Barcelona, Spain
Locavy ratings
Party
4.5/5
Sightseeing
Top 20
5/5
Relaxation
4/5
Value
2.5/5
Transport Links
Top 20
5/5
Experiences
Top 20
5/5
Party
4.5/5
Sightseeing
Top 20
5/5
Relaxation
4/5
Value
2.5/5
Transport Links
Top 20
5/5
Experiences
Top 20
5/5
At a glance
Barcelona, renowned as one of the most visited cities in Europe, captivates visitors with its vibrant nightlife, culinary delights, picturesque beaches, and the iconic Sagrada Familia.
Party
Barcelona boasts one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Spain. From the vibrant clubs in the Gothic Quarter, with renowned clubs like Pacha Barcelona, Opium Barcelona, and Razzmatazz. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, explore the city’s vibrant bar scenealong La Rambla to the city’s famed cocktail bars like Dry Martini.
Sightseeing
Barcelona boasts an array of unparalleled sights that rival the best in Europe. The renowned Sagrada Familia, with its breathtaking architecture, promises to leave you in awe. Furthermore, the Gothic Quarter offers a treasure trove of fantastic sights, with its charming streets and historic landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral.
Relaxation
Barcelona, despite its bustling atmosphere, remains an good destination for those seeking relaxation. The city’s beautiful beaches, along with its abundance of scenic walks, offer a perfect blend of vibrant city life and tranquil leisure, catering to a variety of preferences.
Value
Barcelona, though relatively pricier than some destinations in Spain, offers good value for your money compared to other major European cities such as Paris, London, and Rome. You can enjoy the rich Spanish culture, excellent cuisine, and top attractions without breaking the bank.
Transport links
Fly
Train
Drive
Fly
Barcelona-El Prat Airport, the primary airport serving Barcelona, is situated just 15 kilometers from the city center. There are frequent trains and shuttles connecting the airport to the city, ensuring a journey of under 30 minutes. Keep in mind that Barcelona Airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, so often has crowds.
Train
Barcelona has a network of high-speed and standard trains that provide excellent connectivity to various parts of the country. It’s the most convenient means to access the city and explore its surrounding regions.
Drive
Driving in Barcelona can be chaotic and stressful, with limited parking around the city. Therefore, it isn’t recommended unless you’re planning to make the most of day trips outside the city.
Experiences
Barcelona offers a range of different experiences. From thrilling hikes up Mount Tibidabo to enjoy panoramic views of the city or discovering the historical secrets of Montjuïc while enjoying its hiking trails. Alternatively, you can unwind along the city’s beautiful beaches or explore the artistic treasures in world-class museums. Such as the Picasso Museum, a treasure trove of the famed artist’s masterpieces, or lose yourself in the contemporary art at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA).
Best Things To Do
1. Visit the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is a must-visit iconic cathedral, celebrated for its unmatched beauty and the remarkable fact that it remains unfinished after over a century. Explore its captivating interior and the inspiring architecture.
To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets online well in advance.
2. Explore Mount Tibidabo
Spend a day at Mount Tibidabo, offering excellent hiking trails and a thrilling theme park at the summit. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Barcelona.
Visit the theme park early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
3. Enjoy Barcelona's Beaches
Spend the day soaking up the sun on Barcelonas iconic beaches. While there is a beach in the city, it’s often very crowded so it is recommended for a relaxing time, you travel down the coast to the less busy beaches.
Bring a picnic with your favorite snacks and drinks for a delightful beach day.
4. Ascend Montjuïc for Panoramic Views
Take the cable car up Montjuïc to enjoy breathtaking views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Montjuïc also offers excellent hiking trails and a historic castle at its summit.
Go early in the morning to witness a stunning sunrise or in the evening to catch a beautiful sunset.
5. Explore Barcelona's Museums
Barcelona boasts a rich array of museums, from the History Museum to the Museum of Contemporary Art. The renowned Picasso Museum houses an extensive collection of the artist’s iconic works, drawing art enthusiasts from across Europe.
Purchase museum tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
6. Visit La Boqueria Market
A visit to La Boqueria market is a must during your time in Barcelona. This bustling marketplace, located just off La Rambla, offers a tantalizing array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and international foods. As you wander through its vibrant stalls, you’ll find colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and cured meats.
Sample fresh fruit juices and enjoy local snacks while you explore.
7. Embark on a Cocktail Tour
Barcelona is renowned for its lively bar scene. Going on a cocktail tour is an amazing way to spend an evening. This is where you can taste and learn to make a range of cocktails. This is a great opportunity to learn some new skills as well as learn what cocktails you prefer and why you prefer them.
Opt for tours that include a mixology class for a hands-on experience and expert guidance
8. Experience the Old Town Charm
The Gothic Quarter (or old town) is known for its charming, elegant architecture and long history. This is a great area to spend the day relaxing at a bar or people watching in the squares.
Explore this area in the evening when it comes alive with local culture.
9. Indulge in Tapas on Carrer de Blai
Carrer de Blai is a lively street in Barcelona that’s renowned for its vibrant tapas bars. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and cuisine, this is the perfect place to do so. As you stroll along the street, you’ll encounter a wide variety of tapas bars, each offering their own unique flavors and specialties.
Try a variety of tapas dishes and enjoy the social atmosphere.
