When you have very little time, it’s challenging to soak in the atmosphere of Barcelona, get to know this European city in detail. However, if you have only 24 hours to explore the Spanish metropolis, we will try to help you with an interesting and packed walking route. We promise that this day will be memorable, and next time you will definitely want to spend much more time here. So, let’s tell you what to see in Barcelona in one day on your own.
Casa Milà
The wavy, whimsical building style reveals the hand of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, whose works were popular among the upper echelons of society. The author often admitted that all his creations were influenced by nature. For instance, Casa Milà resembles a sheer cliff washed by waves of the raging sea, and the fence on its balconies is made of iron bars resembling intertwined seaweed.
The structure almost lacks strict straight lines and load-bearing structures, which is why locals call it the “drunken house.” The building was erected in 1910 and was intended for the wealthy Pere Milà-i-Caps family. Today, the former property of the Barcelona magnate houses a bank, several residential apartments, and a museum. Most of its exhibits are Gaudí’s personal belongings: sketches of future works, drawings, and pieces of furniture.
As soon as construction work ended, the innovative Casa Milà faced a wave of criticism. The building was called a “quarry,” “scrap heap,” and “mole hole.” Only decades later was the architect’s work duly appreciated. In 1984, the extravagant building was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is one of the most amazing buildings in the world. The history of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece began in 1904 when the Spanish architect took on the remodeling of an income house belonging to textile magnate Josep Batlló-i-Casanovas. The textile magnate was a perfectionist and decided that his property should outshine the neighboring neo-Gothic Casa Amatller in luxury.
In just two years, the asymmetrical facade of the building was adorned with colorful mosaics, large stained-glass windows, and elements resembling the bones of exotic creatures. The building’s roof, with its tower, began to resemble dragon scales shimmering in the sun with all the colors of the rainbow. Despite the seemingly frightening skulls used in the decoration of balconies and columns, Casa Batlló looks attractive and fairy-tale-like.
While marine motifs are evident in the previous architectural monument, here Gaudí, along with other talented craftsmen, brought to life the myth of Saint George’s victory over the dragon. The genius architect’s idea was realized perfectly: the bones used in the facade decoration seem to belong to the monster’s victims, while the tower with the cross represents a kind of sword thrust into its back.
Plaça de Catalunya
In the very center of the Spanish metropolis lies Plaça de Catalunya, resembling the sun surrounded by radiating rays. This iconic place is the origin of nine famous streets and the boundary between two districts: Eixample and the Old City. The square, paved with colorful tiles, is decorated with twin fountains and sculptures by Spanish masters Pablo Gargallo and Josep Llimona.
Life on the square bustles 24 hours a day. The metro runs here, and the noise of buses and cars continues until late at night. Shopaholics occupy numerous stores and boutiques; tourists come here to relax, feed the pigeons, take photos against the backdrop of monumental sculptures and fountains, and try Catalan cuisine. In winter, the square is covered with ice, and in warmer times, national holidays and mass events are held here.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The large, modern building with many windows is noticeable from afar. The Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors in 1995. At the time of its opening, its collection included works by artists and sculptors representing not only Spanish but also foreign art from the 1940s to the 1970s. By 2014, there were so many exhibits that additional premises had to be acquired.
Currently, the museum’s exhibitions are housed in three buildings. Between them is a large square, a favorite place for skateboarders. The permanent collection, including sculptures, graphics, photographs, installations, and paintings by artists from many countries and generations, occupies 11 halls and the tower of the first floor. The remaining space is dedicated to temporary exhibitions and a library.
Palau Güell
Another of Gaudí’s works included in the UNESCO list. This is where the architect began to develop his unique style. Politician and patron Eusebi Güell was a friend of Antoni and trusted only him to bring his dream to life. Five years later, the entrepreneur received a unique palace made of gray marble, unparalleled to this day.
The lower part of the building is decorated with Gothic wrought-iron gates, numerous windows, and balconies with railings intertwined to form the symbols of hell. The middle part of the palace, devoid of architectural frills, is executed in a strict, even somewhat ascetic style. On the roof are chimneys reaching for the sky, framed with the brightest mosaics.
