When in Barcelona: Itinerary ideas for easy DIY travel

Barcelona (BCN) is a city located northeast of Spain, and is the capital of the Catalonia region. It’s the second most populous city in Spain with around 1.6 million people. Spanish (ESP) is the dominant language used in Spain though when you're in Barcelona, it's most likely to also read and hear a lot of Catalán (CAT), a language spoken in the Catalonia region.

Why go to Barcelona?

Some people fondly call the city as “sunny Barcelona” for having a warmer climate than other cities in Spain as it's seated in the coastal area. As said, the best time to visit Barcelona is in September, a season that marks the end of summer and the start of autumn.

When I went to Barcelona last September, I truly had the best time of my life. It's a diverse city with a lot of places to discover and the people are warmer than what I expected. Given a chance to go back, I'll definitely choose Barcelona again.

What to see in Barcelona?

I'd like to share with you the must-see places of the city, which I grouped by their proximity from each other. Barcelona may be huge, but its public transportation especially the BCN metro, tram, and bus are very accessible and easy to get familiarized with, so it won't be a problem even if you choose to move around on your own.

Day 1: Sagrada Familia, Hospital de Sant Pau, Park Güell, and Bunkers del Carmel

1. Sagrada Familia

Other names: Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (CAT) / Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family (EN)

Of course. There’s no better way to start exploring Barcelona than to visit the most famous structure in the city: The Sagrada Familia. It’s a gothic style Catholic church by the renowned Catalán architect Antoni Gaudi. Its construction began early in 1882 though unfortunately, Gaudi passed away in 1926, a time when his masterpiece wasn’t even halfway finished. It’s still in the works at the present but it’s said to finish construction in 2026. (Yes, 8 years more!)

While there’s an obvious construction site at its exterior, the Sagrada Familia looks more polished inside. The white pillars and stained glass windows are simply amazing. 

To enter the Sagrada Familia, I highly recommend buying the ticket online to avoid the queue and to get it for a cheaper price. Note that entry is timed (which is very common among tourist sites in Europe). It means you have to be at the entrance based on the time frame you chose. Otherwise, they won’t let you in. Sagrada Familia’s entry time frame are as follows: 9AM-12PM, 12PM-3PM, and 3PM-5:30PM. 

The best way to get to the Sagrada Familia is by metro, and there’s actually a dedicated station served by BCN Metro line 10 (Sagrada Familia station). 

Price: EUR 15 (basic and adult ticket)

Operating Hours:

November-February: 9AM-6PM

March: 9AM-7PM

April-September: 9AM-8PM

October: 9AM-7PM

December 25, 26, January 1, 6: 9AM-2PM

2. Hospital de Sant Pau

Coming from Sagrada Familia's front side, walk straight on Avenida de Gaudi (Gaudi Avenue) to get to Hospital de Sant Pau. It’s a short 12-minute walking distance. 

So why include a hospital in the itinerary? No, it isn’t that your ill (or you’d ever want to be when in Barcelona), but visiting this hospital-turned-museum is all worth it. The Hospital Sant Pau is a must-visit for its beautiful architecture, props to modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner (not by Gaudi, like most people thought it was). It’s a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

There’s also a museum inside, called the Art Nouveau Site, that includes access to another notable structure, the Sant Salvador Pavilion. Entrance fee applies. 

Price: EUR 14 (self-guided adult ticket)

Free entrance on: April 23, September 24, and every first Sunday of the month

Operating Hours: 

November-March

  Mondays-Saturdays: 09:30AM-4:30PM

  Sundays and holidays: 09:30AM-2:30PM

April-October

  Mondays-Saturdays: 09:30AM-6:30PM

  Sundays and holidays: 09:30AM-2:30PM

3. Park Güell

Other names: Parc Güell (CAT) / Parque Güell (ESP) ; Güell is pronounced as “gwey”

Next, either take bus #92 at the corner of Avenida de Gaudi and Castillejos or walk 25 minutes to reach Parc Güell, a nature park that sits on top of a hill. 

