Barcelona
Temperature
5°
Time
4:17 AM
Barcelona
Impressive architecture and hip restaurants meet sunny Spanish climate and beaches. This has transformed Barcelona, in just a few decades, from a rough port city into one of Europe's — if not the world's — premier destinations. Stroll along La Rambla and Passeig de Gràcia, admire Gaudí's masterpieces, visit the colourful Market of la Boqueria, lose yourself in the Gothic Quarter, bask in the sun at Barceloneta beach, and discover some of the city's vibrant late-night haunts while you're at it.Find your trip
Antoni Gaudi's ambitious project remains, as of today, unfinished, which by no means takes away its massive popularity, receiving nearly 4.5 million visitors every year. The Basílica de la Sagrada Família, or simply La Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica, considered the best example of Modernist architecture. Meticulously crafted to embody the Christian faith through composition, sculpture, and individualistic, offbeat design, this masterpiece is the kind of attraction that has to be experienced to be believed. Guided and audio tours are available in several languages.
Park Güell is one of the most impressive public parks in the world, a complex garden with architectural elements situated on a hill in the Gràcia district. In this park with stunning views over the city, you can admire several impeccable works of Gaudí. Actually, the entire park was 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.
Built between 1906 and 1912, Casa Milà, commonly known as La Pedrera ("The stone quarry") is a modernist building in Passeig de Gràcia and the last private residence designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Its interior is even more striking than its wrought-iron, stone-carved facade, especially the rooms displaying where people actually lived. So get inside Casa Milà to discover another one of Gaudí's unconventional architectural creations.
FC Barcelona is much more than just a football club. Sometimes it feels as if it carries the whole nation's pride on its shoulders. Even those not interested in football will enjoy a visit to the grandiose Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe, with a seating capacity of 99,354 spectators. Follow in the footsteps of football legends from past and present by taking a tour of the stadium and then visiting the FC Barcelona Museum to learn all about the club's history, see its trophy collection, the press room, the presidential box, and the locker room.
The Picasso Museum has one of the most extensive art collections by the 20th-century Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso. The permanent collections contain more than 3,800 works, and this is one of the most popular and most visited museums in Barcelona.
Visiting the La Boquería Market, halfway down La Rambla, is something of a must. This historic and colourful market is one of the city's main attractions, and it offers everything when it comes to food – from fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and sweets to meat, fish, and cheese. The place is also popular for lunch, a quick bite, or a refreshing glass of cava.
Barcelona's most well-known street is unofficially not just one uninterrupted stretch but five – hence the name "Las Ramblas" – each containing attractions of its own. A tree-lined, pedestrian-only walkway running through the street's central section, with street artists, souvenir vendors, bars and restaurants competing for visitors' attention.
Antoni Gaudi's ambitious project remains, as of today, unfinished, which by no means takes away its massive popularity, receiving nearly 4.5 million visitors every year. The Basílica de la Sagrada Família, or simply La Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica, considered the best example of Modernist architecture. Meticulously crafted to embody the Christian faith through composition, sculpture, and individualistic, offbeat design, this masterpiece is the kind of attraction that has to be experienced to be believed. Guided and audio tours are available in several languages.
Park Güell is one of the most impressive public parks in the world, a complex garden with architectural elements situated on a hill in the Gràcia district. In this park with stunning views over the city, you can admire several impeccable works of Gaudí. Actually, the entire park was 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.
Els 4Gats is an iconic and historic restaurant, which opened on June 12th 1897 and served as a meeting point for the great artists and intellectuals of Barcelona, including Ramon Casas and Pablo Picasso. The latter had his first exhibition of drawings here and designed the cover art for the menu that is still used to this day. Housed in a modernist neo-Gothic building, just a few minutes from the Palau de la Música Catalana, Els 4Gats offers Catalan cuisine in a bohemian atmosphere with regular, live piano sessions.
Accés 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 near the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. It is best to jostle your way to the counter seats and let Pep himself recommend the best hors d'oeuvres. Otherwise, there are also tables and a quieter dining room further in. On offer is a mixture of traditional and innovative cooking with a focus on seafood & fish.
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, including curries and stir-fries.
El Filete Ruso is a grill house, near Casa Milà, serving organic meats, juicy burgers, steak tartare, entrecôte, and tapas in a cosy atmosphere. Enjoy your meal on the lovely terrace and watch the world go by.
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?
Vrutal is a vegan restaurant, in the Poble Nou district, serving house-made burgers and healthy bowls, plus cocktails. The Blind Date burger and the crispy cauliflower wings come highly recommended.
UMA is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering creative tasting menus in a charming and exclusive environment. From the presentation of the dishes to the flavour combinations to the well-thought-out wine pairing, dining at UMA will be an experience you will not forget.
