Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and offers an ideal blend of culture, nightlife, shopping & some of the most unusual architecture in Europe.
The capital of the buzzing Catalonia region, Barcelona, is a dream destination, with its colourful markets, vibrant flamenco scene, and endless options for authentic cuisine.
The city also enjoys a wonderful coastal location with excellent beaches, adding an extra dimension to a city break.
Top Reasons to Visit Barcelona
Aside from the length of the flight to Barcelona and the fact that there are some great affordable offers available, there are endless reasons to book a trip to Barcelona.
Cheap flights to Barcelona will take you to this special part of Spain, where iconic modernist architecture blends with outlandish Catalan Gothic style to create a surreal yet beautiful environment.
View me Barcelona travel tips including where to stay, what to do and how to visit on a budget.
How to Get to Barcelona
You can find lots of flights to Barcelona from the UK/Europe which are very competitively priced, whether one-way or return. Find cheap flights on Skyscanner.
Which UK airports have direct flights to Barcelona and how long do they take?
Given the popularity of Barcelona, you can fly direct from many UK airports including: Manchester Airport, Birmingham Airport, London Gatwick and Leeds-Bradford Airport. Flying time varies a little depending where you depart from and there’s a 1 hour time difference between the UK and Barcelona.
Average flight times to Barcelona:
• Manchester Airport 2 hours 25 minutes
• Birmingham Airport 2 hours 20 minutes
• London Gatwick 2 hours 15 minutes
• Leeds-Bradford Airport 2 hours 25 minutes
Airports in Barcelona
There’s one international airport in Barcelona: Barcelona-El Prat Airport. This airport is 3 km southwest of the city.
There are a few different ways you can transfer from the airport into the city centre:
Bus:
There are several bus services from the airport to various districts in the city. The Aerobus is one of the most popular, and costs €5.90 (£5.10) for a one-way ticket.
Taxi:
Travelling by taxi from Terminal 2 into the city tends to take between 20-30 minutes, and will cost an average of €25 (£21.60).
Train:
The airport is serviced by two trains per hour, stopping at Estacio Sants, Passeig de Gràcia, and El Clot. One-way tickets cost around €4.50 (£3.90).
Weather & The Best Time to Visit
Barcelona is a year-round destination, with plenty to see, do, and explore every month of the year. Of course, things like crowds and temperature will change with the seasons.
Understanding what Barcelona’s like throughout the year will help you choose when best to book your flights.
Winter
• Average temperature: 10°C, highs of 14°C, lows of 5°C
The winter months of December, January, and February are the coldest, but while it’s a bit chillier this time of year, the trade-off is flights and hotels are typically cheaper. But just because it’s not as hot, it doesn’t mean the city loses any of its attraction: it still looks stunning and lower crowds make it even easier to explore. Average wet days get a low volume of rain, but you can always duck into a tapas bar to escape if you do get a downpour.
Spring
• Average temperature: 12-16°C, highs of 22°C, lows of 8°C
Springtime is March to May, and one of the most popular times to visit the city. The weather begins to get warmer, but it’s not quite scorching hot yet, making it ideal conditions for wandering the cobbled streets. Rainy days happen, but the warmer temperatures, longer days and (usually) quieter crowds compared to summer make it the perfect time of year to fly for many.
Summer
• Average temperature: 20-24°C, highs of 29°C, lows of 18°C
June, July, and August are Barcelona’s hottest months, with high temperatures that mean the beach (only 10 minutes from the city centre) becomes a prime destination. Daylight can last up to 10 hours per day, with low risk of rain, meaning you can make the most of the urban attractions and still head out to relax in the sand. The entire city comes to vibrant life in the summer especially, and everyone (tourists included) comes out to make the most of it.
Autumn
• Average temperature: 13-22°C, highs of 26°C, lows of 9°C
Early autumn weather can still feel like summer, but temperatures start to cool off in October and November. Crowds become quieter, making it a perfect time to visit for those who want to enjoy a bit of Spanish sun without the bustle. The trade-off is that chances of rain increase during this time. Good thing the city’s cafes and museums are top notch.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
The choice of accommodation options is as diverse as the city itself, with everything from boutique hotels by the Placa Reial to budget backpacker hostels next to Las Ramblas, there is sure to be a bed for your budget.
