Barcelona Travel Guide

TRAVEL GUIDE, BARCELONA Created :

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First things first: Barcelona isn’t Spanish, it’s Catalonian. Ok, strictly speaking it is Spanish, of course: but the country’s second largest city is first and foremost the capital of an autonomous region with its own language and culture, a fact that is key to understanding its boisterous, independent spirit (not to mention the menus in more traditional bodegas).

That’s not to say that one needs an in-depth knowledge of Catalan mores to appreciate the city. Barcelona’s joys are obvious and accessible: almost year round sunshine, a flourishing foodie scene, beautiful and bizarre Modernist buildings, world-class beaches, high culture, a dynamic, down and dirty underground scene and an obsession with fiestas that means that, during summer, every day is a party.

And, more than in many cities, each neighbourhood has an individual, defined character. Promenade the broad, tree-lined avenues in the upscale L'Eixample, home to Gaudi's extraordinary architecture, or prowl the atmospheric dark alleys of El Born, checking out cozy restaurants, bars and shops along the way. Take in the rich Medieval history of the Gothic quarter, touching the remains of the Roman wall, before heading to Gracia or Montjuic to rub tanned shoulders with the cool kids. Even the tourist-clogged Ramblas has its charms – not least in the form of the Boqueria, one of the world’s greatest food markets.

Put simply, whatever your tastes, interests and temperament, Barcelona delivers - and it does so with a creativity, exuberance and tolerance not found elsewhere in Spain - or Catalonia.

FAST FACTS

  • Nearest Airport: Barcelona–El Prat Airport
  • Best Time to Visit Barcelona: May-June, September-October
  • Currency: Euro
  • Languages: Spanish, Catalan, English

Get to know Barcelona(1 Featured Guide)

Hotels in Barcelona(3 Featured Guides)

With prices as low as 40-50 euros per night, you'll never face shortage of affordable and luxury stay options in Barcelona. The budget and mid-budget rooms are inviting and pleasing enough to render a comfortable stay. As for those of you looking to stay in the lap of luxury, know that you are spoilt for choice. No matter where you stay in Barcelona, you'll be able to explore much of the city on foot. Check out this guide for an overall view.

Restaurants in Barcelona(4 Featured Guides)

The dining scene of Barcelona is rich and affordable too. Restaurants here are as bustling as the clubs, but view it as an excuse to meet new people and try new things before you even hit the party scene. Saturated with restaurants giving friendly vibes, the Spanish cuisine served here is a treat to the taste buds. Want to find the it spot downtown, or a perfect spot for a fancy date or a sophisticated evening? Let this guide help you get a unique gastronomical experience.

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Places to visit in Barcelona(2 Featured Guides)

Structures built in stunning Baroque architecture, winding cobblestone alleys, and ageing manors of the Gothic Quarters—the places to visit in Barcelona will fill you up with surprises. Sprinkled with churches, cathedrals and numerous mansions across its length and breadth, the city of Barcelona is a delight for all travellers. A magnificent building in its own right, Catedral De Santa Eulalia is Barcelona’s best known place of worship. Adore the statue of Columbus, admire the magnificent La Sagrada Familia (a UNESCO heritage site), explore the gothic structures of Casa Batllo and Casa Milla or marvel at the Catedral De Santa Eulalia—the city is a mélange of structures that will leave you spellbound. Attractions like Museu Picasso, Dali Theatre Museum, Museo Nacional De Arte De Cataluña and Art Galleries are must-visits for those who enjoy art and culture.

Things to do in Barcelona(2 Featured Guides)

If the Eiffel Tower is to Paris and the Statue of Liberty is to NYC, then Sagrada Familia, Gaudís 100+ year old emblematic temple, is what Barcelona famous for. Devoted foodies can savour over a hundred different tapas dotting the city, and those having a good appetite for preserved and salty seafood, are spoilt for choice! And worry not about the prices, for even after eating and drinking to your heart’s content, the final bill shall be so much affordable. Avid shoppers can head to the local boutiques and designers, and spend some time revisiting the history of Catalan by visiting their small-scale museums Miró, Picasso, and Dalí, each just a short train ride away. In the evening, witness the buzzing nightlife of Catalan that is sure to take your spirits a notch higher. And finally, detox your soul by taking a trip to La Boqueria, a huge massive food market in the Ciutat Vella disctrict, for a glass of wholesome, freshly squeezed fruit juice! Explore this guide to know more.

Shopping in Barcelona(5 Featured Guides)

Barcelona is, indeed, by all means, one of the hottest destinations to shop in Europe. The enticing shopping scene of the Catalonian capital will fulfil your expectations, no matter how different your taste is. Here, well-known brands such as Chanel, Armani, Cartier, Miró, Mont Blanc and Zara are as well-stocked as the small, designer boutiques and the flea markets. Shoppers scouring the shops to get more for less, can check out this nifty shopping guide, and get the best deals in town!

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Nightlife in Barcelona(2 Featured Guides)

The nightlife scene in Barcelona is unmatched anywhere else in Europe or the U.S. No matter how much you may want to explore this historical city and its upscale beaches, ultimately you HAVE to seek final fulfilment in partying! The Catalonian capital is a green pasture for clubbing, and there are scores of sassy nightspots hidden away in the labyrinth of this city serving an assortment of cocktails, mocktails, mojitos, and great music. Find one for yourself by giving a nice read to our compilation.

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Itineraries

  • 36 hours in Barcelona

    Barcelona is always gravitating toward what’s next, what’s new. Sure, the Catalan capital in northeastern Spain is rich with historic sites and classic tourist activities – browsing the centuries-old Boqueria market, studying the works of Picasso and Miro, posing with GaudÃ’s frosted fairytale houses in Parc Guell – but the city’s current dynamism is rooted elsewhere.

  • 36 hours on the beach in Barcelona

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