After spending over a month in Barcelona, I came up with my favorite 16 ideas when visiting this Spanish city. It is one of the best places to travel solo in Europe, or with a partner or group.
Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in the world. It has friendly people, tasty food, a lively nightlife, and something for just about everyone.
You can be on the beach one day, catch an FC Barcelona game the next, hit up a fancy bar at night, or dine on some of the most amazing cuisine you have ever tasted.
Having visited here twice has made me find every nook and cranny of this amazing Spanish city, along with some of my favorite fun activities!
How to Get Around Barcelona
The main airport is Barcelona El Prat. Chances are you are landing here if you are coming from an international flight.
The other two airports, Reus (REU) and Girona-Costa Brava (GRO) are both located far away from the city center, so try to fly into El Prat. Barcelona has a great public transportation system. It’s simple and easy to get around.
To get from the airport to the city center, you can take a bus or train. Both are easy to take.
If you do end up taking the train, the best tip I can give is to buy a ten-journey ticket since you can share it between multiple people. You will be able to use the ten-journey ticket later on subways once you arrive in the city center.
Barcelona Accommodation Options:
- Hostel (Private Room Options): Amistat City Hostel Barcelona
- Mid-Level Hotel: Hotel 1898
- High-End Hotel: Hotel El Palace Barcelona
Costs
The currency is Spain is the Euro. For a country in Europe, Barcelona is pretty affordable. It is less expensive in comparison to other Western European cities. You can even try to fly for free.
One of the reasons you will not spend a lot of money here is because of the amount of outdoor activities you can do.
Even the attractions that do cost money are not too expensive. The city is extremely walkable and the subway system is easy to navigate. Budget: 80 Euros per day.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is on the smaller side as far as major cities are concerned. So finding a place that is centrally located to restaurants, bars, and metro stops is not difficult.
If you want to save money, there are plenty of affordable hostels in Barcelona.
Hotels can be on the more expensive side though, but if you don’t mind spending more for sleeping accommodations, the splurge on a hotel. Either way, the places below are some areas we recommend.
A favorite neighborhood to stay in is Dreta de l’Eixample.
It has plenty of great restaurants nearby. It is also accessible to the metro, which you can take to any area of the city you wish in a short amount of time.
Another great neighborhood is the Vila de Garcia area.
It is not too far from the Eixample area but is further away from the city center. I would not recommend staying near Las Ramblas or the Gothic Quarter. It is too touristy and overpriced.
What to do in Barcelona
The real question is what ISN’T there to do in Barcelona?
You have great restaurants, a nearby beach, fun nightlife, museums, parks, and much more.
Visit Sagrada Familia
We are sure you have heard of this on just about every travel website, and for good reason. The place is majestic.
Antoni Gaudi designed the church, and his architecture can be found in multiple locations throughout Barcelona.
I bought a time-slotted ticket and splurged for the additional cost of going up into the spire to see a breathtaking view of the city.
Just beware, the walk up the spire is tight quarters, so do not go if you are claustrophobic!
Visit Park Güell
You need to purchase a time slot in advance, but this place is unique.
It is a large outdoor park with fascinating works of art. If you have seen the pictures, it looks like something from Candy Land.
It is a bit far away from the city center and the nearest metro stop, but worth the trip.
Pack some snacks with you since there are not a lot of food choices in the area.
You do have the option of just walking around the park and not entering where the art is for free. However, I suggest spending the money to enter the art area.
Las Ramblas
Even though it is all tourists, it is still worth a visit to walk through the area. It is one long street full of restaurants and shops.
You do not need to spend too much time here. The food is overpriced and not that spectacular. However, a stroll down Las Ramblas will give you the feeling that the city feels alive, no matter what time of day you are there.
Hit the beach
Barcelona has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. If the weather is warm, head to the beach and take a dip in the ocean or relax on the sand. You can even rent bikes to ride along the boardwalk. Or go for a run just make sure you pack the right things.
Montjuic Hill
Take the cable car up for some amazing views and visit the Castell de Montjuïc.
Fun Things to Do in Barcelona
Day trip to Montserrat
This area is located about an hour away from the city center of Barcelona. You can easily reach it by taking a train.
