Must See Places in Barcelona in 48 Hours

48 hours is a short time to spend in Barcelona. But we’ve made it completely doable for you! Read our easy 2-day itinerary so you know the most essential things to do and see in Barcelona.

Day 1

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is a unique and unfinished Roman Catholic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. Go inside, and be prepared to be mesmerized by the stained-glass windows and tree trunk-like pillars. 

Ciutadella Park

Relax and refuel your energy at Ciutadella Park, the most central green space of Barcelona. It has a large pond with ducks and rowboats, a flowing and picturesque fountain, and a huge mammoth sculpture. 

Born and Gothic Quarter Neighborhoods

From Ciutadella Park, get lost in the energetic Born neighborhood. Pass by the Museu Picasso, which showcases Pablo Picasso’s works during his formative years. Pop in the Santa Caterina Market, where you’ll see a panoply of colorful fruits, meats, and packaged delicacies. The nearby Gothic Barcelona Cathedral, constructed in the 13th to 15th centuries, is also worth a view.

Las Ramblas

Walk down this emblematic pedestrian street with flower vendors, street artists, and human statues. Stop by the infamous La Boqueria, and see the exotic fruits and vegetables on display. Walk to the end to see the towering Christopher Columbus monument as he points to the New World. 

Barcelona Port

Passing the Christopher Columbus monument, you’ll hit the harbor marina called Port Vell and the breezy boardwalk. Take a relaxing stroll southbound, and you’ll run into the La Barceloneta, a former fisherman neighborhood and the best area for seafood. 

Hot tip! Start your trip right with our food and history tour, the Taste of Barcelona. You’ll sample insanely delicious food at locals-owned bars and get a captivating history tour of the Born, Gothic Quarter, and La Barceloneta neighborhoods.

Looking for things to do in Barcelona at night? We tell you the best bars and restaurants for nightlife in Barcelona here.

Day 2

Park Güell

Head to Antoni Gaudí’s famous park, a whimsical wonderland of swirling shapes, curvy walkways, and mosaiced walls. Plus, you get some phenomenal views of the city and sea.

Passeig de Gràcia 

Saunter down this elegant street, and you’ll pass by Gaudi’s other creations, the dragon-like Casa Batlló and the wavy Casa Milà.  If you don’t want to go inside Gaudí’s buildings, save it – and savor it – for your next trip. Just one block away is the Rambla Catalunya, the hot spot for luxury shopping.

Love this romantic part of the Eixample neighborhood? Try our Gaudí & Tapas Foodie Stroll! You’ll sample exquisite wine, olive oil, ham, and cheese while learning about the history and architecture of Modernista buildings. 

Sant Antoni Neighborhood

In the evening, hit up the trendy gastronomic scene in the Sant Antoni neighborhood. Arrive before 8:30pm to check out the Mercat de Sant Antoni, a 19th-century market and wrought-iron architectural marvel.

Day 3

Got an extra day? We suggest the historic and cultural city Lleida in the Pyrenees mountains as an unforgettable day trip, or try one of our other day trip ideas here! Or, enter the incredible Picasso Museum, the underrated Palau Güell by Gaudí, or colorful Casa Vincens in the Gracia neighborhood.  

Think you can do this itinerary in 2 days? Need a suggestion? Let us know in the comments!

September 12, 2019 |Words by Justine Ancheta for Eye On Food Tours