4 Days Barcelona
With its majestic architecture, lively food markets and sandy beaches, it’s easy to see the allure of Barcelona. Many artists have found inspiration here, from Pablo Picasso to Gaudí, whose basilica still towers over the city. The Sagrada Família, along with the Parc Güell, are a reference for anyone visiting Barcelona, but there are many more places worth exploring.
A tour down the Gothic quarter will take you to the city’s cathedral and picturesque squares like Plaça Sant Felip Neri, while Passeig de Gràcia is the port of call for Gaudí’s colourful Modernist houses. Up in Montjuïc, gardens and art museums await you, along with superb views of the Catalan capital.
Our 4-day itinerary below includes the best things to do in Barcelona. It covers all the main sites, but also gives you enough time for a day trip to the nearby mountains or a swim by the Costa Brava. Grab a glass of cava or vermouth and join us in this sun-drenched city.
Activities
Morning: El Born
With so many places to visit in Barcelona, it can be overwhelming to choose a starting point. Take it slow on your first day with a tour around the El Born district. Amid its medieval streets, you’ll find the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a Gothic church with stunning stained-glass windows, as well as the Picasso Museum. Here you can admire more than 3,000 artworks, mostly from Picasso’s earliest years.
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtico) From El Born, cross over to the Gothic quarter, also known as Barri Gòtic. History unfolds in this charming neighbourhood, where Roman ruins stand alongside Gothic churches. The spires of Barcelona’s cathedral can be seen from a distance, but it’s worth getting closer to admire the main façade adorned with gargoyles and intricate designs. The building dates back to the 13th century, but the façade you see today was only added around 1887.
