Day 1 — Old town: Gothic Quarter, El Born, La Rambla
Start in the historic core, on foot. Get lost in the Barri Gòtic, see the cathedral, then move to El Born (Santa Maria del Mar, Picasso Museum). Walk down La Rambla to the Boqueria market. No transport all day.
Day 2 — Modernism: Sagrada Família, Passeig de Gràcia, Park Güell
A Gaudí day. Start early at the Sagrada Família (morning slot), walk up Passeig de Gràcia (Casa Batlló, La Pedrera), then head to Park Güell late afternoon. Book both in advance or face long queues.
Day 3 — Montjuïc, the sea and Gràcia
In the morning, go up Montjuïc (castle, MNAC, views). In the afternoon: Barceloneta beach or a stroll through Gràcia. In the evening, the Magic Fountain (seasonal).
The logic: group by proximity
The classic mistake: cramming the Sagrada Família, a Gothic museum and Montjuïc into one day — three opposite corners. Put your places on a map and build each day around a cluster. Start by exporting your favourites or pasting your list.
With MyFavsMap you visualise your Barcelona spots and build your 3 days by neighbourhood — you walk instead of chasing the metro.
Practical tips
- Book online the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, with a time slot.
- Early morning for the big sights.
- Metro for long hops (T-casual), on foot within each neighbourhood.
- Pickpockets on La Rambla and the metro: stay alert.
- A 4th day? A trip to Montserrat or Girona.