A Long Weekend in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that blends culture, architecture, sunshine, and food in a way few places can. My daughter has just moved there to study for 4 months, so I’ll be spending a lot of long weekends in Barcelona. So here’s a guide to how we spent a few days discovering the best of the city — from Gaudí landmarks to lazy brunches and seafood feasts.

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I have also a post about all my favourite restaurants in Barcelona for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

Check out my map with all the highlights of Barcelona

Where we stayed

Getting around

Barcelona Must-See Sights

Sitges for the day

Where We Stayed

NH Collection Barcelona Pódium

We stayed at the NH Collection Barcelona Pódium, and it turned out to be a perfect choice for our trip. This hotel has the Green Attitude and helps his guests to act responsibly; for example, if you don’t want your bedroom to be cleaned, you simply put up a sign on the door and it return you are offered a drink at the bar.

The location was ideal — just a short walk from the Arc de Triomf and close enough to reach most of the sights on foot.

Our room was modern and comfortable, with everything we needed for a city break, but what we loved most was the rooftop terrace and pool. After hours of sightseeing, slipping up there for a swim and a glass of cava was a lovely treat.

Breakfast was another highlight: a generous spread with plenty of fresh fruit, pastries, and Spanish favorites that set us up for the day. The hotel combines attentive service with plenty of freedom, creating the perfect starting point for a Barcelona adventure.

The NH Podium is also part of GHA Discovery program.

Getting Around

A great way to start exploring is with a hop-on-hop-off tour bus. It gives you a sense of the city’s layout and takes you easily between neighborhoods like Eixample, the Gothic Quarter, and the beachfront. Once oriented, walking is one of the best ways to experience Barcelona’s atmosphere.

Barcelona is very walkable, but public transport is efficient too — pick up a T-Casual metro/bus ticket if you plan to get around a lot.

Barcelona Must-See Sights

It is a city where every corner seems to hide a surprise — from Gaudí’s surreal creations to beautiful green parks and historic streets. Here are the Barcelona sightseeing highlights that stood out most during our trip:

Parc Güell

This park is like stepping into a mosaic dream. The colorful tiles, winding staircases, and playful architecture make it one of Gaudí’s most magical works. It’s popular for a reason, so try to book a morning or late-afternoon slot when the light is softer and the crowds thinner with Get your Guide. We loved just sitting on the mosaic benches and taking in the city views.

Casa Batlló

My favorite Gaudí building, with its flowing lines and vibrant colors. The interior feels like walking through an underwater fantasy — nothing is straight, everything is curved and alive. On the ground floor at the end of the tour, you get to experience the first real 360º experience in the world by the new media artist Refik Anadol. You can book the tour with Get your Guide.

Sagrada Familia

This is another one of Antoni Gaudí’s breathtaking masterpiece in the heart of Barcelona. It is unlike any other church in the world with its intricate façades, soaring towers, and light-filled interior showcase Gaudí’s genius and deep devotion to nature and faith. Though construction began in 1882 and continues to this day, the basilica is already one of Spain’s most visited landmarks.

Tickets must be booked in advance, as entry slots sell out quickly (especially during weekends and holidays) but witnessing this extraordinary fusion of art, architecture, and spirituality is well worth the planning.

Arc de Triomf & Parc de la Ciutadella

Starting at the Arc, we strolled down the palm-lined promenade before reaching the Parc de la Ciutadella, a green oasis in the heart of the city. Locals were picnicking, practicing music, or rowing little boats on the lake. It’s the perfect spot to slow down after sightseeing.

The Gothic Quarter

Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood, with narrow cobblestone streets that feel like stepping back in time. We wandered past the Pont del Bisbe, admired the grand Barcelona Cathedral, and let ourselves get lost in the maze of medieval alleys — some of which hide excellent tapas bars and tiny boutiques.I have added some photos of other beautiful buildings in other areas of Barcelona.

Other Architectural Gems in Barcelona

Beyond Gaudí’s most famous works, Barcelona is full of architectural treasures that are just as captivating and often less crowded. I loved visiting the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, a beautiful Gothic church in El Born with soaring columns and a serene atmosphere. The elegant Casa Manuel Llopis Bofill and the striking Casa Padua are lesser-known modernist buildings, but their facades are perfect for architecture lovers looking to explore beyond the obvious.

Of course, no trip is complete without admiring La Pedrera (Casa Milà), another Gaudí masterpiece with its undulating stone facade and rooftop chimneys that look like sculptures.

A real highlight was the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista, a former hospital complex that feels like a hidden city within the city — colorful tiles, Art Nouveau details, and peaceful gardens make it a delight to wander.

Bogatell Beach

For a change of pace, we spent an afternoon at this sandy beach. It’s less busy than Barceloneta and has a more relaxed vibe, with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the sea breeze. Pack a towel, grab a drink from one of the beach bars, and simply unwind.

Sitges

If you have an extra day in your itinerary and want a sun-soaked escape from Barcelona, a day trip to Sitges is perfect. Just 35 km southwest of the city, this charming seaside town is famous for its sandy beaches, colorful streets, and relaxed vibe. If you can avoid Sitges in July and August, we were there beginning of October, and we go to swim in the sea.

The easiest way to get there is by train from Barcelona Sants or Passeig de Gràcia — the R2 line will take you straight to Sitges in about 40 minutes, with tickets costing around €4–5 one way.

Once you arrive, you can stroll along the promenade, relax on the beach, and soak up the Mediterranean sun.

For lunch, we enjoyed Eguzki Lizarran, a lively spot known for its delicious pintxos, fresh seafood. Then end your day drinking a clara (it’s a shandy in Spanish) overlooking the sea before heading back to Barcelona in the evening.

Suggested 3 Day Itinerary

If you only have a few days in Barcelona, here’s a way to balance sightseeing with long walks, good food, and time to simply enjoy the city.

Day 1 – Gaudí & the Gothic Quarter

• Morning: Start at Parc Güell (book tickets in advance) and spend a couple of hours wandering through Gaudí’s mosaics.
• Lunch: Head to Lluritu for a casual seafood lunch.
• Afternoon: Visit the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló then stroll through the Eixample streets to admire the architecture.
• Evening: Explore the Gothic Quarter before sunset and, walk past the Pont del Bisbe and the Barcelona Cathedral, then enjoy dinner at Compartir or Bateo for a modern Mediterranean meal.

Day 2 – Markets, Parks & El Born

• Morning: Start with brunch at Brunch & Cake (go hungry — the portions are generous!).
• Late Morning: Wander through La Boqueria Market for a fruit juice and a taste of jamón.
• Afternoon: Walk from the Arc de Triomf to the Parc de la Ciutadella for some relaxed exploring. Then head into El Born and visit the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar.
• Lunch/Brunch Option: Try Nonna’s Brunch right by the basilica.
• Evening: Dinner at La Llotja in El Nacional, soaking up the atmosphere of this iconic dining hall. If you have energy, stay out for a late-night drink in El Born.

Day 3 – Beach & Local Favorites

• Morning: Brunch at Coco Social House — my favorite of the trip.
• Afternoon: Pack your swimsuit and spend a few hours at Bogatell Beach. It’s quieter than Barceloneta and great for an afternoon of sun and sea.
• Evening: For your last night, make a reservation at Santagustina — my personal pick for the best dinner in Barcelona. If it’s fully booked, Gloria Osteria (Big Mamma Group) is another fantastic choice.