Barcelona Tourist Guide

Last Updated: 25th May 2017

In day 1 of our Barcelona tourist guide, we took you on a tour of some the best sights in the city, covering Las Ramblas, the Gothic Cathedral and El Born. But, of course, there is so much more to see! In Day 2 of our journey, we’ll take you on a stroll to see some fantastic architecture, delicious food, and spectacular views of the extraordinary city.

Day 2

Let’s kick off Day 2 of the tour in the Eixample district and visit some of the most famous works by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

9:30am

Begin with breakfast at Forn de Sant Jaume on Rambla de Catalunya, 50. This delightful café offers a selection of Catalan pastry treats to wash down with delicious tea, coffee or thick Spanish hot chocolate.

10:30am

Keep walking up the Rambla de Catalunya until you reach the Diagonal metro station, then turn towards the grand Passeig de Gràcia where you will soon see one of Gaudí’s stunning successes: Casa Milà. Originally designed as a spiritual symbol and otherwise known as La Pedrera, meaning The Quarry, this awe-inspiring apartment building was completed in 1912. With its unconventional architectural design and wave-like balconies, this truly is one of Barcelona’s ‘must-see’ attractions. Head up to the roof to explore the magnificent views of Eixample.

Casa Batlló Barcelona

11:30am

Stroll for about 5 minutes down Passeig de Gràcia to view another of Barcelona’s treasures: Casa Batlló. This building was restored with a modernist design by Gaudí in 1906 with inspiration from living things. The outside balconies are made to look like skulls and bones, and the interior takes inspiration from mythical reptiles and fish. Take an audio tour of this colorful structure to learn more about Gaudí’s thoughts while designing it, and explore its mosaic features which tend to avoid straight lines in a typical Gaudí style.

12:30pm

A visit to Barcelona would not be complete without seeing Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece: the Sagrada Familia basilica. Take the metro line 2 from the Passeig de Gràcia station, getting off at Sagrada Familia. Upon emerging from the metro station, you will immediately be astonished by Gaudí’s most famous work, which was started in 1882, and through continuing restorations, has yet to be completed. Take a tour of the amazing ceilings and stained glass windows inside the church before you are lifted up to the top via elevator to experience one of the most spectacular views of the city.

2pm

For lunch we recommend Cal Boter on Carrer de Tordera 62, just a short walk from the Sagrada Familia. This wonderful restaurant was founded in 1986 and offers mouth-watering grilled meat and vegetable dishes as well as a variety of Catalan specialities.

3.30pm

After lunch, it is time to proceed to Montjuïc – the hill that overlooks all of Barcelona and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Take the metro line 2 from the Sagrada Familia station and get off at Paral-lel, changing on to the Funicular de Montjuïc. The historic castle of Montjuïc, which was once a fort of defense for the city and later a military prison, is located at the very top of the hill and can be reached easily by taking the cable car nearby. The castle is now free of charge to enter and an awesome sight for those interested in military history. Other must-sees at Montjuïc include the Poble Espanyol open-air museum and the Fundació de Joan Miró museum of modern art.

5.00pm

Next, let’s head back down the hill to Barcelona’s picturesque marina: Port Vell. Take the funicular train back to the Paral-lel stop and take the metro line 3, getting off at Drassanes. From here, you can walk down the end of the Ramblas and along Passeig de Colom into Port Vell, which, after an extensive urban renewal project, is now a main focal point of the city. It is home to the biggest aquarium in Europe with over 8000 fish and 11 sharks, and also boasts plenty of bars, shops and restaurants, many of which are located around the large Maremagnum shopping center. Enjoy the walk and explore around a bit, taking in the seaside, beautiful boats and Catalan culture all around.

Let’s end the day in La Barceloneta with a beautiful beachside dinner. Amble on down the Passeig de Joan de Borbó to Barcelona’s beach neighbourhood. We recommend Sal Cafe located at on Paseo Marítimo de la Barceloneta, for a variation of everything under the sun. From Mediterranean to Japanese to American hamburgers, Sal Café is sure to have something for everyone in your group. You can enjoy the views of the Olympic port, the yachts in the marina, and the sunset while eating your last meal in Barcelona.

If you would like to try out some more of Barcelona’s nightlife, we highly recommend spending some time in the Port Olímpic area, just a ten minute walk down the coast from La Barceloneta. Shôko, Club Catwalk and Opium Mar are some of the most popular hot-spots in Barcelona for both locals and tourists.

Now that you know where to go and how to successfully enjoy your 2 day stay, it’s time to find your accommodation! From beach apartments in Barcelona to Eixample apartments; from Ramblas apartments in Barcelona to apartments in El Born – wherever you choose to stay for your Barcelona trip, you can find a variety of rentals that are well-connected to all of the attractions listed in our tourist guide. Check online at Apartment Barcelona for some fantastic special offers and last minute deals and find your perfect Barcelona apartment at the best price!