Barcelona has much to offer as Europe's largest metropolis on the Mediterranean coast.
The capital of Catalonia is a cultural mecca filled with intricate architecture, suave fashion houses, and savoury dishes.
I was fortunate enough to spend six days in this dream city, where I saw the most famous sights and some rare gems.
Barcelona is a city with several annual festivals. Since I travelled to Spain in August, I celebrated the Festa De Gracia festival, one of the most energising neighbourhood celebrations in the city.
In this article, I will guide you through how to spend six days in Barcelona: from what I saw and tasted to where I wandered. I hope it inspires you to do the same and spend six awesome days in this incredible city.
Day One: Explore your Neighbourhood
When you first land in Barcelona, there will be a multitude of sights vying for your attention. The city has so much to offer, that it can be quite challenging to pick and choose which attractions to see first.
Depending on what time of year you are visiting, it will be essential to book some of the popular sights, such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell, well in advance.
In addition to purchasing tickets for these popular tourist attractions, the Bus Turistic is a tour bus that can take you around to various popular attractions. I would highly recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time.
During my trip, I made sure to leave sufficient gaps of time for exploring the city, so I only made reservations for a few major attractions per day. I find that this is the best way to experience a city. And there is no shortage of places to see in Barcelona!
From secret alleyways to gardens, historic churches, and more, there is something to discover around every corner.
To get from the airport to the city centre, you can ride the Airport express train from Barcelona airport directly into town! Once you arrive in town, there are several metro stations to take you to the neighbourhood where you will be staying during your holiday.
After first arriving in Barcelona, spend your first day acclimating to the neighbourhood where you have chosen to stay. As I visited during Festa De Gracia, I chose an Air BnB in the hip district of Gracia. This unique area boasts a vibrant bohemian scene with a range of cool bars, cafes, and plazas.
Visiting Barcelona during a grand neighbourhood celebration is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Spain is a country with an endless supply of festivals, ranging from a huge tomato food fight to art exhibitions. If you can time your trip during one of the several festivals, you should!
Originating in 1817, Festa De Gracia is an energising annual street festival that takes place over 6 days. The small, tight-knit community of Gracia unites to create a truly spectacular extravaganza of music, food, and art.
One of the most unique aspects of Festa de Gracia is the parade float competition, in which each street/neighbourhood decorates one street with giant floats and displays, all composed of recyclable materials.
Each street comes alive with multicoloured-themed displays that seem right from your imagination! Massive papier-mache creations dangle from the skies along every street. This festival goes beyond anything you may have seen before. Gracia residents go all out, creating incredible themed decorations.
In Barcelona, some of the themed street displays I saw included an under-the-sea theme, a rock music guitar theme, an Amazon jungle theme, and a pirate ship theme.
In addition to this unique visual street art contest, there are endless options of things to do and foods to try. Throughout the festival, there are endless opportunities to learn various Spanish dance styles at workshops, as well as places to try traditional Spanish dishes like Paella, Catalan Sausage, and Esmorzars de Coca, among others. You can also try a mojito, which is a lemon drink.
If you prefer a different vibe, there are over 10 districts you could explore. Each part of Barcelona has a unique personality. For example, professional shoppers will enjoy exploring the Eixample neighbourhood. Here, you will find posh shopping boutiques, luxurious hotels, and modern buildings.
The Old Town/El Ravel is divided into four main areas: the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic), El Ravel, El Born, and La Barceloneta. This is the heart of the city, the site of Ciutadella Park, the Gothic Cathedral, and the famed Picasso Museum, so it will likely attract those of you who enjoy travelling back in time to a different historical era.
El Ravel is another community with a bohemian vibe. This area is full of art studios and Barcelona's largest meat market, La Boqueria Market. There are also a few intriguing statues in El Ravel, including El Gato de Botero.
Chill beach-goers will fall in love with Barceloneta, a modern district that was designed during the 1992 Summer Olympics. Finally, for techies, there is Sant Marti, a neighbourhood with the 38-story glass skyscraper Torre Glories and several modern technological amenities.
After an afternoon of strolling through your new neighbourhood, you are sure to be hungry for a hearty meal!
On your first night, try a traditional meal with Paella and Patatas Bravas. One of my personal favourite tapas bars is Lalola, located on Carrer de l'Escorial. While here, be sure to try the Potatas Bravas, a snack with spicy potatoes fried in oil and smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce.
Day Two: Visit the Crown Jewel of Barcelona and More!
On your second day, you will be well-rested and super eager to take on the town. This is the day to check a few of the top sights of Barcelona off of your must-see list.
