Barcelona is a bright and colorful city that attracts thousands of tourists from Russia every year. It has everything for a perfect holiday: warm sea, well-groomed beaches, a rich excursion program and a large number of restaurants and nightclubs. The city is also the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia and has an ancient history. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, therefore it is considered an important tourist center not only in Spain, but throughout Europe.
More details about the city, its infrastructure and sights are described in this article. Tourist reviews of Barcelona will also be discussed below.
Main districts of the city
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, second only to Madrid in terms of population. Approximately 1,600,000 people live here. Officially, the city is divided into 10 districts. But the entire tourist infrastructure is concentrated in only three of them. historicalThe center of Barcelona is the Old Town, which is also often called the Gothic Quarter. No less interesting for tourists is the Eixample district, where you can look at the work of the famous architect Gaudi. The building of the streets of Barcelona took place here in the second half of the 19th century. The Maudjik area is another notable place that attracts tourists, located on the slopes of the hill that bears the same name. And for art lovers, travelers recommend in their reviews to definitely visit the Gracia area, where freelance artists and students live.
Where to stay in Barcelona? Tourists in their reviews are advised to focus on their own budget. If you do not plan to save on travel, then you can stay in a luxury hotel in the city center. Then you do not have to spend a lot of time every day on the road. If you are trying to save money, then choose a hotel in the port area or on the outskirts of the city. However, in the reviews, tourists note that if you wish, you can find an inexpensive hotel in the center of Barcelona.
Barcelona climate
The local climate is considered Mediterranean, so summers are warm and humid, and winters are mild and dry. The beach season in Barcelona begins in mid-May, although the sea will not please tourists with hot weather until early June. The air temperature varies from 20 to 25 degrees, and water - from 18 to 20. July and August are traditionally considered the most popular time for relaxation. It is noteworthy that in Barcelona at this time there are more tourists on the streets than local residents. The temperature rises to 30 degrees. The sea warms up to 25. However, travelers in the reviews do not recommend coming to Barcelona at the height of the swimming season. The beaches are crowded with vacationers and the weather is totally unsuitable for sightseeing.
In reviews of Barcelona, tourists are advised to choose September for a holiday. There are fewer vacationers, vouchers are cheaper. The sea is still warm, its temperature is 25 degrees. At the same time, it is already getting noticeably cooler in the evenings, so you can easily visit attractions or museums.
Early spring and late autumn is the perfect time for a sightseeing trip. By the way, Spain is in a different time zone, so the time in Barcelona is different from Moscow. The difference is 1 hour.
Transport infrastructure
Barcelona is a big city, so tourists in the reviews are advised to plan their routes in advance. They also note that the transport infrastructure is very well developed here, and the government has prepared convenient benefits for visitors to save money.
Tourists can move around the city by city trains, buses, trams, taxis or metro. Judging by the reviews, the latter option is the most optimal and budget option for travelers, since most of the attractions are located in the center, so you can move between them on foot. The subway opens at 05:00 and closes at midnight. On Fridays it is open until 02:00. And on Saturday it does not close at all for the night.
How much is the metro in Barcelona? One ticket will cost 2.15 euros (about 165 rubles). Tourists in the reviewsnote that it is much more profitable to purchase a ticket for 10 trips at once, which will cost 10, 30 euros (about 800 rubles). At the same time, it can be used not only to travel by metro, but also by buses, city trains and trams. Also popular with tourists are travel cards, the validity of which is from 2 to 5 days. With their help, visitors can travel around the city an unlimited number of times by metro or bus. The cost of such a pass starts from 14 euros (approximately 1050 rubles).
Among other things, tourists can purchase a ticket for the tour bus. Its itinerary includes the main sights of Barcelona. In the reviews, travelers indicate that such transport is ideal for those who are poorly oriented in unfamiliar places. In addition, tourists can always rent a bike or even a car.
Where to eat tasty and inexpensive in Barcelona?
There are a lot of catering establishments in Barcelona. There are also cheap cafes and restaurants marked with the famous Michelin star. All of them specialize in both national and European and Asian cuisines. Tourists in the reviews positively assess the quality of local service. They point out that the best restaurants are always crowded. Seeing the queue is a good sign that it is worth a visit and the food here is delicious.
If you don't know where to eat tasty and inexpensive in Barcelona, then choose small restaurants located in the city center. The cost of a full meal in them varies from 8 to 20 euros (about 600-1500 rubles). The price also includes drinks. In the morning you can drink coffee or freshly squeezed juice, and in the afternoon or evening - beer or wine.
City hotels
What do tourists say about hotels in Barcelona? Firstly, there are quite a lot of them in the city. There are hotels both in the center and on the outskirts. Secondly, tourists can easily rent a room in both a luxurious and an extremely budget hotel. There are hostels in Barcelona that offer guests only bed and breakfast. And if the budget allows, you can even rent a full-fledged apartment.
