Barcelona
Barcelona
Fanciful architecture and hip restaurants have come together with the sunny Spanish climate and beaches. This has transformed Barcelona in just a few decades from a rough port city to one of Europe’s—if not the world’s—premier destinations. Stroll along La Rambla, admire the Casa Calvet’s façade or the Casa Mila designed by Gaudi, visit the Market of la Boqueria or shop at El Corte Inglés, and sample some of the many bars, cafés and late night haunts while you’re at it.Find your trip
The more recent of Gaudí's many projects to be opened to the public is the Casa Vicens. Built between 1883 and 1885 and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005, Casa Vicens was the first house designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Located in the bohemian district of Gràcia, this bold project, commissioned as a summer house, combines elements of nature into a chaotic and yet peaceful retreat.
The Museu nacional d'art de Catalunya, MNAC for short, hosts many temporary exhibits through the year, but it is also known for for its Romanesque collection of mural paintings. Here you can also find pieces like Gaudi's furniture or illustration from Casas and other artists of the Catalan Modernism.
The park has evoked polarising opinions for its design and a whimsical combination of classical sculptures and modernist elements. A re-invention of a former steam-powered mill, it is worth a gander if you happen to be in the area.
Antoni Gaudi's ambitious project remains, as of today, unfinished, which by no means takes away from its popularity - at nearly 3 million yearly visitors, La Sagrada Familia is Spain's 2nd most visited monument. The masterpiece was crafted meticulously to embody the Christian faith through composition, sculpture, and individualistic, offbeat design. Guided and audio tours available.
Barcelona's most well-known street is unofficially not just one uninterrupted stretch but five (hence it being known as "Las Ramblas"), each containing attractions of their own. A pedestrian-only walkway runs through the street's central section, with street artists, souvenir vendors, bars and restaurants competing for visitor attention.
Another one of Gaudi's unconventional architectural creations, Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera ("quarry", for its wacky appearance distantly resembling an actual quarry), is one of Barcelona's primary attractions. Entry tickets include a free audio guide.
In this park with stunning views over the city you can admire several impeccable works of Gaudi. Actually, the entire park is designed by the artist himself. Statues and buildings in different colours and shapes stand side by side and the park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Once Gaudi got his hands on this previously unremarkable building in Passeig de Gràcia, it was never to be simply passed by again. Fascinatingly idiosyncratic and almost beast-like on the outside, it continues to amaze from within with twisted lines and elements that could only be thought up by the genius of Gaudi.
The more recent of Gaudí's many projects to be opened to the public is the Casa Vicens. Built between 1883 and 1885 and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005, Casa Vicens was the first house designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Located in the bohemian district of Gràcia, this bold project, commissioned as a summer house, combines elements of nature into a chaotic and yet peaceful retreat.
The Museu nacional d'art de Catalunya, MNAC for short, hosts many temporary exhibits through the year, but it is also known for for its Romanesque collection of mural paintings. Here you can also find pieces like Gaudi's furniture or illustration from Casas and other artists of the Catalan Modernism.
Cal Pep is a very popular tapas bar and restaurant. It is best to jostle your way to the bar and let Pep himself recommend the best hors d’oeuvres. Otherwise, there are also tables and a quieter dining room further in. Offered is a mixture of traditional and innovative cooking.
Located in the heart of Gràcia, Banna is a restaurant whose Thai chef team from Xishuangbanna cooks to perfection with the freshest ingredients from Barcelona's markets. Choose from the a la carte, daily set menu or sampling menu. Authentic Thai food with great value for money can be enjoyed here.
Quality food served by the friendly staff can be enjoyed at El Filete Ruso, where organic meats, hamburger, steak tartar, entrecote and tapas can be found on the menu. Enjoy your meal on the lovely terrace and watch the world go by.
Only a steps away from the Sagrada Familia, come and discover La Cantina Mexicana restaurant. In this true Mexican taquería with a young and family-friendly atmosphere, you can enjoy a present-day Mexican cuisine, prepared with the best fresh products straight imported from Mexico.
