Spending 4 days in Barcelona? I absolutely think Barcelona is the coolest city to visit in Spain. My 4 day Barcelona itinerary aims to show you the best things to do in Barcelona if you are a first time visitor. I also included some pretty practical travel tips based on my personal experience of spending a summer there.

So you have made the decision to spend 4 days in Barcelona? Great! Get ready to soak up the sun, dive into the vibrant culture, and indulge in delicious tapas because Barcelona is about to sweep you off your feet (as it did to me).

If you haven’t decided whether you should visit Barcelona, maybe you can check out Is Barcelona Worth Visiting to make a decision.

Nestled along the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona is a vibrant and captivating city that captured my heart. Known for its unique blend of architectural wonders, rich history, and vibrant culture, Barcelona is a destination that certainly drew me back over and over again.

This 4 day in Barcelona will show you a sample itinerary that covers all the famous attractions. I also added in optional kids friendly attractions and activities if you are thinking about going to Barcelona with kids and toddlers.

In addition, this 4 day Barcelona itinerary will provide you with practical information on things like:

• How to get to Barcelona
• How to get around Barcelona
• The best time to travel to Barcelona
• Where to stay in Barcelona
• Other things to know about Barcelona

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

4 Day Barcelona Itinerary Overview (With Maps)

I have mapped all the major attractions and great restaurants on this map, so you can use this Barcelona map as a guide to this Barcelona itinerary.

• Day 1 (Black Pins): Gothic Quarter & El Born
• Day 2 (Green Pins): L’Eixample to see Gaudi’s masterpieces
• Day 3 (Orange Pins): Gràcia Neighborhood to explore Park Guell
• Day 4 (Purple Pins): Beach and Mountain
• Children’s Activities (Blue Pins) to show you some of the best things kids can do in Barcelona

In addition the dark orange pins with food icons show you some of the best restaurants in Barcelona that you should definitely try.

But before we get into details of how to best spend 4 days in Barcelona, let’s look at some basic Barcelona information and logistics when visiting Barcelona.

How to Get Around Barcelona

Walking is a great way to get around Barcelona. The city is very walkable and you will see a lot more when exploring on foot.

Of course you cannot walk the entire city, so your next best option is to utilize public transportation. Barcelona has an expansive network of trains, Metro, tram, buses, funicular, cable cars and taxis.

Public transportation system in Barcelona operates on an integrated fare system, so you can transfer for free within 1 hour 15 minutes after validating your tickets to a different mean of transportation (so if you validate your ticket on the metro but needs to transfer to a bus, as long as it’s within 1 hour 15 minutes, you can ride that bus for free).

Click here for the official Barcelona Metro Map.

A single ticket costs 2,40 € and most tourists use the T-casual card (valid for 10 journeys, only for one person) or the T-Familiar card (valid for 8 journeys, can be used by more than one person at a time).

If you are planning to spend 4 days in Barcelona and plan to utilize public transportation frequently, I highly suggest you get a Hola Barcelona day pass.

In general the metro runs from 5am to midnight on weekdays and from 5am to 2am Friday and evenings before public holiday. For more information on public transportation hours and options, see this website.

Apps to Download to Get Around Barcelona

• If you are thinking about taking public transportation, then TMB App (by the official transportation network) and CityMapper are great options.

• I am a big fan of CityMapper as it shows you accurate timing of when the next train or bus will arrive.

• Google Maps works well in Barcelona but I generally only use Google Maps for walking directions and use CityMapper for public transportation.

• The best taxi apps in Barcelona are Free Now and Cabify. There is no Uber there.

• If you are traveling with a young child in Barcelona and need a car seat, Free Now allows you to request a baby seat by entering it in the comments to the drivers.

Popular Areas To See In Barcelona For First-Timers

You don’t need to know all the areas of Barcelona for this first timer 4 day Barcelona itinerary but knowing some of the most popular areas in Barcelona would help you navigate through the city and better plan your trip.

This 4 day Barcelona itinerary is also based on the different areas as I try to group things together to minimize travel time and make this Barcelona itinerary more efficient. Here are some of the most popular areas you should familiarize yourself with.

• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): Nestled in the heart of the city’s historic center, the Gothic Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, medieval buildings, and hidden squares. This area is rich in history, with landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral and the remnants of the ancient Roman walls.

