travel stories barcelona

Art & Culture Travel Blog

My travel diary: three days in barcelona.

• Tea Gudek Šnajdar

‘My travel diary: Three days in Barcelona’ post was first published on Culture Tourist on December 6th 2016, and updated on March 29th 2022.

I went to Barcelona without any expectations. In fact, I was so busy before my trip, I hadn’t prepared for it at all. I just needed a few days off and some quiet time with my family. My plan was to just get some sun and enjoy Spanish food and lifestyle. However, this vibrant city made me fall in love with it instantly.

Three days in Barcelona

This post contains some affiliate links.

Although you can spend much more time there, here is a three days in Barcelona guide. It consists of some Barcelona highlights and must-sees. But also some hidden gems you shouldn’t miss in Barcelona.

⤷ Read more : 10 tips for travelling in 2022

Where to stay in Barcelona

During my three days in Barcelona, we rented an apartment in a historical building dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. It was located in the Dreta de l ‘Eixample neighbourhood, which I strongly recommend as an area to stay in Barcelona.

We were located between some of Gaudi’s masterpieces; Casa Batllo, Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia. The whole area was urbanistically planned in the mid-19th century to provide a high living standard to a then growing city. All the crossroads are forming octagons, so you can easily recognise the area on the map. It’s also home to many great cafes and restaurants, and not far from the city centre.

⤷  TIP : Dreta de l ‘Eixample neighbourhood is an excellent location for anyone who would like to explore Gaudi’s work while in Barcelona. If you’d like to learn more about him during your stay in Barcelona, join this Gaudi walking tour .

First day of my trip to Barcelona

La rambla and la boqueria market.

After checking in at our apartment, we decided to go straight to the city centre. We walked over La Rambla towards Barcelona’s port. Although I heard some negative things about the most famous street in Barcelona, it wasn’t so bad at all. La Rambla has a reputation for being packed with people and is also quite popular among pickpockets. But, probably because we were there during the low season (in December), it was very quiet and pleasant to wander around it.

Actually, I loved it very much because of La Boqueria Market. A local saying is, if you can’t find something on La Boqueria, it’s not worth eating at all! All the food at the market looked so fresh! The variety of fish and seafood was incredible. I loved fresh smoothies (sold for one to two euros only) and a snack box filled with Spanish ham Jamón. During our three days in Barcelona, we would often get there and get ourselves a nice fresh snack.

⤷  TIP : Barcelona is among the most popular cities to visit in Europe. So, if you want to experience the city without many tourists everywhere around you, plan your trip during the low season (between November and March).

Barcelona’s port

At the end of La Rambla street, you’ll find a statue of a man who changed the city’s history – Christopher Columbus. We can argue now if his discovery was beneficial for Barcelona or not, but it was definitely important.

Nowadays, his statue symbolically marks the entrance to the port of Barcelona. It’s a fascinating place, home to some beautiful modern architecture and numerous yachts. I enjoyed strolling around it and am definitely recommending it as a place for a lovely evening walk. It’s also a lively area with many people hanging out and spending their time together. We enjoyed watching a group of skaters practising their escapades.

⤷  Read more : 15 Best museums you should visit in Europe

We finished our day with a nice dinner in one of the restaurants in a close-by Barceloneta neighbourhood. While eating some tapas and drinking red wine, we enjoyed the view of the port and sea.

⤷  Read more : The travelling artists & artworks in Renaissance Europe

Second day of my trip to Barcelona

Sagrada familia.

Sagrada Familia is stunning!

I can’t decide which one I liked more: the illuminated interior or the exterior with statues that obviously inspired George Lucas for some of the characters in the Star Wars movies. It is an incredible place, without any apparent references in historical architecture. I couldn’t stop wondering where did he found inspiration for it.

The most amazing was the feeling I had while inside. I felt like a small medieval peasant standing in one of the French Gothic cathedrals, feeling God’s presence in it. It was like I left the world outside and entered some sacred place. Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece is a Gothic cathedral of modern times.

TIP : Get your Sagrada Familia online ticket in advance on a link here .

Guided tour through Barcelona

The only activity we planned before our three days in Barcelona was the city walking tour. Luckily we were in a small group and had a fantastic guide Lowri. She was knowledgeable and friendly and really tried to adjust the tour to our interests.

Lowri explained the history of Barcelona, Catalonia and the Spanish civil war to us so well. She also took us to some traditional sweets tasting and explained the origins of some funny characters we saw at the Christmas market. I can’t recommend the tour more, so here is the link if you’d like to book it yourself !

⤷  Read more : The most interesting European myths & legends

Lunch in the oldest guest house in Barcelona

Barcelona is well known for its excellent foodie scene. So, enjoying that part of the Spanish culture while visiting Barcelona is definitely a must.

What I usually do is ask locals for recommendations. Our lovely tour guide gave us a great restaurant recommendation – La Bona Sort . Not only does it have amazing food, but it is also located in the oldest guest house in Barcelona, dating back to the 15th century.

I loved everything there, from the interior and how they decorated the old house with modern details to the service. They were so kind to us visiting with a toddler. However, the food was absolutely the best part! It was so delicious, we decided to have lunch there the next day, too.

Picasso Museum in Barcelona

What I liked the most about the Picasso Museum in Barcelona was the building in which it is located. It is an old medieval town palace with elegant windows and thin pillars. What I didn’t like so much was its collection. The museum hosts Picasso’s early and very late artworks. Making it a pretty small collection of relatively unknown paintings.

Early works are interesting because you can see a great talent he was showing already as a young 14-year-old student. ‘Blue phase’ is also fascinating, together with some of the painted ceramic pieces from his later phase. The rest of the collection would be interesting for the true Picasso admirers. Still, I would suggest visiting the Picasso Museum in Paris  for the rest.

⤷  Read more : Everything you should know about the Flamenco 

Third day of my trip to Barcelona

The last day of my three days in Barcelona was reserved for the work of one of the most famous architects of all time – Antoni Gaudi. Since we stayed in the Dreta de l ‘Eixample area, his famous buildings were located just a few steps from our apartment.

One of the benefits of staying in a residential neighbourhood was that we could experience local life. We went to a charming little restaurant next to our building for breakfast. It was so lovely to have breakfast surrounded by the people from our neighbourhood, listening to the Catalan language and eating delicious jamón.

These small, everyday situations, when you can actually experience local life, rather than just run from one sight to another, are what travelling is all about.

Gaudi’s Buildings in Barcelona

After exploring Sagrada Familia, I started to be curious about Antoni Gaudi and his life. So, an evening before, I read everything I could find on the internet about him. Especially about his childhood interest in nature and how that reflects in his architecture.

After an excellent breakfast, we took a walk to see two of his very famous buildings, Casa Mila (La Pedrera) and Casa Batllo. Both houses have a unique appearance and Gaudi’s clear signature on them. But, they are so different from one another at the same time,.

However, both have in common that they are so different in shape and decoration from the buildings around them. But somehow, they fit in perfectly. That was something so fascinating to me. I could sit in front and observe them, discovering every single detail and wondering where did Gaudi found his inspiration, for hours.

TIP : All these sites are very popular, so be sure to book your entrance tickets in advance. Here are the links to the online tickets for Casa Mila and Casa Batllo .

Gràzia Neighborhood

As you could already guess, one of my favourite things to do while travelling is meeting locals and learning more about everyday life in the destinations I’m visiting. That’s why, in the afternoon, we visited another interesting residential area in Barcelona – the Gràzia neighbourhood.

It is a vivid place filled with life. Since we were there on Saturday morning, many people went to the market or were having coffee with friends. We also sat on a terrace of one of the cafes there, on a small square with a church in its centre.

The whole area gave us the feeling of a Mediterranean town, with coloured facades, orange and lemon trees and clothes drying on the balconies. However, that Mediterranean spirit could be felt the most in the happenings on that small square. In front of an old stone church, people enjoyed the sun, drank their coffee with friends, and discussed the Barcelona-Real Madrid football match that had happened a day before.

But then, some details I could see next to that Mediterranean lifestyle gave me a feeling of the strong personality Barcelona has. The Star Wars-inspired street art, Art Deco floral decorations on facades or Catalonian flags proudly displayed on many balconies were just some of them. Barcelona is a city with a soul!

⤷ Read mor e: Impressionists in Paris

If we haven’t got enough of Mediterranean sense while walking around the Gràzia neighbourhood, then climbing those stairs to come to Park Guell definitely put us in the mood. Luckily they installed some escalators there, which help get to the famous park.

After seeing Gaudi’s church and residential buildings, I wondered whether he could still surprise me with his park design. And he definitely could! It is incredible to see how Gaudi blended nature with architectural design. Also, how he combined the park’s location with a beautiful view of the city. The massive terrace from which you can see Barcelona and rest a bit on its benches is decorated with small pieces of painted ceramics, which he started to use a lot on his buildings.

I really love city parks, and they are always telling you a story about the spirit of the city and its residents. With its colourful decorations, mild air and the beautiful smell of flowers, this one represents Barcelona so well.

⤷  TIP : I visited the park during the wintertime when it wasn’t busy at all. However, if you’re going to be there during the high season, buy your tickets in advance.

Getting lost in the streets of the old town

After lunch, in now already my favourite restaurant in the city, we went to the old town area again. It was Saturday afternoon, and many people went for a walk around the city. Numerous street musicians and performers were in the streets, as well. It was so lovely to spend our last evening in the city, by listening to music, buying some Christmas decorations and just getting lost in the old streets of Barcelona.

Barcelona is such a charming city I loved so much. It’s filled with art, culture, history and incredible heritage. Moreover, it’s filled with life! And that’s why it is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. Hope this three days in Barcelona guide will help to plan your trip, as well. Have you been to Barcelona?

Cover photo by Square Lab on Unsplash

barcelona , gaudi , spain , three days in barcelona

35 Must-Knows For Traveling to Barcelona the First Time

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, get ready for an adventure in one of Spain’s most dynamic and beautiful cities. Known for its art, architecture, and vibrant street life, Barcelona is a place where every day brings something new and exciting.

I live in Spain and have spent a lot of time wandering through the streets of Barcelona, which has given me the chance to pick up more than a few tips and insights along the way that can really take your visit to the next level.

But what are the things you need to know before traveling to Barcelona? Well, from the top sights to must-try foods and essential travel tips, you’ll see just what you need to know to make your first trip to Barcelona unforgettable.

Planning a trip to Barcelona last minute?

If you’re booking your  trip to Barcelona last minute, I’ve got you covered. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

⭐  Most popular sights in Barcelona

• Sagrada Familia – tickets often sell out weeks in advance so get your entry ticket here (or entry tickets AND a guided tour here)
• Park Güell – grab your skip-the-line entry
• Casa Batlló – click here for tickets and audio guide

🌍 Top tours in Barcelona

• Montserrat Tour, Monastery and Winery (great day trip!)
• Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes (incredible night out)
• Tapas Walking Tour with Food, Wine, and History (all the highlights at once)

🛏️ Top hotels in Barcelona

• Ohla Barcelona (5-star luxury with an amazing rooftop pool)
• Seventy Barcelona (boutique hotel with beautiful décor)
• Àmfores Boutique Guest House (great budget option with superb location)

🚌 Want free public transport while you’re in Barcelona? Check out the Hola Barcelona travel card !

Table of Contents

1. Book early to avoid missing out on popular spots

The biggest thing I hear people say that they wish they knew before coming to Barcelona is that they should have booked things earlier.

So if you’ve got your heart set on marveling at the twists and towers of the Sagrada Familia or strolling through the mosaic wonderland of Park Güell , here’s the scoop: these spots can sell out weeks in advance. 

Yep, you read that right. Waiting until you’re in Barcelona could mean you’ll miss out on these iconic sights entirely. 

So, while you’re planning which tapas to try first, take a moment to book your tickets online. It’s not just about skipping the line (which is a sweet bonus, by the way!), but securing your spot is crucial. 

This way, you’re guaranteed to step inside Gaudí’s dreamscapes rather than just admiring them from the outside.

2. Choose comfortable shoes for your days out exploring

Barcelona’s charm unfolds on foot, from the alleys of El Raval to the elegance of Eixample. But remember, those cobblestone streets aren’t kind to flimsy flip-flops or heels. 

(Also, to be honest, Barcelona fashion tends to look at flip-flops as a no-no away from the beach anyway.)

That’s why you should do yourself a favor and pack a pair of trusty shoes that hug your feet in all the right places. I’m talking arch support that could withstand a day at the Mercat de Sant Josep or an impromptu hike up to Montjuïc. 

And remember, breathable materials will be your best friend when you’re wandering around for hours under the Mediterranean sun. So lace-up and step out – Barcelona’s endless streetscapes await.

3. When visiting in the high season, expect and prepare for more people

Visiting Barcelona when the sun’s out and the schools are closed means you’ll be sharing the city with, well, everyone. It’s when the locals and travelers alike pour into the streets, creating an electric atmosphere that’s palpable. 

From the human towers at a neighborhood festival to the crowded terraces in Plaça Reial, the city feels alive. Sure, you’ll be rubbing elbows with tourists at La Boqueria or waiting a bit longer to see the Picasso Museum, but it’s all part of the city’s summer song. 

So head into the throngs with a smile and the understanding that every moment of wait is an opportunity to soak up the local vibes, strike up a conversation, or simply people-watch – although, yes, it’s also a good idea to pack a healthy dose of patience in your hand luggage for the peak periods. 

4. Make public transportation your go-to

Alright, let’s talk about getting around. Barcelona’s public transport system is your best friend here – it’s reliable, it covers most of the city, and hey, it’s eco-friendly too. 

The metro will zip you from the Gothic Quarter to Gaudí’s Park Güell before you can say “modernisme.” Buses are aplenty, and they’re great for those routes where you get to peep at the city life outside the window. 

And for a real slice of local life, jump on the trams – they’re a smooth ride and a perfect way to give those feet a break.

5. Venture to lesser-known beaches

If you’re traveling to Barcelona, you might have your eye on a beach day at some point during your trip. And while Barceloneta is the most famous one, if you’re looking for some tranquility by the sea, Barcelona’s got hidden nooks along the coast that locals like me treasure. 

That’s why I’d actually suggest that you skip the well-trodden path to Barceloneta and venture out to spots like Ocata Beach, where the sands stretch wide and the vibe is laid-back. These lesser-known beaches offer a slice of serenity with plenty of space to sprawl out, and the waves are just as inviting. 

Pack a picnic, grab a book, or just bask in the sun – these quieter beaches are perfect for a leisurely day where the only sounds are the sea and your own heartbeat.

6. Leave room in your budget for Gaudí’s architectural wonders

If you’re traveling to Barcelona on a budget, I’ve definitely been there, done that. But while there are certainly bargains to be found for things like food, there are some must-sees that are worth the cost.

And on that list, I’d put seeing some of Gaudí’s masterpieces at the very top, especially the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.

I get it if the prices seem a tad steep, but the feeling of craning your neck up inside the Sagrada Familia or touching the mosaics in Park Güell – that’s priceless. 

So, when you’re planning your budget, give Gaudí’s creations a generous slice. It’s a splurge that will stay with you long after you’ve left the city’s embrace.

FYI: If you’re looking to visit both the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell and you’re short on time, you can get skip-the-line entry and a tour of both sights in one day right here .

7. It’s also fine to pass by some of Gaudí’s works for free

…at the same time, you don’t always need a ticket to appreciate art, and Gaudí’s buildings are proof of that. Even the best Barcelona travel guide books will scream at you to visit all of these but, to be honest, even just seeing them from the outside is going to be great in many cases.

For this, take a leisurely walk down Passeig de Gràcia, and you’ll find Casa Milá (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló waiting to greet you with their surreal facades. 

These structures are alive with stories, and as you wander past, you’re tracing the outlines of Barcelona’s cultural heartbeat. If you’re up for it, park yourself at one of the nearby cafés and just gaze at these wonders over a cortado. 

Watch the light change, see the balconies cast shadows on the pavement, and observe people’s reactions as they look up – it’s a simple, yet complete, Gaudí experience.

8. Download the Cabify app

Sometimes, you just need your own space, and that’s where Cabify comes in. It’s like the local cousin of Uber – just as handy and without the surge pricing surprises. 

I use it all the time rather than taking taxis, as it means I can lock in the fare and the route ahead of time. I find it infinitely better than taxis which can often, shall we say, feel inclined to take foreigners on the “scenic” (read: more expensive” route.

Fire up the app, book a ride, and you’ll be on your way to your next tapas stop in no time. Plus, it’s nice to know that you’ve got a clean, safe ride just a few taps away, especially after a late night out when the metro has called it a night.

9. Grab a discount card for the transit savvy

If you’re going to be riding the rails and buses like a local, get yourself a discount card. The Hola Barcelona travel card is a winner – it gives you unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and other public transport. 

That means more money saved for those little indulgences, like another round of patatas bravas or that cute souvenir from El Raval. 

Plus, it’s super convenient – you won’t have to fumble for change or buy a ticket each time you hop on and off. Get it for 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours – it’s your golden ticket to the city.

10. Keep a close eye on your belongings

So, you’re out and about, soaking in the vibrant streets of Barcelona – it’s a sensory overload in the best way. But, here’s the thing – those crowded spots are a playground for pickpockets. 

Now, don’t let this put a damper on your day. Just keep your wits about you. A crossbody bag, worn at the front, or a money belt tucked away is your go-to. 

And those backpacks? They belong on your front when you’re in a throng. 

Just a glance now and then at your stuff can keep the pesky thieves at bay. Stay alert, stay smart, and you’ll be just fine.

11. Enjoy paella for lunch – not dinner

Paella and Barcelona go together like bread and tomato, and here’s a little secret – it’s traditionally a lunchtime dish. Yep, those enormous, aromatic pans of goodness are meant to be savored when the sun’s high, not when it’s setting. 

So when you’re ticking off your foodie list, make sure you’re sitting down to a paella when the locals do. Trust me, there’s nothing like a 2pm paella (yep, they eat meals late here!) to fuel the rest of your day’s adventures.

12. No need to pause for siesta

You might have heard that Spain is the land of siestas, but I’m sorry to break the news to you: most Spaniards don’t actually take a siesta.

It’s ok, you’re forgiven if you think that’s the case as a lot of people do, especially when they see stores closing for a few hours after lunch. But this generally isn’t for a siesta – instead, it’s just to give the shop owner a break so they can stay open longer into the night!

That being said, if you fancy a little break after all that sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of cafes and parks where you can relax and recharge. After all, a little rest is never a bad idea, right?

13. Sign up for a walking or biking tour

Got only a few days in this vibrant city? No worries – a walking or biking tour can be your secret weapon to seeing the best of Barcelona in a short time. 

These tours give you the highlights reel with some neat local insights you might not find in your guidebook. Pedal through the Gothic Quarter or walk the path of Picasso, and let those knowledgeable guides fill you in on the secrets that the city whispers to those who listen. 

Plus, it’s a chance to meet other travelers and swap stories – always a bonus!

If you’re looking for a great tour that will show you the  highlights of Barcelona’s incredible 2,000+ year history , I definitely recommend this  Old Town and Gothic Quarter Walking Tour .

You’ll be taken to the best parts of the oldest, most interesting parts of the city, while hearing stories about this time and the centuries that have followed. In particular, for first-timers, it’s a great way to see all the main spots at once.

14. Pack for winter – it’s not always warm year-round

Winter in Barcelona isn’t your typical freeze-fest. The city keeps it mild, but don’t be fooled – when the sun dips down, so does the temperature. 

Bring a jacket that’s got some style (this is a trendy city, after all) and layer up. You’ll want to be cozy when you’re sipping on that hot chocolate with melty churros at a sidewalk café. 

And since the sun likes to play hide and seek, a hat and gloves aren’t a bad idea either – better safe than shivery!

15. Stay cool during the summer

Summer in Barcelona is like living in a sunbeam – warm, bright, and lively. But it can get hot, really hot…and that’s not even mentioning the humidity. 

Light, airy clothing is the way to go – think linens and cottons that let you breathe. And remember, hydration is your best pal – carry a water bottle that you can refill at the city’s many drinking fountains. 

Slap on some sunscreen, pop on a hat, and maybe grab one of those hand-held fans to make those balmy afternoons more bearable as you explore the city’s sunlit streets.

16. The water is safe but the taste is…something

Alright, let’s talk agua. The tap water here in Barcelona? Safe, but it’s got a taste that’s very, very acquired. 

It’s all thanks to the minerals in it – great for the pipes, not always great for your palate. But before you think about buying heaps of plastic water bottles, consider this – get yourself a bottle with a built-in filter. 

My top pick is this Brita filtered water bottle for drinking water on the go. It does a seriously good job of improving the taste of the tap water here, and it’s insulated too, which means your water stays cool.

It’s a win-win! You get to sip on something that tastes like it’s fresh from a mountain spring, and you’re doing Mother Earth a solid by cutting down on plastic waste. 

Just fill up, let the filter do its heavy lifting, and you’re good to go.

17. Get into the festive spirit with Barcelona’s unique Christmas traditions

Now, Barcelona doesn’t do a ‘silent night’ over Christmas – it’s more of a ‘let’s make some noise and have a blast’ kind of vibe. Aside from the twinkling lights and the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air, there’s a whole cast of characters that make a Catalan Christmas unique. 

Like the Caga Tió, a cheerful log that poops out presents when kids beat it with sticks (yes, you read that right). And let’s not forget about the cheeky Caganer, a figure you’ll spot squatting in nativity scenes. 

(Why? It’s a long story, but it’s all in good fun.) 

The Three Kings Parade is the icing on the cake – a dazzling show where the magic of the holiday really comes alive. Floats, fireworks, and a shower of sweets – it’s something that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear.

18. Take time to explore the city’s museums

Imagine stepping into a place where every corner holds a story, where every painting, sculpture, or oddity has a tale to tell. That’s what Barcelona’s museums are like. 

At the Picasso Museum , you can follow the artist’s journey from his early sketches to his greatest masterpieces. And the MNAC isn’t just a museum – it’s an epic ride through art history, with Romanesque murals that will make you feel like you’ve time-traveled.

Or for something a little more avant-garde, the Miró Foundation is a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. So, take your time. Let each piece tell you its story. 

Who knows? You might walk out seeing the world a little differently. And remember, these cultural havens are perfect for those days when the sun’s too much or the clouds roll in.

19. Adapt to the local dining schedule

So, you might notice something funny when you wander into a restaurant at what you think is dinner time – it’s as quiet as a library. That’s because in Barcelona, dinner is a late affair, often starting around 9 PM and stretching well into the night. 

