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Visiting Barcelona for the first time is an exciting adventure, offering a chance to explore its famous landmarks and learn about its unique culture. Unlock Barcelona’s treasures with this Ultimate Barcelona Spain Travel Guide I’ve created just for you.

 

Barcelona is a city where you’ll encounter diverse cultures, rich history, and economic contrasts, so you can never be bored. Moreover, Barcelona is an expensive city to visit, but if you know all the tricks and tips, it can be very affordable. I tried to combine all the best tourist activities in Barcelona on a budget, to make sure that your trip won’t break the bank.

 

Barcelona is a city in Spain that many tourists visit yearly and offers its visitors an incredible sightseeing experience.

 

This Barcelona travel guide should help you plan your Barcelona trip according to your schedule and provide you with the best tips and helpful information.

 

Did you hear about Siesta’s time in Spain, when everything shuts down in the middle of the day? If not, now you know and can be prepared before your trip.

 

Spanish people seem to enjoy Siesta time, allowing them to rest. However, I was a bit disappointed, as here in the US, we used to have all businesses open from morning to evening, even on weekends, so it is easier for us to go there any time during the day, but not for them.

 

The Siesta for shops and businesses is from 2 pm to 5 pm. At the same time, bars and restaurants closed from about 4 pm until 8 pm or 9 pm. On Sundays, most small and big businesses will be closed as well (including grocery stores). So keep in mind to buy groceries before Sunday.

 

I asked my local friend how the city functions during the Siesta, and he told me that Spanish people don’t like to work hard and take their free time seriously. They can postpone things, do them slowly, or take a break in the middle of the day, which is okay. Different countries have different traditions. It is always good to know them upfront.

 

Check out my ultimate Barcelona travel guide, which will give you ideas of what to do and see in Barcelona, how to navigate the city and some useful travel tips. Enjoy :).

Ultimate Barcelona, Spain Travel Guide

How To Get Around In Barcelona

Public Transportation

Traveling to Barcelona is an exciting journey and of course, the main thing to think about is how to navigate in the city. Getting around in Barcelona is not difficult as it is a big city with many options to choose from. The first that comes to mind is public transportation in Barcelona, which is pretty convenient.

• You can buy a ticket for €2.40 sold at the ticket vending machines to take a single ride on a bus or metro. The ticket is valid inside the city, but not from or to the airport. For this ride, you need to buy another ticket “airport ticket,” which costs €5.90 euros (one way) or 10.20 euros (round trip).
• If you plan to use public transportation more than once, it is better to buy a T-10 card valid for 10 journeys from 1 to 6 zones by metro, tram, suburban train (Rodalies), or bus. Zone 1 will cost you €10. As there are 5 more zones, prices will be different for each. It doesn’t include a ride to and from the airport.
• For unlimited rides on a city bus, subway, tram, train, or metro ride to/from the airport for 2 to 5 days, your best option is the “HOLA BCN” travel card. The costs start from €14.76  for 2 days and go up to €34.38. Of course, the price depends on how many days you need a ticket for.
• There are also night buses to and from the airport. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THEIR SCHEDULE BEFORE. Honestly, I wouldn’t rely on it too much if you are in a hurry, as they can change the schedule unexpectedly, and there will be no live updates.

I once had a similar experience. I had an early flight and decided to save money on transportation by taking the bus. I checked the bus schedule for the night upfront, woke up early, and planned to have extra time in case of unexpected things, including a transfer. However, the bus ended up being delayed at first, and since it was 4 am, I couldn’t wait any longer and had to opt for a taxi. S0, make sure to check transportation schedules and plan your routes in advance to make the most of your time in Barcelona.

 

Pro-tip: Keep your eyes on your belongings while in the metro or on crowded buses. I heard that there are a lot of pickpockets.

 

Taxis

Taxi in Barcelona is pretty expensive. When using the standard taxi service, be aware that drivers might offer fixed-rate fares without using meters, and it’s important to know that they may not speak English. If you know Spanish, at least a bit, it will be an excellent opportunity to practice.

 

Ridesharing Companies

There is no official Uber in Barcelona anymore. It suspended its services a while ago. There was some conflict between Uber and taxi drivers, and because of new regulations, they couldn’t operate any longer. So they got a replacement, which is Cabify. Cabify charges by distance and the quickest route is always selected, so the price doesn’t change depending on traffic.

But, you still might be able to use your Uber app from the US and order a cab.l It just won’t be officially Uber, but instead just a traditional taxi. I first noticed it in Turkey.

 

Bike Rentals

Biking in Barcelona is pretty easy and can be your best option if you like to explore the city on your own terms. There are different options available from various companies, and it is pretty cheap and can cost you as much as $5-6 a day or up.

 

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Visiting Barcelona, Spain is very exciting, isn’t it? And of course, you want to make sure you are staying in the best and safest neighborhood. The location you are staying at is as important as the place you stay in. I always try to stay in the center or close to the center so I can walk to the sights, and public transport is always available nearby; however, this is not always the case. I didn’t have to think about it this time as I stayed with a cousin and the area was excellent.

