Barcelona in 2 Days: everything you need to know

Barcelona is one of the favorite destinations for travelers around the world for one reason: it is a city with a lot to see and do in it; but if you have only two days to tour it... How can you organize yourself to see everything important? This article is the answer you're looking for.

Before you begin, keep in mind that this itinerary covers two full days, from morning to evening. If you want to see shorter or longer itineraries, I recommend you visit...

• Itinerary to get to know Barcelona in 1 day
• Itinerary to visit Barcelona in 3 days

One of the best things about visiting Barcelona is having the opportunity to admire some of the most remarkable creations of the visionary architect Antonio Gaudí, who inspired by organic forms enhanced the modernist architecture of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Your first day will be spent touring these works and then admiring the best of Barcelona's Gothic architecture. Wake up early on the morning of your first day to explore the two largest works (in terms of fame and size) of the famous Gaudí.

To save time and effort I recommend purchasing your combined tickets to Park Güell and Sagrada Familia.

Güell Park

Located north of the city, Park Güell is a magnificent extension of approximately 17 hectares in which Gaudí's sculptural creativity blends spectacularly with the nature of the place. It was commissioned by Eusebi Güell, the architect's greatest patron, and although the project was born as a residential complex, the idea was quickly abandoned.

You will find animal figures of impossible sizes adorned with small colorful mosaics. Gaudí took advantage of the sloping terrain to create a relaxing uphill walk so I recommend you climb to the top of the Calvary Monument forpanoramic viewsof Barcelona.

• Hours: From 8:00 am to 9:00 pm at certain times of the year the closing time may vary slightly.
• Entrance fee: From 10€ per person per adult entrance ticket.
• Duration of the visit: I recommend spending about 2 hours touring the park.
• Transportation: The nearest metro stop is Lesseps (line 3) located a few minutes walk from the entrance.

The Sagrada Familia

After your visit to Park Güell I recommend you to spend some time exploring Gaudí's most famous modernist work and the most famous monument in Barcelona.

You will find in Barcelona organized tours that include a visit to Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia.

There is a lot to see inside the Sagrada Familia, so I recommend whenever possible to hire an expert guide for a memorable tour; when it comes to Gaudi's work, it is well worth the investment!

• Opening hours: From 09h in the morning until 18h in winter, 20h in summer and 19h the rest of the year.
• Entrance fee: About 17€ for an adult ticket.
• Duration of the visit: I recommend spending about 2 hours touring the imposing monument.
• Transportation: From Park Güell the best way to get there is to take the Barcelona tourist bus that stops at both destinations. You can also take public transportation with the V19 bus.

Stroll through the Eixample

Continue the walking tour exploring other architectural gems of the Eixample district until you reach the oldest part of the city with one of its most emblematic neighborhoods: the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.

Go to La Pedrera in Barcelona

La Pedrera is the nickname earned after its construction by another of Gaudi's magnificent residential works, although its real name is Casa Mila and it was completed in 1912.

It is worth touring the interior of La Pedrera to delight in its sculptural appearance, its curvilinear wall interiors and its fabulous rooftop terrace, from which you can have spectacular views of the heart of Barcelona.

• Opening hours: From 9 am to 6:30 pm from November to February and until 8:30 pm from March to October.
• Admission fee: From 22 € the adult ticket.
• Duration of the visit: One hour to visit all levels and go up to the roof.
• Transportation: From your location around the Sagrada Familia I recommend taking the tourist bus or failing that the public bus lines 33 and 34. If you decide to walk it is 18 minutes.

Get to know Casa Batlló

Located on Paseo de Gracia, one of the most beautiful avenues in Barcelona, is the Casa Batllo, a work of Gaudi's civil architecture.

Explore the interior of the Casa Batllo to discover a magical building very different from any residential space you will ever know.

• Hours: From 09h to 21h every day. At certain times of the year they may close earlier.
• Admission fee: From 25€ for an adult ticket.
• Duration of the visit: The tour inside will only take 1 hour.
• Transportation: From Casa Milá, Batlló is located just 3 streets away, on the same Paseo de la Gracia Avenue.

Plaza Cataluña and Las Ramblas

Located in the heart of Barcelona, Plaza Cataluña is the starting point of one of the most iconic and important avenues of the Catalan capital, as well as being the point where the old town converges with the completely modernist part that you already toured in the morning.

Las Ramblas is a place full of color, art and life; it is worth spending a few hours walking its streets. Have a coffee in a bar-restaurant and soak up the lively atmosphere and the warmth of the place.

• Transportation or Tour: From your location at La Casa Batlló follow your route along Paseo de la Gracia until you reach Plaza Cataluña, located just 9 minutes away on foot.

