What to visit in Barcelona for a long weekend? Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, but also parties and shopping ... so many essentials which will not make it easier for you to organize your itinerary if you are spending a short stay there ... or more if you have time (see below in the article).
Barcelona in 2 or 3 days
A long weekend is on the horizon and you have found a tempting offer to go to Barcelona for 2 or 3 days? We therefore offer you an ideal short tour of things to do, see and not to miss in 3 days in the beautiful Catalan capital.
1. Friday is Gaudi
The prodigy and prodigal architect Antoni Gaudí left a beautiful, strong and special imprint on Barcelona. We can even say that he left his soul there. Visiting its many achievements can take more than a day.
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
The visit of the Sagrada Familia is essential to soak up the spirit of the city (allow 2 hours). The organic and disproportionate forms of the imposing cathedral attract millions of visitors each year. The advantage is that on Fridays, it is less crowded by tourists.
If time and your legs allow it, you can stroll all afternoon in Park Güell, entirely inhabited by the artist's works, including the famous salamander in multicolored mosaics (take metro line 3, Lesseps stop then finish going up on foot).
One of the rare houses in the park
Also visit his house on the way back: Casa Batlló (on Passeig de Gràcia) is a very curious work by Gaudí, as beautiful on the outside as it is surprising on the inside.
2. Saturday, shopping on the Ramblas and fiesta in the evening
On Saturday, take advantage of the hustle and bustle of the city on weekends to shop along La Rambla (all the same, be careful of the pickpockets very present in this place). Between newsstands, birdhouses and street entertainment, the avenue is very pleasant to walk. Start your shopping session from Plaça de Catalunya, at the large Corte Inglés shopping arcade. At the end of the morning, meet at Boqueria market, right next to the Grand Théâtre du Liceu. Let yourself be guided by the smells of local specialties and buy something for lunch there.
The colorful Boqueria market
On the other side of the avenue, join the Gothic Quarter, old town and heart of Barcelona. Take the opportunity to visit the cathedral and its superb cloister. After the lunch break, it is good to stroll through the alleys of the old quarter to continue your afternoon shopping: and there is no shortage of ultra-trendy boutiques! At the bottom of La Rambla, the marina awaits you, overlooked by the Christopher Columbus column, erected in homage to the famous explorer.
If shopping isn't your cup of tea, book your afternoon at Catalan genius! The Picasso museum, not far from Ciutadella Park, brings together nearly 3 works by the master. The advantage of Barcelona is that you can indulge in both cultural and festive activities.
Plaça Reial
In the evening, treat yourself a glass Plaza Real, surrounded by palm trees, and taste the local tapas in one of the many bar-restaurants that surround the place. At night, the best DJs mix at the Razzmatazz (a huge complex of 5 rooms) or at the Terrazza (open-air disco in summer).
3. Sunday break, between walks and museums
A little tired from the day before? Take advantage of your last day and the end of the weekend for gentle walks in the open air or in the museum. AT Monjuic, on the heights of Barcelona, you can visit the Miró Foundation, or El Poble Espanyol (small village of the Universal Exhibition of 1929). The National Museum of Catalan Art will also open the doors of its palace to you for a historical journey from the 11th to the 18th century, but its visit is a bit long. You choose ! You can get there by funicular from the city center, or by cable car from the port (more spectacular).
Montjuïc in Barcelona
To reach another height in Barcelona, the attractive Tramvia Blau (Barcelona's last tram) will take you to Tibidabo, where you can visit the Sacred Heart and one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe. But if you don't want to step outside, the aquarium (on the Marina) is the ideal place to laze around before setting off again!
View from Tibidabo hill
Barcelona in 5 days… or more
Do you have the chance to extend your stay for more than a weekend? Here are some ideas to complement your visits and enhance the above itinerary.
An afternoon in Gracia
This district (between Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya) will immerse you in a pure Catalan atmosphere. Less touristy than the central districts, you will have the opportunity to soak up real local life, strolling in its pedestrian streets, or enjoying a terrace in the sun.
The typical Gracia district
A day in Montserrat
A jewel of Catalonia just 1 hour from the capital. Set off - for a day - to discover this abbey perched at the top of its mountain. If you don't have a car, you can reach the site by bus, or by train (line R5 from Espanya station). You will then reach the summit using the cable car or funicular. Also, set aside time up there to take one of the many trails: you will enjoy a beautiful nature walk on the heights, punctuated by magnificent views.
See more with this video.
MontSerrat, 1 hour from Barcelona
A day in Sitges
Located outside the Catalan capital, Sitges beach is one of the most sought after by the European gay community. If you don't like sharing the same towel as your lovely neighbors, you will still have plenty to spend quieter days visiting Sitges old town. A great day that will put you in your best shape to enjoy the nightlife in Barcelona.
Sitges, near Barcelona
To each his own itinerary in Barcelona
Here are some ideas that should allow you to plan your perfect itinerary to discover and visit Barcelona for a weekend, or more. Let your imagination run wild, mix up ideas ... and share your experiences with readers: tell us in the comments what your ideal itinerary is depending on the number of days there!
