My accountMy account

The best plans for a weekend in Barcelona

Content index

THE BEST PLANS FOR A WEEKEND IN BARCELONA

Essential things to do in Barcelona

Discover how to make the most of a weekend in Barcelona combining visits to iconic monuments, charming neighbourhoods, museums, nature and local cuisine. This guide offers you different and essential ideas for experiencing the city like a local and enjoying its history, culture and modernity.

Organize your weekend in Barcelona

To make the most of a weekend you need to be clear about what you want to see and do. From famous monuments to districts with personality, every corner has something worth discovering. Getting around the city is also easy thanks to a prime public transport network.

The Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló, two stops you must not miss

The Sagrada Familia is the best known symbol of Barcelona. The particular architecture and numerous details attract a lot of attention. Then take a tour of the Casa Batlló, a modernist jewel in Paseo de Gràcia. These two works by Gaudí help to understand the artistic side of the city.

a large building with many spires with Sagrada Família in the background

Visit the city center

The Gothic Quarter is the historic center of Barcelona. Its narrow streets and squares hold stories from centuries ago. Walk along La Rambla, a lively avenue full of movement, street artists and markets such as La Boquería, where you can try fresh products and a choice of tapas.

a crowd of people walking down a street with La Rambla, Barcelona in the background

Park Güell

Park Güell is a green space full of color and creativity. Its terraces provide panoramic city and sea views. It’s a great place to relax and take photos that will stay in your memory for ever.

Stroll down the most elegant street with shops and modernist buildings

Paseo de Gràcia is the most sophisticated avenue in Barcelona. There are luxury shops, stylish restaurants and modernist buildings that attract the greatest attention. As you walk down this street, you get a taste of the cosmopolitan vibes of the city.

Museums and culture to make the most of the weekend in Barcelona

Barcelona has so much to offer in terms of art and culture. The museums house both classical works and more modern works.

a man and woman looking at pictures on the wall

Picasso Museum in Born

The museum is in a district where art combines with medieval architecture to create a very special atmosphere.

Santa Creu Hospital and Barcelona University Library

This historic area is a fine example of Gothic civil architecture. The library is a great place to learn more about the history of the city and how it has changed over time.

Discover another time in history

Barcelona Cathedral is a Gothic building that is famous for its size and detail. The Plaza de San Jaime is right next to the building and is an ideal place to sit for a while and watch the local people move around in a setting full of history.

Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona (MACBA) for lovers of modern art

Its temporary and permanent exhibitions reflect the most recent trends and proposals that invite us to think about it.

Montjuïc and surroundings to enjoy nature and views

Montjuïc is a mountain within the city that offers a haven of green. The gardens, museums and castle at the top of the island provide stunning views of both Barcelona and the Mediterranean. This is a great place to combine culture with a walk in the fresh air.

Don't forget to stroll through the gardens and enjoy the views

Climbing Montjuïc takes you to the historic castle and gardens with flowers and fountains. From above, the views of Barcelona are something that stays with you, especially at sunset.

a person using a sand cutter to clean a foot

Poble Espanyol and its workshops to see live crafts

This is an open-air museum showcasing different architectural styles in Spain. Here you can see how artisans work and buy hand-made products.

Evening show at the MNAC

You will see a light show that illuminates the museum façade and the nearby magic fountain. This is a visual experience that is normally enjoyed by all those who spend the weekend.

Districts with personality to discover local life

Barcelona is made up of neighborhoods that all have their own special style. Visiting them helps you see the city from a different, closer and more authentic point of view. Every neighborhood has its own atmosphere, from a bohemian vibe to a gentle sea breeze.

The charm of narrow streets, charming shops and cafes

El Born is a district full of movement and medieval architecture. Its designer shops and cafes make it ideal for strolling around and discovering places full of history.

Barceloneta and its beaches

The sea areas in the city are great for resting or trying water sports. There are also many restaurants with sea views where you can sit down to eat.

a man playing a saxophone next to a man in a blue jacket

Lively squares and a bohemian atmosphere

Gràcia has lively squares and terraces where you can enjoy a drink. It attracts artists and young people looking for a different atmosphere within the city.

Eating well in Barcelona is so easy

The food in Barcelona reflects the cultural mix and proximity to the sea. You can find everything from traditional tapas to more elaborate dishes in restaurants with stunning views.

Restaurants in Paseo de Gracia

Paseo de Gràcia has a choice of restaurants that combine tradition and modern cuisine. From Catalan cuisine to international dishes, quality and careful presentation are usually a must.

a group of people sitting around a table with food and drinks

Tapas and atmosphere in La Boquería market

This is a place to try a choice of tapas and fresh ingredients while enjoying all the bustle and colors of the place.

Visit restaurants with a more beach-style flair

The restaurants in Barceloneta offer seafood and fish dishes with views of the Mediterranean. This is a great place for a quiet meal after a day on the beach.

Our destinations in Barcelona

The content on this page has been created by Artificial Intelligence and reviewed to complete your journey.

By Sara García

Journalist and content writer. Graduated from Carlos III University of Madrid, she has worked on coding for print media and web content. Her passion is writing and sharing what the world experiences as she travels through life.