The ultimate guide to Barcelona in 3 days during your stay in 2024
Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia,
I still remember the very first time I visited Barcelona: I felt like I was entering a veritable culture fusion, where architectural heritage rubbed shoulders with daily music, perfumes and varied cuisine. Since then, the city has always fascinated me by the way it blends its medieval roots with a resolutely modern ambience. So here’s the ultimate 3-day guide to Barcelona, concocted to help you plan your stay in 2024, including my favorite spots, a few practical tips and the itinerary that, in my opinion, captures the very essence of the Catalan capital.
Planning your stay in Barcelona
Best time to spend 3 days visiting :
From my experience and various feedbacks, Barcelona can be enjoyed all year round, but it’s true that spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) often offer milder weather and more manageable crowds. From May or June onwards, temperatures hover around 20-25°C, and you can start thinking about sunbathing on the coast. In July and August, the heat can rise to 30°C, with more tourists. If I had to recommend just one period, it would ideally be the end of May or mid-September, in order to enjoy a good compromise between temperature, budget and atmosphere.
How to get to Barcelona
- By plane: Barcelona-El Prat airport (BCN) is home to a number of international airlines. From Paris, it takes just over an hour; from Madrid, you can take the high-speed train (AVE) in around 2 h 30.
- From the airport: There are several ways to get to the center in 30 to 40 minutes: the Aerobús, the metro (L9 South), or a more expensive but practical cab.
- By train or coach: If you’re traveling from other Spanish cities (Madrid, Valencia, Zaragoza…), the rail network offers high-speed connections; many coach companies also link Barcelona to other European capitals.
Where can you stay?
The central districts (Barri Gòtic, El Born, El Raval) ensure close proximity to the main monuments and a lively nightlife.
- Barri Gòtic: Medieval atmosphere, narrow streets, great charm… but a little noisy at night.
- El Born: More chic and contemporary, perfect for finding good restaurants and designer stores.
- El Raval: Bohemian spirit, a little underground, ideal if you like a mix of cultures.
Otherwise, Gràcia (more village-like, lots of places to have a drink) and Poble Sec (quieter, but right next to Montjuic) remain excellent choices. Based on a few comparisons, you’ll find charming hotels like Hotel Neri (around €150/night) or budget options like Hostel One Sants (from €30/night).
Getting around the city
- Public transport: The safe, efficient metro runs late into the evening (until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). Buses, streetcars and a few suburban trains complete the network.
- HOLA Barcelona card: Interesting if you’re planning a series of journeys: for around 20 euros, you’ll have peace of mind for 2 to 5 days in zone 1.
- Walking: In the historic center, everything is fairly close together. The narrow streets are ideal for strolling.
- Tourist bus: For around 30 euros a day, it serves most of the major attractions (Parc Güell, Sagrada Familia, etc.).
3-day itinerary – Barcelona
Day 1: Exploring the historic center
- Barri Gòtic
Start your day by taking the pulse of the Barri Gòtic, a medieval district of winding streets. Barcelona Cathedral, commonly known as “la Seu”, stands majestically. Its interior features magnificent stained-glass windows, and you can even climb up to its roofs to contemplate the surroundings.
- Plaça Reial, Les ramblas and la boqueria
Venturing a little further afield, make a detour to Plaça Reial, recognizable by its tall palm trees and cafe terraces. Then head for the emblematic Ramblas, a 1.2 km-long pedestrian thoroughfare divided into several sections (including the Rambla des Fleurs). Here you’ll come across vendors, artists, tourists and locals from all walks of life. For a gourmet stop, I suggest a visit to the Boqueria Market. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself to fresh fruit, a cornet of charcuterie or an exotic fruit juice.
- Flamenco evening
In the evening, you can try a flamenco show. Personally, I love the Tablao de Carmen in Poble Espanyol, where you can have a drink while enjoying the music and dancers. Prices start at around €25, drinks included, and the show lasts about an hour.
