1 Day in Barcelona: Must-See Sights You Shouldn’t Miss

Here’s a quick breakdown of my one day in Barcelona itinerary, starting in the Gothic Quarter, which is the oldest part of the city.

Barcelona One Day Itinerary at a Glance:

• Start your day with churros for breakfast
• Walk down Las Ramblas
• Explore La Boqueria Market
• Visit Plaça Reial and Barcelona Cathedral
• Admire Casa Batlló
• Tour La Sagrada Familia
• Have lunch at Compà
• Wander through Park Güell
• Enjoy tapas in the Gothic Quarter
• Watch a flamenco show (optional)

Kick off your morning with a local classic: churros con chocolate at La Pallaresa Xocolateria Xurreria. 

While it might seem unusual to eat churros for breakfast, it’s actually pretty common in Spain. 

This no-frills café in the heart of the Gothic Quarter is known for its crispy churros paired with a thick, velvety hot chocolate for dipping. 

It’s a simple spot but a great way to experience a traditional Spanish breakfast. Just a heads-up, Spanish churros aren’t super sweet but they’re still incredibly delicious.

After breakfast, take a stroll down Las Ramblas, which is pretty much the most famous street in Barcelona. 

This busy pedestrian walkway is filled with flower stands, snack vendors, and street performers that give it a lively, energetic feel. 

It can get pretty crowded, but it’s still worth experiencing at least once. 

For a quieter vibe, wander off onto a side street where you might stumble upon hidden plazas or local cafés. 

Just be extra mindful of your belongings here, as the crowds make it a common area for pickpocketing in Barcelona.

Tip: Use a phone leash to keep your phone safe while out and about exploring Barcelona.

Next, walk over to La Boqueria Market, just off Las Ramblas, to experience one of the best food spots in the city. 

This massive open-air market is filled with colorful produce stands, fresh seafood, and small tapas counters serving traditional Spanish and Catalan dishes. 

It’s a great place to sip on fresh juices, try a few quick bites, or sample jamón ibérico, which is one of the most famous foods to eat in Barcelona. 

Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth a visit to see the variety of local ingredients and watch the market in action.

Tip: La Boqueria is closed on Sundays, so make sure to plan your visit for another day of the week!

After La Boqueria, walk over to Plaça Reial, a really gorgeous square lined with palm trees, outdoor cafés, and lamp posts designed by Gaudí early in his career. 

It’s a nice place to take a short break, watch the street performers, or browse the local vendors. 

From there, head just a few minutes away to the Barcelona Cathedral, one of the most famous churches in Barcelona and a prime example of Gothic architecture. 

Not to be confused with La Sagrada Familia, this cathedral has its own unique style and is well worth a visit, especially if you enjoy historic buildings.

After Barcelona Cathedral, walk or hop on the metro to Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most famous architectural masterpieces. 

This is my personal favorite of all the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona because of its colorful, whimsical design that looks like something out of a fairytale. 

If you only have a day in Barcelona, you might not have time to go inside, but the exterior alone is worth the stop with its curved lines, dragon-scale tiles, and bone-like balconies. 

It’s one of the few Gaudí works that you can still appreciate from the street.

Next, take a taxi or hop on the metro to La Sagrada Família, one of the most famous monuments in Spain and Gaudí’s most iconic work. 

This massive basilica is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, with its towering spires, detailed facades, and colorful stained glass windows that light up the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors. 

If you want to go inside, be sure to buy your tickets from the official Sagrada Família website at least two weeks in advance, as they almost always sell out and can’t be purchased at the door. 

Tickets have a timed entry so try to get tickets for around midday. 

After visiting La Sagrada Família, make your way toward Park Güell and stop for lunch at Compà, a small Italian sandwich spot in the Gracia neighborhood. 

While it’s not traditional Spanish food, these are the best sandwiches in Barcelona and it’s conveniently located along the route. 

This casual, counter-style place serves paninis on fresh focaccia with a variety of toppings—I personally love the Sibari with mortadella, sun-dried tomatoes, provolone, and pesto. 

Expect a bit of a wait during peak hours, but the flavor is totally worth it.

After lunch, head up to Park Güell to explore another of Gaudí’s most iconic creations and one of the most unusual parks in Barcelona. 

With bright mosaics, curved walkways, and imaginative structures, it feels like something out of a storybook. 

Don’t miss the famous mosaic bench that wraps around the main terrace—it’s a great spot to take in some of the best views in Barcelona. 

Tickets are timed and must be booked in advance on the official Park Güell website, so plan ahead to make sure you get the entry time that works best.

In the evening, head back to the Gothic Quarter and enjoy dinner at one of the best tapas restaurants in the Gothic Quarter. 

