Barcelona Travel Tips For First Timers
If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona for the first time, you’ll want to know all about the best things to do. You’ll also need to know some tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your time.
One of the top things to do in Barcelona is visit all of its iconic attractions! It’s also important to book skip-the-line tickets for these so you don’t waste hours standing in queues!
1. Get a Local SIM Card
When traveling in a new country, it's important to be connected with the outside world. Whether it's ordering a taxi, getting directions from Google Maps or checking emails while on the go, having an internet connection can make your trip much more enjoyable and convenient.
Depending on the country you're visiting, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a local SIM card. This can help you save a little money on phone calls, but it's also very important to be aware that roaming charges can be extremely expensive.
If you plan to use a local SIM card while abroad, it is best to purchase one from an authentic shop or a reputable reseller to avoid unnecessary charges and ensure that the SIM will work without any issues. In most cases, purchasing a SIM at the airport will incur hefty fees and will stop working immediately once you leave the country.
Travelers should also be aware that the process of buying a SIM in Spain is different to that of many other countries. Generally speaking, you'll have to provide proof of residence, which can be difficult for those who aren't familiar with the process.
In most cases, it is a good idea to purchase a prepaid SIM card that has free EU Roaming included. These plans are a great way to save on international phone calls and data while abroad, especially if you're planning to stay in Spain for a longer period of time.
You can get a prepaid SIM card in most countries, including Spain, at local electronics stores or department stores. It is also possible to buy a SIM online from a variety of mobile carriers. However, be sure to read reviews before making a decision.
It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Spain in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Barcelona you can rent a car from 15 euros per day, in Alicante from 14 euros per day.
2. Go with the Flow
Whether you’re visiting Barcelona for the first time or you’ve already been to this stunning city many times, there are some essential tips that will help you get the most out of your trip. These include where to stay, how to travel around the city, and where to eat authentic food!
During your Barcelona vacation, it’s crucial to stay open-minded and flexible with your itinerary. Things can change on the spot – a museum may be closed for renovations, the taxi drivers could go on strike, or it might rain!
The best way to avoid any disappointment is to book your flights, accommodation, and tickets for the main attractions in advance. This will ensure that you don’t waste any precious time standing in long queues and that you have the best prices on your tickets.
It’s also a good idea to get your hotel booked in the centre of the city. This will mean that you’re within walking distance of the most popular attractions and it’s also cheaper than staying outside the centre.
Another important tip is to remember that locals eat lunch very late and dinner even later! This can be annoying for some visitors, but it’s part of the local culture and you should adjust to it.
A final tip for those traveling to Barcelona is to keep your belongings safe. The most common problem in Barcelona is pickpocketing so it’s best to never leave your wallet or cash out in public. A money belt is a great and easy way to avoid this issue!
As a first-time visitor to Barcelona, it’s best to stick to three or four days of sightseeing. This will allow you to see all the main landmarks and attractions, but also give you time to relax and explore the city.
3. Stay in the City Center
If you want to be in the heart of the action, you should stay in one of Barcelona’s central neighborhoods. This is where you’ll be able to go to the best restaurants, tapas bars and nightlife places in town!
The Gothic Quarter is a great choice because it is close to the best sights in the city. Here, you’ll find plenty of historic buildings and architecture from the Roman era. It also has a huge shopping area, including the city’s largest department store, El Corte Ingles.
Another popular area is Gracia, which has an authentic feel. Here, you’ll find narrow streets lined with cafes and restaurants, plus many of the city’s top museums.
It’s a safe neighborhood, but you should be aware of theft. This isn’t a problem for most tourists, but be careful as you walk around.
If you’re looking for a more affordable place to stay, Room Mate Pau is an option that offers contemporary rooms with a nod to Barcelona’s architectural heritage. The hotel is located in the city center and has a great location, just a short walk from La Rambla and the Boqueria Market.
Praktik Rambla is another budget-friendly option that offers a unique Barcelona vibe. It’s located in the Eixample area of the city, and has 43 simply decorated monochrome rooms that really let the original architecture show through.
The Mandarin Oriental is a well-known luxury hotel in the city. It’s renowned for its outstanding service and comfort.
In addition to its excellent location, it has a rooftop plunge pool and a top-rated restaurant. It also has an excellent fitness center and spa.
The W Hotel Barcelona, designed to resemble a sail at sea, is an ideal spot for beachgoers who want to relax by the water. It’s also a popular destination for locals who enjoy the pool and bar.
4. Avoid Queues
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe and it’s easy to see why. The city boasts amazing architecture, a rich culture and pleasant temperatures. Its food is also delicious, and the city is a great choice for first time visitors.
However, as with most European cities, Barcelona can be very busy, particularly during peak season. So if you want to avoid queues, it’s important to plan your visit in advance.
For example, skip-the-line tickets are a good option for the Sagrada Familia, and you can get them on the website in advance if you want to avoid waiting in a long line. The same goes for visiting the Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA Placa del Rei).
Another tip for avoiding queues when traveling in Barcelona is to avoid eating at the restaurants directly along the main street, which are often overpriced and offer sub-standard food. Instead, head a few streets back and you’ll find better quality and more affordable options.
If you’re looking for a way to see some of the most famous sites in the city, consider taking a tour. This can be an excellent way to see some of the most iconic Gaudi buildings and to learn about the stories behind them.
While you’re on your adventure, don’t forget to check out some of the other beautiful modernist gems that Barcelona has to offer. Especially, the Hospital Sant Pau and the Palau de la Musica Catalana are definitely worth seeing!
Lastly, you can always take the metro in Barcelona – it’s cheap and convenient, and you’ll be able to avoid all of the crowds. It has a network of 12 lines and over 160 stations, making it a very simple and hassle-free way to travel in the city.
5. Stay Safe
When visiting Barcelona for the first time, it’s important to be aware of your safety. This city has a reputation for being crime-ridden, so it’s important to use common sense to ensure your safety.
One of the most important things to do when traveling in Barcelona is to make sure you have a safe place to keep your money and passport. You’ll find many hotels and hostels offer secure rooms with safes or lockable storage areas so you can safely keep your valuables locked up at night or when not in use.
Another key thing to do is to be very careful when you’re on the Metro and on tour buses. If you’re not paying attention, you could get robbed or have your bag stolen.
If you’re on a bus or train, it’s also important to tell the driver or conductor when you see something suspicious. This could give the police time to arrive and help you.
A final thing to do is to be very careful when walking down the street at night. It’s not uncommon for people to be mugged in the streets of Barcelona at night, particularly around La Rambla and the lower part of El Raval.
Luckily, the majority of muggers in Barcelona are not violent. Usually they just want your money or belongings.
To avoid getting mugged, make sure you always carry your wallet and cash with you, and never leave them in a public space or on the ground. If you’re not feeling comfortable carrying your wallet or bags, then it’s a good idea to take them into a hotel or hostel safe, as these places can be quite secure and will often have CCTV cameras installed.