Two Days in Barcelona: How to Spend 48 Hours Here

This blog post is all about how to spend two days in Barcelona.

Last week I spent two days in Barcelona with my best friend.

We had previously planned to have a few days holiday in London, but thought we should price somewhere foreign just to compare. And as it turned out, Barcelona was actually cheaper!

Return flights from Liverpool for £40! How could we turn that down?!

As I’d never been to Spain before, I thought two days in Barcelona would be the perfect city break as it has both the beach and the culture for a well-rounded excursion.

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This blog post is all about how to spend two days in Barcelona.

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Two Days in Barcelona Travel Guide

If you’re planning to spend two days in Barcelona, get ready for a city break filled with sunshine, sangria, and stunning architecture.

Barcelona is one of those European cities that has it all. Beautiful beaches, vibrant street life, world-class food, and of course, the incredible works of Gaudí around every corner.

I visited Barcelona with my best friend for a quick weekend getaway, and even though we only had two days in Barcelona, we managed to see so much of what makes this city so unforgettable.

From wandering the Gothic Quarter’s narrow lanes to relaxing by Barceloneta Beach and catching the sunset from Park Güell, our short trip was the perfect blend of sightseeing, food, and fun.

Whether you’re visiting for a girls’ weekend, a romantic escape, or just squeezing in a stop on a European trip, this itinerary covers the best things to do in two days in Barcelona, including must-see landmarks, local eats, and a few hidden gems we loved along the way.

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Two Days in Barcelona: Arriving

Our two days in Barcelona began with a 16:40 Ryanair flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, landing in sunny Spain just after 8pm local time.

Stepping off the plane, we were buzzing with excitement, just two best friends ready to explore one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

How to Get from Barcelona Airport to the City Centre

The first challenge was figuring out the Barcelona Metro system.

At first glance, the map looked just as confusing as the London Underground, but we quickly got the hang of it. From the airport, there’s a direct train to Collblanc, which made reaching our hotel really straightforward.

If you’re planning a short trip, I highly recommend purchasing the Hola Barcelona travel card. We opted for the 72-hour version for just €21, which gives you unlimited travel on metros, buses, and trains.

It’s incredible value and makes getting around the city effortless, especially if you’re fitting a lot into a short stay like us.

The journey from Barcelona Airport to Collblanc took around twenty minutes, offering a glimpse of suburban life before arriving in the heart of the city.

Where We Stayed: Hotel L’Auger Nou, Collblanc

We checked into Hotel L’Auger Nou, a charming local hotel tucked down a quiet side street just a short walk from the Collblanc metro stop.

The area is ideal if you want to experience a more authentic side of Barcelona, away from the busy tourist zones.

The hotel had everything we needed: clean rooms, friendly staff, and an unbeatable location just minutes from Camp Nou Stadium, home of FC Barcelona.

Staying here for our two days in Barcelona made us feel like locals, not just visitors.

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Dinner in Barcelona: Our First Night Out

By the time we checked in, freshened up, and dropped our bags, it was almost 10pm.

Luckily, Barcelona is a city that doesn’t even think about dinner until late in the evening, with most restaurants opening around 9pm.

After a quick search on TripAdvisor, we found a cozy Italian restaurant called Des Angelis nearby.

Yes, we laughed at ourselves for eating Italian food on our first night in Spain, but it turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip.

The pizza was perfection, the papas fritas (chips) were crispy and golden, and the staff were warm and welcoming. Even as we attempted a chaotic mix of Spanish and Italian to order our food.

Reflections on Our First Night in Barcelona

Our first evening set the tone for our upcoming two days in Barcelona: good food, friendly locals, and that magical feeling of being somewhere completely new.

After dinner, we strolled through the quiet streets near Camp Nou, soaking in the city’s energy before heading back to the hotel for some well-earned rest.

It was the perfect start to our two days in Barcelona.

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Two Days in Barcelona: Day One

Our first full day in Barcelona started off slowly. We had no strict plan, just a long list of must-see attractions and a lot of excitement to see where the day would take us.