• El Born: Located adjacent to the Gothic Quarter, El Born is a trendy and artistic neighborhood with a bohemian vibe. Here, you’ll find narrow streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, and hip restaurants. El Born is also home to the striking Santa Maria del Mar church and the popular Picasso Museum.

• Eixample: Known for its grid-like layout and stunning modernist architecture, Eixample is a residential and commercial district that showcases the genius of Antoni Gaudí. The most famous attraction in this area is the UNESCO-listed Casa Batlló, along with other architectural marvels like Casa Milà (La Pedrera) and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia.

• Gràcia: A lively and popular neighborhood at the foot of Parc Güell, Gràcia offers a more local and relaxed atmosphere. Its charming streets are lined with independent boutiques, cozy cafes, and bustling squares. Gracia is also known for its vibrant festivals, including the famous Festa Major de Gràcia (Aug 15 – Aug 21), when the streets come alive with colorful decorations and lively celebrations.

• Barceloneta: Situated right by the beach, Barceloneta is a popular area for sun-seekers and seafood lovers. This old fishermen’s neighborhood has a laid-back atmosphere and offers a variety of beachfront bars, seafood restaurants, night clubs, and water sports activities. It’s a great place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the lively coastal vibe.

4 Day Barcelona Itinerary in Detail

Barcelona Itinerary Day 1 : Explore the Gothic Quarter & El Born Neighborhood

Start your day with a cup of coffee and some churros with chocolate before heading to your first attraction: Guell Palace (Palau Güell).

Palau Güell

Cost: €12.00 (website)
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (Apr – Sep); 10am – 5:30pm (Oct – Mar)
Closed on: Mondays, Dec 25, 26; Jan 1, 6 & last week of January
Admission Free days: First Sunday of every month; Feb 12; April 23; Sep 11; Sep 24; Dec 15

Palau Güell is a magnificent mansion located in the heart of Barcelona, designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

Built between 1886 and 1888, Palau Güell stands as one of Gaudí’s earliest major works and a testament to his innovative architectural style. Inside, you’ll find a stunning array of architectural details, such as the grand entrance hall, richly adorned ceilings, and beautifully crafted wooden features.

Although not as famous as the other Casas, I still enjoyed visiting Palau Güell as it actually helped to build up my excitement to see more of the Gaudí masterpieces.

Walk the La Rambla

La Rambla is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and bustling streets in Barcelona. This vibrant boulevard stretches for about 1.2 kilometers, connecting the bustling Plaça de Catalunya with the picturesque waterfront of Port Vell.

LA Rambla is lined with a mix of street performers, artists, flower stalls, shops, restaurants and lively outdoor cafes. It’s a place where locals and tourists come together to soak up the energetic atmosphere and experience the pulse of the city.

As you continue along La Rambla, you’ll come across notable landmarks such as the Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona’s famous opera house, the Mosaic de Joan Miró, colorful mosaic by famed artist Joan Miró, Plaça Reial, a picturesque and lively square, and Columbus Monument, an iconic landmark located at the southern end of La Rambla that pays tribute to Christopher Columbus.

Although La Rambla is fun to walk around during the day, I actually do not recommend walking around this late at night. When I was living in Barcelona that summer, I felt La Rambla was really sketchy at night. I mean I saw a prostitute asking a tourist if he wanted to pay for her service on La Rambla!

Lunch: Mercado de La Boqueria (Boqueria Market)

Opening Hours: 8am – 8:30pm Monday to Saturday (the produce market is open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm)
Closed on: Sundays and major holidays (see schedule here)

As you walk up La Rambla towards Plaça de Catalunya, you will see one of the highlights of La Rambla, La Boqueria. Mercado de La Boqueria is a renowned food market that dates back to the 13th century.

In the Boqueria Market, you’ll find an array of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and an abundance of local and international delicacies.

It’s the perfect lunch spot during your first day in Barcelona to sample Catalan specialties or grab a refreshing fruit juice as you wander through the colorful stalls.

When I was staying in Barcelona (to study Spanish), I came to La Boqueria quite often and tried many of the food stalls and of course, freshly squeezed juices and tapas and quite enjoyed them.

If you are traveling with kids (or simply want some Instagram photos), you may want to stop by the Big Fun Museum to have some fun.

