What to see in Barcelona in 4 days: Top attractions
Barcelona is one of the top tourist destinations in Spain, and you will understand why once you visit. The city boasts some of the world's most renowned tourist attractions. The Catalan capital draws millions of tourists from all over the globe every year. Even if you’re visiting for a short trip, such as an extended weekend, DoYouSpain offers you a 4-day itinerary to explore Barcelona’s top attractions.
If you're planning a getaway to the Catalan capital, don't hesitate any longer: hiring a car in Barcelona is the best way to get the most out of this city. Not only will you be able to manage your time and explore every corner of the city, but you’ll also have the freedom to discover the lesser-known yet spectacular surroundings of Barcelona with your rental car.
It doesn’t matter whether you arrive by plane or train—if you book a car with us, you can pick it up at Barcelona Airport or Barcelona Sants Station, both of which offer a wide variety of rates. Discover the best attractions in Barcelona in 4 days and rent a car with ease.
Still unsure about what you should see near Barcelona during your stay? This article will clear up any doubts! But why is Barcelona such a popular destination among tourists?
Barcelona is a city you have to visit once in your life, especially if you're exploring the Mediterranean coast. Every year, millions of tourists wander the streets of this city, with the number of visitors continuing to grow annually. What explains this widespread appeal? Let’s explore some of the city's most popular attractions.
In this article, we help you organise your trip so you don't miss anything in the Catalan capital! That's why we've prepared a guide to the best attractions to visit in Barcelona over 4 days. Let's dive in!
The first day of our guide to what to see in Barcelona in 4 days begins bright and early. Following this itinerary, your first day of sightseeing in Barcelona could start around 10:30–11:00 AM.
We recommend starting your day at Plaça de Catalunya, a convenient point with easy access to the metro. From here, you'll discover an expansive, tree-lined street: La Rambla de Catalunya, the first stop on our list. Enjoy a pleasant morning stroll amidst the bustling crowd, souvenir stalls, and flower stands.
After a 10–15 minute walk down La Rambla, you’ll find the Mercado de la Boqueria on your right. This traditional market has evolved over the years and is now a must-visit spot where you can enjoy a bite to eat or something to drink before continuing your tour.
Walk another 20 minutes to reach the Monumento a Colon, built in honour of the explorer Christopher Columbus. You can take the lift up to the dome at the statue's base to enjoy beautiful views of the city.
Next, retrace your steps up La Rambla until you reach Calle de Ferran. Turn right and continue until you arrive at Plaça Sant Jaume, where you'll enter the Gothic Quarter, an area brimming with stunning historic monuments.
In the afternoon, we suggest taking a guided tour of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar to admire a magnificent sunset. This basilica is a perfect example of Gothic architecture and the setting of the historical novel Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones. The guided tour costs 17.50€, but if you prefer to explore the basilica on your own, it is also possible during its opening hours.
We recommend dedicating an entire day of your 4-day trip to Barcelona to exploring Paseo de Gracia, one of the city's most iconic avenues. In the early 19th century, this thoroughfare connected Barcelona to Gracia, then a neighbouring municipality, and was known as Camino de Jesus.
After the city walls were demolished, family homes were built for the bourgeoisie. Over time, buildings and shops were added, gradually transforming Paseo de Gracia into one of Barcelona’s premier shopping streets, featuring luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Loewe.
It is also home to some of the city’s most important modernist houses. Here’s our recommended itinerary:
Casa de les Punxes
Starting your journey on Avenida Diagonal towards Paseo de Gracia, this is the first building you'll encounter. Resembling a castle straight out of a fairytale, it is now a private residence and not open to the public. Nevertheless, we highly recommend stopping by, as it is truly worth admiring.
Casa Mila – La Pedrera
Casa Mila is one of the most famous works by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, this is also one of Barcelona’s most visited modernist houses. Originally built for the Mila couple, it is popularly known as "La Pedrera," meaning "stone quarry" in Catalan.
Tickets cost approximately 20€ for adults and 12€ for residents of Catalonia. Other discounted rates are available for students, people with disabilities, and children. It is a must-see during your 4-day stay in Barcelona.
Casa Batllo
This building, which dates back to 1903, underwent a stunning renovation commissioned by its owner, Mr. Batllo. Another masterpiece by Gaudi, Casa Batllo attracts thousands of visitors annually and is one of the most popular stops for tourists spending 4 days in Barcelona.
