I am planning my first trip to Barcelona in mid May. Can folks recommend place on interest to see on a 3 day trip. Are there tour buses that show barcelona around?

The tourism website has one set out for you
https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3...barcelona.html
and you could use a hop on bus
https://thisisbarcelona.com/en/ticke...hop-on-hop-off

For three days, the must-sees are pretty clear. Sagrada Família is non-negotiable — Gaudí's extraordinary unfinished basilica is unlike anything else in the world. Book tickets online before you go, the walk-up queues can eat half your day. Park Güell is another Gaudí site worth the visit, colorful and quirky with great views over the city, and it also requires timed entry tickets booked in advance. The Gothic Quarter is where you want to wander without a plan — ancient lanes, hidden squares, and the old Cathedral right in the middle of it. La Rambla is the famous main boulevard and worth a stroll, though keep an eye on your belongings as it's notorious for pickpockets.

If you have time beyond those, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) are two more Gaudí buildings that are stunning inside, Barceloneta Beach is a pleasant hour even if you're not a beach person, and La Boqueria is a vibrant covered food market just off La Rambla that's fun to explore in the morning.

On tour buses — yes, they absolutely exist and work well there. The Barcelona Bus Turístic is the official hop-on hop-off service with three color-coded routes that cover virtually every major attraction. A two-day pass is good value and gives you flexibility to stop wherever catches your eye. There are also free walking tours of the Gothic Quarter daily if that appeals — you just tip the guide at the end.

One practical note: book Sagrada Família and Park Güell as soon as your dates are confirmed. They genuinely sell out weeks ahead, especially in May.

Thanks. If you can , name important places like do not miss and any tips on eating outside restaurents

Welcome to Fodor's, Traveller2026. Although the hop-on/off is a great way to get a feel for sights you can return to later, heavy traffic can slow you down so go as early as possible. Rick Steve did a good intro to Barcelona some years ago you might look for.online.

That being said, go back to the Europe forum here and scroll to 'Spain' and you'll see ideas for Barcelona. Please share what you end up doing.