15 Things to KNOW BEFORE YOU GO to Barcelona First Time Travel | 2024 Barcelona Spain Travel Guide

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So, you want to go to Barcelona,  Spain? Well, I'm glad you stopped here.   My name is Gwen. I'm CORR Travel, and as  a solo traveler who's been to Barcelona,   I've got some essential tips I think you need to  know before you go. So, let's go ahead and jump   into my Barcelona Travel Guide and cover these  essential tips that will help get YOU to Barcelona. [Music] First, why you should go to Barcelona. Spain's  second largest city, Barcelona sits on Costa Brava   and has 4.2 kilometers of sandy beaches making it  one of the best beach destinations in Europe. Over   1.6 million residents share two official languages,  Catalan and Spanish, as well as over 60 museums   multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich culture  and history, amazing cuisine, architecture, art,   and more. So, it's no wonder that Barcelona attracts  over seven and a half million visitors every year   Number Two: When to go to Barcelona. The best time  to visit Barcelona depends on the time of year,   holidays, and events. This is because they impact  the number of tourists and your travel costs.   Barcelona's temperatures average from the  40s to the mid 80s Fahrenheit year-round.   May through August are the peak season  months where the days are hottest and most   humid, but they're great for beach and water  activities, and they have the longest days.   They also have the largest tourist crowds,  long lines for attractions, crowded beaches,   and limited number of accommodations causing  the highest travel costs across the board.   The shoulder season months are March  through April, September and October,   and they have lovely warm weather with good  opportunity for beach and water activities.   Also, they have the long days. Note, September  and October are Barcelona's rainiest months.   They provide for fewer crowds on the beach  and attractions, and there's more accommodation   availability and better chance for overall  travel deals. November through February   are the low season months where the weather is  undoubtedly colder, and the days are shortest,   but there are much fewer tours and probably the  best opportunity for travel deals making these   months the cheapest time to visit Barcelona - just keep in mind the end of year holidays.   Speaking of holidays, Barcelona has on average more  than one holiday a month and many festivals and   events yearly - like the popular Sonar event in  June that lasts for four days, or Christmas and   end of your holidays. So, keep events and holidays  in mind when planning your Barcelona itinerary.   Overall, if you're looking to enjoy the best  of Barcelona indoors and out, but not pay   the maximum, the shoulder season months would be  the way to go. Number Three: Getting to Barcelona.   The closest airport to Barcelona is Barcelona-  El Prat (A.K.A. Barcelona Airport). It accepts   international and domestic flights that arrive at  Terminal 1, and the low-cost carriers arrive at   Terminal 2. El Prat is only 15 kilometers  south of Barcelona City Center, and there   are several transportation options to get you to  the city center that I'll cover in just a minute.   Barcelona receives many trains daily.  Depending on your departure point, trains   will arrive at either Sants Station (or Estacio  de Sants), or Franca Station (Estacio de Franca).   Barcelona also receives many buses daily, and  buses usually arrive at Barcelona Sants Station   or the North Station (Estacio de Nord). You can  connect to the Metro from any of these stations.   From Barcelona Sants, the Metro R1, R3, and R4  lines leave every four minutes for the Placa de   Catalunya station, and one-way tickets cost less  than three Euros. If you must drive to Barcelona   you'll want to stay where parking is easiest  and cheapest. There are over 140 car parks in   Barcelona City Center that normally charge 2.50 to  3.50 euros an hour. You could possibly find parking   between 10 to 16 euros per day but that will  depend on location and type of parking facility.   Plus, you'll have to ensure that you have a parking  spot so you'll want to reserve yours in advance.   Consult with your hotel or other accommodation  on parking availability and cost, or if they   can recommend an alternative off-site parking  location. Ultimately, I do not recommend driving   in Barcelona whether you're a solar travel or not.  It's really just not worth the expense and time. Number Four: Getting Around Barcelona.  