Amazing parks, unique facades, sandy beaches and luxurious shopping streets. The capital of Catalonia is an exciting city with ancient history and many popular attractions. Whether you are passionate about culture, architecture or nature - staying in the Spanish metropolis will interest everyone. Even with only 72 hours in stock, you can get the most out of your trip by making a competent route. To find out what to see in Barcelona in 3 days, without missing out on the most iconic places, our article will help.
The best time to relax
If your goal is to visit as many interesting places as possible and not feel discomfort while walking, choose for your trip either late spring or the first autumn months. So that the burning rays of the sun do not cause additional inconvenience. You should not go on a short tour with a lot of luggage. But comfortable clothes and shoes, a light backpack, a phrasebook and a city map will become your faithful helpers.
Barcelona is a kind of monument of the greatest architect Antoni Gaudi to himself. Almost all the beauty that attracts guests is the fruit of his creativity and talent. With 3 days left, there is a lot to see. The proposed route focuses mainly on walking. In order not to waste precious time in hectic movements around the city, the places of visit are selected in terms of geographic proximity and convenience.
How to get from the airport to the center
The international airport El Prat (El Prat) lies 15 km from Plaza Catalunya. There are 5 ways to get from the two terminals to the city center.
Round-the-clock taxi. The most convenient and at the same time the most expensive option. You will spend about 30 minutes on the way, spending from 45–55 €. There is a choice of car class.
The cheapest way to travel is by regular buses TBM no. 46 (daytime) and N17 (nighttime). Ticket price - 2.20 €, travel time - 40-50 minutes, depending on the traffic load. The journey will be more comfortable if you choose the Aerobus buses. They will take you to the center of the metropolis in 25–35 minutes, making a minimum of stops along the way. The fare is 5.90 €.
If you want to get to the hotel as quickly as possible, avoiding possible traffic jams, then choose the train of the RENFE network. Paying 4.10 €, you will spend 20-26 minutes on the road (depending on the destination station). The railway platform is located in Terminal T2 and can be reached from Terminal T1 by a free shuttle. Attention! During the high season, the carriages are overcrowded.
Tourists have the opportunity to get from the airport to Barcelona by metro (line L9S). The train from terminals T1 and T2 departs every 7 minutes for a ticket price of 4.60 €. When choosing this way of travel, be prepared for one change. It must be done at the Torrassa station (line L1).
First day
The first day in Barcelona is dedicated to getting to know its heart - the areas located near the seaport. Almost all the sights included in the travel program are located close to each other, so you can walk most of the route.
Boulevard La Rambla
Barcelona cannot be imagined without La Rambla. The wide street, which stretches for 1.3 km from Plaza Catalunya to the seaport, is the soul of the city. A journey along the magnificent promenade will be remembered for the mosaics by the artist Joan Miró, fragrant flower rows, alluring aromas of the Boqueria market, a sip of clean water from the Canaletes fountain, the magnificent façade of the opera house, as well as the modern outlines of the Rambla del Mar pedestrian bridge.
The best time to walk along La Rambla is in the afternoon. When the heat of the day subsides, street artists, musicians and artists gather here, transforming into frozen figures of fantastic creatures and famous characters: the Winged Dragon, Medusa the Gorgon, Don Quixote and Salvador Dali. Marvel at the revived statues and head to Mirador. This is how the Barcelona people call the 60-meter monument to Christopher Columbus. At the top of the column, at the feet of the legendary navigator, there is an observation deck.
Boqueria market
Placa de la Boqueria
One of the most popular attractions on La Rambla is the Boqueria market, a gastronomic kingdom of smells and tastes. Residents of Barcelona come here for the freshest products, and tourists - for culinary experiences and acquaintance with the national Spanish cuisine. Here you can buy vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, various seafood, mushrooms, sausages, sweets and drinks.
