Barcelona in 2 days: a full itinerary with Gaudí
Quick answer
For 2 days in Barcelona, spend the first on Gaudí and the Eixample (Sagrada Família, Passeig de Gràcia and the Gothic Quarter) and the second on Park Güell, Montjuïc and the sea. Book Sagrada Família (from €26) and Park Güell (about €18) ahead.
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Day 1: Gaudí, the Eixample and the Gothic Quarter
A day between the Sagrada Família, Passeig de Gràcia and the old town, with the basilica ticket booked.
- 1
09:00 · Sagrada Família
Sagrada Família
Enter at your time. Allow 1 h 30 min and consider the towers (€36 with basilica) if you like views.
- 2
11:00 · Passeig de Gràcia
Casa Batlló and Casa Milà
Take in the Modernista facades; go inside one of the two if the interiors appeal.
- 3
13:00 · Eixample
Lunch
A break in the Eixample or Gràcia.
- 4
15:00 · Gothic Quarter
Gothic Quarter and Cathedral
Wander to Plaça Sant Jaume and the Cathedral; see the cloister and the medieval lanes.
- 5
17:00 · El Born
Picasso Museum or Santa Maria del Mar
Visit the Picasso (closed Mondays) or the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.
- 6
19:30 · Barceloneta
Barceloneta and dinner
A seafront stroll at sunset and tapas for dinner.
Day 2: Park Güell, Gràcia and Montjuïc
Park Güell is best first thing; after that, Gràcia and Montjuïc hill.
- 1
09:30 · Park Güell
Park Güell
Enter at your booked time and arrive early: there is a 30-minute grace period and no re-entry. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes.
- 2
11:30 · Gràcia
Stroll through Gràcia
Walk down to Gràcia: squares, terraces and small shops.
- 3
13:30 · Gràcia
Lunch in Gràcia
Eat on the neighbourhood squares with midday set menus.
- 4
15:30 · Montjuïc
Montjuïc and MNAC
Head up Montjuïc: the MNAC with the finest Romanesque collection, the castle and harbour views.
- 5
18:30 · Poble-sec
Pintxos in Poble-sec
Head down to Poble-sec for pintxos on Carrer Blai.
- 6
20:30 · Plaça d'Espanya
Montjuïc fountains
If the Magic Fountain show runs on your date, check times before you go.
Tips for planning the 2 days
- Book Sagrada Família and Park Güell first; they are the two critical reservations.
- Park Güell has a fixed entry time with a 30-minute grace period.
- If you want the Picasso Museum, avoid Mondays.
- Swap days if you'd rather do Park Güell in the morning on day 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for Barcelona?
For the essentials, yes: one day for Gaudí and the centre and another for Park Güell and Montjuïc. With three days you can add more museums and the beach.
Which day is best for Park Güell?
First thing on a weekday, with a booked time. Avoid the middle of the day.
How much do tickets cost over these 2 days?
Sagrada Família from €26, Park Güell about €18 and the rest, depending on your picks, paid entry at museums and Modernista houses.
Is it worth climbing the Sagrada Família towers?
Yes, if you like views and stairs: it's paid separately (€36 with basilica).
Where is the best area to stay?
Eixample, Gràcia or Ciutat Vella, for their metro links to the Sagrada Família and the old town.