 

If you are a beach lover, try to stay closer to the beach area. The best neighborhood is considered Barceloneta. Pro-tip: try to go to the beach early to avoid the crowd and being super hot.

 

If you want to be closer to shopping, stay close to Gracia, Rambla de Catalunya, or Eixample Barrio areas. Gracia will be the best place if you like quiet neighborhoods or traveling with kids.

 

In case you want to feel what a real Barcelona is every morning and night, to feel it like a local, stay at El Raval Barrio.

 

Keep in mind: You are not required to tip in Barcelona, but you can if you want.

Dinner starts at 9 – 10 pm (yep, it is pretty late, but it is how it is).

What National Dishes to Eat in Barcelona

There is a vast choice of various food in Barcelona. From native paellas to canons and more, the best option to try local food of a different kind is to go on a Barcelona Tapas, Wine, and Vermouth Food-Tasting Tour, which is fun, informative, and with lots of great food.

Best Things to Do in Barcelona, Spain

Tibidabo Mountain

Tibidabo mountain is one of the most popular Barcelona tourist attractions. Plan your visit to Tibidabo mountain to see the best views of Barcelona and take advantage of some entertainment it offers for kids and adults.

How to get there: You have several options…

1. Take Т2А bus from Plaça Catalunya. It will take you to the Tibidabo amusement park (remember that it only runs on those days when it is open).
2. Take the funicular from Placa del Doctor Andreu
3. The metro lines S1 and S2 go to the station Peu del Funicular
   

 

La Rambla

La Rambla can’t be missed on your Barcelona trip, as it has its own vibe and is full of restaurants, shops, and stalls. It is an excellent place to relax, get lovely gifts, or eat delicious food. Of course, it can be touristy, but hey…what tourist place doesn’t have tourists?!

How to get there: Use metro lines L3 (green) or L1 (red).

Pro-tip: La Rambla is the city’s heart and can be pretty crowded. Watch for pickpockets, as there can be a lot of them.

 

Sagrada Familia

Visit the most famous heart-touching work of Antoni Gaudí, Sagrada Familia. In my opinion, this is the best place to visit in Barcelona. It has become one of the most beautiful and unique architecture in Barcelona for me. Unfortunately, it is still in construction mode (and the plan is to complete the renovation by 2026), but despite that, you can see its natural beauty outside.

 

The Sagrada Família mixed with several unique architectural styles, including Catalan Modernism, Spanish Late-Gothic, and Art Nouveau. It is considered the tallest church in the world.

How much it costs: To get inside, you will have to pay from €26 to €40. More details on prices and types of tickets can be found here.

Is there a dress code? There is no official dress code to enter Sagrada Familia, but remember to wear appropriate clothes (no crop tops or short shirts).

How to get there: It is located very close to Las Ramblas, and to get there, you can take L3 and transfer to L2.

Pro-tip: Buy tickets online, and when you visit the Sagrada Familia, show the code on your mobile phone to skip the line at the ticket offices.

Get your skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Familia here.

 

Public Beaches

These are my best Barcelona recommendations if you are a beach lover:

• The Barceloneta will be the most popular beach in Barcelona. It is excellent, with many places to eat, singing artists on the street, and tourists.
• Nova Icària is one of Barcelona’s best beaches for watersports. It is located on Barcelona’s central coast near the Olympic Marina and the observatory. You will also find many beach volleyball players (if you are a volleyball pro, you can join them).
• If you are a quieter person and like to chill out in a safe beach area with less crowd, go to Bogatell Beach.
• One more on the list is Platja de la Mar Bella, a lovely, clean beach with clear water and easily accessible from the city. Nudists and gay-friendly.

 

Park Guell

This is one of the best places to visit in Barcelona. Park Güell is a beautiful and colorful park that looks just as lovely inside as it does from the outside. However, as the park is trendy and always full of tourists, access to the central area is limited to a certain number of people every 30 minutes.

 

For quick entry and minimal waiting, purchase your tickets online. This attraction was designed by the renowned architect Antonio Gaudi, offering panoramic city vistas, mosaic-adorned structures, and lush greenery to delight in.

 

The park consists of 2 areas: The Monumental Zone (which costs €13 for adults) and the Free Zone. Of course, you can avoid buying tickets and enjoy the free option, but you might miss the most significant architectural pieces inside the park.

Click here to get the tickets to Skip-The-Line Sagrada Familia & Park Güell Guided Tour.

How to get there: 1. If you bought a ticket, use the metro L4 (two-way trip included in the ticket price). 2. Other ways:

the green line (L3), Bus, H6, D40 lines, or by taxi/car.

How much it costs: from €13 and up

 

Pro-tip: You can get inside the paid zone of the park for free if you come before opening the park and after closing (before 8.30 and after 5.30) time. If the central main entrance is crowded, use the west side entrance instead.

 

Casa Batlló

Visit another beautiful architectural piece by Antoni Gaudi, Casa Batlló. The design of this historic building is unusual and represents the back of the dragon. It even has its nickname, “The House of Bones”.

