BARCELONA TRAVEL GUIDE
Okay friends!
I’m so excited to finally sit down and make this blog post. I’m going to be brutally honest about everything so buckle in lol. Barcelona is a BEAUTIFUL CITY WHEN YOU DO IT RIGHT. And can be AWFUL lol if you don’t, and if you follow general tourist blogs. BUT ITS TRULY MY FAVORITE CITY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD and my parents forced me to live in over 9 countries and 5 continents growing up so I have a lot to compare it to!!!! ANYWAY LETS MAKE IT THE BEST DAYS EVERRRRR
NOTE: THIS BLOG POST IS MESSY and I havent finished writing it. I wanted to publish it ASAP since it’s summer, but I’ll make it prettier/make more sense when I have more time. How its set up right now
General info
Best time to visit
When to stay and not to stay
Getting to Barcelona
If you had 5 days in barcelona, here are suggestions
General safety
A big ass list that exists in my phone notes full of recommendations (haven’t gone to some, but just gonna dump it here!)
for videos and pics, check out my instagram highlights “BCN” and “Barcelona II”
(If you live or own an apartment in areas I hate on I’m SORRYYY). So that you know my personality and interests, for context:
I love outdoors, sport, shopping in quaint boutiques, architecture, walking around, and food — so my recommendations will mainly comprise of these.
I am not well acquainted with: art exhibitions, general museums, or clubbing of any kind. So ill give recommendations that are weaker in this area.
What language is spoken in Barcelona?
The language spoken in Barcelona (and Catalonia, which comprises of the provinces Barcelona, Lleida, Tarragona and Girona) is Catalan. So if you see different spellings on google maps or signs, you know why. You do not need to know any Catalan because everyone speaks Spanish. In the tourist areas everyone basically speaks English now, so you’re fine. I’d recommend learning some basic Spanish words, locals appreciate it a lot.
Random fact: The 1992 Olympics were held in Barcelona which is what really put the city on the map.
The best time to visit:
May and September
June July and August are summer, yes, but VERY full of tourists in the southern part of barcelona. I know you are all tourists lol. But what I mean is: in the summer months, Barcelona can attract a certain kind of tourism and to be politically not so correct I’d call it “cheap tourism.” By this I mean: people looking to get trashed for cheap, that are loud and disrespectful, that don’t bother to learn baaaasic Spanish words, that leave their trash on the beach, that catcall women. A lot of bachelorette parties and bachelor parties (if you’re coming for a bachelorette party I am NOT shitting on you — I just think it’s important people are aware).
Is everyone like this? absolutely not!!!! Will this ruin your holiday if you come in the summer? Absolutely NOOOOT. You’ll still have an amazing time. But I like to make girls aware of this because fuck men who make us uncomfortable :). And also so you know, locals all leave to their summer homes because of this reason for a lot of the summer. If you want an “authentic Spanish experience” southern Barcelona in the summer may not be for you. There are other small Spanish cities you should do. So just be prepared for this 😊 also: please don’t be that person that adds to the tourist stereotype! I know you wouldn’t be anyway.
Where should you stay?
Before coming, I highly recommend you open up google maps on your laptop and just scroll around the different neighbourhoods to read a bit about them. They are all so different. Barcelona is small for a city. There are two ‘big’ streets in Barcelona that I like to use as a point of reference:
Avinguda Diagonal divides the ‘south’ and ‘north’ of barcelona. North Barcelona is where the true ‘Catalans’ live. Very residential and ‘classic’. You’ll rarely see tourists there, and you’ll not see as many Catalan people in the southern part of Barcelona (of course, this is a generalisation, but still.)
Via Laietana divides Gothic Quarter and Born.
Neighbourhoods I recommend staying in:
Poblenou (or Diagonal Mar) for beach. It is not “out of the way” like some people say. It is where I live and my favourite neighbourhood. It’s a 15 min metro or 12 min bike ride to the centre. Zero is a nice hostel with coworking space in Poblenou.
Eixample for the city center & “elegant barcelona”. Its beautiful.
Gracia for “rustic and quaint Barcelona”. My brother and sis in law lived here 3 years and adored it. Full of plazas. In the north of barcelona.
Sant Gervasi / Sarria for gardens, quiet, and ‘authentic barcelona.’ Where local Catalan families live and very elegant. A bit more ‘out the way’, and further from the beach, but awesome.
El Poble Sec - for squares, near the very famous Montjuic castle, Montjuic fountain and museum, and the olympic stadium. Very nice walks around here.
THESE AREAS ARE GORGEOUSSSS walk around listening to your favourite playlist for true MAIN CHARACTER VIBES
Places NOT TO STAY:
Anywhere in Ciutat Vella. Ciutat Vella is incredibly ‘famous’ in Barcelona and is where most tourism sticks around. Avoid:
Anywhere near Las ramblas!!! In fact, imma go ahead and say this now: please avoid this area altogether. Las ramblas area, La boqueria, placa real are such common recommendations but don’t even bother visiting it. Las rambles is trashy and crowded :(. Plaza real may be fun. note that if you’re British visiting Barcelona its literally like going back to England hahaha (I LOVE BRITS ok I mean this in a kind honest way).
