Barcelona Travel Guide: 4-Day Itinerary, Top 20 Things To Do & FAQs

Barcelona, the second-largest city in Spain and the capital of the Catalonia region, is a must-visit destination. This Barcelona travel guide covers the Top 20 things to do, a 4-day itinerary, ticket and tour budgets, accommodation recommendations, transportation tips, and answers to common questions for first-time visitors planning a self-guided trip to Barcelona.

Other Travel Guides：London City Guide｜Amsterdam City Guide｜Rome Travel Guide｜Paris Travel Guide

Contents

  1. Top 20 Things to Do in Barcelona: Highlights, Map, and Tickets
  2. How Many Days In Barcelona? 4-Day Itinerary
  3. Barcelona Transportation Guide
  4. Where To Stay In Barcelona
  5. Barcelona Self-Guided Travel FAQs

Top 20 Things to Do in Barcelona: Highlights, Map, and Tickets

This map includes the Top 20 must-visit attractions in Barcelona for a four-day trip, key metro stations, and recommended dining spots.

The map is set to English by default. Simply click "Enlarge Map" in the upper-right corner to switch to your preferred language! Click on the attraction names below to view detailed descriptions, opening hours, map links, and ticket information.

History, Museums & Cultural Landmarks

Special Experiences & Activities

Markets, Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

Things To Do In Barcelona - La Sagrada Família

Things To Do In Barcelona - La Sagrada Família

Attraction Highlights

The Sagrada Família, designed by Antoni Gaudí, often called the “Architect of God,” has been under construction since 1882 and remains unfinished. Blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, this iconic landmark is not only Barcelona’s most famous attraction but also the only UNESCO World Heritage Site still in progress. Its intricately carved façades and the magical light streaming through its colourful stained-glass windows are absolutely awe-inspiring.

Opening Hours

  • November to February：Monday to Saturday, 9:00–18:00; Sunday, 10:30–18:00
  • March and October：Monday to Friday, 9:00–19:00; Saturday, 9:00–18:00; Sunday, 10:30–19:00
  • April to September：Monday to Friday, 9:00–20:00; Saturday, 9:00–18:00; Sunday, 10:30–20:00
  • Special Hours (December 25–26, January 1 and 6)：9:00–14:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Official Adult Price：€26 (Self-guided tour)｜€30 (Guided tour)｜€36 (Climb to the top, not recommended)
  • Go City Barcelona Pass: Free（Guided Tour）｜Pass Purchase Link
  • Entry Ticket：Get Your Guide

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Casa Batlló

Things To Do In Barcelona - Casa Batlló

Attraction Highlights

Casa Batlló, one of the masterpieces of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, is located on Passeig de Gràcia in the heart of Barcelona. The building is renowned for its unique wave-like façade, colourful mosaic tiles, and nature-inspired design, earning it the nicknames “House of Bones” or “House of the Dragon.”

Opening Hours

  • Daily: 09:00–20:30 (Last entry: 19:15), except on special event days.

Ka's Tips：I visited Casa Batlló at 18:00 using the Barcelona Pass, but due to a special winter event, the last entry was moved to 17:45. Fortunately, I had some flexible time the next day to revisit. I recommend not leaving your visit until the evening!

Tickets / Tours

On-site ticket prices as above (2024). It’s recommended to purchase the Gold Ticket or use the Barcelona Pass.

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Casa Milà / La Pedrera

Things To Do In Barcelona - Casa Milà / La Pedrera

Attraction Highlights

Casa Milà (La Pedrera), designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a famous building located on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. Known for its undulating façade and irregular stone walls, the building’s roof features sculptural chimneys and ventilation towers, showcasing Gaudí’s unique interpretation of nature. As a prime example of Modernist architecture, Casa Milà was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and has become a significant cultural symbol of Barcelona.

