If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, look no further than Barcelona. This vibrant city is home to a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, as well as plenty of opportunities for relaxation. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and friendly people, Barcelona is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
To help you make the most of your time in Barcelona, we’ve put together this 7-day itinerary. This comprehensive guide covers all the must-see sights and experiences, from exploring Gaudi’s masterpieces to indulging in a traditional Catalan lunch.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
You will be flying into Barcelona’s El Prat Airport (BCN), which is located about 12km from the city center. The best way to get to your hotel is by taxi, which will cost about €30. If you’re on a budget, you can also take the bus or train into the city.
Once you’ve settled into your hotel, take some time to explore the neighborhood and get orientated. Barcelona is a large city, but most of the main attractions are located in the center. The best way to get around is by foot or using the city’s efficient metro system.
Hotel: Mercer Hotel Barcelona
The Mercer Hotel Barcelona is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the city’s heart. This elegant property features a rooftop terrace with stunning city views, a restaurant serving Catalan cuisine, and a spa with an indoor pool.
Dinner: La Flauta
La Flauta is one of Barcelona’s most popular tapas restaurants. Located in the city center, this cozy spot is perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal with friends. The menu features a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes, all of which are made with fresh, local ingredients.
Day 2: Exploring the City
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Barcelona. Your first stop should be the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, one of Antoni Gaudi’s most famous works. This unfinished Catholic church is one of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona and a must-see for any visitor.
Next, make your way to Park Guell, another of Gaudi’s masterpieces. This public park is located on a hilltop in the city center and offers stunning views of the city below. The park is also home to several interesting sculptures and architectural features designed by Gaudi himself.
After spending some time at Park Guell, take a stroll through the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s historic old town. This charming neighborhood is filled with narrow streets, medieval buildings, and a lively atmosphere. Be sure to stop by the Cathedral of Barcelona, the city’s most important religious site.
For lunch, head to Barceloneta, Barcelona’s beachfront district. This vibrant neighborhood is home to many excellent seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh fish and paella overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Barcelona with a visit to Montjuic Castle. This former military fortress is now a museum dedicated to the history of Catalonia. The castle offers stunning views of the city below and is the perfect place to watch the sunset over Barcelona.
After a long day of sightseeing, unwind with a glass of wine and some tapas at one of Barcelona’s many bars.
Lunch: Can Maño
Can Maño is a seafood restaurant located in Barceloneta. This cozy spot offers a menu of traditional Catalan dishes, all of which are made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant has a charming outdoor terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Dinner: Bodega Sepúlveda
Bodega Sepúlveda is a traditional Spanish wine bar located in the Gothic Quarter. This atmospheric spot is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and some tapas with friends. The menu features a wide variety of traditional Spanish dishes, all of which are made with fresh, local ingredients.
Day 3: Day Trip to Girona
Spend your third day in Barcelona with a visit to the nearby city of Girona. This charming medieval town is located about an hour north of Barcelona and makes for a perfect day trip.
Start your day with a walk around the Old Town, exploring the narrow streets and historic buildings. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Girona, one of the most important religious sites in Catalonia.
Next, head to the Jewish Quarter, where you can learn about the history of the city’s Jewish community. This vibrant neighborhood is filled with cafes, shops, and artists’ studios.
For lunch, enjoy some traditional Catalan cuisine at one of Girona’s many restaurants. After lunch, take a stroll through the Jardins de la Devesa, a large park located in the center of the city.
In the afternoon, visit the Museu d’Art de Girona, a museum dedicated to the history of Catalan art. The museum features various artifacts and works of art from the Middle Ages to the present day.
End your day with a walk along the banks of the Onyar River, admiring the views of the city before heading back to Barcelona.
Lunch: Cal Bolet
Cal Bolet is a restaurant located in the Jewish Quarter of Girona. This cozy spot offers a menu of traditional Catalan dishes, all of which are made with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant has a charming outdoor terrace overlooking the Onyar River, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Dinner: El Celler de Can Roca
El Celler de Can Roca is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Girona. This spot is perfect for a special occasion, offering an inventive menu of modern Catalan cuisine. The restaurant has an elegant dining room with views of the city to enjoy a romantic dinner.
Day 4: Parks & Gardens
Spend your fourth day in Barcelona exploring the city’s many parks and gardens. Start your day with a walk through Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s largest park. This green oasis is home to a lake, a zoo, and various sculptures and monuments.
Next, head to the Botanical Garden, where you can see a variety of plant species from all over the world. After exploring the gardens, have lunch at one of the nearby cafes.
In the afternoon, visit Parc Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works. This colorful park is filled with unique buildings and sculptures. Be sure to walk to the top of the hill for stunning views of Barcelona.
End your day with a stroll through the Gracia neighborhood, admiring the charming streets and vibrant atmosphere.
Lunch: Café del Jardí
Café del Jardí is a cafe located in the Botanical Garden. The cafe is named for its location, nestled among the gardens. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The cafe also offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The lunchtime rush can be a bit hectic, but the staff is always friendly and accommodating. Café del Jardí is a great place to enjoy a quick bite or a leisurely meal. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even spot a bird or two while you’re dining.