Some great options include El Xampanyet, Bar del Pla, or Tapeo, which are all known for their flavorful small plates and lively atmosphere. 

You’ll find everything from jamón and croquetas to grilled octopus and patatas bravas. 

It’s a fun and relaxed way to end the day while trying some classic local dishes.

If you’re up for one more activity, consider ending your night with a flamenco show. 

Barcelona has several venues where you can experience this traditional Spanish art form with live guitar, singing, and powerful dancing. 

Tablao Cordobés is one of the most well-known places, offering evening performances around 9:15 PM or 10:30 PM. 

The intensity and emotion of the show make it a really memorable way to wrap up your day in the city.

Tip: I’d also recommend checking the schedule at Palau de la Música Catalana–this historic concert hall is absolutely stunning and often has flamenco performances throughout the year.

If you have extra time or want to swap out a stop on the itinerary, here are a few more well-known places in Barcelona worth checking out:

• Barceloneta Beach: This is the most famous beach in Barcelona where you can relax, go for a walk along the boardwalk, or stop for a drink at a beachside bar. It’s especially nice in the warmer months.

• Montjuïc: This hill offers panoramic views of the city and is home to gardens, museums, and the Montjuïc Castle. You can take the cable car up for a fun ride and great scenery.

• Plaça Espanya: A major square known for its impressive architecture and views of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Montjuïc. 

• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: Located in a grand building overlooking Plaça Espanya, this is one of the best art museums in Barcelona, featuring a large collection of Catalan art. The steps outside also offer one of the best photo spots in the city.

• Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Another of Gaudí’s famous buildings, Casa Milà is known for its unusual curved stone façade and artistic rooftop chimneys. It’s located just a short walk from Casa Batlló.

• Ciutadella Park: A large green space near the old town, perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic. It also has a lake where you can rent rowboats, fountains, and the Barcelona Zoo.

• Arc de Triomf: A famous monument and red brick archway that is a great photo spot and leads into Ciutadella Park.

Now that you know what to do in Barcelona for 1 day, you might be wondering how to get around in Barcelona from place to place.

Fortunately, Barcelona is a very walkable city so you will most likely be able to walk to a large majority of the sites on this Barcelona itinerary.

For destinations that are further away, you have the following options:

• Public Transportation: Barcelona has a great public transportation system, including buses, metros, and trams. You can purchase single tickets or transport passes at the machines at any metro station. There isn’t a 1 day option, but you can buy a T-Casual Transport Card, which includes 10 journeys.

• Taxis: Taxis are readily available in the city and are a quick, convenient, and safe way to get around. Barcelona taxis are black and yellow in color and the green light will be illuminated if they are vacant. Fares are metered and pretty affordable, and credit cards are accepted for payment.

• Ride-Sharing Services: Uber in Barcelona is available although it’s usually pretty difficult to find a ride. I’d recommend downloading the FreeNow or Cabify app, as those are more common and you can also request a regular taxi.

To make the most of your time and avoid common mistakes, here are a few Barcelona travel tips to keep in mind during your visit:

• Use a phone leash: Pickpocketing is no joke in Barcelona, and a phone leash is one of the easiest ways to prevent theft. Seriously, don’t come to Barcelona without one!

• Book tickets for Sagrada Família and Park Güell in advance: Both attractions require timed-entry tickets that almost always sell out days ahead. Buy them online before your trip to lock in your preferred times. You typically won’t be able to buy them at the door.

• Utilize public transportation: The metro and buses are affordable, reliable, and easy to navigate. It’s one of the quickest ways to get around the city. There isn’t a 1 day option but you can buy a T-Casual Transport Card, which includes 10 journeys.

• Download the FreeNow app: If you’d rather take taxis than navigate public transportation, the FreeNow app lets you request an on-demand taxi with transparent pricing and card payment options.

• Don’t carry a lot of cash: Pretty much all places in Barcelona accept credit cards, even for small purchases. You’ll rarely need much cash on hand.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes: Barcelona is a very walkable city with lots of uneven streets and some hills. You’ll be on your feet a lot, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

I hope this guide helps you figure out what to see in Barcelona in one day!

With just one day, you can still experience some of the city’s most iconic sights from Gaudí masterpieces like Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Família to local favorites like churros, tapas, and historic neighborhoods. 

Just remember to book your tickets for Sagrada Família and Park Güell in advance so you don’t miss out. 

Enjoy your 1 day in Barcelona!

READ NEXT:

• How to Get Around in Barcelona Spain
• How to Visit Park Guell: Tickets, Tips, & Best Time to Go
• Complete Guide to Visiting La Sagrada Familia