Opening Hours

  • Winter (4 November 2024 – 6 March 2025)：9:00–18:30, Night Visits 21:00–23:00
  • Christmas Special Hours (26 December – 3 January)： 9:00–20:30 (1 January 11:00–20:30)
  • Summer (7 March 2025 – 9 November 2025)：9:00–20:30, Night Visits 21:00–23:00

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Casa Vicens

Things To Do In Barcelona - Casa Vicens

Attraction Highlights

Casa Vicens is one of Antoni Gaudí’s early masterpieces, located in the Gràcia district of Barcelona. The building blends Mudejar (a Moorish style), Modernisme, and Eastern influences, showcasing Gaudí’s unique design elements, such as vibrant ceramic tiles. Construction of Casa Vicens was in 1883-1885, and it is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Opening Hours

  • April to October：9:30 am – 8:00 pm (Open daily)
  • November to March：9:30 am – 6:00 pm (Open daily)
  • Closed：December 25 and from January 7 to 15, 2025

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Park Güell

Things To Do In Barcelona - Park Güell

Attraction Highlights

Park Güell is a famous park designed by Antoni Gaudí, located on the hills in the northern part of Barcelona. Originally funded by the entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, the park was initially planned as a residential area but was eventually transformed into a public park. The park blends natural landscapes with modernist architecture, featuring curving benches, colourful mosaic decorations, and the famous “El Drac” lizard sculpture, all of which showcase Gaudí’s deep understanding of nature and art. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, it is one of Barcelona’s major tourist attractions.

Opening Hours

  • Tourists hours: 09:30 - 17:30

Tickets / Tours

  • Official Adult Price：Starting from 2025 – €18 (self-guided tour) | €22 (guided tour)
  • Go City Barcelona Pass: Free（Guided Tour）｜Pass Purchase Link
  • Entry Ticket：Get Your Guide

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Palau Güell

Things To Do In Barcelona - Palau Güell

Attraction Highlights

Palau Güell is a residence designed by Antoni Gaudí for entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, located near La Rambla in Barcelona. Built between 1886 and 1890, the building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The residence features a central hall for hosting guests, with a unique design that allows visitors to enter through a parabolic arch. Horses can access the underground stables, while guests reach the reception rooms via stairs. The ceiling of the hall is designed to create a starry-night effect.

Opening Hours

  • Summer (April 1 to October 31): 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM)
  • Winter (November 1 to March 31): 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Palau de la Música Catalana

Things To Do In Barcelona - Palau de la Música Catalana

Attraction Highlights

The Palau de la Música Catalana is a famous concert hall in Barcelona, designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and completed in 1908. This building is one of the finest examples of Modernisme and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. The interior of the music hall is stunning, featuring vibrant mosaics, intricate stained glass windows, and carvings, with the central stained-glass skylight being one of its most distinctive features.

It’s worth noting that Lluís Domènech i Montaner was one of Antoni Gaudí’s mentors and had a profound influence on Gaudí’s design principles.

Opening Hours

09:00-15:30

Tickets / Tours

  • Official Adult Price：€18 (self-guided tour) | €22 (audio guide or guided tour)
  • Entry Ticket：Get Your Guide

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Things To Do In Barcelona - Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Attraction Highlights

The Saint Paul Hospital (Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau) was also designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and constructed between 1902 and 1930. Originally built as a hospital serving the poor, this modernist architectural complex has since been transformed into a cultural and artistic centre open to the public. Its highlights include intricate mosaics, vibrant stained glass windows, and ornate sculptures, making it one of Barcelona’s architectural treasures.

Opening Hours

  • April to October: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
  • November to March: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Last entry is 30 minutes before closing

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Cathedral de Barcelona

Things To Do In Barcelona - Cathedral de Barcelona

Attraction Highlights

Cathedral de Barcelona, officially named Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Built in the 13th century, the cathedral features intricate carvings and a magnificent interior, including a charming cloister and a shrine dedicated to Saint Eulàlia.

