The Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide

Barcelona is a city for everyone. Whether you’re a museum fanatic, history buff, architecture lover, beach baby, all-night raver or epic foodie, there is something in Barcelona for you. The perfect mix of city and beach break, Barcelona is one of the few major cities with the advantage of a coastline, meaning you’ll find easily accessible beaches just a stone’s throw from the city centre. What’s more, the city is a marvel in itself, filled with incredible unique Gaudí architecture, like the unfinished Sagrada Familia, or Park Güell. Barcelona is vibrant, full of life and friendly faces, with great places to make friends or hang out with your existing ones.

Have I convinced you to visit Barcelona yet? Chances are you already want to go, which is why you’re checking out this Barcelona Travel Guide. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands because I’ve compiled everything I know about Barcelona after spending two months there. Trust me when I say that this is the only guide you’ll need! In my Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide, I’ll take you through all the steps you need to plan your trip to Barcelona. We’ll start with vital information about the city that you should know before you go, then move on to practical issues like the best time to visit Barcelona, how to get to Barcelona, how to budget for a trip to Barcelona, and staying safe in Barcelona. Of course, we couldn’t have a Barcelona Travel Guide without talking about how to fill your time, so after dealing with the practical side of things we’ll move right on to that dreamy holiday inspiration and get planning. You’ll find my recommendations for the best things to see and do in Barcelona, plus some sample itineraries, individual neighbourhood guides, and the best places to eat and drink in Barcelona. Finally, I have some accommodation recommendations, as you’ll need a great place to rest after your busy days in the sun.

By the end of this Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide, you’ll be well equipped to visit Barcelona with the perfect trip planned, so get reading and learning all about the beautiful Catalan capital!

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Barcelona Travel Guide: Useful Information

Currency: Euro €

Time Zone: GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Language: Catalan and Spanish (English widely spoken in the tourist areas)

Population: 1.5 million (approx)

Plugs: Standard European 2 pin plug

Phone Prefix: +34

Emergency Number: 112

Easy Catalan Phrases to Help you in Barcelona

Although Barcelona has two official languages (Spanish and Catalan), the majority of residents of Barcelona are very proud to be Catalan, and so learning a couple of phrases will be much appreciated by the locals.

What is Barcelona Famous for?

Barcelona is one of the most famous cities in Europe, if not the world, for tourists, so I probably don’t need to convince you to visit! However, for this Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide, let’s talk about what makes Barcelona unique.

Gaudí Architecure

Gaudí is easily Barcelona’s most unique selling point. He has created so many beautiful buildings and sculptures across the city, including Park Güell, and the unfinished Sagrada Familia.

I’ve never seen any architecture that’s quite like Gaudí’s, and I’m sure you’ll be blown away by its beauty and intricacy.

Football (Soccer)

Barcelona’s main football team, FC Barcelona, are one of the most successful and widely supported in the world. If you’re a football/soccer fan, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting Camp Nou (their stadium), either for a game, if you’re really lucky, or for the stadium tour.

Good Food

This probably extends to the whole of Spain, but Barcelona has some really good food. My favourite cuisine to eat in Barcelona is tapas, and you can find some Barcelona/Catalan variants to try, like Pa amb Tomàquet and la Bomba. Also, make sure you try some Crema Catalana, but don’t mention Creme Brûlée, as you might find yourself in an argument over who invented it first!

How Many Days is Enough in Barcelona?

Without spoiling the “The Best Things To Do in Barcelona” section of this guide too much, there are a lot of things to do in Barcelona! It’s very flexible in terms of trip length. If I had to pick the ideal time, I’d say 4 days, especially if you want to take a day trip to somewhere like Montserrat. You could spend longer here and still have loads to do, or you could spend less time here, and you wouldn’t feel like you were missing out on too much.

Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide Top Tip: If you’re visiting when the weather is warmer, you might want to stay an extra day or two so you can relax on Barcelona’s beautiful beaches.

When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona?

As Barcelona is such a popular tourist destination, you can expect some crowds during the high season. Tourists flock to Barcelona during their summer holidays for a nice mix of city break and relaxing beach holiday. So if you’re thinking “should I visit Barcelona in August?” the answer is probably no.

Barcelona’s tourist seasons are as follows:

• Low Season (Winter): ~October-April
• High Season (Summer): June-August
• Shoulder Season (Spring and Autumn/Fall): April/May-Start of June, September

The best time to visit Barcelona is during the shoulder season when the weather is still quite pleasant but the crowds are significantly smaller. If you have the flexibility to travel during the week, I’d also recommend this.

Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t travel to Barcelona out with the shoulder season. It’s simply the best time to go to get the best of both worlds. If the only time you can go is during the winter or summer, then you definitely can still enjoy your trip. In summer, expect your trip to be a little more expensive and busy, and in winter, don’t expect to go sunbathing or day drinking in just a t-shirt.

What is the Weather Like in Barcelona?

The weather in Barcelona is rarely bad. There’s not a lot of rainfall (bar the occasional crazy thunderstorm in the humid summer). The summers are hot, but the winters are still mild – I’ve seen temperatures in the high teens in February (°C)

In the height of summer, you can expect temperatures in the mid 20s-30, and be prepared for some hot nights, because the temperature doesn’t really drop below 20. During the shoulder season, the weather is just a tiny bit cooler, usually up to the low 20s. These months are a little more unpredictable so be prepared from some unexpected chilly days. In the winter, bring an extra layer, but you can still expect to see temperatures in the mid-teens.

How Much Does a Trip to Barcelona Cost?

You can adapt a trip to Barcelona to any budget. It’s such a versatile city that you can easily splash out and have a luxury trip, or do it on the cheap! Here’s a breakdown of some estimated costs for two people for a 3-night stay in Barcelona.

Barcelona is a really budget-friendly city if you plan well. If you’re looking for more information after this Barcelona Travel Guide, check out these great guides for visiting Barcelona on a budget:

• How to Visit Barcelona on a Budget
• 26 Completely Free Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona Travel Guide: Is Barcelona Safe for Tourists?

Barcelona is a safe city. I’ve never had any problems as a female traveller, either alone or with someone. It has a bit of a reputation for pickpockets but as long as you take some small precautions you should be just fine. There are a lot of people selling things on the beaches and in the parks, but in my experience, they are peaceful and don’t force you to buy anything.

Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide Top Safety Tips:

• Always be aware of your surroundings. This is especially important for public transport and in busy tourist spots. When you are distracted pickpockets will jump at the chance to grab something and you might not even notice it happen.
• Wear your bag across your body. Small bags can be worn crossbody, and backpacks should be carried on your front in busy areas (yes, you might look a little strange but I’d rather that than have my purse stolen!)
• Try to use a bag that has a hidden pocket inside the main part of your bag, and keep your valuables there. Avoid using the front pocket of your backpack for anything valuable.
• Avoid putting anything (especially your phone) in your back pocket. It can be grabbed easily.

How to Get to Barcelona

Now that I’ve convinced you to visit Barcelona, you’ve learned some Catalan, decided the best time to visit, and noted down all of my top tips, let’s get down to all the practical info in this Barcelona Travel Guide. First up, how to get to Barcelona.

Where is Barcelona?

Barcelona is located on the north-east coast of Spain, a couple of hundred km from the French border. It lies in the autonomous community of Catalonia and is the community’s capital and largest city.

What’s the Best Way to Get to Barcelona?

The easiest and most convenient way to travel to Barcelona is by plane. The Barcelona El-Prat Airport is one of the busiest in Europe and serves nearly 200 airports worldwide. There are loads of low cost and luxury options, so there’s something for all budgets. The airport has free Wi-Fi and lots of shops and restaurants.

Two of the best things about Barcelona’s airport are its close proximity to the city centre, and its good transport links to get there. To read more about Barcelona’s airport transport links, see below. For more information about the Barcelona El-Prat Airport, check out their website.

Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide Top Tip: Use a flight comparison site such as Skyscanner to book your flights. They’ll have the best options for your trip dates.

Other Methods of Transport to Get to Barcelona

If you’re travelling to Barcelona from within Spain, you could get a Renfe train, the country’s national train system. There are also long-distance coaches, such as Flixbus, that connect Europe but you should expect some long journey times, and possible changes. It is usually much more convenient to fly, and there isn’t much difference in price.

How to Get Around in Barcelona: Ultimate Travel Guide Edition

Getting to and from the Airport

There are 3 main public transport routes to get to and from Barcelona Airport: metro, shuttle bus and train.

Shuttle Bus (Aerobus)

There is a direct shuttle bus to and from Barcelona Airport called Aerobus. It is the most convenient way to travel between the two places, but it is also the most expensive. Tickets cost €5,90 for a single and €10,20 for a return. You can buy them online here. I would recommend buying online because the queues for tickets at the bus stop are usually very long.