You can take a funicular to get to the top of the mountain and hike up for otherworldly views. It is a mountainous, forest-like area, where they also have multiple wineries. Several tours leave each day to the area as well.
Visit Olympic Stadium
For you sports fans, you can see where the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremony were hosted; along with track and field events.
Where and what to eat and drink in Barcelona
The food here is some of the best you will have in the world. From tapas to seafood dishes to just about anything else, Barcelona does it perfectly when it comes to cuisine.
Keep in mind everything starts later here, especially for dinner. Most locals eat dinner around 9 or 10 pm, so be prepared when nothing is open mid-day to get your nosh on.
Quimet Y Quimet
An amazing tapas place that fills up very quickly because of its size. I ate here 3 times and would go back over and over. The Salmon, Yoghurt, & Truffled Honey, and the Prawns & Baked Red Pepper were some of our favorites and most popular items on the menu.
Trust me, you DO NOT want to miss out on eating here.
Possibly one of the best small restaurants we have been to.
Cuidad Condal
Another gem of a food establishment we found. They have a fantastic array of tapas and all the food is freshly prepared. You will find a lot of locals dining here, which is always a good sign.
Dry Martini Speakeasy
I stumbled upon this bar that has some of the most amazing martinis we have ever had. The bar is cozy, the bartenders and the décor inspire old-fashioned luxury, and everyone is super friendly.
Paradiso
Another hidden speakeasy, you enter through a refrigerator door. The location is flagged as “Pastrami Bar”. The front of the bar is an unassuming bar with only a few chairs, but after you enter through the fridge door, you are greeted by bartenders pouring drinks in sea shells and wooden boxes. It’s entertainment and drinks all in one.
Drink Clara Limon
You can find this at pretty much any bar or restaurant. This is like a shandy (which is half lemonade and half beer). Order some anytime you want a refreshing alcoholic beverage after a long day of sightseeing. You can have one (or more) with every meal!
Eat churros
My favorite spot is Xurreria, located in the Gothic area. It is a small venue with grab-and-go churros. The churros are all freshly made in-house, some dipped in just sugar, and others served with a side of chocolate dipping sauce. Just don’t eat them every day or you will need to read this post on how to lose weight eating take out everyday!
Do you happen to be gluten-free in Barcelona? No problem! Check out this list here for a complete guide for Celiacs.
Nightlife
If you want to party, Barcelona is the place to be. The one thing to keep in mind is that the nightclubs do not open until at least midnight. The locals party until the sun is coming up!
Make sure you dress up since you might not be able to get in a lot of places if you are wearing a T-shirt and sneakers.
Men must wear dress shoes, no sandals, and a button-down shirt, ladies, dress to impress, no flip-flops!
Final Thoughts
I hope my guide helps you pinpoint a few places not to miss in Barcelona. It is one of the best places in Europe to travel solo. Whether you are doing Spain solo travel as I did, or traveling with a partner or group, there is so much to do here!
Traveling Tips for Barcelona
What’s the best time of year to visit Barcelona?
Barcelona is great year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Is tipping expected in Barcelona?
Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service in restaurants or taxis is appreciated.
Can I drink tap water in Barcelona?
Yes, tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink, though some visitors prefer bottled water due to the taste.
Is it safe to visit Barcelona?
Barcelona is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpockets, especially in tourist areas and on public transport.
Do I need to speak Spanish or Catalan to get by?
While it’s helpful to know a few phrases, most people speak English in tourist areas, and locals appreciate any effort in Catalan or Spanish.
How do I get around Barcelona?
Barcelona has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, metros, and trams. Walking and cycling are also great options.
What’s the dress code for visiting churches like La Sagrada Familia?
Modest clothing is required in religious sites, so make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
Are tickets required for major attractions like Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia?
Yes, it’s best to buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season.
What are the must-see attractions in Barcelona?
Don’t miss iconic spots like La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and the beaches along the coast.
What’s the local cuisine like, and what should I try?
Barcelona is famous for tapas, seafood, and Catalan specialties like paella and crema catalana. Try them in local eateries for an authentic experience.
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