Only have 3 days in Barcelona? Don’t worry! This city break itinerary squeezes in golden rooftops, mountain monasteries, Gaudí icons, and tapas in Gothic alleyways, all without feeling rushed. I recently visited Barcelona on a press trip with Jet2holidays and put this itinerary to the test myself. If you’re planning your first visit to Barcelona (or just want to make the most of a return trip), this 3-day itinerary covers the best things to see, do, eat, and experience. Whether you’re into architecture, beaches, food, or culture, there’s something here for you.
How to get to Barcelona:
Getting to Barcelona is straightforward, with most visitors flying directly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), located just 12km from the city centre. From Ireland the UK, one of the easiest options is flying with Jet2, which offers regular direct flights from Manchester airport, Birmingham, Leeds, and other regional airports. I flew with Jet2 on my recent city break and found it super convenient! I was very impressed with the friendly service, generous cabin bag allowance, and reliable flight times made the journey stress-free.
Once you land at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, it only takes around 20–30 minutes to get to the city centre, and there are several easy ways to get there. For public transport your best option is the Aerobús express service, which runs every 5–10 minutes from both airport terminals to Plaça de Catalunya. It costs €7 one way or €14 return and is perfect if you’re staying central. For a budget-friendly alternative, you can take the RENFE train from Terminal 2 (with free shuttle buses from T1), which connects to major stations like Sants and Passeig de Gràcia. The metro (L9 Sud) also runs from both terminals, though it takes a little longer to reach the centre.
Taxis are widely available outside arrivals and cost around €30–35 to most central areas.
A lot of tourist will pre-book a transfer which is the most seamless and stress-free option. Since we went with Jet2CityBreaks we booked a transfer that brought us straight to our hotel which was ideal.
Where to Stay:
There is no shortage on Barcelona hotels, and there are so many to choose from. The first thing to decide is which part of the city suits you best. For a central base, look at hotels around Las Ramblas or Plaça de Catalunya. If you’d rather soak up a more local vibe, the neighbourhoods of El Born and Gràcia are full of character, with winding streets and plenty of tapas spots. Beach lovers should consider Barceloneta, which is within walking distance of the city centre and easily connected by metro or taxi.
During my trip, I stayed at the H10 Marina Barcelona, bookable through Jet2holidays, and it was an excellent choice. The rooms are spacious and modern, the lobby and bar area feel bright and welcoming, and the breakfast buffet has a wide selection to set you up for a day exploring the city. A real highlight is the rooftop pool, bar, and terrace — the views at sunset are spectacular.
The hotel also comes with plenty of extras that make a city break more comfortable: a full-service spa with treatments and a hydrotherapy area, a fitness centre, and a large outdoor pool for cooling off in the summer. For convenience, there’s also on-site parking, a business corner, bike and scooter rentals, and even room service if you fancy a quiet night in.
The location is another big plus: it’s an easy walk to the beach and the Olympic Village, close to restaurants by the seafront, but set in a quieter neighbourhood so you can escape the buzz of the busier districts when you want to unwind.
Itinerary Day 1:
Culture, Tapas & Gothic Charm:
Highlights: El Born, Gothic Quarter, Food Tour
- Arrival at H10 Marina Barcelona (link to hotel or Jet2holidays page)
- Brief hotel review: location, rooftop pool, proximity to beach/metro
- Lunch at El Tribut – great first bite by the marina
- Tapas & Wine Tour in El Born and Gothic Quarter
- Mention standout dishes (Iberian ham, bravas, local wine)
- Tip: Book a guided food tour — great way to explore local spots
- Optional nightlife suggestions: rooftop bar, speakeasy, or Gothic Quarter bar crawl
Touch down in Barcelona and check into your hotel — I stayed at H10 Marina Barcelona with Jet2CityBreaks, which is ideally located between the beach and the city centre. After dropping your bags, head to El Tribut, a stylish spot down by the marina, for your first taste of Barcelona’s food scene. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to settle in or simply relax before diving into the city’s heart.
As evening falls, join a tapas and wine tour through the Gothic Quarter and El Born. Winding through atmospheric alleyways, you’ll taste local favourites like Iberian ham, spicy patatas bravas, octopus, and Spanish cheeses, all paired with regional wines. This is the perfect way to orient yourself in the city while experiencing Barcelona’s vibrant social scene. If you still have energy after the tour, stick around El Born — its lively bars and hidden corners are a great introduction to Barcelona nightlife.
Itinerary Day 2:
Day 2: Mountains, Monasteries & Wine Tasting Highlights: Montserrat + Wine at Oller del Mas
Highlights: Montserrat + Wine at Oller del Mas
- Morning trip to Montserrat Monastery
- Cogwheel train ride views
- Visiting the Black Madonna & seeing works by Picasso/Dalí
- Optional: ride the funicular for panoramic mountain views
- Lunch & wine tasting at Oller del Mas
- 10th-century castle winery
- Local wines + light tapas
- Photo-worthy vineyard views
- Evening at leisure:
- Optional drink at Hotel Pulitzer rooftop or Casa Bonay
Dinner at Baluba Bar (global fusion + lively atmosphere
Your second day is all about escaping the city for a taste of Catalonia’s countryside. Take a morning trip to Montserrat, a dramatic mountain range just outside Barcelona. The journey begins with a scenic cogwheel train ride up to the Montserrat Monastery, an 11th-century abbey perched high in the peaks. Here you can see the famous Black Madonna, explore the basilica, or take the funicular even higher for panoramic views across the region.
From there, it’s on to Oller del Mas, a family-run winery housed in a 10th-century castle with spectacular views of Montserrat in the distance. Enjoy a leisurely wine tasting and tapas lunch, and take a stroll through the vineyards while learning about the estate’s winemaking traditions. Back in Barcelona for the evening, you could enjoy cocktails on a rooftop such as Hotel Pulitzer’s terrace before dinner at Baluba Bar, a lively spot serving creative, flavourful dishes.
Itinerary Day 3:
Day 3: Iconic Architecture & City Views
Highlights: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Rooftop Views
- Morning free time ideas:
- Barceloneta Beach for a sunrise walk or dip
- Gothic Quarter stroll
- La Boqueria Market for fresh juice & churros
- Lunch at Madre Taberna Moderna
- Trendy tapas near Sagrada Familia
- 360° Rooftop coffee at Sercotel Rosellón
- Best rooftop view of Sagrada Familia
- Afternoon: Guided tour of Sagrada Familia
- What to wear (note clothing requirements)
- Must-see interior details
- Evening: Explore Park Güell + Dinner at Fonda Pepa
- Gaudí’s colourful mosaic wonderland
- Final dinner in Gràcia district — a more local vibe
Photo tip: Golden hour at Park Güell with city views
Day 3: Gaudí Icons & Rooftop Views
Start your final day with a slower pace — whether that’s exploring the Gothic Quarter, browsing the stalls at La Boqueria Market, or enjoying a morning swim at Barceloneta Beach. After a relaxed start, head for lunch at Madre Taberna Moderna, a modern tapas restaurant near the Sagrada Família.
Next, stop at the Sercotel Rosellón rooftop terrace for one of the most iconic views in Barcelona: the Sagrada Família rising up right in front of you. Then it’s time to step inside Gaudí’s masterpiece itself on a guided tour of the Sagrada Família. The stained-glass windows and soaring interior are nothing short of breathtaking. Round off the day with a visit to Park Güell, Gaudí’s colourful mosaic wonderland that offers sweeping views across the city, before enjoying your final dinner at Fonda Pepa in the Gràcia district — the perfect way to end your Barcelona city break.
Frequently Asked Questions: for Your 3 Day Barcelona City Break:
🗓️ Is 3 days enough to see Barcelona?
Yes, 3 days is the perfect amount of time for a first-timer to experience the highlights of Barcelona without rushing. With a smart itinerary, you can explore Gaudí’s masterpieces, stroll through the Gothic Quarter, enjoy tapas by the beach, and even take a quick day trip to the mountains.
📅 When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
The best times to visit Barcelona are spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October). The weather is warm but not overly hot, crowds are thinner than in peak summer, and prices tend to be more reasonable. July and August can be very busy and humid — but still doable with good planning.
🚶 What’s the best way to get around Barcelona?
Barcelona is a walkable city, but the metro is quick, reliable, and affordable. You can buy a T-Casual card for 10 journeys or get a Hola BCN card for unlimited travel over several days. Google Maps works well with public transport routes, and taxis/Ubers are also available.
🧳 What should I pack for a city break in Barcelona?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential — you’ll be on your feet a lot. Bring layers, as mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially if you visit Montserrat. If you’re visiting churches like Sagrada Família or Montserrat Monastery, make sure to pack something to cover your shoulders and avoid short skirts or shorts.
🔐 Is Barcelona safe for tourists?
Barcelona is generally safe, especially in well-populated areas, but pickpocketing is very common, particularly around La Rambla, metro stations, and tourist hotspots. Keep your bag zipped and close to your body, don’t carry valuables in your back pocket, and stay alert in crowds. Use a crossbody bag with a secure zip, especially at night or in busy areas.
📸 What are the best Instagram spots in Barcelona?
- The rooftop of Sercotel Rosellón for views of the Sagrada Família
- Mosaic tiles and terraces at Park Güell
- Colourful Gothic Quarter alleys
- Inside Casa Batlló or Casa Milà for Gaudí architecture
- Montserrat mountain views
Conclusion:
Barcelona is an incredible city with so much to do and explore! I have visited 4 times now and definitely will be back again. It’s the kind of place you can visit over again and never get bored. This trip with Jet2holidays was by far my favourite time visiting this exciting Spanish city. From the flight to the accommodation and delicious tapas, everything was just perfect and stress free with Jet2CityBreaks. The company on the trip made it even more of a trip to remember. Take this 3 day itinerary for your trip to Barcelona and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
