Barcelona 4 Days Itinerary (+ map)

Barcelona is famous for its iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica by Antoni Gaudí and the beautiful sandy beaches that stretch along the Catalan coast. From visiting UNESCO sites to strolling along the coast, Barcelona is one of the best places to visit in Spain. This itinerary for 4 days in Barcelona brings you the most beautiful sights and attractions to see in Barcelona.

Can you visit Barcelona in 4 days?

You can do a lot in 4 days – Gaudi’s most famous works, walks on the sandy beaches or the breathtaking views from Montjuic.

But Barcelona has so much more to offer, and you could spend a month here and still have plenty to discover. It is one of the cities you can return to time and time again to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of La Barceloneta, the delicious tapas in the hidden bars or to visit the beautiful gardens full of flowers and hidden corners.

4 days in Barcelona – route map

On the map you will find a marked route to what to see in Barcelona in 4 days. The route is largely on foot, so as well as visiting the sights, you’ll also experience the true local atmosphere.

We start at the iconic Sagrada Familia Basilica, considered the landmark of Barcelona. We will gradually visit more of Gaudi’s monuments, medieval neighbourhoods and beautiful beaches. As part of the itinerary, you can also take public transport (metro, bus).

We’ve created two options for day four – visit the iconic Mount Tibidabo or take a trip to Montserrat Monastery. In this article we will show you how to do it.

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with Barcelona 4 days itinerary. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the itinerary for the 4 days in Barcelona, Spain. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

WHAT TO SEE IN BARCELONA IN 4 DAYS

4 DAYS IN BARCELONA – ITINERARY FOR 1ST DAY

Morning: Sagrada Familia Basilica

Everyone wants to see the Sagrada Familia in person. A magnificent, monumental temple that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A symbol of Barcelona that has been built for more than 140 years. And there will be a few more years of construction – the last estimate was for 2026, but the pandemic and other circumstances will probably delay the completion of the temple until 2040.

And what will amaze you about the Sagrada Familia? See the intricate façades, where Gaudí was inspired by Art Nouveau and Gothic influences, and the stunning interior, illuminated by coloured light streaming through stained glass windows. It’s beautiful and a visit is worth every euro.

How to visit the Sagrada Familia

Tickets for the Sagrada Familia must be booked in advance. There are no ticket offices on site where you can buy them. You book a specific time slot, but you can arrive a little earlier.

After purchase, you will receive a link with tickets, or you can print them out. At the entrance, you then show your tickets to the staff member who is standing by.

You will be placed in a queue depending on whether you are an individual or planning a guided visit. You then stand in a security lines, which is similar to an airport security line, but not as strict.

I recommend planning a tour in the morning – there are fewer tourists and the lines are minimal. You can enjoy a tour of the facades and interior spaces much more quietly than in the afternoon, when large crowds flock here.

In front of the basilica there is a small park with a pond and benches. To the left of the main entrance to the basilica you will see the entrance to the metro.

Morning: Arc de Triomphe

From the Sagrada Familia, walk to the Arc de Triomf, built for the 1888 Barcelona World’s Fair. However, he became so popular that today he is one of Barcelona’s landmarks.

The triumphal arch is an example of modern Renaissance architecture using red brick – a reference to medieval Moorish craftsmanship – and is decorated with four friezes. In these friezes, Barcelona is depicted as a woman welcoming the nations, handing out medals to the participants of the exhibition, representing the intertwining of the city’s economic and cultural growth.

In addition, the arch is decorated with the shields of the 49 Spanish provinces and the emblem of Barcelona is placed on top.

It takes about 25 minutes to get here on foot, or you can take the metro and get off a few minutes from the monument.

Behind the Arc de Triomphe, a landscaped promenade lined with benches leads to Parc de la Ciutadella.

Morning: Parc de la Ciutadella

There are several parks in Barcelona, but the Parc de la Ciutadella is definitely the most popular. A city full of greenery and history, easily accessible from the centre.

