A Week Itinerary In Barcelona in early November
Looking to plan your next adventure in Barcelona? Dive into my meticulously crafted week-long itinerary, packed with immersive experiences and local gems across this incredible city. As a self-proclaimed super-organizer and travel planner, I’ve curated each day with must-see sights, delicious eats, and unique activities to make your visit unforgettable. Feel free to use my itinerary as inspiration—or even better, save my detailed Google Maps routes for seamless navigation during your trip. Happy travels and enjoy exploring Barcelona to the fullest
Day 1: Travel Day from Detroit to Barcelona
We flew Delta and embarked on an exciting journey from the Midwest to the Mediterranean. Here’s how our travel day unfolded!
11:00 AM: Arrive at DTW: Detroit Airport
12:58 PM: Depart Detroit, arrive in Atlanta at 2:53 PM
Layover (3 hours 17 min): Hung out at the Delta Sky Lounge in Terminal F. This is where its at in the ATL airport. There is an outside patio, such a treat on a travel day, fresh air and sunshine! We got to watch the sunset on the runways at ATL which was a great way to relax before take off to Barcelona.
6:15 PM: Depart Atlanta for Barcelona - 8.5 Hour Flight with a 6 hour time change
8:40 AM: (next day): Land in Barcelona
Day 2: Arrive in Barcelona and get to know the city
8:40 AM: Arrive in Barcelona
Clearing customs took a while, so be patient, but they do move things along pretty quickly.
10:30 AM: Check into Airbnb. We had booked our Airbnb for the previous night so we could check in right away. We had wonderful Airbnb hosts who were super accommodating to our early morning arrival. It was now time to take some time to rest after a long flight.
Where We Stayed: Our charming Barcelona Airbnb was the perfect home base for exploring the city, complete with beautiful Spanish architecture and a spacious terrace. It was located in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, a vibrant neighborhood in the Eixample district of Barcelona. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, historic market, and eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The area has a trendy yet authentic vibe, with a blend of traditional and modern influences. Sant Antoni is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a perfect spot to experience Barcelona's bustling city life while enjoying a more laid-back, community-oriented feel.
Once we were rested and recovered it was time to explore the city!
3:00 PM: Empanadas at Folk Empanadas
These were our first (of many) empanadas on our trip. I got the jamon y queso (ham and cheese) and the espinacas y queso (spinach and cheese). These were fantastic, flaky crust and very tasty cheese!
We then just wandered around the city and got lost and explored the Gothic Quarter, L’Arc de Triomf, and El Gat de Botero statue before dinner.
7:45 PM: Dinner at Bo De Boqueria
This was our first ever paella in Barcelona. I got the chicken and my husband got the vegetarian friendly veggie paella and they were both suburb! The flavor profile for both was amazing and it was a great way to warm up our pallets for Barcelona for the week.
End the night with a stroll through the city and hit up cannabis social club.
My husband and I have always loved the coffee shop culture in Amsterdam, so we were excited to recreate that experience at a social cannabis club in Barcelona. After long days of exploring the city on foot, we often found ourselves coming back to this welcoming spot. The staff was incredibly friendly and hospitable, making us feel right at home as tourists. If you're interested in experiencing Barcelona's cannabis scene, this is definitely the place to be. The selection is fantastic, and the prices are very reasonable!
Day 3: Montserrat Tour with Lunch Included, Tiki Time, and Vegetarian Dinner
10:45 AM: Montserrat & Farm Lunch Tour - 7 Hour Tour (Book via Get Your Guide)
Luxury minibus takes you to the train station, its about a 45 minute ride. Stunning views the whole time.
Arrive at the train station to catch the cogwheel train, which will take you up the mountain to the breathtaking monastery of Monsterrat.
The tour guide takes you and you your group on a short tour to point out the highlights of the area and then you’re given about an hour to explore the area on your own. Then it was time to catch the train back down the mountain with more stunning views.
Lunch at the stunning Masia Vinyanova restaurant was an absolute highlight of our trip and the tour. We shared delicious tapas and endless glasses of wine with our fellow tour-goers, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. The tapas kept coming, each one more delightful than the last. With breathtaking views of an olive grove as our backdrop, the experience felt like a scene from a postcard—truly picturesque and unforgettable.
6:00 PM: Return to downtown Barcelona
We decided to just keep staying out for more fun in the city. If we went back to our apartment we would have just wanted to call it a night for sure, so we let the energy of the city take us through dinner!
Highlights of our wonderings:
9:00 PM: Dinner at Teresa Carles a top vegetarian spot in the city!
Day 4: Paella Cooking Class and Cocktail Making Class
2:30 PM: Paella Cooking Class (Book on Airbnb)
The experience: Our cooking class was a standout highlight of our trip! We started with a guided tour of the vibrant Mercat de la Boqueria, picking out the freshest ingredients for our paella. Afterward, we learned to make sangria while the kitchen was prepared. The class itself was amazing—we made a delicious veggie paella, and the instructors easily accommodated our dietary restrictions. We loved discovering the techniques that create the bold flavors and perfect crispy rice. Plus, we enjoyed meeting fellow travelers and sharing great food and conversation. The three-hour experience was a fantastic mix of culture and cuisine—a must-do for anyone visiting!
6:00 PM: El Bosc de Les Fades
I discovered this ethereal hidden gem during my research on Barcelona and knew I had to experience it for myself. The atmosphere was whimsical and cozy, making it the perfect spot to enjoy my favorite drink of the trip, Aperol Spritz! If you love unique and quirky places, this is an absolute must-visit!
7:15 PM: Barcelona Cocktail Masterclass with Tapas (Book on Viator)
We wrapped up our day of learning with a cocktail class in the enchanting Gothic Quarter, and it was an absolute blast! We crafted four unique cocktails, savored some delicious tapas, and had a fantastic time mingling with fellow travelers from around the world. The group’s energy was infectious, making the experience even more memorable. Mixing drinks, sharing stories, and enjoying great company made for an unforgettable evening!
Day 5: A Rainy Day in Barcelona to meet the locals
2:00 PM: Lunch at Restaurante Pizzeria Edén - Italian Restaraunt
This Italian restaurant was a delightful find in a charming location. Our lunch wasn’t planned, but it was one of those serendipitous moments when you walk by a place, and it just feels right. My husband ordered a traditional Margherita pizza, while I opted for the carbonara. The food was incredibly fresh and deeply satisfying, with portions perfectly sized for a leisurely midday meal.
3:30 PM: Drink at the Alice Secret Garden
Another stop in search of the whimsical and quirky spots in the city! We only had a short time to stop here, so we didn’t get the full experience, but it was super cute and the Alice’s Spritz was divine.
4:00 PM: Husky House Experience
This turned out to be an unexpected highlight of our trip. Anticipating a rainy day, we booked this experience to escape the weather and make the most of our time—and it was such a wholesome, delightful adventure. The dogs were incredibly sweet, and the cozy, welcoming atmosphere made it all the more special. I couldn’t get enough of the adorable pack of pups!
6:00 PM: Cat Café Experience
My husband and I are both self proclaimed “cat people” and we had to visit a cat cafe while in Barcelona. We stopped by the Cat Shop by Adira and met some furry new friends. All the cats were really sweet and social and we had a great time meeting all the different personalities there. Great activity on a rainy day.
8:00 PM: Dinner at L'Olla de Si Chuan - Hot Pot and Dim Sum Restaurant
Hot Pot was the perfect way to wrap up our rainy adventure in Barcelona. We headed to L’Olla de Si Chuan, and it did not disappoint. The selection of broth flavors and appetizers was incredible, and creating our own hot pots was the ultimate way to warm up after a day spent braving the rain.
Day 6: Gaudí Day
1:00 PM: Park Güell visit
This place felt like a real-life fairytale! Antoni Gaudí’s work is everywhere in the city, and visiting this spot was a dream come true. It’s one of those Instagram-worthy places and it lives up to the hype, with whimsical, eclectic designs in an enchanting outdoor setting. My husband and I agreed: theme parks try to capture this magic, but this is the real deal.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance—they sell out almost daily. Thankfully, ticket limits keep the crowds manageable. I bought directly from the official website, but there are plenty of third-party options available too.
4:15 PM: A step inside the Basílica de la Sagrada Família
While wandering through the city, we passed the Basilica several times and knew we had to go inside. Tickets are required and often sell out, so we booked a day in advance to ensure we could experience it. Once inside, the breathtaking stained glass had me in complete awe. The history behind its construction is fascinating, and seeing such an extraordinary architectural wonder in person was unforgettable. I bought tickets for this entry directly from their website.
Empanada Club stop
Before heading to our evening events, we stopped for a quick bite and discovered the BEST empanada of the trip! The cheesy crust on one side added an incredible burst of flavor, taking this already delicious street food to a whole new level.
6:45 PM: Flamenco show at Flamenco Barcelona at THEATER City Hall
Deciding to see this show was a spontaneous choice, but after hearing from everyone in the city that a flamenco performance was a must, we couldn't resist. The intimate, enchanting setting made the experience unforgettable. The dancers and musicians were incredibly skilled, delivering performances that were both raw and deeply emotional. It was the perfect way to relax and soak in a one-of-a-kind cultural experience after a day of exploring. We splurged on VIP seats and sat in the front row, which I highly recommend—it made the show even more special.
9:30 PM: Dinner at Rasoi Ghar Restaurant - Indian Food
When my husband and I travel, Indian food is one of our favorite comfort meals, and we love experiencing how each country adds its own unique twist. This restaurant was cozy, with the perfect blend of flavors and a more refined, upscale atmosphere. It was an ideal spot for a relaxing and memorable dinner.
Day 7: City Biking & Sunset Cruise
Breakfast at Rekons Empanadas
12:00 PM: Bike Rental at Rent a Bike BCN
Renting a bike is Barcelona is very reasonable, we paid €10 for an 8 hour rental for each bike.
We set our bike route to explore the Montjuïc mountain peak and make our way back down to the marina/beach district.
Lunch by the Playa de San Sebastian beach at La Deliciosa. This was the perfect lunch spot after the bike ride up the mountain. The restaurant is literally right on the beach.
Then is was time to return the bikes!
4:30 PM: Sailboat Sunset Cruise (Book on Airbnb)
For our last night in Spain we thought a sunset sailboat cruise would be the best way to end it. We were greeted on the boat with cava and snacks and taken around the harbor at the Mediterranean Sea. The sea was a bit rough that day not making sailing conditions ideal, but it was still a beautiful and memorable experience. Great way to cap off the trip!
8:00 PM: Dinner at L'Arrosseria Xàtiva Sant Antoni. This place is known for its paella and with it being our last night in Spain we had to indulge one more time. We ordered a chicken paella and a veggie noodle paella and both were delicious! This was the perfect end to our culinary adventures through Barcelona.
A night cap at the picturesque La Vinya del Senyor. This wine bar overlooks the 14th century Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar on a beautiful cobblestone street in the gothic quarter.
Day 8: Heading Home
7:00 AM: Depart for the airport
10:15 AM: Flight from Barcelona to JFK (9 Hours with 6 hour time change)
Layover (3.5 hours)
We hung out at one of the JFK Delta Sky Lounges during our layover which is a great way to relax between flights.
4:30 PM: Flight to Detroit (1.5 Hours)
6:40 PM: Arrive home!
Key Takeaways/Things to Know/Tips
Lots of the attractions book up, so be sure to get your tickets ahead of time.
Don’t worry if your Spanish or Catalan isn’t very good, everyone we encountered in Barcelona spoke English and they were very accommodating to tourists.
You can get pretty much anywhere you want to go on foot. Barcelona is an extremely walkable city, making it perfect for exploring.
Pick pockets are definitely a thing! We saw someone get something taken and we were followed a few times. This was only happening in the Gothic Quarter and market areas in the city that we noticed. You can’t even set your purse or phone on a table outside because thieves are snatching them right off your table. So be very vigilant about your stuff.