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Getting Around When in Barcelona
To take in all that Barcelona has to offer it’s best to purchase a City Pass; they are more economical and allow you to get around in no time. Make sure you get a city pass that offers unlimited uses, allowing you to skip the long lines and go for a direct entry. A hassle-free solution that gets you into Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, MNAC, and other attractions for free; additionally, some added perks may include a 1-Day hop-on-off sightseeing bus ticket, travel discounts, or a complimentary travel brochure. You can get your tickets here.
Place to sleep
Barcelona has an abundance of accommodation; during my time, I stayed at the Sun and Moon Hostel in the Gothic area; it was a great location within walking distance to Barceloneta beach, metro station, and La Rambla. You can book your next hostel stay here or book one of the many hotels around the city here.
Losing Yourself in The Gothic Quarter
Located in the heart of Barcelona is Ciutat Vella, an old town that has been preserved to take you back in time. Barri Gotic is one of the most mesmerizing places, as you walk down the narrow streets you can take in the charming and secluded plazas, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a quick bite in one of the many cafes, drop in to check out one of the local boutiques and most importantly take in the staggering historic buildings. Some of these buildings date back to Roman times, allowing you to imagine the world back then.
Best when explored on foot, a place where you can easily spend a few hours. Soaking in the experiences as you admire everything from arched alleyways to medieval architecture.
Soak Some Sun on The Beach
One of the reasons why Barcelona is considered a gem is due to its location! Sitting perfectly along the Mediterranean sea, you can enjoy a 4.5km long sunny, sandy, and stunning coastline, a perfect resting place when you are done uncovering the city for the day. However, even around the coastline, you will find endless galleries, museums, and boutiques. Each one offers you something different and charming to enjoy.
Barcelona is a learning experience, and you must absorb the information like a sponge. It calls for a relaxing few hours at the beach! Here you can soak up the sun, enjoy the cool breeze and get in touch with the Barcelona beach vibe. From bars to lounges, to water activities, you can have it all! Once you are done, you can dust yourself off and walk back into the city center in a matter of minutes.
Taking in Barcelona From the Top
One of the best places to appreciate Barcelona’s architecture and geography is from the top, there are tourist spots that offer you a complete view of the city and from many different angles, allowing you to take in all that the city has to offer from an urban landscape to its magical natural surroundings.
A 10-minute cable cart ride from Montjuic Park takes you to the castle on the hill. A smooth ride that glides over Barcelona, offering you a stunning view of everything around you. While the real fun begins when you reach the 512 meters (above sea level) vantage point, you can see everything from the surrounding coastline to a tiny glimpse of Ibiza and Mallorca (on a clear day).
Another great vantage point is from the tower of Sagrada Familia, Les Arenes terraces, La Pedrera’s rooftop, and the Palau National (overlooking the magic fountain of grandiose Plaça d’Espanya. Another breathtakingly beautiful view is from the Terrace of Park Guell.
If you are in the mood to party then you will find endless rooftop bars and pools that offer you a panoramic view of the city as you snack on something fabulous, with a drink of your choice!
Getting Around on a Cycle
One of the best ways to get around Barcelona is on a cycle. With more than 200 km of designated cycle lanes and free-cycle service, you will find it hard to keep your feet on the ground. This bike-friendly city encourages locals and tourists to bike around when exploring the city. It is faster than walking around and still allows you to take in all that the city has to offer.
You can explore Barcelona with a 3.5-hour bike tour by pedaling or if like me, not so fit, the bikes are electric for them uphill climbs, explore places like Montjuic Hill, Port Vell, El Raval, Gothic Quarter, and more. Bike tours start from €39 and you can book them with Viator.
Neighbourhood Hopping When in Barcelona
When looking to explore the Catalan culture, we suggest you discover the different faces of Barcelona. One of the most famous independent villages here is Gracia a cool barrio where you can find bohemian-inspired enclaves, lively plazas, small cobblestoned lanes, and a place where locals gather to chit chat over some coffee. From dawn to dusk, the area is bustling with locals and those looking to see a view of Barcelona.
Ciutat Vella is one of Barcelona’s most creative and captivating neighborhoods. Where you will find endless independent galleries, world-class museums, and artist workshops, when you head to El Born you will find ancient churches standing tall alongside Michelin-star restaurants. Walking around the maze-like streets you get a sense of the importance of architecture in Barcelona.
Walking Down Las Ramblas
Once you have visited the most important points you wanted to experience, we suggest you go around on a walking tour. Pick Las Ramblas as your starting point, and you may walk towards the mountains or the beach. Both experiences offer something a little more different. While walking towards the beach will help you take in all the local hype, walking towards the mountain range will give you a view of how Barcelona offers another side as well.
Top Places to visit.
- La Sagrada Familia
- Casa MilÃ
- La Rambla, Barcelona (Including: Mercado de La Boqueria (Market)
- Camp Nou (FC Barcelona)
- Park Güell
- Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
- Passeig de Grà cia
- Casa Batlló
- Coastline Beach
- Montjuïc Park
You can see more about my top 10 recommended places to visit in Barcelona HERE.
Barcelona is one of those cities that has it all, which is why it’s hard to nail down the places you must visit. It’s more on what you are looking to explore and which top attractions you feel are right for you. Every experience is unique, and one must take the challenge to let the chips fall as they may when in Barcelona.
Don’t forget to check out the top 10 things to see HERE and if you are exploring more of Spain be sure to add Valencia to your list.