Barcelona City Break Tips
Our top tips for a city break in one of Europe’s most popular cities
The best way to get around is by using the metro
Operated by TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona), locals tend to prefer the metro for its easy-to-use system, low fares, and frequency of trains.
Metro stations are usually indicated by red and white signs bearing an M. Once inside the station, purchase a ticket from the electronic machines (instructions are available in Catalan, Spanish, English and French), and use it to pass through the turnstiles.
Start planning your journey using the Barcelona metro system's online route planner.
Save time and money when visiting Barcelona’s landmarks
When in Barcelona you’re going to want to see famous landmarks like La Sagrada Familia and other iconic Gaudi buildings, just make sure that you’re well prepared so you don’t waste time standing in line.
TOP TIP: book a private walking tour with skip-the-line tickets - this saves time and also will give you a much greater understanding of the symbolism and stories behind the architecture.
Pack comfortable walking shoes!
The capital of Catalonia is a city best explored on foot over the course of several days. Thanks to its many cobbled streets and narrow alleyways (not to mention plethora of hidden attractions), this is the best way to discover Barcelona’s lesser known spots.
Discover Barcelona’s hidden gems
Of course, after you’ve seen the city’s main attractions, there’s a whole secret side of Barcelona worth discovering too. From off the beaten path museums to discovering Roman artefacts (like the Roman temple of Augustus) from some two millennia ago, there’s no shortage of secret spots you’ll want to see for yourself.
Go in search of Gaudi
Gaudi arrived in Barcelona at just aged 16 in order to study architecture and he continued living in the city for the rest of his life, leaving behind a legacy of fantastical buildings, monuments, and many a wonderful architectural piece worth seeing. From Parc Güell to Casa Batllò, if there’s just one thing you should do in Barcelona, it should be to seek out the best of Gaudí works.
6. Let us help you experience the best of Barcelona
Sometimes our time is limited when visiting a city, so to make best use of this precious time we suggest taking one of our private walking tours of Barcelona; our first-class guides will help you immerse yourself in Catalan culture, food and architecture.