A Complete 7 Days Travel Itinerary for Barcelona Sightseeing
This section outlines day by day plan of all the best things to do in Barcelona. The attractions have been arranged based on proximity and time required to explore them. Though this section covers almost all Barcelona tourist attractions, you can rearrange them based on your hotel location. You can also alter it depending on the number of days you have planned to visit Barcelona.
DAY 1
1. SAGRADA FAMILIA
Designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi, this artwork of a building is perhaps the most popular among places to visit in Barcelona. You will need at least an hour to admire the genius of the architecture of Sagrada Familia and its interiors.
2. AVINGUDA DIAGONAL
This is a road that divides Barcelona in half, running diagonally from west to east. This road holds some of the popular Barcelona attractions for sightseeing, dining, shopping, and more. You can take a glance at what the street has to offer in 30 to 45 minutes.
3. CASA MILA
Also known as La Pedrera, this apartment building is known for its unusual architecture and design. It too was designed by Antoni Gaudi. As only residents are allowed in the building, you can only admire it from the outside. It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to do that.
4. CASA BATLLO, CASA AMATLLER & CASA LLEO MORERA
Collectively known as the block of discord, all these buildings are works of Antoni Gaudi. Like Casa Mila, there isn’t much to be seen inside the buildings. Take 15 minutes to admire each of these buildings from the outside and move on to other Barcelona tourist attractions.
5. PLACA DE CATALUNYA
This large square is surrounded by several historical things to see in Barcelona. You can enjoy the views of the city from the square and spend 30 minutes clicking pictures with different buildings and streets in the background.
6. LA RAMBLA
La Rambla is a long boulevard street stretching for over a kilometer. This is one of the most happening places to visit in Barcelona lined with tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants, nightlife spots, shops and more. It will take you 30 to 40 minutes to walk the entire boulevard.
7. LA BOQUERIA
This huge indoor market sits at one of the entrances of La Rambla. You will find all sorts of stuff at this market. If not for shopping, it is a great place to learn about the local culture and people. You can easily spend 30 to 45 minutes strolling about the place.
8. PLACA REIAL
Also known as the Royal Square, this huge public square is the center of Barcelona’s old town. Like Placa de Catalunya, you can easily spend half an hour clicking pictures and admiring the Barcelona top attractions which surround the square.
9. PALAU GUELL
Palau Guell or Guell Palace is a UNESCO world heritage site and was designed by Antoni Gaudi. You will need at least one hour to explore the entire palace.
10. COLUMBUS MONUMENT
This monument dedicated to explorer Christopher Columbus is located at one end of La Rambla. There is nothing to explore inside the monument, you only need 15 to 20 minutes to admire the monument from all sides.
DAY 2
1. PALAU DE LA MUSICA CATALANA
This palace is another UNESCO site among places to visit in Barcelona. You will need about one hour to explore the exterior and interior of this tourist attraction.
2. MUSEU FREDERIC MARES
This museum is dedicated to the private collection of Frederic Mares. It has numerous works of art in form of sculptures and paintings. You need about 2 hours to explore this museum.
3. BARCELONA CATHEDRAL
This cathedral is home to the archbishop of Barcelona. It is also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. You will need about an hour to explore this Barcelona attraction.
4. PLACA DEL REI
Also known as King’s Square, this place is also surrounded by medieval buildings which are among Barcelona tourist attractions. You can take 30 minutes at the square to explore these from the outside.
5. HISTORY MUSEUM OF BARCELONA
This museum is home to the historical journey of the city. You can see artifacts going back to the very first settlements in the region. It is one of the most important historical places to visit in Barcelona. You will need about 2 hours to explore the museum.
6. MUSEU PICASSO
The name says it all. It is a museum dedicated to the famous artist Pablo Picasso. There are numerous works by the artist displayed in the museum. You can easily spend 2 hours here.
7. SANTA MARIA DEL MAR
Also known as Church of Saint Mary of the Sea, this church represents one of the finest works of architecture to visit during Barcelona travel. You will need an hour to explore this 14th-century masterpiece.
DAY 3
1. JARDI BOTANIC
The botanical gardens would require an hour and half of your time if you choose to explore them thoroughly.
2. MONTJUIC
Originally known as the Hill of Jove, this 200-meter-high hill is a popular place to visit in Barcelona, especially for the locals. You will need more than 2 hours to explore this place in its entirety.
3. FUNDACIO JOAN MIRO
This museum exhibits wonderful works by Catalonia’s artist Joan Miro. You will need about 2 hours to explore all the exhibits in this museum.
4. OLYMPIC AND SPORTS MUSEUM (MUSEU OLIMPIC DE I’ESPORT)
This museum is dedicated to the Olympics and sports in Catalonia. It also sheds light on the 1992 Olympics which took place in the city. You will need one hour to explore various things to see in Barcelona’s sports at this museum.
5. ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM OF CATALONIA (MUSEU D’ARQUEOLOGIA DE CATALUNYA)
This is the Archaeological Museum of Catalonia, popularly known as MAC. You will need an hour and a half to explore the exhibits here.
DAY 4
1. NATIONAL ART MUSEUM OF CATALONIA (MUSEU NACIONAL D’ART DE CATALUNYA)
The Museum of Art of Catalunya, also called MNAC, is a part of the National Palace. You will need 2 hours to explore MNAC.
2. POBLE ESPANYOL
This complex is a reconstruction of an entire village consisting of 117 buildings. You will need at least 2 hours for all the top things to do in Barcelona at Poble Espanyol.
3. MAGIC FOUNTAIN OF MONTJUÏC
This musical fountain puts up a fabulous show in the evening. It will take 30 minutes to admire the performance.
4. CAIXAFORUM BARCELONA
This modern art museum is one of the finest in Barcelona as well as Spain. You can easily spend a couple of hours admiring and understanding the incredible works of art here.
5. PLAÇA D’ESPANYA
This public square is known for the beautiful historical fountain at the center of it. You can spend 30 to 45 minutes admiring the Barcelona tourist attractions around it.
DAY 5
1. ARC DE TRIOMF
The Arc is located at the entrance of Parc de la Ciutadella. You don’t need more than 30 minutes for this attraction as there is not much to see or do except admire the arc. You can just see it from all sides and continue with Barcelona sightseeing.
2. MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF BARCELONA (MUSEU DE CIENCIES NATURALS DE LA CIUTADELLA)
The Museum of Natural History is one of the finest museums among the best things to do in Barcelona. You will need about 2 hours to explore all the exhibits at this museum.
3. MUSEUM OF CHOCOLATE (MUSEU DE LA XOCOLATA)
The museum of chocolate is one of the most fun places to see in Barcelona. It has such a variety of items made from chocolate that you will be astonished. This museum can also be enjoyed for 2 hours.
4. MERCAT DEL BORN
This district is among the popular places for Barcelona sightseeing. You can explore architecture as well as local markets in the neighborhood. Keep an hour aside for Mercat del Born.
5. CIUTADELLA PARK (PARC DE LA CIUTADELLA)
The park was first built in the 19th century and is a work of art within itself. You can easily spend 30 minutes to an hour enjoying the park. It is also the venue for numerous Barcelona activities and events.
6. BARCELONA ZOO (PARC ZOOLÒGIC)
The Zoo is actually a part of Parc de la Ciutadella. You will need 1 hour to explore the zoo.
7. BARCELONA FISH SCULPTURE
This huge sculpture of a fish was created for the 1992 Olympics. It is a major landmark and a beautiful sight among things to see in Barcelona.
DAY 6
1. PLACA SANT JAUME
The Square of Saint James is the best place to visit in Barcelona to admire Barri Gothic architecture and design. You can easily spend 30 minutes here.
2. PLACA SANT FELIP NERI
This square serves as the entrance to the Jewish Quarter in Barcelona. The square of Saint Philip of Neri is smaller compared to other squares in the city. You can put aside another 30 minutes for Place Sant Felip Neri
3. PLACA DE SANT JOSEP ORIOL
Yet another square to admire gothic architecture during Barcelona sightseeing. The square is a lively venue with shops, restaurants and cafe all around it. Keep 30 minutes for the square.
4. SANTA MARIA DEL PI
The church is named after the pine tree in front of the church. It is a beautiful church both inside and outside with unique architecture and interior features. You will need an hour to explore this church.
5. BARCELONA WAX MUSEUM (MUSEU DE CERA)
This is the wax museum of Barcelona featuring wax statues of several famous people from history and contemporary times. You will need 2 hours for this wax museum.
6. MARITIME MUSEUM OF BARCELONA (MUSEU MARITIM)
Spain was once a superpower among naval forces of Europe. This museum takes you on a journey of advancement of naval technology in the region. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire museum.
DAY 7
1. L’AQUARIUM DE BARCELONA
The Aquarium is home to over 450 species of marine flora and fauna. There are elaborate tunnels that go underwater so that you have a unique perspective on the animals. It is one of the most fun things to do in Barcelona. You will need more than 2 hours for this place.
2. PORT VELL
This old harbor is the historic port of the city. This harbor has a rich history and stories of its own. You should put aside 30 to 45 minutes for this port.
3. MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF CATALONIA (MUSEU D’HISTORIA DE CATALUNYA)
The Museum focuses on the history of Catalonia’s region. It has several sections of exhibits within it. You will need about 2 hours to learn and understand the history of Catalonia at this museum.
4. SANTA CATERINA MARKET (MERCAT DE SANTA CATERINA)
This market is located on top of a roof. It can bee seen from a distance as well. You will need about an hour for this market.
5. PORTAL DE I’ANGEL
This is a popular shopping street in the city. It is the best place to visit in Barcelona for all kinds of stuff. You will need more than an hour to explore the shops here.
