Your Essential Barcelona Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

Your Essential Barcelona Travel Guide: Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, or you’re simply curious about the Catalan capital, then you are in the right place. This article, created to be your essential Barcelona travel guide, covers some of the most important travel aspects and things not to be missed.

Thanks to its distinctive architectural style, its cosmopolitan touch, and mild weather, Barcelona is suitable for all ages, all year round. The city is the capital of contemporary architecture, and even if you are not an expert, you will enjoy looking at marvelous buildings in Barcelona. There are plenty of things to do in Barcelona, including great nightlife, beaches, and amazing food. Barcelona is the type of city you’ll just fall in love with – and you’ll probably want to re-visit again and again.

The peak season in Barcelona is from April to September. During this period, days are hot; the city is crowded and the hotels are at their most expensive. That could be the right choice if you want to make your trip a mix of sightseeing and relaxing at the beach. On the contrary, the shoulder season is from October to March, when you can expect cold and rainy days, but also cheaper deals and fewer crowds. The best time to visit the city is probably between April-May and towards the end of September.

How to Get to the City Centre from Barcelona’s Airports

Barcelona is located in the North-East of Spain on the Mediterranean coast about 150 km (90 miles) south of the French border. This strategic location allows the city port to be one of the busiest in Europe. Likewise, the vicinity of France permits many French tourists to enjoy short breaks.

However, we are not all that lucky, and the majority of us will have to arrive in Barcelona by air.

Find Flights to Barcelona

From Barcelona El Prat Airport to the city center

El Prat is the second largest airport in Spain and the main Catalonian airport. It’s located 12 km southwest of Barcelona and it is mostly used for intercontinental travel than domestic and European travel. Despite being a big airport, it has only two terminals which make it quite easy to navigate around.

Metro

Metro L9 SUD connects the airport to the city, with the last stop being Zona Universitaria. The estimated time of travel is 32 minutes, and the frequency of passing trains is approximately every 7 minutes. You can find the metro station at T1 on level 0, close to the buses. Barcelona’s metro runs from 5 am to midnight Sun-Thu, 5 am to 2 am on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays.

Train

The R2 NORTE departs from T2 every 30 minutes. You can find the train station just outside T2 connected with a covered footbridge. If you land at terminal 1, you can reach terminal 2 with a 24h free shuttle bus service. The first train leaves at 5:42 am and the last one at 11:38 pm.

Find Out All Trains Available

Bus

The Aerobus departs from T1, goes through T2 and arrives in Plaza Catalunya. Times of frequency are:

5:35 am – 7:30 pm every 10 minutes
7:30 pm – 10:20 pm every 5 minutes
10:25 pm – 01:05 am every 10 minutes

It makes 3 intermediate stops at Plaza De Espanya, Urgell, Plaza Universidad.

Night Buses

To those opting for the urban bus or needing a night bus here are the options:

- 46 to and from Plaza Espanya
- N18 night bus to and from Plaza Catalunya – Ronda Universitat. It departs from T1 or T2 and runs every 20 minutes from 00:18 am to 4:38 am
- Bus N17 to and from Plaza Catalunya – Ronda Universitat. It departs from T1 every 20 minutes 9:55 pm – 4:45 am
- N16 night bus to and from Plaza Catalunya. It departs from T2 every 20 minutes 11 pm – 4:40 am

Find Out All Buses Available

From Girona airport to the city center

Girona-Costa Brava airport is located 85km from Barcelona. The Segales Bus Company connects Girona with Barcelona. Departures are approximately 20-25 minutes after the arrival of each flight. The journey time is about 75 minutes and the last stop is Estaciò del Norte. From there you can reach the city center within 15 minutes on foot.

Other options available

If you like the comfort, transfers in Barcelona are fast and efficient. That way would not need to wait for buses or connections and get wherever you need with ease.

If you wish to explore wider areas of Spain, then renting a car in Barcelona would be your best option.

Your Essential Barcelona Travel Guide Where to Stay in Barcelona

As a general rule of thumb, we believe that first-timers should always stay central, especially for short city breaks. Getting public transport daily can be stressful, and it takes away precious time which could be spent in a better way.

