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How to spend a day in Barcelona
Find out how to spend a perfect day in Barcelona.
Barcelona sits on Spain’s northeast coast and is the capital of the Catalonia region. This cosmopolitan city is one of Europe’s cultural hubs, flaunting eye-widening architecture, a top-notch art scene and a sandy beachfront. With a lot to pack in on a city break to Barcelona, it can be hard to know where to start. Cue our handy guide to making the most of your time here. This itinerary ticks off the top spots in a day…
Once you’ve had a read, browse our city breaks to Barcelona
10:00am
Start your day with a trip to the iconic Sagrada Familia, in the heart of Barcelona. This church towers over the city and, although construction began in 1882, the monument is still being built. It might not be complete until 2026 when it’s set to become the world’s tallest church at an impressive 170 metres high. Join a private tour with an expert guide for priority access to this UNESCO-approved site. Keep your eyes peeled for natural elements like tree branches, feathers and waves woven into the walls, too.
11:30am
Next, take a 20-minute stroll through Barcelona’s streets to Casa Milà – another building worthy of your holiday snaps. Casa Milà became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and, along with the Sagrada Familia, is designed by Antoni Gaudí. Behind the stonework and wrought iron balconies, you’ll discover art exhibitions and watch performances. Make sure to check out the attic and the roof, too. The La Pedrera Essential and Magical Vision experience will show you all the best bits with an augmented reality twist.
1:00pm
Make your way to the seafront and settle down for lunch with a sea view. One of the most loved spots in Barcelona is La Barceloneta, which boasts a sweeping stretch of sand and plenty of top-notch restaurants. Seafood is a particular favourite here as the neighbourhood has a historic harbour where fresh fish is caught daily. You can also try a mixture of traditional tapas dishes by the Mediterranean Sea.
3:00pm
Take a break from the afternoon sun and wander around the Picasso Museum. With over 4,000 pieces of art in the permanent collection, plus a full calendar of exhibitions, there’s plenty to see. Pablo Picasso himself lived in Barcelona and the museum was built in his honour. Grab a guided tour and make sure you don’t miss any of the masterpieces. Plus, you’ll get to skip the queues, too.
FANCY GOING FURTHER AFIELD?
Barcelona is the perfect jumping off point for discovering other top attractions in Spain. There’s Montserrat, a monastery that dates to the 10th century, for example. It’s about an hour’s drive from the city. Monks still live there today, and the surrounding area has links to the legend of the Holy Grail. A guided tour includes access to the monastery and a visit to a local winery for tasting and some tapas. Or, whisk the family away to PortAventura for an adrenaline-filled day at Spain’s biggest theme park.
Ready to explore Barcelona?
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Author: Alice Baker
Last updated: 04.11.2022