How to spend 4 Days in Barcelona: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay

You want to go 4 days in Barcelona and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

To help you plan your trip, I’ve prepared for you the perfect 4-day itinerary in Barcelona.

During your stay, you will of course discover the city’s best places to visit such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló, but also hidden gems of Catalonia’s capital!

First, I’ll give you all my best tips to save a ton of time and avoid queueing at Barcelona’s most famous monuments. Then, I will give you my optimized 4-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in the Barcelona.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Barcelona in 4 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

My best Tips to Save Time at Barcelona’s Must-See Attractions

When you start to prepare your visit to Barcelona for 4 days, you’ll undoubtedly put the Sagrada Familia at the top of your must-see list!

The monument attracts millions of visitors each year and is, of course, a must-visit. Normally, this would mean queuing for hours and preparing yourself for a long wait before gaining access…

But not necessarily!

Today, there are several ways to avoid waiting in line at monuments.

Follow my tips and you’ll save a huge amount of time on your 4-day trip to Barcelona!

So, how can you avoid queues at the main points of interest in Barcelona?

1. The Barcelona City Pass

Let’s get straight to the point with the best solution to discover as much as possible during your 4-day trip to Barcelona: the Barcelona City Pass.

If you’re already a little familiar with this kind of City Pass (offered in all big cities like Milan, London, or even Rome), then you know it’s the most effective way to skip the lines at famous sites and most importantly to save money!

By purchasing the Barcelona City Pass, you’ll receive skip-the-line tickets for tourist attractions via email. You just need to show them on your smartphone at each monument’s entrance included in the offer.

Another plus for the Barcelona City Pass: it has no time limit. In other words, from the first use, you won’t be forced to use it within 24 or 48 hours (as is generally the case).

It will be valid throughout your 4-day stay in Barcelona.

To summarize, it’s the most comprehensive and convenient pass for visiting Barcelona in 4 days.

Here’s an overview of what’s included:

• A skip-the-line ticket for the Sagrada Familia to explore all the corners of one of Spain’s most famous monuments. When purchasing the City Pass, you will be asked to choose the desired date and time because visits are organized by time slots.
• A skip-the-line ticket for Park Güell. Here too, you will need to indicate the date and time of your park visit.
• A ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus
• An audio guide to download on your smartphone which includes explanations of over 100 places in Barcelona
• Discounts for attractions and certain museums: Casa Batlló, Casa Milà or flamenco shows. A 10% discount code will be sent to you after purchasing the Barcelona City Pass. You will then need to book your visits on the same website to benefit from the promo code.

To buy your Barcelona city pass, simply click on the green button below:

2. Skip-the-line tickets for tourist attractions in Barcelona

The second option I suggest is to buy your skip-the-line tickets individually, for each monument or museum.

This way, you can enjoy quick access to the major tourist sites that you have included in your visitation program.

The selection is vast and varied, and there are options for both must-see attractions and activities to do in Barcelona

Below I’ve prepared a list that matches the itinerary I recommend you follow in this guide. To reserve them or for more information, just click on the orange links.

You’ll also find them throughout this article:

4 Days in Barcelona: Must-See Attractions:

• Casa Batlló
• Casa Milà
• Gaudi’s 3 Houses Visit Pass
• Flamenco show
• Park Güell
• Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
• Sagrada Familia Skip-the-line
• Sagrada Familia guided tour
• MNAC
• Barcelona Museum Pass
• Montjuic Cable Car
• Palau de la Musica Catalana
• Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus

3. The Barcelona Card

For the last solution to visit Barcelona in four days, I’m going to talk about the Barcelona Card.

I’m mentioning it so you are aware of its existence, but personally, I don’t find it very useful for this itinerary.

The main advantage of this card is that it includes free use of public transport. However, with my optimized itinerary to group visits together, you won’t need to use public transport much during your short stay. Therefore, the card won’t pay for itself.

Moreover, the Barcelona Card mainly offers discounts for museums, but not for the main attractions that one absolutely wants to see during a first trip to Barcelona.

If you want to focus on the essentials, the Barcelona City Pass or skip-the-line tickets are definitely better choices.

In summary, I would say the Barcelona Card is worth it if you have already visited the city once and are coming back to deepen your discoveries.

If that’s the case, you can reserve it by clicking here:

One Last Tip for a Perfect 4-Day Stay in Barcelona

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.

As Barcelona is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Barcelona by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in Barcelona.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Barcelona, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

4 Days in Barcelona: The Best Itinerary

Let’s now start your 4-day itinerary in Barcelona!

