Day 1: The Ramblas and the heart of the city
Barcelona is a pedestrian city, so for the first day, we think you should enjoy the city walking through its beautiful streets like a local!
Las Ramblas:
This is the most known boulevard from the city. It extends from more than 1km to the Plaza Catalunya. It is a really touristic place but it’s worth it. There you may stroll all along the boulevard where you will find souvenirs, street artists and many attractions.
Photo credit: Bert Kaufmann on Visual hunt / CC BY
Mercado de La Boqueria:
In the middle of Las Ramblas, you will find the beautiful Mercado de La Boqueria. It is one of the biggest and most famous market from Europa. You will get lost in the middle of a mountain of fruits, cheese, meats, seafood and more typical Catalan food.
Plaza Catalunya:
Then, you can keep on walking on Las Ramblas until you find the Plaza Catalunya, the most well-known Place from Barcelona. There you can shop in the famous mall “El Corte Ingles” and admire many fountains standing on the place.
Barrio Gótico:
From the place, you can walk in the old Gothic Quarter. This is a very pleasant quarter with a very beautiful architecture. It’s ideal to enjoy the downtown while taking your time and discover some of the most important touristic sites as the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia and the Roman and Medieval walls. You can walk down until you come across the Port Vell.
The Aquarium from Barcelona:
It’s one of the largest Aquarium from Europe. You will find most of the marine animals and a giant underwater tunnel where you will walk next to the sharks. If you are brave enough you can even dive with the sharks.
To finish the day, we advise you to go back to the Gothic Quarter to discover the Plaza Reial and eat some typical Tapas while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Where you can sleep:
Day 2: Beach day
Today, you can also walk all day since every site is close to each other’s.
Mirador de Colom (Columbus monument):
To begin the day, you can walk to the Mirador de Colom. It’s a tall monument in tribute to Christopher Columbus. You can even take an elevator that will bring you to the top of the monument where you will have an impressive panoramic view on Barcelona.
Museum of Catalan History:
From the monument, we advise you to walk all along the Port Vell until you find the Museum of Catalan History. It´s a nice cultural place to learn the history of Catalonia. At the end of the tour, you can go grab a drink on the nice rooftop of the museum.
Barceloneta Beach:
Walking on the sand of Barceloneta Beach is a great way to end your day. It is a really friendly and lively area. You can even take a break and grab a drink in one of the many bars at the edge of the beach.
Day 3: Day trip to Girona and Figueres
Today, you’ll leave Barcelona for the day to discover the surroundings of Catalonia. You will have to wake up early to enjoy the whole day because you will have some long distances to do.
Girona:
From Barcelona, you will have 1h30 journey by car and 40 minutes by train. You will find buses that leave from Barcelona and some that even make the whole excursion.
In Girona, you will have a lot to see: there are many cultural activities, gastronomic restaurants, little shops and attractive hostels.
Passeig de la Muralla:
You can walk along Passeig de la Muralla which are the old city walls, to have panoramic views over Girona and on the Pyrenees. You can even climb up to the observation tower to have a better view.
Jardins de la Francesca:
This is a beautiful garden where you will be able to stroll and discover some beautiful greenery.
Jewish quarter of Girona:
You may walk into the old town. This is an interesting and beautiful Jewish quarter called “El Call”. It is really touching and one of the best preserved in Europe.
Onyar River:
You can wander along the river and take the different little bridge. You will find some beautiful coloured building façade.
Dali Theatre-Museum:
This is the main attraction of Figueres and that’s the reason why almost everyone come to the city. You will find a wide collection of sculptures; paints and many others work of art from the surrealistic artist Dali. You should by your ticket in advance to avoid the long waiting line.
Sant Ferran castle and the city centre:
The Dali museum can take all your afternoon but if you have some time left, you may visit de Sant Ferran Castle which is situated on a hill and walk in the city centre where the medieval influence can still be observed.
After this long but instructive day, you will need about 1h30 to come back in Barcelona.
Day 4: Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell
For the fourth day, you have different options. You can walk, take the public transports or you can use the famous Barcelona City Tour which will bring you to the various place.
