Barcelona Itinerary 5 Days: How to see Barcelona in 5 Days

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Ah, Barcelona. Just thinking about it takes me back to better days (in Barcelona, of course). Barcelona has been capturing hearts long before it was made famous by a Cheetah Girls movie, an Ed Sheeran song, and that hilarious commercial where the guy daydreams about BarTHelona (yes, that’s really how it’s pronounced – start practicing!). But no matter what inspired you to visit this lovable Spanish city, I’m here to help you have the PERFECT trip with my Barcelona itinerary for 5 days.

Best time to visit Barcelona

The best time to visit Barcelona is from May to June. You’ll get temperatures in the low to mid-70s, which is PERFECT in my opinion! If you go any later you’ll start to run into some sticky humidity, and nobody wants that. But don’t worry, you can always cool down at the beach! You’ll also have pretty good weather if you come in April, September, and October. Just remember that Barcelona is in the north of Spain, so it’s not as warm as the cities in the south.

But with good weather also comes the crowds. Barcelona is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe, after all. June through September is peak season, so you can expect longer lines for the attractions and higher prices for accommodations. I’ll be providing links throughout this itinerary so you can book your tickets in advance, which I highly recommend doing to save yourself hours waiting in lines.

How many days in Barcelona?

If you only have on day in Barcelona, you’re going to feel super rushed. It’s a pretty big city, so it’ll be really hard to enjoy it if you’re trying to cram so much into just one day. You can definitely see the highlights of Barcelona in 2 or 3 days, but I would recommend at least 4 or 5 days in Barcelona so you can really get a feel for the city and also get to explore some hidden gems outside the city center. That’s why I’ve put together this Barcelona itinerary for 5 days, so that I cover everything you’ll need before your visit.

Are you ready to see all the highlights of Barcelona in 5 days? here is the ultimate 5 day Barcelona itinerary:

Barcelona Itinerary Day 1: The Gothic Quarter & A Whole ‘Lotta history

There’s no better way to get to know a city than a free walking tour. Besides, who doesn’t love free? I would not only recommend this in Barcelona, but in any city you go to. It’s a great way to see the sights, learn from a local, and it’s a nice way to ease yourself into your trip if you’re coming from a long plane or bus ride.

After gathering your bearings, a great place to start is Parc de la Ciutadella. Throughout your trip, this is a great place to escape the busy streets of Barcelona. Gravel paths wind through the park, lush with palm trees and tropical vegetation. While you are here, don’t miss the Arc de Triomf. Yep, there’s one here, too! Oh come on, I can’t be the only one who didn’t know there was more than one! This giant arch was the main access gate for the 1888 World’s Fair. Confession: I like this one more than the one in Paris! I think it’s more photogenic and WAY more accessible.

Next stop: Palau de la Musica Catalana. Unfortunately this often gets lost on most Barcelona itineraries, and I can’t imagine why. Constructed between 1905 and 1908, this gorgeous concert hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you aren’t able to attend a musical performance here, at least take a tour to admire the stunning interior. Learn more on the official website. 

Next, you’ll want to get lost in the Barri Gotic. Barcelona’s old Gothic Quarter is simply stunning with its labyrinth of narrow winding streets and historic buildings. You could easily spend a few hours just getting lost in this district. Even though it’s still under construction, Barcelona’s old city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The attractions worth seeing in the Gothic Quarter are:

• Barcelona History Museum – Not only is there a free, detailed audio guide and meticulous explanations of the exhibits, but there are actually 4,000 square meters of Roman ruins beneath the museum that you can walk through. (Address: Plaça del Rei.)
• The Grand Royal Palace – Near the history museum, The Palau Reial Major was the home to Barcelona’s counts and later the kings of Aragon. Here you’ll learn more about the history of the city and the region through the centuries. (Free on the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday after 3pm. Address: Plaça del Rei.)
• Chapel of Santa Àgata – This royal chapel was built in 1302. The most interesting thing inside is the beautiful altarpiece, made by Jaume Huguet, that was added in the 15th century. It contains beautiful paintings of religious symbols in the style of the Middle Ages. (Address: Plaça del Rei.)
• Barcelona Cathedral – This is a classic Gothic cathedral built in the late 13th to early 15th centuries. You’ll be mesmerized by the huge spires, colorful stained glass, and incredible wood carvings, and that’s just on the outside! If you choose to go inside, pay the extra €3 to visit the terraces for an amazing view of the city. (Address: Placita de la Seu, 3.)
• Admission for all of these attractions is €7.