The two main stops for the Aerobus are at Plaça Catalunya (accessible by metro lines 1, 3 and 6) and Plaça d’Espanya (accessible by metro lines 1 and 3). At the airport, you can take the bus from terminal 1 or 2. The buses to each terminal are separate so make sure you get on the right bus when going to the airport.

From Plaça Catalunya to the airport, the buses run from 5 am-12:30 am and come every 5-10 minutes. From the airport, the buses run from 5:35 am to 1:05 am and arrive just as frequently. The journey takes roughly 40 minutes but this is dependent on traffic and demand, and it is usually much busier during the summer months. I would allow at least an hour for the journey.

*September 2020 Update* With the current global situation, there are there changes to the Aerobus system. One bus is in operation which stops at both terminals, and the operating hours are reduced. Make sure you check the Aerobus Website for the most up to date information.

Renfe Train

The Renfe train is the cheapest option to travel between Barcelona airport and the city.

To get from the city to the airport, you can take the R2 Nord train from Passeig de Gràcia or Barcelona Sants. It’s really important that you take the R2 Nord rather than just the R2, as the latter does not stop at Barcelona airport. Both train stations can be accessed from the metro. From the airport, the train departs from Terminal 2 station. You must cross a link tunnel that can be found next to T2 security. If you land in Terminal 1, there is a shuttle bus that can take you to Terminal 2 to get to the train station.

The train journey takes between 25 and 30 minutes from Passeig de Gràcia, and slightly less from Barcelona Sants. They run from 5 am-11 pm daily from the city to the airport, and 5:30 am-11:30 pm from the airport to the city. They depart every 30 minutes, so make sure you check the timetable. The best part about taking the local train is the price. You can buy a single ticket which costs a couple of euros or get the T-casual ticket, a carnet of 10 public transport tickets, for €11,35 (Oct 2020), meaning your journey will cost just €1,13.

Barcelona Airport Metro

It is possible to take the metro to and from the airport and the city. Personally, I would recommend either the Renfe train or the Aerobus as they are much more direct. However, I am still including the information in this Barcelona Travel Guide as it might be the best option for you.

The metro line at the airport is L9S and it runs along the west side of the city. Therefore, unless you are staying on the outskirts you will have to change lines to get to your destination. You can change to the red line (L1) at Torrassa, but you should consult the metro map (see “Barcelona Metro System” section below) to check the best route for you. For Terminal 2, the metro station is found in the same place as the Renfe train. You can also easily access the metro from just outside Terminal 1.

You must buy a specific metro ticket to go to the airport. Regular tickets will not work as there is a supplement. This ticket costs just under €5 for a single. The operating hours are the same as the regular metro, and the information for this is below.

Barcelona Metro System

Barcelona has one of the most well-connected metro systems out there. Although I’d always recommend walking around a city to explore as much as you can, Barcelona is a huge city and taking the metro is an easy and cheap way to get around.

The metro operates from 5 am-midnight daily (Oct 2020 – times have been altered due to the ongoing global situation). A single ticket on the metro costs €2,40 (Oct 2020).

Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide Top Tip: Purchase the T-casual ticket for public transport if you’ll be using the metro more than 4 times during your trip, This ticket gives you ten single journeys for €11,35 (Oct 2020), which works out at €1,13 per journey as opposed to €2,40 per single ticket. Even if you don’t use all 10 journeys, you’ll save money and time as opposed to buying singles. The journeys are loaded onto one ticket which you’ll need to look after.

As you can see in the image above (click here if it hasn’t loaded), Barcelona’s metro system is vast. As a tourist, the red L1 line and the yellow L4 line will likely be the most useful to you, as they pass some of the main landmarks, and the yellow line goes right down to the beach.

Other Public Transport in Barcelona

Barcelona also has an integrated bus service. Tickets are combined across the public transport network (metro and bus) so you don’t need separate tickets to access either. The metro is much easier and is usually quicker so I would recommend using that where possible. However, you can access information about the bus network here.

Barcelona City Passes – Are They Worth It?

Like in almost any major city, you can purchase a tourist/city pass when visiting. It will give you free entry or discounts to many attractions, and often it will include the use of public transport as well.