For those on a tight budget who like to make their money go as far as possible, the wealth of good quality hostels in Barcelona will appeal to you. Generally located around the lively Placa de Catalunya and Las Ramblas area, this type of accommodation is great for solo travellers as the shared living space means you are sure to meet like minded individuals. With the best bars and clubs literally on your doorstep, you might even make friends for life after a night of dancing until dawn with your new roommates.
Or if you want more privacy but still want to save your hard-earned cash for tapas and daytrips then perhaps a self-catering apartment is for you. These are a great option for families with children as they give you the space to prepare your own meals and get on with your holiday at your own pace but are much more affordable than hotels. Many self-catering apartments can be found by the city beaches, such as Barceloneta, making them ideal for when you just want to relax and slow down.
If you want to spend a little more then Barcelona is full of mid-range hotels right in the heart of the city. Offering bed and breakfast and traditional Spanish hospitality, this option is ideal for business travellers who also want to explore this fascinating region. Some of the best areas to look out for are the Gothic quarter, with its narrow, cobbled streets and the exclusive El Borne, full of unique shops and delicious cafes.
If you want to splash out and create the perfect romantic getaway or just celebrating a special occasion, Barcelona has a fabulous range of top-end hotels that provide exclusive service that is well worth the price tag. Ranging from large hotel complexes to more intimate boutique hotels, it is worth searching around for something that is perfect for you.
The Hotel Granvia, right in the heart of the old city, is a great base for exploring the city on foot and offers period charm with modern service. It is centrally located and is a sophisticated choice for discerning visitors.
Don’t worry if the large choice of accommodation makes you feel pressured to make the right choice; you are sure to want to come back again and again so there should be plenty opportunity to sample the different options.
Of course with Barcelonas desirability as a short break destination, tourists flock here from all over Europe and further afield so you might find accommodation filling up fast, especially in the summer or during big sporting events.
In order to make sure you get a place that suits your budget, it is recommended to book in advance and use a website like Booking.com for the cheapest prices. This way you are free to relax and concentrate on having a wonderful holiday in whichever of Barcelona`s hostels or hotels you choose.
Barcelona Tours
Find the best city sightseeing tours & attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best Neighbourhoods
One of the best things about Barcelona is the diversity of its various districts. Below are a few highlights for you to explore during your break in the city.
Eixample
In the heart of the city is Eixample, where you’ll find some of Barcelona’s most famous monuments, including the Sagrada Familia, Esquerra de l’Eixample and Quadrat d’or.
Sants Montjuc
Sants Montjuc boasts some of the best shopping areas in the city, the beautiful Parc Montjuc and the fascinating neighbourhood of Poble-Sec.
Ciutat Vell
Ciutat Vell has an eclectic mix of sights, from the Barri Gotic area where some of Barcelona’s oldest landmarks can be found to Port Vell, which combines historical attractions like the Maritime Museum with modern offerings such as the Barcelona Aquarium and the IMAX Port Vell. Ciutat Vell is also where you’ll find the well-known La Rambla shopping street.
Sant Marti
Located on the coast, San Marti is one of Barcelona’s most modern districts and is home to the ultra-chic waterfront district of Poblenou, as well as cultural facilities that have been developed in the area’s disused factories.
Soak up the Sun at Sant Sebastia Beach
Barcelona isn’t just a fantastic urban destination to explore, it’s also a great spot in which to soak up some sunshine. With the city home to some fabulous beaches, it would be a pity if you didn’t spend at least a proportion of your time relaxing on a sandy stretch.
Sant Sebastia is among Barcelona’s longest beaches – measuring some 1,100 m – and is popular among locals and overseas visitors alike. Come here, and you’ll not only be able to enjoy sea views while work on your tan but also take a swim in calm, crystal-clear waters.
Sightseeing & Attractions
You can’t help but discover some of the unique history of this fantastic city as you wander its stunning streets. Start in the tightly-knitted centre of the Old Town, a complicated tangle of alleyways concentrated around the Cathedral and El Raval barrio.