At the counters, do not hang out - friendly sellers willingly give their goods to taste, and sometimes even lower the price a little. Don't forget to grab a bottle of cava when you flip between the aisles. A glass of white sparkling wine will ensure you have a wonderful evening.
A light dinner prepared from seafood spread out on ice trays will give you a romantic mood. By the way, extraordinarily delicious French oysters flavored with lemon are also available on the market. Their price will pleasantly surprise you: for one piece of delicacy, local sellers ask for only 2.50 €.
Liceu Theater
La Rambla, 51 - 59
The grand opening of the Gran Teatre del Liceu (Teatro Liceu) took place in 1847. Funding for the construction was provided by private patrons, so the Catalan Temple of Melpona differs from similar institutions built with funds from the state treasury. So, in the auditorium there is no royal box.
As for the rest, the interior decoration, striking the imagination with sparkling crystal of chandeliers, an abundance of mirrors, decorations made of marble, gilding and expensive fabrics, is in no way inferior to the famous opera houses of the world. Fyodor Chaliapin, Placido Domingo, Montserrat Caballe and Jose Carreras, crowned with laurels, shone on the Liceu stage. In 1994, the building was destroyed by a massive fire.
It took the builders and restorers five years to restore the theater to its historical appearance and former glory. You can see the famous landmark from the inside as part of an excursion group. The cost of an introductory tour is 16 €.
Raval district
Attractive and at the same time ominous - this is how you can describe the most controversial and mysterious quarter of the capital of Catalonia. On the one hand, it attracts travelers with the authenticity of old houses, the ancient beauty of medieval monasteries and modern bookstore windows. On the other hand, the streets of Rawal were chosen by migrants from Pakistan and Morocco, turning the area into a haven for robbers and drug dealers.
Life here is in full swing day and night. Raval is famous for its bars. In one of them, named Marsella, Woody Allen filmed scenes for the film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". In addition to the cult director, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali loved to have a glass or two of searing absinthe at the marble tables. Another must have for tourists is a bronze statue of a giant cat. Locals say that those who rub his "dignity" will definitely return to the Catalan capital again.
Hospital of the Holy Cross
Carrer de Sant Quintí, 89
Not only a medical facility, but also a magnificent architectural monument awaits you a little away from the beaten tourist paths - in the El Guinardo district, located 7 km from the Raval district. The monumental Art Nouveau building, whose facade is crowned with a spire decorated with a clock, is richly decorated with bas-reliefs, multi-colored ceramic tiles and graceful statues.
The interiors are in no way inferior to the external beauty: the elements of the city hospital are in perfect harmony with mosaics, original patterns and sculptures. The unique hospital is the brainchild of the architect Luis Domenech y Montaner, who began work on the construction of hospital facilities in 1902.
The architect's idea to create buildings, the arrangement of which would provide maximum access to the sun's rays, was supported by his son, who finished the work started by his father 28 years later. Today the medical complex is a whole park that includes 12 pavilions connected by underground corridors.
Royal square
Plaça Reial
There is a small square next to La Rambla, whose appearance Barcelona owes to Francis Daniel Molina. In 1850, on the site of the destroyed Capuchin monastery, the architect began to erect an ensemble of buildings designed to praise the Spanish monarchy with elegance and luxury. The main figure was supposed to be a statue of King Ferdinand VII, who reigned at that time, sitting on a horse.
However, the architect's plan was not destined to come true - the center of the square was decorated with the fountain of the Three Graces. Two lanterns were installed next to it in 1879, attracting attention with the winged helmets of Mercury and snakes wrapped around the pillars. The development of exotic laterns was the first big project of Antoni Gaudí.
In addition to the works of the ingenious architect, Royal Square is decorated with spreading palm trees and framed by a four-story classical building. Restaurants and outdoor cafes are located along its perimeter. Here, on the stage of the Los Tarantos jazz club, performances of the best flamenco dancers take place.
