How to spend 5 Days in Barcelona: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay
You’re planning to spend 5 days in Barcelona and you’re looking for the best itinerary?
You’re at the right place!
In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit Barcelona in 5 days.
I will first give you all my best tips to avoid the long waiting lines (often more than 2 hours!) in front of the city’s must-see attractions such as the Sagrada Familia.
Then, I will give you my optimized 5-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 as well as accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.
So, what are the best things to do in Barcelona in 5 days? Where to stay?
Let’s find out!
Sommaire
- How to spend 5 Days in Barcelona: The Best Itinerary + Where to Stay
- My best Tips to Save Time at Barcelona’s Must-See Attractions
- One Last Tip for a Perfect 5-Day Stay in Barcelona
- 5 Days in Barcelona: The Best Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Barcelona
- Visiting Barcelona in 5 Days with Family
- More Ideas for Things to Do and See in Barcelona in 5 Days
- Map of Your 5-Day Itinerary in Barcelona
- Heading to Barcelona for 5 Days: Flight Prices
- You’re traveling in Spain? These articles will help you!
My best Tips to Save Time at Barcelona’s Must-See Attractions
As you probably know, like many other major European cities (Florence, London, or Rome), Barcelona ranks among the top tourist destinations.
Every year, millions of visitors flock to the city to see the must-visit sites like the Sagrada Familia. In fact, I’m sure that in planning your 5-day visit to Barcelona, it’s at the top of your list of things to see!
So don’t be surprised if upon arrival you need to wait in line for hours before being able to enter.
But to avoid finding yourself in this situation, good news, you just need to follow my advice!
There are indeed several tricks to save a tremendous amount of time and avoid waiting at tourist sites during your 5-day tour of Barcelona. I’ll explain everything!
1. The Barcelona City Pass
The first solution, and let’s be clear, the best one to discover as much as possible during your 5-day trip to Barcelona, is to purchase the Barcelona City Pass.
If you’re used to traveling, you might have already used this kind of city pass in the most famous cities.
In cities like Milan or Rome, they offer passes that generally allow you to skip lines and save money!
Barcelona’s works on exactly the same principle.
After ordering the Barcelona City Pass, fast-track tickets for tourist attractions are sent to you via email. All you have to do is present them on your smartphone at the entrance of the attractions included in the offer.
And the Barcelona City Pass has another super useful advantage for your 5-day stay in Barcelona: it is valid for the duration of your vacation. Unlike most passes that are valid for a maximum of 72 hours, Barcelona’s has no time limit.
We can definitely say that it’s the most convenient and complete pass for visiting Barcelona in 5 days.
To finish convincing you, here’s a selection of what’s included:
- Skip-the-line ticket to the Sagrada Familia: to explore every corner of one of Spain’s most famous landmarks! When purchasing the City Pass, you will be asked to select a date and time for your visit. It’s mandatory to adhere to the scheduled time slots.
- A skip-the-line ticket for Park Güell. You’ll be prompted to schedule your visit date and time.
- A ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus
- An audio guide to learn more about all of Barcelona’s points of interest
- Discounts for attractions and certain museums: the ones for Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are really helpful! A discount code of 10% will be sent to you after purchasing the Barcelona City Pass. You’ll then need to reserve your visits on the same site 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 Barcelona’s Tourist Attractions
There is another solution for fast access to the sites included in this visit program.
You can buy your skip-the-line entrance tickets one by one for museums and monuments. There are many options for both activities to do in Barcelona over 5 days and for tourist attractions.
Below, I’ve listed those that correspond to the itinerary I’ll present to you shortly. For making a reservation or more details, simply click on the orange links:
They are also indicated throughout this article (by a link or a green button):
5 Days in Barcelona: Must-See Attractions:
- Casa Batlló
- Casa Milà
- Gaudi’s 3 Houses 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 visiting Barcelona in five days, there’s also a final option: the Barcelona Card.
But I won’t dwell on it too much because its main advantage is offering free public transportation. If you follow the optimized itinerary I propose, which clusters visits in the same area, the cost of the card may not be worth it.
Besides, there are 10-trip passes sold in the metro or buses that are cheaper.
Among other benefits of the Barcelona Card, there are also discounts for certain museums such as the Picasso Museum or the Barcelona History Museum, but not for major attractions like the Sagrada.
For a first trip to Barcelona, I recommend you to take the Barcelona City Pass or skip-the-line tickets.
