Planning a trip to Barcelona

Getting There

By Plane

Barcelona’s international airport (BCN) is El Prat (www.aena.es; tel. 90-240-47-04), located 12km (7 1/2 miles) southwest of the city center. (Beware of being flown to what some operators call Girona Barcelona airport, which is more than 100km (62 miles) north of the city). The airport has two passenger terminals connected by a free shuttle bus. T1 serves most international airlines and the local low-cost carrier Vueling, while T2 (divided into modules A, B, and C) handles domestic flights and budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair.

Getting from the Airport to Downtown

The easiest way into the city is by the blue Aerobús, which drops off in Plaça d’Espanya and Plaça de Catalunya. It runs every 5 to 10 minutes between 5:30am and 1am from both airport terminals (and from 5am until 12:30am from Plaça de Catalunya) and takes around 35 minutes. The fare is 7.25€, roundtrip 12.50€. Buy tickets in advance online, at the bus stop, or by card only from the driver. When you return to the airport, make sure to  choose the right bus, labelled A1 or A2 corresponding to the terminal number. The bus stop is in front of the large El Corte Inglés store on Plaça de Catalunya, and all buses also stop at Plaça d’Espanya (in front of Bar Espanya).

A Renfe train runs between airport Terminal 2 and Barcelona’s Estació de Sants and downtown Passeig de Gràcia every 30 minutes daily from 5:42am to 11:38pm (from Passeig de Gràcia between 5:08am and 11:07pm). The 20-minute trip costs 4.90€; buy tickets from vending machines at the station. The train is less convenient if you’re arriving at Terminal 1 as you’ll first need to catch a shuttle bus to Terminal 2. If you do decide to take the train into the center, you can then catch the metro from Sants or Passeig de Gràcia to almost anywhere in Barcelona. Metro line L9 Sud connects both airport terminals with the city every 7 minutes and takes around 30 minutes. Unfortunately, it doesn’t connect with any of the central metro stations, so you’ll probably need to change trains. Change at Torrassa station to transfer to line L1 which serves the city center. A one-way ticket between the airport and any stop on the metro network costs 5.50€. The metro operates from 5am until midnight, later at weekends.

A taxi from the airport to the center will cost between 35€ and 45€, with a minimum charge of 21€. Barcelona’s taxi drivers don’t expect a tip.

By Train

Barcelona has two major railway stations. Most national and international trains arrive at Estació Barcelona-Sants, Plaça de Països Catalans (metro: Sants-Estació), including high-speed trains from Madrid and the Renfe-SNCF service from Paris. Slower trains from northern Spain and southern France arrive at Estació de França, Avinguda del Marquès de l’Argentera (metro: Barceloneta). It was once the city’s main railway station and is worth visiting for its graceful Noucentista architecture. Rail connections to and from Madrid are excellent, with high-speed trains leaving roughly every 30 minutes, and if you book in advance, you can get great deals. State-owned Renfe (tel. 91-232-03-20) operates frequent high-speed AVE trains and a cheaper Avlo service (trip time: 2. to 3 hours; cost: 30€ to 90€).

Private operators Ouigo and Iryo use the same high-speed lines as Renfe and offer flexible fare options. Buy tickets in advance on-line or through their mobile apps.

By Bus

Barcelona by bus is much slower and less comfortable than the train, but it is well connected. Estació del Nord, Carrer d’Alí Bei, 80 (metro: Arc de Triomf) handles Alsa buses (tel. 90-242-22-42) from most Spanish cities and from southern France and Italy. There are more than 30 buses a day to and from Madrid (trip time: 7.5–8.5 hr; cost: 22€ to 44€). Flixbus (tel. 90-099-87-19) operates low-cost services across Europe connecting to Barcelona, but has no direct service between Barcelona and Madrid.

By Car

From southern France, the main road access route is at the eastern end of the Pyrenees. You can take the European highway E-15/AP-7, a fast toll road,  or if you have more time, the scenic coastal route that twists along the Costa Brava. You can also approach Barcelona from Toulouse. Cross the border at Puigcerdà near the Principality of Andorra and take the C-16 to Barcelona. From Madrid, the drive takes at least 6 hours via the AP-2 and A-2 highways.

By Ferry

The busy port of Barcelona offers frequent sailings to destinations across the Mediterranean. Trasmed, Moll de Sant Bertran (tel. 96-091-33-16), and Baleària, Terminal Nord, Moll de Barcelona (tel. 68-952-69-00), operate daily services to and from Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza. The trip usually takes about 7 hours, but Baleària’s sleek new ferries can whisk you to Mallorca in half that time, from 45€ for foot passengers.

Grimaldi Lines and Grandi Navi Veloci operate regular sailings to Italian destinations including Rome (Civitavecchia), Genoa, and Sardinia, as well as the Moroccan port of Tangier.

Visitor Information

There are numerous tourist offices and information booths dotted across Barcelona, including at El Prat airport Terminals 1 and 2. Both are in the arrivals hall after you pass Customs, open daily 8:30am to 8.30pm.

The city’s main Oficina de Informació de Turisme de Barcelona is underground at Plaça de Catalunya, 17-S (tel. 93-285-38-32), opposite the El Corte Inglés store. It’s a good place to start your visit, because in addition to offering detailed information and maps in several languages, they sell the Barcelona Card and tickets for the Barcelona Bus Turístic. There’s also an information desk for the Ruta de Modernisme and a gift shop. The office is open daily 8.30am to 8.30pm.

If you’re looking for information about the wider region, the main Catalunya Tourism Office is at Palau Robert, Passeig de Gràcia, 107 (tel. 93-238-80-91). It is open Monday to Saturday 9am–7:30pm, Sundays and holidays 9am–2:30pm.

The official site of city hall, www.bcn.es, is useful for details such as opening times and upcoming events written in English.

For info on all of Spain, look to: Tourist Office of Spain (www.spain.info), and  All About Spain (www.red2000.com).

Getting Around

Barcelona is a mostly flat, walkable city, and the authorities are working to make it more pedestrian friendly by limiting traffic. You should be able to cover most places in the old city, and the main points of interest in L’Eixample, on foot. But it’s a good idea to take public transport to a starting point and then set off to explore. It’s a tough walk to uphill Park Güell or the top of Montjuïc without using public transport.

Getting Around Barcelona By Public Transit
Barcelona has an excellent, integrated, public transit system of buses, subway, trams, and funicular. For a full overview, visit the website of Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona, where you’ll find a journey planner in English.

