Wondering if it’s possible to get a taste of Barcelona in 2 days? I think spending a weekend in Barcelona is just enough if you know where to go! Two days in Barcelona will allow for a memorable trip where you can take in the beautiful sights, sample the local cuisine, and experience the lively nightlife.
I recently visited Barcelona and I was awestruck by the unrivaled beauty of the city, with its scenic views, romantic alleys, sacred churches, and other architectural marvels. It’s no surprise why thousands of tourists flock to Barcelona as it offers something for everyone!
Whether you’re an adventurer, a party-lover, traveling with your partner, or a history buff, Barcelona has enough to keep you busy throughout your stay. In this guide, I’ll share how to spend two days in Barcelona, along with some important things you need to know when you start planning your itinerary.
Here’s how to spend 2 days in Barcelona, Spain!
About Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe’s best-known and busiest tourist destinations, with an estimated twelve million tourists annually. The fact that Barcelona has so much to offer individuals with a diverse range of interests makes it difficult to get bored in the city.
Bustling beaches, a thriving nightlife, stunning architecture, and a culture that is as attractive as the city’s surrounding scenery are just some of the features that make this city a great place to visit.
And let’s not forget about the city’s unrivaled culinary culture. Apart from that, Barcelona has a creative flair, with several events taking place throughout the year. A visit to this pulsating cosmopolitan metropolis will be an experience you will remember for a long time!
How to Get to Barcelona
Barcelona is a highly sought-after vacation spot and is well connected with the rest of Europe as well as globally. This means you can pretty much get to Barcelona by any means of transportation!
Plane: The Barcelona Airport El Prat links Barcelona to cities all over the globe. In addition, three minor airports are located near Barcelona: Girona-Costa Brava, Reus, and Lleida-Alguaire.
Train: Barcelona offers rail links to the major cities in Spain and around Europe, with direct trains to capitals such as Zurich, Paris, and Milan.
Car: Barcelona is well connected and has plenty of parking. The highways and city streets will mostly get you wherever you want to go in the city by car.
The Best Time to Visit Barcelona
My favorite time to visit Barcelona is between May and June when the weather is pleasant and there is a slew of festivities celebrating the arrival of summer. But there really isn’t a bad time to visit this city so I’ll break it down by season!
High Season (June – August and public holidays)
Event and festival goers should take advantage of this season. Barcelona’s hotels fill up quickly during the high season, and rates go up dramatically. There will be some humidity, but the weather will be mostly lovely and sunny.
Shoulder Season (March – May / September – October)
This time of year is excellent for long city strolls, thanks to the moderate, clear weather and fewer people on the streets. September is one of my favorite times to visit as you can still hit the beach and Barcelona’s lively La Merce festival takes place!
Low Season (November – February)
Low season travel is popular among budget travelers since fewer visitors means lower lodging rates. Barcelona’s winters are typically moderate, with lows around 45 degrees and highs around 60 degrees. Although I remember visiting once with my family as a kid during the winter and it was snowing… It made it all the more magical though!
Where to Stay in Barcelona?
Barcelona has countless lodging options, from budget to luxury hotels. Here a list of some of the best hotels for you to choose from according to your budget!
Luxury
- Hotel Arts Barcelona: An eye-catching skyscraper made of blue glass and steel, with luxuriously appointed rooms.
- Grand Hotel Central: A spot where you can relax and soak up the sun while savoring some of the best tapas and beverages in the city.
- ME Barcelona: A luxury cultural hub where you can have a unique, personalized, and immersive experience.
- Ohla Barcelona: A rooftop pool with luxurious amenities is available at this upscale boutique hotel.
Mid-Range
- Ocean Drive Barcelona: A place with a distinctive aesthetic that provides an intimate guest experience.
- NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderon: This hotel features a welcoming atmosphere, with a stunning view from the rooftop pool and a lovely patio shaded by olive trees.
- Occidental Barcelona 1929: A modern boutique hotel with all the facilities you could possibly need for a few days of leisure and relaxation.
- Hotel Bagués: An intimate boutique hotel with a museum displaying Bagués Masriera’s stunning modernist Art Nouveau jewelry.
Budget
- Sercotel Rosellón: A modern hotel surrounded by beautiful greenery in the heart of a thriving commercial area.
- U232 Hotel: This hotel has a stunning interior design that incorporates both classic and contemporary elements in a classic British style.
- The Corner Hotel: A place that has kept all of its original architectural elements and is a superb depiction of the history of the area.
- Rodamon Barcelona Hostel: A great spot to have fun and connect with locals and fellow travelers while feeling at home.
- Hotel Soho: A sleek, high-rise hotel with panoramic views of Barcelona, and it is well located for seeing the city’s popular attractions.
How to Get Around Barcelona
One of the best ways to become acquainted with a new city is by just strolling about… It’s one of my favorite ways to get around Barcelona!
Another option for getting around Barcelona is to use the metro, tram, or FGC. I’ve found that using public transportation there is always simple, convenient, and inexpensive.
