I have been wanting to write this Barcelona travel guide for so long – it’s my favorite city! I studied abroad here during school so it’s the memories, but it’s also the city-meets-beach-meets-mountains location, the beyond beautiful architecture, the Spanish and Catalan food (and the cava) that just does not taste the same anywhere else in the world, the walkability, the shopping, and the culture and traditions.
In this travel guide, I will share my tips for where to stay, what to eat and drink, and things to see and do in Barcelona, Spain!
Don’t miss my complete guide to things to see and do in Barcelona HERE!
Table of Contents
STAY
If it’s your first time in Barcelona, I recommend staying in Eixample or the Gothic Quarter. If you’re interested in nightlife, consider El Born or Poblenou. Poble Sec (this is where I lived when I studied abroad) and Gràcia are both lovely barrios (neighborhoods) if you like the idea of a more local vibe.
KIMPTON VIVIDORA
Book HERE!
The Kimpton Vividora is conveniently located on a quiet street in the Gothic Quarter and just steps away from Plaça de Catalunya. The hotel itself is gorgeous – comfortable and trendy rooms, a moody lobby, and chic on-site bars and restaurants. The rooftop pool and bar are not to be missed as they offer amazing views of the Catedral de Barcelona. I cannot say enough good things about the service at this hotel – at check-in we were offered a glass of cava, upon entering our guest room we received a call from the general manager, and the service at daily breakfast was always prompt (highly recommend that you experience the impressive buffet + a la carte options here). I also love the amenities that are included when staying at any Kimpton property, such as nightly social hour (7-8pm), complimentary bikes, and in-room yoga mats and a Nespresso machine.
Tip: Make sure to follow Kimpton (@kimpton) on Instagram to learn about their seasonal social passwords. By mentioning the social password at check-in, I received a round of free drinks at the hotel’s rooftop bar (Terraza de Vivi) during my stay.
H10 CASA MIMOSA
Book HERE!
A European hotel brand that I love is H10 – you may remember reading about my stay at their property in Lisbon. They have 15 properties in Barcelona alone! My favorite part of the H10 Casa Mimosa property is the view from the rooftop bar and pool of La Pedrera. We were lucky enough to stay in a deluxe garden room that had the same amazing view, which also faced the hotel’s garden courtyard. The serene common spaces made it hard to want to leave the hotel at times despite the prime location off of Passeig de Gràcia (a high end shopping street in Eixample). Excellent service and in-room amenities here, as well.
EAT AND DRINK
I love the Spanish and Catalan cuisine, but I have yet to find a restaurant in the United States that is up to par with what you can find in Spain. With that, I highly recommend indulging in the regional specialities while you are here. Barcelona is a well-rounded foodie destination, though, so you will be able to satisfy any craving!
Tip: Meal times are later (lunch is typically 2-4pm and dinner is 9-11pm) and longer (ask for “la cuenta” when you’re ready to pay). Additionally, tipping after a meal is not necessary, but rounding up the bill or a 5-10% tip is appreciated.
TAPAS
Try the essentials like croquetas, pan con tomate, jamón ibérico, ensaladilla rusa, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and tortilla if you don’t know where to start!
Lo Pinyol | A cozy spot in between Eixample and Gràcia neighborhoods. Everything was delicious, but the croquetas are exceptional.
Bar Alegria | Located on a very photogenic corner with a bright red awning, this tapas spot is full of locals, which is always a good sign.
El Nacional | A beautiful multi-space restaurant offering regional meats, seafood, tapas, wines, and beers.
La Alcoba Azul | Excellent tapas and vermouth!
On my list for next time: Bar Cañete, Bar del Pla, Bar Galán
PAELLA
Barraca | Do not miss the seafood paella here, as well as the beachfront views at this chic spot in La Barceloneta. Reserve a table upstairs for lunch.
DESSERT
DelaCrem | Gelato
Xurreria Banys Nous | Churros
DRINKS
I love sangria, but don’t underestimate the vermouth and the cava!
Dr. Stravinsky’s | An upscale cocktail bar that ranked as one of the world’s 50 best in 2019!
