Barcelona has a comprehensive Metro system that is easy to navigate. Purchase tickets from multilingual touchscreen station booths, which cost around AUD$12 for a 10-trip pass. It's the easiest way to get around the city with trains leaving every few minutes and stopping near most of the top attractions. The trains run late every night and for 24 hours on Saturdays.
You can't miss the black and yellow cabs darting in and around the city streets and crowding around the top tourist attractions. There are plenty of them! They offer a metered journey and don’t cost a fortune. However, you might notice that fares increase after 8pm and on Saturdays. Make sure you take your destination address with you to avoid any language hiccups.
Hop-on hop-off tour buses are ideal for getting your bearings. They run on three routes around the city with red covering the North, blue the South and Green running sun-seekers to Barcelona's beautiful beaches during summer. A daily ticket will set you back around AUD$40 and take you on all three lines. Worth it for a full day of adventure.
Explore the essential hotspots up close by walking around Barcelona's magical sites like Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Anyone who has seen the city from above knows it was built with symmetry in mind, so getting lost is tricky. Join a walking tour in your first few days and discover a fun, affordable way to master your city map.
The famous Las Ramblas is a melting pot of street art, musical and theatrical performances, markets and cafe culture. And they're all crammed into just over one kilometre! You could easily spend a whole morning here souvenir shopping and pausing for tapas breaks in between. This heart of the city offers a sensory explosion and is well worth a return visit during your stay.
Barcelona's world famous ‘Barri Gotic' is a stunning representation of Spain's architectural history. Wind your way through a narrow labyrinth of streets, craning your neck up at the medieval facades. The area is also renowned for fabulous shopping. Spend a day here to get the best of both worlds: an insight into a glorious past and some designer indulgences.
This enchanting garden oasis, designed by modernist Gaudi, is a hodgepodge of dream-like architecture. Located 20 minutes walk uphill from Lesseps Metro station you'll be treated to a magnificent view of Barcelona from above. Dedicate half a day to wandering through mosaic buildings and lovely parklands and don't forget to drop into the Gaudi museum before you leave.
For a family day out, head to Montjuic by cable car and visit the charming Spanish model village of Poble Espanyol. Explore a huge variety of architectural styles and culture from all over the country and visit the arts and crafts exhibitions. Go in the afternoon for a chance to see the Magic Montjuic Fountains: an incredible lights and water display nearby.
Jump on a tour bus and spend the morning exploring your surroundings, hopping on and off at the main city sights. Next, head to Las Ramblas and dive headfirst into the amazing cultural and culinary delights this incredible city has to offer. Take your time and soak it all in. Stop for market tapas and enjoy a glass of sangria in the sun. Wander your way down to Placa de Catalunya and discover a treasure trove of ancient sculptures, gorgeous fountains and incredible monuments.
Lose yourself for the whole morning in the spellbinding narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter, Europe's largest inhabited medieval precinct. Visit the Cathedral and the Picasso museum to tick off fascinating cultural must-sees, followed by a spot of designer shopping. Take a break in the charming botanical parklands at Parc de la Ciutadella. Next, wind your way down to the vibrant Port Vell and visit Barcelona's fabulous aquarium with a huge selection of marine life from seahorses to sharks. Afterwards, continue your walk through the boat-strewn docks to La Barceloneta to watch the sun go down with a cocktail at one the area's lively bars.
Take the Green Line Metro to Lesseps station and visit Park Guell for the morning. Explore the extraordinary gardens, one-of-a-kind monuments and get an amazing panoramic view of the city. That afternoon, visit Sagrada Familia. Marvel at the majestic spires, astonishingly intricate Baroque facades and breathtaking interior. It is one of the city's absolute must-sees and a World Heritage icon. That evening, discover the new Barcelona at Port Olimpic, a modern area with a thriving bar scene.
Take a cable car from the port to Montjuic Castle, a stunning 17th century fort with glorious views over the Mediterranean. Next, make your way to the remarkable village of Pablo Espanya, which showcases the best of Spanish architecture. The area is also home to the Joan Miro museum, which is well worth a visit if you want to find out more about Spain's most famous 20th century artist. That evening, visit Placa Espanya where you'll be treated to an incredible lights and water show from the Magic Fountains.
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Expedia Holidays > Barcelona Holidays
