Author Andrew Barger once said, “Even the moon was embarrassed by the beauty of Barcelona.” The gorgeous capital of the Catalan region is full of architectural, gastronomic, and cultural highlights. One can spend years in the city and still discover new things, but if you have limited time, here are a few ways to spend 48 Hours in Barcelona, Spain.
Gaze at some of Gaudi’s masterpieces.
Architect and designer Antoni Gaudí has certainly made his mark in the Catalonian capital. You will see examples of his pioneering architecture throughout the city, and six of his buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. However, with only two days to explore his work, you will need to choose wisely.
If you can only pick one, it has to be the Sagrada Família (pictured above). The iconic basilica is Gaudi’s most famous work, and it is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Stylistically, the church is a combination of Gothic Revival, Art Nouveau, and Modernism. It is known for its spectacular spires, religious symbolism, and colorful stained-glass windows. The structure has been under construction since 1882, and is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. With millions of tourists descending each year, La Sagrada Família is the most-visited monument in Spain, and one of the most popular churches on the planet.
If you do not have time to tour multiple buildings, you should at least photograph the fantastical facades of two other Gaudi buildings: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. They are centrally located (and close to each other) on the Paseo de Gracia. You may even pass them on your way to other attractions.
Casa Batlló: During his mature period, Gaudi renovated the home of textile industrialist Josep Batlló. The house on Paseo de Gracia is known for its imaginative blue/green façade. Gaudi was inspired by the legend of Saint George (the patron saint of Catalonia) and designed the colorful exterior to resemble a dragon’s back.
La Pedrera – Casa Milà: The building was commissioned by Pere Milà and Roser Segimon and constructed from 1906 to 1912. It was the final private residence that Gaudi designed. The unconventional building’s striking facade looks like an open stone quarry. Gaudi incorporated several structural innovations, including a self-supporting stone façade, a free-plan floor, and a roof terrace.
If you are a true architecture buff, you may want to spend more of your vacation time learning about Gaudi. If so, you should consider visiting some of his other well-known sites, such as Casa Vicens and Park Güell.
Casa Vicens: This modernist home in the Gràcia neighborhood of Barcelona was Gaudi’s first significant project. It was built from 1883 to 1885 as a summer house for the Vicens family. The house was constructed during Gaudi’s orientalist period, and features Moorish arches, columns, and marigold-motifs.
Park Güell: This large public garden looks like the setting for a fairy tale. Gaudi filled the 17 hectares of green space with quirky animal figurines, columns resembling tree trunks, and a long snake-like bench decorated with colorful mosaic tiles. If you want to visit Park Güell, be sure to purchase tickets online well in advance. Over 400 people line up to enter the park every half an hour!
Tour a musical marvel.
Gaudi was not the only prolific architect shaping the city. Lluís Domènech i Montaner, another influential member of the Catalan Modernism movement, designed the Palau de la Música Catalana. It is a spectacular concert venue for symphonic and choral music. If possible, you should try to attend a performance. But if your trip is too short, do the next best thing and take a guided tour.
The 2,200 seat concert auditorium is filled with natural light thanks to a colorful stained-glass skylight. The room is full of decorative elements such as mosaics, arches, and sculptures of the muses. The decor contains musical references, as well as natural floral motifs.
Get some fresh air at a beautiful Barcelona park.
This idyllic Parc de la Ciutadella was created in the mid-19th century, and for a while it was the city’s only green space. The 31-hectare grounds house important attractions such as The Parliament of Catalonia, the modern art museum, the geological museum, and the city’s zoo. However, if you just want to relax, you can enjoy the lush gardens, row a boat on the small lake, or picnic on the grass. Be sure to see the Font de la Cascada, a lovely water feature with impressive arches and statues. It is Barcelona’s answer to the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Enjoy panoramic views of Barcelona.
One way to see the sprawling city from above is to take the funicular up to Tibidabo Amusement Park. Some of the best views of Barcelona can be had by riding the Ferris wheel.
Alternatively, you could take the Port Cable Car from the San Sebastián Tower (in Barceloneta) to the Miramar station (in Montjuïc). You can admire the Mediterranean Sea and the city from a unique vantage point.
Another option is to visit the Bunkers del Carmel at the top of the Turó de la Rovira. Old bunkers used to prevent air attacks during the Spanish Civil War are now a hub for Instagrammers photographing the city skyline and coast.
If you fancy a glass of cava with your panoramic views, head to one of the city’s hip rooftop bars. 360º Terrace at the Barceló Raval hotel boasts impressive views of the city, mountains, and sea. If you want spectacular shots of the Sagrada Familia, check out The Rooftop at Sir Victor, or the terrace of Sercotel Rosellón. Other notable venues include Sky Bar Hotel Iberostar, Alaire Terrace-Bar, Azimuth Rooftop Bar, and the panoramic terrace at Hotel Colón.
Eat delicious food.
The city is a culinary hub. Barcelona’s Disfrutar restaurant is currently #2 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and it has 28 restaurants with Michelin stars. You can find traditional Catalan dishes, as well as cuisine from around the world. Whether you splurge on a multi-course tasting menu or devour affordable Pintxos (Basque-style tapas), you will not go hungry!
If you are looking for a fine dining establishment, check out Moments, La Tartareria, Caelis, or La Madurada.
For fast-casual and budget-friendly options, you should consider Croq & Roll (Spanish croquettes), El Pachuco (nachos and tacos), Tucco Real Food (fresh pasta), The Lobster Roll Barcelona, Les Truites (creative omelets), and Rooq (chicken burgers and nuggets).
Get a good night’s sleep.
You will want to wake up refreshed to continue exploring the city. Barcelona has hotels at all price points, and you can choose from boutique hotels or multinational chains.
If you seek sophisticated luxury, El Palace Barcelona or Mandarin Oriental Barcelona may suit you. More affordable options that still have character include the Maldà Singular Hotel and Hotel Granvia. If you travel with a pooch like we do, our favorite dog friendly hotels are the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona and INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo.
Barcelona is a city you can go back to again and again. We hope the above helps you plan a quick weekend getaway to introduce yourself to the city. However, you should do your own research and choose attractions and restaurants that appeal to you!
If you are looking for travel tips for other cities, please read our articles: How To Spend A Stopover In Panama City, Lesser-Known Tourist Attractions In London, and Must-See Places In Budapest.