A Complete Guide To Barcelona, Spain (2025)
Barcelona is the most visited and second largest city in Spain. The breathtaking views, culture, diverse architecture, exciting nightlife, and culinary delights make Barcelona a must on your next European adventure. After galavanting through the quintessential Spanish city, I have put together this complete guide to Barcelona, Spain. In this guide we will go over what to do in Barcelona, where to stay in Barcelona, Barcelona travel tips, the best time to visit Barcelona, and more! Read on to discover the best Barcelona has to offer.
This post is all about your complete guide to Barcelona, Spain.
This post may contain affiliate links - if you purchase a tour or hotel via Daisies Abroad we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
About Barcelona
Safety - Barcelona is a safe destination for tourists. It is, however, known for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams. If you look out for these things you will be fine. Barcelona can get rowdy at night in areas such as La Rambla and El Born, so just keep your wits about you if you are exploring these neighborhoods at night.
Currency - Spain uses the euro. You really don't need to get them if you are staying in Barcelona your whole trip as most shops and restaurants take cards.
Plugs - Spain uses type F plugs.
History - The first human settlement in Barcelona dates back to the Stone Age (so basically cavemen). Barcelona holds so much history, but some of the highlights include the Spanish Civil War, the Muslim invasion, and the international explosion.
Map Of Barcelona
Where To Stay In Barcelona
Luxury Barcelona Hotels
Hotel El Palace - Located in Barcelona's charming Eixample District, The Hotel El Palace is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. At Hotel El Palace you will find chic decor, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a bar, an in house restaurant, and more.
Sir Victor Hotel - The Sir Victor Hotel is another top notch hotel in Barcelona. Located in the Eixample District and within walking distance of the world renowned Basílica de la Sagrada Família, the Sir Victor Hotel offers everything you need for the perfect stay in Barcelona.
The Barcelona Edition - The Barcelona Edition is home to some of the best views in the city. Situated in the stunning Gothic Quarter, The Barcelona Edition is an excellent Barcelona Hotel. Enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, an in house restaurant, a bar, a gym, and more at the Barcelona Edition.
Middle Range Barcelona Hotels
Petit Palace Boqueria Garden - The Petit Palace Boqueria Garden was my favorite place I stayed in Barcelona. I found that this hotel is the best option is terms of what you get for the price. Located in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, The Petit Palace Boqueria Garden offers amazing breakfast, spacious rooms, a lovely courtyard area, and more.
NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderon - Located in the heart of Barcelona, The NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderon is the perfect option if you are looking for a middle range hotel. At the NH Collection you will find a pool, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and more.
Violeta Boutique - If you are looking for a unique stay you will love the Violeta Boutique Hotel. The Violeta Boutique is located in the Eixample District and is within walking distance of some of the best sights to see in Barcelona. At The Violeta Boutique you will find chic decor and spacious rooms.
Budget Barcelona Hotels
Flor Parks - Located in the Gothic Quarter, Flor Parks is a charming and budget friendly hotel that is perfect if you are looking to save some money. At Flor Parks you will find spacious rooms, an outdoor terrace, 24 hour reception, and more.
Hotel Turin Barcelona - Hotel Turin Barcelona is a clean and budget friendly hotel in the Gothic Quarter (right next to the famous Las Ramblas). At Hotel Turin you will find an outdoor terrace, a garden, 24 hour reception, and spacious rooms.
Acta Antibes - Located right next to the stunning Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Acta Antibes offers lovely budget friendly accommodations. At Acta Antibes you will find breakfast served daily, 24 hour reception, clean rooms, family sized rooms, and more.
Best Barcelona Hostel
Hostel Dragonfly - Hostel Dragonfly is one of the best hostels in Barcelona. I loved it because it was away from the business of Las Ramblas, but still in an area with plenty to see. The staff was very nice and helpful. The hostel itself is clean and spacious.
🛎️Read Next - Where To Stay In Barcelona, Spain
What To Do In Barcelona
Explore La Boqueria Market (Barcelona street food)
Located in the Gothic Quarter Boqueria Market is perfect for all things tapas. This lively market has been around since the 13th century as a meat market. At Boqueria Market you will find homemade tapas, iberian ham, fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, nuts, chocolate, fish, empanada, and so much more. Enjoy tasting all the best Barcelona has to offer at the thriving La Boqueria Market.
La Boqueria Market is open Monday - Saturday from 8:00 am - 8:30 pm.
Guell Palace (Gaudi architecture Barcelona)
You will see so much art from architect, Antoni Gaudí throughout Barcelona. The Guell Palace is the first of many. Build in 1886 Guell Palace was built for Eusebi Güell. The impressive mansion stands in the Gothic Quarter. Inside Guell Palace you will be met with a jaw dropping interior of brick walls and lavish decor.
The tickets when I want were only 3 euros. I just walked in and paid without booking online. You can book online here.
