Begin at the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, a former hospital showcasing Modernist architecture with ornate façades, tiled domes, and landscaped gardens.

Continue to Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s iconic basilica. Its intricate façades and towering spires combine religious symbolism with highly detailed, nature-inspired design, while the interior is filled with colored light streaming through stained glass.

Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

From here, stroll along Passeig de Gràcia, which is lined with high-end shops and notable examples of Modernist architecture.

Tour Casa Batlló, where colorful mosaics, curved lines, and marine-inspired details reflect Gaudí’s highly original style.

Optional add-on: Visit the Museu Tàpies, a center for contemporary art that features experimental works and thought-provoking exhibitions.

Visit Casa Milà (La Pedrera), known for its undulating stone façade and sculptural rooftop chimneys around dusk for panoramic sunset views.

Return to Passeig de Gràcia to see some of Gaudi’s buildings lit at night, highlighting their textures and forms in a different way.

Begin at the Cathedral of Barcelona, a Gothic structure with a detailed façade and a serene cloister. Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Continue into the Gothic Quarter, a maze of narrow streets and historic squares that reflect the city’s medieval past. As you wander, you’ll encounter hidden courtyards, remnants of Roman walls, and centuries-old architecture.

Continue to the Museu Frederic Marès, a unique collection of sculptures and everyday objects offering insight into both fine art and daily life across centuries.

Continue to the Picasso Museum, which houses an extensive collection of early works by Picasso and provides insight into his artistic development.

Then spend some time exploring El Born, a lively neighborhood known for its narrow Gothic streets, high-end restaurants and boutiques, and historic charm. Make sure to include Carrer de Montcada, known for artisan boutiques and galleries.

Visit the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, a Gothic church known for its soaring interior and connection to the city’s maritime history.

Optional add-on: Stop at El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria, an iron and glass structured former market hall that preserves archaeological remains of the medieval city.

Explore the Moco Museum Barcelona for modern and contemporary art, with a focus on street art, pop art, and immersive digital installations.

Begin at Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC), housed in the Palau Nacional. Its collections span Romanesque frescoes, Gothic altarpieces, and Modernisme works, offering a comprehensive view of Catalan art.

Continue to the Barcelona Pavilion, a minimalist architectural landmark by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe that emphasizes clean lines, open space, and refined materials.

Explore the Fundació Joan Miró, dedicated to the works of the Catalan artist, where bold colors and abstract forms reflect his distinctive style.

Continue on to the Poble Espanyol, an open-air village featuring craft studios with artisans such as glassblowers, potters, and jewelry makers at work.

Optional add-on: Visit the Montjuïc Castle, a historic fortress offering elevated views of the harbor and surrounding landscape.

If operating, watch the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, known for its choreographed light and music displays.

Stroll through the Plaça d'Espanya, one of the city’s major plazas with the famous Font dels Tres Mars. It is surrounded by grand architecture and serves as a gateway to Montjuïc.

Visit Park Güell, a hillside park designed by Gaudí that has mosaic-covered terraces and sweeping views over the city.

Next, starting at Plaça del Sol, explore Gràcia, a neighborhood that is known for independent boutiques, artist studios, and an artistic, bohemian vibe.

Head to the MACBA Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona, showcasing an extensive collection of modern and contemporary work in a striking white building.

Optional add-on: Visit the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona CCCB for events and rotating exhibitions focused on contemporary culture, often exploring themes such as urban life, media, technology, and social issues.

Walk along Carrer dels Àngels in El Raval, which is lined with galleries and creative spaces. Then visit the Palau Güell, an early work by Gaudí that is known for its innovative use of light, parabolic arches, and a sculptural rooftop terrace with mosaic chimneys.

Attend a performance at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, known for opera and ballet performances.

Instead of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, visit the Jamboree Jazz and Dance Club for live music.

Travel to Figueres to visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, which offers an immersive experience filled with surreal installations, optical illusions, and theatrical displays.

Optional add-on: Explore the Dalí Colleccio de Joies, showcasing Dali’s intricate designs in jewelry and objects d’art.

Stop in Girona Old Town on the return journey for sights such as the Girona Cathedral, El Call (the Jewish Quarter), Pont de les Peixateries Velles, and Museu d’Art de Girona.

Take part in a trencadís mosaic workshop, learning the broken-tile technique popularized by Gaudí to create your own piece at a place such as Mosaics Barcelona i Trencadis MOSAICCOS.

Visit the Design Museum of Barcelona, which explores fashion, product design, graphic arts, and decorative objects.

Optional add-on: Tour the interior of the Palau de la Música Catalana, an ornate concert hall known for its mosaic-covered columns, sculpted floral details, and vibrant stained-glass windows and skylight.

Attend a performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana, where music, architecture, and design come together in a richly decorated and immersive setting.