Some people may think this market is super touristy and I don’t deny that. But I personally quite enjoyed it and it is popular for a reason. So even if you are not planning to spend money here, I would still highly recommend that you stop by just to see what’s inside.

Barcelona Cathedral

Cost: €9.00 (website)
Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6:30pm on weekdays; 9:30am – 5:15pm on Saturdays and festive Vigil; 2pm – 5pm on Sundays and festive vigil

Walk off your lunch from the market by heading towards Barcelona Cathedral in the afternoon.

The Barcelona Cathedral is one of the most famous cathedrals in Barcelona. Located in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona Cathedral took over 6 centuries to complete its construction, resulting in a blend of architectural styles including Gothic, Catalan Gothic, and neo-Gothic.

One of the notable features of the Barcelona Cathedral is the Chapel of Santa Lucía, where the remains of the city’s patron saint, Saint Eulalia, are housed.

You can climb to the rooftop of Barcelona Cathedral and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Even if you decide not to go inside, it is still a nice cathedral to see from the outside with its soaring spires and intricate architectural details.

Get Lost In the Alleys of Gothic Quarter

As you continue to explore the Gothic Quarter and the El Born neighborhood, you will inevitably notice the charming alleys and narrow cobblestone streets in this area of Barcelona.

As you wander through the winding alleys, you’ll find yourself transported back in time. The Gothic Quarter is a maze of narrow streets that seem to have a life of their own.

The labyrinthine layout encourages exploration and you may stumble upon hidden squares or plazas and maybe you will come across another famous cathedral such as Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar or Plaça de Sant Jaume. or the hidden MUHBA Temple d’August.

I really enjoyed just wandering around this area to see what’s hidden in the next corner. There are always more restaurants and streets to be discovered here so take your time and truly explore.

Picasso Museum

Cost: €14.00 for basic tickets without audio tour (website)
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm Tuesdays to Sundays (with reduced hours on Jan 5, Dec 24 and Dec 31)
Closed on: Mondays, Jan 1, May 1, June 24, Dec 25
Admission Free days: 5-8pm Thursdays; First Sunday of the Month; Feb 12, May 18, Sep 24

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and admirers of Pablo Picasso.

Situated in the El Born neighborhood, the museum showcases an extensive collection of Picasso’s works with over 4200 artworks, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and prints.

Notable highlights of the collection include Picasso’s famous Blue Period and Rose Period paintings, as well as several notable works from his African art-inspired phase.

Even if you are not a huge fan of Picasso like I was, I still think this museum was super impressive. It actually got me more interested in learning about Picasso’s works after I visited it.

The Life of Picasso Walking Tour with Museum Entry is included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Parc de la Ciutadella (Ciutadella Park)

Located a few minutes walk from the Picasso Museum is the beautiful and popular Ciutadella Park. It is actually one of my favorite city parks in Barcelona. You can technically spend hours exploring this park, or you can speed through it just to see this beautiful fountain as well as Arc de Triomp, one of the most well known arc ways in Barcelona.

If you are traveling with kids, you may be interested in the Barcelona Zoo in the park or rowing a boat as well as the Museu de la Xocolata where there is workshops for kids to make chocolate instead of going to the Picasso Museum (I mean I don’t know which kid is going to appreciate Picasso and walk through the entire museum).

Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya is a lively square located at the end of La Rambla. It is steps away from the beautiful neighborhood of L’Eixample. This is also where the Airport bus will drop you off.

The square is surrounded by famous landmarks, including the iconic Font de Canaletes, a fountain that is considered a meeting point for football fans celebrating victories. The square is also home to sculptures and statues, adding to its cultural and artistic significance.

This is also near where your airport shuttle bus drop you off, so this may actually be one of the first things you see in Barcelona. I remember when I first visited Barcelona, this square was super close to the hostel we stayed at and we would walk around here at night to see the fountain.

End your first day in Barcelona at Plaça de Catalunya, do some people watching and enjoy street performers before heading out to dinner.

Barcelona Itinerary Day 2 : Explore the Eixample Neighborhood and See Gaudí’s Masterpieces.

The second day of your 4 days in Barcelona will be focused on some of Gaudí’s most famous work. You will be blown away by the creativity, details and beauty of these architectural masterpieces.