Day 2: Gaudí and modern architecture
- Sagrada Familia
It’s impossible to miss the Sagrada Familia. Gaudí began work on it at the end of the 19th century, and it’s still under construction. Between the height of the towers, the colorful light of the stained glass windows and the organic architecture, it’s easy to get carried away. Advance reservations are recommended (around €26).
- Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia can be reached in a quarter of an hour by public transport. This is where you’ll find Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, two of Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces. The former boasts an undulating facade, as if inspired by the seabed, while the latter, nicknamed “La Pedrera”, features a sculptural white facade and a roof adorned with chimerical chimneys. Tickets around €30-35, often with audio-guide.
- Gràcia district
Continuing on, we arrive in the more authentic Gràcia district, once independent from Barcelona. The squares are convivial, like Plaça del Sol, with its cafés and bars. A radical change from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
- Parc Güell
Last but not least, Parc Güell, another of Gaudí’s emblematic landmarks, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous mosaic bench offers a breathtaking view of the city, while the salamander at the entrance to the double staircase has become a symbol of Barcelona in its own right. Admission costs around €10 and can be booked online.
Day 3: Montjuic, Poble Sec, Piutadella Park and beach
- Montjuic
For this third day, I recommend climbing Montjuic hill (the cable car is quite fun and gives you a brief overview of the port area). At the top, the 18th-century castle serves as a perfect observatory. Not far away, the MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia) is well worth a visit, especially for its vast collection ranging from Romanesque to Gothic.
- El Poble sec and CaixaForum
On the way down, you’ll find yourself in the more popular Poble Sec district, well known for its tapas bars. The CaixaForum, meanwhile, offers temporary exhibitions in a modernist setting (admission is free, except for certain specific exhibitions).
- Parc de la Ciutadella and Arc de Triomf
A change of scenery as you head for Parc de la Ciutadella, probably the city’s largest park. With its lake, gardens and monumental waterfall, it’s the perfect place for a picnic. Barcelona Zoo is also housed in the same area (approx. €22). Crossing a brick-red arch, you’ll pass under the Arc de Triomf, built during a World Fair.
- Barceloneta beach
Finally, end your stay in Barceloneta, the seaside district. Seaside restaurants often serve paellas or ultra-fresh seafood. Even though this seafront is very touristy, it still feels like a bit of a vacation, especially at sunset.
Additional tips
- Food & Drink: Try local wines, fish tapas and local markets like Mercat de Sant Antoni, less crowded than La Boqueria. Addresses such as Cal Pep (El Born) or La Nena (Gràcia) will delight gourmets.
- Safety: Stay alert on Les Ramblas and in the crowded metro. Don’t show too much cash or phone.
- Shopping: Between the big luxury names on Passeig de Gràcia and the more artisanal boutiques in El Born, there’s something for everyone. Fans of vintage finds will appreciate flea markets like Els Encants.
- Day trips: If time allows, a trip up to the Monastery of Montserrat or to Girona can be an excellent idea. The former is about an hour away by train, the latter around an hour and a quarter.
Summary tables
Main sites and prices (2024) :
| Attractions | Adult prices | Opening times | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sagrada Familia | ~26 € | 9am – 8pm | Highly recommended |
| Parc Güell | ~10 € | 9.30am – 7.30pm | Yes, early |
| Casa Batlló | ~35 € | 9.am – 9pm | Yes, online |
| Casa Milà | ~29 € | 9am – 8pm | Yes, online |
| MNAC | ~12 € | 10am – 6pm | Yes, online |
Transports :
| Option | Prices (2024) | Validity | Area |
| HOLA Barcelona | ~18 € (2j) | 2-5 Days | Area1 |
| Tourist bus | ~33 €/24h | 24h or 48h | The entire city |
Conclusion:
In three days in Barcelona, you can take in the essentials: modernist architecture, medieval history, culinary traditions and seaside pleasures. Book your tickets in advance to avoid queues, take the HOLA Barcelona card with you if you’re planning a series of visits, and don’t hesitate to adapt this itinerary to suit your interests. I hope these suggestions will help you to fall under the spell of this extraordinary city. Enjoy your break in 2024, and let yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere of the Catalan capital!