36 Hours in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that endlessly enchants. From its fairy-tale architecture to its hidden city squares, it’s hard not to fall under the city’s spell. It’s an ideal city to wander around and get lost in the tree-lined streets and the vibrant local markets. If you only have a day and a half in this seaside city,  the trick is to plan well and you can see quite a lot. Here are some activities that will allow you to make the most of your 36 hours in Barcelona.

Day 1

Morning – Sagrada Familia

Start your day at Gaudi’s most famous masterpiece in the city. This unfinished church is still currently under construction and you can witness the old portions of the church (started in 1882) that blend effortlessly with the new additions.

Ticket options include a self-guided audio tour or a guided tour. Travel tip: buy tickets online, to avoid waiting in a long line and download the official app for easy ticket purchases and to download the audio tour.

International Mass (every Sunday at 9 am starting September 5th) is now open to the public, but capacity is limited.

Afternoon – Park Güell

Another one of Gaudi’s must-sees that boast impressive city views and a spacious park filled with whimsical structures. The park is divided into two areas: the monumental zone where the popular buildings are and a ticket is required and the forest zone which has free access. It’s best to buy the tickets in advance in case they sell out that day.

Without a ticket, there are plenty of the grounds that are free of charge and worth seeing as well. It’s easy to spend at least a few hours wandering around the non-ticketed area, listening to live music, and climbing up the hillside to take in the panoramic views.

Late Afternoon – Gracia Neighborhood

A quiet neighborhood that seems miles away from the noise of Parc Guell, but is actually right next door. This neighborhood was actually its own independent town until the late 1800s and with minimal traffic, it still feels like a separate world away from the bustle of the city.

Gracia is a great place to get lost for a few hours, explore the spacious city squares and narrow side streets, including the lively street of Carrer Verdi with its unique shops. One of my favorite things to do is sit in Placa de la Virreina and witness daily life unfolding, from parents walking their children home from school to dog owners going on their evening stroll.

Evening – Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)

For the evening, head to this neighborhood that is known for its Gothic architecture. Most of the streets are closed to vehicles, making it a great place to wander around on foot.

Stop at Placa de Sant Jaume the administrative center of Old City Barcelona, where the City Hall and Palau de la Generalita are right across from one another in this historical city square. Cathedral of Barcelona is a Gothic cathedral from the 13th century, that is especially magical when it’s lit up at night. Placa Reial is a popular bustling square, that comes to life at night with cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the perimeter. This square is hidden right off of Carrer de Ferran, right before entering La Rambla.

Day 2

Morning – Mercado de La Boqueria

This is the city’s most famous market, where you can find anything from fresh produce to tapas bars. It’s a great place to start your day with freshly squeezed fruit juice and a treat from one of the bakeries. The prices are marked up for tourists, but it’s still worth experiencing the dizzying variety of food and the lively atmosphere.

The market is located on the busy Las Ramblas thoroughfare, which is known unfortunately for its abundance of pickpockets, so be aware of your belongings at all times.

Afternoon – Casa Batlló

This is another of Gaudi’s masterpieces worth checking out on the main thoroughfare of Passeig de Gràcia, even if you view it only from the outside. If you have a moment to go inside, make sure to purchase the tickets ahead of time, to avoid waiting in line.

A mere 7-minute walk away is Gaudi’s Casa Mila (La Pedrera), which was the last private residence that the architect built and is still used as office space/apartments today. If you want to tour inside, make sure to get your tickets in advance.

Additional Barcelona Sights

If you have more time in the city, here are a few suggestions on what to see:

• El Born Neighborhood – wander the labyrinth of narrow alleys of this artsy neighborhood, and discover lively bars, restaurants, and boutiques. This neighborhood is located next to the Gothic Quarter, and nearby Las Ramblas, but is noticeably less crowded. Highlights in this neighborhood include the ever-popular Museu Picasso, Santa Caterina Market, and the Gothic cathedral La Santa Maria del Mar.
• La Barceloneta Beach – head over to this beautiful man-made beach, where you can walk along the water, swim in the clear sea, or soak in some of that warm Spanish sun. There are plenty of seafood restaurants, cafes, and gelato shops along the waterfront for fuel after a day at the beach. Head to nearby Port Olimpic, the sight of the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, which is now a modern port area that offers restaurants, shopping, and beautiful marina views.
• Placa d’Espanya – visit the stunning Fira de Barcelona built in 1929 for the World Expo. This trade fair institution hosts trade shows and exhibitions and has a beautiful exterior with great views of the Placa d’Espanya below. The nearby Las Arenas de Barcelona is a commercial shopping center with a spectacular 360 rooftop view of the city, where you can take an elevator from the street straight up to the top.

Best Time To Go To Barcelona

Barcelona is ideal in the spring or autumn when there are fewer crowds and the weather is bearable. It’s no joke that the city doubles in size with tourists during the summer and it’s so much easier to walk around when you don’t feel like you are fighting the crowds in near triple-digit heat. Plus, the prices during the shoulder seasons are also more reasonable.

Getting Around Barcelona

The city’s metro is convenient and is a great transportation option to get to most of the popular sights. The extensive bus system is also a great alternative to go to spots like Park Guell, which doesn’t have a direct metro stop. For rideshare choices, there is Uber and a local company, Cabify, as well as traditional taxis.

Aerobus is a convenient airport shuttle that drops passengers off in the city center from the El Prat Airport in around 35 minutes and costs under $10 per ride.

Where To Eat In Barcelona

Enrique Tomas

Determined to try a classic Spanish bocadillo? Splurge and pay a few more euros for the jamón bellota (a fancy version of jamón iberico), which literally melts in your mouth. Also, while you’re in this famed jamon shop check out the dizzying array of ham options. There are a few branches around the city.

Buenas Migas

A casual cafe that’s known for their delicious focaccia bread, they also serve pasta, salads, and desserts. My personal favorite is the lox and crème fresh focaccia bread and I will shamelessly admit I had it twice in the same day. There are several branches around the city.

Devour Barcelona

I didn’t have a chance to go this time around, but I’ve only heard good things from friends about their informative and delicious Barcelona food tours.

Also, check out Gimme Some Oven’s Barcelona guide for additional recs on where to eat (including tapas).

Where To Stay In Barcelona

Fabrizzio’s Petit

This central hostel has spacious, clean rooms, friendly staff, and lovely common areas including a large balcony where you can eat a complimentary breakfast with a scenic view of the courtyard below. There are nightly low-key social events like paella night, and best of all quiet hour is enforced. Double en suites are available. A few minutes walk to the metro station.

Book your stay on Booking.com here

Ayre Hotel Gran Via

Located right on the Placa d’Espanya, this modern hotel is a great choice if you want to stay in a central location, including close by to numerous restaurants and the historic Montjuïc, an ancient army fortress that includes a castle and stunning views of the city. Steps away from the metro station and close by the airport.

Book your stay on Booking.com here

Duquesa de Cardona

This beautiful boutique hotel is situated in the Gothic Quarter and is within walking distance to the beach, Las Ramblas, and the El Born neighborhood. Highlights include a rooftop terrace with a bar, a plunge pool, and a view of the harbor. On the ground floor, there’s a restaurant that offers a breakfast buffet.

Book your stay on Booking.com here

What is your favorite way to spend 36 hours in Barcelona?

Updated 8/12/21