Barcelona guide  

Monuments and culture - tips for the most visited famous buildings created by the architect Gaudi (Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Batlló) and more.

Accommodation - tips for accommodation in the center, directly on La Rambla or by the beach...

Food and drink - what you should try when visiting Barcelona - paella, tapas, crema catalana...

Practical advice - how to travel around Barcelona, where to enjoy the nightlife, which beach to visit.

Famous people - famous personalities associated with Barcelona - Pablo PIcasso, Antoni Gaudí,...

Weather - when to visit Barcelona, temperatures, rainfall,...

Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia, is located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula by the Mediterranean Sea. The city is known for its rich history, architecture and important monuments.

Barcelona has a population of about 1.6 million, making it the 2nd most populous city in Spain after Madrid. If we include the adjacent metropolitan area, the population increases by approximately 4.8 million.

The city is famous for its iconic architectural features designed by Antonio Gaudí, one of the most important architects of modern times. Among his most famous buildings, we can name the unfinished Sagrada Família (in UNESCO), Park Güell or Casa Batlló.

Right in Barcelona, you can swim on a city beach, for example in the Barceloneta district. The city offers a rich cultural life, including important museums such as the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation.

Barcelona is home to one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world, FC Barcelona. Their Camp Nou stadium is a popular destination for football fans.

In addition, Barcelona has an excellent gastronomic scene with many restaurants where you can taste traditional Catalan dishes and specialties. The city has also become famous for its nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs and discos that attract entertainment lovers.

Public transport works well in Barcelona - you can use the metro, buses and trains here. You can also get from the airport to the center by train or bus.

In 1992, the city hosted the Summer Olympic Games and has since become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. You can see the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill.

Monuments and culture

Sagrada Família - The largest unfinished Catholic cathedral in the world, designed by Antoni Gaudí. Construction began in 1882. The church is still unfinished, but was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. There are long lines to enter, so it is best to book tickets online well in advance. The cathedral has three main facades: the Nativity Façade, which symbolizes the birth of Christ, the Passion Façade, which depicts his crucifixion, and the Glory Façade, which is still under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2034.
Address: Carrer de la Marina, 255, Barcelona.

Park Güell - Another of Gaudí's masterpieces is located on a hilltop overlooking the city. This stunning park combines architecture, gardens, terraces and ceramic elements such as colorful mosaics, curved benches and columns that blend harmoniously with the natural environment. You can often hear a guitar concert in the artificial cave. Originally, it was intended to be a luxury residential complex. The project, initiated by Eusebi Güell, was supposed to include 60 houses, but in the end Gaudí only built two model houses. Park Güell has become one of Antoni Gaudí's most famous works and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They have charged for part of the park.
Address: Carrer d'Olot, 7, Barcelona.

Casa Batlló - An example of Gaudí's organic architecture. He decorated the facade of this building with shimmering ceramic tiles and curvilinear shapes - the windows seem to protrude from the wall, the balconies resemble dragon teeth. Admission to Casa Batlló is expensive, but worth it.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, Barcelona.

La Pedrera (Casa Milà) – The last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí. He built it between 1906 and 1912 for Pere Milà. Casa Milà uses innovative architectural features, such as a self-supporting stone facade, an open floor plan and an underground garage. The roof of the building is crowned by skylights, staircases, ventilators and chimneys, which are also real sculptures integrated into the structure.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, Barcelona.

The Gothic quarter - The historic part of the city, whose history dates back to Roman times, is full of narrow streets, churches and squares. The main attractions include the Gothic cathedral La Seu, the Palau de la Generalitat and Plaça Reial, a square full of restaurants and bars. The district is also famous for its cultural and artistic past. Artists such as Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso lived here. It is separated from the El Raval district by Barcelona's most famous street, La Rambla.
Address: Barri Gòtic, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona.

La Rambla – The most famous avenue in Barcelona. A street known for its street art – live sculptures and other street artists are on display here. You can have tapas in one of the many restaurants, buy souvenirs in the local shops or just walk around and soak up the atmosphere. This famous street originally served as an open channel to drain rainwater from the Collserol hills and separated the medieval walled city from the suburb of El Raval. In the 15th century, this watercourse was diverted outside the city walls and a street was built in its place, which became the center of city life, full of markets, festivals and cultural events. Notable landmarks include La Boqueria market, Liceu theater and Font de Canaletes fountain.
Address: La Rambla, Barcelona.