The central Zone 1 covers the entire city (but not the airport) and includes all the main tourist destinations. An individual ticket (bitllet senzil) for Zone 1, valid for one journey by metro, bus, or funicular, costs 2.65€; 10-ride tickets, called T-casual, cost 12.55€, more than halving the cost per ride. Buy tickets at vending machines in any Metro station.

The Hola BCN! card offers unlimited travel on almost all the city’s public transport: Metro, buses, trams, funicular, and regional trains in Zone 1. A 2-day card costs 17.50€, 3 days 25.50€, 4 days 33.30€, and 5 days (40.80€). It’s great value and cuts out the hassle of having to buy tickets for every ride, but before you invest, consider how much public transport you’re going to need. If you’re planning to spend two days exploring the walkable old city, it might not be necessary. If you do decide to buy, get it at the airport or online before you arrive, as unlike the Zone 1 travel cards, it includes the Metro trip to and from the airport.

You can also sign up for the contactless ticket system T-mobilitat that uses a card you can top up, or a virtual card your phone.

Most Metro stations have elevator access from street level, and both subway trains and buses have wheelchair ramps. 

By Subway
Barcelona’s Metro system is the easiest and most efficient way to get around. Its six main lines criss-cross the city faster and more frequently than the bus or limited tram network. The service operates Sunday to Thursday from 5am to midnight, Friday 5am to 2am, and a full 24 hours on Saturdays and major holidays.

Station entrances are marked with an “M” in a red diamond. Before accessing the platform, check which direction you want to travel by studying the Metro diagram. The main hub for all lines is Plaça de Catalunya.

By Bus
Barcelona’s 100-route bus system is harder for the visitor to figure out (despite efforts to simplify it using H for horizontal, V for vertical, and D for diagonal), but buses can be handy to sweep you along the city’s lengthy boulevards. Most run daily 5am to 10pm and night buses (NitBus) cover the main arteries between 10pm and 5am. A single fare is 2.65€ and paying is simple—swipe the onboard machine with your credit card or use your integrated travel tickets or card (see above). Drivers don’t accept cash.

By Barcelona Bus Turistic
The double-decker Barcelona Bus Turístic offers three routes that cover almost every major tourist attraction in the city, with commentary in 16 languages and free on-board Wi-Fi.

The red route (including Ciutat Vella, Montjuïc, and the waterfront) and blue route (including F.C. Barcelona, Park Güell, and Sagrada Família) take about 2 hours, while the green route (Port Olímpic and eastern beaches) takes around 40 minutes.

You can hop on and off all day but expect long waits in high season. It’s much less economical and efficient than public transport, but it is good way to get an overview of the city on your first day, and you’ll also get a booklet of discounts on many attractions.

Buy tickets online in advance to get a 10 percent discount. The cost is 30€ for 1 day (25€ seniors, 16€ ages 4–12), 40€ for 2 days (35€ seniors, 21€ ages 4–12), children under 4 go free.

By Taxi
Barcelona’s black and yellow taxi cabs are plentiful and inexpensive—a standard trip in town is likely to cost less than 10€, and drivers don’t expect a tip. An illuminated green light and a sign in the window saying lliure indicate the taxi is free to pick up passengers; you can flag them down on the street or go to a taxi rank.

The basic fare starts at 2.30€, with each additional kilometer costing 1.21€. Rates are higher at night and at weekends and holidays. Luggage may incur an additional 1€ charge, and there’s a 4.30€ supplement for rides to the airport.

To book a taxi, contact Ràdio Taxi (tel. 93-303-30-33), or use the elTaxi app to find a cab near you. Taxi apps like Cabify and Uber also operate in Barcelona, but under strictly controlled conditions demanded by the local taxi association.

By Funicular & Cable Car
Getting to Montjuïc by funicular is a simple ride from Paral·lel Metro station. It’s part of the Metro network, so the ride up the hill costs just 2.65€. Once you’re on the mountain, you can ride the Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car to the castle at the top. Adults pay 11€ one-way, 17€ return; children aged 4–12 9€ one-way, 12€ return; children under 4 go free.

A second cable car to Montjuïc, the Telefèric del Puerto,operates from Torre de Sant Sebastià at the port. It was Barcelona’s original aerial tram, launched in 1926, and has wonderful views of the city, but there can be long waits in high season. One-way costs 12.50€, return 20€.

To reach Tibidabo, take the new, improved Cuca de Llum funicular. The trip takes just 3 minutes, and large windows offer panoramic views of the city. The round-trip from Plaça del Doctor Andreu costs 12€, included if you buy tickets to the Tibidabo amusement park. Check the website for schedules. Note that only the Montjuïc funicular is included on the Hola BCN! travel card.

By Bike

Barcelona has more than 250km (155 miles) of cycle lanes, shown on an excellent map by the city authorities at barcelona.cat/mobilitat. But the official bike share scheme Bicing is intended for residents, and you need a Spanish residential address to register. Visitors will be better off renting from one of the many private companies providing bike and e-bike hire. Bike Rental Barcelona, Carrer de Montserrat, 8 (tel. 66-605-76-55) and Barcelona Rent-a-Bike, Carrer Tallers, 45 (tel. 93-317-19-70) are among the best. Both also offer bike tours of the city.

By Car
Don’t be tempted to drive around Barcelona, it’s just not worth the hassle. The central streets move slowly and parking is expensive, especially at hotels. Save car rental for excursions. The major car rental companies and good value local operators have offices at the airport and near Estació Barcelona-Sants rail station.

Orientation

Plaça de Catalunya (Plaza de Cataluña in Spanish) is the city's heart, the world-famous La Rambla -- also known as Las Ramblas -- its main artery. La Rambla begins at the Plaça Portal de la Pau, with its 49-m (160-feet)-high monument to Columbus opposite the port, and stretches north to the Plaça de Catalunya. Along this wide promenade you'll find newsstands, stalls selling birds and flowers, portrait painters, and cafe tables and chairs, where you can sit and watch the passing parade. Such is its popularity with visitors today that during the summer months you'll be hard pressed to spot a genuine local.

Moving northward along La Rambla, the area on your left is El Raval, the largest neighborhood in Barcelona, and to your right is the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). These two neighborhoods, plus the area of La Ribera, which lies further to your right across another main artery, the Vía Laietana, make up the sizeable Ciutat Vella (Old City). Within these three neighborhoods are two subregions. One is the notorious Barri Xinès or Barrio Chino (literally, Chinese Quarter, although this is no Chinatown) near the eastern end of El Raval, bordering La Rambla. The other is El Born -- prosperous in the Middle Ages and today Barcelona's bastion of cool -- in the lower, port-side pocket of La Ribera. As this whole condensed, character-filled area is large -- though not as large as sprawling but amorphous L'Eixample -- I have subdivided all its attractions into El Raval, Barri Gòtic, and La Ribera.

