Holidays in Barcelona: a complete guide. Holidays in Barcelona: when to go, what to see and what to do

The capital of Catalonia has been attracting the attention of vacationers not only from Europe, but also our compatriots for more than a decade. Barcelona is not just beautiful city, this is a whole tourist country, which annually wins new hearts with its variety of tours.

First of all, vacationers who are going to spend their holidays in Catalonia are interested in the prices for holidays in Barcelona by the sea, since Spanish mediterranean coast attracts by the presence of a tour cheaper in the midst of the season. Specialists are happy to pick up vouchers that make it possible to relax in Barcelona in such a way as to combine several destinations within one tour.

Barcelona is not only the sea. Journey to this amazing city always accompanied by bargains, interesting excursions, great music, exciting football matches, ancient architecture, and even skiing in majestic mountain areas.

In order to make the most of all the amazing tourist riches that some tours have, find out more about the best places to stay, information about which is given in this article.

Tours to Barcelona

To decide how much a holiday in Barcelona costs, first you need to decide for yourself which tour you prefer - the All Inclusive system or the minimum package.

All inclusive

The all-inclusive service system frees vacationers from such worries as:

insurance;
accommodation;
convenient departure;
direct flight;
timely check-in at the hotel;
room with a beautiful view from the window;
three meals a day or a buffet;
the right to use the gym and swimming pool free of charge;
transfer to the airport and other services, the list of which in each hotel may vary.

Such offers are especially in demand by those who are planning a holiday with children in Barcelona. Early booking makes it possible to book the most comfortable tour much cheaper. For a cheap all-inclusive holiday in Barcelona, try to book a place in the following hotels:

Attica 21 Barcelona Mar 4*;
Barcelona Princess 4*;
Pullman Skipper 5*;
Roger De Lluria Hotel 4*;
Regina 4*;
Le Meridien 5*.

The selection of a tour is often associated with the choice of a hotel. Knowing exactly where you want to rent accommodation, it will not be difficult for you to book a tour quickly and without any hassle.

Minimum package

Budget flights to Barcelona provide an opportunity for tours with a minimum package, which includes only the necessary list of services, excluding all sorts of excesses. You will be offered to spend the night in a modest room with ordinary furniture. Such tours either completely exclude meals at the hotel, or provide only breakfast. You can rent cheap accommodation in popular places like Pension Francia1* or Hostel Abrevadero.

The minimum package is usually included in excursion tours, the duration of which does not exceed five days. This is a good option to save on comfort so that you can spend more time and money on traveling around the city and its popular attractions. Savings on food at the hotel pays off with an unforgettable variety of local dishes, which you can try while walking around Barcelona.

The best places to stay

To decide where is the best place to relax in Barcelona, first of all, you need to decide what is the main purpose of your trip to this city. In summer, people come here mainly to the sea. Interesting excursions are held here all year round, and in winter the city is flooded with shopaholics from all over Europe. Here is a brief information about the best places of the main tourist destination, which attracts the most tourists here - this is beach holiday in Barcelona.

The coast of the Balearic Sea is dotted with hotels and resort complexes just like the night sky is full of stars. To a certain extent, such diversity is a little confusing, so it can sometimes be difficult to decide where to go on vacation in Barcelona in the summer. There are two options - use one of the beaches in the city itself or visit private sector, the so-called suburb of Barcelona, which houses the nearest popular resorts.

In Barcelona itself, tourists prefer to spend sunny days on the beaches in such places:

Barceloneta;
Sant Sebastia;
Nova Ikaria;
Rich man;
Playa del Paseo Maritimo;
Mar Bella;
La Nova Mar Bella.

Of the nearest suburbs located around Barcelona, the most famous are:

Costa del Garraf;
Costa Dorada;
Costa del Maresme;
Costa Brava.

Each of the listed suburbs is an independent resort region, uniting within its borders smaller, but no less visited places. Seaside holidays in Barcelona are concentrated mainly in these regions.

Costa del Garraf

The first resort center, which is located in close proximity to the metropolis. To get to this region, you need to leave Barcelona for southbound, overcome the industrial zone, first pass the port, then the airport. Then the endless beach area, consisting of many small resort towns, which are all combined into the Costa del Garraf region. This resort, due to its proximity to Barcelona, is very popular with young people, as it is easy to combine city entertainment with beach life. Rest here is expensive, fun and noisy. Costa del Garraf is popularly called the resort of "golden youth", which includes:

Gava is a town considered to be the nearest suburb where the first transport zone is still in operation;
Castelldefels is a resort famous for its Olympic Canal, historic castle, water sports sports and rowing;
Garraf - attracts lovers mountain scenery, which you can admire in this national park. The coast is adorned with cliffs, which hide a car tunnel for those who find it difficult to travel along the most beautiful mountain roads;
Sitges is the first in this direction major resort, rich in narrow old streets, beautiful architectural buildings of the 19th century, but most of all it is famous for the summer tango, the festival of which is held here every year;
Vilanova and Geltru - a place visited by lovers of yacht trips, as well as to visit the Museum of Steam Locomotives.

Costa Dorada

Next big resort area located south of Barcelona. This place is very well known among vacationers for its highly developed beach infrastructure, providing the most comfortable seaside vacation in Barcelona. Popularly referred to as " gold coast'covers a very wide range of coastline Balearic Sea, which in these places is covered with sand. The gently sloping coast is almost completely free from rocky cliffs. Costa Dorada unites the following coastal resorts into a single region:

Coma Ruga and Calafell are small cozy settlements that attract with their uncrowded beaches and calm promenade.
Tarragona is a large historical center of the Costa Dorada, where tourists can enjoy the atmosphere of an old port, pedestrian streets, castles, an amphitheater and other buildings of the Romanesque era.
La Pineda - typical modern resort specializing in quiet family vacations. People often come here out of season just to enjoy the hotel life.
Salou - according to some reviews, this place is called the resort capital of Catalonia, since here is the longest Sandy shore, along which an infinite line stretches expensive hotels with beautiful beaches. This resort is convenient for fans of shopping tourism, as there are several large shopping complexes in the city. In addition to buyers, families often come here who plan holidays with children in Barcelona, since it is here that the PortAventura amusement park is located - a favorite place for young tourists. Tourists will not be bored here either, as Torre Vella and the handicraft fair await them in Salou.
Cambrils is a corner of silence to which those who get tired of the noisy fun of Salou run away. This resort is also called "fisherman's" for its freshest fish delicacies, which the locals often pamper their guests with.

