How You Should Spend 3 Days in Barcelona, Spain

Hola! Bienvenido a Barcelona! Barcelona is one of my all time favorite cities I’ve traveled to. Colton and I spent 3 days in Barcelona, and by the end we were completely in love. So much so, that when I ask Colton where he would live in Europe if we ever moved abroad, he always says Barcelona, Spain. 

What do we love about Barcelona? The people, the food, the culture, the weather, the architecture… I could go on and on. Truly, Barcelona just has really good vibes. 

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I’ve been to Barcelona twice now, and both times I adored my time there. The city has such a lively atmosphere with a social scene that never sleeps and something to see around every corner. 

It’s like the city itself has a big personality, and you can feel it while walking down La Rambla, getting lost exploring in Barri Gòtic, or admiring Antoni Gaudì’s iconic architecture.

There really is nowhere else like Barcelona. 

When my husband and I left for our 6 month trip to 18 countries, we knew that airfare would be one of the single largest individual costs of our trip. So, after a little bit of research, we found a way to get affordable flights all over the world: travel credit cards.

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The first note here that I need to make is that almost no flight is truly free, you do have to pay the taxes and fees. But, what if I told you I just bought a $6 flight from North Carolina, USA to Athens, Greece this week. Or that I’ve spent only $11 for me and Colton to fly from NC to Turkey?

Would you believe those numbers?

I never in a million years thought I could fly abroad for less than a few hundred dollars, and that’s if I somehow found an amazing deal!

It wasn’t until I came across travel credit cards and the world of points and miles that I understood how these serial travelers I was seeing everywhere were affording their flights.

The trick was, they were barely paying for them.

So, after tons of research, applying for credit cards, hitting bonuses, and of course getting everything in order to leave home for 6 months to travel, I bought our one way flights out of the country for $11.

How did we do it?

The world of points and miles, of course!

Let me tell you how we did it and give you the information you need to start earning free flights with your credit card! 

Let me preface this with one statement: the world of points and miles is BIG and there is a lot that you honestly don’t need to know to just get started.

So, I’m going to give you the most necessary information to get you started and cut out all the fluff. Let’s go!

I promise you this is not a scam, because maybe that’s the first place your mind is headed when I say “free” flights. 

In fact, paying with points and miles to purchase flights at insanely low prices is entirely legal, I promise!

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What Are Points and Miles

Points and miles are the reward currency of airlines and hotels: aka loyalty points. 

I’m not talking about the points you earn by flying with an airline repeatedly, that you only rack up over several years. 

I’m talking about points and miles you earn just from having the credit card you already use!

Each bank or airline that offers credit cards with points and miles use them as an alternative currency for purchasing flights. 

Many of the banks that offer travel credit cards have both airline and non-airline branded credit cards: a.k.a the airline the bank has partnered with offers airline miles as the sign up bonus, not credit card points. Those miles can only be used with that airline. 

If you apply for a bank branded card with no airline association, you’ll earn points with that bank that can then be transferred to their airline or hotel partners. 

How To Get Points And Miles With Travel Credit Cards?

The fastest way, and most likely reason why you’re wanting a travel credit card, is to earn points with a sign up bonus.

Most banks offer a sign up bonus of varying amounts after a certain amount of qualifying purchases on the card in the first few months. 

It might sound something like this: “earn 60k bonus points when you spend $3,000 dollars on purchases in the first 4 months.” Yadah yadah. 

But, you will also earn points while using your card on your everyday purchases! Some cards offer bonus categories, like 3x on grocery purchases, or 2x at restaurants, etc. So, when you spend money on your card, you’ll earn points in return that can be redeemed for various things, like flights or hotel stays. 

Generally, if you’re wanting to redeem miles for flights or hotels, you’re going to need a good chunk of miles to do so. 

You can purchase some domestic flights with as little as 8,500k points one way, but if you’re flying international, it will likely cost you 15k one way, at the very least. 

Of course, the cost of award flights in points can greatly vary and is not always directly tied to the cash ticket price.

Other ways to earn points with travel credit cards include anniversary bonuses, giveaways, and transfer bonuses. These come and go and aren’t something I would rely on.

For the purposes of this post, which is all about a beginner’s guide to free flights with points and miles, sign up bonuses are your very best friend. 

READ ALSO:
How to Save Money for Travel – Budget & Save for Your Next Trip
8 Simple Tips to Help You Save Money While Traveling
5 Tips To Find Cheap International Flights

How Much Are Points and Miles Worth?

Not all points are created equal.

Some points are more valuable than others simply because you can transfer and redeem them in more ways. 

Points and miles also get their value depending on the deal you get when redeeming them. 

Let me give you an example scenario to explain…

For example, let’s say you have 75k Capital One miles and you want to fly from Atlanta, Georgia to Athens, Greece for an amazing holiday eating delicious Mediterranean food and swimming in crystal clear waters for 8 days. 

These are the flights you’re looking at. They’ll take you to Greece during the best time to visit, late summer when it isn’t too crowded and not too hot.

You have a few options for how you can book these flights with points

Option 1: Redeem Points with a Travel Portal

Option 1 is to redeem your points through Capital One Travel and their online portal. When you do this, you’re going to get a fixed redemption rate of 1¢ per mile.

So your 75k miles would be worth $750 for travel. You could use those 75k miles to buy a flight worth up to $750 through the Capital One Travel portal. That’s over half of what this ticket is worth. So you would still have to pay about $390+ on top of your 75k miles for this ticket. 

We can definitely do better than that!

Option 2: Transfer to a Partner

Option 2 would be to transfer your Capital One miles to one of their airline transfer partners, then book the flight on their website using your points. 

If you did this, those 75k miles could become 75k FlyingBlue points (Air France & KLM’s loyalty program and one of Capital One’s transfer partners). 

The same exact flight booked on Air France with cash would cost you $1,142.

But, you can transfer your points from Capital One and over to FlyingBlue, so now you have up to 75k FlyingBlue miles! Let’s use them!

If you use FlyingBlue to book the exact same flight, you would only need 30,000 miles and $208 in taxes & fees. Way better than using all 75k and only covering half of the cost!

And, instead of paying $1,142 out of pocket for a round trip ticket to Europe, you’re only paying $208 plus 30,000 points.

*you want to transfer only the amount of points you need. In this scenario, thats only 30k of the 75k.

In this scenario, you would be redeeming your Capital One points, through FlyingBlue, for 3.1cents per mile. Now that’s more like it!

This is why points can be so valuable and why transfer partners can be the best way to go when redeeming points.

I know that was a lot, so let me summarize if for you:

• Out of pocket price for ticket Atlanta to Athens: $1142 on Air France/KLM
• Price of same ticket booked through Capital One Travel: 75k miles + $392
• Price of same ticket booked through FlyingBlue after transferring Capital One miles: 30,000 miles + $208 in taxes and fees.

You would come out of this deal with around 45k Capital One miles left in the bank. That’s enough to buy you another roundtrip flight to Europe.

Now THAT’S how we use points and miles to our advantage 🙂 

RESOURCE: Free List of Transfer Partners & Airline Alliances + How to Use Them

*be sure to only transfer the points you need and no more so you can keep the extra points with your bank and transfer them elsewhere in the future*

How Do You Redeem Points And Miles For Flights?

The way that we typically redeem our points and miles is by using them to purchase flights. We do this by transferring our credit card points to transfer partners. 

The scenario above is a great example of how we would use our points and miles to get amazing deals on flights.

Here is that chart again that I made to show you where you can transfer points based on what program you’ve accumulated points with. 

The process of transferring points can be a bit complicated, but I’m going to help you out here. 

Here is the basic rundown of how to redeem your points for flights:

• Accumulate points on your credit card
• Research credit card airlines transfer partners
• Search Google Flights or Skyscanner to find flight routes
• Search for award flights on airline transfer partners
• Find desired flights and see how many points/money required to book them
• Create a frequent flier account with airline if you don’t already have one
• Transfer points on your bank’s website to transfer partner of choice
• Book those flights!!

To use the example from above, I would find the flights I want and make sure I have enough points to pay for them. Then, I would log into Capital One and go to the Capital One Travel portal to transfer my points to FlyingBlue. Once my points were transferred, I would buy my flights!

The real trick is finding award flight availability and the deals that are out there waiting to be had! It takes a little bit of time and practice but you’ll get the gist!

READ ALSO:
How to Save Money for Travel – Budget & Save for Your Next Trip
Our Once In A Lifetime 6 Month Trip Itinerary
What 6 Months of Travel to 18 Countries Cost Us

What Travel Credit Cards Are Best?

For me to answer this question, you’ll need to ask yourself a question first: what are your goals?

Are you looking to cover some international long haul flights? Maybe you’re an avid domestic traveler and would like to cover a few legs of travel for your upcoming trips. Would you like to stay in nice hotels for just the cost of fees?

It’s good to look at the options and decide what you think will work best for your goals!

If you want to cover some flights, I would find a card that has great travel benefits and flexible rewards. If you’re more interested in hotel stays, get a hotel branded card!

You can find my favorite travel credit cards and all the information about them on my
Travel Credit Cards Recommendations page.

Want my help choosing a travel credit card?
Fill out my Free Credit Card Consultation Form & I’ll email you personalized recommendations!

“Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.”

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What to Know For Your 3 Days in Barcelona

Currency: Spain uses the Euro

Plugs: Spain uses F plugs. The standard voltage is 230V. I recommend this universal adapter.

Language: Spanish and Catalan. Everyone speaks Spanish, but you may hear or see Catalan from time to time. This is because Barcelona is in the region of Catalunya in Spain.

Where to Stay

I recommend staying in either El Raval or Barri Gòtic during your 3 days in Barcelona. El Raval is a hip, young area of town near the central tourist strip. Barri Gòtic, or the Gothic Quarter, is the oldest neighborhood in Barcelona with winding medieval streets filled with local markets, trendy bars and restaurants, and lots of shopping.

This area of the city is very walking friendly, and it’s so fun to meander through the narrow streets to see what gems you’ll wander upon.

Another nice area, and a large one, is Eixample, which includes tourist attractions like Casa Milà and La Sagrada Famìlia. This area is also teeming with great shopping and restaurants. 

Wherever you decide to stay, make sure you’re located close to a metro station and you’ll have no problem getting around. Use Booking.com to find amazing hotels in Barcelona, and check out the ones I’ve recommended below.

Barri Gotic

Maldà Barcelona

Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Eixample

ibis Styles Barcelona Centre

El Raval

Hotel Sant Agustí

Spain Time

Spaniards are FUN, and you’ll notice they like to stay up into the wee hours of the morning catching up around delicious Spanish food and drinks. So, don’t be surprised if the street where you’re staying is lively long after you go to sleep.

This is one of the beautiful things about Barcelona: the vibrant street culture.

Spanish culture highly values quality time spent around long meals and a slow pace of life. Spaniards savor life, and I promise you’ll notice this shortly after arriving in Barcelona. 

Aperitivo begins around 8pm, with dinner usually around 10pm. Spain eats late. To get an authentic Spanish food experience, try to eat like the Spainiards! 

/aperi’tivo/ – An aperitivo is a pre-meal drink; the experience of aperitivo is a cultural ritual meant to increase appetite before a meal. Often served with complimentary snacks such as marinated olives.

Eat a heavier, later lunch during siesta (the time between 2pm and 4pm when some stores are closed and people take a break for lunch). Sit down for aperitivo around 8pm, and then hold out for your late tapas dinner at 10pm.

So, let loose and embrace the beautiful Spanish way of life!

What to Eat and Drink During Your 3 Days in Barcelona

• Paella – a rice dish that can be found all over Spain, originally from Valencia. This is a must have while in Spain!
• Tapas – These are small plates enjoyed during aperitivo or as a small meal. This is the list of my favorite tapas: Croquetas, Patatas Bravas, Padròn Peppers, Tortilla, Jàmon Iberico, Tomato Bread. I’m drooling. 
• Churros and Hot Chocolate – Now, we are not talking about the hot chocolate I’m sure you immediately thought of. No, we’re talking about thick, rich drinking chocolate that you dip your churro into. HEAVENLY.
• Spanish Wine (Rioja) – Spanish wine country, the region of La Rioja west of Barcelona, produces some amazing wines. Be sure to try some while in Spain!
• Aperitif – Vermouth is the typical aperitivo drink of choice, so try some while you’re in Barcelona! Aperol Spritz is another very popular aperitif.

How to Get Around

You definitely do not need to rent a car in Barcelona. The public transportation is wonderful. For the next 3 days in Barcelona you will walk a lot and use the metro!

You can buy metro tickets individually per ride in the metro station for around €2.40 per ticket.

Or, you can purchase a Barcelona Card to get unlimited rides on public transportation plus discounts on popular tourist attractions.

Only get the Barcelona Card if you plan to take advantage of the attraction discounts, otherwise paying per ride on the metro will end up being cheaper. 

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Your 3 Days in Barcelona, Spain Itinerary

Below is an itinerary for 3 days in Barcelona. As always, customize this itinerary as much as you’d like, or just pick bits and pieces out of it that you like. I’ve created it to be a helpful starting point or a full itinerary depending on how you want to use it.

Day 1 in Barcelona

Park Güell

For day 1 in Barcelona, we’re starting heading to Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudì’s famous landmarks.

Anotoni Gaudì was a Catalan artist whose work can be found all over Barcelona, and Spain. His style is instantly recognisable, with some of his most famous works being La Sagrada Famìlia, Casa Milà, and Park Güell. 

Gaudì’s art is especially important to Barcelona because much of his artistic work is based in architecture, so many buildings in the city have Gaudì’s unique style. 

What to See in Park Güell

You’re going to want to give yourself a good while to explore: the park is rather large and there is a lot to see. Be sure to admire the mosaics in the Hypostyle Room, the Casa del Guarda in the front of the park, the iconic Dragon Stairway, and the beautiful Greek Theater. 

Have a nice walk around and get lost in the freeform, modern architecture Gaudì is so well known for. There are many great photo spots to snap a pic, as well. 

La Rambla

The central street of La Rambla is the heart of Barcelona. With a wide walking median in the middle of the street, you can walk from one end to the other by starting at Plaça de Catalunya and ending at the Port de Barcelona and the Monument a Colom. 

There are so many fun turn offs from La Rambla, so don’t be afraid to explore. On one side is the Barri Gòtic, and on the other is the neighborhood of El Raval, both of which you’ll visit later on in this itinerary. 

Plaça Reial

From La Rambla visit Plaça Reial, well known for its resemblance to St. Mark’s Square in Venice. This plaça is relaxing and beautiful, so sit down for an afternoon snack or drink in one of the many cafes and enjoy the atmosphere. 

Port de Barcelona

At the end of La Rambla is the Port de Barcelona. I absolutely love being by the water in Barcelona. The port is so beautiful and has a nice walking path all along the water, which makes for a nice stroll for yacht spotting. 

There are tons of huge yachts parked in the port at any given time and it’s fun to check them out and ‘yacht shop’.

Day 2 in Barcelona

On Day 2 in Barcelona, you’ll be visiting the iconic Sagrada Famìlia. I suggest going early to beat the crowds, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend. 

Today is a really fun day packed with some of my favorite Barcelona spots, so let’s get going!

La Sagrada Famìlia

The absolutely iconic Sagrada Famìlia is a must visit in Barcelona. Another of Gaudì’s works, and his most famous, the cathedral has been under construction since 1882 and is still not finished. 

There is truly no other cathedral in the world like La Sagrada Famìlia. You’ll notice how unique the striking facades of the structure are the closer you get. As you come above ground from the metro, the cathedral towers over everything around it. 

Gaudì was a lover of symbolism and every inch of this breathtaking church has heaps of it. The audio guide is a must when you visit, and you’ll learn of the artist’s love for his art and God, which is what inspired him to create such amazing works. It is free through the Sagrada Famìlia Official app. 

It’s enough to bring you to tears, and I did cry both times I visited!

Give yourself ample time to admire the wonder that is La Sagrada Famìlia before moving on. 

The parks across the street on the front and back of the church are great spots to admire the beauty from afar.

You can purchase tickets online ahead of time and download the audio guide using the Sagrada Famìlia Official phone application, available on both iPhone and Android. *note that you should bring headphones to listen to the audio guide on your phone*

Mercado de La Boqueria

Next, you’ll actually head back to La Rambla, where you will go to the colorful La Boqueria market for lunch. This market is amazing and so much fun to explore.

The market dates all the way back to a 1217 meat market. Yeah, you read that right. So not only are you getting a great food experience, but also a history lesson as well.

Be sure to try the tapas (small plates) and pintxos (Spanish Basque Country’s small plates). The Iberico ham, fresh fruit smoothies, and empanadas are a must. 

The best way to experience the market is to wander and see where the experience takes you. Walk around and order a handful of small bites that catch your eye to get a well rounded experience, or sit at one of the many bars for drinks and tapas. 

El Raval 

The neighborhood of El Raval is a fun, hip neighborhood on the same side of La Rambla as La Boqueria. If you have some time, wander the streets and stop in some of the unique, local stores, admire the Spanish architecture at every turn.

A great spot to stop if you’re looking for more to do is Palau Güell, another piece of Gaudì architecture.

In El Raval, eat dinner at Bar Lobo for tapas and drinks.

Day 3 in Barcelona 

It’s the last day of your 3 days in Barcelona itinerary. Big sad. But, today is going to be a great final day in this lovely city!

Casa Milà

Yet another Gaudì masterpiece is Casa Milà. Also known as La Padrera, Casa Milà is a residential apartment building that was commissioned to Antoni Gaudì in 1906. 

The building is known for the way it stands out among the architecture around it, thanks to Gaudì’s recognizable style.

When visiting Casa Milà, you can go all the way up to the roof where Gaudì designed a fascinating scene resembling a stone quarry. You can walk around on the roof and get nice views of Barcelona.

You can purchase tickets online beforehand, starting at €25.

Gothic Quarter

Barri Gòtic, or the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, is teeming with history and trendy spots to discover. The best way to explore this area of the city is truly just to get lost, and it isn’t’ hard to do so with the windy, narrow streets. 

Stop at The Cathedral of Barcelona, browse at Mercat Gòtic flea market, and admire the Basìlica de Santa Maria del Pi.

Try Can Solè near the port for good Paella.

Cable Car & Montjuïc

A great activity and an amazing way to get views of Barcelona from way up is by taking the Teleferic del Port, or the Port Cable Car, from the port up to Montjuïc. 

Montjuïc is a hill that overlooks Barcelona and where you can get wonderful views of the city. You can even see La Sagrada Famìlia from up here! 

The cable car itself is such a fun activity and we loved it. It takes you over the Port of Barcelona and you get 360 views of the beautiful landscape. 

Don’t confuse the Teleferic del Port with the Teleferic de Montjuïc, which are two different things. The Teleferic de Montjuïc is a ski lift looking cable car that operates on top of Montjuïc, while the Teleferic del Port is a large red cable car that transports you from the port to the top of the hill.

I hope that you love your time in Barcelona as much as we did. You’re in for beautiful culture, mouthwatering food, and an amazing experience.

Adiòs!