Gothic quarter (I don’t really enjoy gothic quarter. It has it’s ‘charm’ to walk around for a bit for sureeee, but to stay…I perhaps wouldn’t. I think the dirtiness, loudness, and sketchy guys make me uncomfy.)
El Raval (this area has unfortunately become sketchy at night.)
Barceloneta (I used to live here. This is where the famous Barceloneta beach is. It’s fun for sure, I really enjoyed my time here, but generally its smelly, loud, dirty, and in the summer has many of the not so nice tourists.)
I personally wouldn’t stay in Born in the summer months. obviously DEFINITELY visit it (I’ll give recommendations below), but I like more open, wide streets and Born is small thin streets since its the ancient part of BCN (its history is amazing). but does have its charm.
I don’t know many hotels since I’ve never stayed in one but will add here as I ask for recommendations.
The cotton house is a gorgeous one, if you’re a proper adult lol, since its pricey.
Arriving to barcelona, and getting from the airport to the city centre
Follow the signs that show buses and metro, or just ask, and look for ‘aerobus’. Its a big blue bus that costs 4.90 and will take you to Placa Espanya, basically the centre of barcelona. From there you’ll be fine to get to wherever you want to go.
If you’re going to use the metros or buses which I deffo recommend, get a t-10 card right away, it looks like this. do not buy single tickets/tap your card for each ride, each ride ends up being 2.5x the price than if you bought the t-10 card (a pack of 10 trips, which you can use in all of Barcelonas public transport).. Barcelonas public transport is top notch and super easy to understand, so don’t feel intimidated. Just use regular google maps.
Other forms of Transport:
I’d definitely do the typical tour bus, maybe on your first day. It’s a really nice way to learn about barcelona and see it all, and you can hop on and off when you’d like.
Rent a bike (I bike everywhere). Do this if you’re comfortable with city biking though.
Or just Walk. Totally doable.
Dont be those assholes on Segways LOL
If you had 5 days in Barcelona, this is what I would do, not in any particular order. Also these lists are filled by area, im not saying you should do each thing but here’s ideas.
Day 1: Beachy area and day.
Head towards Poblenou.
Have brunch. My favourite spots:
the little fern
Gabby’s
If you like shopping, Glories outdoor shopping centre and diagonal mar (indoor) shopping centre are the best in this area, very spacious and pretty. Id avoid shopping anywhere near placa catalunya, ramblas or born
Walk down Rambla Poblenou
Get an ice cream at Tio che
Get a coffee at federal (I recommend iced latte with oat milk. Godly)
Go to bogatell beach and relax there for the afternoon. If its the weekend, order a Crepe Box (crepe box barcelona)
Walk down to port Olimpic
Have a sangria at Farggi
Walk down the whole beach area, to the W. I love sitting near the w and watching people at the jungle gym or just do random sports.
If you like paddle boarding, sea you surf school has nice ones. I tried paddle boarding and tbh I found it boring af but the pictures were nice lol. they have a sunrise one which is relaxing though.
Walk back up towards Port Vella. This area is crowded in the summer but its okay.
If you want to chill a bit, sit in Plaça de l'Ictineo. People sit here with drinks and its nice to people watch
If you want to go get ready, and go back to the same- ish area to ‘finish’ it,
Have a rooftop drink at 1881 sagardi (book in advance). This area is super touristy and I don’t recommend dinner in any of these restaurants but the rooftop is very nice.
Have dinner at the green spot (book in advance). Its vegan.
Other restaurants in this beach area if you don’t want green spot
Under the W, a bit more expensive
Pez vela
Gallito
Tejada mar
Avoid in this area (which google results show first)
Opium and all the clubs on the beach. this is a personal recommendation though, I find them icky. But to each their own.
Surf house
Brunch and cake
Don’t go to W terrace. That hotel attracts certain people that I don’t know how to put kindly (basically very flashy)
Also, Poblenou has a vibey area to go ‘out’ in, bit more of a uni casual fun crowd.
Razzmatazz
Oveja negra, beer hall
Day 2: sagrada familia and gracia
Sagrada familia is a must I think. I’ve never gone inside though oops lol. but I do hear its very worth it!
