Barcelona, Spain
Overview
Overview
Overview
Barcelona awaits travelers with its alluring blend of Mediterranean charm and cultural richness, making it the perfect getaway, especially in warmer months. The city boasts an abundance of Modernist architecture to explore, with Antonio Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló standing as just two of the city's many captivating land
Barcelona awaits travelers with its alluring blend of Mediterranean charm and cultural richness, making it the perfect getaway, especially in warmer months. The city boasts an abundance of Modernist architecture to explore, with Antonio Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló standing as just two of the city's many captivating landmarks. Another enticing attraction is the distinguished Catalan cuisine, appealing to visitors with its array of tapas, paella, and other innovative seafood dishes.
Planning
Overview
Overview
To grasp the vast options Barcelona offers, we recommend spending three full days to immerse yourself in the city. For optimal weather, plan your trip between April and June for the mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, or in September through November to take advantage of the lack of tourists. Also notable in the later months is the N
To grasp the vast options Barcelona offers, we recommend spending three full days to immerse yourself in the city. For optimal weather, plan your trip between April and June for the mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, or in September through November to take advantage of the lack of tourists. Also notable in the later months is the National Day of Catalonia, marking early September with its town-wide celebration that is sure to be a memorable experience.
Advice
Overview
Advice
As commonly emphasized, it's crucial to stay vigilant with your belongings, particularly phones and/or purses, as pickpocketing is known to occur in touristy areas. While we had no issues, we want to emphasize not leaving purses unattended on the backs of chairs during meals, and refrain from leaving phones exposed at clubs. Enjoy your stay!
Accommodation
Location
For college students and younger travelers looking for accommodation, we recommend choosing the provided boutique hotels or hostels, unless self-searching for AirB&Bs. In choosing the AirBnB route, we recommend areas such as the Ciutat Vella (Old City), Eixample, Gràcia, and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. While staying along the beach may appear to offer picturesque views, it's worth noting that these areas tend to be more touristy and susceptible to petty theft, so we advise avoiding this area for accommodation purposes.
UMA House Pau Claris
This boutique hotel provides a super affordable option for accommodation. With its location being a 10 min walk from the city center, it provides easy accessibility to the cultural highlights of Barcelona, and if something is farther away there is a convenient metro nearby. The property offers a paid shuttle service to the nearest airport, or helpful in aiding in obtaining a taxi, which is a short ride to Barcelona-El Prat. This hotel offers a quiet space that is still in the heart of the city, with clean amenities and a helpful staff. Be ready to book in advance, as it tends to book up quickly.
Book your stay here: https://www.umasuites.com/en/destination/barcelona
El Jardí
Located at the Plaza del Pí, in close proximity with Las Ramblas, El Jardí offers accommodation with a prime location. Residing in the Gothic quarters, this hotel provides an affordable option with pricing ranging from €90-€160, with free included breakfast. While it takes to have a prime location, be aware that this also comes with noise complaints. The older building also means that the elevator does not start on street level, thus having to carry luggage exactly 20 steps to reach the lobby, which the helpful staff is very accommodating with. Overall this option provides a prime location at an affordable price, with the knowledge that there might be higher noise levels outside.
Find out more at: https://www.eljardi.com/our-rooms/
Yeah Hostel
Located between Paseo de Gracia and Casa Batlló, Yeah Hostel provides a safe experience for all travelers, and is notable with its countless reviews of great experiences. Located on Carrer de Girona in L’Eixample, this safe location is bound to provide a quiet stay. You won’t get let in at night without your key in hand. The day walking tours and night bar tours provide a safe way to experience the city, while indulging in what Barcelona has to offer. Awarded with the 2020 Best for Women Traveling, this accommodation is sure to be a great option.
For more information look at: https://www.yeahhostels.com/
Itaca Hostel
This hostel, located in the Gothic quarters and right next to Cathedral Square, provides an accessible and affordable option to all travelers. The location is near to museums and cultural attractions, offering convenient access to enriching experiences. Providing tranquil and clean accommodations, this hostel offers a serene haven after immersing oneself in the vibrant energy of the city. Due to the hostel's historical charm, it lacks an elevator facility within its older structure, so beware of carrying a lot of luggage.
Reserve your stay here: https://itacahostel.com/en/home-en/
Restaurants
Tapas
Bar Cañete
This tapas eatery is an absolute must-visit, and we strongly advise making a reservation in advance. Boasting a bustling bar and attentive staff, the atmosphere ensures a superb dining experience. Their fish is sourced from nearby Catalan markets, while the vegetables are locally grown, guaranteeing fresh and flavorful dishes.
For bookings and more: https://www.barcanete.com/
El Xampanyet
Nestled along Carrer de Montcada, El Xampanyet stands as an exceptional tapas restaurant within the animated El Born neighborhood. Despite its no-reservation policy, the wait proves rewarding as the bustling ambiance of the bar sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Don't miss indulging in their signature cava, their exquisite sparkling white wine which is a local delicacy.
