Category: Barcelona

Barcelona is widely known for its culture and charm, but it also has great food, with pintxos being a prime example. These foods are nurturing, and they are similar to tapas in some respects, yet they have their own identity and incredible taste. While they vary when it comes to ingredients, the focus is on being something you can enjoy along with a drink.

What kind of pintxo can you find in Barcelona?

Pintxos come from the Basque region, but they have become extremely popular in Barcelona as well. Many bars in Poble Sec, El Raval, or the Gothic Quarter are full of pintxo bars. And when it comes to the types of pintxos you can buy, these can be anything from cod with aioli, octopus with paprika on potato, Manchego cheese and Iberico ham, or anchovies with roaster pepper. It’s the type of food that goes well with a drink; it’s refreshing, but also very tasty.

What are the best pintxo bars in Barcelona?

Blai 9

You can find Blai 9 in Carrer de Blai, which many consider to be the central point of pintxo in Barcelona. They have many different types of pintxo, ranging from pulled pork with onions, mini burgers featuring wasabi mayo. Unlike other pintxo places, this one offers incredible works of art in the form of appealing, great food. And that’s what makes it such an excellent solution to consider

Sagardi

If you’re looking for authentic pintxo, then Sagardi from El Born can be a solid option to think about. They have salt cod with sauce, txistorra sausage with pepper, grilled octopus, and many others. You get a more upscale experience, and there are also other meals to complement your pintxos as well.

Txapela 

Txapela is right at the Placa de Catalunya, and it’s very tourist-friendly. On top of that, they have multiple pintxo options, ranging from chicken curry mini skewers to cod with alioli and brie with caramelized onions. Sure, it’s a bit larger when compared to other pintxo places. But it’s totally worth considering, especially if you want some great, high-quality pintxo.

Irati Taverna Basca

You’ll love Irati mainly because they focus on authentic pintxo and they bring an extensive menu. In fact, they have over 50 pintxo options every day. Some of the best choices are grilled veggies with some Romesco sauce or king prawn and avocado salad. But the food is only one of the highlights here. You also have a dark wood bar, a welcoming allure, and a stunning visual style. There’s definitely great value to be had here, especially if you want to experiment with all kinds of pintxo.

La Tasqueta de Blai

It’s very close to Blai 9, but this one offers a more traditional pintxo experience. However, they still have a large array of pintxo options, depending on what you want. Interestingly, they have both hot and cold pintxos. Some of the things to consider here include shrimp with avocado, tortilla on toast, or even jamon with goat cheese, among others.

Quimet and Quimet

Despite the fact that it’s tucked in a corner, this is one of the top spots for trying out tapas and pintxos. They have been around for over a century, and it’s a family-owned business. You’ll enjoy things like vermouth, wines, smoked salmon with honey and yogurt, anchovies with olive tapenade and tomatoes, canned mussels and pickled onions, etc.

Tips to consider if you want to enjoy pintxos:

• Most pintxo spots tend to be very busy between 8 and 10 PM. Going before or after that ensures you avoid any crowds, and that alone can be a game-changer.
• Variety is key whenever you want to try pintxo. It’s very tasty, and you can also find seasonal options.
• Generally, you get your pintxo from a bar, and then you go to the next one. Avoid overstaying, if possible.
• Enjoy some of the local wines and drinks, and ask for recommendations where possible.

Conclusion

It’s always exciting to try out some pintxos, because they are one of the most interesting foods in Barcelona. Whenever you visit this marvelous city, it makes a lot of sense to hop into some of the bars, as you can enjoy some extraordinary pintxos. As you saw, all of them try to provide variety, so you can easily hop from one bar to the next and test out their pintxos!

Barcelona is a very popular European destination, and it hosts over 11.7 million tourists every year. It’s clear that a ton of people want to visit the city, and there’s definitely no shortage of stuff to do or things to see. That does bring the question: Is Barcelona expensive or not? Here are the things you need to consider before going to Barcelona on vacation!

What’s the average accommodation cost in Barcelona?

It depends on what features and amenities you expect. A budget guest house or hotel will charge you around 25 to 50 EUR a night. Mid-range hotels will go up to 150 EUR a night for each room. Naturally, luxury hotels can go anywhere from 200 to 500 EUR or more in some cases.