However, if you are already familiar with the city and its highlights, and your plan is based on museums, feel free to click the following green button to see if the Barcelona Card suits you:
One Last Tip for a Perfect 5-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!
5 Days in Barcelona: The Best Itinerary
Let’s now see how to visit Barcelona in 5 days.
For each day, I will give you an optimized itinerary with all the details you need for your visits, along with a map of Barcelona. This will help you optimize your trip and enjoy a stress-free stay in the city!
I assume that you will be staying in Barcelona for 5 full days and that you have purchased your Barcelona City Pass or skip-the-line tickets in advance. This way, you will be able to see as many places as possible during your 5-day 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, what are the best places to visit in Barcelona in 5 days?
Day 1: Discovering the Historic Center
Day 1 visits:
A. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and the Gothic Quarter
B. La Rambla
C. Boqueria Market
D. Casa Batlló
E. Casa Milà
F. Flamenco Show
A. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is perfect for diving into the city’s atmosphere on the first day.
Known locally as the Barrio Gòtico, it’s one of the city’s most emblematic areas.
This medieval district is also the historic center of Barcelona. It’s home to the impressive Cathedral of the Holy Cross, which you cannot miss.
Its Gothic architecture is remarkable, and the visit includes access to the cloister, the terraces, the choir, various chapels, and a small painting museum. On the terraces, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings.
After or before visiting the cathedral, take the time to wander through the alleys of the quarter (careful not to get lost as it’s a real labyrinth!). Be sure to see:
- Plaça Sant Jaume
- Plaça del Rei
- Museum of History of Barcelona
- Plaça Nova
- Plaça del Pi
Every weekend (Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 11am), street performances, including the Sardana dance, take place on the small square at the entrance of the cathedral.
If you wish to, you can also start your trip to Barcelona with a guided tour.
It’s a great way to get a first impression of the city!
You can opt for the traditional walking tour, or go for something more fun, like a tuktuk, Segway or GoCar tour. Simply click on the links below for more information and to book:
- Walking tour of the Old Town and Gothic Quarter to discover the places I’ve just mentioned, such as Sant Jaume and the Plaça del Rei.
- Guided tour of Barcelona by bike or E-bike. This tour is super comprehensive, as you’ll discover 25 must-see sites such as Ciutadella Park and the Sagrada Familia.
- Visit Barcelona by electric tuk tuk
- Visit Barcelona by GoCar with integrated GPS
- Segway tour
And if you’re looking for an exceptional experience as soon as you arrive in the city, I’d definitely recommend a helicopter flight! You’ll have the chance to see the impressive Sagrada Familia from above 😎
B. Walking Along La Rambla
After the Barrio Gotico, I suggest taking a walk along the famous La Rambla, Barcelona’s most frequented pedestrian avenue.
You can reach it in less than 10 minutes on foot from the historic center. A must-do during a 5-day stay in Barcelona, La Rambla, always lively, is 2 km long and stretches from Plaça de Catalunya (Catalonia Square) to the port.
I suggest you first walk down towards the port, admiring along the way:
- The Gran Teatro del Liceu (the city’s oldest theatre, which can also be visited)
- The Joan Miró mosaic
- Plaça Reial (perfect for a drink on a terrace)
After reaching the port, head back up towards Plaça Catalunya. Not to be missed along the way:
- Fountain of Canaletes
- Palau de la Virreina and its temporary exhibitions
All along La Rambla, you’ll also find:
- Shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants
- Numerous street performers.
C. The Boqueria Market
During your walk along La Rambla,, you will undoubtedly come across the Boqueria Market, where I suggest you stop for a while.
This authentic and picturesque market, with an entrance marked by a grand Art Nouveau archway, is the city’s oldest.
It’s a chance to discover Catalan products and taste tapas and fresh fruit at the colorful stalls of the vendors.
The Boqueria Market is a highly popular tourist attraction, so it will be hard to avoid the crowds, but that’s part of the location’s charm!
If you like guided tours, the special market tour with a chef might be a good option. The chef guides you through the market while selecting the best products with you.
He then prepares tapas and a paella to share right in front of you.
D. Casa Batlló
Your 5-day visit to Barcelona continues on Passeig de Gracia, just a 5-minute walk from Plaça de Catalunya.
Here is where you can marvel at one of the masterpieces of the Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudi: Casa Batlló.