If you only have two days in Barcelona, I’d definitely recommend keeping one day flexible like this.

Some of our favourite memories came from just wandering the streets and stumbling upon hidden gems.

Starting the Day Right: Brunch in the City

Breakfast isn’t a big deal in Spain, so you won’t find many locals eating early in the morning.

Instead, brunch is the way to go. We found a cute Irish-owned café called Milk that already had a queue outside, which is always a good sign.

I went for a bagel topped with poached eggs, avocado, rocket, and pesto, with spiced roast potatoes on the side. It was divine.

I washed it all down with a bellini, because, well, holidays! Finn ordered pancakes with a smoothie, and we both left feeling ready to take on the day.

If you’re planning your own two days in Barcelona itinerary, I recommend allowing yourself a lazy brunch one morning, as it’s the perfect way to recharge before a busy day of sightseeing.

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Exploring the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas

After brunch, we headed to the Gothic Quarter, one of Barcelona’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

This area is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old buildings that tell the city’s history at every turn.

We wandered aimlessly for a while, snapping far too many photos, before stumbling upon a charming square that led us straight to Las Ramblas.

The famous boulevard was surprisingly calm, which meant we could take our time browsing market stalls, people-watching, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

Using Google Maps and the metro, we explored the city with ease, hopping from one landmark to the next.

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Relaxing by the Sea at Barceloneta Beach

With tickets booked for Park Guell later that evening, we decided to spend the afternoon by the water at Barceloneta Beach.

The weather started out sunny but quickly turned overcast, and as the crowds cleared, we enjoyed a peaceful stroll along the sand.

Eventually, we made our way toward the marina, passing rows of palm trees and beachside bars. The glistening W Hotel towered in the distance, a symbol of modern Barcelona.

We grabbed a table by the water and ordered our first jug of Sangria, which went down a little too easily… so of course, we ordered a second.

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Visiting Park Guell at Sunset

Our next stop was Park Guell, one of Barcelona’s most famous attractions.

We bought our €9 tickets earlier in the day from the tourist information centre in the Gothic Quarter, which allowed timed entry from 6:30pm.

Getting there was half the adventure. We took the metro and then a bus up the hill. The park’s entrance sits quite high, so prepare for a bit of a climb.

We arrived just after 6pm but got a little lost exploring the outer paths and, before we knew it, were outside the park altogether.

After a 40-minute detour and some pleading with the ticket kiosk attendant, we were thankfully allowed in.

And it was so worth it. The views of Barcelona stretched endlessly, the Gaudí architecture was as whimsical as expected, and the park’s peaceful atmosphere made it one of our favourite stops.

From the famous mosaic benches to the Hansel and Gretel-style houses near the exit, Park Güell is a must-see.

If you’re spending two days in Barcelona, I recommend booking your ticket in advance and going around sunset for the best lighting and smaller crowds.

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Dinner in the Gothic Quarter: Tapas and Cocktails

After descending from Park Guell, we headed back to Las Ramblas for a well-earned dinner.

We chose Viana, a tiny, highly-rated tapas bar in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

We squeezed into a small table surrounded by locals and fellow travellers, sharing plates of tapas until we couldn’t eat another bite.

Finn discovered her new favourite cocktail (a blackberry mojito) while I enjoyed a €3 glass of rosé. The perfect way to end a busy day of sightseeing.

Winding Down After a Perfect Day

We left the restaurant full of Sangria, tapas, and happiness.

Walking through the Gothic Quarter at night felt magical. Lantern-lit alleys, quiet chatter from late-night bars, and the hum of a city that never really sleeps.

Back at our hotel in Collblanc, we were exhausted but content. Our two days in Barcelona were already shaping up to be unforgettable.

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Two Days in Barcelona: Day Two

After a late night exploring the Gothic Quarter, we enjoyed a well-deserved lie-in.

Because if there’s one thing I learned during my two days in Barcelona, it’s that the locals love their late nights as much as they love their brunches.

Brunch at Brunch & Cake in Diagonal

For our first meal of the day, we headed to Brunch & Cake in Diagonal, a café I’d found through Instagram and one that’s every bit as photogenic in real life.