Dinner: Restaurante Els 4 Gats
Restaurante Els 4 Gats is a restaurant located in the Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona. This historic spot was once a favorite hangout of Pablo Picasso and other artists. The restaurant has a cozy, old-world atmosphere, with dark wood paneling and vintage furnishings. The menu features traditional Catalan dishes, such as paella and fideua, and Spanish classics like jamón ibérico and tortilla de patatas. The wine list includes both local and international options. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or a place to enjoy some good food and conversation, Restaurante Els 4 Gats is sure to please.
Day 5: Beach Day
Day five is spent relaxing at one of the city’s many beaches. Start your day with a swim in the Mediterranean Sea, then lounge on the beach and soak up the sun.
In the afternoon, enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the beachside cafes, then take a walk along the promenade. End your day with a sunset stroll along the beach before returning to your hotel.
Lunch: Can Paixanet
For a truly unique dining experience, head to Can Paixanet for lunch. This restaurant is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea while you eat. The menu features traditional Spanish dishes with a modern twist, and there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Highlights include the fresh seafood paella, the succulent Iberian pork, and the mouth-watering Catalan cream dessert. With its incredible setting and delicious food, Can Paixanet is definitely worth a visit.
Dinner: La Plaja
La Plaja is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset meal in Barcelona. The restaurant is located on the promenade, so you can watch the sun dip into the sea while enjoying some of the best seafood in the city. The menu features a variety of traditional Catalan dishes, such as paella and fideua, and an extensive list of seafood.
The paella is cooked over an open fire, so it has a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine. The fideua is a noodle dish that is similar to paella, but it is made with fish instead of chicken or Rabbit stew meat. It is also cooked over an open fire, so it has a slightly charred flavor that is delicious.
If you want something lighter, the shrimp cocktail is a good choice. It is served with avocado mousse and roasted vegetables. The mousse is light and fluffy, and the shrimp are cooked just right. The roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Day 6: Day Trip to Montserrat
Take a day trip to the nearby mountain town of Montserrat. Start your day with a hike through the stunning landscapes of Montserrat National Park. Be sure to stop at the Sant Jeroni viewpoint for sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Afterward, visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a Benedictine monastery located at the top of the mountain. The abbey is home to a 12th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, which is said to have miraculous healing powers. You can also see the abbey’s famous boys’ choir, the Escolania de Montserrat, perform.
In the afternoon, take the cable car down the mountain to the town of Montserrat. Explore the town’s winding streets and quaint shops before stopping for lunch at one of the local restaurants. Afterward, catch a train back to Barcelona.
Lunch: Restaurante Jaume II
Restaurante Jaume II is located in the heart of Montserrat, so you can easily walk here from the cable car station. The menu features a variety of classic dishes, including paella and fideuà, that are sure to please any appetite. And for those who want to try something a little different, the restaurant also offers a selection of unique items, such as wild boar stew and squid ink risotto. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a light bite, Restaurante Jaume II has something to suit your needs.
Dinner: Can Paixanet
Can Paixanet is the perfect place to enjoy a meal after a day of exploring Montserrat. The restaurant is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The menu features a wide variety of seafood dishes, so you can try something new or stick with a classic. And, of course, no meal at Can Paixanet would be complete without a glass of sangria. So come for the food, stay for the views, and enjoy an evening at Can Paixanet.
Day 7: Barcelona
Today is your last day in Barcelona, so make sure to make the most of it. Start your day by walking through the Gothic Quarter, exploring the narrow streets and historic buildings. Then, head to La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous street. Stroll down the pedestrian-only avenue, stopping to browse the stalls selling flowers, souvenirs, and more.
Make your way to the Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona’s renowned food market. Here, you’ll find an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as cured meats and cheeses. Be sure to try some of the market’s famous Catalan dishes.
In the afternoon, visit Parc Guell, Antoni Gaudi’s world-famous park. Wander through the park’s whimsical gardens and sculptures, and take in sweeping views of the city.
Finish your day with a sunset stroll along the beach. Watch as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a spectrum of colors. Then, head back to your hotel and get some rest for your journey home tomorrow.
Lunch: Mercat de la Boqueria
The Mercat de la Boqueria is more than just a food market; it’s a Barcelona institution. The market is home to an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as cured meats and cheeses. Visitors can find everything they need for a delicious and healthy lunch, all in one place. The market is also a great place to people-watch and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona. Mercat de la Boqueria is a must-visit for anyone spending time in the city.
Dinner: Barceloneta
Barcelona is a city with a rich culinary tradition, and there are many excellent restaurants to choose from. However, if you’re looking for a truly memorable dining experience, you won’t want to miss Barceloneta. This tiny secret spot is hidden away in an alley off of La Rambla, and it’s well worth the effort to find it. The menu features fresh seafood dishes inspired by the Mediterranean coast, and the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, Barceloneta is sure to please.
Final Words
As your vacation comes to an end, you may find yourself reluctant to leave Barcelona. After all, there’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history or soaking up the sun on the beach, you can find it all here. Of course, no trip to Barcelona would be complete without sampling some of the local cuisines. From traditional Spanish dishes to cutting-edge molecular gastronomy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As you say goodbye to Barcelona, be sure to take away fond memories of all that this city has to offer.