For each day, I will give you all the details you need to plan your visits + a map that will allow you to visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in Barcelona for 4 full days and that you will be using the Barcelona City Pass or skip-the-line tickets in advance. It’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

I will be glad to help you plan your trip 😄.

So, How to visit Barcelona in 4 days?

Day One of This Itinerary – The Historic Center

Visits for day 1:

A. The Barcelona Cathedral and Gothic Quarter
B. La Rambla
C. Boqueria Market
D. Casa Batlló
E. Casa Milà
F. Flamenco show

A. The Barcelona Cathedral and Gothic Quarter

For the first stage of this 4-day trip to Barcelona, head to the Gothic Quarter of the city, which is also its historic center, locally called Barrio Gòtico. It’s one of Barcelona’s most emblematic neighborhoods.

There you’ll find The Barcelona Cathedral, a flagship monument of the capital. With its Gothic style and façades covered in intricate details, it’s quite impressive.

Inside, you can access the cloister, choir, terraces (where you can enjoy a superb view of the city) and several chapels. A small art museum is also open for visitors.

On the cathedral’s square, there are street performances every weekend (Saturday at 6 PM and Sunday at 11 AM), including Sardana dances.

Then leave the cathedral and stroll through the district with its charming cobbled streets. You’ll have the chance to see:

• Sant Jaume Square
• Plaça del Rei (King’s Square)
• Barcelona History Museum
• Plaça Nova
• Plaça del Pi

This walk also gives you the opportunity to taste the famous tapas in one of the delicious restaurants of the historic center.

B. Walking on La Rambla Avenue

Continue the visit by heading now toward La Rambla Avenue, less than a 10-minute walk from the Gothic Quarter.

This promenade, more commonly known as “La Rambla,” is an attraction you can’t miss during your 4 days in Barcelona!

It’s a busy pedestrian avenue that is 2 km long. You’ll find numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, as well as plenty of street performers.

It connects the port of Barcelona to Plaça de Catalunya (Catalonia Square).

Coming from the Gothic quarter, head down towards the port and en route admire:

• The Grand Theatre of the Liceu (which you can visit)
• The Joan Miro mosaic
• Plaça Reial, perfect for a drink on a terrace

After strolling on the port, head back up towards Plaça de Catalunya. The main attractions along the way are:

• The Canaletes fountain
• Palau de la Virreina and its temporary exhibitions
• The Boqueria Market (which I’ll talk about in detail just after).

C. The Boqueria Market

Along La Rambla, you will also find the Boqueria Market.

It’s hard to miss with its grand Art Nouveau gateway. It’s located on your left as you walk up the avenue towards Plaça Catalunya.

This is the oldest market in Barcelona and a major tourist spot. So it’s always crowded inside.

Take a tour of this picturesque market, admire the colorful stalls, and treat yourself by tasting tapas, fresh fruits, and other Catalan products. Personally, I recommend you try the fruit juices which are really good.

D. Casa Batlló

After exploring La Rambla, make your way to Casa Batlló, one of the masterpieces of Barcelona’s architect Antoni Gaudí.

This uniquely contoured villa is located on Passeig de Gracia, just a 5-minute walk from the market. You can also get there via the metro on line 3.

Inspired by undersea life, Gaudí’s Casa Batlló is noteworthy for its curves, details, and colors. You will also notice its balconies shaped like skulls, earning it the nickname Casa del Ossos (“House of Bones”).

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s one of the must-see monuments during this 4-day tour of Barcelona.

Casa Batlló is a sight to behold from the outside as well as on the inside as the approximately 1-hour visit lets you explore the equally astonishing architecture of the various rooms.

E. Casa Milà

Continuing with Antoni Gaudí’s work, we now head to Casa Milà.

It is located further north on Passeig de Gracia, about a 7-minute walk away.

Known to locals as La Pedrera (“the quarry”) due to its resemblance to cliff faces which reportedly inspired Gaudí’s design.

Built between 1906 and 1910, this stunning villa is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its white façade and flowing lines are easily recognizable from a distance.

Inside Casa Milà, you will discover the genius of the architect across 5 floors. From the rooftop terrace, you can also enjoy a magnificent view of the neighborhood.

Here, too, be sure to buy your Casa Milà entrance ticket on Tiqets using the discount obtained with your Barcelona City Pass.

F. Attend a Flamenco Show

And to end your first day in Barcelona on a high note, there’s nothing like attending a flamenco show!

This popular Andalusian dance is a highlight in Catalonia’s capital and is featured throughout the year in the city’s tablao venues. These are cozy establishments where you can eat, have a drink, and enjoy musical performances.

I especially recommend Los Tarantos tablao, located on Plaça Reial (very close to La Rambla). It is one of the oldest and most famous tablaos in Barcelona.

