Plan Your Barcelona Holiday: Best of Barcelona
Explore Barcelona
Essential Barcelona
Things to do
Food & drink
All about Gaudi
- Basílica de la Sagrada Familia167,007This elaborate Art Nouveau church—Gaudi’s most legendary landmark—is still unfinished more than a century after the work began. But it has come a long way in the decade since I first visited. On my latest trip, I joined an exclusive after-hours tour, which gave me the time and space to truly appreciate what makes this place so special.
- Park Güell78,150This city park is part urban green space, part architectural gem—it looks like something out of a Modernist fairy tale. My advice: Book a ticket online for one of the last available entry times. I spent about an hour wandering the grounds and taking in the city views. Don’t miss the Gaudi House Museum in the park, where he lived for nearly 20 years.
- Casa Milà - La Pedrera23,980Also known as La Pedrera, this was the last private apartment building that Gaudi designed. I took a pre-opening tour that allowed me to beat the crowds. Walking through the space (plus a couple of restored apartments) felt like a stroll through the past and gave a taste of what it might have been like to call this Modernist building home.
- Ciutadella Park518This may be Gaudi’s only waterfall, and you’ll find it just beyond the Passeig de Pujades entrance to Parc de la Ciutadella, which was Barcelona’s only city park until the mid-19th century. Gaudi worked mostly behind the scenes on this project, helping engineer its water tank and hydraulics. Look for the two stone medallions emblazoned with lizards near the top of the fountain—inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
- Casa Vicens Gaudí2,540This Modernist building doesn’t get the same attention as Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, but it’s worth seeing. Built in the late 1800s, this was one of Gaudi’s first major projects, and his unique spin on this Orientalist structure caused a stir when it opened. You can buy tickets that can be used at any time on a specific day, making it ideal for spontaneous travellers like myself.
- Casa Batlló58,799A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is one of Gaudi’s best-known residential projects. Gaudi was brought in to remodel the building in 1904. I bought tickets to visit on my own before opening. In my opinion, the interior doesn’t offer as much to see as Casa Mila, but it’s a treat to see the view from the other side of the building’s iconic stained-glass windows.
Browse collections
- Party of oneHotels, tours, and more for the solo traveler
- Get your caffeine fixCoffee houses and can't
- LGBTQ+ Barcelona after darkA guide to Eixample's nightlife
- Autumn in BarcelonaSee what makes the city so magical at this time of year
- There’s art everywhereDiscover masterpieces on the city’s streets
- Slow down and sip the sangriaAll the best spots to grab a drink
- Dip into the Mediterranean SeaBoat tours, beaches, water sports, and more
- If you're feeling fancy-ishLuxury experiences that are totally worth it
- Quick-trip museumsSmaller spots you can do in half the time
- Make a day of itEasy trips that take you beyond the city
- Chill out in natureScenic places to unplug and recharge
- Off-the-beaten-path BarcelonaTake a detour to discover some hidden gems
- Go beyond GaudiLesser-known landmarks to add to your list
- For the history buffMust-see museums, architecture, and more
More Spanish cultural capitals
Barcelona Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Barcelona
sophieloumarren
Do not be afraid to get lost in the winding back streets! Ditch your tourist map!
BobKatUSA
Barcelona is deeply proud of its Catalan heritage. I once went to the tourism office to ask for information about Spain and was roundly chastised as I was in Catalunya. I never made that mistake again!
Michael B
It is a good idea to learn a few basic Spanish words for politeness and you will garner more respect and pleasant service.
RenginKoOz
Food, Art, Beach, Streets...Barcelona is all-inclusive.
Peter K
Barcelona is a city rich with history, beautiful architecture, a cool beach culture, friendly people and some great food.
Alice
Barcelona is a buzzing city that's so easy to fall in love with.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Barcelona is mainly served by the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport International Airport, but can also be reached by transport links from other regional airports, including Girona, Reus, and Lleida-Alguaire.
train
Barcelona Sants Station is the city's main railway station for national and international destinations in France.
bus
Estació d'autobusos Barcelona Nord is Barcelona's main bus station operating services to other Spanish cities and cities throughout Europe.
Do I need a visa?
Spain is part of the Schengen Area with many other European countries. This means tourists from certain countries don’t require a visa for trips less than 90 days — as long as your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned departure date. Find more information about the Schengen Visa and what countries are exempt here.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (June to August) and fall (September to November): Summer is fiesta time in Barcelona, when the city hosts some of Europe’s biggest music festivals, including Sonar and Primavera Sound. Average temperatures in summer have a high of 82°F (28°C) and a low of 71°F (22°C).
While soaring temperatures send summer visitors to the beach, the cooler months of fall are ideal for exploring Barcelona’s colorful neighborhoods. In November, the scent of roasting chestnuts fills the air during the Catalan festival of La Castanyada. Average temperatures in fall have a high of 68°F (20°C) and a low of 60°F (16°C).
Get around
bicycle
There are a number of companies in Barcelona that offer bike rental or bike tours including Barcelona Biking, AJO Bike, and Barcelona E-Bike.
train
The Barcelona Metro, run by TMB and FGC, operates 12 lines which run from about 5 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday, 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, and 24 hours on Saturday.
bus
TMB operates a fleet of more than 1,000 buses that operate more than 100 routes. Most services begin between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. and end between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Barcelona also operates a night-bus service (Nit Bus) which serves most of the city and its suburban area. Services begin after 11 p.m. and end between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.
taxis
Barcelona’s taxis are easily spotted with their black and yellow livery. They can be caught from one of many taxi stands, hailed on the street, or booked via telephone.
rideshare
The ridesharing company Cabify is available in Barcelona on your smartphone.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Central European Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Spain is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two round pins.
What is the currency?
The Euro.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tipping isn't obligatory, but people usually leave 5% if they are satisfied with the service.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Greetings
Spaniards usually greet friends and strangers alike with a kiss on both cheeks, although two males rarely do this.
Dress
Spaniards take great pride in their appearance so dress elegantly, even for casual occasions.
Visiting churches
Visiting churches as a tourist during Mass and other worship services is considered disrespectful.
Personal space and eye contact
Spaniards are known to stand very close while talking and speak a lot with their hands — don’t mimic them and don’t step away. Eye contact in Spain is also very important.
Language
Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way as a sign of respect.