Free Barcelona: what and when to see. Six things not to do in Barcelona Barcelona Spain where to go

“Don't eat on the Rambla” is one of the first pieces of advice you'll get. Many Barcelonians bleed to the heart when they see tourists tasting inspired by seafood, paella or tapas, unaware that all these dishes were just warmed up in the microwave, and cooked three days ago.

Locals appreciate freshly prepared food, and you don't have to pay fabulous prices for it. Unfortunately, it's hard to find a place with such an approach to food on the Rambla. If hunger is caught by surprise in the Old City, do not be lazy to delve a little deeper into the districts of Gothic, Raval or Born. It is especially beneficial to take for lunch what is called the "menu of the day" - something like our business lunch.

The price tag in the center will vary from 12 to 14 euros. If you did not have time to get far from Plaza Catalunya, go to Centfocs with excellent grilled dishes or La Lluna with a decent selection of fish and seafood. If you decided to admire the cafe Quatre Gats , where Picasso and Gaudi once sat - great, but for lunch it is better to look into Melic del gòtic ... Have you already seen the main temple of Santa Maria del Mar for local residents? Take a look at Bodega la puntual on rice with buttifarra or on tapas in Bar del Pla!

Buy tickets on the spot

One of the common mistakes is not to buy tickets for major attractions in advance. You can order them online at home or at the hotel. With a ticket in your pocket, you will not only save time and effort in queues, but you will also be able to better plan your day. Well, and most importantly, recently, the number of tickets for attractions such asSagrada Familia and Park Guell , limited. This means that there is a risk that there will be no tickets for your arrival. You don't want to get upset on vacation.

Don't forget to download the free audio guide

When going to the Sagrada Familia, download it - it is more complete than the official version, since it includes not only stories about the Sagrada, but also several additional locations. The audio guide is free and works offline - just install the app when you are at the hotel, download the guide you want and go on an excursion.

Search for traditional Spanish entertainment

Most of us have a stereotype about Spain: flamenco, tapas, bullfighting, paella, sangria. However, we forget that these phenomena are not typical for every region. Barcelona is just such a case. For example, the tradition of serving snacks for free with the drink - tapas - is characteristic of the south of Spain, and paella is typical for Valencia. In Barcelona, I advise you to try butifarra pork sausage, escalivada vegetable side dish or calçots - grilled young onions.

Bullfighting, another stereotype, is generally banned in Catalonia (the region whose capital is Barcelona). The extinction of this tradition went gradually, and in 2012 the parliament, with the active support of the Catalans, finally banned this entertainment.

And finally, flamenco. This dance is from Andalusia, and you can go to a performance in Barcelona, but it will not be Catalan. Better choose a Catalan rumba concert or watch the sardana folk dance performed. The first one will be a little more difficult to find, but you can look at one of the sites where a list of events in the city is published daily: Time Out Barcelona or NitBcn ... Sardana can be admired on any Sunday in the square in front of the Cathedral - the people of Barcelona are dancing!

Ignore free events

Barcelonians can hardly be called couch potatoes; they enjoy spending time outside their home walls. At the same time, they prefer free events that take place throughout the city almost every week to going to the cinema, theater or museum.

It can be both one-day entertainment (concerts, dances, exhibitions in the central squares), and larger-scale regional festivals - fiestas de barrio. They last up to two weeks and include a variety of activities for people of all ages.

Barcelona is a fun European city. He is loved for its modernist architecture, delicious food and a huge amount of entertainment.

Ekaterina Kachalina

lived in Barcelona

If you have a long connection in Barcelona or are passing through there, you will have time to explore the city center in a day. I made a route for the main attractions for 13 km. It starts at the Sagrada Familia and ends at the Montjuic fortress. On the way, we will see the famous buildings of Gaudí, Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, the Palace of Catalan Music, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar, La Rambla, the Columbus monument, Las Arenas shopping center and magic fountains.

To get to the start of the route from the airport, take the metro at any of the terminals and take the purple line to Sagrada Familia station. The ticket costs 4.6 € (345 R).

Temple of the Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia)- the most famous landmark of the city, the main long-term construction of the planet and the project of the star Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudi. The temple is being built from 1882 to the present.

I advise you to go around the temple to admire the three facades. The facade of the Nativity from the side of the pond is detailed and gloomy, created during the life of Gaudí. The Passion façade has many associations with Star Wars. On the unfinished facade of Glory, they plan to show the history of mankind from Adam and Eve to the second coming.

There is a lot of light inside the building and branching columns that turn the temple into a mystical forest. The ticket costs from 17 € (1275 R). In order not to stand in a long line, I advise you to buy it in advance on the official website.

A ticket to Casa Mila with an audio guide costs 22 € (1650 R), to Casa Batllo - 25 € (1875 R). In Casa Batllo, they will offer a video guide with augmented reality: when you point the device at an object, original interiors appear on the screen, and a fire “lights up” in the fireplace.

Palace of Catalan Music is another Art Nouveau building and the only naturally lit concert hall in Europe. The interiors are rich: iridescent colored stained glass windows, sculptures of Valkyries, pegasus and a mosaic ceiling imitating a sky with a golden sun. You can go to a concert of classical performers, pop music, jazz, or just take a tour. The ticket costs 15 € (1125 R) without a guide and 20 € (1500 R) in an excursion group.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar- Catalan Gothic cathedral with sharp towers, narrow windows and intricate stained-glass windows. The entrance is free. On weekdays, the cathedral is open from 9:00 to 13:30 and from 16:30 to 20:00, on weekends from 10:00.

La Rambla- analogue of the Moscow Arbat. It is a pedestrianized boulevard that runs from Plaza Catalunya to Barceloneta Beach. It is worth walking along it to see the living statues and mosaics of the artist Juan Miro next to the Boqueria market, listen to street musicians and plunge into the atmosphere of celebration and happiness. Beware: there are many pickpockets in the crowd, and the prices for souvenirs from local merchants are godlessly overpriced.

Columbus monument- a monument with a height of 60 m, which was built at the end of the 19th century. It is installed in front of the entrance to the Old Port, where the sailor's ship moored after the first voyage to America. For 6 € (450 R), you can use the elevator inside the column and go up to the observation deck right under the feet of Columbus.

By cable car Teleferico del Puerto tourists climb to the top of the Montjuic hill. The trip takes about 10 minutes and there is a beautiful view of the city along the way.

The closest cable car station to Columbus is called Miramar. Cabins leave every 15 minutes, the trip costs 11 € (825 R) one way and 16.5 € (1237 R) both. If you decide to take a ride, skip the next two points of the route - Las Arenas and the magic fountains.

