I've heard and read good things about Barcelona. When I got my Schengen visa, I was finally able to visit this vibrant city in Spain.
I included Barcelona in my European trip itinerary. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip.
Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Barcelona
Barcelona is Catalonia's vibrant and beautiful capital. The city is full of culturial, historic and fun things to do and see. It has a mix of old and new architecture, exemplified by Antonio Gaudi. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes where visitors can eat, drink and be merry. There are also museums for those who want to learn more about the city or view art. I was only in Barcelona for four days, I felt like I just scratched the surface. I'd love to go back some time in the future.
Getting a Visa
Spain is part of the Schengen zone, which means getting a visa for one of the countries in it allows you to enter all of the member countries. I got my visa from the Austrian Embassy in Manila.
Here's a link to my post for more details: how to get a Schengen visa for Filipinos
Things to Do and Places to See
These are just some of the attractions and things you can do when you start planning your budget and itinerary for Barcelona.
Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia is the most iconic work of architecture in the city. It remains unfinished and construction was still ongoing when I visted (January 2022). This UNESCO-listed church has depictions of Christianity in its interior and exterior, from the birth of Jesus to his death and resurrection. Towards the latter years of his life, Gaudi dedicated himself to its design and construction. He drew inspiration from nature as well. My friend and I were in awe of how beautiful the church was. If you were to pay for just one attraction in the city, this should be it.
Entrance fee: €26 (includes audio guide)
How to go: The closest subway station is the Sagrada Familia, it's along Metro L2 and L5.
You can book tickets here: https://sagradafamilia.org/en/tickets
***It is possible to enter the Sagrade for free, if you happen to be there during an international mass on Sundays.
La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
Visitors can see Gaudi's architectural influence in various parts of the city. One of his works include La Pedrera or Casa Mila. Its name means "stone quarry". The curves and rounded shapes of the building and its windows stay true to Gaudi's style. You can also visit the Fundacio Catalunya when you enter Casa Mila. This building is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Entrance fee: €25 for adults (there is a discount for children)
How to go: The nearest subway station is Diagonal along lines 3 and 5.
You can book tickets here: https://www.lapedrera.com/en/visits
Parc Guell
Gaudi has a handful of UNESCO Heritage Sites in Barcelona, one of them is Parc Guell. The park was constructed somewhere between 1900-1914. It has sprawling gardens and structures that follow the usual architectural style of Gaudi. There are trails leading to various view points of the city. You can get an overlooking view of the Sagrada Familia from one of the view points.
Entrance fee: €10 for adults
How to go: The nearest subway station is Lesseps or Vallcarca along green line 3. From the station, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to reach the park.
Casa Batllo
Casa Batllo is another Gaudi architecural wonder you'll see in Barcelona. This UNESCO-listed modernist building has wavy shapes and an elaborate facade. Gaudi designed this building for Josep Batllo i Casanovas.
Entrance fee: €35 for adults
How to go: The nearest metro station is Passeig de Gracia station. It's along lines 2, 3 and 4.
Gothic Quarter
Barri Gotic or the Gothic Quarter has been around for several centuries. You can find remnants of the Roman and Medieval ages scattered in different parts of this area. Get lost weaving in and out of its narrow streets and alleys. Exploring the Gothic Quarter is like walking into a time warp.
How to go: The nearest subway station is Liceu along line 3.
This UNESCO-listed establishment was constructed between 1905-1908. It has a concert hall where regular performances are still held.
Entrance fee: €14 for the self-guided tour with audio guide. The building has a striking and beautiful exterior. A guided tour costs €18.
How to go: The closest subway station is Urquinaona along lines 1 and 4. The building is a few minutes walk once you get out of the station.
Palau Guell
This Art Noveau building was one of the first creations of Gaudi when he was just starting out. Eusebi Guell commissioned Gaudi to make him a palace. He wanted an extension of his family's home located in La Rambla. This destination is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Entrance fee: €12 (there are discounts if you meet the criteria)
How to go: The nearest subway station is Liceu along line 3. You have to walk for a few minutes to reach this attraction.
La Rambla
This walking street is one of the city's social hubs. It's lined with beautiful buildings, cafes, restaurants, fast food chains and shops.
How to go: The closest subway station is Universitat along lines 1 and 2.
La Barceloneta
This neighborhood is right next to a beach. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists. You can take a walk along the beach, sunbathe (during the summer), swim, have a picnic, or just hang out here after a day of exploring the city.
How to go: The nearest subway station is Barceloneta along line 4.