Gothic Quarter
The most beautiful and oldest quarter of the city is the famous Barri Gotic, built on the ruins of the ancient Roman settlement of Barcino. The venerable walls remember the legionnaires, the German Visigoths, and the Arab conquerors. It was here that the Catalan capital was born in 237. From the very first step, this amazing place amazes with the atmosphere of mysticism and the mysterious Middle Ages.
We advise you to start your walk around the Gothic Quarter with a visit to Cathedral Square and a tour of the Church of St. Eulalia. On your way, you will also see the House of the Archdeacon, the Bishop's and Royal Palaces, the Bridge of Sighs, old churches and modern museums. Passing lane after lane and enjoying the damp coolness that eternal stones give, you will come across houses located almost close to each other, wrought-iron lanterns and iron balconies entwined with violent ivy.
Cathedral of St. Eulalia
Pla de la Seu 3
The color of Catalonia and the Gothic style are demonstrated by the Cathedral, named after the 13-year-old martyr Eulalia, in the 4th century BC. e. who accepted death for faith in the Savior. The saint's relics are the main treasure of the temple, which appeared in 1460. The facade of the monumental building is decorated with sculptures of Christ, the apostles, biblical characters and mythical gargoyles.
The interior decoration is solemn and austere. Attention is drawn to the organ and the medieval altar, under which the remains of the great martyr lie. The patio is no less interesting. Here you will find the chapel of St. Lucia and a picturesque pond. Thirteen white geese waddle around it, symbolizing the number of earthly years of Eulalia.
Every summer Sunday, on a small platform in front of the cathedral, there will be a colorful performance by the performers of the sardana, a traditional Catalan dance. The spectacular show is accompanied by cobla, a group of musicians playing wind and percussion instruments.
Royal Palace
Carrer dels Comtes, 2
130 m from the Cathedral of St. Eulalia is a complex of three buildings, united into the Great Royal Palace. The first mention of it dates back to 1116. Initially, representatives of the Spanish monarchy lived behind the stone walls. In the 16th century, the place of the rulers was taken by the Holy Inquisition and the Royal Archives. Today the palace functions as a historical museum.
The architectural ensemble includes:
- Hall Tinel. This is the name of an arched quadrangular room with a height of 12 m for ceremonial receptions. In 1492, the royal couple received Christopher Columbus, who had returned from a voyage to America.
- Gothic chapel of St. Agatha, built in 1302. Inside you will find an altar dedicated to Pedro I of Portugal and the heraldic shields of the rulers of Sicily and Aragon.
- The four-storey palace of Lloctinent, built in the middle of the 16th century.
You can get acquainted with the sights of the Royal Palace free of charge.
Santa Maria del Mar
Plaça de Santa Maria, 1
Against the backdrop of the narrow streets of the Born Ribera district, St. Mary's Basilica by the sea looks bulky and massive. However, upon closer inspection, the purity of the forms and the graceful design of the facade are striking. The entrance to the Gothic church, built in the 4th century, is framed by sculptures of the apostles Paul and Peter. The entrance doors are decorated with relief drawings that reproduce scenes of unloading ships.
Look up and see a magnificent rose window with pointed arches and stained glass windows. The interior of the temple is a kingdom of space and light, created by octagonal stone columns and semicircular ribs. Here you will not find elaborate stucco moldings and lush decorations.
The only decoration of the interior is the altar, decorated with a sculptural image of the coronation of St. Mary. The excellent acoustics of the nave have prompted classical music concerts in the church.
Ciutadella Park
A kilometer from the embankment, there is a corner of wildlife, shading the majestic beauty of cathedrals and palaces with greenery of shady alleys. The park with an area of 30 hectares got its name from the fortress - the Citadel, built in the 18th century and demolished 150 years later. On its territory, the park, which bears the title of a state historical monument, has collected architectural and natural attractions.