Have you worked up an appetite yet? A great place to stop nearby for some yummy food is La Boquería, a large market in central Barcelona located right on La Rambla (I’ll get to that). This a great place to go shopping for fish, fruit, fresh juices, and an assortment of foods. There are also lots of small tapas restaurants.

This public market has an amazing array of food stalls and restaurants. It’s been at this location for hundreds of years, in a building with a beautiful iron entrance. It’s right off the popular La Rambla (see below), so the market is usually pretty busy. It’s still a great spot for lunch or a cheap snack.

Last but certainly not least, take a stroll on La Rambla. This super popular boulevard has a broad (but crowded) walkway in the center and has many beautiful buildings along the sides, including the the city’s opera house – Gran Teatre del Liceu. Near the theater, you’ll find a mosaic by famous Spanish artist Joan Miró. Now one of the best parts of La Rambla is the entertainment – there are street performers galore! This is definitely a tourist hub, so don’t bother with the restaurants here because they’re too pricey yet inauthentic. Even if it’s your sworn mission in life to avoid tourist traps, no trip to Barcelona is complete without walking down La Rambla at least once.

Don’t forget to stop by All Sin for some delicious treats! I especially loved the marzipan. If you can walk by this store without going in then KUDOS you have willpower (I do not, hence my jeans not buttoning the next day).

Barcelona Itinerary Day 2: Explore Gaudi’s Architecture

Barcelona would not be what it is today without the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí, the man behind the most famous and creative architectural masterpieces in Barcelona. His work is legendary, and no visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing it. Heck, tons of people come to Barcelona just for this! Gaudí’s work is everywhere, even in some lampposts and sculptures. Take yourself on a tour of Gaudí’s most famous creations. These are the top sights to see:

La Sagrada Familia – La Sagrada Familia is easily the most famous of Gaudí’s work, yet it’s also unfinished. This gorgeous church has been under construction for more than 100 years. (The groundbreaking was in 1882 and is supposed to be done in 2030, but I’ll belive it when I see it). I guess they just really want to make sure it’s perfect!

So I’ll be honest: I get pretty bored going in church after church because they start to look the same to me. Not this one. A visit inside the Sagrada Familia is beyond worth it, so don’t miss out! Try to visit mid-morning to late afternoon so you can witness the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass aka one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. If you’re interested, you can purchase an audio guide which covers the history of the church in great detail. 

• Fast track admission is $38 online
• Address: Plaça de la Sagrada Familia

Park Güell – If you’ve seen pictures of Barcelona, they’re probably from Park Güell, but Park Güell is a lot more than just that iconic main terrace. Yes, I know. You have to get your picture taken on that long bench with the awesome view behind you. I sure did! But seriously, there’s so much more! It’s actually a 45-acre garden complex, and it was designed and built between 1900 to 1914. Nowadays it’s a World Heritage Site, too. Lucky for us, the park is pretty close to La Sagrada Familia, so it’s easy to visit both in a morning or afternoon. Although if you do want that Insta-famous pic, head here as early as you possibly can because it attracts quite the crowd.

Most of the park can be visited for free, but there’s an entrance fee for the famous serpentine bench and iconic view over those colorful little houses.

• Admission is €10 online (Children six & younger are free)
• Address: Carrer d’Olot

Casa Batlló – Casa Batlló is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. He completely revamped the exterior to fit his aesthetic, which was heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau Style (like everything else he designed). He spent two years redoing the main floor, patio, and roof. If only the Sagrada Familia could have been finished that fast!

