THE ULTIMATE BARCELONA TRAVEL GUIDE
Barcelona is a perfect place for a getaway and one of the most popular cities in any European adventure. You will get a mixture of history, culture, architecture, nightlife, and beach time if you decide to travel to Barcelona. It is one of my favourite places I have visited because of the diverse range of things the city has to offer.
Barcelona is one of those cities that wherever you turn there is something new and exciting to do. Have some tapas and sangria, admire the incredible architecture of Gaudi, and go partying in arguably one of the best nightlife spots in Europe.
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HOW TO GET TO BARCELONA
Plane
Most people will enter Barcelona at the El Prat International Airport (BCN). It is located 12km southwest of the city, so once you’ve collected your luggage you will need to jump in an aerobus, taxi or airport transfer service.
Organising a private transfer is probably the most hassle-free way to get to your accommodation. A fare will typically cost around €32.
If you prefer a cheaper option, hop on an Aerobus which will take you approximately 1/2hr to make your way into the city centre. The buses are very frequent and cost effective. A one way ticket will set you back about €6.
Train
Barcelona has many high speed trains connecting the main cities of Spain and the rest of Europe. You can reach Barcelona from Madrid in just 2.5hrs. There are direct trains to Paris, Zurich and Milan. The main train station in Barcelona is Barcelona-Sants.
Cruise/ferry
Barcelona Port is one of the largest in Europe, meaning many cruise ships will dock here. The port has seven international terminals and four for ferries.
Bus
If you are a budget-traveller, a good option is to catch a bus into the city centre. You can pretty much get to Barcelona by bus from any point in Europe. The city’s main bus station is called Estacio del Nord.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Barcelona is during the balmy months of May-June. This is before the heat rises in Summer and the tourists all flock to the city.
RECOMMENDED STAY TIME
I would say you will need about 4-5 day s in Barcelona. You could extend this up to a week depending on whether you want to do some day trips to surrounding places.
TOP TRAVEL TIPS
Watch out for pickpockets
Barcelona is renowned for having some of the worst pickpockets in Europe. Keep your eyes on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Buy the Barcelona card
If you’ve got a few days in Barcelona it may be a budget friendly option to get the Barcelona Card which grants you access to over 25 museums and attractions. You also get free public transport with the card.
Get a wristband if you are going clubbing
If you plan on partying the night away, find a club promoter and buy a wristband. You will typically find these guys on Barceloneta Beach. This wristband is a bargain and will get you entry into some of the biggest clubs in the city without having to stand in queue. Trust me, the lines for some of these clubs will have you waiting for hours; so just buy the wristband!
Take advantage of free museum days
There is a free museum day on the first Sunday of every month. This is a great thing to keep in mind if you are travelling on a budget.
WHAT TO DO
Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the oldest and most beautiful district in Barcelona. You can easily spend a few hours getting lost in the cobblestone streets. The area is home to many little boutique shops, bars and restaurants and is a good place to start your trip in Barcelona.
Whilst wandering around you will probably discover the Barcelona Cathedral. This is a gothic style cathedral in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and was constructed between the 13th and 15th Century. If you have any spare time also check out the Picasso museum.
La Sagrada Familia
Undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in Barcelona is La Sagrada Familia. It has been under construction since 1882 and is said to be completed in the coming years. When walking around the outside of the church it is obvious that there are three facades; each contrasting each other perfectly.
The Nativity facade faces the north east and has the most direct Gaudi influence. This part is dedicated to the birth of Jesus and has ornate and whimsical details. The Passion facade is a dark contrast to the Nativity facade. It has more harsh lines and a darker demeanour – displaying the crucifixion of Jesus. The Glory facade is the most recent addition to the cathedral and is dedicated to the “Glory of Jesus” and depicts the road to God.
It is definitely recommended to get the audio tour guide with fast-tracked entrance as you won’t spend as much time waiting around and the audio guide offers incredible information and insight into the intricate design of the cathedral. If you prefer a physical person giving information, you can book this guided tour. Of course, you can opt to just go inside, but the most amazing part is understanding those little details behind this incredible place.
