Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, located right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea - and with all that the city has to offer it's not hard to see why! Read below for our recommendations on how to best spend a day in Barcelona to make the most out of your trip.
1. Rent a Bike
This whole itinerary can be done on foot, but if you didn't pack your walking shoes or just want to save a little time, you can rent a bike for the day and scoot around the city! There are many local businesses to choose from and your most convenient option will likely just be whatever is closest to your accommodations, but if you're at a loss Via Vespa Barcelona is located centrally near the Picasso Museum and Barcelona beaches.
Rentals are offered for as little as two hours or as long as a full week, and include a helmet & lock along with your vehicle. Via Vespa also offers electric rental options for a more sustainable way to get around the city.
2. Visit Barcelona's Beaches
Barcelona is lined with dozens of beaches on its Mediterranean coast - and two of its most popular, Barceloneta and Sant Miquel, are just a short ride away from Via Vespa! Though the city might be crowded, the beaches are spacious enough that you'll be able to find your own spot. You can sun bathe, paddle board, rent kayaks, snorkel, join a pick-up volley ball game, enjoy the day's sand sculptures, wade in the Mediterranean, grab a cocktail, the list goes on - there's always something to do in this part of the city!
If you want to head to a quieter beach, or are just in the mood to peruse the coastline, follow the beach promenade towards Port Olímpic - the city's marina that hosted the sailing competitions of the 1992 Olympic Games. The farther along you walk, the less crowded the shores should get.
3. Eat at El Bosc de Les Fades
Heading south along the coastline towards La Rambla, a block up from the Passeig de Colom near the Columbus Monument, is an unforgettable little tapas restaurant: El Bosc de Les Fades. Aptly named, the interior of El Bosc imitates a fairy forest, laden with fake trees and lighting that portrays changing weather as you enjoy a light meal or some drinks.
Some popular tapas to ask for while in town are croquetas, churros, montaditos, and bombas! Qué delicioso :)
4. Visit the Picasso Museum
Just a short walk from El Bosc is a more well-known stop: the Picasso Museum! For copyright reasons we can't share photos of the collections, but it holds some great classics - including Las Meninas, Picasso's interpretation of Diego Velázquez's renowned original. General admission tickets to the museum are 12 euros ($13.50 USD). If it aligns with your trip dates, you can also tour the museum for free on the first Sunday of each month or on Thursday afternoons from 4pm-7pm. You can also check their website for "Open Door" days where entrance fees are waived all day.
5. Visit Ciutadella Park
The Parc de la Ciutadella is a massive public park in the heart of Barcelona, spanning over 17 hectares and brimming with beautiful greenery amidst the city's crowded streets. A bit of an "outdoor museum," Ciutadella features several sculptures and historic sites - including the Parliament building and city zoo.
The park is also home to beautifully crafted fountains and waterfalls, and even a small lake where you can rent row boats! A truly great way to step out of the hustle & bustle of Barcelona from within it.
Rental boats are only six euros for a 30 minute excursion (paid for on-site as boats become available) and admission to the park is free.
6. Visit the Arc de Triomf
Just a five minute walk from the Parc de la Ciutadella up the Passeig de Lluís Companys you'll come to another one of Barcelona's landmarks: the Arc de Triomf. Built in 1888, the Arc de Triomf was made to be a "gateway" into the Parc de la Ciutadella, where Spain hosted its first World's Exposition - a fair that welcomed innovators from around the globe to come and share their latest ideas to an international audience.
The Arc de Triomf was designed by Josep Vilaseca and has no admission fee.
7. Tour La Sagrada Familia
An unmissable tourist stop in Barcelona, be sure to buy your tickets to La Sagrada Familia in advance. First started in 1882, this famous basilica is slated to be completed in 2026 after 144 years of construction - the grand culmination of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí's imagination. Every corner - and I mean every little crevice - of this building was intricately designed and paid attention to. If Gaudí isn't your favorite architect going into the tour, he sure will be by the end of it.
If you're craving more Gaudí after your visit at La Sagrada Familia ends, you can also check out Park Güell on Carmel Hill. his is the best one day in Barcelona hands down.
8. Explore Barcelona
Last but not least, the best way to see any city is to wander around it! Barcelona has tons of backstreets, street art, and hidden gems to stumble upon. Let us know your best finds in the comments below!
Is Barcelona just one stop of many on your tour through Spain?
Check out our travel guide for Seville next!
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One day in Barcelona would be tough! I spent a week there and feel I only got to scratch the surface! But I like the suggestions you gave.
Barcelona is one of my favorite cities! I love visiting La Sagrada Familia, checking out the beaches and also eating all the great food. Next time I really need to check out the Picasso Museum, I ran out of time on my last trip and I was so disappointed.
Barcelona is still on my list. Must be a great way to explore Barcelona on a bike! The Picasso Miseum and Ciutadella Park are on my list. Can’t wait to see it!
This sounds like such a great way to spend one day in Barcelona! I've yet to visit Barcelona, but I've heard La Sagrada Familia is fantastic. I can't wait to see it when I visit one day!
I must visit the tapas restaurant: El Bosc de Les Fades.on my next visit to Barcelona!