48 Hours in Barcelona

Only have 48 hours in Barcelona and wondering what to see and do? It’ll be tight, but you can definitely make it work! Read our guide for tips on how to spend 48 hours in the Spanish capital.

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Spain, and there’s tons to see and do! But what if you only have 48 hours to explore? You won’t have to miss the best, but we can’t promise you won’t be exhausted trying to see it all. We’ll show you how you can pull it off in our guide to 48 hours in Barcelona!

48 Hours in Barcelona – Photo by Danil Sorokin on Unsplash

Day 1

Mattina

After fuelling up with a delicious breakfast, start your day in Barcelona with a walk down Passeig de Gràcia, home to famous international couture brands, but also two famous Gaudí houses! Casa Milà (La Pedrera) ed Casa Batlló are both worth a visit, but tickets can be expensive so if you have a student ID card, bring it to save a few bucks! And since you only have 48 hours in Barcelona, book a ticket in advance so you can skip the queue and save time.

Pomeriggio & Sera

After you’ve toured the famous Gaudí houses, we suggest you head to Palau de la Música Catalana – an icon of modernist architecture! If you don’t have time to tour the interior, we promise the exterior is enough to make your jaw drop! But if choral or classical music is your thing, make some time in the evening for a show.

From here, it’s time to check out the Barcelona Cathedral. This marvellous cathedral was completed in the 15th century, and is a must-visit in Barcelona. Entrance is free, so why not check it out?!

Sera

Since you’re already in the Gothic Quarter, we recommend heading to the Picasso Museum. Like any museum, touring through takes time, so plan your visit ahead if you want to see specific pieces! The Picasso Museum also isn’t expensive either, but make note of reduced rates and free entrance times if you’re on a budget.

If you’re not much of an art fan, then head east towards the Arc de Triomf for a beautiful walk under tall palm trees, and continue to Parc de la Ciutadella to relax and chill out after a busy day!

48 Hours in Barcelona – Photo by Square Lab on Unsplash

Day 2

Mattina

You’re halfway through your 48 hours in Barcelona! We promise the last 24 hours will be equally as exciting, but not nearly as busy as the first! And since no visit to Barcelona is truly complete without a visit to the beach, you should start your day at Playa de Bogatell. This place is fully decked out with chairs, volleyball courts, a skate park, restaurants, and more. we’re confident you’ll find plenty of things to do at this gorgeous beach!

Pomeriggio

Your next stop will take you to Barcelona’s most famous landmark, the Sagrada Familia! This famous landmark truly epitomises Barcelona’s identity, and you can’t really say you’ve seen the city until you come here. For an additional price, you can also visit one of the church’s towers!

After a visit to the famous church, head to Las Ramblas, which is another iconic part of the city you have to experience! Go shopping, grab a bite to eat, enjoy some street performers, and watch the people bustle around the area. Soak in the energy of Las Ramblas!

Sera

End your day in the beautiful Park Güell, Barcelona’s famous Gaudí park! As with almost everything in Barcelona, make sure you buy your ticket in advance so you can skip the queue.

48 Hours in Barcelona

Where to Stay in Barcelona

If you’re looking for a hostel notorious for a great party and welcoming atmosphere, then we recommend booking a room at Kabul Party Hostel, located only 20 mins from the beach! And since you’re only coming to Barcelona for 48 hours Kabul Party Hostel couldn’t be more perfectly located for all your activities. You’ll love the vibe here!