About the City
Barcelona's towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a view into the Roman-era Barcino. Taking a walk through the sinister lanes of the Gothic quarter, tranquil plazas and 14th-century cathedrals is the best way to understand the city that is Barcelona.
Barcelona has always motivated artists such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, whose works are in gallant display in the city's countless museums.
Sunny beaches make Barcelona a good environment to a jog, bike ride or long leisurely stroll along the seaside or go for a long swim. Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or a sunset cruise are some fun activities that can be taken up in Barcelona. Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with slight, humid winters and hot, dry summers.
As published by Tour de Guide, 24 Sep 2020. Check opening hours and fares before you go.
History of the City
The founding of the city of Barcelona is not exactly known, but the legend has Hannibal's father founded Barcelona in the 3rd Century B.C. Barcelona remained a source of rebellion long after union with Castile, and this led to the failure of Catalan Revolt. Along with this the Great Plague also damaged the city which killed half the population.
Barcelona has also had some destruction during the Napoleonic Wars, but the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century enhanced the city's wealth. Recently, Barcelona, as the capital of the Catalonia, has grown as a commercial hub and is one of Europe's busiest harbours.
Commuting to the City from the Airport
Barcelona-El Prat International Airport is the major airport and is only about 12-14 km away from the city centre.
Aerobús is a shuttle bus facility that connects the Airport with the centre of Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya), which leaves every 5-10 minutes from Terminal A1 and every 10-20minutes from Terminal A2 from 5:30am to 1am, and it takes about 30 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €5.90.
Trains are a cheap and fast option such as the half-hourly RENFE R2 Nord suburban train line which costs €4.10 for a single ticket.
Taxis are available but expensive (€30-40 to the city centre).
Travelling within the City
The metro is the most convenient way to travel within the city. A one-journey ticket cost €2.15, but it's best to buy a multi-person 10-ride ticket for €9.95 for Zone 1which includes major tourist areas.
These tickets are also valid on the buses, trams, FGC (Catalan Railway Network) and on the main Spanish Trains (RENFE -Rodalies de Catalunya). 2 to 5-day public transport tickets are available that permit unlimited travel on the metro and bus networks (€14 for two days, €32 for five days).
Sightseeings
La Sagradia Familia
La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famed buildings in the entire city and magnificent sites to visit in Barcelona. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site even though its incomplete, and was sanctified and proclaimed a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. From the outside, the sheer height and intricacy of the design of the church is astonishing to the eyes and although incomplete, the advancement that has been made is extremely remarkable.
Harbour Cable Car
Read the rest of sightseeings
Harbour Cable Car is a 1450 metre long harbour aerial tramway with red cars that connects Montjuic and Barceloneta. It is open between June to September from 11AM-8PM and it starts from Torre San Sebastian tower, has an intermediate stop at Torre Jaume I tower, and the final point of the tramway is Montjuic. The tramway is quite old (built in 1929), and the car is packed with tourists during the daytime. A one-way trip costs €10 and a round trip €15.1.
Montserrat
Montserrat is a beautiful mountain range that lies outside the city of Barcelona. Even though there are a handful of newer buildings that have been built on the range, it is easy to slip back into the past to visualise what the mountain range must have been like hundreds of years ago. A stunning monastery is located at the middle of the mountain range where people can go to masses that include delightful live church choirs of young men who stay at the monastery.
You can learn more about the sightseeing's and also how to see the sightseeings by reading this article.
One day Trips
We will update this soon.
When to go and for how many days?
Three days is a good amount of time to spend in Barcelona. But due to its rich historic culture it is impossible to cover everything in a few days.
You can see the highlights in 2 days if planned well, 3 days is fine unless you want to visit lots of museums. But even with fewer number of days, the central city with the museums and churches can be explored.
Possible Itinerary
A
Restaurant
Jam-packed with amazing restaurants, Barcelona has the wonderful cuisine of Catalonia for those with a taste for the finest cooking.
From seafood to tapas, food in Barcelona has something for everyone.
ABAC is a modern Catalan two-star Michelin restaurant which is generally considered one of Barcelona’s best.
Nightlife
Some of the best places for going out are in Barcelona's main districts of Las Ramblas and Gothic Quarter.
Barcelona's busiest boulevard by day, Las Ramblas is also a very happening spot by night, the streets are filled with locals and tourists heading out for drinks and dinner.
Kiosk La Cazalla, and Boulevard Club are some of the more well-known places to hang out. Gothic Quarter also has little spots hidden away in dark corners, such as the stylish Milk Bar and Sugar.
Rules and Regulations
There is a limit to the amount of dogs you can walk at the same time. If it’s eight or more, a penalty is given.
Social Etiquettes
It is considered disrespectful to visit churches or take photos as a tourist during Mass and other worship services.
More Resources
barcelonatourism.info
Emergency Contact Numbers
Police No/ Ambulance/ Fire- 112
Indian Embassy Contact: +34 913 09 88 70