"Las Arenas"- a shopping center rebuilt from a bullring. The last time bullfighters fought bulls here was in 1977. Now bullfighting is banned in Catalonia, but its former scale can be estimated inside Las Arenas. Under the dome is another observation deck with an excellent view. An elevator is installed outside the building, which for 1 € (75 R) takes tourists upstairs. If you go to the shopping center, you can go up to the same roof for free using the elevators for visitors.

Magic fountains- cascading, or multi-level, fountains, where a light and music show takes place every weekend. Admission to the show is free, and even snobs will love the colors and sounds. Nearby are escalators leading to the Montjuic hill.

Montjuic- a hill with a height of 173 m. There is a lot of interesting things. For example, at the MNAC Art Museum of Catalonia, you can see hundreds of works by artists, from medieval frescoes to modern installations. Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month and on Saturdays from 15:00, the rest of the time - 12 € (900 R).

On Montjuic, it is worth taking a walk through the free botanical gardens and parks. I especially liked the cactus park: among the tropical plants it seems as if I got to Africa or Asia, and it is easy to lose your head from the aromas.

On the hill, you can also swim and relax in the picturesque public pools of Bernat Picornell. The entrance to the pool costs 6.5 € (487 R), a sunbed - another 1 € (75 R).

At the top of Montjuic there is an old fortress, which houses a military museum with medieval cannons and military uniforms. A visit costs 5 € (375 R). In summer, an outdoor cinema is open on the patio of the fortress. Films are shown in their original language with Spanish subtitles, the ticket will cost 6.5 € (487 R). Renting a chair costs another 3.25 € (244 R), but the townspeople usually bring blankets and wine and combine watching a movie with a picnic.

Details

Food. For lunch on this route, the Eixample district, where the buildings of Gaudí are located, or the Gothic Quarter with narrow streets and old buildings are suitable. Tasty everywhere.

I ate the best paella at the Xiringuito restaurant. You can also try it in restaurants on Barceloneta Beach, such as Barraca or Can Majó. Paella prices usually indicate one person, but it is recommended to order for two. Average cost - 15-30 € (1125-2250 R). Cold tomato soup gazpacho will cost 7-10 € (525-750 R).

To save money, you can try the local fast food. For example, a portion of churros choux pastry sticks costs 2-5 € (150-375 R) in any coffee shop. I also advise you to look into the network 100 montaditos, translated into Russian - "100 sandwiches". The sandwiches are small, but they cost 1-3 € (75-225 R). On Wednesdays and Sundays there is a campaign called "Euromania": all menu items are sold for one euro.

Bars- part of the urban culture: in Barcelona, everyone drinks wine and beer for a couple of euros per glass. From the bars I can recommend the unusually decorated La Cobra, the colorful La Xampanyeria and the bicentennial Marsella absinthe bar, which appeared in the film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". A glass of absinthe costs 6 € (450 R) there.

Beaches. They swim in Barcelona from May to early October. Going to the popular Barceloneta beach is a dubious idea. There are so many people there that it is impossible to go into the sea and not touch anyone with your elbow. If time permits, it is better to get there to Bogatel beach or to the suburbs - Badalona: it is clean and there are fewer tourists. Bogatele has bars and sun loungers for 10 € (750 R). In Badalona, the beach is not equipped - it is worth bringing a towel.

Markets. Main Flea Market -

Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona

Millions of travelers visit the capital of Catalonia every year. Perhaps this is an even more popular destination than visiting the capital of Spain, Madrid. What makes Barcelona so attractive?

Barcelona cannot be confused with any other city in the world. This is a real anthill with a vibrant nightlife and the hospitality of the locals. Here you can always have fun and carefree time. Unmatched food and sangria, the national drink, will make your stay in the city even more vibrant and unforgettable. But don't think that a trip to Barcelona is only suitable for nightlife lovers.

Barcelona is called the cultural capital of Spain for a reason. The city is rich in historical sights and unique architectural monuments. The greatest genius, Antoni Gaudi, made a great contribution to the architectural appearance of Barcelona. As a legacy to descendants, he left his amazing masterpieces: Sagrada Familia, Palace and Park Guell, College of the Order of St. Teresa and others.

So what to see in Barcelona first.

Interesting things to see in Barcelona

If this is your first time in Barcelona, you should start your acquaintance with the city with the immortal creations of Gaudí. They have long become the hallmark of the capital of Catalonia. And many are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Temple of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia)

This is one of the main attractions of Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudi. The construction of the temple has not yet been completed, but the cathedral has already been consecrated by the Pope, which made it possible to start holding daily services. The construction of the temple is carried out only with donations from parishioners and visitors who massively visit the Sagrada Familia. Completion of construction is planned in eight years. The cathedral is unlike any other famous temple in the world. Outwardly, it resembles either an enchanted forest, or a castle on the sand, or maybe a fabulous gingerbread house. No wonder Salvador Dali spoke of the cathedral as terribly “edible”. Gaudi laid the basis for the construction of his masterpiece geometrically verified figures: helicoid, hyperboloid. According to the author's idea, the cathedral will be decorated with eighteen spiers, eight of them have already been built. The highest spire is the personification of Jesus Christ, the other twelve belong to the apostles, four more to the evangelists Mark, Luke, John and Matthew, and the last remaining one is to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Inside the temple, a whole fabulous forest of openwork columns, a star-shaped ceiling, and unique colored stained-glass windows await visitors. The play of chiaroscuro creates a unique colored mosaic pattern throughout the interior of the cathedral. The Sagrada Familia is the first place to see in Barcelona.

Mila's house

Another landmark of the city, which arose thanks to the architect Antoni Gaudi. This is a residential building where ordinary Catalan families still live. There are no straight lines in the outer facade; waves and zigzags are everywhere. The house is designed in such a way that every room is filled with light. Inside the house, the entire load is distributed between the supporting columns, this allows you to make any redevelopment of the room: transfer, demolish, move the walls. Gaudí came up with a unique ventilation system that creates a comfortable living environment. There is a cafe in the building, where you should definitely go for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is located in the heart of Barcelona. It is impossible not to notice him, so he stands out with his appearance from all other buildings. A humpbacked roof, similar to a frozen outlandish dragon, curved outlines of the façade and balconies, light splashes of ceramics, chimneys - the corporate style of Antoni Gaudi is read throughout. The interior of the house is no less interesting - there are amazing decorative elements here: for example, a chandelier in the shape of the sun, a staircase in the shape of a shell. Play with chiaroscuro creates a beautiful drawing on the patio.

