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Quick guide of Barcelona

Barcelona, Photo by Linus Ekenstam

Know before you go: travel guide of Barcelona

Barcelona is an exciting and colorful city located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and world-class beaches, Barcelona is the perfect destination for travelers of all kinds.

Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, sampling delicious Catalan cuisine, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine, Barcelona is a great destination for all types of explorers. The city is home to a wealth of museums, galleries, and landmarks, including the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter.

Barcelona Cathedral 360 view

In addition to its cultural attractions, Barcelona is also renowned for its lively streets, activities, and nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. And when it’s time to relax, the city’s golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters provide the perfect escape.

So why wait? Start planning your trip to Barcelona today and experience all that this incredible city has to offer!

10 facts about Barcelona

  1. Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain.
  2. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Roman, Gothic, and Modernist architecture.
  3. The Sagrada Família, a famous basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí, is one of the most visited landmarks in Spain.
  4. Barcelona is home to a number of world-class museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Museum of Catalan Art.
  5. The city is known for its lively nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
  6. Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
  7. The city is home to several beaches, including Barceloneta Beach and Nova Mar Bella Beach.
  8. Catalan, a language spoken in Barcelona, is distinct from Spanish and has its own unique vocabulary and grammar.
  9. Barcelona has a thriving food scene, with a wide range of local specialties such as paella, tapas, and sangria.
  10. The city is home to a number of sporting events and teams, including FC Barcelona, one of the most successful football clubs in the world.

Bucket list of Barcelona

Check out what are the must-see sights and places, as well as things to-do in Barcelona in our quick bucket list of Barcelona. 

Best season for visiting Barcelona

If you want to experience the city’s beaches and warm Mediterranean weather, the summer months of June, July, and August are the best time to visit. These months also tend to be the busiest and most crowded, with higher hotel prices.

If you want to avoid the crowds and high prices, spring and fall can be good times to visit Barcelona. The weather is still pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from the low 60s to mid 70s Fahrenheit (around 20-25°C).

Winter can also be a good time to visit Barcelona, although temperatures are cooler, with average highs in the mid 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit (around 12-20°C). However, this is also the low season for tourism, so you may be able to find better deals on accommodations and flights.

TOP 10 must-see sights in Barcelona

  1. Sagrada Família: This iconic basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited landmarks in Spain.
  2. Park Güell: This whimsical park was also designed by Antoni Gaudí and features colorful mosaics, sculptures, and breathtaking views of the city.
  3. Gothic Quarter: This historic neighborhood is home to a number of Gothic landmarks, including the Barcelona Cathedral and the Palau de la Música Catalana.
  4. La Rambla: This bustling street is a must-see for any visitor to Barcelona, with street performers, markets, and a wide range of shops and restaurants.
  5. Picasso Museum: This museum houses a large collection of works by the famous artist Pablo Picasso, including some of his early paintings and drawings.
  6. Montjuïc Castle: This castle, located on a hill overlooking the city, offers panoramic views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.
  7. Barcelona Beach: The city’s sandy beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and other water sports.
  8. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: This museum features a wide range of Catalan and Spanish art, including works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.
  9. Palau de la Música Catalana: This concert hall, designed in the Modernist style, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to a number of classical music performances.
  10. FC Barcelona Stadium: Home to one of the most successful football clubs in the world, the Camp Nou stadium is a must-see for sports fans.

What to eat in Barcelona?

  1. Paella: This traditional Spanish dish is made with rice, vegetables, and seafood or chicken. It is often served in large portions and is a popular choice for sharing.
  2. Tapas: These small appetizers, usually served with a drink, are a staple of Spanish cuisine and can be found in many bars and restaurants in Barcelona.
  3. Patatas bravas: Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce, these are a popular tapas choice.
  4. Tortilla española: A Spanish omelette made with potatoes and onions, this dish is often served as a tapa or as a main course.
  5. Gazpacho: This cold soup, made with tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, is a refreshing choice for a hot day.
  6. Churros: These fried pastries, often served with a cup of hot chocolate, are a popular dessert or snack.
  7. Croquetas: Small balls of fried dough filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ham, chicken, or seafood.
  8. Empanadas: These baked or fried pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, or cheese.
  9. Calçots: These grilled green onions, often served with a tomato-based dipping sauce, are a popular choice in the Catalan region.
  10. Sangria: This popular Spanish drink is made with red wine, fruit, and a variety of spices. It is often served at celebrations and can be found in many bars and restaurants in Barcelona.

5 Best beaches in Barcelona

  • Barceloneta Beach: Located in the center of the city, this popular beach is known for its lively atmosphere and wide range of restaurants and bars. It is a good choice for those who want to be close to the city’s attractions.
  • Mar Bella Beach: This beach, located in the Sant Martí neighborhood, is known for its wide range of water sports, including windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is a good choice for those who are looking for a more active beach experience.
  • Nova Mar Bella Beach: This beach, located in the northwest of the city, is known for its crystal clear waters and wide stretch of golden sand. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
  • Sant Sebastià Beach: Located in the Barceloneta neighborhood, this beach is known for its fine sand and calm waters. It is a good choice for families with young children.
  • Bogatell Beach: This beach, located in the Poblenou neighborhood, is known for its wide range of amenities, including showers, toilets, and rental services. It is a popular choice for those who want a more organized beach experience.

5 Restaurants you might try in Barcelona

  • Can Majó: This seafood restaurant, located in the Barceloneta neighborhood, is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional Catalan dishes.
  • Cal Pep: This popular tapas bar, located in the Born neighborhood, is known for its tasty, creative dishes and lively atmosphere.
  • 7 Portes: This historic restaurant, located in the Barceloneta neighborhood, is known for its traditional Catalan cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
  • Cinc Sentits: This Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the Eixample neighborhood, is known for its innovative, high-quality dishes and excellent service.
  • El Quim de la Boqueria: This popular tapas bar, located in the La Boqueria market, is known for its fresh, tasty dishes and lively atmosphere.

Ways to get to Barcelona

There are a number of ways to get to the city, whether you’re coming from within Spain or from another country.

If you’re traveling by plane, Barcelona has its own international airport, Barcelona-El Prat Airport, which is located just outside the city. Many major airlines like Vueling, Easyjet, Wizz air, Alitalia and others, offer flights to Barcelona from destinations around the world. If you’re looking for the best deals on flights, consider using Euro Directions’ smart flight search service. This platform allows you to compare prices from multiple airlines and find the cheapest flights to Barcelona. Euro Directions also offers a cheap flight calendar that shows the lowest prices for flights to Barcelona on different dates, so you can choose the best time to travel.

Flights to Barcelona

If you’re coming from within Spain, you can also get to Barcelona by train or bus. The city has its own main train station, Barcelona Sants, which is well connected to other cities in Spain and Europe. There are also several bus companies that operate routes to and from Barcelona.

Once you arrive in the city, there are a number of ways to get around. The city has an extensive public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and trams. You can also take a taxi or rent a car if you prefer.

Hotels in Barcelona

Here are a few hotel ideas in Barcelona selected from popular options from hotel search services

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Van Flyer
the authorVan Flyer
Contributor at Eurodirections.com
Van is a contributor to Eurodirections.com travel magazine. He is passionate about technologies, travel and blogging.

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