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Barcelona is the largest metropolis on the Mediterranean, the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. It was once founded by the Romans. Today, this fascinating coastal city is a place full of cultural attractions, fantastic cuisine and other unforgettable Barcelona sights.
The magnificent architecture reflects the unmistakable genius of Antoni Gaudí. In 24 hours, you can get your first taste of what this Mediterranean city has to offer. And then you’ll be sure to come back again.
Even if you only have one day in Barcelona, you will experience the unique atmosphere of the city while enjoying some of the best cuisine in the world. Here are our best Barcelona tips in one day:
Tip: Save yourself stress and money
Hola Barcelona Travel Card with multi-day options – Book online in advance here
Take metro line 5 across the city to the Sagrada Família. The great Roman Catholic cathedral, abandoned for decades and still unfinished, is Gaudí’s crowning achievement and a true Barcelona highlight.
Construction began in 1882 and when Gaudí died in an accident in 1926, less than a quarter of the project had been completed. Construction was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War and did not resume until the 1950s.
Construction relied on private donations and ticket sales, so progress was extremely slow. Restoration and expansion work was finally undertaken on the cathedral when the reclusive architect came back into fashion in the 1990s.
The four original towers – designed by the master himself – are considered far superior to those designed by modern architects.
No matter where you look, the entire cathedral contains references to biblical stories. From the top of the towers, you can enjoy one of Barcelonas best views of the surrounding Barcelona landmarks.
Current construction progress remains slow, and even optimistic forecasts say the entire project won’t be completed for another decade.
In October 2015, the stunning cathedral began its final phase of construction and six massive towers were erected to make it the tallest religious building in Europe. It is hoped that the Sagrada Família will be completed by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.
Caro tends to be one of those people who doesn’t really like the building. However, when we visited the cathedral from the inside, she was totally thrilled. The light that falls through the many colorful windows is absolutely unique and truly magical. So definitely take a look inside the church as well. In this article you can find more information about the Sagrada Familia.
It makes sense to buy the ticket online in advance to save time and skip the line:
➜ Skip the line Ticket: Sagrada Familia ticket with audio guide *recommendation*
➜ Guided tour without queuing: Quick entry and guided tour *Popular*
➜ Private or guided tour: Quick entry with access to the tower *Popular*
Park Güell is a public park system with gardens and architectural elements on Carmel Hill. As our second Barcelona highlight, the green space deserves a little more time to be sufficiently enjoyed.
It’s one of Gaudí’s major works created during his naturalist phase (he found inspiration in organic forms).
To get there, it’s best to take metro line 5 to Diagonal and then line 3 to Lesseps, then you can walk the rest of the way to Parc Güell.
Tip: Save yourself stress and money
Hola Barcelona Travel Card with multi-day options – Book online in advance here
At the entrance, look for the mosaic snakes and buildings for Hansel and Gretel – one of which is a small museum, the Centre d’Interpretaciói Acollida, dedicated to the creator Gaudí’s building style.
In the center of the park, up a few steps, the Banc de Trencadís – a colorful ceramic bench – winds around a sweeping esplanade, while behind it, footpaths lead into the pine forests of Vallcarca and Monte Carmel. From there you’ll have a magnificent view of the city below.
At the top, there is a terrace area from which you have another magnificent view of the park and the city. Visitors are fascinated by striking buildings, stone structures and beautiful, colorful tiles. We think this park is a must-see of our Barcelona tips.
Since it can get crowded here, too, it’s worth buying a ticket in advance without standing in line.
➜ Skip the line Ticket: Park Güell ticket without queuing *Popular*
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Tibidabo, at 512 meters, is the highest mountain in the Sierra de Collserola. This mountain range separates the narrow coastal strip on which Barcelona is built from the hinterland.
It is the highest peak within the borders of Barcelona and thus Tibidabo offers a magnificent 360-degree view over the sea, the city, inland towards Montserrat and the peaks of Montseny.
An elevator takes you to the first observation deck. If you’re not afraid of heights, climb the stairs up to the statue of Christ at the top. From there you will experience an unforgettable view.
As you climb the mountain, you have already passed the Tibidabo amusement park. The park was built in 1889 and is the only amusement park in the whole of Barcelona. More than 25 exciting rides let you discover the city while experiencing magnificent views.
The third notable viewpoint on Tibidabo is probably also the most controversial. The 288-meter-high Torre Collserola Television Tower was built for the broadcast of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Designed by Sir Norman Foster, its elegance is challenged only by its counterpart on Montjuic, Torre Telefonica.
Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour to Tibidabo book online in advance:
➜ Barcelona: 24- or 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour *Popular*
After spending part of the day experiencing the world of Gaudi, visit the lively and beautiful La Rambla. Here you will always find a good opportunity for a light lunch or snack. Tapas are a great choice in Spain along with sangria instead of wine.
La Rambla offers cafes, restaurants and stores, so you can just stroll to enjoy the atmosphere or pick up some souvenirs to take home.
In the midst of it all, you’ll dive into one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets, the Mercat de la Boqueria, which opened its doors nearly 200 years ago. The large, iron entrance to the Boqueria leads you into a pretty market with dishes from all over the world.
The many stores along the streets make the area a huge shopping and tourist attraction. Spread across three subway stops on La Rambla is Barri Gòtic, the Gothic Quarter.
After the hectic and somewhat commercial La Rambla, a walk through the medieval alleys and secluded squares of the old town is the best introduction to Barcelona and the starting point for most visitors arriving in the city.