Its vibrant façade is unforgettable. You can tour the interior, with ticket prices around 22.50€ or 15€ for residents of the Barcelona province. As with La Pedrera, reduced rates are available based on your circumstances.
Casa Lleo i Morera
Another favourite destination for a 4-day trip to Barcelona is Casa Lleo i Morera. Renovations were initially started by its owner, but after her death, her son took over. Following the Spanish Civil War, repairs were made to the building. Today, it is open to visitors. Tickets cost 12€ for adults, and children under 12 can enter for free. However, it is closed on Mondays.
If you still have energy left in the afternoon, we suggest visiting Plaza Cataluña and Portal de l’Angel. These areas boast both national and international shops, perfect for a shopping spree. You’ll also find other shopping centres in the vicinity to round off your afternoon.
La Sagrada Familia
On the third day of our guide to the must-see sights in Barcelona over 4 days, it’s time to visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Sagrada Familia. For the perfect photo opportunity, we recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, if you plan to go inside, it’s highly advisable to book your tickets online in advance. Entry costs approximately €30, with reduced prices available for certain groups. For more detailed information, be sure to check the official Sagrada Familia website.
Le Parc Güell
Many people wonder what they can see in Barcelona in the afternoon after lunch. We suggest visiting Parc Güell, another must-see on the Modernist route in Barcelona. Located just a 30-minute walk from the Sagrada Família, this park invites you to explore its beautiful gardens.
You can purchase your entry tickets in advance online. The entry fee is 10€ or 22€ if you opt for a guided tour. The park is divided into two areas: a forest area, which is free to access, and a monument area, which requires an entrance ticket.
Pueblo Español
The 1929 Barcelona International Exposition was held in that year. The idea was to bring together everything that represents Spain in one place, which resulted in this unique location. Many buildings, streets, and squares from all over Spain were replicated to full scale, with the aim of being able to visit Spain in just a few minutes.
As a curiosity, Michael Eisner, who was president of Walt Disney from 1984 to 2005, stated that Pueblo Español inspired Disney theme parks. With this video, you will be convinced to add Pueblo Español to your list of places to visit.
Montjuïc
If you visit Pueblo Español, you’ll find nearby the Montjuïc mountain, a spectacular viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Barcelona, with Montjuïc Castle located at the top. The area of Montjuïc also boasts some of the best free parking spots in the city, making it easy and worry-free to get there by car.
You can reach it on foot or by cable car. We recommend taking one of the two journeys, either going up or coming back, by cable car to enjoy magnificent views. Additionally, once you’ve descended, you can see the Montjuïc Fountain, which lights up at certain times of the day. It’s a beautiful spectacle to enjoy in the late afternoon.
If you have the chance to extend your stay for another day or if you want to adapt this itinerary to your preferences, we have a solution for what to do in Barcelona in 4 days.
This time, the visits are located outside of Barcelona, and the best way to get there is by car. If you’re not a local or don’t have a vehicle, hiring a car at the Barcelona El Prat Airport, at the Barcelona Sants Station, or the city centre is the best option.
Around Barcelona, numerous villages offer a perfect setting for a relaxing day while uncovering local history. In fact, taking a road trip through the surrounding areas of Barcelona is one of the most popular activities for tourists during their 4-day stay in the city.
In our article on the 10 must-see villages near Barcelona, we offer a selection of the most famous villages. However, if we had to choose just one destination for a day trip, it would be Mura.
This charming village, located just 50 kilometers from Barcelona, is an ideal spot for a day trip. Yuo can take the Fontaines route, have lunch in the village, and spend a peaceful afternoon in nature with your friends or family.
If you're unsure where to stay in Barcelona, we at DoYouSpain believe that one of the best options is a rural cottage. This way, you can enjoy the sunrise in the middle of nature from your bed, then travel by rental car wherever you like. On Casasrurales.net, you’ll find the best cottages in Barcelona at the best prices.
If you've chosen your 4-day itinerary in Barcelona and need a rental car, remember that there are many agencies in Barcelona where you can pick up your vehicle under the best conditions with DoYouSpain.
El Prat Airport or Barcelona Sants Station are two options for picking up your rental car, as they are very busy locations in the city. However, you can also collect it in areas like Eixample, Cornella de Llobregat, or another city, such as Sabadell.
