Barcelona is home to millions of tourists every year, and it’s maybe one of the nicest cities to visit while in Spain. In order to make the most out of your visit, it’s always a very good idea to check out some Barcelona travel tips and learn more about the city. With that in mind, here’s what you should consider!
What’s the best time to visit Barcelona?
May to June tends to be the best time to visit Barcelona, mainly because the weather is great, and you can avoid the extreme heat or the locals going on vacation. September to October are also good months for visiting Barcelona, mainly because accommodation is cheaper and you can find great deals on almost everything.
Pick the right neighborhood for accommodation!
A good idea is to stick with the well-known neighborhoods. These include Gracia, Eixample, El Born, or the Gothic Quarter. These are safer, less noisy, and overall, they will provide you with a much better experience as a whole.
Make the most out of the city’s public transport system
Get a T-casual card, it gives you 10 rides with the tram, bus, or metro, and you’re saving money. You have many affordable options to consider here, such as renting a bike. Taxis are expensive for short trips, so ride sharing or biking is preferred.
Avoid tourist traps
Like any large city, Barcelona has its tourist traps, especially on La Rambla. Shopping or eating here tends to be on the expensive side. That’s why it can be a great idea to check El Born or El Raval, if you want to find some great boutiques, cafes, or tapas bars. Speaking of that, it’s a good idea to avoid pickpocketing, which is common near crowded attractions, beaches, or metro stations, along with Las Ramblas.
Pick the right places to eat
Ideally, you want to eat like a local, as those tend to be the more affordable options. For the most part, locals will have a light pastry and coffee in the morning, up to 10 AM. Then, they have lunch between 1.30 and 3.30 PM. Dinner is usually around 8.30 to 10.30 PM. Going for a daily menu will save some money, too!
Always book tickets to major attractions in advance
The reason behind that is that you’ll find it hard to acquire a ticket on the day of your visit. Most places like Camp Nou, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, or Sagrada Familia have long lines when you want to buy a ticket. Booking online is the best approach, and you can also find various deals to boot.
Visit the local beach
Barceloneta is very famous, but the downside is that it’s also the most crowded. Usually, if you want a quieter and cleaner beach, you have some options. Thees can be Ocata Beach, Mar Bella or Bogatell.
Try to dress like a local
Dressing like a local is great because it helps you stay away from pickpockets and thieves. It also makes it easier for you to blend in. Plus, it brings more comfort, especially since you’re going to walk a lot during the day anyway.
Other important things to consider:
- Many cities in Spain tend to have free tapas with drinks. That’s not the case in Barcelona; you have to pay for everything you’re ordering.
- Tap water is safe to drink here, since it’s tested often. Take a refillable bottle with you, as it will save some money.
- Enjoy some of the family-friendly and free activities. You can go to Park Ciutadella, Bunkers del Carmel, and some museums have free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
- Getting the city pass is a wonderful way to save money, as it comes with great perks. These include things like skipping the line, getting discounts on attractions and museums, or accessing free public transport.
These Barcelona travel tips are very helpful if you want to make the most out of your vacation. Planning and booking everything in advance can give you peace of mind and make this experience a lot more exciting. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about and enjoy Barcelona at your own pace!
