So, I recently went on a solo trip to Barcelona and had the time of my life. You may ask, how is it possible to explore Barcelona in 2 days? The fact is, you can’t do it all at once, but this post is a detailed travel guide and itinerary on how you can explore Barcelona in just 2 days.
For my trip, I took a 7-hour bus trip with FlixBus from Marseille, France to Barcelona Nord, Barcelona. It was my first time with FlixBus and my first road trip to Europe. Honestly, the bus ride was exhausting (for me) but we made stops along the way, the bus had a toilet, and a WiFi (which I didn’t use). Although there were mixed reviews about them, I find them useful if you wish to travel within the Schengen area for less than €80.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Where to stay
- Popular attractions to visit
- Other attractions to visit
- How to get around
- Where to eat
Now, to the travel guide!
To make the most of your visit, I recommend exploring the popular tourist attractions and free activities in Barcelona. Generally, Barcelona is a warm city but this usually depends on the time of the year you are visiting. I visited Barcelona in May and the weather was warm, sunny, with a few drizzles in the afternoon (at least some ladies wore a sun dress).
By May, Barcelona city is populated with tourists, especially around Plaça Catalunya and Barcelona Nord station. In few words of mine, here’s a 2 day travel guide and itinerary in Barcelona:
Further reading: How to Plan The Perfect Trip: A Detailed Guide
1. WHERE TO STAY
Depending on your budget, staying in Barcelona city center might be very pricey. Lodging outside the center of Barcelona is budget friendly and for me, a hostel was a better option because I was solo and it was cheaper.
I stayed at the Inout Hostel, just outskirts of Plaça Catalunya. It is an establishment run by a non-profit organization and includes 10-bed female and 10-bed male dorm rooms. The bathrooms and rooms are cleaned every morning, your belongings are safe, the hostel is gated for security, and the entire team is pleasant and speaks English.
I do recommend this hostel and do well to read the reviews too. Since the public transport system is very good, lodging 10 stops away from Plaça Catalunya was no stress at all.
2. POPULAR ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT
When it comes to traveling, my best travel tip is to take advantage of the free popular attractions and then go for the paid attractions later. This is because if you have 2 days for this trip, it is better to make good use of it and enjoy the city as much as you can.
From my last visit, here are top attractions and for a detailed 2-day travel guide in Barcelona. Keep in mind: the goal is to visit key landmarks.
ARC DE TRIOMF
Similar in structure to the Arc de Triomphe, Paris, is barely 5 minutes away from the Barcelona Nord station. While that of Paris commemorates the French Revolution, the Arc de Triomf, Barcelona, is a city landmark previously built as a gateway to the World Fair in 1888.
Take note of the miniscule difference in their name: ‘f’ for Barcelona, and ‘phe’ for Paris.
CASA MILA AND FLORA
Now a UNESCO heritage site since 1984, La Pedrera was the last residence designed by Antoni Gaudi. Right in front of this stone structure is ‘Flora’ – a huge white 7.5m tall and 2.5 tonnes edifice – and sculpted in 2021 by Jaume Plensa.
Further reading: 47+ Travel Hacks and Tips for A Perfect Trip
You will find hundreds of tourists across the street taking pictures of the Flora, but make sure to take advantage of the restaurants around this edifice.
While I consider this a free attraction, you can get your entry tickets into Casa Milà earlier to avoid long queues. Tickets are also available at Booking.com or from their official website.
CASA BATTLO
Along Passeig de Gracià, and not too far from Casa Milà, is Casa Battlò. This attraction is also one of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Designed differently from Casa Milà, Casa Battlò is open to tourists and is usually used for events. To see more of the building and its gardens, you can get your tickets earlier at the website.
MERCADO DE LA BOQUERIA
Situated in Las Ramblas barely 2 a minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya, La Boqueria serves as a food court and a food market. There are tons of restaurants, food stalls, gift shops, and a Barca Jersey store on this pedestrian street, as well as a metro station nearby.
If you love street food, you can get some fruits after a late lunch or dinner here, or simply grab a chair in any food stall or restaurant behind it and indulge in some tapas.
SAGRADA FAMILIA
If you visit Barcelona and skip the Sagrada Familia, it will be like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower.
Sagrada Familia is indeed an edifice to behold: it’s huge, with stone walls and towers. Walking around the monument is enough to savor the beauty of this building, but if you want more, feel free to check inside. Tickets into Sagrada Familia can be sold at the entry or the official website.
THE GOTHIC QUARTER
The Gothic Quarter is a neighborhood that is considered to be the beginning of Barcelona’s history, with Roman and medieval remains.
With most of its streets closed off to cars and automobiles, it gives tourists the chance to walk around and soak in the history of this neighborhood. In this quarter, you can visit the Barcelona Gothic Cathedral, Plaça Nova Square, the Bishop’s Bridge, Plaça del Rei, Plaça Reial, and others.
