Buenos dias Barcelona! This Barcelona travel guide has been on my to-publish list for some time now. Barcelona has slowly become my third home. By far my most visited city… well before I moved back to Canada from England. Having family in Barcelona has enabled me to visit often… which I can’t complain about. Insert sun, beaches, sangria and paella. Every time I go to Barcelona I find new places to explore and visit some of my favorite places. This Barcelona travel guide has it all, from must see landmarks, to restaurants, to all your insta-worthy places.
BUENOS DIAS BARCELONA
I would recommend that if you’re going for the first time that you have at least 3-4 full days dedicated to Barcelona. There is such so much to see and it can be spread throughout the city. One way to save time is to buy passes to the places you want to see ahead of time. Trust me, the ticket line-ups can cut into your valuable time. Also having your transportation pre-bought and have a transportation app will save you a lot of time. With that being said having data is key! I am always on my phone as I don’t want to get lost when going from one place to the next. Between my Barcelona travel guide and CityMapper I definitely need data!
MY FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOODS IN BARCELONA
Let’s start off with saying that the majority of Barcelona’s neighborhoods I love. Depending on your needs you might lean towards certain areas. One of the times I stayed in Barcelona I was practically on the beach. My focus was more of a laid back, taking-in-the-beach while drinking sangria type of vacation. While the following times after I was more in the center of Barcelona just because I wanted to be closer to restaurants, and of course insta-worthy spots. Barcelona has a decent transportation system so it is easy to get around no matter where you’re staying. This Barcelona travel guide includes places from all areas not just my favourite neighbourhoods.
LA BARCELONETA
This is your beach heaven! it is super nice to walk up and down the boardwalk and take in the beauty that La Barceloneta is. If you get there early enough you can score (most likely pay) a premium spot for the day. For me the prime location and being catered to is worth the price! It almost feels like you’re in an all inclusive but in Europe! You can enjoy the boardwalk, go surfing and eat outside while soaking up the sun!
Source: @visitbarcelona
GOTHIC QUARTER
This I would say is by far my favorite area! I just love getting lost in all the streets and finding new places to eat and shop. This area has such a medieval vibe to it all, that it is hard not to love it. There are so many trendy bars and restaurants where you can get your tapas on. La Rambla and Barcelona Cathedral are located within the Gothic Quarter which are definitely must-visit spots. This area in my books offers the most of it all, which you will see in the map below.
GRACIA
If I have to keep it down to my three most favorite neighborhoods Gracia would make the list. It feels more like you’re in a small town. I find it to have more locals than tourists, which I like. While you wonder you can’t help but feel inspired by all the scenery. The town square is a great place to sit back and take it all in. Gracia is a very alternative and artsy area, there are plenty of art galleries. Gracia offers it all, and that includes being walking distance to Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, the Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell.
Source: @visitbarcelona
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT BARCELONA
This part is totally up to you… depending on when you can go will determine the time of year to visit. I personally prefer to go during spring time. The city is blossoming and it is not too hot where it limits my time outside. I have gone in several times of year and by far summer is deadly. It is just so HOTTTTT! You need to make sure that if you’re going during summer you hydrate A LOT… and make sure to have a pool or beach close by. Also having AC is key as you want to make sure you’re comfortable where you’re staying. Whichever time a year you go it will still be an amazing experience. Barcelona is just so beautiful and has such gorgeous façades.
WHERE TO EAT IN BARCELONA
The question that I get asked the most… and honestly hard to narrow it down! Barcelona has so many food options!! Which can actually be a bad thing if you get stuck eating at the very touristy places. In the Barcelona travel guide you will a find a selection of highly recommended restaurants for all appetites. From healthy places such as Brunch & Cake (which does offer pastries as well as different types of bowls), to El Nacional which is by far my favorite place to eat! The location is absolutely beautiful and offers several types of cuisines within it. Not only is it four different restaurants with all different themes but it offers market-style shopping and bars. Surf House Barcelona is on the beach and by far the best food on the boardwalk. They pride themselves on using healthy ingredients and is truly a gem among the other places on the beach.
Source: @brunchandcake
BARCELONA TRAVEL GUIDE
This Barcelona travel guide offers it all, from your must see landmarks (… and there is a lot of them), to the most delicious restaurants and insta-worthy façades, flower shops and restaurants.
Instructions on how to download the map can be found on my ‘SANTORINI TRAVEL GUIDE‘.
Well I hope this post on my Barcelona travel guide helps you plan your visit. While planning I highly recommend enjoying some sangria to get you in the mood 😉 This ‘NOT LETTING GO OF SUMMER SANGRIA‘ is just the perfect companion as you plan away.
We also love Barcelona! Hope we can visit again and go to Gracia 🤗
Oh yes, make sure to visit next time you’re in Barcelona!