If you are planning to visit Barcelona for the first time or even you have already visited but wish to go back and spend your next holiday there, here is a very helpful list of Barcelona tips and hacks. Learn everything you need to know, to plan the perfect trip to Barcelona, Spain.
Barcelonaaaaa...are you hearing Freddy Mercury and Monserrat Caballé singing? I do, every single time I think about this fantastic Spanish city (if you don't know what I am talking about, please look for this song on YouTube, it's spectacular).
I have visited Barcelona three times and I have the feeling that one day I am going to visit it again (trust me that after visiting Barcelona, you will feel exactly the same).
Barcelona is a vibrant city, full of colours, music, history, arts, delicious food and friendly people. Basically like everywhere else in Spain.
You will love to explore this city, Barcelona is the perfect city for every traveller in every season. It all depends on what you are looking for, so check out my list of essential tips of Barcelona so you will plan your travel in the best possible way.
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Read 34 Essential Tips to Know Before Visiting Barcelona Below
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1. Plan your visit to Barcelona on Shoulder Seasons:
I don't recommend you visit Barcelona during the summer unless you want to spend some time at one of the beaches nearby or maybe catch a flight and go to spend some days in one of the Balearic Islands as I once did. Because Barcelona can be very crowded, extremely hot and much more expensive during summertime.
Winter in Barcelona can be pretty nice and cheaper but also cold (January/February temp. max 15º-min 8º celsius).
Barcelona is on the east side of Spain, so the temperature is lower than in the south. You will enjoy a warm temperatures in May, June, September, and October.
You can already swim at the beginning of June. The water has already the perfect temperature, the weather is nice and sunny most of the days, there are obviously many tourists but not so crowded as during July and August.
2. Book your flights and accommodation in advance:
Barcelona is a top-rated destination in Spain, mostly during summer, so I advise you to book your flight as soon as you decide to visit it.
You can find accommodations for every budget. Barcelona has excellent Hostels for young people and backpackers, budget accommodations, mid-range hotels, and fantastic luxury hotels where you can enjoy a morning swim on the hotel's swimming pool terrace.
3. Book your accommodation in the city centre of Barcelona:
The centre of Barcelona, where all the most important sights are, is not very big and it is mostly flat so you if you book accommodation in the centre as I always did, you will be in the middle of all the attractions, the best option to save time and money on public transports.
Do you want to know more about Barcelona?
Check out all my articles in the "Most Complete Guide of Barcelona" and get all the information you need to make your next travel a success.
4. Book everything in advance to save time and money:
As I previously said, Barcelona is very popular among travellers. The lines to see museums can be crazy long, like waiting for two hours at a boiling temperature (Barcelona can be very hot during summer) to see the Sagrada Familia or the Picasso museum.
Check out my article 72 Unmissable Places to visit in Barcelona, where you will find all the best places to visit, the Barcelona attractions and how to book them in advance to save money and time.
Who doesn't hate to queue for hours under the sun to enter a museum?
I don't. That is why I always book the attractions in advance.
5. Check out my Most Complete Guide of Barcelona articles:
My mission is to give you all the information you need to plan a wonderful trip where you will enjoy every moment. There is no need for you to look further.
All the info you need, from how to go from the airport to the city centre, what to see, how to book it, where to eat and what to eat and drink, where to stay, how to move around etc.
I wrote everything on "The Most Complete Guide of Barcelona" so you won't waste time looking at twenty different websites.
Just collect all the information I found for you and enjoy your travel.
Do you want to see everything Barcelona has to offer and save money at the same time?
Check here all the activities and tours available. You won't regret it!
6. Plan ahead a good Barcelona travel itinerary:
There are so many places to see, so many things to do, delicious food to eat, excellent wines to drink that a good plan trip is always a good idea, save time, money and enjoy it as much as you can.
Looking for Accommodation?
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7. Plan to visit other beaches instead of staying a La Barceloneta Beach:
La Barceloneta is the most famous beach in Barcelona. Therefore it is very crowded and most of the time dirty.
I was there in April, and it was pleasant, not crowded at all, clean, the water was crystal blue, but of course, April is not summertime, so the water was fresh.
This famous beach gets so crowded, noisy and dirty that I don't recommend it as a place where to enjoy your summer holiday. I know it because I went to Barcelona also in June and at the end of August, so I saw how crowded and dirty it could get.
Beaches around Barcelona
Suppose you are looking for a nice, cleaner and quieter beach. In that case, I advise you to check out: Sitges, San Sebastia, Bogatell, Sant Pol de Mar, Montgat Nord, Nova Icaria, Garraf, Badalona, Mar Bella (to don't confuse with the town Marbella) is a nudist beach.
They are all clean and quiet beaches not too far from the city centre (from 30 to 40 mins by train).
If you want to check out the trains' time schedules and prices, click here.
8. Book your ticket in advance to visit La Sagrada Familia:
I understand if you don't want to book all the museums in advance as I always suggest, but trust me that the Sagrada Familia queue can be so long, you will have to wait hours, and you will regret you didn't listen to me.
In Italy, we say: "a warned man is a half saved man", then it is all up to you.
My mission is to make your life easier, don't forget!
Click here to book your Sagrada Familia ticket in advance to save money and time,
9. Plan your visit during a city festival:
If you like Festivals, Barcelona is your city, but be aware that during those days the city is more crowded than usual.
These are the festivals to attend in Barcelona
Dia de Sant Jordi in April is a festival where the entire Las Ramblas get full of flowers so that men can buy a flower for their loved ones. Meanwhile, women have to buy a book.
Primavera Sound Festival is an alternative dance and rock festival you can attend around late spring and the beginning of summer in the Parc del Forum. There are always very famous music bands as guests. It is an unmissable party if you are going to be there at that time.
Sonar Festival in June is one of the most famous experimental electronic music festivals (or we can call it a rave party?) that happen in June. It is a massive event, so this is your week if you like to dance all day and night. Parties happen everywhere around the city, on the beach, bars, squares and then, of course, at the Sonar festival location. I didn't get the tickets when I went there in June but I had a lot of fun at some party at the beach and in the city centre.
Cruilla Festival in July is a music festival in Parc del Forum, where you can find every kind of music from all over the world, and it is fantastic.
Grec Festival between mid-June to early August is another festival to enjoy music and dances and theatric performances. It takes place in the Grec Teatre (the Greek Theatre) under the stars, where everything looks magical. There are also performances in English.
Sant Joan on the 23rd and the 24th of June is the most significant Spanish style night party you can attend. It is the celebration of midsummer where you can enjoy fireworks on the beach, food and drinks and dances all night.
Montjuic de Nit in July is a one-night festival on the famous mountain of Montjuic. There, you can attend movies and concerts in the amphitheatre. The entrance to the museums is free, and you can also dance by the Olympic swimming pool listening to famous DJs.
Sala Montjuic in July and August is an event on the Montjuic mountain where you can enjoy a picnic inside the fortress listening to a jazz concert followed by an open-air cinema. Movies are shown on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 pm, so you need to be there around 8.30 pm to enjoy the jazz concert and get an excellent spot for the movie. Please book your ticket in advance, or you will find it sold out.
Festa Major de Gracia in mid-August is the most famous district festival in Barcelona. For a week, the whole district is full of beautiful woodwork adornments, paper mache figures and lanterns to decorate the streets. There are many concerts every night in every square, and it is absolutely a great party. I have been to this one, and the locals made me feel so welcome. There were endless lines of tables where people who lived there were sharing their food, drinking and dancing in the middle of the streets.
Festa de la Merce around the 24th of September is a festival in honour of Our Lady the Virgin of Mercy that, after being prayed, saved Barcelona from a swarm of locusts in 1687 and became Barcelona's patron. During these days you will assist to parties, fireworks and a lot of fun and entertainment.
10. You can go almost everywhere by walking:
Barcelona is a city to explore by walking around.
If you book your accommodation in the city centre of Barcelona, you will catch public transport only to go up to the Montjuic, the Tibidabo and the Parc Guell.
For all the rest you can walk around as I always did (unless you have mobility problems, in that case, buses and metro lines work very well).
