Catherine - Savvy Family TravelThe city of Barcelona has it all—breathtaking architecture, crazy-good (and affordable) food, lively beaches, and irresistible energy. You’ll find Roman ruins, medieval streets, and Antoni Gaudí’s other worldly creations all in one place.
Plus, there’s always something happening, whether it’s a street performance on La Rambla or a flamenco show in El Born.
Whether you’re a first-timer or just coming back for more, this Barcelona 3 day itinerary is packed with must-sees in and outside the city.
Barcelona Travel Itinerary
Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1: The Heart of Barcelona
Note: If you’re arriving by cruise ship and can only plan about 8 hours of exploration – these Day 1 highlights are the spots to see!
Morning: Pickup a Coffee and Wander the Gothic Quarter
Kick things off with a stroll through the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). It’s like stepping into another era with its narrow, winding streets and hidden courtyards.
Barcelona Cathedral
The Barcelona Cathedral is right inside the Gothic Quarter, and it’s awe inspiring. Climb to the rooftop for incredible views for about €9; you can even grab them online to skip any lines.
La Rambla
La Rambla is touristy but still a must. My kids loved watching the street performers and generally having a bit more space to move without having to watch for street traffic.
Check out Plaça Reial (great for a coffee break) and pop into Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria for fresh fruit juice, snacks on a stick, cured meats, and more.
For more nearby dining recommendations – check out our interactive Barcelona Travel Itinerary Map.
Afternoon: Sagrada Familia
Let’s be real—you can’t come to Barcelona without visiting the Sagrada Familia.
This place is jaw-dropping, inside and out. Gaudí’s masterpiece has been under construction for over 140 years, and every detail has meaning. Definitely book your tickets in advance because this place sells out fast. Give yourself at least 2 hours to marvel at its detail and listen to the audio guide.
Evening: Sunset at Park Güell
End your day at Park Güell, where Gaudí truly let his imagination run wild. The colorful mosaics, quirky structures, and sweeping city views are unforgettable, especially at sunset. Tickets should be reserved ahead of time.
Day 2: Strolling & Entertainment
Morning: Ciutadella Park
Especially if you’re traveling with kids, we recommend beginning day 2 with some free movement at Ciutadella Park.
Start by tossing a well-wished coin into the water at the massive, ornate Cascada Monumental fountain. Next, consider renting a paddleboat on the park’s picturesque lake. It’s just €7-11 for 30 minutes.
The nearby Barcelona Zoo, has plenty of shaded pathways and open spaces, it’s an ideal spot for play and connecting with animals. Little kids will love the playground area inside the zoo. Admission tickets are about €21 for adults and €13 for children 3-12.
One more sight to seek out while in Ciutadella Park is the woolly mammoth sculpture. Created in 1907, the mammoth was part of a project aimed at introducing life-sized prehistoric animal models to the park.
Passeig de Gràcia
After the park, take a walk down Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most stylish street. Stop at Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)—both architectural wonders.
You can go inside either one, and while tickets aren’t cheap (€25-30), it’s worth it if you’re into design and history.
Lunch: Barceloneta by the Beach
Head to Barceloneta, the city’s beachy neighborhood, for lunch. Find a spot by the water and dig into some fresh seafood or classic tapas like patatas bravas and pan con tomate.
We recommend La Cova Fumada. Kids will like the bombas!
Afternoon: Chill at the Beach or Explore Port Vell
If you’re in the mood to relax, spread out a towel at Barceloneta Beach. Not a beach person? Take a stroll along Port Vell, the picturesque harbor, and maybe grab an ice cream.
Evening: Flamenco and Tapas in El Born
Wrap up Day 2 of our Barcelona Travel Itinerary in El Born, one of the coolest neighborhoods in Barcelona. Catch a flamenco show, then hop around for tapas and wine at local bars.
Day 3: A Day Trip and Scenic Views
Morning & Afternoon: Day Trip to Montserrat
If you want to mix things up, take a quick trip out of the city. Montserrat is a mountain retreat with jaw-dropping views and a famous monastery.
The monastery can be reached by a 65 minute train ride and cable car. From Plaça Espanya in Barcelona, take the R5 line to Aeri de Montserrat. Once there, you’ll hop onto a cable car. You can buy a combo ticket for under €30 round trip.
Evening: Montjuïc Castle and Magic Fountain
Once you’ve returned to Barcelon, ride the cable car up to Montjuïc Castle. The views alone are worth it, but the castle itself is a fun place to explore. Entry to the castle is €5.
Afterward, wander the gardens or check out the Magic Fountain, which lights up with music in the evenings.
The views over the city are the most majestic at sunset so try to plan your evening accordingly!
Rooftop Dinner in Barcelona
End your Barcelona Travel Itinerary with a bang at a rooftop restaurant like Terraza 360° which sits atop Barcelo Raval Hotel. It’s the perfect spot to toast to an amazing trip while soaking up the city’s skyline.
Getting There: Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary
How to Get from the Cruise Port to Central Barcelona
If you’re arriving by cruise, getting to central Barcelona is super easy:
- By Taxi: It’s about a 10-minute ride to the city center and costs around €15-20.
- By Shuttle Bus: The Cruise Bus (aka Portbus) takes you straight to Plaça de Colom near La Rambla for about €4 one way.
- On Foot: Feeling active? It’s roughly a 20-minute walk to La Rambla, but be prepared for some inclines.
How to Get from Barcelona Airport to the City Center
- By Taxi: It’s about a 20-35 minute car ride to the city center depending on traffic and costs €30-40.
- By Bus: The Aerobus can be caught from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 and you can be dropped off at either Plaça España or Plaça de Catalunya. A round trip fare is €12.25.
- By Train: The RENFE Train departs from the airport to the city center every 30 minutes or so. The ride takes 25 minutes. You’ll need to purchase a T Casual ticket which is about €3 each way. Once at the city center you can connect to other metro line trains to reach your destination.
Barcelona Travel Itinerary Tips
- Book Ahead: Big attractions like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell sell out fast, so grab your tickets online before you go.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall have perfect weather without the summer crowds.
- Getting Around: Walking is the best way to see the city, but the metro is super convenient for longer trips.
- Stay Alert: The busiest tourist hot spots are also a haven for pickpockets. Keep a close eye on your valuables.
Closing Thoughts on our Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary
Barcelona is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. With this Barcelona travel itinerary, you’ll hit the highlights, soak up Catalan culture, and still have time to wander off the beaten path.
If you have more time to spend in Spain, check out this Southern Spain 1 Week Itinerary.
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Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”