One thing to note here is that during the peak season, Christmas time and May-August, these prices can increase quite a bit. If you want to cut some of the prices, try to book in advance and maybe choose to stay outside of the central part of the city.

You could also go the Airbnb or vacation rental route. An Airbnb in Barcelona is, on average, 90-150 EUR a night. If you want, you can go for a long-term rental; it could end up costing you around 700-1000 EUR a month.

Food costs

Barcelona is known for having a massive range of meals, and that’s great for someone who enjoys eating great food. With that in mind, food costs in Barcelona, especially at restaurants, are similar to prices in Madrid and Valencia or other larger cities in Europe. If you want to eat a meal at a restaurant, expect to pay anywhere from 20-40 EUR per person.

Fine dining will be around 100 EUR per person. However, you could go with tapas or Pintxos and daily menus, where you can eat well at around 10-15 EUR a person. If you want to shop locally, go to Carrefour, Lidl, or Mercadona, as here you can find premade foods or ingredients to cook on your own.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation, the bus/metro ticket is 2.55 EUR. The monthly pass for unlimited travel is 21.35 EUR, whereas a 10-ride ticket is 12.15 EUR. Taxis can also be an option, with the base fare being similar to a metro ticket, and the price per km is around 1.20 EUR.

Attractions

When you are wondering, “Is Barcelona expensive” or not, you have to take into account the various attractions as well. Some of them, like Casa Battlo, can have prices up to 40 EUR per person. Others, like Sagrada Familia, will cost 26 EUR a ticket or 28, in the case of Camp Nou Experience.

Despite that, there are still low-cost or free attractions. Go to the Gothic Quarter or the beach, check out Parc de la Ciutadella, or enjoy the free museum days, among many others.

Average cost of living

When compared to other large cities in Europe, the average cost of living in Barcelona is lower, at least in some cases. The average monthly costs, as we said, will usually be around 700 to 1000 EUR. Similar prices can be found in Berlin, for example. Madrid is slightly cheaper than Barcelona, at 650 to 800 EUR on average. But other cities like Paris or London can require 1000 to 1500 EUR.

Tips to help you save money in Barcelona

• It’s a very good idea to travel during the off-season, if possible.
• Always try to eat like a local; the daily menus, in particular, are a great money-saving option!
• Book tickets in advance; these can be great, and they will provide you with some discounts as well.
• It also comes in handy to take advantage of any free museum days, if you can.
• Avoid any currency exchange fees, which can be very high, especially in central parts of the city.

Exploring Barcelona can be a lot of fun, but remember that the city is a tad expensive, especially if you want to stay there for a week or more. With that in mind, there are still ways to save money there, if you’re on a budget. We encourage you to inform yourself about the latest prices and narrow down the best spots to accommodate and enjoy your time while in Barcelona!

When you plan on visiting Barcelona, a very good idea is to learn how to stay safe within the city. According to the latest data, staying safe in Barcelona is not very difficult, with the city having a moderate to low crime rate, depending on the neighborhood. While Barcelona is safe compared to major American cities, it does stand behind the national Spanish average. That’s why it’s a good idea to make staying safe in Barcelona a priority.

Protect yourself from pickpocketing!

Unfortunately, pickpocketing is still rather common in crowded spots and near major landmarks that are full of people. But there are ways to avoid that, from wearing a cross-body bag to never leaving your wallet or phone on the table. Also, stay away from distractions like masked performers and so on. If you choose to use the public transport system, it makes sense to stay away from the doors.

Avoid tourist scams

Most large cities in the world will have all kinds of tourist scams, and Barcelona is no different. Some of the common scams include:

• The rose seller, who will push flowers towards you and force you to take them, just to ask for money afterwards.
• The ketchup trick is also a scam. Someone will spill sauce or mustard on you, they will pretend to clean it up, and as they do that, someone else in cahoots with them will steal your valuables.
• You can also find the fake police officer scam. These are people pretending to be police officers; they will ask for your passport or wallet, and they will also try to check your belongings.
• There are petition scams, where people approach you to sign a petition, and in the meantime, someone else will try to steal from you.