Els 4Gats is an iconic and historic restaurant, which opened on June 12th 1897 and served as a meeting point for the great artists and intellectuals of Barcelona, including Ramon Casas and Pablo Picasso. The latter had his first exhibition of drawings here and designed the cover art for the menu that is still used to this day. Housed in a modernist neo-Gothic building, just a few minutes from the Palau de la Música Catalana, Els 4Gats offers Catalan cuisine in a bohemian atmosphere with regular, live piano sessions.
Accés 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.
Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel is a crowded, pedestrian-only avenue in the heart of Barcelona, known as one of the best addresses for shopping in the city. Throughout this long avenue, which stretches from the always busy Plaça Catalunya to the historic Gothic Quarter, you will find plenty of global retailers such as Bershka, Pull & Bear, H&M, Desigual, another El Corte Inglés, Zara, Disney Store, Massimo Dutti, Benetton, as well as a handful of eateries.
Spain's department store colossus is both loved and hated, but successfully performs the main task of a department store, which is to offer most things to most people. Designer fashions, their own low and medium-priced lines, enormous perfumery and make-up departments, accessories, toys, children's and baby's clothes, art materials, souvenirs, food and delicatessen, household furniture and decorations, electrical goods, books, and a range of services can be found here. The largest El Corte Inglés is situated in the central Plaça Catalunya.
Mercat dels Encants is a long-running flea market selling countless treasures under a mirrored roof location near the imposing Agbar Tower. Also known as Barcelona's Encants Vells or Mercat de Bellcaire, the Mercat dels Encants is one of the oldest markets in Europe, dating back to the fourteenth century – a great example of Barcelona's commercial dynamism. Here you will find everything from books, jewellery and clothing to furniture, art, and random knick-knacks. Come early to find the best-hidden gems and prepare your best haggling skills.
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.
Avinguda del Portal de l'Àngel is a crowded, pedestrian-only avenue in the heart of Barcelona, known as one of the best addresses for shopping in the city. Throughout this long avenue, which stretches from the always busy Plaça Catalunya to the historic Gothic Quarter, you will find plenty of global retailers such as Bershka, Pull & Bear, H&M, Desigual, another El Corte Inglés, Zara, Disney Store, Massimo Dutti, Benetton, as well as a handful of eateries.
Spain's department store colossus is both loved and hated, but successfully performs the main task of a department store, which is to offer most things to most people. Designer fashions, their own low and medium-priced lines, enormous perfumery and make-up departments, accessories, toys, children's and baby's clothes, art materials, souvenirs, food and delicatessen, household furniture and decorations, electrical goods, books, and a range of services can be found here. The largest El Corte Inglés is situated in the central Plaça Catalunya.
Barcelona, the 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, which can reach 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 best time to visit Barcelona. During these seasons, 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, so it is easier to find a place to eat and 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.
Is Barcelona a safe city? Yes. Although Barcelona is a big city – the second-largest in Spain and the most visited city in the country – it is still considered a fairly safe place for tourists. However, as with most popular tourist destinations, such as Paris, pickpockets and bag thieves are the biggest concerns here. So be careful when walking around and taking pictures near major tourist attractions, such as La Rambla, Plaça Catalunya, and La Sagrada Familia. What is Barcelona famous for? Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is famous for its remarkable architecture, gold-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, world-class cuisine, and of course, its local football team, commonly known as Barça. Is Barcelona expensive? Yes, Barcelona is quite expensive to visit but still more affordable when compared to other European destinations, such as Paris, London, and Rome. As of today, the average cost per traveller in Barcelona is between €90-120 per day. How many days do you need for Barcelona? First-time travellers should try and plan around 4-5 days – enough time to visit the city's main attractions, explore its characterful neighbourhoods and still have time to kick back and relax at the beach.
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 (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 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.
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.
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
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 is located at Plaça d'Antonio López, near the Barceloneta metro station, and it is open from Monday to Friday 8:30am to 8:30pm.
Barcelona, the 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, which can reach 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 best time to visit Barcelona. During these seasons, 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, so it is easier to find a place to eat and 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.
Is Barcelona a safe city? Yes. Although Barcelona is a big city – the second-largest in Spain and the most visited city in the country – it is still considered a fairly safe place for tourists. However, as with most popular tourist destinations, such as Paris, pickpockets and bag thieves are the biggest concerns here. So be careful when walking around and taking pictures near major tourist attractions, such as La Rambla, Plaça Catalunya, and La Sagrada Familia. What is Barcelona famous for? Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is famous for its remarkable architecture, gold-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, world-class cuisine, and of course, its local football team, commonly known as Barça. Is Barcelona expensive? Yes, Barcelona is quite expensive to visit but still more affordable when compared to other European destinations, such as Paris, London, and Rome. As of today, the average cost per traveller in Barcelona is between €90-120 per day. How many days do you need for Barcelona? First-time travellers should try and plan around 4-5 days – enough time to visit the city's main attractions, explore its characterful neighbourhoods and still have time to kick back and relax at the beach.