Across the Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla becomes Rambla Catalunya, with the elegant Passeig de Gràcia running parallel to the immediate right. These are the two main arteries of L'Eixample (Catalan for "extension"). This is where most of the architectural jewels of the modernisme period, including key works by Antoni Gaudí, dot the harsh grids of this graceful, middle-class neighborhood. Both end at the Diagonal, a major cross-town artery that also serves as the city's business and commercial hub. Northward across the Diagonal is the suburb of Gràcia. Once a separate village, it makes up in atmosphere for what it lacks in notable monuments.

The other areas of interest for the visitor are Montjuïc, the bluff to the southwest of the city, and the maritime area of Barceloneta and the beaches. The first is the largest green zone in the city, contains some of its top museums, and was the setting for the principal events of the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. The second is a peninsula that has long been the city's populist playground, with dozens of fish restaurants, some facing the beaches that sprawl northward along the coast. Behind the city to the northwest, higher than Montjuïc, is Tibidabo, looming like a sentinel and enjoying great views of the city and the Mediterranean. It also has a veteran amusement park and a kitsch pseudo-Gothic church, which aspires to emulate Paris's Sacré Coeur.

Finding an Address/Maps -- Knowing the street number, if there is one, is essential. The rule about street numbers is that there is no rule. Most streets are numbered with odd numbers on one side, even numbers on the other. But because each building counts as a single number and some buildings are much wider than others, consecutive numbers (like 41 and 42, for example) may be a block or more apart.

The Eixample district is built on a grid system, so by learning the cross-street you can easily find the place you are looking for. Barcelona is hemmed in on one side by the sea (mar) and by the mountain of Tibidabo (montaña) on the other, so often people just describe a place as being on the mar or montaña side of the street in L'Eixample. The Ciutat Vella, or Old City, is a little more confusing, and you will need a good map (available from news kiosks along La Rambla) to find specific places.

Google Maps are very detailed for Barcelona and largely accurate. However, the new city abounds with long boulevards and spacious squares, making it easy to navigate. The designation "s/n" (sin número) means that the building has no number; however, this is mainly limited to large buildings and monuments, so it's pretty obvious once you get there where it is.

In built-up Barcelona, the symbol "°" designates the floor (for example, the first floor is 1°). Street names are in Catalan. Some people still refer to them in Spanish, but there is very little difference between the two so it shouldn't cause any confusion.

The word for "street" (carrer in Catalan and calle in Spanish) is nearly always dropped; that is, Carrer Ferran is simply referred to as "Ferran." Passeig (or paseo in Spanish) and avinguda (or avenida in Spanish), meaning respectively "boulevard" and "avenue," are nearly always kept, as in Passeig de Gràcia and Avinguda de Tibidabo. Rambla means a long, pedestrianized avenue and plaça (or plaza in Spanish) a square.

Neighborhoods in Brief

La Rambla & El Raval

Barcelona’s most famous thoroughfare is undoubtedly La Rambla, a 1.2km ([bf]3/4 mile), tree-lined promenade flanked by 19^th-century architecture. Technically it’s a succession of streets, whose names—Rambla de Santa Mònica, Rambla dels Caputxins, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de Canaletes—recall the religious orders once based here. The poet Federico García Lorca called it “the only street in the world that I wish would never end.”

But that was back in the 1920s, when residents would come to stroll and shop at its flower stalls. Today, mass tourism has stripped it of much of its charm and locals are scarce among the throngs of visitors, street performers, and hawkers. Mediocre, overpriced cafés abound (don’t be tempted to stop for lunch) and while there are still flower stalls, many peddle tacky souvenirs. The city authorities are well aware of this sad decline and have launched a multi-million euro renovation program aimed at restoring La Rambla’s former glory, making it more pedestrian friendly and prioritizing use by residents. The work is due to be completed in 2027. In the meantime, it’s a bit of a construction site.

Despite these shortcomings, La Rambla remains a must-see for first-time visitors, and it’s a good place to get your bearings. Rambla del Raval, developed in the 1990s, is a peaceful neighborhood park featuring Fernando Botero’s giant bronze cat, El Gat de Botero. Metro: Drassanes at the waterfront, Liceu halfway up, and Plaça de Catalunya at the top.

For a more authentic view of the city, head to adjacent El Raval. Once the city’s red-light district, it is now an appealing mix of gritty tradition and contemporary culture. In fact, it is a neighborhood of contrasts. Here, imaginative new buildings and urban projects are continuously being created in the streets of the city's largest inner-city neighborhood. Historically working-class, the district is clearly being gentrified in many areas, while other neglected corners retain a markedly downtrodden air. For many, El Raval symbolizes progressive 21st-century Barcelona with a new multicultural blend of Catalan, Arabic, Middle Eastern, and South American cultures evident at every turn.

Barri Gòtic

As Barcelona emerged as a Mediterranean power in the 13th century, the Aragonese king Jaume I fortified the Roman walls surrounding the city. That area—roughly from La Rambla east to Via Laietana and from the waterfront north to Plaça de Catalunya—is the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). Retaining much of its medieval street pattern (although many of its “Gothic” buildings were reconstructed in the 19th century to boost the city’s image), it’s a fascinating, if often crowded, neighborhood of narrow streets and tiny squares, many fronting on Gothic churches. It’s a good idea to spend time wandering without a map in its labyrinth of alleys before stopping for refreshment in Plaça Reial, the city’s most harmoniously proportioned square. The Barri Gòtic assumes a special magic on Sundays at midday, when local people join hands in the cathedral square to dance the Sardana, a symbol of Catalan identity. Metro: Liceu and Jaume I.

El Call: The Jewish Quarter

Before the "Catholic Kings" Ferdinand and Isabella systematically set about persecuting Jewish communities in Iberia in the late 15th century, Barcelona's Jews had lived for centuries alongside Christians and enjoyed special status under the city's autonomous rule. Barcelona's Sephardic Jews flourished in the Middle Ages, reaching a population of four million people in the 13th century, 15% of the total population of the city. They were respected for their financial expertise, understanding of the law, and learned figures, including poet Ben Ruben Izahac and astronomer Abraham Xija. The community resided in the city neighborhood El Call (pronounced "kye"), reputedly from the Hebrew word kahal, which means "community" or "congregation." The area was bordered by old walls to the west and east, and its entrance was through the Plaça Sant Jaume. Today this tiny, ancient neighborhood is marked by atmospheric, narrow streets lined with 14th- to 16th-century buildings, some with vestiges of their former residents. The largest and most complete is the main synagogue in Calle Marlet, no. 5. Consisting of two cellar-like rooms below street level, the space was virtually unknown, serving as a warehouse until 1995 when the building with its four floors added on top was put up for sale. It was acquired by the Asociación Call de Barcelona, which embarked on a meticulous renovation.