Passeig de Gràcia – Continuation of La Rambla. This elegant avenue, full of luxury shops and magnificent modernist buildings such as Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, is a popular area for walking and shopping. These buildings are part of the so-called "Manzana de la Discordia" (Block of Discord), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona.

Palau de la Música Catalana - A modernist concert hall from the early 20th century. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful music venues in the world, its interior is decorated with glass, mosaics and sculptures. It was designed by Barcelona-born architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It is home to the Orfeó Català, one of the oldest and most important choirs in Catalonia. The Palau de la Música Catalana hosts a wide range of cultural events, from classical music to jazz and flamenco.
Address: Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 4-6, Barcelona.

Montjuïc - Montjuïc hill offers a magnificent view of the city. You can visit Montjuïc Castle, the Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Popular Architecture. You can get there by cable car, metro or even on foot. Montjuïc also has a rich history. In Roman times it served as a major quarry for stone. In the Middle Ages it was called "Jewish Mountain" (Mons Jovicus) because of the medieval Jewish cemetery on the southern side of the hill. During the Spanish Civil War it served as a prison and execution ground.
Address: Montjuïc, Barcelona.

Camp Nou - FC Barcelona football stadium. The largest football stadium in Europe can accommodate almost 100,000 spectators. Since it was built in 1957, it has been undergoing a complete renovation and modernization since May 2023. They plan to increase the capacity to 105,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Europe. Legendary players such as Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi have played at the Nou Camp.
Address: Carrer d'Aristides Maillol, Barcelona.

Accommodation

Finding suitable accommodation in Barcelona should certainly not be a problem for anyone. There are more then 3,000 different options in the city, including the lower price category (hostels, apartments, boarding houses) up to reasonably priced three-star boarding houses and hotels. Lovers of luxury can also find suitable accommodation here - in 4* and 5* hotels, often equipped with rooftop swimming pools offering a breathtaking view.

If you are looking for cheap accommodation, during the summer you can book one of the student dormitories, for example the Residencia Universitaria Barcelona Diagonal, which is located near the Camp Nou football stadium and offers its guests an outdoor pool and a fitness center.

Affordable accommodation in the city center, right next to the famous Passeig de Grácia boulevard, is offered, for example, by the Circa 1905 hotel. The rooms have a balcony or terrace and are also suitable for accommodation with small children.

An amazing 4* hotel with a rooftop pool and views of the Sagrada Familia cathedral is located right on the famous La Rambla. It's called Hotel 1898 and they prepare an expensive but delicious breakfast there.

One of the most luxurious hotels in Barcelona can be found right by the sea, a short distance from the port. At Eurostars Grand Marina, you can enjoy views of both the sea and the city, for example from the summer terrace. Directly in front of the hotel stands the middle tower of the Montjuic cable car, Torre Jaume I.

Since Barcelona is located by the sea, you can also stay here on a boat. For example, in the Magnificent Luxury Yacht in Barcelona center, in addition to a luxurious room (the yacht has 4 bedrooms) and whirpool, you can also enjoy amazing views.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Barcelona, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com. You can also use Booking.com offer for Barcelona.

Food and drink

In Barcelona, you can find Catalan, Spanish and international cuisine. Barcelona doesn't really have its own food, but you can most often enjoy typical local dishes here, for example:

Paella - one of the most famous Spanish dishes originating from neighboring Valencia. Paella is cooked with rice, seafood, meat (usually chicken or rabbit), vegetables and aromatic spices. You can choose from different types depending on the type of meat that the paella contains.

Tapas - small portions of dishes that are often served as an appetizer or evening snack. In Barcelona, you can enjoy different types of tapas, such as patatas bravas (baked potatoes with a spicy sauce), tortilla española (potato omelette with onions) or jamón ibérico (Iberian ham).

Pan con tomate - a simple but tasty dish. It is often served as an appetizer. It is fresh bread brushed with olive oil and grilled, then salted and sprinkled with grated tomatoes.

