$210+ Cheap flights to Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Travel Guide

Catalonia’s capital and the second-largest city in Spain has it all – an effortless, cool vibe, history, culture, mesmerizing architecture, exciting cuisine, one of the world’s biggest football clubs, beaches, and a local population with an unquenchable thirst for a night out. Barcelona’s reputation as a must-visit city has made it an easy European locale to access; plenty of flights arrive here daily from all over the world.

Barcelona is one of Spain’s major cities and a popular destination for tourists from around the world. It’s one of the most economically powerful cities in the European Union and is constantly developing, with new businesses and industries flourishing. The city also has a very rich history dating back to Roman times, and its cultural heritage makes it an important site for people interested in European history and architecture – from Roman ruins and Gothic cathedrals to the masterful buildings of Antoni Gaudí. The natural landscape offers stunning sights as well, with nearby beaches perfect for soaking up the sun.

Barcelona also has a rich history in the arts. Two artists define its scene: Pablo Picasso and the aforementioned Antoni Gaudi. Picasso lived in the city from his teenage years to his early 20’s. The Picasso Museum features 3,500 of the artist’s works, from sketches to paintings and collages. To see Gaudi’s work, look around the streets of Barcelona. He was the mastermind behind the stunning Sagrada Familia, a large Roman catholic church famous for its long-unfinished state. Another is Park Guell, a public park system composed of gardens and architectonic elements.

There are also many beautiful areas and neighborhoods in the city which deserve exploration. The Gothic quarter has some of the best-preserved medieval streets, and the area around Montjüic hill offers spectacular panoramic views of the city. The tree-lined La Rambla sweeps down from the Placa de Catalunya to the water, a lively area of cafes, market stalls and street performers.

Well known for hosting the Summer Olympics in 1992, Barcelona continues to be a popular destination for competitive sports, especially soccer (or futbol as its known outside of the United States). People with an interest in arts and crafts can also enjoy a variety of trade exhibitions and artisan markets in addition to museums exhibiting classical artwork. The city also boasts a vibrant night life and is home to some of the most enthusiastic party-goers on the planet, with a variety of clubs, theaters and music venues found all over the city. There is so much to see and do in Barcelona that you may end up sticking around longer than you planned for. No matter how long you are planning to stay in the city, here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.

Getting to and around the city of Barcelona

It normally takes around twenty to thirty minutes to travel from Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city center, which is a little less than 10 miles away, regardless of what transport option you decide on. One of the most common ways is to catch a RENFE train from the airport to Estacio De Sants. If you purchased a T10 ticket at the airport you can change here and jump onto the metro at no extra cost to get to your final destination. If you arrive at terminal 1 then you can get a free shuttle bus to the station to catch the RENFE train. There is also the TMB airport bus (number 46). This normally takes a little longer as it makes a few stops but you can use your T10 ticket to get on and off easily. You can also arrange a minibus or a driver in advance to pick you up from the airport.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore the city, you’ll realize that there are several transportation options for visitors, including trains, buses and an extensive highway system. The public transportation system is extensive and includes a bus network, a metro, several tram networks and aerial cable cars. It’s also efficient and a great way to get around Barcelona. The metro has numerous lines and will take visitors nearly anywhere in the city. A double-decker bus also makes stops at popular tourist destinations in the summer. Buy multiple-ride tickets to save some money. The Barcelona Card gets you discounts at various restaurants and tourist attractions.

Once you’re in a certain area, walking is a nice way to explore. You can also rent mopeds and bicycles, or grab a taxi to get around. Taxis are reasonably priced, but it’s always a good idea to make sure the meter is running. Note that fares are more expensive at night. Visitors who prefer to rent a car of their own and drive will find that Barcelona is well connected with neighboring areas. A few different international routes cut through the city, and an extensive network of highways and smaller roads help connect major sights within the city.

Tips for your stay in Barcelona

• There are so many major tourist attractions in the city that you may feel like getting off the beaten track and seeing something a little different. If so, the Museu del Calcat, or shoe museum, is a perfect pick. The museum showcases the cobbler’s craft from Roman times to modern day. You’ll find it in the Gothic Quarter between the cathedral and Carrer Banys.
• The catamaran Orsom is moored at the port and is a great way to head out to sea or to parts of Costa Brava. Jazz cruises set out in the evenings. To book, just head to the port at the bottom of La Rambla.
• As with most major tourist attractions, it’s best to visit the Sagrada Familia in the very early morning if you want to avoid the crowds. More than 1 million people come here every year, so unless you enjoy being jostled, arrive first thing in the morning to see it in (relative) peace and quiet.
• For a more relaxed Gaudi experience, head for the Park Guell. Buses stop right outside, or you can take a short walk from the metro. The UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with Gaudi’s stunning sculptures, but there is plenty of room just to sit back and enjoy the views of the city, too.
• If you want to visit the beaches of Barcelona, the closest to the city center is Barceloneta. However, this is, understandably, extremely busy. A short bus ride away is Nova Icaria, near the Olympic marina, and bustling bars and restaurants. To experience the sea in a bit more solitude, take a train to the north and stop at Ocata, where you’ll find a long sandy beach with plenty of space and beautiful, clean water.
• TheGothic Quarterhas some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval streets. The new part of town is aroundMontjuic Hillfrom where there are sumptuous views.
• TheFiesta de Gracia (or Festes de Gracia)is one ofBarcelona‘s largest, and most colorful, festivals, and celebrates community togetherness.

Finding Flights from Barcelona

Barcelona is a wonderful city to visit, but you may also want to explore elsewhere. Cheapflights can help you plan a great vacation at an affordable price. Most flights will leave Barcelona-El Prat, but Girona-Costa Brava Airport will also have domestic flights to other cities in Spain. Flights are available from carriers such as Iberia and other European airlines, and many more.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport is 7 miles from Barcelona, and is easily accessible by bus, train, or taxi. The Aerobus runs daily every ten to twenty minutes from Placa de Catalunya. The Aeropuerto train runs every thirty minutes from Barcelona stations Sants, Passeig de Gracia and Clot, and arrives at the airport in eighteen minutes. You will want to arrive early to avoid lines through security, especially during the peak times of July and August.