Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) is the second‑largest airport in Europe and the main hub for the city.

• Airlines: Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa, Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Turkish Airlines and many other carriers serve BCN.
• Routes: Daily non‑stop services to > 120 destinations worldwide (including London, Paris, New York, Dubai and Santiago).
• Facilities: Two passenger terminals (T1 and T2), free Wi‑Fi, duty‑free shops, lounges and a wide range of retail and dining options.
• Ground transport options: Aerobus, RENFE trains, Metro Line 9, local buses, taxis, rideshares and private shuttles.

• Route: Aerobus T1‑T2 → Plaça Catalunya (city centre).
• Journey time: ~35 min.
• Frequency: Every 5 min (24/7).
• Fare: €10.25 (one‑way); €16.50 return (inclusive of a 24 h discount fare).
• Purchase: Buy online via the official Barcelona website, at airport kiosks, or on the bus itself.
• Notes: Air‑conditioned coaches, free Wi‑Fi, luggage space, and a 90‑day validity on the ticket.

• Services: R2N (airport–Sants‑Estació), R2 (airport–Sants‑Estació).
• Journey time: 10–15 min to Sants‑Estació, then transfer to Metro or Bus.
• Fare: €2.30 (single ride).
• Purchase: Ticket vending machines, Renfe app, or Barcelona Card.
• Frequency: Every 5–10 min during peak hours, 15–20 min at off‑peak.

• Lines serving the airport:
• Line 9 (Orange) – terminal T2B.

• Line 9 (Blue) – terminal T2A.

• Journey time: ~15–20 min to Plaça Catalunya.

• Fare: €2.20 (single ride, 80‑minute single‑zone ticket).
• Notes: Trams and metros run every 7–15 min.

• TMB bus routes: 107, 108, 200, 200E, 24, 35, 49, 59, 65, 76, 77, 91.
• ALSABus routes: 25, 51, 53, 55, 100.
• Journey times: 30–60 min from airport to central hubs (e.g., Plaça Catalunya, Plaça Espanya).
• Fare: €2.20 (single ride) – same as metro ticket.

• Taxi: Fixed rate to central Barcelona ~€35–€40 (surcharges for luggage, night, or holiday).
• Rideshare: Uber, Cabify, Free Now – fares similar to taxis but may vary with demand.
• Tips: Confirm rate with driver before starting; use only official flag‑stopped taxis.

• Options: Private car services (e.g., Barcelona Shuttle, City Shuttle), pre‑booked hotel shuttles.
• Pricing: €50–€70 per car (depending on vehicle size); discounts for groups.
• Booking: Via airline or hotel website, or dedicated transfer portals.

• Highlights
• Barcelona Cathedral – €8, 9 am – 7 pm (closed Tue). Free entry for the cloister. Official site. 5‑min walk from Jaume I metro (L4).
  Accessibility: ramp to the main nave.
• Picasso Museum – €12, 9:30 am – 8:30 pm (closed Tue). Buy skip‑line tickets online. Official site. 2‑min walk from Plaça d’Espanya bus stop.

• Plaça del Rei – free, 9 am – 7 pm. 3‑min walk via Carrer de la Princesa.

• Transport – L4 to Jaume I, L5 to Plaça Catalunya/Jaume I, or Tram T2A from Plaça Catalunya.

• Dining – €40–50 for a tapas night at Restaurante Mesón del Senyor (Carrer de la Cova 17). Grab a baguette at Bacardí on Carrer de Canaletes for a quick bite.
• Crowds – Peak crowds: 10 am – 12 pm and 4 pm – 6 pm. Pickpockets frequent Mercado de Santa Caterina—keep belongings visible. Late‑night fun at Plaça Reial can get rowdy; carry a small bag.
• Itinerary (sample)

• 10 am – Cathedral → 11 am – Picasso → 12 pm – lunch → 1 pm – Plaça del Rei → 2 pm – stroll Via Laietana → 3 pm – wander near Plaça de Sant Jaume.

• Accommodation –

• Boutique: Hotel Catalonia Born (€150/night).

• Budget: Hostal El Miquel (€60/night).

• Best time to visit – Early morning (before 10 am) or late afternoon (after 6 pm) to avoid crowds.

• Highlights
• Casa Batlló – €35, 9 am – 6 pm (closed Tue). Pre‑buy tickets online to skip lines. Official site. 5‑min walk from Passeig de Gràcia metro (L3/L4).
• Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – €25, 9 am – 6 pm. 7‑min walk from Passeig de Gràcia.

• Gràcia Market – free, 9 am – 6 pm. 10‑min walk from Avinguda Diagonal.

• Transport – L3 (Lesseps – Sagrada Família) and L4 (Diagonal) cut through central Eixample.

