Your travel guide: Barcelona
If you’re lucky enough you might have some holidays coming up (and some euros in your wallet). Maybe the perfect time to head south, catch some sun and work on your command of a foreign language. For this first travel guide we’ve picked one of the most popular European destinations: Barcelona.
Instead of opting for the obvious touristy places, we’ve gone ahead and looked for our own locations where you’ll find a healthy mix of people, food and fun.
Your Flight to El Prat Airport
Barcelona airport is one of the biggest in Europe. Regardless of where you’re coming from, you should be able to find a cheap flight as Transavia, Ryanair and of course Vueling all connect to BCN.
A round trip Paris – Barcelona with Transavia will cost you 70 euros. If you have the strength to get out to Beauvais airport (Ryanair’s Paris hub) you’ll even be able to fly back and forth for a mere 40 euros.
Keep in mind that once you land there, the best thing to do is to get a cab into the city. This is quick – 30 minutes – but might cost you around the same price as the plane ticket: 35 euros! If you have the time, the next best option is the T1 bus into Barcelona center for around 6 euros (count minimum an hour travel).
Your Hotel in the Barrio
Travel websites (aka Tripadvisor) are packed with great offers for hotels in the center of the city. Aim for places in the Barrio Gotico or the adjacent well-liked Barceloneta area by the beach. If all you need is a bed and a shower, the Hotel Nuevo Triunfo (Cabannes 54) will sort you out for 30 euros a night, including wifi. Even cheaper is the Air BnB option, with rooms starting at 20 euros a night.
Your Catalonian Food Places
If you’re in the mood for tapas – and you should be – head for the Paseig de Gracia area. The good spots include the Cerveceria Catalana and Tapas 24. Be warned: no reservations are possible at these restaurants and its not uncommon to wait for up to an hour before being seated. However the locals eat late (after 1pm) so head there for 12.30 and you should be able to find yourself a table.
In the evening head for the Museu d’Història de Catalunya (Placa de Pau Villa). After embedding yourself with as much local culture as you can, head to the top floor of the museum. There, unbeknownst to some, is the 1881 Restaurant. While waiting for dinner, grab yourself a cocktail on the open terrace that overlooks the Barcelona harbor and appreciate the scenery.
Your Drinking Places in Barcelona
You wont struggle to find a bar or club in Barcelona. Careful where you go and who you meet however.
If you’re just looking for a couple pints at a good price, head to the Cituat Vella area and pop into the Ovella Negra Taverna. With the best prices in town and copious pitchers of San Miguel on sale, you’ll never go thirsty again.
On sunday nights, avoid the trashy nightclubs on the Paseig Maritim Barceloneta and instead walk down the beach all the way to the W Hotel (the big sail-shaped building). There you’ll find some decent electro on the hotel’s private beach deck. Get there early as the queue quickly fills up.
Your Barcelonian Must-Sees
If big touristy areas are not your thing, avoid the Ramblas and the beach side. Instead opt for a stroll around the quieter streets of the Barrio Gotico. The little streets and unique architecture will keep you strolling for hours.
Afterwards, grab a cab and get some altitude by going up to the Parc de Montjuic. From there you’ll be able to appreciate the Montjuic palace and Sagrada Familia from a distance, along with the famous 1992 Olympic swimming pool.
If you do feel like indulging in a bit classic touristy stuff, the famous Camp Nou stadium is also a marvel of sporting architecture. On non-match days the stadium is available for visits for a reasonable price. This includes a visit of the club museum, with its trophies and relics, along with a walk through of the stands, press area, pitch area and even team changing rooms.
Please feel free to share with us your best places in Barcelona
Enjoy your trip!