Gats | A gorgeous indoor-outdoor space that serves food and drinks, but I especially love it for an aperitif.
La Oveja Negra | Come here with friends to enjoy liters of sangria and unlimited free popcorn.
Razzmatazz | I haven’t been here since I studied abroad in 2012, but it was definitely the best nightclub at the time!
Follow me on Instagram for even more foodie content!
COFFEE
Satan’s Coffee, Good New Coffee, Nomad Coffee
SEE AND DO
Read THIS POST with my list of 20 things to see and do in Barcelona!
ITINERARY
I think that you need a minimum of three or four full days for your first visit to Barcelona. If you’re new here, then you should know that I am all about efficiency when I travel! The below itinerary will help you navigate the best things to see and do based on location so that you aren’t wasting any time getting around the city!
DAY 1
MORNING
Park Güell
Casa Vicens
AFTERNOON
Gothic Quarter
La Rambla
La Boqueria
DAY 2
MORNING
El Born
Palau de la Música
Picasso Museum
Arc de Triomf
Parque de la Ciutadella
AFTERNOON
La Barceloneta
Sailing cruise
DAY 3
MORNING
La Sagrada Familia
Passeig de Gracia
Casa Mila – La Pedrera
Casa Battló
AFTERNOON
Paella cooking class
Sunset at Carmel Bunkers
If you have another day, definitely consider taking a day trip to Sitges, Girona, or Cadaqués. I also recommend spending time at Montjuic in the city for incredible museums, cable car rides, views, and my favorite fountain in Barcelona.
I hope you enjoyed this Barcelona travel guide and are planning to visit soon! My #1 tip is to embrace the culture by slowing your pace. Don’t push yourself to see it all in one trip – Barcelona is worth a return! I will definitely be back again soon.
TIPS
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time of year to visit is May, June, or September based on weather and crowds.
CURRENCY
Euros are the local currency. The conversion rate is more or less $1 USD = €1 EUR.
GETTING AROUND
To/From BCN Airport: The Aerobus is a popular and affordable option that connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with the city center (Plaça de Catalunya). You can also use the train (Renfe), the metro, or a taxi service.
The public transportation is very easy to navigate and is well-connected throughout the city. If you prefer a taxi/car, download the Cabify and FreeNow apps. Unsurprisingly, I recommend that you walk as much as possible so that you do not miss an inch of this beautiful city! Reminder to be vigilant! Like many big cities, Barcelona is known for pickpocketing (especially on La Rambla).
Speaking of public transportation, the coastline is easily accessible and so beautiful in either direction from the city. Check out Cadaqués or Sitges if you have a day to spare!
Tip: Save locations to a list on Google Maps – your hotel, bars and restaurants, sights, etc. for planning your days efficiently. This will help you see which sights, bars, and restaurants are in the same areas.
PACKING
You can wear whatever you want to in Barcelona, but I do recommend packing comfortable walking shoes. It can be fun to get dressed up for dinner or to just keep up with the trends in this fashionable city!
My complete guide to how to pack for travel is saved HERE!
P.S. Don’t forget the European travel essentials like your passport, some euros, and a power adaptor.
LANGUAGE
There are two official languages in Barcelona – Spanish and Catalan. You do not need to speak either, but it does help a lot. Not everyone that you encounter will be able to speak English – be patient. I always encourage people to attempt to learn a few key words, though!
| English | Spanish | Catalan |
| Hello | Hola | Hola |
| Good morning/day | Buenos días | Bon dia |
| How are you? | ¿Cómo estás? | Com estàs? |
| I’m good! | Estoy bien | Estic bé |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? | Parles anglès? |
| Please | Por favor | Si us plau |
| Thank you | Gracias | Gràcies |
| You’re welcome | De nada | De res |
| Bye | Adios | Adéu |
| The bill, please. | La cuenta, por favor. | El compte, si us plau. |
COVID-19
With the spread of COVID-19, all travelers should prioritize their health and safety. Rules and restrictions are constantly changing, so stay updated HERE for related rules and restrictions in Spain.
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