It’s not just about eating – it’s about relaxing with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying life. Restaurants buzz with energy well past what many consider bedtime. 

So if you find yourself hungry at 7 PM, join the locals for some tapas or a vermut as a warm-up act. Then, when it’s actual dinner time, you’ll be ready to join in the fun, whether that’s at a beachside chiringuito or a bustling bodega in the Barri Gòtic.

20. Plan at least one day trip

Barcelona’s allure is strong, but don’t miss out on the adventures that await just a short journey away. Within an hour or two, you can take a day trip to Montserrat to swap cityscapes for it dramatic vistas, with its serrated mountains and serene monastery. 

Or maybe you’re a fan of the bubbly? A day trip to the cava vineyards of Penedès isn’t just about wine tasting – it’s about strolling through vineyards and soaking in the rural charm. 

If quaint coastal towns call your name, Sitges awaits with open arms , offering sandy beaches, a dash of art history, and a slower pace. Each day trip offers a taste of Catalonia beyond the city limits, a chance to slow down and see what life is like outside the hustle and bustle.

21. Practice a few phrases in Catalan and Spanish

Barcelona’s heart beats in two languages: Catalan and Spanish. While you’ll get by just fine with English, especially in tourist spots, there’s something special about exchanging a few words in the local tongue. 

Start with a cheerful ‘Bon dia’ (good morning in Catalan) at the coffee shop, or a friendly ‘Buenas tardes’ (good afternoon in Spanish) to the bus driver. You’ll notice smiles, nods of appreciation, and a warm response that you just don’t get with English. 

It’s about showing respect for the local culture, and believe me, even if you bungle the pronunciation, your effort won’t go unnoticed. Plus, it’s the perfect ice-breaker for those moments when you find yourself sharing a table at a crowded tapas bar or browsing a local market.

22. Sample the local specialty, cava

Let’s talk bubbles – cava, Catalonia’s answer to champagne, and a must-try when you’re here. This fizzy delight isn’t just for toasting – it’s for enjoying at any hour (within reason, of course). 

You’ll find cava at any local bar, but for the real deal, take a jaunt to a cava bar where they pair it with everything from salty snacks to sweet treats. 

Want to go all out? As just mentioned a bit earlier, head for a day trip to the Penedès wine region , just a short trip from Barcelona, where you can tour the vineyards and learn how this sparkling wine is made. 

It’s a day out that will give you a whole new appreciation for every pop of the cork.

23. Educate yourself on the complexities of the Catalan independence movement

Barcelona isn’t just sun and siestas – it’s a city with a story, part of which is the push and pull of the Catalan independence movement. It’s complex, it’s passionate, and it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life here. 

You’ll see flags on balconies and stickers on lampposts. If you’re really curious, pick up a history book or chat with a local who’s willing to share their perspective. 

It’s a conversation that can offer insight into the fierce pride and enduring spirit of the Catalan people. Just remember to approach the topic with sensitivity – it’s a real issue that affects real lives.

24. Remember, tipping isn’t customary

Now, let’s talk about tipping. In Barcelona, it’s not the norm to leave a hefty tip after a meal – the price on the menu is what you pay, and service is usually included. 

But hey, if you’ve received service that made your day, feel free to leave a euro or two as a thank you. It’s not expected, but it’s definitely appreciated. 

The same goes for taxis and cafes. Consider it a way to say ‘gracias’ for service that’s gone above and beyond.

25. Locals prefer a drink that’s not sangria

On those warm Barcelona afternoons when you’re looking for something to quench your thirst, let me let you in on a little local secret: forget the sangria and order a ‘tinto de verano’ instead. 

It’s what the locals sip on – red wine mixed with a bubbly lemon soda, served over ice with a slice of lemon. It’s less sweet than sangria, incredibly refreshing, and just the thing to cool you down without slowing you down. 

Find yourself a spot at a streetside café, watch the world go by, and you’ll feel like you’ve got this Barcelona lifestyle down.

26. Learn about the friendly double kiss

Here’s a fun fact: when you meet someone in Barcelona, don’t be surprised if they lean in for a kiss on each cheek. It’s a greeting as warm as the Catalan sun and it’s how the locals say ‘hello’ or ‘nice to meet you.’ 

It’s not a real kiss, more like a cheek touch with a kissing sound, but it’s a sign of friendliness and acceptance. 

So, don’t be shy. Embrace it – it’s a lovely way to break the ice and makes introductions a little more personal. Just go with the flow and return the gesture. It’s all part of the charm!

27. English in tourist areas, but not everywhere

Now, if you’re sticking to the well-trodden path of tourist spots, you’ll find that English gets you by just fine. From the Sagrada Familia to the buzzing La Rambla, many Barcelonians in these areas speak enough English to help you out with directions, recommendations, and any of those pesky travel questions you might have. 

But once you step off the beaten track, English becomes more of a rare bird. It’s a good idea to have a translation app handy or a few key Spanish phrases in your pocket. 

It’s part of the adventure, and hey, miming can be a pretty fun way to communicate too!

28. Look up any local festivals

Barcelona never really sleeps, and there’s always some sort of fiesta going on in one of its vibrant barrios. From the fire-run parades of Correfoc to the street parties of La Mercè, these festivals are the soul of the city. 

Do yourself a favor and check if there’s one happening during your stay. It’s your ticket to live music, traditional dances, and a chance to mingle with the locals as they celebrate age-old traditions. 

There’s usually plenty of food stalls around too, so you can nibble on local treats as you soak up the atmosphere.

29. Carry a photocopy of your passport 

When you’re out and about discovering the nooks and crannies of Barcelona, keep a photocopy of your saved to the cloud on your phone. It’s a little thing, but it’s important.

The last thing you want is to lose your passport when you’re chilling on vacation and a copy will often suffice if you need to identify yourself.

It also means you can leave the real deal locked up safely back at your accommodation. Just one less thing to worry about, right?

30. Get ready for a night out to start late

Think you know what a late night is? Barcelona will redefine that for you. 

Here, the night is a slow burner – dinner wraps up close to what some might call bedtime, and that’s just the prelude. Clubs and bars don’t really get going until well past midnight, and the streets buzz with energy until the sun threatens to rise. 

It’s a rhythm that takes some getting used to, but once you’re in sync, it’s a whole new world. So take a siesta, have a late dinner, and then hit the town – Barcelona by night is something else.

31. Remember most shops close on Sundays

Here’s a little tip that might save you from standing in front of a closed shopfront: Sundays in Barcelona can feel like a ghost town in the shopping districts. Most shops pull down their shutters and take a day off. 

So, if you’ve got your eye on some local goods, make sure to plan your shopping spree for another day. But don’t worry – the upside is that you’ve got a perfect excuse to visit one of the city’s many markets or take a leisurely stroll along the beach instead.

32. Spend some time in the local cafés

One of my favorite things to do in Barcelona is to just sit back in one of the countless cafés with a cortado in hand and watch the world go by. These little hubs are perfect for a mid-morning coffee or a late afternoon pick-me-up. 

You’ll find them filled with a mix of locals typing away on laptops, friends catching up, or even artists sketching the scene. Each café has its own vibe, so try a few and find your favorite. It’s in these moments, with the aroma of freshly ground coffee in the air, that you’ll feel the real pulse of the city.

33. Explore each neighborhood’s unique personality

Barcelona is like a patchwork quilt – every district, or ‘barrio,’ has its own unique fabric. The Gothic Quarter’s medieval labyrinth feels like stepping back in time – think narrow alleys and hidden squares.

Over in Gràcia, you’ll find a bohemian spirit with artisan shops and an easygoing pace. Then there’s El Raval, raw and edgy, with street art and an eclectic mix of food spots. 

Each neighborhood has its own story, its own rhythm. Take the time to wander through a few and you’ll discover the many faces of Barcelona. 

It’s an adventure in itself to see how the city changes from one street to the next.

34. Rent a bike 

Barcelona might just surprise you with how bike-friendly it is. Renting a bike here isn’t just a great way to stay active during your travels, it’s also your ticket to seeing the city from a fresh perspective.

Glide along the beachfront, breeze through the parks, and pedal down historic streets, all while taking advantage of the city’s extensive network of bike lanes. It’s the freedom to explore at your own pace – no waiting for buses or deciphering metro maps. 

Plus, you’ll get to those hidden nooks that cars can’t reach and buses don’t go!

35. Check the schedule for the Magic Fountain show

There’s something truly magical about the Font Màgica de Montjuïc, or the Magic Fountain. This grand fountain doesn’t just spout water – it puts on a show with lights, music, and colors that dance through the night sky. 

But, before you set out for this spectacle, do a quick check online to make sure it’s on. The showtimes can change with the seasons or it can even be turned off at times to save water, so a quick check is a good way to save yourself a trek over there for nothing. 

And if you do manage to get over there while the fountain is on, you’re in for the perfect Barcelona evening, capped off with the fountain’s waterworks playing in sync to a melody, all under the night sky.

Anna is the founder of Spain Inspired, where she shares insider tips and hidden gems to inspire thousands of visitors each month to take the road less traveled and explore Spain like a local. Having lived in Spain for some time now, Anna's made it her mission to help fellow travelers experience the very best of this stunning country - with some great wine and tapas along the way, ideally!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Traveling to Barcelona for the First Time: 19 Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 15, 2024

Traveling to Barcelona for the first time and not sure where to start and what to expect? This article covers all the essential Barcelona travel tips that will help you make the most of your trip.

Planning your first visit to Barcelona, Spain, might be overwhelming. There are so many questions… How much time do you need in Barcelona? When to visit and how to avoid the crowds? Where to stay and what to see? Any local tips and habits to be aware of? Or how to see the best that Barcelona has to offer in a limited time and without breaking the bank?…

To help you plan your first trip to Barcelona, we selected some of the best tips for visiting the city. This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your time and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in Barcelona:

• Sagrada Familia .
• Park Güell .
• Montjuïc Cable Car .
• Barcelona Pass .
• Casa Batlló .

Here are our essential Barcelona travel tips:

1. Research & Book in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting Barcelona for the first time is not to plan your trip in advance. So congratulations – because you are reading this, you already have a head start compared to other visitors!

Whether it’s flights, accommodations, or tickets for the main Barcelona attractions – booking in advance means that you have more choices and much better prices . It also means less wasted time queuing and more relaxing time sightseeing and enjoying this fabulous city. After all, you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona and not spend all your precious time standing in lines.

Also, doing your research in advance means that you will avoid disappointment to find that the places you want to visit are closed or tickets sold out . Below are some examples that illustrate what I mean.

For example, we really wanted to see the dancing fountain of Barcelona, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc , and were told that it dances every night. However, it’s not the case. Furthermore, since we were traveling in the low season, it was actually only dancing three times a week.

Because we arrived on a Saturday and left before the next weekend, we only had one chance to see the fountains during our visit – on the first evening in the city. So despite an early flight and a very long day, we decided to go. If we hadn’t done the research -assuming that we could just see it any night- we would have definitely missed it.

We also researched whether it was a good idea to visit Montserrat Monastery on Sunday. It turns out that it’s the busiest day of the week. So we booked a tour for Monday instead…

I also heard from some of our readers that they couldn’t visit the famous Barcelona market Mercado de La Boqueria because they didn’t realize that it was closed on Sundays. By the way, all indoor markets in Barcelona are closed on Sundays.

Another reader told us that they couldn’t visit Park Güell because they didn’t buy tickets in advance and no walk-ins were possible… (Btw, Park Güell is one of the most-visited Barcelona attractions and you really have to book your tickets in advance!).

Good to know: Tickets for the most popular Barcelona attractions often sell out up to 2-3 weeks in advance. This is especially the case in high season. Plus, most entry tickets are now timed, so you need to see what’s possible and how to fit it all into your itinerary. Further below, you will find more details and tips, but if you get the Barcelona Pass , you will have the option to pre-book a timeslot for your skip-the-line entry to all the main sights.

By doing your research in advance, you can also compare prices, reviews, and itineraries for the best tours in Barcelona… This brings us to the next point.

READ ALSO: Top Sights & Attractions in Barcelona

2. Save Time & Money When Visiting Barcelona’s Main Landmarks

Visiting Barcelona for the first time also means visiting all the main landmarks and attractions. Of course, you will want to see the famous La Sagrada Familia and the other iconic Gaudi buildings and architecture! Just make sure that you are well prepared so that you don’t waste hours and days standing in lines.

TIP: If you want to make the most of your time in Barcelona, consider skip-the-line tickets for ALL the main landmarks and the most popular tourist attractions. We also recommend booking guided tours for the Sagrada Familia and the main Gaudi buildings – that way you’ll get a much better understanding of all the symbolism and stories behind the architecture.

You can find Barcelona tours and skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and also on Tiqets . More information – further below.

Skip the Line Tickets

Some of the most popular attractions in Barcelona like Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Park Güell, or La Sagrada Familia can have extremely long waiting times. Buying your tickets in advance is essential when visiting these places in any season!

Here you can get skip-the-line tickets for Casa Batllo , Casa Mila , Park Güell , and – the most popular of them all – La Sagrada Familia .

PRO TIP: With this Barcelona Pass , you can immediately reserve timed-entry tickets for the most popular sights, including the towers of La Sagrada Familia (regular tickets don’t include tower access!). This is a digital pass, so you will get tickets per email (= very simple to book and use).

TIP: If you didn’t think of buying the tickets in advance and they are sold out, try booking a guided tour instead. Guided tours prebook tickets and make it possible to visit the main landmarks even if the tickets are sold out. I recommend visiting Gaudi’s buildings and especially La Sagrada Familia with a tour anyway. Read on to learn why!

Guided Tours

Even when we visited in the low season, all the Gaudi buildings in Barcelona were incredibly busy. Often, it wasn’t even clear where to go even if you had already pre-booked your tickets…

That’s why we chose to visit all the Gaudi buildings on a tour. Here you can read more about our experience with the Gaudi tour (we chose this amazing tour that covers all the main Gaudi landmarks in a day).

We visited Barcelona with our three kids who, obviously, have no patience when it comes to long queues. Taking a tour meant that we could relax while the guide took care of everything. We just followed the guide and never had to wait anywhere longer than 10 minutes.

I can’t imagine how different our experience would have been if we had to figure out where exactly to go and wait in endless lines everywhere. We wouldn’t have been able to see half as much, not even to mention our sanity having to deal with bored kids…

Furthermore, having a local guide who explained what, where, and why, enabled us to appreciate what we were seeing. We never knew there were so many symbols and stories behind all the tiny details in Gaudi’s buildings! Gaudi was a real genius and we would have never gotten to know any of that if we had visited his buildings on our own.

Free Museums

Most Barcelona museums have specific days or hours when you can visit them free of charge. In general, you can expect most museums to be free on the first Sunday of the month. But there are also additional times when you can enter free of charge.

For example, the Picasso Museum is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month and also on Thursday evenings. Barcelona Cathedral (not to be confused with Sagrada Familia) is free to visit between 8.30 AM and 12.30 PM and in the evenings from 5.45 PM to 7.30 PM (hours vary a bit per day and on some days are a bit longer, but the hours indicated here apply daily).

Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA Plaça del Rei) is free on the first Sunday of the month and in the late afternoon on other Sundays.

These are just a few examples – there are so many museums and other attractions in Barcelona. So do your research for the places you want to see and, if possible, time your visit accordingly.

City Cards & Package Deals

If you are planning to visit several of the main Barcelona attractions on your own, you may want to look into getting one of the city cards that offer discounts and free entrances to certain attractions and also public transport tickets.

There is also a museum card that gives access to 6 of the most popular museums in Barcelona. So do your research and see if and which card makes sense for you, depending on your interests.

TIP: If you find the choice overwhelming, we recommend this Barcelona Pass . This is the best pass for Barcelona’s top sights including Park Güell & Sagrada Familia. If you also want to visit the towers of the Sagrada Familia (recommended), then this all-in pass is the best option for you. In case you wonder, there is a lift to get to the top of the towers.

Good to know: These passes not only save you money but make it really easy to book fast-track tickets to the most popular attractions in one place. Furthermore, the tickets are digital so you don’t have to waste your time once you get there!

3. Avoid High Season, Bank Holidays, and School Breaks

As one of the most-visited cities in Europe, Barcelona is always busy . Still, there is a huge difference between visiting Barcelona in the high season (June-August), in the shoulder season (April-May and September-October + New Year), or in the low season when there are fewer international travelers and hardly any cruise ships in town.

Because we travel with kids, however, we can only travel during school breaks. For years, we have been postponing a trip to Barcelona for that reason. However, we decided that it was high time to see this iconic city and chose the first week of November (autumn break) for our trip.

We were pleasantly surprised. It was still busy at the main attractions in the city, but it never really felt too crowded or overwhelming AND we had quite a few amazing places almost to ourselves.

Needless to say that this greatly influenced our experience and we loved Barcelona so much more than I ever expected. Based on all the horror stories about the crowds, we were really fearing the worst. But what we found was a really pleasant city that gave us plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights without having to brush elbows with thousands of strangers.

Furthermore, the weather in early November was fabulous with plenty of sunshine and temperatures that were warm enough to wear a t-shirt during the day.

So if you can, visit Barcelona in the shoulder season or in the low season. It will be so much more enjoyable!

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

4. Stay in the City Center

Another very important thing to take into account when traveling to Barcelona is where to stay .

While it’s often tempting to choose cheaper accommodation further away from the city center, we have learned the hard way that it’s not the best idea. Yes, it can save you some money, but it will cost you time and comfort. It’s so easy if you can just walk to a nice restaurant for dinner from your hotel or sleep longer in the morning knowing that your tour starts right around the corner and not on the other side of town…

So if you are visiting Barcelona for the first time and want to make the most of your short trip, stay in the city center! Also, stay somewhat close to a metro station – that way you can always get to the other parts of town quicker.

We recommend staying in the area close to Plaça de Catalunya . It’s a perfect location for sightseeing and you can easily walk to most attractions in the old town or to the nicest Gaudi buildings… There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, and most tours and excursions start in this area.

Here are our hand-picked recommendations with an excellent location near Plaça de Catalunya for all budgets:

• If you are looking for a really nice place to stay in the heart of Barcelona, check out Ohla Barcelona , a fabulous 5* hotel with a rooftop pool and bar.
• Some of the best mid-range 4* hotels are Acta Atrium Palace and  Exe Plaza Catalunya .
• If you are on a l ower budget , check out these popular and highly-rated options with excellent locations: Hotel Lloret Ramblas (the best-rated and most popular budget hotel in the center) or  Hostal Boqueria (a very good, simple hotel on a low budget).

Where we stayed: We stayed at the Acta Splendid Hotel.  The location couldn’t be better and the price/quality was unbeatable for this area.

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in central Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya area).

Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

5. Explore the Gothic Quarter

One of the most beautiful parts of Barcelona is the old Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). No visit to the city would be complete without exploring this fascinating area.

While the district gets its name thanks to the 13-15th century Gothic buildings, it’s actually the oldest part of Barcelona with archeological finds dating to Roman times.

The main landmarks here are the Cathedral of Barcelona (The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia), Plaça del Rei , and the underground Roman city that is part of the earlier mentioned Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA). But the real charm of the Gothic Quarter is its fascinating maze of streets and historic buildings.

TIP: This part of town can get really busy. The best time to visit is as early in the morning as possible, or in the low season.

6. Use Barcelona Metro

Barcelona is a big city and its attractions are scattered throughout. So no matter where you stay, eventually, you’ll find yourself in need of a transfer. By far the easiest and the fastest way to get around the city is by taking the metro . And, if you avoid peak times, the metro is surprisingly quiet.

There are all kinds of multi-day and multi-journey tickets available for Barcelona metro and public transport, so choose one that best suits your needs. When we traveled, we got a 10-journey card that could be used by multiple people at the same time. Names and conditions of these cards change often, and you can find the best up-to-date information on the official website .

If you’re just taking the metro (so not a bus and other public transport options), you can easily get ticket cards at any metro station as well. There are ticket machines and everything is well-explained, also in English. Credit cards are accepted.

TIP: You can also take a metro to the airport , but it takes very long (it took us over 1.5 hrs to get to the city center). Alternatively, there are airport shuttle buses that run frequently, cost about the same as the metro ticket, and take much less time. On our way back to the airport, we took a taxi and it was surprisingly affordable. You can find more information about Barcelona airport transport here .

7. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Just as with any city trip, traveling to Barcelona means that you’ll be walking a lot. Make sure that you wear comfortable walking shoes!

Take my word for it, wrong footwear can ruin your entire vacation. Get lightweight sneakers or slip-on shoes for your Barcelona trip. I wear and recommend shoes in this style ; they are light and comfy – ideal for city trips.

TIP: If you don’t like walking too much, consider taking a hop-on hop-off bus instead.

8. Adjust Your Dining Schedule

You may have heard this before – Spanish people have very different habits when it comes to dining times. The main meal of the day is lunch and it usually starts at around 2 – 2.30 PM. Most restaurants will not open for dinner before 8 – 9 PM.

We were a bit worried about late dinner times because we traveled to Barcelona with kids, but it worked out quite well. Since it’s such a touristy place, there are quite some restaurants that have adapted their opening times and it was usually possible to find a place to eat at 7.30-8 PM.

We were told that the best local restaurants don’t open before 8.30-9 PM, but we found plenty of good restaurants that do.

That being said, you won’t easily find a good local restaurant open for dinner before 7 – 7.30 PM.

9. Try Tapas

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without tapas . In case you don’t know what tapas are, this is just a popular Spanish word for small snacks. Like appetizers in the US or antipasti in Italy. Basically, tapas are just small-sized portions of food – from seafood, meat, to all kinds of vegetables or potatoes ( patatas bravas ).

Everywhere you go, you’ll see tapas on the menu. It’s a great way to try a big variety of Spanish food without having to order an entire dish not knowing whether you’ll like it. It’s ideal if you are traveling with a bigger family or a group of friends because you can order a big variety of tapas and everyone will easily find something they like.

Some restaurants have set tapas menus which are a real lifesaver if you are feeling overwhelmed. After a couple of tapas meals, you’ll get more familiar with the concept, and ordering tapas will actually be fun.

Good to know: Tapas are EVERYWHERE in Barcelona, but they are not the only option (luckily). If you stay in Barcelona longer, it’s quite likely that you’ll eventually get tired of tapas. No worries – there are plenty of restaurants serving traditional Spanish food, seafood, paellas, but also a big variety of international cuisines. After five days in Barcelona, our kids didn’t want to see or hear of any more tapas, so we found a really nice pasta restaurant that the whole family loved.

