Planning your trip to Barcelona: Practical Information You’re travelling to Barcelona! Hurray! You’ve made a great decision; Barcelona is an awesome city with a lot of things to do whatever the season, whatever the weather, whatever the budget. This guide will give you some useful practical info for getting around the city. We’re sure that you’ll find something for yourself and you’ll definitely have a memorable time in Barcelona. Let’s go!
What to expect for every season Spring: Barcelona is charming to visit during Spring. It’s much quieter than the main tourist season, Summer, but, believe it or not, it is still delightfully sunny and mild. Not quite swimming weather, but if you’re interested in exploring all of the city’s best sights, and maybe having a few moments to yourself, it’s a great time to visit. The ‘Semana Santa’ Easter Week, is a particularly lively time in the city if you want to experience Barcelona’s love of traditions and festivities. Summer: If you’re coming during the summer, expect a lot of tourists shuffling around the city with huge maps and you may have to fight for a spot on the beach but when you do, you’ll see why so many people come here – Barcelona is at its best during the summer. In June, there’s the Sant Joan festival. One of the biggest parties in Barcelona full of fireworks & rivalries. July brings with is Primavera Sound Festival, the international festival for alternative rock and dance music – this is not one to be missed. August is hot hot and more hot. Autumn: It’s a little quieter in Barcelona with a lot of people leaving the city for the winter. However, it’s a great time to experience some great fiestas in the city. September has La Mercè, a weeklong event that involves countless concerts, street parties and free museum entry to celebrate the patron Saint of Barcelona. Winter: Sees the city wind down, but it’s a great time of the year to huddle up in some of Barcelona’s cosy bodegas and traditional cafes. The city has a strong culture of socializing, and the winter doesn’t stop it. Most plazas will have fully functioning outdoor seating areas overbrimming with locals, so bring a scarf and pop yourself under a heater.
How to get from the airport to the center So, you’ve just arrived at the airport. Bienvenidos! But, how do you get to the city center? Well, don’t worry, there a bunch of different ways that are all super simple! 1. The Train The train is the most popular and most economical option for people coming to Barcelona. It leaves the airport every 30 minutes and takes you all the way to Passeig de Gràcia. Within 25 short minutes you can be with mojito in hand and starting your tan. The T10 ticket is available at all the machines dotted around metro stops (including the train platform) – getting one of these gives you 10 journeys on buses, trams and metros, can also be shared and is a bargain at 9.95€. Super convenient!
2. The Bus The bus is another great choice. You can sit and watch the city pass by as you arrive at Plaça Catalunya in half an hour. It’s perfect if you’ve got a bit of luggage because there’s a lot of space to pop your suitcases and the buses are very frequent – with one every 15 minutes. A single ticket is only 5.90€, so you won’t be breaking the bank. 3. The Taxi For those who want ease and simplicity without the hassle, the taxi is your best option. Your journey will take the same as the other ways of getting to the city but if you want to arrive to your hostel, hotel or apartment with precision then hop in a taxi found right outside the airport. The taxis are brilliant in Barcelona – they’re super clean, safe and reliable. Prices vary but expect to pay at least 25€ (pretty low cost if you ask us!).
How to get around with the Metro Barcelona’s metro system is pretty extensive at 57 miles long and whilst it isn’t the biggest in the world, it certainly is reliable and modern. Its 11 lines can take you wherever you wish to go in the city with ease so whether you’re on the hunt for Gaudí or want to sit in the sand with a good book – Barcelona’s metro has your back. The city recently introduced unlimited travel cards for 2,3,4 or 5 day stays, perfectly named “Hola BCN!” cards, which makes life even easier – so we would recommend buying one of these because it really is the fastest and most interesting way to get around. However, be warned, if your accommodation is central and you’re interested in exploring the city on foot, most destinations are within 20 mins walk or a short cycle away. So if you’re planning on staying above ground most of the time maybe a T10 (that offers you 10 rides) might serve you better. The metro starts at 5am (useful for the early birds out there) and closes at midnight. Fridays are special because the metro is open until 2am and Saturdays are made more special since the metro is open 24 hours. Go party!
Quick tips! ● Catalans speak Catalan as well as Spanish so a “gràcies” and “si us plau” will get you far, especially if you want to ingratiate yourself with the natives. ● Skip the queue and save your time. Usually there are long queues in the most popular attractions. Make sure you get your tickets in advance for La Pedrera and Casa Batlló and save your time for visiting and enjoying, not queuing! ● Pickpockets are a serious and sad sideeffect of mass tourism in Barcelona. Be sure to make it as hard as possible for them. Consider only taking the bare necessities with you and don’t, on any account, leave your phone or wallet on the table in front of you on in a loose pocket. ● Wearing a Mexican hat won’t make you funny, just silly. Remember, they’re neither a Spanish thing nor Catalan. ● Paella isn’t considered at traditionally Catalan food, at least not in the sense you can find in other parts of Spain which include many different ingredients, including meat & veggies. In Barcelona, paella means seafood paella and is mostly cooked for family celebrations so should be enjoyed with as many people as possible. Other great local foods include pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) or calçotada (grilled onion with romesco sauce). Although the later is messy and is only on menus from January to April. Yum! ● Barcelona is a ghost town on Sundays – most shops will be closed. Don’t be surprised. ● If you’re on the hunt for some bullfighting, think again. It’s illegal in Catalunya but there’s always Camp Nou for a game of football if you’re looking for drama and cheering.