The worth of a Barcelona city pass is a personal decision, as it depends completely on how many attractions you plan to visit in Barcelona. They don’t tend to be too budget-friendly, but if you plan to visit every museum and attraction possible, you will save a lot of money. Make a list of the things you want to see and do in Barcelona (see the next section for some inspiration) and by pricing up the entrance fees, you’ll be able to see if the city pass would be worth it for you.

There’s also an element of convenience, as purchasing a city pass means everything is covered and you don’t need to organise individual tickets for the attractions you want to see.

The city pass that I recommend is the Barcelona Card, as it has a huge variety of discounts and entry tickets included, as well as public transport access, at a very competitive price. It’s also very flexible, as you can buy for 2-5 days (note: the 2-day card doesn’t include free entry to any attractions, only discounts). If you don’t think the Barcelona card will be worth it but still plan to move around a lot, you might want to consider the Hola Barcelona transport card. This will give you unlimited access to Barcelona’s TMB transport network (metro and bus) as well as the Montjuïc funicular, trams and urban trains.

The Top 5 Things to Do in Barcelona: Ultimate Travel Guide Edition

I could write an entire post on the best things to see and do in Barcelona. The city is filled with great museums, parks, attractions and experiences. To get you started in this Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide, let’s look at some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Barcelona.

#1 The Sagrada Familia

Gaudí’s unfinished church is the most recognisable landmark in Barcelona, and easily the most impressive. Construction began on this church in 1882 (yes, you read that right!), and is expected to be completed in 2026. When it takes nearly 150 years to build something, you know it will be special.

You can enter the Sagrada Familia to see the beautiful interior of the church. It’s around €26 per ticket so it is on the pricey side, but if you can fit this into your budget I definitely recommend it. You should buy your ticket online and in advance. It’s often incredibly difficult to get your hands on a ticket last minute due to huge demand. As soon as you know your trip dates, get online and book your tickets.

If you’d like a more personal experience, why not book a guided tour around the Sagrada Familia. You’ll get the chance to really learn about the history of the church and hear from the experts. Plus, you’ll often be able to avoid queuing!

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Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide Top Tip: The Sagrada Familia has its own metro station on the L2 (purple) and L5 (blue) lines.

Opening Hours: 9 am-7/8 pm *Oct 2020 Update* Reduced Opening Hours. Check website for up to date information

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona

Website

#2 Park Güell

You’ll quickly discover that Barcelona is absolutely filled with Gaudí architecture. His unique style is what makes Barcelona so special. Park Güell was designed completely by Gaudí in the early 1900s, and you can still see the beautiful architecture today. Tickets to enter the “monumental zone” of Park Güell cost around €10, but there’s also a free zone which is great if you are on a budget.

Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 am-7:30 pm

Address: 08024 Barcelona, Spain

Website

#3 Barceloneta Beach

Barceloneta is Barcelona’s most popular beach, It gets busy on hot days but the beach is huge so you should still be able to find a spot to relax and take in the atmosphere. You could also take a walk along the beachfront boardwalk if you don’t want to sunbathe. It stretches for a couple of km. You’ll pass several beaches and restaurants, and of course, there will be amazing views the whole way.

Address

#4 La Boqueria Market

Located just off La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous shopping street, La Boqueria market is a must-do for anyone visiting Barcelona, especially if you’re a foodie. Although it functions as a regular market, it’s also a spectacle for tourists who want to experience authentic Catalan/Spanish life and food. It’s great to wander around and experience the buzz of everything going on. You could even grab a famous €1 fruit cup, or grab a seat at one of the market stalls selling tapas and beer.

If you’re really into your food or want to learn more about Spanish and Catalan cuisine, why not book a tour around La Boqueria market or a cooking class with an expert!

Opening Hours: Daily 8 am-8:30 pm

Address: La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Website

#5 Walking Tour

One of the best ways to discover a new city is to wander around the streets and take everything in. If you take a walking tour, you’ll be able to learn about Barcelona’s history and architecture, and the secrets that the other tourists don’t know. There are countless walking (or cycling) tours on offer so you can really tailor it to your interests.

A 4-Day Itinerary for Barcelona

Here’s a quick 4-day Itinerary for your trip to Barcelona, which will help you plan out everything you want to do. It’s completely flexible but great to use as a starting point, and I’ve based it on 4 days as I mentioned earlier in this Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide that it was the perfect length of trip for Barcelona.