Book your flamenco evening by clicking right here!

To get there from Casa Milà, you have two options:

• On foot, walk down La Rambla for about 30 minutes
• By metro: take line 3 from Diagonal station to Liceu stop + a 3-minute walk to Plaça Reial.

If tickets are sold out, here are some other places to see a flamenco show during your stay in Barcelona (click on the orange links to book):

• City Hall, in the theater of Barcelona City Hall
• At the tablao Flamenco Cordobes, in Rambla district
• Tablao de Carmen, located in Poble Espanyol district.

2nd Day: What to do and see in Barcelona?

Day 2 visits:

A. Park Güell
B. Bunkers del Carmel
C. Recinta Modernista de Sant Pau
D. Sagrada Familia
E. El Born District

A. Park Güell

After a restful first night in Barcelona, let’s start this new day with a walk in the park… but not just any park!

Park Güell, yet another creation by Antoni Gaudí, was built and landscaped between 1900 and 1914. It was originally intended to host gardens and about sixty houses, but due to budget constraints, only four houses were built.

Yet that doesn’t detract from the park’s beauty, which is an absolute gem of architecture.

Here, modern architecture and Art Nouveau come together in structures scattered throughout the various sections.

In the paid section (known as the “Monumental Zone”), you can see the famous wavy bench, the mosaic salamander, and Gaudí’s tree trunk columns.

Take your time exploring this park full of surprises. To get there, take line 3 of the metro and get off at Vallcarca.

B. Bunkers del Carmel

Barcelona has many exceptional viewpoints, and I suggest you check out one of the best next. If you were wondering what to do in Barcelona for 4 days, immediately add this to your list!

The Bunkers del Carmel are perched at 262 meters above sea level on the Turo de la Rovira, a former air-raid shelter. From here, you get an incredible 360° view over the entire city.

Access to the Bunkers del Carmel is completely free, and the climb to the top is doable by everyone.

Access from Park Güell:

• A 20-minute walk via Contrada del Carmel, Carrer de Mühlberg, and Carrer del Turo de la Rovira.
• By bus: Lines 24 or 86
• By taxi.

C. Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

On your way between Bunkers del Carmel and the next must-see attraction of the day, the Sagrada Familia, you can pass by Sant Pau Recinte Modernista.

It’s a 30-minute journey from the bunkers.

This former public hospital now hosts exhibitions, and it’s possible to visit the various buildings which tell the history of the site. But it’s also worth a visit just for its architecture and facade.

Entrance tickets can be purchased here, if you fancy a visit.

D. The Sagrada Familia

You simply can’t miss the Sagrada Familia when you spend 4 days in Barcelona. It’s the city’s landmark monument and probably the most famous.

Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi, this impressive basilica is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and also holds the record for the most visited monument in Spain.

Upon arriving, you will instantly recognize Gaudi’s style with its intricate details, curves, and colors blending Gothic and Art Nouveau.

The basilica can also be visited inside and is open every day.

E. The El Born district

To end your day smoothly, return in the early evening or late afternoon toward the Gothic quarter and spend some time in the El Born district, located right next door.

It resembles a little historical village within the city. Along with the Gothic Quarter, they form the old town of Barcelona.

El Born is a charming medieval neighborhood and also one of the hippest areas. Perfect for going out at night, you will find a wide choice of tapas bars, trendy restaurants, and even museums.

Indeed, it’s in this district where the Picasso Museum and the Palace of Catalan Music (renowned as one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world!) are located.

Day Three in Barcelona: Points of Interest to Visit

Day 3 Visits:

A. Plaça Espanya
B. MNAC
C. Montjuic Park
D. The Olympic Facilities
E. Montjuic Castle
F. Plaça Espanya and the Magic Fountain

A. Plaça Espanya

Let’s start your third day in Barcelona with a morning visit to Plaça Espanya, which is the starting point for several tourist sites.

Designed by the famous architect Puig y Cadafalch, this large square is characterized by a sculpture by Josep Maria Jujol installed on a massive roundabout. Comparable to Paris’ Place de l’Etoile, Barcelona’s Plaça Espanya is surrounded by several buildings and convention halls.

Close by is Las Arenas, the former bullring of Barcelona converted into a shopping center.

B. The MNAC

The MNAC is the National Museum of Catalan Art.

Located right in front of Plaça Espanya, just past the Magic Fountain (planned for the end of the day). It’s about a 15-minute walk to get there.

Housed in a magnificent palace built especially for the 1929 International Exhibition, it’s one of the most interesting museums in Barcelona and also one of the largest in Spain. It especially displays the richest collection of Romanesque art in the world.