The Fira de Santa Llúcia is a traditional Christmas market in Barcelona, located next to the Barcelona Cathedral. Open annually from late November to 24 December, it offers a festive atmosphere filled with seasonal decorations, handcrafted gifts, and local traditions.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Friday (Cultural and tourist visits)：9:30 am – 6:30 pm (Last entry: 5:45 pm)
  • Saturdays and holidays (Religious activities)：9:30 am – 5:15 pm (Last entry: 4:30 pm)
  • Sundays and holidays (Religious activities)：2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Last entry: 4:30 pm)

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Basílica de la Mercè

Things To Do In Barcelona - Basílica de la Mercè

  • Rating：🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent：30 minutes

Attraction Highlights

The Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy (Basílica de la Mercè) was originally built in the 13th century and underwent expansions and renovations over the following centuries. This basilica, home to the patron saint of Barcelona, is renowned for its opulent Baroque style, particularly its ornate interior and gilded altar.

Opening Hours

  • Morning: 9:00 – 13:30
  • Afternoon: 16:30 – 20:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Columbus Monument

Things To Do In Barcelona - Columbus Monument

Attraction Highlights

The Columbus Monument is located in Barcelona’s port area and was designed by architect Gaietà Buïgas. Built for the 1888 Barcelona World Exposition, it stands at the end of Las Ramblas. At the top of the monument is a statue of Christopher Columbus pointing towards the horizon, symbolising his discovery of the New World. Visitors can take a lift or climb stairs to the viewing platform for panoramic views of Barcelona’s harbour and cityscape.

Interestingly, the Columbus statue atop this monument is the only one in Spain that does not point towards the Americas.

Opening Hours

  • Open All Day

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Arc de Triomf

Things To Do In Barcelona - Arc de Triomf

  • Rating：🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent：15 mins

Attraction Highlights

The Arc de Triomf in Barcelona, designed by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas, was built in 1888 as the main entrance for the World’s Fair. The triumphal arch is renowned for its red brick construction, with carvings that symbolise peace and victory.

Opening Hours

  • Open All Day

Tickets / Tours

  • Free Entry

Google Maps Link

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Things To Do In Barcelona - Montserrat

Things To Do In Barcelona - Montserrat

  • Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent：Half Day

Attraction Highlights

Montserrat Monastery, located about an hour’s drive northwest of Barcelona in the Montserrat mountain range, is one of Catalonia’s most significant religious and cultural landmarks. The monastery is famous for its unique mountain views, religious significance, and the renowned Black Madonna (La Moreneta), making it a must-visit destination for both pilgrims and tourists.

Opening Hours

  • Monastery：07:00 – 20:00
  • Black Madonna：08:00-10:30, 12:00-18:25
  • Boys’ Choir：13:00

Tickets / Tours

  • Round-trip ticket from Barcelona city centre to Montserrat (including cogwheel train to the monastery): approx. €26; one-way journey takes around 2 hours
  • Go City Barcelona Pass: Free shuttle bus transfer to and from the city centre (one-way journey takes about 1 hour), monastery tickets need to be purchased separately｜Pass Purchase Link
  • Monastery tickets (below are on-site ticket prices)｜Get Your Guide tickets
    • Monastery and Black Madonna: €11.00
    • Boys’ Choir (Escolania) ticket (1pm): €11.00
    • Museum: €8.00
    • Monastery, Black Madonna, Boys’ Choir, and Museum all-inclusive: €25
    • Round-trip ticket to Montserrat, Monastery, Black Madonna, and Museum: €44.30
    • Round-trip ticket to Montserrat, Monastery, Black Madonna, Boys’ Choir, and Museum all-inclusive: €49.30
  • Due to the relatively high cost and time-consuming nature of the round-trip tickets from the city centre to Montserrat, it’s recommended to join *guided tours with added value (including shuttle services*. With the Go City Barcelona Pass, the city centre transfer is already included, and additional tickets can be purchased as desired.

Google Maps Link

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Special Experience In Barcelona - Flamenco Show

Special Experience In Barcelona - Flamenco Show

  • Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent：1 Hour

Attraction Highlights

Flamenco is a traditional Spanish art form that originated in Andalusia, known for its expressive music, dance, and singing. While Barcelona isn’t the birthplace of flamenco, the city offers a number of venues where you can enjoy high-quality performances of this cultural tradition.