Barcelona is packed with great architecture and boasts a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites – including several of Antoni Gaudi’s works, such as the Sagrada Familia cathedral (that has yet to be finished) and Park Guell. There are numerous art galleries showcasing a range of classic and contemporary pieces, with artists such as Miro, Tapies and Picasso among those whose works are on display.
But the multi-spired church is not the only place of worship in the Spanish city. At the Camp Nou, 98,000 football disciples gather each week to witness the sublime skills of players like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Brazilian superstar Neymar, you really need to visit this cathedral of football during your stay. If you’re really lucky, you’ll be in town to witness an epic ‘clasico’ between Barca and arch rivals Real Madrid.
The city doesn’t just appeal to sports fans. If you’ve been a student, you’ll really appreciate the Spanish approach to going out, with most people starting their evenings from 10pm onwards. Spanish cuisine is great, with tapas providing plenty of different taste sensations. The local cerveza (beer) ain’t half bad either.
For a break from art and culture, head to one of Barcelona’s beaches – between them there is over 4.5 km of sand for you to lie back on and work on your tan. There are also some exceptional parks in the city if you want to head to a green space rather than the seaside.
Architecture
One of Barcelona’s most raved-about aspects is its incredible architecture, which has attracted a number of great creative minds. The works of Antoní Gaudí are particularly renowned – his various masterpieces are littered throughout the streets of Eixample in the form of benches and buildings, churches and cathedrals.
Walk up to Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gracía, which resembles an underwater magical kingdom of incredible proportions both inside and out. Visit the beautifully organic Casa Mila and admire its delicate-looking balcony structure. Be left awestruck by the Sagrada Familia, the soaring scale of which is utterly jaw-dropping.
It’s not all about Gaudí though, and veritable jewels in Barcelona’s crown also comprise landmarks such as Parc de la Ciutadella and its magnificent majestic fountain. Worth checking out is Hospital Sant Pau and its beautifully decorative buildings, each one resembling a brightly coloured, freshly iced cake.
Then there is the mix of architectural styles that you will come across simply by walking through the streets. You never know when you might come across a block of flats with an auditorium that resembles a giant butterfly or something equally as strange.
Museums
Barcelona has some really popular museums, exhibiting artefacts that track the history of the city and its country.
The History Museum of Barcelona is situated in a magnificent palace, and is also said to be the largest underground museum in Europe. The exhibits in this museum cover the periods of Roman and Visigothic Barcelona. The underground portion of the museum contains the ancient defensive walls, thermal buildings and ruins of the Visigothic city. The mediaeval complex above ground is a continuation of what is beneath.
One of the more fascinating museums in the city is the CosmoCaixa Science Museum. This is actually a science museum, and is considered to be one of the best in Europe. The museum opened to the public in 2004, after an overhaul that took around 6 years to complete. The science museum specializes in recreating the Amazonian forest and its Maritime museum in Barcelonadisplays reveal some of the secrets of the ecological world.
A rather interesting museum to visit is the Maritime Museum. The Maritime Museum is the most comprehensive of its kind in the whole country. The structure which houses it was formerly a 14th century shipyard building, called the Dressanes.
The Dressanes were originally shipping sheds that were used till the 18th century. The museum has all the artefacts which display the rich Spanish heritage of the sea, right from the navigation to the maritime engineering. The building is made of majestic vaults supported by massive arches and columns.
The National Museum of Catalan Art (MNAC) houses a collection of Catalan art that documents their history throughout the course of the last millennium. MNAC has an impressive collection of Romanesque art, arguably one of the best in the world. The museum has pieces of sculpture and even frescoes from Catalan churches.
These pieces were removed, restored and are now displayed in the safe custody of the museum. The museum has endeavoured to recreate the original settings, so as to convey the original intended impact of these pieces of art.
Also available for view in the museum, are collections of Catalan art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Additionally, it has the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, which was originally owned by the Monastery of Pedralbes.
Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) is sight that shouldn’t be missed by any account. MACBA has pieces of art that all date to the latter part of the 20th century. The museum has pieces from quite a few famous contemporary masters including Klee, Basquiat and a few others.
