Barcelona has been a popular destination in Europe for years, and for good reason! The city offers something for everyone, from impressive museums to lovely beaches. During my five-month stay, I gathered the best tips for a great city break. From hidden gems to well-known tourist spots. Here I share everything you need to know like my favourite sights, practical tips for transport and accommodation, as well as smart choices to avoid queues. Whether you stay for two days or a full week: with this itinerary and tips, you'll make the most of your Barcelona city break.
General information about Spain
Before you start planning a trip to Barcelona, it is useful of to look at the best travel period, the daily budget and the current travel advice. Find all general information about Spain here.
Practical information for your Barcelona city break
Before I start telling you all the things you can do in Barcelona, I want to give you these practical tips to make your visit to Barcelona just a little bit easier!
Transportation to Barcelona
Barcelona is a city to visit all year round. In summer, you can lie on the beach and in the less warm seasons, you can explore the city. The easiest way is to fly to Barcelona, but of course you can also go by car.
- Flying: Travel time 2 hours by plane. Add 3 to 4 hours for check-in, airport presence, baggage collection and travel time to your hotel.
- Car: Travel time 15 hours.
Tip: When flying to Barcelona keep in mind to choose Barcelona El Prato airport. This airport is just 20 minutes from the centre of Barcelona.
Once you arrive at the airport, you have a number of options in terms of transport to the city:
- Aerobus: Thousandtravelmiles's favourite is the Aerobus. This is a blue bus that runs up and down from the airport to the city throughout the day. The bus stops at Placa Catalunya, Placa Universitat and Placa España. A single ticket costs €7.25.
- Metro: The second option is to take the metro into the city. Take line L9 towards Zona Universitaria and from there take the metro towards the destination of your choice.
- Taxi: The third option is to take a taxi into town, which will cost you approximately (depending on your destination) between €30 - €50.
Transport in Barcelona
Metro: Transport in the city itself is also very easy. In fact, Barcelona has a very extensive metro network. You can get to all corners of the city and it is not expensive at all.
- A single ticket costs around €2.50.
- 10-ride ticket will cost you around €10.00. I always bought this one myself, so it's cheaper than buying a single ticket each time. It allows you to take the metro 10 times and is valid indefinitely.
- There are also day passes for the metro on sale, which is handy if you are going for a weekend.
The metro runs from Sunday to Thursday from 5:00 to 0:00. Retrieved from Friday to 2:00 a.m. and on Saturday and holidays the all night by. Now that is ideal!
On foot: Besides the metro, you can also go a long way on foot, especially in the city centre. This is definitely recommended, as well as inexpensive, sporty and you see an awful lot of the city right away.
Bike: Don't feel like walking? Then hire a bike! You can find many bike rental companies in Barcelona and you often pay around €12 for a full day of cycling. There are bike lanes all over the city and where they are missing, just make sure you keep to the right.
Taxi: Would you rather travel a bit more luxuriously? Then just take a taxi! Pay attention during a taxi ride though, as sometimes drivers take a diversion to run up the meter.
Tip: Want to hire a bike? Then note the following: If you cycle from the coast to the city centre, the roads are a bit uphill. For example towards Parc Guell, it is often too steep to cycle and is therefore not recommended.
Where is the best place to stay in Barcelona?
For your stay in Barcelona, I recommend looking carefully at the different neighbourhoods, both in terms of location and safety. I recommend the following neighbourhoods: El Born, El Gòtic, La Barceloneta, Eixample and Gràcia. One neighbourhood I would personally advise against is Raval, this is also known as a criminal area. Also, I wouldn't choose neighbourhoods that are too far from the centre, as this only costs extra travel time.
Do you also want to stay in Barcelona for a longer period of time? Then check out working in Barcelona is something for you through Working Adventures!
As Barcelona is a popular destination, prices for accommodation are quite high. To stay in a mid-range hotel, you can expect prices between €75 and €130 per night. In a hostel or simple hotel, you will pay between €50 and €80 per night.
Sightseeing Barcelona: what to do?
After sharing the above practical tips, it's time to discover all there is to do in Barcelona! Enjoy the work of famous architect Antoni Gaudí, a big glass of sangria on a terrace or walk through the narrow streets of the El Born district. One thing is for sure, you won't get bored in Barcelona any time soon. Here we share 14 tips for the best activities in this great city.
1. Admire the Sagrada Família
The Sagrada Família is one of the most famous sights in Barcelona. So a visit to this iconic church should not be missed during your trip. It is a beautiful building, designed by Antoni Gaudí, and absolutely worth seeing. Although the building is still under scaffolding and completion will take years, it remains a must-see.
If you have any doubts about going in, I say do it! I too hesitated for a long time, but in the end am glad I bought tickets, including an audio tour. This tour was surprisingly engaging and gave a fascinating insight into the unique features of the Sagrada Família. It is especially beautiful around sunset, when the light falls through the stained-glass windows.
2. Visit Parc Güell
Park Güell is one of the most iconic places in Barcelona and, like many other sights in the city, designed by Gaudí. Most of the park is free to visit; there is only a small section you have to pay for. But... of February to March you can visit the paid part of Park Güell for free after closing time or before opening time. Are you visiting Barcelona between May and September? Then it is wise to buy your tickets online in advance, as it can be very busy during this period.
3. Visit Gaudí's houses: Casa Batlló, La Pedrera & Casa Vicens
Gaudí is famous for his iconic works such as Park Güell and the Sagrada Família, but that's not all. Throughout Barcelona there are a number of striking houses you can add to this list. The most famous of these are Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Casa Batlló is an absolute must-see for anyone who wants to understand the essence of Gaudí's style. It is considered his most complete work, in which he let his imagination run wild and tried out techniques he later applied in the Sagrada Família.
But the other houses are also beautiful both inside and out and despite the fact that it attracts many tourists every year and you sometimes have to queue to admire everything, it should definitely not be missed on this list. If you want to see as much as possible and wait as little as possible, we recommend picking a time slot in the morning.
A lesser-known but equally impressive Gaudí house is Casa Vicens. Its red colour and colourful tiles make it a very photogenic location. So if you want to see Gaudí's work, don't forget this one in particular.
4. Enjoy on Barcelona's beaches
One nice thing about a city trip to Barcelona is that you can alternate the busy streets with the beach. You have a choice of beaches, each with its own charm. Playa de la Barceloneta is the most popular beach, as it is directly adjacent to the city centre. Here you can enjoy the sea and the sun, but keep in mind that it can be quite crowded here, especially on hot days. A little further away, and usually less crowded, are Playa del Bogatell and Playa Mar Bella.
5. Explore Barcelona by bike
A fun and active way to discover Barcelona is by bike. I mean... we're still Dutch! With Bajabikes' bike tour or one of the options on Getyourguide, you'll pass by Barcelona's famous highlights and learn more about the city's history. Bajabikes' bike tour is conducted in Dutch, and you can book your spot in advance.
6. Stroll through Parc de la Ciutadella and past Arc de Triomf
Parc de la Ciutadella is, in my opinion, Barcelona's Vondelpark. The park is large and many locals come here to relax (picnic) or enjoy some sports. You'll come across many street performers, allowing you to enjoy live music and small shows. A surprise in this park is the Hivernacle, or greenhouses in the style of Catalan Modernism. Definitely a must-see! Barcelona's Arc de Triomf can be found just outside the city park and is definitely worth stopping by.
Read also: The 40 best restaurants, clubs and rooftop bars in Barcelona
Read also: 8x Practical tips for your first city break to Barcelona
7. Enjoy the view at Bunkers del Carmel (Turó de la Rovira)
Bunkers del Carmel is a viewpoint located on a hill above the city, and the ideal activity at the end of the afternoon. It is a popular spot, especially among students, who often come here to picnic and enjoy the sunset. In fact, on a clear day, the sunset is fantastic! Make sure you don't go empty-handed, so bring a beer and some food. You can get there by taking the bus from the city centre and then walking up the last stretch. Check the map, at the bottom of this blog, for the exact location.
8. Wander the Palo Alto Market
Open only the first weekend of the month, this cosy market has an atmosphere comparable to a food festival. They have all kinds of different food trucks set up and you can buy mega cool stuff. The place alone is fantastic!
9. Stroll through the streets of the Barri Gòtic and El Born districts
Explore the historic and atmospheric districts of Barri Gòtic and El Born during your visit to Barcelona. Barri Gòtic, the gothic heart of the city, offers a maze of medieval streets, picturesque squares and impressive old churches. At the edge of this district is the famous street Las Ramblas.
A must-see in Barri Gòtic is Barcelona Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. But don't miss the Pont del Bisbe, a charming bridge found around the corner from the cathedral.
Right next to Barri Gòtic is the El Born district, a lively area known for its cosy atmosphere and car-free streets. El Born is home to the Picasso Museum, small boutiques, excellent restaurants and cosy cafés, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
10. Take a day trip to Montserrat
Montserrat is a mountain near Barcelona and definitely recommended to climb! You can make much of the journey by train and cable cars that take you almost to the top. However, you have to do the last bit on foot, but the beautiful views make it definitely worth it.
11. Explore the famous Plaça Reial square
Plaça Reial is a well-known and lively square, located near Las Ramblas. You will find plenty of cosy eateries and cafés where you can enjoy delicious tapas and local specialities. Surrounded by palm trees, the square is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Plaça Reial is definitely worth a visit, whether you want to enjoy delicious tapas, a drink on a terrace, or just admire the beautiful surroundings!
12. Grab the Montjuïc cable car & Jardins de Mossen Costa i Llobera
This is a great tip for when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Montjuïc is a mountain next to Barcelona with fantastic views. You can take a cable car up the mountain from several points towards the castle. In addition, it is fun to combine this with the park Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera. Here you will find a garden full of cacti and unusual plants. Perfect for plant lovers and people who love beautiful insta photospots!
The cable car costs €11 per person and will take you up or down between 11:00 and 17:30. Keep in mind that the service may be shut down in bad weather, such as strong winds. Another option is to walk through the park back to the city.
13. Go to a show at El Font Màgica
At Plaça d'Espanya, you'll find a beautiful fountain in front of the palace. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, ‘light/water’ shows are held there at 21:00, 21:30 and sometimes 20:00, times depend on the season. The show lasts an hour and is crowded, so be on time. Between 6 January and 16 February, the fountain is closed.
14. Visit the Tibidabo viewpoint
Tibidabo is another great viewpoint not to be missed. This mountain offers not only a stunning view on top, but also an amusement park. Yes, you read it right! You can already see the iconic sculpture from the streets of Barcelona, but you only really experience the breathtaking view when you stand on top of the mountain. You can easily get there by metro and then continue by cable train to the top.
Mini itineraries (48 and 72 hours)
There is a lot to do in Barcelona and you cannot possibly see everything in one weekend. But what then is the ideal daily schedule? We have listed 2 options for you below:
Daily schedule for 2 days
Day 1: Bike tour in the morning → lunch in El Born → Parc de la Ciutadella & Arc de Triomf → Gaudí house (La Pedrera or Casa Batlló) → tapas in Eixample.
Day 2: Sagrada Família → Gràcia (coffee/plazas) → Parc Güell → sunset at Bunkers del Carmel → evening drink at Plaça Reial.
Daily schedule for 3 days
Day 1: Bike tour in the morning → lunch in El Born → Parc de la Ciutadella & Arc de Triomf → Gaudí house (La Pedrera or Casa Batlló) → tapas in Eixample.
Day 2: Sagrada Família → Gràcia (coffee/plazas) → Parc Güell → sunset at Bunkers del Carmel → evening drink at Plaça Reial.
Day 3: plus Montjuïc or beach
Montjuïc cable car + cactus garden → Font Màgica (check times) or relaxed beach day (Bogatell/Mar Bella). Alternate with a museum (Picasso) or an extra Gaudí house.
Plan your trip with our Barcelona map!
Plan your ideal weekend, week or day in Barcelona with our handy Google Maps card. Discover Barcelona's best restaurants, cosy tapas bars, iconic sights and hidden gems. With this map, you'll have all hotspots at your fingertips and won't miss a single highlight of this beautiful city!
Frequently asked questions about Barcelona
1. What is the best travel time for Barcelona?
Choose the period from April to June or September to early November. You have is this period fine temperatures and it is a lot less crowded than in the summer period.
2. How do I travel from Barcelona El Prato to the city centre?
The Aerobús is the fastest shuttle to places like Plaça de Catalunya. Metro L9 is inexpensive with a change towards the centre. A taxi is handy if you have a lot of luggage or arrive late.
3. Do I need to book tickets in advance for Sagrada Família and Parc Güell?
Yes and we really do recommend this. Choose a time slot to get in and limit queues. Plan Sagrada on (late) afternoon for beautiful light and Parc Güell just early.
4. What are quieter beaches?
Bogatell and Mar Bella tend to be quieter than Barceloneta.
5. How many days do I need?
In 2-3 days, you can see all the highlights. However, we recommend staying 4-5 days if you want to see Montjuïc, a day at the beach or a day trip to Montserrat.
Barcelona becomes even more fun with a little pre-work: smart time slots, staying in the neighbourhood that suits you and a map with your personal must-sees! With these tips, you'll effortlessly put together your own city break, from the first coffee in Gràcia to the last sunset over the city's rooftops!
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