Barcelona in a day

Barcelona in a day

Visiting Barcelona in one day is a challenge. There’s actually so much to see in such a short time. From Gaudi’s architecture to the magic of the Gothic area, from the big and crowded boulevards of the new city to the old little streets in the Born Area. There’s many websites offering activities to do in Barcelona and tips on what to see but none of them seem to deal with the main issue: How to discover Barcelona in one day?

Picture by Sam Ross (The Hammock Hombre)

There are three main things you should see in Barcelona to get close to the sentence: “Yes, I’ve been in Barcelona“. Those are The Gothic area, the Gaudi buildings and the beach-born quarter. My recommendation is to start early in the morning with a typical Catalan breakfast based on “Xocolata amb xurros“. Don’t know what it is? It is hot chocolate with a fried pasta that you dip in the chocolate. The best place for this are the little bakeries in Carrer de Petritxol in the city center.

Visit the charming Gothic Quarter

After taking a traditional Catalan breakfast, you can visit what I consider the authentic Barcelona: Barri Gotic.

This is the oldest part of Barcelona and completely different from the rest of Barcelona. I’ve been living here all my life and I still get to discover new streets every day. This quarter is like a puzzle. Don’t try to know where you are all the time. Just let yourself get lost. Believe me, it’s the best way to walk the area even if you only are spending one day in Barcelona! Try to find Church of Santa Maria del Pi with one of the oldest rose windows in Europe. Visit the old synagogue and the ancient Jewish neighborhood, as well as the Barcelona Cathedral – also known as Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia – both from the front and the back, you’ll see they are very different!

The Artistic area: El Born

You only have one day in Barcelona but I really think that the beach area deserves a quick visit. So after the Gothic quarter, you can move to the Born Quarter where you’ll find the Picasso Museum (that you might want to visit the next time you come) and Santa Maria del Mar, the most beloved church in the city. This is the artistic area, so you’ll probably see eccentric artists or designers around; they are part of the landscape of el Born. You will also have the chance to feel the Catalan National Spirit in “Fossar de les Moreres”, our memorial plaza for the soldiers who fought against Spain and France in 1714.

Eat some authentic Paella

It’s time for lunch! I hope you’ve all heard about our Spanish Paella. What you may not know is that the one that we like in Barcelona is the seafood one. There’s no better place to taste one than the beach “xiringuitos” of Barcelona. However, as a local, let me give you a tip on this. Don’t go to the restaurants in the main line of the sea, the ones that have pictures of the food or the ones where the waiters speak perfect English. Trust me, get lost in the little streets and find the typical Catalan sailor’s restaurant. It won’t be fancy but it will have the best and the most authentic paella you’ll ever eat!

Admire Gaudi’s creations

After a great lunch with a Sangria of Cava (yes, we prefer “champagne” sangria rather than wine one in Barcelona…) It’s time to see the second must in Barcelona: Antoni Gaudi’s works of art. This great architect changed the face of Barcelona in the late 1800’s and beginning of the 20th century. Of course, not everybody likes his style. In fact it keeps causing scandals all over town but if you want to feel the soul of Barcelona, you have to visit his houses Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, and of course the Sagrada Familia!

Barcelona in a day is actually possible! If you follow my suggestions, you obviously will do a lot of walking but you will get to see Barcelona in a day and its great landmarks. You will get to see the important places while still living the city like locals do! Fun is guaranteed! You will bring back home great stories to tell and photos of the most charming areas of Barcelona!

Contact us for further information, and we will make sure you will have the best time of your life in Barcelona! See you soon!