TIP: If you want to try some of the best local dishes, consider joining a food tour as well! Food tours are our favorite thing to do when visiting any city! Check out this highly-rated tapas & wine tour . Another popular choice is this paella cooking experience + Boqueria market visit .

10. Tipping in Barcelona

Generally speaking, tipping is not that common in Europe, and so also not in Spain. However, American habits quickly find their way here too and it’s now more and more common to tip. That being said, it’s never really expected, let alone obligatory.

In Barcelona, you do not have to tip and locals usually don’t tip or just round up the bill. If you find the restaurant service exceptionally good, you can tip 5-10%. It’s not common to tip at a bar. Taxi bills are usually just rounded up. For bellboys – a euro or two is enough.

Many people tip tour guides, but it’s really your call how much. In Europe, we usually tip 20 EUR for a day tour that we take as a family of 5. If you are alone or traveling as a couple, 5-10 EUR is acceptable, but most Europeans don’t even do that.

11. It’s OK to Haggle

If you are planning to buy any souvenirs from street vendors, at the markets, or at the tourist shops in town, you should know that haggling is completely acceptable. Very often, you’ll see that no prices are advertised and in such cases, you definitely have to haggle or you’ll be overpaying up to twice the price, if not more.

It’s also very common that the same souvenirs will cost twice as much close to the most popular tourist landmarks, compared to some lesser-visited places. However, it’s not always the case.

My best advice is not to buy souvenirs immediately. Take your time, ask for prices, and get a better idea of what’s acceptable before buying anything.

12. Know That Things Are Laid Back

Barcelona is a very laid-back place. You’ll notice it in many ways. Depending on where you’re from and what you’re used to, things might seem a bit too relaxed, or maybe just normal…

The best way to enjoy your time in Barcelona is just go with the flow. Don’t get upset if it takes a bit longer for a waiter to take your order, or if the shops are closed for siesta a bit longer than advertised…

Good thing is that Barcelona is also much more casual in terms of clothing than, for example, Madrid. There is no need for fancy clothing and even at dinner at some nicer restaurants we dined at, most people were quite casually dressed. That being said, when in doubt, I’m always in favor of overdressing.

13. Beware of Pickpockets

Just as in any other big city or popular tourist destination, Barcelona has a problem with pickpockets. These guys are real professionals and it’s not uncommon that they manage to distract attention and even rob a big group of people at the same time.

So take precautions and don’t carry too much money or any other unnecessary valuables around. Also, make sure that you have good travel insurance! Be careful at the most popular tourist places, such as La Rambla or around La Sagrada Familia, and also when using public transport.

An anti-theft backpack might be a good idea too. Or – if you have a regular backpack – wear it in front of you and not on your back. Also, it’s really not a good idea to store your wallet or your smartphone in your jeans pocket.

14. Don’t Try to See Everything

Barcelona is a huge city and there is so much to see and do ! But… there’s no way to see everything in just a couple of days. So plan your itinerary well! If you don’t know where to start, check out our tips on how to spend 1 day in Barcelona and also an itinerary for 2 days in Barcelona .

I recommend choosing a couple of must-see places each day or maybe one specific area, and not try to do it all at once. You’ll enjoy the city much more if you also leave some time for a relaxing lunch at a nice café or some unexpected discoveries.

When it comes to visiting Barcelona, remember that less is more!

I know that it’s very tempting to try and see as many landmarks as you possibly can, but you’ll just get tired and frustrated. Take your time to sample some local specialties at the market, turn into a little picturesque alley and see where it leads, or explore some lesser-known places that don’t involve standing in line for hours… This brings us to the next tip…

15. Get off the Beaten Path

Barcelona is so much more than its most famous landmarks , La Rambla, Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta beach, or Gaudi architecture… There are so many other amazing places that are worth visiting just as much, yet are overlooked by most first-time visitors.

Some of our favorite moments in Barcelona were visiting the lesser-known and less-visited places . And while it’s not easy to find any truly ‘hidden’ gems, even just getting a bit off the main tourist routes will show you a very different side of Barcelona.

One of our favorite places in Barcelona was the beautiful Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site , which we had practically to ourselves. While it is not completely unknown, it was completely deserted when we visited it in the low season… And so worth a visit!

We particularly enjoyed the Port Vell and La Barceloneta – an old fishermen’s quarter with narrow streets and local restaurants. And yes, there is a really busy area in this part of town as well – with a seaside promenade, fancy yachts, and tourist restaurants. But if you take the time to explore deeper, you find a totally different place, just a few blocks away…

The same counts for the El Born and La Ribera areas which are like a labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways – so fun to just get lost and explore this area without a map.

We also went to a more local Poublenou area and explored Gracia , L’Eixample , and Montjuïc on foot. We visited some little-known sights and some really nice markets that had many more locals than tourists (Mercado de La Boqueria is really not the only market worth seeing in Barcelona)…

Each and every area has something special and unique. Behind the busier streets and popular areas, there are always lesser-visited gems just waiting to be discovered.

Even if you just see a few of these more local areas, it will make your trip to Barcelona so much more memorable.

16. Attend a Performance at Palau de la Música Catalana

If you want to experience something really special in Barcelona, try to get tickets for a performance at Palau de la Música Catalana . This stunning music hall is a real masterpiece and worth visiting in itself, but it’s even more special if you can attend a concert here.

They organize various concerts every evening and also during the day on the weekends. From classical music and dance to the most modern musical performances and traditional Flamenco dances – there are always plenty of choices to suit any interest. Most of the time, tickets are available just a few days in advance (or even on the day itself), so check the program and go. It will be totally worth it!

Good to know: You can also just visit the music hall itself. Self-guided and guided tours are available throughout the day and take less than an hour. Here you can get tickets for your visit .

17. Escape the Hustle of the City for a Day

Visiting a busy city like Barcelona can leave you exhausted, especially if you are not used to the crowds or if the summer heat becomes too much for you.

While most tourists head to Barceloneta beach , you’ll hardly find any locals there. The better beaches (nicer and also less crowded) can be found a bit further away. Try Playa de Bogatell if you don’t want to go too far. Or – outside of town – Platja de Castelldefels in the south or Platja de Badalona in the north of Barcelona.

The most popular day trip outside of the city is visiting Montserrat Monastery . Because it’s located in the mountains, the temperatures are usually cooler there too. We also took this day trip and here you can read all about our Montserrat tour .

These are just a few examples of places to visit outside the city. There are many more beautiful areas that you can visit on a day trip from Barcelona! Here are a few other popular options:

• Catamaran Sailing Tours (1.5-2 hrs)
• Kayaking & snorkeling (half a day)
• Hot air balloon flights (half a day)
• Vineyards near the city (half a day)
• Girona and Costa Brava (full day)
• Girona, Figueres and Dalí Museum (full day)
• 3 Countries in a Day (full day)

So if you are staying in town for more than 2-3 days, I suggest you take at least one day trip to see more of the surroundings or just to escape the crowds. As a minimum, rent a bike and drive along the beach – there is a beautiful waterfront promenade with bike paths that bring you to the quieter beaches and districts of Barcelona.

18. Stay Clear of Politics and Protests

Political protests in Catalonia are not uncommon. There were huge protests and even riots in Barcelona just a few days before our trip, and there were also some violent protests in the city while we were there.

But, in general, these protests don’t really influence your travel experience much (unless they block an airport, which happened once a few years ago).

My best advice is to just stay clear of any political protests. If you see any demonstrations, just walk around or take another street. Barcelona is a big city and the chances that you’ll find yourself amidst the protesters are really not that high.

19. Don’t Forget Little Important Details

Here are some  more practical tips  to consider when traveling to Barcelona for the first time:

• You can  pay  by credit card pretty much everywhere, but it’s always useful to have some cash as well. Spain uses the EURO .
• If you don’t have a credit card with a chip and a 4-digit pin , check out this selection of  the best American credit cards for travel and get one – you’ll need a car with a pin everywhere in Europe. I recommend choosing  a card with no foreign transaction fees .
• While you can easily get around using English , it’s always useful to learn a couple of words of Spanish or Catalan. Hola (hello) and gracias (thank you) go a long way.
• Barcelona has a pretty good network of free WiFi with hundreds of access points throughout the city. Hotels and some restaurants also usually offer free wifi.
• Download an offline map of Barcelona using apps like Google Maps or Maps.me. It’s so much easier than a paper map and you can always easily find your way around.
• Make sure to pack a travel adapter . Spain uses  European plugs .
• Remember that many shops and markets are closed on Sunday . However, most museums and other attractions remain open. We chose to do a Gaudi tour on a Sunday and it worked out great.
• Pack comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the season. It can get really warm in Barcelona and sun protection is an absolute must in summer. Don’t forget your sun hat !
• Make a copy of your travel documents and send it to yourself by email (or save it in the cloud). As with any international trip, make sure that you have good travel insurance .

So, these are some of the most important practical tips that you should know when traveling to Barcelona for the first time.

Below, you can also find some frequently asked questions for your first visit to Barcelona. Take a look!

Barcelona Travel FAQs

The best time to visit Barcelona are the shoulder months between March and May and also from September to October. The weather is best for sightseeing and it’s not as busy as in the summer.

While you can see the main landmarks of Barcelona in one or two days, we recommend at least 3-4 days for your first trip to Barcelona. This will allow you to explore the city at a more relaxed pace, visit Gaudi buildings and a few museums, and maybe even take a tour to Montserrat.

Barcelona is a very popular destination, so it’s best to book your accommodation and the tours that you absolutely want to do in advance. Make sure to book skip-the-line tickets for the most popular landmarks such as La Sagrada Familia!

Yes, Barcelona is a safe destination. However, just like in any other big European city, you should be careful with pickpockets and common travel scams. If you are not sure about visiting certain areas at night, ask your hotel for advice.

We recommend staying in the area close to Plaça de Catalunya . The location is perfect for sightseeing and you can easily walk to the most popular attractions in the city center. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. Most tours also start in this area.

Do you have any questions or maybe want to share your experience when visiting Barcelona? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

More tips for your trip to Spain:

• Best Things to Do in Barcelona
• Barcelona 1 Day Itinerary
• How to See the Best of Barcelona in 2 Days
• Complete Guide to Visiting Montserrat
• Montserrat Tour Review
• Best Barcelona Gaudi Tour
• 1 Day in Seville
• 2 Days in Seville
• Flamenco in Seville
• One Day in Madrid: What to See & Itinerary
• Madrid to Toledo Day Trip

READ ALSO: Spain Bucket List: Top Places & Experiences

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration for European cities:

If you are visiting other European cities and are looking for in-depth information for your trip, take a look at some of our city guides:

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Bern, Switzerland
• Bologna, Italy
• Brasov, Romania
• Brussels, Belgium
• Bruges, Belgium
• Bucharest, Romania
• Colmar, France
• Edinburgh, UK
• Florence, Italy
• Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Krakow, Poland
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, UK
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Manchester, UK
• Milan, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Paris, France
• Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal
• Ravenna, Italy
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Rome, Italy
• Salzburg, Austria
• Siena, Italy
• Sintra, Portugal
• Venice, Italy
• Verona, Italy
• Read also our tips for traveling to Europe .

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 13th of June 2023

Hi Jurga! I love your blog and I'm planning to visit Barcelona in October. Did the Acta Splendid charge you a resort fee in addition to the price of the room & tax?.....Elaine

Wednesday 14th of June 2023

Hi Elaine, I don't remember hotel charging us any special fees. When you book on Booking.com, it's always very clearly shown what's included. Usually, for most places, they already include the city tax in the price, or show you how much it will be. For Acta Splendid, if I try just random dates, I see that it shows me in the booking window that 10% VAT and City tax are included in the price. What sometimes happens is that you first get charged just for the room and then have to pay the taxes at the property separately. But the total price you see on Booking is usually the total of what you'll pay in the end (unless clearly stated otherwise). That's a big difference vs. booking with hotels directly. Most hotels don't show taxes in their price at first and then add it to your bill later. This way, you might think that you are paying less but, often, it's quite the opposite. Just one more reason why we always use Booking.com for all our accommodation bookings. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Barcelona Travel Blog: Insider Guide For First Timers

This Barcelona travel blog is an insider guide for first-time visitors. I lived 5 years in Barcelona and compiled lots of tips and hacks here. Find out what top tourist attractions are worth it and which ones are tourist traps. Plus, tips to eat, stay, and explore the main sights!

I’ve found some the more authentic ways to experience Barcelona . I’ve explored its most local neighborhood . And I’ve even ventured to explore the amazing variety of day trips you can do outside Barcelona .

But this article is focused on first-timer visitors in Barcelona. What can’t you miss on your first trip? What is really worth your time and money? This insider guide, fully updated in June 2019, can help.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Start your search with this list of the highest-rated places to stay in the best areas of Barcelona.

Barcelona Travel Blog: Why visit?

One of the most visited destinations in Europe , Barcelona is known for a killer combination of Mediterranean food, golden beaches, tasty food, and vibrant, and bustling neighborhoods. But perhaps the most striking feature of the city is its glorious architecture. A significant chunk of it is Antoni Gaudí’s work, the unofficial city’s architect.

There’s a lot to keep you busy here. I mean, I lived there 5 years with always new places to go and experience. Hopefully this travel blog help make your trip to Barcelona truly enjoyable and not just a “tick-off” off your bucket list.

• Geography | Barcelona is the largest city on the autonomous region of Catalonia. Despite being part of Spain, Catalonia has a very strong identity and culture from the rest of the country; there have even been efforts of making it an independent territory throughout centuries.
• Language | Locals speak Spanish, but a few words of Catalan (the regional language) can earn you an extra smile.
• Money | Euro is used throughout Spain. Tipping is NOT mandatory and only done in case of an exceptionally good service. There are several ATMs scattered through the city and the overwhelming majority of restaurants and shops will accept cards. It’s a cashless society (sometimes I don’t use cash for months).
• Weather | Expect mild temperatures all year round, and particularly high temperatures during July and August. Average lows from December to February are five degrees Celsius. It rarely snows in Barcelona.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

Overall, the shoulder seasons April-June and September-October are the best to visit Barcelona considering climate, crowds, and events going on.

To experience mild temperatures and decent sunshine hours, the best time to visit Barcelona is anywhere between April and October.

However, if possible avoid July and August months. July is too crowded as the city is PACKED with both tourists and also locals, who tend to go on vacation only in August. Plus, August sees the highest number of cruise ships and is known as the month of the tormentas de Verano – summer storms.

Is Barcelona safe for tourists?

Barcelona is a very safe city; the biggest threat will be pickpocketing and bag snatching. Like in any major city, make sure you are aware of your belongings at all time and follow the basic safety tips .

Be extra careful riding the metro and wandering La Rambla . Also avoid Raval and Poble Sec districts at night.

Top tourist attractions in Barcelona

Sagrada família.

Let’s start with the elephant in the room, or in other words, the iconic Gaudí’s masterpiece. Sagrada Família is the symbol of  Barcelona and while it’s utterly impressive in size and detail, it’s a rather odd combination of elements.

While I’m not personally a fan of the grungy outside, I find the interior magnificent. Quite possibly the most interesting and unique religious building I’ve ever been to. Visit during sunset hours to see what I mean.

Sagrada Família is set to be completed in 2026, year of the centenary of Gaudí’s death.

• Entry fee | Tickets start at 17€ and are exclusively sold online .
• How to get here by metro | The nearest stop is Sagrada Familia which belongs to both the blue (L5) and purple (L2) lines.
• Insider tip | If you’re on a budget, you can skip the tower visit as there are many (free) viewpoints in the city. Don’t skip any chapter of the audioguide though – it will be key to fully understand the concept of the basilica as well as other Gaudí’s projects.

Mercat La Boquería

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria , often simply referred to as La Boqueria , is the most popular market in Barcelona.

More than a tourist attraction, it’s a frolic experience for all senses, particularly for food lovers. Amazing assortment of food, from fresh fruit to sweets, from olive oil and chocolate to seafood and eggs. There’s plenty of in-house restaurants and bars to have a meal or a light snack too.

Can get very busy with tourists, but if you come early in the morning and explore the area opposite to the main entrance you should be fine. Anyway, it’s still BY FAR the most interesting thing La Rambla has to offer.

• Entry fee | Free.
• How to get here by metro | The nearest stop is Liceu on the Green Line (L3).
• Insider tip | Avoid the first stalls at the main entrance and venture to the inside of the market where produce is fresher and prices are lower.

El Gótic (Gothic Quartier)

Known as Barri Gòtic or El Gòtic in Catalan, this neighborhood was once the centre of the Roman city of Barcino and in a way still is the heart of the city.

While the biggest selling point is to get lost in the delightful urban maze, following beautiful tiny streets that lead to open-air plazas, in Gótic you will find some of the more important buildings of Barcelona:

• Catedral de Barcelona – massive and incredibly detailed cathedral. Many (including me) think it’s more imponent than Sagrada Familia
• Plaça Sant Jaume – the political heart of Barcelona, hosting the city hall and the Generalitat (Government) buildings.
• Plaça Reial – beautiful palm trees set the tone of this iconic square next to La Rambla.
• Pont Gótic – the intricate bridge that connects two buildings is a medieval fairytale material.
• How to get here by metro | The nearest stops are Jaume I (L4 – yellow line) and Liceu (L3 – green line).
• Insider tip | Come back to El Gótic after sunset for a slightly spooky but incredible opportunity to experience the glorious architecture without any crowds.

Initially designed to be a real estate project for the aristocracy of Barcelona , Parc Güell is today a unique place with exquisite buildings, footpaths, and gardens. Together with  Sagrada Familia , it’s the best place to admire how Gaudí was influenced by nature and to understand how organic shapes are strongly conveyed in his work.

Most of the park is free; only what they call the Monumental zone is paid as it contains the most famous architectonic pieces – including the El Drac lizard everyone seems compelled to sit next to, touch, and even kiss (!).

The free area comprised of gardens surrounding the Monumental area is definitely worth a stroll to (and my favorite). Not only there are some cool spots with hints of Gaudi’s unique work but also open views over the city of Barcelona.

• Entry fee | Tickets start at 8€ and sold online .
• How to get here by metro | The nearest stops are Vallcarca or Lesseps on the green line (L3).
• Insider tip | If you’re keen on visiting the paid area, book your ticket well in advance. The hourly slots are limited!
• Is it worth it? Not a must. I would consider it only if you have more than 2 full days in Barcelona.

Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by BRUN🌎 (@bruno_mb) on Nov 18, 2018 at 10:11am PST

The majestic Montjuïc´s Magic Fountain is a spectacular display of light, music and water open-air show. It displays millions of different visual combinations created from its 3600 water jets synced with almost 5,000 different lights and a wide range of musical selections.

The show starts every 30 minutes and lasts about 20 minutes. Get there early to find a good spot.

The best viewing places are usually on one of the two pedestrian bridges on the way from Plaça Espanya or at the steps that lead to the MNAC Museum.

• Hours | Schedules vary throughout the year, it’s closed in winter months. Check the latest schedules .
• How to get here by metro | Plaça de Espanya on the red (L1) or green (L3) lines.
• Insider tip | If you’re around in La Mercè, don’t miss the piromusical closing event in Montjuïc’s Magic Fountain. Adding to light and water, there’s fireworks and lasers too!

Passeig de Grácia

Passeig de Gràcia is the Champs Elysee of Barcelona. Luxury shops, up-market restaurants and an impressive collection of Modernist buildings make it one of the tourism epicenters of the city.

Apart from the shopping factor, this famous boulevard is another iconic area of Barcelona and has some of the most fascinating architecture examples in the city (see below).

Personally, I don’t care about international clothing brands (ZARA, H&M, etc) and especially luxury brands (Prada or Versace) but they’re all here too.

• Casa Amatller – completely overshadowed by its over-the-top neighbor (Casa Battló), this Modernist building was designed by Catalan architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch and belonged to the Amatller family who ran a chocolate business on the 19th century (still active today!).
• Casa Battló – colorful and dreamy building designed by Gaudí with no straight lines and all covered in mosaics. The small balconies resemble masks and the roof is shaped like a dragon’s tail.
• Casa Millà / La Pedrera – the largest of Gaudi’s buildings in Passeig de Grácia. My favorite part is the building’s roof with 360-degree views of Barcelona.
• El Nacional – set of five restaurants in a 1920 art-nouveau vibe. Elegant and overpriced but worth to enter and dazzle at the architecture.
• How to get here by metro | Passeig de Grácia station is on yellow (L4), purple (L2) and green (L3) lines. You can also get here walking from Diagonal or Plaça Catalunya stations.
• Insider tip | For a quick, healthy, and cheap lunch head to Faborit , tucked away inside the Casa Amatller building. You can also get a taste of the prestigious Amattler chocolates.

Map of tourist attractions in Barcelona

I’ve put all the main tourist attractions of Barcelona on this map .

Oh and I’ve also added pins in a few other categories:

• Local hidden spots (many of them mentioned on this article )
• Local restaurants with Spanish food
• Healthy and veggy restaurants

Tourist traps in Barcelona

Las ramblas.

For some strange reason, taking a stroll down Las Ramblas is the first thing people do when arriving Barcelona . Everybody talks about it as if it were some magical street where the locals spend their free time dancing flamenco with a jar of sangria in their hands.

Guess what? Pronounce the words “Las Ramblas” to any local and you’ll get a rolleyes in return. Once an authentic promenade where locals would come for a stroll on the weekends, it’s now succumbed to tourism exploitation. 9 out of 10 people walking this avenue is a tourist (!!) which made it into a chaotic mess of human statues, souvenir shops, and overpriced restaurants. Plus, the high density of pickpockets make the area potentially unsafe.

I actually enjoy football (or soccer in the US) to some extent, but paying to see a football stadium – no matter which one – SCREAMS trap to me.

Barceloneta

The area of Barceloneta and the nearby Port Vell  were ignored until 1992, when it was completely revamped for the Olympics.

What once was the traditional fishing district, now is Barcelona’s most hyped beach area with its long strips of golden sand, terrazas serving paella, and street vendors and performers.

The only reason I go to Barceloneta these days is for (some) good seafood restaurants. I admit it has a cool promenade resembling Miami’s, but it happens to be the most crowded, noisy, and dirty beach in the whole city during summer months.

There are plenty of other much more tranquil and cleaner nearby beaches just a 20-min train ride away . And with no drunken tourists.

Flamenco Tours

One of the most unique cultural features of Spain, flamenco is a dramatic and passionate dance that evokes all kinds of emotions. The “issue” is that flamenco is originally from Andalucía, in southern Spain. Yes, you can find in all the major cities like Barcelona, but only to cater to tourists. It’s still part of the cultural identity of Andalucía and Andalúcia alone.