As soon as you enter the park, I recommend going to the left – you will reach the beautiful Neptune’s Fountain with a small lake. There are other beautiful buildings and pleasant corners scattered throughout the park. It’s a great place to relax after visiting the Sagrada Familia.

The park is also a popular place for locals to run or walk their dogs. The Czechs are said to be a nation of dog owners. In fact, it’s not even in the top 5 European countries in terms of dogs per capita – it’s the Spanish and Catalans who hold the top spot, and you’ll see them walking their pets at every turn.

Disclaimer: It’s not talked about much, but you’ll see quite a few homeless people sleeping in tents in the park. But you don’t have to worry – no one will bother you and it’s quiet.

There is also a restroom in the park – a small metal stall with a 50 cent fee per use.

Hotels in Barcelona 😴

Hotel Acta Voraport

Hotel with swimming pool close to the beach

Motel One Barcelona

Great value for money in the city centre

Afternoon: El Born – what to see in Barcelona

Ciutadella Park is adjacent to El Born, a lively and fashionable neighbourhood known for its nightlife and cultural scene.

El Born is the perfect place to explore Barcelona’s medieval past, with its narrow streets, artisan shops and Picasso Museum.

Wander the streets around the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, visit the great museums (Moco Museum, Picasso Museum, Chocolate Museum) or the Centre of Culture and History, where you can find the excavations of Barcelona from the 18th century (free admission).

Where to eat in El Born?

El Born is known for its restaurants, tapas bar and cocktail bars. You rarely step wrong here. Here are some of our tips:

• Puertecillo Born – renowned seafood restaurant in an authentic setting
• CAJÚ gelato – best gelato in the area with a friendly owner
• La Pizza Del Born – excellent pizza and empanadas at great prices

Evening: La Barceloneta

El Born is linked to La Barceloneta, Barcelona’s famous waterfront district. In La Barceloneta, you can enjoy a scenic walk on the beach at sunset and end the day with a delicious seafood dinner.

If you have the time, I recommend to come here to see the sunrise, which rises right above the horizon. There are people doing yoga, fishing boats on the sea, morning joggers running around….perfect start of the day.

Where to eat around La Barceloneta?

There are plenty of places to eat around La Barceloneta. For Spanish cuisine, try the Salamanca, Barceloneta or Tapa Tapa restaurants overlooking the beach. Seafood is freshly prepared at Casa Marina Picufi.

For delicious tapas, head to La Bombeta, Cal Chusco, Bar Jai-Ca or La Cova Fumada. If you want to enjoy a burger, tortilla or other international cuisine, try Surf House Barcelona overlooking the sea. La Malandrina is renowned for its Argentinian cuisine.

All tips can be found in the map at the beginning of this article.

WHAT TO SEE IN BARCELONA IN 4 DAYS

4 DAYS IN BARCELONA – ITINERARY FOR 2ND DAY

Morning: Casa Batlló or Casa Milà

Our second day in Barcelona begins with a walk along Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s major shopping street, lined with trees and beautiful buildings with renowned boutiques and restaurants.

The avenue passes through the Eixample district, which is quite different from El Born or Barri Gotic – the streets are wide and airy.

If time permits, head to El Nacional Barcelona – a stylish and renowned venue with several restaurants and bars. They are open from noon until night (the exact location is marked on the map).

You can start from Plaza Catalunya, which is the central square in Barcelona. The square is very popular, but there’s not really much to see except for the fountain, the huge amount of people and the pigeons. 🙂

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is the first attraction on Passeig de Gràcia, which can be reached in about 10 minutes from Plaza Catalunya, or you can take the subway.

Casa Batlló is a stunning example of Gaudí’s unique style, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally built in 1877, the building was bought by the Batlló family in 1903, who then commissioned Gaudí to rebuild it. The result is a stunning example of modernism, its facade resembling a colourful dragon.

