You have got three days to enjoy the city. Here’s an alternative which will allow you to discover the most characteristic side of Barcelona. Get a Barcelona Card and prepare for three days of intensive… but memorable, sightseeing.

DAY 1

The day begins in the city’s oldest quarter. The Barcelona Walking Tours Gòtic (free with the Barcelona Card), a fascinating walking tour of the city’s impressive Gothic legacy, begins at 10 on the dot. After the tour, you can continue discovering and admiring the city’s architectural gems, if you head for the Passeig de Gràcia and visit Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. If you like, you can top up your energy levels at one of the tapas bars in the area. Then, you can head towards the FC Barcelona stadium & museum, one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions. . And afterwards, what about hopping aboard the Blue Tram, or Tramvia Blau, for a ride up Tibidabo? You can also stop at Cosmocaixa, the spectacular Museu de la Ciència, and from the top of Tibidabo you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of Barcelona. It’s also a good place to have dinner while you look out over the city.

DAY 2

You can make use of your Barcelona Card and ride on the Funicular to explore Barcelona’s other hill: Montjuïc. Here you can visit the Fundació Miró, the Olympic Ring, the Poble Espanyol, a place full of charm, and the impressive Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Lunchtime provides the perfect excuse to go down to the sea and the Barceloneta and, after you’ve enjoyed a delicious dish of rice or seafood, ride in the lift to the top of the Columbus Monument, the Mirador de Colom (free with the Barcelona Card), to enjoy magnificent views of Barcelona and its famous Rambla. At the base of the monument you can hire one of the bikes from Barcelona Bici and go on a cycle ride along the seafront to the Olympic Village, where the culinary delights on offer and the sea breezes will tempt you to stay on for dinner.

DAY 3

For a mouthwatering start to the day, you could sign up for the Barcelona Walking Tours Gourmet, a guided tour of the Boqueria Market and some of the food emporiums in Ciutat Vella, with food tastings included. Make the most of your time in Barcelona centre to devote the rest of the morning to a spot of retail therapy, and when it’s lunchtime, you’ll find something to suit all tastes in this part of the city. From here, it’s just a short metro ride to the Sagrada Família, where you can take time out to admire Gaudí’s masterpiece. You can continue on the metro or bus to the Park Güell, where you’ll be able to spend an idyllic afternoon strolling through this magic place designed by Gaudí. From the park, you can walk down to the neighbourhood of Gràcia, with its narrow streets, squares and shops which will provide the perfect end to your activity-packed visit to Barcelona.