As one of the big cities in Spain, Barcelona is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, lively street life, and delicious food. Often referred to as the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona boosts as one of the most attractive and popular cities in Europe.
Culture oozes out of Barcelona. Being a thriving hub of modern art museums, serene parks, historical monuments and lip-smacking tapas, Barcelona is favourite for all kinds of tourists, offering something for everyone.
The Catalan Gothic architecture, beautiful picturesque beaches, contemporary art, historic museums, and happening nightlife are proof of it. The city is also home to the famous football club - FC Barcelona.
Despite its beauty, you need to be street smart and follow basic travel safety in Barcelona. Pickpocket and bag snatching is a common issue, so do your best to secure your valuables, blend in, and don’t look like a tourist.
Accommodation
Barcelona is a beautiful city. You can stay at hotels, Airbnb's or hostels. I personally prefer living in hostels as it allows me to get the true experience of exploring the city. Barcelona has some great hostels that are cozy and have a great social atmosphere.
If you're on a budget and are planning on exploring the city with other people, I suggest hostels. They are a great cheap alternative that allows you to make friends and explore all the gems of the city.
Dorm beds in hostels typically begin around 20 EUR per night in the low-season and go as high as 40 EUR in major during the summer. Budget hotels begin around 55 EUR for a twin or double and go up from there.
To discover the best hostels in Barcelona, use Hostelmatch. Explore discounts with our partner hostels in Barcelona - Get exlusive discounts upto 25% on selct hostels with Hostelmatch.
Transportation
Public transportation
Barcelona has an extensive metro and bus system. Most big cities have a comprehensive bus system as well. Single rides usually cost between 1-2 EUR. You can often buy day passes that save you money overall if you plan on using the metro system quite a bit. These usually cost around 8-15 EUR.
Bus
The bus is the cheapest option for getting to Barcelona. FlixBus has tickets starting as low as 5 EUR. Most buses come with outlets and free Wi-Fi. The bus connectivity in Spain is great making it a popular choice of travel amongst solo travellers.
Trains
RENFE is the national rail line in Spain, and the country has both high-speed trains and regular trains. High-speed trains are more expensive depending on your journey. If you have a Eurail pass, that might be a great option to get to and from Barcelona as well.
Flying
The fastest way to travel is by air. Expedia offer great fares to fly to and out of Barcelona. However, being budget airlines, you do need to pay for all the extras on these cheap flights (such as checked baggage, picking your own seat, etc.) You can get a cheap flight from Barcelona to Malaga or Seville for as low as 25 EUR.
Explore flights with Expedia.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient way for getting to and from Seville. Kiwi Taxi  are comfortable and drop you to your destination.
Car rental
You can catch beautiful scenic views driving around Spain in a rented car. The minimum age for renting a car is 21 and you will need an International Driving Permit prior to booking.
Ridesharing
If you have ever been on an Uber share car, this experience is similar. You can catch a ridesharing serve between cities that are usually offered by locals. You book one seat in their car and will be sharing the car with other travellers like yourself. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the biggest company.
Safety
In terms of safety, Europe is generally safe for travellers, with low rates of violent crime. However, pickpocketing and tourist scams are common in popular destinations. Stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and be cautious of strangers approaching you. Familiarize yourself with common scams in your destination to avoid falling victim.
E-Sim
E-Sims are great to get connectivity during your travels without having to worry about local sims and connections. E-sims are much cheaper, easy to activate and do not create a dent in your wallet.
Get the best E-SIm for your next trip with Airalo.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important requirements as a traveller. Medical bills, Lost Baggage or cancelled trips are costly and you don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from your travels. Always be prepared with travel insurance and make sure to have one that covers you well.
Safetywing is one of the best travel insurance providers for Digital Nomads and Solo travellers.
Schengen Visa
Lastly, be aware of the Schengen visa rules if you plan to stay in Schengen for more than 90 days. The Schengen Area allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you wish to stay longer, explore other options like alternating between Schengen and non-Schengen countries.
Spain is home to great food and has a unique cuisine. While each region in Spain has it own unique cuisine, Barcelona is the home for Spanish food. You will explore the unique and tasteful Catalan cuisine as you walk along the streets of Barcelona.
As a foodie, your tastebuds will thank you as there are thousands of local approved restaurants that give you an authentic local Catalan dishes. Here is a list of all the great local dishes you should try in Barcelona. Common favorites include paella, gazpacho, churros, jámon ibérico (cured pork), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with sauce), and tortilla (Spanish omelet).
You can get usually find tapas for 5-10 EUR. A decent casual restaurant meal costs around 15 EUR. If you go out for paella, drinks, or appetizers, plan to spend around 30 EUR for a meal.
You can hop on food tours in Barcelona and get a feel of the most exquisite meals the city has to offer. I had some of the best paella for the first time inBarcelona and it has been one of the most flavourful and exciting meals I have had so far.
5-Day Itinerary in Barcelona, Spain
DAY 1
Morning
Start your day with a visit to St. James Square, also known as Plaça de Sant Jaume, the political center of Barcelona. Admire the impressive buildings that surround the square, including the Barcelona City Hall and the Palace of the Generalitat of Catalonia.
Afternoon
Head to the Magic Fountain, a stunning display of water, light, and music located in Montjuic. Enjoy the mesmerizing show as the fountain dances to the tunes of classical and contemporary music.
Evening
Explore the FC Barcelona stadium, an immersive experience for all Football lovers. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, and enjoy a traditional Catalan dinner in one of the neighborhood's cozy restaurants.
DAY 2 Morning Visit the stunning Sagrada Familia , also known as largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi, it is an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon
Take a tour of La Monumental Bullring, one of the oldest and most important bullfighting arenas in Barcelona. Learn about the history and tradition of bullfighting in Spain.
Evening
Embark on a relaxing cruise from Barcelona Cruise Port, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city's coastline and the Mediterranean Sea.
DAY 3
Morning
Explore the vibrant La Boqueria Market, the most famous food market in Barcelona. Wander through the stalls filled with fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local delicacies.
Afternoon
Take a stroll along Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona's most elegant and upscale avenues. Admire the modernist architecture and visit iconic buildings such as Casa Batlló and Güell Palace.
Evening Spend the evening at Montjuic Park, a large hill overlooking Barcelona. Take a cable car ride to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Visit the Palau Nacional, which houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia. DAY 4 Morning Visit the Columbus Monument, a towering monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Barcelona's skyline and the Mediterranean Sea. Afternoon Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Palace of Catalan Music, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour to admire the stunning stained glass windows, intricate mosaics, and decorative details of this modernist masterpiece. Evening Take a stroll down Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous boulevard. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, street performers, and browse through the shops and cafes along the way. DAY 5 Morning Begin your day at Placa del Rei, a historic square in the Gothic Quarter. Visit the Barcelona History Museum, located in the royal palace, to learn about the city's rich history. Afternoon Explore the lush greenery of Ciutadella Park, a beautiful urban park in the heart of Barcelona. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, visit the Barcelona Zoo, or relax in the shade of the palm trees.
Evening Explore the neighbourhood of El Born, known for its trendy shops, vibrant nightlife, and historic architecture. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area, offering a variety of local and international cuisines.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona has been a cultural, economic, and social centre since the middle ages. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, the city has an abundance of art, entertainment and leisure to make it one of the most memorable trips you will ever take.
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