Travel to Barcelona

How to travel to Barcelona cheaply?

Flights to Barcelona land at El-Prat Airport.

The airport is connected to Barcelona’s city centre by a 20 minute journey on the R2 train, which costs just €2.15 per ticket. Alternatively, travellers can also take the number 46 bus to Pl. Espanya, where the convergence of metro lines 1 and 3 make it easy to reach most destinations in Barcelona. If your flight to Barcelona arrives at night, the N16 and N17 night buses connect Barcelona El-Prat’s terminals with the city centre. Taxis are also available in front of each terminal 24 hours a day. Taxis take approximately 20-40 minutes to reach Barcelona’s city centre, while prices vary depending upon traffic, luggage, and final destination.

Trains to Barcelona arrive at Estacio de Sants train station which is connected to Barcelona’s metro system. Metro lines 3 and 5 connect Estacio de Sants to Barcelona’s city centre. the H7, V7, 27, 32, 78, 109 and 115 buses also connect the train station with the city centre. Short distance Rodalies trains also connect various stations in Barcelona and are often the most convenient way to travel around the city.

Buses to Barcelona arrive at Estacio del Nord approximately 2 kilometers or a 20 minute walk away from the city centre. Alternatively, the Arc de Triomf metro station’s L1 line and the number 54 bus connect Estacio del Nord with Barcelona’s city centre. Rodalies trains R1, R3 and R5 also depart from the bus station for the city centre approximately every 12 minutes.

Useful information for your trip to Barcelona

• What public transport options are there in Barcelona?

  Trains to Barcelona arrive at Estacio de Sants train station which is connected to Barcelona’s metro system. Metro lines 3 and 5 connect Estacio de Sants to Barcelona’s city centre. the H7, V7, 27, 32, 78, 109 and 115 buses also connect the train station with the city centre. Short distance Rodalies trains also connect various stations in Barcelona and are often the most convenient way to travel around the city.

• Can I hire bikes in Barcelona?

  Yes, there are several private and city run companies that provide bike rentals. Biking is run by the state and was an initiative put forth to cut down on pollution in the city and therefore is predominately used by residence. There are, however copious other options for those wishing to hire bikes for short stays littered all around the city.

• What is Barcelona known for?

  Barcelona combines world class food, architecture, and nightlife with one of the most pleasant climates in Europe. Barcelona’s beaches are the perfect place to soak in the Iberian sun, while those interested in exploring the city will be fascinated by the 2000+ years of history represented by Barcelona’s varied architecture. After viewing the works of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso in Barcelona’s numerous museums be sure to sample some Catalan cooking at one of the city’s world famous tapas bars. The variety of activities and experiences in Barcelona make it one of the world’s most captivating cities.

• What cities are close to Barcelona?

  Located in the north east of Spain, the closest large cities to Barcelona are Madrid and Zaragoza which can both be reached in no time with Spains efficient rail network.

• How long to visit Barcelona for?

  A weekend would be enough to cover all the essentials Barcelona has to offer, however to truly immerse yourself in the Catalan culture multiple returning trips would be necessary!

When is the best time to visit Barcelona?

What’s the Weather in Barcelona like?

Summers in Barcelona can reach heights of 40 degrees, but you often don't feel the severity of the heat due to its coastal location. Winters are also pretty mild and don't get as cold as the UK

When’s the cheapest time to visit Barcelona?

December is the cheapest month to fly to Barcelona, however given the amount of budget airlines flying to the city providing you book well enough in advance you can always find cheap deals.

What can’t you miss out on in Barcelona?

Go and have a drink at the bunkers from the Spanish Civil War, which overlook the city and provide an amazing view.

Eating in Barcelona

The city of Barcelona is home to some truly unique Catalan foods and is a place where tourists can easily spend a whole week trying different dishes. Traditional restaurants in the city serve a variety of tapas or pintxo, which are the perfect way to sample the local cuisine. Barcelona is famous for its fresh seafood and some of the city's most beloved dishes are created with locally sourced seafood. Try the local version of paella (fideuà) which is made with noodles, monkfish, squid, and prawns for an authentic Catalan experience. Food is a very important part of the Catalan culture and locals will be seen partaking in lengthy meals while socializing with family and friends. Book several months in advance to get a reservation at Tickets to try the innovative cuisine of chef Albert Adrià. Tickets is one of the most well-known restaurants in Barcelona, and they serve traditional Catalan cuisine with a modern twist. Bodega La Puntual offers an authentic experience and is the best place in Barcelona to sample ham, or jamon, including the famous bellota ham. Vegetarians should try calcots and romesco sauce, which is a dish made from green onions native to Catalina paired with a traditional salsa.

