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Perfect Weekend in Barcelona
Experience Gaudí, beaches, and tapas culture
📍Barcelona, Spain⏱️2 Days
Barcelona is a Mediterranean paradise where art, architecture, and beach culture collide. This weekend itinerary showcases Gaudí's masterpieces, Gothic charm, and the vibrant energy that makes Barcelona one of Europe's most exciting cities.
📅Saturday
🌅Morning
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8:00 AM - Sagrada Família 🏛️ Beat the crowds at Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece (book timed entry tickets online).
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10:30 AM - Hospital de Sant Pau 🏥 Walk to this stunning modernist hospital complex (often overlooked).
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11:30 AM - Coffee in Eixample ☕ Grab coffee and pastries in this elegant neighborhood.
☀️Afternoon
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12:30 PM - Casa Batlló or Casa Milà 🏠 Choose one of Gaudí's fantastical houses (or do both if time allows).
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2:30 PM - Lunch on Passeig de Gràcia 🥘 Try Catalan cuisine at a local restaurant.
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4:00 PM - Gothic Quarter 🏰 Get lost in medieval streets, visit the Cathedral, and browse boutiques.
🌆Evening
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6:30 PM - La Rambla 🎨 Walk this famous boulevard (watch for pickpockets) to La Boqueria market.
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7:30 PM - Barceloneta Beach 🏖️ Watch sunset by the Mediterranean.
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9:00 PM - Tapas Dinner 🍤 Bar hop through El Born for authentic tapas (dinner starts late in Spain!).
📅Sunday
🌅Morning
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9:00 AM - Park Güell 🦎 Explore Gaudí's whimsical park with city views (book timed entry).
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11:00 AM - Gràcia Neighborhood 🏘️ Walk through this charming, local area with village vibes.
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12:00 PM - Vermouth Hour 🍷 Try vermouth at a traditional bar (Sunday tradition!).
☀️Afternoon
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1:30 PM - Late Lunch 🥗 Try paella or fideuà near the beach.
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3:30 PM - Montjuïc ⛰️ Take cable car up for panoramic views, visit Montjuïc Castle.
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5:00 PM - Magic Fountain ⛲ Time it right for the afternoon show (check schedule).
🌆Evening
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7:00 PM - El Raval 🌆 Explore this multicultural neighborhood.
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8:30 PM - Farewell Dinner 🍖 Try Catalan specialties like calcots or botifarra.
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10:30 PM - Beach Walk 🌙 End with a moonlit stroll along the waterfront.
💡Essential Tips
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T-10 Metro Card - 10 rides for about €12, can be shared
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Book Gaudí Sites - Sagrada Família and Park Güell sell out days in advance
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Siesta Time - Shops close 2-5pm, plan around it
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Dining Times - Lunch: 2-4pm, Dinner: 9-11pm (yes, really!)
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Pickpockets - Very common in tourist areas, be vigilant
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Beach Essentials - Bring sunscreen, Barcelona has great city beaches
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Learn Basics - "Hola" and "Gracias" go a long way
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Free Sundays - Many museums free after 3pm on Sundays
💰Budget Guide
Budget Breakdown: Expect €300-450 per person for the weekend (excluding accommodation). Accommodation: €80-150/night. Food: €50-70/day. Transport: €20/day. Gaudí sites: €30-40/day. Barcelona is affordable compared to other major European cities.
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