Things to do in Barcelona: activities and tours

Planning your Barcelona visit

When to go?

Boasting sunny days and moderate weather all year round, there’s no bad time to visit this charming city. July and August is the peak time for tourists, so you can expect accommodation prices to go up and queues for attractions to get long. The weather will also be sweltering hot, and many small businesses will close as locals go on vacation. On the other hand, this is the perfect time to hit the many beaches and the city will be buzzing with a whole host of fun festivals, which include everything from international music to cultural events. If you’re looking for less crowds and milder weather, then spring and autumn are ideal. Winter also has its own appeal; the weather is crisp but not freezing and you’ll still enjoy some sunny days.

How many days should you spend?

In three to four days, you’ll be able to see Barcelona’s main attractions, but if you really want to get into the flow of city life then we recommend staying for seven days or more. It’ll give you the chance to not only see lesser-known gems such as Montserrat, but also enjoy local activities, such as a picnic on Montjuïc, a bike ride along Barceloneta, or a friendly language exchange. It’ll also give you time to feast on all kinds of tasty tapas and explore the non-stop nightlife scene.

How to get there?

El Prat is the only airport in the city and is the main international airport. Aerobúses run regularly (from 5am to 1am) to the centre and take around 30 minutes; one-way tickets cost (€5.90). A taxi costs around €25. Outside of Barcelona there are two smaller airports: Girona-Costa Brava and Reus. They service mainly low-cost airlines. From Girona airport there is a direct bus to the Estació del Nord station in Barcelona. It takes around 75 minutes; tickets cost €16. From Reus airport the most direct way to get to Barcelona is by bus, which will take you to Estació d'Autobusos de Sants. Tickets cost around €15.50 one-way, and it takes around 90 minutes.

How to move around the city?

Barcelona offers plenty of transport options that’ll get you around town easily and efficiently. The Metro system is excellent and for the most part all you’ll need. It runs 5am to midnight most nights and then till 2am on Fridays and 24 hours on Saturdays. There’s also a large network of trams and buses. Single tickets for all main public transport costs €2.20, in which case a 10-trip ticket (€11.35) is a good deal if you’re staying for a few days. If you’re up for a spot of exercise, Barcelona is an excellent city for bike riding. The weather is ideal and there are many dedicated bike lanes. Otherwise, it’s relatively easy to get around by foot, especially if you’re in the historic centre, while taxis are quite affordable compared to other major European cities.

Where to shop?

Whether you’re looking for high-end boutiques, historic markets, vintage treasure troves or hip local design shops, the city more than provides. Top of the list is the city’s main market; La Boqueria. Immerse yourself in its kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and wondrously enticing scents, as you sample all kinds of fresh foods and Spanish snacks. The elegant Passeig de Gràcia instead is worth a visit for power fashion brands, such as Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton, and also to take in some gorgeous modernist buildings. If you’re looking for something more distinctly local, El Born is where you’ll find home-grown designer boutiques. Finally, El Raval is the place for eclectic design and those hard-to-find vintage gems.