Barcelona is my favorite city in the world, and living there for three months allowed me to get to know and understand the city. If you're reading this, I probably sent you the link the moment I found out you were traveling there. I hope you fall in love with this city like I did, and I expect to see pictures and hear stories upon your return :)
1) Metro: The metro in Barcelona is outstanding. You can either get a tourist pass for the amount of time you will be in the city, or you can choose from several other options - if you will only be there for a short period of time, I reccommend the tourist pass; if you plan on being there for a longer period of time, I would get the monthly pass (you will most likely only need it for Zone 1, but reach out to me if you opt to go this route and I can help). Note that there is a small fee attached with getting to and from the airport with both of these options.
2) Taxi: Taxis and Ubers are very common around Barcelona, however they can be a little more pricier. I would only reccommend taking taxis when you can't get somewhere easily via the metro.
3) Hop on/off Bus: There are lots of hop on/off busses that will take you to the popular tourist attractions. I would only suggest this option if you only want to see the highlights of the city, as it can be a little limiting on the places it takes you.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with the metro. It is cheap, reliable, fast, and convienent. I would strongly suggest using this form of transportation while in Barcelona.
I've grouped sites and attractions together by proximity. You can do the days or areas in any order, but each day is organized by how someone would see the sites in a walking or logical order. The days are also a little more relaxed, with time to meander and enjoy the city. If you don't have a lot of time to spend in Barcelona, you can combine day one, three, or four together (you will want/need ample time to enjoy day two, so try not to rush that one).
1) Plaça Catalunya: Start the day here. It is a major metro hub, so you will most likely get off the subway here anyway. Spend some time wandering around the sqaure while admiring the flowers and fountains. Then make your way to the start of Las Ramblas.
2) Las Ramblas: This is one of the most famous streets in the city - notorious for not only the shopping, but also the pickpocketing (be aware of your surroundings). Meander your way down the street (making sure to stop at La Boqueria and other places that peak your interest) until you get to the Columbus Monument, where you will be greeted with a view of the port. Next you will be exploring the Gothic Quarter which, if you are looking back up Las Ramblas, will be on the right side of the street.
3) The Gothic Quarter: Although this is the oldest part of the city, it is still just as lively. I loved getting lost in these streets and finding unique cafes, resturants, and shops. Be sure to see Plaça Reial, Plaça de Sant Juame, and the Catedral de Barcelona, but also make sure you spend time getting lost in these streets!
4) Tibidabo: Take the metro up to Tibidabo. Here you will find a beautiful church and a theme park on a mountain overlooking the city. Feel on top of the world at the top of the church and stay for sunet to enjoy the panoramic view of Barcelona.
1) La Sagrada Familia: Start at La Sagrada Familia. This is another huge metro stop, so it's easy to get to. The inside of this chuch is spectacular, and I highly reccomend touring it. Plan to spend some time here; the park surrounding the church is great, and there are plenty of shops and resturants nearby as well.
2) Casa Battó: Hop back on the metro, and head over to Casa Battó. This is another amazing piece designed by Gaudi. I highly reccommend getting tickets to go inside this one as well. It is well worth it!
3) Casa Milà: Walk about 10 minutes up Pg. de Gràcia to Casa Milà to see another house built by Gaudi. I have not had the chance to tour it, and if you are short on time and/or money, this would be the one to skip. However, I have heard great things about it, so if you wish to dive deeper into this architecture style, this would be the day to see it.
4) Casa Vicens: Continue walking another 20 minutes up Pg. de Gràcia in the direction of Casa Vicens - but not too fast. This neighborhood is very eclectic so spend some time wandering off into shops and resturants. Casa Vicens is, in my opinion, the most unique of Gaudi's work. It is a quick and relatively cheap house to tour, so if you have the extra time, I would check it out.
5) Parc Güell: You will have to take a bus from Casa Vicens to Parc Güell, but it is so worth it. This is one of Barcelona's 'postcard' places, and it is so worth it. The architecture and designs within the park are stunning, and the vantage point of the city is breathtaking. It's the perfect spot to end the day and catch the sunset!
1) L'arc de Triomph: This one can be a little difficult to navigate depending on where you're coming from; Apple Maps is amazing at giving directions using public transportation, so make sure you utilze this app. After you've taken your pictures at the Arc, walk down the strip towards Parc de la Ciutadella.
2) Parc de la Ciutadella: The park is quite large, but spend some time here. It's a beautiful park in the middle of a bustling city, and it has a lot to offer. Make sure you stop by the Cascada del Parc de la Ciutadella (the fountain) and the lake - where you can rent a row boat!
3) Pg de Joan de Borbó: Make your way towards Passeig de Joan de Barbó - the street that will take you to the beach. The street is a bustling hub of resturants and ice cream stands. Make your way down the street, sopping for ice cream or a refreshing drink before turing onto Carrer de Pepe Rubianes.
4) The Beach: Continue walking down Carrer de Pepe Rubianes and you will find yourself at the beach - La Barcelonetta! This is a super crowded beach (and all the resturants are over priced), however, meander along the beach boardwalk until you find a nice spot to relax. Be careful about pickpocketers - don't leave your stuff unattended and don't buy drinks/services from the soliciters at the beach. This is also the area where most of the famous clubs are located. Be sure to come back at night to enjoy Barcelona's nightlife!
1) Plaça de Espanya: Start your day off here. This bustling hub is a great area to grab a bite to eat or shop around. Head into Arenas de Barcelona, an old bull fighting rink turned into a mall. Go inside the mall and ride the elevators up to the top floor (they will charge you if you use the elevators outside). You will be rewarded with amazing views of the city.
2) Palace de Montjüic: Next make your way up to the Palace de Montjüic. Walk up the stairs to the top, making sure to stop at the four columns and the fountain.This is a beautiful place to spend time exploring. Side note - there are a few nights each week that the fountain puts on a show. Look up the days/times and try to make it to one of the light shows!
3) Olympic Museum: There is a museum dedicated to the Olympic games that were hosted here in 2002. I never had the chance to check out this museum (and I don't know if this is somewhere I would go out of my way to visit), but it would be a fun spot to visit if you like this kind of stuff.
4) Jardí Botànic de Barcelona: I never had the chance to visit the botanical garden, but it is definitly on my list for the next time I go. It has pretty cheap admissions and great reviews!
5) Castell de Montjüic: This is one of my favorite spots in the whole city; it's a beautiful fortress at the top of the hill. Make sure you go inside the castel, as well as walk around the outside to get a good view of the marina. It's so calm and peaceful up here - a much different vibe than the hustle and bustle of Plaça de Espanya.
6) Telefèric (Barcelona's Cable Car): From the Castell de Montjüic, take the cable car down the mountain. The views are spectacular, and you can easily hop on the metro from the bottom. If you have extra time to spend here, check out the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc - a pool with an AMAZING view of the city.
Bunkers del Carmel: Although a bit tricky to get to, this is a MUST see spot in Barcelona. Head here for sunset and you will not be disappointed.
Sitges: If you have more time in Barcelona, take a day trip to Sitges. This is the cutest beach town on the coast of the Mediterranean sea and only a thirty minute train ride from the city. This was by far one of my favorite places to visit while in Barcelona, and I can't wait until I can visit again.
So there you have it - the best of Barcelona. I hope you fall in love with this city just like I did!