Barcelona City Guide

General Information / Guide

Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, Spain, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with contemporary culture. Nestled along the northeastern Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is renowned for its architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and lively atmosphere. From the iconic designs of Antoni Gaudí to the bustling markets and sandy beaches, Barcelona offers a captivating experience for travelers seeking a perfect mix of history, art, and leisure. With its extensive parks, markets, bustling restaurants and cafes, art pieces, museums, and historical churches, Barcelona is a very important and must-see European city. Accustomed to hosting a large number of tourists, Barcelona was one of the most visited cities in the world. 

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Barcelona experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15°C to 25°C. These seasons provide ideal weather for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and cultural events.

How to Get There

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. This airport serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, offering convenience for travelers. From the airport, you can reach the city center via taxis, buses, the Aerobus, trains, and the metro. Taxis are the most comfortable but cost around 35-40 euros, while buses and the Aerobus offer more affordable alternatives, taking 35 minutes or less. Trains and the metro are also options, with travel times ranging from 20 to 32 minutes. Additionally, renting a car is suggested for those seeking independence. Prices and durations for each option may differ. 

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Barcelona is a gastronomic delight, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences. Particularly rich in restaurants serving Spanish tapas, small dishes, and seafood, you will find places everywhere offering the famous mixed rice dish, Paella. However, be aware that many restaurants cater to tourists and offer similar items, so planning is advisable. Here are some recommendations:
Tapas: Ciudad Condal is known as the best tapas restaurant in the city, located very close to Placa de Catalunya at the end of La Rambla. Be cautious, though – during busy hours, you might have to wait for 30 to 45 minutes.
Paella: La Fonda, located on a street off La Rambla, is one of the most successful places in the city for Paella. Here, you can also try various other seafood options.
Seafood: If you are into different seafood like fish, lobster, mussels, and more, our first recommendation is Botafumerio. Make sure to make a reservation before visiting this highly successful restaurant. For more budget-friendly options, you can explore the restaurants in the marina or the market on La Rambla. In this market, you can see live mussels and lobsters and enjoy freshly prepared meals at some stalls.
Gourmet: If you want to experience truly exquisite flavors and have a substantial budget, you must try Abac, a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant. Reservations are a must for this restaurant, where Chef Jordi Cruz provides a gourmet experience.
Snacking: La Cava Universal is located at the end of La Rambla on the marina side. Founded in 1858, it has a tapas-focused menu but also offers fast food or a children's menu.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• La Rambla: When you visit Barcelona, the first thing you'll want to see is La Rambla, the city's most well-known street. Located in Ciutat Vella (Old Town), this 1.5 km-long street and its side streets feature fountains, churches, historic houses, and cafes.
• Plaça de Catalunya: "Catalonia Square," a large square located at the northern end of La Rambla. The large pool and fountain, along with surrounding sculptures, are significant tourist attractions.
• La Boqueria: A must-see neighborhood market while strolling along La Rambla. This market, with a history dating back to the 1200s, offers a colorful array of fresh fruits, a variety of shellfish, and oysters. 
• Marina Port Vell: At the southern end of La Rambla, there are beautiful cafes overlooking the sea in the marina where you can have coffee or enjoy ice cream. You might also want to see the aquarium in the marina.
• La Sagrada Familia: Barcelona is a city of Gaudi. The most famous work of Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) cathedral, began construction in 1882 and is still under construction.
• Park Güell: Another large city park designed and built by Gaudi between 1800-1814. It includes unique Gaudi structures and the Gaudi House museum. Check opening hours and entrance fees before visiting.
• Casa Mila: Among the many Gaudi works in Barcelona, Casa Mila is a must-see.
• Camp Nou: FC Barcelona's stadium, a must-visit for football enthusiasts, is one of the world's most famous and largest stadiums with a capacity of 99,000.
• Picasso Museum: Explore this museum showcasing Picasso's childhood and youth works. It is a great place to understand the artistic advancement of Picasso. 

