Travel: Everything you need to know when in Barcelona

Have you ever travelled to a destination and thought that it could potentially be a great place to call home? Dubai has often been viewed from that perspective and so does this tourist hotspot along the coast of Balearic sea. ‘Benvinguts a Barna’, or welcome to Barcelona, in the local Catalan language. It is a city that has attracted over 29.8 million overnight stays in 2022, thanks to its rich history, architectural wonders and a vibrant nightlife. Behind its popularity of being a global tourism hub, there is a story to tell in terms of sustainable tourism and the quality of life its residents enjoy.

Similar to Dubai, Barcelona too is a multicultural city. It has a population of 1.62 million inhabitants, of which 17.6 per cent are non-nationals, according to figures from Council of Europe. Whilst I admired the city’s Gothic and Baroque architecture, the city’s appeal amongst its local population had captivated my mind. The two guides I had encountered during my stay, Juan and Fagner, were both originally from abroad who were attracted by the Catalan way of life. What does this city have to offer that has earned it a reputation similar to that of Dubai? What has fuelled the high-skilled migration over the last few decades and now a spike in the population of digital nomads? The answer is the long-lasting impact and legacy of the 1992 Olympics, which has transformed Spain’s second largest city.

Here are some tips on making the most of your time in Barcelona as well as understanding its quality of life.

What makes Barcelona a great place to visit?

At first glance, the city has it all to make it a popular holiday destination. It has numerous sandy beaches, sunshine, watersports, historical marvels, nightlife, nature and even mountains. It is one of the few cities whose reputation precedes it. Almost everyone I had spoken to prior to my travels had only good things to say about it and they weren’t wrong. The edgy, electric and bustling nature of the city, coupled with its historical gems, makes it a must-visit holiday destination for travellers with a variety of tastes.

What to see

One name that will be regularly mentioned during your trip is Antoni Gaudi, so it is best to be acquainted with his architectural brilliance. Identified as a genius, his talent is celebrated to this day with buildings designed by him frequented by visitors and even local residents. You’ll find his architectural marvels scattered all around the city, though his final resting place is the iconic and incomplete church Sagrada Família, which attracts over three million visitors every year. There are a number of landmarks and destinations that cater to everyone’s interests, though the ones mentioned below are the top four that one shouldn’t miss.

Sagrada Família: Referred to as Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, it is one of the major landmarks of the city, which shouldn’t be missed and also requires pre-booking, so make sure to plan ahead. It was in 1909 when Spain’s most respected architect turned his full attention towards building the church, which he said would take over 100 years to complete. Gaudi tragically lost his life after being struck by a tram when he was returning from the construction site in June 1926. It is expected to be completed in 2026 to mark 100 years since Gaudi’s demise and its entire structure with 18 towers is expected to earn the title of the tallest buildings in Europe.

Park Güell: This is another must-see destination, which was initially meant to be an affluent housing estate. Tickets cost 10 euros to explore the park, which features a number of Gaudi’s works and is one of the best places to catch a vantage point to view the whole city. It is well worth exploring this botanic maze and a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle bustle, which really justifies its protection as a Unesco Heritage Site.

La Rambla: Your Barcelona experience is incomplete without a full lap of the 1.3-kilometre-long boulevard that stretches from the city’s port, stretching past the gothic quarter towards the big square Plaça de Catalunya. Ideal spot for people watching and browsing through various stores and cafes. If you have a sweet tooth, you will certainly have a great experience at Antigua Casa Figeuras and Sweet Gaufre, which were the two confectioneries my guide Juan had recommended, which did not disappoint.

Gothic Quarter: Get your walking shoes ready for exploring the district that houses the city’s medieval landmarks, as one can discover the hidden gems of Barcelona whilst going down the narrow alleys of what was once a Roman village. Here you will find the historic market La Boqueria and also Gaudi’s first ever project in the grand square called Plaça Reial. It is one of my recommended spots to unwind after a long touristy day exploring the city where you will be treated to some street performances as well.

Getting around

The best way to explore the central part of the city is on foot, courtesy the pedestrian-friendly environment as well as making the most of the free bike-sharing service on offer. Taxis, meanwhile, are not too pricey, which means that you also do not have to rely on ride hailing apps for a pocket-friendly commute.

I made great use of their metro service, which cost me just over 11 euros for a T10 ticket for 10 journeys on the metro in Zone 1, enough for the duration of my stay.

Another useful tip is to consider the hop-on hop-off service, which was very useful in ticking off all the major landmarks on-board an hour-and-a-half long bus ride. I have often considered such services a tourist trap, though as the landmarks are scattered all over the city, this service tends to be quite useful in getting a quick tour of Barcelona.

Where to stay