Diagonal quickly became one of my favourite areas of the city; it’s leafy, stylish, and lined with beautiful architecture. If I were to live in Barcelona, this is exactly where I’d want to be.

As expected, there was a queue (always a good sign), but it moved quickly, and the food was absolutely worth the wait.

I ordered scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon on thick-cut bread (basically half a loaf!) alongside pear pancakes topped with bananas, berry purée, and maple syrup.

The pancakes were a deep green colour (slightly alarming at first) but they were out of this world.

Brunch & Cake is the ultimate Instagram brunch spot in Barcelona, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.

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Visiting the Iconic Sagrada Família

From there, we hopped on the metro to see the world-famous Sagrada Família, one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks.

The moment you step out of the metro station, the cathedral towers above you in all its unfinished glory.

Construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing, with plans to finally complete it by 2026, 100 years after Antoni Gaudí’s death.

Even just viewing it from the outside is impressive, but if you have time, I’d recommend booking a ticket in advance to explore the interior.

We took a few photos, marvelled at the intricate details, and then set off again for our next adventure.

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The Hidden Gem of Barcelona: Bunkers del Carmel

A friend had told me about Bunkers del Carmel, a lesser-known viewpoint offering one of the best panoramic views in all of Barcelona.

After seeing a few photos on Instagram, we knew we had to go.

Getting there was a bit of a mission. We took the metro, then a connecting bus that wound up steep, narrow streets in the El Carmel neighbourhood. It’s not heavily signposted, but the bus conveniently drops you right near the entrance.

Once we reached the top, we were speechless.

From the Bunkers, you can see everything: the Sagrada Família, Las Ramblas, Barceloneta Beach, and even the glimmering W Hotel.

We sat with our legs dangling over the edge, watching the sun slowly set over the city. It was a peaceful, magical moment, and honestly, one of my favourite memories from our two days in Barcelona.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure you add the Bunkers to your two days in Barcelona itinerary. It’s not a typical tourist spot, but it’s one of the most breathtaking.

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Relaxing at Barceloneta Beach

After soaking up the views, we made our way back down to Barceloneta Beach for a slow evening stroll along the sand.

We grabbed some gelato, walked barefoot along the shore, and enjoyed the last of the day’s sunshine.

The beach has such a lively yet laid-back vibe and it’s the perfect place to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.

Dinner and Drinks at Arume

For dinner, we headed back to the Gothic Quarter and found Restaurante Arume, a cosy, highly rated restaurant known for its incredible paella.

We ordered one seafood paella and one duck paella, and while I wasn’t exactly sure how to eat a langoustine gracefully, I gave it my best shot!

The food was delicious, and we paired it with a few cocktails, including Finn’s new favourite, the blackberry mojito.

Watching the Magic Fountain Show at Montjuïc

To end our night, we caught the Magic Fountain Show at Montjuïc, which starts around 9pm.

It’s one of the most popular free things to do in Barcelona, and for good reason. The show combines music, lights, and dancing water displays in perfect harmony, from pop hits to classical scores, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

Standing among the crowd, watching the fountain burst into colour against the night sky, was the perfect way to end our two days in Barcelona.

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And That’s Two Days in Barcelona

And just like that, our two days in Barcelona came to an end.

It was a quick city break, but we packed in so much, from wandering the Gothic Quarter and soaking up the views at the Bunkers del Carmel to sipping sangria by the beach.

Two full days felt just right to get a real taste of the city, though I wouldn’t have said no to one more lazy afternoon along Barceloneta with a glass of something cold in hand.

Before going, we’d heard endless warnings about pickpockets in Barcelona, so we stayed cautious, but honestly, we didn’t have a single issue.

Not once did we feel unsafe or notice any suspicious behaviour. We probably stood out a bit as two pale Irish girls trying (and failing) to tan, but the locals couldn’t have been friendlier.

Barcelona is one of those cities that truly has it all: incredible architecture, golden beaches, delicious food, and an easy-going atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer.