Home Travel advice on visiting Barcelona Barcelona Travelers Questions and Our Top Answers and Advice

Barcelona Travelers Questions and Our Top Answers and Advice

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Barcelona travel tips

Our selection of the most asked questions about visiting Barcelona. Find out if Barcelona is safe, how to book tickets for attractions and if the anti-tourist movement going to affect your trip?

If you are planning a trip to the Catalan capital, Barcelona, like most travelers, doing some research is an essential and fun way to plan your trip. I have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about Barcelona that visitors to the city commonly ask. Based on my experience as a Barcelona travel guide, here are my top 10 travel tips for visiting Barcelona.

Is Barcelona safe for tourists?

Spain is generally a safe country to travel to. However, some larger cities in Spain can be problematic in certain areas. Barcelona is no expensive. Most visitors to Barcelona have a trouble-free time visiting all the great sights and attractions. The most common crime is pickpocketing. This can be avoided by taking steps to keep your personal belongings out of sight from potential pickpockets. Furthermore, keep an eye on your luggage or bags when using the metro or public transport. Avoid interaction with people that approach you for no reason, as they may be trying a diversion tactic.

Nighttime is when more serious problems may occur. I recommend keeping to well lit, busy streets and avoiding taking shortcuts through quieter areas. If you plan to enjoy the bars and clubs, it is worth the expense in considering getting a taxi back to your hotel entrance. Overall, Barcelona may be slightly more problematic than the average European city for petty crime, but if you keep your wits about you, you should have a safe and enjoyable time.

Which is the best way to get from the airport to the city centre?

Undoubtedly, the Aerobus is the easiest way to get from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Barcelona city centre. The aerobus leaves the airport every few minutes. It is fast, air-conditioned, has Wi-Fi and you can view the city as you travel along the route. If you can afford to do so, you can take a taxi or book a private car would be the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the centre of Barcelona. If you decide to arrive by train, you can find out how to get from Barcelona train station to the city centre by viewing this article.

Which is the best area to stay in Barcelona?

Selecting a particular area to stay in Barcelona may depend on your personal itinerary. If you are staying in Barcelona to visit the unique modernist architecture, then Eixample would be a good choice. If you intend to spend some time on the beach, choose Barceloneta or El Born districts. My personal choice for the typical visitor to Barcelona would be La Rambla or the Gothic Quarter. These two areas make up the main centre of Barcelona, where you can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of good bars and restaurants.

When choosing accommodation in Barcelona, it may be a good idea to choose a hotel that is easy to get to when arriving in the city. So, if you are arriving by Aerobus, a hotel a few minutes walk from Plaza Catalyuña would be an ideal choice. Most of the hotels around La Rambla and Gothic Quarter districts shouldn’t be more than 10 minutes from Plaza Catalayuña. Another tip is to book a hotel close to a metro station. You will find that you will be using the metro a lot to explore this remarkable city.

Barcelona Best Hotel Deals (click on one to view)

HotelStarsDiscountPrice before and discount
Ayre Hotel Gran Vía★★★★-39%206 125
Novotel Barcelona City★★★★-30%201 141
Barcelona Princess★★★★-48%180 93
Olivia Plaza Hotel★★★★-50%295 147
Olivia Balmes Hotel★★★★-49%275 141

Should we book our tickets for Barcelona’s attractions in advance?

I would say yes, it makes perfect sense to book tickets for attractions, museums, and shows in advance. Attractions such as the Sagrada Família can be sold out. Some temporary art exhibitions may have limited tickets. Furthermore, all the attractions must adhere to Spanish laws and not exceed their total capacity of visitors. If you would rather not be disappointed, book your tickets before arriving in Barcelona.

We recommend Tiquets for booking your attractions. They offer standard entrances and some exclusive tickets that include special tours, combo offers, fast-track / skip the line and much more. You can visit their Barcelona ticket attractions website here. We do earn a minimal commission from ticket sales. This commission is put back in to the running of this website and the purchase of much-needed coffee!

What are the must-visit attractions in Barcelona?

Whatever you do, don’t visit Barcelona without visiting the Sagrada Família. Simply breathtaking inside and out, and the masterpiece of Gaudi. Park Güell is another Gaudi attraction that should be on the top of your list, as should Gaudi’s La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. La Rambla, La Boqueria market and the Gothic Quarter, all within one area, should also be visited. Ciutadella Park is a historic park ideal to escape the busy city and relax. If you’re travelling in summer, then Barceloneta Beach mixes the city break with a beach holiday.

If you are travelling with kids, Barcelona has some great family attractions for all to enjoy. The port cable car offers a thrilling ride and great views of the city. Barcelona Zoo is another great attraction to visit. The CosmoCaixa science museum is an interactive wonderland that will keep kids busy for hours. The Barcelona aquarium is also another popular family attraction. To view more things to do in Barcelona, please explore this website. We have every attraction covered in detail!

What is the best time of the year to visit Barcelona?

Summer is busy, warm nights and generally a fun vibe to the city. A great time to visit Barcelona if you enjoy visiting the city’s Barceloneta beach. The downside is during summer, walking around the city could become too hot and uncomfortable for most visitors. Spring and autumn are great for walking around the city and visiting the attractions. If you are arriving from Northern Europe, you may still find sitting on terraces in the evening warm enough to enjoy a drink. The winter months are the cheapest time to visit, nights can get a bit too cold for enjoying a drink on the terraces. Winter days are mostly sunny and pleasant. Christmas and new year offer some traditional events to enjoy.

It is warm enough all year to visit Park Güell

Is there a travel card to get around the city?

Barcelona has an endless number of attractions and museums to visit. The problem is they are dotted all over the city. It makes perfect sense to use public transport to move around Barcelona to visit the city’s unique attractions. Luckily for tourists, Barcelona has an unlimited travel pass for metro, buses, trains, and trams. You can easily select the number of days for each travel card. This public transport card is called the Hola Barcelona and you can get it from this link

Is the Barcelona anti-tourist movement a concern for visitors to the city?

Spain has had some protests about tourists using accommodation meant for locals. This has increased the rental costs quite dramatically for residents in Barcelona and other Spanish destinations. Most demonstrations pass peacefully, there have been some minimal intimidation of tourists but until now, no serious incidents. My advice is to take note of any planned demonstrations and avoid those areas. Spain is a very welcoming country and most people are used to tourists and have no issues with them. You can read our full article about the Barcelona anti-tourists protests here.

Which are the best local fiestas and cultural events in Barcelona?

Barcelona, like most towns and cities in Spain, has some unique local fiestas and cultural events. These can vary from fun events to more traditional religious ceremonies. The one that is the most fun is La Mercè, and I recommend aligning your trip to Barcelona with this lively and famous fiesta. During the year there are also some more traditional fiestas offering an insight into Catalan traditions and culture. Below is my personal pick of the best local fiestas and cultural events that take place in Barcelona each year.

Barcelona’s fiestas and cultural events worth attending:
  1. La Mercè Festival
    Held every September, La Mercè is Barcelona’s largest street festival, celebrating the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. The festival features a wide range of activities, including parades, fireworks, concerts, and the famous “castells” (human towers). The streets come alive with music, dance, and traditional Catalan performances, making it a must-see event for any visitor. If you wish to experience a fun and lively local fiesta, coincide your trip with La Mercè, you will have a great time!
  2. Sant Jordi’s Day
    On April 23rd, Barcelona celebrates Sant Jordi’s Day, also known as the Day of the Book and the Rose. This romantic and cultural festival is akin to Valentine’s Day, where men give roses to women, and women give books to men. The streets, especially La Rambla, are filled with bookstalls and flower vendors, creating a festive and literary atmosphere.
  3. Carnival
    Barcelona’s Carnival, known as “Carnestoltes,” is a vibrant and colorful celebration that takes place in February. The festival includes parades, masquerade balls, and street parties, with participants donning elaborate costumes and masks. The highlight is the “Gran Rua de Carneval,” a grand parade featuring floats, dancers, and musicians. A good time to book a cheap break during the winter months, and the kids will love the carnival.
  4. Festa Major de Gràcia
    Every August, the Gràcia neighborhood hosts its own week-long festival, the Festa Major de Gràcia. The streets are decorated with elaborate and creative themes, and there are numerous activities, including live music, dance performances, and traditional Catalan games. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the local community spirit and creativity.
  5. Primavera Sound Festival / Sonar
    For music lovers, the Primavera Sound Festival is a must-attend event. Held in late May or early June, this internationally renowned music festival features a diverse lineup of artists from various genres. The festival takes place at Parc del Fòrum and attracts music enthusiasts from all over the world. Like wise, Sonar is another world-famous electronic music event that take place in two locations around mid June each year.
  6. Festa de Sant Medir
    Known as the “Sweetest Festival,” the Festa de Sant Medir takes place in March in the Gràcia neighborhood. The highlight of the festival is the parade, where participants on horseback and in carriages throw candies to the crowd. It’s a delightful event for families and anyone with a sweet tooth. A more relaxed and intimate event, that shows you an example of Catalan traditions.
  7. Epiphany (Three Kings’ Day)
    On January 5th, Barcelona celebrates Epiphany with the “Cavalcada de Reis” parade. The Three Kings arrive by boat at Port Vell and then parade through the city, distributing sweets and gifts to children. The event is a magical experience, especially for families with young children. Christmas and new year are a fun and lively time to visit Barcelona, with some reasonable prices for accommodation.

We will keep this page active and during the upcoming months, continue to add more Barcelona travel tips and questions. You can find out more about Barcelona and its attractions by browsing through this website. We have everything you need to know about Barcelona in one place.

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