This comprehensive Barcelona 🇪🇸 Travel Guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit!
From local tips and must-see attractions to nearby day trips, the best restaurants, top tours, and ideal places to stay, including the city's best neighborhoods and hotels, you'll find it all right here.
Whether you're planning your first visit or looking to explore the city like a local, this guide has you covered.
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I love Barcelona because it's so easy to get around! Whether you enjoy walking, biking, taking public transit, or hopping in a cab, you'll find it super convenient to explore the city. And to make it even easier, I'll share some tips and apps for you to consider when getting around!
🚃 USE PUBLIC TRANSIT
You can easily purchase a ticket at any metro station across the city. However, if you plan to use public transit frequently, I recommend taking advantage of the 48, 72, or 96-hour Barcelona Pass for unlimited rides and seamless travel across town.
You can also get around on foot if you prefer! Great way to get your steps in - or if you'd like you can rent a bike or scooter.
+ Where To Stay
- BEST NEIGHBORHOODS TO CONSIDER -
📍GRACIA & EIXAMPLE:
Gràcia is a vibrant, bohemian neighborhood with narrow streets and lively squares, offering a village-like charm. In contrast, Eixample is a modern district with a grid-like layout, known for its iconic Modernist architecture like La Sagrada Família. Gràcia has an intimate, artistic feel, while Eixample is more cosmopolitan. Together, they highlight Barcelona's diverse cultural and architectural heritage.
Casa Gràcia is a modern hostel at the top of Barcelona’s Passeig de Gràcia, 300 metres from Gaudí’s La Pedrera. It offers air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi in all areas.
*I had a few friends stay here and recommended it!
Located in the Barcelona district of Gracia, next to the Gracia FGC station, Blue Barcelona offers free WiFi, a shared lounge and a tour desk. The rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a desk and wooden floors.
*I have stayed here for 2 nights, and it was nice! And you get a nice breakfast spread!
Generator Barcelona is located 500 metres from the fashionable Passeig de Gracia Avenue. The hostel offers a 24-hour reception, free private lockers in shared dormitories and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Centrally located in Barcelona, just 900 metres from Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, Bed and Bike Barcelona offers private and shared rooms with free WiFi. Tetuan metro Station is 5 minutes’ walk away.
Located 300 metres from Sagrada Familia, Sercotel Hotel Rosellon offers 4-star accommodation in Barcelona and features a bar. With a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.
Located in the Eixample district, numa l Roca Rooms & Apartments is a 10-minute walk from the famous Gaudi buildings of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.
Get 15% off with code: NANCY-NUMA15
Granados 83, located 250 meters from Barcelona's Diagonal metro station, has a small gym, a rooftop terrace equipped with a small pool and a cocktail bar.
Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona GL offers luxurious accommodation in a neoclassical building on Passeig de Gràcia. It features a spa and an outdoor unheated plunge-pool on the rooftop with amazing views of the city.
The Barcelona EDITION has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Barcelona. Featuring a terrace, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
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📍EL BORN + GOTHIC QUARTER:
El Born is a trendy area with narrow streets, hip boutiques, and vibrant nightlife, while the Gothic Quarter is Barcelona's historic core, known for its medieval architecture and ancient streets. Both neighborhoods offer a rich mix of history, culture, and modern energy.
This modern hostel is set in the centre of Barcelona, just 1 minute walk from the famous Ramblas. It offers functional accommodation with free Wi-Fi access in public areas.
Rooms at Hostel Sun & Moon are decorated in fun, bright colours.
This pleasant guest house is set behind La Boqueria Market, 100 metres from Las Ramblas. It offers bright rooms, a free Wi-Fi zone and 24-hour reception.
Just a 2-minute walk from La Rambla, St Christopher’s Inn Barcelona offers stylish air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. This modern backpackers’ hostel has a bar-restaurant, serving continental breakfast.