Staying safe during the evening/night

Since Barcelona has a vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of people roaming its streets even at night. If you want to explore the city during the latter hours, stick to areas that are very well lit. Isolated streets and dark alleys are something you want to avoid. Also, avoid walking alone at all costs, if you can. Ride-sharing apps and registered taxis can prove to be an excellent option, so keep that in mind.

Beach safety

When you visit the beach, one of the best methods for staying safe in Barcelona is always to keep valuables close to you and not show them off. Bring only the stuff you need. And on top of that, getting a waterproof pouch or anti-theft beach bag should be a priority.

Know the emergency numbers!

You never know if there’s any issue or emergency that might arise. If any emergency appears, you want to dial 112, as it’s the general emergency number for the city. 092 will get you in touch with the local police, and 061 is the number you can use for any medical emergency. Barcelona also has tourist police stations in the El Prat Airport, Sants Train Station, or Plaça Catalunya.

Money safety

A good rule of thumb is not to carry a lot of cash with you. In case you want to use ATMs, it’s crucial to use those inside the banks, instead of those on the street. Cover your PIN if there’s someone near you. And of course, you want to avoid dynamic currency conversion, select local currency as it gives you better rates.

Other considerations

• We recommend respecting the local laws. That means you can’t drink alcohol in public spaces. Additionally, smoking in public parks, nudity outside of the beach, and public urinating are strictly prohibited.
• If you want to connect to public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN. It will protect you from digital scams and hackers.
• In case you got scammed or robbed, go to the police. Of course, if the passport was stolen, go to the consulate or embassy.

There are always challenges when it comes to visiting any city, since many of them have scams and thieves. That’s why it’s a good idea to check these tips for staying safe in Barcelona. You’ll know what scams to avoid and what potential challenges can arise while exploring the city. Prepare beforehand, and you’ll have a much better experience as you explore Barcelona, while avoiding any thieves! Looking for more tips on Barcelona? Check out our Barcelona travel tips post. 

The Gothic Quarter is the heart of Barcelona’s old city and one of the most famous attractions. Whether you are interested in the city’s architecture, you have a passion for history, or want to take some great pics, this is one of the best spots in Barcelona to do so. What’s interesting about the Gothic Quarter is that it dates back to a Roman settlement from 15 BC. In fact, you can still see some of the structures and Roman walls, at least what’s left of them. If you want to know what to see in the Gothic Quarter Barcelona, here are some ideas!

Go to the Barcelona Cathedral

The Barcelona Cathedral is one of the standout spots in the Gothic Quarter, for a very good reason. It has a large courtyard with 13 white geese, some amazing gargoyles, and a plethora of visual delights that will intrigue and impress you here.

Visit the Royal Square

Right near La Rambla, you can find the Plaça Reial. It’s the Royal Square that was built during the 19^th century. What makes it unique is the Neoclassic style, and it’s also become one of the top nightlife spots for the city. You can find a variety of outdoor cafés and live music, along with 2 Gaudi-made lamp posts as well.

Take pictures near the Roman walls and towers

As we mentioned earlier, the Gothic Quarter has multiple towers and walls; you can find these all over the place. Not only is it a great way to see the Roman origins of the city, but there are some incredible historical relics. You can find many of these walls, but also underground baths and roads inside the MUHBA. Also, check Plaça Nova.

Artisan boutiques

Another thing to note about the Gothic Quarter is the fact that it has many fashion-focused and handmade shops. Carrer Petritxol or Carrer del Pi are ideal if you want chocolateries, some craft stores, or art galleries. Additionally, there are Jewish-inspired crafts on El Call.

Explore the Gothic Quarter’s street art

One of the cool things to note about the Gothic Quarter is certainly its quirky street art. You have the iron street lamps, beautiful signage with cool decorations, but also the small tile mosaics. And not only that, we also have the poetry sculptures made by Joan Brossa.

Go to the Palau del Lloctinent

It’s attached to the Royal Palace Complex, and it hosts various historical documents, all of which are related to the Crown of Aragon. The fact that you have a large courtyard to visit for free and all kinds of historical documents to check out makes it a must-see whenever you are in the Gothic Quarter.

Enter Museu Frederic Mares

The cool thing about this museum is that it’s found in a former royal palace. It brims with the work of Frederic Mares, a well-known sculptor. It has a large courtyard that looks stunning, along with very small crowds. That makes it a wonderful spot to consider if you’re wondering what to see in the Gothic Quarter Barcelona.