No website availble but contact by phone: +34 933 19 70 03
Tapeo del Born
Tapeo del Borne offers a warm atmosphere, perfect for indulging in tapas delights. Given its intimate size, securing a reservation is advised. Although cocktails aren't part of their offerings, guests can delight in their impressive wine menu alongside delectable sharing plates. We found particular delight in their meat offerings. Opting for the Jambugo ham croquettes and a bottle of white wine summed up our dining experience.
Find more at: http://www.tapeoborn.cat/tapeo-del-born.html
Brunch
La Papa
La Papa
La Papa
This trendy café, boasting a chic interior, serves up delectable coffee and a variety of healthy brunch options. Keep in mind that seating during peak hours may require some patience, but the wait is definitely worthwhile.
Find more at: https://lapapa.es/
Tròpico
La Papa
La Papa
Emerging as a standout favorite for us, prompting multiple visits, this chain offers an outstanding brunch selection with ample choices. The flavorful pulled pork tacos, topped with cotija cheese, left a lasting impression, compelling us to return for more. Additionally, with offerings like acai bowls and nutritious smoothies, it proves to be an excellent choice for groups seeking diverse options.
No website provided.
La Boqueria
La Boqueria
La Boqueria
Don't miss out on exploring the renowned market, and be sure to inquire in advance about any special markets coinciding with your visit. Indulge in some Iberian ham and refreshing fresh fruit juices. We suggest making a stop at the El Quim stall. Enjoying food while strolling through the market is an experience in itself.
For times and market information:
La Pepita
La Boqueria
La Boqueria
Drop by this relaxed tapas bar for a late lunch or aperitif, and don't miss out on sampling the pepito sandwich, a standout dish. With an abundance of fresh seafood options and sharing plates available, this restaurant is a must-visit for a laid-back dining experience.
More information at: https://www.lapepitabcn.com/
Activities
Experiencing Barcelona's vibrant culture is essential, especially for those visiting for the first time. Additionally, taking a stroll through the Gothic Quarter offers a delightful opportunity to explore local shops and view the city on foot.
MOCO Museum
We recommend bypassing the Picasso museum and heading directly to the adjacent modern art museum. Featuring pieces by Andy Warhol, Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and numerous other artists, this museum offers an immersive experience. With a recently acquired NFT exhibit, it embraces the evolving realm of modern art. During our visit, we encountered a digital room showcasing dynamic landscapes, offering a truly unique photographic opportunity.
Purchase your tickets either at the door (with available student discounts) or through the provided link: Moco Museum Tickets
Sagrada Familia
The quintessential architectural work of Barcelona is a must see. As art history students, we loved seeing the incorporation of late Spanish gothic, along with Catalan modernism and Art Nouveau architectural styles. Make sure to get tickets prior because the wifi outside is quite spotty.
Get your tickets here: https://sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets
Gaudí Casa Batlló
Among our Barcelona travels, this audio-guided tour stood out as our favorite. The self-paced format of the audio guide, synchronized with various numbers as we explored the apartments, provided an enjoyable way to delve into Antonio Gaudí's design. One of the highlights for us was the main staircase railing, cleverly mimicking the curvature of an animal's spine. The rounded edges and organic architectural features added a distinctive touch to the apartments. The tour culminates at the picturesque rooftop, offering opportunities for photographs and a space to relax with snacks and drinks.
You can buy your tickets at the door, or through the link provided: https://www.casabatllo.es/en/online-tickets/
Park Güell
Another renowned masterpiece by Gaudí is Park Güell, an enchanting park adorned with vibrant sculptures and architecture inspired by nature. Nestled within lush gardens and offering panoramic views of the city, exploring this architectural gem is an unforgettable day activity not to be overlooked.
Get your tickets ahead of time here: https://parkguell.barcelona/en/buy-tickets
Shopping
While we didn't spend much time shopping, some recommendations we have include:
Vintage:
- Cotton vintage (Vintage designer items)
- Le swing and casa le swing
- Moirai Market (check if open)
Other:
- Madame Melon (sustainable brand of accessories)
- Lotta (Boutique with eclectic items)
- Roa and Friends (Unique boutique filled with fun jewelry)
- Gimiguas (Expensive but worth seeing storefront/display)
- Nude projects (Cool brand of sweatpants and sweatshirts)
- Bimba y lola (Mainstream but worth visiting)
Night Life
Clubs
In Barcelona, the nightlife scene typically reaches its peak around 2 or 3 AM. Tickets can be bought online in advance or obtained by paying a cover fee at the door. Unlike certain venues, cash isn't required for entry, and having a promoter isn't essential. With Opium, Pacha, and Shoko all conveniently located near the beach, you're in for a memorable night out. Also note that most entry fees include a free drink.
