Essential Tips to Consider for your Barcelona Getaway!

General Tips

Weather

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers with plenty of sunshine. From May to early October when temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. During the winter months, temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees Celsius. However, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting Barcelona as weather patterns can be unpredictable at times.

When to visit

The best time to visit Barcelona is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds than during the peak summer months. Going off-season, in the winter months (December to February), can also be a good option for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices.

Overall, while summer may seem like the ideal time to visit Barcelona, it can get very crowded and hot. Traveling during the shoulder seasons or off-season can offer a more enjoyable and authentic experience, with fewer crowds and better prices.

Learn Some Spanish

As international as Barcelona might be, learning a couple of Spanish words could come a long way when it comes to visiting Barcelona. Yes, Barcelona is international, and English is spoken, but not everywhere.

If you’re considering going around and visiting different neighbourhoods for example, you could struggle as locals working in stores might speak little to no English. Therefore, learning some basic words could definitely help you.

Try Some Tapas

Tapas in Barcelona are a must-try culinary experience. These small, flavourful dishes are typically served in bars and restaurants throughout the city, and are perfect for sharing and trying a variety of different flavors.

Some popular tapas in Barcelona include patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), croquetas (fried balls of ham or cheese), pan con tomate (toasted bread with tomato and olive oil), and jamón ibérico (cured ham). Whether enjoyed as a pre-dinner snack or as a full meal, tapas are a delicious and quintessential part of the culinary culture in Barcelona.

Quick Tips to save money

Free Museums

Visiting museums on the first Sunday of every month in Barcelona can be a great way to save money and explore the city’s rich cultural offerings. On these days, many museums offer free admission to the public, allowing visitors to experience the city’s art, history, and culture without breaking the bank.

Some popular museums that participate in this program include the Picasso Museum, the Joan Miró Foundation, the National Art Museum of Catalonia , and the Barcelona History Museum. Ultimately, It’s important to note that while admission may be free, these museums can still get quite busy on the first Sunday of the month, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid long lines.

Airbnbs rather than Hotels

Staying in Airbnbs rather than hotels in Barcelonacan be a great option for travelers looking for more flexibility and a more local experience. Airbnbs in Barcelona range from private rooms to entire apartments, and often come with more amenities and space than traditional hotel rooms.

Staying in an Airbnb can also allow travelers to stay in more residential areas of the city, giving them a better sense of local life and culture. Many Airbnbs in Barcelona are located in neighborhoods that are off the beaten path, but still close to major attractions and public transportation.

In terms of cost, Airbnbs are much more affordable for big groups of people rather than booking multiple rooms. Additionally, most Airbnbs include a kitchen, therefore visitors are able to save money and cook on some days.

Public Transportation

Taking public transport in Barcelona is a convenient and accessible way to get around the city. The city has an extensive network of buses, metro lines, and trams that cover all parts of the city, making it easy to reach popular tourist destinations, as well as residential neighbourhoods and suburbs.

The public transport system in Barcelona is also affordable, with various ticket options available depending on the length of your stay and how often you plan to use public transport. Overall, taking public transport in Barcelona is a great way to save money and navigate the city like a local.

Download Essential Apps

Downloading essential apps while visiting Barcelona can be a great way to make your trip more efficient and enjoyable. Here are a few must-have apps to consider:

Beder: Discover hidden gems and world renowned landmarks, all posted by locals and other travel enthusiasts in story form. Also you can book tickets for almost all the main attractions through the app.

Cabify/Free Now: These are the two most common cab apps in Barcelona. Free Now is a tad more affordable than cabify, but on the contrary, sometimes drivers go on strikes, therefore you will less likely find a cab through Free Now.

Bicing: Bicing is the leading market app for bike rentals in Barcelona. Bicing have bike stations almost every few blocks. Consider downloading Bicing and cruising down to the beach.

Dice/Resident Advisor/Xceed: Barcelona is renowned for its nightlife, and one might be unsure of where to go, where the good nightlife is. Hence, these are the main applications to download to know what’s going down for the weekend.

Enjoy Barcelona’s Viewpoints

Barcelona has multiple panoramic view points that would could visit and enjoy an ice cold beer, or some refreshing wine, while taking in the beautiful view. These viewpoints are but not limited to Bunkers, Tibidabo, Montjuic, and Parc Güell.

La Rambla “The Tourist Trap”

La Rambla, a popular boulevard in the heart of Barcelona, is often considered a tourist trap. While it can be a bustling and lively place to stroll and people-watch, it is also known for being crowded and expensive, with many restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers that cater specifically to tourists.

It’s beautiful to walk down, but you’ll be harassed with people selling marijuana or pressuring you to enter their restaurant, which is highly recommended to not enter.

Ultimately, pickpockets are mostly found to happen there, moreover, be aware of your surroundings.

Additional Barcelona Tips

AeroBus

The aerobus is a very sustainable and affordable option upon arrival to Barcelona. The aerobus takes you from the airport to the city center for a small fee. On the contrary, if you take a cab as you have luggage, you will pay no less than 30 euros.

Tip 10%

Consider leaving a tip after having drinks or food somewhere as it is very appreciated by workers in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Although it may be a small amount, it is very appreciated by the people, and they show it.

Local Beer

Estrella Damm is Barcelona’s local beer and is consumed by nearly everyone. Since 1876 Estrella has been dominating the market in Barcelona. Estrella is established to be local’s most favorite beer as it has an authentic taste to it and is very cheap.