Tickets / Tours

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Special Experience In Barcelona - Camp Nou Stadium Tour

Special Experience In Barcelona - Camp Nou Stadium Tour

  • Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent：1.5 Hours

Attraction Highlights

The Camp Nou in Barcelona is the largest stadium in Europe and one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. It is the home stadium of FC Barcelona. Visitors can tour the interior of the stadium, including the changing rooms, players’ tunnel, pitch, and the club’s museum.

Opening Hours

  • January 2 - March 22 & October 14 - December 31
    • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
    • Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00
  • March 23 - October 13
    • Daily: 9:30 - 19:00
  • Closed on December 25 and January 1

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

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Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)

Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - Barri Gòtic

  • Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent：2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is the oldest and most historically rich district in Barcelona, known for its narrow winding streets and medieval architecture. Highlights include the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral, the historically significant Plaça de Sant Jaume, and the Royal Square (Plaça del Rei), which showcases the former grandeur of the royal palace. In December, the traditional Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market takes place, making it a perfect spot to experience the festive atmosphere.

Opening Hours

  • Open All Day

Tickets / Tours

  • Free

Google Maps Link

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Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - La Rambla

Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - La Rambla

  • Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent：2 hours (including time for tapas)

Attraction Highlights

La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous pedestrian street, stretching about 1.2 kilometres and connecting Plaça de Catalunya to the Columbus Monument. Known for its lively atmosphere, diverse street performances, and numerous cafes and restaurants, La Rambla is surrounded by several notable attractions, including the colourful Boqueria Market.

Opening Hours

  • Open All Day

Tickets / Tours

  • Free

Google Maps Link

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Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - Mercado de Boqueria

Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - Mercado de Boqueria

Attraction Highlights

Mercado de Boqueria is one of Barcelona’s most famous markets, located on La Rambla. The market offers a variety of local specialties, including fresh seafood, meats, fruits and vegetables, Mediterranean cuisine, Spanish ham, olive oil, cheeses, and desserts.

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Saturday: 08:00 - 20:30
  • Sunday: Closed

Tickets / Tours

  • Free

Google Maps Link

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Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - Arenas de Barcelona

Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - Arenas de Barcelona

  • Rating：🌎🌎🌎🌎
  • Time Spent：2 Hours

Attraction Highlights

ARENAS Shopping Centre is a modern shopping mall in Barcelona, originally a historic bullring. After its redevelopment, the building preserved its distinctive circular structure and was transformed into a mixed-use space for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The rooftop features a viewing platform where visitors can enjoy views of the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Magic Fountain, and Plaza España.

Opening Hours

  • Store opening hours:
    • October to May: Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 21:00
    • June to September: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 22:00
  • Leisure area opening hours:
    • Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 to 01:00
    • Friday, Saturday, and the day before holidays, 10:00 to 03:00
  • Restaurant opening hours:
    • Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 to 01:00
    • Friday, Saturday, and the day before holidays, 10:00 to 03:00

Tickets / Tours

  • No ticket required (There is an elevator directly to the observation deck, costing €1, but the escalator inside the shopping centre is free to use for reaching the top)

Google Maps Link

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Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - Port Vell

Shopping / Markets In Barcelona - Port Vell

Attraction Highlights

Port Vell is a famous waterfront area in Barcelona, and during the Christmas season, it hosts the Port Vell Fair, a popular Christmas market.

Opening Hours

  • Open All Day

Tickets / Tours

  • No entry fee (Tickets for rides within the Port Vell Fair are sold separately)

Google Maps Link

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How Many Days In Barcelona? 4-Day Itinerary

How many days to spend in Barcelona? For a first-time visit, it’s recommended to allocate at least 4 days to explore the classic city centre attractions. If you’re planning to visit nearby destinations or even take a trip to the neighbouring country of Andorra, 5 to 6 days would offer a more relaxed experience.

From my own experience, I arrived on Tuesday afternoon at 1pm and departed on Friday evening at 9pm. If I were only visiting the city centre attractions, that would have been just enough. However, since I wanted to test *the best value for the Go City pass*, I planned a day trip to Andorra and a half-day visit to Montserrat during my stay.

My Actual (Intense) Itinerary

  • Day 1：Palau de la Música Catalana > Park Güell > Barcelona Cathedral + Christmas Market > La Rambla, Mercat de Sant Josep > Hotel Check-in > Basilica de la Mercè, Gothic Quarter > Dinner at 7 Portes > Port Vell > Columbus Monument > Arc de Triomf
  • Day 2：Day Trip to Andorra (to be shared in another post) > Dinner on La Rambla > Flamenco Performance at City Hall
  • Day 3：Half-day trip to Montserrat > Guided tour of Park Güell > Casa Vicens > Casa Milà (La Pedrera) > Local Tapas Dinner
  • Day 4：Guided tour of Sagrada Familia > Hospital de Sant Pau > Casa Batlló > FC Barcelona Camp Nou > Arena Shopping Centre Observation Deck + Dinner

Is the Go City Barcelona City Pass worth buying?

With the Go City Barcelona City Pass, you can skip the line and get free entry to many popular attractions in Barcelona, including the guided tours of Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló (with the premium gold ticket), Casa Vicens, Hospital de Sant Pau, FC Barcelona Camp Nou, direct bus transfers to Montserrat, and a day trip to Andorra.

According to my itinerary, the Day 1 attractions are not included in the pass. However, for the attractions on Days 2-4, the total cost of individual tickets would be around €275, whereas the 3-day pass costs only €184, saving €91. Even if you cancel the Andorra trip for a more relaxed pace (the cheapest similar tour I found online is €70), and spread the remaining two days’ itinerary over three, you would still save €21.

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Barcelona Transport: City, Airport

Getting Around In Barcelona

When getting around central Barcelona, walking is great, but the metro is the most convenient option. Use Google Maps to get real-time public transport routes, including transfer points and directions to your destination.

The metro stations most commonly used by tourists include:

  • Barceloneta – To the beach, Local Tour meeting point, port area
  • Catalunya – To Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, Old Town
  • Liceu – To La Rambla, Old Town
  • Plaça Espanya – To Arenas Shopping Centre, Plaça d’Espanya, Magic Fountain, Spanish Village
  • Sagrada Familia – To Sagrada Familia, Passeig de Gràcia, Hospital de Sant Pau
  • Passeig de Gràcia – To the extended area: Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), etc
  • Palau Reial – To FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou
  • Estación de Francia – Trains to other cities, suburbs, Local Tour meeting point

You can’t tap your credit card directly to enter the Barcelona metro, but you can use it to buy tickets at the ticket machines inside the stations. A single journey costs €2.55 (2024 price, excluding the airport). There are also 2 to 5-day travel passes available, which are more cost-effective for frequent travellers. The machines don’t have Chinese language options, but they do offer English. However, sometimes the checkout page switches back to Spanish. If you’d rather not buy tickets on-site, you can pre-order a transport card in advance：Get Your Guide

A single ticket (excluding the airport) costs €2.55

A single ticket to the airport costs €5.50

A 2-day pass (including the airport) costs €17.50

A 3-day pass (including the airport) costs €25.50

A 4-day pass (including the airport) costs €33.30

A 5-day pass (including the airport) costs €40.80

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Barcelona Airport to City Centre Transportation

Barcelona-El Prat Airport (IATA: BCN)：This is the only international airport in Barcelona, offering both international and European flights. The airport is conveniently located approximately 15 kilometres from the city centre.