National Art Museum of Catalonia

At the foot of the Montjuic mountain in the National Palace there is a museum building. Four Ionic columns rise directly in front of him as a symbol of Catalonia. The columns are adjacent to the wonderful fountain, which attracts visitors with nightly shows. The observation deck of the museum offers one of the most memorable views of the city. The museum has the most complete collection of Romanesque art. The works of Velazquez and El Greco form the basis of Renaissance art. In addition, there is an excellent collection of all kinds of coins and banknotes, as well as sculptures, frescoes, ceramics.

Cathedral of the Holy Cross

In the very center of the Gothic Quarter, a magnificent cathedral was built, its second name is the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia, whose relics rest under the Gothic vault of the temple. This saint is revered both in Catholicism and in Orthodoxy. It is also the Cathedral of Barcelona. The cathedral was built in the Gothic style, and its main facade is decorated with a beautiful portal. The openwork spiers of the cathedral's towers give it a majestic look. Another relic that is kept in this place is a statue of Christ taken from a ship that took part in the Battle of Lepanto.

Barcelona Aquarium

This is the largest aquarium in Europe. Several thousand representatives of the deep sea live here. The main goal is to inform visitors about the need to respect nature and its inhabitants, as well as to maintain harmony between humans and marine inhabitants. The aquarium features several ecosystems, ranging from the Great Barrier Reef to underwater caves. Everyone is attracted by a huge oceanarium where sharks swim majestically. A long tunnel is laid under it, which allows you to find yourself at the bottom of the sea.

What to see in Barcelona

The answer to this question depends on the number of days allocated for sightseeing in Barcelona. It takes at least a week to get acquainted with most of them. If there is not much time, then it is worth focusing on the most important of them.

Mount Montjuic

Several popular corners of the city are located on the Montjuic mountain. Firstly, the Royal Botanic Garden is laid out here. There are artificial streams, waterfalls and a lake on the territory of the garden. It is pleasant to walk here on a hot day and enjoy the beautiful flora, which is abundant here. The second garden, laid out on the mountain, is the Cactus Park. Representatives of the prickly family grow here in free conditions and amaze with their shapes and sizes. Here are cacti from the smallest to the largest.

Secondly, the famous Singing Fountains show takes place at the foot of Montjuic. To a beautiful musical accompaniment, streams of water, highlighted with multi-colored highlights, dance in the literal sense of the word. The spectacle, which takes place in the evenings, is immensely popular with tourists and locals alike. This show is worth seeing with your own eyes.

Ramblas Boulevard

Ramblas

This street has the same meaning for Catalans as Old Arbat is for Muscovites. The Ramblas is completely pedestrianized. There are souvenir shops, shops, cafes here. Artists perform in the streets: magicians, jugglers, artists, musicians. For a small fee, you can take a picture with a "living statue". Here you can spend a pleasant time in the shade of green plane trees, enjoying the special local flavor.

Boqueria market

From the Ramblas it is worth going to the Boqueria market. It has long become a visiting card of the city and a tourist Mecca. Growing out of a small rural bazaar, today the Boqueria market occupies 2500 sq.m. Here you can buy sanctioned jamon, real Spanish sausages, fresh seafood (oysters, shrimps, fish, squid, octopus, tuna), fruits and vegetables. Fruit is often sold as ready-to-use cocktails or sliced. So many tourists come here that at some point, organized excursion groups were banned from driving to the market. You can understand the merchants, many come here to look, not buy.

Mount Tibidabo

This is the best viewpoint in Barcelona and the highest point on the city map. To get to the top, you can use the old funicular, and for the most hardy, it is possible to climb on foot. People come here not only for a beautiful view, but also to ride the rides. The Ferris wheel, free fall tower and roller coaster will appeal to both adults and children. At the top of the mountain is the snow-white Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Instead of a spire, a statue of Christ with outstretched arms is installed, as if embracing the entire city. The figure of the Savior resembles a famous statue located in Brazil.

Triumphal Arch

There are triumphal arches in many European cities, they were installed in honor of significant events and military victories. So in Moscow, the Arc de Triomphe appeared in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. In the capital of Catalonia, it was built for the opening of the World Exhibition. It was built of red brick and decorated with sculptures around the perimeter. The entire structure is crowned with an exposition depicting the coats of arms of all Spanish provinces. There are beautiful bas-reliefs on the facades.

Camp Nou Stadium

Camp Nou stadium

This is an iconic stadium that has become the home of FC Barça. It is the most awarded club in Spain in terms of total awards. In addition, they own a number of football records, some of which have not yet been broken. When Barça is playing at their home stadium, tickets are almost impossible to get, but if you can do it, you will see the 100,000th Camp Nou arena cheering for their team. You can also visit the museum at the stadium, admire the trophy exhibits and buy yourself a shirt of your favorite club. Tour of the stadium is not available on match days or immediately before them. All relevant information can be found on the official website of the Camp Nou stadium.

Park Guell

The completion of the acquaintance with the creative heritage of Antoni Gaudí can be Park Guell. Many people come to these places to admire the breathtaking panorama of the city from the main terrace of the park. From the compulsory program: sit on the snake bench, admire the fountains and sculptures, walk through the colonnade, admire the unique mosaics. Antoni Gaudí doesn’t have much, so after the park, if possible, visit his house-museum, where he lived for twenty years from 1906 to 1926.

What to see for tourists in Barcelona

The excursion program in the city is rich, where everyone can choose an interesting direction for themselves. Of course, there are places for self-guided tours that do not require a guide. However, to visit some of Barcelona's attractions, it is best to seek professional assistance.

Montserrat monastery

The bizarre Montserrat mountain is located outside of Barcelona. The best way to get here is to buy an excursion. This will save you both money and time. Since 1987, Montserrat has been a conservation area with several hiking trails to explore the local flora and fauna. But the main pearl of Montserrat is a unique ancient monastery. The monastery is located almost at the very top of the mountain among the high sheer walls. There are many caves in the vicinity; they often served as a hiding place for monastic treasures. Pilgrims come here to see the statue of the Black Madonna, giving the joy of motherhood to believers. Depending on the excursion program, there is a different content. It is worth choosing a tour where there is not only a tour of the monastery, but also a tasting included. Monks have long been involved in the manufacture of liqueurs and goat cheese. At the tasting, you can not only taste natural products, but also purchase them, which is much more important.

