Only a weekend in Barcelona? What to See

Barcelona: either the city of Gaudi or a city so wonderful Freddie Mercury wrote a song about it. Just kidding, it’s both! I went to Barcelona for 2 ½ days, and with it being the second weekend of March, it was a great time to visit. With the beach and everything, summers can get outrageously busy, crowded, and hot, but if you go before then, it’s nothing like that! It was also cloudy and rainy most of my stay there, which isn’t normal for Barcelona, but I still had fun. Let’s take a look at must-sees if you only have a weekend in the city of Gaudi. 

La Sagrada Familia

Yeah, I know, I should’ve saved the best for last but in my defense, this was the first major attraction I saw in Barcelona. But, this basilica that is STILL under construction, is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Gaudi has a lot of creations in Barcelona, but this one is the largest and most popular. Gaudi had died before this masterpiece was finished, but construction workers have dedicated themselves to finishing it in his honor. La Sagrada Familia has many different layers to it, and when you go inside, the shape of it on the outside is reflected in the ceilings! There is also a church pew inside and you can listen to a religious ceremony while sitting in the audience. If you thought it was breathtaking on the outside, that’s nothing compared to what’s inside! 

FC Barcelona Shop

Even if you miss this one, you won’t be able to escape the FC Barcelona hype in the city! This is the shop where you can buy official FC Barcelona merch and accessories, but obviously not for cheap. What is also special about this store is that photographers will invite you to stand in front of the FC Barcelona backdrop and take your photo with a golden soccer ball! It was an extra cost, so I didn’t buy mine, but at least the photoshoot option is free!

Arc de Triomf

If this looks like the one in Paris, it’s supposed to. But this one is not copied from France, this is a memorial arch built for the 1888 World Fair can be found in Parc de la Ciutadella. This is the third Arc de Triomf I found in Europe but it has one thing in common with the one in Paris and in Rome: it is in honor of a triumphal victory. 

Barceloneta Beach

It’s a lot more crowded and sunny in most photos you see online, but at least I captured the essence of the beach! I still think I visited Barcelona at the right time, even if I couldn’t join in on the beach parties. I was able to still see the ocean, walk in the sand, and even see an outdoor gym by the beach. 

Barcelona Cathedral

Located in the Catalonia part of Barcelona, this is an iconic piece of Gothic architecture, a recurring theme in Barcelona. Per my Walking Tour article, this is where the tour guide told the story of Catalonia wanting to become its own country to no avail. But this place is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, making it a very sacred place. 

Have Some Paella!

Barcelona is known for its paella, but the one place I recommend above all others is La Ciudadela, near the Arc de Triomf. I ate here with a local who is also a mutual friend of my mom’s, and it was delicious! There is a whole menu of different paella dishes but the truly authentic way to go is anything with seafood. 

Casa Battlo 

Didn’t go in because it’s a bit pricey, but this is another Gaudi creation. Every floor has a unique creation including a room full of cube artwork and tile walls. If you can’t afford to go inside, that’s okay! The Gaudi artwork can still be seen on the outside. 

Casa Mila

Another house created by Gaudi, I didn’t go into this one either, but it’s not as popular as Casa Battlo. However, this house did play a large part in the creation of one of the world’s most iconic movie series. The features on the rooftop inspired the masks George Lucas used for his Star Wars characters! 

Park Guell 

An entire PARK with Gaudi artwork, this takes a hike to reach as it is situated on a hill. But good exercise getting there AND walking around in the park! This park includes gardens, a main terrace, many walkways that used to be for carriages, an outlook of the city, mosaic art, the Gaudi House Museum, a well-designed gift shop, etc…There is also a map that will walk you through how to find each unique part of the park; there are about 17 of them! 

Palau de la Musica Catalana

Not to be confused with the country Palau, this is the Catalan word for “palace”. This is a concert hall that you can step inside for free, but only to see the entrance area. Inside there is a huge concert hall also with mosaic artwork, but I only got to see the entrance part. It satisfied me, though! 

Palau Guell

Not to be confused with the country OR Park Guell, this is a mansion also created by Gaudi. Admission is cheap, so I went inside. There are multiple levels and rooms, including a basement, overlooks from the top floor to the bottom, and a rooftop! 

Estadi Olimpic

An entire park dedicated to the 1992 olympics in Barcelona, this area is often overlooked but worth it if you have time. There is an entire stadium, a ski lift, a garden, a museum, a little castle, etc… It’s a nice area to walk around in and you can learn new things here. For example, I didn’t know Barcelona hosted an Olympic game until I visited! 

Xuerria San Roman

Last but not least, Barcelona’s best churro shop! You can get churros anywhere in Barcelona, but this shop is notable because it serves churros with many flavors and with filling INSIDE as well. The line was a super long one, go figure, but totally worth it. 

Tired of hearing the name GAUDI yet? Don’t worry, that’ll be the last time, lol! But, you may wonder how I did all that in one weekend. In my opinion, I don’t think I did enough but the two days I was there were jam packed with adventures and I just had to reserve those days to be out and about until I physically couldn’t walk anymore. My point though is that it is entirely possible to see all the fun attractions even if you have limited time. 

Questions about Barcelona or traveling in general? Feel free to contact me!