Eixample
A good base for five days: well connected and close to the Sagrada Família and Passeig de Gràcia, with plenty of restaurants and hotels of every kind.
Itinerary · Barcelona
Barcelona in 5 Days: Day-by-Day Itinerary
A 5-day Barcelona itinerary with Gaudí, the old town, Park Güell, Montjuïc, Tibidabo and a day trip to Montserrat, planned day by day at a comfortable pace.
- 5days
- 17stops
- 9Areas
This 5-day itinerary extends the classic Barcelona route with a fourth day in the hills and parks, and keeps the fifth for leaving the city. The first three days cover the essentials: Gaudí and the Eixample, the old town and the waterfront, and Park Güell, Gràcia and Montjuïc. The fourth adds the Palau de la Música, the Ciutadella and the views from Collserola, and the fifth is a day trip to Montserrat.
From El Prat airport you have several options. The Aerobús leaves from T1 and T2 and reaches Plaça Catalunya in about 35 minutes. The L9 Sud metro connects both terminals to the network and requires the specific airport ticket. The Rodalies R2 Nord train leaves from T2 for Sants and Passeig de Gràcia; from T1 you reach it by the free shuttle bus.
Tips
- A multi-journey transport card pays off if you travel by metro and bus every day.
- Keep an eye on your bag and phone on La Rambla, on the metro and in the most touristy spots: pickpockets are common.
- Book the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Gaudí’s houses and the Palau de la Música in advance, especially in high season.
- Lunch is late, around two o’clock, and dinner starts from nine. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
- For Montserrat, set off early: the monastery and the train fill up around mid-morning, and it is worth taking comfortable shoes and water.
- Visits to Tibidabo and the Bunkers del Carmel depend on the weather; if it is foggy or rainy, swap the order of the days.
Day 1
Gaudí and the Eixample
Sagrada Família
Eixample
Gaudí's basilica, still under construction, is the city's great icon. Book your ticket in advance and try to get in first thing, when it is less crowded and the light through the stained glass is at its prettiest.
Hospital de Sant Pau
Eixample
A Modernista complex by Domènech i Montaner, a ten-minute walk along Avinguda de Gaudí. It is much quieter than the Sagrada Família, and its decorated pavilions can be explored at a leisurely pace.
Casa Batlló
Eixample
One of Gaudí's most famous houses, right on Passeig de Gràcia. You can admire the façade from the pavement, but inside the light well and the roof terrace are the highlights.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera)
Eixample
A few minutes' walk away, its roof terrace of sculptural chimneys makes a fitting finale to the day. Afterwards, take a relaxed stroll along Passeig de Gràcia at dusk.
Day 2
Barri Gòtic, El Born and Barceloneta
Barri Gòtic
Ciutat Vella
The old town brings together the cathedral, Plaça de Sant Jaume and medieval alleyways just steps from La Rambla. A guided tour helps you understand the history of each corner and keeps you from getting lost in the streets.
La Rambla and La Boqueria market
Ciutat Vella
La Rambla is more of a promenade than a destination, and you should look after your belongings. At La Boqueria, you are better off buying fruit or juices than sitting down to eat at the most touristy stalls.
El Born and Museu Picasso
El Born
Narrow streets, small shops and the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. The Museu Picasso occupies several medieval palaces and fills up early, so book an afternoon slot.
Barceloneta
Barceloneta
End the day by the sea, with a walk along the beach and the port. For dinner, look for a rice or seafood restaurant in the inner streets of the neighbourhood.
Day 3
Park Güell, Gràcia and Montjuïc
Park Güell
Gràcia
Gaudí's Modernista park has colourful mosaics and views over the whole city. Access to the monumental zone is limited, so book in advance and arrive early.
Gràcia neighbourhood
Gràcia
Walking down from the park, you reach a neighbourhood with a village feel, squares with café terraces and local shops. It is a good place for lunch without the crowds of the centre.
Montjuïc and MNAC
Montjuïc
The hill brings together museums, gardens and viewpoints over the port. The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is housed in the Palau Nacional, and its terrace offers one of the best views in the city.
Montjuïc Castle and Font Màgica
Montjuïc
Take the cable car up to the castle for the sunset, then head down to the Font Màgica, whose light and water show runs on specific days and times that are worth checking beforehand.
Day 4
Palau de la Música, Ciutadella and the Collserola Hills
Palau de la Música Catalana
Sant Pere
Another Modernista gem, with a concert hall covered in stained glass and mosaics. It is visited on a guided ticket, which is worth booking, and if you can attend a concert the experience is even better.
Parc de la Ciutadella
El Born
The big park in the centre is ideal for a break mid-day. It has a pond with rowing boats, the monumental fountain and the Parlament de Catalunya at one end.
Bunkers del Carmel
El Carmel
A 360-degree viewpoint over the city and the sea, built on old anti-aircraft shelters. Go up in time for the sunset, and bring water and a layer in case it is windy.
Tibidabo
Collserola
The highest peak in the Collserola range offers sweeping views and a century-old amusement park. You get there on the blue tram and the funicular; the view from the top makes the journey worthwhile.
Day 5 · Day trip
Montserrat
Montserrat
Montserrat is an hour from the city. Take the R5 train from Plaça Espanya to Monistrol or Aeri de Montserrat station, then go up to the monastery by rack railway or cable car. There you can see the Moreneta, walk the trails with views and have something to eat in the area before heading back.
Barcelona
Where to stay in Barcelona
Barri Gòtic and El Born
For sleeping right in the old town and doing everything on foot. It is lively at night, so choose your street carefully if noise bothers you.
Gràcia
A good choice if you prefer a neighbourhood atmosphere, with squares and bars, without giving up a quick metro connection to the centre.
Itinerary · Barcelona
More Barcelona itineraries
3 days
Barcelona in 3 days
- Day 1 Gaudí and the Eixample
- Day 2 Barri Gòtic, El Born and Barceloneta
- Day 3 Park Güell, Gràcia and Montjuïc
7 days
Barcelona in 7 days
- Day 1 Gaudí and the Eixample
- Day 2 Barri Gòtic, El Born and Barceloneta
- Day 3 Park Güell, Gràcia and the Bunkers del Carmel
- Day 4 Montjuïc and Poble-sec
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
Is a day trip to Montserrat worth it on a 5-day trip?
Yes, it is one of the easiest and most varied excursions. It has scenery, a monastery and trails, and can be done in a day without hiring a car.
How should I arrange the 5 days so I don't get tired?
Alternate intense days with quieter ones: Gaudí and the hills take more walking, while Gràcia, the Ciutadella or the beach give you a breather.
Do I need a transport card for this itinerary?
It is very useful. You will be using the metro and buses daily, and the slopes of Montjuïc and Collserola are easier with public transport.
Photo credits
- Sagrada Família: Canaan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Casa Batlló: ChristianSchd, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Thomas Ledl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Barri Gòtic: Llull, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Park Güell: essetefano, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Montjuïc: Fabio Alessandro Locati, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons