3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary for First-Timers

I have been to Barcelona four times, it is up there as one of my favourite European cities, this 3 days in Barcelona plan is the one I recommend for friends and first-timers.

It includes my travel tips, favourite food spots, and hidden gems from my time spent there, and I group sights by area, so you spend less time travelling and more time seeing things.

TL;DR. 3 days in Barcelona in 60 seconds

Here is my itinerary for those of you short on time, all of this is explored in detail, with my top tips, in the article below

• Book Ahead: Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Then choose one Gaudí house.
• Hotel Base: Eixample for easiest logistics. El Born for pretty streets and food.
• Day 1: Old Town loop. Quick market lunch. Barceloneta sunset walk.
• Day 2: Sagrada Família. Passeig de Gràcia. One Gaudí house. Park Güell.
• Day 3: Montjuïc. Views, one museum and a big sunset.

Before you book: Your logistics checklist

Barcelona is hugely popular and as a result, you will want to book tickets for the following sights. I recommend planning your route around the ticket slot you get to make the most of your three days:

My Top Tip! If any of these are sold out, you can often find guided tours with availability. They are more expensive than a single ticket, but you get a guaranteed entry and an expert showing you around

Park Güell timed-entry

Park Güell is capacity-controlled, so your slot decides what the Day 2 afternoon can look like. If you want the iconic views in the park without feeling rushed, aim for a time that leaves you space for lunch and travel before you go.

Official Site — Tickets and Guided Tours

Sagrada Família timed-entry 

If you want to go inside Sagrada Familia, and I suggest you do, make it your Day 2 anchor. Once you have a slot, you can build everything else around it without constant reshuffling. If you just want to see the outside, you can skip this part.

Official Site — Tickets and Guided Tours

Gaudi Houses

These only need to be booked if you want to go inside. Casa Batlló or La Pedrera are my recommendations.

Official Site — Tickets and Guided Tours

My Top Tip! Don’t book Park Güell last and try to squeeze it in between multiple other ticket slots. You risk running over and missing slots or feeling rushed.

In my opinion, La Sagrada and the Park Guell should be your priorities, get these right, take your time and then fill your remaining day itinerary around them

What Barcelona passes are helpful? 

There are several passes for tourists in Barcelona, which can be useful depending on your situation and plans. Click the card names for what they include:

My Top Tip! People think buying a pass replaces planning. It doesn’t. Timed-entry sights still need a reservation, pass or not. So make sure you plan accordingly

This is my view on passes

If you are following my itinerary and your priorities are Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and one Gaudí house, book individual tickets and skip passes. It’s worth considering Hola Barcelona if you know you will use the metro a lot.

Downloadable map of my Barcelona itinerary

Your 3-day Barcelona Itinerary 

These are my recommendations, based on travelling at a reasonable pace, if you prefer to travel slower remove a stop or two and focus on the key sights I outlined above.

Day 1. Old Town highlights plus a simple first-night plan

I have planned this route so it’s easy to follow in order, so you make the most of your time. It’s all plotted on the free to download google map, so you can walk with it on your phone and not get lost in the gothic quarter.

Morning. El Born loop

This loop might look like a lot, but it’s more of a walk with sights, rather than places you spend a significant amount of time. It really gives you a feel for one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Barcelona (in my opinion!).

Arc de Triomf

A red-brick arch, similar to it’s Parisian cousin, and an easy landmark to meet at. Grab a quick photo, then head down the promenade.

Passeig de Lluís Companys

A wide, tree-lined walkway that leads you straight to the park. This is the simplest way without checking your phone every two minutes.

Parc de la Ciutadella (10–20 minute wander)

Barcelona’s big central park. Do a short loop past the main fountain area, then leave on the Old Town side.

El Born streets

This is the cobbled-street Barcelona people picture. Keep to the smaller streets and you’ll avoid most of the noise and traffic. The little sunken lanes around El Born are the bit I always come back for.

El Born Cultural and Memorial Centre

A former market building turned cultural space. It’s a nice place to pause, look around, and get your bearings in the neighbourhood.

Santa Maria del Mar

A Gothic church with a bright, open interior. It’s one of the most rewarding church visits in the centre and it sits right in the heart of El Born. I prefer doing this early, it’s calmer and the area feels less hectic. Free to enter.

Carrer de Montcada

A beautiful historic street with grand old buildings. It’s a simple, satisfying walk that links naturally towards your lunch area.

LUNCH – Santa Caterina Market

A covered food market that’s great for an easy lunch. It’s usually less frantic than others and works well as your end point. I find it much easier for a quick, low-fuss bite than La Boqueria (which is excellent if you have more time).

Optional stops before lunch. Choose one

Moco Museum

A small, modern art museum with big-name contemporary works and immersive, photo-friendly rooms. Choose it if you want something quick, fun, and easy to fit in. If you want a modern stop on this route, this is the one I recommend.