In the center, in a building formerly belonging to the fort's arsenal, today is the Parliament of Catalonia. Be sure to visit the northern part, where the grandiose work of young Gaudí - the Cascade fountain - gives coolness. No less loved by visitors is the Castle of the Three Dragons, within the walls of which the collections of the Zoological Museum are exhibited. Young tourists will certainly be interested in the Mammoth Museum and one of the best European zoos, home to 7,500 representatives of the fauna.
Second day
The second day in Barcelona will delight fans of shopping, connoisseurs of unusual architecture and unique style inherent in the architecture of Antoni Gaudi. The perfect end of the trip will be a visit to the most amazing place in Spain - the bright and memorable Park Guell.
Boulevard Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia
The central and most contrasting street of the metropolis stretches for 5 kilometers from Plaza Catalunya to the Gràcia district. A luxurious boulevard adorned the city at the end of the 19th century. Wealthy bourgeois families moved into the new luxurious houses, built in different architectural styles. Today it is home to restaurants, cafes, boutiques of world famous designers and mid-range department stores.
In October, the boulevard hosts a shopping festival beloved by shopaholics. In addition to numerous shops, Paseo de Gracia attracts tourists with its original structures: the Palace of Marcet, the houses of Pere Llibre, Ramon Mulieras, Lleo y Morera, Amalje, Batlló and Mila. The pedestrian part is not inferior to the beauty of the buildings. It is framed by lanterns and mosaic white benches. The pavement, designed by Gaudí, is lined with natural stone.
House of Lleaux y Morer
Passeig de Gràcia, 35
The structure, erected in 1864, over the reconstruction of which in 1902-1906 worked the architect Domenech y Montaner, is located in the "Quarter of Unconformity". This is how Barcelona dubbed the constellation of three strikingly contrasting buildings. On the renovation of the house belonging to the Morera family, the modernist architect worked in close collaboration with the mosaist Lewis Bru, decorator Josep Pei-y-Farriol, sculptors Antoni Juyol-y-Bac and Eusebi Arnau.
The curved façade is an architectural composition that includes mosaics, heraldic signs, intricate stucco ornaments, exquisite bas-reliefs, delicate balconies and round windows separated by pilasters.The architect tried to focus the attention of the audience on two most important elements: a glass rotunda crowned with a turret and columns of pink marble. The original building is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside.
House Amalie
Passeig de Gracia, 41
Another famous building of the "Quarter of Unconformity" is a house erected in 1875 and turned into a work of art in 1900. The wealthy pastry chef Antonio Amalier was not satisfied with the appearance of the building he acquired in 1898. For the restoration and redevelopment of the new property, he invited the talented architect Josep Puig i Cadafalca.
Unlike its modernist-style neighbors down the street, Dom Amalje is an example of Dutch and Spanish Gothic architecture, lavishly complemented by Art Nouveau elements. A stepped pediment crowns the façade, the main detail of which is the owner's initials, enclosed in a pattern of almond tree branches.
Intricate balcony lanterns, carved bay windows and sculptures at the doors recall the exterior of Moorish palaces. Indoors can be accessed through 2 unbalanced entrances.
Casa Batlló
Passeig de Gràcia, 43
A quick glance is enough to recognize the work of daring Antoni Gaudi in the appearance of an exotic building. The general restoration of the building, erected in 1877, marked a new stage in the architect's work: he departed from the classical concepts of architecture, opting for his own unique style.
For 2 years (1904-1906) the inconspicuous building turned into a kaleidoscope of bright colors, unusual shapes and bold decorations. A curved roof rises like a ridge of a fabulous creature above the facade, the ceramic cladding of which smoothly changes color from white to blue. The decoration of the building is similar to the scales of a dragon.
Columns, frames and tiny balconies resemble the skeletons and skulls of victims of an unprecedented monster. No wonder that the second punishment given to the structure is the House of Bones. The interiors are no less original. You can see them during a theatrical excursion. The cost is 40 €.
