Barcelona travel guide: Gaudí tickets, beaches and the old city
Barcelona is a beach city, a Gaudí city and a food city, and three days fit all three. The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló need timed tickets, so book those first. Everything else is walkable or a short metro ride, and the best days leave room for a long lunch.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay in the Eixample or the Gothic Quarter, give it three days, and book the Sagrada Família and Park Güell before you fly.
- Where to stay
- The Eixample for a calm, central base, the Gothic Quarter and El Born for old streets, Gràcia for a local feel.
- How many days
- Three days covers the main sights and a beach afternoon. Four adds Montserrat or Girona.
- Best time to go
- May, June, September and October are warm and less crowded. July and August are hot, and the beach is busy.
- Book ahead
- The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló. Tickets are timed and sell out.
- From the airport
- El Prat has the Aerobús to Plaça de Catalunya in about 35 minutes, and metro line 9 Sud links the terminals.
Where to stay in Barcelona, in brief
Eixample
a calm, central base
Wide streets, Gaudí buildings and good restaurants. It is calmer than the old town at night.
Gothic Quarter and El Born
old streets and atmosphere
Narrow medieval streets, bars and the cathedral. It is busy and noisy, and pickpockets work here.
Gràcia
a local feel and small squares
A village-like district with plazas and small restaurants. It is 25 minutes from the center on foot.
Barceloneta
beach and seafood
Close to the sea, with seafood restaurants. It is lively in summer and can be noisy at night.
Things to do in Barcelona
Sagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, with an extraordinary interior. Choose a timed slot and add the tower if you can.
3 to 6 weeks ahead in summer
Park Güell
A hillside park with mosaics and views. The monumental zone needs a timed ticket.
2 to 4 weeks ahead
Casa Batlló and La Pedrera
Two Gaudí houses on Passeig de Gràcia. Pick one if time is short.
1 to 2 weeks ahead
Gothic Quarter and the cathedral
Walk the old streets and the Plaça del Rei in the morning.
La Boqueria
A big food market off La Rambla. Go early, and eat at the back stalls.
Barceloneta beach
A city beach for a swim or a seafood lunch.
Palau de la Música Catalana
A concert hall in modernist style, with a guided visit.
a few days ahead
Montjuïc
A hill with views, gardens and museums. Take the cable car or the funicular.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Barcelona can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Barcelona, and which to pick- Sagrada Família3 to 6 weeks ahead in summer
Timed tickets, and the towers sell out first.
- Park Güell2 to 4 weeks ahead
A daily limit on entry to the monumental zone.
- Casa Batlló1 to 2 weeks ahead
Timed entry, and busy at midday.
What to skip in Barcelona
- Restaurants on La Rambla
The food is poor and the prices are high. Walk to El Born or Gràcia.
- Paella near the beach at tourist prices
A lot is frozen. Choose a restaurant that cooks to order and asks you to wait.
Best time to visit Barcelona
May, June, September and October are the best: warm, bright and less crowded. The sea is warm enough to swim from June.
July and August are hot and busy, with high prices. Winter is mild, and the main sights are quiet.
- From El Prat airportThe Aerobús runs to Plaça de Catalunya in about 35 minutes. The metro line 9 Sud and the train also serve the center.
- MetroThe metro is fast and covers the main sights. Buy a T-casual ticket for several rides.
- On footThe Gothic Quarter, El Born and Eixample are all walkable.
- Taxi and bikesTaxis are cheap, and public bikes are available.
Barcelona in three days
- Day 1
Gothic Quarter, the cathedral and La Boqueria in the morning, El Born in the afternoon and dinner in the old town.
- Day 2
The Sagrada Família in the morning, Casa Batlló after lunch and a walk in the Eixample.
- Day 3
Park Güell in the morning, then Barceloneta for the beach and a seafood dinner.
Day trips from Barcelona
- MontserratAbout an hour by train and rack railway. A mountain monastery with views.
- GironaAbout 40 minutes by high-speed train. A walled old town and a river with colored houses.
- SitgesAbout 40 minutes by train. A beach town with an old center.
Barcelona: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Barcelona?
Three days covers the main sights and a beach afternoon. Four adds a day trip.
Where should I stay in Barcelona?
The Eixample is calm and central. The Gothic Quarter and El Born are lively and close to the sights.
Do I need to book the Sagrada Família?
Yes. Tickets are timed and sell out, so book weeks ahead in summer.
What is the best time to visit Barcelona?
May, June, September and October. July and August are hot and crowded.
Is Barcelona safe?
Mostly, but pickpocketing is common in tourist areas. Keep your bag closed and phone out of sight.
How do I get from Barcelona airport to the center?
Take the Aerobús to Plaça de Catalunya in about 35 minutes, or the metro and train.