5 Days in Barcelona Itinerary
Gaudi masterpieces, Mediterranean beaches, and day trips to Costa Brava and Montserrat
Barcelona combines stunning architecture, world-class beaches, and vibrant Catalan culture in one unforgettable destination. Five days lets you explore Gaudis masterpieces, wander through Gothic alleyways, relax on Mediterranean sands, and venture beyond the city to the dramatic Montserrat monastery and Costa Brava coast. This itinerary balances the essential Barcelona experiences with time to discover hidden neighbourhood gems and soak up the laid-back Spanish lifestyle.
Day 1: Gaudi Masterpieces
Day 1: Sagrada Familia & Park Guell
Sagrada Familia
Book tickets months in advance for morning slots. Gaudis unfinished masterpiece is breathtaking inside and out. The tower access adds spectacular city views.
Hospital Sant Pau
Walk 10 minutes from Sagrada Familia to this stunning Art Nouveau hospital. Often overlooked but equally impressive. The colourful tile work delights children.
Gracia Neighbourhood
Head uphill to bohemian Gracia for authentic Catalan lunch. Plaza del Sol has family-friendly terraces and local atmosphere.
Park Guell
Book timed entry in advance. The mosaic terrace and gingerbread houses feel like a fairytale. The free zone outside the ticketed area also has beautiful views.
Dinner in Gracia
Return to Gracia for dinner. The neighbourhood comes alive at night with families dining al fresco. Try Cal Boter for traditional Catalan dishes.
Book Gaudi Sites Early
Sagrada Familia and Park Guell sell out weeks ahead, especially for preferred morning slots. Book as soon as you confirm your trip dates.
Day 2: Gothic Quarter & Beach
Day 2: Historic Centre & Mediterranean Coast
Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
Wander the medieval streets starting from Placa de Catalunya. Barcelona Cathedral has a cloister with 13 geese. The Roman ruins beneath the city fascinate all ages.
La Boqueria Market
Barcelonas famous food market overwhelms the senses. Fresh fruit cups, ham counters, and chocolate stalls. Arrive before 11am to avoid cruise ship crowds.
El Born Neighbourhood
Walk through to El Born for lunch. The Picasso Museum is nearby. Cal Pep serves excellent tapas, or grab sandwiches from Bo de B.
Barceloneta Beach
Walk through the old fishermens quarter to the beach. The Mediterranean is calm and warm May-October. Beach bars serve drinks and snacks.
Seafood Dinner
Stay in Barceloneta for fresh seafood. La Mar Salada or Can Paixano for cava and tapas. Paella is best shared between two at lunch, so try grilled fish instead.
Beach Safety
Watch belongings on the beach - theft is common. Dont leave valuables unattended. The beach has showers and changing facilities near the main chiringuitos.
Day 3: Montserrat Day Trip
Day 3: Mountain Monastery & Hiking
Train & Cable Car
Take R5 train from Placa Espanya. The Tot Montserrat ticket includes metro, train, cable car, and funiculars. Cable car offers dramatic cliff views.
Basilica & Black Madonna
See the famous Black Madonna statue. Arrive early to beat coach tours. The basilica dates from 1025 and the setting is extraordinary.
Sant Joan Funicular & Hike
Take the upper funicular for stunning views. Walk to the hermitage of Sant Joan (30 minutes) or longer trails to the summit.
Mountain Restaurant
The restaurant by the basilica serves Catalan cuisine with views. Alternatively, pack a picnic to eat at viewpoints.
Explore & Return
Take Sant Joan funicular down. Explore the monastery shops and museum. Return train takes 1 hour to Barcelona.
Light Dinner in Eixample
Return tired but inspired. Simple dinner in your neighbourhood. Tapas 24 serves excellent casual fare.
Montserrat Timing
Avoid weekends when tour buses create crowds. Wednesday to Friday are quietest. First cable car is 9:40am - be on the 8:36am R5 train.
