Barcelona
Why come: Barcelona is an exceptionally diverse destination, perfect for those who want to experience quality sandy beaches, culture, historic sights and world-class architecture all in one.
Travelling from England: There are direct flights every day of the year and from the airport you can easily get a taxi (€25-30), bus or metro.
When to travel: Barcelona has a pleasant Mediterranean climate so the best time to travel is in spring or autumn, although winters are mild and sunny. I recommend avoiding July and August when it is hot and humid and the city is full of tourists. Read more: Best Weather in Spain
Note: There are a lot of pickpockets in Barcelona, so especially in tourist areas such as La Rambla or El Gotic, it is a good idea to keep valuables in closed pockets or shoulder bags.
Similar destinations: Alicante, Malaga, Valencia.
Barcelona’s most interesting areas
El Gòtic: One of the most popular areas in Barcelona. It contains a rich supply of historical attractions, such as the Catedral de Barcelona and the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. The Barri Gòtic is also full of narrow streets offering great little boutiques.
When: you don’t know where to start
Eixample: the area is famous for its Gaudí architecture, including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. The Eixample is also full of trendy bars, restaurants and shops.
When: you want the best restaurants in the city
El Born: Known for its historic buildings and narrow streets. El Born is also full of trendy restaurants and cafés.
When: you want to go out for an evening
Montjuïc: A mountain and park area famous for its viewpoints and cultural sites, such as Montjuïc Castillo, Pueblo Español and Fundació Joan Miró. Montjuïc is also a wonderful place to enjoy spectacular views of the city. In short: a great big park.
When: you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with views
Poblenou: a neighbourhood appreciated by the locals. The Rambla del Poblenou itself is worth a visit, about 1.5km long, with lots of restaurants and small shops, but few tourists. In 2024, of all the districts in Barcelona, here is where the rental prices rose the most here (A whopping 20%).
When: You want to see what my favourite neighbourhood in Barcelona looks like!
El Raval: Just south of La Rambla is a lesser known part of the old town, with lots of interesting shops, restaurants and live music in the evenings (Big Bang Bar is a personal favourite) and the bustle of immigrants. Despite its reputation it is quite safe, but I would still recommend avoiding going out alone at night while intoxicated.
When: you want live music or ethnic food
How to get around Barcelona
Walking: there are footpaths everywhere, and crossings are better respected than in Finland. Many of the attractions in the city centre are also close to each other. And you can always take a break for a cerveza or cafe con leche if you need one.
Taxi: there are plenty of taxis in the city, they are cheap and you can usually catch a free taxi on the street (green light on the roof) within a minute. In addition to the usual black and yellow taxis (you can also use the Free Now app), Barcelona also has Uber and Cabify, but so far they only have a limited number of cars and their prices are as cheap as taxis.
Barcelona’s public transport network is one of the best I’ve used anywhere in the world, and route information is easy to find on Google Maps. A 10-trip ticket costs just €11.35, so at peak times you save time, money and nature!
By bike: Bike lanes are really good in Barcelona, and for the most part they are brilliantly isolated from cars and walkers. The city has very few differences in altitude, so it’s perfect for exploring by bike. Barcelona has plenty of them, which you’re sure to come across while walking around the city. There are big price differences so make a note of the best prices.
