Barcelona is one of the top travel destinations because of its fantastic climate, astounding architecture, beautiful beaches, and so much more. Thousands of visitors flock to this city every year to experience its vibrant culture and rich history. If you only have a weekend in Barcelona, it might be overwhelming to figure out how you’re going to fit everything in. But don’t worry! If you’re visiting Barcelona over the weekend, it’s completely possible to experience the best of the city! Here you have some great suggestions for you to make the most of your weekend in Barcelona!
Friday
Las Ramblas

The best place to start your trip in Barcelona is on Las Ramblas. No trip to Barcelona is complete without taking a leisurely stroll down Las Ramblas to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. When you get into Barcelona on Friday afternoon, this should be your first stop. Stretching more than a kilometer, Las Ramblas is a hub for shopping and eating, lined with many kiosks, shops, and restaurants. Street performers, artists, and musicians set up shop here, so it’s definitely wort taking a walk to see all the buzzing activity.
La Boqueria
Walking down Las Ramblas, you’ll come across the most iconic market in Barcelona, La Boqueria. Stop in to marvel at the array of fresh, local ingredients, in addition to sampling some of the local fare at the tapas bars inside. This is a great way to dive into Spanish culture and cuisine straight from the source!
Address: La Rambla, 89 Bis, 08001 Barcelona
Opening hours: 8:00-20:30 (Closed on Sundays)
Try some tapas!
The surrounding streets near Las Ramblas are filled with tapas bars and restaurants, so it’s pretty easy to find a great spot for some delicious food and drinks. Carrer del Carme, Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, and Carrer d’En Xuclà are all quite close to La Boqueria and offer great dining options. One of the best things about visiting Barcelona is getting to try all the local cuisine!
Saturday
Sagrada Família

Undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks in Barcelona, the Sagrada Família is a must-see! It’s highly recommended that you visit early in the day to try and beat the crowds, and even more advisable that you buy tickets ahead of time, as well. The basilica is still under construction, which means that the Sagrada Família is continually being updated and improved. If you choose to go inside, you will be in awe of the colors, distinctiveness, and individuality that Antoni Gaudí applied in the original design. You can also simply admire the views from outdoors if you want to save a little time and money.
Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401
Gaudí Galore
Make your way to Passeig de Gràcia to admire some of Gaudí’s other great works, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. These architectural wonders were once commissioned as private homes, but today are open to the public. As with Gaudí’s other works, the architect drew upon nature as his inspiration, which is evident in the flowing lines, bright colors, and otherworldly design. These iconic buildings are essential architecture to admire when visiting Barcelona. Additionally, simply walking up Passeig de Gràcia is an experience in itself as this wide, tree-lined boulevard lined with top name-brand shops is one of the most beautiful streets in Barcelona.
Lunch in Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia ends in the Gràcia district, which is known for its wide variety of restaurants and dining options. This neighborhood is filled with funky tapas bars, world cuisine, and everything else in between. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find something delicious here!
Parc Güell

If you haven’t gotten your fill of Gaudí yet, it’s time to head on up to Parc Güell! This isn’t your average park, since everything Gaudí designed was unique, as you might have noticed by now. Parc Güell looks like something that came straight from your imagination. Colorful mosaics, stunning sculptures and architecture, and beautiful greenery all come together to create a truly special experience. Also, if you time your visit right you can watch the sun set over the park for an extra special touch. As the park fills up quickly, it’s a good idea to buy your ticket in advance.
Opening hours & ticket information
Sunday
Get some culture
Sunday is the ideal day to tap into Barcelona’s cultural side, as many of the city’s public museums open their doors to the public for free! Whether you prefer art, history, or science, there is something that is sure to intrigue and excite you. While there are dozens of museums in Barcelona, some of the most popular include:
Since the museums are free on Sundays, they will be busier than normal. It’s advised that if you want to go to the Picasso Museum, get there as early as possible to make sure that you can get a ticket!
Read more:
5 Free Things to Do on the Weekend in Barcelona
The Top 10 Best Museums in Barcelona
Enjoy a vermouth
If you want to fit in like a local, stop to have a glass of vermouth to relax after a morning of museums. Fer vermut is having a vermouth and a snack before lunch as an aperitif, especially in the company of god friends or loved ones. Vermouth is fortified wine that is mixed with herbs and spices, and each bar has their own homemade recipe. Pair your vermouth with a light snack like chips, olives, or mussels and you’ll have the full Sunday experience!
Read more: You Should Try These 8 Great Bars for a Vermouth in Barcelona
Wander the Gothic neighborhood
Take some time to wander the Gothic neighborhood before you leave. The historic city center holds many of the city’s secrets and legends and is necessary when visiting Barcelona. See the old city walls, admire the Barcelona Cathedral, or simply get lost in the neighborhood’s small, winding streets.
See more:
Must-Read Guide for Navigating Public Transportation in Barcelona
Barcelona: Quick and Easy Guide to Visiting Montserrat in a Day
7 Tasty Tapas in Barcelona, Approved by Local Foodies!
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