Picasso Museum

The capital of Catalonia is inextricably linked with the activities of the great Pablo Picasso. To learn more about the work and life of a genius, take a guided tour and visit the artist's favorite places in the city. Most of the excursions include visits to such iconic places as the first working studio of Picasso, his first home, as well as the famous restaurant 4 Gatos, where you can go for coffee. And ends with a visit to the Picasso Museum. Inside you will find not only paintings, but also ceramics, prints, photographs. Most of the works belong to the early period of Picasso's work, there are even his childhood pencil sketches. The later works of the genius of Cubism are also presented in the museum, but in a smaller volume. In the museum, there is practically no information about the personal life of the genius, therefore, choosing an independent visit only to the museum, you will not learn many interesting facts.

Gothic Quarter

A walk through the Gothic Quarter is an immersion in the world from the Roman period to the seizure of the Middle Ages to the present. Of course, you can walk in the Gothic Quarter on your own, but then you will most likely miss the significant sights of the area.

The Gothic Quarter is part of a medieval city that mainly dates back to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Most of the quarter is pedestrianized and not intended for traffic. In addition to medieval buildings, there are also preserved Roman ones, for example, the remains of the fortress wall and ruins of the palace of Octavian Augustus.

The heart of the Gothic Quarter became Cathedral of the Holy Cross... This is the second most beautiful temple in the city. Most of the postcards sold with the signature "Gothic Quarter" adorn the Bridge of Sighs or Bridge of kisses... The beautiful lace bridge was created by Gaudi's colleague architect G. Rubio.

The richest area before the start of the Reconquista was considered Jewish quarter... Its remains are perfectly preserved and today testify to the former greatness and wealth. The synagogue and the House of the Rabbi are at the heart of the Jewish community. There is also a museum where you can go for tasting and lectures on Hebrew history.

Another gem of Gothic art is presented Church of Santa Maria del Pi. In the place where the modern building is located, the first church appeared in the fifth century. The existing building of the cathedral appeared in the fourteenth century. Throughout its history, the temple has experienced many tragic moments: several earthquakes, fires, the Spanish Civil War. But the Catalans have always restored it.

We have indicated the approximate location of the apartments that we liked. You can find out the exact address of an apartment only after you book it.

Bogatel beach

Best City Beach

Do not even try to swim on the beach closest to the city center in the summer - on Barceloneta: it is so crowded, noisy and dirty that, even if you manage to get to the water, you will not want to go into it. This is the quintessence of the Barcelona that locals have, frankly, disliked lately. Go to the distant Bogatel beach in the Poblenou area - it is bigger, wider, cleaner, more beautiful, and there are much fewer people (and in the off-season it is generally a holy emptiness). In addition, Poblenou itself is incredibly pleasant - in recent years, from a godforsaken industrial outskirts, it has turned into a lively, cozy, fashionable and, unfortunately, expensive area. There are volleyball nets on the beach, there is a playground with exercise equipment and a playground, there is free city Wi-Fi, and at the very end of the beach, on the territory of the municipal center for water sports, there is a cafe - with an excellent terrace and a view of the beach: it's worth coming here with a glass of cold white or cava.

Park Jardins de la Tamarita

Jungle at the foot of Tibidabo

The Jardins de la Tamarita, a carefully hidden treasure in the bourgeois district of Sant Gervasi, is so thorough that even many Barcelonians are unaware of its existence. It is worth turning into the park from the bustling San Gervasi Avenue - and it seems as if in a second you have moved in space and entered the jungle. There are real thickets here: palm trees entwined with lianas, acacias, plane trees, cypresses, bamboo plus orange trees and a 23-meter century-old oak; and all this in the center of the city, one step away from a large important street. The air in Jardins de la Tamarita is completely different - fresher, cooler and more humid. The park was laid out at the beginning of the 20th century on the territory of the Kreywinkel family estate - there is an excellent playground, fountains and quiet backwaters, plus a bunch of secluded corners with benches and without, where teenagers kiss, children play hide and seek and cheerful old people think about life.

Fabre Observatory

Operating observatory where gastronomic dinners are organized

Travelers usually climb Mount Tibidabo for the sake of the amusement park of the same name - rather old-fashioned, so pleasant, at the entrance to which there is the great and terrible Sagrat-Kor Basilica. But few people come here for the very beautiful modernist Fabre Observatory - one of the oldest operating observatories in the world. It was built in 1904 - and to this day, scientific life is in full swing. On Sundays, you can get to the observatory with an excursion - they are held in the morning, but it is better to sign up in advance for a night view of the starry sky - then there is a chance to see the Moon, Saturn with its rings and Jupiter with satellites through the old creaky telescope of 1904. But even if you don't see the rings of Saturn, the view of Barcelona at night will pay off in full. In summer, excursions and stargazing are turned off for the sake of gastronomic "dinners with stars", which are held on the open terrace at the entrance to the observatory - as a bonus to the tasting menu, all the same views of the city and viewing of the night sky through a telescope are attached.

Pablo Garcia

Pablo adores Barcelona and thinks that this city is truly inspiring when properly explored. That is why he advises to turn off the beaten paths of thousands of tourists and enjoy a walk in the less noisy parts of the city - go to the Rambla in the Poblenou district, hide from the noise in the gardens of Gràcia and try horchata, the national Spanish drink.

Another Rambla

For those who are truly inspired by Barcelona, vermouth, sun and sea, I always advise you to drop by, a bar in the Poblenou area, where you can always really relax away from the city center and get to know a completely different area of the city. Poblenou has its own Rambla, which is much less crowded than the Rambla in the center, which is why it is so good to walk along it - through cafes and bars to the sea.

Horchata on the way to the sea

Barcelona is a city where everything is constantly changing: the amazing energy of the city makes you endlessly explore it, walk, meet people and dream. During one of these walks, I came across a cafe where I advise you to try horchata, the national Spanish drink made from ground almonds.

Antic Teatre

Cultural institution with a nice bar

In a narrow, dark alley opposite the lush Palace of Catalan Music, there is a multifunctional establishment called. It is worth going there, even if going to the theater is not in your plans. The building of the end of the 16th century used to be a theater, but now it is more of a cultural center - there are performances, exhibitions, concerts of indie bands and jazz bands, performances for children and adults, children's parties, and what is the culture in Barcelona without a bar ... In addition, the theater owns a very cozy shady courtyard-terrace, where drinking is easy and pleasant.