If you’re still interested in doing a flamenco tour, as a bare minimum, do your research and try to support local performers and smaller genuine tablaos .

Accommodation in Barcelona

Best areas to stay in barcelona.

First of all, I suggest AVOID staying at Raval (potentially unsafe at night) and Poble Sec (too many loud bars).

Now, the biggest tourist attractions are in Eixample . For the best options in terms of logistics and if you like to stay in the center of the action, Hotel Lleó is a good option.

Poblenou (next to the beach, but far from downtown) or Born (cool and hip district, potentially loud at night) can also be good options.

Best local area to stay in Barcelona

On the other hand, if you seek a more local vibe, I definitely recommend staying in Grácia . Healthy local food, cool indie shops, and a quiet vibe away from tourist crowds and loud bars await you. I recommend the below place.

Easy walking distance to the streets and plazas in Grácia, but also to metro that take you to other areas. It even has a private garden!

Hotels & apartments in Barcelona

You can start your search with my shortlist of top-rated places in Barcelona with WiFi .

Getting around Barcelona

Getting from el prat airport to center.

The most convenient way to get from El Prat airport to Barcelona center is by Aerobus . Buses leave terminals 1 and 2 every 5 minutes from 5am to 1am. The journey takes about 30 minutes to Plaça Catalunya , with a few stops along the way (including Plaça Espanya and Universitat). Tickets can be bought online or aboard.

Metro is also present in both terminals of the airport. However, the L9S Line does not connect to the downtown, meaning you’ll most likely have to change lines which can be a hassle with luggage.

If you’re arriving to the T2 terminal, there’s a Rodalies train available that stops at Sants , Passeig de Grácia , and El Clot-Aragó . It’s the cheapest way to get to downtown and trains depart every 20-30 minutes.

Finally, failing these options, expect to pay around 30 euros for a taxi ride to Plaça Catalunya. There is no Uber in Barcelona (as of 2019) and other similar apps like Cabify run on a limited basis.

Public transport in Barcelona

Walking is by far my favorite way of knowing a city and Barcelona is no exception. The districts of Eixample, Barceloneta, Born or Gótic are all pretty flat which makes things easier.

That said, public transportation is top-notch, so unless you plan on making a lot of day trips , renting a car in Barcelona won’t be needed at all. For a medium-sized city, the amount and frequency of metros, trains, trams and buses is remarkable.

Forget about city passes or day cards for tourists: get a T-10 ticket. This ticket with 10 rides is cheap (10,2 euros, as of 2019) and can be used in buses, metro and even some trains too. The best part? This is a multi-person ticket meaning you can share the pool of journeys with others.

Food in Barcelona

Barcelona has a pretty international vibe, with tons of expats, and there’s food from every corner in the world, from kebabs and korean BBQs to ramen and pizza. There’s also a HUGE variety of gluten-free and vegetarian restaurants especially in Grácia district.

I’ll just focus on places with local Catalan and/or Spanish cuisine. And let me break you some news: food in Barcelona is not just paella and sangria ! In fact, the chance of you ordering a bland paella with 99% rice and 1% other stuff or a hyper-sweetened sangria made with the rest of wines from the day before is very high in Barcelona.

For a better chance of better meals, explore my Eat BCN Foursquare list or follow some of my top recommendations below.

Local food in Barcelona

• Can Borrell – if you’re up for a little adventure on the mountains outside Barcelona, this masiá where local families go to is a guarantee of a great Catalan meal.
• Ciudad Condal – extremely busy and touristy but somehow delivers decent range of tapas . No reservations allowed, so you’ll have to queue up.
• La Bodega d’En Rafael – cheap authentic food in a lively environment. Doesn’t get more local than this.
• La Paradeta – a must if you’re into seafood. Pick what you want – just like you’d do to a fish monger in a market – and they’ll cook it for you.
• La Pepita – tasty Catalan food in an authentic athmosphere, even though it’s packed with tourists too.
• Pulperia A Gudiña – tapas with a Galician touch. Don’t miss the star of the restaurant: pulpo a la gallega (octopus made the Galician way).
• Santa Gula – tapas place serving local ingredients in unique ways. A bit pricey but worth every scent for the mix of flavors. Make a reservation.
• Somorrostro – in a Barceloneta district packed with crowded bars and overpriced paellas, this is a gem. Not cheap, but the eco cuina de mercat (market’s food) concept makes every dish delicious.
• Xiringuito Escribá – beachside views, big portions, filled with locals. Great place for an afternoon paella .

Other useful resources

Read more about unique experiences and things to do in Barcelona , as well as some of the city’s hidden gems . For those staying longer, this list of day trips from Barcelona may be useful. Oh and don’t miss my guide of Grácia , my favorite neighborhood.

• Events Calendar

What other insider tips would you add to this Barcelona travel blog? Share your suggestions below in the comments! 👇

You might also like these articles 💬

Japan Travel Tips: 34 Things to Know In 2024

Portugal Road Trip: Itinerary & Planning Tips for 2024

The Top Azores Hot Springs & Thermal Baths in Sao Miguel

Destinations🌎

Forbes Travel Guide Stories

How To Spend Two Days In Barcelona By Correspondent Mai Pham

February 18, 2020

Known for its vibrant culture, striking architecture and world-class gastronomy, Barcelona is one of the most captivating cities. And word has gotten out: the Catalan capital is flooded with tourists, especially during the summer, and it will see about 2.5 percent annual visitor growth over the next 10 years, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

To experience the Mediterranean metropolis’ true essence, plan your visit in the off-season — with mild temps (averaging in the mid-50s Fahrenheit) and fewer crowds, winter is an excellent time to explore the city.

Here’s our roadmap to achieving two perfect days in Barcelona.

When it comes accommodations, you’re spoiled for choice. If you want gorgeous design with a touch of whimsy, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Cotton House Hotel impresses with interiors imagined by Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán. Should you be looking for old-school opulence, head three minutes away for the regal comforts of Four-Star El Palace Barcelona .

With just two days in the city, however, the right location will be key. For that, Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is at the top of our list.

Discreetly tucked away on grand Passeig de Gràcia boulevard just across the street from legendary architect Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Batlló , this fashionable luxury hotel occupies a coveted spot in the heart of the eclectic Eixample District, within easy walking distance of popular pedestrian street Las Ramblas, the historic Gothic Quarter and designer boutiques.

Because nothing says “Barcelona” like a picture in front of a Gaudí work, your first order of business, after settling in, is to stroll across the street for a photo in front of Casa Batlló’s iconic under-the-sea-inspired façade.

From there, walk south about 15 minutes to Las Ramblas, where you’ll stumble on the well-known La Boqueria . Part farmers market, part food hall, this epicurean landmark can be a sensory overload, but a wonderful one. Tour the beautifully arranged fruit stalls, gaze in wonder at the hanging legs of jamón (Spanish Iberico ham) and marvel at the picturesque displays of local Mediterranean seafood. Pick up a freshly squeezed fruit juice or try some of the cured meat samples on offer.

But whatever you do, be sure to save room for your first Catalan meal. At the southeast corner of the market, wait your turn for a counter seat at the perennially packed Kiosko Universal . Specializing in ocean-to-table fare, the venue serves up achingly fresh seafood a la plancha (cooked on a flattop grill) with little more than salt and pepper. Regional specialties include ciperones (baby squid), navajas (razor clams) and sepia (cuttlefish). For a little bit of everything, get the parilla mixta (mixed grill), washing it down with one of Barcelona’s most popular beers, Estrella.

Replete from your meal, it’s time to wander through the Barri G ò tic , or Gothic Quarter. Walking south on Las Ramblas from La Boqueria, look for Plaça Reial on the left side about three blocks down. Not only is the plaza itself beautiful, but it is a good point from which to enter and exit the historic district.

Pull out your pocket map to orient yourself with major points of interest (like 19th-century square Plaça Sant Jaume , Barcelona Cathedral and medieval-era Plaça de Reí plaza), then put it away and let instinct be your guide. Getting lost in these cobblestoned alleys — stumbling upon a small artist’s studio or boutique, only to realize that you’re steps away from an important monument — is part of what makes this historic section of the old city such a treasure.

Barri Gòtic transitions seamlessly into the district known as El Born, where you’ll find the Picasso Museum tucked away in a small alley. Housed in five medieval town houses, the space itself is stunning, and with more than 4,000 pieces making up one of the most complete permanent collections of Picasso’s work in the world, it’s a must-stop. Lines can be long (buy tickets beforehand), so if you’re short on time, pop into the gift shop. Underneath arched medieval ceilings, you can browse a treasure trove of collectibles and obscure prints — a great spot to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts.

When you’re ready for a pick-me-up, venture just down the alley from the Picasso Museum to El Xampanyet , a true local tapas experience. Find standing space along the bar so you can see all the specialties and order whatever your heart desires. The cecina (paper-thin slices of dried, salted beef) is extraordinary, but you can’t go wrong with anything, including the huge white asparagus spears, sautéed calamari and tortilla espanola (Spanish omelet).

Re-energized from your snack, you can explore El Born. If you’re still thirsty for culture, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar , a stunning example of 14th-century Catalan architecture, or El Born Cultural Center , a beautifully restored late-19th-century market where excavated ruins are on display. And peruse trendy boutiques stocking local designer fashions like Coquette , La Comercial and Ivori .

Fatigue is probably setting in at this point, so return to Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona for a siesta. Or better yet, go down to the hotel’s fabulous, temperature-controlled indoor pool for a refreshing dip. Need a little more R&R? Soothe sore feet with a Refoundation Massage at the Four-Star spa .

While you can always book a table at high-profile restaurants like avant-garde Disfrutar or buzzy and perennially packed Tickets , tonight you’re headed to the unpretentious dining room of Mont Bar . Just half a mile from the hotel, the intimate spot serves up locally sourced, seasonal haute cuisine. Build your degustation menu from an array of à la carte selections, then delight in the myriad culinary surprises. Just make sure not to miss the s tracciatella , an ethereal take on the Italian cheese with mozzarella and pesto topped with airy foam and flower petals.

End the evening with a leisurely stroll back to the hotel, taking in a nightcap at Banker’s Bar — try the signature Banker’s Martini with a twist of lemon and ginger — before turning in for the night.

Start your day with the sumptuous breakfast buffet at Blanc, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona’s all-day restaurant. Cozy up in one of the white, wing-backed chairs to sip fresh-pressed juices and nosh on dishes like poached eggs with jamón Iberico, fruit and house-baked pastries.

Today, you will see another Gaudí work, the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Família — make sure to buy skip-the-line tickets with tower access in advance online. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest architectural works of the century, the Roman Catholic minor basilica is so intricate and grand in scale that it’s been under construction for more than a century, with a projected completion date of 2026. Don’t be surprised if you have an emotional response as you crane your neck to admire the soaring ceilings, detailed sculptures and the magnificence of the stained-glass windows.

For lunch, hop in a cab to Quimet & Quimet , which many consider the best tapas bar in the city. The restaurant occupies a tiny space with just a couple of standing bar tables, resulting in throngs of people often spilling out of its doorways. In winter, the likelihood of snagging a space at the bar — where you can interact with fourth-generation owner Joaquim Perez, his wife or daughter — is much higher. Ask for recommendations and go all out. Highlights include conservas (jars) of preserved Galician cockles, oysters and mussels that taste so fresh you’d think they were just fished out of the sea, and a flavorful salmon, Greek yogurt and truffle honey montadito (open-faced sandwich).

You will spend the rest of the afternoon at Montjuïc, a nearby hill that’s home to Barcelona Olympic Park and various museums. Ride the Montjuïc cable car to Montjuïc Castle , the highest point on the hill. See Barcelona in its entirety from the terrace of this 17th-century fortress, taking in everything from the port and coastline to Sagrada Família in the distance.

Though Montjuïc is not very walkable — you’ll want to take the funicular to get around or hop a cab to get from spot to spot — it is also home to Fundació Joan Miró modern art museum, which boasts an astounding collection of 14,000 works by the Barcelona-born artist; and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya , where you can experience 1,000 years of Catalonian art under one roof (the first-floor collection of modern art is particularly impressive).

With arts, culture, and architecture out of the way, you’ll have just enough time to squeeze in some shopping. Take a taxi to the Yves Saint Laurent boutique on Passeig de Gràcia near Avinguda Diagonal. You’ll also encounter flagship stores for Spanish designer Adolfo Dominguez , locally founded footwear and accessory brand Lotusse , along with international haute couture labels such as Chanel, Hermès and Prada.

Back at the hotel, freshen up and change before your last meal in this magical city. Just a short drive from the Mandarin Oriental is Dos Palillos , an Asian-Spanish fusion venue where you can experience the meticulousness, mastery and skill of not just one but three El Bulli — one of Barcelona’s most famous fine-dining restaurants before it shuttered in 2011 — alumni: chef-owner Albert Raurich, former El Bulli chef de cuisine under Ferran Adrià; his sommelier and wife, Tamae Imachi; and head chef Takeshi Somekawa. Like the city of Barcelona, you can bet the meal will be unforgettable.

Dreaming of your next trip?

I agree to the Forbes Travel Guide Privacy Policy and Terms . I understand I can withdraw my consent at any time.

Sign up for our newsletter

3 Magical Days in Barcelona: 10 Peak Experiences You Can’t Miss

By Planet Janet / June 21, 2018 / Travel Planning & Tips , Travelogues / Spain

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / by Canaann / Click on all photos to enlarge

Barcelona is one of Europe’s grandest & most beloved cities. In fact, this enchanting city on the Mediterranean is now the 3rd most visited city in Europe – behind London & Paris! So, I was thrilled to recently spend three days there, exploring all that Barcelona has to offer.

So what makes Barcelona – Spain’s 2nd largest city behind Madrid – so very special & such a visitor magnet? Well, can you spell G-A-U-D-I? Barcelona was home to famed architect Antoni Gaudi who, along with other Catalan architects, forged the wildly colorful & whimsical Modernista style. His huge, fantastical Sagrada Familia is a church still under construction a hundred years later.

Barcelona truly offers it all – fascinating arts & culture, a wide array of wonderful sights, GREAT food, good shopping, excellent museums, pretty parks, and friendly people. It’s a delightful blend of grand old European city meets Mediterranean beach scene! The historic old town is relatively compact & easy for strolling. The larger city is also easy to get around – whether by metro, bus, taxi, bike or foot.

Cosmopolitan Barcelona (population 1.7 million) is the proud capital of the distinct region of Catalunya (Cataluna in Spanish & Catalonia in English). Are you confused yet? This region in northeast Spain has its own distinct language (Catalan), history & culture – and a delicious cuisine. Local Barcelonans will usually speak Catalan, Spanish and English – so no worries!

When to Visit Barcelona

Barcelona is blessed with a benign Mediterranean climate. Early summer and fall are ideal times to visit, especially May to June and September to October when the days are mild and the evenings cool. The actual summertime is hot and sticky with humidity. However, keep in mind that no matter what time of the year you’ll visit, Barcelona will be crowded with tourists.

My Barcelona Visit & the Advance Planning

My 3-day visit to Barcelona took place in early May 2018 & I was joined by my good friend Regina from Germany. With only three days to explore the city and so many compelling things to see & do, I did a lot of pre-trip research & detailed planning so we could maximize our time – and that we did! The only trip “negative” was unseasonably rainy weather a couple of the days, but hey, that’s part of travel and we made it work just fine!

As I always do for European destinations, I used a Rick Steves guidebook for my planning. We pre-booked some tours and bought advance entry tickets for many of the key sights at optimum times (with hopefully less crowds). We eventually fit all the timing pieces together like a complex jigsaw puzzle – and it all worked out great!

Why I Wrote This Blog Post

Placa Catalunya / Photo Credit: Wikicommons/by Bert

I wanted to share with you the Top 10 Peak Experiences we enjoyed – and that I highly recommend. However, just like in other great cities like Paris or Rome, you can spend many days exploring all that Barcelona has to offer. But these 10 Sights can give you a reasonably broad range of key experiences – to which you can add other city sights & activities that particularly call to you (like museum visits which we didn’t have time to do).

In each Sight/Experience section, I first give you backgrounder information and then share what Regina & I actually did as an example. I finish each section with a list of Helpful Tips & Resources. I know there’s a lot of information in this post (a quasi-Barcelona Resource Guide), but I sincerely hope you will find the info helpful so it will be much easier to plan your own future travels to Barcelona. [ FYI- prices mainly listed in euros (€)]

Let’s get started….

1) Explore Barcelona’s Old Town Districts By Foot or Walking Tour

Map Credit: Rick Steves Guidebook

A top Barcelona highlight is walking the delightful streets of the Old City (Ciutat Vella). This labyrinth of narrow streets, once confined by medieval walls, is ideal for strolling, shopping, people-watching, and eating.

The Old City is comprised of three sections – Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter), El Born (the funky bohemian quarter) & El Raval – with the first two of most interest to visitors. ( see map ). Barri Gotic was the birthplace of Barcelona, where the ancient Romans built a city. It’s fun to explore its narrow alleys, winding lanes, unique boutiques, its many cafés & bars, plus visit the historic cathedral.

Las Ramblas is a grand boulevard that cuts through the Old City on its way to the waterfront. Its wide pedestrian strip down the middle is packed with locals and tourists alike, out for a stroll. There are colorful flower vendors and street performers. Unfortunately, per Rick Steves , Las Ramblas is also home to pickpockets. So, just be beware (but not paranoid!)

What We Did / Our Experience

We spent lots of time walking the Old City over our three days, including on the Art Tour ( see #2 ). Using the Rick Steves guidebook, we followed Rick’s 1-hour Barri Gotic Walking Tour, which took us past the beautiful 14th century Gothic-style Cathedral on the lovely Placa Nova. ( FYI – placa means plaza/square in Catalan ) The guidebook also offers a 1-hour walking tour of Las Ramblas, entitled “Ramblas Ramble.”

We visited the popular market – La Boqueria – located just off Las Ramblas. It’s very popular with tourists because the stalls filled with local produce and fresh fish are so colorful and great for photos. Apparently, the Santa Caterina Market, in El Born district, attracts more local shoppers and less tourists.

Helpful Tips & Resources

• With a good map (and/or guidebook), you can easily explore the Old Town area on your own.
• Be aware (in Barcelona & all of Spain) that many shops are closed on Sundays & during the mid-day siesta.
• You can also pre-book a wide variety of themed walking tours in Barcelona with a local guide. Offerings, prices, group size, etc. can vary. Check out the following websites:

Local Guided Tours

• Tours By Locals – has been operating since 2008 / offers tours in 160 countries / they tout their hand-picked, first-rate guides.
• With Locals – the newer kid on the block (2013). It’s a peer-to-peer marketplace (more like AirBnb) so the guide quality can vary widely. You might be able to customize your tour by direct communication with the guide in advance.
• Viator (now owned by TripAdvisor) – a destination tours and activities provider in more than 2,000 destinations.
• Context Tours – “Tours for the Intellectually Curious” (with Ph.D. & MA-level scholar guides).

2) Barcelona Urban & Street Art Walking Tour

We booked a 3-hour “Barcelona Street Art Tour” which turned out to be excellent! Here’s the tour description that sold us: We’ll weave in and out of Barcelona’s hidden streets and alleys at El Born, El Gotico and Raval. Along the way, Picasso, Dali, and Miro were in the modernist period and visit the places they loved to visit, pop into the coolest galleries, and uncover the city’s ever-growing underground street-art scene .

Our tour leader Kat (originally from the UK) was great – and our group of 8 people were all fun folks. We visited four cool galleries, plus walked many of the streets of Old Town. Kat’s passion & information really helped us develop a better appreciation for the talent of the street artists she showcased. Coincidentally, one of the gallery owners – Rob of Base Elements – recently moved to Barcelona from my home town of San Diego. Small world…

• I highly recommend this tour by Kat if urban/street art interests you.
• We booked the tour through Airbnb (because we used them for our Barcelona lodging & got their post-booking promos). The tour cost was 32 €/pp.
• However, you can book directly with Kat (Katrina Affleck) through the ArtSpaceTours that she runs. She/they offer a variety of art-focused tours.
• Here’s direct link to the Barcelona Street Art Tour – The website says the tour price is 28 €/pp.

3&4) Gaudi-Designed Private Residences

Barcelona & Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) were truly a match made in heaven. Visiting several of Gaudi’s design creations is a highlight of any visit to Barcelona. Modernisme is Barcelona’s unique contribution to the European Art Nouveau movement. The term means “a taste for what is modern.”

This free-flowing organic style lasted from 1888 to 1906. Much of Barcelona’s Modernista architecture is located in the elegant Eixample district, especially along the swanky Passeig de Gracia boulevard. There, on the famed “Block of Discord” you will see three colorful Modernista facades – Casa Battlo, Casa Amatller, and Casa Lleo Morera – all competing for your attention. (photo above)

Of course, in planning our trip, seeing the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s masterpiece, was a must! However, we also wanted to tour one or two of the famed private residences he designed. Upon further research, I chose the top two – Casa Battlo & La Pedrera (Casa Mila) – and Regina & I are really glad we did. Both Casas were great and very different – providing a real compliment to each other.

3) Casa Battlo

The building was purchased in 1903 by Mr. Josep Batlló y Casanovas, a textile industrialist. He hired Gaudi to renovate the house between 1904 and 1906. Gaudi completely changed the façade & converted the inside into a true work of art. Fast forward to today – people still live and work in this architectural marvel.

Many feel (including me!) that visiting the Battlo House is like entering a fairy tale. The interior is definitely more over the top than La Pedrera. It features a funky mushroom-shaped fireplace nook on the main floor, a blue-and-white ceramic-slathered atrium, and an attic with parabolic arches. There is barely a straight line in the house and the home is topped with a fanciful dragon-inspired roof.

We went on a Sunday morning at 9:15am – it had just opened at 9am. The visit is not a guided tour, but you are given a very good audio-guide. It took us just one hour to tour – and I looked at everything. I really loved Casa Battlo – it was so creative, whimsical, colorful & curvy. Yes, I dig Gaudi, big time!

• Open from 9am-9pm.
• You can get tickets online to avoid the lines, especially fierce in the mornings.
• It’s not a timed reservation, but it lets you skip to the front of the queue.
• When you book the ticket, you still select a date & time.
• Rick Steves says advance tickets are less necessary than for La Pedrera (but still not a bad idea!)
• Online Ticket Price – 24.5 € / Senior price – 21.50 €
• You may also save money (like 5 €) by buying tickets online.
• Yes, the ticket price is not cheap, but really worth it!

