3D2N in Barcelona – From Bustling Markets To Gaudí’s Incredible Architecture To An Antediluvian Castle On A Hill

Boasting a wide variety of artistic treasures, vibrant local markets, beautiful beaches, and more, Barcelona has everything to please the majority of visitors. There is so much to see, and you’ll come across something new and interesting around every corner. Situated between the sea and the mountains, Barcelona has merged traditional culture with modernization, and has grown to an avant-garde city in Spain. Follow my 3D2N Barcelona itinerary to experience the best sites the city has to offer!

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Day 1 – Las Arenas, Plaça d’Espanya, and Castell de Montjuïc

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The Las Arenas de Barcelona bullring was inaugurated in 1900, and was the second of 3 bullfighting rings built in Barcelona. It ceased operations in 1977 as bullfighting became less popular. In 2011, after eight years of reconstruction, the bullring finally reopened its doors to the public as a shopping centre and entertainment complex.

The original Neo-Mudéjar façade is preserved, and topped by a 27-meters high dome and circular roof terrace. Shopping didn’t excite me much, but the view from the roof terrace was the most interesting feature. You can admire Plaça d’Espanya, Castell de Montjuïc, and Parc de Joan Miró from the roof terrace. Besides the most significant sculpture, “Dona i Ocell” (Woman and Bird), which dominates the lower part of the park, there are 30 smaller sculptures which are scattered around the park.

Las Arenas Details
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes no. 373-385, 08015 Barcelona
Directions: Alight at Plaça Espanya Station if you are taking the metro Line 1 and Line 3.
Opening Hours:
Shops Mon-Sat 10am to 10pm (Jun-Sep) / 9am to 9pm (Oct-May). Closed on Sundays.
Restaurants Mon-Thu 10am to 1pm. Fri, Sat & Bank Holidays 10am to 3pm.
Contact: (+34) 93 289 02 44
Website: http://www.arenasdebarcelona.com/

Believe me, half the day will fly by very quickly when you’re visiting Las Arenas and Plaça d’Espanya. So, I recommend spending the later half of your day exploring the castle that sits atop Montjuïc hill. There are 4 ways of getting to Castell de Montjuïc:

(a) “Fly” your way up Montjuïc hill via the Montjuïc Cable Car. The ride takes you directly to the castle of Montjuïc with photogenic views of Barcelona. This was what I did, and I fell in love with the spectacular sight upon looking down to Barcelona city while the cable car ascended.

(b) If you are traveling by Barcelona’s metro, alight at Paral·lel Station (Lines 2 and 3), and change to the funicular railway which brings you up to Montjuïc hill. The trip is already included in your regular metro ticket, so you don’t have to fork out extra cash.

(c) Barcelona’s bus 150 also stops at Castell de Montjuïc.

(d) The final option is via Barcelona’s Port Cable Car which is located in Barceloneta. This is the fastest way to ascend the hill from Barceloneta Beach. What’s more – you get breathtaking views of the seaport and the beach!

Montjuïc Castle is a relatively recent addition to the summit, but the rest of the hill has been inhabited more or less continuously since the Epipaleolithic period to medieval times. Upon your arrival on Montjuïc hill, I recommend starting your exploration at the roof around the parade ground. This is the highest part of the castle which is open to visitors. The viewing platform offers amazing 360º views of Barcelona city, the port, the Mediterranean, Barcelona coastline, and the area of Baix Llobregat.

Castell de Montjuïc Details
Address: Carretera de Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona
Opening Hours:
Nov-Mar 10am to 6pm daily (Closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day)
Apr-Oct 10am to 8pm daily
Contact: (+34) 932 564 440
Website: http://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/castelldemontjuic/en
Entrance Fees: €5 (standard admission) / €3 (reduced admission) / Free admission on Sundays after 3pm, and on the 1st Sunday of every month / Free admission for children under 16 years old.

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Day 2 – Casa Milà, Sagrada Família, and Park Güell

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Dedicate one day to discovering the architectural gems of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. This world-acclaimed architect has produced works which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. These are 3 of his most prestigious works I highly recommend you to visit.

While Casa Milà, which was the last private residence designed by Gaudí, boasts an unconventional rough-hewn appearance, the city’s most magnificent attraction, Sagrada Família, is Gaudí’s masterpiece. It has been under construction since 1882, but is still unfinished. Please don’t forget to pop by Park Güell which features a perfect reflection of Gaudí’s artistic plenitude. Read my detailed article on Antoni Gaudí here.