With the Barcelona City Pass, you can benefit from a discount on your MNAC entrance, simply click here to purchase.

C. Montjuic Park

In need of some greenery?

Then continue your 4-day visit to Barcelona with a stroll in Montjuic Park.

It’s one of the main green lungs of the city and is located just beyond Plaça d’Espanya (a 20-minute bus ride from MNAC, or a 30-minute walk).

The park is a favorite spot for locals to get some fresh air, take walks, and engage in sports. To get there, you can also take the Montjuic funicular (near the municipal pools) to enjoy the view.

Return ticket for the cable car here.

Montjuic Park is divided into several areas and gardens set on the hillside of the same name. You’ll also find a few museums:

• The Urban Guard Museum
• The Modern Art Museum
• The Olympic Museum
• The Joan Miro Foundation

I recommend bringing a picnic for lunch if the weather permits. After your meal, take your time to explore the surroundings at your leisure.

You’ll get the chance to enjoy beautiful views of the sea and the city, visit the botanical gardens, museums, and historical monuments. Don’t miss out on the Greek Theatre Garden, my personal favorite.

D. The Olympic Facilities

Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992, for which the city underwent extensive renovations.

The Olympic facilities are among the attractions to see during your 4 days in Barcelona. The Olympic Park of Montjuic is located on the hill and offers sights like:

• Palau Sant Jordi
• Calatrava Tower
• Barcelona Sports Palace
• The Pavilion of Industrial Spain

E. Montjuic Castle

Still in Montjuic, finish your day with a visit to the castle.

Built in 1640, Montjuic Castle served to protect the city from Catalan rebels. It was later converted into a prison and then into a military museum starting in 1960.

Current plans indicate that it will soon be transformed into a cultural center and an international center for peace.

The castle tour (5€ per person, open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM) allows you to walk along the ramparts, visit the military museum, and not to forget, enjoy the magnificent panorama of Barcelona’s coastline.

F. Plaça Espanya and the Magic Fountain Show

For your third evening in Barcelona, I suggest going back to Plaça Espanya and treating yourself to some delicious tapas tasting.

After dinner, head to the Magic Fountain of Montjuic to enjoy the show. From Wednesday to Sunday (starting at 8 PM in winter and 9 PM in summer), the fountain hosts a superb light display set to music.

It’s a free 1-hour show that is not to be missed in Barcelona. To get a good spot, it’s recommended to arrive a little early since it’s always very crowded.

4th Day – A Walk in Barcelona

Visits for Day 4:

A. Port Vell
B. Passeig Maritim
C. Olympic Port
D. Ciutadella Park
E. Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

A. Port Vell

Are you planning to spend 4 days in Barcelona?

Here’s the program I suggest for concluding your 4-day Barcelona itinerary. Dedicate your morning to visiting Port Vell, which means “Old Port” in Catalan.

It’s the oldest port in the city, revamped in 1992 for the Olympics. More than just a port, Port Vell is also a leisure area and a shopping center with lots of stores and restaurants.

The floating La Rambla de Mar walker bridge leads you directly there.

You can take the opportunity to climb to the top of the Christopher Columbus statue or visit the Barcelona Aquarium.

Also offered are mini cruises on golondrinas for a different view of the city. You can book them here.

Catamaran cruises (during the day or at sunset) are also available if you’d like to enjoy a moment of relaxation while admiring beautiful views over the city. Click here to book!

B. Passeig Maritim

After exploring Port Vell, I suggest you continue walking along the seafront.

It’s a 5 km long seafront promenade cherished both by locals and tourists. Along the way, you can admire the beaches of Barcelona and consider stopping at one of them to spend some time and take a swim (especially in the summer).

C. Olympic Port

If you’re a sports enthusiast, next head over to the Parc de Mar to take a look at other Olympic facilities constructed for the 1992 Olympics.

Here you’ll find the Barcelona Olympic Port and the Mar Bella Pavilion.

D. Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park was built for the 1888 Universal Exposition. It’s a huge park, highly popular with Barcelona’s locals in the warm season.

It features several tourist attractions including:

• The Barcelona Arc de Triomphe
• Barcelona Zoo
• The Modern Art Museum
• Seat of the Parliament of Catalonia

Additionally, there’s a really nice play area for kids.

E. Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

To wrap up your 4-day holiday in Barcelona, I suggest a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, located in the historic Born district.

This historic and religious monument is a must-see for architecture and history enthusiasts. At night, the illuminated basilica is definitely worth seeing.

For 8€, you can climb to the top of the basilica, onto the Terraces of Santa Maria del Mar. From there, you will have a stunning view of the Born district and its surroundings.