You will also have a chance to walk down one of the most upscale streets in Barcelona and do some designer shopping (if you are into that).

Casa Batlló

Cost: €35 for regular tickets; €45 for Good Morning tickets (website)
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm everyday

Casa Batlló is one of the famous Gaudí apartments in Barcelona. Casa Batlló was owned by the Batlló family and they commissioned Gaudí to renovate the house and to make it stand out.

The house was renovated between 1904 and 1906 and the design showcases an extraordinary blend of organic shapes, colorful mosaics, and intricate details, making it a symbol of Modernist architecture. Different parts of the house incorporated different design elements and it is most famous for its dragon back design on the roof.

You can pay more and get the Good Morning tickets to visit 30 minutes before opening (so at 8:30am).

You can expect to spend 1 hour at Casa Batlló.

Casa Batlló is the most child friendly Gaudí hous in Barcelona. They provide you with baby carriers and fun virtual tours for children.

Casa Batlló regular tickets are included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Casa Amatller

Cost: €17 (website)
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm (hours may change depending on the season)
Closed on: Dec 25, Dec 26, Jan 6

Right next to Casa Batlló is another beautiful house, Casa Amatller.

Casa Amatller is not designed by Antoni Gaudí; it is designed by a renowned Catalan architect named Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

The house was owned by the chocolatier Antoni Amatller (which is why when you visit you have the option to get a cup of Amatller chocolate with some tickets).

The exterior of Casa Amatller features a distinctive facade with intricate stonework, ornate balconies, and bay windows adorned with colorful ceramic tiles. The interior of the house reflects the opulent lifestyle of the Amatller family, with beautifully decorated rooms that have been meticulously preserved.

You should expect to spend less than 1 hour at Casa Amatller.

Casa Amatller is included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Cost: €25 when purchased online (website) or €28 when purchased in person
Opening Hours: 9am – 6:30pm everyday
Closed on: Dec 25th

Casa Milà, otherwise known as La Pedrera, is another iconic house designed by guess who? Antoni Gaudí of course!

Unlike Casa Batlló, La Pedrera was actually re-built rather than re-modeled. The rebuilding of the house took place between 1906 and 1912 and the design initially received much criticism due to its unique design.

Casa Milà is renowned for its rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of Barcelona and is adorned with a number of sculptural chimney stacks, resembling medieval warriors.

You should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours at La Pedrera.

Casa Milà is included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Shop on Passeig de Gràcia & Get Lunch at El Nacional

Passeig de Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s most prestigious and fancy streets, renowned for its high-end boutiques, restaurants, cafes and beautiful architecture.

Located between Plaça de Catalunya and Carrer Gran de Gràcia in Eixample just north of the Gothic Quarter, Passeig de Gràcia is a beautiful avenue to walk down even if you do not plan on shopping.

But if you want to shop, you will find all of the most expensive brands here.

If you are hungry for some lunch (remember lunch is around 2pm in Barcelona), be sure to stop by El Nacional just off Passeig de Gràcia.

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El Nacional is like a high end food mall with tons of food options and restaurants with a center bar. The space itself is beautiful and prices are reasonable given the location.

If you are traveling with kids to Barcelona, you can stop by the LEGO Store near Plaça de Catalunya and entertain your kids for a bit. Another toy store near Passeig de Gràcia is Galegory which has legos among other toys.

Sagrada Familia

Cost: €36 with towers (1 tower) (website)
Opening Hours: Nov – Feb: 9am – 6pm Mon to Sat & 10:30am – 6pm Sun; Mar – Oct: 9am – 7pm Mon to Sat & 10:30am – 7pm Sun; Apr – Sep: 9am – 8pm Mon to Sat; 10:30am – 8pm Sun

After shopping and getting some lunch on Passeig de Gràcia, it is time to make it to the most famous attraction in Barcelona: Sagrada Familia.

Taking the L2 or L4 metro line, you can reach Sagrada Familia in about 10 – 15 minutes from Passeig de Gràcia.

If you have kids, there is a great playground very close to Sagrada Familia.

Why is Sagrada Familia so famous? Well you would understand just by looking at it. There is literally no other church in the world that looks remotely similar to the Sagrada Familia.

