Where to stay in Barcelona
On your 2-day route through Barcelona, you will have to spend the night. No problem. Barcelona is highly prepared to accommodate tourists and visitors of all kinds. Depending on your type of trip, budget, or chosen area, you will surely find a place to stay that best suits your needs.
Some hotels to choose from:
- Park Hotel: 3-star hotel located in front of Santa Maria del Mar.
- Ciutat de Barcelona: 3 star hotel next to the Picasso Museum.
- Grupotel Gran Via 678: 4 star hotel in L’Eixample.
If you want to discover luxury hotels in Barcelona, here are some of the most iconic ones, and in this other post, you can find the best areas to stay in Barcelona.
What to see in Barcelona in 2 days
Once you have already chosen a place to stay and have an idea of the restaurants where you wish eat in. It is time to make our 2-day route through Barcelona. With this itinerary, you will be able to get to different key places in the city in a healthy way. The idea is that you don’t have to cross it several times and waste time going back and forth.
Now, let’s go ahead with the route to see Barcelona in two days. First, though, a brief summary:
Day 1 of the trip to Barcelona in 2 days
On your first day in Barcelona, I propose that you walk around the Ciutat Vella, the old part of the city. The idea is that you walk and pass by the places we are going to mention, and that you spend more or less time in each place according to your interests.
Summary of day 1 in Barcelona:
- Arco de Triunfo.
- Parque de la Ciutadella.
- El Born.
- Palau de la Música Catalana.
- Plaça de Catalunya.
- Las Ramblas.
- Barrio Gótico y la Catedral de Barcelona.
- Rambla del Mar.
- La Barceloneta.
🎟️ Before you start visiting the city on your own, it is a very good idea to book a free tour of the city center. Which will take you to the most emblematic places and allow you to learn some history from a guide before going on the tour on your own. You will visit the Gothic Quarter and El Born, two of the main neighborhoods to see in Barcelona, in one day.
The Arc de Triomf (Barcelona)
This will be the starting point of your two-day itinerary in Barcelona. The Arc de Triomf was built in 1888 for the Universal Exposition of Barcelona and was designed by Josep Vilaseca, a Catalan architect. The monument is made of red brick and has a neo-Mudejar style. After observing it and enjoying its grandeur, stroll along Paseo de Lluís Companys to the next stop.
Ciutadella Park
Do not miss the opportunity to take a walk through Ciutadella Park, the green lung of Barcelona. It was built in the late nineteenth century for public purposes, and today, it is a real treasure for those residents and tourists who want to get away from the city and take a walk through a green area. Be sure to visit the beautiful fountain that the park houses, known as the Gran Cascada or Cascada Monumental.
El Born
After crossing Ciutadella Park, head to Born to enjoy a stroll through the charming streets of this picturesque neighborhood. It is one of the trendiest areas of the city, and among its establishments, you will find several cafes, bars, and restaurants (including places like El Xampanyet or Tapeo) and very cool stores.
In addition, in the Born neighborhood, you will find the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar, also known as the Cathedral of the Sea, built in the fourteenth century in pure Catalan Gothic style.
In the city, you will also find the Picasso Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of art. Here you will find an extensive collection that covers the different creative stages of Pablo Picasso, from his early works to his famous masterpieces, offering you a unique insight into the artistic evolution of the Spanish genius.
Palau de la Musica Catalana
After walking through the Born, head a little inland to reach the Palau de la Música Catalana. By the way, you can make a stop at the Santa Caterina Market, one of the most important in the city.
Although the exterior of the Palau de la Música, a modernist building built between 1905 and 1908 and designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, is already striking, the interior is a real treasure. To give you an idea of the beauty of the place, I tell you that the concert hall was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
The visit lasts about 50 minutes (it can be guided with an audio guide or on your own) and costs about €20 (depending on the type of visit you choose).
Plaça de Catalunya (Square)
Plaza de Catalunya is the center of the city, and even if you spend more or less time in it, you can’t forget to add it to your Barcelona in 2 days itinerary. In addition, this square is the starting point for exploring Barcelona in all directions. From here, you can set off to discover the treasures of the Gothic Quarter, the luxury stores on Passeig de Gràcia, or immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Las Ramblas.
