Flights To Barcelona Guide

• For most travellers flying to Barcelona, the primary entry point is the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), located to the southwest of the city’s core. It is Barcelona’s main international gateway that handles the bulk of air traffic from numerous countries. Equipped with extensive facilities, this airport provides exquisite assistance to its passengers in every way.
• Other than Barcelona-El Prat, two additional options are available to those who seek airport alternatives. Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO) situated 90 km north of Barcelona, and Reus Airport (REU) both serve passengers by offering affordable flights by low-cost air carriers. Both alternatives are connected to the city centre by bus transit.
• The typical flight from the UK to Barcelona takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes, via direct flights. Major airlines providing operational flights on this route are British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, and Jet2.

To facilitate your journey with utmost convenience, Woking Travel offers transportation services from the airport to your hotel upon arrival. For more information and to book a transfer for your trip, visit our Transfers page.

Woking Travel presents a range of accommodations for your destination. You can browse and book hotels that are tailored according to your liking by visiting our Hotels page at Hotels-Woking Travel or check out our holiday packages at Packages-Woking Travel.

Here is an assortment of hotels that we listed for your stay in Barcelona, catering to all sorts of budgets.

1. Hotel Casa Camper Barcelona: This modern 5-star diamond in the Gothic Quarter is a haven for design aficionados. Tourists can prepare to witness a whimsical interior, a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and the hotel’s very own cinema.
   
   
2. Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona: Indulge in ultimate luxury at this opulent 5-star lodging. Relax in the tranquil spa, devour Michelin-starred cuisine, and delight in the gorgeous scenery of Passeig de Gràcia. 
   
   
3. Hotel El Palace Barcelona: Steeped in heritage and allure, this grandeur 5-star hotel hosts an immaculate stay in the heart of Barcelona. Loosen up in the relaxing spa, take a swim in the rooftop pool, and be awe-inspired by the gorgeous architecture.
   
   
4. Monument Hotel: This archaic 5-star marvel, set in a former palace, provides an escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy amenities like an on-site spa and gourmet delicacies at the Michelin-starred Lasarte eatery, and be enthralled by the intricate architectural details in nooks and crannies of the hotel.
   
   
5. Sir Victor Hotel: This contemporary 4-star hotel in the Gothic Quarter combines modern comforts with historic allure. Vacationers can lounge on the rooftop terrace with excellent cityscapes in sight and explore the art gallery in the hotel premises.
   
   
6. Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux: This 4-star boutique hotel in the Gothic Quarter exudes a romantic ambience. Offering facilities like a rooftop jacuzzi, an on-site art gallery, and delicious regional cuisine at the hotel’s famed restaurant, this is an all-in-one accommodation for tourists.
   
   
7. Hotel Barcelona 1882: This chic hotel in the Eixample district presents a modern take on traditional Spanish flair. The hotel’s stunning rooftop bar with skyline sights and refreshing dive in the pool are what every tourist dreams of. 
   
   
8. The Wittmore: This 3-star hotel in the Eixample district is very upscale on the design metre. Tourists can unwind by sprawling in the chic rooftop bar, explore the neighbourhood, and feel the city’s vibrant energy.
   
   
9. Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa: Rooting for sustainability and social networking is what this innovative 3-star hotel offers. The hotel boasts a beautiful rooftop with an urban garden, a spa, co-working spaces, and an emphasis on providing its visitors with a unique experience.
   
   
10. Hotel Curious: This quirky 3-star hotel in the Gothic Quarter is a hidden treasure trove. The hotel has a terrace with a swimming pool, fun decor, and a relaxed aura.

Barcelona has a robust transportation system with a well-maintained metro network, broad bus routes, and modern tram pathways. The city’s infrastructure also facilitates bike-sharing schemes and is pedestrian friendly. Here are more details of Barcelona’s transit system:

• Metro (Subway): Metro stands to be the most efficiently swift means of transport in the city, along with being affordable. It has 12 lines linking important points of attraction around Barcelona. Purchasing a T-Casual card or a Barcelona card to unlock unlimited travelling utilities on public transportation is a wise tip when visiting Barcelona.

• Bus: With routes enveloping the entire city, Barcelona’s extensive network of buses aids travellers to shuttle to areas not covered by the metro.

• Tram: Complementing the systems mentioned above, tram operates in particular areas around the city.
• Cable Cars and Funiculars: These are unique methods to access elevated regions of the city, like Montjuïc, and present incredible views as you travel.
• Bicing: Bicing is a bike-sharing scheme particularly created for Barcelona, ideally for touring the city at your own pace and getting some cardio done.
• Taxis: Taxis are conveniently located throughout the city, but are comparatively more expensive than public transportation. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft are better and relatively a more inexpensive alternative.
• Walking: Barcelona boasts pedestrian-friendly zones all over the city. This is a great way to discover hidden alleyways and treasures that would otherwise be missed.

