If you have four days for a trip to Barcelona and are unsure how to organize your holiday, this 4 day Barcelona itinerary will be immensely helpful. Concise and straightforward, this guide will assist you in planning your time effectively. Below, you’ll find a list of the most outstanding must-see attractions.
But before we start, please take note of these important facts:
Barcelona belongs to Catalonia, a region where Catalan and Spanish are spoken equally. However, English is widely spoken, and businesses in popular tourist areas can offer their services in multiple languages.
Tipping isn’t required because it’s included in the prices for services. However, it’s common to give tips at restaurants, bars, and for taxis, usually around 5 to 10% of the total bill.
In Barcelona, the plugs use 220 volts and operate at 50 Hertz. Most hotels provide adapters if needed.
Regular business hours are from Monday to Saturday, usually from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and then from 4:30 PM to 8 PM. Shopping malls typically open around 10 AM and close at 9 or 10 PM.
In touristy places like Barcelona, it’s a good idea to be cautious: keep an eye on your belongings and make sure your bag is securely closed, especially on public transport and in tourist spots.
Recommended Hotels in Barcelona
1. Hotel Condes de Barcelona (4*)
2. Hotel Royal Passeig de Gracia (4*)
3. Circa 1905 (4*)
4. La Casa Gran B&B (3*)
5. Hotel Girona
Day 1: LaRambla and Barrio Gótico
La Rambla
La Rambla is to Barcelona what La Gran Via is to Madrid. So, we start this 4 day Barcelona itinerary by arriving at this renowned pedestrian promenade that stretches from Plaza de Cataluña, the heart of the city, to the historic port area. You can reach it by metro (L1 or L3).
This huge square, bustling with doves, serves as a venue for public events and civic gatherings. In the evenings and on holidays, it fills with families and children who enjoy playing with the doves.
Begin your walk along the long avenue lined with trees, the Ramblas. Along the way, there are nice stalls selling flowers and souvenirs. If you start early, you may be able to avoid the usual crowds.
Continue walking leisurely, and after about 15 minutes, look to your right to encounter the emblematic Mercado de la Boqueria.
La Boquería
This market has been operating in the city since 1835, and it’s a must-visit. It opens from Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 8:30 PM.
There are more than 200 stalls where you can find a variety of fresh products and delicacies. Most of the shops offer take-away food for tourists.
After leaving La Boqueria, you will pass by the Liceu, Barcelona’s main theater. Not only is this the city’s most important theater, but it’s also one of the most prestigious in the world. It has hosted performances by some of the world’s most important singers.
Continue walking, and you’ll reach the Monument to Christopher Columbus. His right arm is extended, with his index finger pointing towards the horizon. It was believed to indicate America, but interestingly, America lies in the opposite direction.
Next, retrace your steps up La Rambla until you reach Calle de Ferrán on your right. Take a turn and continue until you arrive at one of the oldest squares in the city, Plaza Sant Jaume. This marks the beginning of your adventure in the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter).
Barrio Gótico
There are many things to do in the Gothic Quarter. This area took shape during the mid-20th century at its core. Interestingly, its name is a contemporary invention as the area was conventionally referred to as the Cathedral neighborhood.
Plaza Sant Jaume
This square gets its name from an old church that no longer exists. Here, you’ll find two important buildings: the Palace of Generalitat, a medieval structure serving as the headquarters of the government of Catalonia, and the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).
During Christmas in Barcelona, a highly anticipated Nativity scene is set up here. Each year, everyone eagerly awaits this decoration as it changes annually.
The Cathedral
Your next destination is the Cathedral of Barcelona, commonly known as La Seu. Built in Gothic style dating back to the 13th century, it’s a magnificent building boasting wonderful altars. However, I highly recommend ascending to the terraces (accessible by a lift) to enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city.
The Cathedral is open every day from 8 AM to 8 PM. Admission is free except from 1 PM to 5 PM when it costs 7 euros. Access to the terraces costs 3 euros during free hours.
The Cathedral honors Saint Eulalia, buried within. Legend says she was a shepherdess during Roman times who refused to renounce her Catholic faith. Before her crucifixion, she endured 13 terrible martyrdoms, hence the presence of 13 swans in a pond in the cloister.
The area around the Cathedral is vibrant and filled with restaurants. You can stop for a drink or simply sit and watch people passing by.
