Over 8 million tourists visit Barcelona annually, and for good reason! Are you planning your trip to Barcelona? Then you’re in the right place, as I’m here to help you on your way to a well-organized trip to Barcelona. On this page, I’ll explain exactly what you need to prepare for a trip to Barcelona, so you can get the most out of your city break, and I’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Barcelona.
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What You Need for a Trip to Barcelona
For a city break or vacation in Barcelona, nowadays you need little more than a valid passport or identity card and a debit card. However, to make the most of your trip and not miss any highlights, it is advisable to prepare well. A good plan for a city trip to Barcelona is as follows:
- Book your flight tickets well in advance.
- Reserve a centrally located hotel or accommodation.
- Buy a travel guide or consult the internet for tips.
- Make an itinerary based on your preferences.
- Book tickets in advance for attractions, sights, and tours.
- Check that all travel documents are in order before departure.
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1. Flight Tickets to Barcelona
The fastest and easiest way to get to Barcelona is by plane, and you’ll need flight tickets for that. On average, you’ll pay between €100 and €150 for a round-trip flight to Barcelona.
Barcelona has three airports. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (or Barcelona Airport) is the closest to the city. The other two, Reus and Girona airports, are more than an hour away from Barcelona and are mainly used by budget airlines.
When booking flight tickets, it’s important to compare different airlines and flight routes and keep an eye out for deals. In this blog, I’ll tell you more about how to find the cheapest flight tickets.
Tip: A good way to find affordable flight tickets to Barcelona is to use travel search engines, which have all the airlines in their database and can quickly provide an overview of the cheapest tickets.
Of course, if you are in Europe you can also travel to Barcelona by car, bus, or train. It takes longer and isn’t always cheaper, but the journey through Europe can be an adventure in itself.
👉 Learn more about all the available travel options.
2. Accommodation in Barcelona
When visiting Barcelona, you have a wide choice of overnight accommodation. From affordable hostels and bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels and apartments, Barcelona has something for every budget.
It is highly recommended to book your accommodation before departure. This way, you are assured of a place to stay during your visit.
The prices of accommodations can depend on many factors, but expect to pay between €70 and €100 per night per room for a good hotel.
Regarding the best areas to stay, Barri Gòtic and El Born in the historic center are my top recommendations. These neighborhoods offer a charming environment with numerous attractions within walking distance.
If you’re looking for a more modern and practical location, consider the Eixample district. Known for its beautiful modernist architecture, it has excellent public transport connections and a wide range of shops and restaurants.
For beach lovers, La Barceloneta is an ideal choice due to its proximity to the beach and lively boulevards. Additionally, the Gràcia district is a great choice for those who want to stay among the locals, in a vibrant and inspiring neighborhood with cozy squares, car-free streets, and unique boutiques.
3. Transportation in Barcelona
It’s best to research in advance what kind of transportation you will use during your city trip in Barcelona to find the cheapest and most suitable option. As a tourist, you can use various tourist passes that allow you unlimited travel on public transport in Barcelona, comfortably sightsee from a hop-on-hop-off bus, or tour the city by bicyle.
If you plan to explore much of the city on your own and use public transport, you will inevitably come into contact with Barcelona’s public transportation system and all the different types of transport cards available.
The most popular transport card among tourists is the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which gives you unlimited access to all public transport in Barcelona for a certain period. But you can also just as well use the Barcelona Card or the T-Casual (the ten-ride card from the ticket machine).
👉 Read more about transportation in Barcelona.
4. Travel Planning for a Trip to Barcelona
Good preparation is half the battle, especially if you want to see a lot of Barcelona in a short time. Therefore, make a plan of what you all want to see and do (as far as possible) and keep in mind your pace. For inspiration, you can use the itineraries and travel guides that I have on my website.
Additionally, before your trip, purchase tickets online for attractions and museums. This way, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters and ensure your entry!
Tip: If the Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, and Park Güell are on your to-do list, it is highly recommended to have booked tickets in advance. It’s also advised to book bike rentals and tours well in advance to avoid disappointment.