Barcelona Itinerary Day One: Main Sights and Exploring the Centre

• Sagrada Familia
• Arc de Triomf
• Lunch at Alsur Café & Backdoor Bar
• Ciutadella Park
• Gothic Quarter Walking Tour
• Barceloneta Beach
• Tapas for dinner in Barceloneta

Barcelona Itinerary Day Two: Shopping at La Rambla and Exploring Montjuïc

• Walk La Rambla and go shopping at Plaça de Catalunya
• Grab a snack/lunch at La Boqueria Market
• Take the Cable Car to Montjuïc from San Sebastian Tower
• Visit Montjuïc Castle
• Wander the Laribal Gardens
• Visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
• Eat dinner with a view at the Arenas de Barcelona Shopping Mall
• Catch the Montjuïc Magic Fountain Show at night

Barcelona Itinerary Day Three: Montserrat Day Trip or a Beach Day

Barcelona Itinerary Day Four: Gràcia, Park Güell, and Tibidabo

• Take the funicular railway to Tibidabo
• Enjoy the views and take the ferris wheel
• Visit Park Güell
• Grab lunch at The Quick Greek and relax in one of the plaças
• See Casa Milà and Casa Battló
• Explore Gràcia and see the Sagrada Familia (again!)
• Grab a drink with views of the Sagrada Familia from the Sercotel Rosellón Bar
• Watch the sunset from the Carmel Bunkers
• Eat dinner at Croq & Roll

Barcelona Travel Guide: Neighbourhood Guide

Barcelona is divided into 22 neighbourhoods (Barrios in Spanish and Barris in Catalan). Some of the most central neighbourhoods are Eixample (left and right); El Born; The Gothic Quarter; Barceloneta; and Gràcia. As a tourist, you’ll also want to explore the Montjuïc neighbourhood. Each neighbourhood has its own charm so it’s worth exploring as much as possible, so let’s look at what you can expect to find in each neighbourhood.

Eixample Neighbourhood Guide

Eixample is one of Barcelona’s 10 districts and is split into two neighbourhoods. It’s great for shopping and seeing lots of Gaudí architecture. It’s also designed very efficiently in square blocks of buildings. The drone shots you often see looking above Barcelona will be of Eixample.

El Born Neighbourhood Guide

El Born is one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Barcelona and is a popular place to grab a coffee during the day or a drink at night. The streets are narrow and traditional, with stone walls and really cute boutiques. It’s great to get lost in El Born.

The Gothic Quarter Neighbourhood Guide

Similar to El Born, The Gothic Quarter has lovely winding streets. As its name suggests, The Gothic Quarter has buildings that date back to Roman times. The streets lead into lovely Plaças where you can relax, and just on the border of the neighbourhood, you’ll find La Rambla, Barcelona’s busiest and most famous street.

Barceloneta Neighbourhood Guide

Get ready to relax because the Barceloneta Neighbourhood is all about sun, beaches and chilling out. You’ll find Barcelona’s most famous beach, named after the neighbourhood, as well as two others. There’s a really laid-back vibe, and you’ll find loads of cute beachfront cafés where you can watch the waves.

Gràcia Neighbourhood Guide

Gràcia feels like its own little world, despite being quite close to the centre of Barcelona. It’s very laid back and you won’t find too many tourist attractions, but this is still a neighbourhood worth coming to. I recommend coming to Gràcia in the evening to grab dinner and a drink – you’ll feel like a true local. However, head to the north of Gràcia and you’ll find one of the most famous spots in Barcelona – Park Güell.

Montjuïc Neighbourhood Guide

The area of Monjtuïc is effectively a large park atop a hill, with loads of things to see and do. You could easily spend a day wandering around this area. At the bottom of the hill, you’ll find the famous Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, as well as Plaça d’Espanya.

Barcelona Travel Guide: Eating and Drinking

We couldn’t have an Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide without talking about all things food! The Spanish love their food, and Barcelona is full of places to try traditional Spanish and Catalan specialities. You’ll also find loads of international food, so you’ll be content whatever you are craving.

Food You Have to Try in Barcelona

I couldn’t possibly list every good restaurant in Barcelona, and I know that even I haven’t tried them all, so to help you know what to look for, here’s a list of some Spanish and Catalan specialities. You can ensure that you have a truly authentic experience by trying the local favourites.

For the Best Croquetas in Barcelona: Croq & Roll

Croq & Roll is one of the best places to eat in Barcelona. They specialise in croquetas with more than 15 different filling options on their menu. You’ll also find some other tapas dishes so you can have a full Spanish feast.