Plaça Sant Jaume

Plaça Sant Jaume is an excellent spot within the city because it hosts the City Hall, but also the seat of the Catalan government. Aside from the political importance, these buildings also feature Renaissance and Gothic architecture. And on top of that, on Sundays, you can find traditional sardana dances taking place for multiple hours.

Bishop’s Street

The primary reason why you want to go to Bishop Street is its Neo-Gothic bridge, called the Pont del Bisbe. A lot of people love it because it looks stunning, and it’s an amazing place for taking pictures.

It’s clear that Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter has an amazing legacy, and it impresses you with its delightful style and stunning look. If you have even the slightest interest in history or enjoying a great time in Barcelona, it’s a great idea to check out this older side of the city. It’s great for couples, families, but also history buffs who want to see incredible relics, stunning architecture, and even access some of the city’s best restaurants or shopping locales!

What’s great about Barcelona is that, regardless of what you like, there’s always something magical and exciting about visiting this city. Barcelona is full of attractions, Its great history, wonderful food, and sun-heavy beaches make it a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. So, how do you know what to do in Barcelona? Here are some of the things you may want to check out!

Explore Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is one of the major highlights when it comes to visiting Barcelona. You’ll be amazed by the blend of Art Nouveau and Gothic styles, but also its sheer size and outstanding design. A great idea is to go to one of the towers, as it gives you a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Check out La Rambla

La Rambla is a promenade that has a plethora of street performers, but also shops, cafes, and many others. It helps connect Port Vell harbor to the Plaça de Catalunya. Whether you want to explore some of the many things here, enjoy some coffee, or buy flowers, there’s certainly a lot to enjoy.

Another thing you can do is to visit another Gaudí gem, Park Güell. The park is colorful, and it has all kinds of architectural delights from the one and only Gaudí. The terrace overlooking Barcelona is an obvious highlight, but you also have the serpentine bench or the mosaic lizard.

Admiring Casa Mila and Casa Batllo

These are 2 residential works, also made by Gaudí. They both offer interior tours, and you can learn more about their architecture, as well as their history.

Try out some of the Catalan cuisine!

Barcelona has great sights, but also some amazing food. Sampling some of the local dishes is always a delight, and there’s no shortage of options to consider here, either. Bread with tomato, roasted veggies, Fideua or the Catalan cream, all of these are well worth trying, and we highly recommend them.

Take the Montjuic Hill cable car

The cable car will take you to the Montjuic castle, an amazing fortress from the 17^th century. Here you also have a magic fountain and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. You can find the Joan Miro foundation here, too. It’s a great way to deepen your experience in Barcelona, and it’s certainly worth taking into account.

Go shopping in the local markets

Barcelona has a few local markets, and these are a delight to explore. You can try out Els Encants Vells, a great flea market, but also Mercat de Sant Antoni if you want clothing or food. There’s also Mercat de la Concepcio, for both produce and flowers.

Biking along Barcelona’s waterfront

If you have a great interest when it comes to the city’s waterfront, then rent a bike and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront of one of Barcelonas beaches. A great trajectory here is to go from Port Olympic to the Parc of the Ciutadella.

See if there’s any ongoing local festival

Barcelona is host to multiple festivals as well, which is quite delightful. The standouts are Sant Jordi (April 23), which is the local version of Valentine’s Day, or Sant Joan (June 23), which marks the beginning of summer with fireworks and bonfires. La Merce takes place in September and it’s the largest party of the year for Barcelona.

Enjoy visiting some of the many city’s rooftop bars!

Since Barcelona has some amazing views, you’ll find quite a lot of rooftop bars to check out. These are great for a romantic evening, sunset drinks, or to chill and unwind. If you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona, visiting these bars can be a solid option. Some of the best rooftop bars in Barcelona are Terraza de Vivi, Skybar at Grand Hotel Central, or Hotel 1898.

It’s always delightful to find a variety of different activities and things to enjoy in Barcelona. Whether you are interested in cool experiences, exploring the city’s architecture, or you want to immerse yourself in the local cuisine, rest assured that Barcelona has it all. There’s a reason why millions of people visit this city every year, because everyone can find something to enjoy here!