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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

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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!

Visit Barcelona

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Getting around the city

Mobility in Barcelona and its metropolitan area is effortless, thanks to the sustainable public transport network that makes getting around Barcelona a breeze. The best way to travel around Barcelona is by utilizing the efficient metro, trams, buses, and the Catalan government's city and suburban rail service (FGC), all prioritizing clean energy. Additionally, public transport in Barcelona includes a public bike hire scheme with over 200 km of bike lanes, ensuring an eco-friendly experience. How to get around Barcelona is further simplified by the fleet of taxis, featuring hybrid, electric, and natural gas vehicles. Environmentally friendly electric vehicles are also available for hire, ensuring you find the means of transport that best suits your needs.

Metro, FGC and Tram

Public transport such as the metro, tram and FGC are the quickest, simplest, most convenient and most sustainable way of getting around Barcelona. You can choose from the different ticket types and travel cards.

A fleet of over 1,000 fully adapted buses serve all areas of Barcelona. The integrated fare system means that travel cards can be used on the metro, trams, FGC and Renfe trains (zone 1)

Getting around by bike

Bicycles are a healthy, clean and silent way of getting around the city. Barcelona has an extensive and well-laid out network of cycle lanes and all kinds of services that make it easy to get around by bike. You can cycle through Barcelona's open spaces and parks.

Getting around by taxi

There are more than 10,000 taxis in the city which can be easily identified by their yellow and black livery. There are more than 300 bus stops in Barcelona and its metropolitan area providing convenient access to this service. A green light on the taxi roof indicates its availability.

Getting around with an electric vehicle

E-mobility brings energy-saving, environmentally friendly and financial advantages. It is efficient, allows the inclusion of renewable energies, doesn't generate any emissions, and reduces noise pollution... Come and explore Barcelona with a rented e-vehicle.

Park your car

Forget about your car and park it in one of our safe and convenient car parks. Public transport is the best, and most sustainable, way to get around Barcelona.

ZBE Rondes de Barcelona

From 1st January 2020 vehicles that are not registered with the Spanish traffic authority (DGT) will not be permitted to drive in the low-emission zones (ZBE). Find out here if you meet the ZBE emissions standards.

Getting around on unique means of transport

Barcelona has unique means of transport that will enable you to get around the city in a fun way on land, sea and in the air. You can discover the city on the Barcelona Bus Turístic, sail along the seafront on one of the Golondrinas pleasure boats, and ride up to the castle on the Montjuïc cable car.

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28 Best Things to Do in Barcelona

By Gemma Askham

The soul-caressing Spanish climate might set Barcelona up as an outdoor city, but its indoor activities have kudos, too. Find world-renowned museums that showcase artistic legends and rising stars, markets rich in local produce, and panoramic viewing platforms to take in the iconic architecture. If it’s sun you want, it’s sun you shall get—but the beach is only one option. From a secret maze to a hilltop fairground, Barcelona’s to-do list is every bit as varied as it is pure fun; Antoni Gaudí’s color-pop architecture ensures that dull moments simply don’t exist here. Consider this your capsule edit of attractions: the definitive list of what to do in Barcelona for the time-smart traveler, from art, iconic parks, and performing arts spaces to so much more. Spanning big-hitters and under-the-radar gems, these are the best things to do in Barcelona—the Catalan-speaking city's most unmissable spots.  Vamos .

Read our complete Barcelona travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

"The World Begins With Every Kiss" Mural Arrow

This romantically named mural near the Catedral de Barcelona was only meant to be a temporary exhibition. It was unveiled in 2014 for the 300th anniversary of September 11, 1714, a day known as Catalonia Day, or La Diada, which commemorates Catalan surrender in the War of Spanish Succession. The day is a tribute to the Catalan lives lost, to regional identity, and to freedom. The mural is made up of 4,000 tiles with photos printed onto them arranged into mosaics by color and density so that, from afar, the 26-foot-tall mural shows two people kissing. This kiss—a symbol of affection, empathy, and liberty—felt so poignant that the local government never took it down.

Park Güell Arrow

Park Güell is an almost make-believe landscape: home to Barcelona’s famous mosaic lizard—the image on a thousand postcards—plus spiral towers that look like fairground slides. The city’s grandest park began life as a collaboration between entrepreneur Eusebi Güell (hence the park’s name) and Antoni Gaudí. Know that you need to book in advance online, and arrive promptly for your allotted slot—there’s zero wiggle room with timing. An interesting add-on is Casa Museu Gaudí, the pink spired building inside the park. It’s not included in your entrance fee (so factor in an extra €5.50/$5.50 per person), but Gaudí actually lived there for 19 years—which makes it the home tour of all home tours.

Santa Maria del Mar Arrow

Ask any local to pick their favorite church and we’d bet a glass of (sacramental) Catalan wine that Santa Maria del Mar would be it. (Sorry, La Sagrada Família !) If you’ve read Ildefonso Falcones’s thriller Cathedral of the Sea , you already know more about it than you think: the novel’s backdrop is the construction of this particular Gothic church, with the lead protagonist one of its stone workers. In real life, the church’s history is almost stranger than fiction: in 1428, it was shook by a major earthquake. Then, in July 1936, it was set on fire and burned for 11 days straight. Look inside, and you’ll still see the black scorch marks on the roof. The building has very tall columns, set 43 feet apart. Combine that airiness with vast stretches of stained glass and it almost feels like someone’s pulling you up into the sky.

Parc del Laberint d'Horta Arrow

Barcelona is famous for its buildings being works of art; this is one of the few examples of a garden stepping up to that level. On the wilderness spectrum, Barcelona’s oldest park is beauty-salon manicured: splendid temples, lily-glazed ponds, sculptures of mythological figures, and a cypress maze that’s clearly given the gardener’s pruning shears a workout. The labyrinth is definitely the standout feature, a maze made of elaborate swirls of thick foliage. It recreates the Greek myth of Theseus destroying the Minotaur (a part-human, part-bull monster) to fall in love with Ariadne. A similar fate awaits those who make it to the center—no bovine slaying required, but you will find love in the form of a statue of Cupid. If that all sounds a bit soppy, scoff later: the maze is harder than it looks.

Anna Borges

Jessica Puckett

Karthika Gupta

Tibidabo Arrow

While Tibidabo mountain is a fairground, it's also so much more. You’ll first notice it from the city center: high on a summit, the silhouette of a majestic temple makes you curious to go. Officially called the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (or Sacred Heart church, easier on the tongue), its roof is topped with an enormous bronze statue of Jesus that you can take an elevator to. Mind-blown (and a little breeze-blown), you suddenly see the charm of the amusement park next to it—like its retro-styled attractions, such as a Ferris wheel with color-pop seating pods, built for the views as much as the screams. Adults love the views; kids love the rides. Finish with a gin and tonic on the terrace of Mirablau Bar , near where the blue tram stops. The edge seats rule.

Gran Teatre del Liceu Arrow

As you’d expect from an opera venue, it’s grand, beautiful, doused with art, and occupies a prime piece of zip code on La Rambla . Yet, as with many of life’s most interesting characters, not all is quite what it seems. The vestibule, as you walk in, dates back to the building’s original construction in 1847. However, the main performance space—with a striking domed ceiling, red-velvet chairs and ornate gold moldings that have echoes of the Palace of Versailles—was actually unveiled in the grand old year of… 1999. A fire having wiped out most of the building’s structure in 1994. But you would never know. The acoustics and sight lines are excellent, and a small screen in your footwell provides subtitles. There's legroom to keep even the long-limbed content.

Mirador Torre Glòries Arrow

Even if you don’t know Torre Glòries by name, you’ll know it by sight. The gleaming, iridescent tower that pierces the cityscape like (some say) a gherkin, though architect Jean Nouvel had a geyser in mind. It’s possibly Barcelona’s most famous landmark that Gaudí had absolutely nothing to do with, and at 470-feet tall it’s definitely one of its tallest. Opened in 2005, and famous for housing Meta’s Barcelona outpost, it’s never offered much in the way of visitor interest beyond a snap. That changed in 2022, when the 30th floor became a panoramic public observation deck with unobstructed views across every angle of the city. Now, when we explain an example of an exhibit, you’ll think we’re joking—we are not joking; it’s a climbing frame, suspended in the air by 3.7 miles of tensioned cable, made of tiny platforms–many transparent–that you scramble up onto, with absolutely no safety protection. Some platforms have cushions to rest and savor the view. Others are so physically tricky to traverse that you’ll break into a sweat, slide on your butt, and have to logically plan a route out. The serious stuff: it’s hard! 

Catedral de Barcelona Arrow

It might not have the quirkiness nor the hype of La Sagrada Família , but it holds court: a giant Gothic temple that looms large against the narrow lanes and matchbox shops. Its site originally housed a Roman temple some 2,000 years ago, when Barcelona was still called Bàrcino (you can track down parts of the old Roman walls and aqueduct nearby). Today, the cathedral’s official name, Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, honors Eulalia, a local girl who refused to accept Roman emperor Diocletian’s demand to recant her Christian faith. It’s beautiful and atmospheric, as religious buildings so often are. Regardless of your personal level of piety, the architecture inside—plus the city view from the short elevator ride to the top—is quite something.

La Boqueria Arrow

La Boqueria might be Barcelona’s oldest market—it started life in 1217 as a mere huddle of meat stalls on La Rambla —but tradition isn’t staid. More than 200 stands unite like a foodie’s choir: traders’ shouts, the clink of glasses, welcome greetings sung out ("holaaaa"). Though, for all the atmosphere, it’s the smell that gets you: warm, ocean-salty, freshly fried fish: the kind that lines your nostrils, excites your stomach, makes your physician tense, and has to be washed down with a glass of cava. Grab a fruit smoothie from the technicolored stalls as you walk in. Then do a lap: the deeper you venture, the better the value.

La Rambla Arrow

Barcelona’s most famous street—a nearly one-mile pedestrianized boulevard from Plaça Cataluyna to Port Vell—is still the strolling route for the city's visitors, even if selfie-stick vendors can’t match the charm of the old-school florists, gelaterías, and candy stalls offering bites of crema catalana (a form of crème brûlée) along the way. To predict your next question: But is it La Rambla or Las Ramblas? Well, it’s really both. Originally, the area consisted of five mini-ramblas: Rambla de Canaletes, Estudis, Sant Josep, Caputxins, and Santa Mònica, but they're often lumped together and today, the street sign says La Rambla. Annoying as it is to keep your purse clenched from pickpockets for a mile, La Rambla has a charm that keeps the 78 million coming.

Fundació Joan Miró Arrow

It takes a certain type of space to accommodate Miró—an artist whose works range from a white canvas with a single black line to bold, primary-colored, robot-like sculptures. So it makes sense that Miró worked with his friend, architect Josep Lluís Sert, to design the building himself. It’s modern and minimalist by Barcelona’s standards—it's certainly no La Sagrada Família . But the coolest part is knowing that you’re seeing Miró’s work laid out exactly as he intended. However you feel about Miró, the collection is lively and energetic and devoid of the stuffy pretense that art museums can attract.

Els Encants Arrow

Els Encants is the flea market with the fabulous roof. That ceiling is over 80-feet high, built from undulating zinc and aluminum, and mirrored silver-gold to reflect a kaleidoscopic whirl of stalls below. This market of odds-and-sods has existed in Barcelona since around 1300; for years, as a nomad–goods laid out on ever-changing streets and squares around the city. That changed in 2013 when Els Encants’ sparkling new home opened in Poblenou. The design wizardry of architect b720 Fermín Vázquez (which is now modernizing the city’s iconic Camp Nou soccer stadium), it’s a visual stunner blessed with good-looking neighbors. On one side, the tin-foil-shiny Torre Glòries and Disseny Hub, the design museum. Turn 90 degrees, and there’s La Sagrada Familia saying hola in the background.

Casa Batlló Arrow

It’s easy to see why Casa Batlló has been likened to Claude Monet’s Water Lilies : Covered in shards of stained glass, it sometimes appears blue, then green, then shimmering like the glassy layer of a lake. Textile industrialist Josep Batlló commissioned Gaudí to design this home after seeing what Gaudí had done with Park Güell . Influenced by nature, Casa Batlló has no straight lines (because they don’t exist in nature, said Gaudí), stone pillars that contort like animal bones, and a tall, ocean-blue stairwell that’s very Jules Verne. The result is both grand and intimate. See our Barcelona Gaudi guide, here .

Palau de la Música Catalana Arrow

It might be the Palace of Catalan Music, but you come as much for your eyes as your ears. The auditorium is a kaleidoscope of roses, chandeliers, and stained glass. This is the work of Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a building some say is even prettier than Gaudí's La Sagrada Família . Built to house the Orfeó Català symphonic choir, today’s musical acts span from choral to pianists, jazz, flamenco, and operas such as La Traviata and Carmen . A key decision is whether to visit in daylight, for a tour, when the building is at its most spectacular, or at night, when the music happens.

Barceloneta Arrow

Barceloneta is the high-school jock of beaches: loud, popular, and boisterous. Its version of a buff torso? A strip of sand that’s no less of a showoff; at one end, there’s the metallic, sail-like silhouette of the W Hotel , at the other, the blinding gold sculpture of a fish by architect Frank Gehry. When you’ve arrived at Barceloneta, you know it. If you’re looking for the whitest sand and the most azure waters, you won’t find them at Barceloneta. But it is convenient, chaotic, and a must-see carnival.

Montjuïc Arrow

There are many grand elements to Montjüic, a historic hill that’s a whole lot more than ‘just a hill’. For starters, the approach at ground level. From the roundabout at Plaça España (which doesn’t sound sexy, we know), it appears majestically from nowhere, a dramatic, architectural staircase leading up to the  Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (National Museum of Catalan Art). It looks like a palace; the water feature in front is even called the Magic Fountain. (Some evenings, there’s a water-light spectacular; check the schedule  here ). So far, we’ve described about 400 meters of Montjüic: the rest has more museums, the 1992 Olympic site, exotic gardens, and enough panoramic views to jam a smartphone camera roll.

Palo Market Fest Arrow

Take an abandoned factory in the most up-and-coming part of town, plant enough foliage to fund your local garden center for life, and use the term "concept space" a LOT. Sounds trendy, right? On the thermometer of cool, Palo Market Fest is an icy Old Fashioned cocktail. Yet its atmosphere has the warm glow of having knocked a few back: live music provides a head-bopping shopping backdrop, while pop-up beer bars and insanely good food trucks mean that everyone is simply in a great mood.

La Sagrada Família Arrow

It’s practically illegal to go to Barcelona and not visit La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s extraordinary temple dedicated to the Holy Family—also known as the world’s largest unfinished church. The illusive end date remains a mystery—local theorists speculate it will never be done in order to preserve its in-process cachet. Be sure to book a ticket ahead (dates are available three months out) so you can get inside and gawk at the vaults and rainbow stained glass. When you go, spring for the extra audio guide and a trip up to one of the two towers—the Nativity Façade is our favorite.

Mercat de Sant Antoni Arrow

Imagine La Boqueria –the heaving, calamari-scented food market on La Rambla—before it became famous. When the only voices were local, and daily specials were scribbled in felt-tip pen on scraps on paper. That’s Sant Antoni today. A food and clothes market that’s revered by locals and cemented in their daily routines. Telling an international audience about it feels like breaking a secret code, so come with respect for that authenticity and a willingness to practice your high-school Spanish–as well as an appetite. Oh yes, you’ll definitely want the latter. Aim for that sweet spot where you’ll salivate upon seeing trays of olives piled like sandcastles, but aren’t so ravenous that you’ll blow all your hunger on the first stall of cured meats you come to. Built in 1882, it recently closed from 2009 to 2018 for an €80 million refurb. Today, it’s restored, reopened and thriving–with the surrounding blocks becoming car-free to enhance the community-first experience. If you're on a budget: the stall Ous de Calaf takes pretty presentation next-level with loose eggs displayed in straw among ornaments of hens. Regional wines are also likely to be gluggably affordable.

Picasso Museum Arrow

A museum spread over five palaces—we’d expect nothing less for Picasso, who moved to Barcelona as a 14-year-old boy and made frequent trips back throughout his life. Downstairs, a courtyard and Gothic archways lead into white studios that illuminate his works. Upstairs, the rooms are lavish: epic painted ceilings that almost drip crystal chandeliers. Visitors flock here to see Picasso's work, but the special setting is why they come back again and again. If you’re expecting Picasso’s big-hitters, you might be disappointed—for a few minutes. Guernica resides in the Reina Sofía in Madrid , The Weeping Woman at London ’s Tate Modern . What Barcelona’s museum has, is everything around those postcard images. In chronological order, it shows every brushstroke (all 4,251 works’ worth) of how he moved from a classically trained painter (see Ciencia y Caridad in Room 3) to a Cubist pioneer, plus some things we never knew he did, like ceramics.

Moco Museum Barcelona Arrow

Here’s the thing: you cannot be bored here. Even if you hit 10,000 steps by lunchtime, Moco’s fluorescent, lively, reaction-provoking collection is a guaranteed perk-you-up. Yes, even if you’ve been known to yawn at the word “museum”. Younger sister of the original Moco Museum in Amsterdam , the name–a snappy portmanteau of modern and contemporary–gives you an idea of the collection’s genre. In truth, the cliché of “expect the unexpected” runs true. There’s a room of Banksys. Talking-point pieces by Damien Hirst and Salvador Dalí sit alongside chuckle-inducing satirical wall quotes. Andy Warhol pops up; photography by David LaChapelle; a lot of KAWS–he of Smurf courtyard fame. And possibly some new-discovery names to add to your iPhone Notes, such as the beautifully macabre oil paintings of Chile’s Guillermo Lorca, which are part-fairytale, part-horror story. One hack: tickets for time slots before 11:00 am and after 6:00 pm are cheaper.

Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site Arrow

Built by legendary Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner (of Palau de la Música Catalana fame) with all the features of Catalan Art Nouveau—extravagant domes, stained glass windows, epic pillars—it was designed to be a building that people enjoyed recuperating in. His vision was a garden city for nursing the sick instead of the clinical-looking spaces we still know today—buildings are oriented for maximum sun exposure, for example. When the hospital was moved further north in 2009, this site went through its own rehabilitation: into a museum and arts venue. It now hosts the runways for Barcelona Fashion Week.

Parc de la Ciutadella Arrow

Barcelona's vast city park houses a zoo, regional parliament, and plenty of sites and spots for lounging. Cascada Monumental, built with input from a young Gaudí, is a stunning golden waterfall that both wows and relaxes you. Ditto the serene boating lake beside it. Enter through the Arc de Triomf and the elaborate Modernist building to your right is Castell dels Tres Dragons , built by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Currently closed for renovation, with no word on a reopening date, it was once the zoology museum. Another beautiful, yet no less mysterious, series of structures are the cast iron Umbracle (palm house) and Hivernacle (winter garden) in front. Go for an authentic slice of city-park life.

The Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Arrow

This Pavilion was designed by German architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the 1929 International Exposition—a global showcase of architectural styles. Exposition over, the pavilion was duly dismantled back to Germany. It was only in the decades after—cue: a face-palming moment of hindsight—that the architectural community realized just how pivotal Mies van der Rohe’s founding symbol of modernist architecture was. In 1980, Barcelona City Council enlisted a team of Catalan architects to turn salvaged photographs and drawings into a delicate, atmospheric reconstruction. Most people’s overarching takeaway from the Pavilion is that it’s smaller than they imagined, so use this as your battery recharge before tackling the other arty big-hitters on Montjuïc , such as Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and Fundació Joan Miró .

Camp Nou Arrow

The importance FC Barcelona soccer club has in the city can be felt in the noise of its home stadium, the Camp Nou. At 99,354, it’s the biggest in Europe—and there's an expansion plan in place to push it to 105,000. All seats are actually owned by season-ticket holders, who then release them to the public if they can’t go. Don’t worry: it means there’s usually a good chunk available, especially against lower league teams, and 72 to 48 hours before a match. Barcelona’s home matches in La Liga—the Spanish soccer league—usually run from mid-August to the end of May, and tours of the stadium and the FC Barcelona museum are still kicking off (from €26, or $30). Glimpse Messi’s trophies, the players’ tunnel, and the first team’s bench.

Casa Vicens Arrow

Built in the 1880s as a summerhouse for stockbroker Manel Vicens, Casa Vicens was the very first house Gaudí designed. Forget the Gaudí of La Sagrada Família fame, this is his Orientalist Period. Imagine a Moorish palace merged with a Rubik’s cube. It’s crazy. Anyone who’s a fan of tiles or maximalist design will geek out on the oriental palms, pink walls, flower-adorned tiles and flying birds. Add in a terracotta roof terrace, a couple of elaborate domes, and some Gaudí ironwork and you’re left wondering how it all harmonizes together. Because, weirdly, it does.

IDEAL Centre d’Arts Digitals Arrow

If a digital arts center was going to pop up anywhere in Barcelona, you’d bet your tapas fund on the district of Poblenou—the Catalan capital’s East London-like ‘hood, where once crumbling factories spawn start-ups, art studios, and museums like the Museu Can Framis . From the outside, IDEAL’s boxy exterior shouts movie theatre. And it was—for 67 years. Then it became a movie set, then nothing at all, before a regeneration project in 2019 turned the lights back on. It’s now southern Europe’s first facility dedicated to producing and showcasing digital arts projects, such as holography and virtual reality. Instead of watching an image, you’re thrown right into the image—meaning popcorn-munching to fill the slow scenes is a thing of the past.

Nau Bostik Arrow

Barcelona has a lot of well-known museums, with a lot of well-known names, in a lot of well-known parts of town. Nau Bostik is absolutely none of those—which is exactly why we love it. Take the metro to La Sagrera, walk 10 minutes through a residential district that makes you wonder if you've gotten lost, and look for a bold-colored striped mural on the side of a factory. This work, by Argentine street artist Elian Chali, sums up the spirit of the Nau Bostik.

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Barcelona   Travel Guide

17 Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has some of the most unique and inspiring architecture in the world, so a small-group tour to get behind-the-scenes at the city's parks, museums and churches is a must-do. Kick off your stay with tours of Antoni Gaudí's whimsical

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La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family) La Sagrada Família (Church of the Sacred Family)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Wander 20 minutes north to reach Hospital de Sant Pau. This elaborate, UNESCO-listed former hospital was the brainchild of architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner and is a beautiful example of Catalan art nouveau architecture. – Laura French

From 1883 up until his death in 1926, Catalan art nouveau master Antoni Gaudí devoted himself to the construction of La Sagrada Família , a towering, Gothic-style-with-a-twist church. But even then, he was unable to finish it; Gaudí was known for saying "My client (God) is not in a hurry."

Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

The Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, sits at the heart of the Ciutat Vella – the oldest part of Barcelona – and, considering its location next to the city center, is one of its liveliest neighborhoods. Here you'll find beautiful examples of Roman and Medieval-era architecture rubbing elbows with the many shops, restaurants, alfresco cafes, bars and clubs that line its narrow roads and picturesque plazas – and there are so many plazas to explore. Aside from Plaça de la Seu, which you'll no doubt end up in if you visit the Barcelona Cathedral , make sure you stop in the smaller Plaça Sant Felip Neri, which was bombed by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War (you can see scars from the attack on the church in the square). The palm tree-clad Plaça Reial is meanwhile much more energetic and usually buzzes until the wee hours of the morning. Another notable plaza is Plaça Sant Jaume, where the Catalan seat of government has been since the Middle Ages.

No matter where you end up in the Gothic Quarter, travelers say its Spanish splendor will leave you charmed long after you leave. Many enjoyed strolling its narrow alleys and admiring its atmospheric, back-in-time architecture, and several said it was the highlight of their stay. Some suggested taking part in a walking tour if you're interested in learning more about the history behind the neighborhood. 

Casa Batlló Casa Batlló

U.S. News Insider Tip: From spring through fall, Casa Batlló hosts "Magic Nights" – a series of open-air concerts on the dragon roof terrace, with romantic views of the city. Tickets start at 59 euros (around $62) and include entry to Casa Batlló and a drink. – Laura French

The details highlighted in Casa Batlló show famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí at his best. Of all the Gaudí apartments in Barcelona, this is probably the most recognized (it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Sitting down the street from Casa Milà, Casa Batlló is known for its vibrant colors, intricate tile work and skeletal terraces. The unconventional façade is inspired by the legend of St. George, the patron saint of Catalonia, who is said to have slayed a dragon to save the king’s daughter. The roof depicts the dragon's scaly back, while the skeletal balconies and boney windows are said to represent the dragon's previous victims (the legend goes that someone would be sacrificed every day so the dragon wouldn't take the whole town).

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Park Güell Park Güell

U.S. News Insider Tip: For more sweeping city views and fewer tourists, grab a five-minute taxi or walk 20 minutes uphill to reach Bunkers del Carmel – a viewpoint popular with locals, especially at sunset, when the lighting over the city is spectacular. – Laura French

Antoni Gaudí's Park Güell is as whimsical as parks can get. The park was originally supposed to be a housing community for the rich, commissioned by Eusebi Güell. Güell hired Gaudí but the project eventually folded due to the land's incompatible building conditions. Gaudí continued on, modeling the park after gardens he had seen in England (Güell means English in Catalan) and building around the natural elements of the land instead of tearing them down.

Las Ramblas Las Ramblas free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Keep your hands on your bags and keep an eye out for pickpockets on this notoriously busy thoroughfare. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

This wide, tree-lined boulevard is one of the city's major tourist hubs – so much so that if you're visiting Barcelona, you're bound to end up here eventually. Las Ramblas is a pedestrian-friendly pathway situated right smack dab in the middle of the city, so expect it to be busy all hours of the day and night. During the day, you can peruse souvenir stands, watch buskers and street performers, pick up some local art from artists selling on the street, or sit down and enjoy a light snack at one of the many alfresco cafes found here. When the sun sets, head here to start your night out – many bars and clubs can be found in the surrounding area.

Barceloneta Beach Barceloneta Beach free

U.S. News Insider Tip: While Barceloneta is a must-see with its lively bars and restaurants, it can get crowded, so if you're looking for a quieter alternative, wander 20 minutes up the coast to Playa de Bogatell (it attracts more locals and fewer tourists). – Laura French

In between all the cultural and artistic attractions Barcelona has up its sleeves, it's easy to forget that the city is situated right along the brilliantly blue waters of the Mediterranean. The city's swathes of sand are broken up into several different beaches – among them Barceloneta and the quieter Nova Icària. Both are separated by the Port Olímpic harbor, easily recognized by the two seafront skyscrapers and giant golden fish sculpture by artist Frank Gehry.

Casa Milà (La Pedrera) Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

The nickname, La Pedrera (meaning "the Quarry"), is appropriate for Antoni Gaudí's stately, fortress-like Casa Milà. Bobbing around the corner of Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer de Provença , this eclectic Catalan-style art nouveau building rubs elbows with the more classic architecture usually found in its neighborhood, Eixample. It is known for its wavy stone façades and intricate carvings that can only be attributed to Gaudí's quirky style. Casa Milà was originally constructed as a home for the commissioners of the building (Pere Milà i Camps and his wife), who also requested the complex included apartments for rent. Casa Milà was not only Gaudí's last work on Passeig de Gracia ( Casa Batlló is just a few blocks south), but his last civil work as well. Since then, Casa Milà has been designated as a National Monument of Interest by the Spanish government and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Today, La Pedrera is a cultural center managed by the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation. Come here to admire the architecture: there are few single straight walls or right-angled corners in the entire building. Also head to the roof to get a good look at Gaudí's whimsical chimneys (many designed to look like guardian warriors in armor), then work your way down through the exhibits to learn more about Casa Milà and Gaudí himself.

Mercat de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market) Mercat de la Boqueria (Boqueria Market) free

Even if you're not keen on visiting the touristy Las Ramblas , it's worth making the trek to this tree-lined thoroughfare to reach the foodie heaven that is the Boqueria Market. This was Barcelona's oldest local market, having opened in 1840 – but its foodie history spans much earlier than that. The first food vendors were said to have been around as early as the 13th century, selling meat on the streets. The market you see today wasn't around back then; it took four years to construct, once Saint Joseph's convent left the area (hence the name of the market). 

Today, that tradition of hawking goodies lives on, and the covered marketplace treats visitors to the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of everything from fruit juices and wines to fresh fish, meats, produce and desserts. Make sure to grab Spanish specialties while you're there, including jamón ibérico, manchego cheese and salted cod (or bacalao ). Bars and restaurants can also be found in and around the market, so food options truly abound here. 

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Palau de la Musica Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music) Palau de la Musica Catalana (Palace of Catalan Music)

Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana is considered to be a masterpiece of Catalan art nouveau. Built by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the palace earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its striking architectural features. Outside, make sure to snap a few photos of the intricate mosaic pillars and the busts nestled atop some of them, which depict famous musicians, such as Bach and Beethoven. The interior of the palace is even more of an eyeful, complete with mosaic pillars and intricate sculpture work of its own, as well as stained glass windows and beautiful motifs of flowers spread throughout. And you won't be able to miss the massive stained-glass central skylight – it protrudes from the ceiling, treating the concert auditorium to plenty of natural light. Aesthetics aside, the Palace of Catalan Music is a hub for classical and choral music and of course, Catalan musical arts. It also acts as a concert venue for local, national and international acts.

Travelers agree with the experts: the Palau de la Musica Catalana is an architectural marvel. Visitors thoroughly enjoyed admiring the many intricate details found throughout the music venue, saying even if you can't get tickets to a show, it's worth a visit just to see its magnificence in person. Some weren't crazy about the admission price, but many enjoyed the guided tour, and those who did attend a show said the experience was quite magical. 

Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum) Museu Picasso (Picasso Museum)

U.S. News Insider Tip: You can visit for free on Thursday evenings (from 5 to 7 p.m.), all day on the first Sunday of the month and on special Open Door days; check here for details. – Laura French

When you feel like you've hit your Gaudí limit, head to the Picasso Museum ( Museu Picasso ) for a change of pace. While most people know Pablo Picasso for his distorted portraits, this museum displays his work on a timeline of sorts, allowing you to follow his progression from the more controlled works of his early years to the very whimsical paintings and sculptures from the end of his career. Make sure you dedicate plenty of time to Picasso: the museum itself holds around 5,000 pieces by him, including works from his famous Blue Period. The museum also explores the artist's lifelong relationship with Barcelona, explaining why he chose the city for his museum before he died. 

Montjuïc Castle Montjuïc Castle

If you have even the slightest interest in history, make sure to add Montjuïc Castle to your Barcelona itinerary – the stone structure is teeming with history dating all the way back to the 11th century. The castle started out as a single watchtower that was occupied by a sailor looking out for enemy ships. During the Revolt of Catalonia during the mid-1600s, the government decided to add walls surrounding the watch tower when the threat of invasion from Spanish King Philip IV's fleet became imminent. Montjuïc Castle ended up defending the city from many attacks moving forward, including those carried out during the War of the Spanish Succession. It also served as a prison during the War of the Pyrenees and was occupied by Napoleon's troops in the early 1800s.

Montjuïc continued to serve as a prison under multiple political leaderships over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, including during the Spanish Civil War. Francisco Franco, Spain's dictator from 1939 to 1975, took over Montjuïc and it became an internment camp for Republican soldiers (Franco was part of the Nationalist party that overthrew the democratic Republic of Spain at the time). It was here that the President of the Catalan Government, Lluís Companys, was executed at Franco's orders. 

Catedral de Barcelona (Barcelona Cathedral) Catedral de Barcelona (Barcelona Cathedral)

Towering above the center of the Barri Gòtic district is Barcelona's principal cathedral. The Gothic cathedral's construction began in the late 13th century, though it wasn't completed until the mid-15th century. While you're here, take time to explore the numerous examples of artisanship that went into completing the cathedral – from its exterior details to the many gold furnishings within, including its elaborate baroque altarpieces, as well as the 140-plus statues of saints that call the cathedral home. While you're here, make sure to stroll over to the cloister, which features a verdant tropical garden. 

Recent travelers found the Catedral de Barcelona to be stunning both inside and out, commenting on the elaborate altarpieces, stained-glass windows and impressive statues. Many recommended a stroll through the cloisters to see its pond, home to several geese, and climbing to the roof of the cathedral to get an eyeful of the spire up close, as well as prime city views. Make sure to wear the proper attire; according to recent visitors, the dress code here is strict and knees and shoulders should be covered. Shawls are said to be for sale for those who need to cover up. 

Gràcia Gràcia free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in late August for the free Festa Major de Gràcia (Gràcia Festival). During the weeklong celebration, streets come alive with colorful lanterns and other creations, competing to be the best decorated; expect live music, food, parades and Catalan correfoc fire displays. – Laura French

If you've already seen the bucket list sites and want to escape the crowds, amble north of the city to explore the charming, bohemian streets of Gràcia. Once its own separate town, this elegant, colorful neighborhood has kept its independent village feel, with cobbled streets, lively plazas and laid-back cafes aplenty. At its heart is Calle Verdi, lined with trendy boutiques, vintage stores, bookshops and restaurants, and Plaça de la Virreina, where locals gather on outdoor cafe terraces in the shadows of the Church of Saint Joan. While you're here, pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Casa Vicens – Gaudí's first home in Barcelona, now a museum – and the Mercat de la Llibertat, a large food market where stalls overflow with fresh produce between brick-and-iron architecture.

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Parc de la Ciutadella Parc de la Ciutadella free

U.S. News Insider Tip: A five-minute walk from the park will take you to El Born – one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods, with tapas bars, indie boutiques and bistros lining cobbled lanes. Head to the Bormuth tapas bar for great food in a lively atmosphere. – Laura French

Built in the late 19th century on the grounds of a former citadel, Parc de la Ciutadella is one of Barcelona's most popular green spaces. At its heart you'll find an elaborate fountain, surrounded by sculptures and designed by architect Josep Fontserè i Mestre – who asked Gaudí, then still at university, to help out (visitors might recognize Gaudí's iconic style in the winged dragons guarding the fountain).

Mount Tibidabo Mount Tibidabo free

The highest mountain in the Serra de Collserola range, pine-forested Mount Tibidabo peers over the city, crowned by its neo-Gothic basilica, the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (or Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). Built in the early 20th century in the northwest of the city, this elaborate, Catalan art nouveau-style masterpiece can be seen from almost anywhere in Barcelona and is well worth a visit in itself – but it's the views over the city that really astound here. A lift and several steps take you up to the tower, where a viewing platform offers a full panorama of the skyline and sea below.

It's not just the church that lures visitors to the mountain, though; it's also home to Tibidabo Amusement Park, one of the oldest theme parks in the world and the oldest in Spain, with a carrousel, bumper cars, Ferris wheel and several other attractions drawing families. Hiking trails are on the doorstep too, with much of the area protected under the Parc Natural de Collserola – the largest green space in Barcelona and the city's green lung.

Mercat de Sant Antoni Mercat de Sant Antoni free

There are ample reasons to visit the impressive Boqueria Market , but if you're after a less-touristy alternative, put Mercat de Sant Antoni on your list too. Located in the up-and-coming Sant Antoni neighborhood, the market originally opened in 1882 in an art nouveau, wrought-iron and glass building; neglected, it closed in 2009, but reopened nine years later following an 80 million euro refurbishment. Today, the market is home to a whole range of fresh products, from Spanish cured meats to fresh cheeses, fruit and vegetables, which sit beneath its striking, original octagonal domed ceiling. You'll also find stalls selling clothes, shoes, homeware and more. And on Sundays, the surrounding streets (which have been semi-pedestrianized under one of the city's traffic-free "superblocks") turn into one of Europe's largest outdoor book fairs.

Beyond the market, there's plenty to explore in the area, too; its opening helped revamp the neighborhood, turning it into something of a foodie paradise with tapas bars, bodegas and restaurants on almost every corner.

Museo de la Ciencia CosmoCaixa Museo de la Ciencia CosmoCaixa

Whether you're coming with kids or just want to embrace your inner child, Barcelona's science museum is well worth a visit. Housed in a modernist glass-and-steel building, it's home to an array of interactive exhibits ranging from the "Flooded Forest" – an Amazonian-style glasshouse home to piranhas, crocodiles and exotic plant species – to "The Universe Gallery," which focuses on all things space, from the creation of the cosmos to evolution and the human brain. Families can get hands-on with different experiments, from creating sandstorms and tornadoes to learning how soundwaves are transmitted, and there are some impressive design features too – don't miss the Foucault pendulum, a heavy iron ball used to demonstrate the earth's rotation; and the spiral staircase, which winds around a towering Amazonian Acariquara tree.

Recent visitors were highly impressed by the CosmoCaixa and enjoyed the interactive exhibits, especially the Amazonian rainforest section. Several said it was the best science museum they'd been to, with state-of-the-art facilities and plenty to see, and many recommended spending a few hours here. Others were surprised at how reasonably priced it was. A few said there wasn't much for very young children, but for many it provided a welcome escape from the heat and an impressive alternative to the better-known Barcelona sites.

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Tips, Tricks & Hacks For Visiting Barcelona

Barcelona is a city with a vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and bustling street life. It’s packed with age old bodegas, bohemian neighborhoods, and cool cultural spaces.

If you’re planning a trip to the Catalan capital, you’ll want to make the most of every moment.

In this blog post, I share essential tips, tricks, and hacks to help you navigate Barcelona efficiently and enjoyably.

From avoiding the crowds at popular attractions to finding the best local dining spots, I’ve got insider top to help you along in this dynamic city.

Arts & Culture

Culture comes at a price in Barcelona.

The Gaudi house museums like Casa Batllo or La Pedrera are between 20 and 30 euros. Maybe more if you pick a fancy tour with extras or a nighttime sound and light show.

But check your preferred museum’s website. They are open for free at least one afternoon a month.

To see which museums you want to visit, check out my guide to the best museums in Barcelona and my guide to Gaudi architecture .

Here’s a quick look to help you decide what museum to visit:

• Picasso Museum : early Picasso artworks
• MNAC : centuries of Catalan art, with amazing Romanesque frescos
• MACBA : cutting edge contemporary art
• MOCO : modern and contemporary art
• Miro Foundation : complete overview of Joan Miro
• Caixa Forum : contemporary art
• History Museum : Roman ruins

The most popular museum, by far, is the Picasso Museum in El Born. You’ll definitely need to pre-book a skip the line ticket or wait in endless lines.

If you want something edgier, try out a street art tour .

Many museums are also included in the Barcelona Articket and the Barcelona Card , to help you save a few dollars.

The Articket covers the six most important museums in the city and is valid for three months.

The Barcelona Card is a handy pass. It lets you hop on and off public transport like the metro and buses, even to and from the airport.

Plus, you get free or cheaper entry to loads of attractions and museums, and discounts at some restaurants and shops. You can grab it for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days, making it a great way to save on transport and sightseeing during your trip.

Mondays are a rest day for many sites, so plan your trip carefully around this fact.

But fear not! Plenty of places make an exception to this rule and you can pivot to one of them. Those include:

• Caixa Forum
• Sagrada Familia
• Casa Batllo
• Chocolate Museum
• Palau de la Musica Catalana

What To Book In Advance

Barcelona is an incredibly popular city and its must see sites, including the Modernist stars, book up quickly or come with long lines.

If you buy tickets in advance or have a pass, you’ll basically walk right in. (Except to Sagrada Familia, which has airport type security.)

Given how precious your vacation time is, here are some things you should consider booking in advance, especially from March to October:

• Sagrada Familia –  Click here to get the entry tickets
• Park Guell –  Get Park Guell monument area entry
• Casa Batllo –  Click to buy entry tickets
• Le Pedrera –  Click to buy entry tickets
• Montjuic Cable Car –   Book tickets for Cable car ride to Montjuic
• La Boqueria Market tou r  –  Check this tour here
• Flamenco Shows –  Reserve your seats for a flamenco show

Getting To Barcelona

To get from Barcelona Airport to the city center, you have a few options:

• RENFE Train: Trains run approximately every 30 minutes and take you directly to the city center.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal, offering a convenient way to reach the city center in about 20-30 minutes.
• Private Transfer: You can also arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for added comfort and convenience.

If you arrive by train, you can take the metro or a taxi to get into the city.

Getting Around

Barcelona is essentially divided into a handful of neighborhoods.

Most of Barcelona is organized on a grid system, particularly Eixample. The older windings streets of the Gothic Quarter, El Raval, and El Born are more confusing.

Barcelona is not all that big, so it’s easy to get around on foot. Some steep neighborhoods, like Montjuic, have escalators to take the edge off.

Biking is also popular in Barcelona and there are plenty of bike lanes. The traffic light system also applies to bikes, so never go through a red light (even if you see others doing it!).

There is a bike sharing system, Bicing, but it’s only available for residents. But you can rent a bike at Donkey Republic or go on a guided bike tour .

The public transport network, run by TMB, includes the metro, bus, and tram. The metro is easiest to use. But I thought the bus map was incredibly daunting, and didn’t use buses myself.

The metro runs from 5:00 am to midnight on weekdays and until 2:00 am on weekends. You can download and register with TMB’s app and use your smartphone as a contactless ticket.

You can also book the hop on hop off bus (24 or 48 hours) to get around. I’ve done this before and it was super convenient, especially for getting to Montjuic.

If all else fails, you can hail a black and yellow taxis on most corners. But there are no Ubers in the city.

To get up to Montjuic Hill, you can take the Montjuic Cable Car .

Tourist Bureau

The main office of the tourist board is in the main square, Playa Catalunya. It’s packed with maps, information, and offers services like last minute reservations.

There are also branches at the airport and Place Sant Jaume.

Catalan Cuisine

What should you expect to eat in Barcelona?

If you want Catalan food, the region is known for its meat dishes and seafood, sometimes happily thrown together. Catalans love their meatballs, sausages, and mushrooms.

Some dishes you can expect to find include:

• fideua (Catalan paella)
• sarro negre (black rice cooked in squid)
• jamon (the darker the better!)
• pa amp tomaquet (bread and tomato)
• botifarra amb mongetes (grilled sausage with white beans)
• bacallà a la llauna (salted cod with tomatoes and garlic)

If you are ordering tapas, menus usually include seafood (cod, tuna, squid, anchovies), olives, sausage, jamon, or croquettes. The only thing I disliked was the dog fish shark … ew!

Restaurants

Eating out in Barcelona is about celebrating life. You can opt for feasts whipped up by families or creative dishes by plucky chefs.

Here are some of my favorite spots that I’ve tried over the years, broken down by type of food.

Just don’t eat on La Rambla! Almost everything there is a tourist trap.

Traditional: Petit Pau, Can Culleretes, Can Vilaro, Guadim

Creative : Onofre, Cruix, Berberna, Taberna Noroeste, Gresca

Splurge : Estimar, San Pedrito, Disfrutar, Lasarte

Vegetarian : Flax & Kale, Fat Veggies, Roots & Rolls

In Barcelona, breakfast is usually munching while hoofing it around the city. But there is a growing brunch culture in the toner neighborhoods.

You might choose from assorted tapas, eggs prepared in various styles, pancakes, and more contemporary options like avocado toast or smoothie bowls. Check out Silan for Israeli treats.

Lunch is the main meal of the day and usually starts from 2:00 pm. You can eat earlier, especially if you’re at a market.

Dinner are light and kick off around 9:00 pm, possibly 8:00 pm. And you can always do a tapeo , which is a tapas crawl.

Another good idea for the evening is to go on a guided tapas tour. I did this one and loved it!

Cafes and bars are second living rooms for Barcelonans. Locals live their lives in the bodegas. Beers are clinked after work and cocktails and vermouth sipped late at night.

If you are sitting outside, someone will come and take your order. If you are inside, you’ll generally be expected to order at the counter.

Vermouth bars are all the rage in Barcelona. The vermouth comes in all flavors and ranges from sweet to extra dry.

Check out Senior Verut in Eixample. Or get your degree in Vermouth at Vermouth University or take a vermouth tour .

There are plenty of wine bars as well. I can recommend Zona d’ombre in the Gothic Quarter and Can Cisa in El Born. Or grab a cocktail at Bar Boadas in El Raval where the cool people go.

Barcelona is a foodie paradise and it doesn’t stop at restaurants. Around every corner, you’ll find tempting artisan shops and markets, ripe with edible treats you’ll want to devour.

The most famous market is La Boqueria on La Rambla. The locals joke that, if you can’t find an ingredient there, you need to change your recipe.

Try to arrive early in the morning before the throngs of tourists descend. Do your shopping or have a bit of everything for a lunchtime adventure.

For a treat, sit down at the counter of El Quim de la Boqueira. You’ll tuck into traditional tapas, all made from ingredients sourced at the market.

The city’s second most famous market is Santa Caterina. It stand on a medieval convent, but now boasts an elaborately colored roof.

This is a great food hall. It has kaleidoscopic displays of fruit, buckets of olives, and dishes of paella.

Another place to try in El Born is La Botifarreria de Santa Maria. It’s a meat eating establishment specializing in pork.

You can choose from ready to grill all sorts of meats, fish, and sausages. I recommend the sausages with black truffles.

Barcelona is a city that likes festivals. There are hedonistic festivals in summer, age old traditions in autumn, and merrymaking fun in the winter.

The biggest annual festival is the Festes de la Merce, a 4 days festival to end summer and kick off the fall.

There are fireworks, parades, giants, human towers, castle builders, dance groups, and marching bands.

Another popular festival is the Festa Major de Gracia. It draws the biggest crowds of locals.

Streets are dressed up with handmade street decorations, with the “best dressed” winning a prize. The locals pull trestle tables into the streets, which groan with food and drink.

If music is more your thing, Barcelona stages more music festivals thane person’s wallet (or liver)could handle. The city hosts Primavera Sound, Sonar, Vida, and Cruilla — to name a few.

Barcelona Neighborhoods

Here’s a quick run down of the neighborhoods you may want to visit in Barcelona:

This is one of my favorite barri. It’s a labyrinth of medieval streets adjacent to the Gothic Quarter. There are great restaurants, artisan shops, and attractions to see.

Among other things, you can visit the Picasso Museum, Palau de la Musica Catalana, the Chocolate Museum, and Santa Maria Del Mar.

Palau de la Musica is truly one of the most beautiful interior spaces in Barcelona. It’s a Moderist concert hall, where every inch is decorated with glossy mosaics, stained glass, kaleidoscopic skylight, and sculptures.

In high season, you’ll want to book a skip the line ticket .

This is my other favorite neighborhood in Barcelona. It’s home to all the exotic Modernist architecture. It’s a great place to stay because it’s not as loud at night as the Gothic Quarter.

It’s home to Barcelona’s toniest shopping street, the Passeig de Gràcia. There are also loads of restaurants and fancy shops. And it’s my favorite area to stay in.

Gothic Quarter

Neighborhoods don’t come more ancient and historical than the Gothic Quarter. Roman ruins, ancient streets, and medieval Jewish quarter attract thongs of visitors.

You’ll probably want to stroll down La Ramble. The iconic boulevard stretches from Plaça de Catalunya down to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.

It’s very touristy and crowded. You’ll want to watch your wallet and belongings here.

One of the best things to see in this area is Palau Güell . It’s one of Gaudi’s first buildings and is a beguiling combination of Moorish and Art Nouveau architecture.

Once a village on the outskirts of town, now Gracia is a hip hangout. You’ll find organic shops, vermouth bars, and vegan cafes.

A stroll down the Gran de Gracia will take you past some stunning architecture. And Gaudi’s Casa Vicens is located in this neighborhood. It’s an absolute gem!

Ah, Montjuic, the stunning setting of the 1992 Olympic Games. Today, it’s more like a string of parks than a traditional neighborhood. But the city’s “Magic Mountain” sparkles today.

There are some world class museums — MNAC , Joan Miro Foundation , and the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion . You can also wander through pretty gardens and visit the Olympic sites.

Barceloneta

Barceloneta is known for its glitzy hotels, sandy beaches, and vibrant boardwalk. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Seafood restaurants and tapas bars line the promenade, most of them interchangeable.

Where To Stay In Barcelona

There are a plethora of hotels in Barcelona these days. Still, you should reserve in advance.

If you want to stay in the Gothic Quarter for some old world charm, Hotel Colon is the classic choice and the Mercer is an exquisite newcomer. And Hotel Habana House, in El Born, is lovely modern boutique hotel.

But you may have to contend with late night noise.

I like staying in Eixample. It’s quieter and there’s still so much to do.

Casa Fus ter is an amazing Modernist building converted into a luxury hotel. The Claris is one of the city’s best hotels, known for its modern design and art collection.

If you want something more moderately priced, I recently stayed in Hotel Granvía . It has a gorgeous lobby and is very central, close to Passeig de Gràcia.

Is Barcelona Safe?

Barcelona is generally safe for tourists. But like any major city, it has areas and situations where extra caution is advised.

Petty theft, include pickpocketing and bag snatching, is relatively common.

This is especially true in crowded tourist areas such as La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, and on public transport. One of my guides told me that Barcelona is where pickpockets learn their trade.

So, it’s best to use a money belt or a fold over purse with multiple zippers. Don’t leave your phone sitting on a cafe table or it might be snatched.

Cash and Credit Cards

Most establishments take credit cards. And the “tap to pay” or “contactless” cards are widely accepted.

Just like at home, you can also pay with your smartphone using an app like Apple Pay. This has the advantage of some extra protection for your credit card.

I always carry cash too. You’ll need it for tipping guides, small treats, checking your bags at museums, or tipping by rounding up the bill.

When possible, use a bank-run ATM located just outside a bank. The fees will be less.

When buying something with your card, it’s better to pay in euros. Credit card companies usually offer better exchange rates than local currency exchanges.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips and tricks for visiting Barcelona. You may find these other Barcelona travel guides useful:

• 1 day in Barcelona itinerary
• 3 days in Barcelona itinerary
• what to do in the Gothic Quarter
• hidden gems in Barcelona
• landmarks in Barcelona
• guide to Sagrada Familia
• guide to Casa Batllo
• guide to La Pedrera
• guide to Palau Güell
• guide to architecture in Eixample

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Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Barcelona Itinerary: How to Spend Your Time in This Incredible City

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations in Europe . It’s a lively city bursting at the seams with world-class food, wild clubs and bars, and tourists galore.

While its roots stretch back to the Roman Empire, it was during the Middle Ages that Barcelona really grew into the economic and political center of the Western Mediterranean.

As part of Catalonia (locals consider themselves Catalonian rather than Spanish), you’ll see signs written in Catalan and in Castilian Spanish, and most locals in the city speak both languages. The combination of Spanish and Catalan cultures and traditions here is part of what makes Barcelona the unique city that it is.

In recent years, the city has had to clamp down on “ overtourism ” as over 30 million people visit each year, putting significant strain on the locals and the environment. If you can, try to avoid the hectic summer months and book accommodation outside the city center.

But with so much to see and do in and around Barcelona, where do you begin? How many days do you need to visit?

This Barcelona itinerary highlights all the best things to see and do and can help you organize your visit so you can see it all!

Table of Contents

Day 1 : Barri Gotic, Barcelona History Museum, La Boqueria, & more

Day 2 : Park Güell, La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla, & more

Day 3 : Montjuïc Hill, Cooking Class, Harbor Cable Car, & more

Day 4 : Day Trip to Girona

Other Things to See and Do : Montserrat, Football, Bike Tour, & more

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 1

My recommended free walking tour companies in Barcelona are:

• Free Walking Tours Barcelona
• Free Tours By Foot

For paid tour options, check out this post as it lists all my favorites. You can also check out Get Your Guide as they have tons of tours for every interest and budget.

The area also has numerous attractions worth seeing:

Barcelona History Museum – Barcelona has one of the best city history museums I’ve ever visited. It includes 4,000 square meters (43,000 square feet) of Roman ruins beneath the museum that you can walk through. There is a free, detailed audio guide and meticulous explanations of the exhibits. If you do one thing in the city, make it this. I visit every time I’m in Barcelona. The ruins are just stunning. Admission is 7 EUR per person but free on Sundays after 3pm.

The Grand Royal Palace – The Palau Reial Major (near the history museum) is almost 700 years old and was the home of Barcelona’s counts and later the kings of Aragon. The palace offers visitors a very detailed history of the city and region through the centuries. Admission is 7 EUR (shared with the history museum above). It’s free on the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday after 3pm.

Chapel of Santa Àgata – This royal chapel was built in 1302 and is part of the Museum of the History of Barcelona. The most interesting thing inside is the beautiful altarpiece, made by Jaume Huguet, that was added in the 15th century. It contains beautiful paintings of religious symbols in the style of the Middle Ages. Admission is 7 EUR.

Barcelona Cathedral – Built between the late 13th to early 15th centuries, this is a classic Gothic cathedral with huge spires standing over 53 meters (174 feet) tall, colorful stained glass, and incredible wood carvings. Make sure you visit the upper terraces where you’ll get an incredible view of Barcelona. Admission is 14 EUR for tourists (free for worshippers).

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) This museum has over 5,000 works, including an extensive collection of pieces by Spanish artists such as Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. There are also works by Americans Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder (the latter being known for his innovative mobiles). While it’s not really my favorite style of art, if you love modern art, be sure to add this to your itinerary.

Plaça dels Àngels 1, +34 934 120 810, macba.cat/en. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am-8pm and Sundays 10am-3pm (closed on Tuesdays). Admission is 10.80 EUR if purchased online and 12 EUR at the door. Entry is free on Saturdays from 4pm-8pm.

Rambla, 91, +34 934 132 303, boqueria.barcelona/home. Open Monday to Saturday 8am-8:30pm.

• Los Tarantos – This is Barcelona’s oldest flamenco venue. It’s a short show (just 30 minutes) so it’s a good place for an introduction to the art and won’t take up your entire night. Plaça Reial, 17, +34 933 041 210, tarantosbarcelona.com/en. Shows run at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm. Tickets start at 25 EUR.
• Tablao Flamenco Cordobes – This show is in a convenient location on Barcelona’s main walkway, but it’s pricey. La Rambla, 35, +34 933 175 711, ablaocordobes.es. Shows run twice each evening (check the website for times). Admission is 47 EUR (drink and show) or 83 EUR (dinner and show).

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2

• Park Güell – Park Güell is a 45-acre garden complex designed and built between 1900 and 1914. It’s since been converted into a municipal garden and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets are 13 EUR .
• La Sagrada Família – This is arguably the most famous of Gaudí’s works (and one that seems to never be finished). The church has been under construction for over 100 years (the groundbreaking was in 1882 and is supposed to be done in 2030). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and spent the last 10 years of his life working on this project which is a combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Admission with an audio guide is 33.80 EUR — but it’s worth it!
• Casa Batlló – Casa Batlló is a building restored by Antoni Gaudí in the early 1900s. He spent two years on the project completely revamping the exterior, main floor, patio, and roof. Located in the Eixample district, it (like everything Gaudí designed) was heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings. Admission is 25 EUR and includes an audio guide.
• Casa Milà – From 1906 to 1910, Gaudí worked on Casa Mila which is just a couple hundred meters away from Casa Batlló. It’s also known as “La Pedrera” (the Stone Quarry) as the building has a facade of limestone. The goal with this design was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. Gaudí, himself a Catholic and a devotee of the Virgin Mary, also planned for the Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol. Skip-the-line tickets are 28 EUR.
• Palau Güell – Located off La Rambla, Palau Güell (Güell Palace) building doesn’t jump out at you like other Gaudí structures. Built from 1886-1888, it was designed for one of Gaudí’s patrons, Eusebi Güell. The home is centered around the main room used to entertain high-society guests.

For more information on Gaudí’s works as well as entrance fees, locations, and operating hours, check out my guide to Gaudí’s Barcelona .

Take a stroll on La Rambla This popular boulevard, with a broad but crowded walkway in the center, has many beautiful buildings along it, including the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the city’s opera house. Near the theater, you can also see a mosaic by famous artist Joan Miró. There are street performers galore here (they even have their own union), making it perfect for people-watching. While this street is ground zero for tourists in the city and gets swamped by crowds it’s worth a stroll down at least once (don’t eat at the restaurants here, they’re overpriced). Just keep an eye out for pickpockets.

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3

Visit the Picasso Museum While I’m not a huge fan of most of Picasso’s later work, it’s still interesting to learn about the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Opened in 1963 and home to over 4,000 pieces of art, it’s the most comprehensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s works in the world. In addition to his paintings, the museum also has drawings, ceramics, and engravings by Picasso.

Carrer Montcada 15-23, +34 932 563 000, museupicasso.bcn.cat/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-7pm. Admission is 12 EUR, with free entry on the first Sunday of the month.

Ride the harbor cable car The 1,450-meter-long (4,757-foot) harbor aerial tramway with red cars connects Barceloneta and Montjuïc Hill. The 10-minute trip offers incredible views of Barcelona. You’ll see the port and sea on one side and the city on the other. Also, at the top of the 78-meter (255-foot) Sant Sebastià tower in Barceloneta, there’s a restaurant accessible by an elevator. You can also hike one of the trails to the summit of Montjuïc Hill, which takes as little as 30 minutes.

Miramar station (Paseo Juan de Borbón) and San Sebastián Tower (Avda. de Miramar), +34 934 304 716, telefericodebarcelona.com/en. Open daily 11am-5:30pm (10:30am-8pm in the summer). Round-trip tickets cost 16 EUR .

Here are some highlights of Montjuïc:

Castell de Montjuïc – This old fortress features military displays and information on the history of the castle. Admission is 12 EUR (13 EUR including a guided tour). It’s free on Sundays after 3pm as well as on the first Sunday of the month.

Joan Miró Foundation – Joan Miró was one of Catalonia’s most famous artists. Many of the artist’s surrealist works (over 14,000 of them) are on display in this museum. Most were donated by Miró himself. There is also a contemporary art collection that was put together as a tribute to the artist in the years after his death. Admission is 9 EUR.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – This art museum houses Catalonian art, particularly Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works. The fountain out front has a spectacular free show that takes place on Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9pm-10pm (April 1-May 31 and September 1-October 31) and 8pm-9pm (November 1-March 31), and Wednesday-Sundays from 9:30pm-10:30pm (from June 1-August 30). Currently, the fountain is closed during the drought so be sure to check their website for information. Admission is 12 EUR (free on Saturdays from 3pm and on the first Sunday of the month).

Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) – The Spanish Village was built in 1929 to resemble an actual traditional village with 117 buildings from different Spanish regions. There’s an Andalusian quarter, a section of the Camino, a monastery, and more. It’s a good family activity. Admission is 13.50 EUR in advance online (15 EUR same day online or from the ticket office).

The Olympic Ring – When Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, all of the excitement centered around the Olympic Ring: the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, and the Olympic Esplanade. You can roam the entire space for free.

• Devour – ( devourtours.com , from 80 EUR).
• bcnKITCHEN – ( bcnkitchen.com , from 50 EUR)
• Barcelona Cooking – ( barcelonacooking.net , from 75 EUR)
• Just Royal Bcn – ( justroyalbcn.com , from 110 EUR).

Barcelona Itinerary: Day 4

They filmed Game of Thrones here too and Game of Thrones walking tours are available for 35 EUR if you’re a die-hard fan who wants some behind-the-scenes info.

Overall, there’s a lot of history and delicious food in the city. The train ride is about 80 minutes on the normal train while the high-speed train gets there in 38 minutes. Return tickets start at 20 EUR.  

Other Things to See and Do in Barcelona

Head to Montserrat – The Montserrat mountain range is just an hour outside of the city by train and makes for a great getaway from Barcelona’s urban atmosphere. Once there, pay a visit to the famous shrine of the Black Madonna at the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery. This Benedictine monastery is built into the mountain and it is claimed that the Black Madonna here was carved in Jerusalem during the early years of Christianity, (it most likely actually dates to the 12th century). The Benedictine monastery and the valley of unique, rocky pillars make for some really awesome photography.

Monserrat also has an Art Museum with works by Monet, Dali, Picasso, and many other famous artists. And don’t miss the local market — it’s the perfect place to buy local products like fresh produce, cheese, honey, and artisan crafts and it’s easy to find (it’s on the way to the monastery).

Guided day tours to Montserrat start around 70 EUR per person.

Visit an old-school amusement park – Tibidabo Barcelona, built in 1899, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. On a tall mountain in the Serra de Collserola, it also offers an incredible view of Barcelona and the coastline in addition to the rides, games, and restaurants there. It’s open on the weekends, except in the winter. Tibidabo Square, +34 932 117 942, tibidabo.cat. Hours vary depending on the season. Check the website for details. Admission is 35 EUR.

Catch an outdoor film – If you’re in Barcelona in July or August, consider going up to Montjuïc Castle to catch an outdoor film on the lawn of the castle’s moat. Screenings take place everyday at 10:30pm and are preceded by live music. Tickets are 7.50 EUR.

If you can’t make those screenings, try Sant Sebastià beach in Barceloneta (showing movies on Thursdays and Sundays) or Cosmonits at CosmoCaixa outside the Science Museum (Thursdays in July/first week of August). The Cine al Aire Libre–l’Illa Diagonal also has movies at the Gardens of San Juan De Dios on Thursday evenings in July as well.

Watch a soccer match – The first “football” game I ever saw was in Barcelona. It was Espanyol versus Valencia. I still have the shirt I bought that day. Barcelona’s two teams are Espanyol and FC Barcelona and, if a match is going on, try to take in one. Locals are obsessed with the sport and you’ll make a lot of good friends at the game! If you can’t make a game, you can tour the stadium and the FCB (or Barça) Museum for 28 EUR.

Visit the aquarium – Perfect for a rainy day, the Barcelona Aquarium has more than 11,000 animals, showcasing species from a variety of underwater ecosystems. The walk-through tunnel is the best part. Moll d’Espanya del Port Vell, +34 932 217 474, aquariumbcn.com/en. Open daily 10am-8pm, depending on the season. Admission is 25 EUR.

Gaze at Barcelona’s free public art – Gaudí outdid himself with the huge fountain located in the Parc de la Ciutadella, a tribute to the god Neptune. I absolutely love the art and fountain here. Gaudí designed the famous fountain when he was an architecture student. There’s also a zoo in the park and some short walking paths. Take a bottle of wine, grab some ham, and have a picnic.

Other offbeat Gaudí works include the lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau and the Miralles gate and wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona.

Barcelona native Joan Miró’s work is found throughout the town as well; you can see his famous “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró. There are also Miró mosaics on La Rambla and at the airport.  

Where to Eat in Barcelona

For some excellent food, be sure to check out some of my favorite places to eat in Barcelona:

• Les Quinze Nits – Delicious food at a great price. It’s a bit touristy, but even the locals come here for the value. Avoid the long lines at dinner by going for lunch instead.
• Quimet & Quimet – Tasty tapas and sandwiches in a cozy setting. There are over 500 types of wine on the menu too!
• 1881 per Sagardi – Upscale seafood restaurant in La Barceloneta with a view.
• Paradiso – Chic cocktail bar with delicious small plates. They offer mixology classes too.
• Pinotxo Bar – Just inside the Boquería food market, this little stall is always packed and serves some of the most famous tapas in the area.
• Tapeo – Original dishes and an expansive wine menu in an intimate Gothic Quarter space.
• La Fonda – Good food with large portions. Its set menu will give you more than you can eat, and it features beautiful décor and a robust wine selection.
• Botafumeiro – One of the best seafood joints in the city. Expect high prices!
• Dry Martini – Fancy cocktail bar with a classy wooden interior and strong Mad Men vibes (though there’s no dress code so don’t need to dress up).
• Els 4Gats (The Four Cats) – This was one of Picasso’s favorite haunts and a popular hangout for artists in the early 1900s. Grab a drink and maybe some tapas (the patatas bravas are delicious!) and soak up the place’s history.

Barcelona has something for everyone. You could squeeze in the real highlights of Barcelona in two or three days, but taking four, five, or even six days for the above itinerary will give you enough time to gorge on Iberian ham, tapas, and sangria while not rushing around.

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Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• St. Christopher’s Inn

For more hostel suggestions, this post has all my top hostels in Barcelona .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect 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. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? Barcelona has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . This day tour company will give you inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock too!

Want More Information on Barcelona? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Barcelona for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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50+ Helpful Barcelona Travel Tips & Tricks: Must-Knows Before You Visit Barcelona!

Last Updated: June 23, 2021

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Despite being one of the most visited destinations in the world, I still find it’s often the case that articles featuring Barcelona travel tips omit a crucial detail about this spectacular city…

That it is hilariously easy to screw up here.

I’m talking tourist traps left and right, pickpockets front and back, and so many overwhelming activity options that you’ll wish you could just chug vermouth and nap forever.

But here’s the thing: Barcelona (when done properly) can truly be a life-changing, or at least waistline-changing, experience.

So, if you want to ensure that you visit Barcelona properly, let me help.

Below you’ll find my top Barcelona travel tips, meticulously collected over trial and error from my four visits.

… Enjoy!

Save these Barcelona travel tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

Barcelona Travel Planning Tips

Let’s start with some planning-related Barcelona tips to help you with flights, booking hotels in Barcelona, choosing dates, the best times to visit Barcelona, etc.

Learn the tricks for getting cheap flights TO Barcelona

If you haven’t booked your flights to Barcelona yet, be sure to check out my guide on  how to get the cheapest flights to Europe . I promise it’ll save you hundreds of dollars on your flight!

Avoid visiting Barcelona in peak season

If your Barcelona visit is planned for July or August, well… *hands you oxygen mask and a bag for tears*

Just kidding! Kinda.

The truth is, Barcelona is probably one of the most visited cities in Europe, and while I’ve never visited in peak-peak season, I’ve seen enough human mobs during my January and May visits to imagine just how frightening it is with massive crowds, sweltering heat and every unpleasant thing about travel squished together in one photogenic  moderniste package.

I would strongly advise if you hate crowds as much as I do to visit in the off-season (January – March).

I recently went in January and was greeted with pleasant temperatures, blue skies,  sunshine, and of course, a fraction of the crowds one might encounter in July or August.

Still prepare for crowds in the off-season

However, just to cover my butt and confusingly backtrack, I should say that just because Barcelona is quieter in the off-season, doesn’t mean it’s a magical ghost town either.

In fact, I still found main spots like La Boqueria, Las Ramblas and Placa Catalunya to be teeming with tourists in January…

BUT there were significantly less crowds at most paid attractions, and ticket availability was generous even on the day-of, which can’t be said for the peak season, when it’s advised you book every activity in advance.

So, if you fancy a bit more spontaneity during your Barcelona visit, be sure to time your Barcelona trip for the off-season.

Book your hotel well in advance

Barcelona is one of the busiest tourist cities in the world, which means the best hotels (and most affordable ones) book up quickly, especially during peak season.

So, book early!

I know that committing to a hotel early can feel scary, but if you use  Booking.com , you can find hundreds of hotels that offer free reservations and free cancellations up until a certain point.

This means you can get some peace of mind without putting down any deposits or committing to a hard date until much later.

Here are some of the places I’ve stayed in Barcelona and can recommend:

• Budget: This fun hostel
• Mid-range: This clean and central hotel
• Unique: This cool yet affordable hotel or this one

Know the difference between the European hotel star system vs North America

If you’re currently looking for accommodation in Barcelona: here’s another tip – look at reviews rather than star rating alone.

In North America, the star rating system for hotels usually means 5* = opulent luxury and 1* = you may lose your kidneys.

This is not the case in Europe. With European hotels, instead of stars matching quality on a scale of 1-5, the stars actually correspond to a checklist of amenities/requirements.

SO, you can find some wonderful 2* properties that are just smaller and lacking amenities like a spa or pool, while also finding mediocre 4 or 5* properties that have earned that rating simply due to amenities like fitness centers and valets.

Learn more about the criteria for star ratings here.

Make sure you have travel insurance

As you’ve probably heard countless times, travel insurance is an important must for every trip… but this is especially true in touristy cities like Barcelona, where there are pickpockets everywhere.

Trust me, the peace of mind you get with insurance is worth the cost, especially for dreamy bucket list destinations like this!

Click here to check rates with WorldNomads.

Download helpful apps before you go

There are plenty of apps you can download that will make your time in Barcelona 100x easier.

I’ve previously written a full list of the  best travel apps for Europe  so be sure to check that out, but here are some especially good options for Barcelona:

• Google Translate:  A must for translating signs/menus on the go. Download Spanish to be used offline if you can
• The Fork:  Great for making restaurant reservations

Consider adding other Catalonian destinations to your itinerary

Barcelona is an amazing city, but I can also highly recommend Tarragona , Girona, and Montserrat.

If you have extra time during your trip, planning at least a day trip to one of these spots is a must!

Barcelona Metro Tips & General Tricks For Transport/Getting Around

Getting around Barcelona can be really daunting for a first-time visitor, so here are all my best Barcelona tips related to getting around:

Buy a T-10 Ticket for public transportation

While public transportation in Barcelona isn’t too expensive compared to other major European cities, buying single tickets over and over is not only a hassle, it can add up quickly.

Instead of constantly getting single tickets then, the best ticket you can get as a tourist in my opinion is a T-10 ticket which gets you ten trips for only 10.20.

Doing some not-so-complicated math, this evens out to about 1 euro per trip which is half the price of a single ticket, with the happy bonus that you don’t need to constantly buy new tickets every time.

If you’re looking for the best value transport ticket in Barcelona, this is it!

Avoid taxis if you can in Barcelona

On a similar note, I would avoid taking too many taxis. This is because Barcelona is a delightfully walkable city marred with hilariously bad traffic.

Given that the city’s public transportation system is so clean, safe and cheap, I wouldn’t advise trying to take a taxi anywhere. Instead, just use public transport, or your good old fashioned legs.

Use the Aerobus Express to get to/from the airport

If you are travelling light (e.g. you can easily carry your bags), then the most affordable and convenient way to get to/from the airport in Barcelona is by far the Aerobus Express. You can easily book/compare options on Omio or through their official site.

This option costs only 5.90 each way, and is quick and convenient. This is the option I pick every time I go to Barcelona.

Book an airport transfer for minimal stress

That said, if you are travelling with a lot of bags, a big group, or as a family, then booking an airport transfer might be wise.

For the least stressful option, consider booking a  Welcome Pickups transfer,  which is a set price, includes an English speaking driver who monitors your flight arrival time, and offers free cancellations up until 24 hours before.

This saves you the hassle of trying to get a taxi/navigate the language barriers to do so… while of course helping you avoid getting scammed too!

Easily rent a bike

While you can of course book a bike tour in Barcelona like  this one,  there’s a super simple way to rent a bike in Barcelona whenever you need one – through an app called  Donkey Republic, which allows bike-sharing across the city.

You simply pick up a bike when you see one, use it, then drop it off at one of many docking points around the city.

Click here for a guide on how to use it.

Easily rent a scooter

For a transport option that’s even more fun, Barcelona also has many companies that offer e-scooter rentals that are activated through an app.

Here is a guide on how to use them.

Barcelona Tips For Attractions

Odds are, if you’re visiting Barcelona, sightseeing til you drop s part of the plan. So, here are some of my best Barcelona travel tips related to sightseeing, attractions and itinerary planning.

Book Barcelona attractions in advance

If it has always been your dream since birth to drool over the Sagrada Familia, explore the whimsical Pedrera, or skip and twirl your way through Parc Guell, book it.

Book it now. Build yourself a time machine and book it last week. I’m not joking.

The last thing you want during your Barcelona trip (besides a sugary sangria hangover) is to wait too long for tickets then realize that there are none left, or worse yet, rot in a line-up for 1.4 million years just to catch a glimpse your Gaudi of choice.

When in Barcelona, time is money, so be smart and get your tickets well in advance. Here are some helpful links where you can get skip the line tickets:

• Sagrada Familia: Get fast-track tickets here
• Camp Nou Experience: Get fast-track tickets here
• La Pedrera: Get skip-the-line tickets here
• Palau de la Música: Get a self-guided tour ticket here
• Casa Vicens: Get skip-the-line-tickets here

Take advantage of Barcelona’s many combo cards and tourist passes

One of the best things about visiting Barcelona is the amount of amazing attractions and touristic offerings that are around to dazzle and impress.

That said, hopping from attraction to attraction does add up quickly in Barcelona, which means your future will involve plenty of emptying your wallet while crying.

So here’s another money-saving Barcelona tip for you: buy a combo card or tourist pass which gives you entry to multiple attractions for a single price!

Here are some Barcelona sightseeing passes you might be interested in :

• Articket: entry to six of Barcelona’s top art museums for only €30; valid for 3 months
• Barcelona iVenture card: allows you bundle 3 or 5 of Barcelona’s top attractions for steep savings (or there’s an unlimited option too!)
• Barcelona Express Card: 2 days of unlimited public transport for €20 plus a lot of discounts/savings on Barcelona’s top attractions
• Barcelona Pass Modernista: 7 days’ skip-the-line access to 15 of the most famous Moderniste works in Barcelona for steep savings

Avoid overstuffing your itinerary

Barcelona is one of those cities where you’ll inevitably run around like a headless chicken, attempting to fit an entire guidebook’s worth of fun into a whopping 48 hours.

And while that might sound like a good idea at first, it’s a delicious recipe for almost dying.

Trust me, Barcelona is a city with attractions for days. I mean, I tried to summarize the highlights of things to do in Barcelona and STILL ended up with a (mildly terrifying) 79 activities.

So, remember: people can live in Barcelona for an entire lifetime and still not discover everything that the city has to offer, so as a tourist, don’t expect that you’ll be able to cover everything in a few days.

Rather than break your legs trying to fit every single must-see, select a few that are non-negotiable for you, and instead pencil in extra time to relax and soak in all the wonderful vibes that Barcelona has to offer.

Trust me, that’s when you fall slowly but surely in love.

Wake up EARLY

The morning hours are the best time to explore Barcelona. Yes, I’m talking sunrise-early if you really want to make the most of the city’s “empty hours”.

Barcelona is hands down one of the busiest cities in the world when it comes to tourism, and waking up early is pretty much the only way to experience it without tons of crowds.

My pro Barcelona tip for avoiding crowds? Pick the #1 attraction you’re most excited for, and plan to see it as soon as it opens, with some sunrise explorations beforehand.

Enjoy ALL the free Barcelona viewpoints

Barcelona is a stunning city with plenty of incredible vantage points… many of which are free!

Here are some you should make sure you don’t miss.

The Bunkers del Carmel: To me, the best view in the city. A bit of work to reach but absolutely magical at sunset. Read my guide on how to visit the Bunkers del Carmel in Barcelona for more.

Las Arenas de Barcelona: A bullring-turned-shopping mall that is now home to a free 360 degree viewing platform overlooking Plaça d’Espanya. Access is free via escalator, while the elevator is 1 euro.

El Corte Inglés: A popular Barcelona shopping center, with an epic view over Plaça de Catalunya from its top floor.

Tibidabo: The highest viewpoint in Barcelona, with the bonus of having an amusement park on site!

Seek out beaches beyond Barceloneta

Barcelona is known as a beach destination, and while the city has plenty of beaches to visit, most tourists flock to crowded Barceloneta and inevitably leave feeling disappointed.

So, if you’re craving some fun in the sun, look beyond Barceloneta and  click here for a great guide to the different beaches around the city.

Do NOT scour the streets of Barcelona for bullfights and flamenco

Looking around Barcelona for bullfights and flamenco is like pillaging Seattle in search of the best New York Style pizza… you could do it, but it’s definitely not the best use of your time.

As mentioned above, Catalonia is rather different from the rest of Spain, and most attempts to fulfill Spanish stereotypes are created to indulge tourist fantasy more than anything else.

For instance, while you may be able to find flamenco performances in Barcelona, this is conventionally more an ‘Andalucia’ thing, and isn’t a Catalan tradition at all.

And as for bullfighting, you should know that bull fights have been outlawed entirely in Catalonia. SO, instead of looking for flamenco and the like, try seeking out more Catalonian traditions instead, like attending a local street festival.

Make time to visit other Barcelona neighbourhoods

Last but not least, I implore you to avoid the key mistake of missing Barcelona’s many diverse neighbourhoods!

After all, Barcelona is more than a tourist hotspot, it’s home to 1.6 million locals who enjoy the city just as much as visitors do, so one of the best things you can do is try to see a more local side to the city, and uncover your own hidden gems along the way.

If you’d like a nudge in the right direction, these are two great neighbourhoods I love:

El Born (AKA La Ribera): Located a stone’s throw from the beach, I love El Born because it is packed with amazing cafes and restaurants, as well as interesting sights like The Santa Maria Basilica and the El Born Cultural Centre. My top tip? Grab yourself a mascarpone croissant from Pastisseria Hofmann and marvel at how you’ve lived this long without it.

Gracia:  Largely hailed as the most authentically Catalonian piece of Barcelona left thanks to a huge population of native Catalonians, Gracia is Barcelona’s hipster hood, teeming with independent boutiques and (organic) grocery stores. You’ll also find plenty of dreamy attractions here including top sights like Park Güell and Casa Vincens.

Safety Tips For Barcelona

Like in many busy European cities, petty crime can be an issue in Barcelona, from pickpocketing scams to fake police officers. Here are some tips for staying safe in Barcelona.

Learn how to avoid pickpockets in Barcelona

Of all the complaints and tourist mistakes I’ve heard about Barcelona, getting duped by pickpockets and scammers is like the ultimate  Barcelona rite of passage.

Make no mistake, pickpockets in Barcelona are PROFESSIONALS that often work in teams all around the city, certainly in tourist hotspots like Las Ramblas and busy hubs like Metro stations.

I’ve already written a full guide on how to avoid pickpockets in Europe , but below are two basic rules of thumb to follow to avoid robbery when you visit Barcelona…

Do NOT bring valuables to the beach

One very important Barcelona tip all visitors should remember is to NEVER bring your valuables with you to the beach, because petty thieves in Barcelona loooove the beach.

When possible, take turns with your travel companions watching belongings, or maybe invest in a beach safe or a waterproof case to bring with you swimming.

Never have your valuables out in the open

The last thing you want is to make yourself into a shiny walking target.

When in Barcelona, remember to not walk around with your phone in your hand, and definitely don’t leave your phone somewhere snatchable, like on a table while dining out, in your pocket on public transport, etc.

Know Barcelona’s emergency numbers

In North America, 911 is the go-to when you have any kind of emergency.

If you face an emergency in Barcelona, there’s a few options for numbers you can call:

Police, ambulance, fire brigade : 112 Police : 091 Local Police : 092 Fire brigade : 080 Accident / Ambulance : 061

English-speaking police officers: +34 932 903 000 (police headquarters), Via Laietana 43

Have a plan in case of a worst case scenario

This isn’t just a good Barcelona travel tip, but a good tip for travelling anywhere – make a plan for the worst case scenario.

Imagine your bags get stolen in Barcelona with your passports and all your cash/cards – what would be your backup plan? What would you do if you lost your phone?

Having a plan in place can minimize stress in the event that anything does happen, and having that peace of mind is very important for any vacation!

Food And Drink Tips For Barcelona

Eating and drinking well is a quintessential part of any Barcelona trip. Here are some Barcelona travel tips related to food and drink!

Avoid tourist trap restaurants (especially on Las Ramblas)

Barcelona is an incredible city with amazing food culture – both traditional and international.

That’s why one of the saddest mistakes you can make in Barcelona is getting caught at a tourist trap restaurant and even more depressingly, paying extortionate amounts for a terrible meal.

The area where this often happens is Barcelona’s (in)famous main drag: Las Ramblas.

Over the years, it has become a commonly accepted rule of thumb that those terrace restaurants along Las Ramblas do nothing but heat up frozen paella.

So, if you’re trying to avoid these establishments, a good sign of imminent tourist trappage = aggressive stock photos, or English words being thrown around in large blocky letters.

Instead of munching on mediocre tourist trap food, I would recommend booking a food tour or getting local tips and searching up restaurant reviews online before you go.

Expect to eat dinner later

If you’re accustomed to eating dinner before 9pm, then know that you’ll probably have to adjust slightly to adapt to typical Barcelona dinner times, which usually begin around 8:30pm or often later. 

Of course, you will still be able to find restaurants open earlier than that, but most locals won’t be eating much earlier than 8:30pm.

Try the “Menu del día”

Many restaurants in Barcelona will offer a “Menu del día” or “Combo of the Day” at lunch time which is typically a set menu that includes your starter, main course, dessert and drink for one low price.

This is a great way to sample local cuisine at a more affordable price, and of course get a great meal for less.

Shop at local markets

Barcelona’s food markets are legendary, and are great places to grab tasty and fresh local fare for an affordable price.

La Boqueria is of course world-famous, but I prefer the Mercato Santa Catarina for a quieter experience.

Consider a food tour

For foodies looking to get a great overview of Catalan cuisine, I can highly recommend doing a food tour while you’re in Barcelona.

I personally did a food tour with Devour Barcelona and had an amazing time.

Not only do you get to sample tons of great local cuisine, you also get a lot of insider local knowledge and context around the region’s most famous foods… and yes, there’s much more to the food scene here than paella (which is actually from Valencia).

Take a cooking class

The only thing better than sampling local cuisine is learning how to make it yourself! How’s that for a delicious souvenir?

Hands down, if you love food, one of the best things to do in Barcelona is taking a cooking class.

Here are some options:

• This market tour + paella cooking experience
• This grandma’s cooking class

Get a croissant from Pastisseria Hofmann

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this is one of my top Barcelona tips as far as food is concerned…

GO TO PASTISSERIA HOFMANN. Just do it.

The mascarpone croissant from here is still probably the best croissant I’ve ever had in my life – yes, even better than the dozens I’ve eaten in Paris. Make sure you try one – they’re award winning for a reason!

Don’t drink the weird mojitos they sell at Barceloneta Beach

Specifically, I’m referring to the ones being sold by random guys who approach you on the beach. They are painfully gross and watered down. Avoid at all costs!

Barcelona Etiquette & Culture Tips

Wondering how not to be rude in Barcelona? Here are some important must-knows related to Barcelona etiquette to keep in mind before you visit.

Learn some basic Spanish (or Catalan) in advance

Let’s face it: we English speaking tourists usually have it pretty easy when we travel. After all, most of the time, English is widely spoken and understood, so we get to smugly glide on by without worrying about being heard or understood.

Unfortunately, things are a little different in Barcelona.

While you can get by with English, a basic command of Spanish or Catalan is tremendously helpful (and more polite!), especially when you’re at smaller establishments like little cafes, restaurants or supermarkets.

I found myself on numerous occasions relying on my broken Spanish to get by, so my tip is this: at the very least, know your numbers and practice your best pointing 😉

Remember that Barcelona is in Catalonia

While Barcelona is indeed a city in Spain, many visitors forget that it belongs to the state of Catalonia, which is culturally unique from many other parts of Spain, and therefore confusingly different from the Spanish stereotypes and cliches you may have in your head.

In fact, many Catalonians will not refer to themselves as Spanish, and there’s even a pretty heavy separatist movement as well, but that’s another story for another time.

So, don’t forget that Barcelona is in Catalonia, and be ready for plenty of cultural surprises that defy conventional Spanish stereotypes.

Don’t overtip

North Americans like me might feel pressured by habit to tip the same amount that’s expected at home,… but here’s some nice news for your wallet: tipping isn’t really expected in Barcelona.

In fact, even 5% is considered generous for exceptional service. While I’m sure most of the time, tips are appreciated, most locals don’t at all, so there isn’t the expectation that you need to.

Packing Tips For Barcelona

What should you wear in Barcelona? And what shouldn’t you wear? What important things should you definitely pack for your Barcelona trip? Here are my best Barcelona travel tips related to packing.

Bring comfy shoes

Barcelona is a stunning city made for walking, with droolworthy landmarks and sights around every corner.

And so, while you might be tempted to pack the cutest shoes in your wardrobe for your Barcelona trip, I’d suggest packing only practical shoes that you can walk a whole day in. Your feet will thank you later.

Bring a theft-proof bag

Unfortunately, pickpocketing and petty theft is common in Barcelona, particularly with tourists as easy targets.

For peace of mind, you should definitely look into buying theft proof bags  like this one , which is slash-proof and also has an abundance of hidden pockets to keep your belongings safe.

Bring bags with hidden pockets or a money belt

If you don’t want to buy an entirely new bag for your trip, that’s understandable, but you should still take a few measures to “theft-proof” your own bags.

A few ideas would be to pick only bags that have an additional layer of security (e.g. a zippered compartment inside the bag, or in the back where it’s inaccessible to grabby hands), or to simply wear a  money belt  or hidden passport scarf  like this one.

Make sure you have a universal adapter

Power sockets in Barcelona have two round holes and if you’re visiting from overseas, odds are you’ll need an adapter for your plugs to fit.

I’d strongly recommend buying a universal adapter  like this one  if you don’t have one already.

It’s cheap, can be re-used for every trip, and covers you in all situations. Definitely some of the best money I’ve ever spent!

DIY your own travel sized toiletries

This is a very basic  packing tip  I always recommend, but it’s very easy these days to buy small reusable bottles that you can fill with your own toiletries of choice.

This allows you to bring your favourite products with you, and saves needless one-use toiletries from ending up in the landfill.

Need help picking the right one?  Read my guide to  reusable toiletry bottles  for more info.

Have a re-usable bag handy

You can’t go wrong with a tote bag or two, and I always like to keep one in each purse when I travel.

You never know when you’ll need an extra bag, whether to haul goodies back from La Boqueria or simply carrying whatever souvenirs you’ve gotten that day, so remember to pack some just in case!

Bring protective wraps

If you’re travelling with an expensive camera, or anything else fragile, I highly recommend  these amazing protective wraps.

I bought mine a few years ago and use them every trip. They’re padded velcro wraps that you can use to protect…. pretty much anything! So handy and they don’t take up too much space.

Alternatively, you can also look into product-specific protectors, like  these awesome wine protectors  to ensure your precious cargo doesn’t break in transit.

Final Barcelona Travel Tips

Okay, last but not least, here are some miscellaneous Barcelona trip tips that will help ensue your trip to Barcelona is as magical as you always dreamed!

Know how to find free WiFi

WiFi for tourists is a big deal – I get it! Luckily, there’s a lot of free hotspots scattered around Barcelona.

Here are some Barcelona tips for always finding free WiFi:

• Head to (or outside) a McDonalds or Starbucks – they always have WiFI
• Download an app like Wifi Map which will help you find hotspots
• Look on FourSquare, where people will often share the password of protected hotspots in the tips section

Keep receipts for a VAT refund

If you come from outside the EU and plan to do a lot of shopping, you may qualify for a VAT tax refund when you leave Barcelona. This can amount to huge amounts depending on what you buy!

Here’s more info on how to claim your VAT refund before you leave Barcelona.

Use Instagram, Pinterest and Blogs to research more offbeat Barcelona activities

Guidebooks and Google are great, but if you really want to find Barcelona hidden gems that are specific to your interests, be sure to dig deeper!

Psst: I’ve done some of the digging for you in this epic list of things to do in Barcelona.

From local blogs and Instagram accounts to the official tourism board website, there are a lot of great free resources available to help you find unique places to go that are more off the beaten path.

Need more guidance? You might find my guide on  How to Find Cool Stuff to Do Near You  helpful for this.

Use Google Maps to save spots you want to see

Another excellent Barcelona travel tip I have for you is to take advantage of Google Maps for more than just navigation.

One of my favourite  travel hacks  is using Google Maps for saving cool places.

Long story short, I star every location I deem interesting on Google Maps (I do this by pressing the Save button when I search up that spot), which gives me a visual map of all the cool cafes, street art murals, attractions, restaurants, etc. that I’ve saved during my research.

I love doing this because I’ll often end up in new areas during my explorations, and I can just look at my map to see if anything interesting I read about happens to be nearby. Saves a lot of planning!

Do you have any other Barcelona travel Tips to add?

Let me know in the comments! I hope you enjoyed this guide to visiting Barcelona. Safe travels!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

1 thought on “50+ Helpful Barcelona Travel Tips & Tricks: Must-Knows Before You Visit Barcelona!”

At La Boqueria they sell awesome combinations of blended fruit drinks. Our tip is to walk past the stalls at the front of the market and head to the second and third rows of stalls. You’ll find the same drinks, except they’re quite a bit cheaper than the stalls at the front of the market.

Barcelona’s La Boqueria should perhaps come with a health warning because there’s so much to-die-for food & treats wherever you look!

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The 51 best attractions and places to visit in Barcelona

From massive museums and picture-perfect parks to modernista buildings and beaches galore, these are the best things to see and do in Barcelona

This epicentre of Catalan culture has enough must-see attractions to fill a lifetime. Barcelona is simply packed with excellent museums , restaurants and beautiful sights. No matter your tastes, you’ll easily find something to love here, you just have to find it.

Helpfully, we've whittled it down to the bucket list items for those short on time. From the world-famous to the decidedly local, our pick of the best attractions and places to visit in Barcelona covers a lot of ground. You’ll be pushed to do all of them in one trip, but there's no harm in trying – or you'll just have to come back again, and again, and again…

RECOMMENDED:  Barcelona's best Airbnbs RECOMMENDED:  The best hotels in Barcelona

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

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Best Barcelona attractions

1.  Sagrada Família

• Attractions
• Religious buildings and sites
• Sagrada Família

Soaring above Barcelona’s cityscape, the Sagrada Família will be the world’s tallest church upon completion (estimated, finally, for 2026). This 130-year labour of love, dreamt up by Antoni Gaudí, is one of the world’s most controversial basilicas, but also one of the most visited. Three million tourists flock here each year to gawk at the architectural achievement that has brought nature, light and religion together into one stunning ensemble. The interior is like a giant jigsaw puzzle, with each new style blending into the rest of Gaudí’s visionary design.

Time Out tip: Don't forget to explore the basement. Admission also gives visitors access to the subterranean museum, which provides the chance to watch sculptors working at plaster-cast models IRL through a large window.

2.  La Rambla

This is undoubtedly the most famous street in Barcelona. Stretching from Port Vell to Plaça de Catalunya in the centre, La Rambla offers a bevvy of shops, flower stands, artworks and attractions. Don’t miss the ornate Canaletes fountain, Boqueria market, Liceu opera house and Teatre Principal.

Time Out tip: Think the opera is for fancy people? Think again. A night at Gran Teatre del Liceu can cost less than tickets to see the ‘in’ band of the moment. Plus, it's not just opera, they host ballet and concerts too.

3.  Barcelona Cathedral

• Ciutat Vella

It’s always worth checking out an inner-city cathedral and Barcelona is no exception. Its cathedral is an impressive example of Gothic architecture that’s now a Cultural Heritage Site and, since 1929, a National Historic Monument. It’s dedicated to the Holy Cross and to Saint Eulalia, patron saint of Barcelona, who was martyred by the Romans and whose remains lie in the crypt. Aside from the artistic and architectural riches of the interior, you should also visit the cloister with its 13 white geese (one for each year of Saint Eulalia’s life) and the well-worn engravings on the floor detailing which guild paid for each part of the chapel.

Time Out tip: If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you may get to witness the Catalan tradition known as the Sardana dance, performed in the square in front of the cathedral.

4.  Picasso Museum

If the quality of a museum is measured by the number of people queuing to get in, the Picasso Museum takes first place. The museum was created by the cubist painter and his friend and secretary Jaime Sabartès, who donated his collection to the cause. More than 3,800 works make up the permanent collection, and it also hosts an array of temporary exhibitions. 

Time Out tip: Queues can be punishingly long. Visit at lunch or shortly before the last entry in an attempt to avoid them (or book ahead of time online).

5.  La Boqueria Market

• Markets and fairs

Its stallholders have had to learn languages and indulge in public relations because as well as being the main food market in Barcelona, La Boqueria is now a major tourist destination. Just off La Rambla, this is the biggest market in Catalonia, with more than 300 stalls and a surface area of 2,583 square metres. That is a lot of bits to buy. Think of some obscure delicacy, and you’re almost guaranteed to find it here. Artisanal produce is, naturally, in abundance.

Time Out tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid heaving crowds. Your aptitude will be rewarded by the best produce – but remember to shop around, as prices vary hugely.

6.  Barceloneta

Barcelona has miles of beaches, from Sant Sebastià to Llevant. Many can be found in Barceloneta, the famous maritime and workers’ neighbourhood that sprung up on the island of Maians in the 17th century. It’s worth wandering through the streets of Barceloneta to admire its modest yet charming two-storey houses. Another draw is the area’s excellent and varied cuisine, ranging from tapas and vermouth to paella and seafood. You can also spend a few hours checking out the glitzy yachts lining the marinas, such as the Port Olympic complex. 

Time Out tip: Stop in at Can Solé. Founded in 1903, it's one of the city’s classic seafood restaurants, with possibly the most extensive selection of rice and fideuà dishes in the neighbourhood.

7.  Casa Milà

• Sightseeing
• Dreta de l'Eixample

It has been described as looking like rising dough, molten lava or a stone lung. Let's just say you can make up your own description of this weird and wonderful bit of modernism. Casa Milà is a daring example of Gaudí’s use of stone. When La Pedrera, his last civic project, was first commissioned in 1906, the building became a laughing stock for its undulating façade, wrought-iron balconies and vast windows. Today, of course, it is viewed quite differently and Gaudí’s innovative self-supporting stone exterior has won it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. 

Time Out tip: Make a beeline for the roof. Its mosaic-tiled ventilation shafts are topped with what looks like the helmets of medieval knights, which led the poet Pere Gimferrer to dub the spot 'the garden of warriors'.

8.  Botanical Garden

• Sants - Montjuïc

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through 14 hectares of beautiful greenery from around the globe without leaving Barcelona. This botanical garden is split into five areas, with Australian, Californian, Mediterranean, South African and Chilean plants grouped neatly into each. Plus, if you look past the fauna, you’ll get a cracking view of the city. There are about 1500 species in the Jardí Botànic, so start ticking them off.

Time Out tip: On the other side of the park you’ll find a typical farmhouse, where volunteers help to organise public activities.

9.  Park Güell

• Historic buildings and sites
• price 1 of 4

Up in Barcelona’s Horta-Guinardó neighbourhood, is this maze of walls and walkways consisting of gardens, little architectural displays and more, all boasting breathtaking hillside views of the whole city. Highlights include the Hall of One Hundred Columns (though it actually has 86), the mosaic serpent bench and the salamander on the main steps. 

Time Out tip: Entry to the park is free, but if you have €10 to spare, enter the Monumental Zone, where you'll see the iconic mosaic bench and dragon (and more).

10.  Montjuïc Magic Fountain

Most locals will only see this light, music and water show when they are little kids or have to act as tour guides for visitors. But whether you’ve got your own offspring in tow or not, the show brings out childlike wonder in us all. After all, it is magic . Designed by Carles Buïgas, it is one of the last remaining attractions made for the 1929 International Exposition.

Time Out tip: For that little extra je ne sais quoi, go down on New Year's Eve for Festa de Cap d'Any. It's one of the biggest party nights in town and the fountain display is even more spectacular than usual.

11.  Olympic Ring

In 1992, Barcelona captivated the world with the Olympic Games and the Olympic Ring was built on Montjuïc hill. Covering more than 400 hectares, it includes the Calatrava communications tower,  Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium ,  Palau Sant Jordi  sports hall, Picornell swimming pools, and the head office of the Catalan Institute for Physical Education, as well as the Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum, which opened in 2007. The ring looks more like a sewing needle to us, but that's fine too. 

Time Out tip: When you book your vaycay, check bookings for Palau Sant Jordi and its adjoining Club. They host major sporting and music events, with anyone from the Back Street Boys and Lenny Kravitz to the basketball world championships held here.

12.  CaixaForum

• Art and design
• La Font de la Guatlla

Another example of a brilliantly restored building. Puig i Cadafalch built this former textile factory at the foot of Montjuïc for the entrepreneur Casimir Casaramona. After being abandoned for years, the Fundació La Caixa bought it and turned it into a cultural, social and educational centre. As well as permanent collections of contemporary art, there are three spaces for temporary exhibitions and a programme that includes concerts, lectures, screenings, guided tours and child-friendly activities. So yes, it might sound like a pharma company, but it is a wonderful place to visit, with scenery like no other. And the art is pretty good too.

Time Out tip: Scale one (or both) of its two towers. The 'water tower' culminates in a wonderful conical pinnacle covered in blue mosaic. The other is the 'clock tower' and, although it's clockless, it contains beautiful ironwork.

13.  Plaça de Sant Felip Neri

For many in Barcelona, Sant Felip Neri is the prettiest square in the city – perhaps because of its sheer simplicity. The square is built over the old medieval cemetery of Montjuïc del Bisbe and features a church and school of the same name, some Renaissance buildings and the former head offices of the tinker and shoemaker guilds. If you look closely at the façade of the Sant Felip Neri church, you might notice shrapnel from a bomb thrown by Franco’s forces during the Civil War, tragically killing 42 people, most of them children.

Time Out tip: You'll find the Museu del Calçat (Shoe Museum) here, which is a delightfully quirky place detailing the cobbler’s craft, from Roman sandals to ’70s platform boots.

14.  Maritime Museum

Barcelona’s dockyards (declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1976) look better than ever. The Maritime Museum is responsible for preserving, studying and publicising one of the most important collections of maritime heritage in the Mediterranean. They are worth a look simply for their architecture, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, and the garden and café make for a thoroughly pleasant pit stop.

Time Out tip: Your ticket also allows you aboard the beautiful 1917 'Santa Eulàlia' schooner docked nearby in the Moll de la Fusta. The old ship was one of the last sail-driven boats to transport goods across the Mediterranean.

15.  Illa de la Discòrdia

In just one block in Barcelona, the section of Passeig de Gràcia between C/Aragó and C/Consell de Cent, there are five major buildings from the Catalan modernist era:  Casa Lleó Morera  by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, Casa Mulleras by Enric Sagnier, Casa Bonet by Marcel·lià Coquillat,  Casa Amatller  by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, and  Casa Batlló  by Antoni Gaudí. It was named the Block of Discord because of the rivalries between the five architects, and who doesn't love some good juicy architecture drama? Go with some mates, and battle it out for your faves. 

Time Out tip: Venture inside the Dutch-inspired Casa Amatller to see the vast photographic collection that once belonged to the chocolate baron for after whom the building is named.

16.  Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site

Not far from the Sagrada Família is another modernista gem, the spectacular hospital by Domènech i Montaner. The architect was inspired by hygiene ideals and state-of-the-art hospitals in Europe at the time, so he designed a centre with isolation wards (each for a particular speciality), surrounded by gardens and connected by underground passages. Montaner believed that aesthetic harmony and a welcoming atmosphere were good for health. After more than 80 years of service, the hospital moved to a more modern building and renovation of the old building began. You can now visit with or without a tour guide to discover the history of one of the oldest hospitals in Europe. It is, and was, a city within a city.

Time Out tip: Visit over the Christmas period to see the spectacular light show projected onto the exterior of Sant Pau. It usually kicks off on the winter solstice for a few weeks.

17.  The Carmel Bunkers

The Carmel Bunkers never feature on the standard city tours, which is a shame because if you don’t visit them, you’ll miss some of the  best views of Barcelona . The anti-aircraft guns were built in 1937, during the Civil War, when Barcelona was hit by almost 200 bombings a day. From the 1950s, with the boom in immigration, people moved in. A shantytown sprung up and the residents fought for improvements (electricity, water, bins) and were later rehoused in buildings with better conditions. When Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992, the city demolished the shacks and abandoned the space. Locals later fought for its recognition as a place of historical importance.

Time Out tip: Get there just before sunset to catch some stellar lighting for your photos.

18.  Estació de França

The ‘French Station’ is a product of the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition and is the second largest station in Barcelona ​​after Sants. Comparable in elegance and grandeur to Paris’s former Orsay station, its vast metal arches are a fine example of cast-iron architecture.

Time Out tip: The lobby, designed by Duran i Reynals in the Noucentisme style, today hosts events, including vintage fairs.

19.  Bellesguard Tower

• Sant Gervasi - La Bonanova

In September 2013, the Bellesguard Tower, one of the lesser-known works by Gaudí, opened its doors to the public. The architect was commissioned by Jaume Figueras, and the building is influenced by Gothic and Modernisme styles. Five centuries earlier, in 1409, Martin the Humane, the last king of the House of Barcelona, built his residence in the same spot at the foot of Tibidabo. 

Time Out tip: Join one of the guided tours of the attic area, which also allows access to the roof. Here you can take in stunning views of the city and peep Gaudí's cross, as well as an eye-catching face of a dragon.

20.  Born Centre of Culture and Remembrance

• Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera

After years of excavations, renovations and more than one dispute with the neighbours, the El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria finally opened in 2013 as a multipurpose cultural centre in the former El Born marketplace. The iron-and-glass structure was designed by Josep Fontserè in 1876 and was the city’s first market to be built in a Parisian style. Today visitors can see the archaeological remains of the Vilanova de Mar neighbourhood from 1700 and better understand the siege the city suffered in 1714. Huge walkways now criss-cross this impressive cultural centre, which also features exhibition spaces, a bookshop and a food hall. 

Time Out tip: Come for the history, stay for the copious amounts of food, drink, things to buy and things to see in the area.

21.  Colònia Güell

Jump on the train or car and head to Santa Coloma de Cervelló, in the Baix Llobregat area, to visit the Colonia Güell. The textile industrialist Eusebi Güell moved his facilities from the Sants neighbourhood to this small town to escape social unrest. Gaudí and his team were commissioned for the project, which included a hospital, food hall, school, theatre, shops, co-operative and chapel, plus factories and housing for the workers. Gaudí built the church crypt after Güell’s death and the project was abandoned halfway through.

Time Out tip: Go on a Saturday morning for the Colònia Güell farmers' market.

22.  Botero’s Cat

This is the most famous cat in the Raval – in fact, in Barcelona. Since the Council bought it from Colombian artist Fernando Botero in 1987, the poor cat has been moved several times. First, it was in Parc de la Ciutadella, near the zoo; then, to coincide with the 1992 Olympic Games, it was moved to the Olympic Stadium; several years later, it was moved again to a square behind Drassanes. Now it seems very happy in its home in the Rambla del Raval, and the neighbours love it.

Time Out tip: While you're here, head ten minutes west to La Rambla de les Flors, which has maintained the spirit of the 19th century. You’ll find 100-year-old stands, like Flors María, as well as other colourful shops.

23.  Parc del Laberint d’Horta

• Horta - Guinardó

This vast and incredibly well-manicured maze sits within the oldest park in the city. You’ll find it in the Horta neighbourhood, where, if you ever make it out of the labyrinth, you can mooch around a Neoclassical 18th-century garden and a 19th-century romantic one, plus the Desvalls mansion and an array of fountains and sculptures of mythical Greek characters.

Time Out tip: Bring a picnic. There are stone tables that make for the perfect pit-stop spot.

24.  Cemeteries

Cemetery visits help cultivate an appreciation for those who came before us. Graveyards don’t have to be gloomy – instead, consider their artistic value. In Poblenou and Montjuïc, the largest cemeteries in Barcelona, you can find examples of a marvellous array of architectural styles, funerary art and permanent works by renowned artists. Plus, they are generally free, surrounded by nature, and full of benches.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the popular nighttime excursions ( Montjuïc  in March and  Poblenou  in October).

25.  Museu Nacional (MNAC)

Catalonia’s national art museum offers a complete overview of Catalan art from the 12th to the 20th centuries. The highlight is its Romanesque collection, featuring one of the oldest and biggest collections of paintings on wood in Europe. The museum’s modern art floor boasts pieces from an array of media up to the 1950s, including sculpture, painting, photography, posters, cinema, architecture and decorative arts.

Time Out tip: The climb from Plaça d’Espanya up to the museum is just as worthwhile as the museum.

26.  Palau de la Música Catalana

• Music venues

When you visit the Palau de la Música, all your senses sit up and take notice because every inch tells a story of modernisme, music and Catalonia. It was built in 1908 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Muses watch over the main concert hall, and on the façade, you’ll find busts of Palestrina, Bach, Beethoven and Wagner. The programme, predictably, is stellar.

Time Out tip: If you take a guided tour, be sure to ask questions, as they tend to concentrate mainly on the triumphs of the renovation.

27.  Camp Nou

• Sport and fitness

FC Barcelona’s home ground, or Lionel Messi’s former stomping ground as it is now (un)officially known. Camp Nou is one of the most visited places in the city and is high up on the bucket list of any big football fan (or fan of stadiums), but it is still incredibly impressive to laypeople. And tall. Standing at the top and looking down is something else. 

Time Out tip: Die-hard fans must check out the Camp Nou Experience, which offers a peek inside various players-only areas. 

28.  Tibidabo Funfair

• Theme parks
• Vallvidrera, el Tibidabo i les Planes

This is possibly the coolest location for a theme park – on top of a mountain. It’s the only one in the city and you take the steep funicular to get there. There’s a good mix of classic and modern rides, with many suitable for all ages.

Time Out tip: If you don't mind heights, climb Sagrat Cor next door. You can reach the feet of the massive Jesus that sits up top – almost 600 metres from the base of the mountain.

29.  Casa Planells

In the middle of Avinguda Diagonal stands Casa Planells, a building by Josep Maria Jujol – another of the great Catalan modernists, but more discreet than his contemporaries. In a tiny area, he managed to design an impressive building without overdoing the embellishments and with a rounded façade. Inside, the most striking aspects are the staircase and wrought iron railing. It doesn't look boring from the outside, either. It's small and quirky, unlike La Sagrada Família (just up the road), which is massive (and quirky).

Time Out tip: Get your fill of Catalan modernism with a trip to nearby Casa Vicens. It was the first major architectural assignment Antoni Gaudí got and it only opened its doors to the public for the first time in 2017.

30.  Montjuïc

It’s hard to imagine a hill with more things to see and do. If you fancy a day’s walk through parks and gardens, Montjuïc is a good option. You can visit the  castle  (originally a fortress and, after the Civil War, a military museum) , and then explore some of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in Europe. Among the very best are the  Gardens of Laribal  (with a lovely waterfall), the  Albéniz Mansion , the Gardens of  Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer  (dedicated to bulbs, rhizomes and aquatic plants), and the  Gardens of Joan Brossa  (a brilliant example of land restoration; for more than 30 years this was the Montjuïc amusement park).

Time Out tip: Hungry? Eat al fresco at Caseta del Migdia with Barcelona at your feet. Their BBQ combination plate is a particular highlight.

31.  Joan Miró Foundation

The Miró Foundation has it all. First, the collection of more than 104,000 Miró works, including paintings, sculptures and tapestries, plus almost all of his drawings. Second, the setting, with its spectacular gardens and views of Barcelona from the top of Montjuïc. Third, the building was designed by Josep Lluís Sert, architect, co-founder of GATCPAC (Catalan Architects and Technicians for Progress in Contemporary Architecture) and a great friend of Miró. Fourth, the events they put on, many of which are for families. You can’t afford to miss it!

Time Out tip:  Photography fan? The foundation also houses the Joaquim Gomis Archive, which is a collection of 70,000 photos and documents.

32.  Barcelona University

The most important building in Plaça de la Universitat is, obviously, the historic home of Barcelona University. It became a centre for education in 1871 and housed Barcelona’s main faculties and departments for an entire century, divided into arts and science quadrangles. It now houses the maths and philology departments. 

Time Out tip: Want to nosey inside? Join a guided tour. You'll get to see the most impressive areas of the building: main lobby, assembly hall, staircase of honour and the cloisters.

33.  Mercat de les Flors / Teatre Lliure

• El Poble-sec

British theatre director Peter Brook is credited with transforming this former flower market into a venue for the performing arts in 1985 when he was looking for a place to stage his legendary production of The Mahabharata. After decades of relatively diffuse programming, the Mercat has finally focused on national and international contemporary dance and offers a strong programme that experiments with unusual formats and mixes in new technologies and live music.

Time Out tip: No hablo Español? No problem. Many of the productions in the main space have English surtitles on Saturday evenings.

34.  Ciutadella Park

• Parks and gardens

Ciutadella Park is close to the city centre and is the green space most frequented by locals. There’s much to see across its 17 hectares; the  zoo , the  Catalan Parliament  buildings, the church, lake, bandstand and more. 

Time Out tip: Before you go, check their available activities, which regularly include markets and fairs, sporting events, concerts, DJ sessions, children’s parties, charity events and much more.

35.  Palau Güell

Palau Güell may not be Gaudí’s most well-known work, but it was his first major project for the Catalan capital. A perfect combination of old-fashioned opulence and stylised modernism, this UNESCO World Heritage mansion will have you picturing yourself rolling up in a horse-drawn carriage. Tucked down a narrow street in the Raval, Palau Güell, designed by Gaudí for his patron Count Güell, stands today as a symbol of Catalan nationalism. 

Time Out tip: As you explore the house, notice how the rising levels (from the modest basement to the ostentatiously colourful roof with 20 mosaic chimneys) reflect the motif of wealth.

36.  Santa Maria del Mar

One of the best surviving examples of the Catalan Gothic style, this graceful basilica stands out for its characteristic horizontal lines, plain surfaces, square buttresses and flat-topped octagonal towers. Its superb unity of style is down to the fact that it was built relatively quickly, with construction taking just 55 years (1329 to 1384). There’s also some stunning stained glass, especially the great 15th-century rose window above the main door. The original window fell down during an earthquake, killing 25. The incongruous modern window at the other end was a 1997 addition, belatedly celebrating the Olympics.

Time Out tip: Santa Maria del Mar is a traditional venue for concerts: look out for a Requiem Mass at Easter and Handel's Messiah at Christmas.

37.  The Jewish Quarter (El Call)

The  ancient synagogue  of Barcelona – the oldest in Europe – can be found in the Old Jewish Quarter between C/ del Call, Plaça Sant Jaume, C/ Banys Nous and C/ Sant Sever. The narrow streets are a joy to wander and contain an array of Jewish cultural institutions. 

Time Out tip: Head to MUHBA El Call to see ritual lamps, headstones and some great temporary exhibitions.

38.  Plaça de la Virreina

Gràcia is full of beautiful squares and great bars; this  plaça , however, has the most appeal for us. For its friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere, for the church that overlooks it, for being a meeting place for locals and the rest of Barcelona, and for the healthy rivalry between the three main bars. Try them all!

Time Out tip: If you have the kids with you, head to Bateau Lune at number 7 – one of the most loveable toy shops in the city, thanks to the warmth of the owners and their incredible inventory.

39.  CCCB

Spain’s largest cultural centre was opened in 1994 at the Casa de la Caritat, a former almshouse constructed on the site of a medieval monastery. The massive façade and part of the courtyard remain from the original building; the rest was rebuilt in dramatic contrast, all tilting glass and steel, by architects Piñón and Viaplana, known for the Maremagnum shopping centre at the Barcelona port. Most of the building is given over to exhibitions, but it also hosts music festivals, films, lectures and debates. 

Time Out tip: Want to save some cash? Visit on a Sunday (3-8pm) for free entry or, alterntively, International Museum Day, Museums Night and La Mercè Holidays, when entry is also nada.

40.  Plaça Reial

• Ships and boats

If you head towards the ocean, you’ll probably stumble through Plaça Reial. It contains a handful of palm trees and has a fountain in the middle known as Three Graces. This Neoclassical water feature was designed by Antoni Rovira i Trias, while the chunky lampposts are Gaudí’s. Restaurants and bars surround the square, making for a lively evening hub. And yes, it’s worth keeping a keen eye on your belongings as you pass through.

Time Out tip: Music lovers should step into Jamboree. This long-serving jazz club has been putting on live blues, jazz, hip-hop and dance music twice a day since the 1960s.

41.  Sant Antoni Market

After almost a decade of renovations, the traders of the provisional market of Sant Antoni returned to the impressive Rovira i Trias building in 2018. The octagonal dome is the crown that structures the market’s cross-shaped corridors. In those closest to the market façade, you’ll find the Encants market. Each part can be visited since they have different schedules. 

Time Out tip: On Sundays, stop by the book market just outside the market on Urgell Street.

42.  Plaça dels Àngels and MACBA

Slowly the skaters are taking over this square, but they cannot take away from the imposing Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona ( MACBA) . It’s an impressive building, designed by the American architect Richard Meier, with a large glass façade and a combination of straight lines and cylindrical shapes. Since its opening in 1995, the MACBA has become the city’s top institution for contemporary art in all its forms.

Time Out tip: La Capella, a former medieval convent on the other side of the square, is free to enter and provides a project space for specially commissioned works.

43.  Plaça de Sant Jaume

This square is the administrative centre of Barcelona, housing the Catalan Autonomous Government and City Hall. It’s named after the church that once stood here in medieval times and was the site of the main crossroads in the Roman settlement of Barcino. The Roman Forum and Temple of Augustus were also located here, and four columns can still be seen in C/Paradís. Today, most major protests and demonstrations pass through the square.

Time Out tip: Check out the nativity scene at Christmas – it's mightily impressive.

44.  Monestir de Sant Pere de les Puel·les

Sant Pere de les Puel·les may not be one of the better-known churches in Barcelona, though it should be. It was formerly a Benedictine monastery, but only the church remains from the original building, which was rebuilt after a fire in 1909. Along with its pretty square, packed with restaurants and terraces, this little-known gem is more than worth a visit.

Time Out tip: For a nice lunch spot after the monastery, walk ten minutes over to Parc de Joan Reventós – named for the former president of the Parliament of Catalonia – where there are tree-lined walks and a kids' play area.

45.  Santa Maria del Pi

The main façade of this Catalan Gothic-style church in Plaça del Pi features a large rosette of 12 branches from the 14th century. It was destroyed in the fire of 1936 and rebuilt between 1939 and 1943 by architect Josep Maria Jujol. As well as admiring the two octagonal towers that flank it, the enormous bell tower and the image of the Virgin Mary with a child on the tympanum, visitors can catch classical guitar concerts and exhibitions here.

Time Out tip: Visiting in August? Try and time it with the Festes de Sant Roc. This festa major (street festival) in the Gothic Quarter is the oldest in Barcelona, dating back to 1589. There will be dancing, singing, puppets, DJs and more.

46.  Temple of Augustus

Four stunning fluted Corinthian columns dating from the first century BC soar out of their podium in the most unlikely of places: a back patio of the Mountaineering Centre of Catalonia. Part of the rear corner is devoted to the Roman emperor Augustus, and the columns were discovered and isolated from the structure of a medieval building in 1835. The current layout is a slight fudging of the original, as the right-hand column resided separately in  Plaça del Rei  until it was slotted next to the other three in 1956.

Time Out tip: Got the kids in tow? Take them on a tour, Time Machine: From the Romans to the Middle Ages. Exploring the historic quarters at street level and underground, the guide will reveal secrets of the ancient architecture and what the Temple of Augustus must have been like.

47.  Plaça de Prim

Poblenou’s most emblematic square is also home to some of its oldest residences. The humble, white 19th-century buildings that line the square were home to fishermen when Poblenou was a fishing village. Plaça de Prim doesn’t need a lot of frills to seduce passers-by. Three fantastic ombú trees, a less-than-spectacular fountain, a few benches and a single restaurant – but what a restaurant!  Els Pescadors  has the privilege of exclusive terrace rights.

Time Out tip: If you do eat at the Mediterranean joint Els Pescadors, you must get stuck into a selection of their fresh seafood dishes.

48.  Torre Glòries

All around Plaça de las Glòries, you’ll find quite a few of Barcelona’s architectural and cultural landmarks. On one side, you’ve got the  Torre Glòries  (formerly Torre Agbar), the work of architect Jean Nouvel that changed the city’s skyline. On the other is the  Mercat de Bellcaire  (aka ‘Encants’) flea market with its impressive wavy roof designed by Fermín Vázquez. But there’s also the  Disseny Hub Barcelona , home to the city’s design museum; the  Teatre Nacional de Catalunya , by Ricardo Bofill; and  L’Auditori , by Rafael Moneo.

Time Out tip: Get a great view of Barcelona from the 125-metre high observation deck of Mirador torre Glòries. Designed by Jean Nouvel in 2005, it looks somewhat like an irridescent version of London's 'Gherkin'.

49.  Santa Caterina Market

Opened in 1846, the Mercat de Santa Caterina is the city’s second oldest market. The renovation project was carried out by a team of architects led by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue, its most distinctive feature probably being the gorgeous mosaic roof made with 325,000 pieces whose colours echo the fruit and vegetable stands beneath.

Time Out tip: If wandering among so much fresh produce makes you hungry, you can eat at Cuines de Santa Caterina, a bustling restaurant with international dishes available from its various bars.

50.  Parc de Cervantes

You can explore Cervantes Park by walking up from Avinguda Diagonal, where the main entrance is, or down from the Ronda de Dalt for a more relaxed stroll. This vast green space is much appreciated by walkers and athletes for its wide paths and (both) sunny and shady spots. But if anything, it’s known for its rose garden. From the beginning of spring through autumn, more than 10,000 roses fill four hectares of just one small part of the park.

Time Out tip: Since 2001, the garden has been hosting Barcelona’s International New Rose Competition, which takes place in early May and often features never-before-seen hybrid species of roses.

51.  Street art in the Gothic Quarter and surrounding areas

Barcelona has tons of great graffiti and mural spots, but sniffing them out isn't easy if you don't know oyur way around. Thankfully, they have guides for things like that and you can enlist one to take you round the best areas to see unique, contemporary graffiti. Head round Raval, Gótico and Born, where urban art abounds.

Time Out tip : Want tosee some artists in action? Head to the Jardins de les Tres Xemeneies in Poble-sec, where spray artists tend to meet up.

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Everything you need to know about getting around Barcelona

Jul 4, 2023 • 6 min read

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

Barcelona is a perfectly sized city.

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

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

Here are the best ways to get around Barcelona.

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

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

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

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

Ride the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat to the foothills of Barcelona

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

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

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

The bus is the best late-night transport

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

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

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

Get epic views from Barcelona's cable cars and funiculars

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

Tickets can be bought in metro and FGC stations

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

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

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

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

Barcelona is becoming a bike-friendly city

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

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

Many sights in the Old City are easily explored on foot

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

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

Take a taxi for ease and comfort 

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

Accessible transportation is a priority in Barcelona 

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

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

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

This article was first published July 2021 and updated July 2023

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona

Rich history and modern charm abound at every turn in Barcelona. From lush public parks to bustling markets, stunning architecture to world-class museums, this captivating city has something for every traveler. We’ve rounded up the ten best things to do during your next visit to the vibrant capital of Catalonia.

Spend an afternoon in Parc de La Ciutadella

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Parc de La Ciutadella . This expansive, idyllic oasis is ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics by the lake, or simply relaxing amidst lush gardens and the ornate Cascada Monumental fountain.

Get Lost in the Hedges at Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Lose yourself in the verdant beauty of Parc del Laberint d’Horta , Barcelona’s oldest garden. This isn’t typically on the radar for most first-time visitors, but it should be––this hidden gem boasts a stunning neoclassical maze, serene water features, and lush greenery. A peaceful retreat away from the city center, you’ll have a great time working your way through the manicured hedges.

Try Patatas Bravas and Jamón Ibérico at Mercat de Sant Antoni

Most travelers have their hearts set on sampling sweet and savory bites around La Boqueria Mercat , though we prefer Mercat de Sant Antoni . There are distinct similarities––this bustling market is brimming with fresh produce, gourmet delicacies, and local specialties––but instead of tourists wandering the aisles, it’s residents. Be respectful while exploring the stalls and sampling traditional Catalonian dishes.

Find Vintage Treasures at Mercat dels Encants

Discover treasures old and new at Mercat dels Encants , one of Europe’s largest (and oldest) flea markets. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, patrons gather in this sprawling open-air market below the stunning 80-foot-high roof crafted from undulating zinc, aluminum, and mirrored silver and gold. From vintage clothing and antique furniture to quirky souvenirs and unique finds, this eclectic market is a paradise for bargain hunters and collectors.

Soak Up the Sun at La Barceloneta

The city’s beloved beachfront neighborhood, La Barceloneta , is the perfect place to soak up the sun and sea breeze. Whether lounging on the sandy shores, savoring fresh seafood at beachside restaurants, or enjoying watersports and beach volleyball, Barceloneta offers endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

Uncover Barcelona’s Rich Cultural Heritage in El Born

Step back in time as you wander through the narrow streets of El Born , Barcelona’s historic quarter. Home to medieval architecture, charming boutiques, and trendy natural wine bars and cafés, travelers can uncover the city’s rich cultural heritage by day and stay out bar-hopping in this area all night.

Visit Awe-Inspiring Basilicas (Santa Maria del Mar, Basílica de la Mercè, La Sagrada Familia)

Barcelona’s basilicas are not only sacred sites but architectural marvels that hold profound historical significance. Gawk at the Gothic beauty of Santa Maria del Mar (the favorite of most city-dwellers), the ornate Basílica de la Mercè , and the iconic masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia .

Step Into Antoni Gaudí’s Magical Mind at Parc Güell

Enter the whimsical world of Antoni Gaudí at Parc Güell , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Barcelona’s most revered landmarks. Explore the surreal sculptures, colorful mosaics, and winding pathways of this enchanting park, offering panoramic views of the city below.

Discover Barcelona’s World-Class Art Museums

Some of the world’s most notable artists spent time honing their craft in Barcelona or connecting with like-minded, forward-thinkers. From the permanent collection at the Picasso Museum to the contemporary masterpieces at the Moco Museum Barcelona , the city’s art museums offer a diverse range of captivating exhibitions and collections.

Ride the Port Cable Car from Montjuïc to Barceloneta (and Back)

Experience Barcelona from new heights with the Port Cable Car . Whisking patrons from Montjuïc to Barceloneta and back, travelers can embrace the thrill of soaring 70 meters above the city. Take in panoramic views with a weightless sensation, but be sure to plan your ride strategically to avoid long queues––early morning and mid-day are the best times to go.

Other Articles You May Like:

• A Destination Guide to Barcelona, According to a Primavera Sound Booking Agent
• The Best Affordable Boutique Hotels in Barcelona
• Discover the Most Charming Hotel in Barcelona’s Storied Eixample District

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Barcelona Uncovered

How to Get Around Barcelona: Local’s Guide 2024

Whether New York City, San Francisco, or anywhere in between, navigating public transportation in a new city can be challenging . Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be! 

Barcelona is a breeze to navigate and the public transport system is excellent. I’m here to help you learn how to get around Barcelona like a local. 

Why should you listen to me? I’ve been living in Barcelona the last few years and I’ve never had a car! Since living here, I’ve learned to use the public transportation in Barcelona like a pro and you can too! 

This complete guide will help you understand how to travel around Barcelona – the metro, busses, taxis, and even the high speed train that can get you in and out of Barcelona in just a few hours. 

Let’s dive in!  

Walking – the best way to get around Barcelona! 

That’s right! Without a doubt, this is the easiest way to get around Barcelona . It’s safe, easy, and best of all – no traffic! Okay, so maybe there’s a little foot traffi c. But, walking in Barcelona is one of the most popular ways to get around. 

You can get to all major attractions , different neighborhoods , and endless shops and tapas bars within 30 minutes of just about everywhere in Barcelona. 

A day of sightseeing on your feet will have you navigating the streets of Barcelona with ease. 

Pro tip: Bring comfy tennis shoes. You won’t look like a tourist, that’s what we locals wear too! I pair almost every outfit with a comfy white sneaker. 

Barcelona Metro

The Barcelona metro system consists of multiple color coded lines that criss-cross through the city, connecting all major neighborhoods and points of interest. The metro is the cheapest way to travel in Barcelona. 

Metro lines 1-5 are primary lines serving the center of the city . L9,10,11 are recent additions connecting to suburbs and the airport. Metro stations are well dispersed through the city and often no more than a 10 minute walk from any point in the city. 

The metro operation times are as follows:

Monday-Thursday: 5am to midnight

Fridays: 5am – 2:00am 

Saturdays and Sundays: continual service from 5am Saturday morning to 24:00 Sunday 

If you’re planning a late Saturday night out, the metro is a great option as it does not stop from 2-5am like other days. 

Unlike the week nights, the metro doesn’t stop between 2am and 5am on Saturday nights. This means you can plan a late night out and hop on the metro to get home! 

Schedules can vary on public holidays. Be sure to check TMD website on public holidays before relying on the regular train schedule. 

T Casual Card Travel Card

The T-Casual is a great option for travelers looking to see as much of the city as possible. The card is valid for 10 journeys from zones 1-6, that will include all major points of interest and the most visited attractions in the Barcelona region. Think – Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter, Gaudi Houses , Barceloneta, and more. 

T Casual Card Cost: Each card costs €11.35 (this may vary, check TMD website for accurate pricing). As the Barcelona transit is an integrated fare system , your T-casual card will also be valid on buses and trams. 

Where to purchase: Cards can be purchased online or directly at any of the ticket machines in the metro station. 

If you’re wondering how to get around Barcelona without a car and on a budget, the T-casual card is definitely the best option. 

The local bus system has an extensive bus fleet that is among the cleanest and efficient in Europe . 

The network consists of urban buses – labeled with numbers and night buses – labeled with N. 

Most urban buses begin services between 5 am and 8 am , while night buses begin around 10:40pm and 11:40pm and end between 5am and 6am. 

Buses are single-deckers and are accessible for folks with limited mobility. 

The TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) app provides real time updates on routes, schedules and disruptions. 

P.S. There is a bus that goes to the airport. 

Free Guide: 8 Tips for Staying Safe in Barcelona

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Taxis are a convenient and safe option for travelers in a hurry. Taxis are usually readily available near major destinations and can be easily flagged down on busy streets. 

You’ll also find a line of taxis and travelers waiting just outside the airport. This is a great way to get into the city if you don’t want to take a bus. 

From the Barcelona airport to city center, you can expect to pay about $30-$40. Most drivers will automatically use the meter. I also recommend avoiding a pre-negotiated rate and opt for a metered ride. 

Keep in mind there will also be a set starting rate when going to or from the airport- this is normal!

Cabify 

Cabify operates exactly like Uber and is a great option for those who don’t want to hail a cab outside. 

PRO TIP: I recommend downloading the app ahead of your visit as a text message is required for setup . If you do plan on using a ride share app, Cabify is your best bet . 

Free Now is also popular, however, you will need a Spanish number to complete setup. 

Vespa Scooters

If you're looking to explore the city like a local, hopping on a Vespa might just be your best bet. Scooters are a popular local's choice for zipping around the city - you'll see lines of scooters on the street all day.

Not only is it a fun and speedy mode of transportation, but it also allows you to take in all the sights and sounds of the city in a fun, adventurous way.

And who knows, you may even discover hidden gems along the way that you might have missed if you were traveling in a car. So, why not channel your inner Italian and cruise through the city on a stylish Vespa?

Try out a Vespa rental to scoot your way around Barcelona ►

Bikes/E-Bikes

While the local red bikes are only available for residents, there are plenty of e-bike tours to see the highlights of the city. There are tons of bike lanes throughout the city, and it’s actually a realy cool way to sightsee! 

If you’re not comfortable on a bike, however, I’d steer clear. Car and foot traffic can get crowded and overwhelming if you’re not a confident biker. 

Hop on an e-bike tour and cruise through the city's sights ►

Hop on Hop Off Tours

The Hop on Hop Off bus is a great way to see several highlights of Barcelona. With a duration of 2 hours and destinations to Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and Port Olimpic, you’ll quickly check off several must see destinations. 

Learning how to get around Barcelona as a tourist can be a little bit easier if you take a few hours to learn your way around the city on this bus. 

Even as an avid traveler, I still opt for a city bus tour when I visit a new city. I find it to be a quick and easy guide to learn my way around any city.

Buy your hop-on-hop-off bus tickets ►

Barcelona is a city rich in culture, history, and breathtaking sights. With so much to see, it can be overwhelming to try to navigate the city and its surrounding areas on your own . 

Luckily, there are plenty of tours available that cater to every interest and time frame . From full sightseeing tours to e-bike tours (my personal favorite way to get around Barcelona), and even tours of nearby wineries, there's something for everyone. 

If you're looking for a local guide to give you a new perspective on this city, you won't have any trouble finding a tour that fits the bill. 

And if you're looking to venture outside of Barcelona, there are plenty of options as well - from a day trips to Monseratt to tapas tours full of Gothic Quarter ’s history, the possibilities are endless. 

With so many great tours to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect way to see everything you're hoping to see in Barcelona.

Check out the top sightseeing tours in Barcelona ►

Private Tour Guides

Not sure what you want to see? Looking for something a bit more intimate? Enter: your own personal private tour guide! Choose from comfortable transportation, private bike tours, or even private photography tours.

Travel through the city with the help of a local who has all of your attention. Your guide will take you to all of the top attractions, or veer off to accommodate your interests. There’s nothing better! 

Book a private tour guide to see Barcelona’s highlights ►

Rental Cars

Wondering whether renting a car is a good idea? Here's the scoop: driving in Barcelona can be a bit of a headache. The narrow streets, limited parking, and abundance of pedestrians can make it a real challenge. 

However, if you're planning a weekend trip to Cadaques or a day trip to any of the nearby cities, renting a car is actually a great option. 

Sure, navigating public transportation in Barcelona is doable, but it can be a hassle and you might not want to rely on their schedules. Plus, some towns like Figueres require transfers from trains to busses, and that might be a bit much for some travelers! 

My best advice would be to get a rental car for the days you'll need it and drop it off for the days you'll be exploring within the city. 

Learning how to get around Barcelona with a car, for the most part, just isn’t worth it . I’ve lived here for years and I’ve never driven a car in the city. I don’t plan to either! 

Search for the best rates on DiscoverCars ►

High-Speed Train

High-speed trains, otherwise referred to as “AVE” for Alta Velocidad Espanola, reach speeds up to 186 mph / 300 km/hour.  You'll also see them referred to as "Renfe".

An alternative to flying, these lines have opened efficient connections to cities like Madrid , Valencia , Sevilla, Malaga, Zaragoza, and Paris.  

The trains are spacious, comfortable, and come well equipped with amenities like wifi and power outlets. 

Ticket prices vary based on time of departure and how far in advance they’re booked. Overall, prices are reasonable. If you’re visiting Europe for the first time and itching to try out the famous high-speed travel life, now’s your chance! 

Purchase your train tickets on Omio ►

Is there Uber in Barcelona?

After winning a local legal battle, Uber is now available in Barcelona, but is less prevalent than in US cities. 

As a local, I really don't use Uber Barcelona app. More often than not, a standard cab will show up, even when ordering via the uber app.

Since cabs are safe and often readily available, I recommend just ordering a standard taxi, as this will be quicker. 

Getting to Barcelona from the Airport 

The first question most people research before making their way to the city - how to get around Barcelona from airport! Don’t worry, there are a few ways, and they’re all quite simple . Whether you're on a budget or want to ride in luxury, there’s an option for you. 

By Public Transit - Aerobus

The blue aerobus is a quick and cost effective option connecting the airport to the city center of Barcelona. Barcelona airport has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, each with their own Aerobus . 

Both Aerobus T1 and Aerobus T2 connect the same destinations, run on similar frequency, and are the same price. 

From the airport to the city, aerobus stops at Plaza Espana, Gran Via - Urgell, Plaza Universitat, and Plaza Catalunya (City Center ). 

You can also take the areo b us from the city to the airport . Going back to the airport, the aerobus offers pickups starting at Plaza Catalunya, Sepulveda-Urgell, and Plaza Espana. 

Terminal 1 buses operate 24 hours a day with a frequency of 5-10 minutes. 

Terminal 2 buses operate 24 hours a day with a frequency of every 10 minutes.  

Single tickets cost about €10. At the time of writing this, tickets cost €6.75 and return tickets €11.65 when purchased onsite at the airport. There are local kiosks to make your purchase when you arrive.  

Tickets can also be purchased ahead of time on Tiquets . 

Book your bus tickets to or from the airport on Tiqets ► 

Private Transfer

If you're looking for a comfortable and hassle-free ride to or from Barcelona Airport, booking a private transfer is the way to go.  

Not only will you avoid the crowds and chaos of public transportation, but you'll also be greeted by a professional driver who will be waiting for you upon your arrival. 

Even better, if your flight gets delayed, your driver will wait for you until you arrive. The price is actually incredibly reasonable for a private transfer. 

With a private transfer, you'll have the luxury of traveling in a comfortable vehicle that has enough space for all your luggage. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride knowing that you're in good hands.

Book your pr i vate transfer ► 

Best Things to Do in Barcelona Spain

• Complete Gaudi tour! Visit Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, and key Guadi masterpieces.
• Taste your way through the city with a tapas and wine tour (with a local, of course)
• Spend a day lounging on the beach.
• See the skyline from another perspective on a sunset sail 
• Check out a sunset at Bunkers overlook. 

Barcelona Packing List

Here are my favorite things to pack when it comes to traveling around Barcelona (or anywhere, really!) I travel a ton , so I've got this down to a science now!

BEST BELT BAG FOR BARCELONA

I'm all about style , practicality, and affordability . Pickpockets can be a real problem in Barcelona, so keeping your belongings secured in front of you is super important.

Don't just take it from me - this belt back has high ratings and comes in EVERY color. Grab a few to match every outfit, if you want!

BEST LUGGAGE SET FOR BARCELONA

Coolife not only has some of the best-rated luggage on Amazon, but also the most variety in colors, pieces, and sets.

You'll likely want to check a bag going to Barcelona, but if you're traveling around Europe, you'll need small carry ons. Budget airlines like Ryan Air and Vuelling have smaller overhead space than you might be used to on airlines in America.

BACKPACKING IN BARCELONA

There's no question that Osprey has made a name for itself when it comes to backpacking - I recently got one myself! I had a hard time finding which one was right for me.

Lucky for you, they have a nifty "Who is This Pack For" quiz on there Amazon Storefront to help you find the perfect pack. Osprey's are expensive, but they'll last you a lifetime!

LIGHTWEIGHT SUNSCREEN

Because just like the Caribbean , the sun hits different in Barcelona! Protect your skin. And if you're traveling carry-on only, remember that Europe (specifically London ) has pesky liquid requirements to keep in mind.

PACKING CUBES

As an avid traveler, I need to squeeze A LOT into a little. Packing cubes are surprisingly space saving - and a great way to organize. I have these packing cubes - they've lasted a long time and are versatile enough to get me through every trip.

WHITE SNEAKERS

Do yourself a favor - don't show up to Barcelona without some cute white sneakers. Leave the heels at home. Walking around Barcelona isn't for the faint of heart. Keep your feet happy and go for stylish comfort.

EUROPEAN PLUG ADAPTER

These are lifesavers when traveling in Europe - 2 ports on each + 2 USB ports. They're hefty and they've lasted me a few years already, so I know they're good quality. Plus, they've got almost 10,000 great ratings on Amazon, so I'm not alone.

PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY WITH THE BEST VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) protects your internet connection and privacy while hiding your online identity...and gives you access to your favorite streaming services on the road...

Unsecured connections to public WiFi can result in loss of personal data and even credit card information.

NordVPN is fast, secure, and affordable . Really, you should use it everywhere, not just when you're traveling!

SIM cards can be a nightmare, I get it. Airalo makes it easy to add a SIM card right to your phone - one less thing you have to worry about when you get to Europe. You can purchase a card for Spain, Europe, or Global.

Just make sure your phone is compatible before you buy! You can check in the settings of your phone.

SAND PROOF/QUICK DRY TOWEL

Going to the beach? Don't forget your towel! And definitely don't get stuck waiting for it to dry. These quick dry towels keep away the worst part of the beach (sand) and make it easy to store them when you're back in your hotel. Plus, they're super compact and light weight.

FAQ: Getting Around Barcelona On Your Own

What is the cheapest way to get around barcelona .

The cheapest way to get around Barcelona is by utilizing public transportation. I recommend purchasing a T-casual ticket. This will give you access to the metro and buses. 

Public transportation is reliable, efficient, and incredibly cost effective! Lucikly, the public transit system in Barcelona is also considered a safe option for solo travelers, families, and locals alike. 

Is it easy to get around Barcelona? 

Yes - it is incredibly easy to get around Barcelona. The city is well connected by public transport and is easily walkable. The metro system and bus system are affordable and easy to understand.   After traveling all around the world, I still believe Barcelona is one of the easiest cities to navigate. 

Is it better to Uber or taxi in Barcelona?

It’s better to use taxis in Barcelona. You’ll find that there’s less wait time with taxis and they’re more readily available.

While Uber is available throughout the city, it’s not as prevalent as taxis. In fact, on some occasions, even when you order an Uber, a taxi will show up. 

Cabify and FreeNow are also two popular ride sharing apps that are a more popular choice than Uber.  

Does Uber work in Barcelona?

Uber does work in Barcelona, but it’s not as quick as in the United States. Taking regular city taxis or using ride-share apps like Cabify and FreeNow are much more popular than Uber.

Is Cabify cheaper than taxi in Barcelona?

In my experience, Cabify tends to be more expensive than taxis. Oftentimes, apps have surge pricing where cabs are controlled by meters.

If you’re on a budget and don’t want to take public transportation, taxis are the cheaper option . Don’t worry - taxis are totally safe and always available!   

Are taxis cheap in Barcelona? 

Yes - taxis are cheap in Barcelona Taxis are incredibly cheap in Barcelona. You can look up meter rates to get an idea of what your trips will cost. 

Taxis will always accept credit cards and Apple Pay. This makes your travel needs conveneint and stress-free.

Do you tip taxi drivers in Barcelona?

No, it is not necessary to tip cab drivers in Barcelona. If you’re feeling generous, I’m sure they would appreciate it! 

Can I use my Uber app in Spain?

You can use Uber in Spain, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Just grab a taxi! Taxis are more readily available, easier to catch, and usually cheaper as well. 

Are Ubers allowed at Barcelona airport?

Technically Ubers are allowed at Barcelona airport, but it’s often a standard cab that will pick you up. 

When you leave the Barcelona airport, you'll find an orderly line of passengers waiting for taxis. Taxis are plentiful and you'll be in one and on your way within a matter of minutes.

This is efficient and often much easier than searching for an Uber.

What ride sharing app in Barcelona?

Cabify is the best ride sharing app for Barcelona. You can also use Free Now, but you need a Spanish number.

Uber is newly available in the city, though it’s not primarily used as of now. 

If you're worried about finding rides in Barcelona, you'll quickly see how easy and efficient simply hailing a taxi in the street will be!

Final Thoughts: How to Get Around Barcelona As a Tourist

There you have it. Now you know how to go around Barcelona! The public transport network in Barcelona is one of the best in the world . 

Efficient and cost effective options like the T-Casual Barcelona card open up the city to everyone . Start your morning enjoying a coffee in front of the Barcelona cathedral in the old city, then whip up to Gracia for some tasty food in the afternoon. 

This guide has given you everything you need on all things Barcelona transport. Keep this guide on you and you’ll be traveling around the city like a local your whole trip. 

Bon Voyage. See you in Barcelona!

• Barcelona in August
• Barcelona in September
• Barcelona in February
• Rooftop Bars in Barcelona
• Christmas in Barcelona
• Best Barcelona Wine Tours and Tastings
• Best Beaches in Cadiz

Rachel is Barcelona Expat and digital nomad. After a decade of traveling around, she decided to set roots in Barcelona. She now helps tens of thousands of people travel to beaches around the world, and is ready to help you plan your trip to Barcelona. To help you experience the best of Spain and this coastal paradise.

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Barcelona, Spain, the capital of Catalonia ( Catalunya in Catalan), is one of the most exciting, bustling cities I have visited in Europe. Located on the coast of northern Spain, just south of the Costa Brava, Barcelona is the largest city in Catalonia and the second largest in Spain.

Divided into districts, and then neighborhoods, Barcelona grew out of the early Ciutat Vella, which includes the Gothic Quarter, where Roman ruins are still visible today, and Barceloneta, which is famous for its fish shops. 

Barcelona is also a sunny, beach-loving city with a rich history, incredible food and wine, and plenty of great shopping. It is known as the Modernist City, named for the number of unique architecture by Antoni Gaudi and Luis Domènech I Montaner, two rival architects from the turn of the 20th century.

Two days in Barcelona is plenty of time to experience the major attractions, try some of the city’s best food and wine, experience the famed nightlife, and do a little shopping. Here is my itinerary to make the best out of two days in Barcelona.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Tip: Barcelona is a big city get around comfortably with a 2, 3, 4, or 5-day public transport ticket.

Table of Contents

2 Days in Barcelona Quick Guide

Planning a trip to Barcelona? Find here everything you need: Looking for transportation from/to the airport?  Click here for more information and to book your private transfer. Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in Barcelona: – Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Guell & Extended Sagrada Família – Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & History Tour – Sagrada Familia Entry Ticket with Audio Guide – Park Güell Admission Ticket – Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum – Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 1 or 2-Day Ticket – Barcelona Go City Pass Where to stay in Barcelona:  Petit Palace Boqueria Garden (is set in a historic 19th-century building by La Boqueria Market), Hotel Barcelona Catedral (terrace with a swimming pool and wonderful city views), Ramblas Hotel (in the center of Barcelona’s old town)

A Comprehensive 2-Day Barcelona Itinerary

• Day 1: Placa de Catalunya. La Rambla, La Boqueria, Placa Reial, Barcelona Cathedral. Gothic Quarter, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Picasso Museum,
• Day 2: Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell.

Barcelona in 2 Days Map

Barcelona Go City Pass

A good way to save time and money is to invest in a  Barcelona Pass . With the pass, you can save up to 50% on the top Barcelona attractions.

The  Barcelona Pass  is all-inclusive and provides access to popular attractions, like:

• Casa Batlló
• Sagrada Familia Guided Tour
• Park Güell Guided Tour
• Barcelona Bus Turístic
• FC Barcelona – Immersive Tour

Click here for more information and to book your Barcelona Go City Pass.

2 Days in Barcelona – Day One

We spent our first day in Barcelona’s original district, Ciutat Vella, where we wandered the narrow winding streets of the El Gotic and El Raval neighborhoods, walked the wide Las Ramblas, taste-tested our way through La Boqueria, and experienced several museums that introduced us to some of Barcelona’s most famous residents.

1. Plaça Catalunya

Plaça Catalunya, one of Barcelona’s most central plazas, is often full of people. It is a major metro and train connection as well as the crossroads of the city. The Passeig de Gracia and Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes intersect near Plaça Catalunya while many other major roads meet here, including Las Ramblas. The square celebrates Catalan history and people, with four statues representing the four capital cities of Catalonia and one commemorating Francesc Macia, president of Catalunya.

2. Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is one of the major pedestrian streets in Barcelona. It is a wide street lined with trees and is the unofficial meeting place for locals and tourists who want to take a stroll. Because La Rambla is 1.2 kilometers long, it follows the contours of the medieval city walls, making it one of the straightest streets among the winding lanes of the old Gothic city.

Today, Las Ramblas is lined with street artists, tourist shops, cafes and bars, and some of Barcelona’s most famous buildings, including Gran Teatre de Liceu and the Columbus Monument.

3. La Boqueria

La Boqueria is Barcelona’s premier market and one of the oldest in the city with a market on this site as far back as the 1200s, even though the current building wasn’t opened until the 1850s.  The market has a wide selection of fruits, meat, cheese, bread, sweets, and more.

Even if you don’t plan to shop for groceries at the market, it is worth going to La Boqueria for the colorful stalls and aromas that waft through the building. There are also eateries scattered throughout the market for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine or sandwiches while there. The market also has some great snacks for vegans. For even more options, you can check the vegan guide to Barcelona .

4. Plaça Reial

Plaça Reial is a beautifully porticoed square in the heart of the city, one of Barcelona’s busiest squares, especially at night. There are several fountains and palm trees that lend an air of elegance to the square. It is a popular place for locals to go in the evening, as the porticoes hide any number of tapas and wine bars.

The square is surrounded by beautiful houses, once owned by the noble families of Barcelona but now are slightly more bohemian. Barcelona’s most popular nightclubs are also located within Plaça Reial. 

5. Barcelona Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, located at Cathedral Square in the Gothic Quarter, is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It was built on the foundations of the early Christian church and the Romanesque Cathedral in the 13th century. The cathedral houses the relics of Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona.

6. Gothic Quarter

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter – El Barri Gotic – is the early Roman city, and these remnants are still to be found in the narrow winding streets of the neighborhood. Many of the streets are pedestrian-only, and the Gothic Quarter, with its beautiful architecture, charming stone buildings, and lovely squares is considered one of the most interesting parts of the city.

7. Palau de la Musica Catalana

The Palau de la Musica Catalana is one of Barcelona’s most modernist buildings, designed in the early 1900s by Gaudi’s rival, Luis Domènech I Montaner. With its mosaics, sculptures, stained glass, and wrought iron, it is considered as the “building that epitomizes Catalan art nouveau” and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, along with his other famous building, the Hospital Sant Pau. Palau is still an operating music hall, and you can purchase tickets for a show at the box office.

Click here to book your Palau de la Música Guided Tour.

8. Picasso Museum

The Museu de Picasso highlights the early years of Picasso and houses more than 4,000 pieces of his artwork. Many of these pieces were donated by Picasso himself. You’ll see works from his early years as a student, his famous Blue Period, and his years of living in Barcelona. It is located in the Born district, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Barcelona. 

If you are a fan of Picasso you can check the Picasso Walking Tour & Picasso Museum of Barcelona.

2 Days in Barcelona – Day Two

Spend today visiting the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudi, who is likely Barcelona’s most famous resident. He is most well known for the Sagrada Familia, the cathedral which has been under construction since 1882, and is the person – along with his rival Domenech – for whom Barcelona is called the Modernist City.

Tip: Looking for a Gaudi tour? I highly recommend the following: Complete Gaudí Tour: Casa Batlló, Park Guell & Extended Sagrada Família

1. Casa Mila

Casa Mila is one of Barcelona’s most recognizable buildings. Located on Passeig de Gracia, and also known as the Stone Quarry or La Pedrera, Casa Mila is the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudi. Its facade is most unusual, with an undulating stone front, wrought-iron balconies, and a rooftop terrace. The building was originally divided into apartments, but today is a department store and tourist attraction. 

Click here to book your Casa Milà Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide.

2. Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo is a redesigned residence on the Passeig de Gracia, within the Block of Discord, in the center of Barcelona. It was designed by Antoni Gaudi and is locally known as the Casa dels Ossos, of the house of Bones, for its skeletal organic quality. The building was originally built in 1877; the owners hired Gaudi to redesign the building in 1904. Today, the house is open to the public and – along with its neighboring houses and the other Gaudi works – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Click here to book your skip the line tickets to Casa Batllo.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia, under construction since 1882, is Barcelona’s most recognizable structure, and only about two-thirds completed as we speak today in 2019. When finished, the basilica (for it is not a cathedral) will have eighteen spires, seven chapels, and three portals.

The facades are the Nativity Facade, the Passion Facade, and the Glory Facade. Each is exquisitely adorned with sculptures, and because none were completed while Gaudi was alive, none are done to his exact instructions. Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s signature attractions, and tickets cannot be purchased on arrival, so your visit must be planned in advance. 

Click here to book your skip the line tickets to the Sagrada Familia. 

Park Guell is a public park on the northern edge of Barcelona in the Gracia district. It is another of Antoni Gaudi’s designs. There is a lot of symbolism within the park’s designs, from concepts originating within the political Catalanism to mythological elements.

Click here to book your skip the line tickets to Parl Guell.

How to Get To and From the Airport

Barcelona’s airport, El Prat, is about 12km from the city. Depending on traffic, it can take 20-40 minutes to get into the city center from the airport. There are several ways to get into the city. We used Welcome Pick Ups, which offers a personal, private driver from the airport to the hotel at a flat fee that is comparable to a taxi. All drivers for Welcome Pick Ups must pass an English test and will monitor your flights in case of delays. 

Other ways to get into the city from the airport include the train, metro, taxi private car, or bus. The train leaves every 30 minutes from Barcelona Sants Estació train station or Passeig de Gracia and arrives at Terminal 2. If you are flying from Terminal 1, you will need to take a free shuttle bus from Terminal 2 (10-15 minutes).

The metro connects both terminals to the city, as does the Aerobus. Both are fast, inexpensive ways to get into the city. A taxi will cost €20-30 depending on the time of day and traffic, while a private driver could be quite expensive.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Petit Palace Boqueria Garden : Situated right in the Boqueria of Barcelona, one of the most important monuments of the city, the Petit Palace Opera Garden is a gorgeous hotel with all the amenities needed and a central location. It’s simple, beautiful, and has a genuine atmosphere to it. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. Hotel Barcelona Catedral Elegance is seen in every nook and cranny of this hotel – only 15 minutes walking from the beach, the hotel offers incredible free walking tours around the city, rooftop terraces, and is a one minute walk away from the cathedral. Giving it the perfect blend of both modern and old. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices. NH Barcelona Ramblas : Right in the center of the city of Barcelona, the NH Barcelona Ramblas has got all the amenities you might need in a hotel. The best thing about it is definitely its location though – right in the heart of Las Ramblas so a few minutes away from all of Barcelona’s major attractions. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.

Barcelona is a fast, vibrant city with plenty of incredible museums, beautiful neighborhoods, and streets full of cafes, bars, and shops. Its rich history – from pre-Roman times to modern-day – enchants first-time visitors through architecture and cultural influences while its thriving cultural and food scene enriches everyone.

Two days in Barcelona was enough time for us to experience this amazing city, and I’m confident you will want to return. 

You might also want to check out my other Spanish guides: How to spend 10 days in Spain – an itinerary that includes Barcelona. How to spend 7 days in Spain – an itinerary that includes Barcelona. The best day trips from Barcelona. Barcelona in winter. How to spend 2 days in Madrid How to spend 3 days in Madrid 2 Days in Granada. 2 Days in Seville 2 Days in Valencia.

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Barcelona's Top Restaurants

Best Bars in Barcelona

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports Near Barcelona

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation Guide

Getting Around Barcelona: Guide to Public Transportation

How to use the metro, buses, commuter trains, and more

TripSavvy /  Emily Mendoza  

As Spain's second-largest city after Madrid , Barcelona teems with no shortage of things to see and do. Getting from one place to the other in a city this size can seem challenging to first-time visitors. Throw in the unfamiliar Catalan place names, and things are seemingly complicated even further.

But although it seems complicated at first, Barcelona's public transportation system is a cheap, easy and efficient way to get around town. It's a much better option than renting a car, and although the city is quite walkable, sometimes catching the metro or a bus can save you valuable time.

How to Ride the Barcelona Metro

Here in Barcelona, the most popular way to get around town is via metro .

Operated by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), locals tend to prefer the metro for its easy-to-use system, low fares, and frequency of trains.

Metro stations are usually indicated by red and white signs bearing an M. Once inside the station, purchase a ticket from the electronic machines (instructions are available in Catalan, Spanish, English and French), and use it to pass through the turnstiles.

Barcelona Metro Fast Facts :

• Cost : €2.40 for a single ticket. €11.35 for a 10-journey pass, known as a T-Casual card (allows rides on all public transportation in Barcelona)
• How to pay : Cash or card at the ticketing machines
• Hours of operation : Monday–Sunday 5 a.m.–midnight
• Transfer information : At the transfer station, follow the signs indicating where to board the train for your final destination. Once you arrive, exit the station as normal.
• Accessibility : As of October 2020, only 14 of Barcelona's 159 metro stations have not yet been adapted for users of reduced mobility. Steps are being taken to make all stations accessible as soon as possible.

Start planning your journey using the Barcelona metro system's online route planner .

Riding the TMB Bus

Buses in Barcelona are another easy way of getting around town, with the added bonus of getting to see the city pass by as you ride. TMB, the same company that runs the Metro, also operates the bus system.

Bus stops in Barcelona are either shelters or poles displaying the numbers of the bus lines that stop there. As your bus approaches, wave to the driver to indicate that you'd like to board.

Once on the bus, be sure to validate your travel pass (such as the T-Casual card) if you have one; if not, you can buy a ticket from the driver for €2.20. The largest bill accepted is 10 euros.

When your stop is approaching, press the red button to signal the driver. Exit the bus through the rear doors.

Check the TMB website for full information about how to take the bus, including operating hours .

The Rodalies Commuter Rail

Rodalies is the suburban train network throughout Catalonia. Its stations are identified by a white R against an orange background. This is an especially great transport option for taking day trips from Barcelona .

Information about the trains, including schedules and routes, is available on the Rodalies website .

Barcelona's Tram System

The tram network in Barcelona is not very extensive at this point, but it's a great way to explore beyond the city center. There are six tram lines and nearly 30 kilometers of track. Visit the Barcelona tram website to learn more.

Getting To and From El Prat Airport

• Metro : The L9 Sud line stops at both terminals. Tickets cost €4.60.
• Aerobús : Connects both terminals with Plaça Catalunya. Tickets cost €5.90.
• Train : The L2 train currently only stops at Terminal 2, though plans are in place to add a stop at Terminal 1 as well. It's accessible in Barcelona proper at the Passeig de Gràcia, Sants, and França stations. Pricing information can be found on the Rodalies website .

Taxis in Barcelona

Official Barcelona taxis are painted black with yellow doors. They can be found at taxi ranks all over town, or you can call one at +34 933 033 033.

Renting a Car

While renting a vehicle can be a great way to explore further-afield parts of Catalonia, it's not really an ideal way to get around Barcelona. The sheer number of people and vehicles in the city can make it difficult to get around, other drivers seemingly treat traffic laws as mere guidelines, and finding a decent, centrally located parking spot (that's not in an expensive garage) is next to impossible. Our advice: save yourself the money and frustration.

Bike Sharing in Barcelona

Bicing , Barcelona's bike-sharing program, has become a popular method of public transportation in the Catalan capital.

With more than 6,000 mechanical bikes and 800 electric bikes available to rent, it's a quick and efficient way to get around town. It's also easily integrated with other modes of public transportation in Barcelona, with docking stations conveniently located near metro stations and bus stops.

Tips for Getting Around Barcelona

• Barcelona is a generally safe city, but petty crime such as pickpocketing is common on public transportation. Watch your belongings and be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially on crowded metros and buses.
• Always keep small bills and coins on you in order to pay for public transportation. Oftentimes drivers won't be able to give change for large bills, and ticketing machines won't accept them, either.
• Walking can be an extremely rewarding and enjoyable way to see the city. Barcelona is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, and most of its major sights are concentrated into one area that's easy to navigate on foot.
• As in any major city, public transportation in Barcelona can get very crowded during both the morning and evening rush hours. Plan accordingly or consider an alternative method if you're on a tight schedule.
• If you're visiting in the summer, you'll likely want to check out one of the famous Barcelona beaches . But don't limit yourself to crowded Barceloneta just because it's close to the city center. Instead, hop on public transportation and head further afield—you'll likely have a much more pleasant experience, and find yourself surrounded by locals rather than tourists.

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20 Barcelona travel tips & hacks | First-timers in Barcelona

Things to do in Barcelona Barcelona Travel Guide Barcelona Travel Tips

There are many reasons to keep Barcelona in your bucket list. The Catalonian capital is one of the best places to bask in the Iberian sun. The nightlife at Barcelona is glorious and the architecture is bound to take your breath away. Barcelona is also home to some of the most friendly people in Europe. However, that doesn’t mean that the city is free of vices that afflict all popular tourist spots in the world. There are numerous tourist traps waiting to bait inexperienced travelers. If there is a language barrier, you are even more susceptible to end up with bitter experience, just like many other visitors. This is why we have compiled an exhaustive list of tips, tricks, and warnings that are certain to come in handy when you visit Barcelona. Read on to know our curation of Barcelona Travel Tips along with insider tips on saving money on food, transport and other quick hacks!

Barcelona Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to Barcelona. Make sure you pack the right travel adapters. Also, brush up your Spanish maybe!

Language Spanish

Time zone GMT+2

Country Code +34

Socket Type F

Currency Euros €

Best Time To Visit Barcelona

April to July or September to November

Barcelona is blessed with a temperate climate, owing to the proximity to the sea. As such, Barcelona sees a steady flow of tourists during the entire year. So if you want to visit Barcelona during a quiet time of the year, April to July and September to November is your best bet. These are the shoulder seasons for tourism in Barcelona. A number of festivals and concerts take place in the city during this time, and the lower footfall means you can enjoy the beauty of Barcelona in peace.

Barcelona Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Beware of pickpockets in the city

Starting with the obvious, Barcelona is an immensely popular destination. No matter where you go in the city, you are bound to encounter some crowd. And this very crowd fosters pickpockets. So secure your money before leaving your room.

#2 Order Vermouth and Cava at the bar

You might immediately feel the need to order a sangria when you step inside a Barcelona bar, but you would be better off ordering a caramel and cinnamon infused vermouth. If you want to go fancier, order a cava, the staple white wine of Catalonia.

#3 La Barceloneta Beach should be Plan Z

You would hear a major section of Barcelona tourists say that La Barceloneta beach is a must visit. However, the sheer volume of visitors to that beach renders it completely saturated. Visit the relatively less popular ones, like San Sebastiá, Bogatell, Nova Icária, Sant Miquel, and Mar Bella.

#4 Plan to attend one of the many Barcelona festivals

Yes, coming to Barcelona during a festival might drop you into a sea of people, but at some point, you have to stop and think why do so many people attend these celebrations? Come to Barcelona around August-September and experience the festive side of Catalonia.

#5 Attend a concert at Palau de Musica Catalana

If you're a seasoned traveler, you might have been to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Palau de Musica Catalana is another heritage site. There is a reason that UNESCO felt this venue deserved the title, and you must attend a concert here to find it out for yourself. If you don't want to shell out for a concert, you can take the economically priced Palau de Musica tour and get a preview of the grandeur.

#6 Las Ramblas = Tourist Traps

Las Ramblas attracts a huge chunk of the tourist population in Barcelona. As a result, it is also the most famous hunting ground for tourist trappers. Starting from mass produced and low-quality street food to overpriced dance bars, Las Ramblas has plenty of dark tricks up its sleeve.

#7 Revel in the street art of Barcelona

The artistic inclination of Barcelona is extraordinary. Apart from breathtaking architecture, the city also features some of the best street arts in Europe. Worth the mention are the Peix at Carrer de Ramon and El Gato del Raval at Rambla del Raval.

#8 For the best panoramas, hike to Bunkers del Carmel

If you don’t mind a hike, you could climb to Bunkers del Carmel. This is a point from where the entire city of Barcelona is visible with the sea in the backdrop. The bunker was once used for defense purposes due to its strategic position.

#9 Get lost in the Gothic Quarters

The city of Barcelona is fairly urban. If at any point you wish to visit a place away from the commercial polish, the Gothic Quarter is where you should go. With its history, walking around this neighborhood will surely take you back in time. Keep the maps away and take a wrong turn. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Check out this interesting Gothic Quarter walking tour that acquaints you with the secrets of the street and Cathedral of the Sea

#10 Have a drink with the legends at Bar Marsella

Barcelona has been a cultural melting pot for quite a while. Numerous icons from various fields of art were known to frequent Barcelona. Bar Marsella is a long-standing institution in the city and was visited by the likes of Salvador Dali and Ernest Hemingway. Visiting this bar might get you close to these respected figures in history.

#11 You get the best souvenirs from flea markets

Undoubtedly, flea markets are the best place to discover gems and take them home for a reasonable price. Visit the Els Encants Vells flea market to buy paintings, jewelry, cutlery, and other articles at a very low price. Perfect for souvenir shopping.

#12 Gorge on some quintessential Spanish Tapas

Tapas are small portions of food which you are meant to get as an accompaniment with the drinks. However, in Barcelona, you can buy these small plates of food which come in an extraordinarily wide variety. You may even try tapas and drinks tours if you want.

39 Things To Do In Spain’s Wonder City

#13 go on a gaudi trail.

Many of Antoni Gaudi’s buildings are now ticketed and come with a full tour. However, Gaudi doesn’t just display his magic in the interior of the building. You can walk around the neighborhood appreciating the exterior of the likes of Casa Batllo and Casa Mila for free. However, if you have the money ( and interest ), you should most definitely step inside his buildings. They are magical!

Read more about Gaudi's best works and taking a Gaudi Trail by yourself .

#14 If you had to visit one of Gaudi's wonders, let it be Park Guell

One place we do recommend for an in-depth visit is Antoni Gaudi’s Park Guell. Despite being located a bit far from the city center, Park Guell is worth the trip as it packs a lot of Gaudi’s works in the limited area. Moreover, you can pack a picnic if you want and make a day of your visit.

Discounted Park Guell Tickets

#15 There's no leaving Barcelona without some Flamenco

Small bars around Barcelona provide some of the best entertainment in the city. If you wish to experience Flamenco, skip the ones advertised at Las Ramblas and retire to a bar that where you can see this beautiful dance form unfold. Here are a few tips you'd like to know before heading for a flamenco show in Barcelona

Tickets to best Flamenco shows in Barcelona right now

#16 Arrive early at the nightclubs

Barcelona sleeps famously late. So arriving at nightclubs at around 11:30 can be considered early. What this does is it frees you from the exorbitant entry fee as the night rolls on. Arriving early and staying in can be a good way to save some money.

#17 Respect the political scenario of Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, the richest part of Spain. The financial discrepancy and cultural difference have, over the years, caused a rift between Catalonia and the Spanish government. Refrain from making offensive comments on the scenario as it is bound to get you in trouble.

#18 Football fans cannot miss Camp Nou

Home to FC Barcelona, Camp Nou has recently been renovated and is swankier than ever. By visiting the Camp Nou, you are not just walking into a mere football stadium, you are stepping into and experiencing history. Also, Camp Nou is the largest football stadium in Europe and second largest in the world, in terms of capacity. Gotta see it! Read all about taking a Camp Nou Tour .

Discounted Camp Nou Tickets

#19 A day trip to Montserrat can be refreshing

The Montserrat mountain is a mere 50 km from Barcelona, Spain, and is thronged by tourists all year. Relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery, pray to the Black Madonna, hike up to the top of the mountain and watch the sunrise, view artistic masterpieces at the museum and listen in bliss to the famous boy choir in the Basilica - the possibilities are endless here. Here's what you must know before taking a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat .

#20 If you're traveling with kids, hit up the Zoo or Aquarium

Not too many people know about the Barcelona Aquarium and Barcelona Zoo , but both these attractions are a great place to keep your kids entertained. And, if you're an animal lover, you'll love them too. Spend a day with exotic breeds you may never have seen before and make memories for a lifetime.

Tips For Saving Money On Transportation In Barcelona

Book flights in advance.

Barcelona is a hot tourist destination. Flights in and out of the city are always in high demand. In order to not blow half your savings on flight tickets, make your bookings in advance. This will also help expedite the planning process.

Walk to attractions around the city

The city of Barcelona is quite delightful. It has aesthetically pleasing architecture and friendly people. If you have to travel a short distance from one attraction to another, take a walk. You will be able to see the city from close proximity as well.

Take the train from the airport terminal 2

Reach terminal 2 after landing at the Barcelona airport and take the RENFE train to Passeig de Gracia. You can then take a metro from there to the city. This a significantly cheap alternative to travel into the city.

Grab hold of the Barcelona Pass

The Barcelona Pass allows you to reap the benefits of big savings on both time and money, with or without a handy travel card, giving you unlimited access to the city's reliable public transport. Your attractions and travel needs are sorted with this one pass in hand. Check it out here .

Avoid cabs if you can help it

There are numerous modes of transport available in Barcelona. Cabs are, by far, the priciest of the lot. Try to leave for your destination so that you don’t have to hurriedly look for a cab at the last moment.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In Barcelona

Eat street food at the gothic quarters.

The Gothic Quarters of Barcelona go back centuries. It is drenched in history. As you familiarize yourself with the history of this locality, try the delectable street food from the hawkers. The one item that you absolutely cannot miss is the churro con chocolate.

Discover local cuisine at Barcelona’s neighborhoods

Local neighborhoods of Barcelona aren’t just famous for the mind-blowing architecture. The lanes of Poble Sec and Sants are lined with small but proficient restaurants and cafes. Instead of throwing money at the stalls at popular tourist spots, opt for the authentic dishes here.

Tip around 10% at restaurants

While it is not a stringent rule, a tip of about 10% is standard in Barcelona. So even if you are habituated to pay more than that in your country, remember that 10% is just enough.

Try the set menus for lunch

Menu of the day or menu del dia is probably the best and the cheapest way to explore the local cuisine in Barcelona. Several cafes and restaurants in the city offer a set lunch menu for as little as 15 euros. It includes a main, a dessert, and complimentary drinks.

Drink outdoors instead of bars and restaurants

This one is quite obvious. Restaurants charge steep service charges to bring your drink to your table. Bars also charge an entry fee late at night. Instead, grab a bottle of your favorite liquor from the shop and drink outdoors. It saves money and multiplies the fun.

More Tips To Save Money In Barcelona

• Visit museums for free : In Barcelona, the entry fee of many museums is waived on the first Sunday of every month. Given that these museums are the best places to discover the history and culture of Catalonia and Spain, you should not pass on this terrific opportunity.
• Book tickets in advance and online : In this day and age, online tickets are available for virtually every attraction. If you are heading to Barcelona, you should book online tickets in advance for as many attractions as possible. Not only will you save time, but you may also score lucrative discounts.
• Haggle hard when shopping : Haggling is a skill and you can use it to your advantage when shopping in the streets of Barcelona. There are numerous outdoor markets in Barcelona that are perfect for shopping for souvenirs. If you haggle, you can buy twice as much for the same amount of money.
• Rent apartments and airbnbs instead of hotels : Hotels come with a certain level of luxury. However, if you want to divert more of your kitty towards exploring the gems of Barcelona, you should opt for an apartment or airbnb instead. You can save money on food by cooking for yourself in the kitchen. Hostels in Barcelona are great too and most of them have free food or even kitchens.
• Visit during the shoulder season : The low seasons see a significant decline in the number of tourists. As such, it is not uncommon for hotels and motels to slash their rates significantly in order to attract more tourists. Low season in Barcelona is between January and March.

Top 10 Things To Do in Barcelona

I'm sure you have your itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in Barcelona. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Sagrada Familia

Barcelona is home to some of the world's most renowned architects and a treasure trove of stunning architectural marvels. Sagrada Familia, a Barcelona landmark designed by legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, is not one you can afford to miss. Any trip to the Catalan region would be incomplete without a visit to Europe's largest unfinished church.

2 Park Guell

The Park Guell is a representation of Gaudi's vision for English garden cities, located on an area of 18 hectares. This park, which was designed using natural elements as inspiration, features beautiful walkways, vast gardens and intricate sculptures.

3 Casa Mila

Casa Milà is a magnificent structure in its own right. What makes the building's history remarkable is that it changed hands several times and was on the verge of collapse before being restored. The rooms of the facility were used as apartments and workplaces. Gaudi utilized a variety of natural materials for the outside, while the interiors were brightly colored.

Camp Nou is Europe's largest football stadium, as well as the world's fourth-largest in terms of capacity. At a time, this enormous arena can accommodate up to 99,354 spectators! This magnificent edifice is an important landmark in football history; why not? After all, it is home to one of the most decorated and successful clubs in the world, FC Barcelona.

5 Flamenco Show

Flamenco is a passionate dance that is characterized by quick beats, hand clapping, finger snapping, and guitar playing. The performance is highly evocative and entertaining to watch. Watching a Flamenco show in Barcelona is something you absolutely must, must do.

6 PortAventura World

PortAventura World, located on the coast of rural Spain, is a family-friendly theme park with an excellent variety of on-site hotels, bars, and restaurants. It's packed with nerve-racking rides for all age groups and includes a wonderful range of on-site accommodations, bars, and restaurants to immerse yourself in.

7 Palau De La Musica

Palau de la Música Catalana, the spectacularly ornate concert hall located in the lovely Sant Pere sector of Barcelona, is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was designated as such because it is a symbol of their past and heritage, is a testament to Catalan culture and architecture.

8 Poble Espanyol

Poble Espanyol, which means "Spanish Village" in Catalan, is a beautiful blend of Spanish architecture and tradition located on Montjuic Hill's slopes. Poble Espanyol Barcelona is the ideal location to acquire a large mouthful of Catalan cultural sangria without having to travel across Spain.

9 Tibidabo Amusement Park

Tibidabo Amusement Park is one of the world's oldest open-air amusement parks, located in Barcelona on the Collserola Ridge. The park is named for its location on Tibidabo, which is the tallest peak in the Collserola range.

10 Gran Teatre del Liceu

The Gran Teatre del Liceu, often known as simply the Liceu, is a beautiful mix of 19th and 21st-century architecture. This theatre has withstood Spain's most tumultuous eras and evolved into the jewel of Catalan culture despite its age.

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What should i avoid in barcelona.

• Picking fights or getting too drunk in public
• Failing to observe basic safety precautions
• Walking around alone at night in unsafe neighborhoods
• Disrespecting local customs and traditions

What is the best time of year to visit Barcelona?

The best time to visit Barcelona is between the months of April and October. The weather is usually mild and sunny during these months, making it ideal for exploring the city. Keep in mind that peak season is from June to August, so you may want to avoid traveling during these times if you want to avoid large crowds.

What do I need to know before going to Barcelona?

• The city is large and spread out, so you will need to use public transportation or walk in order to get around
• Be prepared for pickpockets, as they are common in crowded areas
• Make sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as paella and sangria
• If you want to visit popular tourist attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia, it is best to purchase tickets in advance

Is Barcelona expensive?

Barcelona can be expensive, especially during peak season. However, there are ways to save money while in the city. For example, you can eat at cheaper restaurants, use public transportation instead of taxis, and stay in a less expensive hotel. Additionally, there are many free attractions that you can visit, such as the parks and museums.

Is Barcelona safe to walk at night?

Barcelona is generally safe to walk around at night, but there are certain areas that you should avoid. It is best to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and to avoid walking alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods. If you do need to walk alone at night, be sure to take precautions such as carrying a pepper spray or keeping your phone close.

Why does Barcelona smell like sewer?

In some areas, the sewers are old and not well maintained, which can cause odors to seep up into the streets. Additionally, during hot weather, the sewers can release methane gas, which can also cause a foul smell. If you notice a strong smell of sewer while in Barcelona, it is best to avoid the area and move to a different part of the city.

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Budget Travel Ideas , Europe , SPAIN , Western Europe

Complete budget travel guide to barcelona.

In case you weren’t aware, there is a reason why millions of people visit Barcelona every year and why I’ve named this city one of my top 50 places to visit in Western Europe !

Whether you want to marvel at the glorious architecture, take a deep dive into some rich history, try delicious food and wine, or simply lounge on beautiful beaches – Barcelona has it all.

And while you can certainly can splash the cash around in this wonderful Spanish city, it’s definitely not required if you want to get the best from this city.

Yup, music to all shoestring traveller ears’, visiting Barcelona on a budget is totally possible, because I’ve done it myself.

So, here to help you get the most out of this city for less, are my top Barcelona budget travel tips – including cheap eats, fantastic day trips and lots of activities you can do for free or next to nothing…

Related Posts

• 1 Day in Barcelona: How to See All the Highlights
• How to Travel from Paris to Barcelona by Bus or Train
• Ultimate 3 Day Barcelona Itinerary

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

How to Travel to Barcelona on a Budget?

Barcelona is so well-connected, that you really should have no problems travelling there on a budget.

With cheap budget airline routes across Europe, I always recommend checking out Skyscanner to find the best deals.

When it comes to trains, Barcelona is serviced by rail services from across Spain, as well as from France, Portugal and Italy.

But certainly, the cheapest way to get to Barcelona is by bus.

Flixbus offer many direct services to Barcelona, from as far afield Paris, that are both easy and convenient, especially as they have you arriving right into Barcelona Nord in the heart of the tourist area of this city – which saves you on transport costs of getting into the centre too.

Barcelona also has a port area with ferries coming from Italy, as well as Morocco and many Spanish islands such as Mallorca and Ibiza.

How to Get Around Barcelona on a Budget?

There are 3 excellent options for getting transportation tickets in Barcelona at cheap prices and each come with their own added benefits:

#1 T10 Transport Ticket

While it is totally possible to purchase individual tickets each time you need to take public transportation, the city has come up with this wonderful option to save some money during your stay.

The T10 Transport Ticket lets you purchase 10 trips for a total of €10 (essentially €1 per trip).

The price of a single ticket is €2.20, so for 10 individual tickets, it would be double the price of the T10.

You can use this ticket on any journeys made with the metro or bus services.

Drawback: Airport transfers are not included and would have to be paid for separately.

#2 Hola BCN Card

The amazing Hola BCN card gives you the option of unlimited travel for a daily price of €7.60, though the minimum purchase you can make is for 2 days/48 hours.

This is a great option for travellers that will be going from place to place using not only the metro and bus, but also the urban railway, TRAM and even the regional railway.

The best part is that your trip from the airport is also covered.

Bonus: You can receive an additional 10% discount if you purchase this card online. If you decide to go this route, the company will email you a voucher which you need to bring to any metro station to receive the actual Hola BCN card.

#3 Barcelona Card

The Barcelona Pass is for the serious travellers looking to not only go from place to place, but also see as many museums and exhibitions as possible.

Some of the benefits of this card include free transportation, free entry to the majority of Barcelona’s museums, options to skip the line at popular sites, plus tons of deals and discounts on tours, shopping and dining.

It also comes with a map and city guide (and its own set of coupons that you can use in addition to the other discounts).

The card can be purchased in increments of 3, 4, or 5 days and prices range from €46-€61 which, once broken down, is about €12-€15 per day!

There are discounted rates available for kids.

Drawback: La Sagrada Familia and Park Guel are not included in this offer. They do, however, offer a Gaudi bundle that gets you access to both attractions with the option to skip the line and an audio guide.

Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!

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Free Activities to Enjoy in Barcelona

#1 Take a Stroll Through La Boqueria Mercat

Located right in the centre of La Rambla (Barcelona’s most famous street), La Boqueria   Mercat  is a large market that sells the freshest seafood, fruit and vegetables daily.

It is always jam-packed with people, but definitely worth walking through – if only just to see what is being offered that day.

Another great market that is free to check out and offers delicious local produce is Santa Caterina Market situated just off Av. de Francesc Cambo – a great place to grab an affordable lunch.

#2 Join a Free Walking Tour

I love finding Sandeman New Europe walking tours in any city I visit, mainly because their guides are always fantastic, super knowledgeable and so entertaining!

What better way is there to see a city?

The tours generally last 2-3 hours and are completely free – you just have to give your guide a tip at the end.

The meeting point is at Placa del Angel in a small square near the metro station.

You will recognize the guide by what they are wearing.

Top Tip: Sandeman’s also offers a fun paid tour that I took the last time I visited the city.

For €20 you get a tapas bar crawl that takes you to 4 bars where you can try wine or craft beer and various tapas at each location.

For an additional €15, you can see a Flamenco show!

I did it all for the €35 bundle and can honestly tell you, it’s so entertaining and totally worth it.

#3 Plaza Espanya – Las Arenas

Las Arenas was once a bullring that was turned into a huge shopping centre with 5 floors of stores, restaurants, a movie theatre and a magnificent rooftop outdoor terrace area.

While you can stroll through all the various stores, the showstopper is the rooftop area.

You can essentially walk the entire length of the structure in a circle while seeing the centre of Barcelona.

The sight is absolutely breathtaking.

Pro Traveller Tip: There is an elevator outside of the shopping centre that charges you €1 to head up to the terrace. Don’t do it!

Just go inside the mall, take the elevator up to the 4th floor and ride a small escalator up to the terrace (there is no direct elevator for this floor).

You will be able to get up there without having to pay the fee.

#4 Museums – Free Sundays After 3pm + 1st Sunday of the Month

Take advantage of the fact that museums are free after 3pm on Sundays (or all day the first Sunday of the month) to see your favourite exhibits in Barcelona on a budget.

Keep in mind that many people also wait until Sunday afternoon to head to museums for this reason, so plan accordingly.

My absolute favourite is the Design Museum’s fashion exhibition showing the history of fashion and how it has evolved from 1550 to today.

#5 Montjuic – Magic Fountains

If you’re lucky to be visiting Barcelona between April 1st and October 31st, you’re in for an unforgettable treat.

Each year, the city puts on an incredible show with the water fountains at the Montjuic Palace.

The fountains are larger than life, turn into different colours and play music that they move along to.

It’s breathtaking to see in person and while it gets very packed with people, it is so worth it.

Head there early for a good spot, even though you can really see it from anywhere – especially from the top of Las Arenas!

During the summer months, there is also a fireworks spectacle that starts at 9pm on Thursdays through Sundays.

#6 Arc De Triomf

It’s always interesting to see variations of this monument in different parts of the world.

In Barcelona, it is right in the centre of the city, just steps from the Gothic Quarter.

Built as the gateway to the Universal Exhibition in 1888, the Arc was used as a symbol of welcoming to the various nations that attended this groundbreaking fair.

It sits at the head of a delightful park area that is a wonderful place to stroll for free too.

On the weekends, there are always small events and festivals that take over the entire area, so be sure to check local event listings when you visit.

#7 Columbus Monument

At the lower end of La Rambla, you’ll find this impressive monument dedicated to Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas.

The best thing about this part of the city, also known as Port Vell, is that it is right on the water and makes for some incredible pictures!

Additionally, you’ll get to see many of the street performers in this area of La Rambla, which are always interesting to watch.

Finally, at the end of the port, you’ll see an enormous shopping centre that literally looks like it is floating on the water.

This is the Maremagnum Center, home to some of Barcelona’s most popular stores.

There are also boat rides and sky rides available for tours with their ticket offices located directly on the port.

Other Free Things To Do in Barcelona

– Stroll Las Ramblas

– Hit the Beach

– Chill in Ciutadella Park

– Marvel at Barcelona Cathedral

– Snap Placa de Sant Jaume

– Snap Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo from the outside.

Where To Stay in Barcelona on a Budget?

If you’re looking to keep your budget for Barcelona in check, then my first tip would be to ensure you travel to this city at the right time of year.

This involves avoiding all European school holidays and the whole of the peak summer months of July and August.

Outside of these times, visiting Barcelona during the week, when many accommodation providers lower their rates, can be a great way to keep costs down.

And when it comes to actually knowing where to stay in Barcelona, VRBO can be a great option for grabbing a super accommodation deal in the expensive central districts of Barcelona, especially if you’re travelling as a couple, family or larger group.

Check out this top-rated and stylish example , which sleeps up to 5 people across 3 bedrooms at some amazing rates!

Alternatively, if you’re a solo traveller looking to meet others, then a well-located hostel can be a great option for budget travel in Barcelona.

And top of my list is the newly refurbished ANT Hostel .

Brilliantly located, just metres from Barcelona Nord station and minutes from the Gothic Quarter, with a bus stop right outside and a supermarket just around the corner, ANT Hostel is hard to beat for convenience.

With dorms, as well as private rooms, great staff as well as a clean and friendly feeling, this is certainly my top recommendation when it comes to Barcelona hostels.

Otherwise, if you’re wanting something more private as a solo or pair of travellers, then this beautifully designed and affordable family-run guesthouse , right by La Sagrada Familia, is another top option.

Where To Eat in Barcelona on a Budget?

No trip to Barcelona is complete without sampling a bit of delicious food and here’s my pic of the bunch if you want to avoid blowing your Barcelona budget:

#1 Bar Celta Pulperia

A small place known for its delicious tapas and fresh seafood, the prices are great and the atmosphere is extremely friendly in this well-rated budget favourite.

Come to Bar Celta Pulperia on Carrer Simo Oller 3, for some of the best patatas bravas, grilled peppers and fried octopus in Barcelona.

My favourite Mexican restaurant located in the trendy Born area, Tlaxcal have a great selection of beer and of course – tequila!

Some of their specialities include tacos and homemade guacamole and I was delighted to find vegetarian options were available.

Be sure to make a reservation before going as it gets packed, especially on the weekends.

You can find them at Carrer del Comerç, 27, or give them a call on +34 932 68 41 34.

No Barcelona food post is complete without including this incredible burger joint.

Available at various locations within the city, Bacoa features delicious homemade burgers that you can customize to your liking.

And newly added to the list are some delicious veggie and vegan options – hoorah!

Travel Insurance for Barcelona

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Best Affordable Day Trips from Barcelona

With so much to do in Barcelona, you could easily spend a few days (or more) enjoying all this city has to offer.

However, if you’re craving a bit of out of city action, then there’s also some great budget Barcelona day trips you can enjoy too.

#1 Montserrat

If there is one place I recommend you don’t miss on your trip to Barcelona, it’s this.

An hour from the centre of the city, Montserrat is a jagged mountain that has breathtaking views at the top as well as an Abbey and a Monastery.

The Good News: entrance to the Monastery is free.

However, you have to pay for your transportation as it is not included in any of the city cards.

Getting to Montserrat is simple but has a few steps to it.

First, you need to get to Placa Espanya (the entrance to the station is literally across the street from Las Arenas/the bullring-turned-shopping centre mentioned above).

From there, look for signs to the R5 track.

The station is quite large, so it may be a bit of a walk.

Once you’re there, you’ll see machines with signs that say ‘Montserrat’.

From here, you have 2 options when it comes to purchasing tickets. You can either select to ride up to the mountain on a cable car or a funicular.

Once you purchase your tickets, a train takes you up to the base of the mountain; this ride takes about an hour.

From there, you go up to the monastery on either choice you made earlier (funicular or cable car).

The Cable car gets you there a bit faster and more comfortably while the funicular has absolutely incredible views as you head up literally hanging on a cable.

Return tickets up to the monastery are about €22.

Pro Tip: Bring your own lunch to save money as the restaurants at the top are expensive.

Otherwise, if you want to savour one of Monserrat’s most famous traditions, this highly-rated wine-tasting day tour from Barcelona builds vineyard time around your monastery visit.

A mere €4 train ride will get you to this historic beach city in 45 minutes from Barcelona’s Estacion Francia (France Station).

Known for its beautiful beaches, LGBT-friendly community and world-renowned film festivals, Sitges is the perfect day trip to take that won’t break the bank.

Walking through the small cobblestone streets and rows of colourful houses, you can see firsthand just how much history the city still holds.

Another thing Sitges is famous for: being the birthplace of Facundo Bacardi, aka the creator of the wonderful rum we enjoy today!

There is a fantastic tour through the Casa Bacardi that I highly recommend.

€10 will get you Bacardi’s full history, a walk through the entire house, samples of various versions of the liquor, as well as a mixology lesson with a Bacardi specialist where you will make 3 drinks that you can enjoy afterwards.

Check out this best-selling tour to Sitges and the ancient Roman Aqueducts in Tarragona if you’re looking to combine some culture with some rum drinking!

Alternatively, to make the trip to Tarragona independently, Kiwi.com can help you plan the journey easily and for the best price.

#3 Tibidabo

The highest point in all of Barcelona, Tibidabo is another can’t-miss experience while visiting this city.

To get to the top, you need to take a funicular up but you can first take a train up to Avinguda Tibidabo and walk to the funicular from there.

Be Warned: it’s a steep walk as many of the streets are very inclined.

The funicular ride is available every 30 minutes and is €7.70 for a return trip.

Note: in February, the funicular only runs on a very limited weekend schedule, while March-December it runs every day.

Once you’re at the top, be prepared to be blown away.

There is an amusement park as well as a beautiful church, Sagrat Cor , with a figure of Christ at the top which is said to be larger than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.

For another €3, you can climb to the very top of the church.

Being a lover of heights I, of course, paid the extra fee and made the climb up.

Am I glad I did – the views of Barcelona from here are absolutely spectacular.

How Much Does Barcelona Really Cost?

And if you’re looking to get an idea of how much a budget travel Barcelona adventure might cost you, here’s some rough prices to give you some idea:

• 1x night in a dorm bed at ANT Hostel: €28
• Coffee or Beer: €2
• Lunch from a market: €6
• T10 Transport Ticket: €10
• Budget Dinner: €20
• Barcelona Day Trip: €110

And if you’re travelling to Barcelona as part of a longer trip to Spain and are wondering where to head next in this country, check out the 7 day Spain itinerary I wrote for some brilliant ideas.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there it is, my complete budget travel guide to Barcelona.

Hopefully I’ve shown you how many incredible things there are to see and do in Barcelona for less, as well as how much this city really costs to travel.

Which is your favourite on this list?

Tell me all in the comments box below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

6 thoughts on “ Complete Budget Travel Guide to Barcelona ”

Thanks for the information, very good route and places to visit in Barcelona;)

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities to visit. I went earlier last year (btw, l came back home right 1 week before the lockdown began) and my favourite place was Museo Nacional d’art de Catalunya! And yeah, that’s for those tops

Incredible! We must have been there at a similar time! Thanks for the museum recommendation, that’s wonderful. Best, Steph

I’m thankful for the blog article .Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.

Thnaks so much 🙂

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10 Cheapest Ways to Travel in Barcelona (Save Big!)

So, you’ve caught the Barcelona bug, huh? I don’t blame you. With its rich culture, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering paellas, who wouldn’t be lured by its charms? 

But if the thought of your wallet taking a hit is making you sweat, fear not! You’re about to uncover the holy grail of budget-friendly tips with the cheapest ways to travel in Barcelona.

After all, I live in Spain and have spent a chunk of my life wandering around Barcelona. And trust me, I’ve mastered the art of pinching pennies (or, well, euros) without missing out on the fun. 

Get ready for the insider scoop on the cheapest ways to soak in the magic of Barcelona!

Table of Contents

What is the cheapest way to get around Barcelona?

The metro is a popular and cost-effective way to see Barcelona. The underground system is extensive, reaching many of the city’s top attractions, making it easily one of the best ways to get around Barcelona .

Affordable ticket options include single trips or unlimited daily, weekly, and monthly passes, so choose the one that best fits your travel plans.

When it comes to the cheapest ways to get around Barcelona, the metro here is going to be high up on your list. 

Using the metro system in Barcelona is also pretty straightforward, and the color-coded lines make navigation a breeze. Plus, with several options for public transport tickets in Barcelona , like the T-casual pass that gets you 10 rides, you’ll be able to pick the most budget-friendly choice for you based on your travel style!

PRO TIP: The Hola Barcelona Travel Card gives you free public transport in Barcelona, including to and from the airport – which in itself would normally cost just over €10 for a return trip.

It’s great for getting around the city quickly, efficiently and cheaply!

Get your own Hola Barcelona Travel Card here.

Now, if you’re not in a rush and you fancy seeing a bit of the city as you travel, give the buses a try. They’re frequent, comfortable, and offer routes that the metro might not cover. 

Barcelona’s bus network is extensive and can take you almost anywhere in the city. And the bus system is so well connected that it offers a cheap way to explore the city.

The bus stops have digital displays showing when the next one’s due, so you’re never left guessing. And those metro tickets you just bought, like the T-casual pass or Hola Barcelona Travel Card ? Yep, they work here too.

One other thing to keep in mind: The Aerobús is a great way to get to and from the airport. While the Hola Barcelona card includes free metro trips to and from the airport, it doesn’t cover the bus, so if that’s what you prefer when arriving to or leaving the city, check out the Aerobús airport bus to find out more.

3. Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

Alright, before you roll your eyes and say “that’s too touristy for me!”, hear me out. The Hop-On Hop-Off buses can be a real asset for your trip if you’re short on time or just want a quick overview of the city. 

While it’s a tad pricier than the regular bus or metro, it’s super convenient, especially if you’re trying to hit a bunch of landmarks in one day. You can jump off at a site, explore a bit, then catch the next one. 

Remember, it’s all about the experience, and sometimes it’s cool to play tourist – especially if you are one!

Check the latest price and availability of the hop-on hop-off bus here for your planned travel dates!

If you’re itching to explore some of the newer parts of Barcelona, the tram is your buddy. While it doesn’t cover the older parts of the city, it gets you smoothly to areas that buses and metros might skim over. 

It’s especially handy for reaching places along the coast. Trams are modern, clean, and yep, your trusty Hola Barcelona and T-casual pass work here too. 

There’s something soothing about tram rides, watching the city slide by while you’re cozy inside. And the fact it’s one of the cheapest ways to travel in Barcelona is definitely a good thing too!

Here’s where the real magic happens. While public transport is great for longer distances, sometimes you’ve got to pound the pavement to discover those hidden corners of the city. 

Barcelona’s neighborhoods are full of character and little surprises, so slipping on comfy shoes and wandering around is often the best way to get a feel for the city’s heartbeat. 

Plus, it’s free, easily making it the cheapest way to travel in Barcelona – and who doesn’t love a good bargain?

Biking around Barcelona? Oh, it’s a thing, and it’s gaining steam. 

The city’s made a big push for eco-friendly transport, which means more bike lanes and bike-friendly zones. Renting a bike for a day won’t burn a hole in your pocket, and it gives you the freedom to roam as you please. 

From beach promenades to the winding lanes of El Raval, two wheels can be your ticket to an offbeat Barcelona adventure. Just remember to lock it up properly when stopping for those impromptu tapas breaks, as if not, your bike might not be waiting for you when you come back…

7. Electric scooter

For a quick and easy way to get around, consider renting an electric scooter. There are multiple scooter-sharing platforms in the city that offer affordable prices and allow you to zip around Barcelona effortlessly.

Gone are the days when scooters were just for kids. Electric scooters have taken over the streets of Barcelona, and honestly, they’re kinda fun. 

They’re quick, zippy, and perfect for short distances. Plus, you’ll find several apps offering scooter rentals by the minute, so just pick, unlock, and off you go. 

(And while it’s a blast to ride one, always wear a helmet. Safety first, right? Not to mention that it’s the law here.)

Cabify is a solid alternative to the regular taxi. Think of it as Spain’s answer to ridesharing. 

It’s app-based, so you can book and track your ride from your phone. Fares are transparent (in that you agree on the price when you select a ride) and, at least in my experience, often cheaper than taxis. 

Basically, if you’re someone who likes a set price before jumping in, Cabify’s a good choice.

What’s your perfect destination for your dream trip to Spain?

Want to discover a city or live your island dreams?

Embrace the food scene or step through the pages of history?

Whatever your travel style, discover the perfect Spanish city to add to your trip here!

Taxis in Barcelona are more affordable than you’d expect. They’re everywhere, and they’re recognizable by their black and yellow design. 

If you’ve had one too many cervezas or you’re lugging around bags from a shopping spree, taxis are a convenient way to get back to your accommodation. While it’s not the cheapest option on the list, sometimes convenience wins. 

And while fares are regulated, just remember to ensure the meter’s running to avoid any unwelcome surprises…

Ah, the ever-present Uber. Yep, it’s in Barcelona too. While it had its ups and downs in Spain, it’s now operational and a popular choice for many. 

One different aspect of it here is that it’s basically the same as a taxi. While you can use the Uber app, the price and availability will be in line with taxis, so don’t necessarily feel like one offers a better deal than the other.

Despite this though, it’s certainly one way to travel in Barcelona and so is worth having on this list so you’re aware it’s out there – even if it’s not the cheapest, even amongst the rideshare apps (Cabify takes the cake for that).

Mastering Barcelona’s Transport System

Understanding barcelona public transport fares.

If you’re new to Barcelona, don’t worry, as the fare system is pretty easy to get the hang of. 

Basically, fares depend on zones. Most of the main attractions are in Zone 1, so if you’re mainly sightseeing, you won’t need to venture beyond that. 

Single tickets can be bought for €2.40 per ride from vending machines at metro stations or aboard buses – but honestly? They’re not super wallet-friendly for multiple rides. 

If you’re making more than a couple of trips, multi-ride tickets like the T-casual are where the real savings are at. 

Or, as I mentioned earlier, you can get the Hola Barcelona Travel Card for free public transport for your selected validity period. It’s great if you’ll be seeing a lot of sights – or even if you’re going to or from the airport – as it more than pays for itself.

Barcelona Travel Cards Explained

If you plan to use public transportation frequently, then travel cards are your best bet to save money. Here are the most popular options:

• Hola Barcelona Travel Card : This is like the golden ticket for those on a whirlwind visit. It offers unlimited travel for specific timeframes: 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. So if you’ve got a packed itinerary and you’re zooming around the city, this card can be a real money-saver. The clock starts ticking from the first use, so plan your adventures accordingly!
• T-Dia ticket : Meet the one-day champ of Barcelona travel cards. The T-Dia offers unlimited rides for a single day. Perfect if you’ve got one day of heavy travel or if you’re attempting a Barcelona-in-a-day kind of challenge. Just remember, there’s a midnight expiry on this one, regardless of when you start.
• T-Casual : Enter the favorite of many locals: the T-Casual. Designed with the occasional commuter in mind, the T-Casual offers ten rides. However, there’s a catch: it’s personalized for individual use. That means no sharing with your travel buddy, sorry! On the bright side, it’s per ride price is cheaper than buying a single ticket each time you travel somewhere. And if you transfer between the metro and a bus within 75 minutes, it counts as a single journey. All this means that if you’re planning to spread out your travels over several days, this one’s a pretty smart choice.

Getting around the Barcelona metro

Now, onto the backbone of Barcelona’s transport – the metro. It’s efficient, fast, and usually the quickest way to get from A to B. 

The lines are color-coded, making it easy to follow, even if you’re terrible with maps (like yours truly). Stations are well-marked, and there are digital boards showing when the next train is due. 

To start your journey, simply validate your travel card or single ticket at the station entrance. Ta-da! You’re good to go.

Remember to explore the metro map, which will help you decipher which stops you need to reach. Keep in mind that some stations may connect to multiple lines, so plan your route accordingly.

Pro tip: during peak hours, things can get packed, so keep your belongings close (pickpockets are particularly rife at these times) and be prepared for a bit of a squeeze.

Important Metro Information

A few essential tips to keep in mind when traveling on the Barcelona metro:

• Firstly, it doesn’t run 24/7 . While it’s open till midnight on weekdays, on Fridays it’s till 2am, and on Saturdays, it runs all night. Handy for those late-night fiestas! 
• Be aware of pickpockets – keep your belongings close and remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Barcelona’s a safe city, but like in any major metropolis, it’s always smart to be cautious in crowded places. 
• Accessible stations are available for persons with disabilities – look for the wheelchair symbol on the metro map for guidance.
• If you’re traveling to or from the airport, there’s a special fare . Don’t try to use a regular T-casual ride for it, as it won’t work (although the Hola Barcelona Travel Card does!)

Avoiding pickpockets when traveling in Barcelona

Barcelona, like any other busy city, can have its share of pickpockets in crowded areas – although it can be a bit worse here than in other places, I have to say, especially in touristy areas.

But don’t worry! Just follow these simple tips to keep your belongings safe while enjoying the city:

• Be Aware : Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like metro stations, markets, and tourist hotspots. Don’t ever put your bag somewhere you can’t see it (like over the back of a chair) or where it’s not somehow attached to you – even setting it down “securely” on the seat next to you could see it disappear in the crush of a crowded metro.
• Secure Your Valuables : Keep your cash, cards, and ID in a secure money belt or neck pouch hidden under your clothes (my preferred way is a cross body bag so it’s hard for someone to pull it off me). Also, avoid using back pockets or open bags for valuable items.
• Travel Light : Carry only what you need for the day, leaving your passport, extra cash, and other items locked in your accommodations safe. If you’re going into the metro and have a backpack, wear it on your front so you can see where it is at all times.

Is Uber in Barcelona expensive?

No. Good news, you won’t break the bank getting around Barcelona with Uber! In fact, Uber is the same price as taxis in the city. However, it’s generally more expensive than Cabify, which is the more popular rideshare app in Spain.

With Uber, you can explore Barcelona at an affordable price while enjoying the comforts of a private ride.

The base fare for an UberX ride in Barcelona is €0.95, and the fare per kilometer is €1.10. There’s also a charge of €0.10 per minute when the vehicle is traveling at a speed below 10 km/h, and a booking fee of €0.35 for each ride. 

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on factors like demand, time of day, and special promotions.

A few things to remember while using Uber in Barcelona:

• Although usually around the same price as taxis, peak hours might see a surge in pricing, so plan your travels accordingly.
• Uber might be a better choice if you need some extra assistance as drivers often help with luggage and provide door-to-door services.
• If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, consider using public transportation like buses, trams, or the metro. It’s efficient, reliable, and budget-friendly.

Is it better to Uber or taxi in Barcelona?

In Barcelona, Uber and taxis effectively work the same. This means that one isn’t better than the other as both are similar prices using the same app. Instead, in my opinion, Cabify is better than both of them.

During your stay, you’ll find that taxis are easily accessible whether you’re at the airport or just wandering the streets. The city has a well functioning taxi service, and you can even use taxi booking apps to make your rides more convenient. 

But with Cabify being cheaper and just as convenient, I’d say that it takes the cake over Uber and taxis in Barcelona.

Should I get a Barcelona public transport card?

Yes, getting a Barcelona public transport card can be a cost-effective and convenient way to explore the city. With a variety of travel cards available, you can go unlimited rides on buses and the metro. It’s a great option for those who want hassle-free travel while saving money!

The Hola Barcelona Travel Card offers unlimited travel on public transport for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. Here are the prices for each duration:

• 48 hours (two days): €16.40 (i.e. €8.20 per day)
• 72 hours (three days): €23.80 (i.e. €7.93 per day)
• 96 hours (four days): €31 (i.e. €7.75 per day)
• 120 hours (five days): €38.20 (i.e. €7.64 per day)

For tourists who are interested in visiting museums and attractions, the Barcelona Card can be a great choice. This card combines unlimited public transport with discounts and free entry to various attractions, depending on the version you choose.

Another popular choice is the T-casual card, which is perfect for short visits or infrequent use. This card offers 10 journeys with no expiration date, although it’s for your personal use only – that is, no sharing with others in your group. 

For some, this may be enough. On the other hand, if you expect to use public transport frequently during your stay, you might want to consider a more comprehensive option like the Hola Barcelona Travel Card.

A quick tip: When visiting Barcelona, be aware that the single ticket option is relatively expensive at €2.40 per ride , making it far from the cheapest way to travel in Barcelona. Instead, it’s best to choose a travel card based on your needs.

By opting for a Barcelona public transport card, you can save your valuable time, avoid the hassle of purchasing individual tickets, and explore the city’s attractions with ease. 

So go ahead and enjoy your Barcelona adventure with the card that suits your needs best!

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

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Best Places to Visit in Europe | Money

If you’re overwhelmed while planning for a European vacation, you’re not alone. There are so many popular destinations worth visiting that it can be difficult to pare down a list to chose from. How do you sort out which cities are too expensive, too crowded, or have the type of attractions you’re looking for?

Read on for an in-depth look at five European cities you might want to include in your travel itinerar y and check out our quick travel guide to help you plan the perfect European vacation.

Our Top Picks for Best Places to Visit in Europe

• Dublin, Ireland – Best tourist attractions
• Barcelona, Spain – Best theme parks
• Gdansk, Poland – Best historical destination
• Prague, Czech Republic – Best architecture
• Chania, Greece – Best beaches

Best Places to Visit in Europe Reviews

Best tourist attractions in europe: dublin, ireland.

• Free parks and hiking areas
• Accessible from other Western European destinations
• Inclement weather during off-season

Why we chose it : Dublin, Ireland is full of entertaining tourist attractions including castles, museums, free parks, historical sites and plenty of nightlife.

Dublin offers attractions to visitors of all stripes. Its well-maintained historical sites dating back to medieval times attract history buffs; its nightlife, whiskey and plentiful pubs make it a reveler’s delight, while its free parks and natural scenery make it an agreeable place for the whole family.

A few of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions are:

• Trinity College Dublin : One of the oldest universities in Europe, with beautiful stone architecture and classical buildings. Several guided tours are available for a fee.
• National Botanic Gardens : World-renowned botanical gardens in the heart of Dublin. Entrance is free.
• Temple Bar : A popular nightlife district, centered around the famous Temple Bar Pub.
• Dublin Castle : A medieval castle that currently serves as a government complex. Tour costs vary by season.
• Phoenix Park : One of the largest enclosed public parks in Europe, free to visit.

On top of the attractions within Dublin’s city limits, you can also visit the castles, national parks, charming towns and beaches dotted throughout Ireland by renting a car or taking public transportation. Another advantage is that the city is highly accessible from other destinations — you’ll find affordable flights to Dublin from most major European cities.

Dublin can get crowded during the summer months and around the winter holidays. Prices for museums and tours also tend to increase during those months, so you’ll save money by traveling to Dublin in the off-season. Unfortunately, those winter months are when the weather can get unpleasant, blustery and rainy.

Despite the rain and cold, Dublin is an entertaining and accessible city to add to your itinerary as you explore Europe.

Best Theme Parks in Europe: Barcelona, Spain

• Sunny weather
• Good public transportation system
• Pricier than other destinations

Why we chose it : Barcelona has multiple amusement parks including the famous Tibidabo Amusement Park, one of the oldest theme parks in the world.

Barcelona, Spain is a bustling cultural center in Europe with plenty of attractions, including ancient architecture and world-class food. But the city’s whimsical side is also displayed in its variety of theme parks, water parks and rides.

Tibidabo Amusement Park is the oldest amusement park in Spain (and one of the oldest in the world). It’s situated on Tibidabo — the tallest hill in the area — with views of the surrounding city and ocean below. While there, you can ride the Ferris wheel and roller coaster or enjoy seasonal entertainment around Halloween and Christmas. Tickets cost €35 with the train ride up Tibidabo or €14 separately.

PortAventura Park, located about an hour outside of Barcelona, is another popular amusement park with rides, shows, restaurants and bars. It offers three hotel complexes, with one located inside the park — a fun option if you’re traveling with kids. Ticket costs vary by season but you can save money by buying them online before your trip.

Aside from theme parks, you’ll also find plenty of public parks, green spaces and sunny beaches in Barcelona. You should also be aware that, as part of the autonomous community of Catalunya, Barcelona stands out from the rest of Spain — residents speak Catalan as well as Spanish, the cuisine is unique to the region and prices are higher than in other smaller Spanish cities.

Best Historical Place in Europe: Gdansk, Poland

• Affordable destination
• Lively street markets
• Relatively cold, even in the summer

Why we chose it : In Gdansk, you can visit historical sites relevant to maritime history, World War II, the Solidarity movement and even medieval times.

Gdansk, Poland is a port city and historical merchant town on the northern coast of Poland. Although much of the city was destroyed during the Second World War, it has been rebuilt to match its original charm. The city’s Old Town maintains its Renaissance-style architecture, colorful buildings and street markets.

Along with Old Town, you can also visit Gdank’s many museums to learn about local history, including:

• Museum of the Second World War : Here, you’ll learn about the events of World War II from the perspective of Polish citizens.
• Museum of Gdansk : A Gothic/Renaissance-style building with modern and local art.
• Museum of Amber : Learn about the amber trade and its role in making Gdansk a thriving merchant town.
• Europejskie Centrum Solidarności : Roughly translated as the “European Center of Solidarity”, the museum is devoted to the history of Solidarity movement during Soviet rule in Poland.

Ticket costs to Gdansk’s museums vary by season but are generally less than $10 per person. Poland is one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe and has its own currency — you’ll pay less for attractions, food and lodging in Gdansk than in bigger cities like London, Berlin or Barcelona. However, that means you’ll have to exchange currency when you get there.

The weather also rarely gets warm, with average highs of only 63 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. You also might encounter a language barrier in Gdansk as English isn’t as prevalent as in other major cities.

Best Architecture in Europe: Prague, Czech Republic

• Renowned Christmas markets
• Historical old town
• Cold and dark in the winter months

Why we chose it : Prague, Czech Republic is one of the few major Central European cities to make it through the 20th century with their historic architecture mostly intact, including its stunning Gothic and Romanesque buildings.

If you’re a fan of Gothic architecture, you’ll love walking the streets of Prague. The city’s Old Town is well-preserved from medieval times, with cobbled streets, winding alleyways and tall spires. Prague has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, so you can quickly get around the city without a rental car or taxi.

Some of Prague’s most notable architectural sites include:

• Charles Bridge : A medieval stone bridge spanning the Vltava River flanked by religious statues.
• Old Town Hall : Prague’s ancient city center with one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world.
• Church of Our Lady Before Týn : An 11th-century Gothic-style church, open to public visitors.
• Schwarzenberg Palace : A Renaissance-era palace and current museum with Czech Baroque paintings.

There is no charge to walk around some of Prague’s most famous historical sites and take in the architecture, but you can pay for a guided walking tour to learn more about the history behind each building.

As beautiful as it is, Prague is also a very old city — you can see the impact of decades of pollution on the buildings, and the ancient, narrow alleyways can collect some litter. Prague can also be very cold in the winter months, making walking around and viewing the architecture less enjoyable.

Prague is more affordable than some Western European cities, so it’s a good destination if you want to visit Europe on a budget, even during the pricier summer months.

Best Beach in Europe: Chania, Greece

• Off the beaten path (compared to other destinations in Greece)
• Sunny weather even in the off-season
• Small streets can get crowded

Why we chose it : If you want to visit Greece’s crystal clear beaches without the crowds and high costs of other beach resort towns, try Chania, a harbor city on the island of Crete that offers beach weather even in late fall.

Chania, Greece — the second-largest city on the island of Crete — offers warm, sunny climate and hidden bays, making it a great destination if you’re looking for the best beaches in Europe. Unlike Mykonos and other popular Greek beach communities, Chania is off the beaten path for most tourists. Pleasant weather extends until late November, so you can beat the crowds and still enjoy plenty of warmth and sunshine.

While Chania itself is a port town with cobbled streets and wooden docks, there are plenty of sandy beaches within a short drive or boat ride from the city. The most popular beaches include:

• Elafonisi Beach : A white-sand islet, easiest to reach by boat.
• Balos Beach : A secluded beach accessible by road or boat.
• Falassarna Beach : A family-friendly resort area with a long, sandy beach surrounded by olive groves.

Chania offers affordable accommodations, diverse food options — including Jewish, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines — and fresh seafood. There is some nightlife, but the town is quieter than other destinations in Greece. You should also be aware that Chania doesn’t have the whitewashed, domed buildings or high cliffs other Greek towns are known for.

Other Places to Visit in Europe We Considered

Utrecht, netherlands.

• Less crowded alternative to Amsterdam
• Close to the Amsterdam airport
• Can be expensive

Utrecht, Netherlands has the cafés and canals of Amsterdam, minus the crowds and higher prices. It’s a quick train ride from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and can be a stop on your Netherlands trip or a destination of its own. Although it isn’t quite as pricey as Amsterdam, the cost of food and lodging in Utrecht is still relatively high compared to other European cities.

Lisbon, Portugal

• Colorful architecture
• Great food options
• Crowded year-round

Lisbon, Portugal is one of Western Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. It is generally considered to have a laid-back vibe with charming cobbled streets, colorful buildings and spectacular coastal views. However, because it’s so popular, this city is crowded with tourists year-round.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Abundance of natural wonders
• Vibrant nightlife
• Far from the rest of Europe

Reykjavik, Iceland is home to natural wonders like waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes and even the Aurora Borealis. This is a great destination for nature-lovers but, if you’re planning on visiting multiple European cities on your trip, it might be challenging to work Iceland into your itinerary due to its distance from other European countries. Reykjavik might be best for a single-destination trip.

Places to Visit in Europe Guide

If you’re looking for the best international places to travel , you’ll find no shortage of bucket list destinations in Europe. Although it’s difficult to definitively rank the best cities to visit in Europe — or even the best countries to visit in Europe — we’ve compiled this quick European travel guide to help you plan your trip. Remember that the ideal destinations will depend on your priorities and when you’re traveling.

The basics of Europe

Before you start comparing the best airlines or best hotels for your trip, you’ll want to establish your priorities. It’s impossible to see every tourist destination in one trip but focusing on what you want to do and what your ultimate goals are for your trip.

Here are some things to consider to help you decide which European destination works best for your trip.

Europe has distinct regions based on culture, geography and language. The main generalized geographical areas of Europe are:

• Western Europe – This is where you’ll find some of the most popular European destinations including France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. These countries are often expensive to visit and can get cold in winter, but they also contain several global cities and important historical sites.
• Southern Europe – Spain, Italy and Portugal are all Southern European countries with typically sunny climates, Mediterranean cuisine and historic architecture.
• Central Europe – When visiting Germany, Poland or the Czech Republic you’ll find colder climates, as well as cultural and historic attractions.
• Eastern Europe – Estonia, Georgia and Croatia are examples of Eastern European destinations you might not have considered traveling to but that offer unique cultural experiences at an affordable cost.

Depending on the time of year you’re traveling, weather can make or break your trip. Western and Central European countries experience dark, freezing winters, making sightseeing challenging.

Despite being a relatively small geographical area, Europe contains hundreds of diverse cultures. You should expect different cultural norms regarding dining, public transportation and conversations everywhere you go. As a traveler, it’s always important to understand and respect the culture of the country you’re visiting.

Best time to visit Europe

Here are a few examples of seasons when you can make the most of your European vacation.

The best time to enjoy the weather in Europe

Weather in Europe varies drastically depending on the region you’re visiting. If you want the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean, you’ll enjoy the best weather between early spring and summer while late summer and fall bring higher temperatures and humidity.

The best time to backpack in Europe

If you plan to backpack and camp in Europe, you’ll want to travel in early or late summer. Pay attention to the rainy seasons! The United Kingdom, for example, is rainiest in spring.

The best time to cruise in Europe

Flying between European countries is fast and generally affordable, especially if you take advantage of some of the best airline rewards programs . But if you’re not in a hurry, a cruise can be a pleasant way to get to your next destination and do some sightseeing along the way.

Some of the best river cruises in Europe can take you through France, Italy or into Central Europe, with the best weather occurring during spring and summer. On the other hand, you might find discounted tickets for a cruise during colder seasons. If you don’t mind a little inclement weather, a cruise in the off-season can be an excellent way to save.

The best time to ski in Europe

For ski resorts, you’ll want to travel during winter or spring. Remember that mid-winter in Northern Europe means short days and long nights — you’ll enjoy more daylight if you travel in late winter or spring, toward the end of the ski season.

Best ways to travel Europe

One of the main differences between Europe and the U.S. is accessible public transportation in and between major cities. Train travel, boats and buses make it easy to get around without renting a car.

Budget airlines can be a good option if you’re visiting multiple countries. You might also get a good deal with the best airline credit cards .

Travel Europe by train

Train travel in Europe can be slow and luxurious or fast and efficient. For example, the Paris to Barcelona train is a direct route that takes less than a day and costs around €30. Many train routes in Europe are very scenic — plus, it’s a more environmentally friendly form of travel than airplanes.

Travel Europe by ferry

Ferries are an affordable option if you’re traveling around the Mediterranean or Baltic seas. You can find overnight ferries (for example, Helsinki to Stockholm) or quick trips, such as between Greek islands. If you plan on taking an overnight or multi-day ferry, book your ticket in advance and use the best travel credit cards to save money.

Travel Europe in group tours

All-inclusive European vacations can make it easier to plan your trip. Instead of booking multiple trips separately, you can book a group tour to see multiple countries with an organized schedule. Travel packages to Europe might be a little more expensive than an unstructured trip, but they remove the stress of planning and can be a comfortable option for an inexperienced traveler.

Things to consider when you travel to Europe

Here are a few more things to remember as you plan your European vacation.

Currency exchange

Many European countries use the euro, but not all of them do. Be sure to research the local currency in each destination country and be prepared to exchange cash. Remember that exchange rates are generally highest at airports and busy tourist areas.

Power adapters

Most of Europe uses a Type C outlet, and the United Kingdom uses Type G. A universal power adapter is a necessary purchase before any international trip.

Busy seasons

Most European destinations are busiest in summer when the weather is warm and kids are off from school. Travel during the busy season is fine, but you should know that attractions will be more crowded and potentially more expensive. If you can travel in the off-season, you might find better deals.

Conservation efforts

When traveling to a country known for its national parks, like Iceland, you’ll want to pay attention to local conservation efforts. National parks are periodically closed to protect sensitive wildlife.

This doesn’t just apply to natural scenery — museums and historical sites can also be closed for maintenance from time to time. Big Ben in London, for example, was closed to visitors between 2017 and 2023 to prevent it from wearing down.

Places to Visit in Europe FAQs

How do i plan a trip to europe, how much does a trip to europe cost, how many countries are in europe, how do i travel to europe on a budget, is it safe to travel to europe now, how we chose the best places to visit in europe.

To chose the European destinations covered in this article, we compared locations based on a few important factors, including:

• Safety : All destinations in this review have low crime rates and are safe to travel to.
• Reputation : We looked into the reputation of each of these cities based on reviews (and the author’s personal experience).
• Accessibility : You can reach these cities directly from the U.S. or major European cities.
• Things to do : We looked for cities that offer a wide variety of things to do, whether you’re traveling solo, as a group or with family.

Summary of Money’s Best Places to Visit in Europe

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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Barcelona’s Grand Prix Fever Hits Catalan Screens

As the vibrant city of Barcelona prepares to captivate the world once again, an electrifying announcement has sent waves of excitement through the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts everywhere.

This magical metropolis, renowned for its scenic splendor and alluring beaches, is gearing up to host two of the most prestigious events in the racing calendar: the MotoGP and the Formula One Grand Prix.

From May 24th to 26th, the Circuit de Catalunya will thunder with the roar of MotoGP engines, while the pinnacle of four-wheeled racing, the Formula One Championship, will take center stage from June 21st to 23rd.

These grand prix events have become an integral part of Barcelona’s cultural fabric, attracting a global audience eager to witness the magic unfold in this enchanting city.

In a move that has ignited jubilation among Catalan motorsport aficionados, the public broadcasters TV3 and Catalunya Ràdio have secured the rights to broadcast both events in a joint effort, courtesy of a deal struck between 3Cat, the company responsible for managing these broadcasters, and DAZN, the holder of the broadcasting rights for these competitions in Spain.

Wembanyama Will Play For The San Antonio Spurs Till Retirement

This agreement, however, is exclusive to the 2024 edition, adding an air of anticipation and excitement to the proceedings.

Photo by PRAT clement: Pexels

For Formula One fans, this news marks a triumphant return of the Spanish Grand Prix to TV3’s airwaves after a decade-long hiatus. From 1997 to 2015, TV3 was the go-to destination for Catalan viewers, broadcasting all 19 seasons of the world championship races.

While other Spanish broadcasters like TVE, Telecinco, La Sexta, and Antena3 secured partial rights over the years, the exclusivity ultimately shifted to pay-per-view platforms like Movistar+ and DAZN.

Now, with the free-to-air broadcasts on TV3, Catalunya Ràdio, and online platforms, motorsport enthusiasts can revel in the excitement without the barrier of subscription fees.

For those unable to witness the action in person at the Circuit de Catalunya, this announcement provides a golden opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrill of the races from the comfort of their homes or preferred viewing destinations.

As the anticipation builds and the days draw closer, Barcelona’s streets buzz with the palpable energy of a city poised to host two of the most captivating spectacles in the world of motorsport.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the exhilarating world of racing, Barcelona promises an unforgettable experience that will leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who bear witness. 

Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !

These are  Amazon’s best-selling  travel products that you may need for coming to Paris.

• The best travel book : Rick Steves – Paris 2023 –  Learn more here
• Fodor’s Paris 2024 –  Learn more here

Travel Gear

• Venture Pal Lightweight Backpack –  Learn more here
• Samsonite Winfield 2 28″ Luggage –  Learn more here
• Swig Savvy’s Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle –  Learn more here

Check Amazon’s best-seller list for the most popular travel accessories. We sometimes read this list just to find out what new travel products people are buying.

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