The design reflects the legend of Saint George (Sant Jordi), the patron saint of Catalonia, who is famous for slaying the dragon. The exterior of the building consists of trencadís (broken ceramic tiles), which give it a lively, textured appearance.

The exterior is followed by the interior, which reflects Gaudí’s attention to detail, organic shapes and innovative use of space and light. During the tour you will climb up to the roof, which represents the back of the dragon.

Practical information for visiting Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is one of the most popular sights in Barcelona and the queues here are long. They let you in right on time – everything is divided according to the turnstiles and they really stick to it. People who don’t have a ticket have to wait.

☞ I definitely recommend buying a ticket in advance because you save money and get in right away. If you go first thing in the morning, you can see the house inside with just a few others. In the morning, the crowds will pile in and the roof can get a bit crowded. You will choose the specific time when booking.

Casa Milà

Continue on from Casa Batlló and in less than 10 minutes you will cross the street to Casa Milà, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Barcelona.

Casa Milà, commonly known as La Pedrera, is another of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces. Completed in 1912, it represents the pinnacle of Modernism, Gaudí’s distinctive take on Art Nouveau, and is famous for its unique stone façade and spiral iron balconies.

Casa Milà breaks away from traditional architecture with its self-supporting stone facade, twisted wrought-iron balconies and windows, and the absence of load-bearing walls. The building’s exterior is reminiscent of the undulating shapes of the natural landscape, earning it the nickname “La Pedrera”, which translates as “the quarry”.

The roof with its famous chimneys and ventilation towers looks like a landscape of abstract sculptures. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Practical information for visiting Casa Milà

Casa Milà is one of the most popular sights in Barcelona where queues can form. If you book tickets in advance, you can skip the queue and save money at the same time (tickets are more expensive on site).

There is a staff member at the entrance where you show your tickets and you can go in.

Casa Milà is open until the evening, when you can go to see the light show at La Pedrera, views of Barcelona in the evening and a glass of cava (Spanish sparkling wine).

Later in the morning: Barri Gotic

After visiting Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, head to the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), the oldest part of the city. This area is a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets full of history.

Highlights include Barcelona Cathedral, with its impressive Gothic façade (admission €9 for all over 12), and Plaça del Rei, a medieval public square. Visit the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, a small square scarred by bombs from the Civil War, or the cobbled Plaça Reial.

Not far from the cathedral, you’ll find the somewhat hidden El mural del petó (Kiss of Freedom). The mural was painted in 2014 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Catalan surrender in the Spanish War of Succession.

At first glance you see a kiss, but be sure to take a closer look at the painting. It is made up of lots of little squares sent by local people. The challenge was to portray what freedom means to Catalans.

☞ With the Hola Barcelona tourist card you can enjoy unlimited public transport throughout Barcelona – the card is valid for the metro, buses, trams, trains, the Montjuic funicular and transport to and from the airport. The card is available for 48 to 120 hours and can be activated simply with the first use.

The alternative is Barcelona Essentials Pass which includes unlimited free transport and entry to 2 of Barcelona’s most popular attractions – the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

Afternoon: La Rambla

After exploring the Barri Gotic, stroll along La Rambla, a busy tree-lined pedestrian street. This famous boulevard is known for its street performers, markets and lively atmosphere. The best thing about La Rambla is the Mercado de La Boqueria, a market with a huge range of local produce and snacks.

As for La Rambla itself, we didn’t spend much time here, as Barcelona offers much more interesting places. The entire avenue is lined with trinket stalls and there are a huge number of tourists everywhere, so keep a close eye on your belongings for pickpockets. For us, the right atmosphere was missing. Plus, you’ll hardly run into any locals here.

