Barcleona is a fabulous city and there is plenty of art, food and fun to cam into 36 hours there.
Only in Barcelona for a few days and not sure how to fit everything in? Here’s a suggested three-day itinerary for an unforgettable trip full of art, food and fun from Ruby Boukabou from The Art Lover’s Guide To Barcleona.
Day 1
Morning
Bon dia! Unless you’re travelling in the middle of winter, the weather in Barcleona will likely be warm so enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice and a café amb let/ café con leche (milk coffee) with a pastry at a terrace café near your digs – or if you need a full eggs and beans breakfast experience, head to the Billy Brunch & Lounge (https://billybrunch.com/ ) in El Poble-sec.
Walk uphill to Montjuïc to visit the Archaeology Museum, which will give you the wider context of the culture, arts and crafts of Catalonia. Check out the re-creation of Paleolithic cave art, the VR experiences of ancient Iberian civilisations and examine artefacts and objects including jewellery, pottery and sculptures, as well as fascinating Roman and Greek sections.
Stroll to the nearby Joan Miró Foundation where you can dive into the work of the Catalan modernist master, as well as other modern artists, in the fluid, airy, white building created by Miró’s friend, the architect Josep Lluís Sert. Admire the sculptures and the view over the city from the rooftop.
Walk through the surrounding leafy parks with fountains, benches and a Greek amphitheatre, then make your way up to the palatial MNAC, the National Museum of Catalan Art and enjoy lunch at their panoramic restaurant, Restaurants Oleum (https://www.museunacional.cat/es/restaurante-oleum-0 ).
Afternoon
Digest with a long, slow visit to the MNAC, which holds the most important collection of Catalan art in the world, including the mesmerising Romanesque frescoes from the churches in the Pyrenees, and let yourself be dazzled by artists from the eleventh century onwards.
Take your time, go at your own pace, and read the texts or listen to the audio guide via the free app for contextual commentaries. If you’re spending more than a few days in Barcelona, you may decide to come back for another visit as there’s just so much astonishing art to enjoy here.
Evening
You’ve probably built up an appetite from all this art, so enjoy a traditional tapas meal with a twist at El Sortidor (www.elsortidor.com), a short stroll downhill from the MNAC in El Poble-sec, or sip a cava, mineral water or natural wine and dine on delicious seafood with a Peruvian twist at Lascar, just around the corner (https://lascar.es/ ). Best to book in advance.
Day 2
Morning
A 60-metre column, topped by a statue of Christopher Columbus, was constructed for the 1888 Universal Exhibition to honour the Italian navigator’s visit to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella following their financing of his voyage to the Americas in the late fifteenth century.
Situated at the bottom of La Rambla, by the port, the monument makes for a great meeting spot. What may not be obvious at first, however, is that it’s also a lookout, so take the small lift to the top for a bird’s eye view over the city and harbour.
Then stroll up La Rambla, over Miró’s mosaic and turn right into the centre of the Gothic Quarter. Enjoy a coffee and snack at the bustling Sant Catherine market and pick up some fruit and nut snacks. Then it’s time for some Picasso! This museum will really help you understand Picasso’s early years and his connection to Barcelona. Lunch on calamari, meats, peppers and, of course, croquetas, at the charming, traditional Bodega La Puntal tavern.
Afternoon
Step into the Barcelona cathedral to admire the magnificent stained-glass windows, architecture and artworks. Pick up some antique earrings or trinkets from the flea market in Plaça Nova (every day until 20.00, except Thursdays). Check out the Picasso-designed friezes. Wonder around the Gothic centre and pop into the galleries, particularly Base Elements, to catch some urban artists at work. Have a chat to them and owner Robert Burt and, if you can, consider purchasing a piece, or a print. Take a stroll through the beautiful Ciutadella Park, checking out the statues, fountains, the greenery and just enjoying the relaxed vibes.
Evening
Time to try your hand at some art! Take a painting class at Arte Bar Painting and Wine Studio and recreate an artwork with your own flair, led by a professional – it’s fun, intriguing and rewarding. No experience necessary. Best of all, you get to take your work home which makes a great souvenir or gift. Next, project yourself into the past and enjoy a late meal and drink at Els Quatre Gats, once haunt of Picasso and friends…
Day Three
Morning
Brunch at El Arbol (www.instagram.com/elarbolbrunchbcn) and take a street art tour on foot or by bike. Although you’ve probably already experienced many colourful works on walls, shutters and even electricity boxes, you’re going to learn so much more with an expert. Try Barcelona Street Style Tour www.barcelonastreetstyletour.com or Street Art Barcelona www.streetartbcn.com (you can take a tour on a bamboo bike, which is fun). Lunch at La Boqueria Market.
Afternoon
Visit Barcelona’s major contemporary art museum MACBA, watch the skaters making the most of the ramps out front, then check out what’s on at CCCB, the contemporary culture centre, with its interactive and thought-provoking exhibitions.
Stroll around to Ángels Gallery for a taste of an industry-respected local commercial art gallery, then make your way up to Eixample for a tour of Gaudí’s unique Casa Batlló. Their audio guide will help you to appreciate and understand this exceptional architect. If time permits, pop into the Antoni Tàpies Foundation, just over the street. Visit the Sagrada Familia, or if you want to avoid the crowds, go to the Miro Park with its Woman and Bird sculpture, then head to the top of the Barcelona Arenas.
Once a bullfighting ring, the structure is now a commercial centre in Plaça d’Espagne, with restaurants and panoramic views from the top. Go clothes shopping at Mango, a local success story founded by brothers Isak Andic and Nahman Andic.
Evening
Splash out on some contemporary Catalan fine dining at Aleia Restaurant or head to Barceloneta for a cocktail with a view at the W Hotel, followed by paella at Cheriff (https://cheriffrestaurant.es/ ). Stroll home to digest with a refined eye as you pass the street art, the architecture, the lamp posts and listen to the mix of languages and the night owls. Stop off at any terrace that takes your fancy for a night cap and try talking to some locals. Or check out one of the bars recommended by Mercedes or Hector. Hop into bed and if you’ve got any energy left, write or draw your impressions and thoughts from your visit while they’re fresh! Dolços somnis/dulces sueños — sweet dreams!
The Art Lover’s Guide to Barcelona By Ruby Boukabou, White Owl Books, 2024, Available in paperback and e-book
