7 Days in Barcelona: The Best One Week Itinerary + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend one week in Barcelona and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit Barcelona in 7 days.

During your stay, you will of course discover the city’s best places to visit such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló, but also hidden gems of Catalonia’s capital.

First, I will give you all my best tips to skip the long waiting lines at the city’s must famous monuments and tourist attractions. You will see, you will save a lot of time!

Then, I will give you my optimized one week itinerary to make the most of your stay in the Barcelona.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Barcelona in a week? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

My best Tips to Save Time at Barcelona’s Must-See Attractions

If we were to rank the most touristy European cities, Barcelona would certainly be right up there alongside Florence, London, and Rome, for example.

And if there’s one must-see attraction everyone wants to visit during their one-week stay in Barcelona, it’s undoubtedly the Sagrada Familia! Every day, hundreds of people wait sometimes for hours to enter.

Well, that’s because they haven’t followed my advice!😋

There are actually 3 ways to skip lines at the most popular sites and save a lot of time during your one week trip to Barcelona.

And I am going to tell you all about it right away!

1. The Barcelona City Pass

To make the most of your one week stay in Barcelona, your first option is to buy the the Barcelona City Pass.

Getting the Barcelona City Pass allows you not only to skip the queue, but also to save a lot of money!

You need to purchase it in advance online, as all skip-the-line tickets are sent to you by email. It’s super convenient, as you’ll then just have to show them on your smartphone at the entrance of the tourist attractions.

Another advantage of the Barcelona City Pass is that it has no time limit. Once activated, you can use it for your entire stay in Barcelona.

If you’re looking for the most complete and convenient pass for visiting Barcelona in a week, the Barcelona City Pass is what you need!

Here are the best visits included:

• Sagrada Familia skip-the-line ticket: during the purchase, you’ll be asked to choose a date and time for your visit. It’s mandatory to as you will need to opt for a time slots.
• A skip-the-line ticket for Park Güell. You’ll be asked for the date and time of your visit for the park too.
• A ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus
• An audioguide, to learn about more than 100 points of interest in the city
• Discounts on attractions and certain museums: those for Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are especially useful! A 10% discount code will be sent to you after purchasing the Barcelona City Pass. You will then need to book your visits on the same site to use the promo code.

To purchase your Barcelona City Pass, simply click the green button below:

2. Skip-the-Line Tickets for Barcelona Tourist Attractions

The second solution to get priority access at Barcelona’s must-see attractions is to purchase skip-the-line tickets one by one, for each visit you want to do.

You will find tickets online for the most museums and monuments as well as guided visits and activities. 

By purchasing them using these links, you are 100% sure to get the official tickets.

To check the prices and to book, just click on the links below (you’ll also find them throughout the article):

7-8 Days in Barcelona: Must-See Attractions:

• Casa Batlló
• Casa Milà
• Gaudi’s 3 Houses Pass
• Flamenco Show
• Park Güell
• Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
• Sagrada Familia skip-the-line
• Sagrada Familia guided tour in English
• MNAC
• Barcelona Museum Pass
• Montjuic Cable Car
• Palau de la Musica Catalana
• Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus

3. The Barcelona Card

The last option for your 7 days in Barcelona is to purchase the Barcelona Card. However, I will only mention it briefly as it’s not the best choice.

This card allows you to use public transport for free and gives you discounts at city museums like the Picasso Museum.

With the itinerary I propose, the cost of the Barcelona card won’t be recovered, as it’s not necessary to frequently use the bus or metro. I’ve intentionally grouped certain visits together so you don’t have to walk too much!

And if you want to take the bus/metro, it’s cheaper to get the 10-trip pass sold at machines at the entrance of metro stations.

The Barcelona Card also doesn’t include fast-track access to the most visited places like the Sagrada Familia.

If this 7-8 day trip to Barcelona is your first time in the city, I recommend you to get either the Barcelona City Pass or purchasing skip-the-line tickets one by one.

However, if you’re already familiar with the city and its must-sees, and your plan is focused on the museums, feel free to click on the following green button to see if the Barcelona Card suits you:

One Last Tip for a Perfect 7-Day Stay in Barcelona

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.

As Barcelona is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Barcelona by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in Barcelona.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Barcelona, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

7 Days in Barcelona: The Best Itinerary

Let’s now start your 1 week Barcelona itinerary!

For each day, I will give you all the details you need to plan your visits + a map that will allow you to visualize the itinerary a bit better.

I’m assuming you will be staying in Barcelona for a full week and that you will be using the Barcelona City Pass or skip-the-line tickets in advance. It’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

I will be glad to help you plan your trip 😄.

So, How to visit Barcelona in 7 days?

Day 1 – The Historic Center of Barcelona

Day 1 visits:

A. The Cathedral of Saint Eulalia and the Gothic Quarter
B. La Rambla
C. Boqueria Market
D. Casa Batlló
E. Casa Milà
F. Flamenco show

A. The Cathedral of Saint Eulalia and the Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the perfect first stop to start a one-week journey in Barcelona.

Locally known as the “Barrio Gòtico,” this quarter is one of the most famous and visited areas of the city. It’s a lovely medieval district and also the historical center of the capital.

Here, you can’t miss the imposing Cathedral of Saint Eulalia, a gothic wonder. I recommend visiting as it’s very interesting.

If you get the chance, also try not to miss the artistic performances (including Sardana dances) that take place every Saturday at 6 PM and Sunday at 11 AM in the cathedral square.

In the Gothic Quarter, you can also stroll around and discover the labyrinth of alleyways, admiring along the way:

• Plaça Sant Jaume
• Plaça del Rei (King’s Square)
• Barcelona History Museum
• Plaça Nova
• Plaça del Pi.

B. Stroll along La Rambla Avenue

You may have already heard of La Rambla, the grand pedestrian avenue in Barcelona that connects the port to Plaça de Catalunya. You can reach it in just 10 minutes on foot from the Barrio Gotico.

La Rambla is a must during a one-week stay in Barcelona. It’s very lively, hosts numerous street artists and is lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes.

For this journey, I suggest you first walk down towards the port.

On the way, you should see:

• Gran Teatre del Liceu (the city’s oldest theater)
• Joan Miró mosaic
• Plaça Reial.

Then head back towards Plaça Catalunya. En route you can see the Canaletes fountain and Palau de la Virreina with its temporary exhibitions.

C. Boqueria Market

Along La Rambla, you’ll also find the famous Boqueria Market with its entrance marked by a grand Art Deco archway.

It’s a picturesque market, the oldest in the city.

I suggest taking a tour to discover and taste Catalan specialties, tapas, and fresh fruit. The market is often crowded, except in the morning between 8 AM and 10 AM when it’s calmer.

D. Casa Batlló

Continue the tour by now heading to Passeig de Gracia. This street is a 5-minute walk from Plaça de Catalunya.

I’m taking you here to guide you to one of the major attractions of Barcelona: Casa Batlló, a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí.

This symbol of Barcelona is recognized for its very unique architecture full of curves, characteristic of Gaudí’s work. This villa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s open for interior visits as well.

E. Casa Milà

Next, I suggest continuing your tour along Passeig de Gracia, heading a little further north.

In 6-7 minutes, you’ll arrive in front of another villa conceived by Gaudí: Casa Milà. Equally essential as the last, Casa Milà features a striking white facade with flowing lines.

Here too, you should visit the interior to immerse yourself in the architect’s genius across the building’s 5 different floors.

And at the very top on the villa’s rooftop terrace, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire district.

Here as well, remember to purchase your Casa Milà entry ticket on Tiqets and take advantage of the discount you get with your Barcelona City Pass.

F. Attend a Flamenco Show

What better way to end your first day in Barcelona than by attending a flamenco show?

Performances take place year-round in the city’s tablaos, intimate venues where you can eat, have a drink, and enjoy musical performances.

I especially recommend “Los Tarantos”, one of the oldest and most famous tablaos in the city. It’s located on Plaça Reia, very close to the Rambla.

You can book your flamenco evening simply by clicking here!

If tickets are sold out, here are some other places to see a flamenco show during your stay in Barcelona (click on the orange links to book):

• City Hall, in the theater of Barcelona City Hall
• At the tablao Flamenco Cordobes, in Rambla district
• Tablao de Carmen, located in Poble Espanyol district.

What to Do and See in Barcelona on the Second Day?

Visits for Day 2:

A. Park Güell
B. Bunkers del Carmel
C. Recinta Modernista de Sant Pau
D. Sagrada Familia
E. El Born District

A. Park Güell

After a good night’s sleep, I suggest you start this second day with a stroll in Park Güell.

Also born from the imagination of Antoni Gaudí, it was built in the early 1900s. It represents another major and iconic work of the architect in Barcelona.

Park Güell is located to the north of the city and is divided into two sections. One part is free while the other has an entrance fee.

In the paid area (called “Monumental”), you’ll be able to admire famous works by Gaudí including a serpentine bench covered in mosaic, a salamander, and tree trunk-shaped columns.

I recommend getting there early in the morning to have enough time to visit everything at a leisurely pace.

To get to Park Güell, take line 3 of the metro and get off at Vallcarca.

B. Bunkers del Carmel

After spending the morning in the park, I now suggest you head to Bunkers del Carmel, about a 20-minute walk away.

It’s one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona with a 360° view over the entire city.

This former anti-aircraft base set at an altitude of 262 meters is located on Turo de la Rovira. Access is free and open to all.

For example, you might want to bring a picnic and lunch up there to have a pleasant time and recharge!

C. Recinta Modernista de Sant Pau

In a 30-minute walk, proceed to Recinta Modernista de Sant Pau.

This former public hospital now hosts exhibitions and it’s possible to visit the various buildings that tell the story of the place.

But it’s already worth a look just for its architecture and facade!

Entry tickets are available here, if you’re tempted by the visit.

D. Sagrada Familia

It’s the ultimate emblem of the Catalan capital and the city’s flagship monument: Sagrada Familia is unmissable during your 7-day circuit in Barcelona.

A masterpiece by Gaudí, this spectacular basilica is the most visited monument in Spain. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and embodies a luxurious blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture.

E. The El Born Neighborhood

As the day comes to an end, I suggest winding down in the El Born neighborhood.

This quaint medieval district, along with the Gothic Quarter, forms Barcelona’s old town. It’s also a very trendy area where you can enjoy a pleasant evening at one of the fashionable tapas bars or restaurants.

Other things to do in the El Born district:

• Admiring the Gothic churches
• Visiting the Picasso Museum
• Visiting the Palau de la Musica (one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world!).
• Discover the MOCO museum, dedicated to contemporary art. There, you can especially admire works by Banksy and Andy Warhol.
• Enjoy a tasting of 5 Catalan and Spanish wines.

Day 3 – Barcelona’s Points of Interest to Visit

Visits for day 3:

A. Plaça Espanya
B. The MNAC
C. Montjuic Park
D. The Olympic installations
E. Montjuic Castle
F. Plaça Espanya and the Magic Fountain

A. Plaça Espanya

For this third day of your one-week itinerary in Barcelona, head over to Plaça Espanya.

Constructed in 1929, it was designed by another great Spanish architect: Puig y Cadafalch. It’s somewhat the Barcelona equivalent of Place de l’Étoile and it’s the starting point for today’s other visits.

This square is also surrounded by several buildings and convention halls, including “Las Arenas,” a former bullring converted into a shopping center.

B. The MNAC

You can find the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) just across from Plaça Espanya. It’s one of the largest museums in Spain and one of the richest in Barcelona.

It houses the world’s largest collection of Romanesque art.

It takes about 15 minutes on foot to get there, passing by the Magic Fountain (which I’ll talk about for the evening).

C. Montjuic Park

After this cultural visit, it should be time for lunch.

Thus, I suggest going for a picnic in Montjuic Park, the main green space in Barcelona where locals usually come to exercise and get some fresh air on weekends or after work.

This park is situated up high, perched on Montjuic hill and can be reached by funicular (Return ticket for the cable car here.).

Divided into several gardens, the park also includes some historical monuments and museums:

• The Police Museum
• The Modern Art Museum
• The Olympic Museum
• The Joan Miró Foundation.

D. The Olympic installations

The Barcelona Olympics took place in 1992 and the city has preserved many of the installations built for the event.

I now suggest going to see the Olympic installations located within Montjuic’s Olympic Park, near the gardens.

Here are some sites you can see:

• The Olympic Stadium
• The Palau Sant Jordi
• The Calatrava Tower
• Barcelona’s Sports Palace
• The Pavilion of Industrial Spain.

E. Visiting Montjuic Castle

Stay in Montjuic and end your afternoon with a visit to the castle, which is open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Constructed in 1640, Montjuic Castle is a must-visit when you have the chance to spend a week in Barcelona. It has in the past served to protect the city from Catalan rebels, was then transformed into a prison, and finally into a military museum in the 1960s.

The visit is very interesting and you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful panorama of Barcelona’s coastline from the heights.

F. Tapas at Plaça Espanya and the Magic Fountain

This third day in Barcelona is already drawing to a close.

It’s time to dine at one of the delicious tapas bars on Plaça Espanya.

After dinner, find a spot in front of the Magic Fountain and enjoy the sound and light show that happens every evening, from Wednesday to Sunday (starting at 8 PM from November to March, and from 9 PM from April to October).

This show lasts about an hour and always draws a large crowd.

