Barcelona Travel Guide

Our EPIC travel guides, written by locals & experts who love the city of Barcelona.

Why We Love Barcelona. Founded as a Roman colony in the 1st century BC, Barcelona has housed several influential cultures, civilizations, and movements over the past two millennia, the remains of which can still be observed within the modern city.

Combining its historical past with perpetually beautiful weather, world-class white sand beaches, and eclectic architecture that spans centuries of evolving styles, it is no wonder that Barcelona has become one of the most visited cities in the world.

Whether you are looking to explore the local Catalan culture, tour dozens of historical and artistic landmarks, lounge on a world-class Mediterranean beach, or sample some of Spain’s most delicious culinary offerings, Barcelona offers an experience for everybody.

Barcelona Destinations

The Gothic Quarter – Explore the historic heart and Gothic architecture of Barcelona’s medieval old town.
El Raval – Sample Spanish and Catalan culinary offerings at several local restaurants and tapas bars.
El Poblenou – Enjoy vibrant nightclubs and modern attractions in Barcelona’s ‘New Village.’
Barceloneta – Explore Barcelona’s waterfront, seafood scene, and 18th-century neighborhood.
La Vila Olimpica – Visit Barcelona’s Olympic Village and a beautiful beach restored for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Things To Do In Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia – The must-visit tourist attraction in Barcelona. Designed by the iconic architect Antoni Gaudí.
Park Güell – A one-of-a-kind architectural wonder, also designed by Antoni Gaudí.
Museu d’Història de Barcelona – essentially the city’s history museum, you get a closer look at the unique history of Barcelona.
Camp Nou – Home of Barcelona FC and a museum celebrating the team’s history.
La Boqueria – The market dates back to 1217, making it the oldest market in Barcelona, with over 200 stalls selling local food and drink.

Explore all things to do in Barcelona, Spain.

Where To Stay

Gothic Quarter – Winding streets, fantastic architecture and excellent restaurants.
El Poblenou – The Coolest Neighborhood In Barcelona. Beach, watersports and delicious Catalan cuisine!
El Born – A Fashionable, wealthy hotspot. Known for being trendy and modern with a great nighlife.
Eixample – A Trendy, Modern Neighborhood. Eixample translates to Expansion District, with long /straight streets, arranged in an efficient grid-like pattern.

Explore the areas & places to stay in Barcelona.

Best Beaches

Barceloneta Beach

Barcelona’s most famous and traditional beach with a neighborhood dating back to the 18th century.

Mar Bella Beach

A beautiful stretch of shoreline restored for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Llevant Beach

Barcelona’s newest beach, perfect for a day of relaxation free from heavy development.

Nova Icària Beach

One of Barcelona’s most relaxing beaches with plenty of beachside services.

Bogatell Beach

A popular beach in a traditional Barcelonian neighborhood.

Best Time To Visit

High Season – (May, June, July, August, and Early September): High season has the hottest weather, making it the perfect time for beach trips but a potentially challenging time for sightseeing in the city.
Days are especially long during the high season, and in some months, the sun stays up for 14 hours, giving you lots of time to explore.
Shoulder (Mid) Season – (Late March, April, Late September, and October): Shoulder season is the perfect balance between the extremes of high and low seasons. Prices are reasonable and, depending on when you go, can be pretty low.
Low Season – (November, December, January, February, and Early March): Low season has the coldest weather, which often leaves beach-going out of the question but opens up the possibility of strolls throughout the city as it doesn’t get that cold in Barcelona.

Explore the best and worst times to visit Barcelona.

Getting Here & Around

✈️ Airports – Most international visitors arrive in Barcelona by air. Barcelona has only one international airport, the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN).
🚞 Train – Barcelona can easily be accessed by rail, with several daily trains connecting it with Madrid, Valencia, and Montpellier in France.
🚌 Buses – While not the most comfortable option, visitors can also reach Barcelona from across Spain and Europe by bus.
🚃 Metro – Connecting all of the major Barcelona neighborhoods and tourist centers, the metro is the most efficient way to get around in the city.
🚗 Driving – Driving can be an effective way to explore Barcelona’s surrounding areas and mountains. However, traffic can make driving in the city problematic.
🚕 Taxis – Barcelona has thousands of experienced taxis zipping their way through the city, promising a convenient ride should you need it.
Public Transport – Barcelona has a very effective public bus network readily available to get you where you need to go.
🚲 Biking – With an extensive network of bike lanes throughout the city, bicycles are a fantastic way to tour Barcelona while taking in the sights.
🚶 Walking – Walking is a great option if you are staying in the city center as most of the city’s popular attractions are relatively close to the tourist center.

Barcelona Travel Tips

Avoid Peak Season – Barcelona can become very crowded during peak season. Avoid the lines by traveling during the off or shoulder months.
Be Aware of Siesta Times – Siestas are common all over Spain, and many shops close their doors between 1:30 and 5:00 pm.
Buy Tickets in Advance – The city’s most popular attractions can experience long wait times. Luckily, you can usually buy your tickets online.
Carry Cash – Many shops in Barcelona have minimums for credit/debit transactions. So be sure to carry some cash for those smaller purchases.
Sample the Local Dishes – Barcelona is famous for its cuisine. Be sure to sample both the Spanish national dish, Paella, and the traditional Catalan dish, botifarra amb mongetes.

What To Pack

Comfortable Shoes – You will be doing a lot of walking in Barcelona. Pack accordingly.
Swimwear – Barcelona can get hot in the summer. You are going to want to plan at least one beach day for swimming.
Sunscreen – Guard yourself against the Mediterranean sun with UV protection.
Backpack + Lock – Protect your valuables from pickpockets with a lock for your bag.
Camera – Barcelona has dozens of beautiful sights. Be sure to capture them all.