Planning a 2 day Barcelona itinerary?
This thorough guide has all the details, tricks, and stops you need to know to have an amazing Barcelona vacation!
Barcelona is the second biggest city in Spain. Its cosmopolitan, bustling vibe paired with historic architecture balances the old with the new.
There is something new to do around every corner, and this itinerary gives you the day-by-day lowdown.
Some of the best things we cover to do during 2 days in Barcelona include the infamous Anthony Guadi architecture Park Güell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo, La Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, and striking city views from spots like Mount Juic.
There is something for everyone during 2 days in Barcelona. Your vacation awaits!
Day 1: Architecture Wonders
La Sagrada Familia
Visitors travel to Spain from all over the world to admire the spectacular La Sagrada Familia.
I recommend it on any Barcelona itinerary, from just 24 hours to 4 full days.
Nearly 570 feet high and adorned with vibrant stained glass windows, this architectural masterpiece is not to be missed. Consider visiting again and again… because it is still under construction!
For nearly 200 years, Anthony Gaudi’s vision has been in the works. It is scheduled to be completed by 2026. What a project! Check it out, seriously.
La Ciutadella Park
La Ciutadella Park is a lovely green space in Barcelona located very close to the Gothic Quarter. Its domed entrance arches, miraculous fountain, and lovely river make this huge park a wonderful place to relax in nature in between city exploring.
I recommend packing a small picnic lunch, finding a patch of grass, and taking a moment to recharge before your next round of exploring.
Note: The domed entrance to the park is extremely crowded.
It’s much easier to find a place to relax once you are truly in the park, away from the front entrance. It’s an iconic Barcelona Instagram spot.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló, another masterpiece crafted by Gaudi, showcases a vibrant facade with distinctive architectural elements.
Explore its interiors to marvel at the exquisite stained glass windows, intricate mosaic floors, and elaborate designs.
Be sure to pause outside to appreciate the purple and turquoise architectural marvel. Gaudi’s signature blend of color and flair shines once more in this architectural gem.
Casa Mila
The UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Gaudi showcases architectural elements with swirling patterns, adorned with iron details and gothic-style balconies.
Reflecting his signature style, this creation stands out as another enchanting marvel in Barcelona.
Experience the exploration of Casa Mila, from its rooftop vistas to local art displays.
Montjuïc
Montjuïc offers a spectacular vantage point to admire Barcelona’s skyline, and I suggest witnessing the sunset from this spot!
For a delightful journey to the summit, taking a cable car is a must.
Montjuïc boasts a plethora of activities to engage in, such as the Magic Fountain, Cable Car, and Montjuïc Castle!
Day 2: Barcelona Classic
Park Güell
To kick off your day in Barcelona, a must-visit is Park Güell. To beat the crowds, consider securing your tickets for the 9:30am slot in advance, coinciding with the park’s opening time.
This iconic masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi draws visitors globally to admire the artistry and snap that popular Instagram-worthy location.
La Rambla and La Boqueria
La Rambla is one of the busiest, most famous streets in Barcelona! It’s primarily touristy, and it’s nowhere you need to spend too long.
La Boqueria is conveniently located about halfway down La Rambla.
It’s one of the best places you can stop for lunch in Barcelona! With nearly 200 food stalls, you have got your pick.
Tip: La Boqueria is more of a local spot during weekday mornings but sees rushes of crowds over the weekend.
Gothic Quarter
It’s amazing how quickly the architecture changes in Spain from one corner to the next.
Only 8 minutes away from the bustling, crowded La Boqueria Market is one of the oldest, most historic parts in Barcelona: The Gothic Quarter,
Wander through historic, medieval alleys along cobblestone streets as you admire Gothic architecture from long ago. This part of Barcelona is like no other!
Dinner: Tapas
One cannot truly experience Barcelona without indulging in the culinary delight of tapas, the quintessential Spanish fare.
Tapas, which originated in the Andalusia region of Spain, are small, savory dishes that are as much about the social experience as they are about food. (My favorite tapas on my two-week Spain trip were in Ronda!)
These bite-sized morsels allow diners to enjoy a variety of flavors without committing to a single large meal, making them perfect for sharing and socializing.
Barcelona, with its rich gastronomic scene, offers a tapestry of authentic vegetarian tapas that are deeply rooted in Spanish tradition.
Patatas bravas, chunks of potato with a spicy tomato sauce, and Pimientos de Padrón, small green peppers fried in olive oil, remain perennial favorites.
Pan con tomate, toasted bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomatoes, is a simple yet perfectly satisfying choice.
By exploring tapas, you not only taste the diverse flavors of Spain but also partake in a cultural practice that brings people together in the most delicious way.
Nightlife: Flamenco
Experiencing the passionate and fiery flamenco show is a must-do for any Barcelona itinerary, especially if you are limited to two days.
This dynamic art form originated in the Andalusia region of Spain. Andalusia is in Southern Spain, known for famous cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Grenada.
Typical shows run for about an hour, ensuring a mesmerizing experience without consuming too much of your tightly packed schedule.
In Barcelona, flamenco can be enjoyed at various locations, each offering a unique ambiance. The historic Tablao Flamenco Cordobes on La Rambla, founded in 1970, is one of the most traditional spaces where many flamenco legends have performed.
For a more intimate experience, the Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers occasional flamenco nights in a breathtaking modernist concert hall.
Another fine choice is the City Hall Theater, set in a former 19th-century theater and offering a close-up of the performers’ emotional intensity.
Regardless of the setting, a flamenco show is one of the best things to do at night in Barcelona.
Alternate Itinerary Options
There are so many amazing things to do in Barcelona! Consider swapping any of our itinerary items out for any of these other top stops:
- Barceloneta Beach
- Tibidado
- Monserrat Day Trip
Conclusion
In just two days, first-time visitors can capture the essence of Barcelona by delving into its vibrant history at the Sagrada Familia, wandering through the enchanting streets of Barri Gòtic, and tasting the flavors of local cuisine at La Boqueria.
The architectural wonders of Gaudí’s Park Güell add a touch of whimsy to the experience, while an evening of electrifying flamenco provides a cultural immersion like no other.
This compact itinerary balances Barcelona’s must-see attractions with cultural experiences.
If you’re looking to extend your Europe trip, consider the less than one-hour flight from Barcelona into Lisbon or Porto in Portugal- Spain’s next-door neighbor!