On the same street, in the direction of the Arc de Sant Ramón, is a wall plaque dating from 1314 bearing the inscription (in Hebrew) "Holy Foundation of Rabbi Samuel Hassardi, whose life is never ending." The remains of the female Jewish public baths can be seen nearby in the basement of the pleasant Cafe Caleum at the intersection of the streets Banys Nous (which means "New Baths") and Palla. The men's baths are hidden in the rear of the furniture shop S'Olivier (Banys Nous 10); ask permission from the owner to take a peek.

La Ribera & El Born

La Ribera—literally, the shore—was Barcelona’s center of commerce in medieval times owing to its proximity to the sea. Many merchants’ mansions still stand, including those that house the impressive Museu Picasso in neighboring El Born. Both districts have sprouted design stores and hip bars in recent years. The restful, 19th century Parc de la Ciutadella once housed the largest fortress in Europe, built after the War of Spanish Succession to keep the Catalans in check.

L’Eixample & Gràcia

Where Les Rambles meets Plaça de Catalunya, the tangled web of streets of the old city are released into the orderly grid of L’Eixample. Strolling its wide boulevards can seem like a breath of fresh air, which was precisely the effect Ildefons Cerdá envisioned when he designed and built it between 1890 and 1910. Its grid of boulevards contains dozens of Modernista masterpieces, including Antoni Gaudí’s Basilica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and Casa Batllo, as well as stunning projects by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch. Don't overlook the small details here like the Modernista light posts designed by Gaudí, and the hexagonal paving tiles with floral patterns (also Gaudí-designed) which you can still spot on some of the sidewalks of Passeig de Gràcia and nearby cross streets. Take a break on one of the gracefully styled tile benches on the street corners. Modernisme was one of the first movements to emphasize “design for living,” and those designs still bring delight more than a century later.

Beyond Avinguda Diagonal to the north lies the neighborhood of Gràcia. It's a large neighborhood, full of character ,and once a separate town from Barcelona. Although notable attractions here are not abundant, Gràcia is well worth visiting for a taste of authentic barri life. Shopping and cafe society are particularly good around the Calle Verdi and Plaça del Sol, and nocturnal activity here is lively, particularly in the summer at the famous Fiesta Major de Gràcia. Gràcia boasts a unique mixture of proud locals who have lived here all their lives and young, progressive urbanites. This melting pot is reflected in its street life. The neighborhood is the home of Gaudí’s extraordinary Park Güell.

La Barceloneta & the Waterfront

Back when Barcelona was a sailor’s port, the waterfront was colorful but a little iffy after dark. The 1992 Olympics changed all that, bringing a complete redevelopment of the Port Vell. The old harbor has been transformed into a marina where these days international superyachts are moored. The Rambla de Mar is a continuation of La Rambla toward the sea and, via a swing bridge, the wharf of Moll d’Espanya where you’ll find L’Aquàrium de Barcelona. On its eastern side, past the Museu d’Historia de Catalunya, lies La Barceloneta. Once the fishermen’s quarter, it is now a bohemian neighborhood noted for its seafood restaurants and sandy beaches. Further east along the waterfront, Poblenou is a former industrial zone that’s now full of hipster cafés and galleries, and has some of the city’s best beaches.

And the regeneration continues. Ahead of the 2024 America’s Cup, the Moll de Mestral at Port Olímpic underwent a complete transformation, with new promenades and upscale restaurants, to the displeasure of some Barcelona residents who feel the local community benefits little from such investment.

Spend some time exploring the back streets of La Barceloneta, where the residents still hang their laundry on the balconies. As you tromp the length of Moll de la Fusta, you’ll find two playful pieces of public art: the giant fiberglass lobster that Xavier Mariscal created for the restaurant Gambrinus, and pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s Barcelona Head at the foot of Via Laietana (not his best work, but still a splash of color on the waterfront). Continue east up the beach to Port Olimpic, and you’ll encounter Frank O. Gehry’s abstract sculpture Peix (Fish), which has become the de facto symbol of Barcelona’s rejuvenated waterfront. This district is the place to enjoy a casual seafood lunch and catch some rays at the beach. Plan on spending a full day, with time to take a boat tour and to see some of the sights. Three Metro stops provide access to the sites below: from west to east, Drassanes, Barceloneta, and Ciutadella/Vila Olimpica.

Montjuïc
Residents of Barcelona used to quarry stone, harvest firewood, and graze livestock on this flat-topped hill southwest of the old city. Montjuïc began to assume its current shape in the early 20th century, when parks were planted and the 1929 International Exposition was held here. Many of the park’s structures, including the Palau Nacional (now the National Art Museum of Catalunya), and the popular and kitschy Magic Fountain (Font Màgica) date from this period. (During the day, the grandiose fountain at the base of the staircase to the MNAC seemed like any other, but at night it took on a different personality, spraying water in time to a variety of music. Alas because of water issues, the show no longer happens).

The 1992 Olympics brought even more structures to Montjuïc, including world-class pools that are still used for international swimming meets.

The biggest attractions on the mountain are two stunning art museums, Fundació Joan Miró and MNAC, the National Art Museum of Catalunya. (It takes some effort to reach MNAC, but it’s worth it.) The most useful bus lines are Route 55 from Plaça d’Espanya and the small buses that route around the Montjuïc roads. The funicular (mostly underground) from the Paral.lel Metro station delivers you to the Telefèric de Montjuic station, a stone’s throw from the Miró Foundation; the funicular train is included in your metro fare. The Bus Turistic also visits Montjuïc, making stops at all the attractions. If you’re up for a moderately steep climb, you can also walk from Plaça d’Espanya through the Magic Fountain and up the ceremonial staircase of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. There are also outdoor escalators that make the climb less daunting.

Fast Facts

ATMs—Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Barcelona, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for markets and small purchases. You’ll find ATMs in the main shopping districts and near Metro stations. Most allow withdrawals with MasterCard or Visa, charging around 1.95€ per transaction. The most prominent ATM networks are CaixaBank and Banco Santander. Note that most Spanish ATMs accept only 4-digit PINs.

