3-day Destination Guide in Barcelona

3-day Destination Guide in Barcelona

This 3-day destination guide gives you an idea of the places to visit in Barcelona. Learn more about my experience and more details about the places by clicking each location.
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Barcelona Adventures: Exploring the Gems of Spain's Vibrant City

As I stepped foot into Barcelona, I couldn’t contain my excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead, especially with the iconic Sagrada Familia waiting to greet me. Let me tell you, Barcelona lived up to every bit of my expectations!

Our adventure spanned three days, packed with must-visit spots and hidden gems, though we did regretfully miss out on a few places (but hey, a return trip to Spain is already on my mind!). Here's a glimpse into our thrilling itinerary:

Day 1: A Captivating Welcome

Barcelona–El Prat Airport
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Arrival: We touched down at the airport around 9 am. Getting to the city was a breeze, thanks to the convenient metro and bus connections. In several cafes and the restrooms, Type C outlets are accessible if your battery is running low.
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Arenas de Barcelona
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A Majestic Metamorphosis: The sight of this former arena transformed into a bustling mall was a sight to behold. The history showcased within the mall revealed its fascinating journey of evolution. And the cherry on top? The breathtaking views of Placa Espanya, Torres Venecianes, and Montjuic from the top! 360 degree View: Enjoy the Plaza Espanya and its surroundings for FREE at the rooftop of this mall.
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Montjuïc
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An Enchanting Hill: While the summer drought had temporarily halted the fountain shows, Montjuic's allure was still undeniable. Some filming action added to the excitement during our visit. Though we missed the museum, we heard it's a must-see and totally worth the 2 euros.
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Day 2: Immersed in Barcelona's Historic Beauty

Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
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Our second day kicked off at the captivating Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, a former hospital turned UNESCO World Heritage site. But before our adventure, we fueled up with coffee, or in my case, a delightful Cola Cao drink topped with whipped cream, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
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La Sagrada Familia
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A trip to Barcelona wouldn't be complete without visiting the iconic Sagrada Familia. With our reserved slot at 9:30 am, we eagerly stepped inside this UNESCO World Heritage site and marveled at its magnificence. Opting to ascend the Nativity tower, the view was nothing short of mesmerizing. The intricate details of Gaudi's masterpiece left us in awe, both inside and out. We delved into its history at the museum, gaining a deeper appreciation for its significance. When choosing which tower to visit, here are some details to help you decide: Nativity Facade: Faces east Built during Gaudi's lifetime Features 340 steps down Longer descent compared to the Passion Facade Passion Facade: Faces west Constructed in the 1950s, 20 years after Gaudi's death Features 426 steps down Both towers follow a similar itinerary, featuring different views and perspectives. You'll take an elevator up and walk down a spiral staircase. Make sure to get a ticket that includes access to the basilica plus one of the towers for a complete experience.
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Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona
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A Striking Monument: Next on our list was the grand Arc de Triomf, majestically gracing Passeig Lluís Companys with its striking vibrant color.
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Ciutadella Park
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Barcelona's Urban Haven: From the Arc, our path led us to Barcelona's largest park, Parc de la Ciutadella, where we took a well-deserved break amidst its serene beauty. The option to rent a boat and enjoy the view can an extra touch of tranquility to your day.
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Barceloneta Beach
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Strolling Barceloneta's Coast :Barcelona truly has it all - mountains, cityscapes, and a sparkling sea. Our leisurely walk along the bustling Barceloneta offered a unique experience. And as a Filipino at heart, my curiosity was piqued when I discovered a snack named "Filipinos" at a supermarket - quite a treat! One thing I admired about Spain was the abundance of trash cans, allowing us to snack and enjoy the views responsibly.
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Plaça de l'Ictineo
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Unwinding at Plaça de l'Ictineo: We chanced upon a delightful surprise - a doggo party! The happy canines running freely in the field brought a smile to our faces. Not to be outdone, the reflective panels at the entrance of Maremagnum captured our attention. Afterwards, we savored the captivating sights around Rambla De Mar.
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Columbus Monument
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Sunset Gaze at Columbus Monument: As the sun dipped towards the horizon, we found ourselves at the Columbus Monument. Capturing that phenomenal shot of the navigator pointing towards Mallorca was an unforgettable moment to cherish.
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Day 3: Culinary Feats and Artistic Treats

Mercado de La Boqueria
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A Foodie Paradise: Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure at La Boqueria! Right in the heart of La Rambla, you can't miss Barcelona's famous food market - Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. It's a food lover's dream come true! Over 300 food stalls await, boasting a delightful variety of olives, jamón, seafood, refreshing smoothies, tartars, and so much more! From the first bite to the last sip, La Boqueria treats your senses to an extraordinary feast you won't soon forget.
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La Rambla
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La Rambla - A Vibrant Boulevard: As we walked along the lively La Rambla, we couldn't help but feel the infectious cheer of this iconic boulevard. In Spain, these boulevards are a common sight, and Barcelona's La Rambla takes the crown for being the most famous and vibrant of them all. The best part? You get to stroll right in the center, surrounded by the energy of the city. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, taking in the sights and sounds that make this place truly special. Just a heads up, prices along La Rambla can be a bit steep, so we recommend exploring other spots for dining and souvenirs, where you'll find hidden gems without breaking the bank.
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THE CASAS: Architectural Wonders

Even if architecture isn't your usual cup of tea, these casas will blow you away! You can't miss them during your trip to Barcelona.

Casa Amatller
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Step into a wonderfully preserved building designed by the brilliant Catalan architect, Josep Puig i Cadafalch. But the real treat? The original owner was a confectioner, so don't miss the chance to savor their specialty - the Amattler chocolate. A sweet delight!
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Casa Batlló
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Brace yourself for Barcelona's iconic masterpiece! Gaudi's touch has turned this building into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its eye-catching colors, intricate details, and unique design make Casa Battló a real-life fairy tale straight out of your wildest imagination.
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La Pedrera-Casa Milà
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Another UNESCO World Heritage Site and another Gaudi masterpiece! Gaudi crafted this private residence in the 1900s, and boy, does it have curves! The stone facade alone will leave you in awe, not to mention those charming twisted chimneys on the rooftop.
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Casa Vicens Gaudí
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Witness Gaudi's first house masterpiece, built in the 1880s. This modernist summer house earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's not hard to see why. The style and tile pattern on the exterior are so unique, you won't be able to take your eyes off this imaginative beauty.
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Other places of interest that you can swap with the other locations:

Park Güell
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Palau de la Música Catalana
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Spotify Camp Nou
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Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
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Parc d'atraccions Tibidabo
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Your Trustworthy Japan Travel Guide Hello! My name is Arisa, and I am a Japan-based travel enthusiast dedicated to making your journey through Japan unforgettable. With 8 years of experience living in Japan, I have immersed myself in the culture, history, and hidden gems of this incredible country. I specialize in guiding tours and providing tour assistance in the vibrant cities of Kobe, Himeji, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama. If you're looking for a guided experience or need help organizing your itinerary, I will ensure that your trip is smooth and enjoyable. To assist you further, I've created both free and paid destination guides. These resources are designed to help you navigate and enjoy Japan's diverse attractions. Feel free to reach out for any travel assistance or inquiries. Let's make your Japanese adventure a reality!
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