The area could’ve been a housing project by Gaudi for the upper class, though it didn’t push through with only 2 houses completed. Instead, it got turned into a park that displays Gaudi’s vision of an entrance gate, stairway, and terrace, most of which decorated with mosaic. The park also features Gaudi’s ideas of roadways, paths, and viaducts. 

The highlight of the park is the Monumental Zone, where an entrance ticket is required. It includes access to to Dragon Stairway, the 2 porter lodges, and others. However, note that a portion of it, which the Nature Square (Greek Theater), is under construction until the end of 2018. Entry is timed and the interval is every 30 minutes. Tickets can also be bought online for a cheaper price.

The rest of the areas are free of entrance, which I suggest you visit after exploring the Monumental Zone. Give at least 2 hours to explore the park. Climb the highest part of the park to see a breathtaking view of the city. 

Prices:

EUR 7.50 (if bought online)

EUR 8.50 (if bought at the ticket counter)

Operating Hours:

It’s open all year round but first and last entry time vary per season. Check the website for the updated operating hours. 

4. Bunkers del Carmel

Moving further and higher, cap off the day by climbing the Bunkers del Carmel, a former defense ground during the Spanish Civil War in 1930s. Back in the day, there were guns mounted in the area, which were weapons used against aircraft attacks.

What’s left now are ruins of the defensive walls and slabs of concrete for seating. More than a historical landmark, it’s also one of the best places to get a panoramic view of Barcelona where people go to catch the sunset. 

Entrance: Free

Operating Hours: Open all the time

Day 2: Arc de Triomf, Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, La Boquería, Barcelona Cathedral, Gothic Quarter

1. Arc de Triomf

Other names: Arco del Triunfo (ESP)

If Paris has Arc de Triomphe, then Barcelona has a version of it too, called the Arc de Triomf. Go for a quick stop to take photos at this arch as it’s a landmark in Barcelona.

The Arc de Triomf is a civil monument that served as an entrance to the Barcelona Universal Exposition in 1888, which was Spain’s first international World Fair. Its architecture has Moorish influence, with a height of 30 meters and is made up of bricks that give its reddish color.

2. Plaça de Catalunya

Other names: Plaza de Catalunya (ESP) / Catalonia Square (EN)

The Plaça de Catalunya is a public square in Barcelona with fountains, statues, and a flock of doves, an attraction it’s best known for. Around the park, you might also bump into several ambulant sellers of fake bags, watches, and football jerseys. It’s a park with so much activities. Many people pass by this place also as it’s the so-called center where the old (Ciutat Vella) and new (Eixample) Barcelona districts meet. 

3. La Rambla

Other names: Las Ramblas (ESP)

Part of the old district, La Rambla is a kilometer stretch of outdoor shops, most of which are souvenir items. It’s the melting pot of tourists, and can get very busy at times. Just make sure to watch your bag when walking here - sling them or put it in front of you.

In 2017, Barcelona was in the global news due to terrorism attacks. A 22-year-old man recklessly drove a van along the pedestrian of La Rambla that killed 13 people. Despite this, with my experience at La Rambla, I can say it’s now safe to go there and the area is highly monitored by the police.  

Tip: Most first-timers in Barcelona think La Rambla is the ideal place for souvenirs. They aren’t the cheapest there actually. Instead, head to Carrer de la Portaferrissa, which is 5 minutes from La Rambla, where you can get the same but cheaper souvenirs. 

4. La Boquería

To experience the local public market scene, then go to La Boquería. It’s well-visited by tourists as it’s one of the earliest known markets in Barcelona. As said, it started as a goat meat shop with its name boqueria originating from the Catalán word boc which means goat.

It has an entrance not far from the La Rambla. Inside La Boqueria, you’ll find an array of meat shops selling jamón, chorizo, fuet, and other Spanish cold cuts. It also sells other products that you commonly see in other public markets. 