Libertat Market

Breakfast with oysters and champagne

Leave the Boqueria market in the Old Town to be eaten by tourists - the market, I must say, is excellent, it's just that there is no overcrowding there. There are no tourists at all in the Libertat market in Gracia, only locals who slowly discuss the weather forecast with the greengrocer and the stewed cod recipe with the seller in the fish department, so if you decide to buy something here, you should be patient. The modernist Libertat market with iron pillars and beams and brick walls - the oldest in Gracia - was built at the end of the 19th century, and in 2009 it was reopened after a major renovation. Linger outside the El tast de Joan Noi counter, where you will quickly get fried squid, sea cuttings, steamed mussels, serve a dozen oysters and serve cold cava (yes, for breakfast too).

Miriot Restaurant

Brazilian motives in the heart of Gracia

A Mediterranean restaurant with a distinct Brazilian flavor. There is nothing superfluous in the interior - white painted brick walls, black tables and chairs and a couple of paintings on the wall. You should come here for a business lunch for 13 euros, which is more like a tasting menu in a gastronomic restaurant - one duck with a caramelized pear is worth something. The best Caipirinhas in Gracia and even in Barcelona also interfere here. A table for dinner should be booked a lot in advance, but for lunch you have to run here as soon as one o'clock strikes, otherwise you can spend the whole lunch break waiting for a free table. And don't forget to order our signature pistachio ice cream brownie for dessert.

Nagore Store

Secret rival Camper

Almost everyone who comes to Barcelona attacks Camper stores, there is in the arsenal of almost every Barcelona citizen. But Camper has one competitor - from the neighboring island of Menorca - and the locals prefer to keep quiet about him. In total, the Nagore brand has two stores: one in Barcelona, on Asturias street, the other in Menorca. These are very soft and comfortable leather shoes - moreover, anatomical, eco-friendly, colorful and cheerful. The Asturias store is small: the entire range is displayed in rectangular recesses in the wall of different sizes, making the wall look like a Tetris field. It's very difficult to get out of here with just one pair. The main and eternal hit of Nagore is multi-colored abarks for 35 euros: leather sandals with soles made of tires, which Minorcan peasants used to work in the field, and now they are worn all over the world and a feast, and to the world, and to good people.

Artte Restaurant

Tea, art and cocktails

Brand new, opened in 2011 in Forum Park. The Blue Museum is famous for its multimedia exhibits on the evolution of planet Earth, with a bunch of little buttons that kids are ready to press for hours. It also houses an excellent collection of minerals from different parts of Catalonia, and the main pride of the museum is a giant whale skeleton that looms over visitors ascending the main staircase. Near the Blue Museum, there is a large playground (even two) with various and unusual slides and carousels, which is a rarity for Barcelona. Well, from here it is a stone's throw to the beach. In general, a worthwhile museum.

Packing your bags and going to Catalonia? Book apartments in Barcelona and create your own itinerary through secret Barcelona.

Barcelona is one of the most colorful and unique cities in Spain (may the Catalans forgive us, who do not consider their homeland to be Spain). And an independent trip to Barcelona is a real fireworks of vivid impressions. But only if this trip is well planned. In this article, you will find useful information and important tips for those traveling to Barcelona on their own. How to organize your trip? How to get there and where to stay? What is the best way to explore the city and get acquainted with its sights? What should be considered as a solo traveler in Barcelona? We share our experience and recommendations. Barcelona has prepared a lot of interesting things for you: masterpieces and ancient Gothic buildings, cozy streets and noisy tourist avenues, a beautiful coastline, a busy port, beautiful mountains, cultural treasures and a lot of entertainment ... Rather, plan your happy trip to Barcelona! And we will show you how to do it yourself.

Visa to Spain on your own

As much as the Catalans strive for independence, Barcelona is still part of Spain. Therefore, to travel to this beautiful city, you need a Schengen visa. For short-term tourist and business trips, a category C visa is issued.

BLS International Services Ltd. is currently the Official Barcelona Visa Service Provider. On the website of the visa center, you can clarify the list of required documents and the amount of the consular fee. And also sign up for the submission of documents. You can independently apply for a visa to Spain both at the visa center and directly at the Consulate General of Spain.

You can start an independent visa application to Spain at the earliest - three months before the trip, at the latest - five days (but it is better not to delay this, otherwise you risk not being in time, especially during the holiday periods).

Barcelona on your own: how to get there

There are several daily flights to El Prat airport (BCN) from Moscow and other cities. Flight time without transfers will be approximately 4.5-5 hours.

Check out the current flight options to Barcelona:

Where to stay in Barcelona: areas and hotels

The question of where to stay in Barcelona is not an idle one. Usually everyone wants to live in the center, but this is not always the best choice. Let's take a look at the most popular tourist areas (called barrios in Barcelona) to understand their features, pros and cons.

Ramblas

The Rambla is the most touristy and therefore the noisiest area of Barcelona. It is very lively here both day and night. There are many pickpockets. And on the south side, where the Raval district adjoins the Rambla, at night the “red light district” becomes more active. Hotels in this area are unlikely to be suitable for a relaxing holiday and will delight you with silence, but they will give you the opportunity to live in the very center, within walking distance to the main attractions.

Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

Heart Old town... An area that will take you to the Middle Ages, and in some places even to antiquity, and will remind you of the rich history of Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter is full of narrow, small old streets, many of which are pedestrianized and therefore not particularly busy. But, when choosing a hotel located in an old building, still check the level of comfort and sound insulation based on reviews. It is also worth considering that older houses usually do not have lifts.

El Raval

Authentic area next to the Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, with many shops, cafes, shops, galleries and some interesting sights (we will tell about them in our audio tours). The downside is the slightly dubious reputation of this barrio, formerly known as the "red light district". Unsafe places, especially at night, remain here today. There are many pickpockets.

Sants-Montjuïc (Sants-Montjuic)

This quarter is located on the mountain of the same name. Its main feature is the beautiful views of the city. There are many attractions on the Montjuic itself. Also, this area of Barcelona is distinguished by good transport accessibility.

Eixample

The area is located slightly north of the Ramblas, starting from Plaza Catalunya. It is here that the main architectural masterpieces of Barcelona are concentrated - the famous creations of Antoni Gaudi and other masters of Art Nouveau. And some hotels are located right in the old mansions that have become architectural monuments of Barcelona. For example, the luxurious El Palauet or Casa Fuster. But when choosing a hotel in the Eixample district, you should take into account that this is a rather noisy barrio, most of the city's major roads pass through it, and popular tourist routes pass along some avenues (for example, Passeig de Gracia). Therefore, pay attention to the audibility in the rooms, carefully study the reviews, if possible, try to choose housing here away from the main roads.

