One Day In... Barcelona
- Maddison Smith
- Sep 11, 2017
- 4 min read
Wherever you are in Barcelona, there is always something to see! With markets, Catalan architecture, parks and of course restaurants, there isn't much this city doesn't offer.
As the second most populous city in Spain, believe me when I say you'll need all the time you can get to explore this Spanish delight. With only 24 hours though, you'll want to be up early because you won't want to miss a thing!
The crowds at La Sagrada Familia
Here's how to do Barcelona in just one day:
7:30am Get out of bed! There will be no time for siestas in this Spanish town (unless of course you're a local. In that case local stores close between 1pm and 4pm)
Mosaic views from inside Park Guell
Our first stop of the day is the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi, Park Guell. Constructed in the early 1900's this public park is an architects and photographers delight. With sweeping city views, abstract architecture, beautiful gardens and of course, the beautiful mosaics, Park Guell is not to be missed!
No matter which direction you look, you'll see something new and exciting. Whether it be the ant-hill inspired columns, sea-serpent styled mosaics or the giant Komodo dragon on the stairs, your senses are sure to be in overdrive. Then, when you think it can't get any better, be sure to check out the Hansel and Gretel house for a mini museum dedicated to Gaudi. Cookies anyone?
How to get to there: Take the Barcelona Metro to Vallcarca station. It's then a 20 minute uphill walk to the gates of Park Guell. Either follow the crowds, or download offline maps if you want to keep on time.
Entrance Fee: 8 Euros
1130am
By now you should have completed your crash course on Gaudi and his unique architecture. Whilst 3 hours definitely isn't long enough to absorb everything, it's unfortunately time to move onto our second stop of the day; the Port Cable Car! (Don't worry, it's just as good!)
The infamous Barcelona Cable Car
If you're feeling peckish you may choose to stop at one of the many cafe's on the way to the cable cars. After all, it's nearly lunch time!
Now, I don't know about you, but I'm a firm believer in visiting the highest point in each city. I know these points will always offer the best view and therefore are not to be missed! Barcelona's Port Cable Car is no exception to this rule.
The bright red carriages can be seen soaring above the Barcelona harbour and cityscape from 11am every day. You just need to look up to see them!
From harbour to city and everything in between
The cable car will glide you across the harbour and up the mountains, where the glass walled carriage will offer you breathtaking views of the beaches, cities and its people below. No exercise required! When you make it to the first stop, you can either opt to continue upwards, or as I did, return to where we started and continue the days exploration on the ground.
(If you have more than one day though, I definitely recommend continuing all the way to the top.)
How to get there: From Vallcarca, catch the Metro to Barceloneta station. From there the Port Cable Car is a short 15 minute stroll away.
Entrance Fee: 16.50 Euro (round trip) - The Port Cable Car opens at 11am and if you're not there right on opening time, be prepared to wait in line for 30 minutes or more.
Titanium Tip - For lunch it's best to avoid the cafe's right outside the park, they can be touristy and expensive.
130pm
The next activity of our day does not start until 4pm, so you have yourself some spare time.
Take a stroll down La Ramblas
You can either soak up some rays at the beach, grab another bite to eat or take a stroll down Barcelona's most famous street, La Ramblas. The 1.2km street is home to stunning architecture, beautiful greenery and of course, street performers. Avoiding them though, you'll find monuments, markets and great cafes. It's the perfect place to spend an hour or two soaking up those Spanish vibes.
How to get there: Catch the Metro to Liceu Station and head outside to find the beauty of La Rambla
Entrance Fee: FREE! (food and drinks not included)
4pm
It's time for the final activity for the day, so get your comfy clothes on and your water bottle out... We're going on a Fat Tire Bike Tour! Another personal favourite of mine. After all, what better way to burn off those extra paellas and sangrias than exploring the city by bike?
My sweet ride for the afternoon
The Fat Tire Bike tours have been operating for the last 15 years and there's no surprise they've earned the name as Barcelona's best! Taking you past Barcelona's greatest sights and with well spoken, informative guides, you won't miss a thing.
On the four hour tour you'll visit, Plaça Sant Jaume, Plaça del Rei, La Catedral, Palau de la Mùsica Catalana, Parc de la Ciutadella and of course, La Sagrada Familia! Ed Sheehan anyone?
Barcelona's very own Arc De Triomf
Because they stop often for food and drinks, even the un-fittest of traveller won't have problems keeping up. I mean, if I could do it less than a year after a total hip replacement, the average traveller is already one step ahead of me!
Fun for all ages and fitness levels, I highly recommend doing a bike tour!
How to get there: Grab the Metro to Jaume I Station and it's only a short 5 minute walk to the meeting point. (Look for the Fat Tire Bike t-shirts)
Tour Fee: 26 Euros 8pm
The bike tour finishes right where you started and you're now on your own for the night.
You can either make your way back to your hotel and call it a night, after all, it was a busy day! Or, if you still have enough energy left, you can clean up and check out Barcelona's bustling night life. Apparently quite an experience! Everything from Flamenco shows, to raving night clubs and everything in between, this city doesn't stop when the sun goes down.
And there you have it, one day in Barcelona! From beautiful parks, to soaring views, bike tours and flamenco shows, there isn't much this incredible Spanish town doesn't offer! 24 hours definitely isn't enough to see everything, but it's a pretty good start.
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