My ultimate 2 Days in Barcelona Itinerary: Explore the Top Attractions

Want the perfect 2 days in Barcelona itinerary? You’ve come to the right place! With this sightseeing route, you can easily explore the best of my fascinating, adopted city on your own.

I’ll guide you to the most beautiful sights in Barcelona and share some of my favorite spots to make your trip truly unforgettable.

Barcelona in 2 days: Itinerary, Sights, & Local Tips

On this interactive Barcelona map, you can discover our sightseeing itinerary for Barcelona in two days. Click on the individual sights to find out more or save them to Google Maps.

Important note: You probably want to ideally reserve your tickets a few days in advance! This way you avoid long waiting times and the risk of tickets being sold out.

Day 1 in Barcelona

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is undoubtedly one of my favorite buildings in Barcelona. Its unique exterior design and stunning “underwater style” interior captivate me every time I visit—it perfectly symbolizes the Catalan capital.

Originally built in 1877, Antoni Gaudí transformed it between 1904 and 1906 into a modernist masterpiece. This remarkable structure embodies the legend of Sant Jordi, the patron saint of Catalonia, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the Gaudí exhibition in the lower part of the building, featuring an impressive 3D video. It was an absolute highlight for me.

La Pedrera – Casa Milà

Also designed by Antoni Gaudí, a master of extravagant art, the building known as La Pedrera was built between 1906 and 1910 at the request of the Milà family (hence the name).

Visitors can explore La Pedrera during the day or in the evening, with evening visits rounded off with a drink and live music.

If you only want to visit one of the Gaudí buildings from the inside, I recommend my favorite, Casa Batlló. But if you have time and inclination for both, it’s definitely worth it. La Pedrera is also a real eye-catcher from the outside.

Plaça Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya is considered the heart of Barcelona, a crossroads connecting the historic old town with the more modern Eixample. This lively square is home to a flock of pigeons hoping for food, even though feeding pigeons is not officially permitted.

Around the square, you will find numerous stores and shopping centers, with the El Corte Inglés shopping center being particularly well-known. After a relaxing stroll, you can simply cross the large street to reach the famous Las Ramblas promenade.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is a bustling promenade stretching about 1.2 kilometers from Plaça Catalunya to Barcelona’s old port, Port Vell.

It’s one of the top tourist spots in the city, always full of life.

Quick tip: Avoid eating or drinking at the restaurants and bars here – they’re total tourist traps.

If you’re craving a snack or fresh juice, head to Mercat de la Boqueria instead.

Mercat de la Boqueria

If you stroll along Las Ramblas, you should definitely plan a short visit to the Mercat de la Boquería. The historic market hall is the city’s most popular and oldest market.

More than 400 stalls with various products await your visit – here, you will find everything your heart desires: from fresh fish and seafood to meat, local fruit and vegetables, sweets, snacks, drinks, tapas, and entire meals.

My personal tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy freshly squeezed juice—it’s a refreshing end to your visit to the market.

Plaça Reial

If you follow Las Ramblas further, a small side street leads to the Plaza Real (Catalan: Plaça Reial), an idyllic plaza. This charming place offers numerous cafés, restaurants, and bars—perfect for a short break.

I still remember my first visit here and how impressed I was by the giant palm trees in this square. If you visit Barcelona in the winter, they are decorated with pretty fairy lights, which somehow makes the square even more charming.

Optional: Lunch in the Gothic Quarter

Maybe you’re still full from your Mercat de la Boqueria snack or had a big, hearty breakfast. But if hunger strikes again, now or after your stroll through the Gothic Quarter is the perfect time for a tasty lunch.

How about some delicious paella at La Fonda or a few tapas at Bar Cañete?

El Gòtic (Barrio Gótico) – Besuch im Gotischen Viertel

If you exit the Plaza Real through one of its small entrances, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Known as Barri Gòtic or El Gòtic, this is Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood.

Explore the narrow streets and Gothic architecture on your way to the Barcelona Cathedral (La Catedral). It’s about a ten-minute walk, depending on your pace.

La Catedral – The Cathedral of Barcelona

The Barcelona Cathedral, also known as La Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia or simply La Catedral, is a central landmark in the Gothic Quarter.

Visiting the cathedral is a must in Barcelona – even if you only see it from the outside.

This impressive cathedral’s history dates back to ancient times, and it continues to be a significant attraction for both visitors and locals today.

Plaza de Sant Felipe Neri

My personal favorite in El Gòtic is the Plaza de San Felipe Neri (Catalan: Plaça de Sant Felip Neri), tucked away near the cathedral and just a tiny turn-off away.

