Barcelona in 5 Days: Central Old Town, Gaudí, Montjuïc and Beach — 22–26 April 2025

Day 1: Gothic Quarter

Barcelona, Spain on April 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Historic Catalan café near Plaça Catalunya serving strong coffee and traditional ensaïmadas; a classic local start. Open from early morning (check seasonal opening hours).
EUR8, 45m

9:30am

Explore the Gothic Quarter

Wander medieval lanes, visit the Barcelona Cathedral and small plazas to soak up the city’s oldest neighbourhood; ideal for photography and history. Most streets are open all day; the cathedral opens around 10:00am.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

La Boqueria Market visit & light lunch

Experience the colourful market stalls and grab fresh tapas or a charcuterie plate from a stall for a quick, lively lunch; market typically open 8:00am–8:30pm but individual stalls vary.
EUR12, 1h

1:30pm

Picasso Museum

See Picasso’s formative works housed in medieval palaces; the museum is a superb complement to the Gothic Quarter and is usually open 10:00am–7:00pm (closed Mondays).
EUR12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll La Rambla and Plaça Reial

Walk the iconic promenade with street performers, then relax in the elegant Plaça Reial for people-watching and architecture. Always open to the public.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Tapas dinner at El Xampanyet

Classic, buzzy tapas bar in El Born known for house cava and anchovy dishes — book or arrive early as it fills quickly. Open evenings from late afternoon to late night.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 2: Gaudí Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Pastisseria on Carrer de Sardenya

Good pastries and coffee close to Sagrada Família to fuel a Gaudí-packed day; opens early for breakfast service.
EUR7, 45m

9:00am

Sagrada Família (pre-booked tickets)

Gaudí’s monumental basilica with breathtaking interior light and sculpted facades; in April it usually opens around 9:00am — book timed tickets to avoid queues. Expect guided or audio options.
EUR28, 2h

11:30am

Passeig de Gràcia: Casa Batlló & Casa Milà (La Pedrera) exteriors

Walk this elegant avenue to admire Modernist façades; consider entering one house (Casa Batlló or La Pedrera) depending on preference — both open from c.09:00–20:30 in spring.
EUR30, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cervecería Catalana

Popular tapas restaurant with a wide menu and great sharing plates near Eixample; expect a queue at peak times, open for lunch and dinner.
EUR25, 1h15m

3:30pm

Park Güell (monumental zone)

Colourful mosaic terraces and panoramic city views — the monumental zone requires a timed ticket and in April is usually open until early evening (check exact seasonal closing time).
EUR13, 1h45m

6:30pm

Dinner in Gràcia at Casa Varela

Neighbourhood restaurant offering relaxed Catalan dishes in Gràcia, perfect after Park Güell when the area is lively but less crowded. Open evenings from around 19:00.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Montjuïc Hill

Barcelona, Spain on April 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café (Plaça Catalunya)

Healthy breakfast bowls and good coffee close to transport up to Montjuïc; opens early for breakfast service on weekdays.
EUR10, 45m

9:30am

Cable car to Montjuïc Castle

Take the Telefèric for fast, scenic access to Montjuïc Castle and panoramic harbour views; cable car and castle generally start operations around 10:00am in spring. Check times on the day.
EUR13, 2h

12:00pm

Fundació Joan Miró

Dedicated museum for Joan Miró with modern and surrealist works set in a peaceful hilltop building, usually open 10:00am–6:00pm in April. Great for modern art fans.
EUR13, 1h15m

1:30pm

Lunch at Poble Espanyol

Open-air village with multiple restaurants representing Spanish regional cuisine — a convenient, varied lunch option. Poble Espanyol is open daily (check individual restaurants).
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya)

Explore Catalan art spanning Romanesque to modern periods; the museum usually opens 10:00am–6:00pm in spring and offers spectacular views from its steps.
EUR12, 1h30m

7:30pm

Magic Fountain show (subject to schedule)

Famous fountain light and music show often runs in the evening on selected days (check official schedule for April dates and start times — shows often begin around 9:00pm when active).
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Martínez (on Montjuïc slopes)

Terrace restaurant known for rice dishes and views across the sea — ideal for a relaxed meal after the fountain; open evenings but reserve for a viewpoint table.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 4: Beach & Port

Barcelona, Spain on April 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake (near Passeig de Joan de Borbó)

Creative breakfast plates and smoothies a short walk from Barceloneta beach; a cheerful spot to prepare for a seaside day. Opens early for breakfast service.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Barceloneta Beach and promenade

Relax on the sand, swim (weather permitting) or rent a bike to explore the seafront; the beach is open access all day though services operate seasonally.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Can Majó

Seaside restaurant in Barceloneta renowned for fresh seafood and paella — book ahead for a lunchtime sea view. Open for lunch and dinner.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Barcelona Aquarium (L’Aquàrium)

Large Mediterranean and tropical tanks with a shark tunnel — usually open until early evening (check April closing time, commonly around 7:00pm).
EUR22, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk Port Vell & Maremagnum

Stroll the harbour, pop into shops or sit at a waterfront bar as the harbour lights come on; the area is public and open most of the day.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at La Paradeta (seafood market-style)

Casual, fun seafood experience where you pick fresh fish to be cooked to order — excellent for seafood lovers and typically open evenings. Expect a lively, informal atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 5: Modernism & Farewell

Barcelona, Spain on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de l'Opera (La Rambla)

Traditional coffeehouse vibe and pastries on La Rambla, a fitting last-day breakfast close to central sights; good for early departures too.
EUR7, 45m

9:30am

Casa Milà (La Pedrera) visit

Tour Gaudí’s famous undulating building and rooftop chimneys; typically open from 9:00am with last entries in the evening — check the hours for April. The rooftop offers unique city views.
EUR25, 1h15m

11:00am

Passeig de Gràcia shopping and window-spotting

Browse boutiques and admire Modernist façades along one of Barcelona’s most elegant streets; ideal for souvenir and fashion shopping. Shops commonly open mid-morning (c.10:00).
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Upscale food hall on Passeig de Gràcia offering a range of Iberian dishes — a good final meal to sample several regional tastes in one place. Open for lunch daily.
EUR30, 1h15m

3:00pm

El Born & Santa Maria del Mar

Wander narrow streets of El Born with its boutiques, galleries and the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar church; the area is atmospheric and great for last-minute exploring. Most shops and the church are open in the afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Farewell dinner at Bodega 1900

Classic tapas with a modern twist from the Adrià family in a relaxed bodega setting — reserve in advance for an evening slot. Open evenings from around 19:00 but earlier reservations may be available.
EUR45, 1h45m
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