A plan for your group trip, in a minute

1. Day 1

   La Rambla & El Raval

   1. 09:30· MorningLa RamblaThe famous boulevard from Plaça de Catalunya to the sea. Walk it once, keep an eye on bags, eat elsewhere.~1 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· AfternoonSanta Maria del MarSoaring Catalan Gothic basilica in El Born; the rooftop tour gives a close look at the towers.~1 hLow costIndoors
   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? Palau Güell — Gaudí's early mansion just off La Rambla, with a rooftop of mosaic chimneys. Usually less crowded.
2. Day 2

   Eixample

   1. 09:30· MorningSant Pau Art Nouveau SiteFormer hospital of tiled Modernist pavilions and gardens, a short walk up from the Sagrada Família.~1.5 hMid-range
   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· 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· EveningBunkers del Carmel at sunsetOld anti-aircraft battery with a 360° city view; a steep walk up, and popular at sunset — bring snacks.~1.5 hFree
   ☔ 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

   Gothic Quarter & El Born

   1. 09:30· MorningBarcelona CathedralGothic cathedral with a cloister full of geese; take the lift to the roof for views over the old town.~1 hLow costIndoors
   2. 12:30· LunchSanta Caterina MarketLocal market under a wavy, colourful roof — calmer than La Boqueria, with good counters for lunch.~1 hLow costIndoors
   3. 15:00· AfternoonCiutadella Park and Arc de TriomfBig green park with a grand fountain and rowing boats, reached along the promenade from the Arc de Triomf.~1.5 hFreeKid-friendly
   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? Picasso Museum — Picasso's early years in a row of medieval palaces. Timed tickets — book ahead for a group.

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

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