How to Spend A Day In Barcelona – You Arty, love history or A Shopaholic! A Whistle stop!
What would you do if you had a Day to spend in Barcelona?
Okay, Okay I know I sneaked onto my iPad and scribbled this post against Dr Kalungi’s advice…Yet he got into the whole spirit of sharing a day in Barcelona through our eyes…! You do know of our Passion for Travel…Well if not now you know & today we are sharing our vacation in Spain!
Word of caution: If staying overnight in Barcelona, have a lie in. Respect the Siesta hour so take a break too. Eat lots. Take Barcelona at a leisurely pace coz the Spaniards are not to be rushed!
Our first visit to Barcelona was in 2002 with our little girl only 1.5 yrs old and full of swag!
[bctt tweet=”We fell in love all over again with Barcelona city #barcelona #spain #travel” username=”Juleskalpauli”]
We fell in love all over again with Barcelona city—the street artists & performers, cleanliness, warm summer sun -scratch that, hot hot summer sun, delicious cuisine ahhh bliss. Barcelona is steeped in history, and its people are pretty friendly. So now 13 years later, here we are again thanks to our travel community.
Our daughter would have loved it but she is off on her own dreamtrip/pilgrimage to Lourdes. Our son had commitments as chorister. So Pauli and I got to come back here and we decided to make it a lil honey lovey dovey trip of our own. In addition to meeting up with some seriously cool entrepreneurs. Shut the front door…A few thousand to be honest.
We can’t emphasize how inspiring and surprising Barcelona is to us yet again! Mind you be warned that it’s a lil on the addictive side. A typical European Citi. It’s like New York lol! Yet you can’t fail to find something to keep you engaged and interested.
Here is what we did one of the days…
And so if you have a whistle stop 24hrs in Barcelona, here is what you could check out or do to maximize it.
A Day in Barcelona: Take a Bus Tour:
If you want to see the common touristy sites some people don’t, “we did.” Then absolutely try one of the big bus tours. If you want to experience the “real Barcelona” try walking the lil cobble streets.
But remember you got only 24 hours and you gotta rest, eat, breath. So go and really see so much more of the city and let a knowledgeable guide tell you about Barcelona’s history for a reasonable price of course.
To be honest Barcelona offers several fantastic city tours to choose from, e.g. the city sightseeing tour allows you to hop-on-hop-off at each of the attractions. For transportation the Barcelona Card is preferred by many. You could save some cash with the card as it offers reductions for many city attractions, restaurants and shops, as well as leisure activities!
A Day in Barcelona – Visit La Rambla Street:
We got to see, Barcelona’s most famous walking street. And by gosh there’s lots to see, shop, or simply window shop. Stop for a coffee, check out the street art and those silver/gold painted human statues!
Believe it or not, legend has it that if you drink from the Canaletes Fountain in La Rambla, you will return to Barcelona. Akin to the Trevi fountain in Rome! So go for it, we did and here we are again…it’s taken us a while. Coz we got so much of the world to see lol!
A word of caution please: while the Rambla is a delight, look out for the pickpockets, they are rampant and very fast!
Shopaholic and got your platinum? You can pick up real some cool stuff here OR if like us head over to Gracia for some unique goodies. You will enjoy your shopping in Gracia without the tourists crush.
Or visit the Born, one of the areas packed with boutiques and exquisite shops with local designs. You could have your bite around La Rambla or simply soak in Barcelona at its hedonistic best, head over to…
A Day on the Barcelona Beach/es:
Trust us your visit won’t be complete without spending at least an hour on one of the famous beaches. It’s best to go there after your meal or take your snack over there and have a siesta.
Let your eyes have some visual stimulation as you work that tan. Or dream about your big break. Many locals spend their siesta on the beaches. So, you will learn a word or two of Spanish as you ponder what you are gonna do the rest of the day and here it is
Here is a short video at a Barcelona beach:
Or Click Here http://youtu.be/Ao1EHEPul3o Enjoy and subscribe to our channel!
Or or go to the absolutely gorgeous parks scattered all over the city with fabulous pieces of art and greenery. Seemed quite safe of a day time too.
An historical hour in Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art: This we found in the Raval area of city. Its absolutely amazing if you love modern art. We noticed lots of Spanish exhibitions and took some sneaky photies…Gosh we wish we could share the whole album, this city is lovable!
And we know we would be doing you a disservice is we didn’t advise you to….

Check out Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia Basilica, By Gaudi:
Of course you wouldn’t want to leave Barcelona without popping over to this amazing piece of architecture that’s to date still incomplete. This was created by Gaudi, Barcelona’s most celebrated & famous architect! His work is unique. This church has a mould of the Face of Jesus that follows you everywhere you turn…its uncanny we tried it and well trust us you could feel spooked out. Gaudi’s unique style catalogue of work draws a lot of attention and visitors to the city. But remember you got only 24 hrs. A whistle stop so to speak! Save yourself the crowds aggro and visit in the morning when sunlight reflects upon the stained glasses and the interior is in full glory – book online you won’t regret it!
This Basilica is amazing inside and outside…We sneaked some photos, look at that ceiling an engineering feat. I felt like sitting down with my pencil, like I used to as a child. The outside is a feast for an artistic eye…Gaudi was anointed!
Mad about Soccer: The Barcelona Football Stadium is for you.
If you love footie you will love this stadium, go and tour it with its historic museum. It is one of the largest in Europe sitting about 110,000 fans. Football is an obsession over here.
Go take a seat on the stands and pretend there is a game…, feel that adrenaline kick in as Liverpool FC Show FC Barca why they are Red blooded right there in their Stadium…
We can dream hey!
Other sites you could stop by on a Day in Barcelona!
You could visit the gothic quarters and the ruins.
By the way Barcelona is very accessible. The subway system is very easy to use.
Or you could just wander down the cobbled streets. You could plan in advance and have a food tour, many can be arranged in advance and have cookery classes and of course tasting lotsa sangria along the way. Don’t forget one of the most beautiful sites, the Tibidabo…
Have a lil cheeky drink as the day sets at Manu chao’s bar called Mariatchi…you will love a chilled lager, vino or sangria there! We ended up at The VIP Beach Club – Opium till the wee hours one night. This is where it all happens on a night out! (Images coming soon)

Barcelona Harbour is a hive of activity with huge cruise liners and cargo vessels. And it’s a rich people’s playground with hundreds of yachts and tall ships. We loved it.
Hey surely, isn’t it about time you went and got your sexy on. Put your face on as we scousers say and go grab some dinner? Where better than La Fonda, Escudellers, 10. Mind you our Hotel Princess restaurant is amazing in itself, yet variety is the spice of life.
Have some Tapas, Paella and Sangria why not, you are in Spain, no! Don’t rush to dinner though…the Spanish like it late, after 9pm is okay. Plus they drink till the wee hours. 12 midnight is early at the bar trust us lol!
Then stroll over to one of the beaches to the discotecas, and shake what your moma gave ya. If you are Irish or English and want a taste of home, head to one of the Irish bars over there very friendly! Very Irish lol!
You can find travel bargains, discounts and special offers for individuals, family and group travel. For additional information on HOW TO GRAB some sweet deals, then Check this deal out right here and compare prices via Tripadvisor!
We just felt that we have been showing you lots of photos of us & our Hotel on Facebook. We should show you a lil sneak peek of Barcelona city, it’s a city of inspiration! Have more than 24hrs…check out what Nomadic Matt has to say about visiting Barcelona on a budget!
By the way Barcelona is just one City on the Globe, you can chose to go anywhere. Here is a guide that is even more detailed, updated and comprehensive on 50 travel tips from 10 years of experience travelling to more than 100 countries around the world. By Jane Rogers. It is jam packed with practical tips and advice on travel and fun, You can find it here.
So, let me ask you today, are you existing or living your life to the Fullest? Are you hoping for that better pay check tomorrow? Maybe you are hoping to first make some money however way you make it? Listen my friend, tomorrow is not promised, today is your chance to make it happen. You too could live like this.
So let me ask you once again, Would you Really like to Save on Travel guaranteed and not skimp on the quality as a Customer? Or you really want to Fire your boss and travel the world 5* at wholesale rates like we do? Enjoy your life today and create memories your children will never forget?
By the way ours took a trip to the Pyrenees in France. You want to be your children’s hero? Then wait No more Hit the Banner below and Lets show You how to blog for profit and create a lifestyle your peers will go green about!
More resources on Travel & how we fund ours:
Budapest-Travel is the New Living
Lourdes, a Spiritual City or Tourist Bane?
Got a Passion for Travel, here is how to Fund it!
Do You Vacation to re-energize?
