Traveling in Barcelona tips

Travel guide to Barcelona

Located in the Catalonia region, Barcelona is known for its rich art history and architecture. As home to La Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum, and the Gothic quarter, Barcelona will give you a taste of modernism with hints of a more medieval time.
Make sure to enjoy the various gems Barcelona has to offer!

How to get around in Barcelona

Mobility around Barcelona and its metropolitan area has been made easy through the city’s sustainable public transport network. This network includes metros, trams, buses, and the city and suburban rail service (FGC), which prioritizes clean energy.

Metro

Barcelona has 8 metro lines serving most of the city and which can be differentiated by their colors: L1 (red), L2 (lilac), L3 (green), L4 (yellow), L5 (blue), L9N & L9S (orange), L10N & L10S (light blue), and L11 (light green).

Tram

The tram routes in Barcelona provide access to the major shopping areas and residential zones. Additionally, the tram lines have been adapted to be more accessible to people with reduced mobility.
There are 2 tramlines in the city, each covering different routes: the Trambaix (T1, T2, T3) and the Trambesòs (T4, T5, T6).

FGC (the urban and metropolitan rail network)

This network is owned by the Catalan government and has 3 urban lines: L6, L7, and L8.

Hola Barcelona travel card

Public transport in Barcelona operates an integrated fare system, allowing for transfers (between different means of transportation) for free
within 1h 15 minutes of validating your ticket. The Hola Barcelona travel card can be purchased for 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. This will save you time and money by not having to purchase single-use tickets each time.

Taxi

Book a taxi by a phone to different local taxi toll free numbers available in the city.

Best Toursit Places to Visit in Barcelona

1. Park Güell

Although highly touristic, it is a beautiful and interesting park better appreciated with information. Book tickets in advance.

2. Montjuic mountain

Historic hill full of museums and a castle, accessible by cablecar. Additionally, it is located close to the InterContinental Barcelona.

3. Ciutadella & Triumphal Arch

A beautiful park containing the Catalan parliament and the zoo (no connection) with tons of history.

4. La Sagrada Familia

Designed by Catalan architecht, Antoni Guadí. It is recommended to preorder your tickets.

5. La Pedrera/Casa Milà and La Casa Batlló

Two additional astonishing Antoni Gaudi buildings.

6. Temple of August remains

A free sneak peek into Roman Barcelona, located at the heart of the Gothic Quarter.

Neighborhoods to (purposely) get lost in

• Gòtic: Narrow medieval streets filled with trendy restaurants and bars.
• El Born: Home to the Santa Maria del mar Basilica, an archeological site, and the Picasso Museum among many more.
• Plaça Catalunya: Beautiful intersecting point for modern Barcelona and the 19th century-built Eixample.

Food Recommendations in trip of Barcelona

Tapas

• Patatas bravas: Spicy potatoes (made spicy by the sauce)
• Calamares a la romana: Battered squid
• Morcilla: Black sausage
• Tortilla de patatas: Potato omelet
• Lomo adobado: Marinated loin meat
• Chorizillos infierno: Little hot sausages
• Pimientos del padrón: Small green peppers (beware some might be spicy)

Meals/Plates

• Paella: Seafood rice or noodles (If asking for noodles, ask for Alioli)
• Arròs negre: Black paella (made with squid ink)
• Pintxos: Basque small discs of crusty bread topped with cheese, fish, meat or seafood
• Crema Catalana: Sweet dessert, similar to a crème brûlée.

Paella

• La Barraca
• El Rosal
• El Suquet de L’almirall

Drinks

• Orxata (Horchata): Sweet and cool non-alcoholic drink. Best enjoyed mostly during the summer.
• Barcelona coffeeshop
• Clara: Beer with lemonade.
• Vermut (Vermouth): Pre-lunch drink usually with chips and/or olives.
• Estrella Damm: Local beer
• Sangria: Refreshing wine-based drink (make sure you don’t get the watery version!)