Coffee Shops in Barcelona/h2>

For your daily dose of caffeine, Barcelona has tons of boutique and themed coffee shops and cafes serving an unbeatable variety of beans and coffee styles. Hidden Café BCN boasts some of the most knowledgeable baristas and a wide selection of scrumptious pastries to pair with your coffee. With a range of specialty coffees roasted in-house, Hidden Café will have you coming back for more in no time. Head over to Gràcia and visit SlowMov who only work with specialty coffee and enjoy delicious, pure Arabica coffee. With their range of coffee changing depending on the season and the microclimate of the areas where they source their coffee, SlowMov serves some of the most versatile seasonal flavors. Located in the Poble Nou neighborhood, Espai Joliu boasts vintage design with quirky touches making for a cozy vibe. Its close proximity to Bogatell beach adds to its charm, as does its selection of freshly baked cakes and avocado-cheese sandwiches. The French-styled En Aparte is Barcelona's hidden gem of coffee shops. Located in the less frequented old town, this coffee shop is centrally located right in the heart of Barcelona. Enjoy your coffee on the terrace or inside the coffee shop and let the unique furniture charm you.

Walking Around in Barcelona

The Catalan capital of Barcelona is blessed with one of the world's great streets at the heart of the city. Any walk through central Barcelona involves a stroll down La Rambla, the mile long avenue leading from Placa Catalunya down to the port. At the top, tradition says a refreshing drink from the Font de Canaletes spring ensures the visitor will return to Barcelona. From here the Rambla has distinct sections, with areas devoted to flower sellers, craft markets and booksellers. One particular highlight is the Mercat de la Boqueria, the city's spectacular covered market. It offers a cornucopia of fresh meat, fish, and fruit from all over Spain, as well as traditional Catalan charcuterie and cheeses. With picnic supplies available, there is time to stroll east from the Rambla to the Barri Gotic, Barcelona's main historic quarter. The quarter was originally contained within the city's medieval walls. Sightseeing highlights here include the 14th century cathedral and the Royal Palace on the perfectly preserved medieval square, the Placa del Rei. Nearby, the Placa Sant Jaume is the location of the main Catalan government building. Back on the Rambla, the Art Nouveau Cafe de l'Opera remains a favorite meeting place.

Public Transport in Barcelona

Barcelona features an extensive public transport network that makes it easy to explore all corners of the city. The fastest and easiest way to get around the city is by metro, which comprises of 12 lines with over 160 stops to take you to the most interesting parts of Barcelona. The red and white urban buses serve over 100 lines and enable you so to reach the more hidden corners of the town. Additionally, there are two tram networks with a total of six lines. The blue trams going up to Tibidabo, with its breathtaking view over the city, are historic trams that are more than 100 years old. There are many ticket options from a single-use ticket to a several day pass. The latter, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card offers the best value for money as it is valid on all methods of public transport. You can buy it beforehand online or at the ticket office at the main metro stops as well as in one of the city's many tourist offices. Single-use tickets are available from vending machines and also directly on the buses. Don't forget to validate tickets when boarding a bus or you could get fined.

Best Time to Visit Barcelona

The best time to visit the city of Barcelona is between May and June, when the temperatures are in the 70s each day without the humidity of the summer months. This is the perfect time to visit before the summer crowds arrive, and the weather is ideal for visiting the numerous outdoor attractions in Barcelona. Take a stroll along Las Ramblas and enjoy the many street performances and festivals that take place here in the late Spring. Early Spring temperatures are pleasant but there are often rain showers in March and April, so pack a rain jacket and umbrella. In March each year, the city is flooded with over a hundred thousand visitors for the Primavera Sound Music Festival. This festival features international music stars on six different stages over three days. Those that want to enjoy the beaches of Barcelona should visit between July and September. The humidity and temperatures are high, but perfect for a day on the beach. Don't forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and avoid the beaches in the middle of the day to minimize the risk of sunburn. In winter, visit the Christmas markets or religious festivals that take place in Barcelona.