Visit the Cathedral of Barcelona

On your way along Las Ramblas Avenue take a small detour to visit the Cathedral of Barcelona.

One of the wonders of Gothic architecture in Spain, the temple was built in the fourteenth century and houses some really impressive interiors. Be sure to see the Crypt of Santa Eulalia located just below the main altar. If you don't have time for a tour at least admire the fabulous facade.

• Hours: From 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm.
• Entrance fee: The entrance to the temple is free, if you want to visit the terrace you will have to pay 3€; if you want to visit the museum and the chapel you will have to pay 7€.
• Duration of the visit: Approximately one hour.

Visit the Boqueria market in the evening

Spend the late afternoon and evening touring one of the most emblematic points of the city and also one of the most beloved places by the locals, the iconic Boqueria Market.

In approximately 2500 square meters you will find no less than 300 stalls focused mainly on the gastronomic field.

Take advantage of your evening to eat delicious local food in one of the many establishments that you will find inside the Boqueria.

• Hours: From 08h to 20:30h. Monday to Saturday.
• Admission fee: Free
• Duration of the visit: As long as you want.
• Transport or route: The market is located directly on La Rambla street, so I recommend you to go as soon as you finish your tour.

Your second day in Barcelona will be spent marveling at its beautiful beaches, neighborhoods and green landscapes. Barcelona's Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect destination to enjoy this type of environment no matter what time of year you decide to explore.

Ciutadella Park

Start the morning of your second day with a leisurely stroll through what was, for a long time, Barcelona's only public park.

It can be a great place to hang out, especially if you're visiting Barcelona with kids, as its 17+ hectares include an extensive garden area to play in, a lake, a greenhouse and the Barcelona Zoo (which I recommend exploring on a more leisurely 4+ day trip to Barcelona ).

• Hours: Always open
• Admission fee: Free of charge
• Duration of visit: As long as you like
• Transportation: The nearest Metro or streetcar stop is Ciutadella / Vila Olímpica.

Walk through La Barceloneta to the Olympic Port:

Leaving the Ciutadella Park behind, take a leisurely stroll through La Barceloneta until you reach the Olympic Port area. La Barceloneta is one of the favorite neighborhoods for tourists touring the city; very famous for its seaside atmosphere and beautiful beaches. In its narrow streets you will find old buildings with facades that have been preserved for more than 200 years.

Take an early lunch at the Olympic Port

Located between two of the most beautiful beaches of Barcelona, Somorrostro and Nova Icaria, is the most attractive marina on the Mediterranean coast: the Olympic Port.

In addition to offering spectacular scenery, this place is ideal for a delicious lunch in one of the many restaurants overlooking the sea that you can find in the area. Here are some suggestions.

• La Fonda del Port Olímpic, a traditional Spanish cuisine restaurant.
• La Taberna Gallega de Marcos, one of the best places for Galician and Mediterranean food.
• Paco Alcalde, ideal for paella, seafood or any type of fish.
• El Cangrejo Loco, Mediterranean and Catalan food. Its terrace is really beautiful.

Spend the afternoon at Montjüic Mountain

The Montjuic Mountain is a high ground, very close to the old part of the city, which in former times was used as a military surveillance post.

However, two important interventions were carried out here: the first in 1929 in preparation for the Universal Exposition and the second in 1992 in preparation for the celebration of the Olympic Games in Spain.

These interventions served to convert this area of the city into an important tourist attraction that includes several attractions among which it is worth mentioning:

• Montjüic Castle: Located at the top of the mountain is an old military fortress that serves as a viewpoint. From this place you can take great panoramic pictures of the city.
• Pueblo Español: Created to honor the different peoples and customs of Spain.
• National Art Museum: Considered one of the best museums in Barcelona, it exhibits Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, modern and contemporary art.
• Montjuic Fountain: After sunset this beautiful fountain offers a truly impressive light show.
• How to get there: You can go up to the top using the Montjuic cable car. You just need to take the metro (line L2 or L3) to the Paral-lel stop or the Barcelona tourist bus.
• Hours: The cable car operates from 10 am to 6 pm in winter, until 9 pm in summer and until 7 pm the rest of the year.

Have a night of bars and tapas in Barcelona

The best way to say goodbye to your last night in Barcelona is to take a tour of bars and tapas after sunset.

In the Catalan capital you will find several companies that offer this experience and you can count on the company of an expert guide who will take a small group of tourists through some of the best places in the area. The best part? Curious historical facts and amusing anecdotes are always guaranteed.

• Hours: Varies depending on the company you hire.
• Price: This type of experience is available from 50€, approximately.
• Duration: Approximately three hours.