Custom Spain Travel Itinerary: Barcelona
Located in the North East of Spain, the coastal city of Barcelona overlooks the warm Mediterranean Sea. As the second largest city in Spain and a major tourist spot, the Barcelona streets are always buzzing with excitement.
It’s the perfect city to combine beach, city and cultural fun. It’s home to tasty tapas, sandy beaches and various UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its most famous buildings are designed by Antoni Gaudí, a magnificent local architect, born in 1852. He championed Catalan Modernism.
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
The best time to visit Barcelona depends on what you are wanting from your Spanish vacation.
To visit the beach and the attractions consider the high season, June – August. Temperatures regularly reach 86ºF (30ºC), so hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are advised. The downside of visiting at this time is that it’s busy, therefore reservations and prebooked tickets should be arranged. Also, hotel prices increase.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds or need to travel on a budget consider visiting during the low season, which is November to February. Winter is mild in Barcelona. Temperatures range from 46ºF (8ºC) to a high of 59ºF (15ºC).
At jess.travel we prefer to visit in May or September as the weather is perfect for shorts and T-shirts, the streets aren’t crowded and hotel prices are moderately priced.
Day 1 in Barcelona
Barcelona is a fast-paced city that can be explored on foot. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes.
Basílica de la Sagrada Familia
The top attraction of Barcelona is the unique and still incomplete church, Basílica de la Sagrada Familia. Construction began back in 1882! The monolithic and gothic design should be admired from both outside and inside. Take your time as you walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A variety of tickets are available, varying from 26€ to 40€, we advise the guided tour that includes walking up the towers, as this provides you with the best views in Barcelona.
Parc Güell
The vivid and whimsical park, designed by Antonì Gaudi, covers 19 hectares and dates back to 1900. The mosaic tiles cover every color of the rainbow and look fantastic in person and on film, so take lots of photos. Highlights include:
Gaudi House Museum
Untouched woodlands
Mosaic Salamander
Ticket prices vary, but you can expect to pay 28€. Sometimes it’s better is find a ticket that includes Barcelona’s top attractions in one.
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
Stroll around the cobbled and narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter. Look up and around as you`ll see many ancient Roman buildings and historic monuments. In the neighbour, don’t miss the Cathedral de la Santa Cruz y Eulialia (€9).
As you venture around you can expect a few cute plazas and if you are lucky some musicians.
Evening Cooking Class - Classic Tapas
Discover how to prepare and make some authentic Spanish tapas in a 3-hour class, so that you can recreate the Barcelona magic at home. Classes are taught by bilingual professional chefs. It’s a memorable, fun and quality-focused experience.
Day 2 in Barcelona
Continue your exploration of Barcelona by adding the following activities to your personal travel itinerary.
Casa Milà aka La Pedrera
Antoni Gaudi`s flashy avant-garde building, Casa Milà boasts a natural stone and smooth curved facade, and is over 100 years old. Its unique structure can be admired from the streets but if you enter you`ll experience a few extra design treats.
Inside you can enjoy the detailed work on its iron gates, a floral courtyard and a rooftop terrace, which gives visitors a closer look at its peculiar chimneys and views of the city.
Adult prices start from 25€. Prices increase with add-ons such as “magical vision”.
Walk down La Rambla
Barcelona´s community vibes are best absorbed in La Rambla. The tree-shaded avenue stretches a few blocks and divides the Old Town in two. As you journey down the road you can visit markets, have a glass of Spanish wine in beautiful plazas and taste some authentic Catalunya tapas in any of its restaurants.
Plaza de España
At nightfall, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic has a mini show which features colorful lights and music. It looks spectacular with the backdrop of the Venetian Towers. Also, in the area, you can visit the National Museum of Art, Congress Palace of Barcelona and shop in the bull-ring shopping centre.
Additional Attractions in Barcelona
As you can imagine, Barcelona is filled with a variety of attractions and activities. To extend your personalized travel itinerary add these:
Barcelona City Bus Tour
Chocolate Museum
Barcelona Zoo
Watch one of the most successful soccer teams in the world, Barcelona FC.
Where To Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is home to the largest amount of Airbnb´s in Spain. But for true vacation vibes choose a hotel. Hotels are well located and offer exceptional services at their doorstep. Here are our top picks:
Grupotel Gran Via 678 – a modern hotel less than 1km from the city centre. The hotel “features an outdoor pool with sun terrace.”
Hotel Monegal – An affordable and comfy hotel close to Las Ramblas and within walking distance to other top attractions.
Mothern by Pillow – Situated a short walk from the city centre but remains excellently located to access all parts of the city and airport, with public transport.
Barcelona balances vibrant city life and chilling beach life, great for any kind of visitor. As a major touristic city, English is not hard to come by but learning the odd Spanish phrase or two always helps. If you'd like to book a trip to Barcelona Spain, consider using Jess as your Personal Trip Planner to Spain.
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