When visiting Barcelona, travelers usually fly into the El Prat Airport, which is placed 13km from the city center. Fortunately, the airport offers direct access to Barcelona by both train and bus. The Aerobus runs between 5 and 10 minutes and can be caught from outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You can also opt for the RENFE train service, which runs approximately every 30 minutes to the city center. 

Best Things To Do In 24 Hours In Barcelona, Spain

Park Güell: A picturesque park that is spread within more than 17 hectares. Bonus? Well, Park Güell sits atop Carmel Hill and happens to offer the most amazing views of the city! 

Casa Batlló: Another must-visit Gaudi masterpiece is Casa Batlló, with its colorful stained glass windows and quaint curvy shapes.

La Sagrada Família: A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005. With 18 monumental spires rising grandly above the city’s landscape, the basilica has been under construction since 1882 and is Barcelona’s most visited landmark. From its luscious exterior walls, which are heavily ornate, to its whimsical colorful interiors that evoke a forest, everything about La Sagrada Família is magical. 

Barri Gòtic: For uncovering the secrets of Medieval Barcelona, immerse yourself in the historic Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), located in the Ciutat Vella district. While roaming around its narrow cobblestoned streets, you’ll be able to spot remnants of ancient Roman buildings, medieval walls, and neo-Gothic constructions. 

Las Ramblas: A lovely tree-lined pedestrian street that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus Monument, at Port Vell. During your tour, just don’t forget to drop by the Mercado de La Boqueria, a large public market filled with food stalls that will surely captivate your senses.

Best Things To Do In One Week In Barcelona, Spain

Palau de la Música Catalana: One of the finest samples of Catalan Art Nouveau designed by Lluís Domènech I Montaner.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Placed in Passeig de Gràcia, this is the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí.

La Barceloneta Beach: Tucked away into the fishing quarter of the same name, Barceloneta, this 422 meters long-beach is a welcoming retreat for both locals and travelers who are seeking to spend a day under the sun. It can’t get any better than that!

Joan Miró Foundation: This museum houses the largest collection of works by the Catalan artist.

Pablo Picasso Museum: The Pablo Picasso Museum features 4,251 works exhibited by the Spanish painter.

Travel to the city from March to June, and September to October. During this time of year, the pleasant weather will help you experience the finest attractions in Barcelona! 

Barcelona Carnival (February): This event lasts for an entire week and features colorful parades, masked balls, firework shows, and even… orange fights, which are actually quite fun! 

April Fair (April): This is Catalonia’s own version of the Seville Fair, the most colorful festival of all Spain! 

La Xampanyeria: To sample the best traditional local tapas, head over to La Xampanyeria and order: “Croquetas i una ampolla de cava rosa, si us plau!”.

Thai Zaap: For a Thai dinner loaded with fresh vegetables and spices, go to the Thai Zaap restaurant and order their roast duck with tamarind sauce and broccoli. 

Carlota Akaneya: Craving some Japanese-inspired flavors? Then Carlota Akaneya, a Japanese BBQ sleek and modern eatery is the place to be!

Magic Fountain show: A unique water and light spectacle that happens below the Palau Nacional, on the Montjuïc Mountain. A truly memorable experience for the entire family!

Tibidabo Amusement Park: Perfectly placed in the Collserola Ridge, the Tibidabo Amusement Park features a rollercoaster that carries visitors more than 500m above sea level as fast as 80kph.

Aquarium Barcelona: After an adventure-packed day in Tibidabo, a great idea is to take the kids to the Aquarium Barcelona, where they can see over 10,000 animals from 450 species, including sharks, rays, and other large fish.

Girona Day Trip: For a fairy-tale-like setting, head over to the ancient town of Girona, or to the medieval walled town of Montblanc. 

Sitges Day Trip: For some well-deserved time by the sea, plan a trip to Sitges a coastal town stippled with turquoise-water Mediterranean beaches.