down La Rambla.
Among its nearly 500 stalls, you will find just about anything here from lunch, beverage, and souvenir options. Choose something good and stay a while!
One of my favorites was the fresh juice. At only 1 euro, I could barely pick just one! (But of course went with the cool fuschia one. Turns out it was dragon fruit- yum!
Important Note: As of February 2024, La Boqueria is closed on Sundays.
🕑 Hours: 8:00am-8:30pm. Closed Sundays ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: No entrance cost ⏐
Gothic Quarter
Next, wander through Barcelona’s old city center, the Gothic Quarter. This was one of my favorite spots in the entire city.
The narrow, winding streets feel truly historic. It is charming, quaint, and honestly, this is just kind of my jam!
My favorite thing to do here is wander and pop in and out of the boutique shops. But there’s so much more to do here!
Things to do in the Gothic Quarter:
- Wandering
- Gothic Cathedral
- Palau de la Musica Catalana
Palau de la Musica Catalana is a UNESCO World Heritage site. I didn’t have time to see a show or take a guided tour of it during my trip but I loved photographing the building from the outside.
Many visitors recommend a guided tour of its charming interior. You can’t access much of the inside without a tour or show tickets.
The Gothic Cathedral is another charming building to admire from the outside, but there is no cost to walk around inside the church.
Dinner in Gothic Quarter or El Borno
Grab dinner in the Gothic Quarter or walk to the nearby neighborhood, El Borno.
Both neighborhoods have tons of food options. El Borno seemed to have a more local feel in the evening, but both are great.
Day 2
Ciutadella Park
Begin our second day in Barcelona at Ciutadella Park.
This is one of my favorite green spaces in the entire city. It is huge! You can even rent a boat at the small river in the center of the park.
I loved walking through the arches to enter the park and simply wandering. It provides a (slightly) tranquil break from the urban exploring.
I say “slightly”, because Ciutadella is one of the best things to do in Barcelona, so it’s still going to be crowded!
Beginning your day here first thing will likely minimize the crowds.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia Church is one of the most iconic things to do in Barcelona.
It’s one of the first things people mention one someone is taking a trip to Spain!
Honestly, it is SUPER crowded. I visited right in the middle of the day and it was swarmed with crowds. I think it’s always like this.
You have three options when visiting:
- General Admission
- One Nativity Tower
- Both Nativity Towers
I highly recommend visiting La Sagrada Familia. It is historic, iconic, and it’s one of the best things to do in Barcelona for a reason.
I also recommend it on all shorter itineraries, like two days in Barcelona.
🕑 Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm / Sunday: 10:30am-6:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: €26 ⏐
Barceloneta Beach
Spend the rest of your second day in Barcelona relaxing at the Barceloneta Beach. This is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and cool off in the Mediterranean Sea.
After a packed day of sightseeing, it’s nice to unwind and enjoy the beautiful beach views.
You can also walk along the promenade and try some local seafood at one of the many restaurants nearby. Don’t forget to take a dip in the clear blue water!
Click here for more information about swim season, like what times lifeguards are on duty.
Evening Options: Tapas and Flamenco
Consider spending the evening with Spanish culture tasting various tapas and enjoying a Flamenco show!
Day 3
This day is all about options. Take your pick at some of the top things in Barcelona you haven’t done yet!
Make the most of your city exploring day, because tomorrow, you are off on a day trip!
Casa Battlo
One of Gaudi’s most famous creations, Casa Battlo is a must-see in Barcelona. The design and architecture are truly unique and will leave you in awe.
There are often long lines to get inside, so it’s best to book tickets online ahead of time to save time and avoid the crowds.
🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: €25 ⏐
Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
Another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces, Casa Mila is a must-visit for its incredible rooftop views and unique design. Take a guided tour to learn more about the building and its history.
When planning a visit to Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, consider timing your entry to either early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and to bask in the warm glow of the day’s light casting spectacular patterns through the building’s unique architecture.
Visiting during these times allows a more intimate experience and the opportunity for photography in the best lighting conditions.