Afternoon: Rambla De Mar

From La Rambla we continue towards the sea past the impressive monument of Christopher Columbus. Just cross the busy road and you’ll find yourself on the Rambla De Mar, a waterfront promenade overlooking Port Vell harbour. The perfect place for an evening stroll or sitting on a bench to enjoy the sea breeze and the lively atmosphere of Barcelona at night.

Plus, you’ll escape the crowds on La Rambla. There are still plenty of people here, so it has a nice, lively and relaxed atmosphere.

☞ Here is a detailed guide on how to get from El Prat Airport to the centre of Barcelona.

Evening: Barcelona Aquarium

If you still have plenty of time, the popular aquarium is a short walk away and is open until the evening hours. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive marine aquariums in the world, famous for its Mediterranean Sea exhibits.

The main attraction is the Oceanarium, a transparent tunnel over 80 metres long, where you can walk through and observe a variety of marine species, including sharks, rays and schools of fish.

The Barcelona Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, and lines are forming – book your ticket in advance.

Evening: El Raval

For a delicious meal or cocktail, head to El Raval, just across the street from La Rambla, a few minutes from the seafront.

In the past, El Raval was considered the least safe area in Barcelona. This is no longer the case, even though it has the highest number of homeless people compared to other neighbourhoods. But this is primarily due to the fact that St. Augustine’s Church, the focal point of the neighborhood, provides food to the poor on a daily basis.

WHAT TO SEE IN BARCELONA IN 4 DAYS

4 DAYS IN BARCELONA – ITINERARY FOR 3RD DAY

Morning: Park Güell

On the third day we start in Park Güell, another masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí. This public park is famous for its unique architectural features and magnificent mosaics.

From the main terrace, surrounded by a long undulating bench covered with trencadís (a form of mosaic made of broken shards of tiles), you can enjoy a fantastic view of the city and the sea.

During your visit, don’t miss the Sala Hipóstila (Doric temple), the snake bench and the colourful dragon statue at the entrance.

Practical information after visiting Park Güell

Book your tickets in advance to make sure you get in. There are a limited number of tickets on site, so some people won’t get in. The best times are early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when there are the fewest people and you won’t be wading through crowds. When you make a reservation, you choose a specific time you need to arrive (you have half an hour to spare).

How to get to Park Güell

Park Güell is located outside the centre – expect to travel at least 30 minutes from the centre to the park. Take the L3 metro line – you can get off at Lesseps metro station or Vallcarca metro station.

I recommend choosing Lesseps metro station, where you get off in the direction of Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntaya, where there are escalators. From here you can reach the entrance to the park in about 15-20 minutes. The stairs to Baixada de la Glòria at Vallcarca stop are now out of order.

Buses 24 and 92 stop near Park Güell. Bus 24 runs from Plaça Catalunya along the scenic route. The H6 and D40 buses also stop near the park.

☞ Barcelona City Pass includes the most popular sights in Barcelona, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

Noon: Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau in Barcelona is a stunning example of Catalan Modernism and one of the largest architectural complexes in this style in the world. It was originally built at the beginning of the 19th century as a hospital complex and served as a hospital until 2009. It then underwent a major reconstruction and became a museum and cultural centre.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its ornate pavilions set in lush gardens, each with unique designs, colourful mosaics and intricate sculptures reflecting the Art Nouveau style.

The Recinte Modernista de San Pau is about half an hour’s walk from Park Güell and just 10 minutes from the Sagrada Familia. A short walk from the park, you can also catch the H6 or D40 buses that stop near the hospital.

Book your tickets here and go straight to the entrance (on the right hand side behind the entrance gate).

Where to eat near Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Right on the corner by the Sant Pau Hospital is the excellent Brutal58 restaurant with authentic Venezuelan cuisine. If you walk a little further, there is a cosy café with cakes and pastries.

On the other side of the monument, you’ll walk to BelleBuòn (it’s a little off to the side in a side street), one of the best Italian restaurants in Barcelona.