Costa del Maresme

A resort region that begins immediately when leaving Barcelona in a northerly direction. It is located between the railway and highways and urban settlements of local residents. Covers all coastal beaches that stretch along the coastline to Blanes. The features of this region are quiet harbors, in which there are almost no winds. This peace of mind is provided mountain slopes, decorated with gardens that bear fruit almost all year round. This region was nicknamed by the locals as the "fruit coast". It unites the following settlements:

Costa Brava

Another most popular resort region located in the northern suburbs of Barcelona. It unites all the coastal settlements of the province of Gerona. It is difficult to characterize these places in any one direction, since the cream is collected here that can turn a vacation in Barcelona in the summer into fabulous journey. The Costa Brava is both fishing villages and the top attractions of Barcelona, this is nature reserves, and state-of-the-art entertainment centers. Residence of Salvador Dali, Cap de Creus nature reserve, Montserrat mountain with its famous architectural masterpieces, and viewing platforms, which offer stunning views of the Pyrenees, Tibidabo and Mallorca - all this awaits tourists in the Costa Brava region, the most popular resort towns which are:

Blanes is the center of hotel diversity, among which suddenly appear Botanical Garden Marimutra, and a little far from the city, Marineland dolphinarium awaits tourists.
Lloret de Mar is a truly international youth resort center, where the largest concentration of Russian-speaking tourists is observed annually, and the proximity of France and the abundance of nightlife, gambling and entertainment venues greatly affect the atmosphere that reigns here.
Tossa de Mar is the exact opposite of Lloret de Mar, where a quiet, family atmosphere reigns, made possible by a neat bay that hides the coast from the noisy neighbors of the youth resort. Calmness on the beach is provided by rocky shores, on which a beautiful architectural ensemble, Known As The Old Village Fortress.

Another Barcelona

Few people know that in the capital of Catalonia you can not only make the most profitable purchases or sunbathe on the most beautiful beaches. There is also an opportunity for recreation in the mountains. Such a prospect may please skiers, since there are three ski resorts in the vicinity of Barcelona - Masela, Andora Grandvalira and Molina, two of them (Molina and Masela) are often combined into one complex, which is called Alp2500. Since Barcelona is rarely associated with skiing, there are usually few people here and very affordable prices. So do not deprive yourself of a great opportunity in winter time enjoy snowy Barcelona.

Without any doubt, will become one of the best memories of your life. Barcelona has been a leader among the best cities in the world for visiting tourists from all over the world for several decades. Barcelona is not just a beautiful city, it is a whole country that attracts vacationers with a variety of ways to relax. Visit Barcelona once and you will definitely keep it in your heart.

Vacationers seeking to get to the Mediterranean coast will be pleasantly surprised by the comfort and reasonable prices of Barcelona, pleasing even in the peak season. Tour operators offer a wide variety of travel options. Spanish coast with the opportunity to see a lot of interesting things. Holidays in Barcelona are not tied only to the sea, you can relax here in the way that only you like.

Vacationers never leave Barcelona without shopping, lots of things to see and hear and incredible adventures. Holidays in Barcelona will give you an acquaintance with the magnificent architecture, the opportunity to visit interesting excursions, immerse yourself in the world of gambling football and even a chance to go skiing.

To make your holiday in Barcelona filled with impressions, learn more about the opportunities that hospitable Barcelona offers its tourists from this article.

The best places to stay

To decide where is the best place to relax in Barcelona, you need to decide what is the main purpose of your trip to this city. If you have planned summer rest in Barcelona, you will surely think about the sea and relaxing on the beach. At the same time, such a holiday in Barcelona will not be deprived of the opportunity to wander through museums or buy a dream dress. Everything you dreamed of when planning your holiday in Barcelona is within walking distance. Here is a summary of the best places in the main tourist destination that attracts the most tourists here - a beach holiday in Barcelona.

The seafront is dotted with hotels and resorts just like the night sky is dotted with stars. It is very difficult to understand what to be guided by when choosing a particular place of rest. A beach holiday in Barcelona offers a choice: to settle in the center and use the beach within the city, or go a little further away, with no less popular places to stay.

Holidays in Barcelona are preferred in the following places

Barcelona has a huge number of parks, 4.5 km of excellent beaches, a lot of decent restaurants, outrageous bars and coffee shops, and countless interesting museums. In general, you will not be bored in this city.

Urban :

barceloneta
Sant Sebastia
Nova Ikaria
rich man
Playa del Paseo Maritimo
Mar Bella
La Nova Mar Bella

The most famous resorts located near Barcelona are:

Costa del Garraf
Costa Dorada
Costa del Maresme

You can relax with pleasure in any of these suburbs of Barcelona. Wide beaches, hidden coves, wild beaches - all this can be found near Barcelona.

When planning a budget for a holiday in Barcelona, one should not forget that this metropolitan city. Prices in Barcelona are noticeably different from those offered in the suburbs. But in Barcelona you can have an inexpensive and interesting time.

You can find up-to-date information about the average price tags in the Catalan capital, which will help you plan your Spanish travel budget in advance.

How to choose a hotel for your holiday in Barcelona

It is better to plan a vacation in a hotel based on the comfort of living in it: convenient location, online reputation and the range of services provided. Everything about Barcelona hotels and when is the best time to come to Barcelona, we told in our

Budget, but high-quality accommodation options in Barcelona - in our selection with

Barcelona sightseeing absolutely for everyone

Barcelona will surprise you with a variety of sightseeing offers. Very often you want to see as much as possible during your first visit. It would probably be a rash move. Best to start with sightseeing tour around town. Believe me, you will be introduced to the most iconic places: the main arteries of the city and the famous buildings located on them, Plaza de España and Plaza Catalunya, Mount Montjuic and the Gothic Quarter, the Cathedral and the Sagrada Familia…

Tour buses

Tour buses will definitely stop at every sight, you can walk nearby or visit museums. Sightseeing buses are equipped with a language guide system in 10 languages, Russian is also one of them.

