I returned to Barcelona after 11 years so everything was a bit overwhelming. Now, as part of my Mini Eurotrip, I could stay for two days but I had booked a trip outside the city for the second day so I had to fit everything in one and a half days. 
​
Look at it as a challenge. How much can you do in just one day and a half in Barcelona? You’re about to find out. 
La Sagrada Familia

That was, once, a bucket list spot for me so when I first visited in 2011 it felt really special. When I returned, I must admit that the feeling was the same. Maybe even stronger since actual progress was visible on the church.  The construction is finally expected to be completed in 2026 so, I suppose, I will be going back at some point.

​TIP: The park right in front of the church is a lovely spot to chill and take pictures but it’s a huge building and its one of the most famous spots in Europe. You will either have to take distorted pictures from below, go very far to fit it all or get creative. Try the latter. You will end up with something unique and special. 

Gothic Quarter

One of my favorite spots is definitely the Gothic Quarter. It’s believed that Barcelona's true history began where the Gothic Quarter stands today, because this is where the Romans laid claim to the land and built their first settlement. Usually there’s a great vintage market where you can find incredible little treasures. 

Now, besides the famous (and viral) Pont del Bisbe, when you walk around the narrow alleys of the Gothic Quarter make sure to look up every now and then because I accidentally discovered a spot where the buildings create a shape like a, kinda, distorted cross. I love spots like that so, naturally, I was super excited.
Palau de la Música Catalana

This one I was sad I missed, but it was closed when we arrived. It was designed in the Catalan modernista style by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and built between 1905 and 1908 for Orfeó Català, a choral society founded in 1891 that was a leading force in the Catalan cultural movement known as the Renaixença (Catalan Rebirth).

If you find it closed too, do take a minute to admire the exterior design. 
+ FOOD
You can’t leave Spain before having tapas. Tapas are, basically, small portions of various foods served in small plates and at La Pepita you can enjoy it at their best. It’s rightfully considered one of the best spots for tapas in Barcelona but it’s also a very interesting place. A cozy space for everyone with very friendly servers and walls covered in writings by customers. We had patatas bravas, calamari and duck, among others. I recommend, 100%.

However, its best if you visit around opening time as it gets full fast.
When you’re done, it’s time for churros!

​Nearby you will find Xurreria Trebol, a small place with a selection of churros with fillings (chocolate, caramel etc). Crunchy, freshly made and delicious. 
​Park Güell
The day started at Park Güell. Entrance is €10 and you get to select your preferred time. As you know (or, as you probably have guessed already) it’s a giant park when you can admire the vision of Antoni Gaudi with houses and other structures surrounded by trees.
​
There are a lot of people everywhere but especially in the famous terrace. It’s a great spot to sit and enjoy the view and the sun, but your peace will be constantly interrupted by tourists taking pictures.

It’s a great visit overall, but look out for less crowded (and less viral) spaces like the Hypostyle Room, the space that was formerly used as a marketplace with over 80 columns and beautiful mosaics on the ceiling.

Of course, there’s also the famous stairs but there’s absolutely zero chance you will get a picture without people.
La Barceloneta

The seaside neighborhood is loved by locals and tourists alike, and its very clear why. You see people enjoying their day, surfing, swimming, playing in the sand but also having coffee or food at the restaurants. Sit at a beach bar and enjoy a glass (or a jug) of sangria. 

It got a bit cloudy and moody so my pictures ended up looking a bit gloomy but, still. 
By the way, we stayed at Hotel Catalonia Park Güell with an amazing balcony, right across Mount Tibidabo. It's also very close to Park Güell, but you will still have to deal with the uphill road and the almost completely vertical stairs leading up to the park's entrance. The hotel was great though. The balcony will give you beautiful moments outside with a magnificent view. 

All in all, are one and a half days in Barcelona enough? No, but Barcelona always leaves you wanting more. Is it enough to look around and do stuff around the city? Sure!