Barcelona & Sitges: the City & the Sea
Day 1
Arrive at Barcelona Airport. To get into the city, you can grab a taxi or take a Renfe train from Terminal 2 to Estació Sants.
Where to Stay:
On a Budget:
Great Value:
For a Splurge:
Lunch
Check into your hotel, and if it's still early enough, grab lunch and sangria near La Sagrada Familia at Sagradas Tapas.
La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia is a must on any Barcelona visitor itinerary. If you choose to tour the interior be sure to book tickets well ahead of your trip! Tickets can book up weeks in advance.
The most picturesque tours will be near sunset-when the light pours through the colored stained glass windows.
Aperitivo
When you're ready, make your way south to Hotel Colón. Grab an aperitivo on the rooftop bar or pull up a seat at one of the patio tables on the square. Hotel Colón sits across from the gorgeous, Gothic Catedral de Barcelona.
Dinner
Bodega La Palma is a traditional tapas spot in the Gothic Quarter. If you love Spanish vermouth or haven't yet tried it, this is the perfect spot for it. Ask for the house vermut! This is a small restaurant, so make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
Day 2
Breakfast
You don't want to fill up before your food tour, but when in Barcelona you HAVE to get churros and chocolate. This place is also known for great coffee if you need your morning fix.
Food Tour
Take the Tapas and Wine Tour with Barcelona Local Experiences. It is one of the best tours I've ever been on. The food is fantastic and you will try some things you may not otherwise get to try (like drinking wine from a porrón!) It is informative and fun.
This is another thing you need to make sure to book weeks before your trip so it doesn't sell out.
Park Güell
Again, book tickets ahead of time! Also plan your route before you visit. Park Güell is located on a very large hill north of the city. If you want to avoid trekking up a very large hill under the hot Catalan sun, get off the metro at Lesseps or Carmel and take a taxi or bus to the Entrada Carmel at the top of the park.
Dinner
Paella is a must in Barcelona. Taverna El Glop is a traditional and well known place for it.
Day 3
Take a day trip to Montserrat! To get there take a train from Plaça d'Espanya Station. You can purchase tickets ahead of time on the Montserrat website:
Lunch
Grab a casual lunch at Bar de La Plaça in between touring the monastery and checking out the art museum.
Take the Sant Joan Funicular higher up the mountain for an even more impressive view.
When you’re ready, take the train back to Barcelona.
Dinner
Or
For a more casual beachside dinner, check out Can Fisher.
Day 4
Sitges is a lovely beach town just half an hour by train from Barcelona. It is the perfect getaway from the city. You'll find pristine beaches, active beach clubs, stunning architecture, delicious seafood, nightlife, and more.
Sitges is extremely LGBTQIA+ friendly and known for its prominent gay community and culture. Honestly, this town has something for everyone-I highly recommend it!
To Get to Sitges
Take the Metro to Sants Estació station. Here get a ticket to Sitges station.
Stay
Hotel Capri is comfortable and inviting with a quiet pool and a great breakfast spread.
A touch of comfort and close to everything.
Antonio's House is a home away from home.
Lunch
Once you’re checked in, head to Pic Nic for lunch. Set yourself up on the patio with a jug of sangria.
Culture
Soak up some art, history, and culture with a tour of the Palau de Maricel and Museu del Cau Ferrat. Be sure to check the opening times and book tickets before your visit.
Dinner
La Cocina may be the best restaurant in Sitges. Book ahead for dinner!
Day 5
While most hotels in the area provide breakfast, if you’ve slept in or need something more substantial 365 Obrador is an easy place to grab coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
Beach time
The beaches in Sitges are fantastic. Get down to the beach early and pay for a sun (or shade) lounge chair at one of the many beach clubs. This will have you set for the day.
Lunch
When you’re ready to abandon your beach lounger, make the walk to Vivero Beach Club for lunch and drinks on their cliffside patio.
Back to Barcelona
Take a late afternoon train back into the city.
Flamenco
Flamenco is another must-see in Barcelona. The show at Los Tarantos is a lot of fun.
Dinner
If you feel you've eaten yourself silly with pork and seafood or are traveling with vegetarians, Teresa Carles is a great vegetarian option. Try traditional Spanish food with a vegetarian slant.
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