The main transportation options from Barcelona El Prat (BCN) Airport to the city centre include:

  1. Metro (Line L9 Sud)： Connects the airport to the city’s metro system, offering easy transfers to other lines. You can pre-book your transport card via：Get Your Guide
  2. Airport Bus (Aerobús)： A fast, direct service to Plaça de Catalunya. >> Pre-book tickets
  3. R2N Regional Train (Rodalies de Catalunya)： Connects to major train stations like Sants Station and Plaça de Catalunya. Pre-book your transport card via：Get Your Guide
  4. Taxi / Ride-Sharing Services： he airport has dedicated taxi ranks, ideal for those with heavy luggage or for late-night arrivals

Additionally, if you have a lot of luggage or need assistance, you can opt for >> a private transfer service between the airport and the city centre.

I will start by searching on Google Flights and then compare it with * Expedia Flight Search *. If prices are similar for my preferred flights, I book through Expedia, as it offers package discounts when combined with hotel bookings and allows points accumulation. However, note that Expedia may not show all budget airlines.

This time, I flew from Liverpool LPL to Barcelona BCN with Ryanair, and returned with EasyJet. On the way there, I took the R2N regional train from BCN airport to Passeig de Gràcia station, then headed straight to the Palau de la Música Catalana to begin my itinerary. For the return trip, I took an Uber from Arenas Shopping Centre (Arenas de Barcelona) to the airport for about €26 at 6pm.

Taking European low-cost airlines often results in cheaper flight prices than train tickets, but strict baggage size requirements must be followed (to avoid fines), and online check-in should be done in advance (to prevent the possibility of being bumped due to overbooking).

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Where To Stay In Barcelona

I was very satisfied with my stay at Hotel Jazz in Barcelona. Check room rates：Expedia HK｜Expedia UK｜Hotels.com Taiwan

The hotel is located less than a minute’s walk from Universitat metro station, 13 minutes’ walk to Casa Batlló, 5 minutes to Plaça de Catalunya, and less than 10 minutes to La Rambla and the Boqueria Market (Mercat de Sant Josep). Additionally, the hotel has a rating of 9.4 (based on 1,004 reviews), with a three-night stay costing £300 (excluding breakfast, with free cancellation), which perfectly met my criteria for choosing accommodation.

I only write about accommodations I have personally stayed in and found worthwhile. I won’t provide a generic 'recommended accommodations' list for places I haven’t experienced myself. However, based on years of trial and error, I’ve summarised a set of criteria that work for any destination and budget.

>>> Accommodation Selection Guide <<<

Search for other hotels：Expedia Hotels Search ｜Hotels.com Taiwan

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FAQs for Self-Guided Travel in Barcelona

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish in Paris? Can I communicate in English?

A: In Barcelona, the locals primarily speak Catalan and Spanish. However, in most tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels, you can easily communicate in English.

Ka's Tips：Due to its unique historical background, Catalan holds a similar status in Barcelona to Cantonese in Hong Kong. Some restaurants even have menus in Catalan and English only, without Spanish.

  • Hello – Catalan: Hola | Spanish: Hola
  • Thank you – Catalan: Gràcies | Spanish: Gracias
  • Excuse me / Sorry – Catalan: Perdó / Disculpeu | Spanish: Perdón / Disculpe

Q: What payment methods are accepted in Barcelona, and how much cash should I prepare?

A: Barcelona uses the Euro (€). The main payment methods are credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), debit cards (Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit), cash, and mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is less commonly needed, and most payments can be made by card or mobile payment. However, it's a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.

Q: How can I buy a SIM card in Barcelona? Can I purchase one in advance?

A: SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, telecom stores, or supermarkets in Barcelona. Some telecom providers also offer online ordering services, allowing travelers to purchase a SIM card in advance to save time.

Q: What is the best time to visit Barcelona?

A: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Barcelona. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, making it ideal for outdoor activities. December (Christmas season) also offers several unique markets, and with milder weather compared to other European countries (such as the UK), it’s another good time to visit.

Q: What is the voltage and plug type in Barcelona?

A: The voltage in Barcelona is 230 volts, and the plug types are C and F (two round pins). It’s recommended for travellers to bring an adapter to use electronic devices.