5 perfect days in Barcelona

When you’re headed to Barcelona—especially if it’s your first time—five days is probably the sweet spot. There’s plenty of time to fit in all the must-sees, like the jaw-dropping Sagrada Familia. You can ramble down the Ramblas, pause in front of Art-Nouveau mansions on the Passeig de Gracia, and gasp at the views of the city skyline from the hillside Parc de Montjuïc. Feel like taking an extra-long lunch to enjoy tapas (or their Basque cousins, pintxos)? Go ahead. I promise you that you won’t feel rushed.

I’ve put together a five-day itinerary that balances serious sightseeing with downtime to sample the perfect paella, linger over a bubbly glass of cava, and soak in the sun. I’ve organized the days based on location, so you won’t waste time crisscrossing the city. Plus, I’ve checked Tripadvisor reviews and ratings for hot tips on what to do, when, and how.

Shake off that jet lag, because now’s the time to visit the still-unfinished Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona's can't-miss monument that's become shorthand for the city itself. You'll need your stamina here, as the cathedral is absolutely massive. It can get mobbed with visitors and tour groups, so your best bet is to arrive as soon as it opens. That will give you the whole morning to take it all in.

SAGRADA FAMILIA AND GAUDI TOUR OPTIONS

A 10-minute taxi brings you to L'Eixample, a neighborhood known for its phenomenal food. One of the area’s buzziest eateries—and this is backed up by Tripadvisor reviewers—is Cervecería Catalana. You might be tempted by the tables outside, but we recommend sitting inside at the bar so that you can soak up the vibes. We love small plates like the huevos cabreados, which literally means “broken eggs.” These sunny-side-up eggs are nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked fries.

Stroll down the Passeig de Gracia, known for its Art Nouveau masterpieces and high-end shops. Check out an apartment building designed by Gaudi that’s officially called Casa Milà, but is better known to neighbors as La Pedrera, or the Stone Quarry. Spring for the pricey tour ticket to see the rooftop, which has chimneys that resemble surrealist sculptures.

Down the street is Gaudi’s trippy funhouse called the Casa Batlló, whose skeletal façade has earned it the nickname Casa dels Ossos (House of Bones). The tour of the intricate interior sells out fast, so book ahead of time.

As you’ve probably already figured out by now, L'Eixample’s bars and restaurants make this the perfect place for a night out on the town. Chill out with a pre-dinner cocktail at the celebrated speakeasy Dry Martini by Javier De Las Muelas, considered one of the best bars in the world. It’s a classic, filled with wood paneling, leather banquettes, and brass everywhere you look.

Then it’s time to try pintxos. These bite-sized dishes are the Basque region's answer to tapas, and Maitea Taberna is a great spot to learn the difference. Order a cider for the classic Basque experience.

If you still have gas in the tank after a full day of sightseeing, L'Eixample is full of late-night hangs like Pub Fiction, perfect for fans of Tarantino or mojitos. Another favorite is the Plata Cocktail Bar, an LGBTQ-friendly lounge with candy-colored drinks and party vibes.

Skip the hotel buffet breakfast so that you can sip freshly squeezed juices at the Mercat de la Boqueria. There are tons of eateries in this centuries-old market, but we suggest you head to El Quim de la Boqueria for the sunny-side-up eggs with octopus. Pair it with strong Spanish coffee for the ultimate kickstart. Coming here first thing in the morning means you can browse before the afternoon crowd descends.

After you've zigzagged through the market stalls, exit out the east side and ramble around Las Ramblas, the pedestrian-only avenue slicing through the Barri Gotic (the Gothic Quarter). Take a detour to see Palau Güell, an Art-Nouveau mansion by superstar architect Gaudi. It’s worth a visit inside if you have the time.

Palm-shaded Plaça Reial, one of the city’s most popular squares, is lined with bars and eateries like Restaurante Glaciar, the perfect place to chill out after a morning of exploring the Gothic Quarter. Tripadvisor reviewers suggest ordering the seafood paella, a Catalan classic.

After lunch, continue east to explore the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter. Basically, you can lose the map and see where you end up, but there are two things you shouldn’t miss: the Barcelona Cathedral and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. For a fee, you can pop inside either or both of these Gothic wonders. The latter tends to be a little less busy.

GOTHIC QUARTER TOUR OPTIONS

If you didn't eat tapas, did you even come to Spain? Barcelona has a small army of tapas spots serving up small plates. A good place to start would be Palosanto Tapas Bar. Creamy croquettes and grilled octopus are some of the standouts. The location in El Raval makes it a great jumping off point.

With dinner done, it's time to consider your nightlife approach. Pre-game with a wine flight at Zona d'Ombra, where you'll get the chance to sip rich Spanish varietals and chat with locals. Linger over your Rioja, since Barcelona's nightlife scene is slow to gather steam. Then either head out to the circus-themed Somnia FX Cocktail Bar, which serves up magic with a side of cocktails, or the Harlem Jazz Club, with live music ranging from swing to soul. For the classic club experience, Sala Apolo is jumping until the wee hours. On the weekends, expect a packed dance floor and celebrity DJs on a stopover from Ibiza.

Start your morning at the Palace of Catalan Music, yet another Art Nouveau masterpiece. This UNESCO-designated concert hall feels like a fantasy, with bright mosaic tiling and epic stained-glass details, including a ceiling that practically drips over the main stage.

