Few cities in the world can come close to the near perfect combination of history, culture and modernism that Barcelona offers its visitors. It continues to be one of the most visited international tourist destinations and with good reason. Tourism here is generally bustling throughout the year, peaking in spring and winter months when visitors flock to enjoy the city’s distinctive charms. Barcelona is equally well-connected by road, rail and air. There are multiple local transportations options available as well. Antoni Gaudi’s distinct architecture is highlighted throughout the city and continues to draw admirers. The additional lure of the vibrant food, shopping and nightlife scene is also immensely popular. This travel guide should provide valuable insights into exploring the wonderful city of Barcelona.

By Air:

The best and most convenient way for international travellers is to fly into one of the multiple airports in Barcelona. El Prat Airport is the nearest to the city only 17 km away.

By Road:

A network of well-connected roadways means that visitors can get to Barcelona from most of the significant European cities in and around the area. There are several private and public bus services on offer here.

By Rail:

Another excellent way to get to the city is by catching a train. The Eurorail is the easiest and most popular train service available here and weaves in and out of Spanish cities, as well as other European destinations.

Spring Season (March – May):

This season is characterized by moderate rainfall and sunny weather making it one of the best times to visit. May is generally the most popular month in the year for tourism in Barcelona. 

Summer Season (June – August):

Temperatures tend to skyrocket during this season, making it the hottest period to visit Barcelona. Caution is advised before making a trip here during this period of the year as the heat is not as mild as the rest of Europe.

Autumn Season (September – November):

This season is not advisable for travel owing to the fact that thunderstorms and heavy showers are common occurances during this period. 

Winter Season (December – February):

This is another one of the best times to visit Barcelona. The weather cools down considerably, making outdoor exploration of the city very enjoyable. However, it does tend to get quite chilly post sunset so visitors are advised to dress appropriately. 

Visit the Sagrada Familia:

One of the best things to do in Barcelona is to explore this architectural masterpiece from the genius mind of Antoni Gaudi. It is arguably the most famous historic monument in the city.

Explore Las Ramblas:

Another must-do activity in Barcelona is to walk down and explore the celebrated Las Ramblas promenade. It runs through the heart of the city and is the focal point for all tourism.

Visit the Cam Nou Football Stadium:

One of the most celebrated stadiums in world football, exploring the home of FC Barcelona is not to be missed. The sheer atmosphere and historical relevance of the stadium is mesmerizing.

Visit La Bouqeria:

A delightfully diverse and energetic marketplace, La Bouqeria has been the trade hub of Barcelona for hundreds of years. Now it serves as the go-to marketplace for visitors to sample some of the finest food available on the Mediterranean coast.

From local footstalls in La Bouqeria to boasting to have over 20 Michelin star restaurants, the food scene in Barcelona is world-class. Local delicacies include the rice-based paella dish, predominantly served with seafood and using saffron to give the rice its yellow colour. Additionally, the Tapas food culture is incredible, offering small plates of food using locally sourced produce. Crema Catalana is the most popular desert choice and is identical to a Crème Brule. For young couples, the nightlife here is arguably one of the best in the world, offering everything from local speak-easy bars to high-end luxury clubs.

Just like the food and nightlife, shopping in Barcelona caters to visitors with different budgets and preferences. The 2 most popular shopping streets in the city are the Passeig de Gracia and Portal del Angel, both originating at the beloved Plaça de Catalunya. Additionally, there are more industrial shopping malls like the Centro Comercial Glories and Las Arenas Shopping Centre. If that isn’t enough, approximately 40 minutes outside the city is La Roca Village, an outlet shopping that is home to over 100 international and local brands at relatively affordable rates.