A Weekend in Barcelona

Barcelona is equal parts captivating and chaotic. Grand boulevards slice through the city, yet give way to gothic alleyways. Layers of humanity and tourism fight (occasionally) for space and infrastructure. A weekend in Barcelona, Catalonia’s vibrant capital, is a feast for the senses and sensibilities!

I associate Barcelona with free-poured gin, tapas in the sun, and buildings that look like they are melting (Gaudí). I think of colourful leather-goods for sale on Las Ramblas, and pitchers of sangria that taste like juice. It is all very vivid and lively in my memory. I have visited Barcelona three times now (2006, 2011 and 2024); and despite some recent anti-tourism sentiment, the city is still welcoming (or at least it was to us).

Where to stay in Barcelona

When visiting Barcelona, I like to stay in the little streets north-east of Via Laietana. Anywhere from the Urquinaona metro station, down to Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.  You have the advantage of being close to some fantastic attractions – Palau de la Música Catalana, Picasso Museum, Santa Caterina Market, Barcelona Cathedral, El Barri Gotic, Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi and Ciutadella Park. As well as some great shopping and restaurants.  But you are just far enough from Las Ramblas to avoid some of the chaos!

• H10 Cubik and H10 Madison are clean and modern 4-star options on Via Laietana
• For gym and spa options, try the Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa
• To be closer to the cruise port, the INNSiDE by Meliá Barcelona Apolo is right near a metro stop and a short taxi from the port
• For a boutique 5-star experience, I suggest Hotel Casa Sagnier

If you are driving to Barcelona, I suggest something further out with parking, but on a train line. Such as the AC Hotel Sant Cugat, a relaxing 45 minute train ride into the heart of the city.

Public transport in Barcelona

Wandering is my preferred way to see Barcelona. Have a vague idea of where you want to go, and then wander until you get there. The architecture in Barcelona is amazing, even between famous buildings, so walking is a great way to get a taste of Barcelona.

The train and metro system is fantastic too, especially good when you’ve walked until your feet hurt and just want a quick way across this huge city. The ticket machines offer english instructions, and I would recommend getting either of these ticket options:

• The Hola Barcelona Travel Card – available in 48h (2 days), 72h (3 days), 96h (4 days), and 120h (5 days) options, these cards offer unlimited travel on any of the Barcelona public transport options on consecutive days.
• The T-familiar card – a refillable multi-trip card that can be shared with more than one person. We used this option, and just passed it between each other so we could use it until the 8 single trips were used up. This card worked for the train out to Sant Cugat on the periphery of the city too. You can get this from any of the ticket machines at train and metro stations.
• If you intend to visit a lot of the museums, you can get a tourist pass called the Barcelona Card, which includes transport and sights.

Things to do on a weekend in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is architect, Antoni Gaudí’s, most famous building.  Construction began in 1882 and continues to this day, with a completion date expected somewhere between 2026-2030. This labour of love is a cathedral so immense, modern and intricate, that it leaves me speechless every time I see it.

If you want a guided tour, there are lots of skip the line and guided tour offers. Our friends took a guided option and appreciated how the guides were able to offer an animated and interesting ‘potted history’ of the architecture without overcomplicating it.

Address: Carrer de Mallorca
Metro: Monumental on the L2 line

Parc GÜell

Parc Guell is another of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Originally intended as a luxury housing development, it became a public park in 1926.

You’ll need to catch the metro to get there, then take a walk up the hill if you want to see its full glory. There is no way to avoid the hills and stairs / walking, so be prepared to stretch your legs! Sometimes the escalators near Vallcarca metro are working, but don’t rely on that. But the hill climb is worth it, as the views from the park are sensational.

The undulating forms and ginger bread buildings of Parc Güell are surreal. Like a mosaicked scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, these fanciful buildings, benches, lookouts and decorations are a sight to behold.