• Dining – ★★★ €20–€35: Cerveseria Vivent* (Carrer de la Princesa).
• Crowds – Casa Batlló swells 10 am – 12 pm; grab an early ticket. Evening walks down Passeig de Gràcia are quieter.
• Itinerary (6 pm → 9 pm)
• 6 pm – lunch at Punto Mal (Carrer de Ronda 24).
• 7 pm – Casa Batlló (night lights).

• 8 pm – Casa Milà night tour.

• Accommodation –

• Mid‑range: Hotel 1898 (€210/night) steps from Passeig de Gràcia.

• Budget: Hotel Urban (€90/night) near Diagonal.

• Best time to visit – Early evening (after 7 pm) when the streets are less crowded.

• Highlights
• Plaça de la Vila – free, 24 h. 5‑min walk from Gràcia metro (L3).
• Casa Vicens – €12, 9 am – 6 pm. 7‑min walk via the funicular.

• Montjuïc 2nd‑floor gardens – free, 9 am – 8 pm. 15‑min bus (B‑14).

• Transport – L3 (Gràcia) and regional buses.

• Dining – Pica Pica (Carrer de la Diputació) – €15–€20.
• Crowds – Best in the early morning or late evening. Week‑end festivals pop up around Plaça del Sol.
• Itinerary (10 am → 3 pm)

• 10 am – Gràcia metro → 10:30 – Casa Vicens → 12 – picnic at Parc del Laberint → 3 pm – explore Calle de la Paz.

• Accommodation –

• Boutique: Tivoli Gran Hotel (€140/night).

• Budget: Hotel Rec (€55/night) on Carrer del Bruc.

• Best time to visit – Early morning (before 10 am) to catch the quiet streets.

• Highlights
• Sant Antoni Market – free, 9 am – 6 pm. 3‑min walk from Sant Antoni metro (L4/S1).
• Superblocks (Bloc 1) – free art installations, 24 h.

• Llotja del Mar – €20, 9 am – 6 pm. Right next to the market.

• Transport – L4 (Rambla, Sant Antoni) and S1.

• Dining – ★★★ €20–€30: Bormuth* (Carrer de la Roca Vella).
• Crowds – Monday mornings (market closed) are quiet; Thursday evenings host free open‑air concerts.
• Itinerary (3 pm → 6 pm)
• 3 pm – Sant Antoni metro → 3:10 – Market (try migas).
• 3:45 – Superblocks stroll.
• 4:30 – Llotja del Mar (museum).

• 5:45 – sunset at Barceloneta promenade.

• Accommodation –

• Mid‑range: Hotel Seara (€90/night).

• Budget: Hostal Sant Antoni (€50/night).

• Best time to visit – Late afternoon (after 4 pm) for sunset views.

• Highlights
• Plaça del Poble Nou – free, 24 h. 5‑min walk from Barceloneta metro (L4).
• Poble Nou Tower – €15, 10 am – 7 pm. 8‑min walk via Ronda de Dalt.

• Barceloneta Boardwalk – free, 24 h. 10‑min walk from Barceloneta metro.

• Transport – L4 (Barceloneta) and S1.

• Dining – La Barceloneta (Carrer de l’Almirall) – €25–€35; famous for grilled anchovies. 12‑piece paella ~€35.
• Crowds – Peak sun‑seekers 12 pm – 4 pm; best sunset walk at 6 pm – 7 pm.
• Nightlife – Beach bar Opium (Carrer de la Plaça dels Àngels) closes 11 pm; for a quieter vibe hit El Suquet at 10 pm.
• Accommodation –
• Premium: Hotel Arts Barcelona (€250/night) with sea views.

• Budget: Hostal 1881 (€55/night) near the beach.

• Best time to visit – Early evening to enjoy the sunset without crowds.

• Highlights
• MACBA – €8, 10 am – 5 pm. 3‑min walk from Raval metro (L1/L3).
• Casa Vicens – €12, 9 am – 6 pm. 4‑min walk.

• Burgos Street street art – free.

• Transport – L1 (Raval) and L3.

• Dining – El Quim de la Boqueria (Mercat de la Boqueria) – €20.
• Safety – Avoid Raval late‑night after 10 pm; stick to daytime and keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets.
• Morning routine (9 am)
• 9 am – Raval metro → 9:05 – MACBA → 10 am – Casa Vicens → 10:45 – Burgos Street coffee.

• 11:30 – Café Filosofia for a €5 espresso.

• Accommodation –

• Mid‑range: Hotel Jazz (€120/night).

• Budget: Hostal Vila (€48/night).

• Best time to visit – Late morning (10 am – 12 pm) for quieter streets.