Despite its tragic past – the traces of bombs from the Civil War can still be seen on the building facades – the square often offers a peaceful little corner to unwind.

Pont del Bisbe

The Pont del Bisbe is the iconic bridge connecting two buildings in the Gothic Quarter. If you look closely, you will discover a mysterious skull with a dagger inside—its origin and meaning are still unknown.

Barcelona Fun Fact: According to legend, walking backward under the bridge will grant you one of your wishes.

Port Vell – Barcelona’s Habour

The port of Barcelona is divided into two parts by the beaches: Port Vell and Port Olímpic.

Port Vell, which means “the old port” in Catalan, not only offers the Maremagnum shopping center, the aquarium, and various restaurants but also the opportunity for a beautiful walk.

I personally love this place, sitting on one of the benches and watching the view of the water and the many seagulls.

Optional: El Born

The El Born district is ideal for immersing yourself in Barcelona’s nightlife. Here, you will find some excellent tapas restaurants that are popular even with locals. If you have time, you should visit this district.

Stroll along Passeig del Born, lined with local restaurants (La Pulperia Bar Celta is one of my favorites), bars, and small stores, which end at Born’s main square.

With its unique mix of medieval atmosphere and modern bars, El Born is one of the best places to spend the night in Barcelona.

Your second day in Barcelona

Visiting Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família, Barcelona’s iconic landmark, is a must-see for every visitor to the city. And this even though it has still not been completed since 1882 – hence its nickname, the “eternal construction site” (we’ll refrain from the “typically Spanish” comment at this point 😉

Vicki’s tip: It’s best to start your tour early in the morning when fewer tourists are around. At this time of day, the light streaming in through the colorful windows creates an almost magical atmosphere in the interior.

Every time of day offers a unique play of light, but the morning has a special charm in my eyes.

A visit to the Sagrada Família is an unforgettable experience and should not be missed on any trip to Barcelona.

Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

While you never hope to visit a hospital on vacation, the Sant Pau Hospital is an exception. For me, it’s one of the city’s great gems, and visitors line up to see its historic section.

Today, this part of the hospital serves as a museum. Known as Hospital de la Sant Creu i Sant Pau, it’s much more than an old hospital – it feels like a small city.

Inside, a beautiful garden with trees and flowers connects nearly 30 buildings.

The extraordinary Modernisme architecture makes this hospital a unique experience.

Park Güell

In addition to the Sagrada Família, the world-famous Park Güell is also considered one of Barcelona’s main attractions. Both were designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí.

Park Güell, inspired by English gardens, was created between 1900 and 1914.

This park boasts beautiful green spaces, a rich variety of plants, and stunning city views. A leisurely stroll through the grounds is a must.

Vicki’s Pro Tip: The farther you venture from the park’s central area, the fewer visitors you’ll encounter.

The real highlight, however, is the colorful mosaic benches and Gaudí’s artistic designs. These elements are a must-see and honestly complete the experience. This section is what most people picture when they think of Park Güell—and it comes with breathtaking views over Barcelona’s rooftops.

Ciutadella Park

Parc de la Ciutadella, spanning 30 hectares, is one of the largest and most popular parks in Barcelona’s city center.

Every day, both locals and tourists come here to soak up the sun and relax in the lush green spaces.

One of the park’s highlights is the Cascada de Gaudí, an impressive fountain that Gaudí helped design during his studies.

You can also row around the lake and watch the ducks, swans, and geese.

Extra tip: The small Crystal Palace, near the main entrance, has been open to the public again free of charge since 2024. Here, you will find a selection of colorful flowers and plants.

Visit Barcelona’s Beaches

If you’ve had enough sightseeing and would rather spend the afternoon on the beach, the La Barceloneta and Poblenou districts are ideal options. Both are located right by the sea and are easily accessible by public transport.

Take a long walk in the sun along the coast, enjoy a refreshing drink by the water, or take a cool dip in the sea.

Vicki’s extra tip: Don’t leave your luggage unattended on the beach while in the water, as Barcelona’s beaches are one of the pickpockets’ favorite hangouts.

And finally: Experience Barcelona’s nightlife

Want to make the most of your day in Barcelona right up to the last minute? Perfect, because Barcelona is famous for its vibrant nightlife. You can visit well-known hotspots such as Catwalk, Opium, and Razzmatazz on the beach promenade of La Barceloneta.

However, if you prefer to discover Catalan restaurants, local specialties, and authentic bars, follow the locals. To experience the real local nightlife, we recommend Carrer Ample.

