Three Days in Barcelona

Three days in Barcelona is more of a tease than an experience. But if all you have is three days, it's a cultural experience you won't want to miss. On your three day trip to Barcelona you won't want to miss the city's center, the famous artwork and the incredible architecture.

Day 1
La Rambla, considered the center of the city, is a major attraction for tourists and natives alike. At the head of La Rambla, in Plaza Catalunya, you'll find Spain's major department store El Corte Ingles. If you stray from the broad sidewalk you'll find the Gothic Quarters of the city and if you follow it you'll end at the beach near the Olympic Port. On your walk down La Rambla you'll find pastry shops, street performers and artisan crafts. Before heading toward the beach, be sure to explore the Gothic Quarter, City Hall and miscellaneous shops. End the day with some paella at any restaurant near the port.

Day 2
Don't miss Funicular of Montjuïc from Plaza España up the mountain. Monjuic's Olympic Stadium was a venue for many of the 1992 Olympic Games. On Monjuic you will also find the Joan Miró Foundation. It's a must-see museum where Miró's mixed medium art work and bright colors are more alive than ever. After the museum you can enjoy some hiking on Monjuic or head down to the Plaza España for a light show. A trip to Barcelona is not complete without tapa bar-hopping. Tapas are small appetizers that are ordered to share with everyone at the table. They tradition is native to Spain and on Passeig de Gracia you can go from one restaurant to the next without stuffing yourself. Don't forget to try the patatas bravas! If you make it to Passeig de Gracia before dark, La Pedrera is a must-see. Antoni Gaudi's Pedrera has been called one of the most imaginative residential buildings in history.

Day 3
The work of Antoni Gaudi can be found all around Barcelona. However, there is nothing quite like Parc Güell. It is a major tourist attraction featured in all of your friends' vacation photos as well as movies like Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Its sea serpent shaped benches, colorful mosaics and breathtaking view of Barcelona would be worth it even if admission were not free. If you head to Parc Güell early, you can hop on the metro and spent the afternoon in Barcelona's Picasso museum, the world's largest collection of Picasso's early work.

Bidding farewell to Barcelona after only three days won't be easy. After all, it only takes a day to fall in love with this fantastic Mediterranean city. After one visit, you'll never forget her and you will surely be back.