Barcelona, Spain: Your Ultimate Guide to the City of Gaudí
Getting There from the UK
Barcelona is a short flight away, with direct flights from UK cities taking around 2 hours 15 minutes to Barcelona-El Prat Airport. Whether you’re flying from London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, you’re never far from tapas and sunshine!
From the Airport to the City
- Barcelona-El Prat Airport: The Aerobús runs every 5-10 minutes and gets you into Plaça de Catalunya in around 35 minutes. Alternatively, the R2 Nord train can take you to various city stations in about 30 minutes. For a cheaper option, hop on the L9 Sud metro, which connects to the main metro system in about 30 minutes.
Hotels
Barcelona’s hotel scene is as vibrant as the city itself, catering to all budgets:
- Luxury:
- Hotel Arts Barcelona – A beachfront beauty with stunning views and top-notch service.
- Mandarin Oriental – Located on the famous Passeig de Gràcia, with sleek design and a rooftop pool.
- Mid-Range:
- Casa Bonay – A trendy boutique hotel blending modern style with historic charm.
- Hotel 1898 – Right on La Rambla, with a rooftop pool and colonial vibes.
- Budget:
- Hostal Goya – Affordable and centrally located, with clean, stylish rooms.
- Generator Barcelona – A funky, budget-friendly hostel in the hip Gràcia neighborhood.
Restaurants
Barcelona is a foodie’s paradise, and there’s something for every palate and budget:
- Renowned:
- Tickets – A Michelin-starred tapas experience from the famous Adrià brothers (book well in advance!).
- Local Specialties:
- Can Culleretes – One of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants, serving hearty Catalan dishes like esqueixada (salted cod salad).
- Cal Pep – A beloved spot for classic seafood tapas and a lively atmosphere.
- Easy Going:
- Bar Cañete – Casual yet delicious, serving all the classic tapas you crave.
- El Xampanyet – A local institution for cava and traditional bites in the Born district.
- Vegan/Veggie:
- Teresa Carles – A favorite among plant-based eaters, offering inventive dishes in a stylish setting.
- Street Food: Head to Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (or simply La Boqueria) for fresh juices, seafood, and a dizzying array of local delicacies.
Sights
Barcelona is an architectural wonderland, especially for Gaudí lovers. Here are the must-see spots:
- La Sagrada Família – Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona’s most famous landmark.
- Park Güell – Colorful mosaics, whimsical architecture, and stunning city views.
- La Rambla – The lively, tree-lined boulevard for people-watching, shopping, and street performers.
- Gothic Quarter – Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the city’s medieval heart.
- Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) – Two of Gaudí’s most famous architectural works, showcasing his distinctive style.
- Montjuïc – A hill with panoramic views, home to the Magic Fountain, museums, and the Olympic Stadium.
- Barceloneta Beach – Sun, sea, and sangria on the city’s most popular beach.
Insider Tip
Insider Tip: For a quieter (and free!) view of the city, head to the Bunkers del Carmel, an old anti-aircraft bunker from the Spanish Civil War. It’s a local favourite for catching the sunset with 360-degree views of Barcelona, and fewer tourists know about it.