Doctors & Dentists—Barcelona has many hospitals and clinics, including Clínic Barcelona (www.clinicbarcelona.org/ca; tel. 93-227-54-00) and Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, at the intersection of Carrer Cartagena and Carrer Sant Antoni María Claret (www.santpau.cat; tel. 93-291-90-00). For dental needs, contact Clínica Dental Barcelona, Passeig de Gràcia, 97 (www.clinicadentalbarcelona.com/en; tel. 93-487-83-29), open daily 9am to midnight.

Turó Park Clinics (tel. 93-252-97-29) also has English-speaking doctors and dentists.

Emergencies—Call 112 for police, fire, or general emergencies; for an ambulance, call 061. 

Pharmacies—To find a farmàcia, look for an illuminated green/red cross. Staff often speak English and can advise on minor ailments. Farmàcia Clapés, La Rambla, 98 (tel. 93-301-28-43), is open 24 hours.

Internet Access—Most lodgings, and many bars and cafés, offer free Wi-Fi, pronounced wiffy. The city government provides free Wi-Fi at numerous spots—look for the blue W signs—and many buses and Metro lines offer it too. 

Language—Catalunya has two official languages: Catalan and Castilian Spanish. Catalan (Catalá in its own language) takes precedence for signage, television, radio, and most publications. A romance language resembling both Spanish and French, Catalan is much preferred among locals, especially so during these times of separatist zeal. English is often a better bet, and it is widely spoken—if not well—in the tourism sector.

Mail—The main post office (tel/ 93-486-83-02), a beautiful Noucentista building on Plaça de Correus, is open Mon‒Fri 8:30am‒8:30pm.

Newspapers & Magazines—Barcelona’s leading daily newspapers, El Periódico and La Vanguardia, are printed in Catalan and Spanish. La Vanguardia has an online edition in English. Time Out Barcelona has what’s on listings in English, online only. 

Safety—Barcelona is generally a safe city, but pickpocketing is a problem, especially in crowded areas such as La Rambla, Metro stations, and at pavement cafés. Stay alert and keep your valuables out of sight, and avoid the darker corners of the old city late at night.

When to Go

Barcelona is blessed with a relatively benign Mediterranean climate, though all of Europe has been affected by serious heatwaves in recent years, so traveling to Barcelona in July and August is not recommended. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, especially May to June and September to October. Even in the winter, days are crisp to cold (due to its proximity to the mountains) but often sunny. Snow is rare and never lasts more than a day or two.

Most of the rainfall occurs in April, but some quite spectacular storms, as is typical of the Mediterranean, can occur all year round. July and August are hot and humid, even at night, as the temperature often only drops minimally. The surrounding sea is warm enough to swim in from the end of June to early October. Inland, the temperatures drop slightly, as does the humidity. North on the Costa Brava, a strong wind known as the tramontana often blows, refreshing in summer, chill in winter.

August is the major vacation month in Europe. The traffic to Spain from France, the Netherlands, and Germany becomes a veritable migration, and low-cost hotels along the coastal areas are virtually impossible to find unless booked well in advance. To compound the problem, many restaurants and shops also decide it's time for a vacation, thereby limiting the visitors' selections for both dining and shopping.

That said, Barcelonans also head out of town for cooler climes, leaving tourists to enjoy the city for themselves. Barcelona is also a major international trade fair and conference destination. These happen throughout the year, so if you plan to stay in a mid- to high-range hotel book ahead of time. In fact, Barcelona is officially Spain's most popular destination, so tourism is pretty much all year round.

Catalan & National Holidays

Holidays observed are January 1 (New Year's Day), January 6 (Feast of the Epiphany), March/April (Good Friday and Easter Monday), May 1 (May Day), May/June (Whit Monday), June 24 (Feast of St. John), August 15 (Feast of the Assumption), September 11 (National Day of Catalonia), September 24 (Feast of Our Lady of Mercy), October 12 (Spain's National Day), November 1 (All Saints' Day), December 6 (Constitution Day), December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception), December 25 (Christmas), and December 26 (Feast of St. Stephen).

If a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, many people also take off the weekday in between, creating an extra-long weekend. While this only really affects those doing business in the city, you should book hotels well ahead of time on these popular puentes (bridges).

Calendar of Events

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here for the city of Barcelona, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

Barcelona—like Seville and Madrid—is a big fiesta city; whether it's a rip-roaring street carnival or a culture fest, the year's calendar is sprinkled with events to keep in mind when planning your trip. Note that on official holidays shops, banks, and some restaurants and museums close for the day.

The dates for festivals and events given here may not be precise. Sometimes the exact days are not announced until 6 weeks before the actual festival. Also, days allotted to celebrate Easter, Carnaval and some other religious days change each year. Check with the Barcelona tourist office if you're planning to attend a specific event.

January

Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day). Parades are held around the country on the eve of the Festival of the Epiphany, which is traditionally when Christmas gift-giving is done (the concept of "Santa Claus" has crept into the culture now, so people also exchange gifts at Christmas). In Barcelona, the three "kings" arrive by boat in the evening to dispense gifts to all the excited children. January 6.

February

Carnaval. Carnaval in Barcelona is a relatively low-key event. The most dressing up you will see is by groups of children or stall owners in the local markets who organize a competition between themselves for "best costume" (buying fresh fish off a woman dressed in full Louis VI regalia is one of those "only in Barcelona" experiences you will treasure), as well as the city's main Carnaval parade. Just south of the city, however, in the seaside town of Sitges, locals, especially the local gay community, go all out and many Barcelonans take the short train ride to celebrate along with them. Just before Lent.

March/April

Semana Santa (Holy Week). Catalonia has some Easter traditions not found in the rest of the country. The Mona is a whimsical chocolate and pastry creation given in the same way we give Easter eggs. On Palm Sunday, palm leaves are blessed in Gaudí's Sagrada Família and the city's main cathedral celebrates with the curious l'ou com balla—a hollowed-out egg shell placed on top of a fountain in the city's cathedral's cloister to bob around and "dance." Out of town, the ominously named Dansa de la Mort (Dance of Death) sees men dressed as skeletons performing a "death" dance in the village of Verges near Girona, and various Passion Plays are also performed, the most famous in the village of Esparraguera, 40km (25 miles) outside of Barcelona. One week before Easter.

