Barcelona is one of those cities where you can't get bored and perhaps one of our favourites! It's a city where centuries-old architecture, bustling boulevards and a laid-back beach atmosphere come together, and it's all less than a two-hour flight from the Netherlands. Whether you're going for the first time or have been there before: with the right preparation, you'll make the most of your city break to Barcelona. In this guide, we share our best practical tips on transport, accommodation, safety and local customs, so you are well prepared to hit the road.
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.
1. Choose Barcelona outside school holidays
Barcelona is fun all year round, but not every season is the same. During the school holidays it can be quite busy, especially at famous sights like the Sagrada Família or Park Güell. If possible, try to plan your city break outside these periods.
The best travel time is spring or autumn: April to June and September to November. Temperatures are pleasant then, the crowds are not too bad and you can fully enjoy the city without standing in long queues.
2. Here's how to arrange your transport to Barcelona
Barcelona is a fine destination all year round. In summer, you can enjoy the beach, while in spring or autumn you can explore the city without the huge heat. Most travellers choose to fly, but it is also doable by car!
By plane to Barcelona
The flight time from the Netherlands to Barcelona is about two hours but keep in mind that you will spend about three to four more hours for check-in, security and travel time to your accommodation.
When booking, always choose airport Barcelona El Prat, this airport is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, saving a lot of travel time. Once landed, you have several options to travel to the city:
- Aerobus: Our personal favourite. These blue buses run all day up and down between the airport and the city centre (including to Plaça Catalunya, Plaça Universitat and Plaça Espanya). A single ride costs €7.25.
- Metro: Take line L9 towards Zona Universitaria and transfer there to the line to your destination. A convenient and affordable way to travel.
- Taxi: The most comfortable, but also the most expensive option. Expect €30 to €50, depending on your hotel.
Transport in Barcelona
Prefer to drive yourself? No problem, from the Netherlands you can get to Barcelona in about 15 hours. The route is doable, but keep in mind toll roads in France and Spain. One advantage: you can make nice stops along the way, for example in the south of France or the Pyrenees.
3. Stay in Barcelona's nicest neighbourhoods
Where you stay makes a big difference in your experience of the city. Barcelona is made up of dozens of neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere. Below are our personal favourites:
- El Born: A charming neighbourhood full of narrow streets, small boutiques and cosy tapas bars. Ideal for those who want to be close to the centre without being in the middle of the crowds.
- Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter): Historic heart of the city with beautiful architecture, atmospheric squares and many restaurants.
- La Barceloneta: Perfect for those who want to combine city and beach.
- Eixample: Known for its modernist architecture and spacious streets. Close to most attractions.
- Gràcia: An authentic district with local atmosphere, cosy squares and good restaurants.
One neighbourhood we would personally advise against is Raval, which is also known as a criminal area. We would also advise you not to choose neighbourhoods that are too far from the centre, as this will only cost you extra travel time. Discover at Tui different accommodation in the most beautiful neighbourhoods for your City break in Barcelona.
4. This is how to travel safely, quickly and cheaply in Barcelona
Now that you know when it's best to go, how to get there and where to stay, it's useful to know how to get yourself around the city. Luckily, transport is very well organised and you have several options to choose from!
Metro
The metro is the most efficient way to get around. You can choose from different tickets:
- Single ride: around €2.50
- 10-ride card (T-Casual): around €10 and valid indefinitely
- Day tickets: useful if you want to see a lot in a short time
The metro runs from 5am to midnight Sunday to Thursday, until 2am on Friday and even all night on Saturday.
Another convenient option is the Hola BCN Travel Card, which gives you unlimited use of public transport for a fixed amount. Ideal
On foot
Barcelona is actually not that big, especially if you only want to explore the city centre. After all, many sights there are within walking distance of each other. And let's be honest... Walking shows you the city at its best: you wander through narrow alleys, discover local markets and enjoy a cortado on a sunny terrace along the way.
Bike
Another fun way to explore the city is by bike. There are numerous bike rental companies, often for around €12 a day. Barcelona is bike-friendly with many cycle paths, especially along the beach and through the Eixample district. Just keep in mind that some parts, such as near Parc Güell, can be quite steep.
Want to see a large part of the city in one go? Then a bicycle tour is a great option! With a bike tour you will see the famous highlights of Barcelona, get lots of fun facts and learn more about its history. Just make sure to book your spot in advance as the tours fill up fast. Check out the options for a via Getyourguide.
Taxi
Taxis are available all over the city, recognisable by their black-and-yellow colour. Handy for evenings or if you have a lot of luggage. Pay attention during a taxi ride, though, as sometimes drivers take a diversion to run up the meter.
Want to visit multiple attractions and use public transport? Then look for the Barcelona Card or Barcelona Pass. These passes give you discounted or free admission to museums and use of public transport. Below is a brief explanation:
Barcelona Card
With the Barcelona Card travel on public transport without limitation. This card is available for 3, 4 or 5 days and offers free admission to no fewer than 19 museums, including the famous Picasso Museum. You will also benefit from discounts on iconic structures from Antoni Gaudí, such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
It is advisable to buy the Barcelona Card online in advance. That way, when you arrive at the airport in terminal T1 or T2 immediately pick up your card and immediately travel on the metro or train towards the city centre for free. A convenient and hassle-free start to your city break!
Barcelona Pass
The Barcelona Pass is slightly more expensive, but especially interesting for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the city's most famous sights. With this pass, you get free entry and skip-the-line access to the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, two highlights you absolutely should not miss. You can also make unlimited use of the hop-on-hop-off buses, ideal for touring Barcelona at your own pace.
In addition, you will also receive 10% discount on various museums, tours and attractions. Keep in mind that public transport is not included in this pass. Consider in advance which places you want to visit and whether you will use the metro or bus a lot. If that is the case, you can easily buy a separate OV card purchase for low-cost travel around the city.
5. Outwit pickpockets in Barcelona
As in many big cities, pickpockets are active in Barcelona, especially around busy spots like the Ramblas, metro stops and beaches. Fortunately, with a few simple tips, you can avoid a lot of trouble:
- Always carry your bag at the front, especially on the metro.
- Don't put your phone in your back pocket.
- Leave valuables in your hotel room.
- Keep an eye on your bag on terraces or the beach.
With some common sense, you don't have to worry about anything and can just enjoy your city break.
6. Here's how to avoid the long queues in Barcelona
Barcelona attracts millions of visitors every year and that means there are sometimes long queues at attractions. Don't want to queue for hours? Then book your tickets to popular attractions online in advance. This way you can be sure of a time slot and save a lot of time. We recommend booking these tickets prior to your city trip to Barcelona:
- Sagrada Família
- Park Güell
- Casa Vincens
- Casa Batlló
- Casa Mila (La Pedrera)
- Camp Nou and FC Barcelona Museum
Tip: Want to visit several attractions? Then the Barcelona Card or Barcelona Pass useful for you as described above. These passes give you discounted or free admission to museums and use of public transport.
Read also: The 40 best restaurants, clubs and rooftop bars in Barcelona
Read also: Island hopping in Greece? Here's how to plan a round trip!
7. Adjust your rhythm to Spanish culture
Spaniards live in a different rhythm from us. Lunch often does not start until around 14:00 and dinner not before 20:00. Restaurants are often still closed in the early evening, so adjust your schedule accordingly.
Use the late afternoon for a drink or tapas on a terrace and then move on to for a sumptuous dinner. That way you'll live like a local for a while.
Want to really get to know Catalan food culture? Then book a food tour with a local. You will not only learn about tapas and wines, but also hear stories about the city itself.
8. Useful customs and cultural tips
Anyone visiting Barcelona will soon realise that the city has its own rhythm and atmosphere. A little knowledge of the local customs will not only help you respect the culture, but also make your city trip go that little bit smoother. Below are a few practical tips that are useful to know before your departure.
- Tips: In restaurants, a small tip of 5-10% is common, although it is not compulsory.
- Opening hours: Small boutiques and family-run businesses, in particular, take a siesta and close between 2pm and 5pm.
- Clothing: Keep in mind that in churches (such as the Sagrada Família) covered clothing is compulsory. Think clothes that cover the knees, unless they are shorts or skirts that reach at least mid-thigh
Highlights not to be missed
No city break to Barcelona is complete without Antoni Gaudí's iconic creations. The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera are absolute must-sees. But don't forget the lesser-known spots: Barceloneta beach, La Boqueria market hall or the view from Bunkers del Carmel. Want more inspiration? Then read our extensive blog with all the tips for what to do in Barcelona.
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!
Barcelona is a city that has it all: sun, culture, gastronomy and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you opt for a short city break to Barcelona or a longer holidays in Spain, with these practical tips you will make the most of your trip. Take time to wander, taste and enjoy, because that's exactly what makes Barcelona so special.
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