hostels in Barcelona
Second city of Spain, prosperous and vibrant, the capital of the province of Catalonia covers about 490 square kilometres with 1.5 million people. Located along the Mediterranean coast, it is a major Spanish center not only for its economic but also cultural and touristic boldness.
The two languages commonly spoken in Barcelona are the Castilian (Spanish) and Catalan. The signs and posters are written in Catalan, but if you talk to people in Spanish, they will respond in that language. The currency is the Euro.
Getting Around in Barcelona
Most people travel in Barcelona by metro, bus or taxi. The most simple and practical means of transport is the subway, which lets visitors reach some outlying attractions such as Park Guell.
Instead of buying individual tickets, if you intend to take the subway several times in the same day, it is more economical to purchase a tourist pass for several days. In addition, these cards are valid in buses as well as the subway. You can also buy the tickets by 10, which is cheaper than per unit.
There are also double-decker “hop on- hop off” busses that will take you to all major sights of the city. One ticket, purchased at one of the many locations around the city will allow you to ride all day and hop on and off as you please.
Our suggestions for Barcelona
Attractions
This market whose origins date back to the XIII century is a must in Barcelona. This is the biggest market of Spain, which offers the most variety in products, and which is of course the most popular among tourists. Some...
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Parc
Sumptuous mosaics adorn the Guell Park in many places. One of the best known is the salamander found near the entrance. At the top, from the terrace you have a beautiful view over the city and its various monuments.
The park...
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La Plata Bar in Barcelona -
Restaurant
Gastronomy in Barcelona obviously extends beyond the tapas bars, but it goes without saying that this remains the ideal formula for eating well without breaking the bank!
Here’s another tapas bar that is a must for Barcelona: La Plata.
This is a tiny bar, you will not find a lot of seating. Chances are that you’ll be eating standing up, but you will not soon forget the sardines you will eat at this place! Not a fan of sardines? Try anyway, it’s worth it! Add to your meal a glass of wine, poured right from the barrel, and you have an authentic experience that will give you the feeling of having lived as a local.
La Plata is located in one of the many small streets near the Passeig de Colom in the Gotic quarter.
Carrer Mercè, 28, near Carrer de la Plata
08002 Barcelona
Phone: 93 315 10 09
(Photo Ana bzz)
Can Paixano -
Bar
For an unforgettable and a purely barcelonian experience , spend an evening at Can Paixano. For over 40 years this bar has been offering tapas, atmosphere and “champagne” at reasonable prices to spice up the nights out. The glass of Cava sells for just over one euro, and the most expensive bottle costs less than 7 euros. At that price, beware of excess …
It is recommended to get there early because this bar is very popular and fills up to full speed. But the experience is worth it!
Address: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7, in the old fishing district of Barcelonette.
La Sagrada Familia -
Attractions
Another work of Antonio Gaudi, unfortunately incomplete, but still quite impressive. Whether one likes his style or not, it’s hard not to be awed by the work done by the famous Catalan architect.
Since Gaudi’s death in 1926, work has continued and still continues according to its original blueprints. The techniques used today are obviously more modern than the ones used in 1882, when construction of this monument started.
Note: The Nativity façade and crypt are considered as World Heritage by UNESCO, as are more works of Gaudi.
More than 2 million people visit la Familia each year.
To get there
The entrance to the Sagrada Familia is located at 401 Calle Mallorca, in the Eixample district.
By subway, take the lines L2 or L5-off at Sagrada Família. Several city buses go there too.
The Sagrada Familia is open daily from 9AM to 6PM from October to March, and it closes at 8PM from April to September.
The entrance fee is 12 euros, which does not include access to lifts. To use them you will need to pay 2.50 more euros. Guided tours are offered daily in Spanish, English and Catalan.
