Barcelona is one of my favorite places in Spain. When I spent my junior year of college studying abroad in Logroño, I first visited this artist’s dream city on a whim. I was hooked. The mix of Catalan and Spanish culture, the vibrant Mediterranean food, and the hidden Gaudí architectural masterpieces all combine to create a beautiful, walkable, exciting city. Spend 3 gorgeous days exploring Barcelona off the beaten path.
Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration
Morning: Escape the Barcelona City Crowds and Get Lost in a Labyrinth
- Parc del Laberint d’Horta: Begin your day at Barcelona’s oldest garden. This park is a bit outside the city, so you’ll get to spend a peaceful morning away from the crowds. Explore the waterfalls, canals, statures, fountains and pavilions. And be sure to try your hand at the park’s main attraction: the labyrinth! Don’t knock it ’til you try it; it’s harder than it looks!
- Entrance is free on Wednesdays and Saturdays and costs less than €3 on other days.
- Tip: Grab some food before heading inside and enjoy a picnic in the park.
Afternoon: Eat Like a Local and Catch a Sunset
- Bodega Biarritz: If you want to try tapas while you’re in Barcelona, this is the place. They have a unique concept: their menu is prix fixe and always a surprise. Tell your server if you have dietary restrictions or preferences and they will deliver you 8 delicious, hand-picked tapas. The menu changes regularly, so every visit is a surprise. Don’t worry! They are very adaptable to replacing any dishes you don’t like. The prix fixe option is €40 and serves 2-3 people. Because the menu changes, you can visit Bodega Biarritz again if you loved it too much the first time.
- Bunkers del Carmel
- A trip up to the abandoned bunkers above the city may feel like a trek, but it’s worth it. From this vantage, you’ll be treated to gorgeous panoramic views of the city. If you want to really enjoy like a local, bring some snacks and drinks to toast your first day in Barcelona.
- Tip: It’s about a 15 minute walk from the bus stop to the top, but if you’re up for it, don’t let the hike deter you. The view from the top is well-worth it.Dinner:
Dinner: Barcelona Fusion for Everyone
- Cera 23
- This is a true fusion restaurant, where you can enjoy Mediterranean food with a Spanish twist. Their menu is crafted with a rare attention to dietary restrictions, and each dish flags possible allergens so the entire party is able to eat safely and comfortably.
Day 2: Artistic and Bohemian Vibes
Morning: Art, Architecture, and Artisans
- Gràcia Neighborhood Wander through this bohemian district’s narrow streets, vibrant squares, and boutique shops, soaking in its unique charm. This is a perfect chance to get your souvenir shopping in. Grab coffee and a pastry at a cafe and check out some of the many adorable boutiques. Don’t miss out on the Casa Vicens Gaudí, a Moorish-inspired architectural marvel.
- Grab coffee and some baked goods at Origo Bakery, an artisanal bakery that uses ancient grains in all of their baked goods. They have particularly tasty coffee to go, so be sure to pay them a visit.
- Lunch: Local Eatery in Gràcia
- La Brillantina: This is a cute little spot tucked down a side street. Here, you can enjoy some natural wines and some tasty Latin-American food.
- Fonda Pepa: Yet again, this restaurant offers a Spanish fusion with Mexican flavors. It’s cozy, tasty, and so fresh.
- Beryti: When in Barcelona, check out the variety of foreign cuisines at your fingertips. Beryti is a fantastic Lebanese spot, where you’ll feel instantly welcomed and at home.
Afternoon: Modern Art or Ancient History
- Fundació Joan Miró: If modern art is your thing, check out this museum devoted to Joan Miró. Explore a vast collection of the Spanish artist’s works in this museum nestled on Montjuïc Hill. You’ll also get to see some lesser-known artists’ exhibits in the every-changing exhibitions. Take this chance to spend an afternoon away from typical tourist crowds, while enjoying a gorgeous view of the city.
- Barcelona City History Museum: If ancient history is more your speed, check out the City History Museum. This spot tells the history of the city, dating as far back as ancient Roman times. There are some fantastically preserved Roman streets and artifacts on display. It’s a very immersive, unique museum. It also offers that uniquely European experience- an understanding that people have passed through this exact area for thousands of years. I absolutely love being reminded of the soul of a city so lived-in. Admission is 7 euro for adults and free for children under 16.
Evening: Modern Barcelona Treats
- Louro: This is your chance to get a little upscale and enjoy some contemporary Galician food. I know, everything I’ve mentioned has been some kind of fusion, but it’s true in this case too! This spot is a true hidden gem, where you’ll find a mix of traditional flavors and modern techniques. The food is light, exciting, and more delicious than you could imagine.
Day 3: Nature and Local Markets
Morning: Roller Coasters and Religious Landmarks
- Tibidabo: Hike or take public transport to this hilltop destination offering an amusement park and a church with stunning city views.
- Tip: You can access Tibidabo via a few unique public transportation options. The first is Tibidabo Funicular, a train that will lead you directly to the top. The second is the Tramvia Blau, an historic tram that serves many areas of the city.
Afternoon: Eat Amongst Cacti
- Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera: Relax in this cactus garden on Montjuïc, near yesterday’s stop, Fundació Joan Miró. Entrance is free.
- If you choose to stop by before lunch, you can bring a little picnic basket directly into the park.
- If you’d prefer a sit-down option, head to the nearby Hotel Miramar before stopping at the gardens
- If you want something a little more traditionally Spanish, head to La Tasqueta de Blai and grab some tapas and beer.
- Tip: You’ll often find tapas listed as “pintxos” or “pinchos.” They’re pronounced “peen-choss” and they’re delicious. The word “pintxos” originates from the Basque region but you’ll find it though most of Northern Spain.
Evening: A Can’t Miss Dinner and Barcelona Bars
- Kserol: This is one of my favorite spots in Barcelona. They serve amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner. You truly can’t go wrong. They’re closed on Saturdays and Sundays, so be sure to get there during the week!
- Orient Express: This cocktail bar offers a unique premise: buy a 1 hour “ticket” for a cocktail experience and the bartender will cater directly to your tastes. It’s a fun premise and a very worthwhile evening stop.
Bonus Tips
- Discounts: There are a lot of local discounts available if you’re a student or if you’re under 30 years old. Be sure to check out those deals wherever they charge admission.
- Markets: Barcelona hosts a ton of neighborhood markets. The most popular is Boqueria but it’s a bit of a tourist trap. Instead, try some of the low-key markets in other neighborhoods. I’d recommend Mercat del Ninot & Mercat de Santa Caterina.
- La Sagrada Familia: If you want to brave the crowds to check out the most famous landmark in Barcelona, consider a flexible schedule. Lines are often the worst through the (very hot) middle of the day. If you opt to spend the day in the area and pass by the Sagrada in the evening, you may find shorter lines or the chance to walk right in.
- Carrer de Blai: This road is full of amazing tapas spots. You could spend an entire afternoon or evening here. Stop by each restaurant and grab a taste of their specialty then move on to the next.
- Churros: Churros are the quintessential Spanish street food. They’re best at night. Many churro spots are only open at night, for the Spanish partygoers who are awake in the early hours of the morning. If you’re not on the Spanish schedule, head out in the evening and grab some before bed.
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