You can travel around the city on buses of two companies: Barcelona Bus Turistic and Barcelona City-Tour. The services offered by these companies to vacationers will cost 28€ for an adult for 1 day, 16€ for children from 4 to 12, if you have planned a more intense program and want to use bus services for 2 days, then an adult ticket will cost 38€ (21€ - for children from 4 to 12 years old).

You can take the bus service to different places Barcelona. However, the most popular place landing is Plaza Catalunya.

Buses start moving at 9.00, and finish depending on the season, in summer - 20.00, and in winter - 19.00.

We wrote detailed information about Bas Touristik Barcelona

This way of getting to know Barcelona is the most correct, because during the sightseeing trip you will be able to make your own list of preferences and already navigate through it in the next days of rest. It is better to plan your holiday in Barcelona in advance.

Keep in mind that there are always huge queues at the box office. To avoid them, we advise you to buy tickets in advance via the Internet.

Individual excursions

The best way to get comfortable in an unfamiliar city is to walk around it with a person who has lived here for many years. If you want to put your time and money to good use, as well as get the most complete and vivid impressions of the city, this is your option.

We are not campaigning for a crowd of tourists blindly following a guide with a flag in his hand. We are talking about something else. You really need at first a person who can give useful advice and guidance for further exploration of Barcelona already on their own.

You can also save time by using our

The site also contains a complete list of the city's attractions, which can help you choose the museums that are relevant to you and not only. Full list sights of Barcelona you can see

Are you planning a trip to Barcelona this year? Let's go through all the points - from tickets and visas to all sorts of things, for example, what you can bring from Spain as a keepsake!

First of all, why Barcelona?

To facilitate the task, we have compiled for you the TOP 3 verified sites where you can select a tour yourself, bypassing persistent managers:

Where is the best holiday in Spain?

Traditionally, adherents of cultural and educational pastime go to the very heart of the country - the city of Madrid; listen in admiration to the architectural heritage of Barcelona; they choose calm Cordoba and amazing Granada, which still remembers the era of the Reconquista, as an object of deep study and inspiration.

Fans of lying on the beach and swinging on the waves are faced with a dilemma, where is the best place to relax in Spain by the sea. The "passive" part flies to the islands - Baleor (Majorca) or Canary (Tenerife) - and the "active" part moves to northeast coast- Costa Brava, Alicante, Costa Dorada.

You must have guessed where those who want to combine the first with the second (cultural and beach holidays) rush. To the most visited city in Spain - Barcelona, where thousand years of history connects with the seaside resort drive!

Gothic Quarter in Barcelona

How to get to Barcelona cheaply on your own?

Of course, by plane. Well, only if you are not staying in neighboring Andorra, from where you can make a trip to the capital of Catalonia by car. 🙂

Cheap plane tickets to Barcelona from Moscow, as well as from any other major city, can be found using services that compare airline offers:

A variety of additional features make the search for air tickets even more convenient and fast. For example, using the calendar low prices, you will find out how much a ticket to Barcelona costs by months, and you will see that the most profitable price for a ticket to Spain, if you take the season, will be in August or September.

And also, consider flights to Spain with low-cost airlines. Here is just an option from Ryanair - a direct flight from the Estonian capital to Spanish possessions in the high season for ≈ 2800 rubles. An ideal option for Petersburgers, because in the end a ticket from St. Petersburg to Barcelona will cost 5,100 rubles. (including a train ticket to Tallinn) instead of 10,000 rubles.

Tip: think over the transfer from the airport in advance, because. often attempts to get to the center of Barcelona with taxi prices for unprepared tourists cost a pretty penny.

For those who are with a company: you can also consider an individual transfer - it is beneficial for 4-5 people and saves time.

How long is the flight to Barcelona?

Direct flight from Moscow - 4.5 hours. Getting by plane to Barcelona from St. Petersburg will take about 4 hours. We also have a detailed article about the flight time to Barcelona from other Russian cities.

However, if you want to get to Spain in a more budgetary way, you will have to take a flight with a transfer, because. they are usually cheaper. On average, waiting connecting airport(Riga, Istanbul, Chisinau, Warsaw) takes from 2 hours. So, answering the question of how long it takes to fly to Barcelona with a transfer, we advise you to prepare for a long wait of at least 6 hours. The main airlines flying to the capital of Catalonia are Aeroflot, AirBaltic, Turkish Airlines, LOT, FlyOne.

As for the time difference with Moscow, Barcelona is only an hour behind ours.

Ryanair is the #1 airline for the budget traveler

Tourist visa to Spain 2019

Having purchased the cherished tickets, we solve the following question - do Russians need a visa to Spain in 2019? Of course yes. The country is part of the Schengen area, respectively, you need to get a Schengen visa.

Everyone can collect documents for a Spanish visa:

bank card statement
accommodation reservation
certificate of employment
flights to Spain
1 photo, copies of the passport of the Russian Federation and foreigner.

Study the preliminary sample application form for a Schengen visa to Spain and, having grabbed a package with all ticket certificates, go to an accredited Visa Center. Suggest addresses:

Moscow: Letnikovskaya st. 11/10, building 1
St. Petersburg: Liteiny prospect 26, office 106A
Yekaterinburg: st. Karl Liebknecht 22, office 305
Novosibirsk: st. Lenina 52, office 406
Kazan: st. Galaktionova, 6

For Russians, a visa to Spain with fees will cost about 3,500 rubles, and registration will take about 5-10 days.

We take the funicular (€11) to Montserrat

What to see in Barcelona in 1 day? What to see in 3 days? 🙂

So, if you have only one day to explore the capital of Catalonia, then it will be… mega-full! It is unlikely that you would prefer to spend it on the beach. After all, the sea is the sea, but the city itself cannot be compared with anything else. Therefore, in order to see at least a part of what Barcelona is famous for, we arm ourselves in advance with a city map with sights, and at the same time with a metro map of Barcelona in Russian (you can’t figure it out on the spot without this) and note the following points.

We are impressed by the colossal dimensions of the imagination of the architect Gaudí, inspired by the concept of the garden city, and admire the panoramic view of all of Barcelona.

An important point: tickets are purchased on the official website of the park, the cost is € 7.5.

Photo from our trip to Barcelona (Park Güell - July 2016)

Sagrada Familia, or more famous version - Sagrada Familia. Another creation of Gaudi, from the outside it looks like a fairy-tale sand castle, but not at all because it has been built since 1882 to this day. From the inside - this is a functioning temple in which services are held. Ticket price from 15 euros.

La Rambla Boulevard. Always crowded with tourists during the day, at night the city's famous pedestrian street turns into the center of a crazy nightlife (which is a significant part of what Barcelona is famous for). What the buildings of the 18th century framing it do not see. 🙂

Fruit, jamon, spices, in a word, everything that is brought from Barcelona as a gift, you will find a stone's throw from La Rambla, along with the atmosphere of a truly Spanish bazaar, moreover, the 19th century.

However, prices for Boquerias are nowhere higher due to the constant flow of tourists.

Located nearby and Gothic Quarter- an island of the Middle Ages in a modern city.

The ideal ending of the mission called “what to see in Barcelona in 1 day” would be singing fountain show on a hill Montjuic and a ride on the funicular for the stunning landscape of the evening city.

Magic Fountain on Montjuic - summer show starts at 21.30

Well, if you decide to explore Barcelona in 3 days, then we supplement the sights map with morning promenades on the beach, leisurely walks through gastronomic establishments and daytime and evening thematic routes, conditionally named:

Gaudi Day. In detail, we are surprised at the flight of imagination of the Catalan genius of architecture, adding to the Park Güell and Sagrada Familia the houses of Mila and Batllo - a kind of fairy-tale kingdoms - and Montjuic Park, where the National Museum of Art of Catalonia and the castle-fortress itself are also worth appreciating.

Gothic Day. We indulge in the impressions of the narrow medieval streets Gothic Quarter, along the way, looking at the Picasso Museum, at the King's Square with the Royal Palace and at the Four Cats cafe, which was dearly loved by Gaudi and Pablo. Breathing in the cheerful air central street La Rambla, heading to the Spanish village (on Montjuic again) and seeing the whole of Spain in miniature.

Tibidabo Day. We rush from the Barcelona lowlands up to Mount Tibidabo, first on the Blue Tram, and then on the funicular through oldest park attractions of Europe, the Temple of the Sacred Heart and to the highest point of Barcelona - the Torre de Collserola television tower, where from the 10th floor you can see the city at a glance.

With this itinerary, Barcelona will appear before you in all its glory in 3 days. 🙂 Also, if you are flying for 3 days, don't forget to spend time on the Mediterranean beach.

Where to go from Barcelona for 1 day?

If you plan on a large scale, then to neighboring Andorra (the Schengen visa is just in your passport), more compactly - to Montserrat or Port Aventura.

In principle, there are many places you can get out of Barcelona for a day. Read more in our separate article at the link above!

they say that some rocks are like animals - an elephant, a lion and a monkey

Weather in Barcelona

The climate in Catalonia is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and hot and humid summers. If you are not a fan of an overly active sun, but at the same time like to sunbathe, then it is better to go to Barcelona at the beginning or end of the beach season, which lasts from June to September.

In May and June, the weather in Barcelona already favors travelers: the air warms up to +23…+25°С, and the sea temperature does not fall below …+20°С.

The weather in Barcelona in September is the most comfortable for both sunbathing and exploring the city without fear of a burnt nose. The heat in the air is at least +25°С, and the water temperature in the sea pleases +22°С…+24°С.

By the way, we dedicated to the temperature at the peak of the beach season in Barcelona and the weather by months. Still weather affect the price of an air ticket, because it is cheapest to go to Spain from mid-October to early March.

How to get to Barcelona from the airport

The question, of course, is more relevant for those who organize a trip to Barcelona on their own.

In general, it depends on which of the three existing airports you land at.

get there from Barcelona's main airport El Prat to the city center and back, it is most convenient to use the Aerobus shuttles running between Plaça de Catalunya (central square) and terminals 1 and 2. At night, NitBus buses number N16 and N17 will take you to the city from El Prat Airport.

Transfers from Barcelona airport are also available via metro line L9, but it does not run through stations located in the central square area. It is possible to get to the city center from Barcelona Airport on the RENFE train to Passeig de Gràcia station with a subsequent transfer to the metro. Faster ways to get to Barcelona are by renting a car at the airport or by ordering a taxi.

In order to get there from Girona Airport to Barcelona, take the Barcelona Bus. It stops right at the airport and goes to the main bus station of the city, from where the metro is 5 minutes away. The next transfer options from Girona Airport to the center of Barcelona are renting a car immediately after getting off the plane or the RENFE train, but for this you first need to get to Girona itself by bus. The most expensive trip will cost a taxi, however, this option is always available.

How to get there from Reus airport to Barcelona? Bus company Hispano Igualadina. You will find it at the exit of the arrivals terminal. The flight will take you to the Barcelona Sants bus station, located next to the metro. Well, if you first reach the center of Reus, then you can go to Barcelona by train.

An independent trip to Barcelona will require a separate consideration of the issue of accommodation.

Hotels, inns, hostels, hastels, apartments, apartments - there are countless places to stay in Barcelona. All available offers can be found on the website:

Parents who intend to relax with their child for a week or two will be helped to decide on a hotel by real reviews and photos on the site. Sort the results according to the main requirements - a location near the sea, a family room and a quiet area - and explore the options in detail. But remember that rooms are quickly sold out, and prices rise sharply, especially during the peak of the beach season.

If you are flying with a company or a large family, and besides long term, it makes sense to rent an apartment. In this case, your faithful assistant is Airbnb, where you can cheaply rent accommodation in Barcelona without intermediaries, because. the owners themselves offer whole houses, villas, rooms and apartments of your choice. On average, an apartment in Barcelona is the Velvet season in September will cost 3500 rubles per day. In July-August prices are slightly higher.

Tip: worried about how to navigate in a completely unfamiliar Barcelona? Specify the host language filter and Airbnb will offer you accommodation options with Russian citizens. We are sure that compatriots will not refuse a short introductory excursion. 🙂

But still, the answer to the question of where it is better to live in Barcelona also depends on the area. We will briefly tell you about the most popular quarters of the city.

Any guidebook, however, like us, will begin the description of Barcelona's districts with the famous one. Located next to the sea, more precisely, right by the sea, together with the beach of the same name, it is the object of attention not only for tourists who prefer to spend hours in the sun in a lying position, but also for perky club lovers. Families with children are better off looking for another option where to stay in Barcelona if they are interested in a good night's sleep.

Barceloneta beach is the busiest and not particularly clean.
Much better on neighboring San Sebastia or Bogatell

Close to the coast, but away from its noisy rumble is the area El Born (El Born). A combination of tranquility and historical sights, trendy boutiques and affordable restaurants, this is the perfect place to live in Barcelona for shopping and cultural enthusiasts.

Gothic Quarter- the "heart" of the districts of Barcelona. It is unlikely that you will be able to rent inexpensive accommodation or book a hotel here, after all, the very center of the city, nevertheless, the narrow streets of Barri Gotic will appeal to any category of tourists.

Traditionally, the places of mass visit in Barcelona in the summer are the beaches. In the daytime, they are crowded with both tourists and locals who suffer to cool off in the sea during the summer heat. In the evening, they turn into a 4-kilometer sandy strip, illuminated by the lights of nightclubs. Not without reason, many travelers are more likely to find hotels near the beach in Barcelona.

Here we will describe best beaches Barcelona, each of which can be characterized by the word "most ...". About the rest (in a word, no worse) places for sunbathing - and there are 10 of them in the city - we will tell in a separate article. In the same place, all the beaches of Barcelona were marked on the map.

By the way, a pleasant moment: the capital of Catalonia does not know what paid beaches are - access to the coast is absolutely free.

The longest (and therefore a lot of space) - Sant Sebastia beach(Sant Sebastia). In addition, it is also the cleanest, although all beach holiday destinations are cleaned of debris daily. Reviews of tourists say that the sand here is not so fine, there are also pebbles in the sea. Sant Sebastia is dearly loved by young people for the atmosphere of constant fun, and can even compete with another "mecca" of parties - Barceloneta beach.
The most organized Bogatell beach(Bogatell). Separated on both sides by breakwaters, it is a fairly compact, 700 meters long line of golden sand. However, there are safes for storing things, and a rescue point, and showers with toilets and changing cabins, and land and water activities.
The most popular - Barceloneta beach(Barceloneta). IN high season there is literally nowhere for an apple to fall, day and night. Our recommendations: want to feel the pulse Spanish city? Go swimming and sunbathing at Barceloneta!
The most "outspoken" Mar Bella beach(Mar Bella). In the photo it looks like a place equipped for relaxing by the sea, however, be careful if you do not want, so to speak, to see too much. Nudist beaches in Barcelona are not uncommon. 🙂

The beaches near Barcelona are also worth mentioning. To the north of the Catalan capital, the Costa del Maresme in the cities of Calella and Pineda de Mar are worth a visit, and, of course, the sandy lines of the Costa Brava in the town of Lloret de Mar.

Beautiful beaches can also be found in the south, especially on the Costa Dorada. The nearest beach on the way is Castelldefels beach, which is connected to the city by a direct train. Near Barcelona are the beaches of the province of Tarragona with a particularly popular city of Salou, where, in addition to picturesque mounds of sand, Port Aventura amusement park awaits tourists.

Almost all the beaches of Barcelona are wide, sandy and with entertainment:
sports grounds, volleyball nets and children's corners

Prices in Barcelona 2019

How much will a holiday in Barcelona cost at 2019 prices?

We have already studied how to get to Barcelona cheaply and where to rent cheap accommodation (see previous sections). It remains to deal with other costly items of any trip - the prices of food and transport.

Food prices in Barcelona 2019

Let's start with food in shops and supermarkets, in case the prices in Barcelona restaurants seem too high to you, and a small kitchen is just crammed into the apartments. 🙂 Well, or you just wanted to cook on your own or have a bite to eat on the way to the beach.

I must say that Barcelona offers quite reasonable prices for food, in comparison with other large cities of its Schengen neighbors.

Fruit in a glass ≈ 2 €
Milk (1 l) ≈ 1 €
Cheese (1 kg) ≈ from 10 €
Bottle of water (1.5 l) ≈ 0.5 €
Fresh fish (1 kg) ≈ from 10 €
Wine (bottle) ≈ 2.5 €

P.S. All food prices are current for 2019.

Another place to eat inexpensively in Barcelona is, of course, the market. Visit one of the oldest in the country - the Boquería market - and taste those Spanish products that you should definitely bring with you! jamon, different kinds cured and smoked sausages, blue cheese - everything can be bought cheaply near La Rambla.

A glass of sangria in a cafe on the Rambla - € 5

Prices in restaurants and cafes in Barcelona

On average, a lunch in a cafe costs ≈ 11 € per person, while for dinner you will have to pay about 20 €.

Restaurants, of course, have less favorable prices, especially in places crowded with tourists. By modest standards, an evening meal starts from 30 € per person.

In general, what to try from food in Barcelona? Definitely worthy of note:

first - cooling gazpacho
for the second - paella with seafood
for dessert - churros
well, for a drink - sangria, and for a snack - tapas! 🙂

All these dishes and drinks you will find in restaurants and cafes in Barcelona at completely different prices. As a rule, in the menu of gastronomic establishments focused on tourists, they tend to rise with the approach of the high season.

Tip on where to eat cheap in Barcelona: Keep an eye out for restaurants and cafes where the locals eat. Most often, they are located in branches from the main streets. The cost of food there is much lower!

One of these establishments is Macchina,
where you can "collect" a plate of pasta for €5-9

How much is a taxi in Barcelona

Metro, buses, including tourist ones, offering special prices for excursions, trams and even funiculars - public transport in Barcelona is widely represented. The fare on it fluctuates around 2.5 €, which, however, cannot be compared with a taxi ride.

However, you need to have an idea of how much a taxi costs in Barcelona in order not to run into overly profit-hungry drivers. By the way, you are unlikely to have to call a taxi by phone, because. in each area there are so-called taxi stations where cars are waiting. You can just vote on the road. Taxis in Barcelona are recognizable by their black and yellow paint job and a light at the top that turns green when the car is available.

For example, taxi prices to Barcelona from the airport are approximately 50 €, and around the city - 9.5 €.

