My GlobieCities / Barcelona, Spain
City guideBarcelona in 48 hours 🏖️
Day 1 is Gaudí: Sagrada Família, then Casa Batlló or Casa Milà, then tapas. Day 2 is the old town, the market and the beach at Barceloneta. Book Sagrada Família and Park Güell ahead, and keep an eye on your phone on La Rambla.
Day 1: Gaudí's greatest hits
- Sagrada Família. Gaudí's basilica, under construction since 1882. Timed tickets only, so book online.
- Casa Batlló or Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Two Gaudí houses on Passeig de Gràcia, a short walk apart. Pick one to go inside; admire the other from the street.
- Park Güell. Mosaic benches and city views. The central Monumental Zone needs a timed ticket.
- Tapas in Gràcia. A neighborhood of small squares and local bars, right below Park Güell.
Day 2: old town and the sea
- Gothic Quarter and El Born. Narrow medieval streets, the cathedral and the Picasso Museum.
- La Boqueria market. Go in the morning for fruit, juice and a counter-bar breakfast.
- Barceloneta beach. Walk the seafront, swim if it's warm, and stay for sunset.
Eat this
- Pa amb tomàquet: bread rubbed with tomato, olive oil and salt. It comes with everything.
- Patatas bravas: fried potatoes with a spicy sauce, the tapas classic.
- Crema catalana: Catalonia's take on crème brûlée.
Skip this
- Paella from the menu boards on La Rambla. Locals eat it at lunch, near the sea.
- Keeping your phone in a back pocket. Pickpockets love La Rambla and the metro.
Getting there
Long-distance and high-speed trains arrive at Barcelona Sants, with direct trains from Madrid, Valencia and France. The airport is El Prat; the Aerobús runs to Plaça de Catalunya in the center.
Coming from somewhere else in Europe? Compare trains, buses and flights to Barcelona on Tryp.com (yes, that's where our team works; see About). Planning more of Spain? Here's Tryp's Spain travel guide.
Quick answers
Is 48 hours enough for Barcelona?
It's enough for Gaudí's main buildings, the Gothic Quarter and an afternoon on the beach. Stay longer for Montjuïc or a day trip to Montserrat.
Do I need to book Sagrada Família in advance?
Yes. Entry is by timed ticket and slots often sell out, so book online before you go. The same goes for Park Güell's Monumental Zone.
How do I get from Barcelona airport to the city center?
The Aerobús runs from El Prat to Plaça de Catalunya.
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