The main focus of the museum has centred on the Catalan movements; these include ones like the conceptual art of Grup del Treball and the surrealists Dau al Set. Why not visit Barcelona for the museums.
Food and Eating Out
Gastronomy is where Barcelona most strongly feels the Spanish influence, with tapas proving exceptionally popular with visitors and residents alike. And why not? It’s a highly social way to eat, with each person ordering two of their favourite dishes to share with the table.
As with any cosmopolitan city you can survive on the international standard hamburgers and pizza. But that would be a waste. Catalonia has a distinctive cuisine which derives from its proximity to the sea and its closeness to France. It is also easy to live on snacks such as ‘tapas’, saucers full of anything from prawns to pieces of spicy sausage. Enjoy these with beer or cava, the excellent local answer to champagne.
Until the urban renewal that came with the 1992 Olympics the most enjoyable places to eat were the little shacks selling seafood on the beach. Those have gone, but their memory lives on in an upscale form with Agua. Just look for the shimmering statue of a fish and it’s right by it. This is the place to eat paella as you look out across the shining sea.
Keep in mind that this is no way to dine alone – it’s better to order a plate of fresh fish or even a paella if you’re here without friends. Tapas dishes vary dramatically and depending on your personal taste, you may want to try croquettas of various fillings, calamari with mayonnaise, baby squid with olive oil, octopus sliced and roasted Galician-style and the ever-popular patatas bravas.
Catalans all seem to possess an unbelievably sweet tooth. Nowhere is this more evident than in the ‘granjas’. All are good, but it’s hard to beat the service of the traditional bow-tied waiters of Granja Dulcinea in Petritxol in the heart of the Barri Gotic or Gothic Quarter. Try a suizo, thick hot chocolate topped with even thicker cream.
Close to the city hall, Café del Academia manages to serve traditional Catalan food with a light modern touch. The décor is equally modern, although it blends harmoniously with the 15th century architecture of the building.
More traditional is the relatively nearby Can Culleretes, Barcelona’s oldest restaurant. Some of the traditional recipes such as wild boar stew can be a bit heavy for modern tastes. The excellent seafood menu is a bit lighter. The wine list is also extremely good value.
The rather sterile World Trade Center does not look an auspicious place for classy dining. But Ruccola is currently the most fashionable place to eat in the city. Its fusion of Catalan, Asian and Italian cuisine is not as expensive as the appearance of its glamor might lead you to expect.
If you’re lactose intolerant, or vegan – or you just fancy something a little more refreshing when the temperature rises in Barcelona – try a Granizado. This traditional Spanish drink is made from crushed ice, sugar, lemon and water – a bit like a lemon sorbet slushy – and the very best can be found in Sirvent at 56 Parlament.
You might like to check out these articles I recently wrote:
• Best places to eat brunch in Barcelona
• My favourite bars in Barcelona
• Top clubs and nightlife in Barcelona
Best Day Trips & Places to Visit Near Barcelona
The city of Barcelona boasts a plethora of attractions, but also makes a great place to base yourself for day trips. Surrounding the sprawling metropolis, mountains pierce the skies at intervals, making for excellent hiking opportunities.
Beyond the city centre was once countryside, but now encompasses a group of towns and villages, often with their own distinct identities. These include Gràcia and Sarrià, the Pedralbes zone, and the Collserola hills.
Montserrat is a particularly invigorating place to go to, with its system of locomotives and trains that lead to the summit. Also accessible are the resort towns of Lloret de Mar in Girona with its charismatic coastline, Sitges with its feel-good factor vibe and Tarragona with its enormous Port Aventura theme park.
In short, Barcelona and the surrounding resorts allow for myriad ways to keep you occupied on your holiday, whether you’re stopping for a short city break or planning to spend an entire summer trip here. The city’s remarkably well put-together infrastructure means it’s easy to get from one side of the other quickly and easily, and tourist information can be found everywhere you look.
If my guide hasn’t convinced you that Barcelona is the right choice for your next getaway, don’t worry! View my Europe travel guide for more inspiration.