La Diada de St. Jordi. Saint George (St. Jordi in Catalan) is the patron saint of Catalonia, and his name day coincides with the death of Don Quijote author Miguel Cervantes. On this day men give a single red rose to the significant women in their lives (mother, girlfriend, sister, and so on), and women give a book in return (although many men now give women a book). This is one of the most colorful days in Catalonia, as thousands of rose-sellers take to the streets and bookshops set up open-air stalls along the major thoroughfares. April 23.

Saint George Conquers the World — In 1995, taking a cue from Catalonia, UNESCO declared April 23 "World Book Day" to encourage people to buy books, to think about books, and to simply read more. In the U.K., children receive a book token and online chat rooms are set up with well-known authors. The idea seems to be catching on, with as many as 30 countries participating. See www.worldbookday.com.

May

May Day. Also known as Labor Day, this day sees a huge march by the city's trade union members. Dozens of herbs, natural remedies, and wholesome goodies are sold along the Carrer de l'Hospital in the Fira de Sant Ponç. May 1.

Corpus Christi. During this festival, solemn processions trudge through Barcelona, while the streets of Sitges are carpeted in flowers. Can fall in May or June.

June

Sónar. This dance-music and multimedia festival has gained a reputation as one of the best on the world circuit. Thousands from all over Europe descend on the city for the DJs, live concerts, and other related events. During the day events are held at the Museum of Contemporary Art; at night, they move to the enormous trade-fair buildings. Purchase tickets to this wildly popular festival well in advance at www.sonar.es. Early to mid-June.

Verbena de Sant Juan. Catalonia celebrates the Twelfth Night with fiery activities that can keep even grannies up till dawn. Families stock up on fireworks a week in advance before setting them off in streets and squares and even off balconies. Bonfires are lit along the beachfront, and the sky is ablaze with smoke and light. Lots of cava is consumed, and it is traditional to have the year's first dip in the sea at dawn (officially the first day of summer). Madcap fun. June 23.

How the Egg Dances — During the feast of Corpus Christi in June, a uniquely Catalan tradition can be seen in the cathedral's cloister. L'ou com balla (the egg that dances) consists of an empty eggshell placed on top of the fountain's spurts of water and left to "dance." Its origins go back to 1637, although its significance is disputed. Some say that the egg simply represents spring and the beginning of a new life cycle, others that its form represents the Eucharist.

July

El Grec. International names in all genres of music and theater come to the city to perform in various open-air venues, including the mock-Greek theater, namesake of the city's main culture fest. Beginning of July.

August

Festa Major de Gràcia. This charming weeklong fiesta is held in the village-like neighborhood of Gràcia. All year long, the residents of Gràcia work on elaborate decorations with themes such as marine life, the solar system, or even local politics, to hang in the streets. By day, long trestle tables are set up for communal lunches and board games; at night, thousands invade the tiny streets for outdoor concerts, dances, and general revelry. Early to mid-August.

September

La Diada de Catalunya. This is the most politically and historically significant holiday in Catalonia. Although it celebrates the region's autonomy, the date actually marks the day the city was besieged by Spanish and French troops in 1714 during the War of Succession. Demonstrations calling for greater independence are everywhere; wreath-laying ceremonies take place at tombs of past politicos; and the senyera, the flag of Catalonia, is hung from balconies. Not your typical tourist fare, but interesting for anyone who wishes to understand Catalan nationalism. September 11.

La Mercè. This celebration honors Our Lady of Mercy (La Mercè), the city's patron saint. Legend has it she rid Barcelona of a plague of locusts, and the Barcelonese give thanks in rip-roaring style. Free music concerts, from traditional to contemporary, are held in the plazas (particularly Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça Sant Jaume), and folkloric figures such as the gigants (giants) and cap grosses (fatheads) take to the streets. People come out to perform the sardana (the traditional Catalan dance) and to watch the nail-biting castellers (human towers). Firework displays light up the night, and the hair-raising correfoc, a parade of firework-brandishing "devils" and dragons, is the grand finale. One of the best times to be in Barcelona. September 24.

October

Dia de la Hispanitat. Spain's national day (which commemorates Columbus' "discovery" of the New World) gets a mixed reception in Catalonia, due to the region's overriding sense of independence. The only street events you are likely to see are demonstrations calling for exactly that, or low-key celebrations from groups of people from other regions of Spain. October 12.

November

All Saints' Day. This public holiday is reverently celebrated, as relatives and friends lay flowers on the graves (or nichos—in Spain, people are buried one on top of another in tiny compartments) of the dead. The night before, some of the bars in the city hold Halloween parties, another imported custom that seems to be catching on. November 1.

December

Nadal (Christmas). In mid-December stall-holders set up Fira de Santa Lucia, a huge open-air market held in the streets around the main cathedral. Thousands come to buy handicrafts, Christmas decorations, trees, and the figurines for their pessebres (nativity dioramas) that are hugely popular here. The Betlem Church on La Rambla holds an exhibition of them throughout the month, and a life-size one is constructed outside the city hall in the Plaça Sant Jaume. December 25.

Health & Safety

Spain does not pose any major health hazards. The rich cuisine -- garlic, olive oil, and wine -- may give some travelers mild diarrhea, so take some anti-diarrhea medicine, moderate your eating habits, and, even though the water is safe, drink mineral water only. If you are visiting Barcelona over the summer, limit your exposure to the sun, especially during the first few days of your trip and, thereafter, from 11am to 3pm. Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor and apply it liberally. Remember that children need more protection than adults do.

No shots of any sort are required before traveling to Spain. Once there, medicines for a wide variety of common ailments, from colds to diarrhea, can be obtained over the counter at local farmacias (pharmacies/drugstores). Generic equivalents of common prescription drugs are also usually available in Spain. However, it does no harm to bring over-the-counter medicines with you to be on the safe side.

Common Ailments

Change of Diet -- No need to go on a tempting cholesterol binge if you really don't want to. Vegetarians can follow their usual diet pattern in Barcelona, as there is an increasing number of vegetarian eating spots available as well as a multitude of herbolarios (health food shops).

Sun Exposure -- In the hot weather, do as the locals do and avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm. Use a high-protection sunscreen and reapply after swimming in the sea. Take care with kids; give them a sunhat and reapply suncream often.

Sea Hazards -- Urban beaches in Barcelona have lifeguards on duty and are marked by flags: Green is safe, yellow means you should take caution, and red means stay out of the sea. Where there are no guards on duty, use your common sense, especially north of Barcelona along the Costa Brava, where the seabed is rocky. Over the past few years the standard of Spain's beaches in terms of water pollution has improved, leading to a consistently high rating in terms of cleanliness. At the onset of summer, jellyfish can be a problem in the sea. They are not poisonous but do have a nasty sting. If you get stung, get help from the nearest farmacia (pharmacy/drugstore).