Tickets are limited and incredibly popular, so make sure to book in advance or arrive early to avoid disappointment.
La Sagrada Familia is open from 09:00 – 20:00 daily.
Parc Guell
Get up early and make your way to another one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona – Parc Guell. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that overlooks the city and was designed by Antoni Gaudi.
The park has many entrances, but the most impressive is the main entrance from Carrer d’Olot. Make sure you book your entrance ticket in advance so that you don’t waste time in the queue.
The park is open daily from 09:30 – 19:30.
La Rambla
La Rambla is the famous avenue that connects the city to the marina. This is a tourist hub with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars.
Make sure you stop at the La Boqueria Market, located at 91 La Rambla Street. This is a fantastic food market where you can taste fresh juices, ice creams, chocolate, meats, pastries, and more!
Casa Mila
Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site and one of Gaudi’s building that will probably walk past when exploring the city. La Pedrera translates to “stone quarry”, aptly names after the external appearance of the building. If you are thinking about visiting only one of Gaudi’s famous sites, this is the cheaper option at €25pp. Tickets can be booked here.
Casa Mila is open daily from 09:00 – 20:30. Night tours operate from 20:30 – 23:00.
Casa Batllo
UNESCO World Heritage Site Casa Batllo is found in the middle of the city on Passeig de Gracia. The exterior facade is intricate and stunningly designed – it reminds me of dragon scales. The interior is features stain-glass windows and a beautiful blue staircase. Tickets to Casa Batllo are a more expensive option at €39pp and can be booked here.
Casa Battlo is open daily from 09:00 – 20:15. You will need about an hour to explore.
Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens is Gaudi’s first masterpiece, located in the neighbourhood of Gracia. It was originally built as a summer estate for the Vicens family and was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When viewing the site, you will notice that Gaudi drew inspiration from Catalan, Islamic, Japanese and English influences.
Casa Vicens is open daily from 10:00 – 20:00.
Barceloneta Beach
Barceloneta Beach is a bustling area of the city, and probably not the best place to head if you want to relax. Whilst it is a good option that’s close to the city, you will find it extremely packed and people trying to sell you things constantly.
Arc de Triomf & Park de la Cuitadella
Whilst walking around the city you will eventually come by the Arc de Triomf. This was built in honor of the Barcelona International Exhibition. Close by is Park de la Cuitadella which is a nice place to stop and have a break. It is the perfect place to people watch and listen to buskers.
Bunkers del Carmel
Whilst we didn’t make it here, Bunkers is the most impressive lookout in Barcelona. Many locals flock here for a drink at sunset.
Montjuic
Montjuic is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. It is the most famous hill in Barcelona and has many attractions on offer. Catch the cable car or funicular up to the top of the hill where you will have plenty of options to choose from on what to visit first.
The most popular attraction is the Montjuic Castle and Fortress which offers incredible views. If you are into art and culture, you may want to visit Poble Espanyol which is sort of like a ‘living museum’ in that it is a mock Spanish village offering shops, cafes, and nightclubs. You may also like to check out the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya or Caixa Forum. At the end of the day, head to the Magic Fountrain for a water and light show.
Day trip to Costa Brava
My friends and I did this day trip to Costa Brava when we were violently hungover. Whilst the bus ride there wasn’t too pleasant on the stomach, the fresh air and gorgeous azure water cured my hangover quick smart. Costa Brava is a coastal region in Catalonia and is a great day trip for those that want some peace and quiet from the city. Enjoy the town from the water with some kayaking and snorkelling.
Day trip to Monserrat
Monserrat is another incredibly popular day trip from Barcelona that I was unfortunate enough to have to miss. It is a spectacular Benedictine monastery in the mountain which will take approximately 1.5hrs to reach. Jump on a train from Placa Espanya in Barcelona and make your way to Aeri de Monserrat. From here, you will need to take the cable car up to the top. If you don’t want to take public transport, join this day trip which will take you to the monastery and includes lunch.
