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How to Plan the Perfect Visit to Barcelona in Any Season

The beautiful city of Barcelona is perfect for visiting any time of year.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

The name of this storied Catalan city, Barcelona, is almost as beautiful as the coastal metropolis itself. Nicknamed Ciudad Condol (once upon a time, the city was the seat of the Count of Barcelona) the destination sticks with anyone who wanders among the remarkable architecture and through the airy plaças. Nestled along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Spain, Barcelona is a colorful melting pot of culture, full of world-renowned cuisine, legendary art, music, and more. Book a trip to this sunny city and you'll spend your days exploring the dynamic barrios , wandering along the beach, strolling through verdant green spaces, and discovering gem after gem — some well known, like Park Güell or Camp Nou, and some hidden, like Santa Caterina.

The architecture alone is worth planning your trip around — from Gothic structures to Gaudí's modern wonders, design lovers could fill weeks exploring the stunning buildings, monuments, and sculptures throughout the city. Ultimately, Barcelona's unwavering energy and cultural elements result in a distinct immensity of spirit unlike any other destination. The temperate climate, too, makes the weather quite pleasant for most of the year.

When vacationing in a new place — especially an historic city — it's easy to get caught up in the I-must-see-everything-as-quickly-as-possible mentality. And while Barça has no shortage of things to see and do, the city imparts a distinct sense of relaxation on those who pass through. Be sure to reserve time to experience life like the locals do, enjoying leisurely lunches followed by siesta, vermuteria hopping on Sundays, and frequenting your neighborhood bar for tapas and wine with friends.

Central European Standard Time

Early summer or autumn are the best times to visit Barcelona, as late summer tends to get hot and humid. Book your trip in May, June, September, or October for the most idyllic weather — you'll encounter plenty of sun and nice temperatures for swimming and walking about the city's stunning streets, parks, and markets.

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, where both Spanish and Catalan are the predominant languages spoken. The city is a transportation hub and one of southwestern Europe's economic centers — also known as Spain's leading biotech city.

Meal times are all generally on the late side in Barcelona. Restaurants are typically open from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for lunch, and from 8:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. for dinner. Many stores close for lunchtime siesta (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), as well as on Sundays and public holidays.

Europe's largest stadium is Camp Nou in Barcelona with a capacity of over 99,000 occupants, and is home to FC Barcelona (one of the most supported fútbol teams in the world).

Metro: The Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) is the main transport system in Barcelona, operating both the metro line and select bus routes. Riders can purchase tickets at metro stations across the city. Single tickets cost €2.40 or you can buy a T-Casual ticket for multi-trip use.

Trains: The main railway station in Barcelona is the Barcelona Sants. The FGC is a network of trains in Barcelona and the surrounding suburbs which connects the city to other towns in Catalonia. The Renfe is an international high-speed railway line that connects Spain and France, allowing travelers to get to cities like Paris, Marseille, and Madrid quickly.

Buses: The TMB operates all throughout the city and travelers can purchase tickets both at stops and on the bus, although you're only able to purchase single rides on the bus. There's also the Aerobús BCN , which connects Barcelona Airport with the city center.

Taxis: Typically affordable, accessible, and all over the city day and night.

Car service: While Uber operates throughout Spain, it is not currently available in Barcelona. Cabify is a favored alternative for ride sharing.

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, Barcelona 08010, Spain Phone: +34 93 545 80 70 Book Now

Casa Bonay's bread and butter is creating simple, sustainable spaces that impart a sense of local culture and community onto guests. With ample greenery and a simplistic, chic interior decor (made in partnership with local designers), this 19th-century house-turned-hotel's light and airy atmosphere matches that of the city itself. Be sure to grab tapas at the property's rooftop restaurant (open to the public) and sunbathe on the neighboring rooftop terrace, exclusive to guest use.

Cotton House Hotel (Eixample)

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 670, Barcelona 08010, Spain Phone: +34 934 505 045 Book Now

Cotton House Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is housed in the former headquarters of the Association of Cotton Manufacturers, giving the property's spaces a neoclassical foundation accented by soft, sophisticated designs. In addition to 83 comfortable rooms, the hotel features an elegant library, a restaurant and cocktail bar, a terrace, and a rooftop pool. Be sure to check out the property's unique spiral staircase, built in 1957 — it's the only one of its kind in Europe.

El Palauet Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gracia, 113, Barcelona 08008, Spain Phone: +34 932 180 050 Book Now

These six luxurious suites (each two-bedroom) epitomize Spanish elegance in hotel form. Located centrally along the famous tourism and shopping hub of Passeig de Gracia, El Palauet is housed in Casa Bonaventura Ferrer, the iconic modernist building built by Pere Falqués i Urpí in 1906.

Address: La Rambla, 109, Barcelona 08001, Spain Phone: +34 935 529 552 Book Now

Located right along the tree-lined pedestrian stretch of La Rambla, as hinted in its name, Hotel 1898 has a long history. Originally the headquarters of General Philippines Tobacco Company, elements of the property's origins can be seen in the architecture and classical decor style. The comfortable rooms range from classic to deluxe, with two levels of beautifully-appointed suite options available.

Hotel Arts Barcelona (La Barceloneta)

Address: Marina 19-21, Barcelona 08005, Spain Phone: +34 932 211 000 Book Now

Come for the striking glass design and amazing views, and stay for the property's two-star Michelin restaurant and breathtaking pool. Hotel Arts Barcelona offers five-star accommodations (rooms, suites, and penthouses) in elevated, modern interiors high above the Mediterranean and the city — so the views are as superb as the service and luxury amenities. Designed by architect Bruce Graham, the exterior's steel-and-glass build is one of the most distinct modern buildings in the city.

Hotel Brummell (Poble Sec)

Address: Nou de la Rambla,174, Barcelona 08004, Spain Phone: +34 931 258 622 Book Now

A stone's throw from the legendary site Montjuïc, Hotel Brummell offers 20 comfortable rooms in the trendy Poble Sec neighborhood. Considered slightly off-the-beaten-path, this property is low-key and intimate with an imaginative, modern design, beautifully mirroring Barcelona's culture of cool. Features include a sunny terrace, an outdoor pool, an on-site sauna, and a restaurant and bar.

Hotel Neri (Gothic Quarter)

Address: Sant Sever Street, 5, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 93 304 06 55 Book Now

This Relais & Châteaux property is located in two historic buildings — one of which is a restored 12th-century palace — in Barcelona's storied Gothic Quarter. The hotel's moody, chic atmosphere matches the neighborhood it calls home, and proximity to attractions like La Rambla and the Picasso Museum make it an ideal home for those exploring the city for the first time. The 22 hotels and suites feature luxury amenities, some featuring balconies and terraces, others with sweeping views or gilded murals.

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gracia 68 - 70, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 934 881 717 Book Now

Located in the heart of the Passeig de Gracia, Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is a Neo Classical icon dating back to 1918. Known for an exceptionally detail-oriented staff, the property epitomizes timeless elegance, with light and warm tones accenting the 271 rooms, suites, penthouses, and apartments. Guests will enjoy proximity to many attractions, including Gaudí's architecture, upscale shopping, myriad restaurants, and Gran Teatre del Liceu, and more.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 93 151 88 88 Book Now

This beloved hotel, situated on the bustling Passeig de Gràcia, is one of the city's most popular luxury hotels. Accommodations feature striking views of the property's immaculate gardens and the nearby Casa Batlló. Guests can expect five-star service, timeless room and suite design, and delicious meals at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant.

Mercer Hotel Barcelona (Gothic Quarter)

Address: Calle dels Lledó, 7, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 933 107 480 Book Now

A stay at the Mercer Hotel is unlike any other in Barcelona, as the boutique property was built atop a wall of Barcino, the ancient Roman city, in what is now the Gothic Quarter. After a day of exploring the city, the elegant accommodations offer a refuge from the urban bustle, and travelers can look forward to lounging on the property's private terrace or taking a dip in the on-site plunge pool. Modern design enthusiasts and history buffs can anticipate medieval arches, 12th-century frescoes, 18th-century wooden ceilings, sleek furniture, and expressionist art by Agustí Puig.

W Barcelona (La Barceloneta)

Address: Plaça Rosa del Vents, 1, Final Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Barcelona 08039, Spain Phone: +34 932 95 28 00 Book Now

One of the most iconic buildings in the city, the W Hotel's distinct, curved silhouette sits right where the sand meets the sea. The interiors are just as modern and sleek as the exterior, which was designed by legendary architect Ricardo Bofill. Guests can expect panoramic views of the Mediterannean from each of the 473 five-star rooms and suites.

Bar Cañete (Seafood, Tapas)

Address: Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 703 458 Website

Don't be fooled by this restaurant's low-key exterior — the menu's seafood from local Catalan fish markets and seasonal produce yields some of the freshest tapas in the city. Reservations can be made by phone, required only for parties of 12 or more.

Caelis (Contemporary)

Address: Via Laietana, 49 (Hotel Ohla Barcelona), Barcelona 08003, Spain Phone: +34 935 101 205 Website

Chef Romain Fornell and his team serve up daring and inspired contemporary dishes on three different tasting menus at this Michelin-starred restaurant inside Hotel Ohla. Reservations are recommended (online or via phone), seating is indoors, and guests must adhere to a smart dress code.

Disfrutar (Contemporary)

Address: Carrer de Villarroel, 163, barcelona 08036, Spain Phone: +34 933 486 896 Website

This Eixample-based restaurant serves up creative Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate space, decorated with ceramics and light hues to honor the city — and was founded by the famous trio of chefs that used to helm El Bullu. Reservations are available online or via phone.

Dos Palillos (Tapas, fusion)

Address: Carrer d'Elisabets, 9, Barcelona 08001, Spain Phone: +34 93 304 05 13 Website

Based on Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines, the fusion tapas at Dos Palillos are divine, so the tasting menu comes highly recommended (you'll want to make a reservation online or by phone). If you prefer to eat a la carte and try a cocktail, you can sit at the bar, no reservation required.

El Falafel de Shani (Falafel, Kosher, Vegan)

Address: La Rambla, 91 Mercat de la Boqueria, 133-134, 08011 Barcelona Phone: + 34 692 967 297 Website

It might be easy to miss this no-nonsense vegan and kosher falafel stand in La Boqueria, but it's worth seeking out — many consider it to be the best falafel in the city (and very affordable).

El Nacional (Iberian)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 24 bis 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +(34) 93 518 50 53 Website

This spacious eatery has dynamic menu offerings that are just as impressive as the venue's eye-catching, glass-and-steel architecture. Guests can choose from four different cuisines or four different bars throughout the venue.

Llambar (Tapas)

Address: Carrer de la Fusina 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 19 62 50 Website

Nestled in El Born, Llambar's menu is meant to be shared, complete with signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and artisanal Spanish tapas. Reservations (not required but recommended, since the atmospheric spot is so popular) can be made online or via phone.

Suculent (Tapas, Mediterranean)

Address: Rambla del Raval, 45, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 443 65 79 Website

Helmed by El Bulli alum Toni Romero, Suculent has become a trendy Raval staple, known for reliably delicious tapas and a lively atmosphere. The culinary team serves up classics and reinvented Spanish and Mediterannean dishes with an emphasis on flavorful broths and sauces.

Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

Address: Carrer Mallorca, 401 Barcelona 08013 Phone: +34 932 080 414 Website

Known worldwide as a symbol of the historic city, the Sagrada Familia is Gaudí's most celebrated work of art and architecture. Design and construction of the church began in 1882 and is ongoing to this day. It's recommended to book tickets online in advance to save time in lines when visiting.

Address: Carrer d'Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 902 1899 00 Website

Barcelona is home to one of the most beloved futbol teams in the entire world: FC Barcelona. So it is only fitting that Camp Nou is one of the most magnificent sports stadiums in Europe, boasting a seating capacity of 99,354. Do your best to book tickets to a game (bookable via the stadium's website or TicketMaster).

Casa Batlló

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 216 03 06 Website

With it's distinct marine-inspired façade, Gaudí's famous Casa Batlló (a UNESCO World Heritage site) looms high over Passeig de Gracia. It's one of Europe's best examples of modernist architecture and worth exploring inside and out.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 142 576 Website

Nicknamed "La Pedrera" (stone quarry), Casa Milà in Eixample was completed by Gaudí in 1912, and is known as his final civic work. It's striking appearance takes inspiration from nature, and was the famed architect's most advanced approach to a building.

Castell de Montjuïc

Address: Carretera de Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 564 440 Website

Many flock to the Montjuïc barrio to explore the 17th-century Castell de Montjuïc or to catch the Magic Fountain light show from the steps of the stately National Museum of Art. Pro tip: don't miss out on the lesser-known but equally striking Jardí Botànic , located on the hillside. The spacious, verdant gardens offer a tranquil outdoor oasis as well as lovely views of the city.

La Boqueria

Address: Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 318 20 17 Website

Arguably the best open market in the word, La Boqueria is a European icon. Though it gets very crowded (especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m) it features incredibly fresh produce, meats, cheeses, sweets, cafes, bars, and more. Pro tip: bring your camera.

Mount Tibidabo

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Address: Tibidabo Square, 08035 Barcelona, Spain Website

Take the historic funicular up to Barcelona's highest peak, Mount Tibidabo, where in addition to a charming amusement park (the second-oldest in Europe) and Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón, you'll find panoramic views of the entire city, the Mediterranean, and surrounding mountains.

Palau de la Música Catalana

Address: Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 295 7200 Website

Designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner and completed in 1908, Palau de la Música Catalana features one of the most opulent interiors in Spain. Make purchasing tickets for any musical performance a priority while in Barcelona so that you can experience the grande Palau in person.

Address: 08024 Barcelona, Spain Website

Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, this whimsical masterpiece created by Antoni Gaudí is one of the most iconic parks in the world. It's full of color, dynamic shapes, split ceramics, innovative architecture, and lush gardens — and overlooks a vast swath of the beautiful city.

Picasso Museum

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 256 30 00 Website

One of the primary art attractions in the whole city, the Picasso Museum helps viewers understand the formative years of Pablo Picasso. The permanent collection, made up of 4,251 works from a variety of time periods, helps to convey the artist's early career and special relationship with Barcelona.

Colette Barcelona (Jewelry)

Address: Carrer de les Panses 5, 08003-Barcelona, Spain Phone: +0034.93.170.81.23 Website

You'll find sweet, feminine jewelry at Colette Barcelona, a design house and showroom in El Born that does all the brand's designing, dyeing, mounting, and ironing locally. The pieces have a distinct style, as the jewelry is crafted with mixed materials and textiles.

El Corte Inglés Plaça Catalunya (Department store)

Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 14, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 933 06 38 00 Website

This iconic and centrally-located department store at the edge of Plaça Catalunya has everything from clothing and cosmetics to homeware, local delicacies, electronics, and much more — including a food court and supermarket.

Entre Latas (Specialty food)

Address: Torrijos, 16, 08012 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 930 154 725 Website

This gourmet shop is the place to go for canned and preserved foods. Entre Latas carries everything from local delicacies to imported products — think specialty vermouth, rare spices, tinned fish, paté, and preserves. You can even create your own personalized gourmet pack.

Iriarte Iriarte​ (Handbags)

Address: Carrer dels Cotoners 12, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 198 175 Website

Anyone who adores handbags must visit Iriarte Iriarte. The brand uses traditional techniques and hand-dying to create stylish leather bags, handcrafted in Barcelona since 2009.

La Manual Alpargatera (Espadrilles)

Address: Carrer de Avinyó 7, 08002, Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 01 01 72 Website

Since 1940, the design team at La Manual Alpargatera has produced sustainably-crafted, timeless espadrilles, entirely handmade in Barcelona. La Manual is a staple for locals and travelers — in fact, the brand's storefront design is so iconic that it's said a customer addressed a letter to the company using a drawing of the store (rather than the physical address), and it arrived via the post just fine.

Llibreria Altaïr (Books)

Address: Gran Via, 616, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 342 71 71 Website

This vast bookstore is one of the very best in the city, known for a specialization in books about travel, language, culture, and exploring the world. A meeting point and lively cultural space, you'll want to spend a good chunk of time exploring the many titles — and be sure to grab a bite at the store's sweet cafe, too.

Santa Eulalia (Designer fashion)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 93, Barcelona 08008, Spain Phone: +34 932 15 06 74 Website

Founded in 1843, this historic and design-forward clothing store features a myriad of high-end labels such as Tom Ford, Dior, Lanvin, and the like. It also boasts its own ready-to-wear collection for women and a bespoke shirt-making service for men.

Zara Flagship (Fashion)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 16, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 933 18 76 75 Website

Spanish-based fashion empire Zara, a wardrobe staple for many across the globe, is housed in a stately flagship store flanked by columns on bustling Passeig de Gràcia. Pop inside to find the latest ready-to-wear, couture-inspired clothing, with styles for men, women, and children ranging from timeless to trendy and everywhere in between.

Eixample: Broad boulevards, courtyards, ample trees, and excellent shopping and dining options make Eixample a wonderful home base when visiting BCN. You'll find Gaudí's classics like Casa Battló, Casa Milà, and the Sagrada Familia in this neighborhood, alongside other great works of both traditional and modern architecture.

El Born: Like the neighboring Gothic Quarter, El Born is known for the narrow, meandering medieval streets, but it's slightly less busy. Here, travelers will discover especially good shopping (think stylish boutiques), artsy vibes, wonderful restaurants and bars, and close proximity to the beach.

El Raval: Located about a 10-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya, El Raval is a vibrant neighborhood known for its character, authentic restaurants and bars, and the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art . Two streets in particular, Carrer dels Tallers and Carrer de La Riera Baixa, are especially good for vintage and second-hand shopping. Those in search of an authentic taste of Barcelona life will enjoy exploring this barrio, but be mindful of your surroundings, as parts of Raval can be a bit shifty (avoid unlit alleys or walking alone at night).

Gothic Quarter: Known by locals as Barri Gòtic, this charming old town neighborhood is full of legendary Gothic architecture nestled along narrow, medieval-era streets. In addition to checking out the trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques, see remains of the old Roman city at the Museu d'Història de Barcelona .

Gràcia: Vila de Gràcia is the epitome of authentic, leisurely life in Barcelona. The neighborhood is a bit quieter than its more centrally-located counterparts, and you'll find it's chock full of beautiful plaças, atmospheric restaurants and bars, eclectic galleries, and independent boutiques. You can easily spend all day in this uncrowded, village-like neighborhood.

La Barceloneta: Nestled right by the sea, La Barceloneta is an energetic and historic beachside neighborhood that offers more than a touristy stretch of sand if you know what to look for. Come for the seafood (ahem, paella ) and stay for the hopping bar scene.

Poble Sec: Bordering scenic Montjuïc, Poble Sec is one of the most lively neighborhoods in Barcelona, adored by locals and thus slightly less touristy. Boasting dozens of small bars, restaurants, and boutiques, this upbeat area has wonderful dancing and theater options, too.

True to the Mediterranean, Barcelona sees mild temperatures for the majority of the year. August is the city's hottest and most humid month, with temperatures averaging 77 °F, and January is the coldest month, with averages around 49 °F. Precipitation hovers around 25 inches annually, with October being the wettest month.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 41 - 57 February 42 - 58 March 46 - 51 April 50 - 65 May 57 - 71 June 63 - 77 July 69 - 83 August 69 - 84 September 64 - 79 October 58 - 72 November 48 - 64 December 43 - 58

TMB: Maps and access to Barcelona's metro, buses, trains, and more. iOs | Android

Renfe Cercanias: Regional and country-wide train maps, tickets, timetables, and more. iOs | Android

Google Translate: Quick and downloadable language translation service. iOs | Android

The 17 best things to do in Barcelona in 2024

Feb 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Here are Barcelona's unmissable experiences © Jordi Salas / Getty Images

Barcelona is Spain 's most visited city, and it's not hard to see why – the historic capital of Catalonia is packed with galleries, museums, attractions and an incredible food scene.

Set between the mountains and sea, the city is celebrated for its unique architecture , thriving nightlife and urban beaches . With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Start your travel to-do list now with our guide to the best things to do in Barcelona .

1. Visit the Sagrada Família

Almost every city has at least one landmark that you simply can’t miss, and the  Sagrada Família is Barcelona’s. Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent masterpiece has been under construction for more than 130 years, and it’s still not finished.

Far from a construction site, however, the church features two grand facades studded with intricate stone carvings, towers that gleam with gem-like tiles and an interior filled with tree-like columns soaring up toward the canopy ceiling. Construction work paused during the pandemic but has resumed and the building is expected to be completed in time for the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death in 2026.

Planning tip:  The Sagrada Família is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain, and it can get  very  busy. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning (it opens at 9am) on a weekday.

2. See more of Gaudí’s designs

The Sagrada Família may be the most famous of Gaudí’s buildings, but all his wonderful, whimsical designs are worth visiting. The most well known are  Casa Batlló , with its iridescent dragon-like scales and skull-and-bone-effect balconies, and  La Pedrera , with its undulating stone facade and fanciful chimneys. Some of his lesser-known but equally beautiful buildings include  Casa Vicens , the first house he ever designed;  Palau Güell , which he designed for his patron Eusebi Güell; and the  Torre Bellesguard .

3. Wander through the Gothic Quarter

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter ( Barri Gòtic ) is the oldest and most atmospheric part of the city. Characterized by small alleyways, hidden plazas and historic buildings, it lies to the east of La Rambla, the famous pedestrian street that runs through the center of the old town.

The neighborhood is scattered with century-old shops, small bars and charming cafes. Some highlights include the striking Plaça Reial, fringed by cafes and palm trees; Plaça Sant Jaume, home to the grand Palau de la Generalitat; and the impressive  La Catedral .

Planning tip:  Many parts of the Gothic Quarter are known for late-night bars and clubs that are still going well into the morning. Perfect if you want to dance until dawn, but not the best neighborhood to stay in if you're traveling with young kids or those who appreciate an early night.

4. Explore Barcelona's food markets

La Boqueria might be the most famous of Barcelona’s food markets, but each neighborhood has its own, and there are several excellent ones to choose from. La Boqueria is the oldest and one of the most atmospheric, but in recent years, more stalls have given over to things such as tropical fruit shakes and novelty candy rather than traditional produce.

For a more authentic vibe, visit the modern  Mercat de Santa Caterina with its multicolored wavy roof or the grand  Mercat de Sant Antoni  with 250 stalls.

5. Soak up the sun on Barcelona's city beaches

Whatever time of year you visit Barcelona , the beaches won’t disappoint. Even in winter, it can be sunny enough to sit outside and enjoy a meal at one of the seaside restaurants, while summer offers everything from sunbathing and swimming to water sports.

The city boasts a 5km (3-mile) stretch of coastline, home to nine different beaches. There’s  Sant Sebastià with its range of upscale restaurants, Somorrostro lined with hip nightclubs and Nova Icària with a watersports center and beach volleyball.

6. Venture up Montjuïc

Montjuïc is the green hill to the south of the city, home to the Olympic Park, as well as numerous museums and gardens. Rising from Plaza d’Espanya, you'll first see the grand sets of stairs and fountains cascading down from the magnificent palace housing the  Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya . Behind that is the huge Olympic Stadium and the rest of the Olympic Park. 

Planning tip:  The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya has a terrace that offers spectacular views of the city and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. The open-air bar means you can enjoy a few drinks while taking in the view.

Explore Montjuic effortlessly with  GetYourGuide . Book your tour today.

7. Snack on some tapas

When hunger pangs arrive in the afternoon or early evening, take advantage of the pre-dinner tapa. This means heading to the local favorite for a bite of anchovies, sausage, squid, wild mushrooms, roasted peppers or dozens of other tempting morsels. Wine, cava and beer all make fine accompaniments.

Planning tip: Many tapas spots are lively stand-around-the-bar affairs. When it's time for a change of scenery, barcelonins  make their way to dinner or just head to another tapas bar and skip the sit-down formality altogether.

8. Learn about an icon at the Museu Picasso

Picasso lived in Barcelona between the ages of 15 and 23, and elements of the city undoubtedly influenced his pieces, from the colorful but simply painted frescoes hanging in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya to the imaginative trencadís -style mosaics (pre-Cubist some say) of Gaudí. The Museu Picasso 's setting adds to the appeal, as do the buzzy, history-rich surrounding streets of El Born.

Explore Museu Picasso effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

9. Catch a game at Camp Nou

FC Barcelona plays a prominent role in the city's imagination. Heading to a football match at Camp Nou between September and May is the best way to catch a bit of Barcelona fever, but watching it on screen in a bar can be just as much fun, depending on the crowd. 

Planning tip: Even if you can't make it to a game, the interactive Barça Stadium Tour and Museum experience takes you through the locker rooms and onto the field, hallowed ground for many Catalans.

Transform your visit to Camp Nou by  booking with GetYourGuide.

10. Experience Barcelona's famous nightlife

A night in Barcelona holds limitless possibilities. Start with sunset drinks on a rooftop terrace or sink your heels into the sand at a rustic-chic beachside xiringuito . As darkness falls, the city transforms with buzzing squares and live music, and around midnight the bars fill up.

Pick from old-school taverns, plush lounges in lamp-lit medieval chambers, sleek cocktail dens, boisterous cava bars, basements churning out brassy jazz and more. If you're still standing at 3am, hit the clubs and keep going until dawn.

11. Spend an early morning on La Rambla

Sure, the leafy 1.2km (0.75-mile) pedestrian boulevard of  La Rambla  that stretches toward the sea is the most touristed spot in town – at times, you can barely push through the crowds. But pay a visit first thing in the morning and you'll see that beyond the souvenir shops and craft sellers, it's a pure sensory overload.

Open-air cafes, fragrant flower stands and a much-overlooked mosaic by Miró dot the pavement, while key venues line both sides of the street, including the elegant Gran Teatre del Liceu , the sprawling Mercat de la Boqueria and numerous galleries. Several other barris , such as El Poblenou, have their own attractive rambles , too.

12. Enjoy Catalan cuisine

Barcelona is a great foodie city, known throughout the world for its innovative chefs and creative cuisine. While you’ll find tapas bars everywhere, be sure to sample some local Catalan dishes, too.

Before you dine, join in l’hora del vermut at a typical vermouth bar, which pairs the fortified wine with bites of pickled anchovies and olives to whet the appetite. Follow it up with traditional Catalan dishes, such as botifarra amb mongetes (sausage with white beans), suquet de peix (fish stew), escalivada (roasted red peppers, onions and eggplant) and crema catalana (similar to crème brûlée). Sample the cuisine at  Casa Delfín .

13. Celebrate during festival time

Because Barcelona has a festival almost every other month, it won’t be hard to make your trip to the city coincide with one. There are the patron-saint festivals of Santa Eulalia and La Mercé in February and September, respectively, La Diada de Sant Jordi in April (when people give each other gifts of books and roses to celebrate St George) and the fire festival of St Joan in mid-June.

Some of the main features of Catalan festivals include the castellers  (human towers), huge parading giants and correfocs , where firework-wielding devils dance through the streets.

14. See a range of works at Fundació Joan Miró

Joan Miró, the city’s best-known 20th-century native son, bequeathed this art foundation to his hometown in 1971. The light-filled buildings are crammed with seminal works, from Miró’s timid early sketches to paintings from his last years.

15. Scope out examples of Modernista architecture

One of the things that makes Barcelona so charming is its Modernista architecture. An artistic movement that affected everything from literature and art to architecture, the Modernisme era lasted from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries.

You can identify these buildings by their bright colors, floral or botanical motifs, patterned tiles and curvy lines. Some of the best examples can be seen around the L'Eixample area, but you can also find them dotted all over the city. Besides Gaudí’s Modernista works, some of the best examples in the city are the  Palau de la Música Catalana and the  Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau , both designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

16. Explore up-and-coming El Poblenou

On the up is the formerly industrial neighborhood of El Poblenou, northeast of the center. Vacant warehouses are being reimagined as creative tech and design hubs, cafes, boutiques, bars and more.

17. Sip a drink at one of L'Eixample's rooftop bars

Admire Modernista marvels over a cocktail or vermouth. L'Eixample 's elegant streets conceal an array of hidden-away, view-laden open-air bars and cafes beloved by barcelonins , many of them within swish hotels but open to all. 

This article was first published February 2020 and updated February 2024

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Barcelona Travel Guide & Essential Tourist Information 2024

It’s no wonder this incredible city is on your radar, but you’re probably gonna need a Barcelona travel guide to do it.

That’s where I come in with Barcelona Hacks – to help you sniff out tourist traps and plan your Barcelona holiday perfectly.

This Barcelona visitor guide is all about local information, so thanks for letting me share it with you!

Barcelona Travel Guide Budgets

While it’s not as cheap as alternatives in southeast Asia or South America you can do Barcelona on a budget. In fact if done right it’s one of the cheapest big cities in Europe.

Priceoftravel.com gave Barcelona a $84.62 backpacker rating (€78.87) which ranks 94th out of 136 top vacation destinations. This means for  $84.62 a day  tourists can enjoy:

• A dorm bed at a good hostel.
• 3 cheap meals.
• 2 public transportation rides.
• 1 paid attraction like Sagrada Familia or Park Guell.

In all expect to pay about $150.00-$200.00 (€128.60-€171.48) for a standard weekend with some local food, drinks and 2-3 top attractions.

This can be lowered to  $38.50 (€35.00) a day  by cooking up cheap meals, walking, or skipping out on the beer.

For more money saving tips look up my list of free things to do in Barcelona .

Related : Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?

Barcelona’s Main Attractions

A spectacular interpretation of Gothic architecture and the most fascinating place of worship you’ll ever see is any tourist’s priority at La Sagrada Familia Church . A logical next stop is a trip up the hill to the Utopian urban park with the best view in the city at Park Guell .

No tourist guide would miss wonder-architect Antoni Gaudi ‘s marine-inspired mansion  Casa Batlló and its counterpart, the wobbling jell-o-like apartment block with no straight lines called La Pedrera .

Football fans can’t go wrong doing a tour at football Mecca  Camp Nou Stadium  or even checking out some of Barcelona FC’s matches if you’re there in season.

⚠️  Warning ⚠️ : Barcelona’s top two attractions must now be booked in advance .

You can book fast track tickets to both individually or get them as part of a discount pass:

• ⛪ Buy now:  Sagrada Familia Fast Track Admission (skip the lines)
• 🏞️ Buy now:  Park Guell Fast Track Admission  (skip the lines)
• 🎟️  Buy now: Best of Barcelona Bundle (Sagrada + Park Guell + 10% discount code for all else)

You will not be able to book these tickets on site – lock in your tickets ASAP or you could miss out.

Barcelona’s best free attraction is the Magic Fountain Show . For better or for worse you’ll need to walk up the famous pedestrian boulevard La Rambla and try some delicious snacks at La Boqueria Market .

There are also a ton of day trip options from Barcelona for beach and mountain escapes and more.

Need more? There’s in depth info about all these attractions more in my 3 day Barcelona itinerary .

Walking Tours

There’s no better way to knock off a bunch of major attractions at once , plus learn about the current political situation and future of Barcelona than with a 2.5 hour Gothic Quarter tour (video preview here ).

Our Secrets of the Old City tour runs daily with one of the best guides in the business :

‘Local Texan’ Alvaro.

Prepare to be ‘ edu-tained ‘ with at La Rambla, Boqueria Market, Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Sant Felipe Neri, Augustus Temple, the Jewish Quarter, and much more.

You’ll also get an old Picasso haunt, one of Barcelona’s sweetest snack stops, and street art galore.

Update (01/01/2024): Unfortunately the tour is no longer running. In the meantime we suggest going with a tour below:

🧑‍🎨 Want more of Gaudi? Unlock his masterpieces with the top Gaudi tours in Barcelona .

Barcelona Transport

Pretty much everywhere you’ll need to go finds itself in zone one of the Barcelona transport network .

Single tickets for every mode of transport on the system ( airport transport not included) are €2.20 . For this reason it is recommended to get a discount transport pass which could cut costs in half.

The two travel cards used most by tourists are the Barcelona Card and the Hola Barcelona Card  – read my article comparing the differences and find which is right for you.

There are 11 metro lines that cover the entire city so after your metro ride you’ll rarely end up walking more than 10 minutes for any given destination.

The system is quiet, clean, and efficient. The air conditioning on the trains is great even though on the platform it can get sauna-like in summertime. This is your main mode of transport.

Check out my article on using the Barcelona metro .

The Barcelona bus system covers a lot of ground and runs frequently. You’ll never wait more than 15 minutes.

The new futuristic-looking fleet of buses which are slowly taking over the city are electric, silent, and have wifi . The only problem you’ll face is the need for slightly better navigation skills or knowledge of the city – so study up!

Rental Cars

While Barcelona parking isn’t exactly the cheapest option, if you’re a driver through and through and plan on making excursions outside of the city to places like Girona or Lloret de Mar  this is a great option. And the drives are super-scenic .

For top prices and convenience I prefer booking my car rentals online at Rentalcars.com .

What to Eat in Barcelona

We’ll start with the culinary symbol of Spain: Jamon Serrano . You need to try this thinly sliced cured ham and you can’t go wrong with the acorn-fed, high quality variety called Bellota .

For regional specialties of Catalonia we find the irresistibly simple pan con tomate : an accompaniment to any tapa or main dish. Grilled bread is rubbed with garlic and fresh tomato and drizzled in a good olive oil.

More filling are the traditional butifarra con alubias (sausage and beans),  patatas bravas (fried potato chunks with a spicy sauce), and the legendary alioli – a garlicky mayonnaise-like sauce which goes on pretty much everything especially fideuà (a paella-like noodle dish).

If you’re in the city in March or April something you won’t want to miss are  calçots – these massive spring onions are barbecued and drenched in a tangy, rich red pepper and almond sauce called romesco .

On the sweeter side a staple for breakfast are the famous churros con chocolate  while a great dessert is la crema catalana (a type of pudding similar to crème brûlée but with milk instead of heavy cream).

Make sure to check out my list of  Barcelona’s best restaurants to enjoy any of these dishes.

Barcelona Accommodation

OK so, I live here.

I won’t be talking about any grand experiences in hotels or discount homestays but there are a few things I can comment on like typical prices, best areas to stay, and how to book properly.

Barcelona Accommodation Prices

Compared to other major European cities Barcelona accommodation prices are quite reasonable – provided you’re not looking for something right in the middle of August or  July .

Expect to pay about €20.00-€25.00 for a good night’s sleep at one of Barcelona’s best hostels .

Hotel prices are all over the place but in general consider these nightly averages:

• One star: $45.37 (€38.90)
• Two star: $59.30 (€50.84)
• Three star: $85.33 (€73.17)
• Four star: $115.63 (€99.15)

Remember: there’s a  €2.48 city tax per person per night that won’t be included in portal prices.

Best Areas to Stay

I’ve also prepared an article on  the best area to stay in Barcelona  based on the various needs of my blog readers.

For tourists there are typically about 7-8 choices central which can lead to some confusion.

It’s not an exact science but let’s try a few of these suggestions:

• Solo travel : Barceloneta (near the beach, easy to meet people).
• Couples : Gracia (quiet, full of romantic squares and cool cafes ).
• Party time : El Gotico (an area rammed with cool bars and clubs).
• Luxury : El Born (boutique shops and cocktail bars).
• On the cheap : Raval (street food and multi-cultural area).
• Sightseeing : Eixample (home to a ton of main attractions).

For a more in depth analysis of Barcelona neighbourhoods keep reading on my Barcelona guide.

How to Book

Since I haven’t stayed in a lot of places I go with Booking.com .

First of all you get the best price due to their price match guarantee . You also get a wealth of knowledge from over 123,000,000 traveler reviews . You also get flexibility with no payment down and free cancellation .

To go straight to the accommodation deals click the button below:

Festivals in Barcelona

Though I’d like to ramble on about tech-geek conferences like Mobile World Congress , the reality is Barcelona is a party city and is looking for any excuse to put up a stage and dance.

This Barcelona tourist guide isn’t going to skip out anything.

A great place to start are the  Festes Majors , a type of annual neighbourhood party full of concerts, dancing, food carts, and more.

This feast day takes place every year on the 24th of September though the celebrations usually begin a few days before.

Barcelonians here honour the patron saint of the city with hundreds of events and concerts and among the most popular are the human castles , the correfoc fire run and its fire-spitting dragons, the parade of paper mache giants, and the famous Catalan dancing called ‘La Sardana’.

The best part of all? It’s all free.

La Fiesta de Gracia

Every year from August 15th-August 22nd the entire neighbourhood of Gracia transforms into a chaotic carnival-like atmosphere . Entire blocks are decorated according to a theme chosen by the city and it’s as if they’re wearing Halloween costumes – truly a sight to be seen.

At night DJ sets and all sorts of concerts  are held in the many squares and back alleys. Throw in street food, workshops, contests, parades, sports activities, and even beer tastings and you’ve got the festival of the year.

On the 24th of June (festivities starting on the night of the 23rd) there is the uniquely Spanish celebration of the summer solstice .

Again, you’ll find a ton of free concerts throughout the city but locals flock to the beach by the hundreds of thousands to set off fireworks , take a midnight dip in the sea, and welcome summer with a bang.

Honourable Mentions

Some other Barcelona festivals you’ll see in any self-respecting visitor guide.

• The Sitges Carnival – the biggest Carnival celebration in mainland Spain (2017 date: February 27th)
• Sant Jordi – the Catalan version of Valentine’s Day involving the simple exchange of a flower and a book between lovers (23rd of April)
• The Festival of Independence – Every 11th of September Catalan people take to the streets to show their solidarity with the Catalan independence movement. More of a protest than a party, but something to be seen none the less.
• Any time FC Barcelona plays – The strength of this team means it’s very likely they’ll be playing for a trophy in the months of May and June. You may also want to see if they’re playing against Real Madrid because the city shuts down and turns into a big party (if they win of course!)

Barcelona Nightlife

In Barcelona we have a lot of fun and there’s always something going on. International DJ’s line up for the chance to play Barcelona’s best clubs and if not for Berlin it might be the capital of electronic music in Europe.

Not a fan of that repetitive racket? Not to worry, there’s something for everyone here.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

• SONAR . Every year in June Barcelona plays host to one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world. Nearly 100,000 people flock here for a long list of international and local DJ’s. Here you’ll also find a ton of audio-visual shows.
• ANTI-SONAR . The folks that don’t have enough money for Sonar make sure there’s no shortage of activity around the actual festival. Most major clubs in Barcelona will have these ‘off-Sonar’ events coinciding with the festival. The music is the same, the prices cheaper. Check around.
• PRIMAVERA SOUND . Another Barcelona festival institution that takes place every March. With 200,000 annual attendees it’s one of the biggest rock/pop/indie festivals in Europe.
• BRUNCH IN THE PARK AND BRUNCH ELECTRONIK . In the last two years this one has really taken off. Those looking for a drink and a dance on Sunday afternoon up in the hills over Barcelona would be good to check out this festival and its long list of international DJ’s.
• DGTL FESTIVAL : Another techno and house festival with a focus on eco-responsibility. This August weekend of mind-blowing artists, innovative art, and revolutionary production has sold out two years in a row.
• HOLI FESTIVAL . There are versions of this colourful Indian festival all over the world and the Barcelona version is as colourful as any. You’ll find various throughout the spring in Barcelona and summer.
• INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL . Every October and November you’ll find some of the biggest names in Jazz coming through the city.
• CRUILLA . Another July music festival with a variety of artists both local and international. Last year included Robert Plant, Skunk Anansie, and Rudimental.
• BBF BARCELONA BEACH FESTIVAL . A music festival on the beach so what’s not to like? Every June you’ll find it at the famous Forum and last year hosted artists like Hardwell, Alesso, and David Guetta.

Not a fan of clubbing? I’ve got more ideas in my list of top things to do in Barcelona at night .

Barcelona Neighbourhoods

The gothic quarter.

This trash hip neighbourhood makes up part of the historic center and reaches all the way to the famous Rambla . To truly understand this neighbourhood I’ll divide it in two.

From Liceu metro stop up toward  Plaça Catalunya it’s super commercial and famous for the shopping streets Portal de l’Angel and Portaferrissa. Here you’ll also find the Barcelona Cathedral and some of the best youth hostels in Barcelona.

The other part is from Liceu to Drassanes and is characterised by alley streets, a ton of bars , and a bit of drunk tourist-driven chaos.

Plaça Reial is the centre of the action in Barcelona and a wander around the streets here will find you a great place to go out. The prices here are medium-low except in the square itself which is a bit more touristy.

If you’re gonna super-central make sure you peep my article on things to do in the Gothic Quarter .

This is home to many of Barcelona’s hidden gems .

The other part of the historic centre is on the other side of La Rambla and is Barcelona’s undisputed ethnic enclave and has even more pedestrian traffic than the Gotico.

Here you’ll find a ton of cheap bars open late – keep this in mind if you see a hotel or hostel in this area because there’s bound to be a ton of noise.

A big part of this travel guide is aimed at young people looking to have fun and spend little – if that’s you you’ll love it here especially on bar-rammed street Calle Joaquin Costa .

This area naturally becomes a magnet for street walkers, pickpockets, and drug dealers so be on your guard. Contrarily it’s actually home to some of the city’s prettiest rooftop bars .

If you’re looking for some excitement go through my list of  things to do in Raval .

One might call it the  classier cousin of the other historic centre neighbourhoods and you’ll find it on the other side of Via Laietana near El Gotico.

Though the cozy streets are quite similar that’s about where the similarities end – in El Born you’ll find a ton of boutique clothing shops and quality cocktail bars .

The prices here are naturally a bit higher but when you’re walking through El Born’s picturesque squares what does it matter?

To get one step closer to the class check my article on things to do in El Born .

Barceloneta

What Barcelona visitor guide doesn’t include the beach neighbourhood ?

The last part of the historic centre was once a prominent neighbourhood for fishermen  and still shows flashes of its former self with its characteristic ‘still parade’ of elderly people sitting outside their front doors socialising, knitting, or drinking a sneaky vermouth.

Here you’ll find the best seafood restaurants in the city as well as one of the best beaches in Barcelona for people-watching .

Though the old world charm is slowly giving way to touristy endeavors it’s still a can’t miss neighbourhood.

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time by the beach check my  things to do in Barceloneta .

One of my favourite neighbourhoods is found at the metro stops Fontana and Joanic. Here you’ll find a mix of Catalan locals and travelers (not as much as Gotico or Barceloneta though) that have created a bohemian atmosphere .

There are no soul-sucking American fast food chains and street sellers to bother you here. The charming squares that define Gracia are the main reason locals flock here for beers in the early evening.

To put a little more grace in your stay head over to my article on  things to do in Gracia .

Via Olimpica

Yes, it’s tough to write a Barcelona tourist blog with insider information and then turn around and talk about a neighbourhood characterised by tourist crap . But here she goes:

Found around the Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica metro stop (yellow line) is the area famous for beaches and clubs . The chaos is palpable here especially in summer when the 20 or so commercial, reggaeton, house, and salsa music clubs are pumping at their peak.

Here you’ll find tourists from every country though there’s hardly a local in sight. Those looking for a big one and a chance to let loose (very, very loose) would do well to hit this neighbourhood.

The second most populated district in Barcelona runs along the Mediterranean and many of the city’s beaches and its central business district can be found here.

It’s much less dense than the more central neighbourhoods and as such is less crowded and has more park space – making it a great place for people travelling to Barcelona with kids .

The cover photo of this article is an aerial shot of this impressive, grid-like neighbourhood cut up by wide flowing streets.

Those looking for the real information on Barcelona: this is the best place to stay due to its security and transport connections and wide variety of shops and services.

Getting a hostel or hotel near one of the metro stops (Hospital Clinic, Diagonal, Universitat) will put you in striking distance for practically everything but avoid the noise of other tourist neighbourhoods.

Placa Espanya/Sants

It’s right near some main points of interest like the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc but at the same time it’s a bit outside the centre.

Book accommodation here to save a bit of money on the room and have convenient transport to the airport – to two of the Barcelona airports (REU and BCN).

The Plaza Espanya area is pretty chilled out and well connected.

Barcelona Weather

Predicting what the weather will be like in six months or even next weekend is hard enough for seasoned meteorologists – so let’s rely on averages and hope for the best.

I’ve never had to put on a pair of gloves or a make a great effort to go out and the weather rarely dips below 5°C  – for my American cousins that’s 41°F .

• January – February : The coldest months. Bring a heavy jacket and some combination of hat and scarf. It’s not an unbearable cold but you need to cover up well.
• March : Unpredictable. It’s cold like February or warm like April so check the forecast. During the day a light windbreaker or sweater will usually work though later a heavy jacket may be needed.
• April – May : Some t-shirt and shorts weather. At night you’ll still need a hoodie or light jacket. It’s too early to go for a swim at one of Barcelona’s best beaches but we’re getting there!
• June – July : It’s hot! Dial up the flip flops, bikini, and speedos and take a dip.
• August – September : It stays really hot well into September and even sleeping in the evening becomes difficult. It’s quite humid so less is more on the clothing front.
• October – November : Basically the same as March and April.
• December : It’s not that bad but you’re still gonna need a sweater and a scarf.

Stuck in the rain? Check my list of indoor activities in Barcelona .

Barcelona Maps

Now that you’ve got a list of everything you need to see you’re going to need to figure out where to stay, where exactly all the Barcelona attractions are located, and how to get around with the metro.

Luckily I’ve put together a map trio that will help you do just that.

Still Looking for a Barcelona Travel Guide?

What are you looking forward to see in Barcelona most?

I’m always afraid of missing something so make sure you get at me if my Barcelona travel guide is lacking – ANY question you have will be answered to the best of my ability 😉

Also don’t be afraid to join the travel guide discussion by first giving me a like on Facebook and then joining my group I’m Off to Barcelona – here you can ask any questions, air out grievances, and chat with thousands of Barcelona travelers.

Anything goes!

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Getting yourself a Barcelona map on holiday is as fundamental as the plane ticket. Whether you’re looking for an attraction map, a neighbourhood map with lodging tips, or a metro map to get around I’ve got them all here in one place to ensure it’s smooth sailing all the way. Ready to go? Let’s impress […]

• February 18, 2020 at 1:41 am Gina Thanks so much! I booked sagrada through the link on your blog...trying to give back a little for all the help/work you've done :) I will see if they can refund and then rebook through the pass. Since our apartment is in poble sec (hoping it's a nice area), will we be needing to rely on metro to get to Sagrada, Gothic, placido de flamenco, meeting the bus for Dali/Giordano tour? Wondering if it's more cost effective to get 3 day BCN card or pay by the trip? Thanks again, Gina Reply

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Barcelona – Spain’s second city, and the self-confident capital of Catalunya – vibrates with life, and there’s certainly not another city in the country to touch it for sheer style, looks or energy. It’s long had the reputation of being the avant-garde capital of Spain, its art museums are world-class, its football team sublime, while its designer restaurants, bars, galleries and shops lead from the front.

What to see in Barcelona

Best time to go to barcelona, where to go in barcelona, along the ramblas, barri gòtic, barceloneta, port olímpic, diagonal mar, museu nacional d’art de catalunya (mnac), the eixample, les corts and pedralbes, tibidabo and parc de collserola, festivals in barcelona, accommodation in barcelona, eating in barcelona, barcelona drinking and nightlife, shopping in barcelona, arts, culture and entertainment in barcelona, things to do, #01 la pedrera, #02 the city beaches, #03 a tapas tour, #04 camp nou, #05 fundació miró, #07 museu del modernisme català, #08 tibidabo, #09 casa batlló, #10 la boqueria, #11 museu nacional d’art de catalunya (mnac), #12 the ramblas, #13 parc güell, #14 museu picasso, #15 sagrada família, #16 museu d’art contemporani de barcelona (macba).

In terms of things to do in Barcelona, in Antoni Gaudí’s extraordinary church of the Sagrada Família, the winding alleys and ageing mansions of the picture-postcard Gothic Quarter, and the world-famous boulevard that is the Ramblas, you have three sights that are high up any Spanish sightseeing list. There's also great things to do for free in Barcelona such as the magic fountains or creating your own modernist house hop.

As a thriving port, prosperous commercial centre and buzzing cultural capital of three million people, the city is almost impossible to exhaust – even in a lengthy visit you will likely only scrape the surface.

Book tickets and tours in Barcelona

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Spain, created by local experts

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Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

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A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

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Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

Tailor-made trips for   Spain

Everyone starts with the Ramblas, and then dives straight into the medieval nucleus of the city, the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), but there are plenty of other central old-town neighbourhoods to explore, from La Ribera – home to the celebrated Museu Picasso – to funky El Raval, where cool bars, restaurants and boutiques have mushroomed in the wake of the striking contemporary art museum, MACBA. Even if you think you know these heavily touristed neighbourhoods well, there’s always something else to discover – tapas bars hidden down alleys little changed for a century or two, designer boutiques in gentrified old-town quarters, bargain lunches in workers’ taverns, unmarked gourmet restaurants, craft outlets and workshops, fin-de-siècle cafés, restored medieval palaces and neighbourhood markets.

But endlessly fascinating as these districts are, Barcelona is so much more than just its old-town areas. The fortress-topped hill of Montjuïc, for example, contains the Olympic stadium used for the 1992 Games as well as some of the city’s best art museums, notably MNAC, ie the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – note the word “nacional”, which tells you all you need to know about Catalunya’s strong sense of identity. Other museums too explore the work of internationally famous Catalan artists, from Joan Miró to Antoni Tàpies, while in the nineteenth-century, uptown extension of the city – the Eixample – are found most of Barcelona’s celebrated modernista architectural wonders, from private houses to Gaudí’s peerless church.

If Barcelona sounds a bit too much like hard cultural work, then simply look instead for entertainment to the city’s harbour, parks, gardens and beaches. Indeed, it’s remarkably easy to forget you’re in a big city at all some times – just to take one example, walking from the Port Vell harbour takes you along the marina, through the old fishing and restaurant quarter of Barceloneta, past the leafy Parc de la Ciutadella , and out along the beachside promenade to the bar-and-restaurant zone that is the Port Olímpic.

Other easy city jaunts include a trip out to the Diagonal Mar conference and exhibition district for the new natural science museum, or up to the distinctive neighbourhood of Gràcia, with its small squares, lively bars and Gaudí’s amazing Parc Güell. If you’re saving yourself for just one aerial view of Barcelona, wait for a clear day and head for Tibidabo, a mountain-top amusement park backed by the Collserola hills, while beyond the city limits the one day-trip everyone should make is to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat , 40km northwest.

Barcelona is an established city-break destination with a year-round tourist, business and convention trade. Different seasons have different attractions, from summer music festivals to Christmas markets, but there’s always something going on.

Weather in Barcelona

As far as the weather is concerned, the best time to visit Barcelona is late spring or early autumn, when the weather is still comfortably warm (around 21–25°C) and walking the streets isn’t a chore. There might be a chill in the air in the evening, but Barcelona in these seasons is sometimes nigh on perfect.

However, in summer the city can be unbearably hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 28°C (but often a lot more). August, especially, is a month to be avoided, since the climate is at its most unwelcoming and many shops, bars and restaurants close as local inhabitants head out of the city in droves. It’s worth considering a winter break, as long as you don’t mind the prospect of occasional rain. It’s generally still warm enough to sit out at a café, even in December, when the temperature hovers around 13°C.

As with most Catholic countries, Carnival is celebrated before lent. Taking place between Febuary and March, Barcelona's main streets see a parade of fancy dress, floats and fireworks as a means of going wild before forty days of abstinence.

September 11th sees Diada Nacional de Catalunya, or Catalonia Day. Thousands take to the streets proudly wearing the Catalonian flag to celebrate culture. In recent years, the day has been used for independence demonstrations, making the day more lively and with a buzzing atmosphere.

Places around Barcelona

Out of Barcelona, the weather varies enormously from region to region. On the coast it’s best – naturally enough – in summer, though from June to September tourist resorts like Sitges are packed. Tarragona, too, can be extremely hot and busy in summer, though it’s worth knowing that Girona is considered to have a much more equable summer climate, and escaping from the coast for a few cool days is easy.

Despite being one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean (population 1.6 million, with a further 3.4 million in its metropolitan area), Barcelona is a pretty easy place to find your way around. In effect, it’s a series of self-contained quarters or neighbourhoods (known as barris) stretching out from the harbour, flanked by parks, hills and woodland.

Many of the best places to visit in Barcelona are in the city centre – the Gothic cathedral, Picasso museum, markets, Gaudí buildings and art galleries – can be reached on foot, while a fast, cheap, integrated public transport system takes you directly to the peripheral attractions and suburbs.

Start, as nearly everyone does, with the Ramblas, a kilometre-long, tree-lined avenue of pavement cafés, performance artists and kiosks that splits the old town in two. On the eastern side of the Ramblas is the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), the medieval nucleus of the city – a labyrinth of twisting streets and historic buildings, including La Seu (the cathedral) and the palaces and museums around Plaça del Rei.

Further east lies Sant Pere, set around its terrific market, which adjoins the fashionable boutique-and-bar quarter of La Ribera to the south, home to the Picasso museum. Over on the western side of the Ramblas is the edgier, artier neighbourhood of El Raval, containing both the flagship museum of contemporary art (MACBA) and the pick of the city’s coolest bars and restaurants.

At the bottom of the Ramblas is the waterfront, whose spruced-up harbour area is known as Port Vell (Old Port). Walking east from here takes you past the aquarium and marina, through the old fishing and restaurant quarter of Barceloneta, past the Parc de la Ciutadella and out along the promenade to the cafés and restaurants of the Port Olímpic. This whole area is where Barcelona is most like a resort, with city beaches all along the waterfront from Barceloneta as far as the conference and leisure zone of Parc del Fòrum.

Art- and garden-lovers, meanwhile, aim for the fortress-topped hill of Montjuïc to the southwest, where Catalunya’s national art gallery (MNAC), the Miró museum, botanic garden and main Olympic stadium are sited, among a host of other cultural attractions.

At the top of the Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya marks the start of the gridded nineteenth-century extension of the city, known as the Eixample, a symbol of the thrusting expansionism of Barcelona’s early industrial age. This is where some of Europe’s most extraordinary architecture – including Gaudí’s Sagrada Família – is located.

Beyond the Eixample lie the northern suburbs, notably Gràcia, with its small squares and lively bars, and the nearby Parc Güell, while you’ll also come out this way to see the famous Camp Nou FC Barcelona stadium. It’s worth making for the hills, too, where you can join the crowds at Barcelona’s famous Tibidabo amusement park – or escape them with a walk through the woods in the peaceful Parc de Collserola.

The good public transport links also make it easy to head further out of the city. The most obvious place to visit is the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat , not least for the extraordinary ride up to the monastic eyrie by cable car or mountain railway. Sitges is the local beach town par excellence, while with more time you can follow various trails around the local wine country, head south to the Roman town of Tarragona or north to medieval Girona or the Dalí museum in Figueres.

It is a telling comment on Barcelona’s character that one can recommend a single street – the Ramblas – as a highlight. No day in the city seems complete without a stroll down at least part of what, for Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, was “the only street in the world which I wish would never end”. Lined with cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, flower stalls and newspaper kiosks, it’s at the heart of Barcelona’s life and self-image.

The Ramblas splits the old-town areas of Barcelona in half, with the Barri Gòtic on the east flank of the avenue and El Raval on the west. It also actually comprises five separate sections strung head to tail – from north to south, Rambla Canaletes, Estudis, Sant Josep, Caputxins and Santa Mònica – though you’ll rarely hear them referred to as such. Here, under the plane trees, you’ll find pet canaries, tropical fish, flowers, plants, postcards and books. You can buy jewellery, have your palm read and your portrait painted, play cards with a man on an upturned cardboard box (not a good idea), or while away time with the buskers and human statues.

Mercat de la Boqueria

Beyond the Palau de la Virreina lies the city’s most famous market, known locally as La Boqueria, though officially the Mercat Sant Josep. While others might protest, the market really can claim to be the best in Spain. Built between 1836 and 1840, it’s a riot of noise and colour, with great piles of fruit and vegetables, dried herbs, exotic mushrooms, cured meats and an amazing variety of fish and seafood. If you’re going to buy, do some browsing first, as the flagship fruit and veg stalls by the entrance tend to have higher prices than those farther inside. There are some excellent stand-up snack bars in here, open from dawn onwards for the traders – Pinotxo near the Ramblas entrance is the most famous.

The Ramblas statues

You can’t move for human statues on the Ramblas, standing on their little home-made plinths. Classical figures and movie characters have always formed part of the parade, but there’s also some real wit and invention on display, like “Fruit Lady”, a one-woman mobile market stall, or the twin “Bicycling Skeletons”. Then there’s just the plain weird, like “Lady Under Rock”, crushed under a boulder, issuing plaintive shrieks at passers-by. And quite what demons drive “Man Sitting on Toilet”, only he can say.

On the Miró trail

Halfway down the Ramblas, just past La Boqueria, look down at the pavement – that’s right, the large circular mural under your feet is by Joan Miró. The famous Catalan artist was born just a couple of minutes’ walk off the Ramblas in the Barri Gòtic (there’s a plaque to mark the building on Passatge del Crèdit, off c/de Ferran) – and when you’ve seen one Miró in Barcelona, well, you start to see them everywhere, whether it’s T-shirts for tourists or branding for businesses. There’s another large ceramic mural at the airport, for a start, while Miró designed the starfish logo for the Caixa de Pensions savings bank (there’s one splashed across the Caixa Forum arts centre on Montjuïc). And this is all on top of the Montjuïc museum devoted to his life’s work. In many ways, it’s a Miró city, whatever Picasso fans might think.

The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, forms the very heart of the old town in Barcelona, spreading out from the east side of the Ramblas. It’s a remarkable concentration of medieval buildings principally dating from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, when Barcelona reached the height of its commercial prosperity before being absorbed into the burgeoning kingdom of Castile.

Things to do in Barri Gòtic

It takes the best part of a day to see everything here, with the cathedral – La Seu – a particular highlight, and you certainly won’t want to miss the archaeological remains at the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat or the eclectic collections of the Museu Frederic Marès. That said, sauntering through the atmospheric alleys or simply sitting at a café table in one of the lovely squares is just as much an attraction.

A good way to see the Gothic Quarter, and to learn about the stories and legends that make up the history here, is to partake in a walking tour. Typical routes walk you through August's Temple, the Cloister Cathedral and the Palatine Chapel of Santa Agata (Place del Rei).

The picture-postcard images of the Barri Gòtic are largely based on the streets north of c/de Ferran and c/de Jaume I, where tourists throng the boutiques, bars, restaurants, museums and galleries. South of here – from Plaça Reial and c/d’Avinyó to the harbour – the Barri Gòtic is rather more traditional (or sometimes just plain run-down).

Boho Barcelona and the Four Cats

There’s not much to see in the shopping zone north of the cathedral, but a century or so ago a tavern called Els Quatre Gats (The Four Cats; c/Montsió 3, wwww.4gats.com) burned brightly as the epicentre of Barcelona’s bohemian in-crowd. It was opened in 1897 as a gathering place for artists and literary types, with the building gloriously decorated in exuberant Catalan Art Nouveau style. Els Quatre Gats soon thrived as the scene of poetry readings and the venue for cultural debate, while a young Picasso designed the menu. Today, a modern restoration displays something of its former glory, with the bar-restaurant overseen by a copy of Ramon Casas’ famous wall-painting of himself and café founder Pere Romeu on a tandem bicycle (the original is in MNAC).

A tour of Jewish Barcelona

Barcelona’s medieval Jewish quarter lay nestled in the shadow of the cathedral – under the Church’s careful scrutiny. It was centred on c/Sant Domènec del Call, where you’ll find the most notable surviving landmark, the Antiga Sinagoga (c/Marlet 5, corner with c/Sant Domènec del Call; Mon–Fri 10.30am–5.30pm, Sat & Sun 10.30am–3pm, sometimes closed Sat for ceremonies; €2.50; t933 170 790, w calldebarcelona.org ; mLiceu) – not many people stop by, and if you do, you’ll get a personalized tour of the small room by a member of the local Jewish community. The prosperous settlement persisted until the pogrom and forced conversion of 1391, after which most of the buildings used by the Jews were torn down. However, a plaque further down c/Marlet (junction with c/Arc Sant Ramon del Call) marks the site of the former rabbi’s house, while in nearby Plaçeta Manuel Ribé another house – originally belonging to a veil-maker – now serves as a small museum, the Centre d’Interpretació del Call (Pl. Manuel Ribé; Wed–Fri 11am–2pm, Sat 11am–6pm, Sun & hols 11am–2pm; free; t932 562 100, w museuhistoria.bcn.cat ; mLiceu).

