Planning a solo trip to Barcelona? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- Capital of Catalonia and second largest city in Spain, with 5.6 million residents.
- Home to the world famous football club FC Barcelona (Barca).
- A leading tourist destination, Barcelona has had a history of at least 2000 years.
- Nicknames: Ciutat Comtal (City of Counts), Barca, BCN.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Spoken languages: Catalan, Spanish, Aranese.
- Best time to visit: early summer and fall are ideal, but a pleasant Mediterranean climate year-round.
- Arriving via airport: Airport to Placa de Catalunya by Express Bus Service – Aerobus is available from Terminal 1 and 2 and costs €5.90 for a single ticket and €10.20 for return. Taxi is around €30-40 (extra€1 surcharge for every item in the trunk.)
WHERE TO STAY
- Best Barcelona hostel for solo travelers: One Ramblas. One of the best in Europe – comfortable beds, clean rooms/facilities, and hard working, friendly staff that work to make sure you have a great time. Lots of activities and events organized for guests. Walking distance to the most popular attractions and sights. Book ahead, as this one fills up fast!
- The (in)famous Las Ramblas is the place to be. It is a 1.2 km long boulevard which cuts through the centre – the most lively and vibrant part of the city, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, artists, street buskers and tourists. It’s truly Barcelona in action!
GETTING AROUND
- The Metro (subway): to make things simple, get the T-Casual ticket (10 journeys, each with a duration of 75 minutes) for €11.35. You can make up to three transfers per journey. Note: if you make a return journey (exactly in reverse) during the 75 minute period, it will count as a separate journey.
- If you need a taxi, consider using one of the two big apps: Cabify or Free Now. Overall, these are better than Uber or other ride-sharing services.
BARCELONA NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, last call is 2 AM. Barcelona is nightlife central!
- Hip/local scene: traditional Spanish bars to chic night clubs are spread all over the city. There are cool lounge clubs right on the beach.
- Trendy scene: lounges and clubs on Barceloneta Beach.
- College crowd: bars along the Gothic District (Barri Gotic), Raval and Born.
- Great bars for solo travelers: Bar Marsella (absinthe), Absenta del Raval, Old Fashioned (cocktails), Penny Banger, The Michael Collins Irish Pub (budget option), The George Payne Irish Bar (great place to watch the game).
- Clubbing? Head to Sala Apolo, Undead Dark Club (Gothic, electro, wave), or Moog Barcelona (techno).
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- The Sagrada Familia is a must-see. A yet unfinished masterpiece (under construction since 1882), it is a famous Roman Catholic Church designed in a neo-gothic style by Antonio Gaudi.
- See some of the other renowned Gaudi Buildings, including: Casa Vicens, Park Guell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo.
- Check out the wide range of species inside the L’Aquarium de Barcelona.
- Take a chance to see the Picasso Museum, which houses the most extensive collection of artwork by the renowned Spanish artist.
- Treat yourself to a view of the city from the Montjuic, a hill located near the port of Barcelona. There is also a fountain featuring spectacular displays of light, color, motion and water acrobatics.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Check out the shops and cafes along Las Ramblas.
- Walk through the Gothic Quarters and the Barri Gotic area. There are tour organizations which offer free walking tours around this area.
- Walk the entire stretch of Las Ramblas, starting from the north of Liceu Theatre to Port Vell. Check out the city’s famous street buskers performing all along the promenade.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Tapas are a must try in Barcelona. This classic Catalan appetizer is usually served with beer or wine. For some of the best tapas in town, head to Cervecería Catalana orCiudad Condal.
- Other great Catalan / Spanish restaurants: La Pubilla, Bar Pirineus Gràcia 1931 (tapas), El Quim de la Boquería (tapas), Restaurant Agua (on the beach), Petit Comitè ($$$), Botafumeiro ($$$$ – for true foodies), La Balsa ($$$).
- More restaurant suggestions (other cuisines): Big Al’s (burgers), Kiosko Universal (burgers), Shunka ($$$ – Japanese), Kibuka ($$ – Japanese), Restaurante Rincón Persa (Persian), San Kil (Korean), Thai Gràcia, Raffaelli Ristorante Italiano, Murivecchi (Italian0, Pampero Asador Argentino, Habana Vieja (Cuban), SESAMO (vegan).
- Where to find good cheap eats: Conesa Entrepans (sandwiches) and Bo de B (can be a long wait). Budget Chinese food: Chen Ji or Shanghai Bund. Kebabs: Bismillah Kebabish. Ethiopian: Addis Abeba. Vegan option: Restaurant l’Hortet.
- Dangerous areas: Incidents of violent crime are rare, but pickpocketing is quite common. The Barcelona metro is a haven for petty thieves.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days