Exploring Barcelona in 4 days

• Day 1: Visit Sagrada Familia, the famous basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. Explore the Gothic Quarter where you can find the Cathedral of Barcelona and the Picasso Museum. End the day by relaxing on Barceloneta Beach.
• Day 2: Head to Parc Güell, the whimsical park filled with Gaudí's designs. Walk down to Casa Batlló, another Gaudí masterpiece, and then continue on to the trendy area of Gràcia for some shopping and tapas. In the evening, catch a show at the Palau de la Música Catalana.
• Day 3: Take a day trip to Montserrat, a stunning mountain range outside of Barcelona. Visit the Montserrat Abbey and take a scenic hike in the area. Return to Barcelona in the evening for dinner at the Boqueria Market.
• Day 4: Start the day with a visit to Park de la Ciutadella, a beautiful park with a relaxing lake. Next, visit the Camp Nou Stadium, home to FC Barcelona. End the day with a hike up to Mirador de Colom for a panoramic view over the city.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sagrada Familia (2 hours, $30)
• Gothic Quarter (3 hours, free)
• Picasso Museum (2 hours, $15)
• Barceloneta Beach (4 hours, free)
• Parc Güell (2 hours, $15)
• Casa Batlló (1 hour, $25)
• Gràcia (3 hours, cost varies)
• Palau de la Música Catalana (2 hours, $40)
• Montserrat (full day trip, $50)
• Boqueria Market (1 hour, cost varies)
• Park de la Ciutadella (2 hours, free)
• Camp Nou Stadium (2 hours, $30)
• Mirador de Colom (1 hour, $5)
Total Estimated Costs: $235

Transportation

Public transportation in Barcelona is efficient and affordable. The metro system is extensive and covers most areas of the city. A single trip costs $2.20, but a T10 ticket for 10 trips costs $11.35. Taxis are readily available, but they are more expensive. Uber and other ride-sharing services are also available in Barcelona. To get to Montserrat, take the R5 train from Plaça d'Espanya.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the beach town of Sitges or visiting more of Gaudí's works like the Casa Milà. If you have less time, consider skipping Palau de la Música Catalana or limiting your time in Gràcia. It's also a good idea to book tickets ahead of time for popular attractions like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to avoid long lines. Lastly, be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas and keep your belongings close to you.