The Best 4 days in Barcelona Itinerary

Barcelona is one of the most unique, vibrant, and interesting cities you can visit! There’s always something new to do and a cool place to visit. The city has a little bit of everything for anyone, from world-class famous architectural landmarks and great sports culture to beautiful beaches and mouth-watering tapas.

There’s always something worth seeing currently happening in Barcelona! I often tell my Spanish friends that if I had to pick a city to permanently live in Spain I'd choose Madrid, but if I just wanted to visit for a few days and have the best time then I’d definitely go to Barcelona.

After the early excitement of deciding to visit any destination, some logistical questions come into play. This is especially important when it comes to choosing dates and booking plane tickets, etc. So one of the earliest questions we need to answer is: How many days in Barcelona is enough? There's so much to see and do in Barcelona that I recommend planning a 4 to 5 day visit to the Catalonia Capital.

I think 4 days is just about the ideal amount of time to spend in most cities, and Barcelona is no different. I normally recommend exploring the city center and the nearby areas on days 1, 2, and 4, as well as going on a day trip on the third day. This truly allows you to take full advantage of your trip!

On this 4 days in Barcelona itinerary, I’m sharing all these recommendations plus listing some of the best things to do in Barcelona: famous landmarks, the greatest tapas restaurants, amazing hotels, and local tips and tricks.

Note: If you choose to spend less or more than 4 days exploring Barcelona, you can still find many useful tips throughout this travel guide. We have not only written a carefully curated Barcelona itinerary, but we also shared brunch and dinner destinations, places to stay, tips on what to do, and what mistakes to avoid.

HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS IN BARCELONA

Day 1: El Raval, Mercat de la Boqueria, La Rambla, Barcelona Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter …

Stop 1: El Raval

El Raval is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Barcelona, and a place where you’ll be able to find many iconic must-visit destinations in the city. El Raval is a centrally located area that has been always known as one of the busiest parts of Barcelona. For years, it was prominent for its busy and crazy nightlife, and during this time was linked to crime and drugs.

Although today visitors still need to be aware about petty theft, the area has re-developed into a very hip part of the city housing a number of cool bars, restaurants, and vintage stores. The district borders other Barcelona must-see neighborhoods like Eixample neighborhood, the Chinatown area, and the Gothic Quarter.

There are plenty of things to do in and around El Raval. Among our top recommendations are: Palau Guell, The Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, the statue of The Cat of Botero, the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, and La Rambla. These last two are the next designated stops in this 4 days in Barcelona itinerary.

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Stop 2: Mercat de la Boqueria

Big local food markets and food halls selling everything from organic fresh produce to tapas and quick bites are a must while in Europe. Some of my favorites include Foodhallen in Amsterdam, Time Out Lisbon, Broadway Market in London, and Torvehallerne Market in Copenhagen. Spanish food markets never disappoint! There's the famous Mercado San Miguel in Madrid and Mercat de La Boqueria in Barcelona.

Some believe the first signs of a public market in the area date from 1217, although it wasn't until 1914 that La Boqueria as it is today was built. This super fun market is also very busy at all times due to its central location, and it’s one of those well-known touristy places.

That being said, don't let the crowds stop you from eating delicious croquettes, fresh fruit, and the famous boquerones with olives (this is a popular local dish consisting of marinated anchovies. A must-try! I didn’t eat anchovies before visiting Barcelona, but boquerones are truly mouth-watering!).

There are many different kinds of vendors at La Boqueria, which makes the market great for stopping by to get a light snack, lunch, dinner, or provisions to cook at home. And it's located right across from La Rambla.

If you prefer to stop by La Boqueria at a different time during your 4 days in Barcelona, I recommend that you check out either Ruma's Coffee or ARTiSA Barcelona instead. Ruma’s has a great coffee selection while ARTiSA has yummy food bites, ice- cream, and drinks. They’re situated right in Placa Reil, one of the most famous squares in the area.

Stop 3: La Rambla

La Rambla is a tree lined promenade/ pedestrian street dividing El Raval and Barri Gothic, or the Gothic Quarter. La Rambla was converted from a sewage system to a street in the 1400's, evolving through the years and solidifying into one of Barcelona's most important thoroughfares for walking.

While walking through La Rambla, grab a quick ice-cream from one of the many street vendors or sit down at Cafe de l’Opera for some good churros and great people-watching. Don’t forget to check out Miró's mosaic on your way in or out of La Rambla!