He used broken glass collected from the garbage of a nearby glass shop for his decoration, and the arched roof is likened to a dragon’s back. How cool is that? Unfortunately it was under restoration when I visited, but I think it would have been one of favorites based on the photos I’ve seen. This will be my first stop when I go back to Barcelona. 

• Admission is €24.50 online/€28.50 at door
• Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43

Casa Milà – Gaudi worked on Casa Milà  From 1906 to 1910. It’s other name is “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) because the building has a facade of limestone. The goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Casa Milà became run down and partially abandoned until it was restored in the late 1980s to its original form. 

• Admission is €22 online/€25 at door.
• Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92

Palau Güell – Palau Güell is probably the least known on this list, but still worth checking out if you’re a HUGE Gaudí fan. Truthfully, I missed it when I was in Barcelona because I didn’t find out about it until later. But you might want to check it out if you’re in the area because it does offer some nice rooftop views that give a unique perspective over Barcelona.

• Admission is €12 (free on the first Sunday of every month)
• Address: Carrer Nou de la Rambla, 3-5. (It’s actually really close to La Rambla and La Boquería, so you can squeeze this in whichever day you’re touring the Gothic Quarter. I just chose to list in here among Gaudi’s other works.)

Note: Unless your only joy in life comes from waiting in long lines, then I recommend booking reservations in advance for Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà , and Casa Batlló.

Barcelona itinerary day 3: castle in the sky

If you only have two days in Barcelona, then you’ll be able to hit the majority of the must sees by following the itinerary above. If you’re oh so lucky to have more than two days in Barcelona, then you can start really exploring the city off the beaten path. And by off the beaten path, I really mean above the clouds. Oh yeah. Didn’t I say this was the ultimate Barcelona itinerary for 5 days? I always deliver, so we’re going all the way up!

Our epic 3rd day in Barcelona starts at the harbor cable car. This 1,450-meter-long harbor aerial tramway that connects Barceloneta and Montjuïc (a prominent hill). The 10-minute cable car ride gives you incredible views of Barcelona. You’ll see the city on one side and the sea on the other.

• A round-trip ticket is €16.50; a one-way ticket is €11.

When you get to the top of the hill from the cable car (or bus #150 if the cable car isn’t in your budget or the thought of heights makes you squeamish), you’ll see there’s lots to do here. Here are the best things to do while you explore Montjuic Hill:

Castell de Montjuïc – This old 18th-century fortress is now a museum featuring military displays and information on the castle’s history. The surrounding garden is a beautiful collage of color. 

• Admission is free Sundays after 3pm and on the first Sunday of each month.
• Address: Carretera de Montjuïc, 66)

Joan Miró Foundation – Joan Miró was one of Catalonia’s most famous artists. This museum display many of his surrealist works.

• Admission is €12
• Address: Parc de Montjuïc.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – This is the go to art museum for Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works – all emblematic of Catalonian art.

• Admission is free Saturdays after 3pm, the first Sunday of each month, and for visitors under 16 or over 65.
• Address: Palau Nacional, Parc de Montjuïc

The Magic Fountain of Montjuic – This fountain puts on a display of color, water, and music several nights a week, depending on the season. If you want to see the fountain show, you need to be here at the end of the day, which is just fine because there’s no better place to watch the sunset! Click here for the schedule.

Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) – The Spanish Village was built in 1929 to resemble an actual traditional village with 117 buildings from different Spanish regions. There’s an Andalusian quarter, a section of the Camino, a monastery, and more.

• Admission is €12.60, with discounted rates for children, students, and seniors. The village is open daily, year-round starting at 9am and closing no earlier than 8pm.
• Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13

The Olympic Ring – Did you know that Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games? Yep, and you can explore the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, and the Olympic Esplanade – all for free!

