There are many who visit Barcelona and return, it is a city that always offers you new things to discover. We suggest this route so you don’t miss the essentials. A bit of modernism, a walk, gastronomy, shopping and leisure.
As youâll only be here for 48 hours and youâll be longing to come back, youâll find the Canaletes Fountain on La Rambla, where tradition has it that anyone who drinks its water will return to Barcelona.
Day one, Tourist Bus
9.30 a.m. Take the blue route on the Tourist Bus running from Plaça Catalunya to Macba, which goes along Passeig de GrĂ cia, and passes by the Sagrada Familia, Park GuÌell, Tibidabo, Pedralbes and the stadium of FC Barcelona.
10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Get off at the first stop on the Tourist Bus to see Casa Batlló and take a stroll to La Pedrera.
12.45 p.m. Go down towards Pl.Catalunya and go inside El Nacional (Pso. de GrĂ cia, 24) to have an aperitif and eat in one of the unique spaces, including a brasserie, tapas bar, market-style food stall and more.
3.30 p.m. Have a coffee on Passeig de GrĂ cia and spend some time enjoying the boutiques and most sophisticated worldrenowned brands offered by this avenue.
5.30 p.m. Get back on the Tourist Bus at the Passeig de GrĂ cia stop and stay on until the end of the route at Macba. The service ends at 9.30 p.m. at nearly all stops.
10.00 p.m. Weâre going to try the Castilian suckling pig at the Asador Aranda on Avenida Tibidabo, 31 one of the best restaurants of its kind, and finish with a cocktail in the select surroundings of Dry Martini (Aribau, 162), a classic place in the city.
* If you fancy dining beforehand at the Asador Aranda, catch the Tourist Bus at the Passeig de GrĂ cia stop and get off at the TranvĂa Blau [Blue Tram] stop on Avenida Tibidabo. You can choose to ascend on foot via this magnificent avenue, or take the TranvĂa Blau to the top of the avenue and enjoy the views of the city.
Day two, walking tour
10.00 a.m. From Plaça Catalunya, walk to the Palau de la MĂșsica Catalana, a jewel of Catalan modernism, which is a beautiful concert hall that offers guided tours. Tickets are sold online or at the ticket office.
11.15 a.m. Walk around the outside of the Cathedral and go inside it.
12.00 p.m. Visit the Santa Caterina market, an architectural icon due to its coloured roof and food stalls.
1.00 p.m. Try some tapas at Cuines Santa Caterina. Within the same market hall, you will find a tapas bar that is open all day long in a fun, dynamic atmosphere.
2.30 p.m. Head down Carrer de Montcada and enter the Palacio Aguilar, home of the Picasso Museum with its permanent collection. It is closed on Mondays.
4.45 p.m. Walk towards the Santa MarĂa del Mar Basilica which opens during the afternoon from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A superb example of Catalan gothic architecture.
6.00 p.m. Sample a vermouth spritz or a glass of cava at El Xampanyet (Carrer de Montcada, 22) or a glass of wine at La Vinya del Senyor (Plaza Sta MarĂa, 5 – facing the Basilica) and finish off the afternoon with some shopping in El Born district, with its exclusive shops and bohemian atmosphere. Donât forget to visit the Antic Mercat del Born, an example of wrought iron modernist architecture.
9.00 p.m. Last night in the city. After stopping off at the hotel for a quick shower, dine at Opium, a leading restaurant in the port of Barcelona. It offers a terrace and nightclub playing electronica music with renowned DJs.
