48 Hours in Barcelona: Montserrat, Gaudí, and Tapas After Dark 

We recently had the chance to spend 48 hours in Barcelona, and while that may not sound like a lot, we packed in some unforgettable experiences. From stunning mountain views to late-night tapas crawls and iconic Gaudí architecture, here’s how we made the most of our two-day city escape. Here's our two days in Barcelona itinerary.

Day One: Montserrat and Tapas by Night 

Breathtaking views from the top of Montserrat, just outside Barcelona 

After arriving and settling into our hotel in the Poblenou neighborhood, we kicked things off with a spontaneous trip to Montserrat—a mountain-top monastery just outside the city. With only a few hours of daylight left, we skipped the formal tour groups and opted for a more flexible plan. We took a Bolt (Barcelona’s Uber equivalent) up to the top, which turned out to be a relaxing and surprisingly affordable option.

Descending Montserrat by aerial tram—an unforgettable way to take in the scenery 

The views at Montserrat were breathtaking. We took the funicular even higher up the mountain for panoramic shots, watched the nuns heading into mass, and enjoyed the peace that came with arriving just as most of the tour buses were leaving. The ride back down via aerial tram and train was both scenic and easy to navigate—and we highly recommend that combination.

 Tapas in the Gothic Quarter—perfect for a laid-back food crawl 

Back in the city, we made our way to the Gothic Quarter for a tapas crawl. Over the course of the evening, we visited three different spots, trying everything from pintxos to mussels. One of our favorite tips came from Taylor at the Culture Craving Couple: skip the sangria and order vermouth like the locals do. It turned out to be a refreshing and flavorful surprise!

Day Two: Architecture, Shopping & Sangria Masterclass 

La Sagrada Familia in all its unfinished glory—still one of the most captivating sites in Europe 

Our second day in Barcelona was all about exploring the architecture and immersing ourselves in the local atmosphere. We explored some of Gaudí’s most famous works, including the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia. While we didn’t go inside this time, we recommend it for first-time visitors, and buying your tickets in advance is a must.

Casa Batlló and the surrounding high-end shopping district 

We also stopped by Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia, which is not only an architectural icon but also a high-end shopping district. We even managed to squeeze in a suitcase upgrade while taking advantage of the EU tax rebate program.

Learning the real story behind Sangria during a hands-on class at Chulapio Cocktails & Crepes 

That evening, we booked a Sangria Masterclass with Alvaro at Chulapio Cocktails & Crepes—a hidden gem of a bar that also serves crepes by day and live music by night. We learned to make three different types of sangria (including a sparkling cava version that became our favorite), and walked away with a whole new appreciation for this classic drink.

Where We Stayed: The Hoxton, Poblenou 

Stylish, walkable, and centrally located—The Hoxton, Poble Nou was a great home base

We stayed at The Hoxton in Poble Nou, and it turned out to be the perfect base for our short trip. The hotel offered stylish rooms, a rooftop pool, and a fantastic location within walking distance to La Sagrada Familia. The neighborhood had a local feel, as well as international restaurants, and easy access to public transportation.

Our Tips for a 2-Day Trip to Barcelona 

 • Transportation: Get a 2-day metro pass—it’s affordable, convenient, and makes navigating the city a breeze.

 • Montserrat: Go in the afternoon to avoid crowds; consider a rideshare up and tram/train down.

 • Tapas Culture: Plan on visiting several places in one night. Ask locals for recommendations.

 • What to Pack: Layers, good walking shoes, a rain jacket, and a portable phone charger.

 • Sangria Tip: Try the cava sangria—and book a class for the full experience.

  Even in just two days, Barcelona gave us stunning views, inspiring architecture, and flavorful discoveries. From Montserrat’s mountaintop monastery to Gaudí’s creative wonders and cozy neighborhood tapas bars, the city left a lasting impression.

Don't Miss our Barcelona Podcast Episodes:

Episode 114 - How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Barcelona: A Quick Travel Guide

Episode 24 - 2 Days in Barcelona

As you can see, two days in Barcelona is a theme for us.  You can spend a week or more and still have a lot to see but we recommend in order to see more outside the city, start with two days on your first visit and like Rick Steves always says, hope that you can come back again.

Let us know - have you been to Barcelona yet? What would you add to our list that you need to do if you just have two days!