Afternoon: Spanish Square – what to see in Barcelona

Plaça d’Espanya is a busy square and important transport hub in Barcelona, built for the 1929 International Exhibition. It is dominated by the great Venetian towers, which serve as the gateway to the Montjuïc Exhibition Grounds.

In the centre of the square is a monumental fountain designed by Josep Maria Jujol, a collaborator of Antoni Gaudí.

The square is surrounded by several impressive buildings, including the former Arenas de Barcelona bullring, now a shopping centre.

Take the stairs up to the top floor, where there is a panoramic terrace with views of Plaça d’Espanya and the city. It’s free and the views are awesome. You can also take the elevator from outside (fee € 1).

☞ Do you have less time in Barcelona? Here is an itinerary for 3 days in Barcelona.

Afternoon and evening: Montjuïc

End the day on Montjuic, a wide hill overlooking the city’s harbour. It rises directly above the Spanish Square behind the Venetian towers, where the monumental museum dedicated to the national art of Catalonia is the first thing you’ll see.

The Magic Fountain is located under the museum, but due to lack of water, it is out of operation since 2023.

The entire hill is covered with numerous gardens and Olympic facilities (from the 1992 Olympics), perfect for relaxing and walking. The dominant feature is Montjuic Castle, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the harbour.

If you like contemporary art, don’t miss a visit to the Fundació Joan Miró.

How to get to Montjuïc

Montjuïc is a vast place. You can spend a whole day here and still have plenty to do – stroll in the gardens, visit one of the museums or enjoy the view from the cable car and learn about the history of the castle. For this reason, it is a good idea to think in advance about what you plan to visit.

The Plaza Catalunya Museum is easily accessible in a few minutes on foot from Plaza España. Bus no. 150 will take you even higher to the Olympic Park (Estadi Olímpic stop) or to Montjuïc Castle (Castell stop). If you’re leaving from Piazza España, the stop is in front of the Left Tower of Venice (looking towards Montjuic).

Cable car to Montjuic

A popular option is to take the cable car up. You can choose between the historic cable car from the harbour or the modern Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car.

• Telefèric del Puerto historic cable car connects La Barceloneta beach (exact location here) with the upper station of the Telefèric del Puerto – Estació Miramar, located at the Mirador de Miramar lookout. It doesn’t take you all the way to the castle – from the top station, there’s still a 25-minute climb, but it takes you through beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the harbour. Avoid peak times during the day when the queues for the cable car are longest.

• Modern cable car Telefèric de Montjuïc – This cable car can be reached from Para-lel metro station (lines L2 and L3). On the metro, follow the green signs to the funicular, where the same fare applies as for other public transport in Barcelona. The funicular takes you to the lower station of the cable car, where you have to buy tickets for a special fare. You will be rewarded with spectacular views of the city. A cable car takes you to Montjuic Castle.

If you are thinking which cable car to choose, I would recommend a modern cable car . There are not so big lines (unlike the historical one in the harbour) and the views are breathtaking too.

WHAT TO SEE IN BARCELONA IN 4 DAYS

4 DAYS IN BARCELONA – ITINERARY FOR 4ST DAY

Option 1: Tibidabo

On the fourth day of our Barcelona trip, we’ll head to Tibidabo, a mountain with spectacular views of the city and a unique combination of history, nature and fun.

At the highest point of Tibidabo is the Sagrat Cor Church, topped by a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The church itself is beautiful, but what about the views from the rooftop, where you can enjoy the view of the whole town and the surrounding hilly landscape covered with dense forests.

A short distance from the church is amusement park which became famous after appearing in Woody Allen’s film “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”. Founded in 1889, the park offers a unique turn-of-the-century atmosphere and mixes historic attractions with modern ones. In addition, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area from some of the attractions.

Along with visiting the theme park, set aside at least half a day to visit Tibidabo.