What to Do

When you go to Barcelona as a tourist, first of all, you should explore the old town on foot. The old town is already quite small, and in one day, you can take La Rambla as the center and tour the city, exploring its beautiful buildings, streets, and cafes by strolling through narrow alleys. Allocate another day for double-decker tourist buses. They usually cover the entire city in two different routes, each taking 2-2.5 hours. However, be aware that the prices are a bit high, so check the prices first.
Barcelona is synonymous with Gaudi. Visit Gaudi's works spread across different parts of the city, such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Barcelona has the highest number of cafes and restaurants per capita in Europe. Enjoy tapas, paella, and various seafood in the cafes throughout the city. If you want to shop, go to Passeig de Gracia near Plaça de Catalunya, apart from the tourist shops on La Rambla. Here, you can find stores of famous Spanish brands like Zara and Mango, as well as many renowned luxury brands including Chanel and Armani.
If you have your swimsuit with you, spend a day at the famous Barceloneta Beach.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Barcelona comes alive at night with a vibrant nightlife scene. Experience the energy of the city by visiting El Born or the Gothic Quarter for cozy bars and live music venues. Poble Espanyol offers a variety of clubs and bars, while the beachside clubs in Barceloneta provide a unique party atmosphere. Enjoy a Flamenco show for an authentic Spanish entertainment experience.

Bars and clubs usually open around 22.00, and bars stay open until 02.00 during the weekdays and 03.00 on weekends. The entrance fees for bars and clubs vary. In the city center, around La Rambla, there are many entertainment venues you can visit.

Additionally, in the Port Vell marina, there are different clubs you can go to, and they stay open until 05.00. Spaniards have dinner quite late, and they also go to bars and clubs even later – clubs start filling up after 01.00 in the morning.

Shopping / What to Buy

Barcelona offers diverse shopping experiences, from high-end boutiques to local markets. Explore the designer stores in Passeig de Gràcia or indulge in unique finds at El Raval's vintage shops. La Boqueria market is a food lover's paradise, while Gothic Quarter's boutiques offer handmade crafts and fashion items. Don't forget to pick up traditional Catalan souvenirs like Cava (sparkling wine), local cheeses, and handmade crafts.

Festivals/ Events

January - August: Guitar BCN festival
January: Cavalcada dels Reis
January: Festa dels Tres Tombs
January: Sa Pobla a Gràcia
January - February: BCNegra
January - February: Sâlmon dance festival
February: Santa Eulàlia
February: Mobile World Congress
February: Carnival
February: Barcelona Fashion
March: Sitges Barcelona Car Rally
March: Barcelona Visual Sound
March: Festes de Sant Medir de Gràcia
March: Mutek
March: Zurich Marató de Barcelona
March: Barcelona Beer Festival
March: Saló Internacional del Còmic
April: Setmana Santa (Holy Week)
April: Circ d’Ara Mateix
April: Món Llibre
April: Sant Jordi
May: Festival Ciutat Flamenco
June: Sónar
June: Món Llibre
June: Sant Joan
July: Gran Trobada d’Havaneres
July: Festival Cruïlla Barcelona
June - August: Música als Parcs
July: San Miguel Mas i Mas Festival
July: Festival del Grec
July - August: Sala Montjuïc outdoor film festival
September: Festival L’Hora del Jazz
September: Diada Nacional de Catalunya
September: Barcelona Acció Musical (BAM)
September: Festes de la Mercè
September: Mostra de Vins i Caves de Catalunya
September - October: Festa Major de la Barceloneta
September: Feria BioCultura
September - October: LEM Festival
October: Swab Barcelona International Contemporary Art Fair
November - January: Drap-Art
November - December: Fira de Santa Llúcia
December: Fira de Sagrada Família
December: El Dia dels Sants Innocents

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Year's Day
6 January: Epiphany
1 May: Labour Day
24 June: Feast of St John the Baptist
15 August: Assumption Day
11 September: National Day of Catalonia 
24 September: La Mercè 
12 October: Spanish Day 
1 November: All Saint’s Day 
6 December: Constitution Day 
8 December: Immaculate Conception Day
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: St Stephen’s Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Respect local customs and dining etiquette.
Barcelona has two official languages: Catalan and Spanish.
Check local opening hours, as many shops and restaurants may close during siesta hours.
Public transportation is efficient, but be aware of your belongings.

Transportation

Barcelona boasts an extensive public transportation system, including buses and the metro, making it easy to navigate the city. Taxis and cab-sharing apps are readily available, and walking is a delightful way to explore the city's compact neighborhoods. Renting bicycles or using electric scooters is also popular for short-distance travel. Also, for tourists, double-decker tour buses and bicycle/electric bicycle group tours are available. The double-decker buses have two separate routes in the city, allowing you to explore it thoroughly. However, their prices are a bit high.