Now that we’ve got another fun-filled day under our belts, you’re sure to be starving afterwards. As always, the best way to truly experience a city’s most authentic cuisine is to take food tour so you can sample goodies from all around town. A cooking class is another great option to really learn about the local gastronomy.

Barcelona Itinerary Day 4: go back in time in Girona

I know that this is a Barcelona itinerary for 5 days, but what can I say? If you follow this guide, you should be able to hit the highlights with just three days in Barcelona, so now it’s time to head outside the city.

Just 100km from Barcelona, is an enchanting little medieval city that doesn’t get enough nearly enough credit. Once in Girona, you can climb on top of ancient city walls, wander aimlessly amid the narrow lanes of one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe Jewish Quarter, and sit back and relax at one of the many quaint cafés. They filmed Game of Thrones here, too (Girona is Braavos in season 6).

You can get to Girona from Barcelona in 80 minutes on the normal Renfe train or just under 40 minutes with the high-speed train, although the tickets are a little more expensive.

Barcelona itinerary day 5: the Rocky Mountains of Montserrat

Sadly, our Barcelona itinerary for 5 AWESOME days is coming to end. And what better way to end your trip than by visiting Montserrat. The Montserrat mountain range is just outside the city, so it only takes an hour to get there by train. It’s a total contrast to Barcelona’s bustling urban atmosphere.

People come to Montserrat for the high mountain views and a look at the beautiful Spanish countryside. You can choose to take the cable car or the funicular up the mountain. Don’t forget to visit the famous shrine of the Black Madonna at the Benedictine monastery and take a stroll around the park. There’s also a valley of unique, rocky pillars that were just made to take pictures of. Girona and Montserrat are my top picks, but if you’ve already seen those or have some extra days, check out these other awesome day trips from Barcelona.

Other things to do in Barcelona

Yeah, technically my Barcelona itinerary for 5 days is done, but Barcelona is a huge city, so there’s always more to see and do! Besides, you’ll likely have your evenings free after exploring Girona and Montserrat, so check out these activities to really maximize your time in Barcelona.

For Art Lovers

Visit the Picasso Museum – Picasso might be the only person who can give Gaudí a run for his money! Although originally from Málaga where you can find lots more of his artwork, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona has an impressive collection of more than 4,000 pieces of art. If you’re an avid art lover and itching for more, then why not check out some work from one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century?

• Admission is €11, with discounts available for students and seniors. Free Thursday evenings, 6-9pm and on the first Sunday of each month. Address: Carrer Montcada, 15-23.

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) – Another art lovers paradise is the MACBA. Housing over 5,000 works, you can find collections by Spanish artists like Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso and also works by Americans such as Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder. Definitely add this to your itinerary if you’re a fan of modern art.

• Admission is €10, with discounts available. Free Saturdays, 4-8pm. It’s always free for anyone under 14. Address: Plaça dels Àngels, 1.

Find free public art around the city – Oh, did you think we were done with Gaudí? HA! This is Barcelona, so there’s always more Gaudí to go around. To admire some free artwork from Gaudí, check out these:

• The Cascada Fountain located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, a tribute to the god Neptune. Gaudi designed the famous fountain when he was an architecture student. Pop open a bottle of wine, grab some ham, and have a picnic! Just don’t forget to bring a good book to read.
• The lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Pala
• The Miralles gate and wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona
• Barcelona native and famous Spanish artist Joan Miró’s work is also found throughout Barcelona, notable his “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró. There are also Miró mosaics on La Rambla and at the airport.

For Beach Bums

Although tempting, don’t waste my wonderfully curated 5 day Barcelona itinerary and spend all your time at the beach. It would be a disservice not only to me, but to Barcelona and definitely Gaudí.

If you’ve been following this itinerary – which for the sake of my ego let’s say you have – then you’ve definitely done a ton of walking so far. Take an afternoon or a morning to relax those weary legs and hit the beach! Barceloneta Beach is wide, long, and popular year-round. But Barceloneta is the beach, so it’s always busy with tourists and locals. If you walk a little further, you can find quieter and cleaner beaches like Somorrostro in the north Sant Sebastià in the south.