How to get to Tibidabo

• Historic tram and cable car – currently under reconstruction: The most popular option is the historic blue tram that leaves from Avinguda Tibidabo (tram costs €5.5). You can get here by metro line L9. The tram takes you to Plaça del Doctor Andreu, where the lower cable car station is located. You can also walk instead of taking the tram – it’s about 15 minutes from the L9 metro terminus, or there are buses. A cable car will then take you to the top of Tibidabo in a few minutes (price €12), or you can walk (less than an hour uphill on paved or trodden paths with several views of the city).

• Bus and cable car: There is also a shuttle bus T2A from the city centre – the ticket is free with the entrance to the theme park.

• Public transport and cable car: If you want to take Barcelona’s public transport exclusively, take the S1 or S2 suburban train to Peu del Funicular station, where you can take the cable car to Vallvidrera Superior. Bus 111 runs from the top of the cable car station to Tibidabo. You can use classic T10 or Hola BCN card which allows unlimited travel around Barcelona.

Detailed description of the routes can be found here.

Hotels in Barcelona 😴

Leonardo Royal Hotel

Hotel with rooftop pool at a great price

Hotel Ronda House

Cheap and cosy hotel in the city centre

Option 2: Montserrat

Montserrat, a rugged mountain range near Barcelona, is special for the distinctive saw-toothed profile that gives it its name – Montserrat literally means “jagged mountain” in Catalan.

The mountains are also an important spiritual place. Wedged among the rocks is the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat, which includes a basilica that houses a statue of the Black Madonna. It attracts pilgrims and visitors from all over the world.

The Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe, also performs in the basilica, usually in the afternoon.

Depending on what you want to see, the price of admission varies – here on the official website you’ll find all types of tickets. I recommend booking in advance to make sure you get in.

In front of the monastery there is an open space where you can walk and enjoy the distant views. There is a cafe, restaurants and hotels if you would like to spend more time here.

From the monastery you can ascend further along one of the hiking trails, from easy walks to more demanding hikes. From the trails you can enjoy a magnificent view of the monastery, the surrounding valley and, on a clear day, Barcelona. Thanks to this, you can spend a whole day in the surroundings of the monastery.

Cable cars to Montserrat

There is also a cable car station near the monastery, from where two cable cars leave:

• The Funicular de Sant Joan will take you to a viewpoint with one of the best views of Montserrat. You can also walk (about 30 minutes).

• Funicular de la Santa Cova – a very short route (2 minutes) that overcomes the highest elevation to the Holy Cave (Santa Cova). From the top station of the cable car, you still have to climb a short distance to the Holy Grotto, where Our Lady of Montserrat is said to have been seen. A chapel was built into the mountain in her memory. The place is worth seeing especially for believers – the views are better at the first cable car.

How to get to Montserrat from Barcelona

FGC train

The most common and beautiful way to get to Montserrat is to take the R5 line (towards Manresa) from Barcelona’s Plaça Espanya station. Look for the signs for the R5 train line, where you will see a stand called Montserrat. Here you can buy tickets depending on whether you plan to go to the monastery by cable car or by cable car (see below).

The train journey to the foot of Montserrat takes 1 hour and the train runs once an hour. You can get off at one of two stations:

• Aeri de Montserrat stop, where you can take a cable car to the monastery in about 5 minutes. The lower station of the cable car is located right next to the station. Here you will find the current price list and more information.
• The Monistrol de Montserrat stop is located after the Aeri de Montserrat stop – from here you can reach the monastery by cog railway (Cremallera de Montserrat). The journey up takes 20 minutes. The lower station of the cable car is located in the small village of Monistrol de Montserrat, where there are charming streets, several restaurants and a shop.

You can buy tickets for each venue separately, but if you plan on all the seats, it’s worth it to get a ticket for everything. Here on the official website you will find all kinds of packages that can be bought online.

Trip with transport

There are a number of guided tours available in Barcelona that include transport and often combine a visit to Montserrat with other local attractions.