The interior decoration also deserves attention. Candelabras along the stairway, red carpets, marble columns, and furniture inlaid with ivory, which cost Güell a fortune, attracted the attention of the Spanish king Umberto I himself.
Sagrada Família
The best creation of Antoni Gaudí and the place of his burial. The maestro devoted several years of his life to the basilica, unfortunately never completing his work. Construction continues today, but locals aren’t in a hurry as there is a legend in Spain about the end of the world that will come upon the project’s completion.
The neo-Gothic basilica consists of three facades symbolizing the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. Each facade is crowned with four spires, corresponding to the 12 apostles. The highly detailed main tower, 170 meters high, symbolizes the Savior.
Workers involved in the grand construction spoke of the uselessness of the decorations. They believed that at such a height, no one would see the fine details. However, Gaudí remained firm in his vision, intending to depict all the events of the New Testament on the facade.
Religious scenes, life-size statues of saints, bas-reliefs, stone patterns, stained glass, arches, peculiar columns, and staircases filled the basilica’s interior. However, the abundance of decorations does not clutter the space but instead gives a sense of lightness and openness.
Park Güell
In 1900, the already well-known entrepreneur Güell decided to invest his accumulated funds in real estate in an ecologically clean area, away from the noisy city and construction sites. He bet on the uniqueness of the construction and turned to his friend Antoni Gaudí. However, the architect’s hard work, which lasted 14 years, did not succeed.
Spanish wealthy people did not appreciate the overly bold “gingerbread house” style for that time. The area became state property.
The magnificent park, as if it came off the pages of fairy-tale books, cannot be accused of lacking extravagance. As in Gaudí’s previous creations, you won’t find straight lines and austere elements here. The walls and fences of colorful mansions are decorated with jagged edges, bones, broken glass, and colorful mosaics.
The interior halls captivate with their intricate work. The curved, sometimes convex ceiling is dotted with hundreds of tiny shimmering medallions, reminiscent of a salamander’s back. Columns, snake-like benches, viaducts, an unusual landscape with exotic plants, viewing platforms, museums, and souvenir shops are just part of what Park Güell offers visitors.
Columbus Monument
You can find a monument to Columbus in many cities in Spain. Every one of them claims that the famous navigator was born and lived in their hometown. Sculptor Rafael Atché approached the creation of this revered Barcelona landmark with all seriousness, and after seven years, a 50-meter column topped with a 7-meter bronze figure rose above the Catalan capital.
The monument’s pedestal is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting significant events in the life of America’s discoverer. Additionally, there are statues of people involved in Columbus’s deeds, including Catalan rulers who equipped his expedition, the team without whom the navigator couldn’t have succeeded, and the goddess Nike symbolizing victory.
At the base of the monument is an entrance where an elevator takes tourists to the observation deck.
Port of Barcelona
For 2000 years, the port has been receiving cruise liners, fishing, and trade ships. The vast area near the maritime station is a place for walks and meetings for Spaniards. In its center stands the monument to Christopher Columbus. From here, roads lead to La Rambla, the Grand Market, Columbus Avenue, the Catalonia History Museum, and a beautiful wave-shaped bridge that leads to the largest aquarium in Europe.
La Rambla
A walk along the 1.2-kilometer pedestrian street is a must on a one-day itinerary in Barcelona. The avenue connects five boulevards, each with its own unique feature. One has a fountain where people toss coins for luck; the second is a gathering place for Barça fans; on the third, you can buy exotic plant seeds as gifts for your gardener friends; the fourth offers national dishes; and the fifth will interest opera enthusiasts.
Street performers and mimes put on amusing mini-plays, living statues amaze passersby with their immobility, and magicians try to trick the gullible public. At every step, appetizing smells lure you into pizzerias and European cuisine restaurants. Within walking distance from La Rambla are Plaça del Pi and the quirky, unusual Casa dels Paraigües (House of Umbrellas).
Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria
There is no more colorful place than La Boqueria Market. All the trading pavilions are decorated as if their owners are preparing for a food fair. Vendors take pride in their work and arrange fruits and vegetables so beautifully that it is impossible to pass by the vibrant variety without buying at least a kilogram of pyramid-stacked juicy oranges.