For Thrill Seekers

Visit an old-school amusement park – Did you know there’s an amusement park in Barcelona? I didn’t! In fact, Tibidabo Barcelona is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, since it was built way back in 1899. It sits on a tall mountain, offering incredible views of Barcelona and the coastline. It’s open on the weekends, except in the winter. 

• Admission is €28.50 for adults, €10.30 for children under 1.2m tall, and free for children under 0.90m tall. Address: Plaça del Tibidabo, 3.

Watch a soccer match – Soccer isn’t just a sport in Spain; it’s an obsession. Going to a soccer game in Spain is NUTS, and you will love every second of being a part of that crazy crowd. Barcelona’s has two teams: Espanyol and FC Barcelona, so the locals are divided.

If you can’t make a game, you can tour Camp Nou stadium and the FCB (or Barça) Museum. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe, the third largest football stadium in the world, and the home stadium of FC Barcelona. So this is a must for soccer fans.

• Address: C. d’Aristides Maillol, 12.

For the Outdoorsy Type

Catch an outdoor film – Montjuïc Castle plays outdoor films on the lawn of the castle’s moat. Screenings take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in July and August. Get there a little early to listen to some live music.

Take a bike tour – I’m a little too clumsy and easily distracted for a bike tour, so I usually stick with the walking tours, but these are an awesome way to see a lot of the city quickly. There’s tons of different tours to choose from, so there’s something for everyone!

For the Animal Enthusiast

Visit the aquarium – I personally prefer the aquarium in nearby Valencia, but a trip to the aquarium is a great way to spend a rainy day. The Barcelona Aquarium has more than 11,000 animals, showcasing species from all over the world. Like with most aquariums, the walk-through tunnel is definitely the best part. 

• Admission: €20.
• Address: Moll d’Espanya, del Port Vell.

Barcelona Zoo – The Barcelona Zoo is actually inside that lovely Parc de la Ciutadella that I mentioned earlier. Before his passing, the zoo was internationally known as the home of the only known albino gorilla. Rest in Piece, Snowflake.

What to Eat in Barcelona

Want me to let you in on a little secret? One of the best things to do in Barcelona…. is EAT. Ok that’s not really a secret because that’s the best thing to do in most cities!

I’ll be honest, I’m not an expert on Barcelona cuisine. Barcelona is SO big and there’s way too many options, so food tours are hands down the best way to find the best food without doing extensive research and pulling your hair out over trying to find the perfect tapas. BUT I did eat at the brunchiest brunch place of all time. Seriously, it’s called Brunch & Cake, so how could it not be adorably delicious? If you’re as basic as me, then order the brekkie board (bottom picture) to make all your Instagram followers drool with jealousy – mine did!

Just remember that meals in Spain are structured a little differently than everywhere else. They typically eat later in the day than most countries. Some restaurants offer breakfast until 12:30 pm, and lunch usually doesn’t start until 1 and can last until 3. Also, some restaurants won’t open for dinner until 7 pm. It’s also completely normal to go out to dinner at 10 pm, so you can take a quick siesta beforehand if you need to. This Barcelona itinerary is for 5 whole days, so I’m sure you can take a nap or two!

If it wasn’t already obvious, hopefully I’ve convinced you that Barcelona truly has something for everyone. You can definitely squeeze A LOT in if you only have one or two days in Barcelona, but taking full advantage of this Barcelona itinerary for 5 whole days will allow you to see so much more without rushing around (which means you’ll have more time for stuffing your face with Iberian ham and tapas!). Maybe don’t explore Barcelona at a typical Spaniards’ pace, but slow down a little to make the most of your trip.

What do you think of my Barcelona itinerary for 5 days in this awesome city? What are you most excited to see and do? Have you been to Barcelona before, or has my guide inspired your upcoming visit? Let me know in the comments!