Make sure you try the Xistorra amb Camembert (chistorra and camembert), the chicken curry, and the grilled aubergine with provolone and honey. These croquetas are truly unique so anything you try will be a great experience. The patatas bravas at Croq & Roll are excellent, so order them as a side dish.

Opening Hours: Daily 12 pm-midnight (open 8 pm on Monday)

Address: Travessera de Gràcia, 233, 08012 Barcelona

Website (Spanish): http://www.croqandroll.com/

Price: €

Dietary Needs: Veggie options; Dairy-Free Options

For the Best Brunch in Barcelona: Alsur Café & Backdoor Bar

This cute little café/restaurant lies just on the edge of Ciutadella Park. The interior is very boho chic and they have the cutest little terrace, perfect for people watching on a sunny day.

If you’re looking for a delicious brunch in Barcelona, Alsur Café & Backdoor Bar is the place to go. They serve everything from waffle sandwiches to smoothie bowls and tapas to healthy salads. You’ll also find amazing cocktails, cakes and coffee.

Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide Top Tip: What makes Alsur Café & Backdoor Bar so great is their lunchtime deal. You can take any of their main meals and for just €2 extra, add a drink, cake, and coffee. It’s available during the week from 2-4 pm, so make sure you ask to see what’s available that day!

Pictured is the chicken waffles, red velvet cake and chocolate cake.

Opening Hours: Sun-Mon 10am-1am; Tues-Wed 10am-1:30; Thurs 10am-2am; Fri-Sat 10am-3am

Address: Carrer de la Ribera, 18, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Website: http://www.alsurcafe.com

Price: €€

Dietary Needs: Veggie and Vegan options; Dairy-Free and GF options

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Hotels, Hostels and Apartments

We’ve almost reached the end of the Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide. Let’s piece together the last piece of the puzzle for your perfect trip to Barcelona, by finding a great place to stay. Trust me, you’ll need it after all the amazing things you have planned for during the day.

There are countless accommodation options in Barcelona. It’s not too difficult to find somewhere central, and Barcelona’s public transport system is so well-connected that you could stay slightly further away and easily get into the city. Some well-connected areas I recommend are Gràcia, Passeig de Gràcia, El Poblenou, and El Poble-Sec. The most central areas are El Born, The Gothic Quarter and Eixample.

Hotel, Hostel, or Apartment in Barcelona?

The type of accommodation you choose completely depends on your budget and your preferences for your trip to Barcelona.

Hostels are great for those on a backpackers budget who are really trying to save as much money as possible. Check out hostelworld for the best options.

I’d recommend a hotel if you have a bigger budget and are looking for luxury service. They can also be great if you’re looking for a unique experience.

Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide Top Tip: When deciding between a mid-priced hotel and an apartment, I’d pick the apartment. You’ll save money on breakfasts by being able to cook, and the extra space is always nice, especially as a couple or a group.

Check out these options from Airbnb.

The Coolest Hotels in Barcelona

• The Sercotel Rosellón has views of the Sagrada Familia.
• The W Hotel towers above the beach with incredible views and oozes luxury.
• Chic, spacious, and has a pool overlooking the city… need I say more about the Ohla Barcelona Hotel?
• Hotel Villa Emilia is a gem, with rooms that are cosy with a modern vibe. It also has a gorgeous rooftop bar.

Unique Apartments in Barcelona

• This gorgeous and bright penthouse with its own terrace.
• Midtown host this incredible looking modern apartment with access to a shared pool. The yellow tiled kitchen sells it for me.
• This 3-bed yacht (yes, you read that right) so you can wake up on the water.
• Design fanatics will love this architect’s apartment in El Raval.
• If you’re travelling as a group you’ll love this apartment that sleeps 10.

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And that’s it. You’ve (finally) reached the end of my Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide! This was a long post, but if I’ve done a good job you’ll be ready to hop on a flight straight to Barcelona and start soaking up the sunshine. I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you have any more questions about visiting Barcelona leave me a comment below and I’ll do my best to help you out.

Important Note: The information in this Barcelona Travel Guide is well researched and is correct as far as I am aware. However, with the current global situation, things change so quickly that some opening hours may be wrong, and some attractions may be temporarily closed. I recommend that you double-check everything so you aren’t disappointed to find something closed when you want to visit.

What to read after the Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide?: Check out some more Spain content, or take a look at the Barcelona archives for more inspiration!

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