If you plan to visit Spain for the first time and look for a city with all the charm and beauty. In my opinion, Barcelona is one of the beautiful destinations you should choose.
And if you are wondering about a plan on how many days to spend in Barcelona or how many days are enough to explore the city of Barcelona and how to spend time in Barcelona more wisely and plan accordingly. Then, in this article, we will guide you and make your trip the most memorable one.
Barcelona is one of the best tourist attractions destinations in the world. And it’s not without excuse. However, with Gaudi’s unique architecture, urban beaches, world-class food, and all in between, determining how many days in Barcelona is enough can be challenging.
Are you wondering how many days to spend in Barcelona are enough to explore the whole city?
Much depends on the type of trip you choose to take when visiting Barcelona:
If you’re happy with a jam-packed itinerary of Barcelona’s best sights.
Alternatively, you could include some relaxing time on the beaches and maybe a day trip to another part of Catalonia.
So let’s dive in to see how much of Barcelona you can see in the time you have, so you can figure out how many days in Barcelona are right for you.
And, regardless of how many days you want to spend in Barcelona, we’ll provide you with some fantastic Barcelona itinerary guides for 3, 4, and 5 days.
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How many days in Barcelona:
3 Days in Barcelona
You will certainly get a simple taste of Barcelona with a well-planned trip and careful preparation.
However, keep in mind that you must be willing to work long days to do so.
Sure, you’ll see the big hitters if you’re just jumping between the big attractions on the metro.
However, you’ll almost certainly encounter a large number of people. And there’s not a lot of authentic Barcelona to be found.
Although it has excellent public transportation, Barcelona is not a large city, so walking is undoubtedly the best way to get around.
Consequently, if you only have three days in Barcelona, you shouldn’t try to see anything. Instead, concentrate on what you can find most enjoyable.
With your question of how many days to see Barcelona in mind, and using a combination of our in-depth experience, we’ve put together a realistic 3-day Barcelona itinerary with plenty of alternate choices that you can skip or mix and match according to your preferences.
Read: What to Pack For a 3 days trip? A Guide For Your Weekend Trip
4 Days in Barcelona
With four days in Barcelona, you’ll have enough time to see the major attractions and incorporate more authentic city experiences.
You’ll have some spare time on the beach or in the parks.
If you have a short trip planned, I think a four-day weekend in Barcelona is a decent amount of time. You won’t feel hurried if you have a little more time to get to know the city.
You’ll also have the chance to visit some of the city’s less touristy areas and climb up into the surrounding hills for some spectacular views of Barcelona.
In addition, if you want to sleep in one morning, your Barcelona itinerary will allow you to do so.
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5 Days in Barcelona
Still unsure how many days to spend in Barcelona are sufficient? What about five days? This is an even better choice if you have the time.
Since you can spend five days in Barcelona exploring the city and going on a day trip somewhere.
I would highly recommend a couple of them just around an hour away. The first is a trip to Tarragona for the day.
The train trip is also scenic since it passes along the coast.
And, considering its proximity, Tarragona has a different vibe.
It’s probably the ancient city walls and amphitheater ruins, but it looks much older and more conventional than Barcelona in several ways.
If you’re a more adventurous traveler, another choice is to go on a day trip to Montserrat Mountain and Monastery.
You don’t need to be very active because you can take a cable car or a railway track.
However, if you’re looking for a greater challenge, I highly suggest hiking Montserrat from the bottom up, as we did.
The main section, which includes Montserrat Monastery, is about a third up, but you can hike to the top.
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When is the right time to visit Barcelona?
The best time to visit Barcelona is determined by your budget and your goals for your journey.
If you enjoy beach days and soaking up as much sun as possible, summer is for you.
Spring or Fall are good choices if you want it to be a little less humid for sightseeing, with shorter lines and lower hotel prices.
The months of May to September are the busiest. That means hot weather, more visitors, and the most expensive hotels. However, there are benefits as well.
Summer days are long, and the sun doesn’t set until sometime after 9 p.m. Peak season is also the best time to visit Spain if you want to attend a festival.
The weather is good throughout the year, so even a winter trip will be pleasant, and you’ll be able to enjoy your time in Barcelona
If you’re a football fan, there’s a chance you’ll be able to spend some quality time watching an FC Barcelona match. The football season runs from late August to late May, with a break during the holidays.
If you are looking for a place to stay and spend time in Barcelona:
The Gracia neighborhood, which feels like a separate village within the area, is full of independent bars, restaurants, and designer boutiques.
It has many nice squares to relax in and long, narrow streets lined with trees.
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It is close to the El Carmel neighborhood, where the bunkers are located, and it is entirely walkable from there, also houses Park Guell, is next to La Sagrada Familia, and is just a 20-minute metro ride or 20-minute walk from the city center.
It is, in our view, the best place to stay in Barcelona.
Keep in mind that the best budget lodging in Barcelona sells out months in advance. To prevent disappointment, make your reservations as soon as possible.
Where in Barcelona do You Eat?
Check out some of my favorite restaurants for some tasty food:
Les Quinze Nits:– In the popular Plaça Reial, delicious food at a great price. Even though it is a little touristy, locals come here for the value. It serves a traditional Spanish menu. Instead of waiting in long lines at dinner, go for lunch. Plaça Reial, 6.
La Fonda – Near Plaça Reial, good food with big portions. Its set menu can provide you with more food than you can consume, and it boasts beautiful décor and a diverse wine list. Escudellers, 10, Escudellers, 10, Escudellers, 10, Escudeller.
Pinotxo Bar – Located just inside the Boqueria food market, this small stall is often busy and serves some of the area’s most well-known tapas. It was delicious, and I stopped there while on a food tour. Try the chickpea salad! Address: 91 La Rambla, La Boquera.
The Four Cats was a favorite haunt of Picasso’s and a prominent hangout for artists in the early 1900s. Grab a drink and some tapas (the patatas bravas are delicious!) while learning about the past of the place. 3 Carrer de Montsió, Barcelona.
There is plenty for everyone to spend days in Barcelona. You could see the real Barcelona in two or three days, but spending four, five, or even six days on the above itinerary would enable you to gorge on Iberian ham, tapas, and sangria without feeling rushed.
The city moves at a sluggish pace. You can, too.
Sleep late, take frequent breaks, eat a lot, and enjoy time in Barcelona at a leisurely pace!