4) Casa Mila / La Pedrera

This Gaudi-designed home, built between 1906-1912, is another icon of Modernisme. It was commissioned by wealthy industrialist Pere Mila (thus Casa Mila). But most call it La Pedrera (the Quarry) because of its jagged, rocky façade. The Mila couple occupied the main floor and rented out the other apartments.

The entry ticket includes non-guided visits to the apartment, attic, and rooftop terrace – spread over 5 floors. Its delightful, undulating rooftop is a forest of colorful tiled chimneys & stairwells – the crowd favorite, for sure!

We booked our La Pedrera/Casa Mila timed entry ticket for Monday at 9:00am (right when it opened). Like Casa Battlo, the entry comes with a free & good audio-guide. A small elevator first took us to the roof. So, we were on the rooftop by 9:15am when it was still relatively un-crowded. I loved the Darth Vader looking chimneys – while others have described them as medieval knights guarding the roof.

You then take the stairs down one flight to the cool Attic & its interesting Gaudi museum. Another level down is the Pedrera Apartment, which recreates the life of an affluent Barcelona family in the early 20th century with its furnishings. We spent a total of 1.5 fascinating hours touring La Pedrera.

• La Pedrera Website
• Hours: 9am-8pm
• Lines can be very long (up to 1.5 hours) – so it’s best to reserve tickets ahead
• Online tickets have an assigned entry time
• If you don’t have a reserved ticket, it’s best to arrive right when it opens
• Ticket Cost : La Pedrera By Day (usual entry) – 22 € / Senior – 16.50 €
• Note: The Roof Terrace is closed if it’s raining (could be slippery.)

5) Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is certainly Antoni Gaudi’s opus! His grand unfinished masterpiece was begun in 1883 under his careful watch. Barcelona has a goal of finishing the massive church project by 2026, the centennial of Gaudi’s untimely death. Of the 18 towers Gaudí planned for the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, there are presently eight completed; four on the Nativity facade and four on the Passion facade.

Without question, Sagrada Familia is a visitor MUST SEE (inside & out). Visitors get a closeup view of the dramatic exterior, the other-worldly, rainforest-esque interior, and access to a fine museum detailing the design & construction of the church and the pure genius of Gaudi. It’s truly a thrill to witness the bold, wildly creative, unmistakably organic architecture and décor – both exterior & interior.

We booked a 1.5 hour tour of Sagrada Familia (exterior & interior) online through Viator. The actual tour was contracted out to locally-based Amigo Tours. The 40 € (~$48) cost included the admission ticket (with bypass the lines access) & the tour guide. Our Sunday tour began at 3:30pm right outside the church.

Our tour group was divided into Spanish & English speakers with separate guides. My 16-person English-speaking group had Jordi as our guide – and he was good. Plus, we each got special earphones to hear the guide’s commentary inside the packed-with-people church. Most of our tour time was spent inside the church.

After the formal tour ended, we could (and did!) go back inside the church and look around some more, plus Regina & I went down to the excellent Museum located one level below the church. Besides fascinating exhibits about Sagrada Familia & Gaudi, you can also view the current workshop (staffed with about 15-20 architects) and look down another level into the crypt where Gaudi is buried.

• Sagrada Familia Website – excellent website
• Sagrada Familia Photo Gallery
• Hours – 9am-8pm
• Located 1.5 miles north of Placa Catalunya – you can take a metro there
• It’s helpful to do a Tour of Sagrada Familia. You’ll want to look for those that include “skip the line!” access & make sure they include tours of the interior.
• Here’s a Skip the Line Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour on Viator – it’s similar to what we did. It does not include Tower visits. Cost around $47/pp (USD).
• We were at Sagrada Familia for around 2.5 hours, so make sure to allow enough time to enjoy the museum & church after your tour ends. This does not include time to do the Tower, which might add 30 minutes or more ( see below ).
• Ticket Costs for Sagrada Familia – Church (basic visit) – 15 € / 22 € includes audio-guide / 29 € includes tower visit
• Sagrada Familia itself offers 50-minute guided tours..

Best Times to Visit

Rick Steves recommends later in the day – he says it’s less busy after 4pm (might have something to do with cruise ship passengers!). He says it’s most crowded in the AM. Waits can be up to 45 minutes at peak times. In addition, in the later afternoons, you can get beautiful afternoon light thru the stained-glass windows. FYI: My  window photos were taken between 4-5pm.

Touring the Church Towers

Click photo of tower steps inside church to enlarge

In addition, you can make a visit up to one of the two towers on the Passion Façade or Nativity Façade. You will need to buy a separate ticket (possibly timed) for an additional 4.5 €. You take an elevator up (I’ve read only 6 people at a time). But to get down – apparently things have changed recently – all visitors must now walk down the steep, winding stone staircase of around 300 steps.

With my fear of heights, I opted not to do the tower visit after looking at photos and reading some online reviews. It sounds like the stairs can be crowded and a bit claustrophobic – and some people loved it and others did not. Apparently, the views of Barcelona at the top aren’t all that great. Sources quoted better places for views, like Montjuic Hill and Park Guell. Ironically, it turned out the towers were closed our day because of recent rain and slippery surfaces. Phew…

6) Park Guell

Viewing Terrace with Mosaic Balcony / Photo credit: Park Guell

Park Guell ( pronounced like Gway ) is another of the city’s beloved Gaudi icons. Tucked into the foothills at the edge of Barcelona, this whimsical park offers colorful mosaics, fountains and stunning city views (minus the 300 church steps down!) It was designed by Gaudi as part of an upscale housing development for early 20th century urbanites.

In 2013, to control the massive crowds flooding the park, they created the Monumental Zone – the part of the park with the most popular sights. This fairly compact zone includes a pair of gingerbread-style houses, the grand staircase with a ceramic dragon fountain, the Hall of 100 Columns, and a spectacular view terrace with its undulating, tile-shard decorated balcony (above). The Zone requires an admission fee and a timed entry to visit.

Outside the Monumental Zone, Park Guell contains a pleasant network of trails with additional viewpoints, picnic areas, and a Gaudi House museum. In fact, the house was Gaudi’s home for 20 years.

Map Credit: Park Guell / Monumental Zone in deeper colors

What I Did / My Experience

Photo Credit: Park Guell / Staircase, dragon fountain, hall of 100 columns supporting the viewing terrace above

Since Regina had already seen the Park, I booked a reserved ticket for Sunday at 6:30pm, following our afternoon tour of Sagrada Familia. Since there is no convenient one-stop public transport to Park Guell, I took a taxi from the church (12 €). After first touring the lower sights of the Monumental Zone, I arrived at the famed View Terrace around 7:20pm. However, no matter what time of day, the Park is always filled with people – a mix of Barcelonans and tourists alike.

Unfortunately, some of the Terrace (Nature Square) was under renovation ( photo above ). However, it was still great for the Barcelona city views but not so pretty for photos. From the Terrace, I departed the Zone to explore other parts of the Park, passing by the “pretty in pink” Gaudi House. I headed up the road and some trails to arrive to the top of the hill to Casa Trias for even better city views – and some needed walking exercise for my pre-Camino legs!

• Park Guell Website – excellent
• Park Hours (spring/summer) – 8am-9:30pm
• To be guaranteed entry to the Monumental Zone, it is strongly recommended that you buy an advance ticket with a timed entry since they limit numbers.
• The timed entry ticket allows you to enter up to a half hour past the time on your ti cket. For example, with my 6:30pm ticket, I could enter the Zone only between 6:30-7:00pm.
• Ticket Cost is 7.5 € online / 8.5 € at the ticket office (gate)
• The Park does offer 50-minute Guided Tours. See Website for details .
• The tickets for visiting the Monumental Zone do not include the Gaudi House Museum .
• There is a separate ticket (with no line) for the Gaudi House Museum. Cost is 5.5 €.
• There is no cost to visit the other areas of Park Guell that lie outside the Monumental Zone. If you can, do take some time to enjoy other parts of the park – and enjoy those views!

7) Barcelona Food Scene – Foodies Rejoice!

You will never go hungry in Barcelona. Instead, you will be dazzled by all the wonderful food choices. Per Rick Steves: As the capital of Catalan cuisine, Barcelona offers a tremendous variety of colorful places to eat – from workaday eateries to homey Catalan bistros (cans) to crowded tapas bars to avante garde restaurants.

Many eateries serve both stand-up tapas and sit-down meals, often starring seafood. Cafes are filled by day, and people crowd the streets at night, popping into tapas bars for a drink and those delectable bite-sized tapas. Rick recommends the lively neighborhoods of El Born & Barri Gotic (specifically Placa Reial) for tapas & drinks in the early evening.

Unfortunately, our packed schedule didn’t really allow a typical tapas evening, so I can’t personally speak to that experience. However, we did enjoy a wonderful Catalan dinner party one of the nights. (see #8)  Twice, we ate at Flax & Kale , Barcelona’s first healthy flexitarian restaurant (mostly plant-based & oily fish). We had a delicious lunch & a dinner at their two locations with different menus & decors.  Bottom line, all our meals in Barcelona were great!

8) Catalan Dinner Party with Eva & Olga

Regina & I really wanted to have an authentic dining experience with locals while in Barcelona, so we checked out the many offerings on the “EatWith” food-oriented website. We were excited to book a “Catalan Dinner Party” (max. group size of 6-8 people) for Saturday evening with hosts Eva & Olga in their home in the Gracia district.

The dinner (scheduled from 8:00-10:30pm) cost 50 € (~$59) per person. That evening, there were a total of 6 guests (3 Germans, 3 Americans) plus Eva & Olga who prepared the multi-course gourmet meal while socializing. And OMG, the Catalan cuisine they served was incredible – from the delectable salad to the melt-in-your-mouth sole with bright violet potatoes to the Catalan Crème dessert, plus wines. (See photos & the printed menu).

Besides the delicious food, we enjoyed wonderful conversation among the whole group. Plus, it was great to get Olga & Eva’s nuanced perspective on the current happenings in Catalunya. I truly feel we made some wonderful new friends. And, if I am lucky enough to return to Barcelona, I’ll be sure to schedule a repeat dinner performance!

• As you can imagine, Regina & I highly recommend an event like Olga & Eva’s Catalan Dinner Party . They only do their dinners on Saturday evenings. They also change the menu each season, always using seasonal market ingredients. Click the blue link above to go to their EatWith listing. ( Note: July 2022 – I do not currently see them listed ).
• EatWith is the world’s largest community for authentic food experiences with locals, in over 130 countries. The offerings include dinner parties, cooking classes, food tours & supper clubs.
• The EatWith website was easy to use. While searching, we could check out potential hosts & their menu and see photos of meal venue & the food. Plus, after booking, we could communicate directly with our hosts through the site.
• FYI: European-based Vizeat recently purchased US-based “Eat With” and now uses the EatWith name for all their food offerings.

9) Explore Montjuic Hill & Its Many Sights

If you’re feeling the need to “get high in the woods,” head to Montjuic – a large wooded hill overlooking Barcelona to the southwest. This beautiful park-like setting is dotted with a variety of museums (including Joan Miro) and other interesting sights. It is topped by Montjuic Castell (fortress/castle).

The castle offers commanding views from its ramparts over the Mediterranean Sea & the busy port of Barcelona, with its many cruise ships and other seafaring vessels. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics and you can visit the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic & Sports Museum high up on Montjuic.

In addition, Barcelona hosted a World Expo in 1929, from which many of the park’s beautiful buildings and sights originated. This includes the Catalan Art Museum housed in the magnificent Palau Nacional – a huge, Italian-style building from that time. Just below is the Magic Fountain , which provides music-enhanced light shows on weekend evenings (usually Thursday-Sunday) during much of the year.

What I Did / My Experience

I visited Montjuic my final afternoon, using Rick Steves recommendations & his trusty Montjuic map. I began by taking a taxi up to the Castle where I took in the grand city & harbor views. From the top of Montjuic, it’s a lot easier to explore the sights by walking downhill! Since it’s quite a big park, I took the Teleferic cable car down from the castle to the Parc station (end of the short line) for 8 €.

From there, I started my exploration – walking down to the beautiful Catalan Art Museum with its grand plaza. I didn’t have time to go inside the museum, but it’s supposed to be excellent. Its plaza provides a wonderful overlook of the magnificent World Expo buildings, the “momentarily dormant” Magic Fountain & the grand boulevard leading out to Placa Espana ( see photo for the area’s classic views ).

After walking down the many steps to street level, I ended my tour & caught a metro at Placa Espana (a major transit center – photo below ) back to my lodging.  I was happy that I had made the “trek” & gotten a “taste” of Montjuic.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / by Canaann / Placa Espana with view of Catalan Art Museum atop the hill in background

10) Bike Ride and/or Bike Tour Along the Waterfront & Citadel Park

Today’s Barcelona is a bike-friendly city filled with bike lanes – in fact, covering over 180km! Many of the large, busy city streets have bike paths running down their wide, tree-lined middle median strips. The paths are filled with both locals and tourists happily & safely cycling along.

Touring by bike is a great way to explore Barcelona, especially along its lively waterfront area. A series of broad, sandy beaches stretch northeast from the Port Olímpic marina – for some 4km all the way to Parc del Fòrum (a setting for outdoor summer concerts and funfairs). The wide beach-front promenades are thronged with pedestrians, joggers & cyclists alike. You can also enjoy lunch in one of the beach bars (“chiringuitos”) close to the Olympic harbor or the many seafood restaurants along the way.

Another popular place to visit by bike (or foot) is the idyllic Parc de la Ciutadella (Citadel Park) – Barcelona’s greenest oasis & a haven for local families, especially on weekends. Formerly a military citadel, it was transformed in 1888 into the park for another World’s Fair. Don’t miss the beautiful “Cascada” – a triumphal arch at the center of a beautiful waterfall & fountain. It was originally designed by Josep Fontsère and his young student, Antoni Gaudi.

Regina & I rented bikes from the very good Rent-A-Bike store in Gracia for 11 € /day.  We did our own bike tour because Regina was already familiar with the route. She & her son had taken a formal Barcelona bike tour just last year and later, they rented bikes from the same shop – so she was my “free” & experienced bike tour guide.

We spent about 2.5 hours on the bikes, working our way down to the waterfront along busy streets – but on the safe bike paths. Then, it was pure delight cycling along the wonderful waterfront promenade. I felt like I was back home in Southern California! Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stop at one of the “chiringuitos” beach bars for a bite of seafood.

Helpful Tips/ Recommendations for Bike Tours

• You will probably want to rent bikes closer to the waterfront, for easier navigation & quicker access.
• However, you might want to consider taking one of the many guided bike tours offered in Barcelona.
• I don’t have personal recommendations of companies but here’s a good article (Aug. 2017) on the Best Bicycle Tours in Barcelona.
• Bike Tours Barcelona was one of the first companies to start offering bike tours in Barcelona & has been operating since 1995. They are the first company listed in the above article & do sound very good.
• BTB’s Classic Bike Tour combined visits to the heart of the old city with the seaside (Barceloneta Beach) and Citadel Park. Duration is 2 to 3 hours. Seems like a really great combo – something I might do on my next trip to Barcelona!

This blog post has finally come to an end. Phew, we’ve covered a lot of territory. I hope this “Barcelona resource guide” has helped you better understand the many wonderful sights & activities that Barcelona offers – and will be a valuable resource to you as you plan your visit to Spain’s magical city!

***Barcelona Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus Tours:  Even though I didn’t do one of these tours (so I can’t make any personal recommendations), I wanted to mention that Barcelona also offers this good sightseeing option. Check out the following two companies to learn more:

• Barcelona Bus Turistic
• Barcelona City Tour  

Happy Travels to Barcelona

COMMENTS : Have you already visited Barcelona? If so, what were some of your favorite experiences? Any new ones to add to the list?  If not yet visited, is Barcelona on your Travel Wish List?

You might also like:

Did you enjoy this post? Want more?

Want to get Planet Janet’s fresh travel inspiration, photos, tips & advice direct to your inbox every week?

• Enter email address *

(No spam. Unsubscribe anytime)

Post a Comment Cancel reply

I love comments on my blog, and appreciate your feedback. To be as useful as possible, a few rules apply to comments.

• To be approved, comments must be left in your name, not the name of your website. (So, "Mary from Travel R Us” is not an acceptable comment name.)
• Comments need to be respectful. I welcome criticism, even if not constructive, but ad hominem attacks will be removed.
• If a comment is solely promotional in nature, I will not approve it.

Your email address will not be published.

• Barcelona Travel Stories

• Travel Stories

Latest Post

Join our subscriber list to receive the best tips on solo travel, helpful travel guides, inspirational travel stories, and more. You can unsubscribe anytime with just one click.

Read What You Like

Subscribe to our gaffl newsletter.

Get the inside scoop on the best destinations, stories, and travel hacks. Join our community and subscribe to the GAFFL Blog now!

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

What GAFFL Users Are Saying

"It’s really nice to have a platform like GAFFL with lots of travelers wanting to do the same as you, a real beautiful cultural exchange. You can meet people so easily and in a trustful way. We were four girls, from French, German and American backgrounds, without knowing each other from before. We spent an amazing week together, 2000km driving, camping on the way. We saw kangaroos, koalas, penguins and pelicans"

“I have found GAFFL to be an amazing tool for finding similar minded travel partners to embark on an adventure. Through GAFFL, I had organized a trip to Mexico City last month and Quazi joined the trip from Victoria, BC. We spent 14 days of straight exploring, hiking, eating and drinking. Quite an amazing experience - all thanks to GAFFL!”

"I accidentally scrolled across GAFFL and I'm so pleased I did. I met Amaia and immediately decided to road-trip together. We're spending 10 days together and it's great because we have so much in common. Couldn't have done it without GAFFL helping us find one another! It has honestly made NZ so much cheaper to explore as I get to split the costs with someone too​"

Travel Stories in Barcelona

• Kala Pattar Travel Stories
• Yellowknife Travel Stories
• Vancouver Travel Stories
• Tofino Travel Stories
• Zion National Park Travel Stories
• Canyonlands National Park Travel Stories
• Ha Long Bay Travel Stories
• Ha Giang Travel Stories
• Puerto Princesa Travel Stories
• Manila Travel Stories
• Kyoto Travel Stories
• Osaka Travel Stories
• San Sebastián Travel Stories
• Tarragona Travel Stories
• Zaragoza Travel Stories
• Valencia Travel Stories
• Lisbon Travel Stories
• Porto Travel Stories
• Kuala Lumpur Travel Stories
• Seoul Travel Stories
• Pattaya Travel Stories
• Fraser Island Travel Stories
• Hanoi Travel Stories
• Broome Travel Stories
• Queenstown Travel Stories
• Christchurch Travel Stories
• Los Angeles Travel Stories
• London Travel Stories
• Perth Travel Stories
• Bangkok Travel Stories
• Bali Travel Stories
• Melbourne Travel Stories

Learn more about Barcelona

• Barcelona -Travel Stories
• Barcelona -Things to do
• Barcelona -Road Trips
• Barcelona -Travel Itineraries
• Barcelona -Day Trips
• Barcelona -Digital Nomad Tips
• Barcelona -Solo Travel Tips

Travel Guide for Top Cities in Spain

• Kala Pattar Travel Guide
• Yellowknife Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide
• Tofino Travel Guide
• Zion National Park Travel Guide
• Canyonlands National Park Travel Guide
• Ha Long Bay Travel Guide
• Ha Giang Travel Guide
• Puerto Princesa Travel Guide
• Manila Travel Guide
• Kyoto Travel Guide
• Osaka Travel Guide
• Barcelona Travel Guide
• San Sebastián Travel Guide
• Tarragona Travel Guide
• Zaragoza Travel Guide
• Valencia Travel Guide
• Lisbon Travel Guide
• Porto Travel Guide
• Madrid Travel Guide
• Málaga Travel Guide
• Seville Travel Guide
• Granada Travel Guide
• Budapest Travel Guide
• Debrecen Travel Guide
• Bucharest Travel Guide
• Cluj-Napoca Travel Guide
• Brașov Travel Guide
• Prague Travel Guide
• Brno Travel Guide
• Tallinn Travel Guide
• Berlin Travel Guide
• Munich Travel Guide
• Frankfurt Travel Guide
• Cologne Travel Guide
• Zagreb Travel Guide
• Split Travel Guide
• Dubrovnik Travel Guide
• Sofia Travel Guide
• Plovdiv Travel Guide
• Athens Travel Guide
• Crete Travel Guide
• Chania Travel Guide
• Golden Circle Iceland Travel Guide
• Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide
• Calgary Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Yosemite National Park Travel Guide
• Milan Travel Guide
• Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide
• San José, Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Seoul Travel Guide
• Cape Town Travel Guide
• Pattaya Travel Guide
• Esperance Travel Guide
• Rishikesh Travel Guide
• Seattle Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Cairo Travel Guide
• Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
• Mumbai Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Airlie Beach Travel Guide
• Exmouth Travel Guide
• Grand Canyon National Park Travel Guide
• Singapore Travel Guide
• Miami Travel Guide
• Hanoi Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Mexico City Travel Guide
• Wellington Travel Guide
• Banff National Park Travel Guide
• New Delhi Travel Guide
• Tokyo Travel Guide
• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• San Francisco Travel Guide
• Reykjavik Travel Guide
• Cancún Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Hobart (Tasmania) Travel Guide
• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• Queenstown Travel Guide
• Phuket City Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Las Vegas Travel Guide
• Christchurch Travel Guide
• Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Dubai Travel Guide
• Adelaide Travel Guide
• Manali, Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide
• Byron Bay Travel Guide
• London Travel Guide
• Auckland Travel Guide
• Darwin Travel Guide
• Istanbul Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Paris Travel Guide
• New York City Travel Guide
• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Bali Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Goa Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide

Travel Buddies Near Barcelona

• Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park Travel Buddy
• Barcelona Travel Buddy
• Madrid Travel Buddy
• Seville Travel Buddy
• Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport Travel Buddy
• Barcelona–El Prat Airport Travel Buddy
• Málaga Airport Travel Buddy
• Alicante–Elche Airport Travel Buddy
• Gran Canaria Airport Travel Buddy
• Tenerife–South Airport Travel Buddy
• Lanzarote Airport Travel Buddy
• Valencia Airport Travel Buddy
• Fuerteventura Airport Travel Buddy
• Seville Airport Travel Buddy
• Bilbao Airport Travel Buddy
• Aneto Travel Buddy
• Pica d'Estats (Spain) Travel Buddy
• Pico Posets Travel Buddy
• Maladeta Travel Buddy
• Veleta (Sierra Nevada) Travel Buddy
• Puigmal (Spain) Travel Buddy
• Turó de l'Home Travel Buddy
• Perdiguero Travel Buddy
• Pic de la Munia Travel Buddy
• Caminito del Rey Travel Buddy
• Pico del Caballo Travel Buddy
• Doñana National Park Travel Buddy
• Monfragüe Travel Buddy
• Guadarrama National Park Travel Buddy
• Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park Travel Buddy
• Mallorca Travel Buddy
• Murcia Travel Buddy
• Minorca Travel Buddy
• Lanzarote Travel Buddy
• Gran Canaria Travel Buddy
• Ibiza Travel Buddy
• Granada Travel Buddy
• Valencia Travel Buddy
• Málaga Travel Buddy
• Palma, Majorca Travel Buddy
• Córdoba, Spain Travel Buddy
• Toledo, Spain Travel Buddy
• Santiago de Compostela Travel Buddy
• La Palma Travel Buddy
• Segovia Travel Buddy
• Marbella Travel Buddy
• Bilbao Travel Buddy
• Ronda Travel Buddy

The Partying Traveler

Survival of the littest.

