Barcelona Travel Guide

After living in Barcelona for two years I thought it was about time I put together a comprehensive guide to the city.

In this guide you’ll find everything you need to plan a trip to the city, including how to get from the airport to the city centre, how to get around Barcelona and the best things to do in the city.

I’ve also added my favourite neighbourhoods, my recommended hotels, and my favourite restaurants and bars in Barcelona.

Plus, if you’re planning a longer trip and you want to get out of the city for a day, I’ve included a few day trips I’d recommend.

Getting from the airport to the city centre

The cheapest way to get from Barcelona airport to the city centre is by bus. The Aerobús departs every 5 minutes and takes you to the Barcelona centre in 30 minutes. It’s really easy to find, just follow the signs to buses once you arrive at the airport. 

There’s also taxi ranks outside each terminal, or you can book a taxi with Uber, Bolt or Freenow. I’d recommend checking the prices on all three as they can vary a lot (I usually find Uber the cheapest).

Getting around Barcelona

Barcelona is an extremely well connected city, so it’s really easy to get around.

Walking

If you’re able to easily walk around Barcelona, it’s my favourite way to see the city. Not only is it free, but it’s a great way to discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss. 

There’s so much beautiful architecture in Barcelona that it’s such a shame to be inside a taxi and missing it all.

THE METRO

Barcelona’s metro system is really well connected, with trains running really frequently.

The trains operate from 5am-midnight Monday to Thursday, until 2am on Friday, 24 hours a day on Saturday, and until midnight on Sunday. It’s a much more affordable option compared to taking an Uber or a taxi.

➡️ Getting this city pass ahead of time gets you free unlimited use of public transport for your trip, plus free or discounted entry to more than 20 top attractions across the city. 

Barcelona neighbourhoods

Eixample

Eixample, meaning “Expansion” in Catalan, was developed at the end of the 19th century, and it feels quite different to the rest of Barcelona, with its wider, more modern streets.

This is the neighbourhood I call home, and so it goes without saying I absolutely love it. 

If you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time, Eixample is a brilliant city centre base. You’ll be able to walk to most of the sights – most of the famous Gaudí buildings are here.

Plus, there’s endless choices of bars, restaurants and shops, and hotels for every budget.

Gothic Quarter

The Gothic Quarter (or Barri Gòtic) is the neighbourhood most people associate Barcelona with. It’s the old city and its iconic medieval streets and grand Gothic architecture are like something out of a fairytale. 

It’s an amazing place to base yourself for your first time in Barcelona, getting lost amongst the maze-like alleyways of the old town.

There’s lots of beautiful squares, filled with bars and tapas joints, and at the heart is Barcelona cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century and is a must-visit on your trip!

Staying in the Gothic Quarter’s a great option if you want to be able to walk to most places.

Gracia

Gràcia is a charming neighbourhood bordering Eixample to the South and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi to the west. For a long time, it was an independent village, but it became part of Barcelona during the city’s expansion in 1897.

Despite this, its still maintained its village feel, and the neighbourhoods Catalan roots is very present here. Gràcia’s a brilliant place to stay on your first visit to Barcelona if you want to experience a more traditional side to the city.

There’s always something going on in Gràcia – it’s not uncommon to stumble upon a street party as you’re wandering around. If you’re visiting in August, you can’t miss Festa Major – a week long festival where the residents of Gràcia compete for the best-decorated street.

El Born

The picturesque neighbourhood of El Born is made up of medieval, winding streets with plenty of character. The neighbourhood dates back to the 13th century and the name El Born comes from the Catalan word bornejar, meaning “to joust”. 

Legend has it that during medieval times, jousting tournaments were held on Passeig del Born – one of the main streets running through the neighbourhood. These days, Passeig del Born is lined with bars – and its one of my favourite places for a night out in Barcelona.

Barceloneta

The Barceloneta neighbourhood was a former fishing village, and has grown into one of the busiest parts of the city. If you’re a fan of the beach, Barceloneta’s the perfect place for you, as the neighbourhood leads directly onto the coast.

Aside from that, I wouldn’t really recommend it. Most of the bars and restaurants on the beach are over-priced, so you’ll probably spend most of your time heading back into the city.

On top of that, I definitely wouldn’t plan your trip around the beach. I’m sure I’ll annoy some people with this statement, but I’m really not a fan of the beach in Barcelona. Yes it’s great to have a beach in a city, but it’s over-crowded and the water’s not that clean.

Raval

Raval is home to lots of great bars and restaurants, but it does have quite a bad reputation for high crime rates. Whilst the majority of people live in Raval and don’t have any issues, it wouldn’t be my first choice as a tourist.

Best things to do in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is the most iconic landmark in Barcelona, and with good reason. It was designed by Gaudi and has been under construction since 1882.

Its completion date has been pushed back multiple times with the latest rumours saying it’ll be finished in 2026.

Despite it still being worked on, it’s a truly incredible building, and it’s even more stunning on the inside.

If there’s one thing I recommend you do whilst you’re in Barcelona, it’s get tickets to see this fascinating church.

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most popular tourist attraction and tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you get a ticket in advance. 

Casa Battlo

Casa Batlló is probably my favourite building in Barcelona, it’s absolutely beautiful. It was owned by Josep Batlló, an industrialist who had factories across Barcelona, and he gave full creative freedom to Gaudi for its design. 

The original plan was for the building to be demolished, but Gaudi instead suggested a renovation, and it was reformed between 1904 and 1906.

It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must visit during your trip to Barcelona. It’s won several awards for its exhibitions and was declared the best monument in Spain in 2022.

Casa Batlló attracts 1million visitors each year so make sure you book your tickets before your trip.

Shopping on Passeig de Gracia

Passeig de Gracia is one of the main streets in Barcelona, running from Plaza Catalunya to Gracia.

It’s home to some of the most incredible architecture in the city, as well as lots of luxury and high-street shops.

If you’re in need of some retail therapy in Barcelona, you’ll want to head here.

Park Guell

Park Guell is one of my favourite places in the city, I visited it on my first trip to Barcelona in 2014, and have been back several times since moving there.

It was designed by Gaudi as a luxury housing development but never completed, and was eventually donated to the city as a public park. The architecture is so impressive and it’s a chance to see Gaudi’s style and creativity come to life.

It’s also where Gaudi used to live, and you’ll be able to visit his former home and see his furniture and other pieces he designed.

Park Guell is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona and tickets constantly sell out. Book your tickets in advance so you don’t miss a chance to go!

Casa Milà

Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, was also designed by Gaudi between 1906 and 1912 for the Milà family.

They lived on the top floor, and rented the rest out as apartments. Still to this day, people live in a few of the apartments.

The building is absolutely fascinating, full of incredible spaces to discover, as well as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the city.

Book skip the line tickets to Casa Milà so you don’t waste time queuing!

Mercado de la Boqueria

Mercado de la Boqueria is Barcelona’s most famous public market, and one of the oldest in Europe. 

It’s a great place to grab a snack or a fresh juice, and if you can find a free seat at one of the restaurants, I’d recommend trying some of the tapas there!

Carrer del Bisbe

Carrer del Bisbe is one of the most recognisable streets in the whole of Barcelona. It connects the cathedral Cathedral Square with the Plaza de Sant Jaume and is known for the iconic Pont del Bisbe. 

The stone arch bridge was designed by Joan Rubió i Bellver in 1928 and runs over the street. It’s one of the most beautiful photo spots in the city, but make sure you go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Barcelona Cathedral

This gothic-style cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and has incredible ornate features like gargoyles, and sculptures of angels. 

Inside is just as beautiful, comprised of vaulted ceilings, chapels and intricate stain glass windows.

The cathedral is open to visitors daily and tickets include access to the internal courtyard garden and the rooftop, which has stunning views over Barcelona.

Montjuïc

Montjuïc, meaning “Jewish Mountain” is a hill overlooking Barcelona. It’s where you’ll find the Olympic Stadium, Montjuïc Castle and some of the most beautiful green spaces in the city, including Jardins de Joan Brossa and Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera. 

Unlike London, Barcelona isn’t packed full of green space, so gardens like this are a welcome relief from the city. 

One of the best ways to explore Montjuïc is to take the cable car. It stops at 3 stations on the way up, giving you a chance to explore the whole area.

Tibidabo

Tibidabo is a mountain located in the Northwest of Barcelona. As well as being home to an incredible Gothic church, it’s also where you’ll find one of the oldest theme parks in the world.

Tibidabo theme park has been in operation since 1901 and has roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and a haunted house.

It’s a brilliant place to visit if you’re staying in Barcelona longer than a few days and have some time to spare.

The Science Museum

If you’re visiting Barcelona with children (or if you aren’t – I love it!), the Science Museum is a brilliant activity. It’s most famous for its flooded forest, which recreates the Amazon rainforest. 