The wide range of bars and restaurants in Poble Espanyol allow you to discover the variety and richness of Spanish cuisine, known worldwide. Enjoying an excellent paella or delicious tapas in a peaceful environment is quite an experience. And if the weather permits, why not relax on one of the pleasant terraces too?
Uma, a highly appreciated restaurant among locals and tourist alike, will be an experience you will not forget. This small place is run by the chef and his wife, who do personal cooking in a charming and exclusive environment. The dynamic tasting menu with 14 dishes is prepared with high quality products, with the starters served in the kitchen.
Tucked away on a small side street, Blavis offers truly a great culinary experience in a uniquely intimate atmosphere. The owners, Paco and Marc, are an attentive and warm team and offer simple yet mouthwatering tapas dishes. The place is small and seats only 18 people so booking in advance is recommended.
Acces is a lavish restaurant that serves exquisite modern Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish ambience. Beautiful dishes are prepared by the professional chefs in the open kitchen for everyone to observe. Pan-seared scallops with crispy bacon, baked hake with artichoke confit and fillet of beef are some of the lovely, mouth-watering dishes on the menu.
Cal Pep is a very popular tapas bar and restaurant. It is best to jostle your way to the bar and let Pep himself recommend the best hors d’oeuvres. Otherwise, there are also tables and a quieter dining room further in. Offered is a mixture of traditional and innovative cooking.
Located in the heart of Gràcia, Banna is a restaurant whose Thai chef team from Xishuangbanna cooks to perfection with the freshest ingredients from Barcelona's markets. Choose from the a la carte, daily set menu or sampling menu. Authentic Thai food with great value for money can be enjoyed here.
Visiting the La Boquería, half way down La Rambla, is something of a must. This covered market provides everything when it comes to food, and the place is also popular for a lunch or a refreshing glass of cava. This historic, vibrant market is one of the city's principal attractions.
The El Born district is also a good place to shop for food. Casa Gispert offers coffee, dried nuts and fruits and Tot Formatge is one of Barcelona’s best-stocked cheese shops.
For serious fashion shopping, make your way to Passeig de Gràcia, the parallel street, Rambla de Catalunya, and the surrounding district. You will find all the big international fashion names here, including Spanish greats such as Adolfo Domínguez, Armand Basi, Groc and the leather specialist Loewe. More economic alternatives such as Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti are also represented. You can also find a good selection of trend-conscious designer fashions at Noténom.
The unique mosaic-like roof structure of the Mercat de Santa Caterina illustrates the colours of the vast number of fruit and vegetable stalls that were represented in market halls of the past. Today, stalls selling seafood, meat, fruit, vegetables and other products form the market all provide an interesting location to explore and buy fresh local food products and more.
With a concern for the environment, vom FASS sells various oils, vinegars, condiments and liqueurs to fill up your own glass container, or – in lieu of one – buy one of the stylishly designed glass bottles from the shop itself. This way, waste is minimised and no disposable plastic used unnecessarily.
Clothing, jewellery, seafood, meat, vegetables, fruits and even household goods. This market place is the go to place for locals and provides hours worth of stands and shops to explore. Several times per month, cooking classes take place at the market where chef Anna de Pablo prepares three dishes for the audience to observe and of course, to taste.
Visiting the La Boquería, half way down La Rambla, is something of a must. This covered market provides everything when it comes to food, and the place is also popular for a lunch or a refreshing glass of cava. This historic, vibrant market is one of the city's principal attractions.
The El Born district is also a good place to shop for food. Casa Gispert offers coffee, dried nuts and fruits and Tot Formatge is one of Barcelona’s best-stocked cheese shops.
Best Time to Visit
Barcelona, second largest city in Spain, is the first tourist destination of the country, ahead of its rival Madrid. The city is particularly appreciated for its climate because it enjoys beautiful and sunny days eight months per year. It is popular with tourists from around the world during the two summer months because of its high temperatures, up to 37 °C. The many nearby beaches are perfect for a swim after a long day of sightseeing, but expect a busy crowd. Spring and autumn are therefore the ideal seasons to enjoy the city in good conditions so that you can enjoy the sun and the beautiful and shining days away from the holidaymakers of July and August. Besides, the prices are more affordable and so it is easier to find a place to eat and to sleep. It is also possible to explore the Catalan capital during the winter because the climate is cool but the temperatures are still mild. You will not find negative temperatures or frosts at this time of the year. Several days are necessary to discover Barcelona as it is full of must-see tourist sites and typical places to see. However, avoid driving in the city and prefer public transport, bus, metro or tram that serve all tourist areas.