The best option, of course, would be a hotel room in the center of Barcelona. Here, as a rule, you can find only respectable institutions, which are located in buildings that are historical monuments. Most of these hotels are open near the main attractions, for example, next to La Rambla. The average cost of living in a double room here is approximately 150 euros (about 11,000 rubles) per night.
In reviews, tourists positively evaluate almost all hotels in Barcelona, noting that even the cheapest of them offer a decent level of service. They liked that there are cheap hotels in the city center, although they need to be booked in advance.
The cheapest way to stay is in hotels located away from the tourist center. In addition, there are many hostels in Barcelona. At the same time, they are supported not only by private traders, but also by the state. The cost of living in them is much cheaper. Pernight you will have to pay only 10 euros (about 765 rubles). Such hostels are open not only on the outskirts of the city, but also near the center.
Barcelona resorts and beaches
Barcelona is a city located on the Mediterranean coast. Therefore, tourists combine sightseeing here with a beach holiday. If you want to save money, you can settle not in the city, but in the nearby resorts of Barcelona. You can always get to the capital of Catalonia by high-speed train. The most popular tourist resorts here are Tarragona, Sitges, Tossa de Mar and Calella.
However, for a good holiday at sea, it is not necessary to choose the resorts of Barcelona. There are worthy sections of the coast on the territory of the city itself. For example, in reviews, travelers especially praise the beaches of Barseloneta, Sant Sebastia, Nova Icaria and others. Small settlements can be advised to tourists who love nature and solitude.
Excursion program: museums and main attractions
First of all, Barcelona is famous for its amazing and colorful architecture, because it is not for nothing that it is called an open-air museum. It was here that the famous architect Gaudi worked, who created many masterpieces for the city. At the same time, most of the attractions of Barcelona are located in the historical center. Tourists in the reviews note that this is quite convenient, since they do not have to spend a lot of time on the road.
The list of interesting places in Barcelona worth visiting can be listeda very long time. Each building in the Old Quarter, for example, has its own history. But still there are significant sights that you can’t miss when traveling. In the reviews, tourists are advised to visit the famous long-term construction of the Sagrada Familia. Be sure to take a walk through the Gothic Quarter, built up with buildings of the XIV-XV centuries. Nearby is the house of Casa Batllo, built according to the plan of Gaudí. In the center, it is worth walking along the pedestrian street La Ramba and climbing the slope of Mount Mantjuic.
A huge number of museums are open in Barcelona. They are dedicated to the history of the city, the culture of Catalonia, science and even football. Some of them tell about the lives of artists who lived and worked in Barcelona. Thus, the museums of Pablo Picasso and Antonio Gaudi are the most popular.
Sagrada Familia
Many tourists consider the unfinished Sagrada Familia to be the most beautiful place in Barcelona. Its construction began at the end of the 19th century. According to the idea of the chief architect Antonio Gaudi, it was to become a unique original temple, unlike any other in the world. The cathedral was to consist of three facades. Gaudi wanted to decorate each of them with four towers up to 120 meters high. Sagrada Familia the architect considered his main work. He has been developing it for over 40 years, and for some time even lived on its territory in a special cell.
At the same time, the construction of the cathedral has not been completed yet. However, this does not prevent thousands of tourists from visiting it at any time of the year. For free they canadmire its appearance. But there is a fee to get inside. In the reviews, tourists are advised to pay for an English-language audio guide at the entrance in order to better understand the history and structure of this original cathedral. The Sagrada Familia will be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Barcelona government plans to complete the cathedral by 2026 to coincide with its opening on the centenary of Gaudí's death.
Casa Batllo
Don't know what to see in Barcelona on your own? Head to the Eixample district, where you can see the most original creations of Antoni Gaudí. For example, the residential building of Casa Batllo. It is also sometimes called the "House of Bones". It is noteworthy that initially the building, built at the end of the 19th century for the Catalan magnate, looked somewhat different. It received a unique appearance only in 1906, when Gaudi took up the reconstruction. At first, they wanted to demolish the building, but the architect decided to keep it, redoing only two main facades. The unique feature of this house is the complete absence of straight lines in its design.
In the reviews, tourists indicate that this is one of the most original buildings in Barcelona, so you should definitely see it. At the same time, not only the external, but also the interior decoration is original. Casa Batllo is open daily for visiting. It is open from 9:00 to 21:00, admission for both children and adults is paid.
La Ramba Pedestrian Street
Tourists who do not know what to see in Barcelona on their own can recommend a walk along La Rambla. She is considerednot only the most popular street of the city, but also a landmark of the whole of Spain. La Rambla stretches from the seaport to the very center of Barcelona - Plaza Catalunya. Its central part is considered pedestrian. There are many cafes and restaurants, flower stalls and souvenir shops. There are always a lot of tourists walking on the street. Having visited La Rambla, you will remember for a long time the atmosphere of general fun that reigns here. Tourists in the reviews speak with admiration about the ancient buildings of the XVI-XVIII centuries, which are located here. They open theaters and museums.
