Ultimate Barcelona Solo 2-Day Trip
This past November, I went to Barcelona for work. During my trip, I was able to explore the city and I learned that you really can hit a lot of the city’s top attractions in only 2 days. From Gaudi’s masterpieces to strolling the Gothic Quarter, we have put together the ultimate Barcelona solo 2-day trip itinerary for you.
Day One
One of Antoni Gaudi’s most famous designs, Casa Batlló should be the first stop on your list today. While you can take in its beauty for free outside, if you have the budget it is worth entering this colorful building that sits on Passeig de Gracia.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; Friday through Sunday 9 am to 8 pm
Cost: €25 for a standard ticket. Tickets purchased online in advance are €4 cheaper than buying them at the box office. “Be the First” tickets cost €45 and give you early entry.
Website: Learn more on the official website.
Next on your stop of Gaudi’s masterpieces should be Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera. It is located only a few blocks north of Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gracia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the last civil work designed by Antoni Gaudí.
Hours: Open daily at 9 am.
Cost: Several tour options are available. The base ticket costs €25 online, and €28 at the box office.
Website: Click here for updated hours, and tour options, and to book your tickets online in advance.
No tour of Gaudi’s masterpieces would be complete without a stop at the famous La Sagrada Familia. Started in the 1880s, although not yet finished is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Eixample district, this Roman Catholic Church is considered the symbol of Barcelona by many of its residents.
There are many options available for visiting the Sagrada Familia but, my opinion is to skip a guide and just pay the €26 to visit the inside of the church. However, you do have the option to pay a bit extra to get into the towers and /or add an audio guide.
As you continue your venture through the city, you will want to take a leisurely stroll down Las Ramblas. This main pedestrian thoroughfare connects Plaça de Catalunya with the Christopher Columbus monument. Although very busy, a visit to La Boqueria, a large market located right on La Rambla is a must. This a great place to go shopping for fish, fruit, fresh juices, and an assortment of foods.
To wrap up your day, head to the Gothic Quarter to enjoy some delicious Tapas and take in a Flamenco show. This is the perfect way to end the day and immerse yourself in Spanish culture.
Day Two
To start day two of your Barcelona adventures, head to Park Güell with these skip-the-line tickets. Park Güell is one of Gaudi’s most magical creations and is located in a distinctive setting with breathtaking views of the city. Discover how Gaudi’s initial idea was modified to create the modern public park, which was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.
When traveling solo, it can be hard to get photos with yourself in them. So, one of my favorite things to do is to hire a local photographer to take you around to top attractions and snap some incredible photos along the way. During my shoot in Barcelona, I was able to visit:
- Barcelona Cathedral – is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
- Arc de Triomf – was built by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair.
- Parc de la Ciutadella – is a green oasis that houses a zoo, regional parliament, and plenty of sites and spots for lounging.
- El born – one of Barcelona’s trendiest neighborhoods, characterized by narrow medieval streets offering designer boutiques and cafes by day, and cocktail bars and samba at night.
To end your day, head to the Sagrat Cor, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Roman Catholic Church located on Mount Tibidabo. To take in one of the most breathtaking views of Barcelona, be sure to climb the towers of the Sagrat Cor.
Then, for a delicious, low-cost meal head to nearby Blavis. This restaurant is so popular that reservations need to be made weeks in advance.
Other things to do
Find yourself with additional free time? Here are other great things to do in Barcelona.
- Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). This is the national museum of Catalunya art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Montjuic Castle. Once a fortress and a prison, Montjuic Castle is now a municipal building and a vantage point over Barcelona.
- Palau de la Musica Catalana. This gorgeous concert hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a tour or attend a musical performance here. Learn more on the official website.
- Spend some time windsurfing, kite surfing, or just lounging on the beach.
- If you like the idea of visiting another rooftop bar, you can watch the sunset from 360° Terrace, located in Hotel Barcelo Raval.
- Girona, located in Catalonia, Spain, is a gorgeous place to visit, with medieval walls, narrow winding city streets, and one of the best-preserved Jewish Quarters in Europe. For Game of Thrones fans, Girona is Braavos in seasons 5 and 6.
- Montserrat is one of the best half-day trips from Barcelona. Visit this rocky mountain range in Catalonia, Spain for the panoramic views, to visit the monastery, and to take a one-day break from bustling Barcelona.
Happy exploring on this Ultimate Barcelona Solo 2-Day Trip.
XoXo, Sara
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Thank you for your tipps. You pictures ate beautiful! I’ll travel solo to Barcelona and I wonder if I can take selfies with my tripod without worrying?
Thank you!! You should be able too. Just watch your belongings. As with all big cities petty left is a thing.