10. Discover Camp Nou
Explore Camp Nou, home to the world-renowned Barcelona Football Club. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply intrigued by the sport’s legacy, Camp Nou offers a captivating experience. Attend a live match to feel the electric atmosphere in the stadium, or discover the club’s rich history by visiting the Barcelona Football Club museum located within the stadium.
Book your Camp Nou experience in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment at the entrance.
1. Visit the Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is a must-visit iconic cathedral, celebrated for its unmatched beauty and the remarkable fact that it remains unfinished after over a century. Explore its captivating interior and the inspiring architecture.
To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets online well in advance.
2. Explore Mount Tibidabo
Spend a day at Mount Tibidabo, offering excellent hiking trails and a thrilling theme park at the summit. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Barcelona.
Visit the theme park early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
3. Enjoy Barcelona's Beaches
Spend the day soaking up the sun on Barcelonas iconic beaches. While there is a beach in the city, it’s often very crowded so it is recommended for a relaxing time, you travel down the coast to the less busy beaches.
Bring a picnic with your favorite snacks and drinks for a delightful beach day.
4. Ascend Montjuïc for Panoramic Views
Take the cable car up Montjuïc to enjoy breathtaking views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Montjuïc also offers excellent hiking trails and a historic castle at its summit.
Go early in the morning to witness a stunning sunrise or in the evening to catch a beautiful sunset.
5. Explore Barcelona's Museums
Barcelona boasts a rich array of museums, from the History Museum to the Museum of Contemporary Art. The renowned Picasso Museum houses an extensive collection of the artist’s iconic works, drawing art enthusiasts from across Europe.
Purchase museum tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
6. Visit La Boqueria Market
A visit to La Boqueria market is a must during your time in Barcelona. This bustling marketplace, located just off La Rambla, offers a tantalizing array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and international foods. As you wander through its vibrant stalls, you’ll find colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and cured meats.
Sample fresh fruit juices and enjoy local snacks while you explore.
7. Embark on a Cocktail Tour
Barcelona is renowned for its lively bar scene. Going on a cocktail tour is an amazing way to spend an evening. This is where you can taste and learn to make a range of cocktails. This is a great opportunity to learn some new skills as well as learn what cocktails you prefer and why you prefer them.
Opt for tours that include a mixology class for a hands-on experience and expert guidance
8. Experience the Old Town Charm
The Gothic Quarter (or old town) is known for its charming, elegant architecture and long history. This is a great area to spend the day relaxing at a bar or people watching in the squares.
Explore this area in the evening when it comes alive with local culture.
9. Indulge in Tapas on Carrer de Blai
Carrer de Blai is a lively street in Barcelona that’s renowned for its vibrant tapas bars. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and cuisine, this is the perfect place to do so. As you stroll along the street, you’ll encounter a wide variety of tapas bars, each offering their own unique flavors and specialties.
Try a variety of tapas dishes and enjoy the social atmosphere.
10. Discover Camp Nou
Explore Camp Nou, home to the world-renowned Barcelona Football Club. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply intrigued by the sport’s legacy, Camp Nou offers a captivating experience. Attend a live match to feel the electric atmosphere in the stadium, or discover the club’s rich history by visiting the Barcelona Football Club museum located within the stadium.
Book your Camp Nou experience in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment at the entrance.
10 Things You Need to know
1.
Barcelona Card for Savings
The Barcelona Card is a valuable option for exploring the city’s attractions, offering cost savings on transportation and entry fees to numerous sites.
6.
Prebook Tickets to Skip Lines
To avoid long queues at famous sites like the Sagrada Familia and museums, it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
2.
Stay Cautious of Pickpockets
Barcelona is unfortunately known for pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas. Exercise vigilance, especially when visiting popular tourist spots.
7.
Enjoy Free Museum Days
Take advantage of free museum days, such as the first Sunday of the month, and check if specific museums offer free entry at certain times during your visit.
3.
Two Official Languages
Barcelona is a bilingual city, with both Spanish and Catalan as official languages, the latter being a unique blend of Spanish and French.
8.
Tipping Is Optional
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Barcelona, as service charges are usually included in your bill, and waitstaff are well-compensated.
4.
Expect Crowds Year-Round
Barcelona ranks among Europe’s busiest cities, welcoming millions of visitors throughout the year, so anticipate crowds regardless of your travel dates.
9.
Late Dining Traditions
Many restaurants in Barcelona only start getting busy after 9 PM, a dining tradition that’s notably later than in other parts of Europe.
5.
City Center Convenience
Staying in Barcelona’s city center provides easy access to many attractions. Keep in mind that central accommodations can be pricier than those outside the city.
10.
Efficient Metro System
Barcelona boasts an excellent metro system, providing the most efficient and reliable mode of public transportation within the city.
6.
Prebook Tickets to Skip Lines
To avoid long queues at famous sites like the Sagrada Familia and museums, it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
7.
Enjoy Free Museum Days
Take advantage of free museum days, such as the first Sunday of the month, and check if specific museums offer free entry at certain times during your visit.
8.
Tipping Is Optional
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Barcelona, as service charges are usually included in your bill, and waitstaff are well-compensated.
9.
Late Dining Traditions
Many restaurants in Barcelona only start getting busy after 9 PM, a dining tradition that’s notably later than in other parts of Europe.
10.
Efficient Metro System
Barcelona boasts an excellent metro system, providing the most efficient and reliable mode of public transportation within the city.