Day 4 Itinerary: Stroll Through Barcelona

Visits for day 4:

A. Port Vell
B. Passeig Maritim
C. Olympic Port
D. Ciutadella Park
E. Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

A. Port Vell

Continue your week-long journey in Barcelona with a visit to Port Vell (which means “Old Port”).

As its name suggests, it’s the city’s oldest port and offers a pleasant stroll, especially along the charming Moll de la Fusta (Wood Quay).

You will also find the Rambla de Mar, a floating walkway leading to the port’s shopping center for any shopping desires. You can also enjoy the walk to climb to the top of the Columbus Monument or visit the Barcelona Aquarium.

From the port, you can also board a golondrina for a mini cruise around the harbor. Book here.

Catamaran cruises (during the day or at sunset) are also available if you’d like to enjoy a moment of relaxation while admiring beautiful views over the city. Click here to book!

B. Passeig Maritim

Continue your morning by walking along Passeig Maritim from Port Vell and stroll along the coast.

This 5 km-long coastal promenade runs alongside Barcelona’s beaches and, in summer, invites you to stop at the prettiest ones for a picnic and/or swim.

C. Olympic Port

If you’re a sports enthusiast keen to learn more about the 1992 Olympic Games, you should then stop at Parc del Mar, home to other Olympic facilities including the Barcelona Olympic Port and the Mar Bella Pavilion.

D. A Walk in Ciutadella Park

Then, visit Ciutadella Park.

Dating back to 1888, this vast park offers a great opportunity for a breath of fresh air, a boat ride on the lake, and features several places of interest:

• The Arc de Triomf
• Barcelona Zoo
• The Museum of Modern Art
• The Seat of the Catalan Parliament.

E. Santa Maria del Mar Basilica

To finish off this fourth day, I recommend a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

This Gothic basilica is located in the historic El Born district. It’s very impressive both inside and out, and even more beautiful at night when it’s all lit up.

From the Terraces (paid access), you can enjoy a magnificent view over the entire area.

Day 5 – A Day at Port Aventura

Spend a week in Barcelona and you’ll have time to get out of the city to explore its surroundings.

In 4 days, you should have seen the main attractions of the Catalan capital. That’s why for this fifth day, I recommend a trip to PortAventura, a must-visit destination near Barcelona.

PortAventura is the largest amusement park in Spain and indeed in the whole Southern Europe.

Located just over an hour’s drive from Barcelona (by train or car).

To visit Port Aventura without a car, the easiest is to book a full-day excursion including roundtrip transportation.

Book here your 12-hour day-trip which includes round-trip transportation from Barcelona by bus and a skip-the-line ticket:

Day 6 – Visit Montserrat

For this sixth day, I suggest another “day-trip” around the Catalan capital, this time to the Montserrat mountains.

Again, this is a must-visit destination near Barcelona, a place where you can recharge and enjoy the peace after the hustle and bustle of the city and the thrill rides.

The Montserrat Mountains are both a Benedictine monastery (with a beautiful abbey worth visiting), a nature reserve, and a sanctuary for Catalan culture and art. You can enjoy lovely visits as well as beautiful walks.

What to do in Montserrat:

• Visit Montserrat Abbey
• Explore artworks by Caravaggio, Fortuny, Rusiñol, Picasso, Dali, and many others.
• Admire the Black Madonna
• Hike in nature
• Taste the local liqueurs.

This organized tour includes round-trip train transportation from Barcelona, a visit to the monastery, and the Montserrat museum with audio guide.

Day 7 – The Costa Brava

Your one-week itinerary in Barcelona is coming to an end, and I have saved a fantastic excursion for your last day: a dreamy day on the Costa Brava!

The Costa Brava, located in the northern part of Catalonia, is one of the most famous and renowned Spanish coasts.

For this seventh day, I suggest you book a day-trip that includes a boat tour as well as the discovery of the idyllic villages of Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar.

This day-trip includes coach transport and a guide. It can be reserved by clicking on the button below:

And for the more adventurous, you have another option to discover the Costa Brava: a kayak tour that also includes snorkeling (lasting 8 hours).

Suitable for up to 12 people, this package includes transfers to Costa Brava, a kayak tour, and a snorkeling session.

Equipment is provided and lunch is included.

Book directly below:

Where to Stay in Barcelona

After all this information on how to visit Barcelona in one week, it’s time to tackle the question of your accommodation!

When you’re not familiar with the city, it’s not always easy to know where to stay and to sift through the multitude of available accommodations.

