Barcelona

A Mediterranean gem

A city that has everything, old and new, relaxing and exciting.

It doesn’t matter if you want to have a cool day at the beach, do some major shopping, emerge yourself in culture, music or art or party at a night club.

The second largest city in Spain has it all.

They say that people in Barcelona are most proud of three things; Messi, Gaudi and the football team.

But the Catalonian capital have much more upp it’s sleeve. If you visit Barcelona I recommend that you spend at least four days and even then you will only scratch the surface of what this place have to offer.

What to see and do in Barcelona

Crucifix in Sagrada Familia

  • Sagrada Familia - Gaudis masterpiece is a must visit. This place is just spectacular, and even that word doesn’t do it justice. Bare in mind that they are still building on it and have done so for 150 years but rumers say that it’s going to be finished in a decade or so if they can get the founds to complete it. It is, strangely enough, privately owned and they need the money from tourists visiting the building to finish it. In the summer the lines could be very long so book your tickets before.

  • Park Güell - Another one of Gaudi’s creations. This is like walking in to a fairy tail

Sagrada Familia

  • Casa Batillo - Yup, more Gaudi. This UNESCO Heritage house have no straight lines, everything is bent and curvy. It really stands out from the crowd.

Casa Batillo

Monserrat monastery

  • Day trip to Monserrat - Visit the monastery of Monserrat. located on a mountain side in a beautiful landscape about 50km from Barcelona. There are two ways to go up to the monastery, either by train or with a cable car. I don’t regret I took this day trip.

Other places of interest

  • La Boqueria - Market on the (in)famous street Las Ramblas. Well worth a visit grab a bite, a glass of cava or a coffee.

  • Gothic Quarter - Stroll in El Born/Gothic Quarter where Spanish, Arabic and Roman culture meet. Visit all the tapas bars and coffee shops in the area or take a food tour.

  • Montjuïc - Take the cable car to Montjuïc and be amazed by the view. And while you are there you can explore the castle, admire the magic fountain and visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

  • Take a food tour - Spain and food. make sense right?

  • Picasso Museum - Discover some of Picassos masterpieces and the artist’s relationship with Barcelona. And there are over 4000 artworks to explore.

  • Cathedral of Barcelona - This 14th century church is a marvellous example of gothic architecture. If you go, don’t forget to climb the stairs to the roof for a stunning view.

Do’s and don’ts of Athens

Even though the Czech capital is a safe city there are somethings to avoid or be careful about.

  • Be aware of pickpockets - I say it again, Be aware of pickpockets!! I have heard that Barcelona is the world capital of pickpockets. Keep your belonging close especially in the metro and on La Rambla.

  • Don’t expect that everyone speaks English - I encountered many places, even in the city center, where they didn't knew one word in English.

  • Credit card - Most places accepts credit card, but not all and sometimes not for a small bill.

  • Avoid La Rambla - After dark. It’s like asking to be scammed. Don’t eat on this street either, walk a block away and it will be much nicer and more affordable.

  • Wait in line - Spanish people, like us swedes, takes queuing very seriously.

Language

The speak two languages in Barcelona, Spanish and Catalan. They might sound similar to each other but are quite different. Not everyone speaks English, in restaurants and shops they will still try to help you with sign language and gestures.

It is close to mandatory to learn som basic phrases before you go. Not only is it appreciated, it’s border line expected.

  • Hello - Hola

  • How are you? - Cómo estás

  • Thank you - Gracias

  • Cheers - Salud

How to get to Barcelona

By boat, train or plane.

Multiple countries have a direct flight to Athens. If you are coming from outside of Europe maybe you will have to change flight somewhere.

Book your flight here:

If you need to rent a car I highly recommend Rentalcars.com to get the best deal.

Where to stay in Barcelona

It doesn’t matter so much where you stay in this city as long as you have walking distance to the metro. Barcelona is big and places you might want to see could be far from each other but the public transport will take you there.

I would avoid staying close to La Rambla because it could be noisy.

There are plenty of accommodations you can choose, from hostels for 20€ to luxury hotels.

I usually book my hotels via Agoda or Booking and I often compare the sites to get the best deal and to read reviews.

 

Public transport in Athens

You will need it. At least you will need the metro. It’s easy and you can go to most places with it. I like to walk but I took the metro to the area I wanted to explore and walked from there. Just be sure of your belongings when taking the subway. Sometimes a bus is necessary to take you to your destination.

  1. Take the metro. It is very easy.

  2. Take the bus.

  3. Taxi. There are some illegal taxis in the city. Barcelona taxis are always black and yellow and run with a meter.

If you want to go from the airport to the city center there are three options to choose from

  • Train - There is a train station at terminal T2 and no need to book in advance. Buy a ticket in the machine and go to the city center. I took the train on my last visit to Placa de Catalonia and then an eight minute taxi ride from there to my hotel.

  • Aerobus - Goes every 10th minute during the day and takes 35min to Placa de Catalonia. Buy ticket in the machine at the terminal or on the bus.

  • Taxi - A little more expensive but not as bad as in other major cities. Be aware that it could be traffic jam during rush hour.

What to eat in Barcelona

Where should I start?

Spanish food is delicious and I urge you to try all that you can find.

Some of the most iconic things would be

  • Tapas - This is, as you probably know, not a dish. It is several and the varieties are endless. These small dishes are meant to be shared, order a few and get a taste of everything. I usually ask the waiter to surprise me and give me three tapas and I am rarely disappointed.

  • Paella - Rice, vegetables, meat and saffron prepared in a hot wok. Order seafood paella if you have the possibility.

  • Gazpacho - Delicious cold vegetable soup. Great as a starter in the summer.

  • Cheese and Ham - There are so many different kinds. A pit stop with a small platter of Spanish cheese and ham with a glass of cava will be one of your best memories of the city. Why not go to a market, like the Boqueria and try a few?

  • Crema Catalana - Similar to a crème brûlée but often feels lighter. A stunning dessert.

Tipping is not necessary in Barcelona but appreciated. 5-10% on top of your bill will be sufficient. If you pay with credit card it’s highly appreciated if you tip with cash.

Paella

Avoid the most “touristic” restaurants in Barcelona, especially around Sagrada Familia and La Rambla. Walk a block or two away and you will not be disappointed.

Drink? Cava, cava and cava.

The Catalonians like their cava, and so do I. They drink as a treat and to all kinds of food.

Cava

Tapas

Thank you for reading my travel blog about Barcelona.

I hope you found it interesting and helpful.

Use the form, under contact, if there is something that you think should be added to this site.

Cheers

Roger