Barcelona, Spain is one of the most well-known cities in the world. With its famous buildings, unique architecture, and wealth of culture, it’s no surprise so many are drawn to this special city year after year. With so many visitors flocking to Barcelona each year, it can be hard to decide how to best spend your time in the city. There’s so much to see and do, and you will want to make the most of your limited time in the city! Here are five tips for visiting Barcelona whether you’re a frequent visitor or a first-time visitor.
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#1 Worry about airport transportation in advance
One of the first concerns of any visitor to Barcelona is how to travel between the airport and the city center. The drive can be over 30 minutes depending on the time of day, and it can be confusing to navigate without any prior planning. The best thing you can do to be ready for a smooth travel experience is to book your transportation in advance. Once you arrive to Barcelona, airport transfers online booking service will make sure you don’t stress about traveling to your hotel and city center.
#2 Book your sightseeing tickets ahead of time
Just like airport transportation, you should also purchase your sightseeing tickets before you arrive. If you want to see the three Gaudi sites like La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and La Pedrera at Casa Mila, tickets can sell out quickly. These attractions draw large crowds, and the last thing you want to do on your trip is spend time waiting in line. Buying your tickets in advance will save you major headaches if your favorite sight ends up selling out by the time you arrive.
#3 Take the metro whenever possible
Whether you’re staying right in the city center or in a farther suburb, the metro is a great resource to Barcelona travelers. The Barcelona metro is pretty easy to navigate and it goes mostly everywhere. However, keep in mind the metro isn’t available all night on weekdays and Sundays and you’ll need to find another way to get back to your accommodation if you plan to stay out past midnight. A great way to save money is by purchasing the 10-trip pass which only costs around 10 euros. You can use the pass yourself during your trip or split it with your friends.
#4 Experience Barcelona nightlife
Barcelona has earned a name for itself as one of the party capitals of Europe. There really is something for everyone here, whether you’d rather spend your night sipping wine in a cafe or dancing the night away at a nightclub. For a local night out, explore the trendy Port Olimpic area where you can see the Barcelona locals dressed in their best for a night on the town! During the summer months, the party doesn’t stop until the next morning!
#5 Be vigilant with your belongings
While Barcelona does not have a high rate of violent crime, petty crime is higher now than ever before. Parts of Barcelona are considered the pickpocket capitals of the world, and you should always be extra careful when you take your belongings, especially at night. Never keep valuables in your pockets where they can be easily grabbed, and always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid flashing fancy jewelry or electronics because they label you as a target. As long as you avoid carrying your valuables with you, you should be perfectly safe.
Make the most of your time in Barcelona
There’s a reason so many keep coming back to Barcelona year after year! It’s truly a unique city with a one-of-kind culture and history. The best way to prepare for your Barcelona trip is to do your research and plan in advance. A little bit of planning can go a long way in this busy city and you don’t want to waste any valuable moments. Buen Viaje!
More Ideas for Spain
- If you want to see more of Spain, I have detailed instructions on how to spend the best two weeks in the country
- If you are in Barcelona, do check out the Palau de la Musica Catalana and one of the many markets in the city
What other tips can you provide for Barcelona?
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Shona says
Barcelona is a favourite city of mine and your tips make a few days there less chaotic. Buying tickets for the Gaudi hotspots and the Picasso museum in advance will save a lot of standing around and using the metro with a bit of forward-planning will save hours. These are useful tips to allow more time to explore. #feetdotravel
Paul and Carole says
We have only had a few days in Barcelona and really found it hard to get our bearings. On our last day we did the hop on hop off bus and so wished we had done this first. Great tips we hope to go back one day. Have pinned. #feetdotravel
Travel Lexx says
Barcelona is somewhere I have always wanted to visit but have somehow still not have found myself in Spain! Definitely will use your tips – I prefer walking but using the metro is always a great tip as it gets you around places quickly and cheaply!
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
Great tips, Ruth – especially those first two! In fact, that’s great advice for just about everywhere. We really enjoyed Barcelona, and would love to go back.
Carmen Baguio says
I want to see Spain! All my friends have said that Barcelona was their favorite city in Spain. I like using the metro so it is good to hear that it was easy to navigate.
Tracy says
Some great tips – it must be 15 years since I was last there. Definitely keep an eye on your belongings – like Paris it has the pickpocket reputation for good reason unfortunately.