Stop 4: Placa Reial Square

Right across La Rambla, you’ll find the next stop in this Barcelona Itinerary: Placa Reial Square. This square is one of the most popular in the area, full of restaurants, street cafes, and stores. Spend a few minutes in the area sitting by the fountain in the middle before making your way to our next destination…

Stop 5: Barcelona Cathedral

The next stop on this first day of our Barcelona in 4 days itinerary is going to be the dramatic Barcelona Cathedral, which is actually the only cathedral in the city.

Note: Although many Barcelona visitors might think that La Sagrada Familia is a cathedral, the church is actually termed an expiatory temple and basilica (not a true cathedral).

The Barcelona Cathedral has been standing for around 500 years. The construction of the church as we know it today started in 1298. In previous years the area had housed different cathedrals and churches. The project of the Barcelona Cathedral took around 150 years to be completed, and it is today one of the most important churches in Spain.

The Gothic-style Cathedral is not only one of the most dazzling sites in the Gothic Quarter, but also one of the city’s most representative architectural pieces.

This is definitely one of my top recommended stops. Some highlights of the Barcelona Cathedral include the cloisters, the views of the city from the rooftop and the palm-tree filled courtyard garden.

Stop 6: The Gothic Quarter

After visiting the Barcelona Cathedral, it's time to explore one of the oldest, coolest, and trendiest neighborhoods in Barcelona: the Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gothic as the locals call it. The area has everything you can imagine and more, from quaint streets, awe-inspiring architecture and great churches to tucked-away squares and galleries focused on local artists. It is as magnetic and lively of a place as you can get!

During the day, visitors will experience busy and bustling streets with plenty of locals and tourists fast-walking from destination to destination, while at night the tapas restaurants and hip wine bars come to life and welcome everyone looking for a good time!

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Stop 7: Flamenco Show/ Rumba Catalana

Rumba Catalana is one of the local music genres of Barcelona, a mix of Andalusian Flamenco and Afro-Cuban and Cuban rock and roll rhythms.

Flamenco is said to have been born in Andalucia, and today there's a strong tradition of the art all throughout Spain that of course expanded to Latin American and the Caribbean throughout the years.

All these mixes of rhythms and influences have shaped what is the art of Flamenco today in the city. Flamenco artists have been defining the city's cultural life for over 200 years, and today they present nightly shows where visitors can experience all of Barcelona's musical roots.

There are plenty of Flamenco shows to choose from, and although some might consider them a bit of a tourist trap I think it's a great way to experience some local Spanish traditions. Choose the establishment and the show wisely and you’ll see some amazing flamenco without breaking the bank.

My top recommendation will be shows hosted at The Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO theater and concert hall that's a staple in Barcelona. For around 30 euros you’ll get to enjoy a 1.5 hour show.

"Gran Gala Flamenco" The most captivating flamenco show in Barcelona
You can see the dazzling performance of ‘Grana Gala Flamenco’ dancers at Barcelona’s Teatre Poliorama or Palau de la Música Catalana. This is one of the most electrifying shows in Barcelona.

There are plenty of other well-known establishments in the city, like Tablao Cordobes. They offer options like show or show + drink.

Next on my list goes to Los Tarantos, the oldest tablao in Barcelona. For just 17 euros you’ll get a great 45 minute flamenco show.

23 Robadores, a more economical place with incredible shows (entrance is around 5 to 7 euros) that’s also popular among locals. Just proceed with a bit of caution at night in this area of the city, especially if you are a woman alone.

Stop 8: Paella cooking class

A great experience to have while spending 4 days in Barcelona is to take a Paella cooking class. It's the perfect way to live out all of your Spanish foodie dreams while making some new friends, drinking some wine, and learning about the mouthwatering Spanish flavors from a local expert.

There are a few places offering this experience in the city, and you can choose from a simple appetizers cooking class and dining experience up to a five course session. It all depends on how hungry you are and how long you want the fun to last. My top recommendations are:

Paella Experience with a Professional Chef and Bottomless Wine in Barcelona
This class is led by a Michelin-starred chef who will share with visitors Barcelona's most popular dishes while drinking great local wines
Paella Cooking Experience with Professional Chef -Four Course Dinner
This class takes place at the popular Paella Club. A skilled award-winning chef will lead the class and guide the group to prepare a delicious 4-course meal paired with Spanish wine and mouth-watering dessert.

Regardless of which one you choose, I can assure you this will be among your top three favorite things to do in Barcelona in 4 days!

