48 Hours in Barcelona: Where to Eat, What to See & Best Views
I didn’t know what to expect when I landed in Barcelona, Spain, but I had a feeling it would be just as amazing as everyone claimed. You know that feeling when you’re so excited for the unknown but also a little scared shitless at the same time? Yeah, that’s where I was.
As soon as I got off the plane, I grabbed an Uber and headed to meet up with one of my longest friends, Emma… and this is where my Barcelona obsession officially started.
Where to Stay in Barcelona: Gràcia Neighborhood
For my 2 days in Barcelona, I stayed in the Gràcia neighborhood; a bohemian, artsy area filled with charming plazas, boutique shops, and authentic restaurants. If you’re wondering where to stay in Barcelona, Gràcia is the perfect mix of local vibes and easy access to the city’s main attractions.
It felt more like a community than a tourist hub, which made wandering the narrow streets even more enjoyable. Plus, it was the perfect home base for exploring Barcelona’s food scene and iconic landmarks.
I stayed at this amazing Airbnb, if you’re looking for a more private accommodation. You can book it here!
Day 1 in Barcelona: Tapas & Night Strolls
Our first night started with dinner reservations at Pepa Tomate (Parliament). Naturally, as foodies, we ordered everything we could: tapas, two paellas, plenty of pan con tomate, and a couple bottles of wine (porque no?).
After dinner, we wandered through the city streets for hours, stumbling upon more food, more drinks, and more reasons to fall in love with Barcelona. The city lights and atmosphere made it feel like the entire city was alive just for us.
Day 2 in Barcelona: Landmarks & Foodie Highlights
The next morning, we headed straight to La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s most famous landmark. Nothing prepares you for how massive it is in person. We didn’t go inside this time, but sitting in the park across the street, people-watching and admiring it from a different angle, was just as magical.
Later that day, we had late lunch reservations at Sartoria Panatieri, recently ranked the 3rd best pizza in the world. This was hands down the best meal of my trip. I’ve never experienced getting drunk on pizza before, but there’s a first time for everything. If you’re a foodie, put this on your Barcelona must-eat list.
In the afternoon, we stopped at ELEPHANTA, a trendy rooftop spot perfect for cocktails. Even though I’m not a gin drinker, I tried their mini gin flight—something totally new for me - and was surprised at how refreshing it was. It’s a great place to unwind between sightseeing stops, with a stylish vibe and views to match.
We wrapped up the day with a relaxing evening at Mirador de Joan Sales, a viewpoint overlooking the city. Watching the skyline glow at sunset was the perfect nightcap to two unforgettable days in Barcelona.
