TRAVEL GUIDE
Barcelona
Welcome to Barcelona
Barcelona has long been one of my favourite city breaks – here you’ll find me hopping from tapas bar to rooftop bar, soaking up the lively atmosphere, and getting absorbed in the rich culture along the way.
With culture to spare, Barcelona provides an insight into Catalonian life with an added splash of colour. Combining the very best that Mediterranean life has to offer, I have no doubt that 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, 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, myself included, love it.
Contents
Top things to do in Barcelona
Popular attractions
🤩 La Sagrada Família
🏛 Parc Güell
🏠 Casa Batlló & Casa Milà
🧀 La Boqueria market
⛪️ Barcelona Cathedral
Places to visit
🎡 Mount Tibidabo
⛲️ Montjuïc
🌿 Parc de la Ciutadella
🖼 Picasso Museum
🪴 Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Beaches
🏖 Barceloneta Beach
☀️ Bogatell Beach
😎 Nova Icària
⛱️ Mar Bella
🍹 Nova Mar Bella
Day trips
⛰ Montserrat
💃 Sitges
🌊 Cadaques
🍷 Penedes
📜 Girona
Popular attractions
🤩 La Sagrada Família
🏛 Parc Güell
🏠 Casa Batlló & Casa Milà
🧀 La Boqueria market
⛪️ Barcelona Cathedral
Places to visit
🎡 Mount Tibidabo
⛲️ Montjuïc
🌿 Parc de la Ciutadella
🖼 Picasso Museum
🪴 Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Beaches
🏖 Barceloneta Beach
☀️ Bogatell Beach
😎 Nova Icària
⛱️ Mar Bella
🍹 Nova Mar Bella
Day trips
⛰ Montserrat
💃 Sitges
🌊 Cadaques
🍷 Penedes
📜 Girona
Where to eat and drink in Barcelona
My top picks
⭐ Michelin star
🥦 Vegan friendly
🌾 Gluten free options
Fine dining
Moments ⭐🥦🌾
Berbena
Lasarte ⭐🌾
Rooftop bars
Terrassa Sercotel Rosselló
Pulitzer Terrace
Casa Bonay
Tapas
El Xampanyet
Denassus
El Chigre 1769
Wine & cocktails
Pepa Bar a Vins
Paradiso
Vereda Bar
My top picks
⭐ Michelin star
🥦 Vegan friendly
🌾 Gluten free options
Fine dining
Moments ⭐🥦🌾
Berbena
Lasarte ⭐🌾
Rooftop bars
Terrassa Sercotel Rosselló
Pulitzer Terrace
Casa Bonay
Tapas
El Xampanyet
Denassus
El Chigre 1769
Wine & cocktails
Pepa Bar a Vins
Paradiso
Vereda Bar
Where to stay in Barcelona
My top picks
💧 Swimming pool
🧖♀️ Spa facilities
£££
Serras Hotel 💧
ME Barcelona 💧🧖♀️
Mercer Hotel 💧
££
Seventy Barcelona 💧🧖♀️
Hotel Brummell 💧🧖♀️
The Corner Hotel 💧
My top picks
💧 Swimming pool
🧖♀️ Spa facilities
£££
Serras Hotel 💧
ME Barcelona 💧🧖♀️
Mercer Hotel 💧
££
Seventy Barcelona 💧🧖♀️
Hotel Brummell 💧🧖♀️
The Corner Hotel 💧
Best time to visit Barcelona
Spring: March – May
I think 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: June – August
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: September – November
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: December – February
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! I’d really advise experiencing the magic of the Christmas markets by travelling to Barcelona during the festive season.
Barcelona map
Know before you go
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Frequently asked questions
How to get around 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 while 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.
As far as taxis go, the official Barcelona taxis are black and yellow, displaying a green light if the taxi is free. Uber is now available in Barcelona, or you can use the alternative app Free Now.
What is the best area to stay in Barcelona?
Personally, I think 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.
What language is spoken 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.
Is Barcelona a good destination for solo travellers?
I think 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.
Is Barcelona a safe city to visit?
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.
What is the famous cathedral in Barcelona?
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 that I think is well worth visiting.