You can begin your day with a free walking tour of Barcelona. Several tour companies offer unique tours including the Gaudi Free Tour by Runner Bean Tours.
After roaming around all day like tourists tend to do, you will want to take a lunch break. There are several popular tapas bars along Passeig de Gracia you can try.
Be brave and try something you haven't ventured to before! A few of the top-ranked choices include Cerveceria Catalana, Bar El Velodromo, and Vinitus.
After a hearty lunch-tasting paella, vegetable dishes, unique seafood dishes, and an assortment of wines or sangria, you will be free to explore the city some more.
If you are a chocolate lover, check out Museu de la Xocolata. Located in the Gothic Quarter, this museum is open daily from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and offers the chance to learn about the origins of chocolate and its significance to the city of Barcelona.
If you have children travelling along with you, they will enjoy finding the chocolate statues throughout the museum. Adults and children alike will surely love to sample some delicious rich chocolate!
A leisurely walk through the Gothic Quarter would be a great way to spend the rest of the afternoon. This unique area features a few historical and vintage shops, restaurants, tapas bars, and museums.
Among a few select attractions are the magical Barcelona Cathedral, Placa Jaume, and the Jewish Quarter. Several walking tours also cover the Gothic Quarter, in case you are interested in doing some treasure hunting and learning about the history of Barcelona.
While in the Gothic Quarter, don't miss visiting Els Quatre Gats, which is an Art Nouveau cafe notorious for being the gathering spot for artists during the 19th century. Picasso and Gaudi himself even frequented this spot! Be warned that it is quite pricey, though!
Later that afternoon, make your way to the Sagrada Familia, located in the L'Eixample district of Barcelona. This is an attraction for which you will definitely want to make a reservation for at least a week before you go, to ensure that you don't waste time waiting in line (It can be quite long and take hours!).
It is a good idea to purchase the audio guide along with the basic ticket, as you will be able to learn about the history of the Sagrada Familia and follow a particular sequence when navigating the grand church. I found the guided tour to be quite enlightening.
There are almost always enormous crowds around the Sagrada Familia, due to its popularity, and it takes around two hours to see it properly.
Late afternoon is a good time to visit the Sagrada Familia, as sunlight will strike the windows and create an incredible shower of colours through the stained glass windows inside the cathedral.
The Sagrada Familia is truly the crowning glory of Barcelona, and is an amazing architectural wonder that you cannot miss!
Day Three: Gaudí Appreciation Day
Begin your third morning touring the colourful Gaudi masterpiece, Parc Guell. This unique Barcelona destination, located in the Gracia district, is very popular and for good reason! Swarms of tourists and locals alike flock here to enjoy an architectural wonder and a relaxed natural vibe.
Although now a beautiful park for tourists to relax and enjoy the fruits of Gaudi's architectural labour, this artistic garden was originally commissioned in 1900 as a luxury housing development for Barcelona's elite. However, by 1914, it evolved to become a parkland where people could picnic.
While at Parc Güell, be sure to visit the Gaudí House Museum, where Gaudí himself lived until his death in 1926. If you would like to tour the gardens in a leisurely manner, 2-3 hours should be sufficient.
You can even pack a picnic brunch to enjoy while perched on the famous Serpentine Bench, a mosaic masterpiece. Timed tickets to Parc Güell cost 10 euros and should be booked at least a week ahead of your trip here. The guided tour costs 23 Euros.
After exploring Parc Guell, it will be time to locate a good tapas bar for lunch. You’ll find several options close by, including Restaurant Terra Mia which offers Mediterranean cuisine with a diverse selection of seasonal specialities. Their tapas menu includes chorizo al brandy y romero (Chorizo sausage with brandy and rosemary), Pulpitos a la Diavola (Baby octopus in a spicy red sauce), and Calamares a la Romana (Fried coated calamari rings).
After your fill of delicious Spanish cuisine, get ready for an afternoon of continued architectural appreciation. Spend the afternoon touring Casa Batllo, the world's best landmark 2021 winner. This incredible Gaudi creation has been called the real-life version of Claude Monet's painting, Water Lilies, and is an ocean-themed historical mansion featuring a wavy exterior, blue-green stained glass windows, and even a blue-hued grand staircase.
Of course, its most distinctive characteristic is its very Gaudian mosaic patterns, which even coat the chimneys and rooftops! Basic admission tickets for Casa Batlló (including an audio guide) cost 29 Euros per adult, and admission is free for children under 12 years of age.