The beaches of Barceloneta are officially divided into four smaller ones (Barceloneta, Somorrostro, Sant Sebastià and Sant Miquel). All are easily accessible and centrally located.
With the yellow line (line 4) to Barceloneta or Vila Olimpica, it’s only three to four stops to Plaça Catalunya and after a short walk you’re right by the sea.
Barceloneta stretches along the coast with some cool art projects marking the way. The farthest south end is marked by the sail-shaped W Hotel and the northern end by Frank Gehry’s golden Peix (fish).
Along the way, also look out for Rebecca Horn’s Homenatge a la Barceloneta (Homage to Barceloneta), a stack of boxy shapes. Whether you want to relax on the beach, swim, play volleyball, windsurf, sunbathe, or enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the sea, Barceloneta is the place to be.
Along the way you’ll find countless restaurants, from fast food to elegant seafood restaurants. Near the Peix, there are a large number of lounge restaurants that become clubs later at night.
If cocktails are on your list, visit the chic W Hotel or have a drink right on the beach at a chiringuito (a summer beach bar). Whichever you choose, you’ll get a gorgeous and relaxing view of the Mediterranean.
Tip: Save yourself stress and money
Hola Barcelona Travel Card with multi-day options – Book online in advance here
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The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is at the top of the list of Barcelona attractions if art and culture of the region are important to you.
The bookstore and store of the National Museum of Art of Catalonia offers a wide bibliographic range and exclusive products. They are designed and produced by the museum itself.
The museum is located in the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc. The impressive palace is designed in a classical style and influenced by Renaissance architecture.
It covers 32,000 square meters and is decorated with murals and interesting architectural elements. The main areas of the building are the Oval Hall, the Throne Hall and the imposing main dome. The MNAC offers a unique exhibition of Catalan art of all ages.
The collection is considered the best in the world. You’ll discover the largest and oldest wall and panel paintings in Europe, as well as metalwork and sculptures in wood and stone.
According to its own statements, the museum now also engages with contemporary creations to present new perspectives and provoke dialogue and critical revisions of the collection.
➜ Barcelona: Ticket für Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
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Another of Antoni Gaudi’s works and, among connoisseurs, his most interesting building, is known for its dragon’s back design. It is called “the bone house” by locals because Casa Batlló seems to have been designed with whimsically executed organic shapes in mind.
Built for the bourgeois Batlló family, who bought the building in 1900 for its central location, Gaudi’s redesign of the facade and interior made the address priceless.
The facade is divided into three distinct sections, each reflecting an abstract of the anatomy. The base level looks like it is surrounded by giant bones, while the front above takes on a chaotic, jumbled pattern that expresses blood vessels and muscles.
The entire structure is covered with a scaly roof that looks like the back of a giant dragon. The interior of the building is no less “physical”. That Gaudi was actually just remodeling an existing building is hard to see today because of the smooth, undulating interior of the great hall.
Walking the corridors is like strolling through the soft organs of a giant creature. The Batlló family no longer inhabits the building but it’s still open as a museum to the work of the esteemed architect.
So you can also visit the fascinating building from the inside.
Book your ticket to Casa Batlló online in advance
➜ Barcelona: Admission to Casa Batlló with audio guide tour *Popular*
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Catalan is not the same as Spanish! The people here have their own identity, language (Catalan), culture and traditions that are different from other regions of Spain. They are Spanish, but then again they are not.
It is a complicated issue and the majority of the inhabitants will argue passionately about it. So when you come to the region, you will actually get to know two cultures at once. Barcelona is smaller than you think.
The city has about 1.6 million inhabitants, but the advantageous urban planning makes it easily walkable and you can experience Barcelona in a day.
At any time of year there are events and activities and great Barcelona highlights to see. If you want to experience Barcelona in a day, we strongly recommend visiting the Mediterranean city outside the high season.
This way you can avoid the big crowds and still enjoy pleasant weather. February to May or October to November are good times to visit.
Here are some tips on where you can experience and taste original, local cuisine:
The best way to experience Barcelona in a day and get from place to place is by public transportation. Use the affordable city buses, metro system, streetcars and commuter trains.
Although operated by different organizations, the systems are now interconnected. Multi-ride tickets are valid for up to four transfers (within 75 minutes) on bus, streetcar, commuter train and subway lines.
The subway is usually the fastest and easiest way to get around the city. All subway lines run from 5 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, Sunday and holidays; 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and all day on Saturday.
There are night buses in areas not covered by the metro. The metro card is divided into zones, and the farther the zone is from the center of the city, the more expensive the ride. Local buses and the subway are operated by the Municipal Transport Authority (TMB).
Two subway lines connect the metro, which is operated by the Catalan state railroad FGC. One runs north from Plaça Catalunya, the other west from Plaça d’Espanya to Cornellà.
➜ Barcelona: 24- or 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour *Popular*
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Throughout the year there are festivals in Barcelona, some take place only in the city, while others are celebrated throughout Catalonia or nationwide:
Tip: Save yourself stress and money
Hola Barcelona Travel Card with multi-day options – Book online in advance here
➜ Skip the line Ticket: Sagrada Familia ticket with audio guide *recommendation*
➜ Barcelona: Hola Barcelona Travel Card mit mehrtägigen Optionen *Beliebt*
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Of course, you can’t see and experience everything in Barcelona in a day. If you are looking for more Barcelona highlights, city tips and inspiration, check out our 3-day Barcelona City Guide with many more Barcelona highlights, or how to visit the Sagrada Familia stress-free!
Fotos: Shutterstock – Casa Batllo/Dunaeva Natalia, Park Guell/TTstudio, Museu Nacional/Brian Kinney
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