A symbol of Barcelona, this villa with its unique architecture (typical of Gaudi) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its balconies, shaped like skulls, have earned it the nickname Casa del Ossos (the house of bones).
While stunning on the outside, Casa Batlló is also worth a visit inside. Allocate about 1 hour to explore the interior.
Avoid the endless line at the entrance of Casa Batlló by purchasing your ticket in advance.
Remember that with the Barcelona City Pass, you get a 10% discount code which you can use for the Casa Batlló visit among other attractions through Tiqets website.
E. Casa Milà
Stay on Passeig de Gracia and head slightly north to reach Casa Milà in about 7 minutes on foot.
This second villa, born from Gaudi’s imagination, is also a must-see with its white facade featuring wavy lines characteristic of the architect’s work.
Take your time to visit and explore the various rooms spread over 5 floors. From the rooftop terrace of the villa, you will also enjoy a stunning view of the surroundings.
Here too, remember to buy your entrance ticket for Casa Milà on Tiqets using the discount from your Barcelona City Pass.
For an unusual visit, choose a nighttime entrance ticket. The night visits start at 9 PM and include audiovisual projections and a complimentary glass of Champagne.
This night entrance ticket can be purchased by clicking here.
F. Attend a Flamenco Show
How can you visit Barcelona in 5 days without planning to see a flamenco show?
This popular Andalusian dance is performed all year round in Barcelona’s tablaos. These intimate venues allow you to enjoy a meal or a drink while watching musical performances.
For this evening, I recommend “Los Tarantos”, one of the oldest and most famous tablaos in the city.
You can book your flamenco evening by simply clicking here!
It is located on Plaça Reial, very close to Las Ramblas. To get there from Casa Milà, you have 2 options:
- On foot, a 30-minute walk down Las Ramblas
- By metro: take line 3 from Diagonal station to Liceu station + 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.
What to do and see in Barcelona on day 2?
Visits for day 2:
A. Park Güell
B. Bunkers del Carmel
C. Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
D. Sagrada Familia
E. Born District
A. Park Güell
Park Güell is another major work of Gaudi, located in the north of the city and built between 1900 and 1914.
I suggest you dedicate your second morning in Barcelona to the exploration of this one-of-a-kind park.
It’s divided into two areas, one with an admission fee and the other free. The paid zone, known as “Monumental”, houses key pieces of Gaudi’s work including a wavy bench covered in mosaic, a salamander, and columns that resemble tree trunks.
To have time to visit the park leisurely, plan on arriving early in the morning. Last but not least, don’t forget to climb up to Mirador de Virolai for a beautiful panoramic view of the surroundings.
To get to Park Güell, take the line 3 metro and get off at Vallcarca.
Tickets for Park Güell are limited and it is highly recommended to book them in advance.
The entrance is included in the Barcelona City Pass, or you can also get your skip-the-line ticket by clicking here.
To make sure you don’t miss any of the park’s best spots, you can also opt for a guided walking tour organized by Barcelona’s tourist office.
You’ll find all the information you need and be able to book by clicking here!
B. Bunkers del Carmel
After your morning in the park, head toward Bunkers del Carmel, one of the most stunning viewpoints in Barcelona offering a 360° perspective of the entire city.
From Park Güell, the Bunkers are just a 20-minute walk away. You can also take the bus (lines 24 or 86) or a taxi.
These bunkers are located 262 meters above sea level on the Turo de la Rovira, a former anti-aircraft base used during the Spanish Civil War.
Access is free, and the climb to the top, although strenuous at times, is definitely worth it. A great idea is to plan a picnic to have lunch with a stunning panoramic view.
C. Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
Then, about a 30-minute walk away, reach the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista.
This former public hospital now hosts exhibitions and allows visitors to explore various buildings that recount the site’s history.
But it’s worth the visit for its architecture and facade alone!
Entrance tickets can be taken here, if you’re interested in the visit.
D. La Sagrada Familia
The emblem of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia is THE must-see monument during your 5 days in Barcelona.
This basilica imagined by Gaudi is truly spectacular, and of course, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Sagrada Familia combines Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture in a unique style that is characteristic of Antoni Gaudi. It’s actually the most visited monument in Spain!
Take the time to admire all its exterior details and then enter inside to see, among other things, a small museum about the history of the basilica.
Don’t forget that your Barcelona City Pass includes a skip-the-line ticket to visit La Sagrada Familia. That alone is a good reason to buy it!