La Rambla itself is conditionally divided into 5 segments. Walking along it, you can also get to other streets of Barcelona. For example, tourists will be interested in Rambla de Canaletes, where fans celebrate the victories of their native football club. And the Rambla San José is worth stopping by for the famous tile signed by artist Joan Miro.
Gothic Quarter
It has already been said above that the Gothic Quarter is considered one of the main attractions of Barcelona. This is the historical center of the city, famous for a huge number of medieval buildings that have been perfectly preserved to this day. Judging by the reviews, tourists were satisfied with visiting this quarter. Most of all, they were impressed by the ancient Cathedral, built in the XIII century, and the central square, which is located on the site of the former Roman forum. In addition, they liked that in the quarter there are not only cultural monuments, but also cozy restaurants andstores.
The main drawback is the huge number of tourists who want to get acquainted with the history of the city. Because of them, the narrow streets of the quarter are sometimes too crowded and crowded. And be sure to set aside some time to visit the Barcelona History Museum.
Park Güell
Park Güell is another spectacular creation by Antoni Gaudí built on the outskirts of Barcelona. In the reviews, tourists enthusiastically describe this place, most of all they like its fantastic architecture. At the entrance to the park you can see two huge gingerbread houses with white roofs resembling icing. On the territory there are playgrounds, fountains, an ice rink, a bar and a bookstore. In the reviews, tourists are advised to take the time and visit the Gaudi Museum, open in the park. It has expositions devoted not only to the life of this great architect, but also to the history of the creation of Güell. Travelers also recommend taking small children with them to the park - they will be delighted with what they see. Park Güell is open to the public all year round. But the entrance to it is paid.
Montjuic
Montjuic is a famous mountain located in the heart of the city. You can visit its parks for free, so in the summer in Barcelona it is especially popular with tourists. On its territory there are many attractions. It also hosted the 1992 Olympic Games and the 1929 World's Fair.
What to see in this area? Tourists in the reviews indicate that it is a must to visitis the National Palace, the entrance to which is decorated with a futuristic fountain. The Museum of Art of Catalonia is also worth a visit, where paintings and sculptures by famous creators of the city are collected. Arriving in Barcelona with children, be sure to visit the Montjuic parks, which are famous for their unique flora and fauna. You can climb the mountain by bus, funicular or cable car.
Barcelona Chocolate Museum
Together with children, you should definitely visit the Chocolate Museum. Of greatest interest here is the exposition, which exhibits the architectural masterpieces of the city, made from different varieties of chocolate. In reviews of Barcelona, tourists also recommend visiting a coffee shop operating at the museum. Delicious desserts made from the finest chocolate are served here. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, Sunday is a day off. Tourists also appreciate the low cost of entrance tickets. In addition, children under the age of 7 can visit the exhibits for free.
Pablo Picasso Museum
One of the main attractions of Barcelona is the museum dedicated to the life and art of Pablo Picasso. Its collection contains about 3,500 works by an outstanding Spanish artist. The most valuable here is the Las Meninas series, which includes 59 paintings from the late period of Picasso's work. In the reviews, tourists note that the museum building itself is worthy of attention. The permanent exhibition is housed in a palace built in the 15th century. The museum itself geographically covers 5 old mansions and occupies most of Moncada Street.
The museum is located in the Gothic Quarter. Heoperates from Tuesday to Sunday. For adults, the entrance to the museum costs about 12 euros (about 950 rubles), but children under 18 can look at Picasso's masterpieces for free. In addition, you can additionally pay for viewing temporary exhibitions if you wish.
Reviews of tourists about the rest in the city and their advice
Judging by the reviews of tourists, time in Barcelona flies by. Most of them liked the city very much, so they would like to come back here again. There are so many attractions here that a short vacation is not always enough to have time to see all of them. In order to rationally allocate their time, tourists recommend purchasing an English-language guide with a map. They note that the Catalans are very friendly and good-natured people, so do not be afraid to approach the locals to ask for directions. However, it is better not to approach strangers at night, especially if you are walking in the La Rambla area. Barcelona is considered a safe city, but sometimes tourists still find themselves in unpleasant situations. If you still become a victim of a robber, then do not be afraid to go to the police. Tourists in the reviews say that she works here extremely efficiently.
Looking for free entertainment in Barcelona? Head to the city center and stroll through the Gothic Quarter or La Rambla. In addition, many museums offer tourists free admission, but only on certain days. Therefore, travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with their schedules in advance in order to save money. You can have fun for free even during the daysmass holidays, when various entertainment events are held on the streets of Barcelona. For example, La Merce is the main holiday of the city, which is traditionally celebrated at the end of September.