But there is also a cheap taxi option. What do we have there with Uber in Barcelona? 🙂 Payment is per km in motion and per minute if the car is standing still (at a traffic light, in a traffic jam, waiting for a client). But in the end, through this application, a taxi will be cheaper than trips with official carriers.

Car rental in Barcelona - prices

In most cases, tourists rent a car at Barcelona Airport, where the points of the main car rental companies - Hertz, Europcar, Avis are located.

Their offices are also located in the city itself, so there is always the opportunity to rent a vehicle by presenting international driving license and a passport. Car rental in Barcelona costs around 20 to 150 € per day. Do not be alarmed by such a large spread, the upper limit is indicated in case you decide to rent a convertible, in Barcelona this happens.

Holidays in Barcelona 2019 - reviews of tourists

Who will doubt that the numerous rave reviews of tourists about Barcelona reflect the real picture of a holiday on the coast?

However, carried away by the rhythm of the city and its entertainment, the traveler can easily fall into euphoria and go into all serious trouble, and in the end be left with an empty wallet. Even if you are not the first time in Barcelona, useful tips and live hacks will not hurt anyone!

So what do you need to know if this is your first time in the capital of Catalonia, based on reviews of Barcelona in 2019?

Tips from experienced tourists say that if the traveler intends to actively use public transport, the T-10 travel card will significantly save his travel expenses. It costs 10.20 euros.
The question arose of what to visit and what to leave next time, due to the biting prices for entry to cultural objects? The Barcelona Card gives you a discount on both transportation and sightseeing in the city.
In order not to pay a commission for currency conversion at Barcelona ATMs, the reviews of tourists suggest that you come with cash, at least for the first time.
Information for your safety - always be on the lookout in crowded places, and especially on La Rambla. This is a favorite place of thieves and bred!
Despite the millions of visitors, not everyone knows English among the locals, mostly young people.
Spain is a country that legally breaks for a midday siesta, it really is.

If you take into account the above parting words from experienced tourists, your feedback on your holiday in Barcelona will be extremely positive. 🙂

What language is spoken in Barcelona

In case there are misunderstandings with the local population, and attempts to communicate in English or in the local dialect remain unsuccessful, remember that, unlike all of Spain, the official language in Barcelona is not only Spanish, but also Catalan. You can learn a couple of basic phrases. 🙂

Shopping in Barcelona

Be sure to put in the budget for your holiday in Barcelona for 2019 the column “shopping expenses”. Believe me, you will not be able to resist and look into the local departments of a paradise for shopaholics, because this city is one of the fashion capitals of Europe.

And where there is one store, there is another - shopping in Barcelona is addictive!

The giants, beckoning with a huge neon sign outside and hundreds of luxury and mass-market brands from the inside, are dispersed throughout the Catalan capital, but they cluster strategically in the center, preventing even the most sophisticated layman from passing.

Reviews of shopping in Barcelona are not complete without mentioning the largest and most famous shopping center El Corte Ingles, which has absorbed shoe stores, spans of women's, men's and children's clothing, accessories boutiques, sports goods departments and huge supermarket areas into its 12 floors. Note: El Corte Inglés in Barcelona has everything from a can of chopped tomatoes to an exclusive handkerchief. So, for souvenirs from Barcelona - here!

Under the definition of a shopping center in Barcelona falls at least a dozen more of its counterparts (Maremagnum, Diagonal Mar, El Triangle). By the way, if you want to buy as many different "memorabilia" as possible to the maximum, they have already come up with optimal route on the Barcelona Shopping Line bus. A ticket costs about 10€, and from 7 am to 10 am you will be driven from one shopping mecca to another, saving time and money on travel.

Shopping streets in Barcelona

Not satisfied with the Armani boutique located next to Zara? Do you want the mini-realms of Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Prada to follow, and at the end to showrooms of not so famous, but promising Spanish designers? Then you are straight to La Diagonal - a kind of quarter (or street) of expensive shopping in the heart of the city.

Shopping streets in Barcelona are most often found in the central area. Passeig de Gracia is a place of “cohabitation” of elite boutiques and mass market. If you are interested in buying a vintage hat, welcome to Riera Baixa. A good and inexpensive brand for young people can be found on Carrer de Palai.

Outlet in Barcelona

Perhaps if you went to the thematic forum and skimmed through the reviews of shopping in Barcelona, you would pay attention to a certain trading village that is mentioned every other time. In other words, outlet.

Outlets Barcelona discovered not so long ago. They are rural areas where all the brands available in Spain are represented. What is the difference from malls other than location?

Prices for clothes and shoes of famous brands in such places are much lower. And in general, goods are sold at a discount all year round. The fact is that the remains of past collections, unsold items and items from fashion shows flock to the outlets.

An example of a real Spanish country fashion village is La Roca Village. There will be no questions about how to get there, despite the 40 km separating from the city, the train from the Sants station will take you to the outlet in half an hour.

Sales in Barcelona 2019

We think that no extra words are needed here, the largest European sales are known to everyone. Most of of what tourists bring from Spain falls on rebajas (Spanish sale), which are held twice a year and boldly declare discounts of up to 70%.

Summer sales in Barcelona 2019 start in July and last until the end of August. In winter, they start in January and end in early March.

How many tax free in Spain - TAX FREE in Barcelona and how to get it back?

Keep a cool head until you leave the city. The joy of a thorough shopping can be multiplied a little more!

You have probably heard about a system that allows you to get back a percentage of the amount of purchases abroad, and not only in Spain. Tax Free is a value added tax (VAT) refund service. Interestingly, the tax itself is 21%, but the free tax is approximately 10-15%. But such rates are also nothing, right? Especially if you have come off in shopping centers to the fullest. 🙂

There are two companies in Spain that offer tax free service. global blue and Premier Tax Free. You can easily identify the shops they work with by the blue sticker with the name of the company on the windows.

How much tax can be refunded? Only purchases over €90.16 made in one place are eligible for tax free refunds in Spain and Barcelona. Moreover, with Global Blue, they do not have to be one-time. For example, you can go to a boutique and buy shoes for 60 €, and later in the evening, realizing that without that handbag they will be sad, go back and buy another 50 €. In this case, tax free also remains in force, most importantly, do not lose your receipt.

The store employees will give you a Tax Refund Check form, which you need to fill out (you will need passport details), attach a check and certify with the signature of the seller. Remember that without receipts for purchases, a tax refund will not work!