Okay, this is a biggie and we have lots to   cover. Let's get started with getting from the  Barcelona-El Prat Airport to the city center.   And, if you don't have access to a free airport  shuttle from your hotel, don't worry about it. There   are multiple transportation options. The  Renfe train leaves the Aeroporto Station every   30 minutes and takes approximately 25 minutes  to reach the Passeig de Gràcia Station. Tickets   are approximately 5 euros, and from there you can  catch a Metro to the Plaça de Catalunya Station   if it's closer to your hotel. The orange L9 Metro  line leaves Barcelona Airport every seven minutes   from both the T1 and T2 Metro stations, and it  takes approximately 35 minutes to arrive at   Plaça de Catalunya station, but it does require  transfers. Tickets cost approximately 5 euros.   Called the Aerobus, this express bus is really  the way to go, especially for staying near Plaça   de Catalunya, which I recommend for first  time travel. I'll talk more on that shortly.   It goes direct to the Plaça de Catalunya bus  stop in 30 minutes for less than six euros.   The A1 bus leaves Terminal 1, and the A2 bus leaves  Terminal 2, and both depart every 5 to 10 minutes. The public TMB number 46 bus also leaves  Airport T1 and T2. With several stops, this   bus does take longer to reach the city center,  but one-way tickets are only around 2.40 euro.   Alternatively, you can hire a private  one-way or round-trip airport transfer,   which will start around 40 euros. A luxury  airport transfer will start much higher.   There's always the taxi or ride share option.  Barcelona-El Prat Airport does have Uber,   Bolt, and Lyft, which may cost around 25  to 30 euros to get the city center.   Last, you could get the Barcelona Airport car  rental, but then again deal with a hassle and   expense of parking in the city center.  Of course, I do not recommend this option.   For more details and links to transportation  options from the Barcelona-El Prat Airport,   don't forget to consult my ULTIMATE  Barcelona Travel Guide - the link is below. Now that you're in the city center, let's  talk about getting around the city center.   Barcelona is a very large city, and some of the  top sites can be quite a distance from each other.   Taking the Barcelona Metro is highly recommended  to cover these longer distances in a shorter time.   The Barcelona Metro is extremely easy to use.  Tickets can be purchased in each station with   cash or credit card. There are 12 Metro lines, which  include access to the public buses as well. One-way   tickets within one zone can cost less than three  euros each way, or you can buy the Hola Barcelona   Public Transport Travel Card, which is an easier  way to get free unlimited access to Barcelona   transportation in the city and suburbs for up to  48, 72, 96, or 120-hour increments. If you need Metro   assistance, just ask a booth attendant. Many speak  English and are happy to answer your questions. Another way to cover a lot of Barcelona is  the Hop-on Hop-off Bus. Tours like these are   ideal for large cities like Barcelona. This bus  is a very popular option in Barcelona because   it covers two to three different routes  around Barcelona encompassing all of the   top Barcelona sites and attractions. Buses  depart centrally from Plaça de Catalunya.   I would recommend buying your 24 or 48-hour bus  ticket in advance to save time during peak season.   Of course, Barcelona is walkable. Although extensive,  a large portion of Barcelona City Center is flat,   and many must-sees are centrally located making  Barcelona optimal for walking. To save time, tackle   Barcelona by neighborhood. A great way to learn  more about Barcelona's history, culture, food, or   wine, while meeting other travelers, is to take  a historic food or wine tasting walking tour.   Due to designated paths, Barcelona is also  ideal for biking and scooters. You'll see many   bike and e-bike rental stands and e-scooters  throughout Barcelona making it easier to zip   through Barcelona like a local. Or, you can join  an e-scooter, segway, bike, or e-bike tour. These   tours are eco-friendly and fun for tourists at  all ages. And don't forget Barcelona's expansive   coastline, so why not take a scenic cruise to  get a different view of Barcelona day or night?   For links to great walking tours, bike rentals,  cruise options, or more, consult my Barcelona   Travel Guide, or check out some of the links  I have for you below to get you started.   