In addition to walking or taking the bus, cycling is an environmentally friendly mode of transportation. It’s simple to move about Barcelona on a bike thanks to an extensive network of cycle lanes and plenty of bike rental options.
You can also catch a taxi, which can be easily recognized by the classic yellow and black color scheme. It’s helpful to know a bit of Spanish when taking a taxi!
Is 2 Days in Barcelona Enough Time?
You may wonder, is a weekend in Barcelona enough time to see the city? In my opinion, two days will give you great introduction to the city!
Just because your Barcelona itinerary is limited doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this Mediterranean gem. Of course, you’ll be scratching the surface of Barcelona, but it’s totally worth it.
During my recent visit, I was able to cover most of the must sees in Barcelona in 2 days. You’ll find my two days in Barcelona itinerary below — which is perfect if you are planning a weekend getaway!
How to Spend 2 Days in Barcelona
This itinerary includes the top things to do in Barcelona in 2 days, as well as the best restaurants and sights to see.
Day 1: Barcelona Itinerary
Start the day at Park Güell
What a whimsical way to start your first day in the city! Each time I visit, I’m amazed by the beautiful architecture of the park and how it’s seamlessly weaved into its natural surroundings. The park contains intricate stone designs, stunning tiling, and breathtaking buildings. Plus, the view overlooking the city is one of my all-time favorites!
Next, head to Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is one of the top architectural masterpieces in Barcelona. This building looks like a part of a fairytale, and it clearly showcases the unique imagination of the architect, Antonio Gaudi. At present, Casa Batllo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon in Barcelona, making it a must-see for those who love cultural attractions!
Lunch at Ciutat Comtal
If you are a fan of Spanish cuisine like me, Ciutat Comtal is a great place to taste some authentic gastronomy. At this bar, you can have mouthwatering Spanish tapas, beef tenderloin, and gambas al ajillo. And to top it off, try some tasty churros and bread pudding… yum!
Explore la Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is easily one of the most breathtaking buildings I have ever seen. The facade is inspiring and awesome, and the interior is truly magical… definitely don’t miss the opportunity to go inside as well!
Dinner at Terraza Martinez
After a long day of exploring Barcelona, it’s time to fill up paella! For that, head to Terraza Martinez, a restaurant located on one of the slopes of Montjuïc hill which boasts amazing views over the Barcelona coastline. Its exceptional views make for a unique and special evening!
Try Absinthe at Bar Marsella
If you’re up for it, after dinner, grab a drink at Bar Marsella. This famed absinthe emporium is said to be the oldest bar in Barcelona and rumored bar patrons include Picasso and Hemingway!
Day 2: Barcelona Itinerary
Explore the vibrant La Boqueria & Gothic Quarter
On your second morning, take a stroll through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and end up at the amazing “Mercado de La Boqueria.” La Boqueria Market is Barcelona’s premier food market, with a wide selection of delectable food and drinks.
Enjoy a tapas lunch at Can Paixano
Can Paxiano (also called La Xampanyeria) is often filled to the brim with an interesting mix of locals and curious tourists. It’s standing room only so pop in for a quick bite of tapas, a glass of cava and a good time!
Explore Barceloneta
Barceloneta is a lively neighborhood that is home to a host of seaside activities, lively nightclubs, and seafood eateries. There are several side lanes and passageways to explore around Barceloneta’s boardwalk and sandy beaches, and its distinctive architecture lends a touch of flair and fun to the experience.
Relax at the Arc de Triomf and the Parc de la Ciutadella
The triumphal arch, “Arc de Triomf,” served as the main entrance to the 1888 World Fair that was held in the Parc de la Ciutadella of Barcelona. The arch has grown into one of the most iconic sights of Barcelona and the park is ideal for a relaxing stroll or picnic!
Dinner at Cal Pep
One of my favorite restaurants in Barcelona is Cal Pep. This casual eatery often has a line out the door but it’s worth the wait to enjoy some delicious, authentic tapas. Don’t forget to try the razor clams, one of Barcelona’s popular dishes.
Enjoy sunset rooftop drinks at Eleven BCN
Eleven BCN offers one of the most impressive rooftop experiences in a city filled with impressive rooftop experiences. Special gin cocktails and unique specialties are among the beverage options, which are just as breathtaking as the vistas.
Tips for Visiting Barcelona
Now that I’ve shared my Barcelona 2 day itinerary, here are some of my recommendations and tips to prepare you for the trip.
- Walking is a great way to get around Barcelona so you’ll want to pack a comfortable pair of shoes to keep your feet from getting blisters!
- I would highly recommend staying near the city center if you only have a few days in Barcelona so you can maximize your time.
- If you plan to visit La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell or some of the other popular sights, look into booking your tickets in advance to save money and avoid waiting in long lines.
- Meal times in Barcelona are a bit later than other places in Europe. Lunch is between 2 – 2:30pm and dinner around 8:30pm. Although, it’s fairly easy to find places open between those times as Barcelona sees so many tourists!
- Barcelona is a sprawling metropolis so keep in mind that you won’t be able to see everything in two days. But it’s always good to save some things to do for the next trip, right?!
Barcelona Style Inspiration
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