As in all of Spain, the return of tax free in Barcelona is carried out in several ways - in special centers in the city, upon departure from the country and upon returning home.

There are three offices in the capital of Catalonia, where you can contact within 10 days after making purchases. Have a uniform, passport and a credit card, not a debit card, with you. Here you will be paid interest in cash and returned to the hands of the Tax Refund Check along with the envelope. Do not forget to put a customs stamp on the form at the airport certifying that you are leaving European Union, put it in an envelope and throw it in the mailbox. Otherwise, after 21 days, the money will be debited from your card.

Return of tax free in Barcelona at the airport is carried out in cash or by transfer to any bank card. When stamped on customs control Please note that staff may ask you to show your purchases, so keep all packaging and tags. At the tax free station at the airport, you will be issued with your preferred method of receiving money and will pick up the form here.

Upon arrival from Barcelona, a tax free refund is also possible. Be sure to stamp the check at the airport upon departure, and then send it by mail from Russia to the address indicated. The money will come to your card within a month and a half.

Solving the dilemma of where is the best holiday in Spain with children in a crowded tourist city or on a calm sea coast, we would choose the first option, in particular, Barcelona. Why?

Firstly, the very adjective "tourist" already hints that the city is rich not only in cultural and educational activities for adults, but also in entertainment for children. Tibidabo Park, the largest aquarium in Europe, a zoo where you can ride a children's train, the show of the Singing Fountains on Montjuic - there is definitely something for a young traveler to do.

Secondly, a holiday in Barcelona with children will not cause you any inconvenience in terms of moving with a stroller. It is not so easy to see the sights of the city with a 2-year-old child in your arms. However, Barcelona has fully adapted to the needs of tourists with kids, providing for ramps, descents from pedestrian crossings, elevators in the subway and platforms in buses.

Thirdly, unlike the beaches near Barcelona, the city's beaches are often more suitable for sunbathing with children. The entrance to the water is gentle, under the feet - the smallest sand without debris. Specially organized playgrounds do not let you get bored.

And yet, where is better with children on vacation in Spain? We will say that equipped large cities on the coast are suitable for a comfortable stay with a small tourist. It is better not to go to the islands of Spain.

How much money to take to Spain

First, you need to decide what currency is in Spain now. Do not be surprised, the country only switched to the Schengen monetary standard only in the 2000s. Previously, before the euro, Spain's money was expressed in pesetas. 🙂

So, money currency kingdoms (that's what it sounds like official name states) - euro. Exchange rate to the ruble for January 2019:

1€ = 78 rubles

When calculating how much money to take to Spain, proceed from the calculation of about 50 € for two per day. About 40€ is enough for us. This figure is for budget holiday, and provided that the accommodation has already been paid (or part of the money has been set aside). Enough for about lunch at a cafe, visiting a paid attraction, traveling on the subway, shopping in grocery store. Three meals a day in restaurants, together with global shopping, will require additional investments, above the specified minimum.

Currency exchange in Spain

Whatever currency in Spain you have with you besides the euro (rubles or dollars), there may be problems with its exchange, and quite significant ones.

The bank, in most cases, does not have a cash exchange window for tourists from the street, as in Russia, but exchange office unlikely to offer a favorable exchange rate. Rather, it will cause bewilderment how overnight the Spanish currency against the ruble can soar by ten percent!

Ideally, it is better to first exchange rubles for euros at home. Another good option is to have some of the money in cash. local currency(i.e. euro), and part - to store on the card in rubles, and, if necessary, withdraw from ATMs. There will be an automatic conversion with less loss than when using the services of exchange offices.

If suddenly there is a large amount of euros left, in Spain the currency exchange, of course, takes place in reverse side- from euros to rubles - but, again, with predatory claims from the exchanger.

Mobile communication in Spain

The issue of communication when organizing a trip to Barcelona is quite common. As in all of Spain, mobile operators in Barcelona are represented by three large companies and a dozen small ones. What is better to choose?

In general, based on the advice of tourists about mobile communications in Spain, preference should be given to the main players in the communications services market. Firstly, their salons are more common on the way, and secondly, among the SIM cards there are definitely so-called prepago (prepaid) cards.

Such is the peculiarity of the country that tourists are content with a separate category of "prepaid" SIM cards, which offer less favorable rates. A “contract” SIM card is only available if you have a Spanish residence permit.

For Russian travelers who want to send news about themselves to their homeland every day, Vodafone is suitable. Operating on almost the entire land area of the kingdom, it offers to communicate with relatives for 50 euro cents per minute. But if you try and connect the “My Country” tariff, then the cost can be reduced to 10 euro cents.

Movistar, despite being the most popular operator, offers a limited number of prepaid plans. But even those are good either for calls or for accessing the Internet. Alas, there is no successful combination of both services for a moderate fee.

The most profitable mobile operator in Spain, according to tourists, is Orange. Cheap communication is provided by the Mundo tariff, which is focused precisely on intercountry negotiations and messages. An international call from Spain to Russia will cost about 10 euro cents per minute.

Mobile Internet in Spain

The above cellular operators also provide services mobile internet in Spain. When connected, all prepaid tariffs come with a basic amount of megabytes, but they will be enough for whatsapp correspondence during the holidays.

Do not rely on the power of the Spanish Wi-Fi. Although the same Barcelona is decorated everywhere with blue “wifi here” signs, you will most likely have time to eat twice before the Google page loads. Still, for reliable Internet in Spain, a SIM card from a local operator is a necessary thing.

Also Lately we actively use the universal DrimSim SIM card, which changes the operator depending on the country. In many countries, for example in Spain, 1 MB costs 0.01 euros. Click the link to get 7 euros to your account >>

What tourists bring from Spain

This section is so large that first you need to indicate what to take with you to Spain so that there is room for gifts in your suitcase. 🙂

Documents (passports, insurance, tickets, housing reservations) and money
Clothing: keep it to a minimum if you are going in the summer! Moreover, you can buy in outlets and sales
Shoes: It is enough to have sandals, flip-flops and, possibly, sneakers. Many streets are lined with old paving stones, which presents some difficulties for walking in heels 🙂
Beach accessories: swimwear, creams, panama hats - yes, voluminous towels - no. They are provided in hotels or bought for a penny in the markets.
Think carefully about what to take with you to Spain from medicines. Collect the best first aid kit.
From personal hygiene products - a toothbrush, moisturizer, deodorant. Soaps, gels, pastes, shampoos, again, are in hotels. Or buy locally.
The rest is up to you. Better yet, get by with the above, saving space for souvenirs 🙂

So, what to bring from Spain from products?

