So I’ve been to Barcelona a couple of times now, but have only spent a day or two there at a time. That was just enough time to get a feel of the city and I can tell you, I loved the vibe there! In this post, I gather a list of things to do in a day in Barcelona, based on my experiences.
Introduction
Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonian territory of Spain and is a Mediterranean seaside cosmopolis. There are plenty of architectural delights to drink in here, including the famous works of Antoni Gaudi – la Sagrada Familia being one of the most famous sights in Europe.
The first time I visited Barcelona was actually on our way to Perpignan in Southern France, where we stayed at Studio Vert. The second time around, I spent a full day here before heading to a retreat in Sitges, Spain.
Barcelona El Prat Airport
The Barcelona international airport (BCN) is most likely your arrival/departure point from abroad. It’s located by the seaside, just outside of town. You can get to the city centre within 30–40 minutes using public transport.
The airport itself is pretty huge and I remember walking kilometres just to exit it on arrival. I once spent hours in the departure terminals waiting for my flight and decided to explore for vegan options to eat around. Here’s what I found:
The cafeteria located after the duty-free in T1 had Heura (Spanish plant-based brand) empanadas on display, to my delight! There were only 2 left at the time and I wish I got them both – it was a tasty little snack, the perfect bite before boarding your flight.
Later, I also found a vegan sandwich from a Coffee Republic kiosk. It was pricey and pretty OK – hummus and salad filled. Go Natural café also has some options.
Getting around Barcelona
For a day (or two) in Barcelona, I recommend getting a Hola Barcelona travel card. With it, you can basically travel unlimited using bus, metro or local train within the city Zone 1. It also includes a return trip with the airport metro link. It costs €16.40 for 2 days.
If you plan to pack in visits to many attractions or museums during your time here, it’s a good idea to purchase a Barcelona Card. This is different from a travel card but includes public transport as well as discounts to many popular sights and museums. Prices are from €27 for express and €55 for a 72-hr card.
Barcelona Airport Metro L9 metro connects the Airport to the city centre. Board at the T1 or T2 stop at the airport. The tickets for just the airport link cost about €5 one way. There are vending machines at the metro station where you can buy tickets. TMB public transport buses are another good option from the airport – one way ticket ~2.40 EUR.
Public transport and walking can take you to all important sights in town. Now that we’ve covered some basic travel info, let’s see what we can do in a day in Barcelona!
Barcelona — things to do in a day
8-9AM: Board the metro and stay off at Universitat metro station. Start the day by grabbing a coffee (or matcha latte, like I did) from Starbucks at Plaça de la Universitat. Walk along, admiring the Art Nouveau architecture around.
Spot the historic gothic building of The University of Barcelona and from there, walk towards the central square of Barcelona.
Plaça de Catalunya is a central square where people (and pigeons) gather, and it’s a meeting point close to many significant landmarks. Also spot the several Neoclassical statues that surround the square. From here, you can easily board a metro to Sagrada Familia.
10AM: Stay off at Monumental or Sagrada Familia metro station. This is the top sight to see and an important landmark in Barcelona. Check the website for info on its history and guided tours (it takes around 45 minutes): sagradafamilia.org
Basílica de la Sagrada Família is the most famous church in Spain and the unfinished masterpiece of Gaudi.
11AM: Enjoy a stroll in the lush gardens Plaça de Gaudí around the church. After this, it’s time for lunch! You can check out the places I recommend dining at further below in this post.
1PM: Next, we explore the Gothic Quarter, with its charming medieval streets, churches and some Roman ruins! You can get here using the L4 metro line and stay off at Jaume I metro station. Walk towards the gothic Cathedral of Barcelona.
Something I wanted to see, but was unsuccessful in finding, were the ruins of the Temple of Augustus. The remnant pillars (now restored) are hidden somewhere between the streets in the Gothic Quarter. Muhba Temple d’August – this link takes you to its location.
Now, perhaps there’s time to visit the museum here: Barcelona History Museum (MUHBA)
4PM: It’s worth visiting the Parc Güell gardens in the evening to admire another design of Gaudi. From here, you will have incredible views over the city. It’s open to the public 9:30-19:30 in season and the entry fee is €10.
Where to eat in Barcelona
Barcelona is a Veganhaven, no doubt! On the first visit, I actually couldn’t decide where to eat because there were so many options. When we hopped off the airport bus at Universitat, we found that this area has a range of vegan restaurants. In the end, we decided to go to the first one we saw, right near the bus stop.
Veggie Garden
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 602, BCN
This place was amazing – a colourful Indian themed restaurant, a menu with so many delicious options it was difficult to settle on something. Prices were very affordable. We ordered a thali, burger and snacks plus coffee. They also have Spanish dishes to choose from – in any case, plenty of choices for everyone!
They have another restaurant at C/ dels Àngels 3; and are open around noon – 11PM daily.
Vegan Junk Food Bar Barcelona
Carrer del Rossello 239 Barcelona
This was the highlight of my day, on the second trip to this city. Yes, this junk food experience is not to be missed. VJFB currently has branches in the Netherlands, and the only one in Spain is here in Barcelona.
The theme of the restaurant is cool & casual, with graffiti art and hip-hop music. The menu is very satisfying and I went in for the McKroquet burger – an excellent nostalgic taste with crispy chickpea patty. I also ordered the Asian style ‘flamboyant shrimps’ – perfect taste and texture. They are open from noon until midnight everyday.
Velada – Vegan Tapas and Cocktails
Carrer de Ferran, 25, 08002 Barcelona
Once you’re done exploring for the day, how about enjoy some exceptional tapas and beverage at this new & fancy restaurant in Barcelona? They are open from around noon until midnight, Wed – Sun. We haven’t been here yet but are not going to miss it on our next time in Barcelona.
Bubita Sangria Bar
Carrer dels Flassaders, 15, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
An alternative to Velada, and only a 10-minute walk away, this vegan Spanish bar is a cosy and funky place to chill and maybe share one of their special sangrias! They also offer sharing snack plates and paella.
A day in Barcelona – map
Check out this map of places of interest I’ve mentioned in this post and use it as a guide for your day in Barcelona!
Spending a day in Barcelona..
You can barely scratch the surface of what this city has to offer—especially when it comes to food—in just one day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time! I hope you enjoyed this brief day guide, and let me know if you’ve been to Barcelona!
Our favourite dining and travel planning resources:
- Abillion – a vegan app with useful features like finding vegan dishes and products worldwide. Join with our invite code VEGANHAVEN. Add your own reviews to raise $ for donation to animal sanctuaries via the app.
- Booking.com* – a great resource to find plenty of hotels or apartments and deals worldwide. Book your next stay through links on our pages.
- Fussy Traveller Club playing cards* – a gift for vegan travellers, this pack of playing cards also translates “I’m Vegan” “I do not eat meat, fish, dairy, or any animal products” in the languages of 52 countries, translated by fluent native speakers.
- SkyScanner – useful for finding the best flight route and flight combinations.
*affiliate link
Pin It!
Last updated on October 9th, 2024
We love Barcelona! One of our first trips together as a couple. Would love to go back soon 🙂
It was my first time in Spain 🙂 So many other places to see but would go back to Barcelona again!
You sure had a busy day in Barcelona and got to see many of the great sights. Great to see that you found lots of tasty vegan options on your visit too. A great first visit to tease you to return!
Yes, one visit to Barcelona is great, but never enough 🙂
Aaah I love Barcelona too! Like you, each time we have been, we’ve only spent a few days (mostly because the hotels are sooo pricy!) it is such a great city, but I still feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface. I really loved the Gothic Quarter too. 🙂
p.s. you found some great veggy/vegan food options!
I can imagine! We usually travel off-season, so hopefully can plan to stay within town next time, and find some good affordable hotels 😀
Barcelona is such an exciting city to explore, even in just one day! Your itinerary offers the perfect balance of culture, history, and delicious food stops. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! It’s one of my favourite cities in the world : )
Barcelona!! Great day trip. Vegan junk food bar is super tasty!
It’s always fun to spend the day in Barcelona – so much to see and do (and eat)!
Awesome find with the Heura Empenadas!!! I love that brands vegan chicken. The old architecture in Barcelona looks incredible. I’m always amazed by the character and different styles of buildings. Love that they had a Vegan Junk Food Bar! I tried them when I was in Amsterdam and devoured their menu.
Heura is SO good, right!? And VJFB is awesome – I think they have pretty much the same menu in their other branches.