Designed by Antoni Gaudí (of course, did you expect it to be designed by anyone else?), Sagrada Família sets itself apart with its unique and unconventional architectural style.

The exterior of the Sagrada Família is an elaborate showcase of sculptural details, religious symbolism, and intricate ornamentation. Each facade tells a different story, representing various aspects of Christian theology and the life of Jesus Christ.

The interior of the Sagrada Familia is characterized by towering columns and beautiful stained glass windows.

You absolutely need to purchase tickets to Sagrada Familia ahead of time online. If you try to get tickets the same day, you most likely won’t be able to or you will have to wait a long time for your time slot. Tickets to the Sagrada Familia are open for purchasing 2 months ahead.

You should expect to spend 1-2 hours at Sagrada Familia.

Sagrada Familia Guided Tour is included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Torre Glòries [If you have time]

Cost: €15-25 (website)
Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm April to mid Oct; 9:30am – 6:30pm Oct to March
Closed on: Dec 25 and Jan 1 with modified hours on Christmas Eve and Dec 31

The Torre Glòries, formerly known as Torre Agbar, is an iconic skyscraper located about 20 minutes walk from the Sagrada Familia.

Designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, this futuristic tower has become a prominent symbol of Barcelona’s modern skyline.

Completed in 2005, the Torre Glòries stands at a height of 144 meters (474 feet) and consists of 38 floors. At the top of Torre Glòries, you will find a domed observation deck that offers sweeping panoramic views of Barcelona. You can see the Sagrada Familia, Montjuic and the ocean from this observation deck.

You should expect to spend 30 minutes to 45 minutes at Torre Agbar.

Tickets to the observation deck are included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Barcelona Itinerary Day 3 : Explore Parc Güell and the Gràcia Neighborhood

During your third day in Barcelona, you will get a chance to see more of……..Gaudí’s work! Yeah I know this entire Barcelona itinerary is pretty much a Gaudí itinerary, but I promise it’s worth it.

Parc Güell

Cost: €10 (website)
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 7:30pm with early morning and late evening bands reserved for citizens

Parc Güell is a stunning public park located on Carmel Hill in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. Built between 1900 and 1926, Parc Güell is another masterpiece by Gaudí.

There are two major parts to Parc Güell , a free public forest zone and a ticketed monumental zone.

The monumental zone is the UNESCO world heritage site and there is a 1400 visitors per hour limit. This is why purchasing a ticket with a time slot is required here.

Within the monumental zone there are parts with high concentration of visitors and you will need to follow a one-way route. You have to enter the park within 30 minutes of your time slot or you will not be allowed to enter. Once inside you can spend as long as you want at Parc Güell.

A guided tour to Parc Güell is included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Explore the Gracia Neighborhood

The Gracia neighborhood, located at the foot of Carmel Hill, is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Barcelona without the tourists. While most tourists flock to the Gothic Quarter and Eixample, very few visit the Gracia neighborhood outside of Parc Güell.

Some of the best things to do in Gracia include a visit to Casa Vicens Gaudí, his first major work, visit galleries, check out plazas and squares such as Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia and Plaça del Sol.

The famous Festa Major de Gracia takes place in Gracia every August where the streets are filled with decorations, music, food stalls and other festivities.

Gracia is also known for some of the best restaurants in Barcelona, such as La Pubilla and Botafumeiro.

Visit the Famous Camp Nou

If you are a football fan (especially a Barcelona fan), then you absolutely have to make it to Camp Nou for a match.

Camp Nou is actually the largest football stadium in Europe and during a match (especially an important one), you can imagine how crazy the atmosphere must be.

Even if you cannot watch a match at Camp Nou, you should still go for a tour!

When I was living in Barcelona I had the opportunity to watch the champions league game between Barcelona and Bayern Munich and it was an amazing experience. I went to the stadium early in the morning to get a ticket and got really lucky.

A tour at Camp Nou is included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Barcelona Itinerary Day 4 : Relax on the Beach and/or Explore the Montjuïc

On your last day in Barcelona, you have a few options. You can either just take it easy and relax on the beach, or explore Montjuïc, a small hill near the beach with a ton of things on it. Or you can do both since there is actually a cable car connecting the beach to the Montjuïc, how convenient!

Barceloneta (or other beaches in Barcelona)

One reason why I love Barcelona so much is because it has literally everything. I mean how often do you find a beautiful city that has both a beach and mountains (and amazing art and good food). Ok I can only name a handful in this world.

Barcelona has its own famous beach in the Barceloneta neighborhood.

Just south west of the Gothic Quarter, you will come across Barceloneta, which has a marina, a ton of seafood restaurants and bars. Barceloneta Beach is by far the most popular (and crowded) beach in Barcelona, due to its proximity to the city center.

If you want to stay close to the city center, have all the amenities and just have a taste of being on a beach in Barcelona, then Barceloneta beach would be a good option for you.

You can also walk further down along the beach to Nova Icaria Beach or Bogatell Beach. As you walk around you will find the best beach spot for the vibe you are looking for.

If you want a really nice beach with less crowd, you will need to get out of Barcelona unfortunately. The best beach near Barcelona would be Castelldefels or Sitges, where it is cleaner and more relaxing than anything you can find in Barcelona.

If you are traveling with children, you may be interested to stop by the Barcelona Aquarium, where you can learn about the different creatures from the Mediterranean sea and walk along sharks (or dive with sharks) in the Oceanarium. General admission costs €10 and is included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

Montjuïc

If you only want to spend a few hours on the beach in Barceloneta, then you still have the rest of the day to explore Montjuïc.

Montjuïc is located just south west of Barceloneta. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

There are many attractions on Montjuïc that you may find interesting and you really can spend the entire day on Montjuïc and not be bored:

• Montjuïc Castle, a 17th century military fortress that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona, the ocean and the surrounding areas

• The Olympic Stadium that was used for the 1922 Olympics Games, the Olympics Game swimming pool and the Palau Sant Jordi indoor arena

• The Joan Miró Foundation that houses a remarkable collection of works by the renowned Catalan artist Joan Miró

• Beautiful gardens with one featuring the Montjuïc Botanical Garden, which showcases a diverse collection of Mediterranean plants

• The Montjuïc Cemetery (Cementiri de Montjuïc) is a historic burial ground where many notable figures from Barcelona’s past are laid to rest

• A Greek inspired outdoor performance arts theater

• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is a spectacular fountain comes alive with a vibrant display of light, color, and water choreography set to music (currently closed)

• A few museums such as the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Catalan Museum of Archaeology

• Several amazing view points

There are two cable cars on Montjuïc, one from Barceloneta and within Montjuïc. These are two different cable car systems and if you want to ride both you will need to pay for different tickets.

The cable car from Barceloneta is convenient if you want to visit the beach first then stop by Montjuïc for the rest of the day.

Besides cable cars, there are also buses that go up Montjuïc, making the visit from Barcelona city center very easy and fast.

After finishing up the day at Montjuic, make your way to La Tasqueta de Blai for dinner. This is one of the best tapas bars I went to when I was living in Barcelona.

If You Have More Than 4 Days in Barcelona

There are plenty of things to do in and around Barcelona! If you have more than 4 days in Barcelona don’t fret, you will not be bored.

If you have children or simply want to go to an amusement park, you can spend the day at Tibidabo, where you will find a small amusement park, an observatory, and the famous Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

If you want a cool day trip from Barcelona, you have a lot of great choices.

Montserrat is a mountain range about 50km (31 miles) northwest of Barcelona; it is easily reachable by train.

There you will find the Monastery of Montserrat, the home to the revered statue of Black Madonna. You will also be able to do some hiking at Montserrat and go to the highest point to see the surrounding landscape.

If you are looking for a nice beach getaway, you can go south to Sitges, a charming seaside town not too far away from the city center.

Girona is another popular day trip from Barcelona. You will find a well preserved old town featuring narrow cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and the impressive Girona Cathedral. It is one of the filming locations for the TV series Game of Thrones.

Costa Brava is located on the northeast of Barcelona, about 150 km (93 miles) away. It is a coastal region renowned for its rugged landscape, cute villages and delicious cuisine.

These are just some examples of things you can do if you have more than 4 days in Barcelona, or you can always explore different neighborhoods and find hidden spots and restaurants in Barcelona!

Other Practical Information You Should Know About Barcelona

Can you get around Barcelona with English?

Spanish and Catalan are two official languages in Barcelona.