Parc Guell is now ticketed with timed entry, as the park was getting too many visitors to sustain. Get your ticket and time slot in advance to avoid disappointment and queues. On my first visit, there was no entry restrictions, but I can understand why they have implemented this strategy, as it helps to keep the monument preserved.

Metro: Vallcarca

Other Gaudí Buildings

If you love the architecture you’ve seen at Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell already, then here are some more of Gaudí’s architectural gems to discover on your weekend in Barcelona:

• Casa Batlló – a redesign of an existing building on Passeig de Gràcia for Josep Batlló. The façade is covered in colourful broken ceramics, while the roof looks a little like a dragon’s back. You can get regular entry tickets, or nighttime visit options!
• Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – Nicknamed ‘La Pedrera‘ (The Quarry) due to its rough-hewn appearance, this building is famous for its undulating stone facade and twisted iron balconies
• Palau Güell – A mansion designed for Gaudí’s patron, Eusebi Güell, Palau Güell is known for its innovative design and rooftop chimneys
• Casa Vicens – One of Gaudí’s first major works, Casa Vicens blends Moorish, Gothic, and neoclassical styles
• Colònia Güell – Located outside of central Barcelona, the unfinished church of Colònia Güell showcases Gaudí’s innovative structural designs
• Casa Calvet – A relatively conservative design compared to Gaudí’s other works, Casa Calvet blends modernist and baroque styles
• Portal Miralles – A wavy stone wall and entrance gate designed by Gaudí, located in the Sarrià neighborhood
• Pavellons de la Finca Güell – Decorative gatehouses designed for Eusebi Güell’s estate, featuring a famous dragon-shaped wrought-iron gate

You can take a tour of Gaudí architecture by segway, e-bike, or even eco tuk-tuk!

Love European city breaks? Have you thought of visiting Nice or Berlin for the weekend?

National Museum of Art of Catalonia

Stay in Montjuic and follow the winding roads further down the hill. You will arrive at one of my favourite places to visit in Barcelona – the spectacular Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

You could spend hours looking through their extensive collections and hanging out in the fabulous grounds. They concentrate on art from the 11-20th centuries, and have an impressive Romanesque collection.

Below MNAC is the Magic Fountain, that has fountain, music and light displays (although it was closed for renovation on our last visit).

Metro: Pl. Espanya or accessible from Montjuic

Gothic Quarter / Barri Gòtic

Escape Las Ramblas and explore Barri Gòtic instead. Away from the throngs of people and the overpriced Las Ramblas restaurants, head into the old and narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter.

The church of Santa Maria del Pi often has exhibitions or concerts, Placa de la Pi hosts markets and music, and the surrounding squares have tapas bars a-plenty.

Shop for souvenirs and art along the narrow streets between Las Ramblas and the Barcelona Cathedral. Marvel at the Palau Reial Major de Barcelona, the ancient palace of the Catalan Kings along the old Roman walls of Barcelona. The layers of history here are similar to how Rome and Lyon reveal themselves the more you look.

The thing we love about this area is that narrow streets open out onto squares with markets and tapas bars, and it is ideal for people-watching.

If you have more time in Barcelona:

If you are in Barcelona for longer than a weekend, explore these neighbourhoods:

• El Raval – A melting pot of cultures, art galleries, and edgy street life. Home to Mercy La Boqueria
• Eixample – Home to iconic modernist architecture like Gaudí’s Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, with wide avenues and upscale shopping
• Gràcia – A bohemian neighbourhood with narrow streets, independent boutiques, and local squares for people-watching
• El Born – Trendy and stylish, with chic bars, artisan shops, and the Picasso Museum
• Barceloneta – A lively seaside district with sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and a laid-back coastal vibe
• Poble Sec – Known for its authentic tapas bars and vibrant nightlife around the bustling Avenida del Paral·lel
• Poblenou – A former industrial area transformed into a hub for tech startups, creative spaces, and modern beachfront living
• Sants – A quiet, residential neighbourhood offering a more local, authentic Barcelona experience, away from the tourist crowds
• Sarrià-Sant Gervasi – An upscale area known for its elegant homes and green spaces

