Your time starts... now! Exploring Barcelona in 48 hours
The second largest city in Spain and the capital city of Catalonia, Barcelona is an important cultural hub, not just a major tourist destination. In fact, it is currently the third-most-visited city in Europe, attracting millions of tourists every year, from all parts of the world.
Barcelona is famous for its cultural identity. Along with that, the city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, excellent tourist infrastructure and almost endless supply of locations of interest. This guide explains how to explore the city within just 48 hours.
Day 1
Take a trip to Boqueria Market
If you’re visiting the city over a weekend, it’s important to schedule in a trip to Boqueria Market on the first day, as it closes on Sundays.
The market itself contains over 100 different stalls; the highly-rated Bar Pinotxo is perfect for experiencing a Catalan-style breakfast. Stroll around the market downstairs, or really get involved by taking part in a culinary class in the upstairs area.
Walk to Plaça de Catalunya
Plaça de Catalunya, or Catalonia Square is a mere stone’s throw from the Boqueria Market. Many consider it to be Barcelona's equivalent of Trafalgar Square. Known for its fountains, statues and sculptures, it's a fantastic place for photography as well as taking in the multitude of Catalan culture readily available. This square is thought of more or less as the city center. You visit here and explore more of Catalonia if you travel with First Choice.
Go to the Camp Nou
Accessible via Metro or Tramway, the Camp Nou is home to FC Barcelona, one of the world's most successful football teams.
However, even away from match days and outside of the regular football season, the Camp Nou is a fine piece of architecture to admire. Moreover, the stadium offers guided tours, which include a trip to the FC Barcelona museum, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the history of one of the most iconic clubs around.
Day 2
Explore the Picasso Museum
A visit to the Picasso Museum is a must, but it's best to try and get to the museum in the morning, since queues tend to stretch out in the afternoons. After all, with only 48 hours to explore the city, you don't want to waste too much time standing still!
Spread across five different buildings, the main exhibition houses more 3,000 pieces of art, making it one of the world's largest collections of Picasso’s work.
See the Magic Fountain of Montjuic
The Magic Fountain of Montjuic is a memorable way to end your second day of exploration and is a fabulous evening activity. Located in the Montjuic neighbourhood, the fountain was constructed in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition.
Barcelona has a special blend of culture that gives the city a real magic. No one would blame you for wanting to stay for more than 48 hours. In fact, why not extend your time there?
Images by Jesus Solano and Becky Snyder, used under Creative Commons license
