Barcelona is one of those cities that truly has it all – history, art, the sea, sunshine, and vibrant energy. Cosmopolitan and inspiring, it offers not only cultural landmarks but also delicious food, excellent local wine at reasonable prices, and an atmosphere that’s hard to forget. In a 6-part series, I offer tips for a great experience and a ready-made itinerary for a 4 to 6-day stay.

A six parts itinerary, part 1. Reading time 3 minutes

How to Get to Barcelona?

Several low-cost airlines fly to Barcelona, making the trip both easy and affordable.
If you’re landing at El Prat Airport, take a moment to notice:

• the striking horse statue inside the terminal

“Caballo” is a massive bronze sculpture of a horse by Fernando Botero, installed in 1992 in Terminal 2B of El Prat. With its impressive size and rounded proportions, it has become an iconic symbol of the airport and a popular meeting spot.

• the modern architecture of the building

@placescases

Още от летището Барселона прави заявка за великолепен дизайн и стил. Посреща ни сграда в лъскаво черно с едно единствено жълто А. Това е сградата на летището 🛫. Но брандирането не е случайно. 🟡 Жълтото е точно същият цвят, който е на знамето на Каталуня, същото жълто, което се използва и за такситата. Зареждаме се с очаквания да напълним очите си още повече елегантност, стил и неповторим дизайн. 👁️🖐️👂👃👅 #барселона #летище #barcelona #elprat #airportofbarcelona #airport

♬ Barcelona – Ed Sheeran

• the iconic black-and-yellow taxis waiting outside, instantly immersing you in the city’s vibe

Where to Stay in the city of Barcelona?

I recommend booking your stay directly here. For your convenience, I’ve included a map box showing available rooms in hotels, apartments, and other accommodations. You support the blog at no extra cost and still get all your Genius and other discounts!

Personal recommendation: Leonardo Royal Hotel Fira – a business hotel with a rooftop pool, located in a more peripheral district near administrative buildings and the exhibition center. The word Fira means “fair” in Catalan.

Although it’s not in the city center, the area is well connected to the main tourist attractions via public transport.

You can read more in the post: “Leonardo Royal Fira – Business Hotel with Rooftop Pool in a Peripheral Neighborhood of Barcelona.”

Getting Around Barcelona

By bus
Taking the bus is simple. Board through the front or second door and tap your bank card on the reader near the driver. Exit through the rear doors. The front seats are reserved for elderly passengers, people with reduced mobility, and parents with small children.

By metro and other lines
For more flexibility, especially if you plan to use the metro, consider getting the Hola Barcelona travel card. It offers unlimited rides within Zone 1, which covers the city’s central areas, including metro Line 9 to and from the airport.

The card is available for 2, 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days. It does not cover night transport or additional transfers outside Zone 1.

Important note: Hola Barcelona is not a digital ticket. When you buy it online, you receive a code. You’ll need to enter this code at a vending machine in a metro station to print your paper ticket. Alternatively, you can buy it directly from the machine.

Extra Tips

• On holidays and weekends, public transport often runs with extended hours. Some lines operate 24/7.
• If you’re staying longer, explore other types of travel cards – they might be more cost-effective depending on your plans.
• If your accommodation is in the city center and you don’t plan to use public transport frequently, the T-Casual card is a good option. It includes 10 rides and is practical for short stays.

Barcelona is a city you experience with all your senses – through its sights, flavors, sounds, and movement. I hope these tips help you navigate more easily and enjoy your stay to the fullest.

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The next article will focus on art and culture in the city.