Barcelona & Mallorca
 

We are planning a trip to Barcelona and Mallorca in September. We are planning to go right to Mallorca, spend a few days there and then to Barcelona. We have one week. We'd love to visit must-see places for both destinations but also secret hideaways that are lesser known. We always appreciate restaurant and accommodation hints. We will be 3 adults who like outdoor activities, hiking, shopping, etc. when in Mallorca. When in Barcelona we would 5 adults. We are not partiers so no need for clubs. We get up early, walk a ton, sight see and eat local. i'd love any info you might offer as this site has been awesome in the past. We are definitely, while in Barcelona, visiting Sagrada Familia, Montserrat, Park Guell and Las Ramblas. I'd also love to take a cooking class. Can't wait for Paella! Thanks for any help you might offer. BTW we know northing about Mallorca.

With your list for Barcelona, I'd allow at least four nights. Sagrada Familia and Park Guell can be done in a day, remember to book for both. Montserrat, which is on my wish list for my next trip to Bacelona looks like it could take the better part of a day. Las Ramblas can be done in a few hours, depending on what stops you make.

If you have the time, you might consider taking in a concert at Paleu de Musica - you can book online in advance - an excellent night out and a good way to see the fantastic building.

We really enjoyed tapas and wine at Tosca Palau, located directly across from the Paleu de Musica and Tosca Del Carme, and had an excellent lunch at La Rita, which can easily be combined with a visit to Casa Mila/La Pedrera and/or Casa Batlló.

Make all your reservations for Barcelona sights ahead of time. You can do all that online.

https://www.theothermallorca.com

offer very good deals on countryside Finca style hotels. There some stunning hiking routes in the North of the island.

Personally , I’d do the trip in reverse , Mallorca is extremely relaxing , Barcelona isn’t. I’d visit the city first then the island.

We have decided to not do Mallorca. We rented an airbnb in Barcelona. We will do our 4 days of sightseeing then take trains for day trips. I have been researching some fun places to hike and see the sea/coast/mountains. I'd take any suggestions if you have any. Thanks.

Day trips:
Visit the Costa Brava. We stayed there in Begur on our way to Barcelona.
Visit the Dali Museum in Figueres. Unlike any museum you’ve ever visited!
Barcelona: Go up your the top of Montjuic for incredible sweeping views of the city and the coast. While up there visit the Museo Miró.

Bear in mind with your getting up early that the Spanish eat late, and have a very different rhythm of day.

I would spend a couple nights on the Costa Brava and Girona. Rent a car. Very easy driving. We stayed in Cadaques for a night and Girona for 2 nights. We visited Dali's house in Port Lligat. You have to make reservations ahead. Very quirky house.