That said, now's a good time to  talk about the Barcelona Card.   If you're staying for three days or more in  Barcelona, you may want to purchase one the   Barcelona card includes entry to 25 museums  and attractions with skip the line entrances,   50 off admission to top attractions like  Gaudí's Casa Milà and more, transportation   from the airport to the city center as well as  free public transportation, the Hop-on Hop-off Bus   tickets, and more. You can buy the Barcelona  Card for three, four, or five-day increments.   Get it in advance online - I do have a link for  you below - and exchange your voucher at one of   the designated locations and times in the airport,  and then from there just zip to the Barcelona   City Center knowing you're covered for all the  things that you want to do and see in Barcelona. Number Six: Barcelona Safety. Barcelona's  crime rate is considered moderate,   but as a solo female traveler in Barcelona  I practice general precautions and, as such,   I never felt unsafe in Barcelona. So, just be  street-wise and consider using the following tips:   Yes, pickpocketing can be prevalent around La  Rambla, but also be careful in other high tourist   areas, and on crowded public transportation  by keeping your belongings securely on you   with no open bags or pockets. And never carry  cash or valuables in your pockets. Instead, use   a mono-sling bag, like you see mine here,  or use a money belt securely tucked away.   Do not set your belongings down and turn away  or walk away for any reason. It is safe to walk   alone during the day and night in Barcelona,  but at night just be a little bit more aware.   Stay within well-lit and populated streets at  night, and just be alert around Metro stations.   If you normally feel uncomfortable being alone  at night, you may want to visit Barcelona during   peak or shoulder season months when the days are  longer so you have more time to explore Barcelona.   And, if you ever feel uncomfortable in  any surrounding or situation, just leave.   Last, having a mobile hotspot as a backup  is always a good idea in case you need to   call a ride share and you can't get  access to Barcelona's free public   Wi-Fi. Or, you can always pop into a local  establishment and use their Wi-Fi, if need be. That said, here are some travel essentials I would  recommend that you take on your solo trip to   Barcelona: A portable Wi-Fi hotspot, although there  is free public Wi-Fi in Barcelona it's good to   have as a backup; a VPN service for data security;  a solar charger so your phone's always charging   while you're out and about; comfortable walking  shoes; a collapsible water bottle and sling carrier;   eco-friendly sunscreen; and, a mono-sling bag or  money belt for keeping your valuables secure.   I have more great travel gear  suggestions for Barcelona on   my website. Just consult the Barcelona  Travel Guide, or the Spain Travel Guide,   for finding the ride adapters to use, for  example, when you're traveling in Spain. Number Eight: Where to Stay in Barcelona.  Where you stay in Barcelona can really   make or break your visit, especially on  first time travel. Ciutat Vella, or Old City, holds   Barcelona's oldest neighborhoods and  four of which are great places to stay. [Music] Additionally, if you're within walking distance  to Plaça Catalunya, your arrival from the   airport is super easy without transfers;  you're centrally located to explore many   of Barcelona attractions on foot; you're  close to the Hop-on Hop-off Bus stop; and,   you can easily catch the metro or bus  to other Barcelona destinations or to   stations like Barcelona Sants for taking  a day trip outside of Barcelona by train.   This is the area within the city center  I recommend first time travelers stay. This area also has many accommodations for budgets of all types. When I look for accommodations as a   solo traveler, I look for central location for  attractions and transportation, a reasonable   price, amenities, free cancellation, breakfast  inclusion, ratings, and a travel sustainable rating.   If you're like me, here are just a few of the  hotels for different budgets to consider for   your Barcelona stay: Hotel Turin, Arc la Rambla,  Petit Palace Boquería Garden, Hotel Sant Agusti,   and Hotel Cantón. In fact, on my last solo trip to  Barcelona, I stayed at Hotel Turin. It checked all   the boxes, plus had a friendly staff. If you want  to go the hostel route, either for a private room   or dorm-style room, try Pars Teatro Hostel or  Alternative Creative Youth Hostel Barcelona. I   have more great city center hotel recommendations.  