Can you really visit Barcelona for just one day, and if so, how much of the city can you see?
Many tourists visit the resorts such as Salou, Sitges and Tossa de Mar and consider visiting Barcelona for a day. In this blog, we take a look at if it is worthwhile visiting Barcelona for a day, and if so, how much can you possibly see in such a short time. Keep reading, and we will explain how you can see many of the best attractions in Barcelona in just a few hours.
One thing is for sure, if you decide to visit Barcelona for a day, you will need to plan well. Think of it as a military style operation, and plan each part of the day with absolute precision. Below, we have provided the must-do of getting to and from the city as effortlessly as possible.
- Plan a start point in Barcelona for your day trip, and try to arrive as close as possible to where you will visit first. An example of this is if you want to visit La Rambla or the Gothic Quarter first, try to arrive at Placa Catalyuna. By arriving at this central square, you will be a few minutes walk from the historic sights of the Gothic Quarter.
- A, B and then C. Plan your first place to visit and make sure you know how to move on to the next place you are going to visit. Plan which metro station you need to find to get to your next place of interest. Make sure you have the metro line number you need to take and understand which stations you may have to change trains.
- When you arrive at your next place to visit, it is important to research getting from the metro station to the attraction you wish to visit. Use Google Maps to help you work out how you get from the metro station to the place of interest you want to visit. Getting lost or taking the wrong street will waste valuable time.
- Start your day’s itinerary with the places you really want to visit placed first on the list. Time really passes quickly exploring Barcelona, and you may not be able to visit all the places you planned to see. It may sound obvious, but I know people who didn’t have time to visit the iconic Sagrada Família.
So plan everything in advance. Make sure you are decisive on exactly where you want to visit. Plan the route well in between places and work out how you will get from one place to another. Make sure you visit the places that interest you the most first. Good planning and research will save you time. When you save time, you will be able to see much more visiting one day in Barcelona.
What To See Do In Just One Day
What you choose to see and do when you are just a few hours in Barcelona depends on your interest. Many visitors to will want to see the Sagrada Família and other Gaudí attractions. I recommend all visitors that enjoy Gaudí’s modernist buildings to visit The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batllo. These Gaudi attractions should be at the top of your list to visit on your day trip to Barcelona. If you find yourself exploring La Rambla, nearby Güell Palace is a must-visit Gaudí essential.
If the popular Gaudí attractions that Barcelona is famous for don’t interest you, you can simply explore the city. Many visitors that spend a day in Barcelona enjoy the feel of the city. If you love being part of Barcelona and wish to explore the city, here are some suggestions. A great place to start your one day in Barcelona is at Placa Catalyuna. Walking down from Placa Catalyuna you will be on the famous La Rambla street. Just left of La Rambla will take you in to the historic Gothic Quarter where you will find the Roman Ruins, Barcelona Cathedral, Placa Sant Juame and many narrow streets. Heading from the Gothic Quarter in to El Born district, you can visit the Picasso Museum. Another 10-minute walk, you will arrive at Ciutadella Park and Barcelona Zoo. The Arc de Triomf monument is also a few minutes from Ciutadella Park.
So, Is It Worth Visiting Barcelona For A Day Trip?
Absolutely! One day in Barcelona is better than not visiting this unique city. Follow our tips above and plan your day carefully, and you will find you can see so much in just one day. You can view all the attractions of Barcelona by downloading our free Barcelona travel guide app. Even a few hours in Barcelona, you can have a great time soaking up the city’s vibe. Of course, the best amount of time needed to explore Barcelona would be around three days. However, just a few hours in Barcelona will provide a lifetime of memories.
