One weekend in Barcelona

Many people come to this beautiful city for one weekend only. However, it is easy to get lost and end up at the touristic places, because the city is so big and has lots to offer.

But: don’t worry. Below are some tips and must-sees for ‘one weekend in Barcelona’.

Enjoy!

Good to know before you go: 

For getting into the city, the cheapest way from the airport (BCN El Prat) is to take the Aerobus. This shuttle bus goes every 5/10 minutes, all the way to Plaza Catalunya, which is one of the two busiest squares of Barcelona and is situated in the city center. The bus offers free Wifi, luggage space and a possibility to charge your phone: everything you need after travelling! A return ticket costs 10,- and is valid for one month. You can buy the ticket in the bus with cash, or on their website with creditcard.  Via this way, you can show the ticket on your mobile phone.

Buying a ticket with PIN at the machine is not recommended, because it takes longer if  you need to catch the bus in a hurry.The fastest way is by taxi for a fixed rate of approximately 30 euros.

Where to stay? 

In the Gotic Quarter, El Born or Eixample. These are my favorite hotels:

• All hotels of Derby Collection in Barcelona

• Hilton Diagonal Mar – Passeig del Taulat, 262-264

• Cotton House – Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 670

• Yurbban Passage hotel & spa – Carrer de Trafalgar, 30

• Margot House – Paseo de Gracia, 46

• Hotel Pulitzer – Carrer de Bergara, 8

• Casa Gracia, which is also a hostel (better for you wallet) – Passeig de Gràcia, 116

• SOHO House – Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli, 4

• Ohla Barcelona – Via Laietana, 49

What to do?

Day 1:

Because it’s your first day, you should discover the city a bit further which you can do best by foot or with a bike tour (the fastest way to see the city) at Cruising Barcelona! After this, explore Gaudí’s most beautiful masterpieces (from the inside as well): Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia. Please keep in mind that it is recommended to buy tickets online.

Nice lunch spots close to both highlights are:

• Granja Petitbo

• Brunch & Cake

• El Arbol

When walking in Eixample, you can see Casa Batlló and Casa Mila in the street ‘Passeig de Gracia’, which is the most expensive shopping street in the city. Due to the time limitations, I would recommend to view these two houses from the outside only.  Close to this street is Carrer Girona, with many outlet stores. Perfect for shopping! In my post about the neighborhood Eixample, more tips are written down.

If you are still in this area at the end of the day, go visit the Bunkers Del Carmel for a romantic view over the city during sunset. In my post about the bunkers is explained how to get there. Tip: grab a pizza and have a picknick over there!

Dinner:

• El Nacional

• Casa Bonay

• Parking Pizza

• Oval (burgers)

Day 2: 

Walk by foot through El Born and the Gothic Quarter (my favorite areas) to see the architecture. Visit the Cathedral of Barcelona and the Santa Maria del Mar, two beautiful churches. In these neighborhoods, only boutique stores and local restaurants can be found. A nice thing to do is visit Placa Real, a pretty square close to the Ramblas and take a Spanish cooking class at Just Royal BCN. They take you to a market and teach you to cook Spanish deliciacies with local products.

Lunch:

• Alsur Cafe

• El BornEspai

• Mescladis

• Tropico

• Lulu

After being in El Born, you can walk easily to Parc de la Ciutadella. A must visit during your getaway, especially when the weather is sunny! Every sunday, they organize free salsa classes in front of the La Cascada fountain. In the evening, visit a flamenco show. The most special place to do that is Palau de Musica, Barcelona’s concert hall. Whenever this is not possible, there are other flamenco shows close to the ramblas as well.

Dinner:

• Tantarantana (tapas)

• Sensi (tapas)

• Bastaix (tapas)

• Elsa y Fred (tapas)

• Cachaca (Italian food)

Day 3: 

Time for some relaxation in the beach are before going home: Barceloneta.

Start walking from the Ramblas (a must see during your visit, but very touristic) to the Columbus statue at Port Vell. Walk across the yachts to the boulevard. Head to the W Hotel for a beautiful view from the top and walk further to enjoy a good lunch:

Lunch:

• Surfhouse (free SUP after spending 15,-)

• Maka Maka for burgers

• La Cala Barceloneta

• La Roseta

• Bar Limón

After lunch, walk to Mercat de Barceloneta: a fresh market where all locals do their groceries.

Dinner:

• Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria): A typical Spanish bar. A bottle of house cava for 8,- or a glass for 1,50,- .

• 7 Portes: good paella.

• El Pacifico: amazing calamares

• Cecconi’s (Italian)

A nice closing of the weekend: every Friday and Saturday evening between 20:00 – 21:00 there is a magic fountain show at Plaza Espanya, where the entrance of the Montjuïc mountain starts. This is an amazing experience! Please note that the days and times differ per season.