It is not difficult to lose track of time when on a trip to Barcelona. With all the sights, sounds, and surplus of activities at your fingertips, it can become quite taxing trying to figure out just how long your adventure should be. The Catalonia capital has so much to offer, from art, to sports, to culinary masterpieces, it is no wonder Barcelona is deemed one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. We sure could easily spend five days there, and we wouldn’t complain about a sixth!
If you’re wondering just how long you should stay in this Mediterranean paradise, then we’ve got the exact list for you. In all actuality, our experienced tour guides have gotten this question so many times, and so we’ve narrowed it down to three plausible trip lengths: a day tour, a weekend trip, and a week-long trip.
Day Trip
Let’s say that you plan on sticking to the city’s highlights: then a jam packed day trip is the perfect length for you. We suggest you visit Barcelona’s must-see attractions first for a fulfilling vacation (and for great photos to boot!). A morning stroll through La Rambla will prove fruitful, with its winding cobblestone roads and tree-lined avenues. Starting from La Plata de Catalunya and ending at the port, this 0.7 mile long (1.2 km) boulevard is chock-full of surprises.
La Boqueria Market located on Rambla de Sant Josep is one of Europe’s biggest open air markets. An early morning visit is definitely best, as there will be fewer people (mostly locals shopping for their weekly groceries) and the freshest food of a variety you will be amazed at. As you wander through La Rambla, you may notice that the street names are reminiscent of those of saints. This is because certain areas were lined with convents and churches during the 16th century. Today, each street has transformed itself into its own unique little neighborhood.
After promenading through the streets, our guides recommend a sumptuous lunch in the market, where you can find a variety of tapas, paella, and monkfish. A lunch of seafood and tapas will definitely leave you satisfied. On a full stomach, it is time to set off for the sights once more, this time making your way to Antoni Gaudí’s living legacy sitting pretty with a gorgeous view of the city: Park Güell. The park is whimsical at its finest, all 42 acres of it. What makes this stop even better is that Park Guell is quite close to other sightseeing spots you might wish to pay a visit to, such as La Sagrada Familia. To end your day, visit Carles Buigas’s Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, where you will be treated to a water and lights spectacle that will cap your trip off magnificently.
2 Day (Weekend) Trip
Some people live for the weekend, and though it may not be the most sustainable of mindsets, it is definitely one to have if your weekend involves Mediterranean blue skies, unique architecture, and the best cuisine. For a two-day trip, it is best to reserve one day for the must-see sightseeing spots to keep your trip rounded. A customizable private tour might be your safest bet for the most hassle-free of touring experiences. By booking our local guides, you will be captivated by the insider knowledge they can provide you throughout your day.
On your second day, supplement your Park Guell trip and crown your art connoisseur experience with a saunter through Casa Mila, lovingly dubbed La Pedrera, or stone quarry. A first-class example of Catalan art nouveau, this tour de force is Gauda’s input to the modernist scene in Spain. Admire the twisting balconies, stone facade, and all of its undulating yet functional glory, just as George Lucas (the creator of Star Wars) found inspiration in its chimneys and building design.
Complete your art-filled trip with an afternoon at Museu Picasso, the place to visit in order to go back in time and learn about Pablo Picasso in his youth. The Spanish artist holds a deep relationship with the city, and you will be able to spot this in his art. Not only are Picasso’s many early works exhibited in the museum, but the museum itself is an eye-catcher with its five gothic palaces equipped with beautiful terraces and gardens.
5 Day (Week-long) Trip
You’re lucky if you can get the better part of the week for touring this incredible city. Because you have five days reserved, you are sure to enjoy the city’s many characters. A day visiting Barcelona’s highlights and a day refining your art knowledge will leave you with three sublime days of more fun and excitement. For a nice relaxing trip, we suggest you stretch Barcelona’s highlights to two days.
About an hour’s drive and 15-minute train ride from the city is the magical Mountain of Montserrat. This great escape is a gastronomical wonder, what with the tasty wines from the local wineries and the best farm-to-table food. After your three-course meal (other meals are available on the mountain), make your way through the vineyards and taste first-hand the organic red wines grown there. End your day with a trek up the abbey. The Montserrat Monastery is flocked by devotees of the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to hear the Escolania de Montserrat choir boys sing with their angelic voices.
Not inclined to this? Then maybe a hike through Montserrat Natural Park might appeal more. The Mountain of Montserrat has various hiking trails with not only amazing views, but also interesting historical landmarks like abandoned hermitages. There is definitely something for everyone on Montserrat.
You’ve been to the city center, trekked through some of Barcelona’s mountains, and now all you want to do is breathe some fresh ocean air. A day trip to the port city of Tarragona is never a bad idea. Take the train down to the port and enjoy the city’s views and great history. As you walk through the city, you’ll notice that its architecture seems a bit older and more classical than other parts of Barcelona. This is because Tarragona’s deep-seated culture is in fact a mixture of Spanish, Roman, and Iberian, to name a few. Walk through this museum-like region and find history everywhere, from the amazing Roman ruins of amphitheaters and buildings to the quaint fishing villages that haven’t changed much in years.
Conclusion
Barcelona buzzes with an excitement that can disarm the most finicky of tourists. Whether you are there for a day, a weekend, or a whole week, you are bound to fly home with a smile on your face and the Mediterranean blue skies on your mind. There is so much to do around the city that even a month’s stay may not be enough to satisfy your wanderlust. To make sure you have an unforgettable experience, get firsthand knowledge from our trusted local guides who can provide you with exceptional tours and a vacation for the record books.