Serviced Apartments Barcelona

What Do I Need to Know about Staying in Barcelona?

Travellers looking to make the most of their stay in Barcelona, can take a loot at our short guide on places to visit, things to do and more!

Facts About Barcelona

Barcelona is a rich tapestry of history, culture and a picture of modern Spain. Each time you visit Barcelona you discover something new. Here are some of our favourite facts to get you started. 

• Barcelona has two official languages: Spanish and Catalan. 
• The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia took longer to finish than the pyramids in Egypt. 
• There are over 20 Michelin-star restaurants in Barcelona.
• The Camp Nou, home of Barcelona FC, is the largest stadium in Europe,
• Many historians argue that Barcelona is older than Rome. 
• Barcelona was offered the Eiffel Tower before Paris. 
• La Rambla is actually 5 streets combined.

Tips for Visiting Barcelona

If you have a limited time in Barcelona, you will want to cram in as much as you can as possible. A busy tourist destination, Barcelona offers something for everyone. Here are some things that you should consider before visiting the city. 

• The beaches get better the further away from the main city centre you go. 
• Pickpockets are a problem on public transport, so always be mindful of your belongings. 
• There will be a lot of tourists throughout the year, regardless of when you visit. 
• Barcelona can get very warm in the summer, try to avoid the sun during peak hours. 
• Plan what cultural events you want to attend.

Things to do in Barcelona

If you were to search for Barcelona you are most likely to come across the iconic football club. That is because football is a religion here, and Lionel Messi is the God. Although Messi has long since departed Barcelona, the city worships football and the church is the Camp Nou. When visiting Barcelona, taking in a football game is a must.

Given Barcelona’s location, visiting the beach is a must during your time here. Barcelona has countless beaches that are incredibly popular with tourists and residents alike. Our favourite is San Sebastian or Barceloneta Beach.

Outside of football, Barcelona is best known for Basílica de la Sagrada Família. With construction work starting in 1880, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família is far from the oldest building in the city, but it is certainly the most unique. We recommend getting tickets in advance as queues can be quite lengthy.

Casa Batlo, also designed by Antoni Gaudi, is considered a masterpiece of architecture and a must-visit.

What to Eat in Barcelona

Home to over 20 Michelin-star restaurants, Barcelona is a foodie paradise. Given the city’s location, it is no surprise to find that many restaurants serve fresh seafood that is caught daily. As a general rule, the further inside the city and away from the beach you will find better more authentic food. Although the beachside restaurants offer great views, better food can be found elsewhere in the city. 

Some local delicacies you can try are:

• Paella. Perhaps the most famous Spanish dish, paella is available across the city. 
• Croquetas combine mashed potatoes, cheese and ham to form a delicious bar snack. 
• Patatas Bravas, another potato dish, is another great bar snack. 
• A delicious platter of salty Iberian ham served with slices of Manchego cheese, Jamon Iberico is a must-try.
• Gazpacho is perfect to cool down in hot summer temperatures.

Shopping in Barcelona

Barcelona is a shoppers' paradise. Across the city, there are many places where you can indulge in a spot of retail therapy. The city offers something for both shoppers looking to explore local markets and explore high-end fashion brands. 

• Portal De L’Angel is a popular shopping street that is home to countless international brands. 
• Passeig De Gracia is an incredibly fashionable shopping street.
• Carrer d’Avinyo is more of a quirky shopping experience in the city.
• Boqueria Market is a huge fruit and vegetable market.

Transportation in Barcelona

Barcelona has an incredibly well-developed public transport network, which offers a fast and economical way of travelling around the city. The majority of the city’s main tourist attractions - and the airport - are located within Zone One, which means that a Zone One ticket will be sufficient in most cases. If you are staying in the city for a few days, consider purchasing a Hola BCN pass which gives you unlimited travel.

Best Time to Visit Barcelona

Located in South Western Europe, Barcelona’s climate is very moderate throughout the year. In the winter, temperatures reach 10 - 15 degrees at the lowest. In the summer, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and your sunglasses, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees. It is recommended to avoid the sun during its hottest hours. All public transport, taxis, public spaces and offices are well-equipped with air conditioning.