Note: These are just some of my favorite destinations or top suggestions in the district of Cituat Vella, which emcompases El Raval and Barri Gothic. There are many other places to see and stop by! I recommend walking around these popular streets to discover some other hidden gems in these areas.

I did just that and found Art Gallery Barcelona - Artevistas in Passatge del Crèdit, a sort of passage/ courtyard/ alley just a few minutes away from Placa Reial Square. I also stopped by Sant Felip Neri Square and had a few tapas at La Alcobita, one of the best restaurants in Barcelona.

Travel tip: Be wary of pickpockets and petty theft in most of the destinations mentioned above. These thieves are notorious in these neighborhoods of Barcelona, just as they are in other large European capitals like Paris or Rome.

If you are a woman traveling alone as I was, avoid the small alleyways of the Gothic Quarter at night. This is a recommendation given to me by some local friends that I’m passing along!

Day 2: Arc de Triomf, Parc de la Ciutadella, La Barceloneta, the Barceloneta Beach, and Palo Market Fest …

Stop 1: Breakfast at Brew Cafe

On your 2nd day in Barcelona we will be discovering some other famous areas of the city, but not without getting a delicious cup of coffee or matcha first at one of my favorite coffee shops in the city: Brew Cafe. This cute establishment serves great coffee, tea, matcha, cakes, pastries, and typical Spanish breakfast dishes.

It has outdoor and indoor seating, and offers WI-FI. It’s also less than a 10 minute walk from other popular destinations like the Arc de Triomf and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, and from the cafe it’s about 10 minutes to the Parc de la Ciutadella.

Stop 2: Arc de Triomf

The Arc de Triomf is a fabulous red-stone arch in Barcelona, and although it's not as famous as the one in Paris it's definitely worth a stop when visiting the city. The arch was built in 1888 to serve as the city’s main entryway for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair.

Walking up and down the Promenade Passeig de Lluís Companys while admiring the Arc de Triomf de Barcelona is a great way to continue to explore the city. If you visit during the warmer months you’ll get to see how the younger and older generations of Spain perfectly blend in this space.

You’ll see them walking, sitting and talking in the surroundings in the mornings. In the afternoons many younger people bring out skateboards and sunbathe, while older people often do lawn bowling on one of the sides of the promenade. Street performers are a constant in this area, and always fun to watch!

Stop 3- Parc de la Ciutadella

Adjacent to the end of the Promenade Passeig de Lluís Companys, you’ll find the next stop in this “4 days in Barcelona Itinerary”: the Parc de la Ciutadella.

The Parc de la Ciutadella is a fun destination all year round. The most popular things to do in the park include a visit to the zoo, the Cascada Monumental, and the boating lake. Other popular attractions in this 70-acre urban green space are the huge Mammoth art sculpture, the Umbracle Garden, The Parliament of Catalonia, and the Hivernacle.

Tip: Go on a bike ride around the park or spend a few minutes people-watching before heading to your next destination!

Stop 3: El Born and La Barceloneta

La Barceloneta is one of the most identifiable neighborhoods in Barcelona. A seaside destination where visitors will experience Barcelona's Port Vell (old harbor), which houses some really incredible yachts and boats as well as the always popular sandy beaches. La Barceloneta is breezy, warm, and inviting, featuring seaside restaurants and bars throughout the whole area.

To get there travelers will have to walk through El Born, another favorite area in Barcelona among tourists and locals.

El Born is funky and fun, and it's full of cute boutiques, great coffee shops, and some of the best tapas restaurants. A can’t-miss stop while visiting the area is the church of Santa Maria del Mar, my favorite church in Barcelona. I like it even more than La Sagrada Familia!

It's said that Gaudi got his inspiration to build La Sagrada Familia here, and once you step into Santa Maria you’ll see why. The church is as grandiose as it is calming and visually impressive, especially the architectural details of the interior. Plus, you don't have to pay or stand in any long lines to visit!

Travel tip: Go on a self guided walking tour of both areas and immerse yourself in the local Catalan culture. Snap some pictures of the quaint and narrow streets that are filled with the Catalonia flag hanging from the local’s balconies and windows. And if you get a bit tired after walking and exploring both areas, head to one of the chiringuitos in La Barceloneta (beach bars/restaurants) and get a cold local wine or beer.

Stop 4: Beach Hopping

Once you explore El Born and La Barceloneta, you can choose to stay in La Barceloneta or go beach hopping to some of the neighboring beaches.

