| I've never been asked "Is Barcelona worth visiting?"
You've already decided to take the trip. Here is what you need to know about Barcelona if you've never visited before.
Want to skip to the good stuff? 👉 Click the links below
👉 Tips for first-timers
👉 Free things to do/see
📍Google Maps pins
👉 Paid Attractions
👉 Neighborhoods & Where to Stay
You won't starve without them, but you will definitely miss out. Barcelona is a food city. Once you've chosen your place, make a reservation. You can usually do this online even if you don't have a Spanish phone # or speak the language. Google is your friend.
Poblenou is located just northeast of Barcelonetta. It's an industrial turned residential neighborhood. Through the middle is a restaurant lined rambla connecting it with the beach.
👍 Pros: Quiet, but in the "thick of things" and close to the city
👎 Cons: It will cost more money to take a taxi from the airport or train station as it's further north of the center
🏢 My Hotel Rec: Four Points by Sheraton Diagonal
Usually around €100/ night, the rooms are small but very well laid out and modern.
🏠 My Apartment Rec: Durlet Apartments
approximately the same price as the Four Points, but you get a larger unit with washer and a kitchen.
🍣 Sushi Rec: Bambú sushi & Udon
I'm a big fan of the poke bowl, this place is always fast, healthy, and the owner Alicia is awesome!
Sitges is a small city located just southwest of Barcelona on the R2 trainline.
👍 Pros: Larger apartments are available, Sitges is way quieter than BCN
👎 Cons: Expect to spend €60 for a taxi ride from the airport or to the city. The train is quick, convenient, and costs about €5 each way.
🏢 My Hotel Rec: Sabàtic, Sitges, Autograph Collection
This might be my favorite Marriott property in the entire world. This hotel is an all-suite hotel with multiple pools, great views of the ocean, and lots of space for a hotel in Europe.
🏠 My Apartment Rec: Sitges Group Apartments
Diagonal Mar is further Northeast from Poblenou. You can leverage the L4 metro or the trams to head into the city.
👍 Pros: Shopping malls are very convenient, easy access to the L4 and the Tram lines.
👎 Cons: It will cost more money to take a taxi from the airport or train station as it's further north of the center.
🏢 My Hotel Rec: Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona
This property can get seriously expensive during high season, but I've also found it empty. It's an older hotel, but has a great pool area / club outside. Stay here if you're going to hit up the beach and party.
For those coming for just a weekend on the train, staying at Sants may be a good choice to save time. Like many neighborhoods in Europe with a major train station, there may be transients around. This is a convenience choice.
👍 Pros: If you arrive on the train, you're already at your hotel. Convenient location to Plaza Catalunya and the other tourist attractions, they are close, not next door.
👎 Cons: Transient population, not aspirational.
🏢 My Hotel Rec: AC Hotel Sants
This property is basic, but has everything you need. It's not an aspirational hotel, but you'll likely be doing tourist things anyway.
You've probably blown more than you planned on the hotel so want to make your money last. The suggestions following do not cost anything beyond a metro card and the food you purchase unless noted.
📍 Google list of my favorite places (free and paid)
When I show people around Barcelona, inevitably this is high on the list. Here is 📍my suggested walking route. It's also fun to just kinda get lost. Here are some specific tips!
It costs €12.50 one way or €20 roundtrip. For those on a budget, you can take the Metro to the Paral·lel, then ride up the hill on the underground funicular. Once you've gotten up to Montjuic, you'll see breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona's skyline and the Mediterranean Sea.
There are a variety of paid and free things to do including:
Tibidabo is a mountain in Barcelona, Catalonia, known for its amusement park and stunning views of the city. Founded in 1901, it is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. The park offers a range of attractions, including thrilling rides, a vintage carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a beautiful church, the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, at its peak. Tibidabo is open on weekends and during holidays throughout the year, as well as during the summer season.
Visitors can reach Tibidabo by taking S1/S2 to Peu del Funicular, followed by a funicular ride to the mountain's summit. The park is free to enter, but you will need to pay for rides or attractions.
A couple of these are a bit removed from the city center. I'll leave it up to you to determine what your priorities are for your holiday. I mention them because these are things I would 100% do again but may take a bit of hustle to reach.
Navigate the labyrinthine paths created by tall hedges in search of the center, where a statue of Eros, the Greek god of love, awaits. During the colder months, the Labyrinth may be a bit bare.
Of all the Gaudi works in Barcelona, this one is my personal favorite. It's relatively inexpensive: tickets are 10€ per person (compared with €30ish for other attractions) I'd expect to spend at least 1-2 hours here.
Be aware there is some climbing involved so it's not an activity for people who want to walk around. It's located towards the northwest of the city so a good activity to combine with seeing Casa Vicens and some of the other famous houses.