Entrance tickets to Casa Mila should be purchased in advance, as this iconic attraction draws many visitors and tickets can sell out quickly.
Moreover, by booking ahead, you not only secure your entry but can also take advantage of any potential discounts or skip-the-line options available online, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable visit.
🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 6:30pm, 7:00-11:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐💲Price: €28 ⏐
Barcelona Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral is another must-visit attraction in the city. Its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate details will leave you speechless.
You can tour the cathedral and also climb to the top of its bell towers for a breathtaking view of Barcelona!
Tibidabo
For a different view of the city, head to Tibidabo – the highest point in Barcelona. Take a funicular railway up to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city below.
Tibidabo Amusement Park is also located at the top! With theme park rides and attractions, it makes for a great stop for families.
I didn’t personally head to Tibidabo, but it is known as one of the top things to do in Barcelona!
🕑 Hours: See Website ⏐💲Price: €35 ⏐
Mountjuic Hill
I recommend making your way to Mount Juic no later than 3:00pm!
You’ll want enough time to explore the best things to do up in this tall neighborhood, enjoy the cable car ride, and catch the sunset!
Mountjuic Hill is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the city from its hilltop location.
Along with the cable car ride mentioned above, there are also other ways to reach the top, such as by funicular or taking a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens.
At Mountjuic Hill, you can also visit famous landmarks such as the Palau Nacional and the Magic Fountain, which offers a spectacular light and water show in the evenings.
This is a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of Barcelona while enjoying some local street food.
Don’t forget to also check out the Olympic Stadium, built for the 1992 Summer Olympics, and explore some of the museums and galleries located on Mountjuic Hill.
From historical exhibits to contemporary art, there is something for everyone here.
Day 4: Day Trip
It’s day trip time! You didn’t think I would write you an itinerary without a day trip, did you?!
There are SO many amazing things to see and do near Barcelona, it was really hard for me to choose just one of them!
I was visiting with a group of friends and we decided to visit a town on Costa Brava: Blanes.
I loved exploring another top spot in Spain and stepping out of its second-most populated city for the day! (The first would be Madrid!)
Some of the best day trips from Barcelona are:
Monserrate is by far the most popular pick, likely because it is under one hour from Barcelona and there are tons of day tours, taking the time out of planning. I took a day trip to Costa Brava using the public transportation system. It was easy, super affordable, and fun.
All of these day trips can also be easily extended into weekend trips from Barcelona, depending on your preference!
Itinerary Notes
As always, I am a huge proponent of making ANY itinerary all you’re own. Please, do NOT follow my entire itinerary to a tee if it does not serve you!
Check out my other articles or consider inspiration from Instagram, other travel bloggers, and travel books.
Take what you want, and leave the rest!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the very essence of Barcelona distilled into four unforgettable days!
From the whimsical wonders of Park Güell to the stained glass beauty of Sagrada Familia, each turn through this city’s streets is akin to leafing through a storybook where every page thrills with new adventures.
There are iconic Instagram spots in Barcelona all over!
Immerse in the cultural tapestry at La Rambla, indulge in the symphony of flavors at La Boqueria, and let the Gothic Quarter whisper ancient tales as dusk falls.
Our journey wouldn’t be whole without experiencing Mountjuic Hill’s enchanting twilight views or delving into the athletic heritage of the Olympic Stadium.
Indulge in the irresistible allure of a day trip! Whether you opt for the tranquil peaks of Montserrat or the charming streets of Girona, these getaways are the perfect additions to your Catalan adventures.
This itinerary serves as your portal to the heart of Catalonia, balancing must-see sights with hidden gems, all set to the lively rhythm of Barcelona.
Consider Barcelona as your leaping-off point to other amazing places around Spain like Seville, Grenada, and Cordoba in the Andalucia region. Its proximity to Portugal even makes it perfect for a combined Spain and Portugal itinerary!
Let’s forge enduring memories that surpass time, lingering in the cobblestone alleys well into the night. Barcelona is more than a mere city; it embodies an emotion, depicted in Gaudí’s vivid hues, relished in tapas, and embraced in each sun-drenched corner. Salud y viajes!