Picasso Museum

A larger, more traditional museum focused on Picasso’s early years and development. It works best with a pre booked timed slot so you’re not queueing.

Pastelería Hofmann

My personal favourite baker in Spain, perhaps wider! This is recognised by people more qualified than me and has seen it win several awards. The Mascarpone Croissant is particularly special, and I ended up eating 4 pastries in 3 days on my recent trip. No regrets. 

Afternoon and sunset

If you go deeper into the Old Town after lunch, you’ll likely end up on the busiest tourist lanes. Instead, head to the harbour for sunset.

Walk to the harbour

From Santa Caterina, head towards the sea and aim for the Port Vell area. An easy walk there and then a scenic stroll with boats and sea breeze. It’s a good contrast to the narrow Old Town streets.

Barceloneta promenade

Carry on to Barceloneta for a longer seafront walk and sunset. There are plenty of cafes and bars if you want to reward yourself with a stop. 

Evening. Classic Tapas

Plan A. El Xampanyet

A classic, standing-room cava-and-tapas bar in El Born. It’s lively and quick once you’re in. It is incredibly popular so there will be a line at peak times. I usually queue before doors open, or go later than normal dinner time.

Plan B. Bodega La Puntual

Right next door and usually easier to get a table. A great back-up for classic tapas. My personal favourite here is the tuna belly with tomato salad.

Day 2. The headline sights and Gaudi

This is the day where you need to book ahead. Make sure you don’t book your entry slots too close together. I recommend one morning, one midday (optional), then Park Güell later. If in doubt, leave a bit more space between than you think you might need.

Sagrada Família and the surroundings

Barcelona’s most famous basilica, designed by Antoni Gaudí, with a huge, light-filled interior. Go in the morning if you can, it makes the rest of the day a lot easier.

Official Site — Tickets and Guided Tours

Time 1–2 hrs • Cost about €26 (£23) more with a guided tour

Right after the Sagrada, take in these two sights nearby

Plaça de Gaudí pond

A small park and pond directly opposite Sagrada Família. It’s the easiest place nearby for reflection photos.

Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau (Hospital de Sant Pau)

A modernist hospital complex with colourful tiles and courtyards. It’s a great follow-on because it’s close and feels completely different to Sagrada. You have the option to go inside as well (€16).

Lunch plan. Easy and central

There are cafe’s and fast food available everywhere on Day 2, so this is an option. If you want something quick, but tasty I recommend:

El Nacional

It’s a large, stylish food hall with multiple counters and seating. It’s useful today because you can eat quickly without a reservation and there are different choices for all your group

Bar Casi

An hororable mention from me, but only an option if you haven’t managed to get Park Guell tickets due to it’s location. If you want something unashamedly local this is a great spot. It’s a set menu style meal, €16 for three courses plus a drink. It’s quick, friendly, outrageous value and no fuss.

Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia is Barcelona’s grand boulevard. It’s the street you can stroll down and see the majority of the Gaudi buildings, and it also works if you want a bit of shopping without a detour.

If you are interested in more than just seeing the outside, I recommend picking just one to go inside. They are spectacular, but with only three days they are similar enough to skip one. Pick one of these two before heading to Park Guell:

Casa Batlló

A Gaudí-designed townhouse known for its curved façade and imaginative interiors. Choose it if you want the most visually dramatic for photos.

Official Site — Tickets and Guided Tours

Time about 1 hr 45 mins • Cost from €35 (from £31)

La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Famous for its wave-like stone exterior and rooftop chimneys. Choose it if you care most about architecture inside and some special rooftop views.

Official Site — Tickets and Guided Tours

Time 1–1.5 hrs • Cost about €25 (£22)

Park Güell visit 

A Gaudí-designed park on a hill, known for mosaics, viewpoints, and the famous curved bench. Put it later in the day so you’re not rushing, and give yourself time so you can explore properly.

Official Site — Tickets and Guided Tours

Time 1.5–2 hrs • Cost €18 (£16)

My Top Tip! Once you’re inside, don’t leave straight after the most famous photo spots. There are areas towards the edges where it feels less crowded and the views are still excellent.

The approach from the main entrance is also worth doing, the walk up is pretty spectacular and the gardens and surrounding architecture are part of the experience.

Getting to Park Güell. Escalators, stairs, and the easiest entrance

If you want the escalators (least uphill):

1. Take Metro L3 to Vallcarca or L3 to Lesseps.
2. Follow signs towards Passatge / Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.
3. Use the outdoor escalators on Baixada de la Glòria and continue to the Park Güell entrance on Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya.

My Top Tip! Watch out for planning to use the escalators on the way down. Some escalators are uphill-only, so your return route may be different.

If you want the simplest bus option (good if you’re near Passeig de Gràcia):

• Take bus 24. It drops you close to the park, and it avoids the long uphill walk from the metro.