Immerse yourself in the historic and vibrant essence of Barcelona from Safestay Barcelona Gothic, strategically located in the heart of the picturesque Gothic Quarter, just a few steps, 250 meters exactly, from the emblematic Barcelona Cathedral.
Boutique Hotel H10 Montcada has fantastic views of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and the sea from its roof terrace and hot tub. It offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Conveniently set in the centre of Barcelona, Hotel Rec Barcelona - Adults Only provides air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a shared lounge.
Featuring a rooftop swimming pool, Mercer Hotel Barcelona is set in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, within 10 minutes’ walk of Las Ramblas. This boutique hotel is set in one of the city’s ancient buildings, next to the Roman walls.
Enjoying from an ideal location right opposite the sea in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, Serras Barcelona is a 5-star hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and with our Restaurant Informal by our Michelin Starred chef Marc Gascons . Free WiFi access is available.
Offering wiews to the vertical garden and the patio, The Wittmore - Adults Only is located in Barcelona in the heart of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, 400 metres from Picasso Museum. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
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📍LA BARCELONETA:
Just south of the city and near the sea is La Barceloneta. This district was built in the 18th century to house people pushed out of La Ribera by the construction of the Ciutadella of Barcelona. Great place to choose if you want to be near the beach and the marina.
Set in Barcelona, 400 metres from Nova Icaria, Unite Hostel Barcelona offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hostel features family rooms.
Offering a superb location right on Barcelona’s Barceloneta Beach, Sea Hostel Barcelona has 24-hour reception and a free WiFi zone. It offers bunk beds in mixed dormitories with reading lamp and power socket.
Located in Barcelona’s beachfront area of Barceloneta, this design hotel has a stylish terrace overlooking the port. It offers a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with a smart TV.
Located in the Barceloneta neighbourhood in Barcelona, H10 Port Vell is just 220 metres from Port Vell Harbour. This 4-star hotel features a rooftop chill-out terrace with plunge pool and fantastic views.
The Sofitel Barcelona Skipper offers 5-star luxury next to Barcelona’s Olympic Port. It is just 100 metres from the beach, with free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools.
The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is an obvious must while visiting Barcelona. It is a large unfinished minor basilica in the Eixample district of Barcelona. The Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi designed it.
*While it's very pretty to look at from outside, the inside is a must to check out!
TIP: Make sure to buy your tickets in ADVANCE! As these tickets will sell out no matter what time of the year it is. I would recommend at least 2-4 weeks in advance!
This is one of Gaudi’s masterpieces and is located in the center of Barcelona. In 1904, this home was redesigned by Gaudi from an existing house. Beautiful building, and worth checking out.
*One of my favorite buildings of Gaudi!
Also known as La Pedrera or “The Stone Quarry” due to its irregular rough-hewn appearance. The building was the last private residence designed by architect Antoni Gaudi and was built between 1906 and 1912.
*Another favorite of mine! Have only been during the day, but would love to stop by for their at night special!
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site and a priceless piece of architecture in Barcelona, the Casa Vicens.
*Such a pretty building! Definitely recommend coming with a plus one if you want nice photos!
use code FANCYNANCISTAKLOOK for a discount (5% for new users, 3% for repeating)
Ascend Barcelona’s famous 30-story skyscraper and marvel at the best view of the Sagrada Familia and the rest of the beautiful Barcelona.
*USE CODE: FANCYNANCISTA for 10% off!
Explore the remarkable Palau de la Musica Catalana and avail of this fast-track ticket via Klook.
*I really LOVED this place! It is stunning and definitely worth checking out if you're into art!
use code FANCYNANCISTAKLOOK for a discount (5% for new users, 3% for repeating)
Tibidabo, also known as the Magic Mountain, is the highest peak in the Serra de Collserola. With a height of 1,679 feet, it offers breathtaking views of Barcelona and the sea. The top of Tibidabo has an amusement park, but you can also walk around for free if you don’t want to ride anything.