Stop By Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial is a quintessential european plaza. The grand fountain in the center, arches along the bottom, and the balconies lined up perfectly makes the Spanish plaza a must visit. There are a few restaurants around Plaça Reial - they are a bit overpriced, but worth it due to the ambiance. If you are a fellow photographer you will love this place (especially at sunset).
Swim At Barcelona's Beaches
Barcelona is located right on the Mediterranean Sea. You will find some lovely beaches right by the city. The most popular beach is definitely Barceloneta Beach. Barceloneta Beach is the easiest to access from Barcelona and is full of all the amenities you could need for the perfect beach day (showers, restaurants, shopping, ect.)
If you are looking for a less crowded beach checkout Nova Icaria Beach which is a short walks north of Barceloneta Beach.
If you have an extra day in Barcelona checkout Sitges or Costa Brava for a day trip by the beach.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is another one of Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces. In fact, Casa Batllo was his family house in Barcelona. Located in Barcelona's Eixample District, Casa Batllo is a hard to miss building. At Casa Batllo you will find unique details of color and shape throughout the property. The home is something I have never seen before and is truly a must visit.
It is a bit pricey to get into Casa Batllo. When I went it was around 35 euros each. It is worth it though. You can book your tickets online ahead of time or at the property. I recommend booking online because some time slots will book out. You can book your Casa Batllo tickets here.
Basílica de la Sagrada Família
You cannot visit Barcelona without seeing the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. The Basílica de la Sagrada Família is located in Barcelona's Eixample District and is easily one of the most impressive cathedrals in the the world. The construction of the Basílica started in 1880 and is still being built. Even through the church is technically unfinished it is still jaw dropping.
The gothic cathedral was designed by Antoni Gaudi, Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano, Jordi Bonet i Armengo, and more. To this day architects are still working on The Basílica de la Sagrada Família.
You must book your ticket ahead of time to be able to go inside The Basílica de la Sagrada Família. The tickets book out days in advance.
⭐Tickets To Basílica de la Sagrada Família
Park Guell
Park Guell is probably the most popular thing to do in Barcelona. Located in the Garcia Neighborhood, Park Guell is 19 acres and offers monuments, green spaces, The Gaudí House Museum, and more. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must visit.
Park Guell is open from 9:30 am - 7:30 pm. Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time because they will sell out (especially in the summer months).
Barcelona Tapas Tour
Spain is home to tapas. Tapas are small plates of food like appetizers. Going on a Tapas tour in Barcelona is a lovely way to see the city, try authentic spanish food, and meet other travelers. I did this one and loved it!
Arc de Triomf
View this post on Instagram
The Arc de Triomf is one of the most impressive structures in Barcelona. The Arc stands just beyond the Gothic Quarter in the stunning Ciutadella Park and offers the perfect backdrop for a photo. Built in 1888, The Arc is a great place to visit on a coffee break or to people watch.
Explore The Gothic Quarter
Barcelona's Gothic Quarter feels like a movie set. The winding streets and the way the Spanish sun reflects off the medieval buildings remind you why you travel. You could spend hours wandering through the Gothic Quarter. While in the Gothic Quarter be sure to pop into some unique shops, try authentic tapas, visit La Boqueria Market, see Plaça del Rei, visit Plaça Reial, and stop by Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya.
The best way to see the Gothic Quarter is by doing a walking tour.
Plaça del Rei
Tucked in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter you will find Plaça del Rei, a 14th century medieval square. This intriguing square only takes a few seconds to stop by, by it is absolutely worth visiting. If you are doing the Gothic Quarter Walking Tour you will be stopping by.
St. James Square
St. James Square is a gorgeous plaza in the Gothic Quarter that is made up of 15th century government buildings. Unfortunately you cannot go inside of the government buildings, but seeing them from the outside is totally worth it. You will likely walk by this square without planning to while exploring the Gothic Quarter as it is situated on C. dell Call, one of the most popular streets in the Gothic Quarter.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is easily the most popular street in Barcelona. Lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, street vendors, and more, Las Ramblas is the Times Square of Barcelona. You must take a stroll down this lively street, but avoid Las Ramblas after dark - it tends to get a bit dodgy at night. Also opt for dinner elsewhere, a lot of the restaurants on Las Ramblas are overpriced and not very good.
Walk Around Port Vell
Port Vell is Barcelona's stunning marina. Along Port Vell you will find mega yachts, cute resturants, cafes, shops, and more. I recommend grabbing dinner at one of the many restaurants at Port Vell. Eating dinner at sunset and overlooking a gorgeous harbor makes for the perfect evening. I loved the seafood at B-One.
Best Experiences In Barcelona
- Complete Gaudi Tour: Casa Batllo, Park Guell & Sagrada Familia - Seeing Gaudi's architecture and art works in non negotiable while in Barcelona. This Complete Gaudi Tour makes seeing all of the best so easy (and you can do it all in one day). This tour makes seeing Casa Batllo, Park Guell, and Sagrada Familia so much less stressful.