Well we hope you enjoyed Barcelona for a day through our eyes! If you did and have been before please do share your insights below. Share and like, its good to share the love and good things some to those that give and share
As Always You definitely deserve more
Julie Syl & Pauli
Creators of The Affiliate JetSet Academy – “Helping you Build a Lucrative Home Business From Ground Up”.
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Click Here To Get in Touch with Julie Or Pauli Kalungi
Great article! Very informative. My ancestors were from Barcelona and the Basque Country. But Barcelona and Cataluña has beautiful places to visit. One of my favorites is La Sagrada Familia of Gaudí and the Catalan Cuisine. If I have to tell you which are my favorite spots of Barcelona and Cataluña, I’ll have to write a will :).
Thanks for sharing!
Viva Barcelona!!
Hey Patricia,
What a Pleasure to hear your Isights on BArcelona. We too love the Sagrada Familia, we love all of the Gaudi architecture. Its pretty unique!
Thanks for passing by!
~J&PK
Great post, I have always wanted to visit Barcelona for its cultural traditions and breathtaking scenery. The art scene is divine and I like the sound of its contemporary art. What was your favourite moment?
Hey Ana,
I absolutely Love Barcelona and Yes its very arty, its gorgeous, the food is gloriously delicious and the people are real friendly.
You would love it! Believe it or not, I loved simply walking to the beach on an evening and lying in the sand with a book. The beaches are lit and they are super in the evening it was cooler and thus bliss to just relax and let the waves play some music for ya and you reflect on your next move 🙂
Julie Syl!
Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your post. I love travel blogs because I get a feeling of other cultures without having to go on a plane
Awww you are most welcome Mardene. We are happy to share so you can live vicariously.
It means we are also living with you in your spirit 🙂
Keep rocking!
PKJW~
I’ve only been in Madrid, but I gotta say that I love their culture and how relaxed everything is in that country. And cheap =)
I love the Spanish way of doing things. Esp. the afternoon siesta time 🙂
Madrid is awesome too.
I love European cities in gerenal
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Julie, I love your post! Barcelona was not on my bucket list for places to travel to but it definitely is now! Reading about it in a magazine verses seeing and reading about it from someone who was actually there at the time makes a huge difference. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kahnie,
Glad you found the information useful and that you enjoy Barcelona when you do visit.
If there is anything in particular you were searching for, let us know and we may point you in the right direction 🙂
Julie
Hello there! Fantastic stuff, please do tell us when you
post once again.
Hi Angelina, If you truly were looking for travel info on our blog you would have noticed we already posted a new blog on Tampa FL…
Wish you every success. Get in touch if you are serious about travel. Otherwise keep going!
Hello! Fantastic post! Please keep sharing simply because I’ll be staying
tuned for lots more!
Do you love to travel Helaine?
You Must do to have found our Blog post on a Day in Barcelona!
Gd you did anyway and hope you got some ideas as to what to do when you find yourself there.
Julie
Love this Julie! Barcelona is an amazing city, I visited a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it, can’t wait to go back 🙂
Hello Darren,
You have been? I agree its an amazing city so friendly in so many ways and a sight for touristic eyes 🙂
You must absolutely go back and enjoy it.
You might like to consider out Elite Travel Club membership aka customer!
It has amazing offers and Unique experiences that a discerning traveller would absolutely love and appreciate 🙂
Thanks for stopping by
Julie
Hey Julie, how amazing is Barcelona! Love reading about your adventure there 🙂
As you know, we were there a few weeks ago. So so incredible! But we missed the beach, unfortunately. Can’t wait to go back 🙂
Hey Alex you missed the beach? Don’t miss it next time for sure. 5 miles of sheer fun, sun and laughs, it’s awesome and almost all blue. The lilun will love it. Yes Barcelona is beautiful and inspiring, I love it and. Ant wait to get back next year, meantime I will settle for Tampa right now and Florence later I. The year ??
Hey Julie, looks like an AWESOME trip thanks for sharing! U are so right 9pm is “early” in Barcelona, we were out until all hours on our trip there last year. Beautiful city, luv Spain!
Hello Jeff,
What a pleasure to hear from you. It was our pleasure to share our joyous trip. It uplifted us and we hope it will uplift and inspire someone to take time out for themselves to stop and smell the roses 🙂
I lobe Barca and Spain in general! My kind of city!