Respiratory Illnesses -- Lodged between the mountains and the sea, Barcelona often traps smog from its nearby industrial belt. While the quality of the air is monitored, local media do not publish "high risk" days. Common sense is required for people with respiratory illnesses.

What to Do If You Get Sick Away from Home

Spanish medical facilities are among the best in the world. If a medical emergency arises, your hotel staff can put you in touch with a reliable doctor. If not, contact your embassy or consulate; each one maintains a list of English-speaking doctors, as does the website http:\\barcelona.angloinfo.com. Medical and hospital services aren't free, so take out adequate medical insurance before you travel. In Barcelona you may have to pay your medical costs upfront and be reimbursed later.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. Pack all your prescription medications in your carry-on luggage. Carry written prescriptions in generic, rather than brand-name, form, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand. Bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your pills or run out.

Crime & Safety

Muggings and pickpocketing are commonplace in La Rambla and the narrow lanes of the Barri Gòtic. Travelers should exercise caution, carry limited cash and credit cards, and leave extra cash, credit cards, passports, and personal documents in a safe location. Crimes occur at all times of day and night, although visitors -- and residents -- are more vulnerable in the early hours of the morning.

Thieves often work in teams. In most cases, one person distracts a victim while the accomplice performs the robbery. A stranger might ask for directions or "inadvertently" spill something on you. While your attention is diverted, an accomplice makes off with your valuables. Attacks may also be initiated from behind, with the victim being grabbed around the neck and choked by one assailant while others rifle through their belongings. A group of assailants may surround a victim in a crowded tourist area or on public transportation, and only after the group has departed does the person realize they've been robbed. Some attacks have been so violent that people have needed to seek medical attention afterward.

Luggage, cameras, or laptops are commonly stolen from parked cars. Don't leave anything in a parked car, and keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and valuables out of sight when driving. "Good Samaritan" scams are also frequent. The driver of a passing car tries to divert your attention by indicating that you have a mechanical problem. If you stop to check your vehicle, accomplices steal from you as you check the engine. As a rule of thumb, don't accept help from anyone other than a uniformed member of the police or Guardia Civil.

The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported to the local police and your embassy or consulate.

Dealing with Discrimination -- As Barcelona's population slowly becomes more international, overt racial prejudice appears to be diminishing. But there is still a small fringe of hard-core racists.

Barcelona is as liberal as any other city in its acceptance of gays and lesbians, including homosexual marriages.

Solo female travelers can expect a reasonably hassle-free trip.

Staying Connected

All European cellphone networks are GSM (Global System for Mobiles), so if your cellphone is on a GSM system, you will be fine in Barcelona. If you are unsure how to set up your phone for overseas use, call your wireless operator and ask for "international roaming" to be activated on your account. Per-minute roaming charges are high in Europe, so it's a good idea to buy a prepaid SIM card from a local retailer in Barcelona or an e-sim service before you leave. This will get you much, much lower calling and texting rates.

Internet

It's not hard to find WiFi (pronounced weefee here) in Barcelona. All hotels, many bars and cafes, all three local airports, and many bus and metro lines, along with other facilities offer free Wifi.  The city government also provides free Wi-Fi at numerous spots; just look for the blue W signs.

Telephones

All telephone numbers in Spain operate on a nine-digit system. Each number is preceded by its provincial code for local, national, and international calls. So whether you are calling Barcelona from within the city or from another province within Spain, you must dial 93-XXX-XX-XX.

To call Barcelona from the United States:

1. Dial the international access code: 011.

2. Dial the country code for Spain: 34.

3. Dial 93 for Barcelona and then the number. So the whole number you'd dial would be 011-34-93-XXX-XX-XX.

To call Barcelona from the United Kingdom:

1. Dial the international access code: 00.

2. Dial the country code for Spain: 34.

3. Dial 93 for Barcelona and then the number. So the whole number you'd dial would be 00-34-93-XXX-XX-XX.

To make international calls from Barcelona: Dial 00 and then the country code (U.S. or Canada 1, U.K. 44, Ireland 353, Australia 61, New Zealand 64). Dial the area code and number. Knock the first "0" off the area code when calling the U.K.

For directory assistance: Dial tel. 11818 if you're looking for a number inside Spain, or tel. 11825 for numbers in all other countries.

For operator assistance: For assistance in making an international call, dial tel. 1008 (for Europe, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Turkey) or 1005 (for the U.S. and all other countries); for assistance in calling a number in Spain, dial tel. 1009.

Organized Tours

Barcelona is best appreciated on foot, and there are plenty of guided walking tours to choose from. Barcelona’s Tourist Office offers a wide range from 14€ and some are free for children. They include Picasso’s Barcelona and Gaudí’s Park Güell and Sagrada Família, a gourmet tour of the old city, or a literary walk around places that feature in the classic book Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. For a full list, visit the website (see above), call 93-285-38-32, or inquire at the tourist office on Plaça Catalunya.

“Free” tour outfits like Runner Bean Tours (tel. 63-610-87-76) and Discover Walks (tel. 93-181-68-10) offer walking tours of the Barri Gòtic and Gaudí’s greatest hits, often with quirky and entertaining commentary. Guides expect a tip, and participants usually give 15-20€.

 Devour Barcelona Food Tours (from US toll free 888/683-8670) combine culinary adventure with history in 3.5-hour tours of Barri Gòtic, El Born, and Gràcia. There is also an evening wine tour of three iconic tapas spots with tastings and explanations of Catalan wines. Prices start at 93€ per person. Serious food enthusiasts can take a fascinating day-long tour with Culinary Backstreets which will explore the food history of the city.

Cyclists are well catered for in Barcelona and a guided bike or ebike tour is a great way to quickly familiarize yourself with the city’s major sites. Barcelona CicloTour (tel. 93-317-19-70) has a 3-hour tour for 30€, departing Plaça de Catalunya daily at 10am. It covers a lot of ground, including the Barri Gòtic and El Raval, Eixample’s important Gaudí landmarks, Parc de la Ciutadella, the harbor, and Barceloneta’s beachfront.

To see the city in a more leisurely fashion, the Barcelona Bus Turístic is a good way to get oriented on your first day. If time is tight, Barcelona Day Tours (tel.  93-180-70-09 in Spain or 855/895-0160 in U.S.) picks you up in your hotel lobby for a 4-hour city tour in a 12-passenger van for 69€. They also offer half- and full-day tours to Montserrat and the cava sparkling wine region.

