Wondering what you can do with just one day in Barcelona? Well, this Catalonia region is huge with so many things to do and see that you might get confused about which sites you should make a priority. Don’t worry, as we are here to help you to make the most out of your trip with only limited time to spare.
Embark on your day trip to Barcelona and get ready to explore the vibrant regional capital and beyond. Filled with amazing artists, architects, and filmmakers, Spain’s stunning Catalan city is a treat for the visitors. Barcelona truly has a little bit of everything, making it a must-see place in Spain.
From the incredible Roman ruins of Tarragona beckon to Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical designs to breathtaking mountain monastery at Montserrat, there is so much in Barcelona that can be explored in a day. Football fans will surely enjoy a visit to Camp Nou- home of Barcelona FC, while the beautiful sands of Barceloneta Beach might also call your name. However, you will have to start early to make the most out of your one day trip. Therefore, you should rent a car to complete the itinerary in one day.
Beautiful places to visit in Barcelona
01 Sagrada Familia
- Opening Hours: 09.00 am – 06.00(depending on the month)
- Entry Fee: Approx. 15€ -29€/ Get tickets online
Start your day trip from Sagrada Família, as the sooner you start in the morning, the fewer crowds you will find. It’s no wonder that the Sagrada Família is probably the most important sight of the city. No Barcelona trip is complete without a visit to this popular Gothic basilica, which is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of the world. Thousands of tourists come here every year just to admire this masterpiece by designer Antoni Gaudí. It has been a work in progress since 1882 and is still not complete. According to the plan, the famous basilica will be completed in 2026, which is the 100th death anniversary of its designer Gaudí. Sounds amazing right?
02 Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is also known as La Rambla (Spanish) is a 1.2 km long promenade in the center of Barcelona that connects Plaça Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell- the old port of the city. It is considered as one of Barcelona’s tourist hotspots surrounded by many restaurants and bars. Therefore it can be crowded, especially during peak season.
03 Mercat de la Boqueria
- Opening Hours: 06.00 am – 08.00 pm (Mondays-Saturdays); Closed on Sundays
- Entry Fee: free of charge
If you are in Las Ramblas, you shouldn’t miss a small visit to the Mercat de la Boqueria. This market is one of the oldest and certainly the most visited areas in the city. From fresh meat, seafood, fish, to all kinds of candies, tapas, and delicious dishes, you will find everything here. And, don’t leave this market without a juice of fresh fruit.
04 Park Güell
- Opening Hours: 08.30 am – 06.30 pm( time may vary as per month)
- Entry Fee: Approx. 7.50-8.50 € /rest of the park is free to visit
Besides Sagrada Família, Park Güell is possibly the main attraction of Barcelona. It was designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in the years 1900 to 1914 after the model of English gardens. From here, one can enjoy an incredible view of the city. Also, the part of the park which you need a ticket for exhibits a collection of Gaudí’s artworks and offers as grandiose photo spots.
05 Casa Milà
- Opening Hours: 09.00 am -08.30 pm(hours may vary)
- Entry Fee (Daytime): Approx. 22€
Casa Milà, popularly known as La Pedrera or The stone quarry, is also designed by Gaudí. The building was constructed between 1906 and 1910 and was the last private residence planned by architect Antoni Gaudí. It can be visited either during the day or at night including a drink and live music. If you follow this 1-day-in-Barcelona itinerary, you will reach this popular attraction in the evening.
Places to Eat in Barcelona
You can find some of the best Tapas in Barcelona, to be precisely called Pinchos. There are actually a few restaurants in La Boqueria. The two best-known are El Quim de La Boqueria and Pinotxo Bar. You can also visit the Gothic Quarter for bohemian cafés and many tapas bars.
Enjoy the Nightlife of Barcelona
If you haven’t had enough of the city and would like to extend your trip to Barcelona, then you should head to Catwalk, Opium, or the nightclubs of El Born, where locals keep dancing well into the early morning. The famous nightlife of the city should not be missed.
There are plenty of other places that you can see in Barcelona. If you have more time, it is recommended to spend at least 3 to 4 days to discover the city with more peace and to immerse yourself in the Catalan culture and food scene. And, not only Barcelona but also its surrounding Catalan towns like Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida are also worth a visit. So, extend your one day trip to check out these places by planning a trip from Barcelona.