The Ultimate Barcelona Guide
THE ULTIMATE BARCELONA GUIDE FOR VISITORS AND NEWCOMERS
Are you planning on a trip to Barcelona? Or are you already here? Fear not, I've got you covered! Here is the Ultimate Guide to everything Barcelona has to offer! Regardless if you are here for just a day, a long weekend, a week, or even for several months, you'll find this guide useful. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below! I have divided the guide as follows:
General Overview
Barcelona Sights
Barcelona Food Scene
Day Trips From Barcelona
Barcelona Neighborhoods
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Barcelona is a vibrant city that is easy to fall in love with. It is very approachable, and you'll find something here for everyone, no matter the taste. Good food, shopping, fun things to do. It is an international hub where you'll find people from all over the world, which makes it one of the most hip cities in Europe and with the most fascinating gastronomy. Oh, and something super important that will distinguish you from any tourist: if you want to shorten Barcelona it’s Barna! You will often see Barça as a nickname, but this is wrong: that is what the football team is called, not the city!
when to visit
There isn't a wrong time to visit Barcelona. However, it is scorching in July and August, and it can get pretty chilly around December - February with temperatures under 10 degrees Celsius at night.
how to get around
Public transport in Barcelona is excellent. You rarely have to wait for more than 5 minutes for any means of transportation in the city center. The subway, the buses, and the tram complement each other perfectly and help you get anywhere in the city. Your best bet is to buy a Metro Card that you can use in all means of transport in the city center (including trains) during your visit. However, taking the subway to and from the airport has a small surcharge.
to and from the airport
The easiest way to get to and from the airport is with the airport bus, that leaves from Plaça Catalunya and is reasonably cheap. Subway is also an option, as is the train. Taking a taxi will set you back around 35-45 euros.
Barcelona, Spain.
how to dress
Locals are pretty laid back when it comes to dressing, but do pay attention to how to locals dress in terms of seasons: in January, locals will go outside in a winter jacket and a scarf, and not a thin summer dress, shorts or flip-flops. It might feel like it's summer where you're coming from, but it really is not. You'll be treated better anywhere you go, and you won't be such an easy target for pickpockets.
In summer: keep your clothes on, please. It's not cool to walk around shirtless (or in a bikini top) in the middle of the city. Barcelona is a busy city, not a beach attraction.
weather
How you'll like the weather depends a lot on where you're coming from. The Nordic countries you'll be happy in Barcelona all year round. If you're coming from a cold country, you'll be happily swimming in the sea from May to October.
July and August can get HOT. These are also hectic tourist months. Rumors are going around that many restaurants, bars, and shops close in August, but if you're visiting, you'll barely notice it. There are plenty of places to choose from. It rarely rains here, and if it does, it will usually be a fairly quick shower, followed by more sunshine.
size of the city
Barcelona is perfect in size: you can walk to most places in the city center. If you get tired taking a taxi will set you back about 10-20 euros depending on where in the city center you'll be going.
pickpockets
Be very careful with your belongings; pickpocketing is very common. Be particularly cautious on public transportation, in touristy areas, and on the beach. Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, which means that it can get pretty crowded during high season, and it also means an increase in petty crime.
tipping
Usually, a couple of euros is sufficient for a mid-priced meal for two. Also worth mentioning: your waiter won’t bring you your check unless you ask for it. I love this, because you can sit and enjoy your meal (and post-meal chat) without feeling hurried.
Castellers in Barcelona, Spain.
culture
Music, art, gastronomy, architecture… Barcelona has ALWAYS something interesting going on, every single day of the year.
Flamenco is not part of the local culture, and neither is bullfighting, so you might want to look at another destination if these are on your top list. Having said that, there are a few places where you have the opportunity to experience good flamenco. We recommend visiting Tablao de Carmen: the place is beautiful, the food is good and the flamenco is wonderful.
If you visit in September, you might be lucky enough to enjoy La Mercè: a week-long celebration of the patron saint of the city, with plenty of fun activities both day and night. If your timing is right, you can catch a display of the human towers!
Each neighborhood has its own celebration, with the Gràcia festival in August being the most famous one. The festivities last for more than a week, and the streets battle in who comes up with the most unique decoration. It is quite an experience!
Me sure to check out foodie events such as All Those (about four times a year, read my post on it here), Van Van Market, Eat Street, just to name a few.
Barcelona, Spain.
where to stay
Best neighborhoods to look for a hotel are Eixample, Born, and Gótico; they are all close to most of the placed you'll like to visit. I have created a guide with all my favorite hotels, you can find it here.
If you are staying for longer than a few days, I recommend checking out Gràcia, it is a very charming neighborhood that is popular with locals, and it is packed with cute restaurants and bars. Check out my Gracia neighborhood guide here. You can also choose to stay in an apartment to get a feel of what local life is like: I recommend these apartments that are both cute and centrally located.
Carmel Bunkers in Barcelona, Spain.
views
Parc Güell is not only a beautiful architectural park designed by Gaudi himself, but it has some gorgeous views of the city. An unexpected gem is the Carmel Bunkers, with a bunker museum and absolutely stunning views, it’s without a doubt my favorite. It has now certain restrictions when it comes to visiting, so check this out beforehand.
You may also like to visit Tibidabo, where you will find a church and a small amusement park perched up high on a hill. If you’d like to have dinner with a view I recommend Torre de Alta Mar (fancy) or Terraza Martinez (great paella), both with gorgeous views over the city and the Mediterranean.
Flower shop in Barcelona, Spain.
shopping
Born and Gracia great neighborhoods for shopping local, hand-made items, and sustainable clothing. Portal de l'Angel is suitable for visiting local chains such as Zara and Mango, and on Passeig de Gracia, you will find some excellent shopping too mixed in with very high-end boutiques. Born has some good vintage shopping. Shopping malls in Barcelona aren't particularly interesting and tend to be quite far away from the city center.
souvenirs
Don't buy any souvenirs by the main tourist attractions. Looking for something truly unique? Check out my list of the most unique shops in Barcelona in my list here.
hotels and hostels
Book your hotel/hostel well in advance. In February, the Mobile World Congress takes place, and the hotels charge up to ten times their regular rate. July and August are also very busy months. Excellent and central areas to look for hotels are the Eixample, Gotico, and Born. If you're staying longer than just a few days, check out Gràcia too (see my neighborhood guide here), which is close to the city center but has a very charming village-like feeling to it. When you're looking for a place to stay, avoid the Raval neighborhood. Find a complete list of my favorite hotels in Barcelona here.
beaches
In time for the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992, the area around the Barcelona beach got a significant makeover and is now considered as one of the best urban beaches in Europe. There is a 4,5 km long stretch of sandy beach in the city, but it tends to get very busy during the high season. Many locals prefer to escape the city, and taking the train to the nearby beaches outside the city (both north and south) is very recommendable. Make sure to be very careful with your belongings on the city beach, as it is plagued with pickpockets.
party
The nightlife in Barcelona is legendary. There is something for everyone and something going on every day of the week. Keep in mind that dinner time begins around 21h-22h, which means bars fill up around midnight and nightclubs around 3 AM and keep going until the sun goes up. Drinks are usually quite affordable in bars and nightclubs, but some nightclubs might have a cover charge. Here is a list of my favorite cocktail bars, and a list of my favorite rooftop bars.
Barcelona also hosts some great music festivals, such as Sónar, Primavera Sound, Grec, and Cruïlla.
BARCELONA SIGHTS
Make sure to buy your tickets beforehand to any attractions you're planning on visiting. They usually get very busy no matter the season, and you'll save yourself long queues or not being able to get in that day at all.
When it comes to architecture many associate Barcelona with the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi. In the heart of the city, you will find La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, and a 20 minute walk away from the jewel in the crown: the Sagrada Familia church that has been under construction since 1882 and is calculated to be finished by 2026. We'll see about that, won't we..? Make sure to pay beautiful Parc Guell a visit too, it has beautiful views over the city and is quite impressive. Also worth mentioning is the Palau de la Musica.
A few of the top sights:
La Boqueria market, Barcelona, Spain.
La Boqueria - Famous food market that is quite a colorful sight. Having lunch here is a lovely experience; for example, Quim de la Boqueria is an excellent choice. You’ll also find Direkte Boqueria here, chosen by Forbes as one of the coolest 10 places to eat a couple years back. But make sure to book a few weeks in advance! Read my review of Direkte Boqueria here.
The market gets very, very busy, so keep an eye on your stuff when you’re wandering around amongst the stalls.
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
Sagrada Familia - The Antonio Gaudi masterpiece has been under construction for more than 130 years and is not planned to finish until 2026. It is quite an experience from both the outside and the inside. If you’re wondering if it’s worth getting tickets to go inside, it definitely is, it is absolutely gorgeous.
Santa Maria Del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.
Santa Maria del Mar - This beautiful cathedral dates back to 1329, and is quite majestic both from the outside and the inside. If you’re a bookworm make sure to read Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones before you visit.
Palau de la Musica - A stunning concert hall that you can visit during a guided tour. But if you can, go here for a concert, you’ll be blown away.
Las Ramblas - An emblematic boulevard that is somewhat of an artery of Barcelona. Don't eat or shop here, though; the quality isn't great.
Parc Guell in Barcelona, Spain.
Parc Güell - A beautiful park designed by Antoni Gaudi with gorgeous views of the city. You will have to pay to get in, but this will make sure it doesn’t get too busy, which is great.
Picasso Museum - This famous museum showcases the early work of Pablo Picasso. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, it is very popular.
La Pedrera in Barcelona, Spain.
La Pedrera - Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi, and is one of his most iconic work. Also called Casa Mila, it is quite unconventional in its look.
Casa Batllo - Antoni Gaudi is the mastermind also behind Casa Batllo, this masterpiece located on Passeig de Gracia, the backbone of the city. If you can, make sure to book a night visit!
La Barceloneta - What would Barcelona be without the beach? Regardless if you're planning on swimming or not, pay this area a visit for the beautiful views of the beach, the fun beach bars, and the classic tapas bars. You can book different kinds of boat tours, too, which can be a lovely experience on a warm and sunny day.
Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain.
Camp Nou - Are you a fan of football? Camp Nou is the largest stadium in both Spain and Europe, and it is quite impressive. It has a seating capacity of more than 99.000 people, and the atmosphere during an important game is unforgettable. If you want to catch a game, make sure to book your tickets well in advance, and keep in mind that tickets to "El Clasico" (The Barça - Madrid game) are very, very difficult to come across. It is currently under construction.
MACBA - The modern art museum in the Raval.
Ciutadella Park - The biggest park in the city center, with a pond where you can rent a little boat to row around with if you feel romantic. Bring a picnic from nearby Funky Bakers and you’re good to go!
Tibidabo - Take the bus up to Tibidabo, and you'll be greeted with a fantastic view of the city. You'll also find a beautiful church and an amusement park up there.
Museum in Barcelona, Spain.
Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain.
BARCELONA FOOD SCENE
Patatas Bravas in Barcelona, Spain.
There are thousands of restaurants in Barcelona, and every day a new place opens its doors. There is food from almost everywhere in the world. You can find options for any type of budget, from three-star Michelin restaurants to street food.
Breakfast is traditionally not a big deal around here, but there has been a surge of breakfast and brunch places in the last few years, so if you woke up hungry, you'd be sure you get your belly full. Popular lunch places get packed from 13.30 to 14:00 onwards, and after lunch, many places close their kitchens until dinner time, from about 20.30 onwards.
Each season has its specialties, and most restaurants that serve local dishes put a lot of effort in using seasonal ingredients. During spring, make sure to try the calçots, which are a type of spring onion that is grilled and served with a romesco sauce. Don't eat on the Ramblas or close to any tourist attraction. It is challenging, if not impossible, to find a decent place there to eat.
michelin stars
There are quite a few Michelin star restaurants in Barcelona to choose from: the Barcelona area has no less than 58 restaurants with one, two, and three Michelin stars! If you want to have the experience but not break the bank, go for a lunch menu that you can have in several of the restaurants for a reasonable price.
