Last updated on September 23rd, 2025 at 05:10 pm
We will write our full guide Things to Know Before Visiting Barcelona for first timers everything that you need to know.
Barcelona, a vibrant and architecturally rich city on the coast of northeastern Spain, offers a unique blend of historic significance, modernist art, and lively street life.
Barcelona is a city that marries the old with the new in a way that few other cities can. With its rich cultural offerings, bustling street life, and relaxed pace, it promises a memorable experience.
If you’re planning to visit Barcelona, here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your trip:
What is The Best Way From Barcelona Airport To City Center?
The best way from Barcelona airport to downtown is by shared transfer for €13 per person you can book online and it will take 30 minutes to get to your hotel.
Read here Barcelona airport to Las Ramblas, Barcelona Airport to Calella and Barcelona airport to Sagrada Familia
Read here 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary and Sim Card Barcelona Airport
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Things to Know Before Visiting Barcelona
1. Best Time to Visit Barcelona
The best times to visit Barcelona are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). The weather during these months is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than in the peak summer months.
Summer: July and August can be very hot and crowded. These months are peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded attractions.
2. Getting Around
Barcelona has an excellent public transportation system, including metros, buses, and trams, which are efficient and affordable. Consider purchasing a T-10 ticket (valid for 10 rides) or a Hola BCN card (unlimited travel for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days).
Many of Barcelona’s attractions are located close together, making walking or biking a great option. The city is very bike-friendly with numerous bike lanes and bike rental services.
3. Cultural Etiquette
Spaniards typically eat late, with lunch around 2 pm to 4 pm and dinner not starting before 9 pm. Many restaurants might not open for dinner until 8 pm or later.
Tipping is not obligatory in Spain, but it is customary to leave a small tip (5-10%) at restaurants if the service was good.
The best Spanish food to try, Breakfast in Spain, and vegetarian food in Spain
4. Language
In Barcelona, both Catalan and Spanish are spoken. While all locals speak Spanish, signs and menus might be in Catalan. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in Spanish or Catalan can enhance your interactions.
5. Must-Visit Attractions
Sagrada Familia: Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece is a must-see. Be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Park Güell: Another of Gaudí’s creations, this park combines natural and architectural elements and offers great views of the city.
La Rambla: A famous street in central Barcelona, known for its street performers, vendors, and lively atmosphere.
Gothic Quarter: Explore the narrow streets of the old city of Barcelona, filled with medieval buildings and hidden squares.
Picasso Museum: Hosting one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.
Casa Batlló (must-see)
If you visit just one Gaudí interior, make it Casa Batlló—a central, easy add to any Barcelona trip and one of the city’s most must-see attractions. The revamped, story-driven visit features the Gaudí Dome and the six-sided Gaudí Cube immersive room, which earned top industry recognition in 2022 for its innovative experience.
Why it’s worth it for first-timers: This is one of the best Gaudí buildings to understand Catalan Modernism in a single stop, with intuitive audio, interactive spaces, and a spectacular rooftop. Plus, its unbeatable location—Passeig de Gràcia, 43—means you can pair it with La Pedrera and Eixample cafés in the same morning.
Good to know: Open daily (generally from morning through evening; plan ~1h15 for the visit). Kids 0–12 go free with an adult, making it a smart pick for families. Book in advance to lock best prices and early entries, and arrive at opening or after 5 pm for thinner crowds and photos of the wave-like façade.
For tickets and details, see the official site: Casa Batlló
6. Food and Drink
Trying tapas, small dishes that can range from seafood to jamón (cured ham), is essential.
Local Dishes: Don’t miss trying local Catalan dishes like “paella” (especially the seafood variety), “fideuà” (similar to paella but with noodles), and “crema catalana” (Catalan cream).
7. Accommodation
Variety of Options: From luxury hotels to budget hostels, Barcelona offers a wide range of accommodation options. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
8. Safety
Barcelona is known for pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas like La Rambla and in the metro. Always keep an eye on your belongings and use bags that can be securely closed.
9. Day Trips
Montserrat: Just a short train ride away, this mountain offers hiking, a monastery, and stunning views.
Sitges: A lovely beach town, perfect for a day of sun and sea.
Read here the best day trips in Barcelona
10. Shopping
Passeig de Gràcia: One of the major avenues in Barcelona, where you can find luxury brands and stunning modernist buildings.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.