Alexander Meddings
Verified Writer4.912527 reviews
Verified Writer
5(203)
15 Guests Max
2.5 hrs
Flexible TravelJust behind London and Paris, Barcelona has become one of the most visited cities in Europe—and for good reason! The Catalan capital is a bustling Mediterranean city with stunning architecture, a unique culture, and a rich history dating back to the Romans. With a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, it’s a top destination for travellers seeking a diverse range of experiences. Whether you want to get a taste of Spanish cuisine, sip some sangria on the beach, or marvel at the modernist works of Antoni Gaudi, this city has it all. Here's our Barcelona travel guide with everything you need to know before you go.
If you're like majority of travellers you'll fly into Barcelona’s airport Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), located about 15 kilometres from the city centre. There are also smaller airports in Girona and Reus, but these are further away and primarily serve budget airlines. The most convenient and economic option from Barcelona El Prat is to take the Aerobus from either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. The bus runs every 10 minutes and it costs €7.25 one way or €12.50 return. The journey to Plaça de Catalunya takes about 35 minutes.
There are other transport options, too, like the metro (L9 Sud), the train (R2 Nord) from T2, taxis, or ride-share apps like FreeNow or Cabify.
Barcelona is an extremely walkable city and its public transportation is efficient, affordable, and easy to use. With a single ticket, you can explore most of the city, and you can use it on the metro, train, bus, or tram.
The Barcelona Metro has 8 main lines that connect key areas of the city, including tourist hotspots. Fares start at €2.40 for a single journey, but T-casual (10-trip) tickets for €11.35 offer better value for longer stays. The metro runs from 5 AM to midnight (Monday-Thursday), until 2 AM on Fridays, and operates 24 hours on Saturdays.
Barcelona’s bus network is extensive, with over 80 routes. You can use the same card for the bus that you use for the metro. Buses typically run from 5 AM to 11 PM, with night buses (NITBUS) offering service after hours.
Trams in Barcelona are less common but provide scenic rides along the city's outskirts. Just like the bus and metro, you can use a T-casual to ride.
Barcelona is full of hotels and hostels galore. Whether you're balling on a budget or treating your trip to Barcelona as a splurge, you'll find accommodation options for every traveller. But first, it's important to identify which neighbourhood you want to stay in because each one offers something different. Here's a list of our top picks!
History buffs will love the old town charm of the Gothic Quarter and El Born. The oldest neighbourhood is decorated in Roman ruins and is home to some of Barcelona's biggest attractions, like the Barcelona Cathedral, Las Ramblas, and the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. Because its labyrinth-like streets are compact, it's the perfect place to explore on foot.
This neighbourhood is the best choice for travellers looking for a more local experience. Full of artisan boutiques and hipster coffee shops, Gràcia has a slow travel vibe and is great for living as the Catalans do--relaxing in the sun and sipping a beer in the square. Plus you'll be close to Parc Güell, the most famous park in the city!
If you've come to Barcelona for modernist architecture, then Eixample is the place to be. Its unique grid layout boasts some of Barcelona's most important sites like Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and the iconic La Sagrada Familia. It's a great place to be after dark too, since it's Barcelona's gay club hub.
Every city has its cultural quirks, and Barcelona is no exception. Nothing is more nerve-wracking than arriving in a new city with no idea how to act so as not to stick out like a sore thumb. Here are some tips to make sure you're a model tourist.
Before coming to Barcelona, it's important to know that it isn't your typical Spanish city. It is the capital of Catalonia, one of Spain's autonomous regions, and they have their own language called Catalan. That's right, it's a language NOT a dialect, and although it is similar to Spanish it's linguistically closer to French. You don't need to know Catalan or even Spanish to get by in Barcelona, but it's helpful to know the basics.
Hello= Hola
Good bye= Adios (Spanish) Adéu (Catalan)
Thank you= Gracias (Spanish) Gracies/Merci (Catalan)
Please= Por favor (Spanish) Si us plau (Catalan) ----see? We told you it's a different language!
Looking to maximise your time in Barcelona? Discover the city with a tour! At Carpe Diem we have a passion for connecting tourists with culture. Experience Barcelona with a local guide and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Experience Barcelona through tour taste buds on our Tapas Tour of Barcelona! Taste traditional Spanish drinks and share small plates with fellow travellers while learning about the history of Catalan cuisine.