Otherwise, without the Pass, you absolutely need a skip-the-line ticket to avoid hours of waiting at the entrance. Buy it by clicking here.
And of course, if you would like to find out more about the history of this impressive monument, I recommend you to book a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia by clicking here.
E. El Born District
It’s time to slow down a bit and end the day on a relaxing note.
El Born District is perfect for an enjoyable evening after a day of sightseeing.
This little medieval village within the city, along with the Gothic Quarter, forms the old town of Barcelona.
El Born is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city, the place to be for nightlife and to enjoy numerous tapas bars and trendy restaurants.
The neighborhood is also home to several Gothic churches, as well as museums including the Picasso Museum. This is also where you’ll find the Palau de la Musica, which I highly recommend visiting if you have the time.
You can also:
- Discover the MOCO museum, dedicated to contemporary art. There, you can especially admire works by Banksy and Andy Warhol.
- Enjoy a tasting of 5 Catalan and Spanish wines.
The Palau de la Musica is one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world. The guided tour costs 20 euros and lasts 50 minutes, and it’s definitely worth it!
Day 3: Points of Interest to Visit in Barcelona
Visits for day 3:
A. Plaça Espanya
B. The MNAC
C. Montjuic Park
D. The Olympic facilities
E. Montjuic Castle
F. Plaça Espanya and the Magic Fountain
A. Plaça Espanya
I suggest starting your third day by heading to Plaça Espanya, the starting point for the other sites I have prepared for you.
Barcelona’s Plaça Espanya dates back to 1929 and is credited to the famous architect Puig y Cadafalch. It’s recognized for the large sculpture by Josep Maria Jujol in the middle of the roundabout.
This square is a bit like Barcelona’s Place de l’Etoile, with a lot of traffic around it. It’s also surrounded by several buildings and convention halls, including “Las Arenas”, a former bullring transformed into a shopping center.
Especially don’t miss the unmatched view from the rooftop terrace of Las Arenas.
B. The MNAC
Opposite Plaça Espanya, you’ll find the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC).
You’ll get there on foot in about 15 minutes, passing by the Magic Fountain (which you’ll have a chance to appreciate more later in the evening).
The MNAC is one of the largest museums in Spain and also one of the richest in Barcelona. Here, you can see the world’s largest collection of Romanesque art.
On Saturdays after 3 PM and on the first Sunday of each month, admission to the MNAC is free.
With the Barcelona City Pass, you can get a discount for your MNAC entry ticket by clicking here.
If you plan to visit other museums during your 5 days in Barcelona, you could opt for the Barcelona Museum Pass which grants access to the city’s top 6 museums.
Buy it directly with the button below:
C. Montjuic Park
After visiting the MNAC, it’s probably time for lunch.
I propose a little picnic in Montjuic Park, the green lung of the city situated on the hill of the same name.
To get there, the best option is to take the Montjuic funicular, which offers a great view during the ascent. Round-trip tickets for the cable car here.
Montjuic Park is very popular on weekends and in the evenings with locals who enjoy walking, sports, and fresh air.
The park is divided into several gardens. Do not miss the Greek Theater garden, the most beautiful in the park in my opinion!
There are also some historic monuments and museums:
- Urban Guard Museum
- Modern Art Museum
- Olympic Museum
- Joan Miro Foundation.
D. Olympic Facilities
In 1992, the Olympic Games were held in Barcelona. The city underwent significant renovations for the event.
The Olympic facilities are still in place and have become one of the points of interest in the city, even if you’re not a sports fan.
I suggest you now head towards the Olympic Park of Montjuic, located close to the park. There, you will see:
- The Olympic Stadium
- Palau Sant Jordi
- Torre de Calatrava
- Barcelona Sports Palace
- Pavilion of the Industrial Spain.
E. Visit Montjuic Castle
Stay in Montjuic and finish the afternoon with a visit to the castle, open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Montjuic Castle dates back to 1640 and was used to protect the city from Catalan rebels. It later became a prison and was transformed into a military museum in the 1960s.
Plans are underway to turn it into a cultural center and an international center for peace soon.
The visit is very interesting, and you will especially enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Barcelona coastline from the heights of the monument.
F. Tapas on Plaça Espanya and Magic Fountain
Sampling tapas followed by the Magic Fountain show is a must-do evening during a 5-day trip to Barcelona.