The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Barcelona, Spain | 2024

Some people consider Barcelona to be overrated. I am the furthest thing from one of those people. Few cities out there know how to enjoy life as much as Barcelona. If you’re looking for an unforgettable destination that has it all, look no further than Barcelona. I’ve visited this vibrant city on the Mediterranean five times now and not once has it lost its luster. Barcelona is oozing with culture, mouthwatering food, stunning architecture, and sizzling nightlife. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran of the city, this travel guide will help you experience everything Barcelona has to offer, while sticking to a backpacker’s budget.

This post contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.

Table of Contents

• Which Neighborhood To Stay in Barcelona
• The Best Hostels in Barcelona

How To Get Around Barcelona

• Top Attractions in Barcelona
• Food Markets and Restaurants
• Beaches of Barcelona
• Day Trips from Barcelona

Nightlife Guide to Barcelona

Safety tips for barcelona.

Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy while you’re off adventuring across the world. I use  SafetyWing  to keep me covered throughout my travels for as low as $40 a month.

Where To Stay in Barcelona

Barcelona is a huge city with a wide variety of neighborhoods to cater to any type of traveler. Each barrio (neighborhood) has its own unique atmosphere and attractions, so picking the right one is key. If it’s your first time in Barcelona and sightseeing is your main priority, then El Raval or La Barceloneta might be the one for you. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe with plenty of bars and cafes, try out El Born or Gracia. My personal favorite neighborhoods would be El Born, El Raval, and Gracia, but you truly can’t go wrong with wherever you choose to stay.

To start off your trip to Barcelona right, booking the right hostel is crucial. Barcelona is home to dozens upon dozens of hostels to choose from. From stylish boutique hostels to modern bar/hostel hybrids, there’s something for everyone in every price range. Keep in mind that prices go up exponentially during the extremely busy summer season, so booking a hostel in advance is important. Trust me, I usually wing it when it comes to places to stay. I made that mistake when I was left with only overpriced and poorly-reviewed hostels to choose from this past summer.

Barcelona’s hostel scene has got a lot of winners, though. Here are some of my favorites.

Best Hostels in Barcelona

St. Christopher’s Inn is just a few blocks away from Placa de Catalunya, putting you in the heart of Barcelona’s tourist center. It’s at the gateway of Las Ramblas, making it ideal for sightseers and first-timers to Barcelona. St. Christopher’s is one of the best hostel chains in Europe, and provides a great social atmosphere. They’ve got their own bar downstairs where it’s easy to meet your fellow travelers or partake in some pregaming before a wild Barcelona night out. They’re not strictly a party hostel, either, so it’s great for those who want to prioritize exploring.

A couple of blocks away from St. Christopher’s Inn is Toc Hostel . The hostel has amazing facilities, including a rooftop pool, outdoor terrace, bar, laundry room, common kitchen, and a beautiful common area for socializing or relaxing. I stayed here for over a week and it was a great mix of social and chill. I’d say it’s on the quieter end of hostels, but it’s a beautiful property and perfect for groups of travelers who might not prioritize meeting new people.

Generator Hostel is in the Gracia neighborhood, and wow, you’ll hardly believe it’s a hostel. It’s a modern, trendy property with some beautiful aesthetics. It is definitely on the pricier end, but if you are a little looser with your budget, it is worth splurging for.

Kabul Party Hostel was the first hostel in Barcelona, and with a history like that, easily one of the most tried-and-true party hostels in Europe. It’s located right off bustling Las Ramblas, so if you’ve got a high social battery and are ready for a good time, this is the one for you.

There are dozens more to choose from, but these three are some of the best. Personally, St. Christopher’s Inn was my favorite due to its location and social atmosphere that isn’t too heavy on the wild side.

No matter what neighborhood you end up staying in, Barcelona is well-connected and easy to get around. Take advantage of Barcelona’s fantastic public transportation system. It can get you anywhere in the city quickly and cheaply, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost or spending too much on taxis. Hostels within the touristic center can be expensive, so staying elsewhere isn’t an issue thanks to all the metros and buses that run throughout the city.

The nice thing about Barcelona’s public transport system is that there are plenty of bundles to help you save money, as opposed to paying for each individual ride. A single ride will cost you 2.40 euros, but buying a 10-ride pass will work out to just over 1 euro per ride. There are multi-day passes with unlimited rides as well, giving you options on how you want to bundle up and save money. For a full breakdown, you can check out this detailed post covering public transportation in Barcelona .

The Best Things To Do in Barcelona

Now that your accommodation has been sorted out it’s time to hit the streets. Traveling on a backpacker’s budget doesn’t mean sacrificing an amazing experience in Barcelona. With so many things to do, see, and eat, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Start by wandering around the city and taking in all the sights. Amble slowly down Las Ramblas or Passeig de Gracia , long, lively streets filled with beautiful architecture, museums, and shops. Wind your way through the alleyways of the Gothic Quarter , taking every opportunity to get lost and stray off the beaten path.

The Must-See Sights of Barcelona

The most iconic landmarks in Barcelona are the colorful Park Guell and breathtaking La Sagrada Familia . Despite being very touristy places, both are totally worth the visit.

The interior of La Sagrada is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Those stain-glassed windows are simply a masterpiece. Park Guell is also a work of art in itself. Every aspect of the park is intricately detailed. Be sure to book tickets to these in advance as they can be fully booked if you try to book the day of. This is especially true during the busy summer season. If you want to avoid waiting in line outdoors in Barcelona’s sweltering summer heat, book those tickets in advance. It wasn’t until my third time in Barcelona that I actually visited La Sagrada and Park Guell, all because I procrastinated buying tickets until they were all sold out for the entire duration of my stay in Barcelona.

Close to Park Guell, you’ll find Carmel Bunkers , one of my absolute favorite sunset spots in the world. Hike up the small hill for some stunning panoramic views of the city and the coastline. It’s a great spot for sunset with amazing vibes all around. There’ll be plenty of other people there, but it really adds to the atmosphere as it’s buzzing with music and people just having fun.

There is so much more to Barcelona than just the main attractions. While Barcelona has become more expensive over the years, there are plenty of activities that you can do that won’t put a hole in your pocket. Take a bike tour of the city , or go to one of Barcelona’s many flea markets. Ciutadella Park is perfect for a chill day spent relaxing in a green area with some beautiful architecture. Take a look around and you’ll be sure to stumble into Barcelona’s ubiquitous street art scene, or escape the city and head up to Montjuic Castle . If museum-hopping is your thing, Barcelona’s got you covered there, too. The Picasso Museum and the MOCO (Museum of Contemporary Art) are two essentials. From the lively nightlife scene to the stunning architecture of Antoni Gaudi, you won’t be disappointed by the endless array of things to do. Be sure to take advantage of Barcelona’s extensive public transportation system to get around easily and maximize your time.

Food and Markets in Barcelona

Finally, don’t forget to sample some of Barcelona’s cuisine. From local tapas bars to Michelin-starred fine dining, you’ve got options in Barcelona. While my broke backpacker ass can’t tell you anything about those Michelin-starred restaurants, I can tell you that staying fed in Barcelona can be done on a budget. While it may cost more than street food, eating out at local restaurants is still relatively affordable compared to other cities in Europe.

Budget eats include the 100 Montaditos chain with several locations throughout the city, all home to cheap beer and tapas. Another favorite of mine is Can Paixano in El Born, with cheap bottles of wine and a variety of cheap tapas and bar snacks.

El Xampanyet is just down the street, and a lively spot with great food and cheap-ish drinks, although the food is a little pricier. If you feel like splurging, Canete is one of my favorite spots on the pricier end. I wish I could list a few more restaurants, but the only other ones I have saved on Google Maps are Miss Simona right next to La Sagrada, and Bar Jai-Ca over in Barceloneta.

There are an overwhelming amount of options for dining in Barcelona, and if the first thing that came to mind was a chain restaurant with cheap beer, then I’m not sure I’m in a position of authority to tell you where to eat in Barcelona. Nightlife, on the other hand, I’ll cover that later.

Food markets are also a great option for eating cheap on the go. A popular market for tourists and locals alike is La Boqueria , offering fresh seafood, fruit, meats, and plenty of ready-to-eat tapas and snacks. Being right off Las Ramblas, it is quite touristy and packed, but they offer a wide variety at relatively decent prices. El Mercat del Ninot is another food market, similar to La Boqueria in some ways but noticeably more local. Over in Gracia, you’ll find Mercat de l’Abaceria , another food market. Be sure to stop by as it’s just a short walk from La Sagrada. If you’re sticking to an even stricter budget, buying groceries at a supermarket and cooking at your hostel kitchen will help save even more money.

Barcelona is also home to a big flea market scene that can be fun to explore or shop on a budget. Mercat del Encants and El Rastro del Virgen are the most famous ones, full of quirky trinkets and vintage clothing to be uncovered.

The Beaches of Barcelona

Of course, Barcelona’s location right on the Mediterranean can’t be ignored. While Spain boasts dozens of more beautiful beaches than those in Barcelona, a walk along Barcelona’s lively and bustling beachfront is still a vibe. Barceloneta Beach is one of the city’s most popular beaches. Although often crowded, it has plenty of space and easy access to restaurants, bars, and shops. If you’re looking for something more low key and off-the-beaten path, try out Bogatell or Badalona instead. Both are great places to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. For even more solitude, head outside the city where you’ll find plenty of options along Spain’s famed Costa Brava .

Take a Day Trip to Montserrat Monastery

One of the best day trips from Barcelona is the Montserrat Monastery and the nearby hiking trails. Getting to Montserrat is easy enough, although a guided tour like this one might be the most convenient way to visit. If you want to visit on your own, just buy a combined train + cable car ticket from Plaza España’s metro station. It costs about 25 euros for a return trip and the hour-long journey will take you right to the doorstep of the hilltop monastery.

While there, one can visit the monastery or go hiking. We opted to skip the monastery, although roamed through the grounds for a little bit. Our main priority was hiking, and it took about three hours total to hike up to Sant Jeroni, the highest point in the area. It’s a beautiful hike, and the landscapes and geological formations are truly unique. The trail is easy to follow and well-maintained. Just keep in mind that there will be a lot of steep stretches. There is an option to take a funicular to the trailhead, although we decided to punish ourselves with 30 minutes of nonstop stairs to get to the starting point of the hike. It’s a beautiful way to spend a day outside of the hustle and bustle of Barcelona.

Take a Day Trip to Girona

If you’re looking for another great day trip from Barcelona, then head to Girona . This city is one of the most beautiful and historically rich towns in Catalonia. You’ll find several medieval monuments such as the Cathedral of Santa María de Girona and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligans. You can also explore the Jewish Quarter, shop at cute boutiques, or take a stroll throughout Parc de la Devesa. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike up Montgri Mountain or go kayaking on Río Ter. Whatever you do, don’t forget to grab some lunch at one of Girona’s many cafes and restaurants. They offer some of the best Catalan cuisine around. And hey, you might even consider extending your day trip and spending a night or two there.

Take a Day Trip to Andorra

If you’re feeling really adventurous, it’s possible to pop on over to Andorra for the day. To be honest, I don’t know how you’d sort this out on your own, and I’d recommend spending at least a full day or two exploring Andorra. I understand that Barcelona attracts many short-term travelers, though, and collecting another passport stamp by visiting Andorra can easily be done from Barcelona. Here’s a guided tour option that will take you to three countries in a day.

Like I said, I might not be a culinary expert, but I do know where the party is. Barcelona’s nightlife is legendary, and there’s no shortage of fun to be had after the sizzling Spanish sun sets. From buzzing clubs in El Raval to chic rooftop bars in El Born, you can find something for every taste and budget. Barcelona is good for the soul but tough on the liver.

In El Born, I’m a huge fan of Can Paixano and El Xampanyet . They are perfect for cheap drinks with good food. With 1.70 euro glasses of cava, it’s easy to get drunk on a budget at Can Paixano . El Xampanyet is a little on the pricier end, but the food is incredible and the drinks are still quite cheap. For cocktail bars, you’ve got quite a few options in El Born. Mariposa Negra and Bar Brutal are some good spots with a unique vibe, and of course, there’s Paradiso .

Paradiso is a must-visit, once named the best bar in the world . It’s home to some crafty bartenders that cook up unique cocktails. It is quite popular, so expect to wait in line or come back when it’s less busy. Paradiso is quite pricy, so I’d recommend just getting a cocktail or two for the experience. On that same list of best bars, you’ll find Sips sitting at third place. While I didn’t visit, it’s pretty centrally-located and should be worth checking out.

Gothic Quarter

A short walk from El Born is the Gothic Quarter. While El Born is perfect for cozy bars with unique vibes, the Gothic Quarter is home to clubs and parties that go late into the night. Jamboree is quite popular among backpackers and travelers, partially thanks to its location right next to Kabul Party Hostel. Surprisingly, it’s still a pretty-frequented spot by locals as well. It’s a guaranteed good time if you’re unsure of where to go. Marula Cafe might be my favorite nightlife spot in the Gothic Quarter. They often have live performances before a DJ comes on and spins house and latin beats late into the night.

Port Olimpic

If you’re looking for a wild night out, there are the massive mega clubs near Port Olimpic. Opium , Shoko , Pacha , and Carpe Diem are places to experience at least once during your visit to Barcelona. Just be prepared to spend quite a bit of money unless you’ve pregamed beforehand. The crowd is mostly young tourists, but occasionally, they’ll have some big name DJs or artists that attracts a more diverse crowd. I’ve been to most of the big clubs in Barcelona, and I think they’re worth going exactly once.

For a more relaxed vibe, head over to Gracia. Gracia is a more residential neighborhood, but has no shortage of cozy bars and cramped dance floors to enjoy. El Ciclista is a cocktail bar with $5 gin and tonics, but personally, I think Gracia is perfect for sipping on a beer in a plaza before finding out where the party is. Virreina Square, Plaza de la Revolution, and Plaza del Sol are home to a number of bars with outdoor seating before getting the party going. I salsa-ed the night away at Gracia Latina before stumbling down to a hole-in-the-wall rave in a place whose name has been lost in the abysses of a boozed-up backpacker’s brain. After browsing through Google Maps, I believe it was called Switch .

Located in Poblenou, another lively place to visit is Razzmatazz , a huge nightclub often home to live music or artsy shows. Book your tickets in advance, though, or else you’ll have limited chance of actually making it in. World-renowned electronic DJs, reggaeton superstars, and artists of every genre play shows at Razzmatazz regularly, so keep an eye out to see who’s around the same time as you are. A couple of blocks away, you’ll find Wolf , which is an adequate backup plan.

If you’re traveling solo or simply don’t know where to start, head over to your hostel’s pub crawl as they’ll be sure to take you on a club-hopping adventure to (not) remember. I have a love/hate relationship with hostel pub crawls, but can’t deny that they are a great way to meet people. I’ve done a few in Barcelona. They don’t necessarily take you to the finest establishments, as admittedly, the nicest clubs don’t need hostel pub crawls for business. However, if you have a good group of people all sharing the same goal of having a good time, then any floor can be a dance floor.

While Barcelona is generally safe for visitors, there are still some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

From experience, I can tell you that Barcelona is pickpocket central. Keep an eye on your possessions, because if you aren’t, someone else is. Drunk tourists are an easy target, but even if you’re sound of mind, you are far from safe. Be extra careful on public transportation, making sure to hold on to your bags and phones at all times. Same goes for eating out, especially outdoors. Try to keep your backpack or purse attached to you, because these guys can be really sneaky.

Scammers are another thing to beware of in Barcelona. Of course, there’s always a tourist tax so things will typically be pricier as a tourist than as a local. However, you’ll likely encounter some new, creative ways that people will try to separate you from your money. I’ve also experienced this firsthand with some crooks asking me for small bills to pay for their taxi. They handed me a counterfeit 100 euro bill and I gave them a pair of 50s hoping it would help. I quickly realized my mistake, but they were long-gone by then. If something seems off, then it probably is.

From pickpockets to scammers, it pays to stay alert and aware of your surroundings while exploring the city.

Barcelona is your oyster. It’s home to such a wide variety of activities and unique places that it’d be impossible to craft a perfect itinerary. Each individual is different, and Barcelona rewards the independent traveler looking to make their own way. This guide is a good place to start, but I implore you to go beyond travel blogs and guidebooks and discover Barcelona for yourself. You’ll fall in love with what you’ll find.

Buy Me A Beer!

If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by  buying me a beer ! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.

Share this:

One thought on “ the backpacker’s travel guide to barcelona, spain | 2024 ”.

Barcelona is a beautiful destination for a short city break in Europe, I visited it again last spring with delight!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from the partying traveler.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Travel Tips and Stories of Barcelona in Spain

Find inspiration with pictures, tips and stories of Barcelona from travelers sharing their experiences

Book your trip to Barcelona and remunerate who inspired you

Landmark in Barcelona, Spain

In Poble Nou ( Barcelona ) there are still living real people in these kind of buildings which I do appreciate a lot.

Town in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona street full with housewifes captured.

Travelling through Barcelona streets at night bring lots of nice frames to catch… luckily I had my tripod with me so i could perform a long exposure shot.

From within La Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona , Spain . One of the most beautiful pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen… and the colorful windows give the church a rainbow lighting

The Arc de Triomf is a triumphal arch in the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain .

Swimming in Barcelona, Spain

Swimming and enjoying the alone-time in the ocean...

The upper part of an Egyptian style tower in front of the National Museum of Art of Catalonia

Ocean in Barcelona, Spain

Vintage shoes towards the Mediterranean sea, in Barcelona 🇪🇸

Skyline in Barcelona, Spain

Views from Barcelona from a hill in a winter's afternoon

Temple in Barcelona, Spain

'Pat,Tricia and Dorothy by the base of Christopher Columbus Statue. Barcelona , Spain ' - August 1958

Shore in Port of Barcelona, Spain

Girl walking with a background of Barcelona's port

Rooftop view during a beautiful and rare stormy sunset in Barcelona , my hometown. This is the best way to catch a breath of fresh air during mandatory confinement in Spain due to the coronavirus crisis.

Historic site in Barcelona, Spain

Inside one of the towers from the Sagrada Familia Basilica

Old buildings architecture in Barcelona , Spain .

Archaeological site in Barcelona, Spain

Santa Eulalia’s Festival, Celebrating the bravery of a unique child The story of #Eulalia dates back to ancient days of #Christian persecution in # Barcelona , during the era of #Roman emperor Diocletian. Eulalia was a young Christian that lived in the countryside of Barcelona which is now called Sarrià. Eulalia was a strong #humanrights activist who refused to recant her faith in Christianity, speaking out against the #dictatorship of emperor Diocletian. For this reason, she was subjected to severe torture by the Roman army.

Exploring the city streets of downtown Barcelona .

Viewpoint looking over Barcelona 's stunning city.

Bridge in Barcelona, Spain

Port Vell Aerial Tramway in Barcelona , Spain .

Sagrada de Familia in spring blossom, Barcelona , Spain

A beautiful curved residential building in Barcelona .

All the Best Places to Visit around the world

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The 17 best things to do in Barcelona

By Jennifer Ceaser

There is a dizzying array of things to do in Barcelona  – so many that it can be hard to narrow it down. After you’ve ticked the boxes on Antoni Gaudí’s Modernisme masterpieces – Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera – escape the crowds and explore some of the city’s lesser-known architectural treasures, including the world’s largest Art Nouveau site, Sant Pau Recinto Modernista. Not in a sightseeing mood? Then take advantage of Barcelona’s sunny Mediterranean climate: spend the day on an urban beach, enjoy long lunches in lovely restaurants , relax with a sundowner on a hotel terrace, and keep the party going at one of the city’s many cocktail bars and nightclubs. From must-see attractions to undiscovered local gems, these are our picks for Barcelona's best things to do.

1. Discover Gaudí by night

Even with timed ticketing systems, Gaudí’s most famous residential buildings, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera), are plagued by long queues and daytime crowds. So for a more intimate experience, book a night tour – which limits the number of visitors and includes perks like live music and a free glass of Cava. Casa Batlló’s Magic Nights take place from  March to November, including an interactive self-guided tour of the house and a rooftop concert; tickets start at around £45. La Pedrera’s Night Experience operates year-round and features small-group guided tours of the courtyard and magnificent arched attic (though not the apartment), culminating in a visit to the roof terrace, where a fantastical light show plays out across its swirling chimneys. Admission is £34 and, in June and July , you can enjoy a live rooftop jazz concert included in the price.

Addresses: Casa Batlló, Pg. de Gràcia 43, 08007 Barcelona; La Pedrera, Pg. de Gràcia 92, 08007 Barcelona Websites: casabatllo.es ; lapedrera.com

2. Explore less-crowded Modernista gems

While Gaudí is the undisputed king of Catalan Modernisme, he wasn’t the only one working in this fanciful architectural style. A short stroll uphill from the Sagrada Familia is the world’s largest Art Nouveau site, Sant Pau Recinto Modernista, designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner in 1901. The former hospital complex spans nine city blocks and comprises dozens of red-brick buildings decked with flamboyant spires, colourful mosaic-tiled domed roofs, and ornate stained-glass windows – all surrounding beautifully landscaped courtyards. Close to Plaça d’Espanya is a marvellous example of industrial Modernisme architecture: the 1911 Casaramona factory designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, now home to the CaixaForum Barcelona art gallery. Crenellated rooftops, towers, and Moorish elements recall Spain’s medieval castles, and visiting its undulating roof terrace is a must.

