FREE Best of Barcelona Guide. (3+ days)
Hello, and welcome to this guide for a 3 day, or more, day trip to Barcelona. To begin with, this itinerary is not strict or set; I will be suggesting places to eat, drink, visit and stay while you are in Barcelona and from these suggestions you can curate your perfect trip.
Let's begin!
⛺️Where to Stay:
For my own visit to Barcelona, I had a medium budget and wanted to spend less than £50 per person/ per night on accommodation (58.30 euro or $62.93 US dollars, at the time). Here is where my partner and I stayed and absolutely loved it ...
🌟 Hotel REC
($$)
My experience:
☎️ It would have been easy to contact the hotel reception, via phone call or email using the contact details in the confirmation email.
🔐 Check-in was completed at the hotel reception upon arrival, which was quick and easy.
🛁 The apartment itself was comfortably furnished and looked as good as - if not better than - the online photos. There were all the amenities we could possibly need, including a bluetooth speaker system.
🏕️ MOST IMPORTANTLY, the location was ideal! Located just a two minute walk from the Arc de Triomf, and on the edge of the beautiful Gothic centre of the city, which is full of restaurants, shops and bars. An easy 30 minutes walk down picturesque streets and we were at the busy harbour where even more restaurants and bars could be found.
Overall, we would rate our stay at hotel REC a 10/10.
Here are a few other places that are in good locations, have great reviews and are in various price ranges...
🌟 Safestay Barcelona Gothic
($)
⛺️ Bookable on Hostelworld.com, which will give you cancellation and room type options.
☎️ After booking through Hostelworld.com it is easy to check bookings on their app. Often, the Hostels phone number and email address are provide.
🔐 Check in is at the Hostels reception on arrival.
🛁 The hostel has an accessible rooftop terrace and comfortable social area, along with the option to have breakfast included for your stay.
🏕️ MOST IMPORTANTLY, the location is well set close by all of the must visit attractions of the city. Approximately a ten minute walk to the Plaça Reial and a 15 minute metro journey to the La Sagrada Familia.
Online ratings for this accommodation are between 8-9/10.
🌟 Gracia Studio
($$)
⛺️ Bookable on AirBnB.com. Usually, you have the option to pay a deposit, then pay the remainder of the cost a month before you check in, or you pay in full when booking.
☎️ After booking through AirBnB.com it is easy to check bookings on their easy to use app and to contact the host with any queries.
🔐 This apartment uses a self check-in on arrival.
🛁 The apartment has all essential amenities, such as cooking utensils and towels.
🏕️ MOST IMPORTANTLY, the location is well set close by all of the must visit attractions of the city. Approximately a ten minute metro journey to the Plaça Reial and a 10 minute metro journey to the La Sagrada Familia.
Online ratings for this accommodation are between 4/5.
🌟 Hotel Peninsular
($)
⛺️ Bookable on AirBnB.com. Usually, you have the option to pay a deposit, then pay the remainder of the cost a month before you check in, or you pay in full when booking.
☎️ After booking through AirBnB.com it is easy to check bookings on their easy to use app and to contact the host with any queries.
🔐 This hotel has a receptionist that will check you in upon arrival.
🛁 The hotel rooms are simply decorated with basic bedding and towels. There is not a good internet service in the property.
🏕️ MOST IMPORTANTLY, the location is well set close by all of the must visit attractions of the city. A five minute walk to La Rambla and then on into the Old Quarter lanes. There is a metro station a ten minute walk away that can get you to sites like the Sagrada Familia.
I would recommend this location if you are on a budget or looking for only one or two nights stay.
Online ratings for this accommodation are between 7/10.
🌟 DestinationBCN Apartments & Rooms Universidad
($$$)
⛺️ Bookable through their website.
☎️ After booking, it is easy to contact the host with any queries and make booking amendments.
🔐 This apartment has a reception to check in with on arrival.
🛁 The apartment has all essential amenities, such as cooking utensils and towels.
🏕️ MOST IMPORTANTLY, the location is well set close by all of the must visit attractions of the city. Approximately a 15 minute walk to the Plaça Reial and a 10 minute metro to La Sagrada Familia.
Online ratings for this accommodation are between 5/5.
🥘 Where to Eat
Here is a selection of places that I have eaten at and can personally review. Followed by a few extra spots that have great reviews online. Price ranges will be signified for each place as well as whether they accommodate gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets.
☀️Rise and shine at...
🌟 I loved Honest Greens! Though it is a chain restaurant, its fresh, healthy, HUGE meals never disappointed. The interior is beautiful and the water/juice station was a great change to soda stations.
🌟 Small but mighty, Pa de la Figuera is a small secretive bakery. On days when you want a sweet treat to go head here. (close by the Arc de Triomf)
🌖Evening lights lead the way to...
🌟 Completely vegetarian, with vegan options. This is an ideal location to enjoy a special evening. From food to service, to decor, the entire experience at The Green Spot was fantastic. (BOOK IN ADVANCE!)
🌟 Right on the harbour, in front of the luxury yachts this is a great Al Fresco dining experience in Barcelona.
🌟 A lovely vegetarian restaurant that serves meatless traditional dishes as well as best loved meals, like tacos!
🌟 Comfort food and a speak easy vibe. This Italian restaurant servers creamy delicious pasta and stone baked pizza. You can end the night with a Tiramisu too.