Las Ramblas and Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (Market)
From Plaza de Catalunya, start walking down Las Ramblas to discover one of the most representative arteries of Barcelona. Make a stop at the Boqueria Market to refuel at one of the market’s food stalls. You can try some traditional tapas, such as Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, and olives, while you soak up the lively atmosphere of the market.
If it were me, I would definitely go for some of the vegetables of the day from the Quim de la Boqueria stall. After leaving the market, you can stroll a bit more along Las Ramblas before heading into the Gothic Quarter.
Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral
Take time to explore Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter. It is an extraordinary neighborhood with a wealth of history and landmarks.
Visit the Plaza de Sant Jaume, where the City Hall and the Palace of the Generalitat are located, and admire, at your leisure, the Cathedral of Barcelona, also known as La Seu. Discover its magnificent Gothic architecture and explore its interior, including the cloister and the Chapel of Santa Lucia. The price of general admission to the cathedral is €11.
I invite you to sit on one of the benches in front of the main entrance of the Barcelona Cathedral and admire it. I love to do it, and you can appreciate different details every time. Very close to the square, you can find the mural of the kiss. Nearby, don’t miss El Pont del Bisbe.
In the Gothic Quarter, I recommend the Black Remedy cafe, which is always good to have on the radar to make a stop along the way.
Rambla del Mar and La Barcelona
After touring the Gothic Quarter, return to Las Ramblas to walk down to the Columbus Monument, built next to the old port of Barcelona. When you reach this point, it is best to take a nice walk along the Rambla de Mar, and from there, continue to La Barceloneta.
To culminate your first day in Barcelona, if you want to enjoy an unforgettable and unique dinner, I recommend the restaurant Torre d’Alta Mar, located in the port of Barcelona and famous for its stunning panoramic views of the city.
Its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine will be the best closure for the first day of this 2-day itinerary in Barcelona. Enjoy a quiet dinner while contemplating the city lights and relaxing after a great day. The recommendation is personal and authentic, as I was part of the team of the restaurant group that runs it.
Day 2 of the 2-days in Barcelona itinerary
I hope you still have a lot of energy left after the first day, as there is still a lot to explore in Barcelona. We continue with the second part of this itinerary, designed to know the best things to see in Barcelona in 2 days.
Summary of day 2 in Barcelona:
- Parque Güell.
- Sagrada Familia.
- Villa de Gràcia.
- Paseo de Gràcia: Casa Milà y Casa Batlló.
- Plaza de España y Fuente de Montjuïc.
- Castillo de Montjuïc.
Parque Güell (Park)
Start your second day at Park Güell, which opens its doors for tourists at 9:30 a.m. Here, you can discover the spectacular work of Antoni Gaudí combined with the beauty of the natural environment. Inside, you will be struck by the different architectural elements, such as the snake-shaped benches, the leaning columns, and the colorful ceramic mosaics known as “trencadís”.
General admission is €10.
🎟️ If you would like to know more details about Gaudí and his works in Barcelona, do not miss this interesting Gaudí & Modernism free tour in Barcelona, in which you will visit the main works of the artist (duration: 2 hours and a half). You are sure to discover many interesting facts.
La Sagrada Familia, a must if you visit Barcelona in 2 days
After strolling through Park Güell, head to the Sagrada Familia to explore this impressive masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí. Its architecture is unique and marvelous; its intricate details have made it a unique monument in the world. Be sure to enter and learn about its peculiar history, as it is a monument made by and for the people that is still under construction.
The general entrance to the Sagrada Familia costs €26. If you want to take a guided tour, the entrance fee is €30. On the other hand, if you want to climb the towers, the entrance costs €36 or €40 (depending on whether it includes a guided tour or not). The best prices can be found on the official website.
Villa de Gràcia
After visiting the Sagrada Familia, a must-see in Barcelona, in two days, take a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Gràcia.
Explore its picturesque streets, full of boutique stores, charming cafes, and lively squares. Speaking of plazas, the neighborhood has tons of them, and they are very pleasant. You can visit up to 8 squares, including Plaza del Sol and Plaza de la Vila de Gràcia, two of the most iconic spots in the neighborhood.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló
Continue to Passeig de Gràcia and dive into Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, an architectural gem that defies convention with its avant-garde design and innovative structure by the illustrious Antonio Gaudí.