Day 2: Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell and Barceloneta
Sagrada Familia
What could be more emblematic in Barcelona than the Sagrada Familia! We visit it on the second day of our 4-day Barcelona itinerary. I strongly suggest visiting it very early in the morning. The sunlight shines through the beautiful colored windows, creating a wonderful display inside.
Construction began in 1882. Antonio Gaudi, the architect, left all the plans for future architecture to continue the work. Since then, it has been under construction, except for the interruption during the Spanish Civil War when part of the building was destroyed. It took 10 years to rebuild.
Construction is ongoing, and its completion date is unknown. Originally set to finish in 2026, doubts persist as its central towers, standing around 150 meters tall, and the main facade are still incomplete.
As one of the most visited monuments in Europe, it’s strongly advisable to buy your tickets in advance. Try to arrive early before the crowds start forming; otherwise, it will be difficult to obtain a good photo. The visit takes about 2 hours.
If you want to avoid any hassle, I would recommend booking a Skip-the-Line Ticket with a Certified Guide. This way, you will be able to enjoy your visit much more.
After finishing your visit, I suggest heading to Parc Güell. It will take you less than 40 minutes to walk from the Sagrada Familia.
Parc Güell
This park is another masterpiece of Gaudi’s imaginative genius. Construction began in 1900 and lasted for 14 years. It was built for Eusebi Güell, a businessman, with the idea of creating an urbanization with beautiful natural surroundings and top-notch homes equipped with the latest technology for comfort and artistic excellence.
The park incorporates symbols representing political and religious beliefs, including elements from Catalan politics and Catholicism. Mythological inspiration, like the temple of Apollo at Delphi, is also evident in the design. In 1926, it opened as a public park for the city.
The park is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Tickets should be bought well in advance due to the high volume of daily tourists. The visit around the park takes about 2 hours.
You can secure here your ticket in advance, along with a free audio guide app. This way, you save yourself the hassle of printing and queuing. Just show your mobile voucher at the entrance. Stay as long as you like and explore Park Güell at your own pace.
The next stop is a visit to the marine neighborhood of Barceloneta. The easiest way to go from Parque Guell is by metro, which takes 25 minutes and costs €3.
Barceloneta
The town dates back to the 18th century when fishermen designed very long and narrow streets to build their houses, pointing directly to the sea. Today, it’s a charming environment with colorful houses.
There is a wide array of restaurants and bars where people are accustomed to taking a pre-dinner aperitif with friends or just watching people pass by.
For the 1992 Olympics, the renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry created a notable steel sculpture near the Barceloneta promenade. Towering over buildings by the beach, Gehry’s abstract sculpture distinctly resembles a shining fish when caught in the sunlight. It became an iconic symbol of La Barceloneta.
A visit to the market in La Barceloneta is also an interesting activity. It’s the first market in Barcelona using solar energy and opens from Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Day 3: Paseo de Gracia
Paseo de Gracia (or Passeig de Gràcia in Catalan) stands as a major street in Barcelona, much like La Rambla. Comparable to Madrid’s Serrano Street, Paris’ Champs Elysées, or Rome’s Via Condotti, it exudes sophistication.
The elegance of this Barcelona street isn’t solely derived from its upscale shops but also from the splendid buildings lining its sidewalks.
Antonio Gaudi and other Spanish architects have left their indelible mark on many of the city’s most famous buildings. Prepare to be amazed by the wonders of these modernist artworks. Following a visit, take a leisurely stroll down the avenue, exploring its most fashionable shops.
Casa Batló
This house is one of two designed by Gaudi along this avenue.
In 1904, Gaudi created this building for Josep Battló, a prominent figure of that era. Drawing inspiration from marine life, Gaudi employed colors and shapes reminiscent of natural coral for the façade. The exterior seemingly resembles skulls and bones, but they are actually balconies and pillars, respectively.
Several theories exist about the symbolism behind specific elements, such as the mask-shaped balconies or the roof resembling a dragon’s back.
It’s open every day from 9 AM to 8 PM, and a visit typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Price: €39.00, includes an audio guide in 10 languages.
Address: Passeig de Gracia, 43
La Pedrera (Casa Milá)
This house stands among the most renowned modernist buildings globally. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Designed in 1906 by Gaudi for Pere Mila, it’s better known as La Pedrera (the quarry) due to its resemblance to an open cast quarry. The facade, with its curved design, creates an impression of forming undulating waves.