If you want to see those and links to all of my   city center hotel and hostel recommendations, just  check them out in my Barcelona Travel Guide online. Number Nine: Top Things to Do in Barcelona. Of  course, there are simply TOO many Barcelona   attractions to list in this Barcelona Travel Guide,  but here are some of the top attractions to get   you started in building your Barcelona itinerary.  Some of these are free, but for those that aren't,   don't forget the Barcelona Card. It covers many of  these. Top of the list, of course, are Barcelona's   UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a few of which are  works by Antoni Gaudi like: La Sagrada Familia,   Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, Parc Güell, and more. And here are some more amazing cathedrals, architectural   buildings, landmarks, monuments, parks, and beaches in Barcelona you won't want to miss. [Music]   And there are many, many more. Don't forget to put  these, at a minimum, on your Barcelona itinerary.   Number Ten: Barcelona Food and Entertainment. Barcelona has some of the best cuisine in Spain. From fine   dining to cafes, fresh seafood and tapas,  paella, sangria, chocolate, and more, you   can find whatever you want to sample in any  of the Barcelona neighborhoods on any budget.   For tips on where to go, the Gothic Quarter and El Born are very popular for bars, cafes   tapa,s and Barcelona nightlife. La Rambla, north  and south, of Placa Catalunya, are also popular   for restaurants and bars with great outdoor dining  options. And you can't go wrong with hanging out at   La Boqueria for fresh food and drinks. Don't forget,  there's always a good food and wine tour to take.   For more nightlife, Placa de Sol and the Bari  de Gracia are also popular with students and   younger adults. If the bar scene is not your thing,  try a Flamenco show - this is Barcelona after all.   Keep in mind, tipping in Spain is not customary,  but if you feel you've had great service, it's   acceptable to tip 10 to 15 percent. It's best  to tip in cash if you can, but if you don't   have any, you can ask them to include the tip on  your credit card before they bring you the bill.   To explore Barcelona dining options, try any of  these apps. Like touring Barcelona, just search   by neighborhood. Or, if you're like me, you agree  this is the area of travel in which to wing it by   wandering the neighborhoods to read the menus and  get a feel for a place or ask your hotel concierge,   local tour guide, or any other local on their  dining recommendation. I find this is a great   way to find out where the locals are eating and  enjoy a more authentic travel experience.   Next up: Day Trips from Barcelona. If you have the time and want to explore more of  Spain's mountains, historic sites, do wine tasting,   or Costa Brava coastal activities, keep Barcelona  as your home base and try a day trip to Montserrat,   Sitges, Girona, or Tarragona. These are easy to do  self-guided, or as part of a tour group, and will   only enhance your Spain travel experience.  Number 12: Budget Travel Tips for Barcelona.   Traveling Barcelona on a budget? No worries.  It's easier if you keep the following in mind:   Booking really early can get you a great deal on  a city center location; or, booking an accommodation   further away from the city center could provide  lower costs - just stay close to a metro stop.   Try not visiting during the  holidays or popular events.   Some museums offer free entry on particular  days, so check in advance before buying tickets. Visit in the shoulder or low season  months, and stay during the week.   Depending on time of year, location, and  amenities, Barcelona hostel dorm rooms   can start at eight euros a night, and  private rooms at 24 euros a night.   To save on dining and drinking out, shop  at a local market or grocery store, and   don't forget the Barcelona Card to save money on  attractions, and public and airport transportation.   If the Barcelona Card is not for you, at least  consider getting a multi-day transportation pass.   It could save you time and money.  If you've been following CORR Travel, you   know I'm always promoting traveling with your  eco-friendly foot forward. So, travel Barcelona   with the planet in mind using any of these easy  eco-travel tips that really DO make a difference: Forego the three hour or less flight to  Barcelona, and take the trainer bus instead.   Purchase carbon offsets if you do need to fly.   