Oh Julie, what an amazing blog… As I started watching your video I instantly smelt sun tan lotion as there was a woman in the background layering it onto her child. I loved the buildings, I havent been to Barcelona now since the late 1970’s and would love to go back!!!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Awww you are making me smell the sea and sand all over again Diane. Its great to let our hair down and just chill every so often. Glad I shared our experience and I know I want to go back like right now 🙂 Barcelona is beautiful and a far cry from the 70s trust me on that. Hugely changed, green, abundant side kerbs for pedestrians and riders, beautiful parks, you’ll love it 🙂
Hey Julie,
Great post about Barcelona.
Next time we are off to Spain then we have fantastic source from where to look the places to visit…
Keep up the siestas and fiestas… 🙂
Thank you Kart and Agur. Barcelona is a wonderful ecofriendly city with green areas that freshen the air. The places mentioned are wonderful spots to check out when you visit. The public transport system makes these places easily accessible. The siestas and fiestas are essential. Cheers.
Great photos. Looks like you had a great time.
We sure did Stephanie. Barcelona is beautiful so it made taking photos a joy too. Our stay was fabulous, we can’t wait to go back to Spain soonest this year to boot.
Thanks for your continued support.
Thanks Julie for sharing a day in Barcelona.
Absolutely awesome post, it’s like I was chillin’ there with you guys 🙂
Oo, siesta..I remember when i was in Spain many years ago and wanted to buy
some beer or something and found out that all the shops were closed 🙂
It was in Ibiza..siesta for 3 hours 🙂
That was when I was 9+5’er myself and i was so pissed 🙂
Whata fudge..how can people just close the shop in the middle of the day and go take a nap..
Today I can say, any other way is pure madness 🙂
I haven’t been in barcelona myself but I’m sure that very soon I’ll be
having some serious Siestas there 😉
Hello Marko,
Our absolute Pleasure. We enjoyed it, we loved it, we LOVE Barcelona, It inspired us so much and we were in spired in the city in so many different ways. I can tell you I got an Epiphany and I know 100% I am on the right journey! Glad you felt like you did, job done 🙂
Jules
Oh Jules… that looks like so much fun! and such a beautiful place. Barcelona is now on my bucket list! I really enjoyed the beautiful pictures you shared which really brought the whole picture together… Oh… And I love: “the spaniards don’t get in a hurry”.
Hello Rob,
Good to hear from you. Yes I can assure you Barcelona is absolutely Gorgeous, its a must see if you are looking for a European vacation spot, and trust me the Spaniards are not to be rushed, & the Siesta is Real Relaxation time. Get your Barca Mojo on a DT near you 😉
barcelona looks fun and thanks for sharing your photos
Barcelona is super fun Sheena,how is Vegas…One of my hottest bucket list items purely for fun 🙂
Your pics have enticed me to put Barcelona on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Yes Put it on Meiko and come in the summer. The beaches are gorgeous, the people wonderful, the cuisine truly delicious and international…
Cant recommend it enough!
Barcelona is on my list to visit! Thank you for sharing your journey!
You are most welcome Tessa, My intention totally!
🙂
Wow!! I always have wanted to Visit Barcelona, Now I have a Crazy MUST Do Urge to go And Explore Right Now! I Would Be Visiting the Beautiful Buildings And Beaches!! I would Need a month!
Tara, Barcelona sneaks into your blood and you literally feel Like staying for as long. As you can. We have so man photos we hope to share even more here maybe a slideshow ??
We need another couple weeks here honestly it’s gorgeous and if it wasn’t for the little ones we would indeed stay as long as we could coz we can work anywhere even Paul.
Barcelona looks beautiful and like a lot of fun.
Barcelona is absolutely gorgeous and our lil article and photos don’t half do justice to it Rick. You should be here ???
And thanks for stopping by.
Thank You for sharing Barcelona with me. I am glad you had such a wonderful time.
Hi Elizabeth, we are having. A great time and wish we could stay longer but needs must and we have lil ones getting back from France to pick up from the airport on Friday so home we must go ???
Hi Julie, Oh, I loved your day in Barcelona! It’s top of my list right now, I have not heard a bad thing about it, and seeing your photos makes it even closer. Thanks very much. Looks like you had a great time.
Hey Louisa, we are having. A great time and wish it didn’t have to end. Barcelona is beautiful, abundant, clean, friendly, fun, crazy, accessible, shall I go on. Come on get over here already ??
Glad we have lit your fire.