Addresses: Sant Pau Recinto Modernista, Carrer de Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona; CaixaForum Barcelona, Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8, 08038 Barcelona Websites: santpaubarcelona.org ; caixaforum.org

3. Check out modern and contemporary art

A colossal, six-metre-high, wood-sculpted parody of Mickey Mouse by pop-culture phenom KAWS dominates the courtyard entrance of the Moco Museum Barcelona, offering a taste of what’s to come in this dynamic new art space. Spread across two floors of a 16th-century palace in the Born district are works by modern and contemporary masters – Warhol, Murakami, David LaChapelle, Damian Hirst – and legendary street artists like Banksy and KAWS, plus cutting-edge digital installations by emerging talents. Over in the Raval neighbourhood, the striking Richard Meier-designed Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) offers a great introduction to contemporary Catalan artists like Antoni Tàpies and Francesc Torres. Still, its collection also includes international heavyweights such as Alexander Calder, Donald Judd, and Basquiat. Don’t miss Keith Haring’s monumental 1989 mural  Todos juntos podemos parar el sida  (Together we can stop AIDS), just outside MACBA’s entrance.

Addresses: Moco Museum Barcelona, Carrer de Montcada 25, 08003 Barcelona; MACBA, Plaça dels Àngels 1, 08001 Barcelona Websites: mocomuseum.com ; macba.cat

4. Get lost in Horta’s Labyrinth Park (Parc del Laberint d'Horta)

Escape the tourist hordes and get lost – literally – inside a life-size 18th-century labyrinth. Two-metre-high cypress hedges form the maze, which is dotted with sculptures and reliefs of characters from Greco-Roman romantic mythology. There are lots of twists, turns, and dead ends along the way until you reach its centre, where Eros, the god of Love, stands atop a pedestal. While the maze is the highlight, the 55-hectare park also features walking paths through a small forest, ponds, fountains, stone staircases, Roman-style temples, Italianate columns, and even a palace (not open to the public). It’s located at the foothills of the Collserola mountain range and is easily reached by Metro (L3).

Address: Passeig dels Castanyers 1, 08035, Barcelona Website: barcelona.cat

5. Chill out on a hotel terrace

A favourite local pastime is chilling with a cocktail and soaking in the views on the rooftop of one  Barcelona's best hotels . Check out Terraza de Vivi at the trendy  Kimpton Vividora  for the daily brunch (March to November) with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, plus fantastic views of the surrounding medieval Gothic Quarter; weekends are particularly buzzy, with live DJs. Nearby, the petite  Wittmore Hotel  roof flies under the radar, with a wonderful low-key vibe and incredible 360-degree city, sea, and mountain views from the topmost deck. If you’re looking to party, head up to  The Hoxton , Poblenou’s Tope (open March to November), a sprawling rooftop taqueria and bar with pumping music and weekend DJ sets, plus knock-out views of the Sagrada Familia, especially at sunset. Or if it’s tranquillity you’re after, the  El Palace Hotel  roof terrace’s shady pergolas, burbling fountains, and lush greenery provide a welcome oasis from the busy Eixample streets.

6. Dive into Barcelona’s nightlife

From live music to high-energy DJ sets, Barcelona has some legendary nightlife worth staying up late for. Inside a massive industrial warehouse in Poblenou, Razzmatazz is five clubs in one: along with a main concert hall for A-list indie bands, other spaces see DJs spinning everything from reggaetón to techno to pop every night of the week. Ocaña, on the famed Plaça Reial, hosts live musical acts playing soul, flamenco, jazz, rock, and more — both in the ground-level club and below, in the hip subterranean Apotheke. Fridays and Saturdays, head underground to the sultry, red-velvet-clad Cabaret beneath the Barcelona EDITION , where top-notch international DJs spin until the wee hours.

Addresses: Razzmatazz, Carrer dels Almogàvers 122, 08018 Barcelona; Ocaña, Pl. Reial 13-15, 08002 Barcelona; Cabaret, Avinguda de Francesc Cambó 14, 08003 Barcelona Websites: salarazzmatazz.com ; facebook.com ; cabaretbarcelona.com

7. Relax on a Poblenou beach

Leave the mobbed  beaches  of Barceloneta to the tourists and venture east to the less-crowded golden strands of the Poblenou district. Its trio of beaches – Bogatell, Mar Bella, and Nova Mar Bella – attract mainly locals, and each has a distinct vibe. As Bogatell is the closest to the Metro, it’s the busiest and liveliest, boasting plenty of chiringuitos ( beach bars ) and amenities like beach volleyball courts and table tennis. Mar Bella is favoured by a younger crowd and also has a separate section for nude sunbathing and swimming that draws a large gay contingent. Nova Mar Bella is the farthest, widest, and most laid-back of the three, appealing to families and older people living in the nearby residential towers of Diagonal Mar; it’s also a top spot for kite-surfing, with beachside rentals available.

8. Be awed by the views from Mirador torre Glòries

Atop Jean Nouvel’s glassy, bullet-shaped skyscraper, the Mirador Torre Glòries nets you some of Barcelona’s best vistas. A lift whisks you 30 storeys up for 360-degree views of the city – from the mountains to the Mediterranean – letting you gaze through large windows upon Barcelona landmarks like the Sagrada Familia, the sail-shaped W Hotel, and the tri-towered Sant Andreu power plant. From here, daredevils can don a jumpsuit (provided) and climb up into the dome via artist Tomás Saraceno’s ‘Cloud Cities,’ an installation of interlinked pods and steel cables that reaches 130 metres.

Address: Avinguda Diagonal 211, 08018 Barcelona Website: miradortorreglories.com

9. Hike around Montjuïc

Barcelona is famous for its beaches, but it’s the surrounding mountains that offer a true refuge from the city’s hustle and heat. Closest to the centre is Montjuïc, home to several free-to-visit botanical gardens, including a marvellous one devoted to cacti, Jardines de Mossèn Costa i Llobera. Trails wind through forests, past cascading water features, lily-filled ponds, and even a replica of a Greek theatre. It’s worth the steep climb to one of its many miradors (viewpoints), which provide different views — of the city, the surrounding mountains, the harbour, and the sea; a favourite is the Mirador de Miramar, which includes them all. You can also break up your hike with a visit to one of the many major sites dotting the mountain, including Montjuïc Castle, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the Olympic Stadium.

10. Hit the shops

Among the many sites to see in Barcelona, there are also plenty of shops to get lost in. Start the day off by checking out the legendary grocer’s shop,  Casa Gispert . Founded in 1851 and recently renovated, it's famous for the locally-sourced nuts roasted on-site in an ancient wood-fired oven. Then pick up a fresh bouquet from  Marea Verde , a picturesque flower shop decked in trencadís by master mosaicist Lluís Bru. There’s no harm in going furniture shopping, especially at  Bénédicte Bodard   Mesa Bonita for restored covetable tables, consoles and trivets and  Cubiñá , which is a destination in itself – almost 5,000 square feet of high-design fabulousness, stretching over two floors of a glorious 19th-century building by Catalan-Modernism architect Domènech i Montaner. Visit the Mediterranean concept store, Bon Vent , on Carrer de l’Argenteria to marvel at the rich selection of Spanish-made pottery, fabrics, glassware and natural cosmetics while Artisan jeweller  Joan Rovira  works in silver and bamboo from a bijou shop-studio that epitomises the craft ethos gaining ground in the Born district.

11. Feast at a famed food market

Barcelona counts some 39 food markets scattered across the city – each with its own character – but the largest and best known is La Boquería, an essential foodie pilgrimage since 1836. Located just off La Rambla, the market is home to over 200 vendors hawking everything from local produce and cheeses to freshly caught seafood – plus Spanish staples like olives, olive oil, and of course, its famous jamón. Tucked among the stalls are tapas bars serving market-fresh fare; try for one of the coveted stools at the venerable Pinotxo Bar for classic Catalan dishes like cap i pota, a rich lamb stew. 

Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona Websites: boqueria.barcelona ;  pinotxobar.com

12. Wander through Gaudí’s enchanting Park Güell

This hillside park is well worth the steep climb to experience what is one of Gaudí’s most fanciful creations. Originally intended as an upscale housing development of 60 luxury villas surrounded by green space, the project, which broke ground in 1900, was ultimately abandoned, but not before the architect completed many of its fantastical features. Among them are the grand main staircase guarded by a multi-coloured mosaic lizard and Sala Hipòstila, whose 86 towering Doric columns call to mind a temple, though it was meant as an outdoor marketplace. Certainly the biggest draw is the vast central plaza, framed by a 100-metre-long, undulating mosaic-tiled bench, that offers fabulous views of the city and sea below.

Website:   parkguell.barcelona

13. See a treasure trove of Picasso

Picasso spent his formative teenage years in Barcelona and many of his early works were donated to the city’s Picasso Museum, which does a particularly good job of tracing the artistic development of this Spanish master. The 4,000-plus-strong permanent collection is housed in five interconnected medieval-era palaces: a spectacular setting that nearly outshines the artwork inside. Highlights include several examples of Picasso’s earliest sketches and paintings, done at the age of 15, numerous works from his Blue Period, and his remarkable 1957 series Las Meninas – 58 paintings inspired by Velázquez’s masterpiece.

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona Website:   museupicasso.bcn.cat

14. Sip award-winning cocktails

When it comes to cocktail bars, Barcelona's bests even top drinking capitals like London and New York. But don’t take our word for it: In 2022, The World’s 50 Best Bars ranked three Barcelona watering holes in the top 10 – including the number-one bar, Paradiso. This dimly lit speakeasy in the Born district is cleverly concealed behind a pastrami shop, though the ever-present queue snaking around the block makes it easy to find. Prepare to be wowed by the wildly inventive ingredients (mushrooms! seaweed sorbet!) and theatrical presentations. Other award-winning bars to check out on your cocktail crawl include the elegant, understated Sips (#3) and the lively, divey Two Schmucks (#7).

Address: Paradiso, Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, 08003 Barcelona; Sips, Carrer de Muntaner, 108, 08036 Barcelona; Two Schmucks, Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 52, 08001 Barcelona Website:   paradiso.cat ;  sips.barcelona ;  facebook.com

15. Catch a concert at Palau de la Música Catalana

With its colourful mosaic tilework, flamboyant sculptures, and decorative stained glass, this concert venue, designed in 1905 by Lluis Domènech i Muntaner, is a visual feast. And that’s just the façade – inside, things get even more OTT. The main auditorium is a kaleidoscope of Art Nouveau elements: ornate, mosaic-covered columns and arches, sinuous ironwork, and flowers everywhere — from the carved roses decorating the ceiling to the floral motifs on the towering stained-glass windows. It’s all crowned by a magnificent inverted skylight whose multi-coloured glass glows as the sun goes down. And the hall’s intimate size (around 2,900 seats) and excellent acoustics add to the magic of seeing a concert here; expect mainly classical, opera, and choral, though there’s the occasional jazz performance.

Address: Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona Website:   palaumusica.cat

16. Go plaza-hopping in Gràcia

Dozens of pedestrian plazas (plaças in Catalan) dot this charming, village-like district to the north of the city centre. Some are pocket-sized squares, with a few benches shaded by trees; others are large, lively gathering spots, lined with bustling terraces and filled with neighbourhood kids running and playing. Plaça de Virreina is one of the prettiest, with its tall trees, fountain, and stately stone church; if terraces on the plaza are full, there are a couple more next to the church. A short stroll away is Plaça de la Rovira i Trias, which has several cafes with outdoor tables; look for the seated bronze statue of 19th-century architect Antoni Rovira i Trias, who designed several of the city’s markets. For a rowdier scene, head to the bar-packed Plaça del Sol, where you can while away a hot summer evening drinking beneath the stars.

17. Hop the train to Sitges

Just a 35-minute train ride from the city, Sitges is a great day trip option once the key things to do in Barcelona have been completed – it's also now one of Europe ’s most popular summer resort destinations . Narrow winding streets and whitewashed buildings ooze charm, smart boutiques and art galleries offer plenty of shopping options, and there are dining choices galore, from traditional tavernas to upscale restaurants to funky beachfront  chiringuitos . It’s all set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean with miles of wide, sandy beaches and a nearly 2-mile-long paved seafront promenade. Late evening, the nightlife scene hots up – with dozens of dance clubs and bars catering to an LGBTQ+ crowd. If you seek a calmer vibe and fewer crowds, plan to visit on a weekday or in the off-season.

How to get there: Trains to Sitges depart regularly from several stations in Barcelona (including Sants and Passeig de Gracia) on the Renfe Rodalies R2 line Website: visitsitges.com

The best of Barcelona: a local's ultimate travel guide full of secret spots, insider tips, and more

• Barcelona is a top European destination with a sunny climate, incredible food, and dazzling culture.
• Here's how you can go beyond the regular tourist sights and see another side of Barcelona, Spain.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

With its glorious weather, gorgeous architecture, and world-class gastronomy, Barcelona has everything you could want in a city. 

It's why five years ago, I chose to move here from New York, ditching my all-black wardrobe, umbrella, and NYC attitude to embrace the Catalan capital's wonderfully laid-back vibe and sunshine-filled days. 

As I've found, there's plenty in Barcelona to keep visitors busy, from touring the Modernisme masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí to visiting outstanding museums devoted to Picasso and Joan Miró, and exploring the Gothic Quarter's tangle of medieval streets.

But what I love most about living here is that most days are simply about relaxing: at a café on a scenic plaza, at a beachfront chiringuito with your toes in the sand, or on a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city, sea, and mountains.

If you have the means, it's worth splurging on a Michelin-starred meal — Barcelona is one of the best eating cities in the world — and staying in a century-old five-star property. But you can have just as fabulous a time bedding down in a budget hotel and dining at local tapas bars. 

Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect Barcelona vacation. 

→ There are many modes of transportation in Barcelona and I've tried them all. Here's how visitors can best navigate the city.

→ i've stayed in most hotels in barcelona and these are the 10 places that always wow me  , → i've lived in barcelona, one of the world's best dining cities, for 5 years — here are 10 places where you should actually eat and drink, → 10 places to go in barcelona beyond what you'll find in most guide books, according to a local travel writer, → important advisories and travel precautions when planning a trip to barcelona.

• Main content

Barcelona   Travel Guide

Why Go To Barcelona

Barcelona contains both the authentically historic and the wildly bizarre. From the scenic trails of the colorful  Park Güell  to the romantic narrow alleys of the Barri Gòtic , this city by the sea seems to attract all types – the adventurer, the romantic, the partier, the culture lover – with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for a few days exploring its architectural marvels, but chances are you'll need a whole week to explore.

And while the beach lures locals and visitors in droves, it’s the cosmopolitan city that really dazzles. Much of the activity revolves around the Ciutat Vella (or Old City), a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, cafes and nightclubs, and the home of Las Ramblas – the wide, tree-lined thoroughfare that’s long been the hub of the city.

Just as unmissable are Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces; the architect, famous for his distinctive Catalan art nouveau style was the brains behind the city’s wavy, whimsical creations, from Casa Milà and Casa Batlló to La Sagrada Família . Beyond Gaudí’s influential mark, you’ll find an eclectic shopping scene, a slew of museums, plenty of parks and exquisite food and wine. You see why we suggest a week vacation? To get a lay of the land, consider signing up for one of the city's best guided tours .

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in March 2024
• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in Spain
• # 6 in Best Places to Visit in Europe for 2023-2024

See All 7 Rankings

Best of Barcelona

Best hotels in barcelona.

• # 1 in Hotel Arts Barcelona
• # 2 in Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection
• # 3 in Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Best Things to Do in Barcelona

• # 1 in La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family)
• # 2 in Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)
• # 3 in Casa Batlló

Popular Tours

Fast Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour

(6264 reviews)

from $ 61.10

Barcelona in 1 Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Old Town & Pickup

(4089 reviews)

from $ 108.56

Park Guell & Sagrada Familia Tour with Skip the Line Tickets

(3758 reviews)

from $ 113.47

Barcelona Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Barcelona is from May to June, when balmy temperatures in the low to mid-70s mesh with a flurry of festivals that trumpet the advent of summer. The actual summertime is sticky with humidity – locals leave their beloved city in droves to catch a breeze somewhere else. They come back for the fall when the average highs drop back in to the 70s. Winter is mild compared to other Spanish destinations, with highs in the high 50s. And while coming during the spring may seem like smart idea for avoiding crowds, April sees frequent showers, which may put a literal damper on sightseeing plans (most of Barcelona's top attractions are experienced outside). Keep in mind that no matter what time of the year you'll visit, there will be other tourists: Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain.

Weather in Barcelona

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Don't visit in August Swarms of locals leave the city in August to catch some relief from the sweltering humidity, which means some of the smaller restaurants and shops are closed until September.

Spanish vs. Catalan Most residents who grew up in the region consider themselves Catalan and speak the Catalan language to each other, instead of Spanish. But don't worry – Barcelona is an incredibly international city and most residents are bilingual. Many are also trilingual, especially in the tourist areas.

Cover up at church Religious sites, such as Barcelona Cathedral and La Sagrada Família, ask that visitors cover up knees and shoulders when entering. If you don't have the proper attire on hand, you won't be admitted (although shawls are for sale at the cathedral).

Take a tour According to visitors, one of the best ways to acquaint yourself with the city is to take a guided tour .

How to Save Money in Barcelona

Go big on lunch Eat a big meal at lunch and you can cash in on the menú del día (menu of the day), which is usually an affordable and tasty three-course meal (they’re normally served on weekdays, although some restaurants offer them on weekends too). A similar meal in the evening costs much more.

Don't eat in touristy areas The more-visited parts of the city like Las Ramblas are known to serve mediocre food at exorbitant prices. Instead, venture away from the crowded areas and you’ll find something better for much less.

Stay in an apartment Cut down on food costs by renting an apartment (rather than staying in a hotel), where you can buy groceries and cook your own Catalan feasts.

Culture & Customs

Barcelona is part of the Spanish province of Catalonia, making its culture a little different from what you'd experience in Madrid , Seville  or Granada . The most noticeable difference is the language. In Barcelona, both Spanish and Catalan are official languages; Catalan is not a dialect of Spanish. The language was derived from Latin during the occupation of the Romans several thousands of years ago. While in Barcelona, you'll see street and roadway signs in both Catalan and Spanish as well as some restaurant menus. However, considering Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, you will likely find English speaking residents in hotels and tourist areas.

Barcelona's official currency is the euro (EUR). Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Like the rest of Spain, tipping is not common in Barcelona. Depending on where you dine, a service charge may be added to your bill. However, if you do want to tip, 10% is more than sufficient. Also similar to the rest of Spain, Catalans eat late and party even later. Restaurants are typically open for lunch between 1 and 4 p.m. and for dinner from 8 to 11 p.m. For locals, dinner usually starts at 9 p.m. at the earliest, going out starts at 12 a.m. and clubs stay open until 5 or 6 a.m. 

What to Eat

In Barcelona, expect to find a mix of traditional Spanish dishes along with Mediterranean-infused Catalonian classics. While here, make sure to sample Spanish staples including jamón ibérico, manchego cheese , tortilla española (potato omelet), gazpacho (cold soup), and patatas bravas (sautéed potatoes typically served with a spicy aioli). And considering the city borders the Mediterranean Sea, you should indulge in paella accordingly. But when in Catalonia, try the Catalan versions of paella. There's arròs a la catalana , which features much of the same ingredients of paella except the dish doesn't use saffron, a key ingredient in Spanish paella. Fideuà is another paella-like dish with a Catalan spin, only instead of rice you get noodles.

Catalonian cuisine is big on meat and fish. And while that may not sound too far off from the rustic, meat-heavy fare found throughout the rest of Spain, the difference here is that the Catalans like to mix both of them together in one dish. Mar i muntanya is the name of the phenomenon ,  so don't be alarmed if while in a restaurant, you notice a dish coming out with chicken and shrimp together on a plate. If that sounds too heavy for your liking, there are plenty of lighter options that are quintessentially Catalan. Grilled vegetables are surprisingly big for a place that loves pork. (Sausage is another staple here. Instead of focusing on chorizo, go for the regional botifarras sausage). One of the most traditional Catalan dishes available is escalivada , which is grilled eggplant and red peppers mixed with olive oil and garlic (sometimes with anchovies) served on top of bread. There's also the vegetarian-friendly, and favored pa amb tomàquet snack, or bread spread with a mix of olive oil, garlic and crushed tomatoes. And if you're visiting from December to early May, seek out a calçot cookout. Calçots are a type of spring onions native to the province, and it's a Catalan pastime to char them on a grill and dip them in romesco sauce. Also part of the pastime? Wearing bibs (often emblazoned with calçots) and eating outside, where the grilled calçots are spread among newspaper. (If that sounds familiar, it's the same way crab and lobster is consumed in the USA.)

Whatever you decide to eat while in Barcelona, make sure to leave room for dessert. Crema catalana is the Catalan version of creme brulee. Cheese is also dessert here. Mel i mató is a goat cheese drizzled with warm honey and accompanied by walnuts. Cava, or Catalan sparkling wine, goes great with these too.

Barcelona is a major tourism hotspot and pickpockets know it. Be mindful of your surroundings especially while touring Barcelona's major attractions. The city sees a moderate rate of conventional crime and principal tourist areas and metros are often the most targeted spots. Men should keep their wallets in their front pockets and carry backpacks in front when traveling on the metro and women should make sure their purses are zipped or secured as best as possible.

Getting Around Barcelona

The best way to get around Barcelona is by metro. A handful of numbered and color-coded lines weave throughout the city, making stops near many of the city's most popular attractions as well as the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). City buses are also an option for getting around the city, but be aware that ever-present traffic jams make commuting this way rather time-consuming. You could hail taxis on the street, but if you want to burn a few calories, conduct your tour on foot or by bike. Driving is not recommended.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A passport is required for entry into Spain. The passport must be valid for three months beyond your departure date. Tourists from the United States can stay for up to 90 days without a tourist visa. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State's website .

Park Güell is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, thanks to its excellent views and colorful atmosphere.

Explore More of Barcelona

Things To Do

Best hotels.

You might also like

San Francisco

# 3 in  Best U.S. Cities to Visit

# 2 in  Best Honeymoons in Europe for 2024

# 3 in  Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

Tasty Travel Life

Travel Tips, Adventures and Vegan Recipes

Barcelona, Ultimate Camper Guide with Everything you Need to Know

*This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through these links will support me. Also, 50% of the earnings will go to charity ! You still pay the same price, but now a part of that is going to charity . Learn more here. *

Barcelona is one of the biggest cities in Spain, luckily this does not mean it is difficult to visit this city if you are traveling with a camper. Read further to check out the camper places available, highlights of Barcelona and vegan food places. I will also share some delicious places to eat as a vegan.

