Emma Challis

Travel Guide: 72 Hours in Barcelona

Travel Guide: 72 Hours in Barcelona

Barcelona is the perfect city break with so much to do and see, a buzzing nightlife and great food scene. I loved warm evenings on the beach, wandering around and soaking in the architecture as well as how lively everything is well into the night. If you’re looking for your next European city break, I can’t recommend Barcelona enough. Here’s how to spend 72 hours in Barcelona.

See and Do

Park Guell

Hop on the Metro and get off at Vallcarca, a short (but incredibly steep!) walk will bring you to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to some of the best examples of Gaudi’s architecture. My top tip would be to make sure you book tickets in advance as people were being turned away at the gate. You can stay as long as you like so bringing a picnic would be a nice way to spend an afternoon. My favourite parts were the viaducts in the upper forest areas where nature and art blended seamlessly.

Casa Batlló
Another UNESCO World Heritage site, these quirky houses are further examples of Gaudi’s modernist architecture. We were happy enough to pass by from outside but you can also pay to go inside.
Sagrada Familla
Probably the best known landmark in Barcelona but also perhaps the most underwhelming (in my opinion!). This Gaudi church has famously been under construction since so expect scaffolding and cranes. It’s also incredibly busy and wasn’t somewhere we wanted to spend much time. Still worth seeing but I think there are more enjoyable sights to see!
Barcelonetta Beach
Part of Barcelona’s appeal is it offers a city break and a beach break in one. Although it gets pretty crowded the beach stretches for miles so it’s not hard to find a good spot. The sea was surprisingly warm but also very rough which meant everyone ended up playing a game of jump the waves. It’s funny how quickly we collectively revert to childhood when faced with a big wave.
Park Ciutadella
A great way to spend a chilled afternoon out of the sun, I love a green space to escape to! You can hire a rowing boat on the lake or soak up the shade beside the fountain. It’s also home to other attractions like the zoo and Museu d’Art Modern.
Misc.
  • Public transport is incredibly easy to use in the city, much like London, you can tap in and tap out or buy a single journey ticket at the Metro station before you travel

  • Visit Home Made Barceloneta for some of the best homemade gelato you’ll ever taste. Try the dulce de leche flavour and thank me later!

  • Some of the best food spots can be found in Barceloneta and Garcia

  • El Món Neix en Cada Besada (The World Begins With Every Kiss) is Joan Fontcuberta’s photo mosaic mural and can be found on Plaça d’Isidre Nonell. Made up of 6,000 images submitted by locals, each representing their version of freedom, it’s worth a visit if you’re an art lover

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