Mila's house
Provença, 261-265
The penultimate brainchild of Gaudí was a house built in 1910 by order of the wealthy manufacturer Pere Mila y Camps. The finished creation of the architect received recognition only dozens of years later - initially the building was criticized by both the customer and narrow-minded specialists. Gaudí's building could not boast of either a standard look or classic lines.
Dunes, rocks, sea waves - this is the impression that Mila House makes on the audience. Creating his masterpiece, the architect applied innovative solutions at that time: a well-thought-out ventilation system, giving coolness even in the midday heat, and the use of concrete and iron, which made it possible to abandon the supporting walls.
Today the building houses a museum. By booking a tour, you will see the apartment, the mezzanine and the attic decorated in the style of the 20s of the last century, where the exhibition hall is located. The roof deserves special attention, hiding air ducts, pipes and ventilation towers, turned into strange decorations. Some of the elements are lined with shards of ceramic tiles and colored glass.
Fast-track ticket to the Sagrada Familia - 20 €
Entrance ticket to Park Guell - 10.75 €
Casa Batlló ticket and video guide - € 24.50
Hola BCN: public ticket transport for 2,3,4 or 5 days - 15 €
Ticket to PortAventura park and transfer - 69 €
Ticket to the parks "PortAventura" and "Ferrari Land" - 55 €
Tibidabo amusement park ticket - 28.50 €
Skip-the-line ticket with audio guide to Casa Mila - € 22
1 or 2 days hop-on hop-off Barcelona city tour - 30 €
Sagrada Familia
Carrer de Mallorca, 401
The Sagrada Familia is a symbol of the Catalan capital, the greatest monument of neo-Gothic architecture and one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world. The construction of the cathedral, reminiscent of a quaint sand castle, started in 1882. However, a year later the architect Francisco del Villar left the project. He was replaced by the incomparable Antoni Gaudi.
The master devoted the rest of his life to the creation of the basilica. After his death, construction management passed from one architect to another. The construction continues to this day. According to the most optimistic forecasts, they are planned to be completed by 2026. But even though it is incomplete, the temple is amazing. It is based on a Latin cross. The facades of the building symbolize the birth, death and resurrection of the Son of God.
According to the author's plan, the cathedral should be crowned by 18 spiers, symbolizing the Mother of God, evangelists and apostles, and the highest of them (170 m) - the Savior. The interior decoration is also unique. Intricate columns branch upwards, the ceiling resembles the crowns of amazing trees, and the stained glass windows installed at different levels look like incredible flowers.
Park Guell
Carrer d'Olot, 13
In the northern part of the metropolis, there is a magnificent park, with its palm avenues, fountains, sculptures and bizarre architecture that can compete with the best themed gardens in the world. Created thanks to the funds of the entrepreneur Eusebi Güell and the efforts of the genius architect Antoni Gaudí, the green area appeared in Barcelona in 1914.
The path of the park, originally conceived as the residence of the city's elite, was a thorny one. Wealthy citizens were in no hurry to buy land. In 1921, the heirs of Guell sold the territory to the municipality of Barcelona, and after another 5 years the entire zone became accessible to the public.
Today, Park Guell is a place that has absorbed the colorful creations of Gaudí. Gingerbread houses, a mosaic salamander, an antique hall of "100 columns" and a curved bench faced with ceramic tiles, shards of glass bottles and clay products captivate visitors to the world of fairy tales and fantastic creatures. Most of the territory is free to visit.
The third day
We recommend starting your final day in Barcelona in the largest square in the country - Plaça d'Espanya. Continue southeast towards Montjuïc and then northwest towards Tibidabo. Part of the trip is hilly, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. To move between the objects of the route, you can use the city train (S1,2), metro (L1), buses Tibibus, No. 111, 118 and the funicular.
Spain square
Plaça d'Espanya
An accumulation of monumental structures, a transport hub of the city and a symbolic gateway leading to Montjuïc - all this is the Plaza de España. In the Middle Ages, public executions were carried out here, and in 1715 a fortress was built. The square was formed only in 1905. It got its modern look 23 years later, when the city was preparing for the World Exhibition.
