How to Visit Barcelona in an Afternoon

Could it really be possible? To see enough of Barcelona with just one afternoon to spend? Well, although Barcelona is the type of city that you could happily spend days and weeks exploring, for those of us who are pressed for time or just passing through, we have to economise.

So yes, it is perfectly possible to see a good selection of the main attractions, and here is a simple itinerary starting at lunchtime and finishing at dinner time, with a hefty dose of style and culture sandwiched in between.

Lunch on Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas, the beautiful pedestrian boulevard that stretches through the city right down to the sea, is packed full of cheap restaurants with lots of special offers to attract the lunchtime crowd, many of which have outdoor seating when the weather is good. Head down to the area near the beach and grab a quick bite to eat around here, and you will then be perfectly situated to start the trip.

Gothic Quarter

Walk up Las Ramblas for about ten minutes until you turn off into the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter). High-walled buildings, hidden cobbled streets to get lost in, splendid Gothic architecture, ancient Roman walls and the cathedral mean that you can easily spend a good hour walking around this amazing area of the city.

Picasso Museum

From here you can walk to the Picasso Museum. It can be a bit tricky to find, tucked away in Av. Montcada, and it is not well signposted. However, it is well worth an hour-and-a-half of your time. The entry price is €9 for an adult and €6 for concessions, which gets you into the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition. The temporary exhibition alone is €5.80 or €2.90 for concessions, and there is also a great shop where you can buy a Picasso t-shirt.

Park Güell

Take the Metro to the Vallcarca stop. This is best reached by walking to the Metro stop Jaume I and taking a train up to Passeig de Gracia, then making a connection with Line 3 here. When you get off, you have a steep walk up the steps, although have of the journey is thankfully covered by escalators, to head up to Park Güell.

This has countless attractions designed by Gaudí, including the large seating area with unbeatable views of the city. Check out la Torre Rosa, the house where Gaudí used to live and now a museum, which can easily be done in half an hour for a small entrance fee. Walk down to the amazing entrance, and then head to the nearest tube station, Lesseps, about a ten minute walk and well signposted.

The Sagrada Família

Take Line 3 to Diagonal and then connect with Line 5 to the Sagrada Família stop. Here you will be able to check out the Sagrada Familia, or the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família to give it it’s full name. This fantastic, yet still unfinished, cathedral is one of Barcelona’s biggest tourist attractions and when you get there you’ll be able to see why. It’s great from the outside, but if you want to head inside then it will cost €11.

And after all that you will have got a good insight into this marvellous city, all in one afternoon.

Photo narrow street in the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona, Spain by papalars

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About the author

Jon has travelled widely across Europe, and is always keen to share the hidden gems he has discovered whilst on the road. He is a freelance writer specialising in travel writing, and his dream destination is Madagasgar.