The Barcelona beaches are the perfect destination to add at the end of the 2nd day of your “4 Days in Barcelona Itinerary”. Platja de la Nova Icària, Playa de Bogatell, Platja de la Mar Bella and Platja de la Nova Mar Bellaare are right next to La Barceloneta along the litorall of Barcelona, and although the waters can be quite cold to swim outside of the summer months they are the perfect place to sunbathe, play volleyball with the locals, or relax with friends.

Visitors looking for a different experience other than beach hopping can go to the Palo Market Fest Barcelona instead.

Palo Market Fest Barcelona is a popular local hangout hosting a flea market, food trucks, vendors, and DJ all in one place. The Market is just under 10 minutes by car from La Barceloneta, and the atmosphere in this previously old abandoned factory is absolutely amazing.

Just keep in mind that the fest and flea market only take place on the first weekend of each month. The rest of the days they might have a few other activities going on, like concerts or art shows, but nothing like that first weekend.

Stop 5: Dinner tapas

Once you explore La Barceloneta and its nearby beaches and neighboring areas, it's time to embrace your inner Spanish and go eat some great tapas and drink some wine.

There are many great tapas places in Barcelona to choose from. More often than not when in Spain I love to go to the more local establishments, sit outdoors, and just enjoy some croquettes, patatas bravas and bocaditos. The food itself might not be quite elevated to the level of dishes from a Michelin starred restaurant, but the charm of sitting outside and truly embracing the Spanish life is incomparable.

Note: Travelers looking for food recommendations can check our Restaurant Recommendation section at the end of the article, where we name our favorite establishments.

Day 3: Barcelona Day Trip: Montserrat Monastery, Girona, or Costa Brava

There are several nearby destinations that make a great day trip destination while spending 4 days in Barcelona: Montserrat Monastery, Girona or Costa Brava!

MONTSERRAT MONASTERY

Montserrat Monastery is one of the better known day trip destinations near Barcelona. The Monastery is one of the most important religious sites in Spain. It was founded in 1025, and it honors the Virgin of Montserrat or La Moreneta (the Dark One). It is an active abbey where monks still live to this day.

The Montserrat Monastery consists of the area of the Basilica of Moserrat, the building to its left where the monks live, St.Iscle (one of the first chapels in the area), and other adjacent buildings, some of which are only accessible to the monks. The visit to the Monastery is free of charge, and resident monks are very welcoming of visitors.

The surrounding Monastery grounds are also known for their visually impressive natural beauty, so don't miss the opportunity to walk around the mountains once you are there. It’s said to be one of the best things to do while in Barcelona!

Day trips from Barcelona to Monserrat are frequently organized by tour bus companies, although I actually recommend taking the train and then the funicular to access the Monastery. Trains from Barcelona leave from the centrally located Plaça España Station, and the trip to reach the funicular station will take about one hour. Alternatively, visitors can rent a car and drive there themselves.

For travelers choosing to book organized tours, we recommend these two tours below:

Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines
This guided tour will take travelers to the Montserrat Monastery to see the famous “Black Madonna” followed by a visit to a 10th-century vineyard-castle: Oller del Mas. Cold tapas and wine tasting are also included in this package!
Montserrat with Cogwheel train, Tasting in a Boutique Winery with Tapas or Lunch
The highlights of this tour include a ride in a cogwheel train to the Montserrat Monastery and a tapas brunch at the Oller del Mas château or a 3-course meal at a local restaurant.

Note: While most people will choose Montserrat as a day trip destination, there are a few hotels in the area where visitors can stay for the night. We recommend Abat Cisneros for the incredible views of the Basilica and the great service.

GIRONA

Girona is another highlighted destination near Barcelona. The city is well known for its architecture, heritage, old town and vestiges of past civilizations. Historically, the area belonged at various times to the Romans, the Moors, and the Franks.

The city was once famous for its Jewish Quarter, which is one the attractions most visited today. The train ride takes approximately 40 minutes from Barcelona, with trains running regularly from the Barcelona-Sants station.

COSTA BRAVA

A trip down Costa Brava is another fun thing to do while in Barcelona and the surrounding areas. A favorite holiday destination, there are many incredible areas to visit along Costa Brava, such as the quintessential Spanish seaside towns like Cadaqués, Calella de Palafrugell and Begur.

Although these towns aren’t as easily accessible with public transportation (you can still do it, it will just take longer) they are definitely a must when visiting Barcelona and the Mediterranean during the summer months.

