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How to Spend Four Days in Barcelona: Complete Itinerary
Barcelona is one of those cities that immediately feels alive. Its architecture, beachy air, chaotic energy and creative pulse make every day unforgettable. Whether you’re strolling through medieval alleys, admiring Gaudí’s surreal creations or sipping something cold by the sea, it’s a place that stays with you.
Here’s a step-by-step itinerary to explore Barcelona in 4 days, packed with walking times, public transport tips, entry prices, and lots of personal recommendations to help you get the most out of your stay.
Day 1: Arches, Parks & Urban Art
L’Arc de Triomf
Metro stop: Arc de Triomf (L1 – Red Line)
Entry: Free
Inspired by the Parisian version but with its own Catalan flavor, this red brick archway was built as the main entrance to the 1888 Barcelona World Fair.
Fun fact: Unlike most triumphal arches celebrating military victories, this one celebrates progress and modernity.
From here, we walked along the elegant Passeig de Lluís Companys, a palm-lined pedestrian boulevard filled with locals walking dogs, skating, or playing music.
Walking time to the next stop: 5 min
Ciutadella Park
Entry: Free
Barcelona’s green lung. The park is perfect for strolling, or taking a break under a tree.
Don’t miss the Font de la Cascada, a stunning fountain with sculptures that wrap around the structure — walk all the way around it to admire the details.
This park is where you’ll feel the local rhythm: slackliners, acrobats, families, and musicians all share the space.
Walking time to next stop: 15 min
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
Get lost in the maze-like streets of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood. This area is a dream for street photographers and lovers of history.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the Cathedral.
Cathedral of Barcelona
Entry: €14 (We skipped it and admired the outside instead)
Outside, the square is vibrant — filled with street musicians, artists, and a market. The atmosphere is beautiful and lively.
Highlight: The façade itself is incredible. Gothic vibes at their best.
Walking time to next stop: 10 min
“The World Begins With Every Kiss” Mosaic
A modern, artistic gem hidden in a quiet square. From afar, it looks like a passionate kiss, but get closer and you’ll see it’s made of thousands of tiny photos — most of them taken by local residents.
It’s a metaphor for love, freedom, and Barcelona’s soul.
Walking time to next stop: 15 min
Banksy Museum
Entry: €14.50
An immersive and well-curated exhibition showcasing works and themes from the famous (and anonymous) street artist Banksy. Social critique, graffiti, and rebellious energy all in one place.
Dinner Suggestion
We grabbed pizza slices at one of the many local food counters — most of them offer combos like 2 slices + soda for around €5–€7, or 2 empanadas + soda. Simple, tasty, and budget-friendly.
Day 2: The Gaudí Route & City Vibes
La Sagrada Família
Metro stop: Sagrada Família (L2 & L5)
Entry: From €26 (book in advance Here!)
The crown jewel of Gaudí’s work A masterpiece still under construction after 140+ years, and for good reason — it’s jaw-dropping. The interior feels like a forest of light, with colored glass filtering sun rays in a way that makes the entire space glow.
Don’t miss this, even if it stretches your budget. It’s unlike anything else in the world.
Walking time to next stop: 15 min
La Pedrera (Casa Milà)
Entry: €28 (We didn’t go inside)
With its wave-like stone façade and wrought-iron balconies, this is another Gaudí icon you can easily enjoy from outside.
Walking time to next stop: 10 min
Casa Batlló
Entry: €29+ (We didn’t go inside)
Looks like a dragon. Feels like a fairytale. Gaudí designed it with nature in mind, and it shows in the bone-shaped windows and colorful mosaics.
Walking time to next stop: 10 min
Plaça de Catalunya
A massive square that connects the Gothic Quarter to the modern Eixample district. It’s often the heart of gatherings and protests, but also a great central meeting point.
Lunch at El Corte Inglés Food Court
Located: 9th floor of El Corte Inglés at Plaça de Catalunya
Price: €10–15 per person
Good variety and awesome views over Barcelona from the terrace.
La Rambla
Walking: From Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument (~20 min)
A must-do in Barcelona — busy, touristy, chaotic, but historic. Enjoy the walk, and keep your bags close.
La Boquería Market
Entry: Free
Walk in for the colors and smells — fresh juices, Iberian ham, spices. We don’t recommend doing your shopping here, though — prices are tourist-inflated.
Walking time to next stop: 5 min
Plaça Reial
A picturesque square full of palm trees and arcades. Gaudí designed the lamps here, so keep an eye out!
Port Vell & Maremagnum
Walk down to the Christopher Columbus Monument and continue to Port Vell. At the end you’ll find Maremagnum shopping center — handy if you need a clean bathroom or a drink after a long day.
Day 3: Mirador, Parc Güell & Beach Day
Mirador de l’Adrià
A peaceful, hidden lookout above Parc Güell, offering an incredible panoramic view of the city and the sea.
Free, quiet and unforgettable.
Walking time down to Parc Güell: 10–15 min
Parc Güell
Entry: €10 (book early). Buy the tickets directly here.
Mosaic dragons, gingerbread-like buildings, palm trees, and artistic chaos. Another Gaudí fantasyland and one of Barcelona’s most visited sites.
Best to go early or late — it gets crowded quickly.
Public transport to La Barceloneta: ~30–40 min (Bus or Metro + walk)
La Barceloneta
A charming seaside neighborhood with narrow streets and a chill vibe. Great for grabbing a snack and wandering before hitting the beach.
Lunch: Grab a sandwich, empanada, or fries at one of the many food stands. Prices range from €5–€10.
Barceloneta Beach
Relax, swim, nap. Walk the promenade all the way down for different vibes. A great day to slow down after all the walking.
Day 4: Montjuïc Views & Gothic Nights
Plaça d’Espanya
Start at this major square, framed by Venetian towers and fountains.
Walking time to the fountain: 5 min
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
Currently OFF due to drought
Usually a stunning show of light and water. Hopefully running when you visit.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
Entry: €12. Buy your tickets HERE.
A beautiful and grand museum with stunning views from its staircase.
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Barcelona offers a rich journey through Catalonia’s art history, featuring several remarkable collections
Montjuïc Castle
Entry: €9
The walk uphill is lovely, and the view of the sea from behind the castle is a perfect picnic spot.
We brought homemade sandwiches and chilled under a tree.
Public transport back to the Gothic Quarter: ~20–25 min
Evening in the Gothic Quarter
End the day with a drink at Nevermind, a wild, underground bar full of skate vibes, graffiti, and grunge rock. Total dive energy — and we loved it.
The perfect way of finishing four days in Barcelona.
How to Move Around Barcelona
- Metro: Fast, reliable, and well-connected. Buy a T-Casual ticket (€11.35 for 10 rides).
- Bus: Great for scenic routes. Same ticket as in metro works.
- Bikes: Many rental options available by the hour or day.
- Taxi or Uber: Uber exists, but local apps like Free Now often work better and faster.
Personally, Barcelona is my favorite city in Spain, and every time I visit, I discover something new that makes me fall in love all over again. I hope this itinerary helps you experience the best of it too.
Want more inspiration for your European adventures?
Check out my other posts in the Europe section of my blog — and let your next trip begin!