Visitors can explore the impressive terrace accessible via an elevator, offering an amazing view.
This is the sole exhibition space in Barcelona dedicated to all of Gaudí’s work, covering a total of 4,500 m2 spread across five floors of the building.
Open daily from 9 AM to 8:30 PM.
Admission: €28.00
Address: Carrer de Provença, 261 – 265
Casa Lleó Morera
The Spanish architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner oversaw the renovation of the Lleó Morera family’s house in 1905.
The best sculptors, mosaicists, glassmakers, and ceramists collaborated under Domenech’s guidance. Together, they created a magnificent work for posterity.
It’s an impressive building to be appreciated from the outside.
Address: Passeig de Gracia, 35
Casa Amatller
Josep Puig designed this urban Gothic palace for the wealthy chocolate manufacturer, Antoni Amatller, by the end of the 19th century.
The building’s façade is flat, featuring elements from both Catalan and Flemish Gothic styles.
The asymmetrical doors on the façade showcase a Saint George sculpture, complemented by delicate sgraffito joining ceramics. All the furniture of the house is original.
At the end of your visit, you can enter a coffee shop and purchase chocolate or try a delicious hot chocolate.
It opens every day from 9:00 to 18:00. A visit takes about one hour.
Address: Passeig de Gracia, 41. It’s located very near to Gaudi’s houses.
4. Montjüic
To start your last day of this 4 day Barcelona itinerary take metro line 3 (green) to the Parallel station. From there, take the cable car to the park. You can get the tickets at the station. For your convenience you can also book your Montjüic Cable Car Round Trip here.
The cable car offers an impressive experience, taking you through the hills of Montjuïc and providing a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Upon reaching the top of the hill, visit the Montjuïc Castle, a military fortification dating back to the 17th century. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the port.
The castle is open every day of the year except for Christmas and January 1. The entrance fee is €5. Admission is free every Sunday from 15:00.
After exploring the castle, wander through the park and discover the numerous monuments and gardens. You can also visit the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, which houses a large collection of Catalan and Spanish art.
To conclude your day, visit the Magic Fountain of Montjüic. The fountain offers a light and sound show every thirty minutes. It operates from Thursday to Sunday, from 21:00 to 22:30 in April, May, and October, from 21:30 to 23:00 from June to September, and from November to March from 19:00 to 20:30.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Condes de Barcelona (4*) is situated on Passeig de Gracia, in the safest area of Eixample. This 19th-century building offers a seasonal rooftop pool and terrace. Some rooms boast views of Passeig de Gracia or a charming Eixample courtyard, with select rooms offering a small balcony. The hotel also houses an elegant rooftop bar. Passeig de Gracia Train Station, located 656 feet away, provides direct links to Barcelona Airport.
Book here your stay at the Hotel Condes de Barcelona
Hotel Royal Passeig de Gracia (4*) is located within 164 feet of La Pedrera and Diagonal Metro Station. It boasts a terrace bar offering panoramic views of Barcelona. Just a 5-minute walk from Casa Batlló, the hotel offers easy access to Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas, and it’s only 2 stops away from Diagonal Station. It features a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar offering breakfast and private parking.
Book here your stay at Hotel Royal Passeig de Gracia
Circa 1905 (4*) is a charming small hotel, situated on the first floor of a modernist building. It’s just 164 feet away from Barcelona’s renowned shopping street, Passeig de Gràcia. Gaudí’s La Pedrera is a mere 328 feet away, and Casa Batlló is reachable in under 5 minutes on foot. The air-conditioned rooms blend classic and modern features, featuring balconies. Guests enjoy a breakfast made from local produce.
Book here your stay at Circa 1905
Budget Hotels
La Casa Gran B&B is a 10-minute walk from Passeig de Gràcia and Gaudi’s La Pedrera. Rooms feature private bathrooms, balconies with street views, and abundant natural light. It offers a communal living-dining area with tea and coffee facilities. It’s close to the tourist bus stop and direct airport bus connections.
Book here your stay at La Casa Gran B&B
Hostal Girona is housed in a historic 19th-century building, 10-minute walk from Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça Catalunya. This small, modern guest house provides air-conditioned rooms, some with en suite facilities while others have shared bathrooms. Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera are within walking distance. Facilities include airport shuttle, free WiFi, parking, air conditioning, heating, daily housekeeping, and an excellent breakfast.
Book here your stay at Hostal Girona
