Why Go to Barcelona
Barcelona contains both the authentically historic and the wildly bizarre. From the tree-lined Las Ramblas to the narrow alleys of Barri Gòtic; from the beachside nightclubs to the city's dozens of sacred churches and cathedrals, this city by the sea seems to attract all types: the family, the adventurer, the couple, the backpacker, the culture lover — and more — with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for a few days, but chances are you'll need a whole week to explore.
In Barcelona, even the beach is bustling, but it's really the cosmopolitan city that gets all the attention. Much of the activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, nightclubs and a vibrant pedestrian market. But you should also take a tour of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces; Gaudí is responsible for sites like Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia. And it would also be absurd to miss out on the eclectic shopping scene and the region's exquisite food and wine. Do you see why we suggest a week vacation?
How to Save Money in Barcelona
- Buy the Barcelona Transport CardDiscounts on top things to do and unlimited use of public transportation make this cardworth your money upfront. But be sure to purchase it before you travel, so you can take advantage of the free train ride from the airport to the city center.
- Stay in an apartment Cut down on food costs by renting an apartment (rather than a hotel), where you can buy groceries and cook your own Catalan feasts.
- Gorge on lunch If you eat your big meal at lunch, you can cash in on the Menu del Dia(Menu of the Day), which is usually an affordable and tasty three-course meal. After this midday spread, a few cheap tapas plates around dinnertime should tide you over until breakfast.
What to Eat
Local cuisine is increasingly meat-centered; common dishes include stews filled with chickpeas, greens and lots of pork or beef. Seafood is also a popular ingredient, with most traditional restaurants offering assorted versions of the celebrated paella, a mix of shellfish, spices and rice. Ordering tapas — small appetizer-sized dishes usually served with a glass of beer or cava — is a great way to sample the regional cuisine without overspending.
Popular neighborhoods for dining out include Barri Gòtic, Gracia and Eixample.
Safety
Barcelona is a major tourism hotspot and pickpockets know it. Be mindful of your surroundings especially while touring Barcelona's major attractions. The city sees a moderate rate of conventional crime and principal tourist areas and metros are often the most targeted spots. Men should keep their wallets in their front pockets and carry backpacks in front when traveling on the metro and women should make sure their purses are zipped or secured as best as possible.
You should also lookout for your body. Rich cuisine and an abundance of wine can make some travelers sick, so be sure to moderate your eating habits. And be prepared to experience lots of sunshine and heat, especially when traveling in the summertime. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated.
Getting Around Barcelona
The best way to get around Barcelona is by Metro. A handful of numbered and color-coded lines weave throughout the city, making stops near many of the city's most popular attractions, but unfortunately not at the airport. To travel from Barcelona Airport (BCN), you'll need to catch a taxi, ride a bus or rent a car. Speaking of city buses, be aware that ever-present traffic jams make commuting via bus rather time-consuming. You could hail taxis on the street, but if you want to burn a few calories, conduct your tour on foot or by bike. Driving, however, is not recommended.