5 tips to visit Barcelona in one day

Get the most of Barcelona in one day with only five steps

Barcelona’s pleasant weather makes it suitable to visit the city throughout the year. Here are some suggestions to make your stay unforgettable.

1. Start the day with Picasso and the hidden treasures of the Gothic Quarter

Follow the footsteps of Pablo Picasso in Barcelona. Travel back to the early 1900’s when Barcelona was a melting pot of opportunities and advanced ideas, and there in the middle was Picasso, enjoying his youth and absorbing everything around him. Continue to walk along the narrow streets and arrive to Carrer Montcada, where the Picasso Museum is, key to discover the development of this young artist into a genious. Housed in 5 palaces more than a thousand years old, the museum has a collection of more than 4000 pieces of art.

** Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds in the Picasso Museum, preferably short after 9 am, when the museum opens.

** Not to miss: A drink at Els 4 Gats. This bar-restaurant-cafe was the meeting point of the Catalan avant-garde artists at the beginning of the 20th century. It was frequented by Pablo Picasso, who drew the menu.

** When to go: At the beginning of June you will have the chance to see the ‘Ou com Balla‘, the Dancing Egg in the Cathedral and other churches throughout the Gothic Quarter. The egg dances on a jet of water, is it magic or science?

2. Stroll down la Rambla and taste some tapas

One of the best things of Barcelona is that nearly all interesting spots are at a walking distance. A few metres away from the Gothic Quarter are the well-known Las Ramblas, a must-see in your visit to the city. A good chance to walk and enjoy what you are seeing and feeling: the people, the flower-stalls, human statues and, just in the halfway, the amazing La Boqueria, one of the best public markets in Europe with an amazing and diverse selection of fresh food and delicatessen. Take a good chance to look around and have a bite of delicious tapas.

** Tip: Rembember the Picasso Museum is closed on Mondays, and that La Boqueria is closed on Sundays.

** Not to miss: The basilica of Santa Maria del Pi. Climb the 269 steps to get to the top of the bell tower and enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views from the heart of the Gothic Quarter.

** When to go: 23 April for Sant Jordi, Saint George’s Day. This is our Saint Valentine’s, a romantic day to give a red rose and a book to our loved ones. Stalls occupy the streets and people wonder around looking for the best rose and book, and the number one place to be is at La Rambla.

3. Sagrada Família in the quietness of the afternoon

Seize the day after lunch and discover the beauty and secrets of Gaudi’s architecture. Sagrada Família temple is the jewel in the crown of Gaudí’s works. Dive into its magic atmosphere in a moment of the day that it is better to be in the shade and when in Gaudi’s unfinished temple is quieter.

Enjoy it best with our Gaudí – the Sagrada Família Tour, which includes an expert guide, transport with a really comfortable ride by bus with air conditioning, and fast track entrance to the Sagrada Família. Two of his masterpieces are located only a few metres one from the other: Casa Batlló and its colourful façade that reminds the skin of a dragon and amazing Casa Milà, best known as La Pedrera. Check out this video to see what the tour covers.

** Tip: Visit the Sagrada Família in the afternoon, when it is less crowded. Don’t forget that it is the single most important site in Barcelona with over 3.2 million visitors a year.

** Not to miss: Look for the details. Each sculpture, each shape and structure is created with a meaning. From the Nativity represented on a whole façade, to the Lord’s Prayer written on a door. Nature was also a source of inspiration: the columns represent trees in a forest and even the stairs look like a snail shell forming a spiral.

** When to go: Repeatedly every few years. The Sagrada Familia is under construction, so check it out now and then to see its evolution. Last forecast is that it will be finished by 2026.

4. ‘Living la vida’ by the sea: La Barceloneta

Seven kilometres of golden sand run from the bustling Port Vell to the upscale Port Olímpic and beyond to the Forum. Smell the salt in the air and feel how the sun burns in your weathered skin. La Barceloneta, the old fishermen’s quarter, is the place to be to enjoy the Mediterranean taste of the city. And when we say ‘taste’, we also mean the best seafood restaurants in town and refreshing drinks on the wide range of ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars) along the shore.

** Tip: Venture into the quarter of La Barceloneta to get the best seafood at an affordable price.

** Not to miss: This is the place for a great paella and to enjoy some fresh local seafood, not la Rambla!

** When to go: 23^rd of June, mark this date! It’s the Summer Solstice and the shortest night of the year. The bonfires on the streets and the constant crack of fireworks will definitely warn you that something big is going on. The Feast of Sant Joan celebrates the start of the summer. Fire symbolises purity andwater symbolises healing and therefore, on this night, in some areas people bathe in the sea. If you walk along the beaches of the city, you will be surprised of how many people join on the beach on that certain night.

 

5. Montjuic: the Magic Mountain with its Magic Fountain

Sunset, water, lights, music and breath-taking views of Barcelona. The hill of Montjuic is one of Barcelona’s ‘ceilings’, where you will see with your own eyes why the locals are so proud of their hometown.

The ‘Grand finale’ of the day is the unique show of the ‘Font Màgica’ (Magic Fountain): a spectacular display of colour, light, motion, music and water acrobatics which, mixed together like a good cocktail, end up with pure magic!

Make it an unforgettable experience from Barceloneta to Montjuïc hill and join on our Magic Fountain Night Tour. You will capture the evening city life along the waterfront and La Barceloneta, enjoy the panoramic views from Montjuic and admire at the Magic Fountain in full colour, light and show. And don’t worry about being late at night! We will drive you back to your hotel.

** Tip: Wear comfortable clothes, you will end up sitting on the floor as there are no benches around.

** Not to miss: If you’re passionate about art, Montjuic is where you will find the largest number of museums. I especially recommend the Fundació Miró, the whole building is a work of art and an expression of the contemporary artist Miró. And also MNAC – The National Art Museum, where you must see the collection of Catalan Romanesque art.

** When to go: The last night of La Mercè Festival, September 24th. The Magic Fountain is at its maximum splendor with the pyromusical show. Music, water and light all dance together at the rythm of fireworks.

So, what’s your best way to spend one day in Barcelona?

Tell us what you like and we can customize the perfect tour for you. We have the key to the city and we will make sure you get to know it and enjoy it. Contact us, it is a pleasure to help!