Architectural masterpieces of the past and present are located on 34,000 m². In the very center, on a small green island, a fountain is striking, the sculptures of which symbolize faith, fertility, prosperity, courage and art.
Nearby are the red building of the Barcelona Arena shopping area and the pavilion of the Exhibition Center. It is impossible not to notice the two towering towers, reminiscent of the Campanile bell tower in Venice. But the most impressive object of the square is the National Palace.
National Palace of Catalonia
Parc de Montjuïc
The construction of an imposing building with numerous towers and domes was timed to coincide with the 2nd International Exhibition of 1929. The area of the architectural ensemble, built in the style of the Spanish Renaissance and including a magnificent park, is 30,000 m².
Main staircases lead to the central building, separated by a cascade of small pools. At the base of the palace there is a 3,620-jet magic fountain. At dusk, it is illuminated by 4,760 light sources.
The game of all kinds of shades is accompanied by classical and modern melodies. The main object of the palace complex located at the foot of the Montjuïc hill is the Museum of Art, which exhibits prints, photographs, numismatic collections, paintings and sculptures.
Mount Montjuic
The picturesque mountain, rising 173 m above the metropolis, gained popularity in the first half of the last century, when Barcelona hosted the World Exhibition. Until 1928, the top of the hill, whose name is translated from Old Catalan as "Jewish Mountain", was crowned only by an impregnable fortress, built in 1640 by the Iberians.
In 1929, Montjuïc Hill was transformed into a huge public park. Modern objects, architectural and natural attractions have been found on the green slopes. Among the manicured gardens, fountains and sculptures, you will find the Spanish Village folklore center, the Botanical Garden, the museum of the surrealist painter Joan Miró and the City of the Dead, the oldest cemetery in Barcelona.
Thanks to the 1992 Olympic Games, outdoor pools, a stadium, a Sports Palace, Europe Square and a futuristic concert hall appeared on the mountain.
Spanish village
After visiting 1,600 villages and cities in Spain and inspired by the local flavor, in 1927 architects Ramon Raventos, Francesc Folger and artists Miguel Utrillo and Haw'er Noges created an unusual project. A mini-state has grown on an area of 4.2 hectares, which includes copies of 117 of the country's most famous objects: palaces, houses, cathedrals, museums and streets. Here you will visit the Utebo Tower, the Avila Gate, the buildings of Aragon and the Plaza Mayor.
In the "Spanish Village" you can not only take a picture against the background of the most popular sights, but also feel like a craftsman. Workshops open their doors in the morning. By participating in exciting workshops, you will learn how to blow glass vases, weave lace, make clay pots, and paint on ceramic tiles.
In the evenings, open-air disco beckons with incendiary music and neon lights and the sounds of a fiery flamenco dance excite the blood.
Military fortress of Montjuic
The defensive structure that crowns Montjuïc is a must-see for connoisseurs of history and lovers of magnificent panoramic views from the height of the defensive walls. The history of the bastion takes us back to the middle of the 17th century - the time of the beginning of the uprisings of the inhabitants of Catalonia against the royal troops of the Habsburg dynasty. In its lifetime, the citadel has seen the bloody battles of 1641 and 1705, and the soldiers of Napoleon's army, and political prisoners of the 20th century.
A military museum has been operating inside the fortress since 1963. Its exposition includes collections of weapons, old uniforms, documents, maps, banners, orders, a collection of tin soldiers and models of famous Spanish forts. Some of the exhibits are on display at the very barrier of the citadel. In addition to viewing rarities, tourists can visit the prison cells, the water reservoir and the central tower.
Mount Tibidabo
On clear days, from the 520-meter height of Tibidabo, a breathtaking panorama of the capital of Catalonia stretching at the foot of the mountain opens. According to the Gospel, this is where Satan brought Jesus. Trying to tempt the Son of God, the devil showed him the most beautiful territories, promising unlimited power over them. “I give you (Tibi dabo)” - with these words Lucifer tempted the Messiah who did not obey him.
