48 hours in Barcelona | practical itinerary

Barcelona is one of the most artistic cities in Spain, and in fact, one of the most artistic in Europe. Almost everywhere you look, you can see works by Antoni Gaudí (I'll tell you more about him soon), and every stroll through the streets and neighborhoods will amaze you with the architecture. To help you make the most of your time in the city, I've put together this 48-hour itinerary for Barcelona.

Besides being an artistic city, Barcelona is a vibrant, lively, gastronomic, and exciting destination! Many people even compare it to Brazilian cities, saying that Barcelona resembles Rio de Janeiro while Madrid is more like São Paulo. The best way to decide is to visit both and then message me with your thoughts!

Before I tell you what to do in 48 hours in Barcelona, let me introduce you to Antoni Gaudí, an icon of the city. He was an architect responsible for Catalan Modernism, and his most famous work, the Sagrada Familia, is still unfinished. Gaudí died in 1926, but his legacy continues to live on in Spain.

How to get there

Barcelona is located in the Catalonia region of Spain and is the country’s second-most populous city (the first is Madrid). Like most major European cities, Barcelona has an international airport, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, commonly known as El Prat. It serves not only the city but also the entire Catalonia region.

If you’re traveling from Brazil, you can take a direct flight with Iberia, the Spanish airline. However, if you’re already in Europe and want to arrive by plane, you can fly with a low-cost airline like Ryanair or Vueling (which is based in Barcelona). If you prefer to arrive by land, you can travel by car or bus.

What to do in 48 hours in Barcelona

The first thing you need to know before checking out my suggestions for enjoying 48 hours in Barcelona is that two days are not enough to see everything. But can you cover the basics? Yes, you can! That said, I recommend staying for 4 to 5 days to visit the attractions more leisurely and even enjoy some time at the beach.

Sagrada Familia

This is the city’s postcard landmark and can be seen from multiple locations. It’s a grand monument that remains incomplete to this day, with Gaudí beginning work on it in 1883.

Opening hours: Hours vary depending on the time of year. From November to February, it is open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and on Sundays from 10:30 AM to 6 PM. In March and October, it operates Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM, and on Sundays from 10:30 AM to 7 PM. From April to September, it is open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays from 10:30 AM to 8 PM.

Entrance fee: €19.30

Parc Güell

Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, this park is considered one of the most important Modernist works in the world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a must-visit on your 48-hour Barcelona itinerary.

Opening hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Entrance fee: €10

Arc de Triomf

A stunning monument that you don’t have to spend anything to see. You can combine a visit here with a stroll through the El Raval neighborhood and then head to Barceloneta Beach.

Casa Batlló

Another beautiful work by Gaudí. Casa Batlló is located on Passeig de Gràcia and can be visited along with Casa Milà and Plaça de Catalunya.

Opening hours: 9 AM to 8:15 PM, with the last entry at 7:15 PM. Note: It is recommended to allow one hour for your visit.

Entrance fee: Starting at €35

National Art Museum of Catalonia

This is the ideal place for those who want to learn more about Catalan art. The museum houses works from the 10th to the 20th century, featuring artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, Gaudí, Casas, Torres-García, Julio González, Dalí, and Picasso.

Opening hours: From October to April, it is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sundays and holidays from 10 AM to 3 PM. From May to September, it operates Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sundays and holidays from 10 AM to 3 PM. Note: Closed on Mondays, except for holidays.

Entrance fee: €12. Money-saving tip: Entry is free every Saturday after 3 PM and on the first Sunday of each month.

Montjuïc

Another free attraction you can visit in 48 hours in Barcelona. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and visit various sites, including the Olympic Ring.

Camp Nou

To wrap up my suggestions for what to do in 48 hours in Barcelona, I recommend visiting FC Barcelona’s legendary stadium. It is located a bit further from the touristy areas but is easily accessible by metro.

If you're a football fan, it's worth visiting this UEFA five-star-rated stadium. Also, when planning your trip, check if your dates align with a match.

That was my 48-hour Barcelona itinerary! I hope it helps you experience the essentials of the city! If you can stay longer, do it! Still have questions about the destination? Leave them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you soon!

Kisses and see you soon!