Barcelona Cathedral
This Gothic cathedral is centuries old. The cathedral is also the seat of Barcelona's Archbishop.
Entrance fee: €9
How to go: The closest subway station is Jaume I along line 4.
This popular square is always teeming with people. This comes as no surprise because of the many restaurants, cafes, fast food chains, and shops near or just a few minutes walk from it. This square links the old part of the city with Eixample.
How to go: One of the nearest subway stations is Universitat along lines 1 and 2. You can also walk to it from Urquinaona station along lines 1 and 4.
Eat and Drink!
Barcelona is a foody city. There's plenty of good food from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to kiosks to more renowned establishments. I tried the croquetas, empanadas, jamon, paella and others during my trip.
Some other food you should try include:
Other destinations you might also want to check out include:
- Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes
- Montjuïc
- The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
- Camp Nou
- La Boqueria
Barcelona is a beautiful city with an eclectic mix of old and new.
I enjoyed walking around aimlessly in the city. I saw remnants of its past mixed with modern buildings and shopping centers. I also loved the laid back vibe of the city. I'll consider going back for sure.
***COVID REQUIREMENTS: Always bring your Covid vaccination certificate with you. Wear a mask when an establishment or public area requires it. You can check this site for entry and visit requirements for Spain: https://www.spth.gob.es/Getting Around Barcelona
The city provides visitors with plenty of options on how to get around. There are buses, trams, trains, bike rentals, and taxis. It's also easy to walk around the city and explore it by cluster of attractions. My public transportation of choice is the subway. It's convenient and stations are often near or within walking distance of places of interest. There are public transportation passes for 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. A 24 hours pass costs €10.50 and a 48 hours pass costs €16.40.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
You have plenty of accommodation options from budget to luxury when you plan your budget and itinerary for Barcelona. I stayed in a hostel so that I could save some money during my trip.
BudgetFree Hostels Barcelona: Rates and Availability
TOC Hostel Barcelona: Rates and Availability
Hostel St Christophers Barcelona: Rates and Availability
Casa Gracia Barcelona Hostel: Rates and Availability
Yeah Barcelona Hostel: Rates and Availability
Mid-PriceeasyHotel Barcelona Fira: Rates and Availability
Hostal Fernando: Rates and Availability
U232 Hotel: Rates and Availability
Hostal Live Barcelona: Rates and Availability
Hotel Catalunya: Rates and Availability
You can also look for more accommodation options here:
How to Go to Barcelona
By AirThere are several airlines that travel to and from Barcelona directly or with at least one stop. Low cost airlines such as Ryanair have flights to Barcelona from various cities around Europe. I flew with Wizz Air from Budapest directly, so there's that option as well. You can do a quick search on Skyscanner or whatever website or App you use to look for cheap flights.
By LandIt's also easy to travel into Barcelona from other countries in Europe by car, train or bus.
You can look for bus tickets here: https://www.flixbus.com/
You can look for train tickets here: https://www.renfe.com/es/en
Budget for Barcelona
This expenses list may help you plan your budget and itinerary for Barcelona.
Everything's in Euros (€):
47.85 - 3 nights in Free Hostels Barcelona
69.16 - Food and drinks
10.50 - 24 hours transportation pass
16.40 - 48 hours transportation pass
26 - Entrance fee for Sagrada Familia
10 - Entrance fee for Parc Guell
7 - Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs, etc.)186.91 - 4 days and 3 nights
I took it slow in Barcelona and didn't do anymore day trips out of the city. The city itself is nice and beautiful with plenty to do. The Catalans are laid back; things like breakfast, lunch and dinner start later than usual. Everybody seems so easy going. You will spend more or less depending on the places you visit and the things you do, and other things such as where you eat and stay. The expenses list above mostly shows essential costs. I visited during winter (January 2022) so the prices might change depending on the season you visit.
*** Spain was part of a longer trip around Europe that included Hungary, Austria, Croatia, and Ukraine.
You can check out my other posts about Europe:
Itinerary for BacelonaThis is a sample Barcelona itinerary if you're planning a visit:
Day 1Sagrada Familia
Casa Batllo
Palau Guell
La Pedrera
Day 2Barcelona Cathedral
Gothic Quarter
Placa de Catalunya
Palau de la Música Catalana
La Rambla
Day 3Parc Guell
La Barceloneta
Day 4Camp Nou
Montjuic
You could easily keep going back to the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla whenever you end your days because that's where you'll find most places to eat and drink. You could also do a lot in one day or spread each place to visit in more days. You can also add or remove some places, this is just a sample anyway. It's a matter of what you're interested in once you're in Barcelona.