Each seaside village has its own charm, but some great common denominators are the amazing family run seafood restaurants and cafes, the white facades, and of course the beautiful beaches! Spend your day sunbathing on the shores of the Mediterranean or walking along the narrow streets while taking some beautiful pictures and immersing yourself in the local life.

Day 4: La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Gràcia and Casa Milá…

Stop 1: La Sagrada Familia

Start your last day in Barcelona by visiting Barcelonas’s most renowned tourist attraction: The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, commonly known as La Sagrada Familia. Located almost exactly at the border of the popular neighborhoods of Eixample and Gràcia, La Sagrada Familia has been described as the magnum opus of Antonio Gaudi’s architectural work in Barcelona.

Antonio Gaudi is probably the most famous Spanish architect to date, and is seen as the face of Catalan modernism of the 19th and 20th centuries. He is the man behind many of Barcelona's most famous architectural landmarks, like Park Güell, Casa Milla, Casa Batllo and, of course, La Sagrada Familia.

His work was influenced by Neo-Gothic art, and he frequently used religious images and motifs as well as stained glass and waste ceramic pieces.

When La Sagrada Familia started to be built around the year 1882, the project was first assigned to a different architect and the church design was nothing like it would become when Gaudi took over in 1883. Gaudi's focus went completely onto the project and his design process, although by the time of his death only about half of the church had been completed.

He left drawings and plans of the Basilica so that the project could be completed after his death. Throughout the years, the project has seen its fair share of challenges (wars, fires, and even stolen drawing) but throughout it all the project has continued, although sometimes at a very slow pace.

Previously the finish date was set for 2026, but it has since then been delayed due to the Covid Pandemic.

Regardless of the project's challenges, the history of the landmark, or your own religious beliefs, La Sagrada Familia is a must-see in Barcelona. The architectural details are beyond grandiose, and there’s truly no other place in the world like it. The beauty of the light coming through the stained glass and the ceiling details needs to be seen by your own eyes!

Note: Just make sure to book tickets in advance, and try visiting when it first opens as the crowds can definitely be quite large.

Stop 2: Park Güell

Once you have seen and explored the Basilica, it’s time to visit another of Gaudi’s well-known works: Park Güell. But not without stopping first by one of the best bakeries in Barcelona!

BO&MIE Barcelona is a French style bakery, and is located right in front of the Basilica. This place has one of the best croissants and pain au chocolat in town. Definitely worth a stop!

If you are spending 4 days in Barcelona during the summer months check out OAKBERRY Acai Bowl, a cute establishment with indoor and outdoor seating serving delicious acai bowls and smoothies.

Park Güell is another beautiful green space in Barcelona, and is probably the fanciest and most magical park in Barcelona. Besides the greenery, trees, gardens and usual park landscape in the forest zone, visitors can expect to see an almost infinite number of colorful mosaics in the monumental zone. The project was designed by Gaudi and commissioned by Eusebi Güell.

The Park opens daily and tickets cost 10 euros.

Stop 3: Gràcia

Walking about 10 minutes out of Park Güell, you’ll find yourself in the neighborhood of Gràcia. Gràcia is one of the most culturally rich and chic neighborhoods in Barcelona. The area is known for its wide and elegant tree-lined streets, art galleries, outdoor cafes , restaurants, and fun hangout spots, as well as for its cool stores and charming facades.

The neighborhood is one of the most popular among the locals, and is a great place to stay if you are visiting Barcelona to truly immerse yourself in the Catalan culture. Some places you won’t want to miss while exploring Gràcia are: Casa Vicens and Carrer Gran de Gràcia.

Travel Tip: Spend some time walking off the beaten bath and exploring the cool and elegant Gràcia streets. Stop to drink some wine or get a quick bite at Plaça de Rovira i Trias. You’ll find three fun outdoor restaurants there where locals love to meet on Sundays to hang out.

Stop 4: Casa Mila

Casa Milà is another architectural landmark representative of Barcelona. It’s situated on Pg. de Gràcia, 92 in Eixample, just two blocks away from the Gràcia neighborhood. Visitors will be able to see the incredible modernist building that in its heyday was the last private residence designed by Gaudi.

Today La Pedrera- Casa Milà is a cultural center, hosting stores, galleries and events. Only three apartments are rented to tenants, who have lived in this beautiful place for over 70 years.