Wander its winding corridors and marvel at the artistic details in every nook and cranny, from the stunning interior courtyards to the striking organic shapes of its façade. Casa Milà invites you to enter Gaudí’s creative universe and contemplate the unique beauty of his architectural vision embodied in his great masterpiece. Currently, its owners are carrying out an important work of rehabilitation and opening up immersive experiences to the public.
There are different types of tickets to visit depending on the chosen experience (prices start at 28€ per person). You can purchase the general admission ticket here in advance.
On Passeig de Gràcia itself, we find Casa Batlló, which also stands out for its impressive facades, with different shapes and colors. This work by Gaudí was built between 1904 and 1906 and is an impressive example of Catalan modernism at its peak. It is also possible to visit the interior. General admission costs €29.
Plaza de España and Fountain of Montjuïc
Later, take the metro or bus (or walk, if you prefer) to Plaza de España, one of Barcelona’s most emblematic squares. It will captivate you with its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Surrounded by majestic buildings, including the old bullring converted into a shopping mall, this square is a must-see place to enjoy the beauty and history of the city.
By the way, you can go up to the rooftop of the shopping center we mentioned, the Arenas de Barcelona, to enjoy beautiful views for free.
Then pass between the Venetian Towers to walk along the Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina until you reach the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. Here, there is usually a water and light show from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., depending on the dates. Further in the background, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya rests.
Visit Montjuïc Castle
Of course, you can’t miss, if you have time, climbing the Montjuïc Castle, located at the top of Montjuïc Hill. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and explore the castle, which offers a fascinating insight into Barcelona’s military history. A great way to get to know this area is by booking this tour of Montjuïc.
General admission to Montjuic Castle costs 12 euros (16 euros with a guided tour). Open from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 20:00 a.m. (from March 1 to October 31) or until 18:00 a.m. (from November 1 to February 28).
With this, we finish the 2-day route through Barcelona. There are many other places to visit in the city, but we will leave them for when we can have a longer stay. If you want to add other points of interest to your route or change the itinerary, you can visit this post of must-sees in Barcelona and redesign your trip.
How to get to Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most renowned cities. It is a vibrant and always-active urban center on the Mediterranean coast of Spain with excellent transportation infrastructure that makes it easy for both residents and tourists to get around.
To get to Barcelona from any international point, you have several options:
- By plane. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main entry point to the city and is located about 15 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a cab, bus, or train to reach the city center.
- By train. Barcelona has several train stations, the most important being Sants Station, which connects the city with other Spanish and European cities through high-speed services (AVE) and regional trains.
- By road. If you prefer to travel by car, well-connected highways and roads will allow you to reach Barcelona from anywhere in Spain or Europe.
Once in the city, getting around Barcelona is easy thanks to its extensive public transport network, which includes the metro, buses, streetcars, and trains. The metro system is fast and efficient, with several lines covering the entire city and its surroundings. Buses are another popular option, with a wide coverage of routes that will take you almost anywhere you want to go.
In addition, in Barcelona, you will find different bike and electric scooter rental services, ideal for exploring the city in an environmentally friendly and fun way. Getting around the city is not a problem because it is also very easy to get to know it on foot (if its size allows it).
Map of things to see in Barcelona in 2 days
Visiting Barcelona is relatively easy, and everything is quite accessible. Anyway, so you do not miss anything and get to all the places we have discussed in this post, we leave you with this map. You can’t get lost.
🍽️ If you are looking for a place to eat, go to the Boqueria Market or Santa Caterina Market for a more local experience. If you are looking for a bar, we recommend Bodega Fermin, Bar Jai-ca, or Bar Electricidat. As for restaurants, one of the most famous (but also expensive) is 7 Portes, although my usual recommendation is Cal Pinxo (ask for the fideuá) or Calabrasa (in the Born). If you are looking for something with a view, don’t miss Torre d’Alta Mar.
I hope this blog post about what to see in Barcelona in 2 days has been very useful for you to organize your visit to Barcelona. If you finally have less time or you prefer to enjoy a quieter stay, you can check this post about what to see in Barcelona in one day.
And, of course, don’t forget to have a look at my Spain travel guide if you are visiting other areas of this fantastic country!