By walking around Barcelona, you will save money and burn all those calories you got by eating tons of Tapas and litres of Spanish wine, so see the positive side of it.
11. Be ready to live in the Spanish time:
Spanish people eat at a different time than other countries.
So be prepared to have Desayuno (breakfast) from 7 am to 9 am and then eat something light as Almuerzo (mid-morning snack) like a coffee and a muffin (Barcelona has delicious muffins) from 10.30 am to 11 am to keep your stomach calm till lunchtime.
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Tip: Please avoid the tourist traps that are always open but serve warmed up frozen food.
Wait for a proper and delicious Spanish Comida (lunch) from 2 pm to 3.30 pm.
Then, Spanish people enjoy a Merienda (mid-afternoon snack) from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. It is mostly just a coffee or an orange juice (drink orange juice while in Spain, they are fresh, delicious and full of vitamins) an excellent excuse to meet friends or have a short break from work.
Do you like Tapas?
Of course, you do. They are delicious, and between 8.30 pm and 10 pm, it's La hora del aperitivo (tapas hour) when you can enjoy delightful Tapas with fish, meat and veggies with a good glass of Sangria, Cava or Vermut Rojo.
Some people only eat Tapas. When you get 5 or 6 tapas, you have had dinner.
La Cena (Dinner) is served from 9 pm to 11 pm.
Tip: Please don't eat in tourist traps where dinner is served at 6 pm.
The food is not traditional there. It is frozen food warmed up, overpriced most of the time, and far away from real Spanish food.
Eat a couple of Tapas, drink a glass of Cava and wait till restaurants open.
12. Avoid the tourists' traps:
Unfortunately, every tourist cities are full of tourist traps. Be aware of them. It is not a local place if you see a restaurant or bar with outside a massive menu with pictures of different kinds of Paella (it usually looks like those ice cream boards).
They use frozen Paella that they warm up. Absolutely to avoid it!
Looking to know more about the local food in Barcelona?
Why don't you read "28 Delicious Food and Drinks You Have to Try in Barcelona".
13. Avoid eating in Las Ramblas:
As much as I loved to walk up and down to Las Ramblas, it is the most touristic area, full of tourist traps, so don't stop to eat there. In most of these places, the Paella is frozen and warmed up, just read all my articles about where to eat in Barcelona.
Tip: Las Ramblas is not the name of the street as many think.
Las Ramblas means "the streets" and it is a succession of 5 streets that starts in Placa Catalunya (Placa means square) with Rambla de Canaletes, then Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de les Flors, Rambla dels Caputxins, and end with Rambla de Santa Monica at the port.
14. Don't plan to spend every evening at La Ramblas:
La Ramblas is the most touristic place in the city of Barcelona. Because it is so famous, it is also full of pickpocketers, tourist traps and of course tourists.
If you want to explore Barcelona, you have to spend the evening in other areas.
Like in one of the beach bars, or in a roof bar terrace, in a music bar in the El Born or the Barrio Gotico (Gotic Quarter), please don't go every night to walk up and down in Las Ramblas as many people do. Trust me that Barcelona offers much entertainment for locals and tourists.
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15. Eat at least once "Churros con Chocolate" for breakfast:
Oh, Mamma Mia, it is so good!!!
You have to try Churros con Chocolate at least once, and because it is so heavy and full of calories, the best time of the day is for breakfast.
You can find it in most of the local bars that serve breakfast.
Churros are short and thin pieces of fried dough, then sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon that are served with a very thick hot chocolate (like pudding).
Other versions like the Porras or Jeringos are long and thick and sometimes filled with chocolate, caramel, or other creams.
Book your Hola Barcelona Travel Card in advance.
Get 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours of unlimited public transport with the airport train transfer included! The best way to move around Barcelona and save a lot of money.
16. Eat a "Paella de Pescado" along the beach:
As I already said, avoid tourist traps and eat local.
You can eat excellent paellas in a Xiringuito along the beach (walk past the Port Olimpic and choose one of the Xiringuito restaurants you see on the way).