Ideally, one should choose a central accommodation that is affordable and has easy access to public transport. But if you are not staying central, we recommend you choose a place close to a metro station.

Here is our selection of Barcelona’s best neighborhoods:

1) Barri Gòtic

Barri Gotic is very central and it’s ideal for those who want to save on public transport. From here, you can walk to the major landmarks such as Catedral de Barcelona, Museo Picasso, and Palau de la Musica. PROS: the old town is very characteristic with plenty of things to do and see. Plaza Catalunya, strategically connecting airports and the city, is just 10 minutes on foot. A large selection of places to stay would suit all tastes. CONS: Very touristy area, not ideal for those in search of tranquillity.

Check out the best places to stay in Barri Gotic

2) La Ramblas

Those who will choose to stay in La Ramblas will simply have everything nearby. Hotels and hostels, despite being in the very heart of the city, are suitable for all budgets. We recommend this area to those who like to party and want to experience a bit of Spanish ‘Movida’.

Check out the best places to stay in La Ramblas

3) Raval

Raval was once considered a rough area. However, the construction of MACBA (Museo de Art Contemporanea de Barcelona) has transformed it into a new and trendy district, rich in art galleries, bars, and restaurants. In the stylish central square there are contemporary buildings aligned next to ancient buildings. We would recommend this neighborhood to those who don’t mind crowds and want to enjoy the nightlife. Here you will find several nightclubs and cool bars along with young crowds ready to party. Raval is located strategically close to Plaza de Catalunya, La Rambla, and the port. Prices of hotels are not as high as in other central parts of Barcelona.

Check out the best places to stay in Raval

4) Eixample

Eixample is a modern, elegant neighborhood, home to some of the most famous landmarks of the city. La Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlò and La Pedrera are located here, so expect prices of hotels to be quite high. Along the marvelous tree-lined avenues, there is Passeige de Gràcia, the famous shopping avenue of the city. Eixample is a very extensive neighborhood and it stretches out from Plaza de Glòries to Sants station. If you choose to stay near Plaza de Glòries you could just walk to Sagrada Familia.

Check out the best places to stay in Eixample

5) Gràcia

You should honestly stay in Gràcia if you want to experience the authentic Catalan lifestyle. It is like a different village, for it remained independent until the 1800s. Here you’ll find plenty of artisanal boutiques and street artists, which give the village that ‘Bohemian touch’. It is a bit distant from the city center, though well connected with the metro. Moreover, it’s not hard to find nice and affordable B&Bsn around. Gràcia is the perfect district for those who are in search of tranquillity away from crowds.

Check out the best places to stay in Gràcia

6) Barceloneta

Barceloneta covers the port and the beaches of Barcelona. The seafront of Barceloneta is full of shops, seafood restaurants, and the famous ‘Chiringuitos’, traditional bars where you can watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail. Barceloneta is perfect if you want to experience a mix of sightseeing and relaxation at the beach. It is ideal for couples, but also families, as it is home to the city aquarium and an IMAX cinema. On top of this, it is not that far of a walk from the city center, just about 15 minutes from La Rambla. Prices of accommodations, especially during the summer months, tend to be high. However, it is not too hard to find some affordable places.

Check out the best places to stay in Barceloneta

7) Montjuїc & Poble Sec

These are two residential areas which are a bit out of the city centre. Poble Sec is not that much considered by tourists even though it is located just at the foot of Montjuїc hill with amazing views of the coast. Montjuїc is a place you should visit even if you’re not staying there. Plenty of things to see – such as Fondaciò Mirò and Castel de Montjuїc – reachable with a panoramic funicular

The area is generally speaking safe, and it features several good restaurants. Within walking distance, there is Plaça de Espanya, where you can enjoy the magic fountain’s evening shows. This is a perfect spot for those who like tranquillity, surrounded by green, and in the evening just enjoy going for dinner and a walk.

Check out the best places to stay in Poble Sec and Montjuic

If you still haven’t found your ideal place to stay in Barcelona, you can have a look at the map below

Booking.com

Barcelona is a lively city, rich in history and striking architecture. The vibrant cultural heritage paired with sandy beaches and delicious food make it one of the top European cities. We can confirm that there is always something to keep you entertained in Barcelona and even if you are not an expert in architecture, you will recognize its finest beauty intuitively.

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Must-Do in Barcelona: The Top 10 Things You Should Not Miss

If you are visiting Barcelona for the first time, we are pretty sure you’ll fall in love with it. Strolling around Park Güell, enjoying a sunset at the beach, tasting some tapas nearby La Rambla…

We enjoyed the city because it has so much to offer, from unparalleled architecture to Mediterranean cuisine but also plenty of green, beaches and nightlife. With centuries of history to explore, it is hard not to fall for Barcelona. In this section, we made a list of things you should not miss on your perfect trip to Catalan’s capital.

1. La Rambla

La Rambla is the main street of Barcelona. Even without looking at any Barcelona travel guide, you’ll probably walk through here at some stage. This street stretches through the heart of the city from Plaza de la Catalunya down to Port Vell. Here you’ll find tourists, street artists but also locals. Barcelona supporters usually gather around this district to celebrate a victory or just talk football. If you drink some water from the Canaletes fountain – they say – you will return here one day. Whether you are taking in street performances, watching the world go by from a terrace, or having some delicious tapas in one of the many cafes, there is never a dull moment here.

2. La Sagrada Familia

Locals say La Sagrada Familia is the greatest achievement of Catalan building, pity though the building is not completed yet. Some say it is just a well-studied marketing strategy, some others say is just too expensive to be completed in a short time. Aside from this, we must say it is hard not to get caught up in its beauty.

A marvelous mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles represents, on the facade, the life of Jesus from start to finish. Colors are often used (typical of Gaudì’s style). Animals such as chameleons and pelicans are also represented, as a confirmation of Gaudì’s belief that terrain and the divine’s life are inextricably linked. La Sagrada Familia is a great Christian example of Gothic style, it will be finished in 2026 (hopefully) after 150 years of construction and it will be the largest religious building in Europe.

The Sagrada Familia & Towers Guided Tour offers a great opportunity to explore Barcelona’s most iconic symbol through the guidance of an expert tour guide. The tour includes fast-track entry to the Sagrada Familia and a climb to the top of one of the towers to enjoy breathtaking views over Barcelona.

3. Parc Güell

Parc Güell is possibly the most unusual park you’ll ever see, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most representative Catalan Art Nouveau creations. Gaudí structured this park with houses, fountains, pillars, and walkways in a way that they appear to be an extension of nature. In his – quite bizarre – style, he represents lizard-like fountains fashioned out of mosaic tiles, arches jagged like giant mouth openings, and waving-like trees. You’ll be submerged in colors and it will be like going through an extra-terrestrial world.

Tickets to the monumental zone cost € 13. For a little more, there is the possibility to join the Parc Güell Guided Walking Tour. This guided tour is essential for those that wish to learn more about the World Heritage Site Park Güell in under two hours. Be mindful that the park is usually crowded and admittance is only for 400 people every 30 minutes.

GOOD TO KNOW

For the biggest Antoni Gaudí’s fans, there is now the possibility to book a Sagrada Familia & Parc Güell Combo Tour. The tour takes 5 hours and 30 minutes and it is highly recommended if you wish to visit and learn all about both sights.

4. Barri Gòtic

This district, so ancient that it was walked by the Romans and the Greeks, it’s one of the most famous and busy districts of the city. Barri Gòtic was once the hub of medieval Barcelona, and today it is like an open sky museum. Around here you can find just about everything: from antique shops to libraries, from bars and restaurants to traditional food boutiques. During the day you can just stroll around its many narrow streets, take some pictures and enjoy an aperitif in one of the many traditional bars. Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça del Rei, and Plaça del Pi. When the sun goes down, the glow of the street lights plays a magic shadows game and the district becomes the place to go for the “movida”.

5. Casa Milà and Casa Battlò

Local architect Antoni Gaudì had a very distinctive style that was characterized by freedom of form, color, and texture. He truly gave the city of Barcelona a very personalized style that can still be admired today. Casa Milà and Casa Battlò are two examples of his stylish architecture, both declared as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Casa Milà, commonly known as “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) was the last civil piece of artwork made by Gaudì. Its name comes from its exterior design, made almost completely of stones.

Casa Battlò is located at 43, Paseo de Gracia. This area was once at the core of a massive urban development plan and the landlord Mr. Joseph Battlò, gave Gaudì total freedom in planning and building the house.

Both houses are usually very busy however it is possible to skip the queue with Casa Milà Skip the Line Tickets and Casa Battlò Skip the Line Tickets. Online tickets for the Casa Battlò are also less expensive than if purchased at the box office.

6. Montjuїc Park

Montjuїc Park is an extensive green area that includes museums, castles, gardens, and much more. Visit the whole park will take you no less than a full day. You could stroll around one of the many gardens such as Laribal gardens, the gardens of the Greek Theatre, Joan Maragall gardens, and the botanic gardens. Don’t forget to visit the Fondaciò Mirò (recommended). Other places of interest include:

The magic fountain: light & music shows at night
Palau Nacional: national museum of Catalonia’s art
Montjuїc Castle: a well-preserved castle from the Bourbons

TIP: You can walk up the park from Plaça Espanya, but it is going to be a tiring uphill walk. Better take the bus 150 from Plaça Espanya, which stops at the main points of interest.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot. Pack some lunch and have a picnic in one the many gardens. Ensure your camera is fully charged; the views from up here are amazing!

7. Camp Nou

Camp Nou is the home ground of FC Barcelona since 1957 and one of Europe’s football cathedrals. The basic Camp Nou tour includes the press room, the changing rooms, and of course, the museum. Everyone would enjoy a tour of glorious Camp Nou and learn about its history and football players. However, if you are a big fan then you should not miss the Guided Tour of Camp Nou Stadium! Just on or before football matches there are no tours, so take a look at the calendar to avoid any disappointment.

8. La Boqueria

La Boqueria is an iconic market that has been trading for over 200 years. It’s a grid of permanent stalls selling fruit and vegetables, charcuterie, olives, fish, and other local products. The market bustles with locals buying their food or having a beer in one of the many market bars. It is a popular tourist spot too. If you want to buy some traditional cheese or some typical products, this is the place. La Boqueria is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8:30 pm.

GOOD TO KNOW!

There are several food markets in Barcelona that offer fresh local products. Going to the market is a tradition among locals which has been kept for years. Markets have become, not only just food halls but also places where people meet with friends and enjoy drinks and tapas. You can learn more about Barcelona’s markets and taste local products by joining La Boqueria & Santa Caterina Markets Tour.

9. Barceloneta

Barceloneta is a neighborhood located in the district of Port Vell, just off Barri Gòtic. In 1754, fishermen settled down here in Barceloneta as it is close to the sea. Since then, the area is renowned for the best fish you can find in the city. Barceloneta has become very cosmopolitan throughout the years, yet in the narrow lanes, you can still admire old houses and stores. The main spot here is the beach; if the weather is good bring your towel and just relax.

10. Eating in Barcelona

If you like international food, you are in the right place. Barcelona has it for all tastes, from Middle Eastern cuisine, all the way to Japanese-style noodle bars. But you are in Spain, and you should try out some local food. A popular snack in Catalonia is the Pa amb tomàquet – a rustic bruschetta topped with tomatoes and olive oil. Very popular, especially amongst locals are the ‘Pintxos’, stylish snack bars which serve all types of tapas, such as patatas bravas, croquetas, and chorizo. If you like tapas then you should join a Barcelona Tapas Tour: you won’t be disappointed!

BARCELONA QUICK TIPS

Barcelona is easily walkable. For example, it only takes 15 minutes on foot to reach Barceloneta from La Rambla. The metro in Barcelona is very efficient and probably what you will need at some stage during your stay. You could get a map of the metro for free at the airport or in any tourist office. A single ticket is quite expensive and costs € 2,40. We recommend getting a T-Casual ticket which is valid for 10 rides and costs € 11,35. These tickets are not valid to travel to/from airports.

The Hola BCN Card and Barcelona Card offer unlimited travel on the metro. As with any tourist card, they have pros and cons. The Barcelona Cards will do you if you are going to visit at least two attractions per day. Prices start at € 48 for 72 hours. Alteratively, the Hola BCN starts at € 16,40 for 48 hours, but it only includes transport.

Barcelona on a Budget: All you Need to Know Before you Go

Barcelona is possibly the most expensive city in Spain and planning your trip wisely can save you a good bit of money. We tend to cover these aspects for all city trips we made because we know that time and resources are not unlimited, and there are so many cities we all want to explore!

If your budget is limited, we recommend spending your money on experiences, rather than goods. You’d be surprised to see that Barcelona is full of activities and things to do without having to spend a cent. In this section, we are going to cover useful facts, such as free things to do in Barcelona, how to save on transport in Barcelona, and discounted activities in Barcelona. Let’s get started!

1) Enjoy the sun

Instead of spending an afternoon shopping, why not choose a walk along the beach, or even just relax and take in a bit of sun? Barcelona’s weather is good almost all year round, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities. Grab a sandwich and go picnicking in one of the many parks instead of going always to the restaurant. Bring along your sun cream and go sunbathing at the beach.

2) Barcelona Card

The Barcelona Card offers unlimited rides on all public transports, including trains from/to the airports, as well as free entrance into 25 museums and attractions, and discounts on over 40 popular restaurants, shops, tours, and attractions. Examples of free attractions included with this card are:

Museu Picasso
Botanic gardens
Fundaciò Mirò
MACBA
Museu de la xocolata

3) Barcelona Go City Pass

The Barcelona Go City Pass offers the possibility to visit all the major landmarks within 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. This City Pass is valid for an unlimited period but time starts counting off from the first entrance. You can only visit each place once. This pass can only be purchased online and through the download of the appropriate app. Note also that some attractions will need to be booked in advance due to capacity restrictions. The Barcelona Go City Pass can be a real money saver if all the visits are planned well.

4) Eat at La Boqueria Market

Eating at local markets is a good option to eat more (and well) for less. La Boqueria is a traditional market and also one of the most visited landmarks of the city. If you are staying in an apartment, at La Boqueria you can find some excellent ingredients for your meals. Moreover, the market presents food stalls selling traditional Catalan tapas. A perfect place to get a salty breakfast or a quick lunch for the right price. La Boqueria can be easily found on the Ramblas (Rambla, 91). It is open Monday-Saturday 8 am to 8,30 pm.

TIPS! The majority of tourists stop by the first stalls attracted by the colours of the tropical fruits. You should instead go deeper into the market to find those stalls where locals would buy their stuff, as they are much cheaper in comparison.

5) Visit the museums when they are free

If you don’t want to buy one of Barcelona’s discount cards, there is another way you can save on museums. Have a look at museums’ official websites to discover when your favourite museum is open for free. We know that most museums are open for free after 3 pm every Sunday, and all day on the first Sunday of each month. If you are big into museums, plan your visits around Sundays and you won’t regret it.

6) Take a free walking tour

Walking is the best way to see Barcelona, and doing so with a guide will allow you to discover parts and facts about the city that you wouldn’t have known otherwise. Booking a Barcelona free walking tour in advance is recommended. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, and to bring your suncream and your camera. Tipping at the end of the tour is not mandatory but recommended.

7) Enjoy the Magic Fountain Show

The magic fountain of Montjuїc in Barcelona has become a top tourist attraction and it is also much appreciated by the locals. Built in 1929 for the International Exhibition, the fountain’s light and music show is something different to do for free on a night out in Barcelona. The fountain is operative from March 1^st to January 6^th. It is closed every January 7^th to February 28^th for maintenance. To watch the shows, you should be there around 8 pm during the winter or around 9,30 pm during the summer.