Tibidabo is located 7 km from the center of Barcelona. You can climb the mountain using the historic blue tram, which will take you to the final stop of the funicular. Every 20 minutes from Plaza Catalunya, the Tibibus bus leaves for the theme park. Most tourists come to Tibidabo for the entertainment Parque d'Atracccions. In addition, there is the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, which crowns the highest point of the metropolis.
Temple of the Sacred Heart
The Savior, embracing the ancient city at his feet, is visible from all points of the coast of Barcelona. Its 7-meter high bronze figure crowns the Temple of the Sacred Heart, which took more than half a century to build. The history of the church began in 1886 with a small chapel built on top of Tibidabo. 75 years later, a white-stone Catholic basilica, decorated with Gothic turrets and statues of the apostles and saints running in 2 tiers, arose next to it.
The interior of the temple is made in the Byzantine tradition. Separated by columns, the 5 naves are covered with mosaics, colorful frescoes and decorative stucco. A wooden crucifix rises above the altar. There are no artificial light sources in the premises - natural light enters through the stained-glass windows, making the paintings depicted on them on biblical themes shine with multi-colored glare.
Tibidabo amusement park
Leaving the cabin of the funicular that takes travelers to the top of Tibidabo, you will find yourself in the fairytale world of childhood, built in 1901. Don't look for ultra-modern extreme attractions here - the park's carousels are by no means scary, and many of them have already celebrated their 100th anniversary. Local favorites include the 1928 floating airplane, the Giradobo Ferris wheel and the 360 ° Hurakan swing.
In addition to attractions, the amusement park has a lot of interesting things. Children and adults will be amused by the distorting mirrors of the Mirror Maze, scared by the ghosts of the Misteriós castle and carried away by the Marionetarium puppet show, which reveals the secrets of puppet control. On weekends, visitors are greeted by a theatrical performance of Correfos and Cercavila, organized by street circus performers and accompanied by colorful fireworks.
How and what to save on
To save money on travel does not always mean hitchhiking or walking and visiting only the facades of famous palaces and museums. There are other, more enjoyable ways to make your trip on a budget, but at the same time comfortable, educational and fun.
- Barcelona's attractions are scattered throughout the city, so you won't be able to get around them on foot. Public transport in the capital of Catalonia is organized flawlessly, but the cost of one trip is 2.20 €. Expensive? Undoubtedly, but there is a good solution to the problem called Hola BCN !.
The unlimited travel card is valid for 2–5 days. An added bonus is the free trip to Mount Tibidabo and airport transfers. Card price for 3 days - 22 €. Redeem acquired Hola BCN! can be found at tourist information offices (including railway and airport points).
- For those wishing to save money and time, GuruTurizma recommends purchasing a single tourist card. Buy the Barcelona City Pass and all you have to do is create an interesting itinerary. The rest will be covered by the subscription. With it you will get:
- free travel on public transport and airport transfers;
- Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus ticket;
- skip-the-line access to Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia;
- discounts up to 20% on visits to attractions.
The price for the Barcelona City Card (72 hours) is € 112.90. You can collect the purchased card at El Prat Airport or at the office next to Plaza Catalunya.
- If you want to devote one of the three days spent in Barcelona to relaxing on the beach, then your choice is the Barcelona Express Card. This card, valid for 2 days, will provide unlimited travel on all types of public transport, including the RENFE train and TMB bus, up to 60% discounts on visits to museums, attractions and entertainment shows, and up to 20% discounts in restaurants and shops.
The Barcelona Express Card costs 20 €. The printed voucher must be presented at one of the exchange offices located in the airport terminals at Estació de Sants Pl. Països Catalans, Plaça de Catalunya Pl. Catalunya, 17 and Plaça de Sant Jaume Ciutat, 2.