What to do in Barcelona in one day

So, you´re stopping off in one of the best cities in the world and have a mere 24 hours to savor the sights, sounds and tastes of Catalonia´s capital. Fear not, we´ve compiled some suggestions for what to do in Barcelona in one day to ensure you don´t miss out on any of the best bits.

Barcelona´s public transport network is efficient and super easy to navigate. If you (and your travelling companion) and planning to take several journeys either by bus or metro throughout your brief stay, we recommend buying a T10 travel card from any metro station. A T10 for zone one comes in at just under 10 Euro and one ticket can be used by multiple people on both the metro and buses for 10 journeys around the city. However, if you´re planning to get around mainly on foot as per our recommended route, a single journey will only set you back €2.15 so this could be your best option.

Our ´What to do in Barcelona in one day´ route starts off at La Sagrada Família where you can marvel Antoni Gaudí’s most impressive piece of work. This spectacular building is easily accessible by metro or bus and is well worth a visit. If you are pressed for time, you could simply admire the cathedral from outside, but for those keen to enter, we strongly recommend buying tickets online in advance to avoid the lengthy queues http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets/.

Sagrada-Familia_Antoni-Gaudi_dezeen_936_0

After that, hop on the metro (L5) until the stop Diagonal. From here, head down one of the city’s most emblematic streets, Passeig de Gràcia, where you’ll find some of Barcelona’s best examples of modernist buildings. This grand street, akin to an open-air architectural museum, will take you past some of Gaudi´s best known works, including La Pedrera, La Casa Amatller or Casa Batlló until you reach Plaça Catalunya.

Passeig de Gràcia

Plaça Catalunya backs onto Barcelona´s most famous street, La Rambla, famed for its lively atmosphere, street performers, resident artists, cafes, bars and restaurants. A gentle stroll down La Rambla will take you past some of Barcelona´s most iconic buildings and structures, such as the beautiful market La Boqueria and el Gran Teatre del Liceu. La Boqueria is an explosion of colour and smells and is an absolute must for any foodies. Simply peruse the food stalls and soak up the atmosphere or pull up a chair at one of the bars and order yourself a coffee or some Cava and tapas.

Slightly further down La Rambla is the El Gran Teatre del Liceu (Barcelona´s opera house), which was founded in 1847. Once you reach El Teatre del Liceu, turn left down the street Carrer de la Palla until you reach the Cathedral square. Barcelona´s beautiful cathedral is as impressive from the inside as it is the outside so make sure you step in and admire its Gothic and Baroque features from up close! Next, make your way into the adjoining cloister. This secluded area is a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of the Gothic quarter´s streets and is dedicated to the city´s co-patron saint, Saint Eulàlia of Barcelona who lost her life during the Roman era after refusing to dismiss Jesus as the son of God. In her honour, the cloister still keeps 13 white geese (Eulàlia´s age at the time of her death).

Gran Teatre del Liceu

Next up on our ´What to do in Barcelona in 1 day´ tour, we suggest you walk down Via Laietana until you reach the street Jaume I. Once on Jaume I, turn left to behold Plaça Sant Jaume and the old Roman walls that once encompassed the city formerly known as Barcino. From here, get back on Via Laietana until you reach the charming Carrer de l’Argentería, which will take you down to the beautiful church of Santa María del Mar (made famous throughout the world thanks to Ildefonso Falcones´ novel Cathedral of the Sea).

Santa Maria del Mar

After a busy morning, you´ll be in need of some lunchtime sustenance and when in Barcelona that can only mean one thing; Paella! Right by Santa Maria del Mal you´ll find Passeig del Born which is home to La Vinya del Senyor which serves up a mouthwateringly delicious paella. Here you´ll also find several delightful tapas spots.

After you´ve filled your boots, walk off the post-lunchtime slump in Barcelona´s old fishing quarter, La Barceloneta. Head to the street Palau de Mar and then make your way down Passeig de Joan Borbó until you reach the city beach of Sant Sebastià. You´ll also notice lots of restaurants along the way. Our particular favourite is La Mar Salada where they serve up on of the best paellas in Barcelona.

La Barceloneta

 

Also if you want to explore Barcelona’s nightlife, save money and drink like a local, try this revolutionary App: TomaBida, the App that allows you to discover Barcelona’s best Bar and get a free drink a day! With the BizFlats code, you have this offers for you:
– 4.99€ for a 3-day visitor pass (which means 3 free drinks worth up to 30€ total)
– 6.99€ for a 7-day visitor pass (which means 7 free drinks worth up to 70€ total)

Download now TomaBida! Shall we get a drink?

So there you have it – an action-packed itinerary for what to do in Barcelona in 1 day. We hope you enjoy your short stay! And, if you are looking for accommodation, remember that here at Bizflats we have apartments which are guaranteed to make your time in Barcelona unforgettable.

 

Sagrat Cor is One of the Best Barcelona Sights

Your Guide to 4 of the Most Incredible Barcelona Sights

Barcelona consists of countless, awe-inspiring attractions, which all combine to make it one of the most incredible places on Earth.  Whether you want to learn more about historic architecture by taking a walking tour or dance the night away to your favorite music in a club on the beach, Barcelona has just the place you desire.  With the increasingly growing number of things to do in Barcelona, you might feel overwhelmed trying to decide where to go first.  The Barcelona sights map below specifies the top 4 favorite Barcelona sights to see and tells you what to do and look for when you get there!  Explore these amazing hot spots to enjoy your Barcelona dream vacation to the fullest!

The Top 4 Barcelona Sights to See

  1. Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, Spain

About:  The remaining remnants of a Roman village, the Gothic Quarter is now a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood filled with shops, bars, and cafes.  

What to See:  In the very center of this time-honored region is a gorgeous courtyard, filled with flowers and benches for relaxing or reading.  

  1. Casa Batlló in Barcelona, Spain

About:  One of the finest works of architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, the towering structure of Casa Batlló can be toured to learn more about its maker as well as early modernism.

What to See:  Notice the colorful facade, which was designed to represent the sea, as well as the balconies; these are supposed to resemble the bony jaws of a ferocious beast (which is why some locals refer to it as the House of the Dragon).

  1. Sagrat Cor in Barcelona, Spain

About:  The Temple of Sagrat Cor, a towering Roman Catholic Church, is one of Barcelona’s most ancient and detailed attractions; you can explore inside or take a lift to the roof.

What to See:  Notice a statue of Jesus Christ at the top of the church; also, since it is located at the summit of Collserola Mountain, you can see panoramic views of practically all of Barcelona!

  1. Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain

About:  Dedicated to commemorating the life of the beloved artist, Pablo Picasso, the Picasso Museum consists of numerous buildings and exhibits to browse.  

What to See:  This museum consists of five different buildings as well as picturesque courtyards.  You also need to see all 39 paintings in their permanent collection as well as their many other temporary exhibits.

Come Stay with Us at bizFlats Vacation Rentals!

Now that you are aware of the many breathtaking sights of Barcelona, start planning your dream vacation by staying in the best Barcelona lodging!  bizFlats Vacation Rentals provides many luxurious villas, penthouses, lofts, and apartments that you can rent while you explore this amazing area.  Each rental is located in an attractive part of Barcelona; stay in an apartment minutes away from the beach or settle down in a quiet neighborhood for a more secluded residence.  With our comfortable furnishings and high-quality amenities, you’re bound to feel right at home!  Don’t hesitate a moment more- check our availability and book your stay today!

Photo by Alberto Mansavo / Thinkstock