So, I suggest you return to Plaça Espanya for a delicious dinner at a tapas restaurant, then enjoy the Magic Fountain show of Montjuic.
Every night from Wednesday to Sunday (starting at 8 p.m. from November to March, and at 9 p.m. from April to October), a music-backed light show takes place here.
The show lasts one hour and always attracts a crowd, so plan to arrive a bit early to secure good spots.
Day 4 – Strolling through 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
For this fourth morning of your 5 days in Barcelona, head to Port Vell (“Old Port” in Catalan), the city’s oldest port.
It’s a pleasant place to stroll, get some fresh air, enjoy the view, and shop.
You can also take advantage of the walk to climb to the top of the Columbus Monument or visit the Barcelona Aquarium.
Don’t miss the Moll de la Fusta (“Wooden Wharf”), a lovely place that once served for mooring and unloading timber cargoes.
La Rambla de Mar (the name of this floating bridge) leads you directly to the port shopping center, with its stores and restaurants.
From the port, you can also hop on a golondrina for a mini cruise. Reserve 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
From Port Vell, take the Passeig Maritim and start a stroll along the coastline.
The Passeig Maritim is 5 km long and runs along the beaches of Barcelona. It’s a path well-loved by locals and tourists alike.
In summer, it’s perfect for stopping at one or several beaches for a picnic and/or a swim.
C. Olympic Port
Sport enthusiasts can then stop at Parc de Mar to take a look at other Olympic facilities such as the Barcelona Olympic Port and Mar Bella Pavilion.
D. Walk in Ciutadella Park
Continue your 5-day Barcelona itinerary with a visit to Ciutadella Park.
Dating back to 1888, this huge park is perfect for a breath of fresh air, a boat ride on the lake, and also contains several points of interest:
- The Triumphal Arch
- Barcelona Zoo
- Modern Art Museum
- The Catalan Parliament Building.
If you’re planning to visit the zoo with family, you can save money by booking online one of these Passes (click on the links to reserve):
- Barcelona Family Pass including: entry to the zoo + one-hour harbour cruise + skip-the-line entry to the wax museum
- Zoo and Aquarium Pack including: entry to the zoo + ticket to the aquarium + a ride on the Barcelona port cable car.
E. Santa Maria del Mar Basilica
To end the day, I suggest you visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.
It’s located in the historic El Born district.
This gothic basilica is very impressive both inside and out, and even more beautiful at night when illuminated.
For 8 euros, you can even climb to the top to the Terraces for a stunning view of the entire district.
For the evening, you can choose between one of these 3 activities I’ve selected for you:
- A guided tour of the best Tapas in Barcelona who will take you to several small local bars to sample 8 courses of tapas, accompanied by a drink at each stop
- A pub crawl with complimentary drinks + VIP club entry to a nightclub
- A ghost-themed tour where you’ll walk through the Gothic Quarter with a guide who’ll tell you lots of spooky, supernatural stories.
Day 5: Day-Trip Around Barcelona
In four days, you’ll already have experienced a comprehensive tour of Barcelona.
For your fifth and final day, I suggest a day-trip around the city.
You have several options to choose from:
1) A visit to the Costa Brava, one of Spain’s most famous coastlines located to the north of Catalonia. Discover Lloret del Mar and Tossa del Mar while enjoying a boat trip.
This day-trip includes bus transportation and a guide. It needs to be booked by clicking the button below:
2) Day-trip to the Costa Brava with kayaking and snorkeling (8 hours duration): for up to 12 people, this package includes transfers to the Costa Brava, a kayaking session, and snorkeling.
Equipment is provided and lunch is included.
Book it right below:
3) For an even more unique day, you could also opt for a hot air balloon ride departing from Barcelona.
With this offer, you are picked up from your hotel and enjoy an one-hour hot air balloon flight over the city and its surroundings, with a picnic included.
4) Excursion to Montserrat, a retreat for Benedictine monks in the heart of the Catalan mountains.
This organized tour includes a round-trip train ride from Barcelona, the visit to the monastery, and the Museum of Montserrat with an audio guide.
5) If your five-day itinerary in Barcelona happens during winter, you can choose to go skiing at one of the resorts around Barcelona, like La Molina resort.
6) A day at the PortAventura theme park: enjoy a family outing at this amusement park where you can ride the tallest roller coaster in Europe!