Further reading: Headed to Paris: Top Scams to Avoid in Paris
PARK GUELL
This attraction was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and was designed by Gaudi. It was said to be a private living area for the rich but is now open to tourists.
The park opens at 9 am and provides an ariel view of the park and the surrounding Barcelona city. Ensure to get your tickets beforehand because of the long queues or you can visit the park in the evening.
MONTJUIC
Also known as the Jewish Mountain, Montjuïc is a hill in Barcelona at an elevation of 177.72m which includes several attractions and museums. From here, you can explore the Montjuïc Park, the Montjuïc Palace, the Magic Fountain, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, etc.
Transportation to Montjuïc is easily accessible from the train stations at Plaça Catalunya.
THE MAGIC FOUNTAIN
If you are not tired from the day’s activities, you can head to Montjuïc to see the magical fountain show from 9.30 pm. The fountain displays a flow of water in the same musical rhythm.
As of July 2023 when I last visited, the fountain was turned off to save water for the ‘incoming drought’ and no new date was published on the website. But do ensure to confirm the fountain’s before your trip.
THE MONUMENT OF COLUMBUS
Also known as Mirador de Colom, this tall monument was built in 1888 in honor of Christopher Columbus voyage to America. The tower also pictures scenes of Columbus’s life and travel to America.
If you want access to the tower and see the vast surrounding of Barcelona, you can purchase the tickets before your visit.
PLACA CATALUNYA
This square is considered to be the center and heart of Barcelona. Here, you will find malls, shopping boutiques, restaurants, metro station, etc.
The Plaça Catalunya also connects to Las Ramblas, the Picasso Museum, La Boqueria, train stations, and other tourist attractions. While you rest midway into your activities, you can stop to enjoy some pasta and tapas in one of the fine restaurants.
3. OTHER LANDMARKS TO VISIT IN BARCELONA
LA BARCELONETA BEACH
Depending on the time of the year you visit, this beach can be pretty busy and packed with tourists. You can take a bus from Plaça Catalunya that goes straight to the beach and take a cold splash.
PICASSO MUSEUM
Located not too far from Plaça Catalunya (about a 15 mins walk) is this museum that houses Picasso’s work. At the time of my visit, entry was free on Thursdays, but be sure to make a reservation online to avoid being denied entry.
Before I forget, you will find an Aliexpress walk-in store on your way there.
CAMP NOU
Camp Nou is home to the Barcelona Football Club, Barcelona – even most home matches are played here. When I visited in July 2023, renovations were ongoing inside the stadium but entry into the club’s museum and stadium requires tickets.
4. HOW TO GET AROUND
Generally, public transportation in Europe is good but Barcelona boasts of good public transportation with very fair ticket prices (compared to France). During my visit, I got around with the Metro and didn’t need a to use a taxi.
The T-Casual tickets are the best choice for a short 2-day trip in Barcelona. You can choose the T-mobilitat Zone 1, 10 trip ticket that allows you to use the various train lines within Barcelona for only €11.35, or the 48h, 72h, 96h, or 120h ticket pass.
It can be purchased online or at any metro station when you arrive. The metro stations are also clean, with no litter or loitering. The Barcelona Travel card is a cheap option and gives you better plans and accessibility than the T-Mobilitat card.
5. WHERE TO EAT
A little disclaimer: the average food prices I mentioned were during my last visit.
Compared to Paris, I found that restaurants in Barcelona are much cheaper. The average price of a meal for mid-range restaurants along Plaça Catalunya is €12 – €14 per person.
I had a plate of tailor-made penne pasta at Pasta Market, Las Ramblas, same street/avenue along La Boqueria, for less than €11. They even give you an option choose your sauce and pasta preference. The restaurant was clean, the staff was nice, and they all spoke English. I’ll give a 10/10 to this restaurant.
You will also find savory budget meals and fruit stalls inside La Boqueria. Other sandwich and tapas joints around Plaça Catalunya were great and I recommend the BAM BAM Doner Kebab place, around Plaça Catalunya, for its tasty chicken and BBQ meat wrap.
IN A NUTSHELL
My first impression of Barcelona was great and warm and I hope that the itinerary in this Barcelona travel guide will help you.
The locals spoke English, helped me with directions and most establishments around the city center catered to English speaking tourists. Plaça Catalunya offers a lavish but moderate shopping experience if you want to splurge. Brands like Zara, Sephora, Primark, etc., are spotted around the square.
Budget-wise, I can say that Barcelona is an inexpensive city for tourists – cheaper than most European cities (like Paris).
I recommend it as a budget-friendly destination for travelers looking to explore Europe without breaking the bank.
If you are a female solo traveler, Barcelona is generally safe as long as you avoid the busy areas at night. Look out for any popular scams in the city and ensure to keep your personal belongings safe from pickpockets.
Happy Travels!
