How to Spend 2 Days in Barcelona

Many travelers whizz through Barcelona in a day as part of a grand tour of Spain or Europe. But, those who spend an extra day in the Catalan capital are rewarded with diverse experiences. From Gaudí’s masterpieces to historic neighborhoods, here’s our suggested itinerary for two days in Barcelona.

Day 1: Barcelona Highlights

**Morning:**Kick off your time in Barcelona with an overview of the city. Jump onto a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour to see what attractions you might want to visit later, or join a private half-day tour with a local for tips on which sights match your interests.

**Afternoon:**Dedicate an afternoon to Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí’s works. After lunch, head straight to the Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most recognizable landmarks, for a tour. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance or opt for a Gaudí-themed guided tour that also includes a stop at Park Güell.

**Night:**After working your appetite with all that sightseeing, treat yourself to two delicious Spanish traditions: tapas and wine. Typical food walking tours of the old city take travelers to several of Barcelona’s best tapas and wine bars, allowing you to sample a wide range of local favorites.

Day 2: Cuisine and Culture

**Morning:**This is a great time to explore some of Barcelona’s numerous world-class museums. Take a guided tour of the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter, ride the cable car to the top of Montjuic Hill (Parc de Montjuic) to visit the military fortress, or make your way to Plaza España for the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya).

**Afternoon:**Dive deeper into the local food culture with a cooking class. Visit La Boqueria market to pick out ingredients before heading to a kitchen to learn some skills from a professional chef. Depending on the class, you might prepare paella, garlic prawns, Catalan octopus, or Spanish omelet.

**Night:**Don’t leave Spain without seeing a traditional flamenco show—several venues throughout Barcelona offer dinner and flamenco shows perfect for a romantic evening. Alternately, use your final night to get out on the water and see the city from another angle during a sunset sailing trip along the Barcelona coast.