Spain’s Catalonian capital, Barcelona, is a vibrant travel destination and a hub of arts and culture. There is so much to see and do that you may never run out of new experiences in this great city, but what if you only have a weekend in Barcelona? If you are planning a short trip, take a look at this suggested itinerary and ideas for spending 2 or 3 days in Barcelona and how you can see all the highlights of the city.
Weekend in Barcelona
Friday Evening
When you arrive on Friday, you will have 72 hours in Barcelona. Start with dinner at Agut, a historic and authentic Catalan restaurant in the Gothic Quarter. Apart from the delicious food, the restaurant is also home to various masterpieces of Catalan painters of the 20th century. You’ll also love Pakta, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant with delicious foods like mackerel maki, as well as a tasting menu to try all the unique dishes.
If you want to start your weekend off right, watch an opera. The city has many theaters and opera houses where you can watch an opera, such as the Liceu Theatre. A time-honoring tradition is a must during your visit, especially with classic performances like Madame Butterfly and Hamlet. You can also watch La Pedreda and “The Origins” show, which includes a semi-guided evening tour of Casa Mila and a surreal audio-visual performance on the roof terrace.
Weekend in Barcelona
Saturday Morning
On Saturday morning, you will have 48 hours left in Barcelona. Start with breakfast at La Pubilla, a charming neighborhood classic in the Gracia area. You can enjoy classic knife and fork snacks like scrambled eggs with pancetta or Spanish tortillas. The restaurant is right across from the Mercat de la Libertat, so be sure to visit this excellent food market before starting your sightseeing.
After breakfast, start your sightseeing at the Park Galle, a vast public park with gardens, architectural elements, and unique sculptures designed by Gaudi. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the park to see its many attractions, such as the Serpentine Bench, El Drake, and the Gaudi House Museum.
For lunch, try Boneta, a Catalan tapas and small-cuisine restaurant with family. The charming spot features sample plates, salads, and other small dishes for a quick lunch in between sightseeing, all served with an imaginative twist.
Saturday Afternoon and Evening
After lunch, take some time to explore some of Gaudi’s more masterpieces, such as the Casa Batlló, a luxurious apartment complex, and La Sagrada Familia, a magnificent church with unique architectural elements. You can also visit the Galle Palace, another mansion and heritage site designed by Gaudi.
On a Saturday night in Barcelona, you will have endless options for nightlife and fun. Start with dinner at Lasarte, a creative Michelin-starred restaurant with an Italian chef. The restaurant serves beautiful dishes like apple millefeuille and foie gras so that you can experience something new and different.
There is no better way to experience a Saturday night in Barcelona than with a flamenco show. You can find many flamenco clubs throughout the city that offer authentic Spanish culture in the form of this passionate dance. Most clubs hold several flamenco concerts each night, complete with dinner and drinks. One of the best places is the Palacio de Flamenco, a restored 1920s theater with live performances.
Weekend in Barcelona
Sunday Morning
On a Sunday morning in Barcelona, you’ll have 24 hours left to see the city. For a unique breakfast, visit Granja m Vedder, an authentic Catalan restaurant, for scrumptious dishes like chocolate con churros and crema Catalana.
After lunch, finish off your meal with a visit to La Rambla, a lively street lined with shops, cafes, and sights. The beautiful area connects the Gothic Quarter to the east and El Raval to the west, giving you plenty of things to see and do. One of the highlights is the Christopher Columbus Monument, a statue honoring the famous explorer.
You can also visit the Gothic Quarter to see the remains of Roman times and features like the Cathedral of Barcelona. There are lots of unique shops and street vendors selling everything from leather goods and jewelry to snack food.
Weekend in Barcelona
For lunch, visit Alkimia, a trendy gastro restaurant featuring signature Catalan cuisine and local ingredients, such as caramelized cabbage with cheese and horseradish.
Sunday Afternoon and Evening
After lunch, take some time to visit the city’s vibrant museums. Start with the Picasso Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of artifacts from Picasso, and the Poble Espanyol, a museum dedicated to the Museum of Spanish Regional Architecture, with excellent examples of historic Spanish design features.
On a Sunday night in Barcelona, be sure to enjoy the fun nightlife that you must have missed. Have an inventive dinner at the bistronomic Graska restaurant, which features an adventurous chef with creative dishes such as octopus with black sausage and ginger squab.
Weekend in Barcelona
Before you go, be sure to check out the Magic Fountain. This stunning fountain has a Waterworks display featuring water and lights that go to pop and classical music. You can even take a Segway tour at night, which will take you through the best of the city’s sights and hidden streets lined with unique attractions.
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