Perhaps the greatest recent transformation in the city has been along the waterfront, where harbour and Mediterranean have once again been placed at the heart of Barcelona. The glistening harbourside merges seamlessly with the old town, with the tourist attractions of Port Vell (ie, Old Port) just steps from the bottom of the Ramblas. Meanwhile, the pleasant walk around the harbour along the waterfront to Barceloneta takes you past the marina, where a boat has been converted into a floating bar, the Luz de Gas, which is a particularly good place for a sundowner.

The old-town area west of the Ramblas is known as El Raval (from the Arabic word for “suburb”). In medieval times, it was the site of hospitals, churches and monasteries, but by the twentieth century, it had acquired a reputation as the city’s main red-light district, known to all as the Barri Xinès – China Town. Even today in the backstreets around c/de Sant Pau and c/Nou de la Rambla are found pockets of sleaze, while a handful of old bars trade on their former reputations as bohemian hangouts. Over the last two decades, however, El Raval has changed markedly, particularly in the “upper Raval” around Barcelona’s contemporary art museum, MACBA. Cutting-edge galleries, designer restaurants and fashionable bars are all part of the scene these days, although you’d hesitate to call El Raval gentrified, as it clearly still has its rough edges.

Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

Anchoring the upper Raval is the huge, luminous Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona , known as MACBA. Once inside, a series of swooping ramps from the ground floor to the fourth floor afford continuous views of the square below – usually full of careering skateboarders. The collection represents the main movements in contemporary art since 1945, mainly in Catalunya and Spain but with a good smattering of foreign artists as well. The pieces are shown in rotating exhibitions, so you may catch works by Joan Miró, Antoni Tàpies, Eduardo Chillida, Alexander Calder, Robert Rauschenberg or Paul Klee. Joan Brossa, leading light of the Catalan avant-garde “Dau al Set” group, has work here, too, as do contemporary Catalan conceptual and abstract artists.

The Barri Gòtic is bordered on its eastern side by Via Laietana, which was cut through the old town at the beginning of the twentieth century. Across it to the east stretches the quiet neighbourhood of Sant Pere, home to two remarkable buildings, the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall and the restored neighbourhood market, Mercat Santa Caterina.

There’s no finer place for lunch on a sunny day than Barceloneta, an eighteenth-century neighbourhood of tightly packed streets with the harbour on one side and a beach on the other. It was laid out in 1755 – a classic eighteenth-century grid of streets where previously there had been mudflats – and the long, narrow streets are still very much as they were planned, broken at intervals by small squares and lined with multi-windowed houses. The local market, Mercat de la Barceloneta, was stylishly refurbished in 2007, while at Barceloneta’s famous seafood restaurants – most characteristically lined along the harbourside Passeig Joan de Borbó – for most of the year you can sit outside and enjoy your meal.

The cross-harbour cable Car

The most thrilling ride in the city centre of Barcelona is across the inner harbour on the cable car . The Trasbordador Aeri, which sweeps from the Torre Sant Sebastià, at the foot of Barceloneta, to the Torre Miramar in Montjuïc, with a stop in the middle at Torre de Jaume I (though this middle stop is currently closed for long-term repairs).

Departures are every fifteen minutes (daily 10.30am–6pm, June–Sept until 8pm), though in summer and at weekends you may have to wait for a while at the top of the towers for a ride, as the cars only carry about twenty people at a time. Tickets cost €10 one way or €15 return.

Approaching the Port Olímpic along the Passeig Marítim, the shimmering golden mirage above the promenade slowly reveals itself to be a huge copper fish (courtesy of Frank O. Gehry, architect of the Bilbao Guggenheim). It’s the emblem of the huge seafront development constructed for the 1992 Olympics, and is backed by the city’s two tallest buildings – the Torre Mapfre and the steel-framed Hotel Arts Barcelona – while the surrounding area has filled up with restaurants, cafés and bars. The whole zone turns into a full-on resort in summer, backed by a series of class-conscious clubs along Passeig Marítim that appeal to the local rich kids and A-list celebs.

Beyond the Port Olímpic, the city beaches are split into separate named sections (Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella and Llevant), each with showers, playgrounds and open-air café-bars. It’s a pretty extraordinary leisure facility to find so close to a city centre – the sands are regularly swept and replenished, while joggers, cyclists and bladers have one of the Med’s best views for company.

The waterfront convention-and-business district of Diagonal Mar was developed in the wake of the Universal Forum of Cultures Expo, held here in 2004. Everything is on a grand scale, starting with Jacques Herzog’s dazzling blue biscuit-tin of a building hovering – seemingly unsupported – above the ground. This houses the main exhibitions of the Natural Science Museum (the Museu Blau), while the vast, landscaped area beyond is one of the city’s showpiece urban leisure projects, the Parc del Fòrum.

You’ll need to reserve at least a day to see Montjuïc , the steep hill and park rising over the city to the southwest. There’s been a castle on the heights since the mid-seventeenth century, but since it was chosen as the site of the International Exhibition of 1929 Montjuïc has been firmly positioned as a cultural leisure park, anchored around the heavyweight art collections in the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). This unsurpassed national collection of Catalan art is supplemented by works in two other superb galleries, namely international contemporary art in the CaixaForum and that of the famous Catalan artist Joan Miró in the Fundació Joan Miró . In addition, there are several other minor museums, quite apart from the buildings and stadiums associated with the 1992 Olympics, which was centred on the heights of Montjuïc.

The towering Palau Nacional, centrepiece of Barcelona’s 1929 International Exhibition, is home to one of Spain’s great museums, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) , showcasing a thousand years of Catalan art in stupendous surroundings. Its scope is such that it can be difficult to know where to start, but if time is limited it’s recommended you concentrate on the medieval collection, which you’ll be able to see in an afternoon. This is split into two main sections, one dedicated to Romanesque art and the other to Gothic – periods in which Catalunya’s artists were pre-eminent in Spain. The collection of Romanesque frescoes in particular is the museum’s pride and joy, while MNAC also has impressive holdings of European Renaissance and Baroque art, as well as an unsurpassed collection of “modern” (ie nineteenth- and twentieth-century) Catalan art up until the 1940s – everything from the 1950s and later is covered by MACBA. In addition, temporary blockbuster exhibitions (separate admission charge) change every two to four months.

Romanesque collection

The Romanesque collection is the best of its kind in the world. From the eleventh century, the Catalan villagers of the high Pyrenees built sturdy stone churches, which were then lavishly painted in vibrantly coloured frescoes. To save them from degradation, the frescoes were moved to the museum and now are imaginatively presented in reconstructions of their original church settings. Still luminescent after eight hundred years, the frescoes have a vibrant, raw quality, best exemplified by those taken from churches in the Boí valley in the Catalan Pyrenees – such as the work of the anonymous “Master of Taüll” in the church of Sant Climent; look out for details such as the leper, to the left of the Sant Climent altar, patiently suffering a dog to lick his sores.

Gothic collection

The evolution from the Romanesque to the Gothic period was marked by a move from murals to painting on wood, and by the depiction of more naturalistic figures in scenes of the lives of saints and royalty. By the time of fifteenth-century Catalan artists like Jaume Huguet and Lluís Dalmau, works showed the strong influence of contemporary Flemish painting, in the use of denser colours, the depiction of crowd scenes and a concern for perspective. The last Catalan Gothic-era artist of note is the so-called Master of La Seu d’Urgell, responsible for a fine series of six paintings (Christ, the Virgin Mary, Saints Peter, Paul and Sebastian, and Mary Magdalene) that once formed the covers of an organ.

Renaissance and Baroque collections

Major European artists displayed include Rubens, Goya, El Greco, Zurbarán and Velázquez, though the museum is keen to play up Catalan works of the period, which largely absorbed the prevailing European influences – thus Barcelona artist Antoni Viladomat (1678–1755), whose twenty paintings of St Francis, executed for a monastery, are shown here in their entirety. However, more familiar to most will be the masterpieces of the Spanish Golden Age, notably Velázquez’s Saint Paul.

Modern art collection

MNAC ends on a high note with its modern Catalan art collection, which is particularly good on modernista and noucentista painting and sculpture, the two dominant schools of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Rooms highlight individual artists and genres, shedding light on the development of art in an exciting period of Catalunya’s history, while there are fascinating diversions into modernista interior design (with some pieces by Gaudí), avant-garde sculpture and historical photography.

Fundació Joan Miró

Montjuïc’s highlight for many is the Fundació Joan Miró, Barcelona’s most adventurous art museum, opened in 1975 and set among gardens overlooking the city. Joan Miró (1893–1983) was one of the greatest of Catalan artists, establishing an international reputation while never severing his links with his homeland. He showed a childlike delight in colours and shapes and developed a free, highly decorative style – the paintings and drawings, in particular, are instantly recognizable, among the chief links between Surrealism and abstract art. Miró had his first exhibition in 1918, and after that spent his summers in Catalunya (and the rest of the time in France) before moving to Mallorca in 1956, where he died.

Inside the museum

Miró’s friend, the architect Josep Lluís Sert, designed the beautiful building that now houses the museum, a permanent collection of paintings, graphics, tapestries and sculptures donated by Miró himself and covering the period from 1914 to 1978. For a rapid appraisal of Miró’s entire oeuvre, look in on the museum’s Sala K, whose 23 works are on long-term loan from a Japanese collector. Here, in a kind of potted retrospective, you can trace Miró’s development as an artist, from his early Impressionist landscapes (1914) to the minimal renderings of the 1970s. Other exhibits include his enormous bright tapestries (he donated nine to the museum), pencil drawings and sculpture outside in the gardens. Young experimental artists have their own space in the Espai 13 gallery. There’s also a bookshop, and a café-restaurant (lunch 1.30–3pm, otherwise drinks, pastries and sandwiches) with outdoor tables on a sunny patio – you don’t have to pay to get into the museum to use this.

The Olympics on Montjuïc

The main road through Montjuïc climbs around the hill and up to the city’s principal Olympic area, centred on the Estadi Olímpic. Built originally for the 1929 exhibition, the stadium was completely refitted to accommodate the 1992 opening and closing ceremonies, while to one side a vast terrace provides one of the finest vantage points in the city. Long water-fed troughs break the concrete and marble expanse, while the confident, space-age curve of Santiago Calatrava’s communications tower dominates the skyline. Around the other side, just across the road from the stadium, the history of the Games themselves – and Barcelona’s successful hosting – are covered in the Museu Olímpic i de l’Esport, Avgda. de l’Estadi 60 (Tues–Sat 10am–6pm April–Sept until 8pm, Sun & hols 10am–2.30pm; €4.50; t932 925 379, museuolimpicbcn.com ; m Espanya then 25min walk, or bus #193 or #50 from Avgda. de la Reina María Cristina).

The 1992 Olympics were the second planned for Montjuïc’s stadium. The first, in 1936 – the so-called “People’s Olympics” – were organized as an alternative to the Nazis’ infamous Berlin Games of that year, but the day before the official opening Franco’s army revolt triggered the Civil War and scuppered the Barcelona Games. Some of the 25,000 athletes and spectators who had turned up stayed on to join the Republican forces.

Teatre Grec and the Barcelona Festival

Montjuïc takes centre-stage each year during Barcelona’s annual summer cultural festival ( barcelonafestival.com ), known locally as the Grec, when arias soar from the open-air stage of the Teatre Grec, a Greek theatre cut into a former quarry on the Poble Sec side of the hill. Starting in late June (and running throughout July and August), the festival incorporates drama, music and dance, with the opening sessions and some of the most atmospheric events staged in the theatre, from Shakespearean productions to shows by avant-garde performance artists. These can be magical nights – a true Barcelona experience – though you’ll need to be quick off the mark for tickets (which usually go on sale in May).

The vast nineteenth-century street grid north of Plaça de Catalunya is the city’s main shopping and business district. It was designed as part of a revolutionary urban plan – the Eixample in Catalan (pronounced aye-sham-pla, the “Extension” or “Widening”) – that divided districts into regular blocks, whose characteristic wide streets and shaved corners survive today. It’s not a neighbourhood as such – and, in fact, is further split into two distinct sections, namely the Dreta de l’Eixample (ie, the right-hand side) and Esquerra de l’Eixample (left-hand side), which fall either side of the two central parallel avenues, Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya. It’s on and around Passeig de Gràcia, above all, that the bulk of the city’s show-stopping modernista (Catalan Art Nouveau) buildings are found, along with an array of classy galleries and some of the city’s most fashionable hotels, shops and boutiques.

Building a designer city

As Barcelona grew more prosperous throughout the nineteenth century, it was clear that the city had to expand beyond the Barri Gòtic. A contest was held to design the city’s new quarters and the winning plan was that of utopian engineer and urban planner Ildefons Cerdà i Sunyer, who drew up a grid-shaped town marching off to the north, intersected by long, straight streets and cut by broad, angled avenues. Work started in 1859 and the Eixample immediately became the fashionable area in which to live, as the moneyed classes moved into luxurious apartments on the wide new avenues. As the money in the city moved north, so did a new class of architects who began to pepper the Eixample with ever more striking examples of their work, inspired by modernisme, the Catalan offshoot of Art Nouveau. Three architects in particular came to prominence in Barcelona and, in doing so, introduced a building style that has given the city a look like no other.

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet Born in Reus, near Tarragona, to a family of artisans, the work of Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (1852–1926) was never strictly modernista in style, but the imaginative impetus he provided was incalculable. Fantasy, spiritual symbolism and Catalan pride are evident in every building he designed, while his architectural influences were Moorish and Gothic, embellished with elements from the natural world. Gaudí rarely wrote a word about the theory of his art, preferring the buildings to demand reaction – no one stands mute in front of an Antoni Gaudí masterpiece.

Lluís Domènech i Montaner With Gaudí in a class of his own, it was Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1850–1923) who was perhaps the greatest pure modernista architect. Drawing on the rich Catalan Romanesque and Gothic traditions, his work combined traditional craft methods with modern technological experiments, seen to triumphant effect in his masterpiece, the Palau de la Música Catalana.

Josep Puig i Cadafalch Like other modernista architects, the work of Josep Puig i Cadafalch (1867–1957) also contains a wildly inventive use of ceramic tiles, ironwork, stained glass and stone carving. His first commission, the Casa Martí, housed the famous Els Quatre Gats tavern for the city’s avant-garde artists and hangers-on, while in various Eixample mansions Puig i Cadafalch brought to bear distinct Gothic and medieval influences.

Other modernista craftsmen Modernisme was often a true collaborative effort between the architects and their artisans. Antoni Gaudí, for example, always worked with skilled craftsmen, including his longtime collaborator – and a master of mosaic decoration – Josep María Jujol i Gilbert (1879–1949). The other significant name is that of Eusebi Arnau i Mascort (1864–1933), who provided meticulous carvings for all the main modernista architects – much loved is his tour-de-force carved fireplace in the Raval’s Hotel Espanya. Some projects brought together the cream of craft talent, so at Domènech i Montaner’s Palau de la Música Catalana, for example, the glorious stained glass by Antoni Rigalt and elaborate facade sculpture by Miquel Blay form an integral part of the whole.

Treasure-hunting at Els Encants Vells

At the city’s traditional open-air flea market, Els Encants Vells (c/del Dos de Maig; Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat 7am–3pm, plus same times Sun & hols from Dec 1–Jan 5; encantsbcn.com ; mEncants/Glòries), you name it, you can buy it: old sewing machines, cheese graters, photograph albums, cutlery, lawnmowers, clothes, shoes, CDs, antiques, furniture and out-and-out junk. It’s best in the early morning, and haggling for any “old charms” (encants vells) you might fancy is de rigueur, but you’re up against experts. The market is due a new home with the completion of the Glòries renovations, so access, hours and location are subject to change over the next few years.

Gràcia – the closest neighbourhood to the Eixample – was a village for much of its early existence before being annexed as a city suburb in the late nineteenth century. There’s still a genuine small-town atmosphere here, very distinct from the old-town neighbourhoods, while Gràcia’s vibrant cultural scene and nightlife counters the notion that Barcelona begins and ends on the Ramblas. That said, there’s not that much to see, but wander the narrow, gridded streets, catch a film or hit one of the excellent local bars or restaurants, and you’ll soon get the feel of a neighbourhood that – unlike some in Barcelona – still has a soul. Most of the boutiques, galleries, cinemas and cafés are near pretty Plaça de la Virreina, with c/Verdi in particular always worth a stroll. A short walk to the southwest, Plaça del Sol is the beating heart of much of the district’s nightlife, while Plaça Rius i Taulet, the “clock-tower square”, a couple of minutes to the south, is another popular place to meet for brunch. However, the one unmissable attraction is just on the neighbourhood fringe, namely the surreal Parc Güell, by architectural genius Antoni Gaudí.

Parc Güell , Antoni Gaudí’s extraordinary urban park on the outskirts of Gràcia, was originally planned as a private housing estate of sixty dwellings, furnished with ornamental paths, recreational areas and decorative monuments. Gaudí worked on the project between 1900 and 1914 but in the end only two houses were actually built, and the park was officially opened to the public instead in 1922.

Laid out on a hill, which provides fabulous views back across the city, the park is an almost hallucinatory expression of the imagination. Pavilions of contorted stone, giant decorative lizards, a vast Hall of Columns (intended to be the estate’s market), the meanderings of a huge ceramic bench – all combine in one manic swirl of ideas and excesses.

Casa Museu Gaudí

One of Gaudí’s collaborators, Francesc Berenguer, designed and built a turreted house within the park for the architect. In the Casa Museu Gaudí, his ascetic study and bedroom have been kept much as they were in his day, while other rooms display a diverting collection of furniture he designed for other projects – a typical mixture of wild originality and brilliant engineering.

Entrance to Parc Güell

Although you can freely enter and explore Parc Güell, if you wish to access the Monumental Core, you will need to purchase a ticket, as with the Gaudi House Museum. Tickets can be purchased on site, although there is also an option to buy online up to three months before your visit.

To the northwest of the city centre, what was once the village of Les Corts is now largely indistinguishable from the rest of the modern city, save for the hallowed precincts of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s stupendous football stadium. Nearby, across Avinguda Diagonal, the Palau Reial de Pedralbes combines the city’s applied art collections (of clothes and textiles, decorative arts and ceramics), while a half-day’s excursion can be made by walking from the palace, past the Gaudí dragon gate at Pavellons Güell to the calm cloister at the Gothic monastery of Pedralbes.

Camp Nou and FC Barcelona

It’s no exaggeration to say that football in Barcelona is a genuine obsession, with support for the local giants FC (Futbol Club) Barcelona raised to an art form. “More than just a club” is the proud boast, and certainly during the dictatorship years the club stood as a Catalan symbol around which people could rally. Arch-rivals, Real Madrid, on the other hand, were always seen as Franco’s club. The swashbuckling players in the famous “blaugrana” (claret and blue) shirts have transcended national barriers to become every football fan’s second favourite team; indeed, the four-times European champions (most recently in 2011) – mercurial masters of the elegant tiki-taka, pass-and-move style – are often hailed as the world’s best team.

Museum and stadium tour

Together, the 98,000-seat stadium and museum – billed as the “ Camp Nou Experience ” – provide a magnificent celebration of Spain’s national sport. The self-guided tour, complete with audio-guide, winds through the changing rooms and players’ tunnel onto the pitch and up to the press gallery and directors’ box for stunning views. The museum is jammed full of silverware and memorabilia, including the six cups won in 2009 alone, Barcelona’s annus mirabilis, while a cracking multimedia zone profiles historic games and famous players and relives the match-day atmosphere. Finally, you’re directed into the FC Botiga megastore, where you can buy anything from a replica shirt down to a branded bottle of wine.

The views from the heights of Tibidabo (550m), the peak that signals the northwestern boundary of the city, are legendary. On a clear day you can see across to the Pyrenees and out to sea even as far as Mallorca. However, while many make the tram and funicular ride up to Tibidabo’s wonderfully old-fashioned amusement park, few realize that beyond stretches the Parc de Collserola, an area of peaks, wooded river valleys and hiking paths – one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets. Meanwhile, don’t miss CosmoCaixa, the city’s excellent science museum, which can easily be seen on the way to or from Tibidabo.

Festes de Santa Eulàlia A week’s worth of music, dances, parades of gegants (giants), castellers (human castle-builders) and fireworks in honour of one of Barcelona’s patron saints – the saint’s day falls on February 12.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) There’s a procession from the church of Sant Agustí on c/de l’Hospital (El Raval) to La Seu, starting at 4pm on Good Friday, while Palm Sunday sees the blessing of the palms at La Seu.

23: Día de Sant Jordi St George’s Day, dedicated to Catalunya’s dragon-slaying patron saint – the city fills with roses and books, exchanged by sweethearts as gifts.

Last week: Primavera Sound The city’s hottest music festival heralds a massive three-day bash, attracting top names in rock, indie and electronica.

Last week: Festival de Flamenco de Ciutat Vella Five days of guitar recitals, singing and dancing, plus DJ sessions and chill-out zone.

Usually 2nd or 3rd week: Sónar Europe’s most cutting-edge electronic music, multimedia and urban art festival attracts up to 100,000 visitors for three days of brilliant noise and spectacle. By day, the focus is on events at MACBA/CCCB; by night, the action shifts to out-of-town L’Hospitalet, with all-night buses running from the city to the Sónar bars and clubs.23/24: Verbena/Día de Sant Joan The “eve” and “day” of St John is the city’s wildest annual celebration, with bonfires and fireworks (particularly on Montjuïc), drinking and dancing, and watching the sun come up on the beach. The day itself (24th) is a public holiday.

End June to August: Festival de Barcelona Grec The summer’s foremost arts and music festival, with main performances at Montjuïc’s open-air Greek theatre.

First week: Montjuïc de Nit Once a year, Montjuïc’s galleries throw open their doors for the night, while parks, spaces and buildings across the whole hillside throb with free gigs, dance, theatre, films, street art and family events.

Mid-month: Festa Major de Gràcia Music, dancing, fireworks and castellers in the neighbourhood’s streets and squares.

11: Diada Nacional The Catalan national day is a public holiday in Barcelona.

24: Festes de la Mercè The city’s biggest traditional festival lasts for a week around the 24th – the 24th itself is a public holiday (and there’s free entry that day to city museums). Highlights include costumed giants, breathtaking firework displays and competing teams of castellers.

October/November

Third week: Festival de Tardor Ribermúsica Wide-ranging four-day music festival held in the Born, with free concerts in historic and picturesque locations.

End October to November: Festival de Jazz The biggest annual jazz festival in town highlights big-name solo artists and bands.

1–22: Fira de Santa Llúcia A Christmas market and crafts fair outside La Seu.

Finding a hotel vacancy in Barcelona can be very difficult, so it’s always best to book in advance, especially at Easter, in summer and during festivals or trade fairs. Prices are high for Spain – absolute cheapest rooms in a simple family-run hotel, sharing a bathroom, cost around €50 (singles from €30), though for private facilities €70–80 a night is more realistic. Places with a bit of boutique styling start at around €100, while for Barcelona’s most fashionable hotels, count on €250 to €400 a night. In youth hostels, or cheap hotels with dorms, a bed goes for between €15 and €30 a night, depending on the season. You can reserve hotel accommodation online with the city tourist board or make same-day bookings in person only at their tourist offices.

You’ll probably do most of your eating where you do most of your sightseeing. However, if you venture no farther than the Ramblas, or the streets around La Seu, you are not going to experience the best of the city’s cuisine – in the main tourist areas, food and service can be indifferent and prices high. Instead, explore the backstreets of neighbourhoods like Sant Pere, La Ribera , El Raval and Poble Sec, where you’ll find excellent restaurants, some little more than hole-in-the-wall taverns, others surprisingly funky and chic. Most of the big-ticket, destination-dining restaurants are found in the Eixample, while Gràcia is a pleasant place to spend the evening, with plenty of good mid-range restaurants. For fish and seafood, you’re best off in the harbourside Barceloneta district or at the Port Olímpic.

Most cafés are open from 7 or 8am until midnight, or much later – so whether it’s coffee first thing or a late-night nibble, you’ll find somewhere to cater for you. Restaurants generally open 1 to 4pm and 8.30 to 11pm, though in tourist zones like the Ramblas and Port Olímpic, restaurants tend to stay open all day.

Whatever you’re looking for from a night out, you’ll find it somewhere in Barcelona – bohemian boozer, underground club, cocktail bar, summer dance palace, techno temple, Irish pub or designer bar, you name it. Best known of the city’s nightlife haunts are its hip designer bars, while there’s a stylish club and music scene that goes from strength to strength fuelled by a potent mix of resident and guest DJs, local bands and visiting superstars.

Local listings magazines Guía del Ocio ( guiadelociobcn.com ) and Time Out Barcelona ( timeout.cat ) cover current openings, hours and club nights, and most bars, cafés and music stores carry flyers and free magazines containing news and reviews. For the Barcelona music scene, check out the websites watiza.com and wbarcelonarocks.com.

Opening hours and closing days Most bars stay open until 2am, or 3am at weekends, while clubs tend not to open much before midnight and stay open until 5am, or even later at weekends – fair enough, as they’ve often barely got started by 3am. Unlike restaurants, bars and clubs generally stay open throughout August.

Admission charges Some clubs are free before a certain time, usually around midnight. Otherwise, expect to pay €10–20, though this usually includes your first drink (if there is free entry, don’t be surprised to find that there’s a minimum drinks’ charge of anything up to €10). Tickets for gigs run from €20 to €50, depending on the act though there are cheaper gigs (€5–20) almost every night of the year at a variety of smaller clubs and bars.

While not on a par with Paris or the world’s other style capitals, Barcelona still leads the way in Spain when it comes to shopping. It’s the country’s fashion and publishing capital, and there’s a long tradition of innovative disseny (design), from clothes and accessories to crafts and household goods. The annual sales follow the main fashion seasons – mid-January until the end of February, and throughout July and August.

As you would expect from a city of its size, Barcelona has a busy entertainment calendar – throughout the year there’ll be something worth catching, whether it’s a contemporary dance performance, cabaret show or night at the opera. Classical and contemporary music, in particular, gets an airing in some stunning auditoriums, while the city boasts a long tradition of street and performance art, right down to the human statues plying their trade on the Ramblas. A useful first stop for tickets and information is the Palau de la Virreina, Ramblas 99 (daily 10am–8.30pm; 933 161 000; Liceu). ServiCaixa (902 332 211, servicaixa.com ) and TelEntrada (902 101 212, telentrada.com ) are the main advance booking agencies.

The city council’s Institute of Culture website, bcn.cat/cultura , covers every aspect of art and culture in the city. Otherwise, the best listings magazines are the weekly Guía del Ocio ( guiadelociobcn.com ) and Time Out Barcelona ( timeout.cat ), online or from any newspaper stand.

Celebrating Catalan-style

Catalunya’s national folk dance, the sardana, is danced every week in front of La Seu, in Plaça de la Seu (every Sunday at noon, plus every Saturday at 6pm from Easter until the end of November). Mocked in the rest of Spain, the Catalans claim theirs is a very democratic dance. Participants (there’s no limit on numbers) all hold hands in a circle, each puts something in the middle as a sign of community and sharing, and since it is not overly energetic (hence the jibes), old and young can join in equally.

The main event in a traditional Catalan festival is usually a parade, either promenading behind a revered holy image (as on saints’ days or at Easter) or a more celebratory costumed affair that’s the centrepiece of a neighbourhood festival. At the main Eulàlia (Feb), Gràcia (Aug) and Mercè (Sept) festivals, and others, you’ll encounter parades of gegants, five-metre-high giants with papier-mâché heads based on historical or traditional figures. Also typically Catalan is the correfoc (“fire-running”), where brigades of drummers, dragons and devils with spark-shooting flares fitted to pitchforks cavort in the streets. Perhaps most peculiar of all are the castellers, the human tower-builders who draw crowds at every traditional festival, piling person upon person, feet on shoulders, to see who can construct the highest, most aesthetically pleasing tower (ten human storeys is the record).

Is it an apartment building or a work of art? Both, when the building in question – the undulating Pedrera , or “Stone Quarry” – is designed by Antoni Gaudí.

© Loredana Bitculescu/Shutterstock

Barcelona has a golden seafront, with 5km of sandy beaches stretching from Barceloneta to Diagonal Mar.

© Oleg_P/Shutterstock

Hopping from bar to bar, sampling the specialities , is the best way to experience some of Barcelona’s finest food.

© hitch3r/Shutterstock

The magnificent Camp Nou stadium is the home of FC Barcelona, one of the world’s premier sides, with a cabinet full of trophies to prove it.

© Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock

The adventurous Fundació Joan Miró celebrates the work of one of the greatest Catalan artists.

Marvel at the soaring spaces in one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in Spain.

© Jordi C/Shutterstock

Explore the art, sculpture and furniture of modernista Barcelona in this wonderful collection of paintings and artefacts .

© Boule/Shutterstock

Scale the heights of Mount Tibidabo for fantastic views and a wonderful amusement park.

© SueTot/Shutterstock

The “ House of Bones ” is another modernista masterwork by Antoni Gaudí.

© Dunaeva Natalia/Shutterstock

The city’s best-known market presents an extraordinary range of fresh produce.

© funkyfrogstock/Shutterstock

The National Museum of Art celebrates the grandeur of Romanesque and Gothic art, two periods in which Catalan artists were pre-eminent in Spain.

© TTstudio/Shutterstock

A stroll down Barcelona’s famous thoroughfare is a must for both tourists and locals alike.

The city’s most extraordinary park is a fantasy land born of Antoni Gaudí’s fertile imagination.

© VLADYSLAV DANILIN/Shutterstock

Trace the genesis of the artist’s genius in the city that Picasso liked to call home .

© Jakez/Shutterstock

The temple dedicated to the Sacred Family is the essential pilgrimage for Gaudí fans .

© R.M. Nunes/Shutterstock

Cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions are at home in El Raval’s signature building .

© Teo Stuivenberg/Shutterstock

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Essential travel guide to barcelona [updated for 2024].

Barcelona is constantly alive with activity and excitement. La Rambla teems with people enjoying a stroll, heading out with a group of friends, and taking in the sights of the city. The Gothic Quarter tells the story of Barcelona’s ancient past with its narrow streets and medieval architecture.

All around the city are the famous works of beloved architect Antoni Gaudi, like Sagrada Familia . These are a few of the areas that tourists absolutely love about Barcelona and can’t seem to get enough of.

Whether you’re visiting Barcelona for a few days or a few weeks, you’ll find our essential travel guide to Barcelona very useful. It contains all the best things to do in Barcelona, places to eat and drink, and even includes our top picks for where to stay, all in one short infographic.

If you’re looking for where to eat in Barcelona , check out this post for top restaurants, and we also love going on a food tour in Barcelona to learn where to go back during your stay. Here’s a great 3-day Barcelona itinerary .

If your plans take you to other parts of Europe, check out our how to plan a trip to Europe guide. 

Are you planning your trip to Barcelona?

If you’re  traveling to Barcelona , ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks to help you plan!

• Book a transfer from the airport to Barcelona city center with Welcome Pickups.
• Rent a car from the Rome airport through Discover Cars .

Where to Stay in Barcelona See all hotel options

• Grand Hotel Central ⇒ 5-star luxury near La Rambla with poolside bar, rooftop terrace
• ME Barcelona ⇒ 5-star hotel near La Rambla
• Catalonia Catedral Hotel  ⇒ 4-star eco-friendly hotel near Plaça de Catalunya

Best Tours and Experiences in Barcelona:

• Skip the Line: Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour (definitely the way to go)
• Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour (we loved this tour)
• Interactive Spanish Cooking Experience in Barcelona (if you have extra time – super fun)

» Want more info on what to eat in Spain? Check out our Spain travel guide . I highly recommend a pinchos crawl in Logrono or pintxos in San Sebastian , in Northern Spain. If you’re going to Southern Spain, find out  where to eat tapas in Seville. And don’t miss a trip to the Rioja wine region .

Table of Contents

What to Do in Barcelona

I love Barcelona for the sheer number of things there are to do there. You will not have a quiet moment, unless you plan it into your itinerary.

For me, it’s all about trying all the great foods Barcelona is known for, so the first thing I recommend is taking this Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour . It’s about 3 hours long and is a great introduction to Barcelona and it’s food and wine.

If you want to see the Sagrada Familia (and of COURSE you do!), it’s always a good idea to book ahead for priority access, so you can avoid standing in the atrocious line. This is a good one to book: Priority Access: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour .

Other popular things to do in Barcelona include:

• Visit Park Güell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batlló – all Gaudi’s amazing masterpieces
• Walk along Las Ramblas from Plaça de Catalunya down to the waterfront
• Go to the beach – Barcelona has beautiful beaches that stretch for miles
• Eat your way around La Boqueria – this market has been around forever and there are dozens of places to eat both inside and out.
• Visit the Barcelona City History Museum – you’ll go underground to see the remains of the Roman sites that are long since buried
• Go on a wine tasting trip to try wine and Cava outside Barcelona. Here’s a tour you can book:  Wine and Cava Day Trip from Barcelona

Other Notable Attractions

Aside from the top attractions mentioned earlier, there are still several other notable attractions in Barcelona that you should consider visiting during your one day itinerary.

If you’re a fan of art and architecture, you should not miss Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, two of the most famous buildings designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Casa Batlló is known for its colorful facade and unique rooftop, while Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, features a wavy stone facade and a stunning rooftop terrace with chimney sculptures.

For those interested in art, the Picasso Museum is a must-visit. The museum houses an extensive collection of works by Pablo Picasso, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. You can also visit the El Born neighborhood, where you can find several art galleries and boutiques.

If you’re a football fan, you can visit the Camp Nou stadium, home to FC Barcelona. You can take a tour of the stadium, visit the museum, and even step onto the pitch.

Montjuïc Hill is another off-the-beaten-path destination that offers stunning views of the city. You can take a cable car to the top, where you can find several attractions, including the Montjuïc Castle, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

Passeig de Gracia is a popular shopping street that features several high-end boutiques, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. You can also find several notable buildings along the street, including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Plaça Catalunya is Barcelona’s main square and a bustling hub of activity. You can find several shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area, as well as several notable buildings, including the Barcelona Cathedral.

The Gracia district is a charming neighborhood that is known for its bohemian vibe and narrow streets. You can find several shops, cafes, and bars in the area, as well as several notable buildings, including the Casa Vicens and the Parc Güell.

Tours to Go On in Barcelona

We always schedule at least a few tours with local tour guides when visiting Barcelona. It’s a great way to learn more about the city and find all the great places to go during the rest of our trip. Indulge in some of the best food and drink that Barcelona has to offer on one of these fantastic tapas tours .

Here are some of the top tours we recommend:

• Barcelona in One Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Old Town with Hotel Pick-up
• Barcelona Segway Tour
• Paella Cooking Experience with Professional Chef and Bottomless Wine
• Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour
• Flamenco Show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona in Las Ramblas

How to Get to Barcelona

Most international flights will come into El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN). From there, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride or 30-minute train ride to the city center.

Another option is to take the Aerobus, the airport express bus. It comes to the airport every You can’t miss it – it has Aerobus across the side of it. They park right out in front of the terminal. The main bus stops in Barcelona city center are at Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça España. The cost is €5.90 for a single and €10.20 return.

For the train, the RENFE train runs every 30 minutes between the city and the airport. It takes about 25 minutes. You can catch the train from Clot, Passeig de Gràcia , or BarcelonaSants.

What to Eat & Drink in Barcelona

Barcelona is full of options for eating and drinking, from high-end restaurants to food markets, and tapas bars. You’ll want to get ready for a giant list of things you need to try while you’re there.

A few of the foods you must try in Barcelona are:

• Pimientos de padron
• Patatas Bravas
• Brocheta de Camarones

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated meal, there are a lot of fine-dining restaurants that will blow your mind, like Caelis, Moments, Alkimia, and Cinc Sentits. Be sure to make reservations well in advance to get a table.

Craft beer is also very big in Barcelona. You can make a day of it and visit some of the top craft breweries, like BierCaB, Ale & Hop, BlackLab, and Garage Beer Co.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

There are a couple of things we’ve come to expect from hotel rooms in Spain . One is that the walls and floors are typically not well insulated, so you can hear your neighbors in their rooms, in the hall, walking around, etc. Another is that the beds are not as soft or comfortable as in U.S. hotels. As long as you understand those two things, your expectations will be set appropriately.

Here are our recommended hotels in Barcelona . Please feel free to use any of these links to read reviews, see prices and book your stay (they are affiliate links that help us keep the lights on around here): For more choices, check out these  Hotels in Barcelona, Spain

Check out this post for what to do in Barcelona with kids .

Hotel Indigo

4-star hotel in the middle of the action in Plaza Catalunya, with a pool and Gaudi-inspired lobby.

Read Reviews | Book a Stay

W Barcelona

5-star beachfront hotel in Barceloneta, with a full-service spa, 3 restaurants and 2 bars.

4-star hotel with a restaurant, 2 bars/lounges and an indoor and outdoor pool.

Essential Travel Guide to Barcelona

You might also like:

• What to see in Barcelona in 3 Days  (by Surfing the Planet)
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Barcelona  (by Hostel Geeks)
• How to enjoy La Boqueria market in Barcelona

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Where to Eat in Barcelona: Top 10 Restaurants to Try

Try This Devour Barcelona Food and Wine Tour

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

The Perfect 7-Day Costa Brava Itinerary (Spain)

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

3 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Barcelona [Updated for 2024] ”

Cervesería Catalana was amazing! There’s always a long line-up there when we went. We also tried its sister restaurant Ciudad Condal – similar menu and just as delicious.

you have some nice tips for people here for the first time in Barcelona. If you are ever back in Barcelona I own a food tour business here in BCN and I would be happy to show you around some great spots to eat.

Absolutely will do!

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• Travel Resources

The Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide: The Best Places to Stay and Explore

Traveling to Barcelona? Here is everything you need to know, including what to do, where to stay and eat in Barcelona.

Last updated: August 29, 2023

Home to several Gaudi’s masterpieces, Barcelona is a perfect travel destination for people of all walks of life . Remarkable architecture, beaches near city center, and delicious Catalan cuisine make this multicultural city irresistible. Once you visit Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, you want to come back again and again. No exceptions here! And if it comes from a person who just a few days ago didn’t have any expectations from Barcelona whatsoever, you know it must be true.

The city, however, is large to say the least and can be overwhelming at first. To make things easier for you, we have prepared this ultimate Barcelona travel guide with the best places to stay, eat, and play. Read on, use this Barcelona travel guide, and you’ll feel like a local in no time.

THE ULTIMATE BARCELONA TRAVEL GUIDE:

Travel to barcelona: what to know.

Vibrant and colorful, Barcelona is a capital of the Catalonia region of Spain . A few significant characteristics set this area apart from other Spanish regions. First, Catalonia has enriched the world with some of the finest examples of its impeccable art and architecture. (Just travel to Barcelona and feast your eyes on Gaudi’s buildings.)

Second, it added an additional language to a vast number of foreign languages existing in the world nowadays. Yes, the alluring region of Catalonia has two official languages: Spanish and Catalan . While both of them are widely spoken, Catalan dominates in offices and schools.

The official currency in Spain, including Barcelona, is the euro, which makes travel across Europe convenient. 

Barcelona is a safe city to travel to and live in . Common sense and precaution, however, should be exercised, especially if you ache to explore nightlife of Barcelona. The crime rate in the capital of Catalonia is nearly the same as you’d find in any other big modern cities.

At the same time travel to Barcelona can be troublesome due to ongoing pickpocketing problems . Therefore, it’s recommended to leave you valuable items locked in a hotel room before venturing to the streets. On that note, carrying a purse or backpack in front of you can eliminate any possibilities of the potential crime when traveling to Barcelona.

The Best Time to Travel to Barcelona

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, you can travel to Barcelona all year round. While you can’t swim in the sea in winter, the temperatures are high enough to stroll around the city and visit Barcelona’s architectural masterpieces and exclusive eateries.

The best time to travel to Barcelona is from May to June . The temperatures linger in the low to mid-70s, and the streets transform in anticipation of annual festivals. Although these two months offer the best weather, they, along with July, are the busiest time to travel to Barcelona. Thus, expect higher prices for about everything when visiting the capital of Catalonia at this time.

Summers in Barcelona are hot and humid. Even the locals leave the city and search for a breath of fresh air in some other places.

Fewer people travel to Barcelona in March, April, and mid-September through October . The prices for accommodation and some attractions go down. The weather also seem to collaborate with the visitors and locals alike, keeping it neither cold nor hot.

The cheapest month to travel to Barcelona is January . Although gusty winds try to keep the visitors inside, the temperatures are never too low to stop you from exploring the city. For those who do travel to Barcelona in January, be sure to bundle up and pack extra layers.

How Much Time Do You Need to Travel to Barcelona

Barcelona is a remarkable city that asks for quite some time to show its diverse cultures and sites and introduce the visitors to its rich cuisine. Frankly, you can never see everything Barcelona has to offer even if you have a lifetime to spend in the city. Nevertheless, while it can be extremely rushy, it’s not impossible to visit Barcelona and explore some of its landmarks in one day .

To be able to see and do more than just scratching the surface, set aside at least 3 to 4 days for a visit to Barcelona . Spend the first two days exploring the cultural and historic treasures of the city. Then change your travel plans and devote the rest of your time to dining and shopping in Barcelona. 

Travel to Barcelona: Arriving 

The most popular way to travel to Barcelona is by air, arriving at Barcelona El-Prat Airport . The drive from the airport to the city takes approximately 50 minutes.

If you arrive at the daytime and don’t carry too many suitcases, you are probably better off taking public transportation. The Aerobus , Barcelona Airport express shuttle bus, running from and to terminal 1 and 2, will take you to various locations in the center of the city. Ticket prices range from 8 to 15 euros. Other options to get to the city include taking a train  or navigating your way through  Barcelona metro . Each of these rides is under 5 euros.

For those who arrive late in the evening and aren’t willing to explore Barcelona at night so soon, taxi comes in handy. It’s by far the fastest way to travel to Barcelona center from the airport. It takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The prices, however, are higher, ranging from 30 to 45 euros.

Uber has an ongoing love-hate relationship with Barcelona. It thrived in the city when we last visited Barcelona. As of March 2019, Uber suspended its operations in the capital of Catalonia.  

Travel to Barcelona: Getting Around 

Barcelona is a walkable city. You can tick off your bucket list destinations without resorting to public transportation. Furthermore, exploring the city on foot has additional benefits. You can find some of the hidden gems that are not so uncommon in Barcelona.

If walking is not your cup of tea, public transport helps you travel in Barcelona fast and easy. Besides being reliable and frequent, the city’s buses and metro trains are the cheapest way to get around. One-way ride costs 2.60 euros. For those who plan to use the public transport a lot, a day pass with unlimited rides for 10 euros is a way to go. And, of course, you can always flag down a taxi when traveling in Barcelona.

Districts and Neighborhoods: What to See and Where to Stay When You Travel to Barcelona

Understanding and orienting in Barcelona’s extensive districts was by far the biggest issue I had when planning our trip. Every potential hotel emphasized the district it’s located in. At some point, it felt like we were about to travel to a handful of small towns under a huge umbrella of Barcelona.

Interesting fact : Since 1984, Barcelona has been divided into 10 specific districts, which are further broken down into 73 smaller neighborhoods. Each district is unique and shows different sides of the city.

Knowing the location of the districts can save you big money and improve your overall Barcelona travel experience. While some districts boast the major attractions of the city, others let you travel and stay in Barcelona on a very acceptable budget . Check out this complete guide to the 10 districts of Barcelona and pick the area that fits your budget and interests.

Ciutat Vella

Ciutat Vella, better known as the Gothic Quarter, is the oldest district of Barcelona and one of the most popular travel destinations. Nestled in the heart of the city, the place is busy, chaotic, and especially lovely to observe Barcelona’s lifestyle .

The Ciutat Vella district is regarded as the most valuable historical center of the city. The place is home to such cultural and architectural highlights as Plaza Real , Barcelona Cathedral , and famous La Rambla . The most popular neighborhoods to travel to in the district include El Raval , Barri Gotic , and Barceloneta .

The central districts of Barcelona such as Eixample collect the biggest number of the landmarks and improve your travel with their exceptional shopping experiences. So, one of the busiest areas in the city, the Eixample district houses a collection of Gaudi’s masterpieces . Travel to this part of Barcelona and enjoy its remarkable Casa Batlló , Casa Milà , and famous La Sagrada Família, all set within a walking distance from each other. Other popular attractions to explore in the Eixample district are Casa de les Punxes .

After the tour through the prominent architectural masterpieces, redirect your travel to the luxurious and authentic side of Barcelona. The district is dotted with stylish boutiques and authentic bars and restaurants. The majority of them line up around iconic Plaça de Catalunya , Passeig de Gràcia, and Diagonal Avenue.

Once a separate Catalan town near the limits of Barcelona, Gràcia is one of the most popular districts in the city nowadays. The area owes this fame to the sunning Gaudi’s architecture in the Park Güell . Another biggest attraction of the district is the Festa  Major  de Gràcia , a street festival that goes on for a week in mid-August. Travel to Barcelona during this time and see how the streets compete with each other to become the best-decorated area in the city.

When looking for hidden gems in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, visit Casa Vicens . Built in the late 19th century as a family’s summer home, this earliest masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí is all about playful architectural style the great artist is famous for. The place rightfully deserves its recognition as a UNESCO Wold Heritage Site.

Despite this exquisite landmarks, fewer tourists travel to this part of Barcelona. You certainly need to use public transport or hire a cab to visit the Gràcia district unless you choose to stay here.

Sants-Montjuïc

Located on the southwestern border of Barcelona, Sants-Montjuïc allures travelers with its scenic city and sea views. If the city vistas are part of your Barcelona itinerary, be sure to visit the Olympic Stadium and feast your eyes on Barcelona’s buildings from above. Montjuïc Mountain , a beautiful hill overlooking Barcelona, also helps you get the best views of the city.

For the panoramic sea views, there is no better place to travel to in Barcelona than Montjuïc Castle, a military fortress that dates back to 1640. The highlight of the Sants-Montjuïc district, however, the stunning Magic Fountain of Montjuïc . 

Home to the famous Camp Nou, a football stadium, Les Corts is one of the smallest districts in Barcelona. The place entices with secluded parks and lesser-known landmarks such as Pedralbes Park and Monastery of Pedralbes .

Horta-Guinardó

Set between Gràcia and Nou Barris, Horta-Guinardó enjoys the company of city’s hills and mountains . Even fewer tourists travel to this gem of Barcelona, making it one of the most peaceful districts. The distant location along with less fuss about the area can’t escape the attention of budget travelers visiting Barcelona. Indeed, the district provides cheaper accommodation and reliable public transport to get to the center of the city.

The highlights of the Horta-Guinardó district are Collserola Park and Hospital de Sant Pau. The latter was declared as an Artistic Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1984.

Populated by immigrants, Nou Barris is the best district to travel to and stay in Barcelona to indulge in different ethnic cuisines . Don’t make any other plans for the day, just check out numerous restaurant and food stalls of the area.

For a break from the international food scene of Barcelona, swing by the epic park around Plaça de ca N’Enseya . The second largest park in Barcelona impresses with the abundance of green spaces and some of the important buildings in the city. You will surely find Santa Creu Mental Institution  (now a Library) and Nou Barris Council Headquarters pleasing to the eye.

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

One of the most exclusive and expensive districts in Barcelona, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi sits in the northwest corner of the city. The area offers a blend of urban tapas bars and boutiques . Pair them with hillside walks at Vallvidrera Reservoir and you set yourself for a unique travel experience.

Once in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district, be sure to visit CosmoCaixa Science Museum and Torre Bellesguard . The Torre Bellesguard is one of Gaudí’s works that opened its doors to the public relatively recently. 

Named after an old town that belongs to Barcelona now, Sant Martí sits to the east of the downtown. The district is popular with the locals and visitors favoring beach culture of the city . Home to some of the most popular beaches, the Sant Martí district ensures a rather busy and chaotic Barcelona travel experience. Apart from days filled with sun and sand, the area presents Sant Martí Church and Design Museum for all architecture and art enthusiasts of Barcelona.

Sant Andreu

The last district on our travel guide to the district and neighborhoods of Barcelona is Sant Andreu. Centered around the old town of Sant Andreu in the northwest of Barcelona, it sees mostly the locals. The occasional tourists visit the district to take pictures of Sant Andreu Church , one of the most significant architectural buildings in the area.

Travel to Barcelona: The Best Things to Do

Whether you spend a couple of weeks, a few days, or are quickly passing through Barcelona, you will find plenty of activities to keep you busy and entertained. From its famous parks and squares to unique, colorful architecture, Barcelona redefines the term “ travel ” forever.

Admire Barcelona’s Architecture

Barcelona is a place with a hint of fiesta in it. City’s easy-going spirit is depicted in its every area and corner. Even Barcelona’s architecture with its brightly-colored, unorthodoxly-shaped structures shows the same fun-loving nature. Wandering the streets of Barcelona, you will be amazed by its tall buildings with cute balconies, the majority of which are loaded with beautiful flowers in colorful pots.

These architectural artworks remind of Paris . However, in additional to the perfectly lined-up buildings with green roll-up blinds hanging above the windows, the architecture in Barcelona adopts its unique, playful style.

You can see it in different colors, shapes, and architectural techniques. The best examples of Barcelona’s architecture are Casa Batlló , Casa Milà , and La Sagrada Família . All of these buildings depict the vision and architectural style of their creator, Spanish-Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

After enjoying these famous sites, let yourself get lost in the streets of the city. There is no doubt, your self-guided architectural tour will take you to some other impressive gems, such as Casa Vicens Gaudí ,  Gaudí House Museum ,  Casa Amatller , and  Casa de les Punxes , just to name a few.

Visit Park Güell 

Park Güell is your ultimate travel destination in Barcelona. The place is filled with incredible Gaudí’s creations and street performances, unveiling the true nature of Barcelona. Nowhere else in the city, you will find so many things to do and see in one place.

Start with wandering along charming path, El Viaducto dels Enamorats, while listening to Spanish tunes and enjoying flamenco dance masterfully delivered by street performers. Then venture to Passeig de las Palmeras and Austria Gardens for a nice walk among big trees and unusual columns. But above all, make sure to enjoy stunning views of Barcelona from a beautiful main terrace in the heart of Park Güell.

Enjoy Beach Life

If you travel to Barcelona in winter, then you can surely skip this part. A summer visit, however, is all about beaches and beach activities on the shore of the Balearic Sea. With the most popular summer destinations just 15 minutes away from the center of Barcelona, a perfect summer vacation is guaranteed. Some of the best beaches to soak up the sun and swim in the sea include Barceloneta Beach , Sant Miquel , Sant Sebastià , Somorrostro , Nova Icària , and Mar Bella .

Explore La Rambla

As one of the biggest and busiest streets in the capital of the Catalonia region, La Rambla is a must on every Barcelona travel itinerary. Filled with numerous shops, markets, and restaurants, it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours before swirling to the nearby areas and squares of the city.

See Authentic Barcelona at Gothic Quarters

Located just east of La Rambla, the Gothic Quarters surprise with ample narrow medieval streets. Wandering this area is the best way to see authentic Barcelona and buy some memorable souvenirs from small gift shops. Needless to say, the Gothic Quarters can easily win your heart as one of the most photogenic places in Barcelona. Beware of pickpocketing, though.

Indulge in Tapas

Tapas are an essential part of unforgettable Barcelona travel experience. These various small dishes are at the heart of Spanish cuisine. Special bars and restaurants compete with each other, making sure to serve the best tapas in the city. Tapas food tours promise to unveil culinary secrets of Barcelona. Tapas are everywhere, and there are all kinds of them.

You can find different toppings, drinks, and side dishes that go with tapas in Barcelona. Just give this specialty a try and let Barcelona forever change your culinary travel experiences.

Visit Museum Picasso

With the Museum Picasso , Barcelona plays tribute to one of its most famous countryman, Pablo Picasso. Not letting the legacy of the world-known Spanish artist fade, the city houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s artworks. The Museum Picasso boasts more than 4,200 masterpieces, which makes it one of the richest permanent collections.

The museum opens its doors for the visitors all week long. If you happen to travel to Barcelona on weekends, you are in luck. Admission fee is waived on the first Sunday of the month. Moreover, the Museum Picasso is free to visit on Thursday afternoon, from 4 p.m.

Enjoy Magical Show at Fountain of Montjuïc

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc (Font màgica de Montjuïc in Catalan) continues to enhance your travel experiences with the impeccable street architecture of Barcelona.

Built in less than one year, the fountain is nothing short of a masterpiece. It consists of a number of fountains and ponds adorned with colorful displays and accompanied by music and water acrobatics. The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc was first opened in 1929 and has been amusing the locals and visitors ever since.

Join Free Walking Tours

Get to know Barcelona through the eyes of the locals via free walking tours. These city excursions last from one to a few hours and let you see some of the highlights along with hidden gems of Barcelona. Meeting the locals, learning about the history of the city – you can’t ask for a better and more productive activity.

Tips at the end of the walking tours are not required. However, it’s a proper way to show your gratitude for this impactful Barcelona experience.

Travel Guide to Barcelona Food Scenes

Barcelona is a place of leisure and gastronomical delight. This diverse city has united tastes buds of many nations and cuisines. From exclusive restaurants to locals’ favorite eateries in the famous Boqueria market , Barcelona sets its mind on changing your travel and food preferences forever. Here is a guide to some of the top sit-down restaurants and casual diners in Barcelona.

El Quim de la Boqueria . Hidden in the Boqueria market, El Quim de la Boqueria invites you to try mouthwatering Catalan-style dishes that even the locals approve of.

Pinotxo Bar . Pinotxo Bar, El Quim de la Boqueria’s neighbor, is famous for its esmorzar de forquilla , a big Catalan-style breakfast.

Can Boneta . Can Boneta is all you need when looking for the best Catalan tapas. And just give a try to its signature pasta with bacon and mushrooms. It might be your best Barcelona travel experience ever.

Dos Palillos . This restaurant in the neighborhood of El Raval is on the expensive side of the dining experience in Barcelona. Nevertheless, its remarkable fusion of Japanese ingredients with Spanish interpretation and cooking style is worth a visit at least once.

For inexpensive local tapas in the Park Güell area, swing by El Mirador del Carmelo .

Veggie Garden , Arc Iris , and Armonia accommodate vegan and vegetarian travelers exploring the streets in the heart of Barcelona.

Neighborhood Food Tours . When in doubt what and where to eat in Barcelona, join a neighborhood food tour and check out some of the best, including hidden, eateries. With authentic, local dishes piling on your plate, you can’t ask for a better travel experience in Barcelona.

Travel Guide to Hotels in Barcelona

Type and price of accommodations in Barcelona vary based on the district. Barcelona is not a particularly budget-friendly city, but you can still travel here on a shoestring . On the other hand, luxurious and glamorous hotels of Barcelona treat you as a king or queen. Here is a quick guide to hotels in Barcelona if you need some suggestions.

Monument Hotel. A five-star hotel sits just outside Gràcia in downtown Barcelona, within a walking distance of some of the major landmarks of the city. Staying at this hotel, you can visit Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, Passeig de Gràcia, and Casa Batlló at ease, preferably by walking.

Hotel Arts Barcelona. Located in the neighborhood of La Barceloneta, the place is ideal for your first visit to Barcelona . The hotel boasts gorgeous views of both the city and the sea. The Hotel Arts Barcelona is rather pricey, but its amenities and close proximity to the beaches and some of Barcelona’s nightclubs justify a hefty price tag.

Hotel Aranea. This budget hotel is located within a walking distance of the majority of Barcelona’s landmarks. The place offers affordable prices, welcoming staff, and small rooms with great street views.

Travel to Barcelona: Helpful Tips

• Barcelona Card. If you travel to Barcelona for more than a day, get Barcelona Card . For 45 to 66 euros, you can enjoy unlimited public transport rides, including the airport train, free entry to Barcelona’s museums, and some other discounts and deals.
• Free Attractions on specific days. Most of the museums in Barcelona are free on the first Sunday of each month, making your travel experiences here even more enjoyable and affordable.
• Culture of Barcelona. Barcelona’s locals call themselves Catalans, never Spaniards. Although the city is a part of Spain, its residents are proud of their heritage and feel stronger connections to Catalonia. To be on the safe side and make friends with the locals, avoid mentioning complicated relationship between Catalonia and Spain altogether.
• Pickpocketing. Be aware of pickpocketing and wear your purse of bag in front of you. We didn’t experiences any issues with it but heard about many people who did.

And there you have it. Here is our ultimate Barcelona travel guide with the the best places to explore, stay, and eat.

TIP : If you are looking for more information about Barcelona, please check out the following guides.

• Guide: Top 10 Things to Do in Barcelona on Your First Visit
• Culture and lifestyle: Barcelonians Know It Best: 6 Things to Pick up in Barcelona
• Make tapas at home: Travel Inspired Recipes: Patatas Bravas

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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 .

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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!

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Barcelona Travel Guide

Last Updated: February 12, 2024

Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe . From family travelers to cruise ship crowds to partying budget backpackers, everyone seems to end up in Barcelona, especially during the summer.

With its delicious sangria, unique gin cocktails, mouthwatering food, stunning beaches, warm weather, rich history and culture, and unique architecture, it’s no surprise that this city attracts a wide swatch of travelers (and thereby struggles with overtourism).

Despite the crowds, I love visiting Barcelona. Every visit makes me fall in love with the city even more. It’s a city steeped in history (its Barri Gothic dates to the Roman Empire and you can see Gaudí’s architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries in almost every district) and the nightlife here is virtually unrivaled. People party late here!

I can never get enough of the city. It has an infectious energy, its historic streets are intoxicating, and its people are full of life.

This travel guide to Barcelona will help you travel cheaper, better, and smarter during your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Barcelona

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Barcelona

1. Wander Gaudí’s Architecture

Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) is Barcelona’s most famous architect, and his work is everywhere in the city. His quirky method of blending Gothic and Art Nouveau resulted in futuristic architecture that pays homage to natural shapes. The highlights for me are Park Güell (10 EUR), a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900-1914; Sagrada Familia (26 EUR), which has been under construction for over 100 years, Casa Batlló (35 EUR), a multi-story home heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style, and Casa Milà (25 EUR), also known as “La Pedrera” (the Stone Quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. For more information on the specifics of his work in the city, here’s a guide to Gaudí’s Barcelona . For behind-the-scenes tours, check out Get Your Guide .

2. See the Picasso Museum

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish artist, and his sculptures and paintings are some of the most famous and iconic in the world. While I’m not a huge fan of much of his later work, I still got a lot out of the museum. It was super interesting to learn about the life and craft of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His works varied from cubism to surrealism to neoclassical so there is likely an art style here you’ll enjoy. With over 4,000 pieces of art, this is one of the biggest Picasso museums in the world. Even if you’re not a fan, I think you should visit. Admission is 14 EUR when bought online in advance or 15 EUR at the ticket office. Admission is free Thursday from 4-7pm and the first Sunday of each month.

3. Enjoy the beach

Stretching over 1 kilometer (.6 miles), Barceloneta Beach is a wide and long stretch of sand that is within walking distance from the city center and has a lot of restaurants along the boardwalk. If you walk further along the shore, you’ll get to some quieter beaches (I recommend Nova Icaria and St. Pol de Mar). If you’re visiting in the summer, try to get here early and avoid the weekends as the crowds are huge. Also, don’t leave any valuables here as petty theft is common. There are daily storage lockers available for 4.95 EUR.

4. Visit the Barcelona History Museum

Barcelona has one of the best city history museums I’ve ever visited. It contains 4,000 square meters of Roman ruins beneath the city that you can see up close. You’ll also see the evolution of the city, and be able to peer into the remains of historic homes. There is a free (and detailed) audio guide and meticulous explanations of all the mosaics, frescoes, graves, ancient documents, and more. It’s the best intro to the city and its past and is a must for history buffs. I can’t say enough good things about it. Admission is 7 EUR.

5. Get lost in the Barri Gotic

Barcelona’s old Gothic Quarter is my favorite part of town. It’s where you’ll find the oldest parts of the city, dating back more than 2,000 years. Go wander ancient Roman walls and medieval buildings that are all connected by narrow, winding streets. Today, this neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as one of Gaudi’s first projects, highly decorative street lamps in Plaza Real(Plaça Reial). You can easily spend a day getting lost in this district. At night, it becomes one of the busiest areas with late-night partyers.

Other Things to See and Do in Barcelona

1. take a walking tour.

The first thing I do in a new city is take a walking tour. It’s the best way to see the main sights, learn some history and culture, and connect with a local expert who can answer your questions. For free walking tours, check out New Europe. If you’re looking for more in-depth and specific tours, go with Take Walks. They are my go-to walking tour company because they use expert local guides and run insightful, in-depth tours.

2. Enjoy contemporary art

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art has hundreds of exhibits, with a large collection of Spanish and international artists, including Tàpies, Klee, Saura, and others. While it’s not really my favorite style of art, if you love modern art, be sure to add this to your itinerary, as the building itself is an interesting piece of Modernist architecture. Admission is 11 EUR when bought online (12 EUR if bought onsite) and entry is free on Saturdays from 4pm-8pm.

3. Stroll down La Rambla

This famous street in Barcelona is where all the tourists go. There are overpriced shops, restaurants, and camera-toting tourists all over this traffic-free promenade. However, despite that, there is an upbeat energy here. It became a hotspot for a reason — there are many beautiful buildings to see, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu (the city’s opera house) and a mosaic by Joan Miró (a Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist from Barcelona). You’ll also see a lot of street performers here. While I wouldn’t shop or eat here, it’s a great place to take in the city and people-watch. Just be prepared to be elbow-to-elbow with people in the high season.

4. Take a food tour

To learn more about the history and culture behind Barcelona’s cuisine, take a food tour. It’s the best way to eat your way around the city sampling the best eats Barcelona has to offer (from local fish and cheese to jamón ibérico and vermouth) while learning what makes the cuisine unique. Devour Tours runs in-depth food tours led by expert local guides that will introduce you to the food culture and its history. If you’re a foodie like me who wants to learn more about each dish, this tour is for you! Tours start at 89 EUR.

5. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral

Located in the heart of the Barri Gotic, this Gothic cathedral (officially named The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia) was built on the top of an 11th-century church. Walk around the beautiful cloister (built between the 14th and 15th centuries) and see Saint Eulalia’s Crypt (Eulalia was a 13-year-old Christian martyr from Barcelona). Be sure to go up to the roof to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the city. Admission is 14 EUR for tourists (free for worshipers).

6. See the Gaudí Fountain

Gaudí outdid himself with this huge fountain located in the Parc de la Ciutadella. It’s a tribute to the god Neptune. There are massive griffins spouting water, Neptune on his chariot, and a gold statue on top. With plenty of benches and an ice cream place nearby, it’s a good place to relax after a lot of walking around, and there are plenty of shady areas on hot, sunny days. It’s one of my favorite parks in the entire city. Bring a book and watch the world go by.

7. Learn to cook Spanish food

Since Barcelona is such a food-centric city, taking a cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Learn how to cook paella, Catalan tapas, and much more. Some tours even begin in one of the city’s large markets, where your chef helps you select fresh produce and ingredients for your meal. There are different classes based on what you want to cook, with most lasting 3-4 hours and costing around 70 EUR. And of course, you get to feast on your final product. Check out BCNKitchen for more information.

8. Ride the port cable car

The 1,450-meter-long (4,757 ft) harbor aerial tramway connects Montjuïc Hill and Barceloneta. It starts in Barceloneta on the top of the 78-meter (255 ft) Torre San Sebastian tower and has an intermediate stop at Torre Jaume I tower (close to the Columbus monument), which can be reached by elevator from the ground. The Torre Jaume I tower is 107 meters (351 ft) and is the second tallest aerial tramway support tower in the world. Taking the cable car is one of the best ways to soak in the view of the city and see iconic sights such as the Sagrada Familia and Olympic Stadium from above. Round-trip tickets cost 20 EUR.

9. Explore Montjuïc Hill

Here you can enjoy the view of the city (an especially great sunset location) and visit the Castell de Montjuïc. The 17th-century military fortress isn’t the prettiest, but it’s a great stop for history buffs. Once used to imprison political prisoners under Franco’s rule, today you can climb the watchtower and enter the dungeon (12 EUR). In addition, on top of the hill you’ll find Poble Espanyol, a huge replica of a historic Spanish village, an Olympic stadium from the 1992 Olympics, and series of gardens (rose, cactus, and Mediterranean) at the top of the hill. There are a few options for food, but this is a great place to bring a picnic lunch. Round-trip cable car tickets are 14.40 EUR.

10. Stroll through the Raval

Barcelona’s old literary district is known as the Raval. It used to have a bit of a dark, edgy feel but is now filled with trendy shops like boutiques and vintage stores. There are a few architectural highlights, too, like the Romanesque monastery and Palau Güell. Take a stroll around the area, especially along El Raval’s mini-La Rambla, which is a popular meeting place for dining and nightlife. I think this is one of the best neighborhoods in the city and recommend staying here if you can.

11. Catch an outdoor film

If you’re in Barcelona in July or August, consider heading up to Montjuïc Hill to catch an outdoor film around the castle moat. Screenings take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and the evening usually starts out with some cool live music. You can buy food and drinks here too. Tickets are 7.50 EUR or 10.50 EUR with a chair.

12. Day trip to Montserrat

Montserrat is a small village and Benedictine monk monastery in the mountain range of the same name. Located just outside of the city, it makes for a great day trip. You can reach the area by taking a one-hour train ride. Once there, walk around the natural park area and pay a visit to the famous shrine of the Black Madonna (it dates to the Middle Ages and is located within the monastery’s basilica). It’s a scenic area and is a nice break from the urban atmosphere of Barcelona. There’s also a local market here where you can buy artisanal foods and crafts, and there are lots of hikes and rock climbing in the area as well. Return train tickets cost around 27 EUR.

13. Explore La Boquería

Located near La Rambla is La Boquería (Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquería). It’s a huge public market that’s hundreds of years old (the first mention of a market being here dates to 1217). La Boquería has a range of food stalls and restaurants selling seafood and locally-grown produce, as well as nuts, candy, wine, and tapas. While the market isn’t as big as it used to be, it’s still iconic and not to be missed. It does get incredibly busy with locals and tourists, though, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.

14. Have fun at an old-school amusement park

Tibidabo Barcelona was built in 1899 and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. There are rides (including a ferris wheel overlooking the city, a Venetian carousel, and an immersive experience within a former castle), an area for small children that includes a puppet theater, and restaurants. It’s located at the top of a tall mountain in the Serra de Collserola, providing stunning views of Barcelona and the coastline. It’s a fun place to come with or without kids. Admission is 35 EUR.

15. Watch a soccer match

The first “football” game I ever saw was in Barcelona (I still have the shirt I bought on the day). If a match is going on, try to get a ticket (they’re generally quite affordable) as it’s an amazing and boisterous spectacle. Locals are obsessed with the sport, and you’ll make a lot of good friends while you’re there! If you can’t make a game, you can tour the stadium and the FCB (or Barça) Museum for 15-30 EUR.

16. Admire Barcelona’s free public art

There’s colorful and historic public art all over Barcelona. There are lots by Gaudí, so be sure to check out the huge Cascada Fountain in the Parc de la Ciutadella, lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau, and the Miralles gate and wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona. Painter and sculptor Joan Miró also has some great art around the city, including the “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró and the mosaics on La Rambla and at the airport. At the seafront, you’ll find El Cap de Barcelona (The Head of Barcelona), a sculpture created by pop artist Lichtenstein for the 1992 Olympics. Gato Gordo (the fat cat) is a fun sculpture that’s been located all over the city but is now found on Rambla del Raval.

17. Day trip to Girona

Located just 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Barcelona, Girona is one of my favorite cities in Spain . Here you can climb along the medieval city walls, wander the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter, and soak up the city at one of the many cafes. Don’t miss the many museums in the city, such as the Jewish History Museum or the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia. Also, don’t forget to visit the lion statue at the base of Sant Feliu and kiss its bottom – doing so apparently means you will return to Girona. You can also take a Game of Thrones tour here too (scenes from King’s Landing and Braavos were filmed here). If you can, spend at least a night here.

18. See Güell Palace

Palau Güell is another one of Gaudí’s masterpieces — but it doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. It’s one of Gaudí earliest works. He designed it between 1886-1888 for his patron Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around a central party room. The room has a high ceiling with small holes near the top where lanterns were hung at night to give the appearance of a starlit sky. There are colorful tree-like chimneys on top. It’s a bit creepy and gothic but it’s one of my favorites! Admission is 12 EUR.

  For more information on other cities in Spain, check out these guides:

• Granada Travel Guide
• Madrid Travel Guide
• Seville Travel Guide
• Valencia Travel Guide

Barcelona Travel Costs

There are a few campsites outside the city for those traveling with a tent. Prices start around 25 EUR per night for a basic plot for one person without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star hotels with basic amenities like TV, AC, and a coffee/tea maker average around 125-150 EUR per night. Expect to pay at least 30% more in the summer.

Airbnb is available all around the city as well. Private rooms in a home start around 60 EUR per night while an entire home/apartment costs at least 150 EUR if you book early (but expect to pay at least double that if you wait until the last minute).

Airbnb has caused a lot of problems in Barcelona, however, as it has pushed locals out of the city center and authorities are clamping down on illegal listings. Be sure yours has listed its tax ID number and avoid staying with hosts who have multiple listings (they are corporate housing disguised as Airbnb).

Average cost of food – Spain has a strong food culture, where meals can last hours and dinner often isn’t served until after 8pm. Each region in the country has its own local dishes and food culture. In Catalonia, be sure to try local favorites such as cod soup, cured pork, escudella (meat and vegetable stew), grilled snails, and Catalan cream (a local version of Crème brûlée).

You can get a meal comprised of cheap tapas for around 10-15 EUR. If you want wine included, expect to spend about 20-25 EUR per meal.

If you go out for dinner at a mid-range restaurant, then you should plan to spend at least 35-40 EUR for a meal including a dish like paella, drinks, and appetizers.

Cheap fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 9.50 EUR for a combo meal. Chinese food is around 10 EUR for a main dish while pizza costs 10-14 EUR.

Beer costs 3-4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 2.25 EUR. Bottled water is about 1.60 EUR.

If you buy your own food, expect to spend about 45-65 EUR for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Some of my favorite restaurants include Cervecería Vaso de Oro, Tapeo, La Alcoba Azul, Cervesería Catalana, and Quimet & Quimet.

Backpacking Barcelona Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking in Barcelona, expect to spend around 100 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like free walking tours and relaxing in the parks. Add at least 20 EUR per day to your budget if you plan on drinking or partying a lot.

On a mid-range budget of about 215 EUR per day, you can stay in a room in an Airbnb, private hostel room, or a budget hotel, eat out at inexpensive restaurants for most meals, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like cooking classes and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 375 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out and drink more, take taxis, and do more guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Barcelona Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Barcelona is an incredibly popular destination and, as such, pretty expensive. Accommodation prices have risen a lot following COVID. Moreover, food, drinks, and tours can also really add up if you aren’t watching your spending. Here are some suggestions on how to save money in Barcelona:

• Get the Barcelona Card – The Barcelona Card offers free public transportation and all sorts of discounts at museums, nightclubs, entertainment facilities, shops, and restaurants. The Barcelona Card includes unlimited travel on all public transport and comes as either a 3-, 4-, or 5-day card costing 48 EUR, 58 EUR, or 63 EUR, respectively.
• See the free sights – Many museums in Barcelona are open to the public for free. All city museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. Check their websites to confirm, as some have specific times or require reservations.
• Eat seafood for lunch – Head down to the beaches during the day for seafood. The restaurants in this area are really expensive but, during the day, you can get a good plate of food for under 25 EUR. (It’s double that during dinner).
• Shop at the local markets – Fresh foods can be bought for super cheap at some of the open markets in the city. Buy your produce and meats here to save some cash. La Boquería is one of the biggest in the city, with a rich history and a convenient location (right next to La Rambla).
• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are fantastic for getting oriented in a new city and learning lots of interesting history. Most tours last a few hours. New Europe’s free walking tour is the best one to get you started. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Stay with a local – There are plenty of Couchsurfing hosts throughout the city, so if you plan ahead you shouldn’t have a hard time finding someone to host you. This is the best way to save a few euros during your stay and has the potential to better connect you to the local scene.
• Drink at a hostel – One of the cheapest ways to enjoy a drink (and meet other travelers) is to drink at the hostels. Many hostels have their own bars and offer extended happy hours, so they are a good way to drink cheap. You don’t even need to be staying there to take advantage of them, either. If you’re looking for a fun, cheap hostel bar, St. Christopher’s is one of the best in the city!
• Take the train from the airport –

The Barcelona Metro has two stops at the airport — one in each terminal. The fare is 5.50 EUR, but there isn’t great direct service to the city center. Check out the directions while you’ve got free airport Wifi, as you’ll likely need to transfer trains.

• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

I’ve stayed at a lot of places in this city. Barcelona has options for every budget. Here are my recommended hostels and budget hotels: Hostels

• Mediterranean Youth Hostel
• St. Christopher’s Inn

For more hostel suggestions, check out my complete list of the best hostels in Barcelona .

• Saint Antoni Market
• Hotel Colón
• Hotel BestPrice Gràcia

How to Get Around Barcelona

A 10-journey travel card is 12.15 EUR while a 48-hour unlimited pass (known as a Hola Barcelona card) is 17.50 EUR. The 72-hour/3-day pass is 25.50 EUR (there’s also a 4-day and 5-day pass too).

Barcelona currently has 8 subway lines that can take you anywhere in the city. There’s also an urban rail network known as the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC), which takes you to the suburbs. The ticketing system works the same as the bus ticketing system.

Bicycle – You can easily rent a bicycle to get around the city. Daily rentals start around 5-10 EUR. Donkey Republic, a bike rental app with locations all over Europe, has bikes in Barcelona for just a few euros an hour. However, renting from a place like Mattia 46 or Ajo Bike is cheaper if you want a full-day rental.

Taxis – Taxis are expensive in Barcelona and I don’t recommend taking one unless absolutely necessary. Rides start at 3 EUR and charge 2 EUR per kilometer. It costs over 30 EUR to go from the airport to the city center, so skip the taxis if you can and take public transportation.

Uber is not widely available in the city, but the app can be used to call a local taxi. Cabify is the more popular local app used to do the same.

When to Go to Barcelona

Barcelona is a year-round destination, although late spring/early summer (May/June) and fall (September/October) are my favorite times to visit. The weather is always nice, there are endless blue skies, and tourist traffic is at a slight lull. Spring boasts temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and the autumn offers highs of around 23°C (73°F). If you love the ocean and beach area, the water is typically warm enough to swim until late September.

July and August are the hottest months to visit, with daily temperatures over 28°C (85°F). It can be really humid, but at least you can cool off at the beach. However, this is peak tourism season and the city is oversaturated with travelers, especially vacationers from Europe and cruise ship passengers who can inundate popular areas from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

Barcelona’s summer months are definitely upbeat and fun, but all those crowds can be hard to handle. Travel in the shoulder season if you can to get the most out of the city.

The winter in Barcelona doesn’t get super cold, with daily highs between 10-15°C (50-60°F). The city isn’t quite as lively, but the tourist hordes have dispersed so things are quieter, and prices are generally lower. You’ll also find Christmas celebrations, and many galleries feature short-term exhibits and art shows starting in early fall (special exhibits are limited in summer). While it’s not the best time to visit, there’s still lots you can see and do during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Barcelona

Barcelona is pretty safe to visit as violent crime here is rare. That said, Barcelona is known for its extensive petty crime and pickpocketing problem. The pickpockets here are incredibly skilled so keep your valuables safe and secure at all times. It’s rampant, especially on the metro or in crowds in Las Ramblas, so be on guard. It’s a real issue to be worried about.

Be mindful of your belongings, like bags, phones, and cameras at outdoor cafes and restaurants, and never leave them on the table.

If you go out to the bar, only take the money you need for the night.

Scams are prevalent here too. Keep an eye out for groups of kids trying to distract you, as they’re probably trying to take your money. Also, be wary of people offering to carry your luggage or take your photo. They may try to charge you a large fee for the “service.” You can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk around intoxicated at night, etc.). Many hostels offer female-only dorm rooms. You can visit any one of the numerous solo female travel blogs for specific tips as they will be able to provide advice.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Barcelona Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Fat Tire Tours – For bike tours, use this company! They have fun, interactive tours led by expert local guides. You’ll get to see all the main sights without breaking the bank!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Spain.

Barcelona Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Barcelona and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 7 Best Hotels in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Seville

The Perfect 3 Day Granada Itinerary

The 7 Best Hostels in Seville

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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 .

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• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in Spain
• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in March 2024
• # 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

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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.

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Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Ulitmate barcelona travel guide — how to visit barcelona on a budget.

What to see, do, eat and where to stay while visiting Barcelona.

Barcelona finds its way onto most itineraries… and for good reason. It has a vibrant food scene, a plethora of unique historic architecture, great Mediterranean weather, beautiful beaches, and arguably the best nightlife in Europe. This Barcelona on a budget travel guide will help you plan your trip and hopefully give you some tips for getting the most out of your time in the city.

[We’ve also written travel guides for Amsterdam , Berlin , London , Paris , Rome , and More ]

What You’ll Find In This Barcelona On A Budget Travel Guide:

How much to budget to visit barcelona.

• How Long to Visit Barcelona
• The Good and Not-So-Good Things About Barcelona: A Quick Overview
• Barcelona’s Must-See Sights and Attractions
• Barcelona’s Best Neighborhoods
• Cheap Eats and Drinks
• Best Barcelona Hostels
• Barcelona Nightlife
• More Resources to Help You Plan Your Visit on a Budget
• Public Transportation

Barcelona isn’t a cheap city but it isn’t too expensive either — especially when compared to Europe’s other most-visited cities.

I recommend budgeting €45-€85/day if you’re on a backpacker’s budget — you can easily spend more if you want to stay somewhere nicer than a hostel but this is a good range for planning purposes. Check out my Barcelona Daily Price Guide to get a more in-depth look at daily travel costs.

DAILY COST OF BUDGET TRAVEL IN BARCELONA: €75 ($87 USD)

• Attractions : €22 (one paid attraction + any free sights)
• Food : €27.50
• Transportation : €2.2
• Accommodation  (hostel): €25

DAILY COST OF FRUGAL TRAVEL IN BARCELONA: €45 ($52 USD)

• Attractions : €8 (free walking tour + visit one of the free sights)
• Food : €15.50
• Transportation : €0 (explore by foot)
• Accommodation  (cheap hostel bed): €20

How Long To Visit Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those cities where you can easily spend more than a week exploring but it’s recommended to spend at least 4 or 5 days in the city.

If you plan on partaking in the city’s famous nightlife, you may want to add a few days to your visit so have adequate time to recover while also having time to explore the city.

The Best Time to Visit Barcelona

The most popular time to visit Barcelona is in the summer but this means tons of people and sweltering 85+ degree weather. (Then again, this is great beach weather.)

Winters are mild and the temperatures average in the mid-50s — it’s also when you’ll find the lowest number of tourists.

Late spring and early fall bring excellent weather and fewer crowds than in the summer. Personally, I think either spring or fall is the best time to visit Barcelona.

The Good and Not-So-Good Things About Barcelona

Barcelona offers so many wonderful things to visitors but (like any city) Barcelona has a few negative that you should be aware of before visiting.

The Good Things About Barcelona

The Nightlife. This is one of the main reasons people flock to Barcelona. The night doesn’t get started until about 10 pm, and you’ll find people eating in restaurants until well after midnight. Then they hit the bars until the early morning and then the clubs until 6 am. Clubbing not your thing? Don’t worry, Barcelona has options for just about anyone.

The Beauty of the City. Barcelona is undoubtedly a beautiful city, and it boasts some of the most impressive architecture in all of Europe. Simply walking/getting lost in its charming medieval streets is a pleasure that you’ll love.

The Beaches. Barcelona is constantly rated as the best beach city in the world, so it’s no surprise that the beach plays a huge role in the city’s identity.

A Living City. It’s easy to see why people love living in Barcelona and that joy is in the air. There is always something going on, and you’ll constantly see people outside in the streets, parks, and cafes enjoying life. Watch out, it’s contagious.

Culture and Museums. Barcelona has something for everyone, including a number of excellent museums.

Great Weather and Excellent Outdoor Life . Barcelona has mild winters and warm summers. In the winter, you can expect temperatures to be in the mid-50s; in the summer, temps stay around the low-80s. This means that Barcelona’s citizens spend a lot of time outdoors in the city’s many parks, squares, beaches, and outdoor cafes.

The Not-So-Good Things About Barcelona

Loads of Tourists. Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, so the city becomes overrun with visitors and long lines to the famous sights — especially in the summer months. That said, it’s no reason to avoid the city… but the weather is nice all year so you can have a nice visit at any time.

Pickpockets and Tourist Scams. Hoards of tourists always attract lots of pickpockets and other scammers… and Barcelona is no exception. You have to remain very vigilant in Barcelona, especially in the touristy areas and on the beaches. Read our guide to avoiding pickpockets in Europe for more tips.

Spread Out Sights. Many of the famous sights are spread throughout the city, so you will have to do a bit of traveling to see everything. The public transportation is good though so it’s not too much of a problem.

The Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona

You can’t talk about Barcelona without talking about its amazing neighborhoods — all of which are a joy to simply explore on foot. Below are a few of my favorite “must visit” neighborhoods:

Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)

The most visited, and oldest neighborhood of Barcelona is called the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) and it contains many of the top attractions, including the Cathedral of Barcelona  and a handful of Roman ruins. Yes, it will be overrun with other tourists but getting lost in its winding medieval streets and alleys is still one of the great joys of visiting Barcelona.

Las Ramblas

The second neighborhood (which is technically part of the Gothic Quarter but has its own personality) is  Las Ramblas — which is a pedestrian-only street (and surrounding area) lined with shops, chain stores, tacky tourist stalls, cafes, and restaurants. 

This is the most visited tourist spot in Barcelona so it’s buzzing all day and night. It’s also one of the biggest pickpocket hotspots in Europe, so be extra vigilant. The cafes and restaurants are super overpriced, so wander off Las Ramblas for better prices.

Additionally,  La Boqueria Market is a massive indoor market located off Las Ramblas and it’s been rated the best market in the world. It’s a massive tourist draw, so it’s super busy, but it’s still a fun experience. If you want to escape the tourist hoards, head to  Plaça Reial — which is a beautiful square that’s just off Las Ramblas.

El Born is the most trendy and artistic neighborhood   in Barcelona and its narrow medieval streets add to its charm. In addition to its tapas bars, restaurants, avant-garde galleries, cool cafes, and vintage shops, this neighborhood is the home of the impressive  Church of Santa Maria del Mar and the excellent  Santa Caterina Market (which has an amazing Gaudí-esque roof).

El Born is also where you’ll find a lot of Barcelona’s famous nightlife so you’ll find yourself here often.

L’Eixample

L’Eixample is the largest neighborhood in Barcelona and it’s home to many of the city’s most famous architectural highlights — including La Sagrada Familia . L’Eixample is popular with the locals because it’s a lively neighborhood without being as densely populated as the city center thanks to its wide, tree-lined boulevards.

Because of the massive size of this neighborhood, you’ll also find that different parts of the neighborhood have their own personalities so it’s worth spending extra time here exploring.

El Raval is one of the largest and most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Barcelona. It’s more gritty than other parts of the city, so don’t be surprised if you see prostitutes in some parts, but the neighborhood is currently in the midst of rapid gentrification.

El Raval is popular with young, hip folks, and there are new and interesting businesses, boutiques, thrift stores, bars, and restaurants opening all the time — in short, it always has something going on and its a nice break from the “touristy” parts of the city.

Gràcia is a quiet (by Barcelona standards) neighborhood that’s often described as a village within a city so it’s a great place to visit to live like a local — plus it doesn’t attract the same tourist crowds as other parts of Barcelona. You’ll find plenty of trendy shops, bars, outdoor cafes, and restaurants filled with equally trendy locals.

This bohemian neighborhood is located on a hillside so it offers great views of the city and it’s also home to Gaudí’s famous and whimsical hilltop park,  Parc Güell .

El Poble-sec

The El Poble-sec neighborhood is buzzing with local life, cozy bars, an up-and-coming foodie scene, and creative energy. It’s also less frequented by tourists so the area feels much more authentic than other parts of Barcelona.

Barcelona’s Best Museums

Barcelona feels like a living and breathing museum but it also has a handful of excellent museums that are worth checking out (if you’re not too tired of partying until 6 am).

Picasso Museum

The most popular museum in Barcelona is the Picasso Museum. This museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Picasso’s works and focuses heavily on his earlier years. The Picasso Museum often has long ticket lines and can sell out so buying tickets early is recommended.

• Visit Website
• Buy Skip-The-Line Guided Tour Tickets
• See on Google Maps

Fundació Joan Miró

The second-most popular museum is the Fundació Joan Miró — which is the top collection of artwork by Joan Miró and many other twentieth and twenty-first-century artists. This is another museum that I recommend buying tickets in advance so you can skip the long ticket lines.

• Visit Website 

Barcelona Contemporary Cultural Center

Joan Miró also created the Barcelona Contemporary Cultural Center to feature contemporary, alternative, and innovative art. 

If you’re up for something different, check out the CaixaForum. This museum is located in a former brick factory, and it features an ever-changing collection of excellent art.

Other Museums

If you’re interested in the history of the Catalan region and its accompanying art, check out the highly-rated  Catalan Art Museum . If you want to learn more about the history of Barcelona, head to the  Barcelona History Museum , which features some great Roman ruins. If you’re interested in checking out a few huge old ships, you should stop into the Maritime Museum  that’s housed in a medieval shipyard (plus, it’s free and the building is really cool).

The Best Gaudí Architecture In Barcelona

Barcelona’s signature Catalan Modernism architecture was created by one man — Antoni Gaudí. Examples of his work are scattered throughout the city so you’ll most likely come across many of his most famous works without much effort. Here are Gaudí’s best architectural feats:

La Sagrada Família

If you only see one thing in Barcelona it should be the Sagrada Família. This iconic Catholic church has been under construction since 1882 and isn’t expected to be fully finished until 2030 (or later). It’s one of the most impressive things I’ve seen throughout all my travels.

You should always book your Sagrada Família tickets in advance since they require a reservation for a timed entry and they limit the number of tickets sold (last-minute tickets are nearly impossible to buy). If tickets are sold out, you can often pay extra to book a guided tour.

• Book Guided Tour Tickets or Book Skip-The-Line Tickets
• See On Google Maps

Park Güell is the iconic park that overlooks the city and it’s another part of Barcelona that shouldn’t be missed. A small part of the park is free to visit but a majority of the park requires a timed-entry admission.

• Buy Tickets

La Pedrera and Casa Batlló

La Pedrera  (sometimes called Casa Mila) and  Casa Batlló  are two other Gaudí buildings. You can visit the interior of the buildings but they’re also fun to observe from the street. Le Pedrera is great rooftop views but the Casa Batlló has a more interesting interior (although tickets are very pricy).

The Best Beaches in Barcelona

There were no natural beaches in Barcelona until the city built man-made beaches for the 1992 Olympics—the area was overrun by industry and pollution until the early 90s. The city’s beaches are now considered to be some of the best urban beaches in the world.

Barcelona has a number of beaches but the most popular is Barceloneta Beach . Here you’ll find plenty of beautiful twenty-something Barcelonians flaunting their stuff and escaping the hustle of the city.

Theft is very common on Barcelona’s beaches so don’t leave your stuff unattended.

The Best Walking Tours (Both Free and Paid)

I’ve said it a million times… but I love walking and bike tours. They’re simply a great way to explore and learn more about the city you’re visiting.

Luckily, Barcelona has a number of free tours (the guides work on tips) and paid tours. Most free tours offer a good overview of the city, while paid tours have more experienced guides who have a deeper understanding of their subjects.

Here are a few of the most popular tours:

• Runner Bean Tours — Free and paid tours.
• Sandemans New Europe: Barcelona  — Free tours.
• Free Walking Tours Barcelona  — Free tours.
• Barcelona Walks  — Paid tours.
• Trip Advisor’s Tour Page — Discover more niche tours.

Barcelona Nightlife and Clubs

Barcelona’s nightlife is legendary. Even on weeknights, the restaurants don’t fill up until after 9 pm and people don’t start hitting the bars until late at night — the dance clubs are still going strong until the sun comes up.

Drink prices tend to be fairly affordable (except in the clubs) and you’re often given free tapas with your drinks in many bars.

When it comes to clubs, expect cover charges and high drink prices for the more popular spots. Also, expect to put some effort into your appearance (no shorts, baseball caps, etc.) or the doormen might not let you in.

But the city’s nightlight isn’t just about clubs — there are tons of bars and restaurants that cater to just about anything you’re into. Check out these guides to help you find the best nightlife options:

• The Guardian: Barcelona Clubbing and Nightlife 
• Time Out: Best Clubs in Barcelona
• The Hungry Partier: Barcelona Nightlife Guide
• Driftwood Journal: Barcelona’s Best Bars, Clubs, and Party Spots
• Lonely Planet: Best Places to Drink

What To Eat and Drink In Barcelona

Barcelona has food options for just about any budget. In fact, Barcelona has one of the highest numbers of restaurants and bars per capita in all of Europe—unfortunately, many restaurants are nothing special. The quality generally gets a lot worse near the tourist attractions, so do some research so you don’t end up overpaying for low-quality food.

Also, don’t forget that lunch is generally the biggest meal of the day, and people don’t eat dinner until around 10 pm, so plan ahead.

Tapas and Pintxos

Spain is famous for its tapas and pintxos—which are basically mini portions of single dishes ( pintxos are traditionally served on small pieces of bread) that are meant to be snacked on in bars and restaurants. But a lot of people make a meal out of sampling multiple kinds of tapas.

Tapas and pintxos can range from simple to extravagant but they’re typically affordable. In some parts of Spain (mainly Granada and Madrid), the tapas are free as long as you’re buying alcohol but this is fairly rare in Barcelona.

Seafood Paella

Seafood paella (and seafood in general) is very popular in Barcelona since the city is located on the coast.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of places selling terrible seafood paella at inflated prices. So do your homework on this one… trust me. Check out this article by The Barcelona Navigator for finding the best paella.

Cava (sparkling wine) might as well be the official drink of Barcelona.

But what about sangria? That’s actually a specialty of southern Spain and it’s only served because tourists ask for it… and it’s rarely made well in Barcelona.

