Are you planning a day trip to Barcelona? If so, you are brave. There are so many amazing things to see, and it can be overwhelming to try to get to them all in one day.
If you are just going to be in Barcelona for one day, then read on to discover everything you need to know to make the most of it.
Determine the Must-Sees
There is so much to see in Barcelona that you could probably use a full three days by sightseeing from sunup to sundown. So, if you are only going to spend one day, you need to determine your must-sees and build a rigid itinerary around them. Here is a list of a few popular sights that you may want to prioritize.
La Rambla
La Rambla is the most infamous street in all of Barcelona. Stretching about three-quarters of a mile, a light walk down this road will present you with wonderful places to eat, drink, and shop. The odds are you will be on this road at some point anyway, so you might as well do some research and use your time on it well.
The Gothic Quarter
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is home to some of its most breathtaking buildings and intriguing historical spots. Here you will find that it is a nice and quiet place to walk around and learn the history of old Barcelona.
Barcelona Cathedral
Within the Gothic Quarter lies the famous Barcelona Cathedral. The build-out of this beloved structure began in the late 1200s and wasn’t officially completed until the early 1900s. As you walk through this amazing structure, you will be able to notice the different influences of architectural style that changed throughout its incredibly long construction phase.
Sagrada Familia
The legendary architect Antoni Gaudi spent upwards of 140 years crafting this massive and quirky masterpiece. While the exterior is gorgeous, it’s not enough just to see the outside. To truly experience this Barcelona staple, you should take a walk around inside, paying close attention to every architectural detail.
Determine the Backup Options and Extras
Just like any plan, many things can come up that will hinder you from being able to follow your itinerary perfectly, whether it is rain, closed exhibits, or several other inopportune events. On the other hand, you may find that you are under-planned for your trip. So for these reasons, it’s always good to have a list of extras or backup options that you would love to see, but won’t be too upset if you don’t.
The Umbracle
Taking a walk through the Umbracle may just be the perfect light activity you need to break up your day of busy sightseeing. This remarkable cage-like iron structure was built in the late 1800s and is currently a serene botanical garden that houses plants from around 24 different countries.
Encants Markets
The incredible Encants Markets is one of the oldest markets of its kind in all of Europe. Just like everything else in Barcelona, it has amazing architectural elements that are sure to captivate you upon arrival. Here you will be able to shop for just about anything imaginable and enjoy some delicious local cuisine. Truly a great stop to make on your trip.
The MNAC
The MNAC is the national art museum of Catalina. Here you can find Catalan art that ranges from the 1300s to the 1900s and a gorgeous modern art collection. While it may not be the first on your list, it is definitely worth a visit.
Park Guell
Park Guell is a wonderful park filled with sculptures, colorful tiles, and local culture. A trip to this park on a nice day can be a blissful experience, especially if you make your way to the highest point for the spectacular city views.
The Picasso Museum
Just based on its name you can probably get the gist of what this attraction has to offer. With around 4,000 pieces by Picasso, it could take several hours to even begin to take in all of its wonderful art. Making it the perfect place to go on a rainy day.
The Beach
When all else fails, the beach is always an amazing option. With over two miles of gorgeous coastline, you will always be able to find a nice spot on the sand to layout and soak in the sun.
Travel Tip – Store Your Luggage
One very important travel tip you should utilize, especially on travel days, is luggage storage. There are so many options for luggage storage in Barcelona that allow you to drop your bags off and enjoy the city before heading to your room or getting on your plane.
The Bottom Line
Being in Barcelona for only one day could be overwhelming, to say the least. There is so much to see in such a little amount of time, so you should try to get everything you can out of it. Making a detailed itinerary with your must-sees and backup options is key. If you do this and utilize luggage storage facilities, you will be on your way to getting the most out of your day in the lovely city of Barcelona.