This tour includes bus transportation from Barcelona. It will take you to the monastery. As part of this tour you will be transported by bus from Barcelona, which stops at the lower station of the cog railway – this will take you up to the monastery (the cog railway is also included).

Car

Another option is to drive to Montserrat. It offers flexibility but lacks the unique experience of a cable car or cog railway. The parking lot is located just below the monastery and is paid.

Evening: Port Olímpic

Whether you plan to visit Tibidabo or Montserrat, end your stay in Barcelona at Port Olímpic, the port built for the 1992 Olympic Games. The harbour is wedged between Barceloneta and Nova Icària beaches and in the evening it turns into a lively coastal promenade.

Port Olímpic is famous for its modern architecture, including the striking twin towers and the iconic Frank Gehry sculpture “Peix d’Or”, which resembles a glittering fish and has become a landmark of the area.

During the day, it is the ideal place for leisurely walks and sunbathing on the nearby beaches. In the evening, enjoy delicious food and the lively atmosphere of the modern marina.

☞ Read our detailed guide on best things to do in Barcelona (entrance fees, opening hours, how to get around).

What to visit if you have more than 4 days in Barcelona?

Palau de la Música Catalana

The Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona is one of the most important modernist buildings in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The concert hall, designed by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, is already stunning from the outside with its intricate details, colourful mosaics and detailed sculptures. The interior is equally stunning with its lavish decoration and stained glass skylight in the concert hall.

Opening hours: Palau de la Música Catalana operates as a concert hall, so opening hours for tours are limited to 9:00-15:30.

How much is the entrance fee to the Palau de la Música Catalana: Full admission costs €18. Book tickets with an audio guide here. The second option is guided tour which can also be enjoyed by those who prefer unguided tours. With a guide, you can get to places where entry is normally forbidden.

Casa Vicens – what to see in Barcelona

Casa Vicens was our favourite place in Barcelona, which is completely different from Gaudí’s other works. Casa Vicens combines Moorish, Neo-Gothic and traditional Catalan architectural elements.

The facade of the building is decorated with vibrant ceramic tiles that will catch your eye from afar, despite the fact that the building is located in an inconspicuous alley outside the city centre. The interior impressed us with its intricate details, with carpentry and ironwork and tiling.

How to get in: The nearest metro station is Fontana (line L3), from where you go slightly uphill. After 5 minutes, turn left, where Casa Vicens is on your right.

Opening hours: April-October daily 10:00-20:00, November-March Monday 10:00-15:00 and Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-19:00

How much is the entrance fee to Casa Vicens: Tickets are cheaper if booked in advance (full admission €18) – Book tickets for Casa Vicens.

Poble Espanyol

Poble Espanyol, at the foot of Montjuïc, is a unique open-air architectural museum created for the 1929 International Exhibition.

The complex is made up of more than 100 real-scale replicas of buildings from different regions of Spain, which are placed in the streets and squares to mimic a real village. Walking around Poble Espanyol, you’ll enjoy Spain’s incredible architectural diversity, from the Andalusian terraces and streets of Valencia to the medieval architecture of the north.

In addition, Poble Espanyol is a lively cultural space. There are a number of craft shops where artisans practice traditional crafts such as glass blowing and pottery making. There are restaurants, cultural events, festivals and concerts.

How to get to Poble Espanyol: Poble Espanyol is located at the foot of Montjuïc hill, about 10 minutes walk from Plaza España (metro lines L1 and L3). You can also get directly to the entrance by bus (line 150 goes from the Spanish Square).

Opening hours: Poble Espanyol is open Monday 10:00-20:00 and Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-00:00.

How much is the entrance fee to Poble Espanyol: Full admission is €13.50 for anyone over 13 – tickets are more expensive on site. Book your tickets here.