Flying carry-on only not only saves time  in the airport but also on airplane fuel.   Ditch the rental car, and if you need a car  service, choose a Bolt Green or Uber Green option.   And how about ditching automobiles all together   and just take public transportation, or walk,  bike, e-bike, or take an electric scooter. Look for sustainable accommodations through  Green Globe, Green Key Global, and booking.com,   and consider bringing your own water bottle, bamboo   travel utensils, collapsible cup, and more  so you can reduce single-use plastic trash. Are you still with me? Great! Because here are some   really valuable Barcelona tips  you're going to want to know: Traveling during peak season, always get your   attraction tickets in advance with  a skip-the-line timed entry, and   make it for the first available entry of the day,  preferably during the week to avoid the crowds.   You must buy your La Sagrada Familia ticket in  advance, online, and with a set entry date and time.   If you do not do a tour, you can download the  official audio tour app in advance for free.   The public Metro and buses can be crowded  during morning and evening high commuting times.   Renfe's higher class train fares offer Wi-Fi  and seat charging options, but you need to make   sure your specific seat assignment includes them  when you book. Always travel with some   cash in case a store or restaurant credit card  machine is not working or you need to pay for   a bathroom, like in the Barcelona Sants train  station. Know your surroundings. Keep looking   both ways even on one-way streets because the  bicyclists and scooters really come out of nowhere.   Yes, the water is safe to drink in Barcelona, and  you'll find public water fountains everywhere.   And stay hydrated during the hot  and humid peak season months,   and make sure you're wearing comfortable  walking shoes. If you need it, there is free   Wi-Fi available throughout Barcelona  making it easier to stay connected. Many local establishments and activity offices  use WhatsApp for booking and notifying for any   scheduling changes. Many Barcelonians speak  English; however, it's common courtesy to lead   a conversation in either Catalan or Spanish  in all situations. Not all businesses observe   the traditional Siesta, so it's a good idea to  check online for operating hours in advance,   and many museums in Barcelona are closed  on Mondays so, again, check online in advance. Typical hotel breakfasts may not start until  8 AM or later, but you can ask them if they   may serve something earlier for you, and  dinner's not usually served until 9 PM   or later. Having dinner earlier may get  you a table without a reservation, though. Now that you know your way around Barcelona,  need a great Barcelona itinerary suggestion?   Well, keep watching, because I'll tell you how to  get a great three-day itinerary that takes out   all of the guesswork, and it's perfect for a  first time travel to Barcelona. You'll love it. Well, that's my Barcelona Travel Guide. I hope  you enjoyed it and found it very informative.   If you did, give this video a thumbs up. If  you want more information on Barcelona and Spain   destinations, check out these videos coming up,  as well as check out the links below because   I do have some more tips on Barcelona, including  tours inside Barcelona, and day trips, as well as a   travel itinerary perfect for first time travel to  Barcelona. And if you're new to Spain travel, I also   have a great Spain Travel Guide - all below. If you  want more travel guides here CORR Travel, then   make sure you subscribe so you get them here  first, and you can plan all your travel needs.   Thanks so much for joining, and I really  hope you have a great time in Barcelona! [Music]
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Channel: CORR Travel - Revinvent Life Over 50. Travel Solo!
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Keywords: things to know before you go to Barcelona, things to know before going to Barcelona, how to plan a trip to barcelona spain, Barcelona spain 2023, travel barcelona 2023, barcelona solo trip, first time travel to Barcelona, barcelona first time visit, barcelona travel guide, barcelona travel tips, visiting barcelona spain, barcelona spain vlog, things to do barcelona, things to know barcelona, barcelona things to know, corr travel, gwen corrie, solo travel over 50
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Length: 24min 12sec (1452 seconds)
Published: Mon May 08 2023
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