Basilica of the Sagrada Familia:
This is probably one of the most iconic places of Barcelona. The Gaudi-designed landmark church is an architectural mystery. As the waiting line is always really long, we advise you to book your ticket in advance online. If you want to know everything about the cathedral, you may take a guided visit.
Barri de Gracia:
Then, you can walk in the Gracia neighbourhood until you arrive to the Parc Güell. It’s an Historic walking area, really artistic and alternative. This is less touristic and you will find some small squares to eat under the sun. You can also shop in the many thrift shops.
Parc Güell:
This parc is another success from Gaudi. It is also an architectural wonder. As there is also a lot of people, you should buy your tickets in advance. It is the best place to walk all the afternoon and discover all the originality of the parc.
Day 5: At the top of Barcelona
Today, you’ll walk a lot but you can also use the public transports and even a cable-car and a funicular!
Plaça d’Espanya:
You can start your day by seeing the beautiful place, Plaça d’Espanya. This place stands at the foot of Montjuïc hill. In the middle of the place rises a giant fountain with a classical style. You’ll have also a lot to see around this place like the magic fountain of Montjuïc or the formers arenas of Barcelona which are worth seeing.
The Poble Espanyol:
After 15 minutes of walking, you will find the Spanish Village of Barcelona. It’s a beautiful open-air museum. You can stroll in the beautiful streets of this village while admiring the various architectural types inspired by the different region of Spain. You can also shop in some craft workshops and choose a restaurant that represent one of the many gastronomic tradition of Spain.
Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys:
Then, you may walk 20 minutes to the Olympic stadium of Barcelona. It was traditionally built for the 1929 universal exhibition and then renovated for the 1989 Olympic games. If you are a fan of the Olympic Games, you can also visit the Olympic and Sports museum.
Joan Miró Foundation:
Right next to the stadium, we advise you to visit the Joan Miró foundation. Miro is one of the most influential artists in the city of Barcelona. You’ll discover a large panel of his work of art during his journey to become a famous artist.
Montjuïc:
It is the perfect spot for the end of the day. Bring something to eat and something to drink and go take the funicular and the cable-car from Montjuïc. When you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be impressed by the breath-taking view on Barcelona. You can enjoy your last Catalan meal there while watching the sunset.
Day 6: Day trip to Tarragona
Today, you’ll walk a lot but you can also use the public transports and even a cable-car and a funicular!
The old-town:
First, you may discover the old-town with its walls. Tarragona is a former medieval town which has kept its influence. You can roam in the small streets of the town and discover the little shops from creators and eat something on a terrace.
The Roman part of the city:
During the gladiators’ period, some monuments were built to host some fights, chariot races and horses’ races. There, you’ll find a beautiful amphitheatre on the seaside and a roman circus.
The modern town:
Then, back to our century. You can walk along the Rambla Nova which is a pedestrian area and where you can shop in some moderns’ shops and come to relax. This is a really lively place all day long.
You can also go to the “Balcó del Mediterrani” where you will have a beautiful view on the sea, the port, and the Amphitheatre. And then, you should finish your day by going to the beaches which look like paradise beaches with its fine sand and its turquoise sea. You will find some bars and restaurants to relax, have a drink and eat something to finish the day before going back to Barcelona.
Day 7: One last day between arts and sports
This is the last day, but not the least. You can walk and use the public transports.
Barri El Eixample:
You should walk in this district where there is a lot to see. You will continue to discover Gaudi’s architecture with la Casa Milà, or la Casa Battló. This district has something for everyone and you can eat your lunch in one of the diverse restaurants that contains the neighbourhood.
Camp Nou:
Then, you can to take the public transport to go to the famous Camp Nou. It will be the paradise of the football lovers. It is one of the biggest stadiums in the world and the official stadium of the FC Barcelona.
To finish your stay, we advise you to go see a show influenced by the most famous Andalusian dance: The Flamenco. You may go to the ramblas at the “Tablao Cordobès” where you will enjoy a really qualitative and impressive show. It is not such a touristic place and we promise you an authentic show to finish your holidays.