Carrer Ample

In addition to many traditional Catalan restaurants and pubs, Barcelona offers a special drink: panther’s milk (Leche de la Pantera). Since the 1970s, this mysterious drink has been offered in more and more bars and restaurants.

The panther milk, which is strikingly white or pink, is served in transparent glass bottles—a hint of cinnamon rounds off the drink.

In the popular Carrer Ample in the Gòtic district, you can discover these and many other drinks, snacks, and restaurants.

More time? More places to visit in Barcelona

If you still have a little more time or are simply looking for a few possible alternatives, I would like to give you a few more options here.

Bunkers del Carmel

One of my favorite views of Barcelona is from the Bunkers del Carmel.

From the Bunkers, you get a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the city, stretching all the way to the sea. Built in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, this air-raid bunker now offers stunning vistas.

The Bunkers are free and worth visiting, though due to their popularity, they’re no longer a quiet hidden gem.

Plaça d’Espanya

Plaça d’Espanya is one of Barcelona’s most historically significant squares. It was built for the International Exhibition of 1929. You can reach important museums and exhibitions here, such as the Catalan Art Museum and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

Explore the surrounding area, visit the castle on Montjüic, or enjoy the free view from Las Arenas shopping center across the street.

The Magic Fountains

If you’re lucky enough to be in Barcelona on a day when the Magic Fountain Show is happening, you’re in for a treat. This spectacular light and water show occurs at the fountains near Plaça Espanya.

It’s the perfect way to cap off your days in Barcelona.

Camp Nou

For soccer fans, the FC Barcelona stadium is the absolute highlight of their trip to Barcelona. It’s the largest soccer stadium in the world and a place where soccer history is made regularly.

Visit the museum and experience the impressive stadium firsthand.

The Spotify Camp Nou is located in the Les Corts district, slightly outside the city center but easily accessible by public transportation. If you have tickets for a Barça game, just follow the fans in jerseys to find your way to the stadium.

Barcelona Transport – How to get around the city

From the airport (El Prat) to the city center

There are various ways to get from Barcelona Airport to the city center.

My favorite option is the train: A one-way ticket costs €2.55, and with the T-Casual Ticket, which offers ten rides for €12.15, it’s even cheaper. The train runs twice an hour.

Note: The train only departs from Terminal 2. A free shuttle bus between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 takes about 15-20 minutes.

The Aerobus is a faster option. It regularly runs between terminals and the city center. The ride takes about 35 minutes and costs €5.90 for a one-way trip or €10.20 for a round trip.

You can also take the Metro, which departs from both terminals. An Aeroport ticket costs €5.50 per trip. However, the T-Casual Ticket is not valid for Metro rides to or from the airport.

Finally, there’s the option of taking a taxi. A ride to the city center costs about €30-40.

Transport within Barcelona

Depending on your stay in Barcelona, a T-Casual ticket might be worth buying. It costs €12.15 and offers ten journeys, so it’s a good investment after just six journeys!

The T-Casual ticket can be used on the metro, buses, and trains. It is available at the airport and all train and metro stations.

If you are only briefly in the city, a day pass could be helpful for quickly getting from one attraction to the next. You can easily buy day passes online, e.g., here via GetYourGuide.

Another quick way to see the most important sights is the hop-on hop-off bus. You can also find information, prices, and tickets online.

Where to stay

Here are three great places to stay in Barcelona. But before you book, be sure to check out our detailed accommodation and neighborhood guide for more options.

Excellent Budget Accommodation in Barcelona

Safestay Barcelona Sea

This hostel is particularly popular with backpackers. It impresses with its excellent location on the beach and the friendly staff.

Middle-class accommodation in Barcelona

Hotel Santa Maria

This 2-star accommodation in Barcelona’s old town impresses with its fantastic central location. Guests particularly praise the comfortable beds and outstanding cleanliness.

Luxury accommodation in Barcelona

Ciutat de Barcelona

This popular 3-star hotel is ideal for anyone who wants something special for their trip to Barcelona. The pool on the roof terrace offers not only a refreshing dip but also breathtaking views. Guests also appreciate the excellent location and the friendly staff.

FAQ about visiting Barcelona in 2 days

More Barcelona Info

• 19 Things to Avoid in Barcelona
• What does a trip to Barcelona cost
• Common Barcelona Tourist Traps and how to avoid them
• List of all my Barcelona articles

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About the AuthorVicki

Hi, we are Vicki & Eduardo, an international travel couple on a mission to help you save money for priceless travel experience. Follow us through the miracles of this world and you will be rewarded with a bunch of practical travel tips.

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