Buñuelos de Bacalao (Cod Fritters)

Who doesn’t love deep-fried fish and potatoes? You can find these tasty treats all over Barcelona—from tapas bars to hole-in-the-wall food stands.

Spanish Beer

Spain’s temperatures can get very high in the summers so beating the heat with a cold beer is very popular in Spain. And beer in Spain is cheap if you stick to the large domestic breweries.

Be sure to order a caña — which is a small size draft beer. Why a caña? The locals love their beer to be ice cold so they’d rather order two or three super cold small beers than have their bigger beer get warm. If you’re drinking a huge mug, then you’re probably drinking at a touristy spot.

Hot Chocolate and Churros

Barcelona is home to some of the best hot chocolate and churro spots in Spain—many of which have been open for over 100 years.

More Barcelona Foodie Resources

The food scene in Barcelona is vast and ever-changing so I rely on a handful of websites and Barcelona-based food bloggers to get the most up-to-date information on where to eat on a budget in Barcelona.

Online Resources:

• TimeOut Barcelona

Barcelona Food Bloggers:

• Spotted By Locals: Barcelona
• Foodie In Barcelona
• The Infatuation
• Barcelona Lowdown
• Barcelona Connect
• The Spain Scoop

Cheap Restaurants and Local Favorites:

Can Tosca : This budget-friendly, family-run restaurant is a local favorite thanks to their excellent bocadillos (sandwiches) and other homemade staples.

Bar Jai-Ca : A lively local favorite tapas bar that’s been around since 1955.

Cervecería Vaso de Oro : Very popular bar with tapas, desserts & draft beer.

Bar Mutt : Modern, upscale gastrobar serving traditional tapas & sommelier-recommended wine.

Baluard Barceloneta : Truly excellent bakery famous for their bread and croissants.

Barraca : A bright and modern seafood restaurant with excellent paella at a fair price.

Pastisseria Hofmann : Much loved pastry shop.

Demasié : Pastry shop famous for their cinnamon buns (they also have a vegan option) and large cookies.

Le Pain d’Éric&Benjamin : Excellent French bakery serving up authentic pain au chocolate, croissants, and baguettes.

The Best Hostels In Barcelona

The good news is that Barcelona has multiple great hostels.

However, the prices increase considerably in the summer thanks to the influx of visitors, so you’ll want to book as early as possible to ensure you get the best options. I’ve always used Hostelworld to book hostels, so you’ll want to poke around there to find the perfect hostel.

Below is a list of the best-rated hostels that won’t break your budget:

• Hostel One Sants
• Pars Teatro Hostel
• Sant Jordi Hostel Rock Palace
• Sant Jordi Gracia
• Sant Jordi Sagrada Familia
• Feetup  Garden House

Read more about the best hostels in Barcelona .

Public Transportation in Barcelona

Barcelona has a good public transportation network. Most people use the Metro (subway) to travel long distances, but Barcelona is compact so many visitors end up walking everywhere. The Metro is nice to ride during the steamy summer because it’s air-conditioned.

Public Transportation Ticket Prices ( Visit The Official Website )

• Single one-way ticket: €2.40
• T10 ticket (10 one-way journeys): €11.35

Hola Barcelona Travel Card provides unlimited journeys on public transport in Barcelona for consecutive periods of  2 days  (48 h),  3 days  (72 h),  4 days  (96 h) or  5 days  (120 h) from the time it is first validated. Travel to Barcelona-El Prat airport included.

• 2-day pass: €16.40
• 3-day pass: €23.80
• 4-day pass: €31
• 5-day pass: €38.20

Express Aerobus from the airport to city: €5.90

Train (RENFE) from airport to city: €4.10 + €2.15 (to switch to the Metro)

Taxi from airport to city: €25-€35

Practical Travel Tips

• Many city-run museums are free on Sundays from 3-8pm.
• Many restaurants close around 2-4pm and don’t open back up until 8 pm.
• Catalán is the main language spoken in Barcelona but Spanish is also spoken by just about everyone.
• Whenever possible, purchase museum and attraction tickets online. Attractions often attract huge crowds and even huger lines, so the savviest visitors buy their tickets in advance.
• Walking is the best way to explore the city.
• Watch for pickpockets. They’re everywhere.
• Every Metro stop has free wifi and you can find free wifi in many parts of the city but I always reccomend buying a European SIM Card—read about How To Buy A SIM Card in Europe but SimOptions.com is the most well-known authorized SIM card reseller.
• Avoid eating at any restaurant on Las Ramblas. There might be one or two exceptions, but 99% of the time you’re going to be overpaying for bad food.
• Want to go to an FC Barcelona soccer game but can’t find a ticket? Head to  www.fcbarcelona.com  and you can find season ticket holders selling their tickets.

Packing Lists and Tips

If you’re looking at this article, then I’m going to bet you’re getting ready to travel. Check out these helpful articles that we wrote for tips and advice for packing for your trip.

• Backpacking Europe Packing List For Women
• Backpacking Europe Packing List For Men
• Best Travel Backpacks For Europe

More Barcelona Travel Planning Resources

• Rick Steves Barcelona
• Lonely Planet Barcelona
• Time Out: Barcelona
• WikiVoyage: Barcelona

• Recent Posts

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• Otras Ciudades

Barcelona, Spain

An up-to-date travel guide written by locals to all Barcelona lovers. Plan your visit with local info and all you need to know for your trip.

Most visited city in Spain

14,8 Million

Visitors in 2022

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Barcelona is one of the most exciting, beautiful and breathtaking cities in the world.

In our Barcelona Travel Guide you’ll find recommendations for choosing the right hotel and neighborhood to visit, as well as moving around Barcelona like a local.

From the gridlike layout of the emblematic Eixample district to the magic and appeal of the labyrinthic streets of the Gothic Quarter , we show you where to stay in Barcelona , 100% stress free.

Barcelona is a cultural melting pot, with impressive museums and a remarkable modernist architecture. Visit the the amazing creations of catalan architect Gaudí like Casa Batlló , Park Güell and Sagrada Familia .

Immerse yourself in the charm of the Old City and discover all the things to do in Barcelona . Get ready to fall in love with this wonderful city!

Barcelona Travel Guide

Essential info to plan your trip to Barcelona

Barcelona Neighborhoods

Learn all about Barcelona's most important neighborhoods

Where to stay in Barcelona

Find the right accommodation in your favorite neighborhood in Barcelona

Best 20 Things To Do in Barcelona

Discover the best attractions and places of interest in Barcelona

Barcelona Museums

Barcelona is a world class city with museums covering every possible subject from art, architecture, history, science and sports

Barcelona Transport

Find your way around Barcelona by public transport and make the most of your trip

Barcelona Airport

Check all the options of transport available to get from the airport to Barcelona

Beaches in Barcelona

Barcelona’s coastline has achieved the status of having the best urban beaches in the Mediterranean

Barcelona with kids

Barcelona has plenty of children friendly spaces that are a delight for kids, where the fun can also be guaranteed for adults as well!

Barcelona's Nearby Attractions

Barcelona is fascinating city packed with interesting attractions, with equally interesting nearby attractions

Shopping in Barcelona

Discover the most popular shopping centers and best areas to shop in Barcelona

Eating in Barcelona

Find all about the most typical dishes and what to eat in Barcelona

Practical Info

Recommendations and tips about things you should know before coming to Barcelona

Every section in our guide is organized into categories with information on the top museums in Barcelona , sightseeing and activities .

The use of touristic cards -like the Barcelona Pass – will give free access to more than 20 top attractions in Barcelona.

Book in advance a Hotel or an Apartment to find better deals and save money .

Make the most of your trip, planning your visit and booking your accommodation in advance!

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Best Things To Do in Barcelona (Travel Guide)

Barcelona is the perfect getaway in Europe . It offers great public transport, beautiful architecture, city life, and the best part: a beautiful beach. A city trip of about 3-4 days should be enough to cover most of the highlights. These are the things you can do in Barcelona.

Day 1 – A Stroll Around Barcelona

Start off slowly and take some time to relax from the flight you just had ( you can find flights to Barcelona here ).

Take the subway, bus, or taxi to the Arc de Triomf of Barcelona; this is where we start the walk.

Palau de la Música

Continue to Palau de la Música Catalana, this is about a 10-minute walk through the popular neighborhood called El Born. A district inside the historic center of Barcelona, with small streets, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Get your tickets online

Barcelona Cathedral

From Palau de la Música, make your way to the Cathedral of Barcelona. You will enter the Gothic Quarter district, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful districts in Barcelona. It is home to lots of little bars, restaurants, and shops.

Hotels in Barcelona 😴

On day one of this Barcelona Citytrip Guide, you’ve seen Arc de Triomf, Palau de la Musica Catalana, El Born, the Gothic Quarter, and the Cathedral of Barcelona.

Here are all your hotel options in Barcelona.

Day 2 – A Gaudí Walk – Best Thing to do in Barcelona

Today it’s all about the creative mind of Antoni Gaudi. In the last decade, he was the architect behind sights in Barcelona, which are now famous worldwide. Parc Guell is even named a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Start the day at Parc Guell, which may be the most creative park in the world. Get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

You can buy tickets in advance via their website for 10 EUR (11 USD) per ticket. It is recommended to do this since they only allow a certain amount of people per time block. But you don’t need to enter the park. It is possible to take photos of Gaudi’s work without buying a ticket.

Skip the line: Get your Parc Guell ticket and tour

You can get here easily by bus. Google Maps will help you to get the correct bus number from the place you’re staying. You will need 1-2 hours in the park.

Continue by getting on bus 24 back to the city center and get out at Casa Batllo. You will be near Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. Visiting both can be quite expensive. Both houses are designed by the creative mastermind Gaudi.

Inside you can learn everything about how it was built, its architecture and the view from the top is pretty good too. The entrance fee for a single house visit is about 35 EUR (37 USD). See tickets and availability for Casa Batllo here .

Sagrada Familia

The last and probably best part of the day: The Sagrada Familia. It has been under construction since 1882, and they say it’s almost done. The cathedral was one of Gaudi’s latest projects, and he worked on this until his death.

Tickets for the church will cost about 38 EUR (40 USD), but you can also admire it from the outside. Stroll through the little park in front of the Sagrada for the perfect photo spot or just a little cover from the sun.

Day 3 – Barcelona Beach Area

Let’s follow a slower pace on your last day or the day before leaving. Start off at one of the Cable Car stations at the port. This will take you to the top of Montjuic, which is a hill in Barcelona overlooking the Barcelona harbor.

Also, read about the best city trips in Europe!

Jardin de Mossen Costa

Once on top, you will have a beautiful view over the entire city and can visit the picturesque garden called Jardin de Mossen Costa. Besides the garden, check out the Montjuic Castle!

Make your way down and start a small walk through the beautiful Barceloneta neighborhood. From there, head towards the beach and relax for a few hours!

Restaurants in Barcelona

There are many great restaurants in Barcelona. We’ve rated them by yummy (♥️) rating.

• Flax & Kale – ♥️♥️♥️♥️
• Surf House Barcelona – ♥️♥️♥️♥️
• Carabela Cafe – ♥️♥️♥️
• Set de Born– ♥️♥️

Where to Stay in Barcelona

This city offers some beautiful places to stay. Cheap or luxurious, they have it all. When you’re on a budget, choose a hostel located near the bus stop or subway station.

Getting Around Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the easiest cities to get around. Public transport is very good; buses and the subway always seem to connect. You can buy a 10-trip ticket at one of the subway stations. You can take the bus or subway 10 times which should be just enough for 3 or 4 days.

Use Google Maps to see which lines you should take to get to a certain location. You can also rent a bike but don’t forget Barcelona is located on a hill so you will have to climb up.

We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

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14 Best Things to do in Valencia (City Trip Guide)

Best things to do in madrid, spain, seville, spain: 14 best things to do.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hello! Friendly suggestion to update the prices of tickets to these places mentioned. After doing outside research, the prices mentioned for the Sagrada Familia and Casa Battlo have both gone up about 10 euros each. Thanks for the awesome itinerary tips!

Thanks Sam! We’ve made the changes now – appreciate the update :) Enjoy your trip to Barcelona!

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Home » Europe » Spain » Barcelona

EPIC BARCELONA Itinerary! (2024)

Jam-packed outdoor markets, restaurants, museums, and cathedrals, the Spanish-Catalan city of Barcelona is an incredible travel destination!

Come to Barca to visit Gaudi’s vibrant masterpieces and enjoy the Catalonian and Spanish traditions! These include a long-standing love for good chocolate, chorizo and the seductive art of Flamenco.

There’s so much to see and do in the beautiful, busy city of Barcelona so we’ve put together a 3 day Barcelona itinerary consisting of all the very best attractions to help you out! So if you’re spending 3 days in Barcelona, or much longer, here’s all the things you should be sure to tick off the list. As well as tips on how and when to do it!

The best way to experience the city is by staying at one of the affordable hostels in Barcelona . That way you can spend your money on some really cool attractions!

A Little Bit About This 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary

Where to stay in barcelona, barcelona itinerary day 1, barcelona itinerary day 2, barcelona itinerary day 3, what to do in 4 or more days in barcelona, best time to visit barcelona, how to get around barcelona, what to prepare before visiting barcelona, faq on barcelona itinerary, final thoughts.

This awesome 3-day Barcelona itinerary has been designed to help you maximise your time in this awesome city. So whether you’re backpacking around Spain or you’re on a short city break, you can be sure to see the best of this incredible city.

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3 Day Barcelona Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Barcelona: Casa Batllo, Barcelona History Museum, Taperia Princesa, Picasso Museum, La Boqueria Market, Flamenco Dance Show
• Day 2 in Barcelona: Park Güell, Palau de la Musica, Las Ramblas, Barceloneta Beach,
• Day 3 in Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Gothic Quarter, Camp Nou, Parc de la Ciutadella
• More Places to See in Barcelona: City Sights Highlight Bike Tour , Montjuïc Cable Car , Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Tour

Barcelona, like most modern cities in Europe, has a great variety of neighbourhoods. Choosing where to stay in Barcelona is a question of working out what you want. From bohemian to ancient, and even super-chic, you can find an environment that suits you perfectly, or get totally out of your comfort zone.

Stay in the charming Gothic Quarter, with narrow medieval streets filled with food-and-flower vendors, unusual bars, clubs, and exciting restaurants. The neighbourhood’s Gothic church is really impressive and hosts a weekend art market. There’s so much to see in this old-town area, you’ll always enjoy the walk back to your hostel every evening.

For something a little different, look for Barcelona hostels in the neighbourhood of Gràcia on Carrer de Les Carolines. The first house designed by Antoni Gaudi, Casa Vicens Gaudí, can be found here. It is a great example of Art Nouveau, which Barcelona embraced, and is super cool! There are lots of trees and old buildings in the neighbourhood – a beautiful combination.

Barcelona is in a great location along the coast to explore other places from. You can back up your car (or jump on a bus) and head to some pretty epic spots. These are my favourite day trips from Barcelona .

There are also loads of top-quality Airbnbs in Barcelona in case you fancy living like a local.

Onefam Paralelo – Best Hostel in Barcelona

This is a lovely place to stay and get to know the locals! The staff are experienced and multilingual and love to chat. It’s a perfect place for chilled-out travellers, with a great atmosphere. It’s a bit out of the way, but the dorm room rates are some of the lowest prices you can find, and it’s well worth the easy trip!

Your Romantic Beach Getaway – Best Airbnb in Barcelona

This is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona for backpackers or couples on a budget. Perfectly situated for exploration—so much so that you won’t need to spend much time inside. This charming apartment is located in the heart of Barceloneta right by the beach and gives you easy, walkable access to most of Barcelona’s major sites. With a double room and sofa bed, modern amenities, it’s perfect for two to three guests. 

Hotel Pelayo – Best Budget Hotel in Barcelona

Just a two-minute walk from the famous La Rambla, this value-for-money hotel is a great stay! It’s vibrant and clean. The rooms have great views, and there’s a snack bar! It’s right in the middle of everything. With clean, comfortable rooms, you’ll find you have everything you need!

9:00 AM – Casa Batllo

This brightly coloured fairytale building is an absolute must-see for your first time in Barcelona. A modernist masterpiece by the UNESCO respected Antoni Gaudi , you’ll find no straight lines here. Multicoloured mosaics and organic shapes make it really unique and super vibrant.

Marvel at the details and the building’s utter rejection of traditional architecture. This house is more of a sculpture than a building. The morning sun does wonders with the colourful glass.

Inside, you can go on an augmented reality tour. It brings the experience to life in weird and wonderful ways and is a really exciting innovation in tourism. Totally different to anything else you’ll see, you will be really glad you didn’t miss it, trust us.

• Cost –  $28, $44 for an early tour or $42 for a theatrical tour
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 hr
• Getting There –  It’s centrally located. Walk or take the bus from your base.

10:30 AM – Museum of the History of Barcelona

This is a Barcelona city highlight. The medieval museum conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the historical heritage of the city of Barcelona. From the city’s origins in Roman times until the present day, it has everything!

The coolest part of the museum tour is the excavations of the Roman ruins beneath the museum. Here you can see that there is a whole city beneath the streets of modern Barcelona.

It is the best opportunity to really see the way Barcelona has developed over the millennia. You’ll see an ancient launderette, factory, dyers, and winery! Pretty cool!

The audio tour is excellent and allows you to go through the museum at your own pace, with all the information you need to understand and appreciate what you’re seeing.

Also, go check out the close-by Montjuic that has an amazing mirador overlooking the sea and the city. Check the Magic Fountain lighting times to watch the amazing light show that happens a few times a week.

• Cost –  $10
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 – 1.5 hr
• Getting There –  It’s a 3 minute walk from the History Museum

12:00 AM – Lunch at Taperia Princesa

By this point, you may well be feeling a bit hungry. This delightful Taperia is located a mere 1-minute walk from the Picasso museum (your next stop) and despite its being near a major tourist attraction, it actually serves good quality food! They do good quality tapas and Catalan food served with great wine.

• Cost –  $15 per person will be enough
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  60 minutes
• Getting There –  Walk from Picasso museum

1:00 PM – Picasso Museum

This incredible museum houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. 

Before he died the artist himself began the project, and now a massive 4,251 works are exhibited here. The fact that one artist could have painted so many pieces blows our minds, never mind the fact that most of these are his early works.

If you’re interested in art, the museum is a key reference for understanding the artist’s formative years. Picasso spent his apprenticeship as an artist in Barcelona and returned to live here later.

The museum is well set out and highly informative. A lovely touch is that the story of Picasso’s life is overlaid with the paintings  – the way you can see the important transitions in his style  reflected in key life events  is fascinating! No matter how well you know the artist and his work, you’ll come away knowing more about him than before.

• Cost –  $15
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  90 minutes
• Getting There –  It’s a 12 minute walk from Casa Batllo

3.00 PM – La Boqueria Market

This huge public market has been around since the 13th century. It’s amazing to stroll through it and think about everything that must have changed, and everything that has stayed the same!

Locals sell fresh produce and haggle at all the stalls. You can find fresh fruits, fish, vegetables, and seafood, among other things. We recommend you try the fruit smoothies, they are seriously phenomenal.

Full of different colours and smells, the market is a sensory cornucopia. There’s so much to experience, you will want to dedicate at least 2 hours to it. The stall-holders and merchants are very fast and friendly.

You can really find a lot of interesting products. Buy some local handmade chocolates for the folks back home, and some exotic fruits to eat while you walk. It’s a foodie’s heaven – and those chocolates are famously good… Actually… Forget the folks back home, buy a bunch for yourself!

Worried about going in the afternoon? Don’t be, other than the early morning the late afternoon is ideal as the tourist crowds have subsided and the locals are back to pick up some ingredients for dinner. The market is open until 8 pm so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore.

If you’re spending less than 2-3 days in Barcelona be sure to tick this one-off. It’s an integral part of the city.

• Cost –  Whatever you buy
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –  1 – 1.5 hrs
• Getting There –  It’s a 10 minute walk from the Taperia

5.30 PM – Refresh Time

By now, you’re probably gonna be in need of a sit-down and a shower. Hopefully, your accommodation offers both. I suggest you go back to your digs for a power nap and a shower before tonight’s Flamenco show!

7.30 PM – Flamenco Dance Show at the City Hall Theatre

This traditional Flamenco show is a must-see. Appreciate the artistry of the talented performers and experience the vibrant spirit of this authentic form of Spanish dance and expression. Flamenco includes music, singing and dancing arranged together in a beautifully seductive atmosphere.

Some of the most talented artists in Spain perform at the City Hall Theatre. Watching the show, you can participate in the Jaleo , the hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and shouts of encouragement of traditional Flamenco. It is a lot of fun. You’ll also enjoy the lovely traditional features of the City Hall.

• Cost –  $20
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 hr
• Getting There –  Take Metro lines L1 and L2 to “Universitat” station, lines L1 and L3 to “Catalunya” station, lines L3, L4 and L2 to “Passeig de Gràcia” station

9.30 PM – Dinner

The Spanish are a truly debauched bunch and eat pretty late compared to most wholesome, righteous, God-fearing people. By 9.30 pm, the squares and tapas joints will be rammed with locals and tourists alike. Find a place you like the look of, dive in, and Bon appetite!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

10:00 AM – Park Güell

This huge public park system is composed of gardens and architectural elements designed by Gaudi. It’s a playful urban park, with plenty of winding paths and peaceful greens, as well as Gaudi’s many sculptures and mosaics. It gets really busy because of the park’s status as a primary landmark, so it’s good to get there early.

Enjoy the tranquillity of the early morning. You could even have a picnic in the park, with stunning views of Gaudi’s creations while you snack. The exceptional park is a beautiful mix of nature and art.

Since you don’t want to be one of the tourists waiting in line to get their tickets (which can be up to 1200 at a time and takes up hours of your day), you can make everything a lot easier by booking ahead of time. Click here and you can skip the line and get an expert guide for a tour around the park.

The staff ensures that the park does not get over-crowded by limiting the number of people in at one time – another reason to go early! With more than 17 hectares, it is one of the largest green spaces in Barcelona.

Gaudi’s structures and unique, colourful fantasies are present throughout the park. The highest point in the park also gives you a great view over much of the Barcelona sights.

• Cost –  $12
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hrs
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Urquinaona.

12:30 PM – Palau de la Música Catalana

The concert hall itself is really something to see. If you’re lucky, you can even enjoy a performance here. The musical offerings range from symphonic orchestras and opera to jazz and Cançó, traditional Catalan songs.

Built-in 1908, the architectural style has been described as a ‘riot of ornament’. You will immediately see why, with the vibrant colours and patterns, and the decorative flourishes. Still, the function is prized over form here. Every seat in the house has a perfect view of the stage, and the sound is exquisite. It’s quite an experience just to see how function and beauty work together so beautifully.

If you plan ahead you can catch a show here in the evenings. However, for our Barcelona itinerary in 3 days we are only coming for a tour of the buildings as there are no concerts during the day. 

• Cost –  $12 for a self guided tour
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   60
• Getting There –  Its a 6 minute walk from the Cathedral

With a Barcelona City Pass , you can experience the best of Barcelona at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

1.30 PM – Las Ramblas & Port Vell

Las Ramblas is just a street! But it’s one of Barcelona’s top tourist destinations. This tree-shaded boulevard runs through the heart of the city and is an interesting but possibly overrated place to visit!

Take in the beautiful buildings on either side. Enjoy the street performances and artists. Some really great performers can be found here, and many go on to perform at live venues, but do be aware of scams and pickpockets.

This is also a great place to people watch, and just soak in the sunshine, but don’t spend too much time here.

Ok, so it’s a bit touristy and it can be pretty crowded. We don’t recommend having any food around here as it can be a bit overpriced and underwhelming, but the street is somewhere you just have to tick off when you come to Barca. We recommend having a stroll down to the bottom where the Statue of Christopher Columbus lives, it’s next to the Port area where you can see the historic Port Cable Car/ aerial tramway and the redeveloped area around Port Vell which includes some great shops and restaurants.

• Cost – It’s free
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 – 1.5 hrs including the port
• Getting There –  Walk here from the concert hall. Takes 13 minutes

3:00 PM – Barceloneta Beach

Continuing the relaxing portion of your day, take a trip to Barcelona’s best beach . The white-sand beach stretches farther than you’d think for a city beach! If you’re inclined, you can walk the length of it and enjoy watching locals and tourists enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Otherwise, join them!

You can rent a beach lounger, or lay a towel on the sand and catch a late-afternoon tan. Wash off the sweat of the day in the calm blue ocean. Barcelona is a Mediterranean city, and its beach attests to that. It’s also a top place to surf and you can easily rent a board if you’re into that!

The water is reasonably warm, and it’s really lovely to swim in Summer. If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time in Winter, you may not want to swim but the beach is still worth a visit. All-year-round you’ll see a beautiful coastline whether you explore it from the boardwalk or the sands!

The beach can get quite crowded in Barceloneta, but this should be late enough in the day that it’s emptied out nicely. Either way, you’re sure to find a spot to lay down your towel and to swim. The brightly coloured towels and happy people only add to the scene and atmosphere here.

Stay here and give your feet a break for the rest of the evening, whatever time of year it is it’s a great spot for sunset.

• Cost –  Free
• Getting There –  Take the 59 bus from La Ramblas until Pg Marítim – Pepe Rubianes

7.30 PM – Dinner

stick around the area of Barceloneta for the evening, it’s home to a whole host of incredible restaurants serving some of the best seafood in the city. You can either enjoy the sunset from the comfort of the beach or retire earlier to a beachside restaurant and watch the sun go down over a glass of sangria and a plate of paella.

Bear in mind sunset varies a lot depending on the time of year.

In the winter months, it can be as early as 5:20 pm and in summer as late as 9:30 pm. So plan accordingly.

9:00 AM – La Sagrada Família

Start off your adventures with a stop at the Antoni Gaudi masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia! The cathedral is like no other. Combining several architectural styles and ignoring the rules of all of them, this impressive and intricately decorated church is something to see!

It is still under construction, 140 years on. But that doesn’t stop it from dominating its surroundings and changing your mind about what a church should look like. Of all the many things to do in Barcelona , this one tops most lists.

The early morning sun shining through the coloured glass windows will leave you in awe. It also shows Gaudi’s love for organic shapes and nature in all their complexity and beauty. Even if you’re not religious, the architecture here is something you just cannot miss.

Arriving early will also miss out some of the crowds that develop during the day. Either way, you should pre-book tickets to avoid queueing.

• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hours including the museum
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro from Jaume 1 to Verdaguer.

11:30 AM – Cathedral of Barcelona

This Gothic cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The cathedral was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, and has been one of the most important structures in Barcelona since then!

The views from the exterior are amazing as you stand on the street in the sunshine. It’s easy to appreciate the magnitude of the architecture from any angle. The interior is equally beautiful and very gothic.

Throughout there are beautiful religiously themed paintings and sculptures. You can spend a long time wandering through the cathedral and admiring all it has to offer.

• Cost –  $8
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 hrs
• Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Jaume 1

1:00 PM – Gothic Quarter & Lunch

After exploring Barcelona Cathedral, the heart of the Gothic Quarter, it’s time to wander around the area as a whole.

Spend a few hours exploring the narrow streets and maze-like alleyways that make up one of the most historic areas in the city. The architecture will blow you away and despite it being quite touristy, it’s easy to find a quiet corner of this vast area.

The labyrinth of passages and squares will keep you easily occupied for a good few hours. There are heaps of cafes, bars and restaurants too if you get a bit peckish. Why not tour the area stopping by every now and then for a few small places of tapas as you go!

The cobblestone streets around here are pretty much all as enchanting as each other and you can’t take a wrong turn! But some of the highlights of the area include the Bishop’s Bridge on Carrer del Bisbe, the tragic history of Plaça Sant Felip Neri, the stunning palm treelined Plaça Reial and the lively Plaça de la Generalitat.

• Cost –  Pay for what you drink or eat
• How Long Should I Stay Here? –   1 -2 Hrs
• Getting There –  Walk from the Cathedral, Take the L4 metro to Jaume 1 from elsewhere.

3:30 PM – Camp Nou

Despite Spain being a Catholic country… it’s not the main religion here! Nah, that instead would be football and in Catalunya, their passion for the beautiful game is even more intense and with such a talented team as FC Barcelona, it’s no wonder. You just can’t visit this region and in fact, this city, without exploring this side of the local culture. Not only is visiting the Calderon like stadium of the Camp Nou a fascinating experience, but it’s also bloody impressive!

Holding over 99,000 people and playing host to some of the most talented footballers ever to play the game, the stadium is steeped in atmosphere and history. Walking up the terraces you’ll get a feeling of grandeur that could only be beaten on the day of a game!

On a stadium tour, you’ll not only get to sit in the seats of this famous stadium, but you’ll get to explore behind the scenes and see places like the dressing rooms and media areas. There’s also an extensive museum where you can see the myriad of silverware this team has brought home over the years alongside an incredible array of memorabilia… including some belonging to Messi!

Cost –  $30 How Long Should I Stay Here? –   2 hours including the museum Getting There –  Line 3: Metro stop Palau Reial or Les Corts / Line 5: Metro stop Collblanc or Badal

5:00 PM – Parc de la Ciutadella

Take an evening stroll around this beautiful and historic park to round off your last evening in this wonderful city. There’s quite a bit to see here including the Catalan Parliament buildings, but the star attraction is the fountain. Unsurprisingly, it’s another one of Gaudi’s creations, this one is an early piece whilst he was a student and is an interesting look into the beginnings of this master.

Other highlights include the lake where you can rent out a little boat for an idyllic and relaxing evening before heading onwards. There are also many historic buildings including the Umbracle, a tropical greenhouse, the Geological Museum dating back to 1882 and the Hivernacle which was built in 1888 for the World Exposition.

Technically not in the park but linked to it, the Arc de Triomf, built for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair is a must-see landmark too.

Cost –  Free How Long Should I Stay Here? –   As long as you like Getting There –  Take the L4 metro to Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica or Arc de Triomf.

Looking at what to do in Barcelona for 3 days? There’s so much. Take your pick of these exciting classes, activities, and tours. They really round out the Barcelona experience!

City Sights Highlight Bike Tour

Get your day started right with this awesome bike tour. You join a fun and knowledgeable local guide and ride around the streets of Barcelona on a 3-hour tour. Explore the unique era of Spanish Art Nouveau amidst the modern city.

You will be able to see so much in this activity. That’s why we love cycle tours. It’s faster than by foot, but so much more engaged than by car.

On the tour, you’ll see ancient aqueducts, Barcelona’s first World Fair, parks, memorials, and plazas. 17th-century factories which epitomise the Industrial Revolution and a lovely ride along the beach promenade are two highlights of the tour.

It’s a brilliant combination of historic and contemporary Spain. And you’ll hear interesting facts and details about all of it.

This is a great tour for groups of friends or families. But if you’re alone, don’t worry! You’ll meet others in the group. The tours are conducted in English, French, and German. Local guides will show you the hidden corners of this exciting city and tell you their secrets.

The tour starts at 10:30 am and ends at the same place it starts. There are only two tours daily and it’s a popular one, so we suggest you book your ticket early. You can also request a private tour for something a little more intimate or personalised.

Catch the Montjuïc Cable Car 

This hill above the city is one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona. Surrounded by woodlands, the historic castle is a sight to see. The original fortress dates back to 1640! Some of this structure remains, but it’s been bombed and resurrected multiple times since.

From the cable car, the castle is just a short walk up the slope. It’s steep, so pack some water and prepare to lean against a wall and breath heavily. It’s a classic pose in tourism and must be accomplished at least once on a trip. Here’s your chance.

The gardens are beautiful and exotic, carefully curated by the castle groundskeepers. You’ll be able to see all the other stops on your itinerary up here.  Get some photos  pointing to a few of your favourites. The views over the port and city are unbeatable.

For centuries the hill overlooking the harbour played a strategic role in Barcelona’s defence. The castle served as a political prison for some time and was a bit of a sinister symbol all-around. Now, however, its positive associations override the negative.

It’s a popular place to visit both for locals and tourists. You can learn its long history and appreciate the artefacts collected here on a self-guided tour.

The cable car was recently upgraded and refurbished. Now the 8-man cabins are super cosy, and the best way to get up to the castle! You can also take the bus – a handy option for those who are staying in Barcelona for a longer period and have a bus pass!

If you’re spending 3 days in Barcelona, this is a really worthwhile activity.

Paella Cooking Class & Boqueria Market Tour

You must have had a few great paellas in Barcelona by now. Here’s your chance to learn to make it yourself. Bring home a bit of Barcelona with you! There’s nothing that reminds us of a great trip like cooking the traditional food. And eating it.

This is a really great experience for those of you looking for an authentic Spanish activity. Explore the world-famous La Boqueria market, which dates back to the 13th century. You’ll have strolled through it on Day 1, but this is a totally different way to experience the market.

Here you’ll find fresh seafood, herbs, and vegetables for your paella, guided by the chef. You also tour the beautiful old town on your way from the market.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Barcelona gets very hot in summer and is pretty mild in winter. Spring and Autumn are generally very pleasant with temperatures being ideal for walking around.

The summer months are the most popular and the city can and does get quite busy, prices go up and the pickpockets are in peak hunting season. However, the atmosphere is pretty electric. If you’re looking for cheaper prices and a quieter vibe, the winter months offer a much different vibe.

There’s no bad time to visit, it just really only depends on your preferences.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Barcelona:

Barrio gotico.

Barrio Gotico is the heart and soul of Barcelona. The oldest neighborhood in the city, it’s filled with charming narrow streets, picturesque boroughs, and quaint terraces and plazas, making it the best area to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors.

• Wander along Las Ramblas, a pedestrian street packed with shops, restaurants, entertainment, and stunning historic attractions.
• Explore the Palça del Rei, a Gothic style city square where royal receptions were held.
• Browse the stalls off fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and sweets at Mercat de la Boqueria on Las Ramblas.

There are rather a lot of places to visit in Barcelona but thankfully, it is super easy to get around with all the public transport options available. The trains and trams are completely safe and well-priced. You can even get a public transport ticket .

The great thing about Barcelona is that almost everything is within walking distance. If you’re a healthy walker, you won’t even need public transport.

If you’re feeling a little daring, rent a scooter for the day. So many locals get around with scooters, you’ll see them everywhere. They are lots of fun, and a great way to see the city. This is, of course, only for those with licenses. Often, rental places will accept a non-Spanish license, but they won’t let you drive if you have none at all.

However you’re getting around, this city is a great place to explore. Pack your walking shoes and sunscreen, this is going to be memorable.

Now let’s get into what to do in Barcelona for 3 days and more!

As with all cities, there are some valuable safety precautions in Barcelona. This will ensure that you leave the city with as much or more than you came with!

Violent crime is really uncommon in Barcelona. It’s considered safe to walk around and take public transport during the day and night! Still, we suggest never walking around alone at night, particularly for women. Walk in groups and stick to the well-lit areas and apply common sense.

There are pickpockets in the busier areas, so keep your bag closed and close to you. It’s always better to stay alert and aware. So don’t walk while looking at your phone. That makes it clear you’re a tourist and not a very aware one at that.

Criminals choose easy victims – so if you make it clear you’re not going to be taken unawares, you’ll be just fine.

A popular scam in Barcelona is the distraction/theft scam. So if anyone asks you for directions or assistance in a public place, and you feel a little suspicious, trust your gut! It’s usually right.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Barcelona

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Barcelona itinerary.

Are 3 days in Barcelona enough?

A Barcelona 3 day itinerary will give you enough time to see all of the top sights. However, having an extra day is ideal if you don’t want to rush.

What can you do in one day in Barcelona?

You can do a lot in a day, but you’ll need to wear some comfortable shoes ! Start off in Park Güell, then make your way down to the Gothic Quarter via Casa Gatllo and the Cathedral of Barcelona for some top sightseeing experiences.

Where should you stay for a weekend in Barcelona?

The Gothic Quarter is ideal for a quick trip, putting you close to many of Barcelona’s top attractions. If nightlife is what you’re after, check out El Born.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

September and October are the best months to visit to enjoy warm weather without huge tourist crowds.

Now you know all the best things to do in and around Barcelona . It’s a really magical city, with so much to offer.

So whether you’re doing Barcelona in 3 days or more, this is the best way to see Barcelona. Barcelona has lots of exciting stops and a good range of things to do.

If you’re working with a shoe-string budget, don’t worry! Budget travel is more possible than ever. So save up, book your tickets and get pumped! Exploring Barcelona will be one of the best trips of your life.

Also, whatever you end up doing in Barcelona, make sure to take travel insurance ! 🙂 Better be safe than sorry.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

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Things to Know Before Visiting Barcelona – Travel Tips Guide

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on April 19, 2024

Categories Spain

We will write our full guide Things to Know Before Visiting Barcelona for first timers everything that you need to know.

Barcelona, a vibrant and architecturally rich city on the coast of northeastern Spain, offers a unique blend of historic significance, modernist art, and lively street life.

Barcelona is a city that marries the old with the new in a way that few other cities can. With its rich cultural offerings, bustling street life, and relaxed pace, it promises a memorable experience.

If you’re planning to visit Barcelona, here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your trip:

Table of Contents

What is The Best Way From Barcelona Airport To City Center?

The best way from Barcelona airport to downtown is by shared transfer for  €13  per person you can  book online  and it will take 30 minutes to get to your hotel.

Read here  Barcelona airport to Las Ramblas ,  Barcelona Airport to Calella  and  Barcelona airport to Sagrada Familia

Read here  4 Days Barcelona Itinerary and  Sim Card Barcelona Airport ,

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance:  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of  Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review  and the comparison  Heymondo vs Genki

Things to Know Before Visiting Barcelona

• Best Time to Visit Barcelona

The best times to visit Barcelona are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather during these months is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than in the peak summer months. Summer: July and August can be very hot and crowded. These months are peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded attractions.

• Getting Around

Barcelona has an excellent public transportation system, including metros, buses, and trams, which are efficient and affordable. Consider purchasing a T-10 ticket (valid for 10 rides) or a Hola BCN card (unlimited travel for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days).

Many of Barcelona’s attractions are located close together, making walking or biking a great option. The city is very bike-friendly with numerous bike lanes and bike rental services.

• Cultural Etiquette

Spaniards typically eat late, with lunch around 2 pm to 4 pm and dinner not starting before 9 pm. Many restaurants might not open for dinner until 8 pm or later. Tipping is not obligatory in Spain, but it is customary to leave a small tip (5-10%) at restaurants if the service was good.

The best  Spanish food  to try,  Breakfast in Spain ,  and  vegetarian food in Spain

In Barcelona, both Catalan and Spanish are spoken. While all locals speak Spanish, signs and menus might be in Catalan. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in Spanish or Catalan can enhance your interactions.

• Must-Visit Attractions

Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece is a must-see. Be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Park Güell: Another of Gaudí’s creations, this park combines natural and architectural elements and offers great views of the city.

La Rambla: A famous street in central Barcelona, known for its street performers, vendors, and lively atmosphere.

Gothic Quarter: Explore the narrow streets of the old city of Barcelona, filled with medieval buildings and hidden squares. Picasso Museum: Hosting one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.

• Food and Drink

Trying tapas, small dishes that can range from seafood to jamón (cured ham), is essential. Local Dishes: Don’t miss trying local Catalan dishes like “ paella ” (especially the seafood variety), “fideuà” (similar to paella but with noodles), and “crema catalana” (Catalan cream).

• Accommodation

Variety of Options: From luxury hotels to budget hostels, Barcelona offers a wide range of accommodation options. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Barcelona is known for pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas like La Rambla and in the metro. Always keep an eye on your belongings and use bags that can be securely closed.

Montserrat: Just a short train ride away, this mountain offers hiking, a monastery, and stunning views. Sitges: A lovely beach town, perfect for a day of sun and sea.

Passeig de Gràcia: One of the major avenues in Barcelona, where you can find luxury brands and stunning modernist buildings.

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

• irBarcelona, your Barcelona Travel Guide

Updated Apr 02 2024

IrBarcelona is a Barcelona tourist guide , in which you’ll find all sorts of useful tourist, cultural and historical information about the city, and also about the most beautiful parts of Catalunya .

From the unmissable sights that are most well known and recognised by the majority of people, to the hidden gems that you’ll find in this beautiful city and its surroundings, many of which remain undiscovered even by many of Barcelona’s locals, you will find it all at irBarcelona.

The best temporary exhibitions in Barcelona

“sorolla, a new dimension” immersive exhibition.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Fascinating exhibition to immerse yourself in the work of Sorolla, the Valencian painter considered the great dominator of light

360º projections, virtual reality and digital art

Centre d’Arts Amatller (Arts Center)

Tutankamun the Immersive Experience

Immersive exhibition on Pharaoh Tutankhamen

IDEAL Digital Arts Center

The World of Banksy

Immersive exhibition on the artist Banksy

Espai Trafalgar Barcelona

What to do these days in Barcelona?

Ou Com Balla tradition

Cloisters of the churches and other spaces of the city

From May 30th to June 2nd

Sant Jordi Festival in Barcelona

Streets and squares of Barcelona and the rest of the towns in Catalonia

April 23, 2024

Catalonia’s April Fair in Barcelona

Parc del Fòrum (Park)

April 26 – May 5, 2024

The next months events in Barcelona

Barcelona in April 2024

Barcelona in May 2024

The must to see places in barcelona: book your tickets online.

Sagrada Familia

Skip the line

Casa Batlló

Barcelona’s Picasso Museum

Avoid the long queue at the box office

Camp Nou Experience FC Barcelona

Direct access to the Camp Nou and the F.C. Barcelona

Recinte Modernista of Sant Pau

The largest modernist complex

Book your hotel or apartment in Barcelona

Barcelona public transport pass and tourist cards.

Barcelona Pass

Barcelona Card + Gaudí Bundle

Barcelona Card

Public transportation included (3, 4 and 5 days), access to various museums and discounts

-10% online

ArticketBCN Passport

6 Museums and art foundations

Hop-On Hop-Off Barcelona Bus

1 or 2 days option

Online discount

Hola Barcelona Travel Card

Public transport included (48h, 72h, 96h and 120h)

AeroBus BCN

Bus transfer to / from Barcelona Airport

Suggestions, proposals and useful information to enjoy Barcelona

My aim is simply to introduce you to the wealth of possibilities that this wonderful city has to offer in the most detailed and personal way possible, so that whatever your interests, you’ll be able to organize and plan your holidays .

We also want to make your stay in the city a memorable one, and we’ve therefore introduced various sections that we think are very useful (especially from our experiences of visiting other cities), such as those that refer to the trips and visits that we suggest according to the number of days that you’ll be in Barcelona, as well as the section that highlights the events , traditions and celebrations that take place in the city throughout each month of the year.

The best proposals by irBarcelona to enjoy the city

Making plans for your time in Barcelona

The best plans based on the number of days you will be in Barcelona

Day trips from Barcelona

Discover the best of Catalonia

What things to do in Barcelona

The most important places in the city and the best proposals

Barcelona with children

Planes y propuestas para hacer en Barcelona con niños

Our typical cuisine and much more

Conoce y disfruta de las maravillas de la gastronomía catalana

Private tours and visits in Barcelona

Tailor made tours in Barcelona with official guides

for Solo Travel Over 50

Ultimate Guide to Barcelona Solo Travel (2024)

UPDATED 3/15/24

Traveling solo can be a liberating experience and it doesn’t get much more freeing than soaking up the sultry Mediterranean vibes of Barcelona. If you’re looking to explore this vibrant city on your own, then you’ve come to the right place.

From riding the metro like a local to enjoying leisurely walks through culinary hotspots, find out how you can travel Barcelona with ease this ultimate , one-stop-shop Guide to Barcelona Solo Travel.

Compiled from my first-hand, solo travel to Barcelona, this guide has all things Barcelona travel tips with bonus budget travel tips, eco-travel tips, and more throughout.

When done, you’ll not only be confident to plan your solo trip to Barcelona, Spain, but book it as well. Let’s get you to Barcelona.

This Barcelona Travel Guide is intentionally written for the solo traveler, the first time Barcelona traveler, and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been solo traveling FOREVER) in mind. Yet, anyone can use this travel guide it to plan and book Barcelona travel.

Like this? Share it with others!

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. For products, the goal is to first provide direct links to eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable companies, and then to those same type (i.e., Climate Pledge Friendly Certification ), of brands that use Amazon, if possible. Therefore, you may see multiple links for one option. Should you make a purchase through any link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclaimers & Disclosures and Privacy Policy for more information.

Ultimate Spain Solo Travel Guide

What is barcelona known for, best time to visit barcelona, getting to barcelona, getting around barcelona, is barcelona safe for solo travel, barcelona travel packing essentials, where to stay in barcelona on solo travel, 5 must dos in barcelona spain video, more top things to do in barcelona, beyond barcelona, best booking sites for barcelona, how to get the best of barcelona in 3 days, download the barcelona 3 day itinerary pdf, download the barcelona 4 day itinerary pdf.

If you need more Spain travel tips to supplement your Barcelona travel planning, consult my ultimate Spain Solo Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more to plan solo travel in Spain.

Large, historical, and happening, finding the right things to do alone in Barcelona, Spain for your trip could seem overwhelming. I’ve got you covered. Here’s my fabulous Barcelona 3 day Itinerary perfect for first-time Barcelona solo trip to help you get planning your solo travel in Spain. Better yet, get the instant download of the Ultimate Barcelona 3 Day PDF .

The Ultimate Guide to Barcelona Solo Travel 2024

More spain travel guides & itineraries.

• Best of San Sebastian in 2 Days (or 3) Itinerary
• Ultimate San Sebastian Solo Travel Guide
• Pamplona in 1 Day Itinerary and Guide
• The Ultimate Madrid Solo Travel Guide
• The Best of Madrid in 3 Days Itinerary
• 7 Best Europe Beach Destinations for Solo Travelers

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalunya (Catalonia region) and Spain’s 2 nd largest city.

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona has 4.2 km of sandy beaches, it makes it one of the best beach destinations in Europe .

Barcelona also boasts 66 museums, FC Barcelona and 11 other football (soccer) clubs, two official languages (Catalan and Spanish), has over 1.6 million residents and attracts 7.5 million visitors a year (at the time of this writing).

Barcelona is home to amazing cuisine, architecture, including Roman, and art.

Famous people from Barcelona include Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Antoni Gaudí, Pau Gasol, Gerard Piqué, Arantxa” Sánchez Vicario, José Carreras, and Daniel Brühl, to name a few.

Barcelona also hosts two UNESCO World Heritage sites:  the Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau , and the collective works of Antoni Gaudí , all of which are huge tourists draws.

Barcelona Weather & Costs

Barcelona temperatures average from high 50°s F to 70° F, with warmest weather in the summer months of July and August. These are also Barcelona’s most humid months, when locals tend to leave but tourists pour in and drive up prices.

The fall shoulder season months of September and October are Barcelona’s rainiest. Consider bringing an eco-friendly travel umbrella if you go during these months.

December through February are the coldest months but offer fewer tourists and may be the cheapest time to visit Barcelona.

My latest solo travel Barcelona was in early October. It was cloudy with very little rain. The days and nights were still warm, and there weren’t many tourists. 

You may prefer May or June for your Barcelona visit instead. Daylight hours are long, the weather is warm, there are still fewer tourists than in the height of summer, and there are plenty of things to do in Barcelona, including festivals like Sonar in June.

I would recommend visiting Barcelona in the shoulder season months of May, June, September or October.

Barcelona Events

When planning a trip to Barcelona, I suggest checking Barcelona’s festivals and holidays calendar to help determine when is the best time for your solo travel in Barcelona .

All prices reflected at time of writing.

Flying into Barcelona

The closest airport serving Barcelona is the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), aka Barcelona Airport.

Barcelona Airport is serviced by most major and European airlines. International and domestic flights arrive at Terminal 1. Low cost carriers arrive at Terminal 2.

The Barcelona Airport is 15 km south of Barcelona city center. If you do not have access to an airport shuttle from your hotel, there are several other transportation options from the Barcelona Airport to Barcelona city center.

You could get a Barcelona Airport rental car , (but have to deal with city center parking), hire a private one-way or round-trip airport transfer , a luxury airport transfer , or rideshare or taxi (including Uber, Bolt and Lyft), which may cost €25 to €30.

The following eco-friendly transportation options, however, will save you money if you are traveling Barcelona on a budget.

Reserve Early to Get a Cheap Flight to Barcelona

Eco travel tips.

Skyscanner  provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2. Additionally, you can purchase carbon offsets  through your airline  to lower your carbon footprint.

Barcelona Airport Train

The RENFE train leaves the Aeropuerto station every 30 minutes. The train takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the Passeig de Gràcia station. There you switch to a metro for the Plaça Catalunya station, which should be within walking distance to your hotel or hostel. Train tickets are approximately €5.

Barcelona Airport Metro

The orange L9 metro line leaves Barcelona Airport every 7 minutes from both the Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 metro stations. The metro takes approximately 35 minutes to arrive at Plaça Catalunya station, but with transfers required. Tickets cost approximately €5.

Barcelona Airport Shuttle

The  Aerobus  service is an express bus service direct to the city center. The A1 bus leaves Terminal 1 and the A2 bus leaves Terminal 2. Both depart eery 5 to 10 minutes. You arrive at the Plaça de Catalunya bus stop at the El Corte Inglés department store in about 30 minutes for €5.90.

Barcelona Airport Bus

The TMB airport bus (no. 46) also leaves from Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2. With several stops, this bus takes longer to reach the city center, but one-way tickets are only €2.40.

The Barcelona Card

Purchasing the Barcelona Card (aka the Barcelona Pass) is a great option for airport to city center transportation plus attractions.

The Barcelona Card covers 25 museums and attractions in Barcelona, including 50% off admission to attractions like Gaudi’s Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, skip the line entrance, free public transportation, and can be bought for 3, 4 or 5 days in Barcelona.

Get your Barcelona Card in advance , exchange your voucher at one of the designated locations and times, and then zip from the Barcelona airport to the city center.

Bus or Train to Barcelona

Barcelona receives many trains and buses daily, which are quick, inexpensive, and eco-friendly ways to reach Barcelona.

Buses usually arrive at the Barcelona Estació de Sants or Estació de Nord. Trains arrive at one of the two main stations, Estació de Sants or Estació de França, depending on your departure point.

For example, on my last trip to Spain, I traveled from Pamplona to Barcelona by train with the train arriving at the Barcelona Sants station.

You can take a metro from any of these stations to Plaça de Catalunya.

Trainline Provides Cheap Train and Bus Tickets to Barcelona

For flights only 2 to 3 hours in duration to and from Barcelona, take the train or bus instead. It could also save time and money, and the scenery is much prettier.

When hiring a rideshare, choose the  Bolt Green  or  Uber Green  options, or use  Carpoolworld , to support the use of electric cars and carpooling for cleaner transportation in Spain.

More Eco Travel Tips & Ideas

• 25 Must-Have & Eco-Friendly Solo Beach Trip Essentials
• 15 Eco Long-haul Flight Essentials for Solo Travel
• Top 10 Eco-Friendly Carry On Luggage
• 10 Best Eco-Friendly Personal Item Bags for Flying
• 10 Top Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Swimwear Brands
• 10 Easy Ways to Be an Eco-Friendly Traveler

Barcelona by Metro or Bus

Barcelona is a large city and some top sights can be quite a distance from each other. Taking the Barcelona metro is highly recommended to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time.

The Barcelona metro is extremely easy to use. Tickets can be purchased in each station. There are 12 metro lines which include access to the public buses.

One way tickets within a zone are less than €3 each way. If you need assistance, just ask a booth attendant. Many speak English and happy to answer your questions.

Another way to see more of what’s in Barcelona in a short period of time is the Barcelona Hop On Hop Off bus . Tours like these are ideal for large cities like Barcelona.

This bus is very popular in Barcelona because it covers 2 to 3 different routes around Barcelona encompassing all of the top Barcelona sights and attractions.

Buy your 24-hour or 48-hour bus ticket in advance to save time during peak season. Buses depart centrally from Plaça de Catalunya.

Avoid taking a taxi or Uber to explore Barcelona. Instead, see Barcelona by public transportation, a Hop-on Hop-off bus , foot, bike or electric scooter .

The Barcelona Card & More

Remember the Barcelona Card ? Keep this in mind for way to get access to public transportation for 48 hours or more with access to 25+ Barcelona attractions.

Buying the Hola Barcelona Public Transport Travel Card is another option to get free, unlimited access to Barcelona transportation in the city and suburbs. The Hola Barcelona card can be purchased for increments of 48, 72, 96, or 120-hours.

Barcelona Transportation Options for 2 Days or More

Is barcelona walkable.

Although extensive, a large portion of the Barcelona city center is flat, which makes Barcelona optimal for walking.

Many must sees in Barcelona can be accessed by foot, however, especially if you stay within the Old City. To save time on your Barcelona itinerary, walk Barcelona by neighborhoods.

If you want to learn more about Barcelona or its incredible food and wine, consider a historic walking tour or food walking tour of Barcelona . There are private and group tours available. Again, group tours do provide that additional chance to meet others when traveling Barcelona alone.

Best Barcelona Group Walking Tours

Best barcelona private walking tours, barcelona by bike or scooter.

Barcelona is also ideal for biking and scooters due to the designated paths. You’ll see many bike and e-bike rental stands, and e-scooters, throughout Barcelona. Consider renting a bike for a quicker way to zip through Barcelona like a local.

Barcelona Travel Tip

Always look both ways when crossing streets, even if you think the street is ‘one way’. Bicyclists and scooter riders really move and can seem to come out of nowhere. Be aware of your surroundings.

Save Time and Book Your Barcelona Bike in Advance

Want to ride around Barcelona, but not alone? Barcelona has e-scooter , segway , and bike or e-bike tours , too. These tours are eco-friendly and a great way to learn more about Barcelona and meet new people while traveling alone in Barcelona. At any age.

Top Barcelona Biking Tours and More

Barcelona by water.

The Barcelona coastline also provide for scenic boat rides that can be done inexpensively. Explore Barcelona cruises to get a different view of Barcelona day or night.

Top Barcelona Cruises

Barcelona’s crime rate is considered moderate. It is safe to walk alone during the day but be more aware walking at night.

As a solo female traveler in Barcelona, I practiced general precautions and stayed within well-lit and populated streets at night. As such, I never felt unsafe in Barcelona as solo traveler.

During high tourist season, in crowded areas or on crowded public transportation, ensure to keep your belongings safe and securely on you with no open pockets or carrying cash or valuables in your pockets.

If you normally feel uncomfortable being out solo at night, you may want to visit Barcelona when the daylight hours are longest so you have more time to explore Barcelona.

Solo Travel Tips

Have WhatsApp on your mobile device(s). Many smaller establishments and activity/tourism offices use this as a method of communication making it easier to make inquiries or booking and learn, or notify, of any scheduling changes.

Get the T-Mobile International Plan or something similar in price and features. I no longer work on WiFi only on international travel. I’ll use it when it’s there, but having access to roaming when needed for GPS and Google Maps is a game changer.

More Solo Travel Tips & Ideas

• How to Plan Your First Solo Trip:  Step 1
• How to Choose Your First Solo Trip Destination
• How to Create a Solo Travel Budget
• How To Save Money for Solo Travel
• Top 10 Tips on How to Do a Solo Beach Trip
• 10 Must Know Planning Tips for First-Time International Travel

I’m not one to tell someone else how to pack, but there definitely some solo travel essentials I would recommend taking on your solo trip to Barcelona, like the following.

This list of travel essentials combined can make your Barcelona travel easier and more memorable while being friendlier to the environment.

Ciutat Vella (“Old City”) holds the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona .

The Old City is nestled between the l’Eixample neighborhood (south of the Grand Via de les Corts Catalanes) and Mediterranean Sea, and between the Poble Nou and Sant Antoni neighborhoods.

This district is comprised of the El Raval, Barri Gotic, La Ribera, El Born, Port Vell, and La Barceloneta neighborhoods.

In such a large city, it is more convenient to be closest not only to the top Barcelona attractions accessible by foot, but also accessible by the Barcelona metro and bus stops, including the Hop-on Hop-off bus .

The Old City, specifically within the El Raval and Barri Gotic neighborhoods, is the Barcelona district in which to reserve your Barcelona accommodation , especially for first time travel to Barcelona alone, as indicated on the map below.

Of course, you can stay outside this section of the Barcelona city center, but it may just add time and more transportation costs to this Barcelona solo travel itinerary, depending on what you ultimately see and do in Barcelona.

Barcelona Hotels and More

There are multiple Barcelona city centre hotels and hostels across all budget types. Going in the off season, or booking well in advance, will get you the best Barcelona prices on any type of accommodation.

Consider booking at a property that either is eco-friendly or sustainable rated , or at least employs these methods into their business.

Barcelona Hotels

For location, price, breakfast, amenities (including free-cancellation), eco-friendly and sustainable operations, and customer reviews and ratings, here are my Barcelona hotel recommendations for solo travel (i.e., where I would stay):

• Hotel Turin
• Arc La Rambla
• Exe Ramblas Boquería
• Petit Palace Boqueria Garden
• Hotel Sant Agustí
• Hotel Cantón
• H10 Raco del Pi
• Aparthotel Arai 4* Superior

I believe Hotel Turin is in the best place for solo female travel in Barcelona, including being walkable to the beach, La Rambla, and Barcelona nightlife and dining. Plus, Hotel Turin is a Travel Sustainable rated hotel at a good price ( book well in advance ) with friendly staff, fabulous breakfast buffet. I enjoyed my stay at Hotel Turin in Barcelona and would recommend staying there.

In addition to Booking.com’s Barcelona city center Travel Sustainable properties , Green Globe and Green Key Global also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.

Reserve Early for the Best Price in Barcelona Accommodations

Barcelona hostels.

Hostels in Barcelona city center are an option for solo travel in Barcelona on a budget. Using the same conditions above, and the ability to get a private room, here are my recommendations for best Barcelona hostel for solo travellers:

• Pars Teatro Hostel
• Alternative Creative Youth Hostel Barcelona

Find the Best Deal on Barcelona Hostel Private Rooms

Budget travel tips.

There are Barcelona hostels that could start from around €20-30/night, depending on what amenities and location you want. Note, these are usually a bed in a dorm room. A private room in a Barcelona city center hostel could cost the same, if not more, than a budget hotel.

What would a Barcelona Solo Travel Guide be without listing the best things to do in Barcelona?

Start with these must sees in Barcelona video. This taste of solo travel in Barcelona will have you booking your flight to Barcelona .

Ways to Do Barcelona MUST DOs

There are simply too many Barcelona attractions to list in this Barcelona travel guide alone.

However, here are some more top things to see and do in Barcelona to try to pack into your Barcelona travel itinerary. Some may be free, but for those that aren’t, don’t forget the Barcelona Card – it covers many of these.

If you want to know how to see most of them on your first time travel, use my Best 3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary . If you have 4 days in Barcelona, even better.

Churches & Cathedrals

• Basílica de la Sagrada Familia
• Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar
• Catedral de Barcelona (Barcelona Cathedral)

Barcelona Travel Tips

You cannot buy a La Sagrada Familia ticket on location. You must buy your La Sagrada Familia ticket in advance online , with a set entrance day and time.

If you do not do a tour you can download the official audio tour app in advance for a free.

Architectural Buildings & Historic Sites

• Casa Batlló
• Casa Amatller
• The Palau (Palace of Catalan Music)
• Casa Milà – La Pedrera
• Camp Nou (tours not available until November 2024)
• Casa Vicens
• Palau Güell
• Castell de Montjuïc (Montjuïc Castle)

Barcelona Landmarks, Points of Interest & Monuments

• Las Ramblas
• Rambla de Catalunya
• Plaça de Catalunya
• Rambla del Mar
• Mercat de la Boqueria
• The Magic Fountain
• Passeig de Gracia
• Plaça d’Espanya
• Plaça Reial
• The Placa del Rei
• Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument)

Museums & Aquariums

• Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
• Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)
• Parc de Montjuic
• Fundació Joan Miró (Joan Miró Foundation)
• Museu d’Historia de Barcelona (MUHBA)
• L’Aquarium de Barcelona (Barcelona Aquarium)
• Museo Diocesà de Barcelona (Diocesan Museum)

Best Barcelona Museum and Aquarium Ticket Options

Parks, gardens & beaches.

• Parc de la Ciutadella
• Parque del Laberint d’Horta
• Platja de la Barceloneta (Barceloneta Beach)

More Solo Beach Travel

• 25 Must-Have Solo Beach Trip Essentials
• Top Tips on How to Do a Solo Beach Trip
• Best 3 Days in Split Croatia Itinerary
• Belize Solo Travel: 7 Things to Know Before You Go
• Best of Zakynthos Greece in 3 Days Itinerary

Barcelona Food & Entertainment

Barcelona has some of the top cuisine in Spain. From fine dining to fresh seafood to tapas and sangria, you can find whatever you want to sample in any of the many Barcelona neighborhoods. Here are the ’10 best’ restaurant ideas in the notable neighborhoods to get you started:

• Restaurants in Barri Gotic
• Restaurants in La Barceloneta
• Restaurants in El Born / La Ribera
• Restaurants in Barri de Gracia
• Restaurants in Port Vell
• La Ramblas Restaurants
• Rambla de Catalunya Restaurants

La Rambla is popular for restaurants and bars that line the streets or are slightly off La Rambla.

The Gothic Quarter and El Born are also popular for bars, cafes, and tapas and Barcelona nightlife. More nightlife, and popular with students is Placa del Sol in the Barri de Gracia.

You can’t go wrong hanging out at La Boqueria for fresh food and drinks.

Best Barcelona Food Tours and More

Avoid using single-use plastics when dining, shopping and on food tours in Split to reduce trash and your carbon footprint by bringing your own reusable collapsible travel bags , collapsible water bottle , recycled plastic water bottle carry sling , and bamboo travel utensils so you’re prepared to travel with the planet in mind.

I always travel with the above items. Light weight and taking up very little space in my carry-on bags , I love the convenience and peace of mind these inexpensive, eco-friendly products provide.

Top Barcelona Nightlife and Flamenco

If you have time or want to explore more of the Spanish coastline, I suggest taking a day trip from Barcelona, or two. There are multiple, top Spanish travel destinations all within an hour or two from Barcelona.

Best Day Trips from Barcelona

Here is a summary of the best booking sites I recommend you bookmark and use to successfully book your travel to Barcelona, Spain. I use just about all of these for most travel locations. I even gave you my suggested Barcelona hotel .

These booking sites give you multiple travel options and awesome travel deals for all travel budgets. They will certainly help get a jump on your trip to Barcelona.

For the best travel deals, always book early .

• Cheap Flights to Barcelona
• Best Barcelona City Center Hotels
• Best Barcelona City Center Hostels
• My Barcelona Hotel Pick
• Barcelona Train Tickets
• Barcelona Bus Tickets
• Barcelona Airport Car Rentals

Don’t forget to check out Barcelona ecotourism ideas and use my Spain Travel Guide complete your Barcelona travel planning and booking.

Now that you know you are fully prepared to explore Barcelona, would you like an itinerary idea to get you going? Check out my Best of Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary perfect for first time solo travel to Barcelona.

Best of Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary (2024)

Better yet, why not save a tone of time planning and download the Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary and Guide PDF instantly? A solo female traveler of 28 years, you know I traveled Barcelona solo. This Barcelona Itinerary is from my actual, tried and true self-created and traveled Barcelona itinerary, not AI-generated with stock photos, so you know it’s an itinerary you can trust.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, older traveler, or budget traveler, this B arcelona 3 Day Itinerary and Guide PDF is a steal . Formatted for sleek use on all devices, it has clickable links to all of the below , taking out all of the guesswork for your Barcelona visit:

• Arrival transportation methods,
• Barcelona Airport transportation to the city center,
• Local transportation methods, including the Hop On Hop Off bus, walking and e-bike tours,
• City center accommodations recommendations (including budget stays),
• What to eat and where to eat dining suggestions,
• Dining apps,
• City, historical and food walking tours,
• The Barcelona Card,
• Top things to do and attractions you’ll be doing in Barcelona in three days with clickable walking maps for easily getting around Barcelona each day,
• CORR Travel Spain and Barcelona Travel Guides,
• Barcelona events and holiday schedule, and
• Eco-travel and ecotourism resources.

Have one more day in Barcelona? Get the same great Barcelona Travel Guide with 4 Days in Barcelona Itinerary PDF .

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if my ultimate Guide to Barcelona Solo Travel was helpful in planning your solo travel in Spain. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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2 thoughts on “the ultimate guide to barcelona solo travel 2024”.

Hey there! I just finished reading your Barcelona solo travel guide, and I wanted to drop you a comment to let you know how much I enjoyed it. Your guide is an absolute gem for solo travelers looking to explore Barcelona and have an unforgettable experience.

I appreciate how you addressed the unique aspects of solo travel and provided practical tips for navigating the city on one’s own. From safety advice to recommendations for meeting fellow travelers, your guide offers invaluable insights for solo adventurers.

Your itinerary suggestions for exploring the city are fantastic. I love how you highlighted the must-see attractions like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, while also suggesting off-the-beaten-path spots that offer a more authentic experience. The inclusion of lesser-known neighborhoods like Sant Antoni and El Raval is a great way for solo travelers to discover hidden gems and connect with the local culture.

I also want to commend you on the solo-friendly activities you recommended, such as joining a walking tour or taking a cooking class. These suggestions not only provide opportunities for solo travelers to meet like-minded individuals but also allow them to immerse themselves in Barcelona’s rich history and culinary scene.

Moreover, your tips on solo dining and enjoying the city’s nightlife solo are incredibly helpful. From trying tapas at local bars to experiencing the vibrant music and dance scene, you’ve provided solo travelers with a wealth of options for embracing Barcelona’s social atmosphere.

Thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on solo travel in Barcelona. Your guide is a valuable resource that will undoubtedly inspire and empower solo adventurers to embark on their own memorable journey. Keep up the fantastic work, and I’m excited to read more of your travel guides and recommendations in the future! Learn more: https://tourstravelfinder.com/tour_destination/barcelona/

Thank you. I will make a note to check out your tours at my first availability, but in the meantime, I’ll also leave your link here for my readers to see them as well. – Gwen

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A Travel Guide To Barcelona: 11 Things To Know While Planning Your Trip

Check out these Barcelona travel guide recommendations for activities, hotels, restaurants, and more for planning your next trip.

Traveling to Barcelona , Spain is a dream for many as this city has unique and fascinating architecture. Instead of urban sprawl with crowds of people on every street and tall buildings that don't look like much, Barcelona is so visually interesting that travelers won't be able to put down their cameras. It's truly a special place.

In order to have the most memorable and magical trip, check out these recommendations for activities, hotels, restaurants, and some helpful advice on tipping and when to find the most affordable plane tickets.

Here is a travel guide to Barcelona: 11 things to know while planning your trip.

Visit Park Güell And The Maremagnum Mall

The Crazy Tourist   recommends that you go to Park Güell when you're in Barcelona, which would be an incredible experience. This is a piece of history: according to  Arch Daily , Count Eusebi Güell wanted Antoni Gaudi to create this area with aristocrats in mind. This is quite a sight to behold as there are trees, tiles, sculptures, and mosaics, as  Barcelona Tourist  guide explains.

Another recommendation is the Maremagnum Mall. This is no ordinary shopping mall, however, as part of the experience will be walking over Rambla De Mar to get there, which will be beautiful. You'll recognizable brands like Dunkin' Donuts (called Dunkin' Coffee here) and Adidas along with countless stores and other places to eat.

Springtime And Autumn Are The Perfect Times To Go To Barcelona

According to Trip Savvy , "Spring and fall are as lovely as it gets, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures lasting throughout the majority of both seasons." As is often the case with popular and beautiful destinations, summer will have a lot of people and you would most likely pay the most for hotels.

Because Autumn and springtime are considered "the low season" that's a good time to book your trip. The website also mentions that while there will be a bit of rain in April, it's your final chance to book an affordable trip before the busy summer months begin, and then the fall will have good prices once again.

Stay At H10 Marina Barcelona Hotel Or Novotel Barcelona City

H10 Marina Barcelona Hotel is in an area called Villa Olimpica and it's perfect as you can get to the beach super easily and it's also close to the city center. This hotel has a 100 out of 100 rating on  Trip Advisor  for how walkable it is and there are almost 100 places to grab some food nearby.

You will also love Novotel Barcelona City as it has a terrace with a pool where you can see so much of the city. This hotel got the same walkable score as the above hotel, and people shared on Trip Advisor that they love the breakfast .

Find Some Amazing Tapas At Bodega Biarritz And Eat Paella At Bodega Joan

Barcelona is famous for its delicious tapas, and Bodega Biarritz is said to be a destination for this local fare. People have praised this establishment on  Trip Advisor  and shared that the cheese and meat boards are amazing, along with really interesting vegetable dishes.

Barcelona Hacks  recommends Bodega Joan for paella, the "mixed paella" in particular, which will have seafood and other proteins.

There Are So Many Types Of Transporation To Choose From

Barcelonaturisme.com  shares that there are many different forms of transportation in Barcelona. You can rent a bike, take a bus (there are more than 1,000), or take the Tram or Metro.

You can also take cabs, and if the top of the taxi has a green light, you will know that it's free for you to hop in.

Spend Some Time In El Born, Along With Barcelona Cathedral In Ciutat Vella

Trip Advisor  says the neighborhood of El Born is definitely worth visiting as you can enjoy some tapas, go see some art, and walk around.

No trip to Barcelona will be totally complete if you don't visit Barcelona Cathedral in an area called Ciutat Vella.  Time Out  recommends this landmark and notes that it was named a National Historic Monument in 1929. This Gothic-style cathedral is definitely breathtaking. You can also do a walking tour in the neighborhood, according to  Trip Advisor .

Bring Euros, Be Careful, And Leave Tips If You'd Like

Barcelona Tourist Guide  says, "We advise bringing travellers cheques, credit cards and about 2 days worth of Euros." The website recommends that you keep these "in separate locations on your person" and make sure you only have as much cash on you as you're going to spend. The website says that there is, unfortunately, a "petty theft problem" in Barcelona so that's definitely something to keep in mind.

Barcelona Yellow  shares that while people living in Barcelona aren't typically going to leave tips on restaurant bills, you can leave 5 percent in order to show that you really appreciated the experience.

November Is Your Best Bet For A Flight Deal

According to  Cheap Flights , flying to Barcelona in November will cost the least amount of money. 55 days prior to your desired trip is the recommended time to buy plane tickets.

There are often days of the week that are much more affordable than others and most of the time, weekends will cost you the most. Barcelona fits into this advice and Monday is said to be a good day to fly.

Las Ramblas Is A Touristy Street

Many people discussed on  Reddit  that one of the streets in Barcelona, Las Ramblas, is pretty touristy and it's best not to go to any of the restaurants or spend too much time there. Someone posted, "Worst meal of the whole trip, and one of the most expensive ones as well. It honestly feels like each dish was just microwaved before being served."

A post on  Trip Advisor  calls this street "a giant tourist trap." Thankfully, there are so many amazing other streets in Barcelona, and some free attractions as well.

Check Out These Beaches

Barcelona may be a gorgeous and cool city but there are many beaches to check out, too.

A  Reddit  user suggests Montgat Nord as it won't have quite as many people as some of the other beaches. A  Trip Advisor  review says how clean the beach is, which is nice to hear. You can also go to Arenys de Mar which has many restaurants, making it a perfect destination to eat delicious food and relax.

Tips To Feel Just Like A Barcelona Local

Lonely Planet  recommends going to areas like Pedralbes and Sarrià that are away from more popular places that attract tourists. The website also says that there is incredible pizza in the city so it's a good idea to try some of it.

Pando Trip  says that Parc de la Ciutadella is an awesome way to spend some time, especially if you want to have a picnic. You won't encounter so many people and there is even a lake plus a zoo.

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Barcelona Travel Guide 2024: A trip to the city of Barcelona Kindle Edition

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With the return of our direct route to Barcelona this summer, there has never been a better time to become acquainted with the Spanish city’s captivating neighbourhoods. 

Discover the centuries-old foundations from which the city rose, the districts where you can eat like a local and immerse yourself in art, and the streets that earned Barcelona its reputation as the international capital of modernism.

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Gothic Quarter

It’s curious that this famed area of the Old City (Ciutat Vella, in Catalan) is not as Gothic as one might expect; many of its buildings are actually neo-Gothic reconstructions. There are, however, important Roman remains you can visit, such as the Temple of Augustus and a section of Roman wall, as well as a web of medieval pedestrian streets. 

The Gothic Quarter is one of the most charming enclaves in the city. Full of inviting restaurants and shops, it brings together attractions such as Barcelona’s imposing Cathedral, the stately Plaça de Sant Jaume square and the Jewish Quarter, the heart of the city’s Jewish community from the 7th to the 15th century. 

Where to stay:  Two historic buildings, one a 12th-century medieval palace, make up Hotel Neri . Guests can enjoy breakfast at San Felipe Neri square: a small, beautiful courtyard with a charming fountain in the middle, overlooked by the baroque church of Sant Felip Neri.

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This neighbourhood, also in the Ciutat Vella, was the main nucleus of Barcelona between the 13th and 15th centuries, when the city was a major Mediterranean power. 

The locale owes its name to the Mercado de Born, a vast market hall built in 1876. Beautifully restored in the late 20th century, it forms part of an art and culture complex, El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria , since 2013. 

El Born is also home to the 1888 Arco de Triunfo, the modernist Palau de la Música Catalana, and the Museu Picasso, which houses more than 3,000 works by the Cubist artist.

Where to stay: Venture into the neighbourhood from one of its boldest, most characterful hotels: the Chic & Basic Habana Hoose . As night falls, its restaurant becomes a bar with regular DJ sessions. 

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Separated from the Gothic Quarter by the tree-lined boulevard of La Rambla, El Raval was once considered the Chinatown of Barcelona . Today, its streets – which have inspired Catalan authors such as Vázquez Montalbán and Terenci Moix – continue to bring together communities and businesses of countless nationalities and cultures. 

Lively, and with a bit of a reputation for disorderliness at night, it boasts attractions such as the MACBA ( Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art ), the Palacio Güell , designed by Antoni Gaudí in the late 19th century, and the Mercado de Boquería , a fresh produce market. 

Where to stay: Camper, Spain’s most internationally well-known footwear brand, has lent its signature style to two hotels, one in Berlin and the other in El Raval. Its restaurant, Dos Palillos, has been awarded a Michelin star, and is well worth a visit alone.

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El Eixample

Built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of a city expansion plan, this district – which comprises several neighbourhoods – holds a surprising number of sites of interest. Gems by the brilliant modernist architect Antoni Gaudí such as the Sagrada Familia (expected to be finally completed in 2026), Casa Batlló and La Pedrera line the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, as do a number of high-end fashion houses - including Chanel and Prada. 

Where to stay: The 19th-century building that has housed the Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection since 2015 was once the headquarters of the Cotton Textile Foundation. The hotel has its own atelier and offers guests the opportunity to have a shirt made by a local tailor.

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The tour of Gaudí’s most representative work continues through the Gràcia district, where the Casa Vicens house – the first designed by the architect in Barcelona – is located, along with Park Güell , an icon of Barcelona built between 1910 and 1914. But Gràcia is so much more than these landmarks. 

A deeply cherished area, it has a bohemian reputation, combining traditional taverns with design-forward establishments, from bookstores to cafés. What’s more, it plays host to one of the best festivals in the city, The Gràcia Festival, which will be held from 15 to 21 August this year, promising live music, processions of traditional costumed figures, and folk dances.

Where to stay: On the border between Gràcia and El Eixample, Seventy Barcelona has a landscaped courtyard, rooftop swimming pool, cocktail bar and the new Molino de Pez restaurant, where you can taste the creations of star chefs including Nino Redruello, Patxi Zumarraga and Jaime Santiane.

Serving as a port for the Romans and Iberians (the pre-Roman settlers of the Iberian Peninsula), Poble-sec has historically been one of the city’s most multicultural neighbourhoods. Located at the foot of the Montjuic hill, its current appearance is the result of Barcelona’s expansion during the Industrial Revolution. 

It is home to historic theatres – El Molino, Teatre Apolo, Teatre Victoria, Teatre Condal and Sala Barts – cultural centres such as the Mercat de les Flors , the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) , the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya and the Fundació Miró , and a vibrant gastronomic scene around Carrer de Blai street that’s perfect for devotees of tapas. 

Where to stay: If you like design, make your neighbourhood base at Hotel Brummell . Its 1870 industrial building mixes concrete, raw terracotta tiles and fine hardwoods create a fun, modern aesthetic for your stay.

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As the industrial heart of Barcelona in the late 19th century, Poblenou was known as the “Catalonian Manchester”. It maintains its authenticity in the face of gentrification; many of its old factories have been turned into lofts and cultural institutions, and the neighbourhood is now considered the coolest in the city. 

Numerous innovation and technology companies have set up offices in the area, clustered around design centres such as the Museu del Disseny Hub , green spaces such as the Parc del Centre del Poblenou – which was designed by the architect Jean Nouvel – and concert halls such as Razzmatazz .

Where to stay: The Hoxton, Poblenou invites you to take part in local life through collaborations with local artists and designers. Its restaurants include a rooftop taquería and a pizzeria with a terrace. 

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Peaceful and understated, the neighbourhood of Les Corts was an independent territory until 1897. Standing among the district’s stately homes is the spectacular Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes , a monastery founded in 1327 by Queen Elisenda de Montcada, whose remains lie within the complex under a marble tomb. A jewel of Gothic architecture, it was declared a national monument in 1931. 

The monastery shares the spotlight with Camp Nou , home of FC Barcelona, whose on-site museum is the most visited in Catalonia.

Where to stay: The Hotel Sofia Barcelona , from The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, embraces the quiet spirit of the neighbourhood with spaces such as a tropical garden with swimming pool. 

Best Places to Travel Solo | Money

Traveling exposes us to new places, cultures and people. For many, it’s one of the great joys of life. If you’re an independent spirit looking for safe places to travel by yourself, our guide can be an excellent place to start your research.

Keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best places to travel alone and how to make the most of your trip.

Our Top Picks for Best Places to Travel Solo

• Barcelona, Spain: Best for first-time solo travelers
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Best for solo backpacking
• Montreal, Canada: Best for solo female travelers
• Chicago, Illinois: Best for going on solo travel tours
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Best budget solo travel destination

Best Places to Travel Solo Reviews

Best for first-time solo travelers: barcelona, spain.

• Offers many travel experiences in a single city
• Easy to get around town without a car
• Year-round good weather means you can visit in any season
• More expensive than other options on our list
• Can get very busy during popular travel times

Why we chose it : Barcelona is a beautiful and historic European city with something for everyone to enjoy. It boasts stunning gothic architecture, sandy beaches, a bustling nightlife and prices that will help you stretch your budget.

Spain is considerably affordable compared to other European countries, and Barcelona is its crown jewel. The city has roots tracing back to the end of the 1st century BCE and beautiful architecture throughout its winding streets, such as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and his world-famous unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia.

If you tire of exploring Barcelona’s impressive history, gorgeous Barceloneta Beach is just a few minutes away from the city center. And at night, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options, from rooftop bars and clubs to concert venues and flamenco shows.

Barcelona is excellent for first-time solo travelers because its compact layout, wide sidewalks and excellent public transportation makes getting around town without a car a breeze. U.S. travelers can also visit for up to 90 days without a visa . However, Barcelona is more expensive than other options on our list and can be very busy during popular travel times.

Best for solo backpacking: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Very affordable accommodations, food and attractions
• Is easy to navigate, with a developed transportation system
• Has a vibrant expat community
• U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit Vietnam

Why we chose it : Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and affordable city that offers a wide range of attractions for solo travelers, from inexpensive food and accommodations to an abundance of cultural and historical sites.

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City has become something of a bucket-list item for many backpackers. Its vibrant culture, friendly people and amazing food attract millions of tourists annually. And it’s also one of Vietnam’s safest cities .

Try some of the mouth-watering street food available in pretty much every corner of the city (especially Districts 1, 3 and 5), do some shopping at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral or book a tour of the Mekong Delta to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Getting around is also pretty easy, with many transportation options, from the new metro to buses, taxis and motorbikes. However, one thing to keep in mind is that U.S. citizens need to apply for a Visa before they can be granted entry into Vietnam.

Best for solo female travelers: Montreal, Canada

• Very safe and walkable city
• Visitors can stay for up to six months without a Visa
• Toronto is only five hours away by direct train
• Not a great option for budget travelers
• The winter weather can be harsh

Why we chose it : Montreal is one of the safest cities in Canada, and it is only a short flight away for travelers from the U.S. The city has a vibrant art scene, a diverse population and plenty of old-world charm with its mix of classic and modern architecture.

Traveling solo as a woman might cause your loved ones some anxiety. But Montreal is a great place for women to travel alone. The city is safe and offers much to do, from beautiful architecture, such as Notre-Dame Basilica, to artisanal shopping in Old Montreal. And while the population is predominantly French-speaking, many residents also speak English, so you should have no problem communicating.

Visitors from the United States can stay in Montreal for up to six months without a visa. It’s also a good point of departure for exploring the rest of Canada. Trains depart for Toronto several times a day, and the trip is about five hours.

Accommodations in Montreal can be more expensive than in other international destinations, but enrolling in the best hotel rewards programs may help.

Best for going on solo travel tours: Chicago, Illinois

• You can find many different types of guided tours
• Has an excellent public transportation system
• One of the best culinary destinations in the U.S.
• Weather can be unpleasant if you visit at the wrong time

Why we chose it : Chicago is home to some of the best travel tours in the country. From river cruises to walking food and drink excursions, you’ll have no problem filling your time in the Windy City.

Chicago is one of the best places to travel in the U.S. It’s home to a wide variety of guided tours, covering everything from the city’s mob history to its architecture and natural landmarks. And if you love Chicago dogs or deep-dish pizza, you can take a walking food tour to enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants in a single day.

Chicago is also home to inspiring architecture, such as Willis Tower and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The city is a more affordable place to visit than other U.S. cities of its size, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. And if you visit in summer, you’ll have perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, located in the heart of the city.

Depending on what you’re looking for, visiting the city between May and October could be your best bet, as winters can be very cold, with average temperatures ranging between 22 F and 37 F.

Best budget solo travel destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia

• A highly affordable travel destination
• Easy entrance requirements for U.S. citizens
• Classic European architecture and dining options
• Plenty of green spaces to lounge and relax
• Doesn't have a strong nightlife culture
• Crowds can be overwhelming during peak travel seasons

Why we chose it : Slovenia is one of the most affordable European countries, and Ljubljana is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. It’s home to classic European cobblestone streets and its stunning architecture and exhibits can keep you busy for weeks without breaking your budget.

Ljubljana is an affordable European destination with beautiful green spaces and incredible architecture, including the Ljubljana Castle and the Robba Fountain. It’s also highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly, as car traffic is banned in the city center.

Hotels are cheaper here than in more popular destinations such as France or Italy, which is a big reason why Ljubljana is one of the best international places to travel . There are also many great affordable restaurants and open-air cafes.

U.S. citizens can remain in Slovenia for up to 90 days without a visa, making it easy to extend their stay with the money they save.

However, Ljubljana is not known for its nightlife, as many bars close earlier than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, it has become more popular in recent years, and crowds are abundant during peak seasons, especially the summer.

Other places to travel solo we considered

We compiled our list of the best places to travel alone by evaluating global destinations based on safety, affordability, cultural and historical sites and convenience, among other factors.

Although the following destinations didn’t make it into our top list, they’re still worth considering as you plan your travels.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Close to beautiful natural landmarks
• It's possible to see the Northern Lights when conditions allow
• Home to many museums and several Michelin-starred restaurants
• More expensive than other popular travel destinations
• The region's weather can be bleak
• Long periods of darkness and sunlight can interfere with your sleep schedule

Reykjavik is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with stunning mountains and beaches everywhere you look. However, it’s an expensive destination and experiences prolonged periods of darkness and sunlight that may be difficult to adjust to.

• Some of the best food in South America
• Miles of beautiful coastline to explore
• Friendly locals - many of whom speak at least some English
• Travelers can suffer from altitude sickness in some popular attractions
• The city is sprawling, which can increase travel times and make traffic worse

Lima is a beautiful South American destination with picturesque beaches and affordable accommodations. It’s also a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of tasty local and international restaurants available at budget-friendly prices.

Just remember that traffic congestions are common and can make it hard to get around. Additionally, some travelers may experience altitude sickness in high-altitude locations like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Knoxville, Tennessee

• Has beautiful outdoor settings
• Minimal traffic
• Moderate prices for accommodations
• There isn't as much to do in Knoxville as in other travel destinations
• Public transportation options are limited

Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee, but it maintains a small-town feel. It’s home to beautiful attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the World’s Fair Park, and has enough cultural exhibits and museums to keep you busy.

Nevertheless, there isn’t quite as much to do here as in other cities, and public transportation is comparatively limited.

Places to Travel Solo Guide

Traveling alone can be intimidating, but a little preparation can go a long way. This guide covers some of the best travel tips to help you plan your next solo trip.

Why travel solo?

As with everything, there are pros and cons to traveling alone.

Some of the benefits of solo travel include:

• The ability to plan trips according to your schedule
• Paying less for dining and experiences
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know yourself better
• Having more time to reflect and relax in peace

Of course, to enjoy your solo vacation to the fullest, practice general safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, do some proper research before visiting new places and consider hiring a guide if you’re doing outdoor activities in remote locations.

How to travel alone

Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience. But it often requires more planning and initiative than group trips. The following tips for traveling alone should help you make the most of your next solo trip.

Research your travel destination extensively

The more research you do before visiting a destination, the more prepared you will be to enjoy it. Pay close attention to the following:

• Climate : Be aware of the weather conditions at your destination to avoid potential hazards, pack the right gear and plan appropriate activities.
• Top attractions : Plan your itinerary by mapping out the attractions you want to visit and checking their distance from your accommodations. This will help you create a realistic schedule and determine if you need to book transportation for any day trips.
• Cost : Consider the average cost of accommodations, meals and attractions to create a realistic budget.
• Public transportation : This is an important consideration, as visiting a destination with insufficient or unreliable public transportation translates into additional expenses.
• Language barrier : Consider downloading translation apps or learning basic phrases in your destination’s native language if English isn’t widely spoken there.
• Food : If you have any dietary restrictions, check the availability of suitable food options at your destination and plan your meals.

Stay connected with your friends and family

When traveling alone, keep your loved ones informed of where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. That way, your family can call for help if they don’t hear back from you in a reasonable timeframe.

Depending on your destination, you may consider purchasing an international SIM card or an international phone plan with your existing carrier to text and call your people back home.

Finally, you can register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department. STEP is a free service that allows you to receive automatic safety and travel updates from the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting. It also makes it easier for friends and family to reach you in an emergency.

Consider travel insurance

If you’ve spent quite a bit of money on non-refundable travel expenses and it hasn’t been that long since you made your initial trip deposit, consider travel insurance to safeguard your investment. A travel insurance policy can help you recoup a portion of pre-paid travel expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance could also be worthwhile if you’re going on an extended trip, as it would cover some of your medical expenses in an emergency, including medical evacuation and repatriation. And some plans even include additional services like language support, which could be helpful if English isn’t widely spoken where you’re visiting.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our guide to the best travel insurance companies .

Try new things

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important things to do before leaving for a solo trip, let’s explore how to get as much enjoyment out of your travels as possible while you’re there. The best advice we can give you is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

If you genuinely want to experience everything other cultures have to offer, you can’t spend your days doing the same things you do at home. So take a chance and live as the locals do. You’ll be happy you did.

Interact with the locals

The best way to forget you’re traveling alone is to befriend the locals. Your new friends can keep you company, guide you to the best places in town (the ones that aren’t in any tourist guides) and help to make your trip more enjoyable overall.

Meeting locals is much easier to do now than before the Internet. A wide variety of online resources can connect you to local events and groups where you can meet people. Some of the best options for this include:

• Facebook expat groups for the destination you’re visiting
• The subreddit for your destination (such as r/Paris and r/Chicago)

Some professional and religious groups may have international meetups as well. This can be a fantastic way to meet locals with whom you already have something in common.

Take plenty of pictures (with you in them)

Last but not least, make sure you take plenty of pictures to share with your people back home. Landmarks can be great, but you should also be in some of the photos. Most people will happily snap pictures of you if you ask nicely.

What to do when traveling alone

Traveling alone can be one of the best experiences of your life or a challenge that quickly loses its appeal. To give yourself the best chance of having an ideal trip, remember the following strategies during your travels:

• Be flexible : Flexibility is a must for solo travelers. You’ll have more fun if you take advantage of chance encounters and throw away your schedule when necessary.
• Take group tours and classes : Just because you arrive at your destination alone doesn’t mean you must spend every minute there alone. Group tours and classes will help you meet people and give you a chance to socialize when you’re feeling lonely.
• Stay in places that encourage talking : If you’re concerned about feeling lonely, consider staying at a hostel or bed and breakfast. Shared accommodations like these are more affordable than the best hotels and can be a great way to meet people.
• Gather first-hand advice : You can use Reddit and other resources to read about the experiences other solo travelers have had at your destination. These firsthand accounts can alert you to problems you may not have considered otherwise and new opportunities for fun.
• Sign up for free rewards programs : Airlines , hotel chains and third-party booking sites often have reward programs that help you save money if you’re a frequent traveler. You may also want to look into the best airline credit cards and best travel credit cards if you plan on traveling alone regularly.
• Prioritize your safety : Traveling alone can make you a target, so prioritizing safety is important. Be proactive about telling others where you’ll be and take yourself out of situations you feel unsure about to enjoy your trip without incident.

Staying safe is a critical consideration for solo travelers. One way to do that is by avoiding reckless behavior, such as drinking excessively and venturing alone into places locals deem unsafe.

Take the time to thoroughly research your destination, share your travel plans with friends and family and prepare an emergency plan.

Finally, consider travel insurance. If something does happen while you’re traveling alone, it will provide financial support so you can go to the hospital without worrying about breaking your budget.

You could save up enough money to make the cost of travel insurance negligible by signing up for one of the best airline rewards programs .

Places to Travel Solo FAQ

What are the safest places to travel alone, is solo female travel safe, how old do you have to be to travel alone, how we chose the best places to travel solo.

We evaluated the best places to travel solo based on the following criteria:

• Cost of accommodations, experiences and meals
• Crime rates
• Reviews and guides from experienced solo travelers
• Natural and cultural attractions
• Strictness of entry criteria

Summary of Money’s Best Places to Travel Solo

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