 

The monumental building is located on the busy Passeig de Gràcia street and is hard to miss. However, if you have difficulties finding it, walk further down the road until you see a bunch of people outside. That’s how I found it.

How to get there:

• Bus: H10, V15, 7, 22, and 24
• Subway: Passeig de Gràcia: L2, L3, and L4
• Train: RENFE- Passeig de Gràcia station or FGC- Provença station

How much it costs: The basic ticket to Casa Batllo for adults will cost €31-37.

Pro-tip: Buy tickets online to avoid a €4 fee at the office box.

Get your tickets to Casa Batlló 10D Experience here.

Montjuic Hill

Vacation in Barcelona, Spain can’t be done without visiting the Montjuic Hill. Visit Montjuic Hill with the beautiful castle  (€9) on the top, which offers a fantastic view of the city and great things to do.

 

How to get there:

1. Taka a bus lines 150, 55, or 13 or
2. Take metro lines 1 (L1) or 3 (L3) to Plaza España.

You can take the bus up the hill or walk to Magic Mountain up to the Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC).
Alternatively, go to metro line 3 to Parallel and change to the Cable Car (included in the metro ticket) up to Montjuic.

3. Riding a funicular. It has its station in Paral. lel street, with metro lines L2 and L3. It gives you a ride halfway, and after, you will need to take a cable car. The price of the Montjuic Funicular is the equivalent of a trip by bus or metro. It will cost you €2.40 for a one-way ticket, or less than €1 with a T10 transport card. Riding a cable car will cost you €15 (which is the price for two-way tickets).

 

Pro-tip: Visit the Montjuic castle for FREE on Sundays after 3 pm and every first Sunday of the month.

 

Plaça de Catalunya

Walk around the central square in Barcelona, Plaça de Catalunya. It is considered the favorite meeting point for residents and visitors. It is full of shopping stores, hotels, and restaurants.

 

The square is crowded with many tourists discovering the area and residents as it is the central hub for public transportation.

 

How to get there:

• Train: L7, R1, R4, R7, RG1
• Metro: L1, L3
• Bus: 62, 67, A2, B20, D50, H16, L95, V17

 

Check out THE BEST DAY TRIP TO MONTSERRAT FROM BARCELONA

 

Cathedral of Barcelona

You can’t skip seeing this beautiful church on your trip to Barcelona. The Roman cathedral represents Gothic architecture and is located in the Gothic Quarter. Even if you are not religious, I suggest checking it out. You can also enjoy a great city view from the rooftop (paid admission).

 

How to get there: The Cathedral is located in the center of the Gothic area, and the metro station is very close. You can use either yellow line L4 or green line L3.

 

Pro-tip: If you want to get great photos, come earlier or later to avoid the crowd. If you want to visit the church for free, go at a specific time (just keep in mind that visiting the roof won’t be included).

 

Free admission hours: 08.45 am- 12.45 pm: and 17.15 pm – 19.30 pm. Paid admission will cost 7 euros (check the exact free hours before you go as they can be changed).

 

Ciutadella Park

The perfect place to relax after a long day of walking in the city. Enjoy the green beauty, lovely fountains, ducks, and turtles in the ponds, and breathe the fresh air. Park offers lots of entertainment for everybody, take advantage of that. The park is also within walking distance of Arc de Triomf.

 

Arc de Triomf

Visit one of the city’s iconic landmarks, the Arc de Triomf. The arch crosses over the wide central promenade of the Passeig de Lluís Companys, guiding to Ciutadella Park. The hook is built in reddish brickwork in the Neo-Mudéjar style by Josep Reynès.

 

How to get there:

• Metro: L1-Arc de Triomf
• Bus: 19, 120, D50, H16, V19
• Trains: R1/R3/R4/R12/RG1-Barcelona-Arc de Triomf

FAQ About Barcelona

1. Do you need cash in Barcelona? The answer is, yes. Despite most businesses taking CC, there are still some that do not. So in case you need to pay for something at a small store or shop, have some cash handy.
2. Do you need a car in Barcelona? If your plan is to stay inside the city and explore around, then NO. But, if you want to go to the nearest cities for example, yes, the car will be useful.
3. Is Barcelona walkable? Yes, you can walk everywhere in Barcelona or take some public transport for short city trips.

Final Thoughts

Barcelona is beautiful inside and outside and offers a lot of great places to explore and things to do. It is the most historical and oldest city with a rich history. It cannot be recognizable initially, but it depends on your interests and preferences.

 

I didn’t fall in love with Barcelona at first glance because I found it dirty and crowded. Moreover, I wasn’t happy with the Siesta because most of the places were closed, but I should admit I was excited to see Gaudi’s architecture.

Those stunning old buildings made my heart melt. And as my friend told me, I have to come back to Barcelona a few more times at least to get to love this city :).

 

I hope your travel to Barcelona will be exciting and enjoyable and leave only the best memories.

 

Thanks for reading my Barcelona guide, and happy travel.

Feel free to share in the comments what were your favorite things to do and see in Barcelona :).

 

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