Beautiful Barcelona, Spain, is a world-class city that one can spend a lifetime in. However, if you only have only 36 hours, then time best be well spent! Here is an itinerary for 36 hours in this magical Mediterranean gem, properly paced so that you experience Barcelona but aren’t rushing through the landscape. Highlights include walks through Via Laietana, El Gothic area, the History Museum of Catalonia, and nightlife entertainment. Of course, sampling local cuisines such as tapas and paella, not to mention the diverse regional wines, is a must when traveling. There is no shortage of adventure or whimsy in this Catalonian city. Read below to map out your 36 hours in Barcelona, Spain.
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Day 1: Afternoon: stroll your way through Barcelona
The Spanish are famous for their love of taking a relaxed walk, one that has the spirit of whimsy and observation. This tradition is perfect as you set out to explore Barcelona. Visiting Via Laeitana, which runs from Plaça Urquinaona to Plaça d'Antonio López along the seaside, sets you in the old neighborhoods of Barcelona, and immediately gives one a feel for the city. Built in the 20th century, the architecture of Via Laeitana reflects Art Nouveau, Art Déco, and Noucentista neo-classical styles.
Via Laeitana is a bustling street close to the famous Las Ramblas, a 1.2 kilometer-long (0.7 mi) thoroughfare pulsing with the essence of Barcelona, including street performers, shopping, and landmarks. Tourists and locals alike love Las Ramblas for a variety of reasons. Here, live the taboo like Museu de l’Erotica (Erotic Museum), as well as the cultural, such as Joan Miró‘s circular tile work, Pla de l'Os . Additionally, don’t miss La Boqueria, a market noted as being the best in the city, which touts fresh produce and meats, as well as flowers.
Day 1: Afternoon: Then visit the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia and El Gothic area
As you continue your walk, if you aren’t already exhausted, head in the direction of the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral. Finished in the 14th century, this Gothic-style cathedral is known for its gargoyles which sit atop the roof. Move inside and take in the glorious views of the gorgeous cathedral, dedicated to Eulalia, patron saint of Barcelona who was said to have died in martyrdom during the Roman rule. Strangely enough, there is a secluded Gothic cloister where 13 white geese are held, in the symbolism of Eulalia being killed at the age of 13. Visiting hours vary from weekday to weekends so check the website before going (https://catedralbcn.org).
By now you must really sit down and have a pick-me-up. What better than the renowned coffee of Barcelona, at any cafe you can spot. What to order? If you take your coffee black as night, cafe solo is how to order (meaning without milk, or “just coffee” and basically equates to espresso). Cafe con leche will get you coffee and milk in a half-to-half ratio, and if you want your coffee more like a traditional American cuppa, then the Americano is the way to go. But maybe by now what you really crave is the carajilo, a coffee that’s half-part espresso, half-part whiskey or brandy. Welcome to Barcelona! A shot of espresso is generally about 1.5 EUR (1.7 USD).
Tip from tour guide
Barcelona Cathedral's construction began in the 13th century and lasted more than 200 years. The fate of this saint is shrouded in many legends and mysteries and no one knows what happened with Eulalia. The only certain thing is that she was a young Christian girl, born in 292 in Mérida. Her death is related to the cruel rule of Emperor Diocletian, who persecuted Christians, and the young Eulalia was one of the victims. The circumstances under which she was caught, imprisoned, and then publicly tortured are not too clear.
The thirteen snow-white geese are precisely a symbol of the martyrdom of Saint Eulalia because according to one of the legends, she was reincarnated as a goose after her death.
Book Tours : Barcelona 2-Hour Gothic Walking Tour
Day 1: Evening: Visit the Magic Fountain then have dinner at a restaurant nearby
Head next to the Magic Fountain Montjuïc (Font màgica de Montjuïc), a display of water, colors, and wonder. Unveiled in 1929 during the Great Universal Exhibition, the Magic Fountain mixes colors, lights, motion, music and water acrobatics. Fountain show times are scheduled and are generally between 9 pm and 10 pm, so be sure to plan ahead.
Following this majestic show, plan on dinner nearby to keep the magic going. If you head northeast to Carrer de Lleida there are a number of restaurants of Spanish cuisine as well as Italian, Mexican, and ramen. But why not enjoy the culinary tradition of your surroundings and live it up at a local restaurant such as El Camarote de Tomás (C/ Lleida, 3, 08004 Barcelona, Spain) that serves fresh seafood from the Mediterranean? This husband-wife duo keeps their small, informal restaurant afloat by beautifully prepared fish and excellent paella.
Day 1: Night: Dancing at a nightclub or Flamenco
If you still have energy, head out to taste what Barcelona has to offer for nightlife. Since you are close to the Gothic Quarter (or Las Ramblas) from the Magic Fountain, be prepared to navigate the labyrinthine-like alleys and streets of Las Ramblas. Some highlights to visit are Plaza Real (Royal Plaza), home to famous clubs such as Sidecar, Jamboree, and Tarantos, which hosts live flamenco music and dancing, a must when visiting Barcelona.
