48 Hours in Barcelona
Itinerary
Visiting Barcelona is an experience that would be hard to forget. Situated along the northeastern coast of Spain, this city is home to a unique blend of architecture. The vibrant city has entertainment for all, along with a lively nightlife scene. Experiences in Barcelona are boundless combining traditional with modern. Personally, this city definitely had the most the offer compared to other places I have visited. With only having limited time, we tried our best to fit in as much as possible.
Day 1:
Arrive to Barcelona by Train - The train from Madrid to Barcelona typically requires a seat reservation. Make sure you look and book in advance. The main Madrid Train Station is also similar to how an airport setup and security would be. Give yourself enough time before your train to go through security.
Take the Metro to Airbnb near La Sagrada Familia: We booked a nicer Airbnb for this stay because we were celebrating a birthday. Our Airbnb was located very close to La Sagrada Familia. Although the stay was much nicer, the price was still reasonable with being split between a few people. This area itself had many tourist traps due to the popular location but overall had an amazing view from the balcony.
Grab Tapas - Although there are some tourist trap restaurants, there are also some local spots. Thankfully we met up with a friend who had been living in Spain. We went to a restaurant on the corner of the street next to La Sagrada Familia and enjoyed Spanish tapas including patatas bravas. At the end of our lunch the manager brought over shots to enhance our evening and welcome us to the city.
Walk to Casa Batlló - Designed by the same architect as La Sagrada Familia, this famous house is just as incredible to look at. With the different colorations, there is now a museum open to show off the inside of the house as well.
Join the Welcoming parade for Barcelona FC (May 15th) - While walking around the city we ran into a group of locals who were celebrating the large futbal win of Barcelona FC. Unknowingly we of course joined the parade to welcome the team and got given flags to wave. This was such a fun event to attend with a strong fanbase.
Walk Around Gothic Quarter
Cathedral of Barcelona
El Pont del Bisbe
Plaça Reial
Bunkers El Carmel for sunset - Grab wine from a local spot and take public transit to the Barcelona Bunkers. Be prepared for the uphill climb to the view point. Enjoy the sunset and views of the entire city of Barcelona.
Have a night out - Barcelona nightlife is well known among the city. The best places to go depend on the night. Ask the locals their favorite spots and immerse yourself in the local nightclubs.
Casa Batlló
Day 2:
Brunch at La Deliciosa - This spot is located in a perfect location right on the beach. Enjoy a great meal, listen to the waves, people watch, and soak up the sunshine right from the restaurant.
Walk the Shoreline - Barceloneta beach shoreline is vibrant and full of people. As you walk the shoreline you will hear live music and see many different people out and about.
Transbordador Aeri del port cable car to explore Parc Montjuïc - From the shoreline take a short walk to the boarding platform of the cable car. You can reserve tickets in advance or buy them when you get there. It was a gloomy day, so the line for us wasn’t long. I can imagine it being much longer on a sunny day.
Montjuïc Castle - Visit the castle. A great place for photos and another overlook of the city.
Sagrada Familia - Upon returning towards home visit The Sagrada Familia. Book a timeslot and ticket in advance to ensure a spot. The price is 100% worth it. Do some research on the architect Antoni Gaudí as he has many different designs located around Barcelona.
Cafe - Stop at a local cafe for an afternoon coffee and pastry.
Beach for Sunset - Enjoy the scenery change. The beach has cleared out besides the few people similar to yourself that are sitting in groups on the sand overlooking the water.
Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona - Walk around this area at night. It is so fun to run around this open area in the middle of the city.
Grab Dinner Togo - After the long night from yesterday, dinner is needed. Grab sushi and bring it back to the airbnb.
Day 3:
Brunch and Cake - Have an early morning and grab breakfast at Brunch and cake. A more modernized and “instagram aesthetic” place.
Park Guëll - Reserve tickets in advance and head to Park Guëll. This is the infamous Cheetah Girls location. Take a look at the gardens and explore the area.
Pack Up - Return and grab your bags from Airbnb. Take the metro or local train to the airport.
Flight to Nice - Take the local train to the airport and catch the afternoon flight to Nice. All airports in Europe offer reasonable prices, but Barcelona in general tends to have cheaper and more flight options. It is a great connecting city to any European destination.