Which Park Güell entrance should you aim for:

• Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntanya. Best if you’re using the escalators route.
• Carrer de Larrard (Carrer d’Olot side lane). Handy if you arrive on foot from the neighbourhood streets.
• Carretera del Carmel, 23. Useful if you arrive by bus or want to start from higher up and walk down.

Backup plans if Park Güell is sold out

If Park Güell tickets are gone at a usable time, don’t force a bad slot that messes up your day, swap to one of these:

Gràcia

A neighbourhood with a more local feel, known for small squares, cafés, and evening atmosphere. Wander, pause for a drink, then pick dinner nearby.

Bunkers del Carmel (sunset)

A hilltop viewpoint with one of the biggest city panoramas. It’s popular at sunset, so go with the expectation of crowds, but the view is worth it.

Day 3. Montjuïc, sunset and a flexible finish.

Montjuïc is the big hill above Plaça d’Espanya. It’s where Barcelona’s best viewpoints and a few major museums sit. This day is about views and a slower pace.

The best way to get up there: Montjuïc Funicular

Start at metro Paral·lel and take the Montjuïc funicular from there. It drops you onto the highest point of the hill.

The funicular is the same cost as a normal metro/bus fare, or free if you have an integrated travel pass.

My Top Tip! Watch out for trying to walk up from Plaça d’Espanya in the middle of the day, it’s a proper uphill walk that will take 40-60 minutes. If you want the steps for the day, walk down when you’ve finished is my advice.

From the top pick one of these activities before you head to MNAC.

Option A. Cactus garden

Go to Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera. It’s a cactus and succulent garden with sea views and lots of space, so it feels quieter than most central sights.

Time 45–75 mins. Cost Free

Option B. Viewpoints-only

Stroll the paths and viewpoints around Montjuïc, then aim yourself back towards MNAC for the afternoon.

Time 60–90 mins. Cost Free

MNAC. Then stay for sunset

MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) sits in the big palace building above Plaça d’Espanya. You can go inside if you want an art museum, but even if you skip the museum, the steps and terraces are spectacular with views across the city.

There are also street musicians and cafes for entertainment and snacks

My Top Tip! This is my favourite sunset spot in Barcelona. You get loads of space, fewer people than the most popular viewpoints, and a wide angle over the city.

The approach from the front is part of the experience too, it’s a spectacular walk up with gardens and grand architecture around you, with escalators if you are tired or mobility challenged. 

Time 1.5–2.5 hrs. Cost €12

My final dinner recommendation

Go to Carrer de Blai for pintxos-style tapas and keep it simple. Good food and a 20-30 minute (downhill) walk from MNAC

Optional add-on. Montjuïc cable car

Only add the cable car if you want the ride itself and the views from it. Otherwise, you can get great views on foot around MNAC and the gardens.

Cost €17.10 return (adult)

Optional Day 3 swaps.

If you don’t like the sound of my Day 3 plan you have a couple of extra options that are worth considering

Montserrat day trip (mountains + monastery)

Montserrat is a mountain range outside Barcelona with a famous hilltop monastery, big views, and a few easy walks.

It’s the best swap if you want a break from the city that still feels straightforward to do. Go early, visit the monastery area, then add one short viewpoint walk or a funicular ride if you feel like it.

Time 5–7 hrs • Cost typical €32–€45 DIY. Guided tours €60+

Tibidabo (hilltop theme park)

Tibidabo is a small hilltop theme park above Barcelona. It’s part classic fairground, part modern rides, and the real highlight is the panoramic view over the city and sea. It’s a great choice for families

Time 4–6 hrs • Cost about €39 adult (includes the funicular and shuttle)

Where to stay for 3 days in Barcelona

You want to choose a hotel that makes two things easy. Walkable evenings, and quick metro links when you need them.

Best all-round base for first timers

Eixample is the simplest, most central-feeling base for this itinerary. It is good for Day 2, and it keeps you on straightforward streets when you are tired at night.

Best base for food and walkable evenings

El Born is my favourite for evenings because you can wander on foot and stumble into good places without planning too hard. It also puts you close to Day 1’s Old Town plan.

Best base if you want the beach in your plans

Barceloneta, but it can be noisy, and you will need to use the metro or Uber more frequently.

How to stay safe in Barcelona

I am asked a lot about how safe Barcelona is, with people particulary worried about pick pockets. I have not had any problems on my 4 visits, but you do need to be sensible, as with the majority of major cities.

Pickpocketing is common, particularly on busy streets like Las Ramblas, metro stations and train carriages (especially near the doors), packed viewpoints, and café terraces where bags sit on chairs.

Do this and you’ll avoid most problems:

• Keep your phone in a closed pocket or bag when you’re walking.
• Wear your bag crossbody and keep the zip facing your body.
• On the metro, move away from the doors and keep a hand on your bag.
• Never hang a bag on the back of a chair. Loop a strap around your leg or keep it on your lap.
• Avoid leaving anything on café tables, even for a moment.

Barcelona FAQs for first timers