Some rows are dedicated to the freshest seafood. At the buyer’s request, it can be prepared on the spot. The most popular market zone is the sausage and ham section. Almost every stall is adorned with bright red bunches of peppers, garlic, and mushrooms, and on the back shelves are containers with spices, olives, and oil.
To avoid spending half your vacation funds here (vendors can easily tempt you into buying a whole leg of ham), guides offer culinary tours of La Boqueria, including tastings of local delicacies and a lesson from a chef.
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is a collection of medieval buildings erected in the 15th century. The local structures are not just closely adjacent Roman warriors’ possessions but a treasure trove of historical monuments of ancient architecture. Over the narrow, dark passages, almost at every step, rise large functioning churches and basilicas.
Be sure to take time for a photo at the lace Bridge of Sighs, which connects two parts of the Catalan President’s residence. Besides the intricately designed bridge, curious tourists will be interested in Plaça Nova, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, the Bishop’s Palace, the Barcelona History Museum, and the Villa de Arte gallery.
Exploring the Gothic Quarter will take quite some time, after which you will need a rest. Plaça Reial with its fountains and palm trees offers such an opportunity – local cafes and bars are open until late at night.
National Art Museum of Catalonia
In the National Palace of Catalonia, located on the summit of Montjuïc hill, the museum of European art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century opens its doors from Tuesday to Saturday. The collection begins with studying the facade of the grand building, a magnificent example of Spanish Renaissance.
The museum’s exhibition, covering about 250,000 works, is divided into four parts: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance collections, and works by contemporary authors. In the cozy halls, impressive not only for their vibrant decor but also for their excellent lighting, are paintings, photographs, numismatics, sculptures, and graphics.
The museum’s most famous masterpieces are El Greco’s painting “Christ Carrying the Cross” and Lucas Cranach the Elder’s painting “Love Conquers All.”
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
At dusk, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc begins its spectacular show, built in 1929 for the opening of the World Expo. The idea of combining water, music, and light into a single whole belonged to Carles Buïgas. The Catalan architect’s creation exceeded all expectations: water cascades soared from the 65-meter basin, covering an area of 3,000 m².
The 3620 jets of the Magic Fountain “dance” to the rhythm of popular musical compositions. The lighting is provided by spotlights with more than 50 different shades. The unforgettable performance lasts about 20 minutes and always ends the same way – with the song “Barcelona” performed by Montserrat Caballé and Freddie Mercury.
The colorful spectacle attracts about 2.5 million people annually. Viewing platforms and cafes open until midnight have been set up around the fountain for the convenience of spectators.
Arc de Triomf
The Roman custom of building triumphal arches to commemorate significant events was adopted by many countries, and Spain is no exception. For the opening of the World Fair in 1888, Catalan architect Josep Vilaseca created a majestic masterpiece, surpassing similar structures in neighboring lands in beauty and monumentality.
The 30-meter arch, built in the classical style of red brick, looks simple yet solemn. The friezes of the structure are made of gray artificial stone. Numerous bas-reliefs and sculptures serve as decoration. The arch graces the beginning of Passeig de Sant Joan Boulevard. Nearby are the Zoological Museum, a park, and several castles.
How to Get from the Airport to the City Center
So, you have arrived in Barcelona, and now you need to get from the airport to the city. The El Prat (El Prat) airport is located just 10 km from the center. You can cover this distance by taking the RENFE train (line R2). It stops at three main stations — Estació Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, and El Clot. The railway station is located in terminal T2. You can’t get lost: numerous signs will guide you along the way.
You can also get from the airport to the city center by taking the Aerobus, which passes through Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça Espanya. Additionally, bus route No. 46 runs to Plaça Espanya. If you arrive in the Catalan capital at night, you will need bus route No. 16 or No. 17.
Besides that, you can use taxi services: the black-and-yellow car stand is located right outside the airport exit. Keep in mind that there is an additional charge for trips on weekends, evenings, and during the fiesta period.