Barceloneta (Barceloneta)

It is often chosen for a beach holiday in Barcelona, as the area is located directly off the coast. At the same time, the city center is only 10 minutes per meter. But until recently, this area was considered not the safest; it is better not to climb deep into its streets at night even today.

There are several other Barcelona beaches close to which you can rent a house: Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella (the latter is popular with nude holiday lovers).

Barcelona on your own: transport

How to get from the airport

The first question that arises before any guest of Barcelona is how to get from the airport to the city? You can get to Barcelona not only from the main airport El Prat, but also from the nearby airport of Girona and the city of Reus. We will tell you how to get to the city from each of them.

An airportAle-Prat (El Prat)

Closest to the Catalan capital (only about 10 km to the city center). It is connected with Barcelona by several types of transport at once: expressway, bus, metro line and railway.

Aerobus buses

Dark blue express buses purposefully carry tourists from each of the two airport terminals to the city center, to Plaza Catalunya, with a minimum of stops. Tickets for them can be purchased from the driver or at the terminals near the bus stops. Aerobus runs only from 5.30 to 0.30, passes do not work on them, the cost is € 5.90.

Underground

The L9 Sud metro line connects to Barcelona Airport, the terminal stations of the metro are Aeroport T2 and Aeroport T1.

High-speed suburban train (electric train) RENFE

Departures from Terminal T2, where you can take a free shuttle from Terminal T1. Travel cards are accepted. Schedule and cost can be found on the official website.

The cheapest way is a regular city bus.

In the afternoon, it is a city bus from the TMB company, which runs along the route number 46. And at night, NitiBus buses from the MOHN company run to Plaza Catalunya - route numbers 16 and 17. A trip on a regular bus will save you some money, but there are also disadvantages - the lack of a special compartment for luggage and many stops on the way to the city center.

The most comfortable way is by car transfer or taxi

If you do not want to endure the inconvenience of getting around by public transport, choose a taxi or car transfer. You can find a taxi at the airport or use Uber (€ 30-40). And if you want to order a transfer in advance, without the risk of getting lost and additional waiting at the airport, you can use the services (they provide a meeting at the airport).

Car rental in Barcelona

Ideal if you are a confident driver, traveling with your family or with a group. It should only be noted that some roads in Spain are toll. Check rental options:

An airport Girona- Costa– Brava(Aeroport de Girona - Costa Brava) GRO

Located 12 km from Girona and 95 km from Barcelona. This is the main airport for those who arrive to relax on the Costa Brava or Costa del Maresme. It is also popular with tourists heading to the Pyrenees and the ski resorts of Andorra. The Catalan capital has excellent transport links.

Barcelona Bus - direct route

In 1 hour 10 minutes, the bus will take you to Estacio d'Autobusos Barcelona Nord station, Barcelona's main bus station. A 5-10 minute walk from it is the Arc De Triomf metro station on the red line, from where you can get wherever you want. Opening hours - from morning to late evening, the schedule is timed to the arrival of flights, and it is best to check it on the company's website. The cost is 16 euros.

It is worth considering: buses do not run on December 25. And on December 24, 26, 31 and January 1, the number of flights was reduced. For these cases, there is a railway and car transfers.

High-speed or regular train from Girona train station

Travel time is 70 and 90 minutes, respectively.

Rented car

The road is not difficult at all and quite comfortable, especially if.

Reus airport

To Barcelona from the small airport Reus go 100 km. But - only 10 km to the main resorts of the Costa Dorada, as well as the Port Aventura park.

From Reus Airport to Barcelona, to the main train station Sants Estació, there is bus, the timetable of which is tied to arriving flights. The cost is 15 euros. Travel time - 1.5 hours

Hola BCN Map

Allows unlimited travel by metro, bus, tram, metro from Barcelona airport to city center and vice versa. When buying online - 10% discount. There are options from two to five days. Cost - from € 15 for 2 days. ...

Barcelona Card

This card includes a travel pass, a discounted museum pass and a discount. Read more about it later in the article.

Buses

Barcelona has an extremely extensive bus network - about 110 routes, the length of which is about 920 km, more than a thousand stops.

Bus stops in Barcelona are a separate topic of conversation. In addition to the usual timetable, some of them have interactive screens where you can not only see useful information for passengers, but even charge your phone, connect to Wi-Fi and download applications that will help you calculate the route to attractions and find out the travel time.

It is customary to enter a bus in Barcelona at the front door, and leave at the back. In order for the bus to stop when you are at a stop, vote with your hand, and when approaching your stop, do not forget to press STOP on the handrails. The board "Sol licitut de parada" (stop on demand) lit up - everything is in order. To help you find your way, buses often have an information board "Proxima Parada" (next stop)

Barcelona bus fares are € 2.20 within one zone. Bus travel times are from 6.30 am to 11 pm.

Night buses

NitiBus buses from the MOHN company have 17 routes at once, including two from El Prat airport to Plaza Catalunya - numbers 16 and 17. It is easy to recognize them - by the yellow stripe and the route number with the letter N.

Trams

Tickets are sold at the terminals at the stops. You can check the timetable in advance and plan your trip around Barcelona by tram on the official website.

Barcelona metro

The fastest and most popular transport in the city. Served by two companies - TMB (eight lines) and FGC (three lines). Because of this, the station designations may also differ with the company logos, but there will certainly be a metro map next to the station entrance.

Tickets are purchased at ticket terminals (machines) or ticket kiosks. You need to look for them at train stations, stations, at the entrance to the platform. At the same time, the appearance of the TMB and FGC terminals is different.

Keep in mind - boarding and disembarking from the carriage is carried out from two sides, so there are not two, but three platforms at the stations.

Tourist transport

Tourist buses

One of the popular ways to start exploring the city. Buses pass through the most iconic places of the Catalan capital (on several routes for one ticket), equipped with audio guides. Among the most popular are Barcelona Bus Turistic or Hop On Hop Off Barcelona. Convenient for moving between distant points (for example, from the center to Montjuïc). But it is better to walk in the central districts on foot - all the most interesting is within walking distance!

Vintage tram

It is also called the “blue tram” (Tranvía azul). One of the attractions of the city, as it is also called "the last romantic of Barcelona". The first such tram was launched in 1901. Previously, it was green, but after a truck crashed into it in the middle of the 20th century, it was decided to repaint it blue in order to better distinguish the tram from the greenery of Barcelona.