But you can get around Barcelona just speaking English if you are just doing touristy things (I didn’t speak Spanish when I was staying in Barcelona for a month).

Currency

You need Euros in Barcelona.

There are many ATMs all around Barcelona so it’s easy to take out cash.

You can use credit cards almost everywhere in Barcelona. I only used cash to tip in Barcelona. That being said, you should always have some cash on you for emergencies.

Meal Time in Barcelona

Dinner time is very late in Spain. If you walk into a restaurant at 7 or 8pm, it’s probably still empty although I’m sure there are other tourists.

If you want to experience a lively restaurant with locals, you should eat no earlier than 9pm.

Museum Open Time and Close Days

Just as meal times are late, attractions and museums in Barcelona (and generally in Spain) are also open till very late.

You will find most attractions and museums are open from 10am to 8 or 9pm.

Most museums and some other attractions are closed on Mondays and major holidays. Most art museums also have admission free days (usually first Sunday of the month and a few other days).

Therefore try to plan your 4 Day Barcelona trip outside of a Monday or major national holidays!

Where to Stay in Barcelona?

Barcelona has a number of convenient areas you can stay in since it is so easy to get around Barcelona with public transportation.

Most tourists stay in either the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta or Eixample. I would also like to add Vila de Gracia as another area you should consider staying at.

Best Hotels in Barceloneta

If you want to be close to the beach, restaurants and nightclubs, then Barceloneta is a great option for you. It is also steps away from the Gothic Quarter, so you can easily visit the attractions there or hop onto the metro to explore other parts of Barcelona.

Budget accommodation in Barceloneta: Unite Hostel Barcelona

Medium to high range accommodation in Barceloneta: Kronos on the Beach Suite, Occidental Atenea Mar

You can also stay on a super yacht in Barcelona!

Best Hotels in Eixample

Eixample is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Barcelona, it is safe, beautiful and elegant. The first time I visited Barcelona I stayed at a hostel in Eixample and have fallen in love with it ever since.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Eixample, ranging from hostels to luxury hotels.

Budget accommodation in Eixample: The Loft Hostel, The Central House

Medium to high range accommodation in Eixample: Sixtytwo Hotel, Hotel Granvia, Olivia Balmes Hotel

Best Hotels in Vila de Gràcia

Vila de Gràcia is a cute local neighborhood that does not get as many tourists as the other parts of Barcelona. But it is actually one of the best areas to stay as you get a more local feel.

There are a ton of restaurants and bars in this area and you will also find cute shops here as well.

Budget accommodation in Vila de Gràcia: Sant Jordi Hostels, Casa Jam Barcelona

Medium to high range accommodation in Vila de Gràcia: Jardinets De Gràcia, Bonavista Apartments, El Palauet Royal Suites (if you want to be very fancy)

Best Hotels in the Gothic Quarter

While I was living in Barcelona to study Spanish, I spent about a week staying in the Gothic Quarter and the nearby El Raval area. To be completely honest, the Gothic Quarter is not my favorite area in Barcelona even though it is pretty convenient.

While the area is lively during the day, it does feel sketchy at night and I have seen prostitutes roaming around La Rambla late at night. Overall it was safe, I just didn’t like the quiet and dark alleys after all the tourists went home.

There are a number of hostels in the Gothic Quarter as well as medium ranged hotels.

Budget accommodation in the Gothic Quarter: Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona, Sun & Moon Hostel

Medium to high range accommodation in the Gothic Quarter: Hotel 1898, Grand Hotel Central

Is Barcelona Family Friendly? Should I Travel to Barcelona With Kids?

At first glance you may not associate Barcelona with being kids friendly since Barcelona is known for arts and nightlife. But in fact Barcelona can be quite fun for kids of all ages.

There are plenty of playgrounds all over Barcelona, even in the touristy areas. You will find playgrounds even near La Rambla and across from Sagrada Familia.

There are also plenty of interesting museums that are great for children in Barcelona, these include the Science Museum, Caixa Forum, Magic World Museum, Museum of Natural Sciences, Maritime Museum, and the Chocolate Museum.

Additionally you can always take the kids to the Barcelona Zoo or the Barcelona Aquarium!

Check out this detailed guide on things to do with kids in Barcelona.

Many of these museums are included in the Barcelona Pass and Barcelona Explorer Pass.

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