Book your 12-hour day-trip here which includes round-trip bus transportation from Barcelona and skip-the-line tickets:
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Having outlined how to visit Barcelona in 5 days, it’s time to tackle the question of accommodations! Where are you going to stay for your 5 nights in Barcelona?
When you’re not familiar with the city, it isn’t always easy to efficiently narrow down the myriad of choices.
So, I’ve selected a shortlist of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona, based on your budget:
- Hostel One Ramblas: Youth hostel located in the center of Barcelona. Dorm bed from 33€ with dinner included. Strong points: the atmosphere, the price.
- Hotel Grums Barcelona: Located next to Montjuic hill and 600 m from La Rambla. Elegant and bright rooms from 134€. Strong points: the spa with jacuzzi and sauna, room designs, location. It’s our favorite for value for money.
- Ohla Barcelona: Perfectly located luxury hotel of Barcelona, between the Cathedral and Catalunya Square, 200 meters from the metro. This 5-star hotel offers contemporary and comfortable double rooms starting at 325€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the beauty of the establishment, both exterior and interior, the rooftop pool with a breathtaking view, the 3 gourmet restaurants. The best choice for a romantic stay in the heart of Barcelona.
- W Barcelona: Barcelona’s legendary hotel located in Barceloneta district. Luxurious and well-equipped double rooms from 363€. Strong points: the view, the 2 pools, the amenities, the restaurants. Without a doubt the most famous hotel in Barcelona!
- Hotel Arts Barcelona: Five-star hotel located in Port Olympic district, 250 m from the beach and 300 m from Ciutadella Park. Design and ultra-spacious double rooms start at 670€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the 2-Michelin-starred restaurant, the outdoor pool with panoramic views, the design, and the contemporary art collection. Our recommendation for a luxurious stay in Barcelona.
If these hotels are fully booked on your travel dates to Barcelona, or they don’t exactly meet your criteria, I’ve compiled a more extensive selection in my other article.
I’ve organized my suggestions by district and by price so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
Just click here to read it: The Best Hotels to Stay in Barcelona.
Visiting Barcelona in 5 Days with Family
Are you going to spend 5 days in Barcelona with your family and wondering if there will be something for everyone? The answer is yes!
Barcelona is a city that is very family-friendly, offering a wide variety of activities that cater to all tastes.
I especially recommend the following visits that are sure to delight:
- Poble Espanyol: include in your itinerary if you wish, perhaps instead of a museum visit. Poble Espanyol is a life-size artificial village that showcases all types of existing houses. It’s located right near the Magic Fountain, a mere 5-minute walk. The visit is on foot and it’s a fun place that children really enjoy.
- Ciutadella Park (near El Born district): perfect for a family picnic, it also includes a great playground for kids.
- Tibidabo Amusement Park: located on the outskirts of the city, this amusement park sits atop the highest peak in Barcelona. A great spot for children aged 6 and up.
- PortAventura: a thrilling amusement park enjoyed by both young and old.
- Museu Blau: Barcelona’s natural history museum.
Otherwise, don’t worry too much; they are certainly going to appreciate most of the visits I’ve planned:
- The Magic Fountain show
- Park Güell
- La Boqueria market
- Strolling along La Rambla
- Tasting tapas (with their hands!)
- Flamenco performances.
More Ideas for Things to Do and See in Barcelona in 5 Days
This 5-day Barcelona itinerary is quite comprehensive, but if you have more time or want to tweak it a bit, you’ll find even more activities to do in my detailed travel guide.
Depending on your interests, you’ll surely find other places to visit during your 5-day vacation in Barcelona.
You can find my dedicated Barcelona article right here: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Barcelona.
Map of Your 5-Day Itinerary in Barcelona
To help you visualize your routes over these 5 days in Barcelona, I have created a map listing the places to visit day by day. You can display the map legend by clicking the button in the top left corner with a little arrow. This will allow you to see the itineraries for each day.
Heading to Barcelona for 5 Days: Flight Prices
As flight prices to Barcelona can vary greatly, it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the surefire way to get the best rate.
Need help planning your 5-day itinerary in Barcelona? Feel free to ask me your questions in the comments section.
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book entrance tickets and guided visits
🏄 Book your sports activities
🚤 Book your rental boat
🌍 Take a travel insurance
🙎 Book a tour
🚅 Book your train tickets
✈️ Book your flight
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.
- 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
Discussion2 Comments
thanks this was really helpful!
Thanks!
I’m glad my 5-day itinerary in Barcelona helped you to plan your trip.