Entrance: Free

Operating Hours:

  Mondays-Saturdays: 8:30AM-8:30PM

  Closed on Sundays and holidays

5. Barcelona Cathedral

Other names: Catedral de Barcelona (ESP)

Aside from the Sagrada Familia, there are smaller Catholic churches spread throughout Barcelona that also deserve a visit. One of which is the Barcelona Cathedral. 

It’s a 13th century cathedral dedicated to Eulalia, one of the 2 patron saints of Barcelona. It has a beautiful facade, which is obviously in Gothic style. 

The cathedral is open all-day for worship and prayer. However, for cultural visits, it’s only open to visitors from afternoon to evening. 

Operating hours (for cultural visits):

Weekdays: 12:30PM-7:15PM

Saturdays: 12:30PM-4:45PM

Sundays: 2:00PM-5:30PM

Entrance: Free

* To visit the roof and the choir, there's an entrance fee of EUR 3 each.

6. Gothic Quarter

Other names: Barri Gòtic (CAT) / Barrio Gótico (ESP)

The same area where the Barcelona Cathedral is at, the Gothic Quarter is considered the heart of the old city of Barcelona. Back in the day, it used to be a Roman village with a surrounding that’s very Gothic. It consists of maze-like narrow alleys that have been kept since the Middle Ages. 

A famous spot here is the Pont del Brisbe located at the narrow street of Carrer del Bisbe. It’s a bridge that dates back medieval times.

It’s a good spot to end the day with the presence of plaças that turn into outdoor cafes from afternoon to night time, and one of which is the Plaça Reial. 

Day 3: Casa Batlló, Casa Amatller, Casa Milà, Mirador de Colom, Plaça d’Espanya, Montjuïc

1. Casa Batlló

(Batlló is pronounced “bat-cho”)

In 1860, a visionary urban plan was made in Barcelona that made prominent families move to Passeig de Gràcia, an upscale street in Barcelona. A textile businessman Josep Batllo bought a house in the area and years later, he let famous architect Antoni Gaudi remodel his house.

With such cultural significance as one of the masterpieces of Gaudi, Casa Batlló became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the well-visited spots in Barcelona. It's for the architecture passionate and those who appreciate modernism. Though in my opinion, access to the house comes with a hefty price. 

Prices:

EUR 24.5 with audio guide (when bought online)

EUR 28.5 with audio guide (when bought at ticket counter)

EUR 29.5 with audio guide and fast pass (bought online)

Operating hours:

9:00AM to 8:00PM

2. Casa Amatller

Right beside Casa Batlló is another famous house in Barcelona. The Casa Amatller once belonged to a chocolatier Antoni Amatller Costa who then let modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch remodel the 5-story house. 

Similar to Casa Batlló, the house is filled with modernism art. Though what makes it different is that when you choose to enter Casa Amatller, there’s an included cup of chocolate!

Prices:

EUR 19 (self-guided) 

EUR 24 (audio-guided) 

3. Casa Milà

Other names: La Pedrera (ESP)

The Casa Milà is a house owned by Pere Milà and her husband Roser Segimon. Also located at Passeig de Gracia, it was remodeled by Antoni Gaudi that later was named UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It got its other name La Pedrera, which means “stone quarry” in English, because its exterior looks like one. Back then, the house faced negative criticisms from the people for being unusual and not following conventional building codes, and there were rumors of an affair between Gaudi and Pere Milà. 

Price: EUR 22

Operating hours:

March 1-November 4 and December 26-January 3

  Monday-Sunday: 9:00AM-8:30PM

  Night tour: 9PM-11PM

November 5-February 28

  Monday-Sunday: 9AM-6:30PM

  Night tour: 7PM-9PM

4. Mirador de Colom

Other names: Mirador de Colón (ESP) / Columbus Monument (EN)

The Mirador de Colom is a monument in honor of Christopher Columbus, who chose to disembark in the Port of Barcelona for his first voyage to the Americas. The monument is located at the end of La Rambla, towards the seaside of Barcelona. 

