Are you looking for 2 day itinerary Barcelona?
With its fantastic architecture, numerous museums, great food and Mediterranean lifestyle, Barcelona is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. With so much to do there it could be hard to plan what to see in two days in Barcelona. This 2 day itinerary Barcelona includes its architectural highlights, one of the best museums in the city, tasting delicious Spanish food and enjoying the city like a local.
2 Day itinerary Barcelona
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Barcelona is one of my favourite European cities and I visited it multiple times. Last summer, I spent a few weeks exploring Barcelona and trying to live like a local there for some time. Since I saw many Barcelona sites, neighbourhoods and museums, here is my perfect 2 day itinerary Barcelona.
⤷ TIP: Barcelona could get very warm during the summer months. If you’ll visit Barcelona during that time, check the weather forecast and plan to visit the closed spaces (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and Sagrada Família) during the warmest part of the day. And leave the outside activities for an earlier morning when it’s not that hot.
Day 1 in Barcelona
La Rambla & La Boqueria Market in the morning
Start your two days in Barcelona by exploring La Rambla Street. Located in the city centre, it’s home to numerous small shops, cafes and restaurants. You’ll even find a mosaic made by Joan Miró on it.
La Boqueria Market is situated in the middle of La Rambla Street, and it’s a must-see place within your 2 day itinerary Barcelona. This fantastic market is where you’ll find local produce, freshly squeezed juices, street food and typical Spanish products like jamon and cheese. My tip is to have breakfast there and start your first day in Barcelona that way.
⤷ Read more: My travel diary – Barcelona
Explore Gothic Quarter
Continue your day by exploring one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter. It’s a charming area with narrow medieval streets, historic houses and fascinating monuments.
It’s also where the Barcelona Cathedral is located. It’s a beautiful church, so be sure to explore its interior, too. One of the surprising things about it is that the cathedral’s cloister is home to 13 white geese. They represent the age of Saint Eulalia when she was martyred.
The Gothic Quarter is also home to many small shops, restaurants and cafes. So, when tired from all the exploring, have lunch at one of the lovely restaurants there.
Visit Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in the afternoon
Barcelona is home to many fantastic museums and galleries. During your two days in Barcelona, you won’t have time to visit many of them, my advice is to go to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The museum is located in a beautiful palace connected to Placa d’Espanya, with a fantastic street decorated with fountains.
The museum is home to the best collection of Romanesque mural paintings worldwide. It’s also where you can see artworks created by some of the most famous Spanish artists, such as Antoni Gaudí and Diego Velázquez.
⤷ Read more: Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya highlights
Flamenco show in the evening
One of my all-time favourite things to do in Barcelona (and Spain in general) is seeing the Flamenco show. Flamenco is a unique art form typical for the region of Andalusia in Spain. Although the first association with Flamenco is dancing, it’s much more than just that. It is an art form consisting of music, song and dance.
There are a few theatres in Barcelona where you can enjoy in it. This is the Flamenco show in Barcelona I saw, and I am recommending it.
⤷ Read more: What is Flamenco: A brief introduction & an interview with the Flamenco dancer
Day 2 in Barcelona
Sagrada Família in the morning
After a good night’s rest, dedicate your second day in Barcelona to exploring architecture designed by one of the most famous Spanish architects, Antoni Gaudí.
Sagrada Família is one of the most beautiful churches in Europe. It’s so fascinating that although unfinished, it’s one of the most famous buildings in the world and is already recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church’s construction started in 1882 and is expected to be finished in 2026. It’s hard to decide if it’s more beautiful from the outside or the inside, so be sure to visit it during your two days in Barcelona.
When I was there the last time, I joined a guided tour around the church and learned a lot about it. If you’d like to do the same, this is the Sagrada Família guided tour I joined.
⤷ Read more: Why is Sagrada Família not finished yet?
Explore Gaudí’s architecture in the Eixample neighbourhood in the afternoon
Antoni Gaudí was one of the most talented architects of all time. So, exploring some of his architecture is a must while in Barcelona. The majority of the buildings he designed are located in the Eixample neighbourhood. It’s my favourite part of Barcelona, and I recommend you include spending an afternoon there in your 2 day itinerary Barcelona.
The most famous Gaudí’s buildings in Barcelona, besides Sagrada Família, are Casa Vicens, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. They are located quite close to each other, so you can visit them all while wandering around this beautiful area of Barcelona. If you have a bit more time, include Park Güell on your list, too.
⤷ Read more: Exploring Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona
Relaxed dinner in the evening
After all the walking and exploring during your two days in Barcelona, finish your trip with a relaxed dinner. You can stay in the Eixample neighbourhood, go to the Gothic Quarter, or even to the beach. Have some tapas, nice red wine and enjoy Barcelona like a local.
⤷ Read more: Cultural tourism explained – How to be a cultural tourist
Where to stay in Barcelona
Each time I visited Barcelona, I stayed in the Eixample neighbourhood. It’s close to the city centre and well connected with public transport to all other areas in Barcelona. You’ll find numerous restaurants, cafes and shops in the area. However, it’s also residential and quiet, so perfect for relaxed evenings and mingling among the locals during your trip to Barcelona.
This is the hotel in which I stayed in Barcelona last summer for two weeks, and I liked it a lot.
⤷ Read more: Salvador Dali locations around Barcelona
Barcelona is a beautiful city with so much to see and do there. With this 2 day itinerary Barcelona you’ll see its best museum, architectural highlights, taste some of the delicious Spanish food and spend some time like a local.
Have you been to Barcelona? Would you add anything to this two day in Barcelona itinerary?