From the outside there’s an underwater section where you can watch the fish swimming around, and you’re also able to walk through it.

It’s one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever seen and I’d definitely recommend a visit here if you’re interested in science and nature.

La Rambla

La Rambla is a tree-lined street dividing the Gothic Quarter and Raval. The tree-lined road is probably Barcelona’s most famous street and whilst it’s definitely worth a quick visit, I wouldn’t spend too much time there.

It’s very expensive, and a spot known for pickpockets. Make sure you keep your belongings where you can see them, I have this bag and I absolutely love it. It’s a shoulder bag so it’s really easy to keep on the front of your body where it’s safe.

Torres Bellesguard

The Bellesguard Tower is another of Gaudi’s incredible creations, and is the latest of his buildings to be opened to the public.

He was inspired by the medieval castle of Martin I, the last king of Barcelona, who lived in Bellesguard until he died in 1410.

It’s a beautiful place to visit as so much history lies in the grounds of the tower, and its often thought of as one of Gaudi’s most important pieces of work.

Picasso Museum

Pay a visit to Picasso’s old neighbourhood of El Born and learn all about his time in the city. You’ll visit his favourite spots and see the school he studied at.

Afterwards, you’ll have a guided tour of the Museu Picasso to view his earlier artwork and how it evolved during his time living in Barcelona.

You’ll learn about lots of incredible buildings you might otherwise miss, and find a new appreciation for their history.

Ciutadella Park

Ciutadella Park is one of the best green spaces in Barcelona, covering over 70 acres. It was designed by Josep Fontserè in collaboration with other architects including Gaudi, who’s responsible for many beautiful buildings across Barcelona.

It’s also home to Barcelona zoo, a beautiful waterfall and a large lake in the middle, where you’re able to hire rowing boats.

Moco Museum

Moco Museum started life in Amsterdam, with the aim of making fine art more accessible to the public. In 2021 they opened their second location in Barcelona, in the 16th-century palace, Palacio Cervelló. 

Expect artwork from names such as Damien Hirst, Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol, with a dedicated Banksy exhibition.

Olympic swimming pool

This huge swimming pool was used when Barcelona hoste dthe olympics in 1992, and during the summer months it opens to the public. Tickets cost €7.55 and you’re free to use the pool all day.

The views over the city are amazing up here, and there’s a bar serving drinks and snacks.

Popular activities in Barcelona

Best restaurants

• La Balabusta (middle eastern)
• Loz Tortillez (spanish tortilla)
• Malaysia (malaysian)
• Gresca (date night)
• Berbena (date night)
• Mog (indian small plates & natural wine)
• Ame
• Benzina (italian food in a cool space)
• Inquiet (date night)
• Albé (lebanese/spanish)
• Bruma (mediterranean)
• Compa Gracia (sandwiches)
• Shoronpo (ramen)
• Besta (spanish)
• Jacqueline (mediterranean)
• Emoilio’s (ice cream)
• Salut bistro (brunch)
• Silan (middle eastern)
• Mirch (indian)
• Achaar bar (indian + natural wines)
• Glug (small plates + wine)
• Parking Pizza (pizza)
  

Wine bars

• Bistrot Levante
• Pepa Bar a Vins
• Mog
• Vereda Bar
• Amateur
• Flying Monkey
• Macot
• Bar Manifest
• Mikan
• Petnat
• Maldita Barra
• Món Vínic

Cocktail bars

• Sips
• Paradiso
• Tandem
• Supermarcet
• Dux gin and cocktail bar

Rooftop bars

• Tope at The Hoxton
• Pulitzer Terrace
• Casa Bonay
• Hotel Colon
• Terraza Ayre
• The rooftop at Sir Victor
• Edition hotel
• Terrassa de Vivi
• Rooftop garden at El Palace
• Rooftop ohla 
• Yurbban Passage Hotel
• Yurbban Trafalgar
• Hotel Motel One Ciutadella

Best tapas places

• El chigre
• Denassus
• Bar Canete
• El Xampinyet 
• Bar Pimentel
• Pepa Bar a Vins
• Cerveceria Catalana
• Anxoita Bodega 
• Extra Bar

Best day trips from Barcelona 

• Sitges (35 minutes)
• Girona (40 minutes)
• Penedès Wine Region (45 minutes)
• Montserrat (1 hour)
• Figueres (1 hour)
• Costa Brava (1-2 hours)