I ate in some of them, and my favourite one is the Xiringuito Escriba' where they cook the Paella in an open kitchen. They have a good variety of fish dishes to choose from.
Instead of having a dessert menu, the waiters come with a large tray with one of each of their desserts, and they explain to you what they are (they are only as exposition, so be patient, and they will come back with a fresh one for you).
The other one I like is the Xiringuito Las Sardinas, which also offers delicious made on the spot Paella.
17. Check prices before purchasing at La Boqueria Market:
La Boqueria is the most famous market in Barcelona. It is very touristic, which is why it can also be overpriced. Some locals I met, told me that nowadays only tourists purchase in a La Boqueria.
Locals shop at Mercat de Santa Caterina, where all the food is locally sourced and prices are cheaper.
Have a look at prices before buying something at La Boqueria. I usually went there to enjoy a delicious freshly made smoothie, or if you go to the back of it, you can find some stalls that sell delicious Spanish products, such as the famous Hamon Iderico.
Check out where the fresh fish is, some stalls cook at the spot delicious "gambas a la plancha" (Grilled prawns) they are so tasty you will want to eat them every day (about grilled prawns, you will notice they are a bit pricy, but trust me that the taste is something you have probably never tried before).
La Boqueria Market: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona. Mon-Sat 8 am-8.30 pm.
Mercat de Santa Caterina: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, 08003 Barcelona. Tue-Thu-Fri 7.30-8pm, Mon-Wed-Sat till 3.30pm
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18. Eat where the locals eat:
Don't worry, I wrote an article about it, of course, I did. I love eating. I could spend my whole holiday eating all the local food.
19. Try as many tapas as you can:
Tapas are gooooood!!! With a glass of Cava, even better!!! There are different kinds of Tapas in Spain.
You will see old-fashioned places where they will serve you the original Tapas, small plates of typical delicious dishes like fish, meat or vegetables. Other places sell delightful pintxos (sliced bread with a topping, typical from the Gallizia region).
They usually keep Pintxos in exposition at the bar counter so you can choose which one you want. They are both Tapas and trust me that you will want to try them all because they are all delicious.
20. Tipping is not very used in Spain:
I was shocked when I left a tip at a tapas bar, and the waiter gave it to me back.
I explained to him that it was a tip, so he accepted then. A friend of mine that was living there at that time told me that it is not custom to leave a tip, but if you want to, it is well accepted.
21. Be aware of pickpocketers:
They are professionals here in Barcelona. They are so good you cannot believe it.
So please be careful of your belongings, keep your bag always on your shoulder or your back, get yourself an anti-theft backpack or an anti-theft purse because they can open anything and they are so fast you will regret you haven't been more careful about it.
22. Don't expect to see a Corrida (Bullfighting):
Bullfighting was banned in Catalonia (the region of Spain where Barcelona is) by the Parliament in July 2010.
The last Bullfighting in the region was in September 2011. So you won't be able to assist one. But you can visit the Arena.
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23. Don't make jokes about Catalonia being Spain:
Barcelona is the capital of Catalunia, and because it is the region that earns more money (because of tourism) compared to the other ones, the Government give more money to the other regions (taking it from Catalunia).
So a movement has been created to make Catalunia independent. Be careful when you joke about it and avoid any trouble.
24. There are two official languages in Barcelona:
The Catalonia region has two languages, Spanish and Catalan.
You will find many places with signs in Catalan, but don't worry, everybody speaks Spanish and in most bars and restaurants waiters also speak English.
25. Buy the multi-day metro card and save money:
As I already said, the best way to visit Barcelona is to walk around and get accommodation in the city centre, but in case you prefer to use public transport, you have different options:
A one way Barcelona metro ticket price is 2.40 euros.
T-Casual Card allows you to make ten trips on all lines for 11.35 euros total.
The Hola Barcelona Travelcard is valid for a consecutive period of 2 days (48 h), three days (72h), four days (96h) or five days (120 h). Time starts from the time you validate the ticket. With these cards, you can travel by bus, tram, metro, urban railway, regional railway (Rodalies de Catalunya, zone 1) and the Montjuic funicular. It also includes travel from El Prat airport to Barcelona city centre.