It goes from the metro station on Tibidabo Avenue to the station of the funicular of the same name, from where you can climb Mount Tibidabo. Travel passes do not work here. The length of the route is 1276 meters.

It should be noted that romantics like the tram, but the rest - not very much. They complain about the crush, call the trip a waste of money, and think the route can be easily traversed on foot.

Funiculars and cable cars

One of the most romantic and beautiful ways to explore Barcelona. The capital of Catalonia has three funiculars and two cableways.

Montjuïc funicular

Rises to the famous Montjuïc mountain to its no less famous sights. Boarding - at the Parallel metro station. Refers to the TMB metro (and is indicated on the maps). You can check the schedule and prices on the website.

Teleférico de Montjuïc cableway at the Montjuïc fortress

It rises from the previous funicular to the Military Museum, travel passes do not work here. Open only during the warm season from June to the end of September from 11.15 to 21.00

Cable car Barceloneta - Montjuic (Teleferico del Puerto)

The cable car from the port takes you up from the San Sebastian Tower (Barceloneta metro station) and gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy the stunning views of the city by the sea. Minus - city passes do not work here. The schedule and prices can be found on the website.

Funicular Tibidabo

The oldest funicular in Barcelona, opened in 1901. In addition, it is also the longest - 1130 meters.

City fares do not work here either, you need to buy a separate ticket. The funicular's opening hours are tied to the opening hours of the Tibidabo amusement park. Open from March to December, as well as February holidays.

Vaividrera funicular

Rises from the area of the same name to Mount Tibidabo. Boarding - at the Peu de Funicular train station on the Metro del Vallès line. Regular tickets and passes are valid here.

Note that a much easier way to get to Tibidabo is a special bus T2A (Tibibus), which departs from Plaza Catalunya every day from 10.15 until the park closes. The fare on it is 2.95 euros. If the park has a day off, the bus does not run.

Taxi

The official colors are black and yellow. Payment by meter, depending on the tariff (there are three of them) and distance.

Barcelona by segway

A convenient, modern way to explore the city without bothering your feet is the Segway, an electrically powered two-wheeled vehicle. You can book your favorite tour on the official website of the company.

Bicycle rental

One of the most democratic and fun ways to explore Barcelona. There are a lot of rental options, prices depend on the bike model and its purpose (for racing, mountain, walking, etc.) You can sign up for a joint sightseeing bike tour with a group.

Barcelona attractions on your own: tips for tourists

How to save on tickets

One of the ways to save money when visiting attractions on your own is to use tourist maps. It makes sense to take them if you plan to actively visit sights and museums. If you plan to just wander the streets on foot and visit just a couple of places, there won't be much sense in the tourist map. Consider a list of attractions you are interested in and compare the estimated ticket costs with the cost of the card.

There are several types of tourist cards in Barcelona:

Barcelona Card

This is a three-in-one card - a transport pass, a pass (with a discount) to museums, as well as a discount. Provides the opportunity to pass free of charge and without queuing to many Barcelona museums(about 20), as well as receive big discounts in restaurants, shops, nightclubs.

Valid for 3-4-5 days. It is activated at the first use (note that if you activated it, for example, at 20.00, then the first day you will end in 4 hours, at 00.00).

It is better to buy a Barcelona tourist card in advance, online - this way you will receive a 15% discount. And you can pick it up immediately upon arrival at the airport, as well as in Plaza Catalunya, in tourist centers. Just do not forget to take the voucher with you, which will come to your mail. Buy a card on the official website.

Barcelona Pass

Like the Barcelona Card, this card allows you to save on visits to a number of famous Barcelona attractions (more than 20 are free, others are discounted). In particular, with its help, you will get to the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell for free and without queues, as well as without queues (though not free of charge) to get on an excursion to the Camp Nou stadium (home arena of the legendary FC Barcelona), to the Aquarium and Spanish village.

But there is no free ride on Barcelona public transport like the Barcelona Card.

Issued for a period of 1-3 days. Better to buy online - the site periodically offers discounts of 10%.

Barcelona Art Ticket

Ideal for art lovers: Provides easy access to places of interest such as the Picasso Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Miro Foundation Museum and a number of other museums in Barcelona. Website: http://articketbcn.org/

Arqueo ticket

This map will help archeology lovers travel back centuries. With the Arqueo ticket, you will have access to four museums: Egyptian Art, Historical, Archaeological and Cultural Center El Born. The card can be bought online from the official Barcelona tourism website.

How to avoid queues

The impression of visiting the most important sights of Barcelona can be spoiled by waiting in queues at the box office. To avoid this dubious "pleasure", we recommend buying tickets in advance, online. This will not only save you time, but you will also be able to know the cost in advance and plan your expenses.

Moreover, it is more profitable to buy tickets to some of Barcelona's attractions online. This not only allows you to avoid the queue at the checkout, but also to save money! When buying online, tickets to many locations cost an average of 15% less.

Official sites for booking tickets online can be found in ours, as well as on the pages describing excursions:; ; ...

Barcelona Attractions Free

Many museums in Barcelona have open days when the exhibition can be visited for free. These include traditional Museum night and some holidays. Many museums offer free admission to first Sunday of every month.

In addition, on some days of the week there are certain intervals when admission is free. For example, every Thursday from 18.00 to 21.30 you can get to the Picasso Museum for free.

You can find out the opening hours of the main attractions in Barcelona in our.

Explore Barcelona with a Free Offline Travel Guide for iPhone

Finding information about the main attractions in Barcelona and planning your own trip is convenient in the Travelry mobile app. Barcelona will be closer and more understandable if you use a free travel guide, a catalog of interesting places with useful information and an offline map with GPS navigation. All this is available in the application for free. And if you want a deeper and more exciting exploration of the city, download ours and walk around the city with a personal guide who tells interesting stories about the city and at the same time fits in your pocket!

There are currently three Barcelona Audio Tours available in the app:

Exploring Barcelona on your own with an audio guide can save you a lot on excursions. Instead of fussy running after a noisy group of tourists or paying extra for an individual guide, you can walk at your own pace, along routes that are interesting to you and at the same time listen to fascinating stories about the sights you pass by. Download Travelry and turn your smartphone into your personal mobile guide!

The Barcelona mobile guide and audio guide is currently only available for the iPhone, but an Android version is already in development.

Above in the article, you have already mentioned about, as well as about discounts and at. Our guide will help you save money on excursions in Barcelona with thoughtful routes, fascinating stories and offline maps with GPS navigation. And here are a couple more tips for budget travelers.

