Barcelona travel tips: Insider guide for first-timers

Attracting visitors in the millions each year, Barcelona dominates the tourist charts and one trip to the city will show you why. Even though its roots remain deep in Catalonian heritage, Barcelona, over the centuries, has never shied away from adding new shades to its richly-hued culture. As a visitor, you will witness this in Gaudí’s marvellous creations that stud the city, in the lanes of the Gothic quarter, in the touristy vibes of Las Ramblas, and, even, in the fan frenzy that echoes from Camp Nou on a match day. This is why Barcelona is a tourist’s dream but navigating one of Europe’s cultural and economic powerhouses is no easy task. This is why this extensive list of tips and hacks is just what you need to ensure that Barcelonan dream holiday remains just that.

Barcelona essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to Barcelona. Make sure you pack the right travel adapters. Also, brush up your Spanish maybe!

Best time to visit Barcelona

April to July or September to November

Blessed with a breezy Mediterranean climate, Barcelona is a pleasure to visit most of the year. The best seasons to visit are Spring (between April and June) and Fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is cosy and is perfect for walking around and exploring the city.

Tourists flock to Barcelona during the summer (July and August) to work on their tan lines by the beach and to mark their attendance at the city’s hottest music festivals and cultural events. Summer however brings with it nearly unbearable humidity and the crowds are relentless. In winter, the days become shorter and the nights chilly, but you may be able to bag great deals on accommodation and won’t be overwhelmed by tourists everywhere you go.

Barcelona travel tips

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

1. Stack up your bookings well before you board your flight

Winging it is not an option when travelling to Barcelona that’s besieged by tourists pretty much all year round. Make sure you book your flights, stay and experiences way in advance. Tickets to local attractions like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell sell out quickly and last-minute deals are non-existent. We do not just recommend early bookings but also skip-the-line tickets and guided tours so that you aren’t wasting precious holiday time waiting in astonishingly long lines.

2. Catalonia comes first. Period.

When in Barcelona, remember, you are in proud Catalonian territory. The people here take pride in their regional identity so it won’t hurt to learn a few words in Catalan and also read up about their culture. When interacting with the locals, be sure to ask about their culture and traditions and at bars set aside the sangria and choose the cava.

3. Respect the locals

Like a lot of European cities, in the recent past, Barcelona too has become weary of its tourist boom. Campaigns demanding that “tourists go home” have unfolded in the city and locals are increasingly fed up with encountering loud, rowdy tourists everywhere they go. This is not to discourage you from going to Barcelona but to encourage model behaviour. It is important to behave well and respect local customs and sensibilities to ensure your Barcelona experience remains untainted.

4. Take a closer look at Barcelona’s cultural calendar

As one of Spain’s cultural centres, Barcelona flaunts a packed schedule of events, celebrations, music festivals and religious feasts. You may want to plan a holiday around one of them to soak in local culture. Notable events, include, Carnaval – Spain’s version of the Mardi Gras that takes place before Lent each year. The feast of Saint Jordi (April 23) will appeal to love birds visiting the city as it is Barcelona’s very own Valentine’s Day. Summers bring with them music festivals and concerts including the renowned Sonar festival. And September marks La Mercè – the feast of Barcelona’s patron saint – that is celebrated with great fervour and features over-the-top procession figurines, circus acts, theatre performances, and fire runs.

5. Public transport is king

Barcelona boasts a reliable and affordable public transport system that should be your go-to during your trip here. We highly recommend the city’s metro system since it is well-connected and easy on the pocket. If you are out partying on Fridays, the metro runs until 2am and on Saturdays there is service all night long – so you don’t have to worry about how to get home after your night of revelry.

6. Consider day trips

For those of you who have ample time in Barcelona (a week or more), explore nearby towns for immersive experiences of local cultures. High up in the mountains, Montserrat is a place of religious significance and you can spend a day here hiking and sampling local wine. At Penedes, you can sip on all the cava you want and some more while touring the country’s leading wine-producing regions. To soak up the sun, enjoy the beach life and take in Roman ruins – Sitges and Tarragona are ideal.

7. Museum buffs should get the Articket

A thriving museum scene awaits you in Barcelona and for those of you who simply need to see it all, we recommend you get an Articket that gets you into six of the city’s best museums. The ticket is valid for a year after a purchase and you end up making huge savings on your museum trips. With the Articket, you can gain easy access to the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (CCCB), Joan Miró Foundation, the Antoni Tàpies Foundation, and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA).

8. Your cell network might go missing in old neighbourhoods

The Gothic Quarter and surrounding historical neighbourhood are lined with narrow streets bookended by stone walls and buildings. Often, this means that your cell reception is disrupted so make sure you download your maps before you enter this part of the city.

9. Go beyond Barceloneta for beaches

Barceloneta is the busiest, tourist-driven sand and sea strip in all of Barcelona. It is overcrowded and overrun by hawkers looking to sell you everything from margaritas to massages. For a more relaxing and peaceful beach day, skip Barceloneta and make your way to beaches like San Sebastiá, Bogatell, Nova Icária, Sant Miquel, and Mar Bella.

10. Attend a concert at Palau de Musica Catalana

A historic site, Palau de la Musica is a must-visit for its incredibly well-decorated interiors and for its cultural significance. You can sign up for a tour of the hall or simply book a concert ticket to add a one-of-a-kind experience to your itinerary.

11. When you are in the Gothic Quarters, don’t skip El Born

Barcelona’s famed Gothic Quarters is one of its most-visited neighbourhoods because of its sheer historical beauty replete with centuries-old churches, stone walls adorned with intricate carvings, cobble-stone streets, and traditional restaurants that have been around for years. However, to soak in all the beauty of Barcelona’s heritage, we urge you to wander into the streets of nearby El Born whose buildings, parks and markets also make for stunning visuals.

12. Watch out for Barcelona’s dazzling display of street art

Art runs in Barcelona’s veins and its streets prove it! All around the city, street artists have left their mark on walls, lavishing them with colourful and powerful images. Keep your eye peeled in neighbourhoods like Sant Antoni, El Poble Sec, El Carmel, Vila de Gràcia and others to spot unique pieces of street art that make for excellent photos.

13. Arrive early at nightclubs

Truth be told, Barcelonians don’t head out to party until well after midnight. However, arriving late attracts steep entry fees that may tax your holiday budget. If you want to experience Barcelona’s exciting nightlife, we suggest, you arrive early and stay out late.

14. Dinner is served. But late.

Restaurants in Barcelona typically open only after 8 or 9 in the evening so if you like eating early or are travelling with your children, we recommend filling up on snacks or stopping by a traditional market to sample from their stalls before heading off to your grand meal.

15. Let your card rule the roost

Card payments are accepted widely in Barcelona – across restaurants, stores, and even smaller food stalls. Carry your card everywhere and withdraw as little cash as possible since pickpocketing is a common reality in the city.

16. Keep your belongings close

Being alert is a skill that will serve you well in Barcelona. Visitors routinely share pickpocketing experiences that ruined their trip and thieves are happy to get their hands on anything valuable - from cash to phones, credit cards and valuables. It is best to explore the city with a secure bag that holds all your possessions (including your phone when not in use) and to not let the bag out of your sight. Be especially careful in tourist-heavy areas and consider getting theft insurance before heading to Barcelona.

17. Grab a seat at a celebrated food and drink establishment

Barcelona’s culinary star shines bright on the global food scene and the city has a long list of restaurants and bars that have raked in fancy laurels. Michelin-star restaurants include those with a whopping three stars attached to their name, including, Lasarate, Disfrutar, Cocina Hermano Torres, and Àbac. On the bar scene, Paradiso has won the title of “Best Bar in the World.” If one of the main compulsions behind your travel is to eat well, then, research and book a table at a starry culinary establishment but be prepared to splurge.

18. Hang out where the greats did

At one point in history or the other, giants like Gaudí, Picasso, Dali and Hemingway have called Barcelona their home. And after all these years, you can still visit their favourite hangouts. The old-world Bar Marsella is where Dali and Hemingway have enjoyed a tipple or two while Els Quatre Gats counts Picasso, Gaudí, and Vidal as some of its famous patrons.

19. Visit the spots that serve up the best views

Don’t leave Barcelona before gazing upon the city from various viewpoints. For harbour views, the Columbus viewpoint showcases the seafront and also the historic districts. At the top of Tibidabo Mountain, the Sagrada Familia will soar in front of you while from Bunkers del Carmel, you’ll see the busy layout of the city surrounded by the seemingly endless sea. Finally, for sunsets, head to the Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña complex.

20. Enjoy a flamenco performance

Bursting with passion and a hallmark of Spanish culture, a trip to Barcelona cannot be complete without catching a flamenco show. There are several flamenco experiences that you can choose from around the city or you can even check with your local, neighbourhood bar, in Barcelona, if they are hosting performances when you are around.

Tips for saving money on transportation in Barcelona

• Walking around Barcelona is the best way to save precious money. The pleasant weather and good public infrastructure make Barcelona a good walking city.
• The Hola Barcelona Travel Card is tailor-made for tourists and offers unlimited travel across the city’s public transport system for two to five days. You can even make an extra saving by booking the card in advance and online.
• When travelling by public transport make sure you validate your ticket or you’ll end up paying a hefty fine.
• The metro is the easiest way to travel to and from the airport and is covered by the Hola Barcelona Card. If you don’t have the Card, a one-way trip from the airport will cost a little more than €5.
• If you are arriving in Barcelona or leaving the city late in the night or in the wee hours of the morning, then, the Aerobús service may make more sense as they are more frequent during odd hours. You’ll pay close to €7 for a one-way to the airport.
• Avoid taxis and app-based taxi services in Barcelona as they are high on costs and often unreliable.

Tips for saving money on food in Barcelona

• Skip the fancy breakfast spreads (unless they are complimentary) at hotels and try out the small shops and cafes around Barcelona that serve up hearty and affordable breakfast options that you can have on the go.
• During lunch, local restaurants usually offer a menú del día/ menu of the day that includes a main, a dessert and a drink for about 15 euros.
• Instead of flocking to the internet’s most recommended restaurants, walk around and find quieter, hidden gems run by the locals in smaller neighbourhoods. Barcelona is a fantastic food city and you’ll rarely go wrong here.
• Given Barcelona’s pleasant weather, don’t hesitate to pack picnics – made up of goodies you get from local markets - that you can savour outdoors.
• Like in many parts of Europe, restaurants, in Barcelona, rarely offer water for free. We recommend you bring your own bottles that you can purchase for nominal amounts from supermarkets.
• Buffet restaurants are common in Barcelona and they offer a wide range of options during lunch. They are largely concentrated around Sagrada Familia and you can easily find a few in the area.

More tips to save money in Barcelona

• Visit museums for free: Every first Sunday of the month, Barcelona’s museums open their doors to all and for free. This is a terrific opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region without spending a buck.
• Go beyond the centre: The prices for accommodation near the historic centre have been skyrocketing over the past few years. Book your stay further away, and you’ll get greater value for money. However, ensure that public transport is easily accessible so that you can comfortably travel around the city.
• Bargaining is ok: At outdoor markets and stalls, it is ok to haggle over prices and get better deals.
• Visit during off-season: Winters (between December and March) are when hotels scale back their rates and you have the opportunity to make great savings.