A plan for your group trip, in a minute

1. Day 1

   Gothic Quarter & El Born

   1. 09:30· MorningGothic Quarter lanesWander the medieval lanes around Plaça Sant Jaume and Plaça del Rei; best early, before the crowds arrive.~2 hFree
   2. 12:30· LunchLa Boqueria MarketBarcelona's most famous market, off La Rambla. Go late morning; the counter bars at the back are best.~1 hLow costIndoors
   3. 15:00· AfternoonPasseig de GràciaElegant boulevard of Modernist facades and shops — see Casa Batlló and La Pedrera from outside for free.~1.5 hFree
   4. 19:30· EveningTapas and bars in El BornNarrow streets packed with tapas and cocktail bars; hop between a few rather than booking one big table.~2.5 hMid-range
   ☔ Rainy day? Santa Maria del Mar — Soaring Catalan Gothic basilica in El Born; the rooftop tour gives a close look at the towers.
2. Day 2

   Eixample

   1. 09:30· MorningSagrada FamíliaGaudí's basilica, still being built. Timed tickets sell out — book ahead; morning light through the glass is best.~2 hPriceyIndoors
   2. 12:30· LunchSant Antoni MarketRestored iron market hall where locals shop; the surrounding streets are full of good lunch spots.~1 hLow costIndoors
   3. 15:00· AfternoonCasa Milà (La Pedrera)Gaudí's wavy stone apartment block; the rooftop of warrior-like chimneys is the highlight.~1.5 hPricey
   4. 19:30· EveningPlaça Reial at nightPalm-lined square with Gaudí lampposts; lively terraces and bars, a good pre-dinner meeting point.~1.5 hLow cost
   ☔ Rainy day? Casa Batlló — Gaudí's dragon-roofed house on Passeig de Gràcia; the audio guide works well for mixed-age groups.
3. Day 3

   Uptown & Tibidabo

   1. 09:30· MorningTibidaboHilltop church and vintage amusement park with the widest view of the city. Park opening days vary — check first.~4 hMid-rangeKid-friendly
   2. 12:30· LunchGràcia's neighbourhood marketsMercat de l'Abaceria and Mercat de la Llibertat are real local markets — good for a light, cheap lunch.~1 hLow costIndoors
   3. 15:00· AfternoonCamp Nou and Barça MuseumFC Barcelona's stadium tour and museum. Renovation works are ongoing — check what's open before you go.~2 hPriceyKid-friendly
   4. 19:30· EveningMagic Fountain of MontjuïcFree light-and-music shows on selected evenings; the schedule changes and it's sometimes paused — check first.~1 hFreeKid-friendly
   ☔ Rainy day? CaixaForum — Changing art exhibitions in a converted Modernist factory — a solid rainy-day stop near the Magic Fountain.

Suggestions are a starting point: check opening days and book tickets ahead.

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