72 hours in Barcelona – City Guide

Welcome to Barcelona! This vibrant city has something for everyone, and if you only have 72 hours to explore, you’ll want to make the most of your time. So get ready to experience all that Barcelona has to offer – from world-class museums and stunning architecture to delicious food and lively nightlife.

Getting to Barcelona

Barcelona is a popular tourist destination with excellent transport links. You can get to the city by plane, train, or bus, with Barcelona-El Prat airport being the main entry point for those arriving by air.

Where to Stay

Barcelona has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. If you’re looking for luxury, consider staying in the Eixample district, which is home to some of the city’s most high-end hotels. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of hostels and budget hotels in the Gothic Quarter and El Raval neighborhoods.

Where to Eat

Barcelona is known for its delicious cuisine, and there are plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking for traditional Catalan food, head to the Barceloneta neighborhood, which is known for its seafood restaurants. For something more modern, check out the El Born district, which has a range of trendy eateries and tapas bars.

What to See

Barcelona is a city with plenty of sights to see. Start your trip by taking a walk through the Gothic Quarter, where you can see some of the city’s oldest and most iconic buildings. Don’t miss the Barcelona Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Palau de la Generalitat, the seat of the Catalan government.

Next, head to the Boqueria market to sample some of the local cuisine. This bustling market is filled with stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, and other local delicacies. Make sure to try some of the traditional Catalan dishes like paella and butifarra (a type of sausage).

For art lovers, the Museu Picasso is a must-see, as it houses one of the largest collections of works by the famous painter. For something a little different, check out the CosmoCaixa science museum, which has interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Where to Play

Barcelona is known for its lively nightlife, with a wide range of clubs, bars, and music venues to choose from. Start your evening at one of the city’s many rooftop bars, where you can sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset over the city. For a more low-key evening, head to a tapas bar and try a variety of small plates while chatting with locals.

No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the beach. Spend your final day lounging on the sand and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, take a boat ride to the nearby island of Formentera, where you can explore the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches.