Start early at Sagrada Família while the light is still soft and the crowds are manageable. If you can, book a timed entry for the morning and aim to arrive 15–20 minutes before your slot; the exterior is free to admire, but the basilica interior is absolutely worth paying for if you have time, with tickets typically around €26–€40 depending on whether you add a tower or audio guide. Plan on about 2 hours total here, and if you’re not entering, give yourself a slower lap around the Eixample streets to take in the façades from different angles. From here, it’s an easy 10–15 minute walk to brunch, and that short walk also helps you catch the neighborhood’s grid-like calm before the city fully wakes up.
Head to Brunch & Cake in Eixample for a relaxed late breakfast or early lunch; it’s one of those reliably good spots where the coffee is strong, the portions are generous, and you can expect roughly €18–30 per person depending on how hungry you are. After that, wander down Passeig de Gràcia at an unhurried pace — this is Barcelona’s grandest boulevard, lined with Modernist landmarks, designer stores, and some of the city’s best people-watching. Keep your eyes up for the tilework, balconies, and flowing stonework on the buildings as you walk north to south; it’s about a 45-minute stroll if you linger, which you should.
Your next stop, Casa Batlló, sits right on Passeig de Gràcia, so there’s no real transit needed — just cross the sidewalk and step into Gaudí’s most playful townhouse. Tickets usually run about €35–€45, and it’s best to book ahead because same-day slots can be tight. Plan for about 1.5 hours inside, especially if you want to enjoy the rooftop and the wavy interior rooms without rushing. Afterward, leave yourself a little breathing room to wander the surrounding Eixample blocks or duck into a café for a quick reset before heading toward the market; Barcelona days are better when you don’t overpack them.
Finish at La Boqueria Market in El Raval, which is an easy 15–20 minute walk from Casa Batlló down toward La Rambla. Go in the late afternoon rather than at peak lunch hour if you want a slightly less hectic atmosphere, though it will still be lively; many stalls start winding down before 8:00 PM, so aim to arrive while you still want a snack or early dinner. Expect to spend €10–20 if you’re grazing rather than sitting for a full meal, and keep an eye on your bag in the crowd. If you still have energy afterward, the surrounding El Raval streets are good for a slow wander back toward the center, but the market itself is a fitting, very Barcelona-style finish to the day.