If you are a fan of cultural music, a history buff, or just someone who appreciates beauty, another tourist site you will want to add to your trip itinerary is Palau de la Musica Catalana.
Just a 15-minute walk from Casa Batlló, this UNESCO World Heritage site was designed by architect Lluis Domenech I Montaner in the Catalan art nouveau style in 1908. The interior of the concert hall is a treat for the eye: beautiful stained-glass ceilings, an ornately designed auditorium, and a particularly impressive central skylight set it apart from others you may have seen.
Originally created as a home for Barcelona's choir, the Orfeo Catala, it serves today as a beautiful concert auditorium hosting various performers, including famed violinists, piano players, and opera singers.
The tour is well worth the price of 30 euros, but if you are interested in attending a musical concert here, you can either walk in or make a reservation on their website.
By the time evening rolls around, you will be starving for a delicious dinner. Tapas are always a popular option.
One amazing bar located near Palau de la Musica Catalana is Tosca Tapas y Vino. With a fusion-style menu, some of the highlights include empanadas filled with caramelised onions, walnuts, goat cheese, and mozzarella, traditional Catalan cured ham and Danish-style meatballs with almond sauce.
After recharging at your hotel, catch the evening light show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, near Placa d'Espanya. Featuring dancing water shoots choreographed to high-beat musical tunes, the fountain show is a spectacle you will not want to miss!
During summer nights, shows take place from Wednesday to Sunday and typically last an hour at dusk. Fun Fact: During the day, you can ride the Montjuic cable car to get unparalleled views of the city from the skies!
After a jam-packed day of touring, tapas tasting, and meandering through Spanish streets, retreat to your hotel and rest up for your future adventures in Catalonia!
Day Four: Spend a Day Climbing Montserrat
After a few days of exploring the urban landscape, taking a day trip to a natural oasis will be a welcome change. Spend your fourth day in Montserrat, translated as "rugged mountain", where you will relish breathtaking views. This Spanish mountaintop is the perfect getaway from bustling Barcelona, offering a tranquil retreat for those who need a little time in nature. This unique spot is a hiking destination and a religious pilgrimage.
Although there are many forms of transport to Montserrat, a cheap and scenic option is to take the one-hour train ride from Placa Espanya in Barcelona to Aeri de Montserrat. A round-trip adult fare costs 11.50 euros and takes approximately 1 hour from Barcelona.
Once you arrive at Aeri de Montserrat, you can ride the cable car for 30 minutes to the Basilica and Benedictine Abbey.
There are also alternative packages that include lunch and admission to the Montserrat Monastery Museum if you are inclined to learn about the history and significance behind this church.
According to historical legends, Montserrat was first settled by monks in the ninth century, when the four chapels were initially built. You can learn all about the monastery's origins at the museum, which should take no more than half an hour to view.
Interestingly enough, about a hundred monks still reside at the Montserrat Monastery today. Several locals take a religious trip to Montserrat to be blessed by the Black Madonna. You can certainly add this to your list of things to see at Montserrat, but be aware that you may have to wait in line for hours.
Be prepared with snacks, drinks, and perhaps some travel games, if kids accompany you! If possible, check the weather forecast and schedule your day trip to Montserrat on a sunny day, as you will likely be spending most of the day outdoors. The Basilica is open from 7 AM to 8 PM.
The hike to Montserrat is most definitely a 10/10 for its incredible scenery. It is moderate in difficulty, but there are several options if you are not an avid hiker, and are just there for the views.
Hiking to the top will take approximately 1-1.5 hours to climb 5 km; you can also take the cable car to/from Aeri Montserrat, which will cost 20 euros. We chose to take the cable car/funicular, and it was quite a scenic ride.
Once you are at the top of Montserrat, you will be able to visit the Benedictine Abbey, the Basilica, and a small museum.
There are also smaller, lesser-known landmarks and sites that you will want to check out while at Montserrat. These include the Santa Cova Chapel, Sant Miquel's Cross, and Sant Jerome, which is the absolute top of Montserrat.
Overall, Montserrat should rank high on your priority list while visiting Catalonia. You will not be disappointed!
Day Five: Visit one of the Glittering Villages along the Costa Brava
In awe of sparkling aqua-blue waters and sandy beaches? Love traipsing through cobblestone historical villages? More of an art lover? Then the Costa Brava is an essential addition to your travel plans! No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a stop along with this constellation of little seaside towns.
The Costa Brava is a string of quaint and cultured hamlets along the Spanish stretch of the splendid Mediterranean coast.
If you are limited to just six days in total, you will likely only be able to visit a couple of the towns along the Costa Brava.