👉 Read my Beginner’s Guide to Barcelona.
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5. Documentation for a Trip To Barcelona
When packing for your trip to Barcelona, there are a few essential items you don’t want to forget, such as your passport, bank cards and medications. Additionally, bring your ID card and medical insurance card (if applicable), and make copies of all important documents, including doctors’ prescriptions for your medicines, so you have backups in case you lose the originals.
If you’re planning to rent a car in Barcelona, you’ll also need to bring your international driver’s license.
Travelers requiring a visa should ensure they have it with them for their trip.
Video: Dos and Don’ts in Barcelona
Finally, to make your trip as smooth as possible, I suggest you watch my YouTube video about the most common mistakes tourists make in Barcelona and how to avoid them. This way, you’ll be able to experience the city in a safe and authentic manner, blend in with the locals, and not have to worry about pickpockets!
Frequently Asked Questions
For a basic understanding and to see Barcelona’s main attractions, a stay of 3 to 4 days is usually recommended. This gives you enough time to visit iconic sights like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, La Rambla, and the historic Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). Additionally, you can reserve a day or two for relaxation at the beach, since Barcelona is a coastal city.
If you plan to explore more of the surrounding area, like the neighboring towns and villages in Catalonia, and delve deeper into the culture and gastronomy, consider staying for 5 to 7 days or even longer.
Barcelona is a popular destination year-round. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant seasons with mild weather and fewer crowds. The summer months (June to August) attract many tourists due to the warm weather, but it can be very crowded. The winter months are quieter but can be cooler.
Residents of most European countries do not need a visa for a short stay in Spain (less than 90 days). However, always check the latest visa requirements, especially if you come from a country outside the European Union.
Barcelona is generally very card-friendly, and you can use debit or credit cards at most stores, restaurants, and hotels. However, it’s still useful to have some cash on hand for small expenses and emergencies.
Overall, Barcelona is considered a safe city for tourists. However, as in any large city, you should remain vigilant for pickpockets, especially in busy tourist areas.
My advice is to stay centrally in Barcelona to be as close as possible to all the attractions. The Gothic Quarter and El Born are ideal if you want to stay in the old center, La Barceloneta (near the beach) if you’re coming in the summer, and for those who want to experience the city feel, the Eixample district has everything you need.
Some of the most popular attractions include the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, the Picasso Museum, and Barceloneta Beach. All football fans also visit Camp Nou, the stadium of FC Barcelona.
Definitely for the Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell, I recommend buying tickets online. This way, you avoid long queues and don’t waste time. If you travel during holidays or peak season, it is highly advisable to purchase all your tickets online in advance. The ticket counters can get quite busy, and you certainly want to avoid this during your vacation! Also, all walking and bike tours should be booked well in advance to ensure a spot on your desired day.
In my opinion, the metro is the simplest, fastest, and most efficient means of transportation to get around Barcelona. But if you’re in Barcelona for a very short time and want to see a lot, the hop-on-hop-off buses also offer excellent service!
Barcelona’s airport, El Prat, is well connected to the city center. You can take the Aerobús shuttle buses, metro, train, bus, or a taxi to get to the center. The Aerobús is often the most convenient option and takes you quickly to various central stops.
For tourists from the US or the UK, Barcelona is not an expensive city: due to low airfare, very affordable public transport, a variety of hostels and budget hotels to choose from, and affordable dining options, Barcelona is a very budget-friendly city to visit. For example, for a coffee and a croissant, you are often ready for less than €2.
As with any city trip, good walking shoes are a must when traveling to Barcelona. Additionally, you should consider the season and the weather forecast when packing your suitcase. For example, good sunscreen, sunglasses, summer clothing, and open shoes are indispensable during the summer. In spring and autumn, you need a transitional jacket and a small umbrella in case it rains. Winters in Barcelona are fairly mild compared, but a winter coat, a scarf, and gloves are often not superfluous.