You can purchase your Hola Barcelona Travelcard at any station, or you can buy it online at a discounted price and then collect it at a Metro Machine at the airport when you arrive.
26. You can Enter museums for Free on Sunday afternoon:
Some Museums are free every Saturday afternoon from 3 pm and for the whole day every first Sunday of the month, so keep it in mind if you want to save some money (keep also in mind that the queue to see these museums are going to be very long).
To know more about museums in Barcelona, read my article "43 Wonderful Museums to Explore in Barcelona" to choose which one to visit.
Plan Your Vacation in Barcelona in the Best Way
Check out all my articles in the "Most Complete Guide of Barcelona" and get all the information you need to make your next travel a success.
27. Don't think that art in Barcelona is only the Sagrada Familia and the Park Güell:
The Sagrada Familia and the Parc Guell are wonderful, and you cannot miss visiting them, even if you have only one day to spend in Barcelona.
But keep in mind that art is everywhere in Barcelona. You just need to know where to find it.
Don't worry. I got you covered. Please read my article "72 Unmissable Places to See in Barcelona" here.
Planning to visit 6 Museums?
A great way to save money in Barcelona is by purchasing the Barcelona Museums Pass, which will allow you to skip the line at every museum and save a lot of money!
28. Don't miss the free street art:
In Barcelona, there are many amazing buildings and statues you can admire for free.
Just walk around and don't forget to look up. A lot of people miss essential things just because they only look in front of them (of course, look at where you walk, please don't hurt yourself).
More Destinations Travel Guides and more Travel Tips are added regularly.
So hit the subscribe button at the end of this article to be always updated about new articles (and get all the giveaways).
29. Don't miss the Gotic Quarter:
The Barri Gotic (this is the Spanish name) is made of medieval streets where you can find a lot of trendy bars, Catalan restaurants and clubs.
There is also the famous History Museum of Barcelona and the Cathedral of Barcelona (stunning inside, so please have a look).
You will see many artisan shops or street stalls around the Cathedral that sell leather and jewellery. Placa del Pi also hosts a market at the weekend.
30. Don't walk alone at night in the Barrio Gotico (Gotic Quarter):
You are going to read on other websites and travel blogs that Barcelona is absolutely safe.
Well, I have been guested for ten days by some girls from Barcelona (a friend of mine was living with them for one summer) that at that time were living in the Barrio Gotico. And they told me straight away to never walk alone in the Barrio Gotico at night and also in the Raval quarter.
They told me that if I am with someone, it will be ok, but many bad things happened to girls that were walking alone in the middle of the night in these neighbourhoods, so please be careful.
I honestly prefer to listen to someone living there instead of someone who just spent a couple of days in the city.
31. Plan how to go back to your accommodation late at night:
Barcelona Metro works from Sunday to Thursday from 5 am to midnight, on Friday from 5 am to 2 am, on Saturday and public holidays the metro is open all night.
Night buses run at night, but they are less frequent.
There is no Uber in Barcelona, but you can hire a taxi on the street.
My advice is to download the fantastic app City Mapper which will help you to get everywhere you want in Barcelona.
32. Don't make too much noise in the city centre at night:
Mainly in the Barrio Gotico, where people go to have fun at night.
Please don't forget that locals are sleeping and probably have to wake up early in the morning to go to work, so please be respectful and don't start to sing cause you are drunk. (Yes, the echo is outstanding, I know that, but respect locals, please).
33. Don't plan to shop on Sunday:
Most of the shops and supermarkets are closed on Sunday.
So if you are staying in a rental flat and need breakfast, don't forget to buy something on Saturday; otherwise, you will have to have breakfast in a bar (not so bad honestly, croissants and muffins are delicious in Barcelona and the coffee is perfect) but in case you are following a specific diet or have intolerances, don't forget to shop on Saturday.
34. They call it Barna, Not Barça:
Barna is the nickname for Barcelona, while Barça is the nickname for the Barcelona football team. If you are a big football (Calcio) fan, don't forget to book your ticket to attend a Barcelona football match.
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