Look no further for the perfect city to stop on a summer trip to Europe – where Miami meets the heart of Catalonia. From starting the morning getting lost along the cobblestone streets of the Gothic Quarter, relaxing in the afternoon sun on the beach with sangria and a siesta, to dancing until dawn at the beachside Barceloneta clubs. This post groups together my favorite experiences to help form your perfect day while visiting Barcelona.

TravelingKT – Barcelona Guide for a printout / screenshot version of this guide for easy reference during your travels and check out A Perfect Meal in Barcelona for how to find the perfect tapas, tacos, and paella while in town.

• Las Ramblas + Mercado de La Boqueria + Barceloneta Beach Day
  • Start your day with a coffee and stroll along the famous Las Ramblas street.  
  • Stop in the open-air market hall along your walk, La Boqueria, and pick up picnic supplies to take to the beach (think Jamón ibérico + manchego cones, fresh fruit, smoothies, spices, oils, candies) – make sure you have Euros. 
  • Continue your walk down Las Ramblas to Barceloneta along a winding pedestrian footpath along the water to the city’s public beach area.  If you are craving tapas + cocktails, check out beachside Bo Kapp (they will also offer beachside service to your towel).  If you are craving paella, check out Barraca on the beach (just remember, Barcelona is not famous for paella/paella is from the south of Spain).

• Gothic Quarter + Born Neighborhood + Picasso Museum
  • Start your day with brunch at Milk (book ahead) in the Gothic Quarter and then get lost exploring the cobblestone narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and eclectic shops. 
  • Stop by the Barcelona Cathedral (free entry) Gaudi’s funeral was held here, and there is a museum dedicated to his life next door.  Remember to cover your knees and shoulders.
  • Located adjacent to the Gothic Quarter, wander over to the Born trendy neighborhood. Visit the Picasso Museum (free on Sunday afternoons) and enjoy meandering past the various shops and restaurants.   At the edge of the neighborhood is a spacious green park Parc de la Ciutadella worth the visit, especially for the famous sites Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona and Cascada Monumental located in the park.

• Sagrada Familia + Sunset @ Park Guell
  • No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a day dedicated to touring Gaudí’s masterpieces. Book tickets in advance for entry to La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.  Aim to visit Park Guell at sunset (check time and book the specific time slot) for beautiful views of the various art architecture and the city. You must enter the park within 30 minutes of your ticket slot time, but can stay as long as you’d like once inside.

• Perfect Night Out
  • After dinner, head to Espit Chupitos, a bar famous for different types of shots with funny names and stories, or Dow Jones, the famous ‘stock market bar’ where drink prices flux based on demand. 
  • Then, walk down Barceloneta to Room for a pre-game with fishbowls and people-watching. Then, walk over to the multiple clubs outlining the edge of Barceloneta beach where the party continues until dawn – Opium and Pacha. Promoters will be gathered outside starting around 11pm to usher you in with various drink deals (including both girls + guys). If wearing sandals, make sure they have a backstrap!