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About Barcelona

Including tips for the best time to visit Barcelona

Located on the coast of Catalonia, Barcelona is a melting pot of cultures, filled with unforgettable architecture, medieval streets, and impressive museums. Its most famous figure, Antoni Gaudí, is the genius behind some of the city’s most incredible monuments. From the twisting, stone façade of Casa Milà to the world-famous Sagrada Familia, the works of this legendary architect can be found all over the city.

In the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find all sorts of historic cafes and tapas bars leading the way to a cathedral protected by gargoyles. Be sure to try Catalonian classics like beef croquettes and salt-cod fritters under this dramatic backdrop, then wash it all down with a refreshing glass of Rioja. The perfect way to end the day is with a walk all the way down the lively, tree-lined boardwalk of La Rambla until you get to the calm port at dusk.

If you’re looking to soak up the year-round sunshine, find a spot on the sand in Barceloneta or a comfy patch of grass in Parc de la Ciutadella. If you have time, take a stadium tour of Camp Nou, climb Carmel Hill for amazing panoramic views, or explore the iconic mosaics of Park Güell – yet another of Gaudí’s amazing creations.

Tonight

From $118 per night

This weekend

From $423 per night

Next weekend

From $394 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency € 1 = $1.09
Language Spanish
Average weekend price $179 per night
Average weekday price $182 per night
Average stay 2 nights

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Barcelona reviews

What other travelers say about Barcelona

6.0

Barcelona is a huge city, so unless you're staying here...

May 17, 2024

Barcelona is a huge city, so unless you're staying here a long time, you'll only see a fraction of the city. That might be okay. The transportation infrastructure is fantastic. There are very few gaps in the coverage and often metro lines crisscross in ways that make it possible to get to the same place in multiple ways. The multi-day pass cards are kind of fragile, so consider buying them for one or two days at a time, not for the maximum length, just in case. A lot of the major tourist attractions are overrated. If I went back, I think I would spend more time exploring the city without a goal in mind and seeing more niche sights. That said, do try and see the Museu Marítim de Barcelona.

James
James United States of America
10

Barcelona is amazing!

May 14, 2024

Barcelona is amazing! Some of my favorite things are the skate spots, like the parks, but also lots of street spots. The Raval area has some great vintage stores, indy shops and cool bars and nice restaurants. For Mexican food and great cocktails check out El Pachuco. Carrer Joaquin Costa is great for food/snacks and drinks. If you're a picky or vegan eater you might want to do some research before you go into a restaurant, or ask the staff nicely for vegan options. Vegan find of the week: Vrutal in Poblenau, great food and super friendly staff. The people are super friendly and I made new (skate) friends instantly. If you fly into Barcelona El Prat you can go to the city with a shuttle bus, the metro, train or a taxi. I found the cheapest way is to take the metro (€5,50 for a single ticket), next to cheapest is the bus (€7,25) and then the taxi, which is probably around €25-€50 into the center.

Marjolein
Marjolein Netherlands
10

Our first time in Barcelona was a very pleasant experience.

May 13, 2024

Our first time in Barcelona was a very pleasant experience. The town is beautiful, the sights outstanding, the streets very clean (although marred by the giant rubbish bins on every street corner) and the people gracious and friendly.

Anonymous
10

It’s a fun lively place to visit with loads of cultural...

May 13, 2024

It’s a fun lively place to visit with loads of cultural attractions, the beach, shopping, great food and drink in friendly restaurants. The only draw back is it’s popularity because the most famous places to visit are quickly sold out.

Ann
Ann United Kingdom
10

There are so many beautiful places to see that it would take...

May 13, 2024

There are so many beautiful places to see that it would take weeks to see it all. I was so glad I got to see the Palau Música which is an outstanding venue. I wish we could have attended a musical performance there. And the tapas are so delicious that I am going to try to make some at home. Food is all fabulous! Barcelona is a wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to go back.

Carol
Carol United States of America
10

Two days wasn't enough time for us.

May 12, 2024

Two days wasn't enough time for us. The Ramblas district was lovely, vibrant, and elegant with restaurants and bars easily available. The food was tourist orientated but authentic. The Gothic quarter was the cultural centre. It had a number of art exhibitions including Banksy, and an extensive zpicasso collection. Fabulous. It was here we watched a Flamenco show. The hop on hop off open-topped tourist bus is brilliant and we spent two hours travelling around the city. There is such to see and do. The Sagrad Familia was stunning and Gaudi's vision was evident on so many buildings. Having the facility to book ahead is imperative. We also booked ahead for our other activities, including the tourist bus. Taxis are plentiful, and the train station is easily navigated. We arrived via the bullet train which travelled at 300 km. It was comfortable and convenient. Barcelona is a fabulous city and I look forward to returning.

Kirby
Kirby

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