How to limit yourself to just one? This, my friend, is the challenge of short trips to Barcelona! There is just too much to see! Nevertheless, you can choose the perfect village for you, based on what you want to see.
If your perfect day consists of a day meandering through an old historic town, touring a giant, majestic cathedral, exploring a Jewish quarter, or exploring the shooting locations of Game of Thrones, then Girona is your city! This town is slightly inland from the villages located right on the coast and has retained its historical charm.
You can easily pass 12+ hours here by taking Instagram-worthy shots against the Eiffel Bridge (built by the same architect who designed the Eiffel Tower, passing through the ancient Roman-built walls that encircle Girona, seeing the massive Girona Cathedral, visiting a cool cycle-themed café and touring the ancient Arab baths.
For those of you who prefer spending a day away from the city, sunbathing on a pristine stretch of sand while the rolling waves crash against the beach, you will want to choose L'Estartit. This family-friendly beach town hosts various festivities throughout the year, and has all you would need for the perfect beach holiday: food, drinks, a bar, and a not-too-shabby view!
If a rainy (or sunny) day at the art museum sounds like the perfect afternoon, you may want to spend the day perusing the Dali Theatre Museum in Figueres.
This bright fire-engine-red museum is a feat to behold, but it's the spectacular paintings that you will find within its walls that are the most significant draw.
The Dali Museum holds over 2400 of Salvador Dali's works and was christened by Dali himself. Figurues is also home to the San Ferran Castle (Castell de Sant Ferran), which is a fairy-tale castle perched on a hill. This town holds the key to pure medieval magic!
Last, but certainly not least (17 villages make up the Costa Brava!), if you enjoy a mix of seaside bliss, culture, festivities, and natural beauty, choose Cadaques. This eye-catching town is painted white and is home to the Cap de Creus Natural Park. This natural preserve provides unmatched scenery which will amaze you.
Overall, the Costa Brava is a gem that you cannot miss during your Barcelona vacation. You will be genuinely grateful you made time to visit one (or ten!) of these towns and will have made memories to last a lifetime.
Day Six: Your Last Day in Barcelona
Before long, it will come time for you to bid farewell to the city of your dreams. Although this is your final vacation day, be sure to enjoy it to the fullest!
We recommend you spend your last day shopping for last-minute souvenirs along Passeig de Gracia and stopping by La Boqueria Meat Market, which is the largest meat market in the city. Here, you will find a vast selection of fresh fruits, meats, seafood, vegetables, and other delicacies and snacks. Come hungry, and leave with a full belly!
After lunch, you can stroll through the Old Town's La Ribera District and visit the Picasso Museum. This is well worth the 12 euros it costs to see Picasso's largest collection of art. Even if you aren't a massive fan of his work, don't miss this museum, as there is nothing like it!
As the day turns to dusk, stroll through the green Parc de la Ciutadella, a beautiful zoological-themed park in the city's northeastern corner that offers picnic spots a plenty (or the perfect place to devour a gelato or café con chocolate), a central fountain, and even a boating pond which is open from March through September.
Find a space to catch the beautiful sunset. It will be the perfect spot to savour the last few moments of your stay.
And there you have it! Six days in the cherished Catalan capital. Barcelona is a wild, crazy, yet cultured city with a particularly unique character.
No matter what time of year you visit, or what neighbourhood you choose to make your home base, you will leave with a strong affinity for the city, its people, food, and culture. And you will no doubt be ready to return at the next opportunity!
Credit: A big thank you to Supriya at supriyatheexplorista.com for the valuable information included in this blog post.
Useful Resources
» Where to Stay In Barcelona
» Travel Resources
» Free Barcelona Tourism Brochures
» Barcelona Metro
» Hola Barcelona Travel Card
» Best Specialty Coffee Shops in Barcelona
» Best Cathedrals & Beautiful Churches in Barcelona
» A Weekend in Barcelona
» Learn Spanish in Barcelona
» Free Walking Tour Of Barcelona
» The Sagrada Familia
» Must See Attractions In Barcelona
» Flamenco Show Barcelona
» Getting Around Barcelona
» Barcelona FC Stadium Tour
» Gaudi´s La Pedrera
» Gaudi´s Casa Batllo
» Why Barcelona is a Perfect City To Learn Spanish
» 11 Fun Things To Do In Barcelona For Couples
» 26 Best Things To Do In Barcelona for 2023
» A Guide to Spending 6 Days in Barcelona
» 9 Amazing Things To Do In Barcelona
» Learn Spanish in a Homestay
