2 day Barcelona itinerary: The Ultimate Weekend With Kids
Are you planning a trip to Spain and wondering how to plan the perfect 2 day Barcelona itinerary?
Barcelona, also known as the City of Gaudí, is one of the most vibrant, colorful cities I’ve ever visited. Some people say it’s just another touristy city, but I couldn’t disagree more!
Even if you don’t love cities, I promise you need to stand inside of the Sagrada Família at least once in your life—it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
We visited Barcelona in April 2024 with friends, and between us we had kids ages 1, 2, 6, and 9. Every time we think about our trip here with the jaw-dropping architecture and healing sun we fall in love with it all over again.
If you’re reading this post, you’re probably already planning a trip to Barcelona, so I’ll stop trying to convince you and get right into the itinerary! In this 2-Day Barcelona Itinerary, I’ll dive into exactly how I would spend 2 days in Barcelona with kids on a first visit.
Quick Mini Guide To Barcelona
Want a quick summary? Here a quick mini guide with the essentials to plan your trip!
Where to Stay
– Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel (options for up to 4 people)
– Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments (options for up to 6 people)
– Sensation Apartments (options for up to 8 people)
Things to Do
– Admire the nature-inspired Gaudi architecture at Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló
– Drink horchata while the kids play on playgrounds
– Relax poolside
When to go
– April to May or September to early October to avoid crowds and enjoy mild but warm weather
IMPORTANT: Make sure to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines!!
If you only have two days, this itinerary covers all the must-see spots. Two packed days is the absolute minimum I’d recommend here. You won’t see it all, but you can still soak up the city’s energy, culture, and food in a short time.
The Ultimate 2 Day Barcelona Itinerary With Kids: A First Timers Guide
Keep reading for details but here is a summary of your 2 day barcelona itinerary.
- Day 1: Park Güell, Sagrada Familia
- Day 2: Casa Batlló, Mercado de La Boqueria & Gothic Quarter
Where to Stay in Barcelona With Kids
Before we get into the details of how to spend your 2 days in Barcelona, I wanted to first touch on where to stay in Barcelona!
As one of the most visited cities in Spain, you won’t be short on choices! Here are some things to think about to help you find a hotel, but don’t stress too much as there are lots of great options.
- Apartments vs Hotels. We like to stay in apartments so we have a kitchen and separate area from the kids at night versus one hotel room!
- Proximity to attractions. Barcelona is organized into 10 districts. I would stay in the Eixample district (which includes Sagrada Familia) to be the most central to everything.
- Your budget. As the Eixample district is the most central, it will also be the most expensive! If you want to save money, stay further outside the center, though this will mean more walking time between attractions!
We loved our apartment stay at Sensation Sagrada Familia. It had a rooftop pool, stunning views of Sagrada Familia out our windows, and separate kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. It was also close to the metro which is something to keep in mind if you don’t want to walk everywhere!
You really can’t go wrong staying near Sagrada Familia for this itinerary. You’ll give yourself more time to soak up the beauty of Sagrada Familia, and will be just a 20 minute walk (or quick metro ride) to Park Güell, Casa Batllo, and Gothic Quarters. Use the map below by selecting your dates to find more options!
Getting Around + Map of the Sites
Transportation Options
You do not need a rental car in Barcelona! We walked almost everywhere, and took a few rides on the metro system.
The cheapest way to use the metro is to get a Hola Barcelona Travel Pass. You can choose from a 2, 3, 4, or 5 day pass. Kids 3 and under travel free!
This will give you unlimited journeys on the metro, bus, tram, and regional railway. The pass even includes the metro service travel from the airport to the city- something I wish I knew before we spent almost 100 euros on a taxi from the airport!
Using the metro is easy with Google Maps. Just type in where you’re going, hit get directions from ‘My Location’, and tap the bus symbol. It will show you all the public transportation options to get there.
Map of the Sites
To help you follow along on this itinerary, I created the below map of Barcelona for you which has all the attractions pinned, plus some of our favorite food stops!
You can even export and save this map directly so you can refer to it during your trip. Make sure you hit “Download” on the map of Barcelona before you leave so you can use it when you’re offline too!
Day 1: Park Güell & Sagrada Familia
Exploring Park Güell
Begin your first morning in Barcelona with a visit to Park Güell, one of Gaudí’s most iconic creations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Important Note about Park Güell Tickets: Make sure to buy your ticket in advance, as entry is timed, and spots can fill up quickly. Arriving early not only helps you avoid the crowds but also lets you experience the park in the soft morning light.
The park has multiple entrances, but the main access is through Carrer d’Olot, where you’ll be greeted by Gaudí’s famous mosaic dragon at the Staircase.
If you’re traveling with kids you’re probably wondering should I bring the stroller? The answer is it depends.
The park covers a decent amount of space so there’s lots of walking, but there are a lot of stairs! Personally I’d say bring a soft carrier, or let them walk and leave your stroller behind for this one.
We spent about 2 hours exploring the park. While this isn’t a park where you’ll find playgrounds for the kids, ours still enjoyed the visit! It helped that we brought a football to toss around as we walked.
The park is large, and while the Monumental Zone is the highlight, there are also quieter areas where you can take a peaceful stroll. I highly recommend researching in advance which sections you want to visit, as there’s so much to see beyond the main attractions!
Note: I highly recommend getting here at opening time to beat the crowds and the heat!
Wander On Foot
While we rode the metro to get to Park Guell early, we walked back to Sagrada Familia so we could see more of the city! It took us 28 minutes with kids who like to wander and walk slowly.
We stopped along the way to get empanadas, horchata, snow cones, and trail mix. All the food places we stopped at and loved are marked in the Google Map above!
There is a big playground right in front of Sagrada Familia. I took the older kids to play, while the two younger kids took a nap in the apartment. We followed it up with a rooftop swim!
Visiting Sagrada Familia
This is the number one thing you should not leave out of your 2 day Barcelona itinerary! You can get a ticket to tour any time of day, but I highly suggest timing your visit with sunset.
We started our tour at 6:30 pm in April, which was 1.5 hours before sunset. This was PERFECT because the light hit the stained glass windows and we got to see a rainbow of color flood in.
We opted to climb the towers which gave an incredible view over the whole city. This was totally worth the extra cost, but kids under 6 aren’t allowed up. The guard let one parent stay behind, and then skip the line to get to the top after we came down.
A few other tips for your visit:
- Download the Sagrada Familia app on wi-fi BEFORE you get there so you can listen to the audioguide.
- Dress modestly. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered or you could be refused entry.
- Book tickets in advance. Don’t forget to look up what time sunset will be and try to time your entry around that!
Day 2: Casa Batlló, Mercado de La Boqueria & Gothic Quarter
We are packing it in for the final day of your 2 day Barcelona itinerary!
Morning Visit to Casa Batlló
Start your second morning in Barcelona with a visit to Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most breathtaking masterpieces, inspired entirely by nature. This was designed as a private family home in 1904, but is now open to tour!
I wasn’t expecting much to be honest, but was blown away by all the ways Gaudí’ brought nature into the design. The audioguide includes a small tablet to watch, which made it fun for kids too.
Gaudí drew inspiration from the ocean, with wave-like ceilings, turtle shell skylights, and a central atrium tiled in shades of blue, resembling sunlight coming through water.
The wooden doors and windows curve like tree trunks, while the Dragon’s Back Roof evokes the spine of a mythical creature, tying into the legend of Saint George.
If you want to avoid the crowds, I highly recommend arriving early, as this is one of Barcelona’s most visited sites! Try to book the 9:00 am entry.
If you’re fascinated by Gaudí’s nature-inspired designs, you can also visit Casa Milà, just a short walk away!
Lunch at Mercado de La Boqueria
From here it’s just a 15 minute walk to the famous Mercado de La Boqueria, the culinary heart of Barcelona. Bonus- on your way you’ll pass the lego store which our kids loved to pop into!
Begin your visit by wandering through the vibrant stalls overflowing with fresh fruits, cured meats, cheeses, seafood, and local delicacies. Be sure to grab a fresh fruit juice or our kid’s favorite- candy- as you wander and explore!
The market is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM, but arriving in the early afternoon ensures the best selection of food and a slightly less crowded experience.
Gothic Quarter
After lunch, it’s time to explore the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s most historic and atmospheric neighborhood!
Start your visit by walking to the Cathedral of Barcelona, a stunning Gothic masterpiece with intricate spires and a beautiful cloister filled with palm trees and geese. If you have time, I highly recommend going up to the rooftop for a fantastic view of the city!
On your way , you can pass through Carrer del Bisbe (C. del Bisbe), one of the most picturesque streets in the city. The highlight is the Neo-Gothic bridge, which looks like something out of a fairytale and is one of the most photographed spots in Barcelona!
From the cathedral, make your way to Saint James’s Square, a historic plaza that has been the political center of Barcelona for centuries. Continue walking until you reach Ciutadella Park.
This spacious park is a favorite among both locals and visitors, with playgrounds for kids, boat rentals, and the Cascada Monumental. If you have extra time, consider a visit to the Barcelona Zoo in the park!
Finish your walk at Arc de Triomf, Barcelona’s impressive red-brick triumphal arch. Originally built as the entrance to the 1888 Universal Exposition, it now stands as a beautiful gateway to Ciutadella Park.
E-bike Tour
Another option to see the sights with a lot less walking is an e-bike tour! We love these as an affordable way to see a lot in a little bit of time, and insights from a guide are so helpful. Plus our kids are more likely to listen to a guide than to us 🙂
Final Thoughts
Spending only 2 days in Barcelona may not seem like enough to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer, but it was a perfect amount of time for us to soak in its unique blend of history, architecture, and charm!
If you have more time, consider adding on a visit to Costa Brava for stunning coastal views or a day trip to Montserrat to experience Catalonia’s breathtaking mountains and monastery.
From Gaudí’s whimsical masterpieces to the bustling markets and serene parks, Barcelona offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Be sure to slow down and enjoy a long, leisurely meal, just like the locals do!
I hope this 2 day Barcelona itinerary helps you plan the ultimate trip with your kids. ¡Bon viatge!
Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!