*Such a cool place to visit! And the best view of Barcelona. :-)
The La Boqueria Is the world's most famous market. It is located In the heart of Barcelona (Las Ramblas) and offers a variety of seafood, fruit, meats, cheeses, etc. Definitely worth a visit!
The trendy El Born area is known for its medieval streets offering designer boutiques and cafes, and an array of delicious tapas and trendy cocktail bars!
One fun way to get to the Monjuïc Castle Is by Cable Car - highly recommend it!
Once up, you have the option to enter the castle, which is an old military fortress dating back to 1640. This attraction Is great viewpoint of Barcelona.
If you love dogs, specifically huskies, highly recommend you check out the Husky House! It's such a fun activity to do in the El Born area!
TIP: To book, I would highly recommend you DM them first! IG: @huskyhousebcn
If you would like to conquer a good chunk of Barcelona with a private local guide by your side, highly recommend you book this half-day tour! And best part is, I personally customized it! ;-)
Uncover the joy of Spanish cooking with an interactive experience. Follow a chef around the famous Boqueria market to buy ingredients, then learn how to make traditional paella, sangria, and tapas.
*I have gone solo and in a group, and it's always a FUN time! I highly recommend it!
A food tour is the best way to discover a city's local cuisine. I really enjoyed this food tour! During the tour, you learn a lot about the history and culture of this beautiful city while enjoying foods and wines from the Catalan region.
Experience a fun and informative day trip from Barcelona to the Penedès wine region. This is a great experience for wine and cava lovers. On this tour, you will visit two wineries and enjoy generous wine and cava tastings. A traditional lunch will also be served at a winery.
Treat yourself to a spa day! The Aire Ancient Baths in Barcelona has five different thermal baths including a salt bath used for floating and a steam room. You can also add an experience (massage and facial), and enhance it with some chocolates and cava.
*This is a really nice and relaxing spa! I highly recommend booking it, because you deserve it!
Easy day trip from Barcelona - and it's stunning!! You can go on your own, but I personally recommend going with a group tour for a first timer!
You can also book a tour with wine tasting and tapas here: https://gyg.me/CeJAdAsx
The best tapas restaurant - they make their own cava too!
*No reservations are available, and there might be a wait, but it's totally worth going! Lunch time lines are way shorter than dinner. :-)
Worth checking out - even just to browse or for a drink. They offer a variety of restaurants to choose from!
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+ Tips When Visiting
🚨 PICKPOCKETING
Barcelona is packed with tourists, which means it's a hot spot for pickpocketers! Please make sure you don't bring out your valuables and don't go walking around with your phone out. I recommend buying a fanny pack.
My favorite one is by augustnoa - it's created by my friend Alley! And her products are all sustainable. :)
In Barcelona, they speak both Catalan and Spanish. While it's doable to get around with just English (especially in the touristy areas), it's good to learn some basic words. Like, "hola," "gracias," and "adios"! I recommend downloading apps like Duolingo or even Babbel if you want to learn a bit more.
🥘 DINING OUT
Spanish people eat late! So be aware that most spots aren't opened for dinner until 8 PM or even later. Make sure to check so you're not left feeling hangry.
✅ BOOK ACTIVITIES IN ADVANCE
If you are planning on visiting popular attractions like the Sagrada Familia, make sure you book this in ADVANCE. Tickets WILL SELL OUT. So giving yourself at least 2-4 weeks to book things might be a good idea.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
I hope you enjoyed my Barcelona Guide (I will make sure to add more as time goes by - so SAVE this Guide to get updated!) - I wish you the best stay in Barcelona!
Hello! I'm Nancy, an American currently living in Barcelona, Spain. I travel full-time and have already explored 31 countries, with many more on my list! I’m passionate about creating travel content and sharing my adventures as I discover more of this amazing world. I’m excited to present some of my favorite cities and what they have to offer through these travel guides.