A top choice is Disfrutar, where chefs from enigmatic El Bulli cook up surprising dishes in a long tasting menu. Read my guide to the Barcelona Michelin star restaurants here.
modern catalan
Direkte Boqueria is a wonderful restaurant that manages to maintain a certain level of secrecy. It only has eight seats, and it is essential to book several weeks in advance. Read my review of Direkte Boqueria here.
markets
La Boqueria is a sure-fire classic but can get a bit crowded. It is still worth going though, there are plenty of photo opportunities with all the beautiful food, and lots to take in. You might want to eat here too; Quim de la Boqueria is worth checking out, and Direkte Boqueria above.
Barcelona, Spain.
Do you need more ideas on where to eat? I have made a number of lists that might be useful:
Entrepanes Diaz in Barcelona, Spain. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
tapas
You can't visit Barcelona and not have tapas. Here is a long list of my favorite tapas bars in the city.
Paella in Barcelona, Spain. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
paella
Paella is not originally from Catalunya, but you can get good paella here too. The locals rarely eat paella for dinner; it is seen more of a lunch kind of thing. See my list of best restaurants for paella here.
seafood
So much good, fresh seafood can be had in Barcelona. Be brave and try a little bit of everything, you won't regret it! Find my list of best restaurants for seafood here.
wine bars
There are plenty of cozy wine bars in Barcelona. Make sure to let the staff guide you to local wines, you'll find some real gems! Read my list of the best wine bars here.
steak
If you are tired of all the tapas and seafood, you might want to have a good piece of steak. Read my list of the best steak restaurants here.
Pancakes in Barcelona, Spain. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
breakfast and brunch
Barcelona is packed with fantastic breakfast and brunch places. You can choose from local breakfasts (maybe churros is your thing?), healthy ones, or perhaps an all-in brunch with drinks included. Read my list of the best brunch places here.
healthy
Sometimes a bit of healthy food can be refreshing. I have made a long list of great restaurants with delicious, healthy food here.
romantic
Are you celebrating a special event? Or looking for a romantic bar or restaurant to go with your favorite person? Here is my list of the most romantic restaurants in Barcelona.
terrace
If you want to enjoy the Barcelona sun and have a little something to eat, too, then check out this list of the best terraces in the city.
rooftop
Looking for a cool rooftop bar? I've got you covered, check out the list here!
vegetarian and vegan
If you prefer plant-based food, fear not. In the past few years, the number of bars and restaurants focusing on vegetarian and vegan food has increased a lot. Find my list of the best ones here.
Cocktails in Barcelona, Spain. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
cocktails
Feel like having a tasty cocktail or two? There are numerous cool places to choose from, anything from classy lounges to cozy and romantic secret bars. Read my list here!
vermouth
Vermouth is quite a thing in Barcelona. Traditionally this is a drink you'd have before lunch with a little snack, and it has had quite a renaissance the last few years. There are some genuinely excellent vermouths out there, many with home-made recipes in old-school bars. Should you feel like doing a bit of vermouth-bar hopping in the Gracia neighborhood, check out my guide.
churros
You can't visit Barcelona and not have some churros with thick, hot chocolate. There are some very authentic places to get them from, find them in my list here!
Scallops in Barcelona, Spain. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
italian
You might be in Catalunya, but you can get some very, very good Italian food here. There is a large Italian community here, and boy can they cook. Check out my favorites in this list.
sushi
Feeling a sushi craving coming on? No worries, excellent sushi can be had in Barcelona. Read my top list here.
Coffee in Barcelona, Spain. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
cafes
Barcelona has numerous cute and cool cafes, read a list with my favorites here. Are you looking for specialty coffee? Check out my list of places here. Is matcha latte your thing? I also have that covered here.
craft beer
Barcelona has an excellent craft beer scene, with several internationally famous breweries, one of the best craft beer bars in the world according to Untappd, and with cool bars and old school bodegas with excellent craft beer options. Read my list of the best ones here.
Burgers in Barcelona, Spain. Photo © Barcelona Food Experience.
burgers
A good, juicy burger is serious business. It is not easy to find the really good ones, but I have made a list of the places I like to go to for when I feel that craving.
Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain.
DAY TRIPS FROM BARCELONA
Girona, Spain.
Girona - If you're a fan of Game of Thrones (some of the scenes were filmed here), or just feel like visiting a lovely medieval town, take the train to nearby Girona and spend the day there. If you're visiting in spring, keep an eye out for the flower festival.
Sitges - This laid-back beach town is wonderfully charming, and perfect for a day in the sun, and some tasty food.
Costa Brava - This beautiful coast north of Barcelona has many a lovely beach town, with gorgeous clear water. If you enjoy diving, you'll find several good spots for this.
Wineries - Cava and wine producers arrange tours and visits on their premises, and some of them can even be reached by public transport.
Beaches - Both north and south of Barcelona you'll find many lovely beaches that aren't as crowded as the city beaches, and far less polluted. Most of them can be reached by public transport (trains mostly).
Montserrat - A visit to beautiful Montserrat takes almost a full day: it takes about 1,5h one way to reach, and you’ll want to spend a few hours there to visit the main sights. The views from up here are breathtaking, and the famous Monastery and the Black Madonna are really worth seeing. You can reach Montserrat by public transport.
Barcelona, Spain.
BARCELONA NEIGHBORHOODS
One of the many charms of Barcelona is how different each neighborhood is. From the cozy to the eclectic to the busy and the hip, find below all the neighborhoods and best places to eat and drink in each of them!
Barcelona, Spain.
born
The cozy, narrow streets of Born are filled with restaurants and bars, interesting galleries and shops (including lovely vintage shops), and the spectacular Santa Maria del Mar church. Make sure to also visit the Santa Caterina market with its colorful mosaic roof. Read my restaurant recommendations for Born here.
raval
Raval is the eclectic, cheeky little brother with its hidden hangouts and fun eateries. It is the most ethnically diverse, and perhaps the most run-down, but don't let its gritty appearance scare you away: plenty of fun can be had here. Be careful here with your belongings, though, especially late at night. Read my food and drink recommendations for Raval here.
Barcelona, Spain.
gótico
Gótico invites a lot of tourists, but if you know where to look, you will find some good options. Many of the city's major attractions are here, so it gets jam-packed, but it is definitely worth spending some time here, getting lost in the narrow alleyways. Between Gótico and Raval, you will find Las Ramblas, which for many, is a must-visit and packed with people day and night. Be extra careful with pickpockets here. Also, on the Ramblas, you will find the food market La Boqueria, which has been regarded as the best food market in the world. It gets very busy but is definitely worth a visit, and even for a bite to eat. Check my restaurant and bar recommendations here.
sants - les corts
At first glance, it might look seem like a challenge to find something interesting in this area, but first impressions can be deceiving. Especially Sants has a village feeling to it, with new places popping up frequently. See my food and drink recommendations here.
gracia
I do not want to play favorites, but having lived in Gràcia for more than a decade, I have a soft spot for it, and it has plenty to offer. It has a village vibe to it, although it's just a hop and a skip away from all the buzz! If you want to get a good feeling of how the locals live, then this is the place to go. It is also home to many restaurants, bars and cafes, so be prepared to spend hours sipping drinks and eating tapas on terraces. Read my Gracia guide here.
Barcelona, Spain.
barceloneta
Barcelona is all about the beach, but when you venture into the quieter streets, you will find some authentic tapas bars. Check out my restaurant and bar recommendations for Barceloneta here.
poblenou
Poblenou is an up-and-coming hip area where so many cool places open up in industrial spaces. Make sure you do a cafe-hopping here: there are many cool specialty coffee joints and even coffee roasters around here. Bring your camera: you're bound to come across quite a few fantastic graffitis. See my Poblenou neighborhood guide here.
Barcelona, Spain.
sarria-sant gervasi
What might seem like a residential area at first glance, hides lovely restaurants and bars with tasty quality dishes and exciting proposals. Here are my recommendations for the area.
Barcelona, Spain.
eixample
This vast stretch of blocks holds numerous excellent options for drinking and dining, ranging from the more traditional to the avant-garde. It also has plenty of impressive architecture, such as Gaudi masterpieces La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, and not to forget the majestic Sagrada Familia. See my recommendations for Eixample Esquerra here, and for Eixample Dreta here.
sant antoni
Sant Antoni, just across the busy Parallel, is a cool, local, and friendly neighborhood and perfect for both eating and drinking. See my recommendations here.
poble sec
Poble Sec is historically a true workers' neighborhood, and you can find a few authentic gems around here. Discover my favorites here.
Barcelona, Spain.
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