Casa Milà Details
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92. 08008, Barcelona
Directions: Alight at estació Diagonal if you are taking the metro Line 3 and Line 5. Buses 7,16,17, 22, 24, and V17 also bring you directly to Casa Milà.
Opening Hours: 9am to 8.30pm and 9pm to 11pm daily
Contact: (+34) 902 202 138
Website: https://www.lapedrera.com/en/

Sagrada Família Details
Address: Mallorca Street 401, 08013 Barcelona
Directions: Alight at Sagrada Família Station if you are taking the metro Line 2 and Line 5. Buses 19, 33, 34, 43, 44, 50, 51, B20, and B24 also bring you directly to Sagrada Família.
Opening Hours:
Nov-Feb 9am to 6pm
Mar & Oct 9am to 7pm
Apr-Sep 9am to 8pm
25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 6 Jan 9am to 2pm
Contact: (+34) 932 080 414
Website: http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/
Entrance Fees: There are many categories of tickets. Check the website for more information.

Park Güell Details
Address: Carrer d’Olot, 7, 08024 Barcelona
Opening Hours: The hours differ from season to season. Check the website for more information.
Contact: (+34) 934 091 831
Website: https://www.parkguell.cat/en/
Entrance Fees: There are many categories of tickets. Check the website for more information.

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Day 3 – Local Markets, Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica, Basílica Santa Maria del Mar, L’Aquarium Barcelona, and Nova Icaria Beach

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Heading to the local market in the morning is an integral part of Catalan culture, as they are extremely passionate about food and having an enjoyable meal. With almost 40 food markets spread throughout the city’s neighbourhoods, you should definitely savour the local flavours at any one of the markets.

I would recommend checking out Mercat de la Boqueria – Barcelona’s best-known market! It is a paradise for the senses, and you’ll be able to find fresh produce which you wouldn’t get elsewhere. The other two markets which I suggest are Mercat de Santa Caterina for its unique and vibrantly coloured architecture, and Mercat d’Hostafrancs which is quite similar to a flea market where all sorts of goods (clothing, accessories, stationery, homeware etc) are sold.

After satisfying your stomachs, it’s time for sight-seeing! Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica features a Gothic-style architecture. Construction commenced on 1 May 1298, and work was carried out in three stages over 150 years. I visited this cathedral in 2011, and there were ongoing restoration works for the façade and cimborio, which is why the cathedral looks incomplete in the photo I shot.

You can also visit Basílica Santa Maria del Mar which was destroyed during the constant social and political turmoil over the years. But, nothing can be compared with the severe damage on 19 July 1936 when Santa Maria del Mar was set on fire and burned for eleven days straight. The elegant baroque altar and all the images and historical archive were all destroyed. Only the walls, columns and a few of the stained glass windows on the upper level were spared as the fire didn’t get up that high. Fortunately, restoration works returned the church to its former grandeur.

For those who are visiting Barcelona with children, you might want to include L’Aquarium Barcelona in your itinerary. From the Oceanarium, to themed aquariums, to Jewels of the Sea exhibition, you’ll probably be too enchanted by the marine life to leave the L’Aquarium. The most unforgettable moment was watching the divers feed the sharks with the help of rods which contained their favourite food, such as oily fish and squid.

L’Aquarium Details
Address: Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n 08039 Barcelona
Directions: Alight at Drassanes Station if you are taking the metro Line 3. Alight at Barceloneta Station if you are taking the metro Line 4.
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am to 7.30pm. Sat, Sun & PH 10am to 8.30pm.
Contact: (+34) 932 217 474
Website: https://www.aquariumbcn.com/en/
Entrance Fees: €20 (adult) / €15 (children from 5 to 10 years old) / €7 (children from 3 to 4 years old). I recommend purchasing the tickets online at a much cheaper rate – €18 (adult) / €13 (children from 5 to 10 years old) / €6.50 (children from 3 to 4 years old).

Your holiday to Barcelona will not be complete without a visit to one of the pristine beaches. The Nova Icaria Beach is quite close to the Olympic Marina and is full of fantastic beachside bars and restaurants. End your day relaxing on the beach while watching the sun dip into the horizon before indulging in scrumptious local cuisine at one of the beachside restaurants.

The itinerary isn’t jam-packed, but sufficient enough to keep you occupied and amazed throughout your short trip in Barcelona. Do comment, and let me know which other secret corners of Barcelona is worth checking out, and I’ll be sure to drop by when I visit Barcelona again in future!