Day 4: More Gaudi & Passeig de Gracia
Day 4: Casa Batllo, La Pedrera & Uptown
Casa Batllo
Gaudis most fantastical house. The augmented reality guide brings the building to life. Every detail is organic - not a straight line in sight.
La Pedrera Casa Mila
Another Gaudi apartment building with iconic rooftop warriors. The attic exhibition explains Gaudis genius. The apartment shows early 20th century bourgeois life.
Passeig de Gracia Area
Barcelonas grand boulevard has excellent restaurants. Cerveceria Catalana does superb tapas. Alternatively, Txapela serves Basque pintxos.
Fundacio Joan Miro or Camp Nou
Choose based on interests. Miro Museum in Montjuic has colourful art and sculpture gardens. Football fans must visit Camp Nou stadium tour.
Montjuic Castle or Shopping
If at Miro, continue to Montjuic Castle for harbour views. Cable car from Barceloneta is scenic but expensive. Otherwise, explore El Corte Ingles or Passeig de Gracia boutiques.
Magic Fountain Show
The Font Magica performs Thursday to Sunday evenings. Music and coloured water create magical displays. Times vary seasonally - check before going.
Day 5: Costa Brava Day Trip
Day 5: Tossa de Mar & Mediterranean Villages
Bus to Tossa de Mar
Direct buses leave from Barcelonas Estacio del Nord. The coastal drive is scenic. Alternatively, visit Cadaques further north with more travel time.
Tossa de Mar Old Town
The medieval walled town sits dramatically on a headland. Walk the ramparts for Mediterranean views. The narrow streets have artisan shops and cafes.
Beach Time
The main beach has calm, clear water perfect for swimming. Rent snorkelling gear to explore the rocky edges. Kayak rentals available.
Seafood by the Beach
Excellent seafood restaurants line the promenade. Try suquet de peix (fish stew) or grilled sardines. La Cuina de Can Simon is highly rated.
Explore or Swim More
Walk to the lighthouse for views or continue beach relaxation. Small coves north of town are less crowded.
Bus back to Barcelona
Last bus typically 7pm - check schedules. Return tired and sun-kissed.
Final Barcelona Dinner
Splurge on final night. Tickets by El Bulli team for molecular gastronomy, or Cal Pep for classic Catalan excellence.
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Build My Packing ListBarcelona Neighbourhoods
- Gothic Quarter - Medieval centre, atmospheric but touristy. Central location for walking.
- El Born - Trendy, artsy, great restaurants and boutiques. Slightly less hectic than Gothic.
- Eixample - Gaudi buildings, upmarket dining, beautiful Modernista architecture. Best all-round base.
- Gracia - Bohemian village feel, local atmosphere, younger crowd. Slightly removed from main sites.
- Barceloneta - Beach neighbourhood, excellent seafood. Can be noisy in summer.
Getting Around Barcelona
- Metro - Efficient and covers main sites. T-Casual card (10 journeys) costs 11 GBP.
- Walking - The centre is very walkable. Most Gaudi sites are on foot distance in Eixample.
- Bus - Extensive network including beach routes. Same tickets as metro.
- Taxi - Yellow and black, metered and honest. Useful for airport and late nights.
- Bike - Bike lanes throughout the city. Bicing is locals only but rental shops are plentiful.
Airport Transfer
Aerobus from Terminal 1 or 2 to Placa Catalunya costs 7 GBP and takes 35 minutes. Runs every 5 minutes. Taxi fixed fare is 39 GBP.
5-Day Barcelona Budget
Estimated costs for a family of four:
- Accommodation - 500-1000 GBP (100-200 per night for apartment or hotel)
- Attractions - 200-280 GBP (Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batllo, La Pedrera, Montserrat)
- Food - 350-550 GBP (mix of restaurants and market meals)
- Transport - 100-150 GBP (metro passes, day trip buses, airport transfer)
- Beach & extras - 50-100 GBP
- Total - 1200-2080 GBP depending on choices
Free Barcelona
Many museums are free first Sunday of month and Sunday afternoons. Park Guell has free zones. Beach is free. Gothic Quarter wandering costs nothing.
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