🍷 Where to Drink:
This list of recommendations is only for the best places, relative to atmosphere, friendly staff and quality/ selection of drinks.
Best wine bar goes to ...
🌟 La Vinya del Senyor
All of the streets around this area have great speak easy bars.
Best cocktail bar goes to....
🌟 Número Nueve Bar
Best beer goes to...
🌟Kaelderkold Craft Beer Bar
Just off the famous La Rambla street, this area is always lively.
🎡 What to See:
Don't miss these main sights!
🎡 Things to Do:
Park Güell
Park Güell is a privatised park system composed of gardens and architectural elements located on Carmel Hill, in Barcelona. Therefore you will need to purchase an admission ticket for entry.
For the best experience, give yourself plenty of time to explore the park and bring drinks and refreshments with you.
🌟 Check this website to find direction on getting there as well as to buy tickets.
Cooking Class
Barcelona is a Foodie heaven! So if you want to explore the nations cuisine more, why not take a cooking class?
🌟Go beyond enjoying an authentic Spanish meal with this chef-led foodie experience—from market to plate. First, you’ll head to the famous La Boqueria market, scoping out fresh ingredients. Shopping complete, you’ll head to the classroom for tapas and sangria before fastening your apron and trying your hand at paella. Once everything's plated, sit down to your creation with your fellow chefs, toasting to your best meal in Barcelona.
A Walking Tour
A great way to get to know any city is by taking a walking tour. You'll see the sights and learn some history. Here are some links to Walking Tours in Barcelona:
🌟 A free tour means that you pay your guide what you think the tour is worth at the end. Its an easy way to get a general overview of the city.
🌟 Looking on TripAdviser for Tours in Barcelona will give you lots of options. Some tours may include Tapas, some may be tours of places outside the city centre, some may include using a bike or scooter. If you want a tour that isn't simply walking, then take a look at these.
🌟 Not always the most informative, a self guided tour might be more your style. Go at your own pace and follow a curated tour on a digital map of the city.
A Flamenco Show
The birth country of Flamenco, you can't visit Spain without seeing a live performance! Here's what we recommend...
🌟 A professional performance in an intimate setting.
🌟 In the heart of the city, this popular Flamenco venue hosts passionate performances.
Take to Sky and Sea.
Our most memorable experience while in Barcelona was at sea, watching the sunset. Make your trip feel like magic and do a once in a lifetime excursion.
🌟 See Barcelona’s highlights from every angle in just half a day on this walking, boat, and helicopter tour, perfect for a quick, yet comprehensive overview of the city.
🌟 Watch the sun set over Barcelona from the tranquil Mediterranean as you glide by the yachts of the rich and famous on this mellow, laidback cruise. Get there early! the earlier the better as the best spots on board go first.
🌟 View the Castell de Montjuic and beyond on Barcelona's Cable Car. Get a Round Trip Ticket to end where you started.
Jazz and Live Music.
The Barcelona Jazz scene is one of the best in Spain thanks to the international festivals that take place in the city and the good jazz live concerts and jam session that lots of bars offer to jazz lovers.
🌟 While the lights are on in this venue, it feels more like a community hall than Barcelona's most popular Jazz bar, but when the music starts and the drinks start rolling, you won't want to leave.
The night life in Barcelona starts late so don't worry about getting to the venue early.
🌟 In the basement of the famous Plaça Reial, this music venue will send you back into the night looking for more good music.
🧘♀️Optional Extra Days:
If you have the time, why not book an excursion and embrace more of the Catalunya culture.
A Day Trip To Girona and Costa Brava.
Girona is a city in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, beside the River Onyar. It’s known for its medieval architecture, walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell) and the Roman remains of the Força Vella fortress.
Costa Brava's coastal landscape is simply stunning. From sweeping bays and rugged, steep cliffs, to protected marshes and sand dunes – you'll be in awe of all of the views.
🚂 To get to Girona you need to catch a direct 45 minute train from Barcelona-Sants station.
🚙 Or, it’s 1 hour 30 minutes by car to Girona and 1 hour and 45 minutes to Calella de Palafrugell.
Or, join a day tour ...
A Day Trip to Montserrat.
Montserrat is a multi-peaked mountain range near Barcelona, in Catalonia, Spain. It is part of the Catalan Pre-Coastal Range. The main peaks are Sant Jeroni, Montgrós and Les Agulles. It is well known as the site of the Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary.
🚙 It’s 1 hour by car to Montserrat.
Or, join a day tour ...
And that concludes this guide to Barcelona, Spain. I hope you have found the information provided useful. Now, feel free to curate your perfect trip.
Suggestion for 3 days:
Day 1
+ Honest Greens Plaça Catalunya
+ Free walking tour
+ Wander and admire
+ Cooking class
+ Evening drinks in Old Quarter
Day 2
+ Pa de la Figuera
+ Tapas and Wine Tour
+ Flamenco
+ Terrazza Ravello / The Green Spot
+ Jazz at Harlem Jazz Bar
Day 3
+ Cafè Menssana / Bodega Biarritz 1881 Tapas bar
+ Park Güell
+ Shopping/ Museums
+ Les Sorrentines
+ Sunset Jazz Cruise
Happy travels and best wishes,
Lily Belle
The home for unique & authentic travel
