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Barcelona Travel Guide
Barcelona is an absolute must-see for any budding or seasoned traveller alike. The incredible architecture and outstanding cuisine, alongside the picturesque beaches and booming nightlife, is sure to be a big hit for anyone travelling to the Catalonian capital.
With culture to spare, Barcelona offers an insight into Catalonian life with an added splash of colour. Combining the very best that Mediterranean life has to offer, the charming streets of Barcelona will welcome you in with open arms.
Experience mouth-watering cuisine and become immersed in the traditional festivals that grace the streets of Barcelona each year.
Fall in love with the humble and family-run businesses just as much as the grand and stunning architecture. Barcelona’s identity is clear, and that’s exactly why so many people love it.
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As Catalonia’s capital on the coast of northeastern Spain, there are plenty of options for how to travel to Barcelona, both domestically and internationally. From air travel to public transport, here are the best ways to travel to and from Barcelona.
By plane: There are three airports located in or around the city: Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), and Reus International Airport (REU).
This makes international travel accessible and also provides the option for domestic travellers to get to the city via air travel.
By train: As for travel to and from the airport, I recommend the Aerobus as the perfect option for getting to and from BCN airport. The Aerobus offers direct travel from the city centre to Barcelona’s main airport, and vice versa.
This is an affordable option that runs every 10 to 15 minutes, 24 hours per day. You can also consider other forms of public transport such as buses, or opt for a taxi ride.
I’d only recommend a taxi if your accommodation is a little outside of the city centre, or you need to be dropped at the doorstep of your hotel or Airbnb.
By rail: If you’re travelling domestically and prefer to avoid flying, try rail travel or other forms of public transport. These options can be value for money if you book them far enough in advance, where possible.
HOTEL GUIDE
20 best luxury hotels in Barcelona
From lavish five star hotels to boutique boltholes, discover the best luxury hotels in Barcelona, with spas, rooftop bars and lavish suites.
FOOD GUIDE
20 Michelin-star restaurants in Barcelona
From traditional Catalan cuisine to exceptional international dishes, discover the best Michelin star restaurants in Barcelona.
You have so many options when it comes to getting around the Catalonian capital. Dust off your walking boots to get your steps in whilst taking in all the beauty of Barcelona’s streets. If that’s not quite your style, there are several other options for you to explore the vibrant city.
As far as public transport is concerned, you’ve got the choice between the Metro, the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC), the tram, and buses. All these modes of transport offer fast travel across the city at reasonable prices.
Personally, I walked where possible and used the Metro for longer journeys, which I found easy to use (and far less stressful than the London Underground!).
I recommend picking up an Hola Barcelona travel card, as it makes getting around Barcelona easy and affordable. You can get them for 48 hours, 72 hours, or 96 hours.
We’ve also seen the rise of e-mobility in towns and cities. This means electric scooters and electric bicycles won’t be at all out of place in Barcelona.
As far as taxis go, the official Barcelona taxis are black and yellow, displaying a green light if the taxi is free. Uber does not exist in Barcelona, but you can use the alternative app Free Now, which is essentially the same.
Alternatively, book a sightseeing tour in Barcelona for an easy way to get around while seeing the key attractions.
Whenever you decide to visit Barcelona, it’ll no doubt be unforgettable. It’s worth considering what time of year you travel though, so you can meet your own travel needs best and experience everything you set out to.
Spring
Barcelona in the spring is truly the perfect time to explore and walk around the gorgeous city. Temperatures stay mild, but cool enough to be comfortable on your travels.
There’ll be less visitors during spring than in the high season, but Easter is always busy. You’ll definitely experience a more laid-back vibe in the spring months.
SUMMER
Unsurprisingly, summer is the busiest time in Barcelona for tourists and travellers. Plus, it’s best time to enjoy the beaches. If you can handle the crowds, the buzz and atmosphere will be unforgettable.
Summertime sees many locals travel away from the city to make space for the masses wanting to experience the beauty of Barcelona.
AUTUMN
Taking a dip in the Barcelona sea in September shouldn’t be too much of a shock as the sea is still warm from the summer months!
Autumn brings mild weather with fewer crowds than in summertime, so you can explore ‘till your heart’s content. Towards the end of autumn, the weather can be a bit more hit and miss, so be prepared for both sunshine and showers.
WINTER
Travelling to Barcelona in winter will see you avoid the masses of tourists seen in high season and greet you with lower cost accommodation.
You’ll still be able to see all the famous sights, just with a few more layers on! Experience the magic of the Christmas markets by travelling to Barcelona during the festive season.
DESTINATION GUIDE
20 amazing things to do in Barcelona
From idyllic parks and iconic landmarks to beautiful beaches and intriguing museums, here are 20 of the best things to do in Barcelona.
BEACH GUIDE
A guide to the best beaches in Barcelona
Whether you’re after Med-side volleyball, tapas on the sand, or supping Sangria on a sun lounger, here are the best beaches in Barcelona.
The easiest way of getting from London to Barcelona is to fly from London Heathrow or London Gatwick into Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). From there, get the Aerobus into the city centre. The flight from London to Barcelona takes around two hours.
One of the best areas to stay in when visiting Barcelona is the Gothic Quarter. It’s centrally located with excellent transport links and charming streets. Browse hotels in Barcelona.
Barcelona has two official languages: Catalan and Spanish. Most locals will speak both languages, but many also speak English, especially as there are a lot of expats in Barcelona.
There are 19 Michelin star restaurants in Barcelona. These include two restaurants with three Michelin stars, six with two stars, and 11 with 1 Michelin star.
One of the most popular day trips from Barcelona is Montserrat Mountain. It’s an iconic location with religious significance as well as simply stunning surroundings.
Barcelona is a fantastic destination for solo travellers, including solo female travellers. It’s a relatively safe city with extremely friendly locals.
The tapas bar culture is perfect for dining solo. Read more about the best European cities for solo travel.
Barcelona is famous for its spectacular Gaudí architecture, including La Sagrada Família. It’s also very well known within the football world. Barcelona is a famous city destination for its beautiful beaches and proximity to the mountains.
Barcelona is generally a very safe city to visit. The biggest issue – as with many European cities – is pickpockets. They are especially prevalent on the Metro and around La Rambla.
The most famous cathedral in Barcelona is La Sagrada Família. It’s still under construction but is still a jaw-dropping sight to see. Barcelona’s Gothic Cathedral is another recognisable landmark in Barcelona.
Although the limelight has been somewhat stolen by La Sagrada Família, the Gothic Cathedral is still a stunning piece of architecture.
Barcelona is steeped in history, and as such is abundant with infamous landmarks. You simply can’t visit Barcelona without taking a trip to see Basílica de la Sagrada Familia.
It’s largely regarded as Antoni Gaudí’s best-known work, and has become somewhat symbolic of Catalonia’s capital city. Another of Gaudí’s installations is the beautiful Parc Güell which offers a stunning space to explore and spectacular views over the city.
Although La Sagrada Famillia steals much of the limelight, don’t miss the beautiful Barcelona cathedral. While it may not have the iconic status of Gaudí’s masterpiece, it is still a seriously impressive piece of architecture in the Gothic Quarter.
If you’re more bothered about football than architecture, then FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium is for you. Visit the club museum at Camp Nou to see Barcelona FC trophies up close and personal, and some of Lionel Messi’s many Ballon D’Or trophies.
Las Ramblas, a 1.2km long shopping street and promenade, is the perfect outing for the shopaholic. Just be wary of the many tourist traps and scams. I’d avoid eating along Las Ramblas, as you’re unlikely to get an authentic Catalonian experience.
Learn more about the landmarks and things to do in Barcelona. Or book a Barcelona sightseeing tour.
As Barcelona is a coastal city, Catalonia’s capital has beaches to spare! From Bogatell Beach and Barceloneta Beach to Nova Mar Bella Beach and Sant Sebastià Beach, you’ll find the perfect beach for you.
Popular with locals and tourists alike. Barcelona’s beaches are a buzzy and inviting place to be. Be sure to visit one of the beach restaurants and bars for super fresh seafood paella or seaside tapas.
For the adventurous traveller, try your hand at watersports, or have a go on some inflatable assault courses at sea. Volleyball is a common sight on the beaches and is a fun way to wile away an afternoon for those who get restless sunbathing.
But if you’re one to enjoy a spot of relaxation, stretch out on the beach and bask in the sun. Just make sure you remember your sunscreen!
Read more about the best beaches in Barcelona
Barcelona is famed for its traditional cuisine – from rooftop bars to local tapas bars, the foodie in each of us is ignited in this high-spirited city.
Whilst not a Catalonian concept, tapas bars can be found right across the capital for you to enjoy. It’s worth doing your research to discover the places where locals like to eat.
This is the only way to experience an authentic Barcelona dining experience. Try asking the hotel staff or Airbnb host where you are staying, as this is how I got some of the best recommendations.
Across Barcelona, most restaurants open from 13:00 – 16:00, and then 20:30 – 00:00 (although many open earlier to cater for tourists). Locals tend to eat quite late in the evenings, which is worth bearing in mind if you want to enjoy a more buzzy restaurant experience.
Tips are rarely added to the bill, so if you’ve experienced especially good service, a tip would be greatly appreciated anywhere you go.
Discover my pick of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona and the best Michelin star restaurants in Barcelona.
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Want to save up to 25% on hotels?
Subscribe to the Pocket Wanderings newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.
Want up to 25% off hotels?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.