Barcelona Travel Guide
Located in Spain and the second largest city after Madrid, Barcelona is a picturesque city with a variety of offerings for all types of tourists. The beautiful sea shores and the mountains on one side are sure to delight you and this is why it remains a very popular tourist destination. Barcelona experiences a moderate climate all year round and you can visit it anytime of the year although winters can be considerably cold. Read below to get an overview that can help in planning your travel to Barcelona. The hottest season is limited to July and August but if you are coming from a tropical country then it may not be a worry for you since temperatures rarely cross 30 degrees.
Places to stay in Barcelona
The booming tourist industry in Barcelona has resulted in many hotels and resorts where you can relax during your stay in Barcelona. If you are a sea lover, then W Barcelona is located close to the beach and offers elite services. The Serras hotel is another picturesque location that deserves mention. Budget options include Room Mate Emma which is good for dining and for its nightlife. If you are looking for some quite peaceful location away from the noises of the main city area, then the Mercer hotel is a good option. Neatly tucked away in a corner street, it has both luxury and budget rooms. Hotel Nouvel is the best place to stay if you are planning to explore the city on foot as its location in the heart of the city will provide easy access to some of the best tourist spots in Barcelona.
Things to do in Barcelona
The city is famous for the architectural designs of Antoni Gaudi and you should start by visitng some of the best known locations. Sagrada Faimilia is a famed church and a World Heritage site while La Pedera and Park Guell are equally attractive tourist spots. The crypt of Colonia Guell is another popular tourist attraction that is worth a visit. Some more popular spots include Palau de la Musica, Casa Lleo and Cada de les Terrades. Barcelona is also known for its vibrant culture and music scene so why not try some live music concerts at the Razzmantazz and Gran Teatre del Liceu? The city also played host to the popular artist Picasso and if you have time, you could spend some time at the Museu Picasso that houses his works. Barcelona is also home to one of the largest museums in the world, the Fundacio Joan Miro which houses many paintings and sculptures and should be on your must do list. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is another gem of a place and houses native art collections. If you are an aspiring writer, then the Raval is a must visit spot. It hosted many popular writers and has developed as a popular tourist spot. Raval is also where the Biblio de Catalunya is located which is basically a library but worth a visit.
The Temple of Augustus is another destination that you cannot afford to miss if you are travelling to Barcelona. There are also many walking tours specially aimed at couples and families so ensure you check them out since they include nearly all possible tourist attractions. The beaches of Barcelona are world famous and deserve a visit. Mar Bella, Sant Sebastia and Bogatell are some of the well known beaches where you can spend some quality time without getting disturbed. Beaches are crowded during the entire year except winters but you can always find a secluded spot if you explore thoroughly.
If you are into nature, then a walk along the Montjuic mountain is the perfect outdoor activity that you should not miss. You can also visit the Palau Sant Jordi while you are there or try the Olympic Stadium that is located in the vicinity. While returning, Laribal gardens is a nice spot where you can rest and visit the nursery that is located there. There is a statue of Dante in the vicinity and deserves a visit.
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Dining
Barcelona has many delightful restaurants where you can indulge in mouth watering dishes. Most famous of course are the Basque Tapas served on a piece of bread. Euskal Etxea is a very good place to sample some Spanish food and you could try Pintxos or the Patatas Bravas. Some popular bars include Bar La Pepita and Bar Electrictat.
The best known dishes are made from sea food and the Rias de Galicia is the most popular restaurant where you can indulge in your favourite dishes. La Mar Salada and Cal Pep are other good spots for grabbing a quick bite.
Travel and Transportation
Since Barcelona doesn’t experience weather extremes, you can visit anytime of the year but the best months to consider are April and June and in winters, November is the best time to travel. It’s not too hot and since it’s off season, you are likely to get good discounts. Many low cost airlines such as Air Berlin and Blue Air have regular flights to Barcelona so do check in your options before you finalize plans as you may stumble upon a handsome deal. You can also come in by boat if you are coming from some port cities such as Rome. Within the city, the best modes of travel undoubtedly include the Aerobus and Train services. Taxis are also easily available in Barcelona but if you are on a strict budget, then purchasing a Barcelona Card is a good option. It offers travel on city transport and also has free entry for many popular tourist attractions. You can also rent bikes or cars if you plan to travel all by yourself. It’s a great way to explore the city and you will likely save money on travel.
Safety Tips
Pick pocketing is very common and you should take care of your belongings. Montjuic is secluded and therefore should be visited during daytime. Women travellers should avoid travelling alone.
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