Hotels in Barcelona

• Hotel Acta Voraport – modern and newly furnished hotel with swimming pool, close to the beach and metro
• Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella – one of the best hotels in Barcelona and at a good price; strategic location near the Arc de Triomphe and Ciutadella Park
• Leonardo Royal Hotel – a stylish hotel with a rooftop pool at an excellent price and with good access to the airport
• Hotel Ronda House – cosy and modern hotel with good quality of service in the city centre
• Hotel ibis Stylesgreat value for money; ideal accommodation for couples and families with children (family rooms and children’s play area)

Hotel Acta Voraport

Hotel with swimming pool close to the beach

Motel One Barcelona

Great value for money in the city centre

Leonardo Royal Hotel

Hotel with rooftop pool at a great price

Hotel Ronda House

Cheap and cosy hotel in the city centre

How to get to Barcelona?

Barcelona can be reached by direct flights from Prague in about 2.5 hours. This route is mainly operated by Vueling and Eurowings. Service on both airlines is comparable.

Vueling – The Spanish low fare – low cost airline that flies the most frequently on the Prague-Barcelona route. In season you have a choice of at least two times a day, in winter it flies at least once a day. The price of the basic ticket includes a small luggage with a maximum size of 35x20x20 cm (small backpack).

Eurowings – German low-cost airline that flies less frequently but offers different times for those who don’t like Vueling’s flight times. The price of the basic ticket includes a small baggage with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 25 cm – the parameters meet, for example CabinZero (28 l) .

How to get around Barcelona?

Transport in Barcelona is no different to other European cities. It is reliable, modern and comfortable. We have compiled a detailed guide to transport in Barcelona where you will learn everything you need to know.

To get from the airport to Barcelona, you can use the metro, trains, express buses and regular TMB buses. In the article How to get from El Prat Airport to Barcelona city centre you will find a detailed overview for each mode of transport (time, price, where to stop, etc.).

☞ With the Hola Barcelona tourist card you can enjoy unlimited public transport throughout Barcelona – the card is valid for the metro, buses, trams, trains, the Montjuic funicular and transport to and from the airport. The card is available for 48 to 120 hours and can be activated simply with the first use.

The alternative is Barcelona Essentials Pass which includes unlimited free transport and entry to 2 of Barcelona’s most popular attractions – the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

How to enjoy Barcelona for 4 days

• Many places are located in the city centre and are easily accessible. For more distant places, use the metro or buses, and trams along the beaches – transport is safe and reliable.
• Travel unlimited on public transport with the Hola BCN card, which includes the airport metro, buses, trains and ground cable cars.
• Barcelona is big, but part of it is walkable – you’ll discover different neighbourhoods, each with a completely different atmosphere.
• Book your tickets for the most popular things to do in Barcelona early. Barcelona is extremely popular and tickets can sell out or long lines can form on site.
• Watch out for pickpockets – especially on La Rambla, near the Sagrada Familia and other similarly exposed places.
• Grab a paella, seafood or tapas bar. The best places are a bit hidden around the corner and there are lines, but it’s worth it.
• Planning to visit more paid sights, museums and attractions? Get a tourist card – choose from the Barcelona Pass, Barcelona Explorer Pass or Barcelona Card. For more information, see the article on how to save in Barcelona.

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Have a question about our 4 days Barcelona itinerary? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

More information about Barcelona

THIGS TO DO IN BARCELONA: Plan your trip with our 3-day itinerary for Barcelona. In a separate article you can read about the best places to visit in Barcelona (photos, map, practical information). In the next article we share tips on things to do in Barcelona with kids.

We have also prepared a article on how to visit the Sagrada Familia (attractions, how to avoid queues, entrance fees, etc.)

BARCELONA TRAVEL GUIDE: Here is a detailed guide to transport in Barcelona and how to get from the airport to Barcelona. We’ve put together tips on the best places to stay in Barcelona (the best areas and hotels). In the next article we share tips on how to save in Barcelona.

Summary: 4 days Barcelona itinerary