I've spent 63 days in Barcelona. Each of them has been a little different. Although it's usually true that different experiences can't be compared (apples and oranges, as the saying goes), I have identified the absolute best way to spend a day in Barcelona if that's all you have. This is a fairly loose itinerary that you can bend to fit your own schedule. Here's how my day would play out though.
9h00: Start your day with churros and hot chocolate for breakfast. You can find these all over Barcelona, but I recommend Farggi Borne. Farggi Borne is conveniently located near the Arco de Triunfo and Parc de la Ciutadella. You can wander around either of these beauties or the Mercat del Borne, a free exhibition of Catalan ruins, before your breakfast.
10h30: After breakfast, head over to the Picasso Museum. The Picasso Museum is by far the most fascinating and beautiful museum in Barcelona. An inexpensive audioguide will talk you through Picasso's artistic growth and show your x-rays of some of his works if that's something that interests you.
12h30: From there, walk on over to the Catedral de Barcelona. The cathedral is gorgeous inside and out. If you're lucky, you may have the chance to enjoy street musicians playing the Spanish guitar! Be sure to walk along the southwest side of the cathedral while you're at it; you'll wander right past the Barcelona letters and under the famous Gothic arch.
13h00: You're probably feeling a little hungry by now. Head to La Boquería for lunch. Wander past as many stands as you can before you give into any one temptation. I'd recommend a coxhina empanada and a smoothie. Both are incredible and found at multiple stands throughout the market. If you're looking for tapas in addition to whatever you pick out at La Boquería, wander up to Elisabets just a few streets north. Elisabets is the type of place where American customers might have trouble being assertive enough to place their order. Just go ahead and be pushy!
14h30: Take some time to wander Las Ramblas, relax in the Jardins de Rubió i Lluch (the courtyard of the Catalan library behind the market), or visit a Gaudí masterpiece such as the Casa Batlló or Palau Güell.
If you're a Gaudí fan, you can also make time for the Sagrada Familia. The Passeig de Gràcia stop is a bit north of the Plaça de Catalunya and you can take the purple L2 line right over to the Sagrada Familia.
Another great option is Happy Pills. It's a cute candy shop just northwest of the Plaça de Catalunya. You're paying mostly for the shtick, but it makes for a fun souvenir.
17h00: I am renaming Barcelona to Gaudí-town, friends. It's the right thing to do. Barcelona is absolutely covered in Gaudí's works. Since it'd be wrong not to see at least one during your short time in Barcelona, you'll be spending your afternoon in Park Güell. Pick up snacks on your way. Take your time exploring not just the UNESCO World Heritage Site portion (you know, the part featured in everyone's pictures and with an entry fee), but the entire park.
19h00: Have an early tapas dinner at Bar Restaurant Delicias just outside Park Güell's most northeast exit. Order pa amb tomaquet, patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and crema catalana to taste the traditional Barcelona specialties.
20h30: Leave dinner to hike up to MUHBA Turó de la Rovira, otherwise known as the Bunkers del Carmel. Hang around for the sunset and take in the views of the city you've thoroughly enjoyed.
The most important part of this itinerary are that you buy your tickets to Park Güell in advance and check what time sunset is. You most likely will not get into the UNESCO portion of Park Güell if you haven't bought your tickets beforehand, and this schedule is based on a sunset time of approximately 21h00.
I'll probably have time for just one more post before I leave. Until next time!