Architecture Tours of Barcelona

If you want delve more deeply into Barcelona’s wealth of Modernista architecture, there are plenty of tour options. Going self-guided gives you most freedom to linger over a gem—or pause and rest your feet. The city council’s Modernisme Route pack includes a detailed book covering 120 buildings, a map, booklet of discounts, and a guide to Modernista bars and restaurants. You can buy it for 18€ at the main tourist office on Plaça de Catalunya. The Modernista Barcelona Card gives you access to 10 key sites for 3 days, costing 130€.

Runner Bean Tours and Discover Walks (see above) also have tours on this subject.

For more technical tours with professional architects, check out Barcelona Architecture Walks Their Gaudí tour takes 3 hours and costs 45€. 

Money

The euro (€) is the single European currency. Exchange rates of participating countries are locked into the common currency, fluctuating against the dollar. Unfortunately for U.K and U.S. visitors, in the last couple of years the euro has gone from basically a one-to-one exchange rate with the dollar to a much stronger position.

Barcelona  is often quoted as being the most expensive city in Spain. Compared to other major European cities such as London or Paris, however, it can still be a bargain, but if you're not used to big-city prices, you could have a bit of shock.

Reflecting a modern, cosmopolitan city that has to cater to all budgets, you can go up- or down-market in your choice of dining and accommodations. Often the most memorable experience is not dependent on the price tag. Staying away from the tourist traps and seeking out family-run restaurants will make you inclined to hand over your credit card with a smile when the check comes. In a climate of stiff competition (especially from the holiday apartment sector), hotels are usually clean and comfortable. Trains are very reasonably priced, fast, and on time, and most service personnel treat you with respect. And once you move beyond Barcelona into the rural areas you will find that the price of hotels and restaurants drops noticeably.

In Spain, prices for children aged 6 to 17 are often lower than for adults. Entrance fees for children under 6 are generally waived.

This websote lists exact prices in the local currency. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency-exchange website such as www.xe.com/ucc or www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.

When you get to Barcelona, it's best to exchange currency at a bank, not a cambio (exchange bureau), hotel, or shop as rates and commission fees are high. All Barcelona hotels, attractions, and shops accept major credit and debit cards.

ATMs

The easiest and best way to get cash while away from home is from ATMs (automated teller machines), also called "cashpoints." Be sure you know your PIN and daily withdrawal limit before you depart. Most banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM, and that fee is higher for international transactions than for domestic ones. In addition, the bank from which you withdraw cash may charge its own fee. For international withdrawal fees, ask your bank.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are the safest way to carry money. They provide a record of all your expenses, and offer relatively good exchange rates. You can get cash advances on your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN. You'll pay interest from the moment of withdrawal, even if you pay your monthly bill on time.

Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees will be charged for overseas transactions. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards are all widely accepted in Spain.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport is all that an American, British, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand citizen needs to enter Spain. It is important to note when your passport expires. If you're not traveling from within the European Union, Spain requires your passport to have at least 6 months left before its expiration date.

No visas are required for American, British, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand visitors to Spain, providing your stay does not exceed 90 days.

Tips for LGBTQIA+ Travelers

In 1978 Spain legalized homosexuality among consenting adults, and in 2005 parliament legalized marriage between same-sex couples. Catalonia has helped pave the way in rights for gay couples, pre-empting national laws by granting same-sex couples the same official status and conjugal rights as heterosexuals, and has given the green light for changes in the law that would facilitate adoption by same-sex couples.

Barcelona is one of the major centers of gay life in Spain, and two of the most popular resorts for gay travelers, Sitges (south of Barcelona) and the island of Ibiza, are in close proximity. It is generally very safe for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Tips for Women Travelers

In Barcelona women are as emancipated as in any other main European city. If a degree of machismo still exists it is minimal, and women are reaching high positions in all walks of life. Women exploring the city on their own will not be hassled.

Tips for Families

Barcelona is a lively and very crowded city that also happens to be a very good destination for families with children. From the peaceful Parc Güell to the Parque Zoológico, as well as fun spots like Happy Park Port Aventura and Catalunya en Miniatura, there's plenty to choose from. Generally children under the age of 7 can enter Spanish attractions for free.

Note that children traveling to Spain with companions other than their own parents should have a notarized letter from their parents to this effect.

Tips for Multicultural Travelers

As Barcelona becomes increasingly multicultural, particularly in areas of the Old City such as El Raval, visitors and residents of all nationalities are naturally accepted by a fairly open-minded society. A person of a different race or skin color rarely draws even a second glance, unlike a few decades back when Barcelona was a 99% castizo (locals) city.

That said, instances of racial conflict are not unknown, though these tend to be with African, Arabic, and Latin American locals rather than foreign visitors.

Tips for Vegetarian Travelers

Being a "veggie" no longer means being an outsider in the Catalan capital.

You don't have to confine yourself to 100% veggie establishments to get the goods, either, as many standard Catalan eating spots offer a large choice of noncarnivorous platos.

Apart from the ubiquitous tortilla (made with eggs, Spanish-style, and not from cornmeal, Mexican-style), look for dishes like escalivada (grilled red and green pepper salad), berengenas al horno (eggplant/aubergine baked in the oven), calabaza guisada (stewed pumpkin), setas al jerez (mushrooms cooked in sherry), and pisto (Spain's answer to ratatouille). Jamón Serrano is not regarded as "real" meat in Spain and can appear in all sorts of dishes such as caldo (broth), so check with the waiter before you order.

Arabic, Indian, and Italian restaurants also serve vegetarian fare, with an inventive range of couscous, rice, and pasta-based dishes. If fish is an acceptable option, there are, of course, plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from, although these tend to be expensive.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Disabilities shouldn't stop anyone from traveling. There are more options and resources out there than ever before.

Because of the endless flights of stairs in most buildings in Barcelona, visitors with disabilities may have difficulty getting around the city, but conditions are slowly improving: Newer hotels are sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities, and the more expensive restaurants are generally wheelchair-accessible. Restaurants and hotels in older buildings may not be accessible for those with mobility impairments, so don't be shy about calling in advance and asking for detailed information.

If you're flying to Barcelona, airline and ground staff will help you on and off planes and reserve seats with sufficient legroom, but you must arrange this assistance in advance of travel by contacting your airline by phone or through its website.

Avis has an "Avis Access" program that offers such services as a dedicated 24-hour toll-free number (tel. 888-879-42-73) for customers with special travel needs; special car features such as swivel seats, spinner knobs, and hand controls; and accessible bus service.