A Perfect Day in Barcelona
What, for you, would be the perfect day in Barcelona? Shopping? Sampling the work of the renowned Gaudi? Visiting cathedrals? Visiting beaches? Tasting tapas? A little of all of the above?
You need to decide these questions before planning your perfect day in Barcelona.
For us, the perfect day included La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece, shopping in the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, while experiencing the Barcelona Cathedral and tapas too.
Here’s what you need to know about planning your perfect day in Barcelona.
The Crucifix
This is a must. Gaudi’s masterpiece…still unfinished. Your visit to Barcelona is incomplete without a visit here.
As you enter the cathedral hold your breath! You will be blown-away at the amazing columns, the vastness of the interior and the grandeur of the Crucifix. You will gaze up, to the right and left and you will still not be able to breath. We have been there twice and it was even better the 2nd time.
La Sagrada Família Interior – WOW!
Antoni Gaudi, a brilliant architect, and artist joined the work on La Sagrada Familia in the late 1800s and had not finished by his untimely death in 1926. In Europe, one usually visits many cathedrals, but as cathedrals go, this one is different.
La Sagrada Família exterior
Not only is the architecture unique and breathtaking, but the focus is also on Jesus, not the Virgin Mary, as is the case in most European churches.
How to Get There:
From your hotel:
Inquire about the subway system. We found the subway was a perfectly safe way to get to the church from our hotel. The alternative would be the taxi, which I also recommend.
From a cruise ship:
Save yourself the cost of an excursion, where you will be herded quickly in and out. Instead, get a taxi directly to La Sagrada Familia. This will take you about 15-20 minutes and cost approximately 12 Euros. Savor and enjoy. You will need to book your tickets before leaving home.
Tickets:
Audio guide:
You do not need a tour guide at La Sagrada Familia if you install the official La Sagrada Familia app and download the audio tour when you order your tickets. (26 Euros per person, available in 17 languages).
Be sure to download the audio guide when you have internet access and don’t count on having access outside the church. Since Covid, you must bring your own headphones or earpieces. The audio tour is excellent, guiding you through numbered spaces in the cathedral, and teaching you all you need to know. (You must book in advance of your trip or you will spend a good portion of your day waiting in line. Have a print-out of your tickets handy.)
Note that the guards are not very flexible if you are early for your booking and you can expect security to check your belongings.
Also, note that some discounts are available (Children under 11, Disabled plus 1 companion, Senior discounts, etc. A ticket is still required for discounted or free entrances and must be booked in advance. The only exception is that children under 3 do not need a ticket.) Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are usually available 3 months before your date.
La Sagrada Familia In-person Tour Guide: 30 Euros/ person.
In-person guides are available upon booking in four languages: Spanish, Catalan, English, and French. Groups are up to 20 people and the tour lasts about 50 minutes.
If you want to book earlier than three months or are afraid you will miss getting a ticket, this link offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and offers tickets for just a bit more.
You may also be given the opportunity to order tickets for the elevator (one way) to either the Nativity or Passion Towers for views of the city and the artwork. (We went to the Passion Tower and would not recommend the extra expense. You must walk back on narrow spiral steps and if you have insecure footing or are claustrophobic, this is not for you.)
After your audio tour, take time to wander on your own and even visit the gift store in the basement.
Warning: Pickpockets hang out at La Sagrada Familia. My husband thwarted the theft of a camera, by yelling at the thief after the owner carelessly put his camera down for a moment.
Across the street from La Sagrada Familia is a café. We had coffee and pastries there after our tour.
#2. Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous street
To get to the start of Las Ramblas at the Placa de Catalunya from La Sagrada Familia, take a taxi for about ten Euros (5 minutes) or walk the 1.6 miles (about 30 minutes). You may also opt for the bus at this point.Las Ramblas is a wide, primarily-pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, vendors, street artists, and cafes.
Las Ramblas
Here you can find every kind of souvenir, from key chains to castanets. Prices may be a little higher here than elsewhere in Barcelona, because of all the tourists. (1.2 Kilometers or approximately .75 Miles in length.) Walking and browsing the length of Las Ramblas is a Barcelona must.
Food Market
Don’t miss La Boqueria: A food market on Las Ramblas that will wake up all your senses.
La Boqueria, Food Court
Hint: This area is known for its pickpockets so wear your backpack on your front and watch your belongings. The end of the street by the Columbus statue may not be your best option at night.
3. The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic)
Running parallel, just one street over from Las Ramblas, you will find Barcelona’s old-world historical center. If you are a shopper or like to stroll through an authentic old-world neighborhood with artsy boutiques and cafes, this is the place for you.
How to get there: If you are walking down Las Ramblas from Placa de Catalunya to the Columbus Statue, Barri Gotic is one street to your left. Here you will be treated to medieval cobblestone alleyways and narrow streets filled with shops, art galleries, and cafes.
4. Barcelona Cathedral
The old-world flavor here is authentic and the shops are unique. Be especially on the lookout for handmade espadrilles and other shoe boutiques.k
The highlight of your stroll will be the Barcelona Cathedral (Le Seu Cathedral) or for art lovers, you may want to visit the Picasso Museum.
Don’t forget to stop for tapas: Tapas are little snacks you can purchase. Usually, they are presented on trays (like hors d’oeuvres). You fill your own plate and when you check out, you are charged by the number of toothpicks on your plate. A plate of tapas makes a fine meal and is part of the Barcelona experience.
By now, you are ready for a rest, so this is a good time to retire to your hotel or your cruise ship.The hotel we recommend is not in the city center and is a Hilton affiliate. We recommend the Hilton Diagonal Mar which is out of the city center. Across the street is a mall with shops you will know and many restaurants.
We hope you enjoy your time in Barcelona. All that we described in this article is what our itinerary in May 2023 will be composed of, once more.
What a Perfect Day in Barcelona!!!
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