Extra virgin olive oil: because Spain is climate perfectly adapted to grow the best olives.

Spices: cinnamon, paprika, nutmeg and of course saffron. But for the latter, you will have to pay a larger amount, because. he is considered the king of Spanish spices and condiments.

Jamon: Beloved by gourmets around the world, dried pork hams are hung in the butchers of the country, luring tourists with their black (Iberico) or white (Serrano) hooves. How much jamon can you bring from Spain? How much will fit in a suitcase or bag. 🙂 It is advisable to take gastronomic cargo in luggage, if only because the average pork leg will come out 6-7 kilograms. And take care of vacuum packaging, so as not to inadvertently tempt the smell of porters at the airport.

Cheeses Manchego and Cabrales: the first - aged sheep's milk cheese - the national pride of the country. The second - with blue mold - is a national treasure.

Fuet: Continuing with the mold theme, once you taste thin pork sausages under a layer of white edible mold, you will understand that they are definitely worth a place in your luggage.

Spanish wines: fortified sherry, fruity sangria and sparkling Catalan cava.

Photos from our trip to Barcelona - July 2016

What can be brought from Spain for a longer memory?

Magnets - to replenish the slender army of these on the refrigerator or to give to friends and comrades.

Wineskin - will come in handy on picnics and trips out of town.

Leather products (purses, gloves, bags, belts) - for their unsurpassed quality.

A lace fan full of local color - so that fanning yourself with a bright souvenir here in Russia, you will be transported in memories to hot Spain; and a figurine of a bull - an unofficial symbol of the country, replicated in all the shops.

What cosmetics to bring from Spain?

Professional facial care is represented by the brand Natura Bisse (Natura Bisse), which, oddly enough, is more popular outside the Kingdom of Spain.

The laurels of the leader in the pharmaceutical segment of cosmetics are given to the brand Sesderma (Sesderma), which successfully competes in the global skin care market.

For hair, Lakme brand products are good. In principle, they are also sold in our homeland, but still the producing country offers a wider range at reasonable prices.

As for the budget Spanish brands, pay attention to natural care products from Babaria (Babaria) and decorative cosmetics from Ninelle (Ninel).

What to bring a child from Spain?

Sweets will be a universal option. The most unusual treat in the country is candied violets, which can be bought in Madrid or near the city.

Girls will like dolls in colorful flamenco dresses, wooden fans, castanets. The boys will be delighted with the ball autographed by Ronaldo, or other football symbols (but also autographed 🙂). You can buy, as you know, in Madrid.

Throw ideas what to bring from Barcelona as a gift?

In addition to what we have already described, Barcelona is famous for ... an official store (and at the same time a museum) football club Barcelona. 🙂 All kinds of paraphernalia for fans - scarves, T-shirts, sportswear, etc. - here in great demand!

Wander the shops and workshops in the back streets of the city, craft fairs and exhibitions on central squares. Here you can also find many interesting souvenirs from Barcelona.

In a word, dare, plan and implement! A holiday in Barcelona is worth it. 🙂

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Dozens of different resorts are concentrated in the vicinity of Barcelona, but if you look from the point of view children's recreation, then not all of these resorts are equally well suited for beach holidays, entertainment and excursions. The cleanest coast mediterranean sea can be found in the resort town of Calella, which is located about 50 kilometers from Barcelona and can be reached in about an hour. Many tourists combine holidays in Calella with sightseeing in Barcelona. For a long time it was not a city, but an ordinary fishing village, the tourist infrastructure in which began to develop only in the 60s of the last century. Now the city has many modern hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, entertainment centers and everything else that can satisfy the needs of different categories of tourists.

Due to the subtropical climate reigning in the resort, beach holidays are available from April to October. The city attracts tourists with its beauty, as it is located in a quiet place protected from the winds - at the foot of the hill.

Urban beach line has a length of more than three kilometers and is a clean, well-maintained sand beach, which is divided into several zones with shady alleys. There are several lagoons and rocky areas that are chosen for recreation by those who prefer secluded relaxation. The quality of the local golden beaches is evidenced by the fact that the local beach area is regularly awarded the highest award - blue flag. With the beach infrastructure, everything is in perfect order, every vacationer can find what he needs: restaurants, bars, rental of sun loungers, umbrellas, a large selection of water attractions, playgrounds. From active recreation, you can highlight the opportunity to play volleyball, do aerobics, diving, ride a kayak, go on a short bike trip.

Today, Calella is a popular tourist city with a population of 20 thousand people and every month it can take about 15 thousand vacationers on vacation. You do not have to choose an expensive hotel for your stay, which can significantly hit your budget, there are boarding houses, three-star hotels, campsites, and the opportunity to rent apartments. When choosing, you need to start from the fact that the closer to the sea, the higher the cost, but in any case, the resort has reasonable prices, in Spain there are a lot of resorts where the rest will cost several times higher.

In addition, the resort is not boring, there are a number of interesting (historical) sights, various festivals, carnivals, exhibitions and other events are regularly held, in which everyone can become participants. Particularly popular are large pedestrian zones, which contribute to unhurried and absolutely safe walks around the city. The city has many squares, parks, alleys.

Tourists most often get to Calella from Barcelona Airport, and there are several ways to do this. The cheapest option is the train ride. To do this, directly at the airport, you need to take the train that follows the R2 line. But you won’t get straight to Calella on this train, first you have to change at the Barcelona Sants station. After that, you will need to transfer to the R1 train, which follows to Blanes and makes a stop at the Calella railway station. Trains run frequently and in total the fare will be about 5 euros per person.

Those who are absolutely not oriented in space, do not know any foreign languages will have to use the services of local taxi drivers, but the pleasure is not cheap, you will have to pay more than 100 euros for such a trip (if you decide to go by taxi, then it is better to agree on the cost in advance, so that upon arrival at the destination there are no unnecessary questions).