1. Sagrada Família: This famous basilica, designed by Antoni Gaudí, is among the most significant architectural structures of the modernist movement and an emblem of Barcelona. Its main attraction is its complex façades and high spires. 
   
   
2. Park Güell: Gaudí also originated this park, establishing it as one of Barcelona’s most enthralling points of attraction. It has exceptional views overlooking the city and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   
   
3. Casa Batlló: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló is the architect’s dreamy gem, well-known for its biomorphic forms, vivid colour schemes, and visionary structure. Inside, Casas Batllo has plenty of fascinating rooms to explore and an extraordinary exterior.
   
   
4. Picasso Museum: The Picasso Museum has one of the largest assortments of art masterpieces painted and sculpted by Pablo Picasso, which peek into his life and works as a legendary artist. The museum features oil paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and sketches from Picasso’s pioneering years.
   
   
5. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): The Gothic Quarter is steeped in history, with narrow mediaeval alleys, hidden squares, and historical buildings forming a maze around it. Major attractions here include Barcelona Cathedral, Roman ruins, and quaint cafés.
   
   
6. La Rambla: One of the most popular streets in Barcelona is La Rambla; it prevails through much of central Barcelona, with shops dotting on either side, cafes, street performers, and flower kiosks, among others. It stands to be one of the busiest areas in town, where people can gather to watch others passing by or performing their activities.
   
   
7. Barceloneta Beach: Though there are several beautiful beaches along Barcelona’s coastline, Barceloneta is unique with its active ambience, golden sand strands, and seafront restaurants and bars where refreshments can be obtained even when sunbathing or swimming.
   
   
8. Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Another must-see building crafted by Gaudi, Casa Milà boasts a curvaceous stone façade with wrought-iron balconies and sculptures on the roof. The ground floor is home to a museum and a large rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of Barcelona.
   
   
9. Montjuïc: There are many things to see on this hill in Barcelona, including Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. You can look out over the city and the Mediterranean Sea from here.
   
   
10. Mercado de La Boqueria: Situated off la Rambla, this busy marketplace is a delightful place with sellers vending fresh fruit, fish, meat, cheese or sweets. It’s an ideal place to try local delicacies and experience Barcelona’s rich food culture.

Here is a list of 10 top-rated restaurants in Barcelona that serve exceptional food along with an impeccable service:

1. Disfrutar: This Michelin-starred playground for the thrill-seeking palate is popular for its fun and creative tasting menus incorporating upscale Spanish meals. 
   
   
2. Lasarte: Housed inside the luxury Monument Hotel, Lasarte prides itself on a Michelin star and provides exquisite Basque cuisine in an opulent atmosphere.
   
   
3. Aürt: Yet another Michelin-starred gem, Aürt focuses its emphasis on showcasing the finest Spanish ingredients through its seasonal Catalan food.
   
   
4. Tickets: A bustling and laid-back tapas bar by the iconic chef Albert Adrià, Tickets extends a fun and tasteful culinary journey with a focus on small plates.
   
   
5. El Nacional: This vibrant marketplace houses various restaurants and bars under one roof, ideal for a culinary explosion, spanning from Spanish cuisine to international flavours. 
   
   
6. Bar Cañete: A favourite Barcelona institution since 1897, Bar Cañete sets a charming ambience and presents a chance to devour traditional Catalan fare.
   
   
7. Enigma: This Michelin-starred restaurant extends the boundaries of culinary experience with a theatrical and avant-garde approach. 
   
   
8. Espai Kruger: This Michelin-starred restaurant has a unique interpretation of Catalan delicacies, incorporating contemporary techniques and different blends of flavour. 
   
   
9. Bar Mut: A local favourite, Bar Mut is known for its tasteful and budget-friendly tapas and pintxos (Basque-style tapas).
   
   
10. Xemei: This trendy spot serves authentic and delicious Chinese dumplings alongside other Asian specialties. A vibrant and flavourful option for a casual meal. 

1. Visit Sagrada Família: This prominent basilica, created by Antonio Gaudí, is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Being one of the most touristy attractions in Barcelona, it has detailed exteriors and towering spires. 
   
   
2. Explore Park Güell: Another work of pure art by Gaudí, Park Güell is a lively park with bright tiles, curved pathways, and incredible city panoramas. Do not forget to catch a glimpse of El Drac, the famous mosaic lizard.
   
   
3. Wander through the Gothic Quarter: Travel back in time as you explore this area’s narrow streets lined with mediaeval buildings. The most vital destinations are Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Reial, and the gorgeous Plaça del Pi.
   
   
4. Marvel at Casa Batlló: This imaginary building, also constructed by Gaudí, stands out with its vibrant frontage and “formal” organic shapes. Go inside for guided tours that explain its fantastic past.
   