Therefore, I have selected a short list of the best hotels to stay in Barcelona, based on your budget:

• Hostel One Ramblas: This hostel is located in the center of Barcelona. Dormitory beds start from €33 with dinner included. Strong points: the atmosphere, the price. A great choice if you’re visiting Barcelona on a budget.
• Hotel Grums Barcelona: Located next to Montjuic hill and 600m from Las Ramblas. Elegant and bright rooms starting from €134. Strong points: the spa with jacuzzi and sauna, room design, great location. It’s one of my favorite hotels in Barcelona for its excellent value for money!
• Ohla Barcelona: Perfectly located luxury hotel in Barcelona, between the Cathedral and the Plaza Catalunya, and 200 meters from the metro. This 5-star hotel offers contemporary and comfortable double rooms starting at €325 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the beauty of the establishment both outside and inside, the rooftop pool with breathtaking views, the 3 gourmet restaurants. This is definitely the perfect choice for a romantic stay in the heart of Barcelona.
• W Barcelona: The iconic Barcelona hotel is located in the Barceloneta district. Luxurious and well-equipped double rooms starting at €363. Strong points: the views, the two swimming pools, the facilities, the restaurants. Undoubtedly the most famous hotel in Barcelona!
• Hotel Arts Barcelona: 5-star hotel located in the Olympic Port district, 250 meters from the beach and 300 meters from Ciutadella Park. Design and ultra-spacious double rooms starting from €670 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the 2-Michelin-star restaurant, the outdoor pool with panoramic views, the design, and the contemporary art collection. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Barcelona!

Visiting Barcelona for 1 Week with Family

Are you heading to Barcelona for a week with your family? Wondering how to adapt the trip for children?

Don’t worry, the Catalan capital is a destination suitable for all ages and is particularly well-suited for a family holiday.

To help you plan your trip better for your family, below are some additional visits to include in your itinerary if you plan to visit Barcelona for 7 days with your children:

• Poble Espanyol: this visit, for example, could replace a museum visit that might not be suitable for younger children (such as the MNAC). Poble Espanyol is a life-sized artificial village, representing the different types of Spanish houses from various regions. Located near the Magic Fountain, the site is explored on foot and is a fun experience that children always enjoy.
• Tibidabo Amusement Park: this park is situated on the outskirts of the city, atop Barcelona’s highest peak. It is suitable for children aged 6 and over and provides a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.

Not to mention of course all the visits already included in the one-week itinerary in Barcelona that are perfectly suitable for a family holiday:

• Ciutadella Park (near El Born district): a beautiful green space ideal for a family picnic, including a fantastic playground for children.
• PortAventura: this huge amusement park near Barcelona is of course an essential destination for a day of family fun.
• Strolling down La Rambla
• Flamenco shows
• Barcelona’s most beautiful viewpoints (Bunkers del Carmel, Mirador de Violai, roof of Basilica Santa Maria del Mar, terraces of Montjuic Castle, rooftop terrace of Las Arenas)
• Montjuic Park
• The Magic Fountain show.

More Ideas for Things to Do and See in Barcelona in 1 Week

This 7-day Barcelona sightseeing plan is quite comprehensive, but if you still have more time or want to explore other places, you will find more ideas in my detailed travel guide.

My dedicated article on Barcelona can be found right here: The ultimate guide to visiting Barcelona.

Map of Your 7-Day Itinerary in Barcelona

To help you visualize your itineraries during these 7 days in Barcelona, I have created a map listing the places to visit day by day. You can display the legend of the map by clicking the button at the top left with a small arrow. This will let you view routes for each day.

Heading to Barcelona for a Week: Prices of Flights

As prices of flights to Barcelona can vary greatly, it’s a smart idea to compare them as early as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner. This is the way to ensure the best fares.

Do you need help organizing your one-week itinerary in Barcelona? Feel free to ask me your questions in the comments.

You’re traveling in Spain? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Spain: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Spain are listed there.

• Barcelona: Top 25 best places to visit
• Madrid: The 21 best things to do

• 2 days in Barcelona – The best itinerary to visit the city in a weekend
• 3 days in Barcelona – The best 72-hour itinerary in the Catalan capital
• 4 days in Barcelona – The best day-by-day program
• 5 days in Barcelona – The ultimate itinerary for visiting the Catalan capital
• One week in Barcelona – My detailed 7-day itinerary!

• 2 days in Madrid – The best way to visit the city in a weekend
• 3 days in Madrid – The best itinerary for visiting the city in 72 hours
• 4 days in Madrid – The ultimate itinerary for visiting Spain’s capital!
• 5 days in Madrid – The best detailed day-by-day itinerary!

• Where to stay in Barcelona? My guide of the best places to stay for all budgets
• Where to stay in Madrid? All the best areas and hotels to stay in Madrid as a tourist

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