Sit around Plaça de la sagrada familia. If its summer this may be packed . Be careful around here with ur stuff too. I don’t know this area well, so lets move on to gracia
In gracia, Nabuccu tiramisu for a coffee
brunch: cafe godot
Walk around carrer de verdi for cute shops
Tapas on playa del sol for people watching. Sol solar is a nice tapas bar
Lunch, great authentic rice: l’arrosseria xativa
A fun vermuteria/tapas bar (standing and casual): la vermu
The most loved bodega bar: bar bodega quimet
Very popular cocktail bar: extra bar
Other nice plazas to check out
Placa de la vila de gracia
Placa de la virreina
Also go to sil’s cakes and get a cookie
Watch the sunset at Carmel bunkers (I highly recommend this! Bring drinks!) here’s how to get there
https://www.whereismykiwi.com/carmel-bunkers-barcelona-spain/
Day 3: eixample area
Need to finish writing this !!!
Walk down or shop around Passeig de Gracia
Walk down Rambla catalunya
brunch: granja petitbo
dinner: robota
1850 urban spa, romantic date
Cerveseria Catalana for sure
rooftop: chiringuito casa bonay. also a nice coworking space.
terrace: cotton house
el nacional is a must for tapas and just to walk into at least
Day 4: Montjuic area
Need to finish writing this
hike to Montjuic castle and Catch the sunrise
Teresa Martinez for beautiful view dinner
Have a drink at the olympic swim pool, preferably watch the sunset here
Day 5: Born & gothic quarter
Have a picnic at Ciutadella park
Walk around Arc de triomf
El árbol arc de triumph brunch
Have lunch at honest greens
Walk down Rambla del born and check out the concept stores
Need to finish writing this
General safety:
Don’t bring nice jewellery or an expensive watch in the summer, especially if you’ll be clubbing. Just leave it at home.
Like many cities: if you are not wary, you will get pickpocketed. It’s a fact. I’ve lost 2 designer wallets and a purse (no one assaulted me, I just turned around and they weren’t there anymore type situation, so has my mom, etc). all were my ‘fault’: I just got distracted for a second. in tourist areas, just be super vigilant and always be attentive of where your phone/wallet and stuff are — these people are literal professionals and you don’t want to ruin your holiday in any way. Also the police won’t help you so don’t bother with that lol. This is NOT TO SCARE YOU AT ALL. This is just to help you AVOID the shittiness that can come with losing something on holiday.
DAY TRIPS TO DO AROUND BARCELONA
costa brava. rent a car using app Getaround.
montserrat
BIG ASS LIST of recommendations
Some of it is in dutch because this list was sent to Brian by a dutch friend
BARCELONA restaurants
- el nacional
- Boca grande ( beste vis restaurant van barcelona, veel bekende mensen gaan er, mooie toiletten. Boca chica is een fantastische bar boven waar ze veel cocktails hebben en soorten gin, ideaal om na of voor het eten iets te drinken)
- Luzia (eerder voor smiddags)
- Bar lobo
- Ocana
- Pez vela
- Parking pizza
- Maka maka burger restaurant
- Bar mut
- Tore del mar ( prachtig zicht over de stad, gastronomisch)
- Brunch & Cake
- Pim pam plats
- La monroe
- Madrelievito (pizza)
- Cotton house hotel
- Cecconi’s
- terrazza martinez
- Viblioteca
- Vinitus
- Xampanyeria
- Carabella (nacho’s)
- Perikete
- La machina (pasta’tje)
- La Taverneta
- Galito
- La gastronomica
- Alsur café
- Cachitos
- Gatsby
By
Bars
- 71 Oyster bar
- Pipasclub (cocktail)
- The lime house (cocktail)
- Whiskeria
- dr. Stravinsky (cocktail)
- Paradiso (cocktail)
- Boca chica
- Bar El Born
- Negro y rojo (op donderdag)
- Mr robinson
- The george payne (bestel een blackout tray voor €20. Aanrader is de karaoke avond, en beerpong de maandag avond)
- Chupitos (shots)
- Bacano
Old fashion for drinks
Gatsby drinks
Clubs
- la terrrazza (buiten)
- Input (techno)
- Red 58 (techno)
- opium ( gratis toegang als je zegt aashi guestlist)
- Pacha
- Shoko
- Bling bling
- Sutton
- Otto zuts
- Macarena (techno)
- Razzmatazz ( gigantisch grote club met verschillende zalen)
- Apolo (nasty monday’s & crapy tuesday)
- Nitsa (techno)
Festivals
- brunch in the city
- Brunch in the park
- Soundeat
- Villa habana
- Afterlife
- Monumental
Rooftops
- 1881 ( prachtig zicht over de haven van barcelona)
- Hotel 1898 la isabela
- Edition
- Oasis
- Yurban
- One ocean (geen rooftop, maar terras in haven)
Random things I have to put in a list
Zenith brunch
Parco SUSHI BEST EVER
Salvaje drinks and dinner fun
Sweet Lima nice coffee in born (not food)
Hotel mirador Barcelona — walk around the gardens
Pacomeralgo tapas
Cerveseria Catalana tapas
Tiocce gelato
Brugarol
Can paixano (la xampanyeria)
Número nueve
Jon cake
Plaza plim
Els Pescadors
OK THATS IT FOR NOW ILL FINISH IT SOON PROMISE
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