Enjoy freeWiFi

Barcelona has a large and completely free WiFi network. It has nearly 600 hotspots that are located in many public places, including the Aerobus, cultural centers and museums, municipal markets, city parks, some plazas and even residential areas. Access points are identified by signs or special stickers with a white W on a blue background. If you see such a sign nearby, look in the list of available WiFi connections on your mobile device for Barcelona WiFi, then fill out the registration form in your browser and use your health.

Don't eat in tourist spots

Everyone knows that the more tourists visit this or that institution, the more expensive it is to eat in it, and the worse the quality. Therefore, try to find cafes and restaurants slightly off the main tourist routes.

Also take note of the Spanish tradition of visiting tapas bars. It is customary to serve a small portion of national snacks (for example, sandwiches with ham and cheese), tapas, in addition to the ordered drink free of charge. By the way, we talk about the history of tapas in some quarters of the Old Town.

But drinking alcohol on the street is definitely not worth it! In Barcelona, this is strictly prohibited and is fraught with a fine of up to 600 euros.

Barcelona on your own: what to see and do

Discover the masterpieces of Catalan Art Nouveau

It is impossible to imagine the look of Barcelona without the unique architectural creations of Gaudí and other modernists. , the fantastic Park Guell, the quaint Casa Batlló and Casa Mila are just a few of Gaudí's works that leave tourists in awe of delight. And if you want to learn more about these masterpieces, get to know the personality of Gaudi and try to guess some of his architectural mysteries, download ours.

Travel back in time in the Old Town

If the new district of Eixample opens up the world of Catalan Art Nouveau for you, then the Old Town will take you to bygone times and introduce you to the rich history of Barcelona. Here you can admire ancient Gothic buildings and even ancient ruins. And just wander through the narrow streets, imbued with the unique atmosphere of this area.

The route of our audio tour "" includes the highlights of the Ramblas, El Raval and the Gothic Quarter.

See the city from the height of the observation decks

Being in Barcelona and not seeing it from above is an unforgivable mistake. The best views, of course, come from natural heights. In particular, with Tibidabo mountains, where the Temple of the Sacred Heart stands (with an observation deck). There you can also look at the city from the free tier of the amusement park. And even have a picnic (bring a basket of wine, bread, cheese and ham). In another part of Barcelona rises Mount Montjuic. Also, viewing platforms are located on the towers of the Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral (in the Gothic Quarter).

Visit the local market

Barcelona's most famous market is located in the Old Town, on the Ramblas - this is a legendary Boqueria, which has already become a kind of tourist attraction. If you want something less touristy, check out the market. Santa Catarina in the Sant Pere quarter (by the way, it is part of ours). It is much quieter, more atmospheric, more locally oriented. Also interesting Sant Antoni market in the eponymous quarter. It has everything from groceries to clothing, shoes, and even old books. And in the New Town, in the Vila de Gracia area, there is an interesting market "for the locals" - Libertat.

And for lovers of antiques will be interested in fairs, which are traditionally held on Thursdays at New Square (Plaza Nova) in the Gothic Quarter.

Enjoy hot chocolate on Petrichol street

This small pedestrian street, Petrichol, is one of the coziest in old Barcelona. Ceramic plates with inscriptions and drawings that illustrate the history of Barcelona give it a special flavor. The lane is filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate, and in local restaurants you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and taste the traditional Barcelona "churros" - a delicacy of choux pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Football lovers - visit the Camp Nou stadium

The Camp Nou stadium is the home arena of the famous FC Barcelona. There is a Museum of the history of the club and its trophies, an interactive tour and even the opportunity to hold and take pictures with the Champions League Cup.

Visit Europe's largest oceanarium

The Old Port area of Barcelona is home to Europe's largest aquarium, which is well worth a look for travelers of all ages. This is a center for the study and conservation of marine life, which actually houses more than 3 dozen aquariums with underwater flora and fauna of different climatic zones. There is also one of the largest oceanariums on the continent: an 80-meter tunnel for spectators who want to "plunge" into the life of the sea kingdom is laid right along its bottom.

Immerse yourself in Gaudí's time multimedia center Gaudí Experience

The center is located a stone's throw from Park Guell and offers tourists a 4D show dedicated to Antoni Gaudí.

Relax on the beach or take a walk along the promenade

Barcelona, of course, is not a resort city, but it is still located on the beautiful coast, and therefore, here, if you wish, you can taste a little beach holiday here. It is easiest to get from the center to the beaches in the Barceloneta area. However, Barceloneta itself is not ideal for swimming due to the proximity of the seaport. But there are alternatives nearby, such as the neighboring beaches of Sant Sebastià and Sant Miquel. Also popular in Barcelona are the beaches of Nova Icària and Bogatell. But Mar Bella beach is popular with nudists and gay people, keep this in mind when planning your vacation.

Take part in folk festivities

Catalans work well and at the same time know how to have a bright and beautiful rest. National Catalan and city holidays are always celebrated here on a grand scale. Several times a year life in Barcelona follows special rules - the city is immersed in festivities that last from two days to a week. These include, first of all, La Merce Festival at the end of September, Barcelona's main holiday. Also, almost every area of Barcelona has its own local holidays and street festivals. For example, in mid-August, they celebrate vigorously for almost a whole week Fiesta Mayor de Gracia. On this occasion, a vibrant street festival is held here, filling every street in the Gràcia district with a real extravaganza. Indispensable attributes of all these festivities are, of course, local wine, cuisine, traditional round dances in the squares ( sardanes) and unusual sports action castells... Castells is a Catalan national fun. These are multi-level castles, towers that are built from living people, casteliers.

By the way, on such holidays the metro is often open around the clock.

Go shopping

Sales, or Rebajas (discounts) are held in Barcelona twice a year. In winter, this is the period from January 7 to March 6), in summer from July 1 to August 31. At the beginning of the season, discounts are about 20%, by the end they reach 70%, but at the same time the assortment is decreasing.

The main shopping streets of Barcelona:

La Diagonal- the kingdom of luxury shopping. But there are shops for a less demanding audience.
Carrer de Pela- especially popular with young people due to the large number of young fashion brands.
Passeig de Gracia in the Eixample area. There are many expensive and high-profile boutiques and shops.
Rambla de Catalunya- a street parallel to it, de you can find all the famous and popular Spanish brands.
Trading Village - La Roca Village Outlet: a paradise for shopaholics half an hour from the city.

We hope that your independent trip to Barcelona will be full of vivid impressions and pleasant surprises, despite good planning! We wish you a happy journey!