• Highlights
• Montjuïc Castle – €5, 9 am – 5 pm. 10‑min funicular from Paral·lel metro (L3).
• MNAC (National Art Museum) – €13, 10 am – 8 pm. 5‑min walk from Paral·lel.

• Jardins de Laribal – free, 9 am – 10 pm. 12‑min walk.

• Transport – Funicular Montjuïc, L3 (Paral·lel), cable car.

• Dining – Bar Mut (Carrer de l’Aigua Alta) – €25.
• Crowds – Castle is less crowded early morning; MNAC peaks 2 pm – 4 pm.
• Evening walk (5 pm → 8 pm)
• 5 pm – Funicular to Montjuïc Castle.
• 6 pm – MNAC.
• 7 pm – Jardins de Laribal → sunset.

• 8 pm – explore Olympic Ring (free).

• Accommodation –

• Mid‑range: Catalonia Barcelona Palace (€200/night).

• Budget: Hostal Montjuic (€50/night) near the cable car.

• Best time to visit – Early afternoon (12 pm – 2 pm) to avoid crowds at MNAC.

• Highlights
• Bar 8 (Carrer de la Creu de la Sagrada Família) – free tapas.
• Teatre Romea – €18, 6 pm – 10 pm. 7‑min walk from Plaça d’Espanya metro (L1).

• Bunkers del Carmel – free, 24 h. 25‑min walk via B‑14 bus or tram T2A.

• Transport – L1 (Poble Sec) and B‑14.

• Dining – Cal Pep (Carrer del Comerç) – €30 for a shared plate.
• Crowds – Bunkers crowd up on weekends; Wednesday afternoons are quieter.
• Evening walk (7 pm → 9 pm)
• 7 pm – Poble Sec metro → 7:05 – Pintxos at Cal Manel.
• 7:45 – Bunkers sunset.

• 9 pm – dine at La Tasqueta de Blai (Carrer de Blai).

• Accommodation –

• Mid‑range: Hotel Bruny (€95/night).

• Budget: Hostal Poble Sec (€45/night).

• Best time to visit – Early evening (7 pm – 8 pm) for sunset views.

• Highlights
• Carrer de la Princesa – free, 24 h. 5‑min walk from Poblenou metro (L4).
• Poblenou Cultural Centre – €4, 9 am – 7 pm. 8‑min walk.

• Beach promenade – free, 24 h. 10‑min walk.

• Transport – L4 (Poblenou) and B‑20.

• Dining – O’Mara's (Carrer de la Verge de la Rosa) – £20 (≈€21).
• Crowds – Morning tide at beach is quiet; mid‑day (12 pm – 3 pm) crowds build up.
• Itinerary (11 am → 3 pm)
• 11 am – Poblenou metro → 11:10 – Cultural Centre → 12 pm – lunch at Bar El Call (€15).

• 1:30 – stroll Carrer de la Princesa → 3 pm – beach picnic.

• Accommodation –

• Premium: Hotel Arts Barcelona (€250/night).

• Budget: Hostal Vell (€50/night) near the promenade.

• Best time to visit – Late morning (10 am – 12 pm) to enjoy a quieter beach.

• Highlights
• El Poblenou Park – free, 24 h. 12‑min walk from Turó 2 metro (L4).
• Can Vela – €12, 9 am – 5 pm. 6‑min walk.

• Sant Martí Cultural Centre – €6, 10 am – 7 pm. 4‑min walk.

• Transport – L4 (Turó 2) and S2 bus.

• Dining – Eats! (Carrer de la Diputació) – €18.
• Crowds – Sant Martí is quiet; best for relaxed strolls after lunch.
• Itinerary (4 pm → 6 pm)

• 4 pm – Sant Martí metro → 4:05 – Park → 5 pm – Can Vela tapas → 6 pm – Tram to Plaça de Sant Antoni for sunset.

• Accommodation –

• Mid‑range: Hotel SB Diagonal Zero (€140/night).

• Budget: Hostal Sant Martí (€53/night).

• Best time to visit – Late afternoon (4 pm – 6 pm) for peaceful walks.

• Bemba Smash Burger – a popular spot in Gràcia for high‑quality burgers and shakes.
• Address: Carrer de l'Encarnació, 38, Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona
• Style: Contemporary American‑style fast‑food
• Hours: 11 am – 11 pm (commonly)

• Note: Ideal for a quick, affordable meal. No reservation needed, but expect a short wait during lunch.

• Other quick options: many local cafes in Gràcia and the Eixample offer fresh pastries and coffee.

Price range: €5–€15 per person.