Touring the Palace of Catalan Music should only take about an hour, so you still have the morning to explore a bit more of Barcelona’s Old City. For a break from the busy streets, walk through the shady Parc de la Ciutadella. Once the grounds for the World’s Fair, this large park has a grand fountain, a boating lake, and even a zoo.

PALACE OF CATALAN MUSIC TOUR OPTIONS

Tired of tapas? Never! Even among Barcelona’s countless tapas bars, the cozy El Xampanyet is a standout, with lots of tasty dishes like the Spanish omelet with chorizo. It’s practically neighbors with your next stop, which means you can grab a glass or two of the fizzy house cava and chill out over a long lunch.

Picasso spent most of his formative years in Barcelona, so it makes sense that the Museu Picasso houses some 4,000 of his early works. In about two hours, you can follow the evolution of his art, explore his connection to the city, and get a better understanding of cubism. Pretty good for an afternoon!

Post-Picasso, walk a few streets over to Arcano, rated a “Best of the Best” by Tripadvisor reviewers. In a 300-year-old stone building once used as a stable, it’s hands-down one of the city’s handsomest restaurants. The chefs in the open kitchen use a charcoal-fired oven to make a mean rack of lamb, Argentine veal steak, and Catalan-style cod.

After dessert, head back to where you began the day. It’s time to see the Palace of Catalan Music in action, with musicians playing everything from classical to flamenco. Check out the offerings online, and make sure to reserve your seats ahead of time.

Start your day at the lofty Parc de Montjuïc, a gorgeous park that hosted a World’s Fair and an Olympics. Your destination this morning is the 17th-century Castell de Montjuïc, a massive fortress commanding the hilltop. It can be a bit of a hike to get here on your own, so consider a ride on the cable car called the Telefèric de Montjuïc. It’s a quick trip, and the view is truly stunning.

After you’ve soaked in the views from every angle, start to descend the hill. Along the way you’ll find lots of different gardens where you can rest your feet. Stop along the way at the Joan Miró Foundation, a sleek, modern museum showcasing colorful paintings and sculptures by the Barcelona native. The playful gift shop is the perfect place to pick up some last-minute souvenirs.

PARC DE MONTJUÏC AREA TOUR OPTIONS

One of the Parc de Montjuïc’s many highlights is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, which has a massive collection of stunning frescoes as well as centuries of Catalan art, from Roman to modern times. Plus, the Neo-Baroque palace housing the collection is photo-worthy in its own right.

To really soak in the atmosphere, enjoy lunch at the museum restaurant Oleum—just don’t forget to book ahead. The best part of the experience is the views of the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

You can really work up an appetite soaking up so much Catalan art. Luckily, you can recover with tapas and wine at Taps, less than a 10-minute walk from the museum. A favorite of Tripadvisor users, it serves a wide variety of small plates, from steamed mussels to fried anchovies to baked beef cheeks.

Time your meal so that you can catch the sunset from the steps of MNAC. After, wait with the crowds at the Magic Fountain. A normal fountain by day, it transforms into an extravaganza of light, music, and sound after dark.

A taxi is probably the best way to get to Park Güell, which is pretty far off the beaten track. A bit like a Gaudi theme park, its sprawling grounds include houses that look like they were plucked from a fairytale and a fountain guarded by a colorful salamander. It’s one of the city’s top attractions, so book your tickets online well in advance.

Park Güell is a great place for a picnic lunch later on, so before you enter pick up a few chorizo and cheese sandwiches from nearby Güelly. It sits near the vast park’s southern entrance.

On your way back from Park Güell, stop at Casa Vicens Gaudi, the first house ever designed by the architect. The bright colors and fanciful shapes may remind you of Disneyland’s “It’s a Small World” ride.

If you have kids in tow—or even if you don’t—head to the big glass cube holding CosmoCaixa, the city’s world-famous science center. It earns a Traveler’s Choice rating from Tripadvisor for its fascinating exhibits that delight children of all ages. If you have someone in your group who’s fascinated by space, make sure to book seats in the planetarium in advance. Our favorite exhibit was the Amazon rainforest, which includes live piranhas, crocodiles, and other creatures.

Take a taxi to the largest soccer stadium in Europe. Camp Nou can hold up to 100,000 "futbol" fans, all cheering for the home team, FC Barcelona. If you’re lucky, you’ll score tickets for a match between eternal rivals Madrid and Barcelona. If you’re getting achy feet after all that walking, this is a great way to rest them while still experiencing peak Barcelona culture.

Game time here is often around dinner time, so we’d opt for a restaurant not too far from the stadium. El Racó del Cargol serves up all the Catalan dishes you love—grilled octopus, seafood croquettes, and roasted potatoes—and stays open late into the evening Tuesday through Saturday.

CAMP NOU TOUR OPTIONS

L’Eixample: Several of Gaudi's top attractions (highlighted on Day One) are close to this neighborhood. The shopping and dining here are among the city's best. Plenty of upscale options exist, like the ritzy Mandarin Oriental with its world-class spa. Located on Passeig de Gràcia, it’s an ideal location for shoppers.

Gothic Quarter: Close to our Day Two attractions, the Gothic Quarter is a great homebase for sightseeing. One good option, the Kimpton Vividora, sit squarely in the Gothic Quarter, but its rooftop pool brings those beachy vibes and lets you do a little monument-spotting from your lounge chair.

Barceloneta: If you're visiting when the weather is nice, why not make this beach community your home base? The sailboat-shaped W Barcelona sits at the very tip of Barceloneta's peninsula. If sunset views from the hotel’s swanky lounge make you happy, imagine what a thrill you’d get seeing them from your own private suite.