If you’re a European or someone from any other continent wandering through Europe and itching to visit a stunning city but don’t have a loooot of time, Barcelona says “pick me!”. Okay, maybe it’s just me shouting it, but you get the point. In this post, Barcelona in a Weekend: 3 Days Itinerary, I’m going to show you how you can visit Barcelona in a weekend or any other 2/3 days, so come on! Follow me for a mix of culture, unforgettable sights and of course saving tips.
I’ve been to Barcelona twice, but for this last trip, the element of surprise made all the difference. Short story cut: I was going to meet a friend to plan and discuss some business stuff, but he got sick on my first day there. With no plan B, I had to survive alone for quite a few days—which actually was not that bad.
Something you may not know is that everything that looks beautiful from the outside in Barcelona is expensive on the inside. Meaning, if you want to visit, be ready to pay anywhere between €15 to €40 per attraction. So do your research and pick one or two spots to actually go inside. My recommendation? Palau de la Música Catalana. I didn’t go, but I met some people who did, and they were amazed (me too actually, just by looking at their photos!). By the way are you a student? You get a discount!
La Sagrada Família (26-36€)
This iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí is a must-visit. Be sure you book your visit in advance because it solds out a lot!
Park Güell (10-20€)
Another Gaudí masterpiece, this colorful park is filled with whimsical structures and offers stunning views of the city. Best time to go would be the sunset.
La Rambla
A lively street perfect for strolling, and enjoying street performances. Don’t miss the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria for delicious food!
Casa Batlló (35€)
Explore this fantastical building also designed by Gaudí, known for its organic shapes and vibrant colors.
Barceloneta Beach
Soak up the sun at this popular beach, where you can relax, swim, or enjoy beachside restaurants.
Bunkers del Carmel
For breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona, hike up to this former military bunker, especially beautiful at sunset.
Barri Gòtic
Wander through the narrow streets of this historic neighborhood, where you’ll find charming shops, cafes, and the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral.
Plaça Reial
This vibrant square is lined with palm trees, restaurants, and lively nightlife, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Parc de la Ciutadella
A beautiful park that’s great for a leisurely stroll, featuring a stunning fountain, a lake, and even a zoo!
Palau de la Música Catalana (18-26€)
This stunning concert hall is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its intricate mosaics and breathtaking stained glass.
Arco do Triunfo
An impressive archway that serves as a gateway to Parc de la Ciutadella, perfect for a photo op and a short walk.
Catedral de Barcelona
A Gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city! Visit before 12:30 PM for free entry or pay 14€ for full access, including the rooftop views.
Chigabiga Store & Funky Art Gallery
Unique and vibrant artworks in this creative space that showcases both local and international artists. It’s a great spot for art lovers. It’s free to visit and can I say it’s my favorite store in Barcelona? Even tho I only bought one thing (backpacker struggles, right?).
Ok, I’m gonna be honest here… Spanish food, besides tortilla and paella, doesn’t really attract me.
The first time I went to Barcelona, I ate paella in a quite cheap place, and it was very good. As for the other meals? Supermarket vibes. This time, I stayed between hostels that offered free breakfast and dinner, so of course, I took full advantage of that!
But let’s talk about the good stuff:
I visited Five Guys for the first time, and yeah, now I get the hype! It was amazing, and I’ve got to say, I’m converted.
I also went to a restaurant in Barceloneta called Marina Bay. For lunch, they have a €16 menu that includes a starter, main dish, drink, and dessert. It’s a great deal if you’re in the area and want something local and affordable!
If you’re in the mood for argentine pizza, La Pizza del Born is a must-try! Each slice costs €2.40, and they also have pasta for €6.50 and empanadas for €2.90. Quick, affordable, and super tasty!
Barcelona’s nightlife is as vibrant as the city itself! Whether you’re into chic beach clubs, underground electronic music, or laid-back bars with cheap drinks, there’s something for every vibe. All the clubs I visited were part of my pub crawls, and I paid €20 for it (including 1 drink and 2 shots at the previous bars). Razzmatazz was the only one where I paid €22 with 1 drink at the entrance, but club entrance fees typically range from €10 to €30.