Where to eat in Barcelona

Markets

If you are staying at a self-catering apartment, then shop at a fresh food market for your food. The Mercado de La Boqueria (west side of Las Ramblas) is the most famous. This huge and famous market has every kind of fresh food you could ever want – from fish to jambon and delicious fresh vegetables. It is very busy and touristy though, so consider these other markets to avoid the crowds:

• Mercat de Sant Antoni – This large market offers fresh produce, clothing, and books, with a lively weekend flea market, in an 1882 steel-framed building
• Mercat de la Concepció – Known for its wide variety of flowers, fresh food, and local delicacies
• Mercat de Santa Caterina – Recognisable by its colourful, wavy roof, this market offers fresh produce, meats, and seafood, with a more local, relaxed vibe
• Mercat del Ninot – A modernised market offering fresh goods, tapas, and local specialties, popular among residents for its authenticity and lower tourist traffic

Tapas

Our favourite tapas were from Quimet i Quimet (north of Montjuic); and Cervecería Vaso de Oro (near the waterfront Museu d’Història de Catalunya). Both get so busy that you might struggle to get in – but worth using your elbows for!

To be fair, most tapas places are ok – I have tried several on each visit and none of them disappointed. They are perfect to temper the very drinkable sangria you will likely end up trying.

For our morning coffees, we loved the cafes along Rambla de Catalunya, like Cafè de l’Arquitecte. Barcelona is very dog-friendly, and this is where we enjoyed the best doggo-watching as people took their pets for a morning stroll.

Tips for being a good tourist

Whether you travel slow or just come to a place for a weekend, we are all tourists (I will die on this hill). Here are some tips for bridging that gap and ingratiating yourself to the locals (these tips work anywhere):

• Learn some basic vocabulary in the local language – ‘hello’, ‘please’, ‘thank you’, ‘sorry’, ‘excuse me’, ‘the bill please’, and ‘I would like…’ are usefully starters. Catalan and Spanish are used in Barcelona (Catalan sounds a bit like French and Spanish combined). I tried to learn a few words in both languages, and attempted to pronounce menu items in the language even if the server switched to english. This basic demonstration of respect is a bare minimum of effort that all tourists should attempt, and offers good results as far as friendliness in return.
• Go with the flow – pay attention to how those around you (non-tourists) are acting. Try to get into the flow of life in the country you are in. For instance, they eat later in Spain, and shops are often shut for lunch and siesta between 12:30-3pm; dinner is at around 9 or 10pm (don’t worry there are lots of food options open earlier).
• The locals don’t owe you anything – stay humble when visiting a new place. I find that respect is returned ten-fold when you approach a situation with curiosity, openness, a willingness to learn, and a smile.

Montserrat

If you have a week to play with instead of just a weekend in Barcelona, I recommend some day trips out to surrounding wonders. The monastery at Montserrat can be reached by train or by car + a cog railway or cable car. This stunning monastery and abbey is tucked into the rock formations of the Parc Natural de la Muntanya de Montserrat.

The train to the monastery transport options takes just a little over an hour on the R5 train line from Plaça Espanya, so it is perfect for a day trip. The views from the top are beyond beautiful!

Other day trips from Barcelona include:

• Girona
• Tarragona
• A boat trip along the coastline

A weekend in Barcelona

As much as I enjoy visiting the famous Gaudí works, I think my favourite thing about Barcelona is the rough edges. I love the graffiti juxtaposed with the museums and galleries, and the vibes of different neighbourhoods.

Barcelona is huge, but is very much a walking city (lots of added pedestrian zones have recently been added). You can pick an area and walk around the neighbourhood to discover its secrets!

A weekend in Barcelona is a sensational dive into diversity, architecture and convivial drinking – enjoy!

Barcelona FAQ

If you love art and food as much as me,
read more about our adventures in Madrid

All photos © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon 500N film camera.