Must Visit Places in Barcelona in a 2-day trip
Barcelona is a city with so much to offer. Barcelona has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation, from the incredible architecture to the beautiful beaches and art galleries!
But what if you only have two days? What are some of the must-visit places in Barcelona? Barcelona is a huge cosmopolitan city with many things to see and visit.
This blog post will highlight some of my favorite things about Barcelona that can be seen in just two days.
If you have a weekend off and you do not know Barcelona, what are you waiting for?
Best Things To Do in Barcelona
If you visit only for one weekend and it’s your first time visiting the county city, you must visit these 10 important places.
Visit the Sagrada Familia
Without a doubt, it is indispensable that you visit Sagrada Familia. It is an icon of the city and a representative place.
There is a big chance that you have already seen the towers in many pictures designed by Antoni Gaudí.
This temple started construction at the end of the XIX century and has not been completed yet.
Who knows if we will ever be able to see it finished? The work and progress keep moving forward, but it will still need a lot of time.
To visit, I recommend that you buy the ticket previously. They tend to sell out pretty fast, and you will lose your chance to see the “Sagrada Familia.”
Due to its size, it takes time to tour around, so I plan to have more time to see as much as possible. I recommend going up the towers if possible.
Recommended: Free Walking Tour with a guide.
Parc Güell
Parc Güell is another masterpiece by the genius Antoni Gaudí. This visit includes two main parts, one without charge and another with a ticket.
For example, the gardens do not require you to wait in line or pay for a ticket.
It’s beautiful to stroll around the gardens; however, if you want to visit the famous statues, stairs, and views from the Barcelona skyline, you will have to pay.
Barcelona city sights
Barcelona has many beautiful city sights that allow you to enjoy the city’s spectacular views. But keep in mind that some of them are free and others are not.
The free ones are located between the Cataluña national museum of art (Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña), Mirador del Alcalde (at Montjüic mountain), the Tibidabo, Catalunya Museum of History, and Las Arenas mall.
There, you can appreciate the famous Venetian towers. But, of course, there is so much more to visit, and depending on your preferences.
Viewpoint with a fee:
- Port Cablesight (Teleférico del puerto),
- Sagrada Familia Tower,
- Pedrera and Casa Batlló,
- Colom city sight,
- Parc Güell
- and Montjüic Castle.
Montjüic
Montjüic mountain is an amazing place that highlights the views of Barcelona.
You should also visit other places include the magic fountain of Montjüic, the castle, Spanish town, the Olympic rings, Cataluña Museum of National Art, Joan Miró Foundation, and the botanic garden.
If you only have a few days to visit Barcelona, you can spend one day here without worrying about seeing other places.
*Montjüic Cable car ride tickets
Santa María del Mar
Another popular spot that you should stop by is the basilica of Santa María del Mar. If you can, I recommend reading the book about the Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones (or you can just watch the tv series).
The basilica is at the heart of Barcelona Ribera neighbors. It has a gothic style, and it was built by its citizens who contributed with their hard work and money from 1329 until 1383 when it was finished.
Gothic Neighborhood and the Cathedral
You will also want to spend at least one day or morning in the Goth neighborhood. There is a post with a walking route to go through this hood at the center of Barcelona on this link.
The Barcelona Cathedral of goth style was built on the foundations of another cathedral.
Construction started on the 1st of May of 1298 and finished at the end of the XV century.
The facade’s work and the two towers started at the end of the XIX century and were finished in 1913. Nonetheless, it is a must when you visit Barcelona.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is a vital experience when visiting Barcelona.
It’s one of the highlighted works of Antoni Gaudí and has been recognized as a Human Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2005.
In this post, I will tell you about our visit, the most featured works, and some recommendations so that you can fully enjoy the visit to Casa Batlló.
Manzana de la discordia de Barcelona
The Manzana de la discordia (Block of discord) is the name of the stretch from Paseo de Gracia (Walk of Grace) that is located between Aragón street and Consejo de Ciento.
It consists of five buildings: Casa Lleó Morera by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Casa Mulleras by Enric Sagnier, Casa Bonet by Marceliano Coquillat, Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí.
Even though well-known architects made these buildings of Catalan modernism, the name of the stretch Manzana de la Discordia originates from the rivalry between professionals (Domènech I Montaner, Puig I Cadafalch, and Antoni Gaudí).
When Gaudí got in charge of Casa Batlló, he already knew about what the other two professionals had done. But, in fact, his presence as the most surprising architect of them all was the key element that triggered the street’s name.
*Buy your tickets and skip the line
Barceloneta
Barceloneta is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Barcelona. It is located between Port Vell and has been renewed on many occasions.
At Barceloneta, you can enjoy the beaches of the city. You can also journey through the alleys and discover antique buildings and churches. Visit the Cataluña Museum of History and watch the Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower).
If you feel like shopping, you should go to Maremagnum Mall.
You can also ride the cable sight from the beach of Barceloneta, which will take you to the Miramar city sight, where you can enjoy the views of the port.
Guided Tour bus of Barcelona
Barcelona’s touristic Bus is a comfortable way of getting to know the city and its most important places. I personally took the bus the last time I visited Barcelona.
This post will tell you how to get around Barcelona efficiently.
Are you looking for plans in Barcelona?
Guided tours in Barcelona
- Guided tours in English, French, Italian, Spanish
- Camp Nou Tour
- Flamenco Show at Barcelona
- Born District Walking Tour, Tapas Dinner & Flamenco Show
- Barcelona Pass: offers free entrance to over 20 top attractions
- Wine lovers
- Free walking tour
Have you been to Barcelona? Tell us your “must-see and do”! Sharing is caring!
Last Updated on 12 April, 2024 by Veronica
Disclosure: Some of the links on this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Author: Veronica
Vero, a seasoned traveler, has explored 25 countries and lived in five, gaining a rich perspective and fostering an infectious passion for travel. With a heart full of wanderlust, Vero uncovers the world’s hidden gems and shares insights, tips, and planning advice to inspire and assist fellow adventurers. Join Vero and let the shared passion for travel create unforgettable memories.
Hi there,
I love your list of to do in Barcelona. You have some really good ideas about the city. If you are ever back in Barcelona I would love to show you some amazing places to eat in the city. I run a food tour company called Eye on Food Tours drop me a line some time.
all the best,
-A