8) Explore the Roman remains of Barcino

Not many know that some well-preserved Roman ruins stand in Barcelona, and some can be visited for free. Below are the addresses

Roman Towers: Plaça Nova. Two remains of defensive towers that straddled the main gate to Barcino: Porta Praetoria.
City Wall: Carrer de la Palla, 16. The Roman Walls follow a route of about 1.4km. You could also start the walk from the Cathedral at Plaça Nova.
History museum MUHBA: Plaça del Rei. It’s free to enter every Sunday after 3 pm and all day every first Sunday of the month.
Roman Necropolis: Plaça de la Vila de Madrid. A burial site that lies under the street level.
Temple of Augustus: Carrer del Paradìs, 10. You can enter the house for free to visit the original remains of the temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus.
Roman Domus: Two roman houses opened to the public and are free to enter on the first Sunday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm. One is located at Carrer de la Fruita, 2; the other one at Carrer d’Avinyo, 15.

9) Wander around Park Güell

To access the main area of the park, where Gaudì’s most impressive artworks are displayed, you will have to pay for a ticket. However, you can stroll around parts of the park for free or take part in one of the many Free Walking Tour of Parc Guell. The restricted area takes in only about 5% of the park, so you can imagine there is plenty to see without having to spend a cent. Hike the southwest side of the park until you reach Turò de les Tres Creus – you won’t regret it!

10) Discover Barcelona's street art

While strolling around the city, do not forget to check out Barcelona’s best street art. Most murals can be found on the north side of Poble Nou, although pieces of artwork are everywhere around the city. For those of you who are big into street art, ‘Barcelona Street Style’ runs free walking tours specifically designed to discover the best of the city’s street art.

11) Admire landmarks from the outside

Barcelona is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. However, having to pay to enter all its landmarks will cost a fortune. Be advised that you can just look at Barcelona’s marvelous architecture from the outside without spending a cent. Take Passeig de la Gracià and admire the Dragon House, Casa Milà and Casa Battlò. Turn onto Via Laietana and admire Palau de la Musica. Other houses not to be missed are Casa Amatller, Casa Lleo i Morera, and Palau del Barò de Quadras (you can go inside the doorway for free). Obviously, the world-famous La Sagrada Familia is also another building that could be admired from the outside.

12) Attend a free festival or concert

Barcelona’s parks and green spaces are transformed into outdoor music heavens during the summer months. Events happen pretty much in every neighborhood, but one of the most popular is at Parc de la Ciutadella. This park is nice to visit even if no events are going on, with its monumental waterfall and the Castle of the 3 Dragons.

Two of the biggest festivals are Festes de Gracia in August and La Mercè in September. Check them out if you’re around that time.

Looking for some traditional music? The Sardana is a traditional Catalan folk dance symbolizing unity, and you can watch group dances on Sundays at Pla de la Seu.

13) Save on transport

The T10 metro card can be used on metros, trains, trams, and buses within zone one. These tickets can be shared, so you could initially buy one of these – and then see if you need more tickets/passes. As we said, Barcelona is easily walkable, but you may need to take public transport sometimes.

Cycling could be a great option to explore the city, especially during the summer months. Bikes can be rented for circa € 10 per day.

The Hola BCN Card is an all-transport pass in that it only includes transport and not museums/attractions. It does not include the Aerobus (the airport bus). This card is ideal if you need to move around a lot.

Prices in Euros for an adult:

– 17,50 for a 2-day card

– 25,50 for a 3-day card

– 33,30 for a 4-day card

– 38,20 for a 5-day card.

14) Get a bird's eye view of the city

To get a panoramic view of the city, simply climb one of the many hills of the city. You can get some of the best views from Park Güell hills, from the mountain of Tibidabo – with the church of Sagrat Cor, and of course, Montjuїc.

Time for conclusions...

We think Barcelona is a brilliant city which should be visited at least once in a lifetime…

Admiring its quirky architecture, tasting some delicious food….but also enjoying the great weather, and understanding its amazing culture can really make anyone fall in love with it.

We enjoyed writing this essential Barcelona Travel Guide. Now it is your turn to go and feel it first hand!

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Do you like city breaks? We wrote some interesting articles on Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Dubrovnik, Lisbon, Naples, Paris, Budapest, London, Edinburgh and Rome too!

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