Barcelona 2 Day Itinerary: Top Attractions & Local Favorites
Are you planning a trip to Spain and looking for a Barcelona 2 day itinerary? You’re in the right place!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve put together the perfect 2 day Barcelona itinerary that covers the city’s most famous landmarks while making sure you still have time to enjoy incredible food, local culture, and a couple hidden gems.
This itinerary will take you through historic streets, stunning architecture, and some of the best dining spots in the city.
Whether you’re here for the sights, the food, or the atmosphere, this guide will help you experience the best of Barcelona in just two days.
Barcelona 2 Day Itinerary
Here’s a breakdown of my 2-day Barcelona itinerary, covering the absolute must-sees while keeping things convenient and enjoyable:
Day 1: Explore the Historic Center + Beach Time
Day 1 in Barcelona is all about exploring the heart of Barcelona and seeing some of the city’s most famous landmarks–with time for tapas and sangria of course!
Barcelona Day 1 Itinerary at a Glance:
- Churros for Breakfast
- Stroll Las Ramblas
- Wander Through La Boqueria Market
- Plaça Reial & Barcelona Cathedral
- Shop in Gothic Quarter & El Born
- Lunch at Xiringuito Escribà
- Beach Time at Barceloneta or Nova Icaria Beach
- Tapas at Tapeo
- Drinks at Paradiso
- Flamenco Show (Optional)
Churros for Breakfast
Start your morning with a true local favorite—churros con chocolate at La Pallaresa Xocolateria Xurreria. I know it might sound odd to have churros for breakfast but it’s not uncommon in Spain!
This old-school café in the Gothic Quarter is famous for its crispy churros served with a thick, rich hot chocolate that’s perfect for dipping.
It’s nothing fancy but it’s a great spot to immerse yourself in the local breakfast culture.
Just keep in mind that Spanish churros aren’t as sweet as the ones you might find in other countries, but they’re just as delicious!
Stroll Las Ramblas
After breakfast, take a leisurely walk down Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street.
This lively promenade is lined with flower stalls, quirky street performers, and small kiosks selling souvenirs and snacks.
While the street can get crowded, it’s still worth walking through at least once to get a feel for the energy of the city.
And if you want to escape the crowds, take a turn onto one of the smaller side streets, where you’ll often find charming squares and quieter corners to explore.
Just be sure to keep a close eye on your personal belongings at all times. Barcelona is generally a safe city, but this area can be a hotspot for pickpockets due to the crowds.
Tip: Use a phone leash to keep your phone safe while out and about exploring Barcelona.
Wander Through La Boqueria Market
Just off Las Ramblas, La Boqueria Market is one of the best places in Barcelona to experience the local food scene.
This market is next level and is packed with colorful fruit stalls, fresh seafood vendors, and small tapas bars serving traditional Spanish and Catalan dishes.
It’s a great spot to grab a fresh juice, a huge variety of snacks and tapas, or even try jamón ibérico, one of the most famous foods to eat in Barcelona.
Tip: Barcelona is a pretty cashless city so you can pay for almost everything with credit cards, even for small purchases at La Boqueria.
Plaça Reial & Barcelona Cathedral
After La Boqueria, make your way over to Plaça Reial, one of the most beautiful plazas in Barcelona lined with palm trees, cafes, and historic lampposts designed by Gaudí.
It’s the perfect spot for some people-watching and they normally have street performers and vendors selling local goods.
From there, head to the nearby Barcelona Cathedral, one of the most famous churches in Barcelona, and a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Not to be confused with La Sagrada Familia, this is a different cathedral that’s really beautiful and worth a visit if you appreciate beautiful architecture.
Shop in Gothic Quarter & El Born
Next, start wandering around the narrow, winding streets of the Gothic Quarter and the adjacent El Born neighborhood, which are some of the best places to shop in Barcelona.
These medieval-looking neighborhoods are full of unique boutiques, vintage shops, and artisan stores where you can find one-of-a-kind Barcelona souvenirs.
I love the custom jewelry shops like I Wear Dolls, as well as the handbags, leather goods, and designer clothing stores.
And don’t miss exploring the hidden courtyards and historic alleyways—you will probably get lost but it’s fun to stumble upon something unexpected!
Lunch at Xiringuito Escribà
Next grab a taxi and head to Xiringuito Escribà, a beachfront restaurant known for its paella and seafood dishes.
This spot has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and the views of the Mediterranean make it a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal.
It’s my favorite spot in the city for paella, a must-try rice dish in Barcelona! Pair your meal with a glass of sangria or red wine for the full Barcelona dining experience.
Beach Time at Bogatell Beach or Barceloneta
After lunch, walk along the beachfront promenade to enjoy some Mediterranean views. Bogatell Beach is located right outside the restaurant, and is a less-crowded beach to enjoy.
Or you can keep walking south all the way to Barceloneta Beach, the most famous beach in Barcelona. Here you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas or just lay out a towel on the sand.
And if it’s too cold or you’re not up for getting in the water, you can still enjoy the beautiful views and people-watching from one of the many beachside restaurants or xiringuitos.
Tapas at Tapeo
After the beach, head back to your hotel or accommodations to freshen up before going out to Tapeo, a super popular tapas bar in El Born.
This is one of the best tapas bars near the Gothic Quarter and offers a modern twist on traditional dishes, from patatas bravas and croquetas to Iber-burgers and truffled eggs.
I had the Iberian pork ribs with honey and mustard and they were falling-off-the-bone delicious! Don’t forget to pair one of the sangria pitchers with your meal as well.
It’s a very small restaurant so you’ll definitely want to make a reservation or go early in the evening to beat the crowds.
Drinks at Paradiso
After dinner, stop by nearby Paradiso, one of the best speakeasies in Barcelona that has consistently been ranked as one of the best bars in the world.
The entrance is disguised as a pastrami shop, but once inside, you’ll find an otherworldly atmosphere, with a dark, magical forest-like setting and an impressive menu of creative cocktails.
The drinks here go beyond the usual offerings, with over-the-top presentations and unexpected flavor combinations.
It’s not the cheapest spot in town, but the creativity and experience make it well worth the splurge. Expect a wait, but you can put your name on the list and get a text when your table is ready.
Flamenco Show (Optional)
If you still have the energy and want to add something extra to your evening, consider going to a flamenco show.
Barcelona has several great venues where you can watch traditional Spanish flamenco performances, complete with live music and passionate dancing.
Tablao Cordobés is one of the most famous spots to catch a show, and they typically have later shows at 9:15PM or 10:30PM.
The energy of the dancers and musicians creates an unforgettable experience that adds a special touch to your night in Barcelona.
Tip: I’d also recommend checking the schedule at Palau de la Musica Catalana–this historic concert hall is absolutely stunning and often has flamenco performances throughout the year.
Day 2: Barcelona Architecture Tour
Day 2 in Barcelona is all about exploring the city’s impressive architecture. From stunning cathedrals to iconic Gaudí masterpieces, you’ll be amazed by the unique blend of styles and creativity found throughout the city.
Barcelona Day 2 Itinerary at a Glance:
- Breakfast at Eat My Trip
- Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, or Casa Amatller
- Stroll Passeig de Gràcia
- La Sagrada Familia
- Lunch at Compa – Gracia
- Park Güell
- Bunkers El Carmel (Optional)
- Drinks at a Rooftop Bar
- Dinner at El Xampanyet
Breakfast at Eat My Trip
Start your second day with breakfast at Eat My Trip, a trendy café in the Eixample neighborhood known for its creative dishes and specialty coffee.
The menu includes both healthy options and super indulgent treats, so you’ll find something to suit your taste.
Try the egg dishes or pancakes, which are both delicious and photogenic. I’ve had the Pavlova pancakes and they were basically like biting into a slice of cake!
Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, or Casa Amatller
Barcelona is famous for its architecture, and Passeig de Gràcia is home to some of the city’s most striking buildings.
You can visit either Casa Batlló, with its colorful mosaic facade, or Casa Milà, known for its wavy stone exterior and rooftop chimneys.
Both of these building were designed by Antoni Gaudi , one of the most important figures in Catalan Modernist architecture.