With this program, my tips and recommendations, you’re now ready to visit Barcelona in 4 days!

Where to Stay in Barcelona

I’ve just explained how to visit Barcelona in 4 days but there’s one more important question: did you decide where to stay during this 4-night stay in Barcelona?

To help you sort through the multitude of hotels, I’ve put together a selection of the best accommodations in Barcelona, depending on your budget:

• Hostel One Ramblas: Hostel located in the center of Barcelona. Dorm bed from 33€, dinner included. Strong points: the atmosphere, the price.
• Hotel Grums Barcelona: Located next to Montjuic hill and 600m from Las Ramblas. Elegant, bright rooms from 134€. Strong points: the spa with jacuzzi and sauna, the room design, the location. It’s our top pick for value for money.
• Ohla Barcelona: Ideally situated luxury hotel in Barcelona, between the Cathedral and Plaza Catalunya, 200m from the metro. This 5-star hotel offers contemporary and comfortable double rooms from 325€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the beauty of the establishment, both exterior and interior, the rooftop pool with breathtaking view, the 3 gourmet restaurants. The perfect choice for a romantic stay in the heart of Barcelona.
• W Barcelona: Barcelona’s iconic hotel located in Barceloneta district. Luxury, well-equipped double rooms from 363€. Strong points: the view, the 2 pools, the amenities, the restaurants. Undoubtedly the most famous hotel in Barcelona!
• Hotel Arts Barcelona: 5-star hotel located in the Olympic Port district, 250m from the beach and 300m from Ciutadella Park. Design and ultra spacious double rooms from 670€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the 2-star Michelin restaurant, the outdoor pool with panoramic view, the design and contemporary art collection. Our recommendation for a luxury stay in Barcelona.

Visiting Barcelona in 4 Days with Family

If you’ve decided to spend 4 days in Barcelona with your children, depending on their age and interests, you might need to slightly adjust the itinerary.

Here are some additional visits to consider if needed for a successful family trip:

• Poble Espanyol visit: This is a life-sized artificial village that contains all types of Spanish houses. Poble Espanyol has 117 buildings representing 33 different Spanish regions. It’s located near the Magic Fountain and the visit is on foot.
• Tibidabo Amusement Park: situated on the outskirts of the city, this park sits on Barcelona’s highest point. It’s a perfect outing for children over 6 years old and a great way to spend an afternoon with the family.
• Museu Blau: most children love natural history museums, and Barcelona’s is free every Sunday from 3 PM onwards.

And otherwise most attractions in Barcelona are just as enjoyed by both adults and children, especially:

• The Magic Fountain show
• Park Güell
• La Boqueria Market
• Strolling along La Rambla
• Tapas tastings (with hands!)
• Flamenco shows.

Even More Things to Do and See in Barcelona in 4 Days?

If after following this 4-day sightseeing program in Barcelona, you decide to check out more places depending on the time you have left, I recommend reading my complete tourist guide for the city.

It covers all the things to do, allowing you to find ideas to perfectly conclude these 4 days of holiday in Barcelona.

You can find my article dedicated to Barcelona right here: The ultimate guide to visiting Barcelona.

Map of Your 4-Day Itinerary in Barcelona

To help you visualize your routes over these 4 days in Barcelona, I’ve created a map listing the places to visit day by day. You can display the map legend by clicking on the button at the top left with a little arrow. This will show you the routes for each day.

Heading to Barcelona for 4 Days: Flight Prices

Flight prices to Barcelona vary enormously, so it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. You can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s your assurance of getting the best rate.

Do you need help planning your 4-day itinerary in Barcelona? Feel free to ask me your questions in the comments.

You’re traveling in Spain? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Spain: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Spain are listed there.

• Barcelona: Top 25 best places to visit
• Madrid: The 21 best things to do

• 2 days in Barcelona – The best itinerary to visit the city in a weekend
• 3 days in Barcelona – The best 72-hour itinerary in the Catalan capital
• 4 days in Barcelona – The best day-by-day program
• 5 days in Barcelona – The ultimate itinerary for visiting the Catalan capital
• One week in Barcelona – My detailed 7-day itinerary!

• 2 days in Madrid – The best way to visit the city in a weekend
• 3 days in Madrid – The best itinerary for visiting the city in 72 hours
• 4 days in Madrid – The ultimate itinerary for visiting Spain’s capital!
• 5 days in Madrid – The best detailed day-by-day itinerary!

• Where to stay in Barcelona? My guide of the best places to stay for all budgets
• Where to stay in Madrid? All the best areas and hotels to stay in Madrid as a tourist

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