Heading to the Catalonian capital for a city break and wondering how best to start planning your trip? Well, worry not, because along with our remarkable homes in Barcelona, we here at Plum Guide have also got some pretty remarkable advice on how to spend your time in the city. Read on for our expertly crafted take on a Barcelona itinerary – 4 days of fun, sun and sangria. What more could one possibly need? Here is exactly how to spend four days in Barcelona.
Day 1: Enjoy an adventurous day out
Day 2: Admire the art at the Picasso Museum
Day 3: Browse the markets before hitting the beach
Day 4: Visit a museum before enjoying some opera
Fronds & Tranquillity, Plum Guide home in Barcelona, Spain
Day 1: Enjoy an adventurous day out
Morning: Head to La Sagrada Familia
A view of La Sagrada Familia behind green trees from an adjacent garden on a sunny day, Barcelona, Spain
Once you’ve awoken in your glorious Plum apartment and enjoyed breakfast, it’s time to go and see Barcelona’s most famous sight - La Sagrada Familia. This gigantic, unfinished masterpiece is the ideal start to a Barcelona itinerary of 4 days. Just don’t forget to buy your tickets online beforehand, or you’ll be staring down the glowering faces of your kids as they wait in the queue.
Afternoon: Take a trip to Tibidabo Amusement Park
A white ferris wheel with different coloured seats on a sunny day at the Tibidabo Amusement Park, Barcelona, Spain
For lunch, Caldeni is nearby and is run by a chef who published a book about the art of cooking different kinds of meat. Need we say more? Next up this afternoon, we’re sending you to get a different perspective on the city - you’re going to the funfair (and you’re allowed to get all the candy floss you want). At the top of one of Barcelona’s biggest hills is the Tibidabo Amusement Park, equipped with the best view of the city and the kind of fairground rides you remember from your childhood. Hitch a ride on the vintage blue tram up the hill and go straight for the candy-coloured big wheel. Looking for things to do in Barcelona with children? This is a great option for them (that you'll no doubt love too).
The Golden Globes, Plum Guide home in Barcelona
Evening: Treat yourself to some paella
Once you’ve recovered from the excitement of the afternoon, it’s paella time. While no local would be caught dead eating the famous rice dish after lunchtime (there’s a superstitious belief that the body can’t digest rice at night), we give you permission – and trust us, Can Solé in La Barceloneta is the place to go. Very traditional, with a fun atmosphere and an open kitchen so you can see the action, you’ll gasp when the heaping serving of saffron-yellow rice is brought to the table. Then stumble home to your show-stopping Plum home and get a good night’s rest.
Faux Librarian, Plum Guide home in Barcelona
Day 2: Admire the art at the Picasso Museum
Morning: Go for brunch at L’Artesana Poblenou
Dragonfly, Plum Guide home in Barcelona
Enjoy a leisurely lie-in before heading off for a top-notch brunch at L’Artesana Poblenou, serving Catalonia classics with a breakfast twist in the El Poblenou neighbourhood. Order eggs Benedict with shards of bacon whilst sitting on the patio with a cafe con leche in hand. Get you – the second day of your Barcelona itinerary of 4 days and you're already looking like a local.
Next up is the Picasso Museum in Barcelona’s El Born neighbourhood. Your kids would probably rather be playing video games with their friends, but you can't miss the chance to see 4,251 of Picasso’s artworks. Set across five palaces, it has a lot of his earlier work, so you can observe how his style developed.
Afternoon & Evening: Enjoy some shopping, sights and tapas
Gaudí's unique Casa Batlló in L'Eixample district, Barcelona, Spain
It’s time to give that credit card some exercise. Passeig de Gràcia is one of Barcelona’s biggest avenues, and combines architecture and shopping into one easily walkable street. As you walk, you’ll see Gaudí’s wavy apartment block La Pedrera. It’s a quick trip up to the roof to grab that perfect holiday selfie hiding among his soldier-like chimneys. Best holiday ever? We think so. Slightly further down is Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, a glittering, undulating marvel. In between, there are enticing shops for everything under the sun. Buy yourself a holiday present. You earned it.
Tonight, dinner at El Portalón is on the agenda. Order house red wine by the earthenware jug and order as many tapas as your spot at the bar can hold. Finish the evening with a cocktail (or three) at Paradiso, one of the most famous in the city.
Day 3: Browse the markets before hitting the beach
Morning: Spend time at La Boqueria market
Mercado de la Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain
Is that a slight hangover we see? Well, get up, get moving and shake it off because you’re spending the morning at La Boqueria food market. A Barcelona institution, it’s an unmissable stop whether you're a foodie or not. Choose one of the jewel-coloured fresh juices sold by practically every stall and browse until you find something that catches your interest for a late breakfast (which won't take long).
Afternoon & Evening: Work up a tan at Barceloneta Beach
Playa de la Barceloneta beach in the centre of Barcelona, Spain
It’s practically illegal to come to this city without spending some time at its world-famous beach. If you’re feeling energetic, you can view the city from the water on a stand-up paddle board. Though we think the best course of action is to sprawl out on the sand and catch some of that much-needed Spanish sunshine.
Once the sun starts to set, make your way from Barceloneta Beach to one of its many lively xiringuitos (bars) and order some Spanish wine to start your evening. Have little ones in tow? You'll find plenty of family-friendly eateries tucked along the promenade.
Windclass, Plum Guide home in Barcelona
Day 4: Visit a museum before enjoying some opera
Morning: Explore Park Güell
A colourful wall overlooking green trees and buildings in Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain
Dust off any cobwebs hanging around on your last morning of this Barcelona trip by spending a few hours exploring Park Güell. Home to the city’s famous mosaic lizard as well as some incredible views, it’s a great way to round off your trip.
Afternoon: Get your culture fix at the Museu Marítim
For a truly memorable lunch, head to Mont Bar. This chic and well-designed space uses seasonal and organic ingredients to make next-level food. You’ve still got time to squeeze in one more museum before your flight home. The Museu Marítim happens to be one of the finest examples of Catalonian Gothic architecture still standing, as well as an extensive collection of everything nautical.
The Epicurean Spirit, Plum Guide home in Barcelona
Evening: Buy a ticket to the opera
We’ve saved the best until last – it’s time for the opera. Get dressed in your finery and live your Spanish fantasy at the truly breathtaking opera house, the work of Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. A riot of chandeliers and stained glass, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion like a birthday in Barcelona, or the last night of your city break. For a blowout dinner, book a table at the Michelin-star Via Veneto. A favourite of Salvador Dalí's, it's glamorous dining room and refined Catalan cuisine are the perfect endcap to your 4 blissful days in Barcelona.
El Marbre, Plum Guide home in Barcelona
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