Book Tours : Flamenco Show Ticket at Los Tarantos Barcelona
Barcelona Tour Guide
Perry Tours
Hello! My name is Perry, originally from the heart of Belgium, famed for its waffles and fries. However, it wasn't just the call of the Spanish sun that brought to Barcelona, but rather a captivating encounter with a German-Uruguayan beauty in Thailand. This led to the birth of our son in Ibiza, and eventually, more than two decades ago, I found myself in the vibrant city of Barcelona. My pa... Read more
Tours by Perry
Day 2: Morning: Enjoy breakfast then head to the History Museum of Catalonia
It’s Day 2 in the beautiful Barcelona, and time to carpe diem! First, begin your morning with el desayuno, or breakfast. Spanish breakfast is generally pretty simple and is the smallest meal of the day. Coffee and a small pastry are traditional. If your hotel offers breakfast, then great, otherwise a quick stop to any neighborhood cafe will fit the bill.
Second on the list after that morning cup of Joe is the History Museum of Catalonia. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a proud region of Spain that has long vied for recognition as an autonomous region. Here you can soak up the rich history of Catalonia, and learn why this area is so unique. Set in the old General Warehouses of Commerce near the harbor of Barcelona, it just steps away from the beautiful Mediterranean beaches. A visit to the History Museum of Catalonia (4.5 EUR or 5.1 USD for general entry) is a perfect way to spend the morning, then head en-route to a seaside lunch!
Book Tours : Barcelona 3-Hour Bike Tours
Day 2: Afternoon: Visit La Barceloneta and the Picasso Museum
There is no shortage of fresh food in the city of Barcelona, and an opportunity to eat the freshest fish possible cannot be missed. The La Barceloneta, a seaside neighborhood in Barcelona, is the perfect spot to head when afternoon tummies rumble. Of course, paella is a must when eating in Barcelona, but if you have already crossed it off your list, try local dishes like bacalao of raw salted cod served with black olives and tomatoes. Buen provecho!
After eating, stroll along sandy Barceloneta Beach which is thought to have inspired Miguel de Cervantes as the setting for the fight between Don Quixote and the Knight of the White Moon. Beach volleyball nets line the beach, as well as ample opportunities for swimming if the season is right. The beach is just too beautiful to miss when visiting Barcelona, even if one is only there for a short time.
Of course, Picasso is near synonymous with Barcelona, so a trip to the Picasso Museum is another highlight of the city. This museum focuses on the younger years of the artist and it is home to 4,251 works in the permanent collection. Learn how Picasso developed his skills and genius at the Picasso Museum. General admission for the museum is 12 EUR (13.64 USD).
Book Tours : Picasso Walking Tour & Picasso Museum of Barcelona
Day 2: Night: Moonlight paddle boarding in the Mediterranean
Last but not least, after all that musical inspiration, take to the moonlit beach and go paddle boarding! Yes, it’s the perfect way to cap off the night and merge with the sea. Paddleboarding tours can be booked through sites such as Viator.com or by walking into a local surf shop. “SUP” as it is known as (stand up paddleboarding), has become a local favorite as Barcelona’s waters tend to be quieter; not great for consistent surfing, but excellent for stand-up paddle boarding.
Book Tours : Paddle SUP Rental
Day 2: Evening: Dinner and opera at The Liceu
Dinner beckons after all that learning. Since tapas should always be a part of one’s visit to Spain, perhaps the light bite-sized meal will be enough to suffice, of course with a glass of Spanish wine! All along Las Ramblas, there are a variety of restaurants to fit any need. Make your way to this neighborhood for a recommended night at The Liceu, Barcelona’s opera house. Having survived a fire in 1847, the opera house is beloved for both contemporary works and more traditional operas. Tickets can be bought at the box office outside the opera house, and the theater is closed on Sundays.
Book Tours : Liceu Opera Barcelona Admission Ticket
Day 3: Morning: A visit to the Sagrada Familia
It’s Day 3, and time to head home, but not before soaking up that last of time in Barcelona. Begin your day as the last with coffee and a light breakfast. Then, head to the Sagrada Familia, the large, unfinished Roman Catholic church that was designed by Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. This world UNESCO site combines Gothic and Art Noveau styles, and was started in 1882 and is projected to be finished by 2026, a hundred years after Gaudi’s death. This iconic cathedral is not only breathtaking in architectural design but it is also a symbol of Barcelona, and a representation of modernism in Catalonia. Individual tickets start at 29 EUR (33 USD) per person.
A whirlwind tour of Barcelona
By the end of your 36 hours in Barcelona, you may be ready for a rest, but assuredly, your appetite for the city will be piqued for more. Barcelona is rich in culture, history, and architecture, not to mention beautiful beaches and fresh food! With 36 hours spent exploring Barcelona’s diverse city life, you can feel as though you have seen a well-rounded representation of the city. 36 hours in Barcelona will be just enough time to have you planning your next trip back!
History
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