Bars
L’ovella Negra – A fun and budget-friendly bar with huge beer and sangria pitchers. Perfect for groups!
El Bosc de Les Fades – A magical bar with a fairy-tale forest decor, perfect for a unique start to the night. Paradiso – A hidden bar behind a fridge door, serving incredible award-winning cocktails.
Espit Chupitos – The famous shot bar with over 600 options, including some with fire!
Downtown Barcelona – A lively bar with commercial and reggaeton music, great for warming up the night.
Clubs
Sutton – An upscale club with a VIP crowd, chic dress code, and a mix of house, commercial, and reggaeton music. My favorite!
Razzmatazz – A huge club with five rooms playing different music styles (indie, techno, reggaeton, etc.). Personally, it wasn’t my vibe.
Opium – Beachfront club with house & commercial music. A bit fancy, dress well! This is one I’m dying to try next time!
Pacha – Another beach club with big-name DJs and a stylish crowd. A do not repeat for me, music not that good and too crowded. Sala Apolo – Great for electronic & alternative music lovers. Different vibes depending on the night!
Choosing the right area to stay in Barcelona can make a huge difference in your trip! I stayed in two different hostels in two different areas, and in my opinion, it’s always better to stay in or near the city center. Being close to the main attractions saves time (and metro tickets!), and you can explore more on foot. Here’s a quick breakdown of the best areas depending on what you’re looking for!
Best Area for Nightlife
El Born & Gothic Quarter – Perfect if you want to be close to bars, clubs, and the city’s buzzing nightlife.
Bars, restaurants, and great vibe
Noisy at night, narrow (less lit) streets
If you’re looking for a hostel to meet people and party, these are the best areas! And no, I didn’t hear that much noise at night.
I stayed in Kabul Party Hostel, and the only downside was the showers, but everything else was perfect. Lots of free activities, entertainment, and… well, it’s in the name, right? Party!
Another great option was Black Swan Hostel which I loved! The most clean, organized and beautiful hostel I’ve ever stayed in. Smaller lobby than Kabul, and although it’s not as wild, they do have an open bar before every pub crawl! My favorite part? The showers! And, you know me, the free (vegetarian) dinners! The staff is also a big plus, all of them super nice and friendly!
Best Area Near the Beach Barceloneta – If your priority is the beach and a relaxed vibe, this is the place to be. Steps from the beach, lots of seafood restaurants Can be touristy and more expensive
Best for a Quiet & Safe Stay Gràcia – A charming and local neighborhood with pretty streets, cozy cafés, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Less touristy, authentic vibe Further from the main attractions
Barcelona is awesome all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for:
🌸 Spring & Fall 🍂
(March to May and September to November)
The sweet spot! Great weather, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices.
☀️ Summer ☀️
(June to August)
Peak season! If you love the heat, beaches, and a buzzing atmosphere, this is your time. But be ready for the crowds and higher prices.
❄️ Winter ❄️
(December to February)
A bit cooler (by Barcelona standards), but still mild compared to the rest of Europe. Perfect if you want to avoid the tourist madness and enjoy attractions without the lines.
If you want the best mix of good weather and fewer people, I’d say go in spring or early fall!
Barcelona has an efficient metro, bus, and tram network. The metro is the fastest way to get around, with tickets costing about €2.40. If you plan to use public transport a lot, I recommend getting a multi-day pass. I got the 48-hour one for around €18, which was the best deal because it covers the metro, bus, and tram.
The Aerobus connects El Prat Airport to the city center in about 35-45 minutes. It costs €7.25 one-way and €12.50 for a return ticket. Although it’s more expensive than the metro (€5.20 one way), I still prefer it – yup, you read that right.
If you’re used to Uber prices in Portugal, you’re probably not going to love it here. But after those night outs, it’ll save you. As for taxis, it starts at around €2.25, with fares ranging from €8 to €20, depending on the distance.
For mobile data, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for around €10 for 5GB of data, or get an eSIM through Airalo or Yesim. If you’re from Europe, don’t worry – your home plan works here.
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