Explore the Gothic Quarter with a local guide and discover history dating back 2,000 years. See Roman ruins and other sought-after attractions in just two hours on this Old Town Walking Tour.
Satisfy your thirst for adventure and experience Barcelona after dark on our Tipsy Tour of Barcelona. Learn scandalous tidbits of history you won't hear on your average tour, all the while sipping authentic Spanish drinks.
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The Barcelona Tipsy Tour is the perfect way to meet other adventure-seekers, sip the finest Spanish drinks, and immerse yourself in Barcelona’s iconic nightlife while learning secret history that the locals don’t want you to know.
Forget your dry, standard city tour and live your best life while travelling. Our tour puts the “bar” in Barcelona and it’s 18+, but not just because of the booze. You’re going to find out the city’s best kept secrets and forbidden history that they definitely leave out of the tourist guidebooks. If you’re a sober traveller but you still want to join in the fun don’t worry! We’ve got alcohol-free beverages you can sip on while you enjoy the company of your new friends.
After a warm welcome, we’ll get started in El Born. A chic, trendy neighbourhood with great nightlife–and a scandalous past.
You’ll sip some vermouth (aka sunshine in a glass) and learn some of Barcelona’s most twisted secrets. Discover the undercover lives of its former residents and be wowed by forbidden stories as we follow in the footsteps of where these events played out. There are ghosts, secret graveyards, and sex of all sorts – but we’ll leave it to your guide to tell you the rest.
We’ll discover some of Barcelona’s most vibrant bars and neighbourhoods. Try some unique white sangria – very hard to find but oh so easy to drink, and sip other authentic tipples as you hear about the history behind the city’s favourite drinks.
Then, a surprise. Try a shot of traditional Catalan liqueur and see how well you do, then wash it down with a famous cocktail to really get the night moving. As you’re drinking, dancing and singing, we’ll be mixing up a cocktail of our own with a splash of history and a spritz of legend. These stories are so good, you’ll even remember them when you’re fighting a hangover the next day.
When the tour is over, the night out officially begins. We’ll enjoy Barcelona long into the night, making unforgettable memories with our newfound friends.
Spaces fill up fast, so book your Barcelona Tipsy Tour today!
4.97(315)
There’s a reason why Barcelona is one of the most beloved cities in Europe; art, architecture, history—what more could you ask for? The best way to see the city is with a local guide who will lead you through the whimsical streets of the Gothic Quarter and share a fascinating history spanning 2,000 years. As you walk along the route you’ll see the city’s evolution starting from Roman-occupied Barcino through the Golden Age and all the way to the Barcelona that we know and love today. We’ll visit some must-see sites like the Barcelona Cathedral where you’ll hear about the brutal death of the city’s patron saint or Placa del Rey, where you’ll learn about the darker side of Spanish history during the Inquisition. Along the way we’ll also see some hidden gems and hear about urban legends. By the end of the tour you’ll have gained a new perspective into Catalan tradition and history that will leave you falling in love with Barcelona.
5(108)Taste your way through the Catalan capital on our Barcelona Tapas Tour. Food is an essential part of Catalan culture, and no trip to Barcelona is complete without sharing tapas or “small plates.” Over two and half hours you’ll visit four of the city’s best tapa hotspots in the trendy neighbourhoods of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, trying croquettes, patatas bravas, pintxos, paella and more. This tour is perfect for all types of foodies; whether you’re on a family holiday, a romantic couple’s retreat, or solo travelling through Europe–this tour is the best way to meet people with a passion for food!
Food and culture are interlinked in Catalonia, so there’s no better way to explore the beautiful city of Barcelona than through its cuisine. Wander the mediaeval streets and plazas of El Born and the Gothic Quarter while your local foodie guide feeds you intriguing tidbits of history. As your guide fills you up with fun facts and cultural insights, you’ll sample a variety of tapas and drinks, and enjoy the company of fellow travellers.
So bring yourself — and your appetite — and prepare to discover the essence of Barcelona’s tapas and drinks culture! Spaces are limited; reserve yours now!
5(203)