• Cocina Hermanos Torres – a 3‑star Michelin restaurant that blends traditional Catalan techniques with modern culinary tools.
• Address: Carrer del Taquígraf Serra, 20, 08029 Barcelona
• Head Chefs: Javier and Sergio Torres
• Reservations: Highly recommended for the tasting menu and to secure a table.
• Experience: Multi‑course, chef‑crafted tasting menus.
• Price range: €150–€200 per person (menu+wine pairings).

Tip: Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance; the restaurant fills quickly, especially during weekends.

• Typical hours for breakfast cafes in Barcelona: 7–8 am to around 11 am.
• Popular breakfast items: pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), croissants, hot chocolates, and espresso.
• Many bakeries (e.g., Forn Baluard, Café de Oriente) provide a traditional Catalan breakfast spread.

Recommendation: Try a local bakery for a quick pastry and espresso before heading into the city.

{{$}}

• Passport – Valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the EU and issued within the last 10 years.
• Schengen Visa – Required for stays>90 days for travelers from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, China, and many other countries.

• Lost or stolen passport –
• Report to local police and obtain a police report.
• Contact your embassy or consulate for a temporary travel document.

• Keep a digital copy of your passport, visa, and insurance on a secure cloud or email.

• Emergency contacts

• Universal emergency number: 112 (police, fire, ambulance).
• Spanish police: 090 (within Spain).
• Embassies/Consulates: locate the nearest one via your country’s foreign affairs website.

• Currency – Euro (€).
• Cash – Widely accepted in small shops, markets, and some cafés. ATMs are plentiful at Metro stations, shopping centres and the airport.
• Cards – Visa and MasterCard accepted in most establishments. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work in larger merchants and on public transport.
• Fees – Beware of foreign‑exchange fees on card withdrawals or purchases unless your card is “no‑fee” for overseas transactions.

• Providers – Tigo, Vodafone, Orange (all offer prepaid plans).
• Where to buy – Airport kiosks (El Prat), mobile shops in city centres (El Raval, Diagonal), convenience stores (Carrefour, DIA).
• Typical bundle – 10 GB for 30 days costs €15–€20.
• Apps – Free Wi‑Fi hotspots: BBi, Bici, Mòbil Barcelona.

• Network – Metro, Buses, Trams, Renfe commuter trains, Bicing rental bikes.
• Tickets –
• Single‑ride / single-journey – €2.40.
• T‑10 – €11.35 for 10 rides (transferable within 24 h).
• Hola Barcelona Card – Unlimited travel 24/48/72 h for €8.40/€16.90/€22.70.

• Barcelona Card – Museum passes + unlimited travel plus discounts for 3–7 days.

• Purchase – Metro stations (ticket machines), online, or mobile apps (TMB, Barcelona Turisme).

• Payment – Contactless debit/credit or a Transport Card.

• Parking –

• Garages – Central garages (Abeneta, Plaça Espanya) €12–€15 per day.
• Street parking – Metered zones (blue: pay, yellow: free after 12 h). No parking zones in historic core.
• Park‑and‑Ride – P1–P14 outside city.

• General safety – Barcelona is safe, especially in tourist areas.
• Pickpocketing –
• Avoid carrying valuables in the front lap or front pockets.
• Use a money belt, a hidden pouch, or a cross‑body bag.

• Popular hotspots: Las Ramblas, Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta beaches, Sagrada Família.

• Transport safety – Metro and buses accept contactless cards; always keep your ticket visible (fare collectors check).

• Road safety – Seat belt mandatory; children must use a child seat (EU standard).
• Emergency – Dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance.

• Restaurant – Service charge usually included; tip 5–10 % if service was good.
• Bars – €0.50–€1 per drink or round up the bill.
• Hairdressers/Taxis – 5–10 % of the fare.
• Fast‑food – Tip not expected.

• Peak tourist months: June–August, Christmas markets.
• Summer beaches: Barceloneta can fill quickly; bring sun protection.

[^11]: https://www.ec.europa.eu/eurostat – Climate data

• EU/EEA and UK –
• Carry your EHIC (or UK NHS Global Health Insurance Card).

• EU citizens can use it plus additional cover from the Travel Health Insurance Card (CHIP) if available.

• Non‑EU –

• Purchase a comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment (hospital, ambulance), evacuation, and belongings.

• Verify that it covers COVID‑19–related restrictions or travel assistance.

• Pharmacies – “Farmacia” easily found; common painkillers (Paracetamol/IBUPROFEN) available without appointment.

• Emergency – 112 also links to health emergencies.

• Electronics – Type C/F adapter, 230 V. Portable charger, waterproof phone case.
• Clothing – Light layers, breathable fabrics, a rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes.
• Miscellaneous – Reusable water bottle, small umbrella, anti‑theft pouch, copies of itinerary (PDF).
• Travel apps – TMB (public transit), Bicing, Maps.me offline maps.