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Sagrada Familia
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Gothic Quarter

Park Güell

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya

Playa de San Sebastiá
Favorite Moment
Check out Guidester’s favorite Barcelona experience.
Soccer on the Beach
Playing soccer on the beach ranks at the very top of my Barcelona experiences.
In addition to the abundant history, architecture, and charming neighborhoods, Barcelona is well known for its abundant beach front property. This is one of the many draws of the city as you can experience all that a great European city has to offer while combining sun and sand into the fun.
I found myself roaming the city center late at night a number of years ago in my younger days when I found myself playing soccer or “football” with some locals on the beach.

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La Barceloneta is the closest beach to the city center and is free to visit all hours of the day or night, which is quite nice if you’re restless looking for something to do. Located in the traditional fishing district, this is one of Barcelona’s oldest and best-loved beaches. It is thought to have inspired Miguel de Cervantes as the setting for the fight between Don Quixote and the Knight of the White Moon. The nearby beach is a perfect place to pass the time on a hot day in Barcelona, and the clear blue waters were so clean despite the many people who frequent the area. I was roaming around La Rambla with some friends when we came across a group of locals that seemed lively and entertaining. I’ve never been bashful in talking to strangers when I traveled and this is just another example of where it paid off. The local Catalonians spoke decent enough English and after we exchanged some pleasantries they asked us to join them for a game of “football” on the beach. Of course we accepted, and we all headed off at midnight toward the promenade. There were 6 of us kicking around the ball on the beach when before we knew it there had to be almost 20 people playing a full on match. Soccer really is the sport of Spain and any time a pickup match starts you can bet you’ll attract some passerby’s that want to get in on that action. So, there I was on the beach lit up by the bright glow of the moon with the backdrop of the historic city playing soccer with a few friends and some Spanish locals. These are the moments that I love to travel for!

Jack Baumann
Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!

Jack Baumann
Hi, my name is Jack Baumann, and I have a passion for helping independent travelers unlock the wonders of Europe. I founded Guidester - we build personal mobile guidebooks sourced from local experts - so travelers could cut through the noise and dive deeper into the wonders of Europe. I hope you enjoy my stories and tips!
Play Around
Explore Barcelona with interactive maps.
Explore the Gothic Quarter
Walk Along the Beach Promenade
Look Around Parc Guell
Video Tours
Discover Barcelona through virtual walks and tours.
Start Planning
Begin planning your next adventure to Barcelona.
Local Tips
If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing in Barcelona, consider the Barcelona Card. Choose a 72, 96, or 120- hour Barcelona city pass, and enjoy money-saving deals on a host of sights and activities, free or discounted entry to more than 20 top visitor attractions, including the National Art Museum of Catalonia and Chocolate Museum, and free travel on Barcelona transport services, including the metro and buses. Plus, over 90 special offers at select shops, restaurants, and outlets.
Menu of the Day - From Monday to Friday, most restaurants have a menu of the day for lunch. The menu of the day usually consists of bread, two plates, a dessert, and sometimes may include a glass of wine or beer. This is a very good deal and you should make this your main meal of the day, just like the Spanish do. The menu will be posted outside the restaurant and you can read it and see if you like it before you sit down.
By Metro
In Barcelona the underground metro, or subway, is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to get around. Metro lines run Monday through Thursday and Sunday 5am to 12am, Friday to 2am Saturday, and holiday evenings all night. The FGC trains run 5am to just after 12am on weekdays, and to 2:00am on weekends and the eves of holidays. Sunday trains run on weekday schedules.
By Taxi
In Barcelona, taxis are black and yellow and show a green rooftop light on the front right corner when they are available for hire. The meter currently starts at €2.05 and rises in increments of €0.98 every kilometer. These rates apply from 6am to 10pm weekdays - for hours outside of these time the rates rise by 20%. Officially, there are extra charges of €1 per bag for luggage.
By Bus
City buses run daily 5:30am-11:30pm. Route maps are displayed at bus stops. Note that those with a red band always stop at a central square - Catalunya, Universitat, or Urquinaona - and blue indicates a night bus. Barcelona’s 17 night buses generally run until about 5am.
Restaurant checks always include service. The bill may not tell you that the service is included, but it is. An extra tip of 5% to 10% of the bill is icing on the cake. Leave tips in cash, even if paying by credit card. If you eat tapas or sandwiches at a bar, just round up the bill to the nearest euro.
La Sardana is a traditional dance of Catalonia said to have links with Catalan nationalism. If you want to see a Sardana dance in Barcelona, you can see it during some festivals or at the Teatre Mercat de les Flors theatre.
As a tourist the crime issue you need to be aware of is pickpocketing, especially on Las Ramblas, in the central metro stations, and the Sants train station.
1. Don't carry your wallet in your back pocket.
2. Don't put phones or cameras on tables at cafes.
3. In crowded touristy areas wear your rucksack facing forwards.
4 .Always keep bags on your lap at cafes/coffee bars.
Where To Stay
Barri Gòtic serves as Barcelona’s historic and geographical center. A wonderful maze of medieval streets and plazas, this part of the city has been inhabited since Roman times, and home to the city’s Gothic cathedral. This part of the city attracts the most tourist crowds, which is ideal of sightseeing.
On the other side of Barri Gòtic is El Born, another old medieval neighborhood with worthwhile attractions of its own, all the way from Picasso Museum to the Chocolate Museum. There are plenty of tapas bars and boutiques in this area, and a large park.
Guidester Favorites

Picasso Museum
The famous twentieth century artist Pablo Picasso was an important Spanish creative who produced a variety of work during his life. Much of his work can be found at this museum - the permanent collection alone has over four thousand pieces. The city of Barcelona had an important influence on his life; visitors can learn more about this element of his life at the museum. |

Sagrada Familia
This is the most well known structure in the whole of Spain. This Catholic Basilica was conceptualized by Antoni Gaudí with work beginning in 1882; unbelievably work continues to this day with several sections yet to be completed! It is the best example of modern architecture in the Catalan style. Not to be missed, but plan your trip.2 |

Columbus Monument
City views spread from the top of this ornate 1888 Corinithian column topped with Columbus' statue. It was constructed for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona in honor of Columbus' first voyage to the Americas. Make sure to go to the top where you will have a full 360 degree unobstructed bird's-eye view of Barcelona offering you some exciting and unique photo opportunities. |
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