⚡ Before You Go — Essentials
T-Casual Card
Buy a T-Casual (10-trip card, €11.35) at any metro station. Works on metro, bus, tram.
Book Sagrada Família NOW
Tickets sell out 2-4 weeks ahead. Book at sagradafamilia.org.
Meal Timing
Lunch: 13:30-15:30. Dinner: 21:00-23:00. Embrace the schedule.
Day 1
Barri Gòtic · El Born
Arrive, Orient, Eat
Your first day is about landing, getting your bearings, and diving into Barcelona's medieval heart.
🌅 Morning — Arrival
Airport to City Center
Take the Aerobús (A1) from El Prat to Plaça Catalunya (~35 min, €7.75).
📍 Plaça Catalunya
BRUNCH
Federal Café
Beloved brunch spot with excellent coffee and a hidden back terrace.
Skip the taxi — Aerobús is faster during rush hour.
🌙 Evening — First Night
TAPAS DINNER
Bar del Pla
A no-frills tapas bar in El Born. Try the pig's trotter croquettes and duck liver with PX sherry.
Bar del Pla is THE tapas bar in El Born. Not the cheapest but everything was incredible.— r/Barcelona, 520 upvotes
💰 Budget Breakdown
| Category | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | €30 | €45 | €60 |
| Transit | €3 | €5 | €8 |
| Attractions | €10 | €20 | €30 |
| TOTAL/DAY | €80 | €115 | €155 |
🚇 Getting Around
- Metro is the fastest way around. T-Casual card covers 10 trips for €11.35.
- Google Maps handles Barcelona transit perfectly.