If you prefer something a little less crowded, Casa Amatller is another beautiful modernist building designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch (not Gaudí) with a chocolate shop inside.
Even if you don’t go inside, just walking by these buildings is worth the visit.
Stroll Passeig de Gràcia
After exploring one of the houses, take a walk along Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most elegant boulevard.
This street is lined with designer boutiques, luxury hotels, and historic buildings. The architecture here is stunning, making it a great place for a relaxed stroll and a bit of window shopping.
You can also step inside El Nacional (a beautiful food court) if you want to take a short break before continuing your sightseeing.
La Sagrada Familia
Next, grab a taxi and head over to La Sagrada Família, one of the most famous monuments in Spain and Gaudí’s most renowned yet unfinished masterpiece.
The basilica showcases an awe-inspiring blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with intricate details and stained glass windows that will leave you speechless.
To explore inside, purchase your tickets on the official Sagrada Família website at least 2 weeks in advance. Tickets have a timed entry, so plan ahead before your trip!
I also recommend buying tickets to ascend one of the towers for an even closer look at this incredible structure.
Lunch at Compà – Gracia
After Sagrada Familia, I’d recommend heading to Compà on the way to Park Güell.
Located in the more residential Gracia neighborhood, this Italian sandwich shop has some of the best sandwiches in Barcelona.
I’ve tried a lot of sandwiches here and these are definitely my favorite! It’s a casual, counter-serve style restaurant and you can choose from their menu of paninis on fresh focaccia bread.
I love the Sibari sandwich with mortadella, sun-dried tomatoes, provolone, and pesto. You really can’t go wrong with any of the options–just be prepared for a bit of a line!
Park Güell
After lunch, head up to Park Güell and spend the afternoon exploring another one of Gaudí’s most famous works and one of the most unique parks in Barcelona.
The colorful mosaics, winding pathways, and architectural details make it feel like something straight out of a storybook.
One of the highlights is the mosaic bench that curves around the terrace, offering some of the best views of the city.
The park requires a timed entry ticket, so you’ll need to book your tickets online on the official Park Güell website in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Bunkers del Carmel (Optional)
If you’re up for a little adventure, make your way to the nearby Bunkers del Carmel, a former anti-aircraft bunker that now offers one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona.
It’s a bit off the beaten path, but the 360-degree views from the roof of the bunker are unbeatable. Bring some drinks or snacks and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you take in the city from above.
It’s a favorite spot among locals around sundown, and you’ll see why once you’re there.
Drinks at a Rooftop Bar
After a full day of sightseeing, relax with a drink at one of Barcelona’s rooftop bars. The city has several great terraces where you can enjoy a cocktail while taking in the skyline.
Some of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona include Terrassa de Vivi at the Kimpton Vividora Hotel, La Isabela at Hotel 1898, and the rooftop at the Barcelona Edition Hotel.
Whether you prefer a classic Aperol Spritz or a glass of cava, this is the perfect way to take a break and enjoy the city from above.
Dinner at El Xampanyet
End your trip with dinner at El Xampanyet, one of the most beloved tapas bars in Barcelona. This small, lively spot near the Picasso Museum is known for its house cava and traditional Spanish tapas.
Some of the best dishes to try here include pan con tomate, anchovies in vinegar, and Iberian ham.
The atmosphere is always energetic, with locals and visitors gathering around small tables to share food and drinks.
It’s a popular place so expect a line or get there early to avoid the crowds.
How to Get Around in Barcelona
Now that you know what to do in Barcelona for 2 days, 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 multi-day passes at the machines at any metro station. You can also consider purchasing the 2-Day Hola Barcelona Card, which gives you unlimited rides on all public transportation.
- 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.
Final Thoughts: How to Spend 2 Days in Barcelona
Even with just a 2 day trip to Barcelona, you’ll be able to experience the city’s most famous landmarks, explore local neighborhoods, and enjoy some incredible meals.
The key to making the most of your time is booking tickets in advance for major attractions like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell so you make sure you get in.
Just be prepared for a lot of walking and always keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
I hope you enjoy your time in Barcelona!
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