- Gothic Quarter Walking Tour - The Gothic Quarter was my favorite part of Barcelona. The medieval architecture and history throughout the winding streets makes you full of wanderlust. Barcelona's Gothic Quarter can be difficult to navigate. Doing a tour will ensure that you won't miss a thing!
- Barcelona Tapas Tour - Doing food tours in new cities is arguably one of the best ways to see the city, try the local cuisine, and meet fellow travelers. I did this Tapas Tour and loved it!
- Montserrat Half-Day Tour with Tapas and Gourmet Wines - While I didn't get the opportunity to visit Montserrat, it is definitely how I would spend an extra day in Barcelona. Montserrat is a monastery nestled in the mountains. On this tour you will get to try some amazing wines and explore a new part of Spain.
- Costa Brava Day Adventure: Kayak, Snorkel & Cliff Jump with Lunch - If you want more of a beachy vibe for your day trip consider exploring Costa Brava. Costa Brava is just north of Barcelona and offers crystal clear waters and plenty to do and see!
Where To Dine In Barcelona
Best Coffee Shops In Barcelona
- La Roseta - La Roseta is a cute cafe located right next to Barceloneta Beach. The low key cafe offers delectable coffee and pastries. It is the perfect place to go for a pre or post beach snack or if you just want to sit and chat.
- Nomad - Nomad is easily one of the best cafes in Barcelona. If you are a fellow coffee fantic you will love this place. There are a few different Nomad locations in Barcelona (my favorite is the one on Eixample).
- Little Fern - Little Fern is a great coffee joint located in El Poblenou. If you are looking for breakfast and coffee Little Fern is the place to go.
☕Read Next - Best Coffee Shops In Barcelona, Spain
Best Restaurants In Barcelona
- B One - B One is a lovely seafood restaurant situated right on Port Vell. Serving up traditional Spanish food such as Paella and Tapas, B One is a great dinner or lunch option if you are looking for a nice, yet relaxed meal.
- La Paradeta - La Paradeta is probably one of the most popular restaurants in Barcelona. The seafood restaurant located in the Sants Neighborhood consistently receives raving reviews. La Paradeta is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a more affordable dinner or lunch.
- Siete Portes - Siete Portes is a great option for a fancy dinner in Barcelona. At Siete Portes you will find traditional Catalan cuisine in a luxurious environment.
When To Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is a lovely place to visit year round. I prefer Spain in the fall or spring because the heat isn't as intense as the summer months, but you could really go whenever.
Barcelona is busy with tourists year round, but the summer is when most tourists are in the city. So expect prices to go up a bit in June, July, and August.
The winter is also nice in Barcelona. It doesn't get too cold, but it isn't warm.
How To Get Around Barcelona
Okay so there are four ways to get around Barcelona: The Bus, The Metro, Bolt/Uber, Walking.
Bus - The Bus is actually super easy to use in Barcelona. The easiest way to find the best bus for where you are going is asking a local or looking on google maps under the public transit tab. You can pay for your ticket by card once you get on the bus. When I was in Barcelona it was 2.50 euros.
Metro - Barcelona Metro system is also super easy to use. You can by your ticket once you get to the station. When I went it was 3 euros for a one way ticket. There are plenty of maps throughout the station, but most locals will help.
Bolt - Bolt is literally just Uber except cheaper. Barcelona does have Uber, but I used Bolt just because of the price. You can download Bolt on the app store.
Walking - Walking is always the best way to see any city and Barcelona is super walkable. You can pretty much walk anywhere!
Barcelona FAQs:
How many days in Barcelona is enough?
To see all of the main attraction in Barcelona you will need about 4 days. But, honestly you could spend like 10 days in Barcelona and not get board.
What is the best month to visit Barcelona, Spain?
Barcelona is a year round destination, however if you want to avoid high prices and crowd opt for the shoulder seasons (fall & spring).
Is Barcelona walkable?
Yes, Barcelona is very walkable! It is a huge city though so you may need to take the bus once in a while.
How much is a train from Barcelona to Madrid?
The train from Barcelona to Madrid is around 25 euro (subject to change).
Where to stay in Barcelona?
For first time visitors in Barcelona I would stay in the Gothic Quarter.
A Complete Guide To Barcelona Wrap Up
Barcelona is a magical city situated in northeast Spain on the Mediterranean. The medieval architecture, picturesque beaches, intriguing culture, and amazing restaurants makes Barcelona a must visit city in Europe. We hope that this complete guide to Barcelona, Spain helps you plan the perfect trip. If you liked this post we think you will love our Perfect Guide To Madrid, our Guide To The Best Coffee Shops In Barcelona, our Ultimate Guide To Badajoz, What To Pack For Fall In Barcelona, 21 Hidden Gems In Barcelona, and our 4 Day Madrid Itinerary.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
Connect with Daisy on Instagram|Pinterest
View this post on Instagram
16 comments