Passport / Visa
Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Barcelona El Prat Airport
Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), Barcelona’s main airport, is located 13 km southwest of the city centre. Aerobus serves both terminals every 5 minutes before leaving for the city centre with stops at Plaza Espanya, Plaza Universidad and Plaza de Catalunya Square. A one-way Aerobus ticket costs 5.90€ (10.20€ for a round trip) and the trip takes about 25 minutes to reach the city center. Local trains leave for Barcelona every 30 minutes (from the train station next to terminal 2). From terminal 1 to terminal 2 there is a free connecting shuttle bus that takes around 10 minutes. The train takes about 30 minutes to Barcelona's Sants station and the ticket costs 4 €. Taxis are available just outside the terminals. Price depends on traffic, luggage, day of the week and time. The average price is around 35 €. Consult the airport website to learn more about other public transport routes servicing the airport.
Girona-Costa Brava Airport
Girona airport lies about 100 km from the centre of Barcelona, and there are three ways of getting between the two places. Buses will take you to Estacio d’Autobusos Barcelona Nord. They depart on a schedule based on the flights arrival times. Prices for a one-way ticket start from 16 €. A taxi to Barcelona city centre may cost around 125 €, so a better option might be to stay overnight at Girona and travel by bus the next day. There are also trains to and from Barcelona from central Girona but you will have to find a solution to get from Girona train station to the airport.
Public Transport
Tickets for the underground and trams can be bought from travel information booths and from stations. They are valid for one trip. Bus tickets are bought from the driver. There are also a selection of different travel cards to purchase if you know that you will be travelling a lot.
Taxi
Barcelona’s black and yellow taxis can be hailed on the street, at stations or called by telephone. Standard fares apply between 6am and 10pm from Monday to Friday. At all other times, including public holidays, fares are higher. Remember that drivers often have minimal small change and do not take credit cards. Most known taxi compagnies: Barnataxi: +34 933 22 22 22 www.barnataxi.com Fonotaxi: +34 933 00 11 00 www.fonotaxi.net Ràdio Taxi: +34 933 03 30 33 www.radiotaxi033.com
Post
The post offices in Spain are called "Correos" (Correu in Catalan). Stamps can be purchased from post offices and kiosks - "Estancos". The main post office at Plaça Antoni López is open Monday-Friday 8:30 to 21:30 and Saturday 8:30 to 14:30.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies in Barcelona take turns at operating the after-hours service. The nearest pharmacy that is open at night will be posted on the door of an adjacent pharmacies. Pharmacies with 24-hour service are: Farmàcia Clapés La Rambla 98 +34 933 01 28 43 Farmàcia Torres Carrer d'Aribau 62 +34 934 53 92 20
Best Time to Visit
Barcelona, second largest city in Spain, is the first tourist destination of the country, ahead of its rival Madrid. The city is particularly appreciated for its climate because it enjoys beautiful and sunny days eight months per year. It is popular with tourists from around the world during the two summer months because of its high temperatures, up to 37 °C. The many nearby beaches are perfect for a swim after a long day of sightseeing, but expect a busy crowd. Spring and autumn are therefore the ideal seasons to enjoy the city in good conditions so that you can enjoy the sun and the beautiful and shining days away from the holidaymakers of July and August. Besides, the prices are more affordable and so it is easier to find a place to eat and to sleep. It is also possible to explore the Catalan capital during the winter because the climate is cool but the temperatures are still mild. You will not find negative temperatures or frosts at this time of the year. Several days are necessary to discover Barcelona as it is full of must-see tourist sites and typical places to see. However, avoid driving in the city and prefer public transport, bus, metro or tram that serve all tourist areas.
Passport / Visa
Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