   
5. Stroll down La Rambla: Barcelona’s most famous street boasts many outlets with lively activities such as cafes and street performances. Along the way, pass by Mercado de La Boqueria, an important historical market.
   
   
6. Relax on Barceloneta Beach: Leave behind the sweltering heat by sunbathing at Barceloneta Beach. An attractive swimming-free zone and cocktails at bars along its shores make this one beach experience worth having.
   
   
7. Discover Picasso Museum: With the most extensive collection of his masterpieces ever displayed here, visiting this museum provides insight into his life’s work like no other place. You can see them all exhibited here, from Picasso’s first three thousand works to late-stage ones containing nearly four thousand pieces.
   
   
8. Fathom the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: Situated at the foothill of Montjuïc hill, this stunning fountain turns into a dancing light and music show by the evening. It is a magical experience that should not be missed.
   
   
9. Indulge in Catalan cuisine: Food lovers on holiday in Barcelona can’t find a better place to enjoy varied culinary experiences than those in Catalan culture. Paella, tapas, and seafood at numerous restaurants in town ought to be sought.
   
   
10. Ghosts & Legends Bike Tour: Experience Barcelona’s spooky side with a night-time bike tour. Learn about the city’s haunted history, mythical tales, and legends as you unravel through the airy streets.

Barcelona has a delightful Mediterranean climate with all distinct seasons offering experiences like never before.

• Spring (March to May): Spring comes paired with pleasant temperatures of average 17°C or 63°F along with low to moderate rainfall. Tourists can take advantage of cheap flights and immerse in the city’s lively culture with outdoor festivals and strolls. Take a day tour to nearby Montserrat, a scenic mountain monastery in springtime.

• Summer (June to August): Sunshine rules supreme in summer, with average highs rising up to 28°C (82°F). Perfect beach weather with scarce rainfall forecast. Hit a trip to the pristine Barceloneta Beach, bask in the sun, and partake in water sports. Visit the vibrant Barceloneta neighbourhood, enjoy refreshing ice cream, and beat the heat.

• Autumn (September to November): Autumn dyes Barcelona in warm colours with earthy hues, along with temperate weather averaging up to a temperature of 20°C or 68°F and gradually increasing rainfall. Enjoy wine tastings and scrumptious regional cuisine as you welcome harvest season. Visit top-tier museums and well-known attractions without having to contend with swamps of tourists.

• Winter (December to February): Winters are mild in Barcelona and do not gravitate towards the extreme end, with typical lows of 7°C (45°F) and infrequent rain. Winter winds bring a festive aura to Barcelona where tourists can saunter around Christmas markets and regional celebrations. Travel outside the city for a ski trip in the nearby Pyrenees peaks.

Here is a local weather forecast to follow, when visiting Barcelona, to plan well for your trip: Barcelona’s Local Weather Forecast.

• Standard Time (GMT): Barcelona is one hour ahead of the UK

• Daylight Saving Time (BST): The UK is in the same time zone as Barcelona.

Currency:

• Barcelona, like all of Spain, uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Moreover, while cards are widely accepted throughout the city, it is still a good idea to carry cash in your wallet for emergencies, tipping, small purchases from local vendors or kiosks, or transportation.

Language:

• The official language spoken in Barcelona is Catalan. Nonetheless, Spanish (Castilian) is also extensively used and understood in the city. Many residents are also comfortable with basic level English, particularly in touristic spots.

Local Customs:

Barcelona values an easygoing and polite environment. A firm handshake and eye contact are prerequisites for greetings, and calling people by their last name and “Señor/Señora” is courteous. Lunch is the main noon event, with meals being enjoyed slowly. For professional meetings, punctuality is necessary; nevertheless, social occasions may appear more casual. Public displays of affection are frequent, and most people dress lightly, however fine dining establishments and flamenco performances may call on elaborate wear. Remember to say “Hola” (hello) to store owners and refrain from being exceptionally loud in public areas. 

Laws:

To gather information about important national laws of Barcelona for tourists, travel advice and more details, visit the websites mentioned below

• UK Travel Advice for Spain
• Barcelona City Website
• Spain’s Official Tourism Website

Embellishing Spain’s Mediterranean Coast, Barcelona merges the essence of history, cultural significance, and various forms of art. The modernist architecture of the city, sculpted by Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló,  is one that will fill you with wonder and awe. Moreover, the pristine beaches on the Mediterranean Coast are perfect spots for tourists for basking in the sun, swimming in the scintillating waters, or simply relaxing on the sand. Tourists can also travel back in time by touring the Gothic Quarter, a rich maze of mediaeval streets, or dive deeper into the Catalan culture by conversing with the locals. Furthermore, from the fresh seafood to the exceptional tapas of Barcelona, the city’s cuisine offers nothing but absolute deliciousness to your taste buds. Mingle with the hospitable people of Barcelona and indulge in the Catalan essence. 

Explore Barcelona your way with Woking Travel. Book today!