For the past week or so I’ve been sharing mini guides to Barcelona. Today, I’m pulling it all together for one giant guide! This post has been in the works for a while and I’m so excited to share it with you.
When we first moved to Barcelona I was totally lost. Literally and figuratively. I’ve been making my way through the city, exploring and adventuring and I feel a million times more confident in this city than I did back in January. If you’re planning a visit, or perhaps moving to Barcelona, I hope my guide will help you to make the most of your time in this amazing city.
Top Things to Do in Barcelona
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this city has a lot going for it. It’s a lot like NYC where you can walk around all day, get a little lost and really feel the pulse of the city and its people. Instead of just wandering aimlessly, here are the areas you should explore and the things you’ll want to do during your stay.
Below are my favorite things to do, on my own or when hosting visitors. To read more about each activity, check out the Guide to Barcelona: Top Things to Do in the City post.
- Walk along Las Ramblas
- Visit La Boqueria Market
- Tour Gaudi’s Works
- Shop on Passeig de Gracia
- Walk Through the Gothic Quarter
- Explore the Gracia Neighborhood
- Hike (or bus up) Tibidabo
- Visit the Beach
- Rent a bike
- Take a cooking class
- Go to a Flamenco Show
- Hike (or train up) Montjuic
- Visit the Olympic Stadium
Where to Eat
The food scene in Barcelona is unmatched. Below are my favorite spots. I know, it’s a long list, but the food is really good here! To read more about these restaurants, check out the post Best Barcelona Restaurants Around the City.
Tapas/Spanish Food
- Cerveceria Catalana
- La Flauta
- Paco Meralgo
- La Pepita
- Bar Mut
- La Singular
- El Nacional
- Entrepanes Diaz
- La Paradeta
- L’Antic Forn
- Bar Pinotxo
- Bar Central
- Cal Pep
- Barravas
- Vivant
- Las Fritas
Best Brunch
Best Drink Spots
Healthy Restaurants
Ready for a break from tapas? Here’s where to get a healthy and very tasty meal. For more info on the health food scene and details on each restaurant, visit The Best Healthy Restaurants in Barcelona.
- Flax & Kale
- Brunch & Cake
- Hammock Juice Station
- Almalibre Acai Bar
- Mama’s Cafe
- Green & Berry
- Poke Maoli
- Sana Vida
Where to Workout
Bareclona’s got a growing fitness scene. If you’re in the mood to sweat, here’s where you should go:
- Running: It’s not the most runner-friendly city, but you can definitely get your miles in if you plan right. Check out Best Barcelona Running Routes Around the City.
- LoveCycle: Fans of SoulCycle will enjoy LoveCycle, a similar riding experience. Expect the classes to be in Spanish.
- ReBurn Studio: As close to a Barry’s Bootcamp as you’ll find in Spain. Let the instructor know you speak English if you want separate cues.
- YogaBodyBCN: Great yoga class, but again it’s in Spanish so pay attention to those around you if you aren’t fluent.
- La Huella CrossFit: Check out the conditioning class. Let the instructor know you speak English and they’ll help you out.
Where to get Coffee
Coffee is a ritual in Barcelona. Here are my favorite coffee shops, To read more about each one, visit the post 6 Cute Barcelona Coffee Shops You Need to Visit.
Day Trips Worth Taking
If you’ve got more than 2 days in the city, consider taking a day trip. These places are all 2 hours or less from the city and will give you new views and a chance to further explore Spain. To read more about each of these places and why they’re worth seeing, check out this post Day Trips From Barcelona Worth Taking.
- Montserrat (1 hour away)
- Girona (1 hour away)
- Sitges (1 hour away)
- Cadaques (2 hours away)
General Travel Tips
- Travel from the Airport: Aerobus is a great bus from the airport into the city center (& back) that costs under 6 euros each way. If you’re traveling solo, it’s a great option compared to a 30 euro cab ride. There are a few stops in the city, it’s fast and reliable.
- Cabs, Uber, Cabify: You can hail a taxi or use Uber or a smiliar app, Cabify.
- Water: No restaurants serve tap water (even though it is perfectly safe to drink). The cost of bottled water adds up. Bring a water bottle that you can fill at your hotel, or if you’re going to a restaurant, first go to a bodega type place and buy a giant bottle of water. It’s way cheaper than what they’ll charge at the restaurant.
- Paying: If you’re using a US credit card a lot of places will ask if you want to pay in euros or dollars. Always select euros as the exchange rate is better.
- Coffee to-go: It’s not a norm in Spain, most people like to sit and enjoy their coffee. But many places have to-go available, just ask for it “para llevar” (to-go)
- Menu Del Dia: A lot of restaurants offer a great lunch deal. It’s the menu of the day, typically 3 courses and around 12-15 euros.
- Traveling with a Dog: The city is quite dog friendly. Some restaurants and cafes will actually allow your dog inside to sit with you. There isn’t a ton of green space in the city so if your pup loves hikes or needs super long walks, find a dog park (called a pipican here) or take them on one of the urban hikes. There are some dangers for dogs depending on the season including foxtails, toxic caterpillars and leishmania. Make sure to do your dog safety research if traveling from another country with your pup.
Hopefully you now feel prepared for your trip to Barcelona! If there are any lingering questions or advice you need, comment below and I’ll try to help you out.
This post shares an overview of activities and recommendations, but if you’d like more info and details, please visit these additional posts to learn more:
- Guide to Barcelona: Top Things to Do in the City
- Guide to Barcelona: Best Restaurants Around the City
- Guide to Barcelona: Best Healthy Restaurants
- Guide to Barcelona: 6 Cute Coffee Shops to Visit
- Guide to Barcelona: Gaudi Must-See Spots
- Guide to Barcelona: Best Running Routes
- Guide to Barcelona: Best Day Trips Worth Taking
Happy travels!
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