Barcelona Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Barcelona Is one of the most popular cities in Europe. If you’re planning to visit soon, I’ve got your back with everything you need to know in this Barcelona travel guide.

While it took me way too long to get to this fabulous Spanish city, I have been able to visit twice recently – and I know I will be back again sometime soon.

Barcelona is the vibrant capital of Catalonia and is famous for its unique blend of architecture, history, food and culture.

From the quirky creations of Antoni Gaudí to the streets of Las Ramblas, there’s something here for every kind of traveller.

You can find world-class museums, sandy beaches, delicious Catalan cuisine – and of course the incredible Sagrada Familia.

Let’s take a look at all the things you need to know for your first trip to Barcelona.

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Quick Facts

Location: Northeastern Spain, on the Mediterranean coast
Language: Catalan and Spanish; common phrases include “Bon dia” (Good morning) and “Gràcies” (Thank you)
Currency: Euro (€); credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) or UTC +1

Best Time to Visit Barcelona

The general advice for the best time to visit Barcelona is to take advantage of the shoulder seasons and visit from May to June or September to October when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller.

My visits were in March and late May and I noticed the difference in both weather and crowds.

While cool and wet in March, there were still plenty of people around but it wasn’t crowded. I still found that everything I wanted to do and see was open. Apart from the Sagrada Familia, I didn’t book anything in advance.

In May the weather was lovely and it was much busier, but creating a bustling atmosphere rather than being uncomfortably crowded. La Rambla was filled with people enjoying the street and La Boqueria markets were crammed with people.

I only had a short stay so I had booked the things I wanted to do in advance – and I would recommend doing this a few weeks in advance if visiting in the shoulder seasons.

Visiting in July and August may be your only option, but expect very hot temperatures, cruise ship crowds and higher prices.

Something else you may like to take into account is events and festivals in Barcelona.

We were there the week before Easter and loved seeing the parades of giants in this region of Spain on Palm Sunday.

It’s all very local, with people celebrating in the small city plazas. All afternoon we kept coming across all sorts of different giants. The spring onion (called Calçots here) had to be the strangest we saw.

Getting There

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the main international airport. There are numerous daily flights from major European cities and many direct flights from other continents.

Getting from BCN to the city centre is easy with several different options available.

Barcelona also has high-speed rail links to a variety of European cities, including Paris, and links to other Spanish cities.

I travelled from Barcelona to San Sebastian on the train and it was a fantastic way to cross the country.

Visa Requirements: EU citizens do not need a visa. US, Canadian, Australian, and many other citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. When ETIAS is implemented in 2025, that may be required. Always check your country’s specific requirements.

Getting Around

Public transport in Barcelona is excellent, with an extensive metro and bus network.

Consider purchasing a T-Casual ticket for multiple journeys. There are also 48/72/96/120 hour cards available which are ideal for visitors to the city. You can also use your credit card tap on when using the buses.

I used Google Maps to plan my travels around the city on both buses and the metro with no issues.

Biking is a great way to explore, and Barcelona is particularly bike-friendly, with many dedicated lanes and bike rental services.

Walking is also a fantastic option, as many of Barcelona’s attractions are within walking distance, especially in central areas like the Gothic Quarter.

Taxis are reliable and reputable in Barcelona. If you want to use a rideshare, Uber seems to be the popular option.

Where to Stay

Best Areas: Eixample (for architecture lovers), Gothic Quarter (for history and culture), Gràcia (for a local vibe), Barceloneta (for beach lovers).

During my visits, I stayed just outside the Gothic Quarter in Raval at Chic & Basic Tallers Hostel and in the Eixample area at Yeah Hostel and both are great areas I would recommend to others.

You may not want to stay in a hostel in Barcelona (although Chic & Basic Tallers Hostel is all private rooms, not dorms) so here are some other highly rated options that caught my eye

• Budget: Ally’s Bed&Breakfast in Eixample
• Mid-range: Hotel Jazz in Eixample
• Luxury: Hotel Arts Barcelona in Barceloneta

Things to Do and See

You could spend a month in Barcelona and not run out of things to do and see.

The first thing I always recommend in a new city is to do a walking tour. This will help you get your bearings, learn some of the basics of the location, and allow you to ask the guide for recommendations or help if you need it.

I like to do one of the free (tips-based) tours. I’ve done dozens of them over the years and almost always find the guides enthusiastic and knowledgeable. After all, they are trying to impress for those tips.

In Barcelona, I chose this tour with Donkey Tours and thought it was a great introduction. Make sure you choose an English option – there do tend to be less in the off-season, which was the case when I was there in March.

After that, you are likely going to want to explore some of the Gaudi attractions, eat some fabulous tapas, hit the beach, take the cable car up to Montjuïc, and maybe even enjoy a football game.

Top Attractions: Marvel at the Sagrada Família, wander through Park Güell, explore the Gothic Quarter, and relax on Barceloneta Beach.
Hidden Gems: Visit the quirky El Born district, hike up to the Bunkers del Carmel for panoramic views, and discover the lesser-known Hospital de Sant Pau.

Suggested Itineraries:

You can read more about my recommendations for 24 hours in Barcelona, but the below will give you a starting point to building your own itinerary.

• 1 Day: Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter, La Rambla
• 3 Days: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc
• 5 Days: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc, El Born, Barceloneta Beach, day trip to Monserrat.

10 Barcelona Must-Dos

Food and Drink

I love to try local food, but I’m more of a street food kinda person than Michelin-star restaurants.

On both visits, we called into La Boqueria Market to pick up some small bits and pieces to make up a light meal, like the cones filled with local ham and cheese and empanadas.

While no longer a local market, there are plenty of takeaway foods here that are good to grab and eat on the go. You can sit down at some wine and tapas stands here too. but seats are limited and it can be very busy.

For specific places to eat, we went with the recommendations given to us by our walking tour guide on our first day. He had a map we could download via QR code which gave us many options.

Two places we ate at I would specifically like to recommend are El Pintxo de Petritxol, not quite a tapas bar, but instead the quite-similar pintxos from the Basque Region and Restaurant La Gambeta where we had a delicious seafood paella.

For Churros con Chocolate, we ducked into a small place called Xurreria Trebol, but they are available all over.

Look out for lunch specials. You can often find deals for €12-90 – €15.90 that include two courses and a glass of wine or beer.

The choices may be limited and the quality could be questionable, but it’s a solid meal for a good price.

Must-Try Dishes: Paella, Patatas Bravas, Jamón Ibérico, Churros con Chocolate and Crema Catalana.
Best Spots: Sample tapas at La Boqueria Market, dine at Tickets for a Michelin-starred experience, and enjoy seafood at La Paradeta.

Practical Information

Here’s a quick glimpse of the important practical information for Barcelona. They’re only little things but can make all the difference to your trip.

Safety Tips: Barcelona is generally safe, but pickpocketing can be common in tourist areas. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded spots. Emergency number: 112.
Health: No special vaccinations are required. Healthcare in Barcelona is excellent, with many English-speaking professionals.
Tap Water: Tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink, though some people prefer bottled water due to its taste.
Tipping: Tipping in Barcelona is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is common. For taxis and hotel staff, small tips or rounding up to the nearest euro is sufficient.
Power Sockets: Barcelona uses Type F power sockets, with a standard voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. If you’re coming from a country that uses different plug types or voltages, you’ll need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter to charge your devices.
Money-Saving Tips: Take advantage of free museum days, explore on foot or by bike, and dine at local eateries.
Useful Apps: TMB App (for public transport), Visit Barcelona (official city guide).
Unique Local Souvenir: Look out for the Caganer shops at pick up a pooping figurine which started as a good luck charm for farmers (poop is a good fertiliser!)

There are more in-depth things to know before you go to Barcelona here.

Packing Tips

I’m a minimalist packer with almost a capsule wardrobe that all mixes and matches and I can wear multiple layers if it’s cold and rainy (which seems to happen to me more often than other people).

In Barcelona, I noticed most people were wearing comfortable casual clothing. There were also a few people dressed up a little more, so I think you could do either without standing out.

While it was cooler when I was there so not something that was an issue, I would suggest it is better to not wear anything too revealing, especially in local neighbourhoods. After all, there is still quite a traditional Catholic undertone to the city.

Clothing: Pack light, breathable clothing for summer, and layers for spring and autumn. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring. Make sure you have something modest to allow you to enter religious sites, such as the Sagrada Familia
Must-Have Items: Sunscreen, reusable water bottle, power adapter (F plug or, my recommendation, a universal adaptor that works everywhere), and a lightweight backpack.

Responsible Travel

These are fairly standard recommendations, but I like to include them as a general reminder for us all to take a minute and think about how we can travel responsibly.

While in Barcelona, respect local customs and traditions, avoid tourist traps that exploit animals, and support local businesses.

Look for volunteering opportunities such as beach clean-ups or community activities through local organisations.

FAQs

Here are some of the common questions I have been asked about Barcelona

Is Barcelona expensive? It can be, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options for food, accommodation, and activities.
Do I need to speak Spanish or Catalan? While most people in Barcelona speak Spanish, many also speak English, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few Catalan phrases is appreciated.
What’s the weather like? Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters, and pleasant springs and autumns.
What is the dress code for visiting churches or religious sites? When visiting churches or religious sites, such as the Sagrada Família, it is respectful to dress modestly. This means covering shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing swimwear, tank tops, or very short shorts.
What is the best way to get from the airport to the city centre? The easiest ways to get from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city centre are by Aerobus, which takes about 30 minutes, or by the RENFE train. Taxis and rideshare options are also available and can be quicker, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
Are there any local customs or etiquette I should be aware of? Catalans appreciate polite greetings; a simple “Hola” or “Bon dia” is welcomed. When dining, wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. It’s also respectful to learn a few phrases in Catalan as a sign of goodwill.
Is it necessary to book tickets in advance for popular attractions? Yes, it’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance for popular attractions like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. This will help you avoid long queues and ensure you have a spot, especially during peak tourist season.
Can I use credit cards everywhere in Barcelona? Credit cards are widely accepted in Barcelona, especially Visa and Mastercard. However, it’s always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, markets, or in case a restaurant or shop does not accept cards.
Is there free Wi-Fi in Barcelona? Yes, Barcelona offers free Wi-Fi in many public spaces, including parks, plazas, and popular streets. Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels also provide free Wi-Fi for customers.

Enjoy your time in Barcelona!