Camper place to visit nearby Barcelona

There are different options to park your camper to discover Barcelona. You can decide to park for free, a little fee or on a secure campsite.

One of the little fee/free parking places is this official camper place in Montmeló. With a 10-minute walk, you are at the train station where you can buy your tickets towards Barcelona. This is only €5.60 for 2 single tickets towards Barcelona. You can decide which station you want to go to. For example, we went to El Clot Aragó and took the train back to Montmeló at Passeig de Gracia. In total, we paid €11.20 for two return tickets from Central Barcelona towards Montmeló. Barcelona is a big city, and you can decide what you want to do and how many days you want to discover Barcelona. However, the official time that is permitted on the Montmeló parking spot is 48 hours, so keep that in mind. On the parking place is a dumping station, garbage bins and fresh water for free.

One of the more expensive places is this Area Camper Barcelona Beach . Which is 18 euros in low season and 25 in high season. This place is next to the beach and also a 10minute walk to the train station. We do not have any experience with this place, but it has high rates reviews. It is also suggested that you can bike to Barcelona in 40 minutes along the beach from this camper place. It is approximately 7.50 euros for a return ticket from the camper place to the city center of Barcelona.

Did you know that……

When you purchase through my links, I will receive a small fee. You still pay the same, and I will donate 50% of all these earnings to charity . Start donating!

on Alltrails

via PaulCamper

via booking.com

via Wayaway

Find out on Wise

via Bol.com

All Affiliate links

Highlights of Barcelona

The details that you can find throughout the city are beautiful. It has many architectural buildings. Although it is a busy city center, it is a perfect place to stroll around. There are a couple of highlights in Barcelona that are worth a visit.

• Sagrada Família ; This unfinished church originally designed by Gaudí is still under construction. It is worth to go inside to see the beautiful colored window glass. The recently added star makes it definitely worth to walk by this building. The star is huge and gorgeous, but the basilica itself is still under construction.
• Cascada del Parc de la Ciutadella ; This beautiful fountain from the 19th century is situated in a beautiful park. Watch closely, because in the middle there is a statue of Venus.
• Cathedral of Barcelona ; Beautiful Gothic Cathedral
• Casa Batlló ; Gaudí not only designed the Sagrada Família, but you can also find houses in the city that are designed by him. This is one of them.
• Park Güell ; Want to see more of Gaudí? Then this is the place you need to visit. The entrance is only 10 euros and definitely worth it. Make sure you take enough time to visit this place, so you can wander around and not rush it.
• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc ; This beautiful fountain becomes magical at night. A light show will light up the fountain, and you can enjoy the beautiful colors dancing around, but make sure to check the times for the show in advance.

Vegan Food places

Beside the architecture, there are also a lot of good restaurants and even fruit trees in the park. Barcelona is a perfect city to enjoy vegan food. We had a lovely lunch at the vegan Junk Food Bar , which is one of the many vegan places in Barcelona. Besides junk food you can go for sushi, tacos, curries or noodles. There is something vegan for everything you desire. We love to use HappyCow to find good vegan spots in a city. There are also tons of locations where you can find delicious fresh fruits to snack on. As a vegan, Barcelona is a good place to go to for the food.

Nearby adventures

Excited to visit another city? Valencia is a perfect city to explore next. Or are you interested in something else? Look around on the map and find your next destination.

Join for Exclusive information

You might also like:, sainte-enimie, one of the most beautiful towns in france, gamla uppsala, historical place and a free open-air museum, mojácar, picturesque on the hill with amazing views.

Not registered yet? Create an Account

We and our {{count}} partners use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your experience on our website. We may store and/or access information on a device and process personal data, such as your IP address and browsing data, for personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. Additionally, we may utilize precise geolocation data and identification through device scanning.

Please note that your consent will be valid across all our subdomains. You can change or withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the “Consent Preferences” button at the bottom of your screen. We respect your choices and are committed to providing you with a transparent and secure browsing experience.

Privacy Overview

• Most purposes explained in this notice rely on the storage or accessing of information from your device when you use an app or visit a website. For example, a vendor or publisher might need to store a cookie on your device during your first visit on a website, to be able to recognise your device during your next visits (by accessing this cookie each time).
• A car manufacturer wants to promote its electric vehicles to environmentally conscious users living in the city after office hours. The advertising is presented on a page with related content (such as an article on climate change actions) after 6:30 p.m. to users whose non-precise location suggests that they are in an urban zone.
• A large producer of watercolour paints wants to carry out an online advertising campaign for its latest watercolour range, diversifying its audience to reach as many amateur and professional artists as possible and avoiding showing the ad next to mismatched content (for instance, articles about how to paint your house). The number of times that the ad has been presented to you is detected and limited, to avoid presenting it too often.
• If you read several articles about the best bike accessories to buy, this information could be used to create a profile about your interest in bike accessories. Such a profile may be used or improved later on, on the same or a different website or app to present you with advertising for a particular bike accessory brand. If you also look at a configurator for a vehicle on a luxury car manufacturer website, this information could be combined with your interest in bikes to refine your profile and make an assumption that you are interested in luxury cycling gear.
• An apparel company wishes to promote its new line of high-end baby clothes. It gets in touch with an agency that has a network of clients with high income customers (such as high-end supermarkets) and asks the agency to create profiles of young parents or couples who can be assumed to be wealthy and to have a new child, so that these can later be used to present advertising within partner apps based on those profiles.
• An online retailer wants to advertise a limited sale on running shoes. It wants to target advertising to users who previously looked at running shoes on its mobile app. Tracking technologies might be used to recognise that you have previously used the mobile app to consult running shoes, in order to present you with the corresponding advertisement on the app.
• A profile created for personalised advertising in relation to a person having searched for bike accessories on a website can be used to present the relevant advertisement for bike accessories on a mobile app of another organisation.
• You read several articles on how to build a treehouse on a social media platform. This information might be added to a profile to mark your interest in content related to outdoors as well as do-it-yourself guides (with the objective of allowing the personalisation of content, so that for example you are presented with more blog posts and articles on treehouses and wood cabins in the future).
• You have viewed three videos on space exploration across different TV apps. An unrelated news platform with which you have had no contact builds a profile based on that viewing behaviour, marking space exploration as a topic of possible interest for other videos.
• You read articles on vegetarian food on a social media platform and then use the cooking app of an unrelated company. The profile built about you on the social media platform will be used to present you vegetarian recipes on the welcome screen of the cooking app.
• You have viewed three videos about rowing across different websites. An unrelated video sharing platform will recommend five other videos on rowing that may be of interest to you when you use your TV app, based on a profile built about you when you visited those different websites to watch online videos.
• You have clicked on an advertisement about a “black Friday” discount by an online shop on the website of a publisher and purchased a product. Your click will be linked to this purchase. Your interaction and that of other users will be measured to know how many clicks on the ad led to a purchase.
• You are one of very few to have clicked on an advertisement about an “international appreciation day” discount by an online gift shop within the app of a publisher. The publisher wants to have reports to understand how often a specific ad placement within the app, and notably the “international appreciation day” ad, has been viewed or clicked by you and other users, in order to help the publisher and its partners (such as agencies) optimise ad placements.
• You have read a blog post about hiking on a mobile app of a publisher and followed a link to a recommended and related post. Your interactions will be recorded as showing that the initial hiking post was useful to you and that it was successful in interesting you in the related post. This will be measured to know whether to produce more posts on hiking in the future and where to place them on the home screen of the mobile app.
• You were presented a video on fashion trends, but you and several other users stopped watching after 30 seconds. This information is then used to evaluate the right length of future videos on fashion trends.
• The owner of an online bookstore wants commercial reporting showing the proportion of visitors who consulted and left its site without buying, or consulted and bought the last celebrity autobiography of the month, as well as the average age and the male/female distribution of each category. Data relating to your navigation on its site and to your personal characteristics is then used and combined with other such data to produce these statistics.
• An advertiser wants to better understand the type of audience interacting with its adverts. It calls upon a research institute to compare the characteristics of users who interacted with the ad with typical attributes of users of similar platforms, across different devices. This comparison reveals to the advertiser that its ad audience is mainly accessing the adverts through mobile devices and is likely in the 45-60 age range.
• A technology platform working with a social media provider notices a growth in mobile app users, and sees based on their profiles that many of them are connecting through mobile connections. It uses a new technology to deliver ads that are formatted for mobile devices and that are low-bandwidth, to improve their performance.
• An advertiser is looking for a way to display ads on a new type of consumer device. It collects information regarding the way users interact with this new kind of device to determine whether it can build a new mechanism for displaying advertising on this type of device.
• A travel magazine has published an article on its website about the new online courses proposed by a language school, to improve travelling experiences abroad. The school’s blog posts are inserted directly at the bottom of the page, and selected on the basis of your non-precise location (for instance, blog posts explaining the course curriculum for different languages than the language of the country you are situated in).
• A sports news mobile app has started a new section of articles covering the most recent football games. Each article includes videos hosted by a separate streaming platform showcasing the highlights of each match. If you fast-forward a video, this information may be used to select a shorter video to play next.
• An advertising intermediary delivers ads from various advertisers to its network of partnering websites. It notices a large increase in clicks on ads relating to one advertiser, and uses data regarding the source of the clicks to determine that 80% of the clicks come from bots rather than humans.
• Clicking on a link in an article might normally send you to another page or part of the article. To achieve this, 1°) your browser sends a request to a server linked to the website, 2°) the server answers back (“here is the article you asked for”), using technical information automatically included in the request sent by your device, to properly display the information / images that are part of the article you asked for. Technically, such exchange of information is necessary to deliver the content that appears on your screen.

• Attractions and Landmarks
• Food and Wine

Dreaming of your next trip?

I agree to the Forbes Travel Guide Privacy Policy , Terms , and Cookie Policy . I understand I can withdraw my consent at any time.

Sign up for our newsletter

• Barcelona's mountain bike trails cater to all skill levels, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
• Riders can traverse through lush forests, beside streams, and over hills with panoramic city views, while discovering hidden historical gems like ancient hermitages and traditional Catalan farmhouses.
• Remember to prepare well with a checked bike, helmet, water, sunscreen, and a map or GPS for a memorable ride.

Barcelona's best mountain bike trails

Barcelona , renowned for its vibrant art, architecture, and culinary delights, also harbors an unexpected treasure for outdoor enthusiasts: breathtaking mountain bike trails. Perfectly nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Collserola mountain range, the city offers a unique and scenic backdrop. It provides an ideal setting for both beginners and experienced riders alike, who are seeking adventure amidst the beauty of nature.

Trails for every rider

Barcelona's mountain biking trails are designed for all skill levels. Beginners can explore the serene paths in Parc de Collserola, enjoying nature without facing technical challenges. For those seeking a thrill, the adrenaline-pumping routes of Montjuic Mountain require skill and bravery. Each trail presents a unique landscape, making every ride an opportunity for new discoveries amidst the city's natural beauty.

Connect with nature

Riding through Barcelona's trails offers more than just a challenge; it's an immersion into breathtaking scenery. Picture yourself pedaling through verdant forests, beside gentle streams, and over hills providing panoramic views of Barcelona's skyline against the sparkling backdrop of the Mediterranean. This experience is an unparalleled way to connect with nature amidst the vibrancy of this bustling city, making every ride memorable.

Cultural encounters on two wheels

Mountain biking in Barcelona transcends mere outdoor activity; it embodies a cultural journey. Trails wind to hidden gems: ancient hermitages, traditional Catalan farmhouses (masias), and secluded vineyards. Here, riders can pause, immersing in local history and traditions. This unique exploration offers a chance to experience Catalonia's rich heritage from an entirely different perspective, enriching every ride with cultural depth.

Essential tips for trail riders

Before exploring Barcelona's mountain bike trails, preparation is essential. Check your bike's condition or rent one from a local shop offering suitable gear. Wear a helmet, carry water for hydration, apply sunscreen on sunny days, and bring a map or GPS, as some trails lack clear markings. Staying on designated paths helps preserve these landscapes for others to enjoy.

Soccer Scores

Monday, june 17, 2024, uefa european championship.

• M Wöber - 38' OG

Romania stun Ukraine for 1st Euro win in 24 years

Romania won their first European Championship match in 24 years with a 3-0 victory over ...

• N Stanciu - 29' , 
• R Marin - 53' , 
• D Dragus - 57'

VAR rules out 2 Lukaku goals in Belgium shocker

Slovakia delivered the first major shock result of Euro 2024, snatching an early goal and ...

• I Schranz - 7'

USL League One

Northern colorado hailstorm fc, one knoxville, argentine primera b, sportivo italiano, brazilian serie a, atlético-mg, brazilian serie b, chapecoense, operario pr, brazilian serie c, volta redonda, provincial ovalle, deportes limache, central norte antofagasta, antofagasta, municipal puente alto, universidad de chile, uruguayan primera division, boston river, cerro largo, latest soccer videos, hislop questions ronaldo's ability to fire portugal to euro glory.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Disney Ad Sales Site
• Work for ESPN
• Corrections

Everything you need to know about getting around Barcelona

Jul 4, 2023 • 6 min read

From bike rental to riding the metro, here's how to find your way around in Barcelona © Morsa Images / Getty Images

Barcelona is a perfectly sized city.

It is sufficiently big that you always have something to do and something new to discover, and thanks to its relatively compact size and extensive metro and bus networks, you can easily get anywhere in the city in no time.

If you love exploring by bike, you'll also be happy to hear the entire city was recently filled with 200km (124 miles) of bicycle lanes, making it one of the most manageable "big" cities to visit in Europe. Plenty of Barcelona's attractions are in the Old City and easily reached by foot.

Here are the best ways to get around Barcelona.

Barcelona's Metro is the best way to see the main sights

Composed of eight lines and 161 stations and operating since 1863, the Barcelona Metro is an extensive electric railway network that runs mostly underground, connecting downtown with the suburbs and several adjacent cities, including L’Hospitalet and Badalona.

Nowadays, Barcelona's best neighborhoods and biggest attractions are well connected by the metro. The  Sagrada Família , Casa Batlló , Platja de la Barceloneta ,  Arc de Triomf  and other spots are accessible from the metro, making it the most convenient way to get around the city.

The metro runs from 5am until midnight Sunday to Thursday. On Friday, Saturday and the nights before public holidays, it operates until 2am.

Ride the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat to the foothills of Barcelona

The Collserola mountain range  limits the north of Barcelona. To access the districts at the foot of those hills and beyond, you must take the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC).

The upper-class districts of Sant Gervasi, La Bonanova, Sarrià and Vallvidrera each have an FGC station. These districts are worth visiting, especially Sant Gervasi, as they have some of the best fine-dining restaurants in town.

Technically, the FGC belongs to the Barcelona Metro network, but there are some big differences. For example, instead of a metro tube, the FGC are actual trains. Moreover, they all depart from downtown, and the ticket price will differ depending on how far you go, while the regular metro has one price.

The bus is the best late-night transport

With more than 200 lines and their own bus lanes, the hybrid city buses of Barcelona can be a faster option than the Metro, especially if the Metro line doesn’t have a direct connection with a certain attraction. Several bus lines run all night, making it easier to explore Barcelona after dark.

Learning the different routes can prove challenging, but Google Maps is a great travel aid, plus all stations have maps and detailed routes from their specific area. Tickets can be purchased only inside metro stations.

In a nod to its role in a carbon-zero future, Barcelona's public transport system is also slowly changing to more energy-efficient vehicles, with all new buses being electric or hydrogen-powered.

Get epic views from Barcelona's cable cars and funiculars

Barcelona has funicular lines and cable cars that go to popular tourist attractions like Tibidabo , the tallest hill in the city and home to the church with the most incredible views. You can sail high over the port or access Montjuïc, another hill located on the west side of town, where you find the city’s castle.

Tickets can be bought in metro and FGC stations

All modes of public transportation in Barcelona work with the same travel card, which can be purchased in every metro and FGC station. Note that all prices mentioned refer to Zone 1, but the FGC covers 6 zones in total and different fares apply. A fare reduction was introduced in September 2022 for some of the most common tickets types and will continue through to the end of 2023.

A single metro ride costs €2.40 (€5.15 if going to or coming from the airport), but if you plan to use transport a lot and want to get around Barcelona more cheaply, visitors can choose from several integrated tickets:

• T-Dia (€10.50): Individual ticket valid for 24 hours. Good for solo travelers who are planning to take several metro rides in one day.
• T-Casual (€11.35): Individual ticket worth 10 journeys. Good for any solo travelers who are staying in Barcelona for a few days.
• T-Familiar (€10): Multi-person travel card worth eight journeys. Ideal for families or groups of friends.
• T-Usual (€40): Individual travel card with unlimited journeys, valid for 30 days. Works best for solo travelers who are staying in the city for a longer period of time.

All integrated tickets have the advantage that one ride will still be valid when changing the mode of transport within a 75-minute window. However, if traveling with a single ticket, you will have to buy an additional one when switching from metro to bus or metro to FGC.

Barcelona is becoming a bike-friendly city

Cycling is a great way to get around Barcelona. Less than a decade ago, you would barely see any cyclists in Barcelona, but in the last few years, the city has put a tremendous effort into making itself cycle-friendly. There are plans to add even more cycling lanes within the next few years.

Unfortunately, only residents can use the public rental service, Bicing (pronounced "be-zing"). However, visitors who wish to get around Barcelona by bike can easily get one at any of the rental shops all over the city. The city center is relatively flat, making it fairly easy to cycle around and explore.

Many sights in the Old City are easily explored on foot

Strolling down the streets of Barcelona – hopping from neighborhood to neighborhood while getting a sense of all the architecture and social contrasts – is one of the best things you can do in the city.

If you are staying in the Old City or anywhere downtown, most tourist attractions are within 2-3km (1 to 2 miles). La Barceloneta, El Raval , the Gothic Quarter , Passeig de Gràcia and  Passeig del Born  are all within walking distance from the city center, where you will find places like Barcelona Cathedral , the Museum of Contemporary Art , La Pedrera  and even  Barcelona's best beaches . 

Take a taxi for ease and comfort 

If you get a little tired of walking the city streets, wave down any of the yellow taxis driving around Barcelona all day. Typically, fares start at €2.10, but at night and on weekends, prices may increase. Alternatively, several taxi apps operate in Barcelona. Hailo and MyTaxi are the most popular choices.

Accessible transportation is a priority in Barcelona 

Barcelona has one of the more accessible public transportation networks in Europe, with 153 metro stations (out of 165) being completely accessible to wheelchair users and 100% of buses having an access ramp, wide doors and reserved seats. The ultimate goal is to have universal access to the metro network. 

The city administration is also working on making both the metro and bus accessible to blind people by implementing a voice navigation system and a metro guide in braille at all information points.

For more tips, download Lonely Planet's free Accessible Travel Online Resources .

This article was first published Jul 27, 2021 and updated Jul 4, 2023.

Explore related stories

Destination Practicalities

Mar 20, 2022 • 7 min read

Here’s how to get around in Seville, from navigating the tram and bus systems to tips on bicycle hire and exploring on foot.

Jun 12, 2024 • 12 min read

May 23, 2024 • 17 min read

May 21, 2024 • 8 min read

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

May 20, 2024 • 5 min read

May 3, 2024 • 6 min read

May 3, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 3, 2024 • 15 min read

Mar 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Will I get a meal on my flight? What to know about food service on major US airlines.

• Most domestic economy passengers don’t get a full meal included in the price of their ticket.
• Many flights, especially long-haul ones to international destinations, include meal service, even in economy.
• Even on flights where meals aren’t included in the ticket price, many offer more filling options for purchase than the free bag of nuts or packet of Biscoff you may get otherwise.

Travelers often assume they won’t be fed when they fly. While it’s true that most domestic economy passengers don’t get a full meal included in the price of their tickets, it’s inaccurate to say meals never get served on planes.

Many flights, especially long-haul trips to international destinations, include meal service, even in economy. And even on flights where meals aren’t included in the ticket price, many offer more filling options for purchase than the free bag of nuts or packet of Biscoff you may get otherwise. Frequent flyer status can also get many travelers perks like free premium drinks on most carriers.

Here’s what the four major U.S. airlines offer for inflight meals and refreshments:

American Airlines

Free in Main Cabin and Main Cabin Extra on all flights traveling more than 250 miles:

◾ Tea, Coffee, water, Coca-Cola soft drink products.

◾ Biscoff cookies and pretzels.

For purchase in economy on domestic flights:

◾ Premium snacks.

◾ Beer, wine and spirits.

Free in economy on flights to and from Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, select South American cities, between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii, and on the following routes: JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO, JFK-SNA, BOS-LAX and select departures on the MIA-LAX route:

◾ All free beverages and snacks available on shorter flights:

◾ Inflight meal.

In domestic first class, premium economy, business class on short-haul international flights, and all travelers on Flagship Business and Flagship First tickets have access to all the previously listed free refreshments, plus premium dining menus that vary by region and route, along with specially selected beer, wine and spirits.

Delta Air Lines

Free in Main Cabin on all flights traveling more than 250 miles:

◾ A selection of snacks.

◾ Snack boxes.

Comfort+, domestic first class, Premium Select and Delta One fares always include beer, wine, and spirits. Free hot meals are also available on select domestic First Class and all domestic Delta One flights. 

On long-haul international flights, meals and beverages, including beer, wine and spirits, are included for every cabin class .

Cruising Altitude: What's the deal with airplane food? I went to Atlanta to find out.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest only has economy class, so all its flights include:

Beer, wine and spirits are available for purchase, though elite Rapid Rewards members may receive drink coupons as a perk.

United Airlines

In economy , all flights over 300 miles include free snacks, water, tea, coffee and soft drinks, and beer, wine and spirits for purchase.

On flights over 500 miles, premium snack boxes are also available for purchase in economy, and on domestic flights over 1,190 miles, hot meals are also available for purchase in economy.

On flights to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the South Pacific, and select destinations in Latin America, the economy fare includes a meal, snack, beer, wine, water, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Spirits are also available for purchase.

In domestic business and first class :

◾ Free alcohol is available on request on flights over 300 miles.

◾ Free snacks are also available on flights between 300 and 900 miles.

◾ On flights over 900 miles, a hot meal will be offered.

◾ On flights over 1,190 miles, a pre-arrival snack will be offered in addition to the main meal.

On Polaris international business class flights, a premium hot meal and beer, wine and spirits are included in the price.  

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .