Only have a weekend to explore Barcelona? Here’s a complete plan, with the city’s essentials divided into Saturday and Sunday, so you won’t miss anything important without rushing.
📆 SATURDAY – The iconic Barcelona
🕘 Morning:
- 📍 Sagrada Família – visit with advance tickets (opens at 9:00 AM).
- Walk along Avinguda Gaudí to the Hospital de Sant Pau (exterior).
- Brunch or coffee at a modern café in the Eixample district.
🕓 Afternoon:
- Visit Casa Batlló or La Pedrera on Passeig de Gràcia.
- Walk to Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas.
- Stop at the Boqueria Market (great for a snack or fresh juice).
🌆 Evening:
- Dinner in the Gothic Quarter (e.g., Bodega La Palma or La Alcoba Azul).
- Cocktail on a rooftop like Hotel Colón or Yurbban Passage.
📆 SUNDAY – Gothic Quarter, sea, and Montjuïc
🕘 Morning:
- 📍 Gothic Quarter: Cathedral, medieval streets, and Plaça del Rei.
- Relaxed breakfast in El Born (e.g., Café El Magnífico or Granja Dulcinea).
- Walk through Parc de la Ciutadella to Port Vell.
🕓 Afternoon:
- Take the cable car or funicular up to Montjuïc.
- Visit the Montjuïc Castle or enjoy panoramic views from the lookout.
- If weather permits, watch the Magic Fountain show at sunset.
✈️ End of the trip:
- Gather your belongings in plenty of time if you need to go to the airport or train station.
- Optional: last tapa at the airport or in Sants if your train leaves later.
🧭 Tips for a quick weekend
- Buy advance tickets for Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló.
- Get around by metro or on foot. The city center distances are walkable.
- If you arrive Friday afternoon, you can get a head start on a walk down Las Ramblas.