Fideuà – a local dish similar to paella. But instead of rice, they use noodles in it. Fideuà contains seafood, fish, vegetables and aromatic spices. It is a favorite dish of Catalan cuisine.

Calcots - traditional spring onion sprouts roasted over an open fire. They are served with a spicy sauce called romesco. Calcots are typical of the region of Catalonia and are part of traditional celebrations called "Calçotades". Calcots can be eaten as a side dish to grilled meat or on their own.

Crema Catalana - Catalan version of the classic French crème brûlée. This dessert consists of a vanilla pudding cream that is sprinkled with a layer of caramelized sugar.

Sangria - a popular mixed drink, made from red wine, fresh fruit (mostly oranges and apples). It is often flavored with brandy or other alcohol. Sangria is a popular drink throughout Spain, including Barcelona.

Practical tips

Planning and booking - Around 12 million tourists visit Barcelona every year! So plan ahead and book some activities online, such as museum tickets, tours or restaurants. This will help you avoid queues and secure a place. For example, you won't be able to get into the Sagrada Família without a reservation during peak season.

Public transport - Comfortable, fast and affordable. Barcelona has a well-developed public transport network that includes the metro, buses and trams. You can buy single tickets or Barcelona Cards, which give you free access to public transport and discounts on some attractions.

Walks - You can really enjoy Barcelona, a city with beautiful architecture and atmosphere, by walking. Let yourself be carried away by the streets, discover hidden corners and don't forget to visit famous monuments such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Rambla or the Gothic Quarter. 

Beaches - If you want to freshen up, head to Barceloneta, Bogatell or Nova Icaria beach. Be careful with your valuables. Right on the beach, you can treat yourself to fruit or various drinks from passing sellers or perhaps an Asian massage.

Gastronomy - Don't forget to taste the local Catalan cuisine and try typical dishes such as paella, tapas, fideuà or crema catalana. Also visit the local markets, such as the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, where you can find fresh food and traditional specialties.

Nightlife – Barcelona is also alive at night. If you like evening entertainment, go to Placa Reial or to the sea in Puerto Olimpico, where you will find many bars, clubs and restaurants with different music styles.

Weather in Barcelona

Barcelona is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, so you will enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate here. In the summer it is beautifully warm, it rarely rains and the temperatures hover around 30 °C. Even at higher temperatures, Barcelona is cooled by the sea breeze, which is why you will feel comfortable here.

In winter, it usually doesn't snow in Barcelona and the temperature doesn't drop below 10°C. That's why tourists come here even during this period. Thanks to the lower temperatures, it's not overcrowded and those who go here won't get bored and will enjoy the city in a more peaceful way than in summer...

You can read current information and the weather forecast for Barcelona for the next 7 days in our table:

Celebrities

Antoni Gaudí (1852 - 1926) - Catalan architect, known for his neoclassical and modernist buildings. His most famous projects include the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló.

Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973) - world-famous Spanish painter and sculptor, one of the founders of cubism. He was born in Malaga but also spent some time in Barcelona. Barcelona played an important role in his early artistic development.

Joan Miró (1893 - 1983) - Catalan painter, sculptor and ceramist, known for his surrealist and abstract art. He was born in Barcelona and has been deeply connected to the city all his life. All his life he experimented with new art techniques.

Salvador Dalí (1904 – 1989) - Spanish surrealist painter and sculptor. He was born near Barcelona. He was one of the most important artists of the 20th century and collaborated with other famous artists such as Luis Buñuel.

Joan Miralles (1945) - architect, urban planner and designer from Barcelona, known for his innovative and ecological projects. He was the principal architect of the Olympic Park in Barcelona, which hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Lionel Messi (1987) - Argentine soccer player. He spent most of his career in Barcelona. Messi is considered to be one of the best footballers of all time and won numerous titles during his time at Barcelona.

Josep Guardiola (1971) - former Spanish footballer and now a successful coach. As a player and coach, he achieved many successes with Barcelona, including winning the UEFA Champions League.

Montserrat Caballé (1933 - 2018) - famous Spanish opera singer. Born in Barcelona, she was one of the most important sopranos of the 20th century. She performed on the most prestigious opera stages around the world.