It’s a detailed sculpture, featuring an image of Columbus on top who’s pointing where the New World is said to be at.

5. Plaça d’Espanya

Other names: Plaza de España (ESP)

The Plaça d’Espanya is a big square that serves as junction of different big roads in Barcelona. The 2 Venetian Towers are also found in Plaça d’Espanya, which mark the entrance to Montjuïc. 

Plaça d’Espanya is historical as it used to be the center of bullfighting, which took place in the Plaza de Toros de las Arenas. However, when the sport was banned in Barcelona, the arena was converted into a commercial space. Now, it’s a shopping mall with restaurants and an amazing rooftop view.

6. Montjuïc

Montjuïc is a hill in Barcelona. A visit there offers a lot of activities, featuring the Montjuïc Castle, museums like the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and Poble Espanyol, and the Font Mágica, a huge musical fountain that has an amazing light show at night.

There’s also a cable car ride to Montjuïc priced at EUR 8.40 one-way and EUR 12.70 for two-way ride.

Extras

If you have more days in Barcelona, you may also take time visiting these places:

Montserrat Monastery 

Located northwest of Barcelona, Montserrat is a monastery surrounded by beautiful and unique rock formations of the Benedictine monk mountain. It’s known for the black-faced Madonna, called the Morenata, that's said to be miraculous. Another attraction here are the Gregorian chants by the choir boys who perform inside the basilica. 

Monserrat is a bit far from downtown and is usually arranged with a guided tour to get there. Still, public transportation is available by taking a combination of train + cable car / funicular ride.

How to get there:
From Plaça d'Espanya station, take line 5 towards Manresa to bring you to the foot of Montserrat. Once there, choose between the Aeri de Montserrat (cable car) or the Cremallera Funicular (funicular) to go up the monastery.

Temple of the Sacred Heart Jesus

Other names: Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor de Jesús (CAT) / Tibidabo Church (EN)

This church is located at the highest point of city: Mount Tibidabo. It’s located northwest of Barcelona that's usually accessed by car or guided tour as there’s no direct route via public transportation.

Given the height, it offers a breathtaking view of Barcelona. Aside from the church, the Tibidabo Amusement Park sits beside it, which is one of the earlier theme parks of the city.

How to get there:
From Plaça de Catalunya metro station, take S1 or S2 then alight at Peu del Funicular. Then, take the Vallvidrera Funicular and finally take bus 111 to reach Tibidabo. 

Barceloneta

What’s great about Barcelona is that it’s surrounded by water. Located in the Ciutat Vella neighborhood, Barceloneta is perhaps the nearest beach you can head to while in the city center. 

While fishermen were the first dwellers of Barceloneta as history tells it, the beach is now occupied mostly by tourists. It’s surrounded by beach side bars and restaurants, where it’s said to get the best seafood paella. 

Ways to get there:

- Take the BCN metro line 4 and alight at Barceloneta station
- Buses 39, 45, 59, 64, V15, D20 have a stop at Barceloneta

Camp Nou

Whether a football fan or not, a trip to the Camp Nou is interesting as it’s the home stadium of the Futbol Club Barcelona (FCB). 

Even if there’s no football match, Camp Nou has its doors open to tourists. There are different Camp Nou tours available (starting at EUR 25) that give access not only to the stadium but also to the Barça Museum, which is said to be the second most visited museum in Barcelona next to the Picasso Museum. 

Ways to get there:

- Take the BCN L3 and alight at either Palau Reial, Maria Cristina or Les Corts station or line 5 and alight at either Badal or Collblanc station
- Take the tram and alight at Avinguda de Xile Station, served by lines T1, T2, and T3
- Buses 7, 15, 33, 54, 56, 57, 63, 67, 74, 75, 78, 113, 157 have a stop at Camp Nou

What's your favorite spot in Barcelona? Leave a comment below!

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