If you are travelling to Barcelona you need to know that
Did you know that more than 12 million tourists travel to Barcelona every year? No wonder, its mix of history, modernist architecture, beaches, gastronomy and Mediterranean atmosphere make Barcelona one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
But like any great tourist city, Barcelona also has its tricks and secrets. If this is your first time in Barcelona or if you’ve been there before but want to experience it like a local, this article is for you. In this blog we tell you 5 things you should know if you are going to travel to Barcelona, with practical tips that will help you make the most of your visit.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Let’s get started! Here are our 5 tips for travelling to Barcelona in a unique way.
Tip 1: Buy advance tickets for Barcelona’s main tourist attractions
Barcelona is a city in great demand by tourists, especially in spring and summer. If you already know your travel dates, book your tickets in advance for Barcelona’s main tourist attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló. Not only will you save time queuing, but you’ll also avoid being left without access due to full capacity.
We also recommend you book your accommodation in advance. Staying in well-connected areas such as Poble Sec, Born or Eixample will make it easier to get around and allow you to discover a more authentic Barcelona.
Opting for less central areas such as Poble Sec will allow you to enjoy the city in a quieter way and away from other tourists. These locations in Barcelona are usually cheaper without compromising on quality. Besides, getting around is not a problem, thanks to Barcelona’s public transport network, you will be able to enjoy the city comfortably. For example, the Poble Sec neighbourhood is just 10 minutes from Paseo de Gracia.
Here’s an extra tip! Some attractions offer discounts for advance online purchase.
Tip 2: Wear comfortable shoes, Barcelona is best discovered on foot.
Barcelona is a perfect city to explore on foot. From the modernist charm of the Eixample to the cobbled streets of the Gòtic or the green paths of Montjuïc, many of its gems are within walking distance… but be prepared to walk!
We recommend you wear comfortable shoes, we assure you that it will be your best decision: many areas have slopes, steps or uneven floors. In addition, some must-see places during your trip to Barcelona, such as Park Güell or Montjuïc, which offer spectacular views, require a walk beforehand, and for this, the best thing is comfortable footwear.
Another extra tip! If you visit in summer, choose breathable shoes and always carry a reusable water bottle that you can refill during your walks. Barcelona is equipped with drinking water fountains in the streets.
Tip 3: Google Maps will be your best ally during your trip to Barcelona.
Getting around Barcelona may seem easy, but the city has many hidden corners (that you can’t miss), pedestrian streets and an extensive public transport network. That’s why Google Maps will be an essential tool during your trip to Barcelona.
Why do we recommend this app for travelling around Barcelona? With it you will be able to:
- Have real-time information of interest on all means of transport such as metro, buses and trams.
- Consult routes on foot or by bicycle. Barcelona has numerous bicycle rental companies so you can move freely around the city. It also has a large infrastructure of cycle lanes connecting all the streets.
- It will also be your gastronomic ally. Through the app you will be able to see reviews of nearby restaurants and attractions.
- You will also be able to discover nearby points of interest that you may not have planned to visit.
You can also create a personalised map with your route around the city of Barcelona and download it for offline use, ideal if you don’t have roaming or a local SIM.
Here’s an extra tip from Google Maps! Activate traffic alerts or route changes to avoid unforeseen events during your trip around Barcelona.
Tip 4: Use the ‘Hola Barcelona’ card to save on transport costs
If you’re going to spend all day touring the city, you need to know this. The Hola Barcelona transport card is your best option. This card allows you unlimited travel on Barcelona’s different forms of transport, such as the metro, bus, tram, local trains and Montjuïc funicular within zone 1 (which covers the whole city).
You can choose between cards for 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days, depending on the length of your stay in Barcelona. It also includes travel from the airport to the centre of Barcelona by metro or train. This way you can travel from the first moment you arrive in Barcelona to the last moment you arrive on Barcelona’s public transport, without having to use taxis or other services.
These are individual tickets, so each member must have their own Hola Barcelona card. With it you can hop on and off public transport as many times as you like, ideal for those who plan to see a lot of areas in a short space of time.
Another extra tip! These transport cards can be purchased online at a discount and activated on arrival in Barcelona.
Here is the direct link to the online platform for purchasing the Hola Barcelona transport cards.
Tip 5: Avoid eating in Barcelona’s tourist areas
One of the keys to enjoying Barcelona is to adapt to the rhythm of the city, where some typical Mediterranean lifestyle customs are maintained.
For example, lunch is usually served between 13:30 and 15:30, and dinner from 20:30 or even later. If you go to a local restaurant at 18:00, you will probably find it closed or on break. For this reason, we recommend adapting to Barcelona’s time zone, so that you can enjoy good local restaurants and enjoy the full experience of travelling to Barcelona.
Shops in the centre of Barcelona are usually open every day of the week, including Sundays, especially in the summer months, but in more residential and less touristy neighbourhoods, many close at midday and on Sundays.
In conclusion, travelling to Barcelona for the first time can seem overwhelming, but with a few key tips in mind, such as the 5 tips we’ve just given you, your experience in Barcelona will be much more comfortable and enriching. From getting around by public transport to enjoying the good local cuisine, every detail adds up to enjoy your trip to the city of Barcelona as it deserves.
Now that you know the essentials for your trip to Barcelona, you’re ready to explore its streets, savour its dishes and soak up its charm.
And if you still haven’t chosen your accommodation, remember that Hotel Grums Barcelona is in the heart of Barcelona, in the Poble Sec neighbourhood, just a few steps from Montjuïc and perfectly connected with the whole city. We will wait for you!