Barcelona makes an excellent destination for quick visits—its compact layout, world-famous architecture, and lively neighborhoods mean you can pack a lot into just a couple of days. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to tick off the major sights or someone looking for a deeper culture, there’s a tour that fits. We’re particularly fond of options like the Barcelona Express Card, which offers flexibility and savings, and the private Gaudí and Montserrat trip that combines art, spirituality, and wine tasting in just two days. These experiences exemplify how you can see a lot, enjoy authentic moments, and avoid the hassles of transport or long lines.
In this guide, you’ll find four top-rated 2-day tours in Barcelona, each with its own flavor—from self-guided sightseeing to guided adventures featuring skip-the-line access and local tastings. No matter your budget or interests, there’s a memorable way to experience this vibrant city in just 48 hours.
1. Barcelona Express Card: 2 Days of Transport & Discounts
At number 1, the Barcelona Express Card wins for flexibility and value. For a flat fee, you get free public transportation across the city for two days, making it easy to hop from the Gothic Quarter to Gaudí’s masterpieces without worrying about buying individual tickets. Plus, it includes discounts at over 100 museums, cultural venues, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and leisure facilities. That means you can visit places like the Picasso Museum or Casa Batlló with savings that quickly add up.
What makes this card particularly appealing is its practicality: it’s perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace and avoid the hassle of coordinating guided tours. Reviews highlight how useful it was—one traveler mentioned, “While in Barcelona for a week, this card let us check out many attractions and get around easily.” It’s ideal for families, budget travelers, or anyone wanting maximum flexibility.
Bottom Line: This card offers excellent value for money if you prefer exploring on your own, saving on transport and entry fees while giving you the freedom to choose your own adventure.
2. 2-Day Tour: Gaudi & Sagrada Familia + Montserrat & Winery
At number 2, the private 2-day tour combining Gaudí highlights with Montserrat and a winery visit is a standout choice for those wanting a guided experience. For around $623 per person, this tour includes skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, saving hours in lines, plus personalized guiding through Barcelona’s Gothic quarter. You’ll walk through Plaça Reial, visit Mercat de la Boqueria, and see the lively La Rambla, with commentary tailored to your group.
The second day takes you outside the city with a visit to Montserrat, where you’ll enjoy spectacular mountain views, a guided monastery tour, and a tasting of local wines at a traditional winery. Lunch is included both days, and the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness—one reviewer loved how their guide made sure everyone, including those with mobility challenges, could participate.
Key highlights include skip-the-line access, personalized attention, and regional tastings. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to experience both Barcelona’s architecture and Catalonia’s natural and culinary riches.
Bottom Line: For those seeking an intimate, guided overview combining city sights and countryside flavors, this private tour delivers a tailored experience with excellent insider access.
3. 2 Days Tour: Gaudi, Sagrada Familia – Montserrat & Vineyards
Coming in at number 3, this two-day combo focuses heavily on Gaudí’s masterpieces and Montserrat’s natural beauty, with a taste of local wine culture. Starting with a walking tour of Medieval Barcelona and Gaudí landmarks—Sagrada Familia and Park Güell—this experience includes skip-the-line tickets to skip the long queues.
The second day shifts gears with a private car trip to Montserrat, an awe-inspiring mountain monastery. Here, you’ll enjoy a farmhouse lunch and wine tastings in Penedès, renowned for its sparkling wines. The small group size and guided format make it easy to ask questions and gain insight into Catalonia’s spiritual and wine-making traditions.
Reviewers appreciate how the tour balances art, nature, and local flavors—one commented, “Seeing Montserrat and tasting the wines made the trip unforgettable.” The inclusion of reserve sparkling wines adds a special touch for wine lovers.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a well-rounded experience that combines iconic architecture with scenic landscapes and wine tasting—great for culture and foodie enthusiasts alike.
$629 per person
4. From Barcelona: Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava in 2 days
Last but not least, the multi-day excursion offers a broader taste of Catalonia, with a 2-3 day itinerary. It’s perfect for those wanting a more relaxed pace, including a visit to Montserrat’s monastery, a walking tour of Girona’s medieval old town, and a coastal tour of Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava.
Starting from Barcelona, you’ll explore Montserrat’s spiritual site, then spend a night in the charming city of Girona, famous for its Jewish Quarter and Cathedral. The journey ends with a stroll along Tossa de Mar’s coast, discovering hidden coves and seaside charm.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy combining spiritual sites, medieval towns, and coastal scenery. It’s especially good for visitors with flexible schedules or those who want to slow down and soak in the scenery at their own pace. Reviews note that the guided Montserrat visit and walks through Girona are highlights, with some mentioning the boutique hotel experience as a real treat.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a mixture of spirituality, medieval architecture, and seaside relaxation, this longer option provides a well-balanced glimpse of Catalonia.
How to Choose the Best 2-Day Tour in Barcelona
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and pace. If you prefer independent exploration, the Barcelona Express Card offers flexibility and savings. For a personalized, guided experience, the Gaudí and Montserrat private tour is excellent, especially if you’d like a mix of art and scenic countryside.
Those interested in art, architecture, and wine might prefer the Gaudí, Sagrada Familia, Montserrat & Vineyards tour, while travelers who want a broader regional view should consider the Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava trip.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots on guided tours and get the best times. Think about your physical activity level too—some tours involve walking or mountain trips, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
In just two days, Barcelona offers enough variety to satisfy most travelers. Whether you choose a flexible transport pass or a guided tour that combines art, history, and wine, you’ll come away with memorable experiences. For a self-guided visit, the Express Card is unbeatable. If you want expert insights and personalized attention, the guided Gaudí & Montserrat tour is hard to beat. And for those craving a regional taste of Catalonia, the multi-day excursion covering Montserrat, Girona, and Costa Brava is perfect.
Remember, early booking ensures you won’t miss out—these tours fill up fast. Whichever you choose, enjoy your time in this lively, colorful city full of surprises.