Home to sun-drenched beaches, jaw-dropping architecture, and an outstanding dining scene, Barcelona is the perfect destination for a weekend away. It boasts an enviable setting on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and an inspiring cityscape that has been forever marked by the work of Antoni Gaudí.
In this article, we’ll show you how to pack as much as possible into a weekend away in Barcelona, including visits to its top architectural landmarks, museums, and parks.
Once you’ve selected your dates, you can search for accommodation online at a holiday rental platform such as Rentola Barcelona. Here you’ll find everything from apartments in La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter to beachside properties in Barceloneta, from where you can easily explore everything the city has to offer.
Friday evening - Dine on La Rambla.
After flying into Barcelona, get your bearings along its social hub, La Rambla, a tree-lined avenue that extends from Plaça de Catalunya to the city’s port. It’s lined with alfresco restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat, as well as tapas bars offering a quintessential Spanish experience.
As you join the locals on their evening “paseo”, you can pop into some of the local stores or enjoy the street performers as you get your first taste of Barcelona’s invigorating atmosphere. Along the way, keep an eye out for the enchanting Palau Güell designed by Antoni Gaudí, whom you will learn a lot more about the following day.
Saturday morning - Get your Gaudí fix.
After a leisurely breakfast, head out to visit Barcelona’s most famous landmark, La Sagrada Familia, an elaborate basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí in the 1880s.
Topped by 18 towers, it dominates the city skyline and is celebrated as one of the most unique churches in Europe. Pick up an audio guide to learn all about its Surrealist architecture and why it’s still not considered “complete”.
From La Sagrada Familia, continue to the Eixample district to discover another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Milà. It has been nicknamed “The Stone Quarry” due to its curved design topped by mosaic-adorned chimneys. From the rooftop terrace, there are magnificent views across Barcelona toward La Sagrada Familia.
On the same street (and just five minutes away on foot) is Casa Batllo, which is easily identifiable by the colourful mosaics that decorate its facade. It is often referred to as the “House of Bones” due to its skeletal-like appearance. Remodelled by Gaudí in 1904, its magnificent light wells, dragon-inspired stairs, and enchanting chimneys are now accessible to the public.
Saturday Afternoon - Explore the Gothic Quarter.
After grabbing lunch at La Boqueria market, venture into Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic to explore its pedestrianized streets and medieval architecture. At the highest point of the district is the Gothic-style Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, which houses a museum displaying paintings by 15th and 16th-century Spanish masters. Other churches not to miss in the Gothic Quarter include the 14th-century Capella di Santa Agata and the Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar with its beautiful rose window.
Take time to admire the Royal Palace overlooking Plaça del Rei or stop by the Urban History Museum with its basement archaeological site. Also within the Gothic Quarter is the Museu Picasso, which houses an extensive collection of his paintings, drawings, and prints. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, squeeze in a visit to the Museu de la Xocolata where you can learn about the history of chocolate within a former convent.
Sunday Morning - Stroll through Parc Güell.
Gaudí’s talents are on full display at this UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, which sprawls atop Carmel Hill to the north of the city centre. It was laid out between 1900 and 1914, reflecting the architect’s “naturalist” phase.
In addition to Surrealist buildings inspired by organic shapes, there are 12 acres of landscaped gardens to explore. Throughout the park, you’ll find plenty of uniquely designed benches where you can watch the world go by and soak in the colorful scene. At Casa Museu Gaudí (where Gaudí once lived), you can learn about his life and work.
Sunday Afternoon - Enjoy beachside Barceloneta.
Once you’ve had your fill of Gaudí, head to Barceloneta to visit the Museum of the History of Catalonia, which occupies a 19th-century warehouse overlooking the Old Port. It traces the history of the region from hunter-gatherer times to the rule of the Iberians and the Franco dictatorship.
Alternatively, you can ride the cable car that leads to Montjuïc for elevated views across the city. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring its picturesque gardens, museums, and 17th-century fortress, or return to Platja de la Barceloneta for a swim. After enjoying the buzzing atmosphere of this urban beach, enjoy the final meal of your Spanish vacation at one of the seafood restaurants or tapas bars nearby.