Stop 5: Casa Batllo

A 5 minute walk from Casa Milà travelers will find Casa Batlló, the last of the Gaudi masterpieces included in this 4 days in Barcelona itinerary. The architectural job is superb and the design is uniquely beautiful.

Casa Batlló offers different ticket options at different prices. Our recommendation is to go for the blue ticket. Just keep in mind that most tickets to go inside Casa Batllo are a bit pricey, so if you want to skip the inside head there twice: once during the day and another during the night. The place is incredibly beautiful under both lights!

Additional Travel Information For Your 4 Days In Barcelona

With 4 days in Barcelona, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the most popular parts of the city as well as some of the more off the beaten path destinations.

Below, we are sharing some other places that didn’t make it into the main itinerary but we still recommend visiting if you have some extra time, or you choose to stay in the city on the third day.

Cable Car: The Montjuïc Cable Car is a popular funicular that will take visitors from the Montjuïc Park to the Montjuïc hill to and the Montjuïc Castle.

Tibidabo is a super cool amusement park located on the top of a hill overlooking Barcelona. It’s the ideal destination for both kids and adults. The ferris wheel boasts breathtaking views of the city. Plus, you’ll find the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus just a few minutes away, and some incredible nature walks nearby.

Camp Nou is the main soccer stadium of the city, home to the popular FC Barcelona and a must-see for sport fans!

Parc del Laberint d'Horta is a beautiful 18th-19th century park with a gorgeous villa type house on its grounds, as well as a cool maze.

The Picasso Museum, a great place to learn about the life and work of the artist.

Languages

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia and as such it has two official languages: Catalan and Spanish. Travelers who can communicate only in English and know a few phrases in Spanish will find it easy to talk to most locals, as the majority of people in the city speak at least some basic English. Local websites can also be read in any of these three languages.

If you only speak English and really have 0 clue about Spanish, you should be able to communicate pretty smoothly in the city center as well. Although I would recommend learning a few travel phrases if you are visiting areas outside the city, such as going on a day trip to Girona or a nearby destination.

We have shared a very useful article with great everyday travel phrases here. Check it out to learn easy to remember phrases before traveling to Spain. Preparation is always key to success!

Transportation Tips

There are many ways to get around in Barcelona, depending on which part of town you are coming from and where you are heading to. They have a good and reliable metro system as well as buses that connect most of the main tourist attractions in the city.

Taxis are also easily accessible throughout Barcelona, and they are required to use the taximeter by law. The most popular ride-share app is FREE NOW, an app similar to Uber that calls a taxi to your location for a set price.

Note: A ride from Barcelona airport to the city center should cost you 30 euros or less, depending on the traffic conditions and where you are headed.

Best Time To Visit Barcelona

The peak season in Barcelona is the summer, when the city receives the most tourists every year. Nonetheless, there’s never a bad time to visit Barcelona! The city is always fun and full of life.

I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons: either in the middle of the Spring or in the middle-end of the Fall, when temperatures are still warm but not blazing hot, the crowds thin out, and hotel prices are lower.

Hotel Recommendations

The Hotel Granvia, the Kimpton Vividora Hotel, Cotton House Hotel Autograph Collection, Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa and La Casa Gran Bed & Breakfast are among my top choices in Barcelona.

The Hotel Granvia has great staff, modern and cozy rooms overlooking the Gran Via, and a back terrace that's perfect to relax in the afternoons after a long day of exploration. It’s technically a 3-star hotel, but the hotel rooms and decor definitely hold up well when I compare it to some great 4-stars in NYC.

Kimpton Vividora Hotel is located right in the Gothic Quarter, and it has a beautiful rooftop and pool!

There are also tons of other boutique hotels, Airbnb, and hostels to choose from.

Restaurant Recommendations

For Spanish food lovers like me looking for some great dinner options we recommend: Teòric Taverna Gastronòmica, Besta Barcelona, RAO Restaurant and Restaurant Estrella.

Those looking for some brunch options might want to try MIAM Brunch & Coffee, Lato Cafè - Breakfast, Cremat 11, Brunch i Ceviches or Billy Brunch & Garden.

Looking for cute coffee shops? We have you covered! Brew Coffee, Departure Coffee Co. and Syra Coffee - Diputació are some of the best we have been to in the city.

General Travel Tips

The Barcelona Card, the Articket Barcelona Museum Pass, Go City Barcelona Pass, and the Barcelona City Pass help you get the most value for your money, skip the lines, and book your visit in advance. They have great discounts and include the most popular attractions!