Weekend in Barcelona: Itinerary for 4 days full of architecture, gastronomy, and atmosphere
Barcelona is one of the most attractive European cities — combining elegance, history, and relaxation by the sea. If you allow yourself four days, you will experience its most famous places without haste and with space for real discovery. I have compiled this itinerary for you so that the routes make sense geographically and chronologically, while offering a harmonious pace between sightseeing and relaxation.
I believe that you will find inspiration in my itinerary, even if you return to Barcelona repeatedly. Especially the program of the 4th day is my favorite for repeated visits. Of course, also with a cooking class and staying in one of the hotels mentioned below.
Vacation in Barcelona: 11 tips for places and experiences you must see and experience
Accommodation in Barcelona
There is plenty of accommodation in Barcelona and you can choose between real historical and modern gems. If you are flying in the high season, I recommend booking your chosen hotel well in advance. Outside the season, on the other hand, you will enjoy not only the calmer atmosphere of this popular Catalan city, but your budget will also be pleased with pleasant discounts on accommodation.
Given our four-day itinerary, I personally recommend these two hotels, which are located right in the center, close to my tips for trips:
1. SERCOTEL HOTEL ROSELLON
- The hotel is located directly at the Sagrada Familia and the metro station is literally just a few meters away
- Iconic view from the roof terrace, where there is also a bar
>> Check the date and book your stay HERE
2. LAMARO HOTEL
- Luxurious and elegant 5* hotel right next to the Barcelona Cathedral
- Only a 5-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya
>> Check the date and book your stay HERE
Weekend in Barcelona
Day 1 — Gothic Quarter and the heart of the city
Barri Gòtic
- Start your weekend in Barcelona in the historical heart of Barcelona, where narrow streets intersect with small squares and stone arches. The Gothic Quarter offers an authentic atmosphere of old Barcelona, which you will best feel while walking around the Cathedral of St. Eulalia.
La Rambla and Mercat de la Boqueria
- Continue along the famous La Rambla, where artists, the scent of flowers, and stalls with delicacies mix. Stop at the Boqueria market, the oldest and liveliest market in the city, where you can taste fresh seafood or local traditional dried ham, jamón ibérico.
El Born and the Basilica of Santa María del Mar
- El Born is a stylish district full of designer shops and small cafes. The dominant feature is the Basilica of Santa María del Mar, a masterpiece of Catalan Gothic with an impressive interior that feels both calm and monumental at the same time.
Dinner in Port Vell / Weekend in Barcelona
- End the day at Port Vell, where ships and modern glass buildings are reflected on the surface of the sea at sunset. Enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea. It is an ideal welcome to the rhythm of Barcelona’s long evenings. Remember that in Barcelona, dinner is longer than is customary in the Czech Republic.
Day 2 — Modernism and Gaudí’s mastery/ Weekend in Barcelona
Sagrada Família
- Devote the morning to the most famous building in Barcelona. The Sagrada Família Basilica is a symbol of the city and a work that amazes with detailed symbolism and light penetrating through colorful stained glass. Book tickets in advance – the queues are long! If you want to enjoy the tour without stress and learn a lot of interesting things, book a private tour with my friend, who is also a certified guide for Barcelona – Richard Hladík – Dovolená Barcelona
Hospital de Sant Pau
- Just a few minutes walk from Sagrada Família lies the lesser-known but extremely impressive Hospital de Sant Pau complex. This modernist complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and surprises with its combination of architecture, mosaics and gardens.
Passeig de Gràcia, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà
- In the afternoon, stroll along Passeig de Gràcia, where fashion, architecture and luxury meet. Visit two of Gaudí’s most famous creations, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Both houses show how the architect managed to combine functionality, art and imagination.
Dinner in Eixample
- The elegant Eixample district offers a number of renowned restaurants with Catalan and international cuisine. Enjoy a tasting menu or modern tapas in an environment that reflects the sophisticated character of the city.
- Alternatively, book a cooking class, e.g. an evening cooking class of traditional Spanish Paella. Personally, Kája and I consider this evening cooking to be one of the best experiences in Barcelona and I recommend that this experience should not be missing in your itinerary for a weekend in Barcelona:
- Tip for an evening cooking class in Barcelona
Day 3 — Parc Güell, views and culture / Weekend in Barcelona
Parc Güell
- Start the day in one of the most iconic parks in Europe. This place should definitely not be missing in your itinerary for a weekend in Barcelona. Parc Güell is a colorful celebration of nature and Antoni Gaudí’s imagination. It offers panoramic views of the city and every detail, from mosaics to architectural elements, tells a story of creativity.
- For a private tour and guaranteed entry booking, I recommend contacting Certified Barcelona Guide – Richard Hladík again
- Parc Güell: a fairytale place that will captivate you not only with its architecture
Bunkers del Carmel
- Not far from the park is the Bunkers del Carmel viewpoint, which offers one of the best views of the entire Barcelona. It is an ideal place for afternoon relaxation and watching the sunset over the city.
Picasso Museum
- In the afternoon, return to the center, to the El Born district, where the Picasso Museum is located. The collection captures the artist’s development from youth to the early Cubist period and is one of the most important of its kind.
Evening on Carrer de Blai
- End the day with tapas in the Poble Sec district. Carrer de Blai is known for its bars, where you can choose small portions of pinchos and taste local wines in an informal atmosphere.
Day 4 — Montjuïc and the sea / Weekend in Barcelona
Montjuïc
- Devote the last day to the green hill of Montjuïc. A visit to Castell de Montjuïc offers not only a view of history, but also extensive views of the port. I recommend taking the cable car, the journey itself will give you a great view of the city from above.
- This program for the last day is probably my favorite for a weekend in Barcelona. I can imagine that if you are traveling here for the umpteenth time, the experiences of this day can easily be divided into a whole relaxing active weekend.
Fundació Joan Miró and botanical gardens
- In the vicinity of Montjuïc is the Fundació Joan Miró gallery with an extensive collection of works by the Catalan surrealist. A walk through the adjacent botanical gardens is a pleasant contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle.
Barceloneta and the beach
- In the afternoon, move back to the sea. The Barceloneta district is an ideal place to relax. You can stroll along the coastal promenade or enjoy lunch in a fish restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
- I personally recommend renting bicycles and riding along the coast around Barcelona on the cycle path.
- Barcelona by bike: an original way to enjoy this city
Final dinner with a view
- For the last evening for a weekend in Barcelona, choose e.g. a rooftop restaurant or bar with city panoramas. For example, in the Port Olimpic area or above Passeig de Gràcia. Barcelona is shrouded in lights in the evening and offers the best possible end to your four-day stay
I believe you enjoyed your weekend in Barcelona and that you will remember it fondly for a long time. And if you are already planning other trips, let yourself be inspired by my other tips:
