Are you looking for a fun weekend away? A city that offers both sightseeing and relaxing? If so, Barcelona might be the ideal option for you. This vibrant city is located on the North East side of Spain with no shortage of things to do and eat. In this Barcelona travel guide, I’ll share all the information and tips you’ll need to plan your trip to this popular destination. Estas lista? Are you ready?
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BEST TIME TO VISIT BARCELONA
Such as many cities, Barcelona can be visited all year around. Barcelona is situated in South Europe: it can be very hot during the Summer months while the Autumn and Winter months offer colder but manageable temperatures. July and August are the hottest months. This is also peak season.
If you like the combination of sightseeing and relaxing at the beach, visiting from June until September will suit you best. The beach is only a short drive away from the city centre and the weather will allow a refreshing dip.
If you want to visit the main sights with a small crowd, I’d suggest visiting during Autumn/Winter.
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HOW TO GET THERE
Arrival by plane:
Chances are you’ll arrive in Spain by plane. The closest airport to the city is Barcelona El Prat – International Airport. You have a few options to get into the city centre.
The easiest and most affordable way is to take the AeroBús to Plaça de Catalunya. These buses run every 10 minutes and the journey takes around 30-40 minutes. A single ride cost €5,90 and a ticket can be purchased online or at the bus stop.
Another option is to take the metro: line L9 will take you from the airport towards the city centre where you can transfer to a different line to reach your accommodation. Depending on your destination the journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
Lastly: there is a taxi line just outside the airport, this will (obviously) be more expensive.
Arrival by train:
Barcelona-Sants is Barcelona’s main railway station. From here you can take the metro or bus into the city centre.
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WHERE TO STAY
Depending on your preferences, you can book your accommodation in the city centre or close to the beach area.
If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time, I’d suggest booking your accommodation in the area of Plaça de Catalunya. It’s located in the central area with easy access to bars, restaurants, main attractions and public transportation. I stayed at Boutique Hotel H10 Catalunya Plaza (not sponsored) and would absolutely recommend this hotel because of it’s location, clean & stylish rooms and kind staff.
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HOW MANY DAYS
Barcelona makes for a great city trip. Based on the things you want to do, 3 to 4 days will be the ideal length to explore the city, visit the main attractions and relax at the beach if the weather allows it.
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HOW TO GET AROUND IN BARCELONA
Barcelona offers a great public transportation system (metro & bus) that runs frequently to different parts of the city. I find the metro to be the easiest way to get around. Other options are taxi’s, Free Now, City bus or bike rental. For shorter distances: definitely just walk. Barcelona is such a beautiful city, you want to see as much as possible.
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FOOD & DRINK RECOMMENDATIONS
There are limitless amount of restaurants and bars in Barcelona. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be at the right spot. Here are a few options that I taste tasted myself and that were recommended to me by friends and locals.
Taste tested myself:
Breakfast/Brunch
Zenith Brunch & cocktails
EatMyTrip – Brunch & bakery
Brunch & cake
Lunch/Diner
Flax&Kale (Healthy hotspot)
El Nacional (Paella & Tapas)
Tapa Tapa (Budget-friendly)
Drinks
Paradiso (50 best bars)
Recommended by friends/locals:
Darvaza (local cuisine)
Bodega La Puntual (local cuisine)
Dr. Stravinsky (cocktail bar)
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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT
1. If you want to visit some of the main attractions like Park Güell and the Sagrada Família, definitely book your tickets in advance to make sure you’ll be able to. These sell out fast. Even more so during the peak months (Spring until Autumn).
2. If you arrive by plane, take the aerobus instead of a taxi. These buses run every 10 minutes and take you straight to the city center (Plaça de Catalunya). Also: they are super cost effective (€5,90 pp).
3. Barcelona has some amazing brunch spots! Don’t book breakfast at your accommodation and go for brunch instead.
4. Be aware of pickpockets! Definitely in busy areas such as Las Ramblas and Plaça de Catalunya.
5. Shops are closed on a Sunday. Barcelona is a great destination if you like to shop: from small boutiques to fast fashion and luxury shops… shops are to be found all over the city. But note most of them are closed on a Sunday. If you’re spending a weekend in Barcelona, plan accordingly.
THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA
There is no shortage of things to do in Barcelona. In fact, there are so many options I’m dedicating an entire post to them: top things to do in Barcelona