![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/barcelonaitinerary.jpeg\")
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Barcelona<\/a> is one of the most popular destinations in Europe<\/a>. It’s a lively city bursting at the seams with world-class food, wild clubs and bars, and tourists galore.<\/p>\n While its roots stretch back to the Roman Empire, it was during the Middle Ages that Barcelona really grew into the economic and political center of the Western Mediterranean. <\/p>\n As part of Catalonia (locals consider themselves Catalonian rather than Spanish), you\u2019ll see signs written in Catalan and in Castilian Spanish, and most locals in the city speak both languages. The combination of Spanish and Catalan cultures and traditions here is part of what makes Barcelona the unique city that it is.<\/p>\n In recent years, the city has had to clamp down on “overtourism<\/a>” as over 30 million people visit each year, putting significant strain on the locals and the environment. If you can, try to avoid the hectic summer months and book accommodation outside the city center.<\/p>\n But with so much to see and do in and around Barcelona, where do you begin? How many days do you need to visit?<\/p>\n This Barcelona itinerary highlights all the best things to see and do and can help you organize your visit so you can see it all! <\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/p>\n Day 1<\/strong>: Barri Gotic, Barcelona History Museum, La Boqueria, & more<\/a><\/p>\n Day 2<\/strong>: Park G\u00fcell, La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, & more<\/a><\/p>\n Day 3<\/strong>: Montju\u00efc Hill, Cooking Class, Harbor Cable Car, & more<\/a><\/p>\n Day 4<\/strong>: Day Trip to Girona<\/a><\/p>\n Other Things to See and Do<\/strong>: Montserrat, Football, Bike Tour, & more<\/a>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n Take a free walking tour<\/strong> My recommended free walking tour companies in Barcelona are: <\/p>\n For paid tour options, check out this post<\/a> as it lists all my favorites. You can also check out Get Your Guide<\/a> as they have tons of tours for every interest and budget.<\/p>\n Get lost in the Barri Gotic <\/strong> The area also has numerous attractions worth seeing:<\/p>\n Barcelona History Museum<\/strong> \u2013 Barcelona has one of the best city history museums I\u2019ve ever visited. It includes 4,000 square meters (43,000 square feet) of Roman ruins beneath the museum that you can walk through. There is a free, detailed audio guide and meticulous explanations of the exhibits. If you do one thing in the city, make it this. I visit every time I\u2019m in Barcelona. The ruins are just stunning. Admission is 7 EUR per person but free on Sundays after 3pm.<\/em><\/p>\n The Grand Royal Palace<\/strong> \u2013 The Palau Reial Major (near the history museum) is almost 700 years old and was the home of Barcelona\u2019s counts and later the kings of Aragon. The palace offers visitors a very detailed history of the city and region through the centuries. Admission is 7 EUR (shared with the history museum above). It’s free on the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday after 3pm. <\/em><\/p>\n Chapel of Santa \u00c0gata<\/strong> \u2013 This royal chapel was built in 1302 and is part of the Museum of the History of Barcelona. The most interesting thing inside is the beautiful altarpiece, made by Jaume Huguet, that was added in the 15th century. It contains beautiful paintings of religious symbols in the style of the Middle Ages. Admission is 7 EUR. <\/em><\/p>\n Barcelona Cathedral<\/strong> \u2013 Built between the late 13th to early 15th centuries, this is a classic Gothic cathedral with huge spires standing over 53 meters (174 feet) tall, colorful stained glass, and incredible wood carvings. Make sure you visit the upper terraces where you\u2019ll get an incredible view of Barcelona. Admission is 14 EUR for tourists (free for worshippers). <\/em> <\/p>\n Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)<\/strong> Pla\u00e7a dels \u00c0ngels 1, +34 934 120 810, macba.cat\/en. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-8pm and Sundays 10am-3pm (closed on Tuesdays). Admission is 10.80 EUR if purchased online and 12 EUR at the door. Entry is free on Saturdays from 4pm-8pm.<\/em><\/p>\n La Boquer\u00eda<\/strong> Rambla, 91, +34 934 132 303, boqueria.barcelona\/home. Open Monday to Saturday 8am-8:30pm. <\/em><\/p>\n Watch some flamenco<\/strong> <\/p>\n Explore Gaud\u00ed\u2019s architecture<\/strong>\nBarcelona Itinerary: Day 1<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2021\/newbarcaitinerary1a_1.jpg\")
\nI love free walking tours. I think they are a wonderful way to get to know a new city, see the main sights, connect with a local guide, and learn some history in the process. (And, since they are filled with travelers too, they can also be a good way to meet other people.) Just be sure to tip your guide at the end! <\/p>\n\n
\n![\"Barcelona's](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2018\/barcelona_gothic.jpg\")
\nBarcelona\u2019s old Gothic Quarter is my favorite part of town. It’s where you’ll find the oldest parts of the city, including ancient Roman walls and medieval buildings all connected by narrow, winding streets. Today, the neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants. You can easily spend a few hours getting lost in this district. <\/p>\n
\nThis museum has over 5,000 works, including an extensive collection of pieces by Spanish artists such as Joan Mir\u00f3 and Pablo Picasso. There are also works by Americans Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder (the latter being known for his innovative mobiles). While it\u2019s not really my favorite style of art, if you love modern art, be sure to add this to your itinerary. <\/p>\n
\n![\"Barcelona's](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2018\/barcelona_boqueria.jpg\")
\nThis public market has an amazing array of food stalls and restaurants. It\u2019s been at this location for hundreds of years, in a building with a beautiful iron entrance. It\u2019s right off La Rambla (a long, popular central thoroughfare, see below), so the market is typically very busy. But grab a snack or an inexpensive lunch of ham, bread, cheese, and fruit and enjoy the scene. There\u2019s a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, octopus, and oysters, as well as nuts, candy, wine, and tapas. <\/p>\n
\n![\"Flamenco](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2018\/barcelona_flamenco.jpg\")
\nSpend your evening watching flamenco, a traditional style of Spanish music and dance that originated in Andalusia. The music is lively and expressive, while the dancing involves intricate footwork and hand movements. Some of the shows can get pricey but you can take in a performance at one of these more affordable venues: <\/p>\n\n
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n![\"Gadui's](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2020\/barcelonapark1.jpg\")
\nGaud\u00ed is Barcelona\u2019s most famous and creative architect.<\/a> His unique style, use of nature motifs, and catalog of work is legendary \u2013 and part of the reason so many people visit the city. No visit to the city is complete without a tour of Gaud\u00ed\u2019s works. You can find them everywhere \u2014 in addition to the buildings listed below, he even designed lampposts, monuments, and sculptures. Here are the best sights to see: <\/p>\n\n
![\"the](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2018\/bcnbeach.jpg\")