Hello and welcome on Barcelona – the boisterous and colorful capital of Catalonia! Regardless if you are an art lover, architecture enthusiast, or anyone who wants to try the Spanish flair for a bit, Barcelona has got you covered. This guide will help you understand what places you SHOULD NOT MISS and what kind of food IS A MUST TRY to increase the chances of making your trip to this incredible city fantastic.

1. Getting Around Barcelona

As for me, I think Barcelona has a great public transportation system, that is why you won’t have any problem moving through the city. The metro is the most effective transport because of its coverage in serving larger areas. It will be helpful to purchase T-10 card that entitles the holder to ten rides at a much cheaper cost.

Thus, in parallel to the metro, buses are also quite comfortable. The buses operate in areas not covered by the metros and give a good reason to watch the streets of the city. It might be advisable to download a transportation application that will help make your movement easy and pull real time information on the roads and transport schedule.

2. Must-Visit Attractions

Sagrada Familia

Any guide to Barcelona cannot fail to recommend a tour of the city’s most famous landmark – the Sagrada Família by Antoni Gaudí. This Catholic church is featuring beautiful and impressive architecture, as well as stunning stained glass windows. Do not forget to purchase your tickets in advance so you won’t be spending hours in line!

Park Güell

The second stunning park, also by Gaudí, Park Güell is an artistic public park that has stunning view overlook the city of Barcelona. Just don’t miss the colorful mosaic salamander which is ideal for photography. It helps to remember that there are parts of the park that are restricted and to gain entry to those parts a ticket is required.

Las Ramblas

Walk along the industrial juice of Las Ramblas, a very popular street in Barcelona. This colourful and lively pedestrian mall is surrounded by stores, coffee shops and street artists which will allow you to really feel the spirit of the city. Back track to La Boqueria market for some sweet tasty local delicacies.

Montserrat

For more attractions, but with a little bit of a drive, go see Montserrat, a mountain range famous for the monastery. Visit and ride the cable car to the top where visitors are rewarded with stunning scenery; there are great hiking trails too. The Montserrat Boys Choir, known as Els Escolanets, also perform daily at the church.

3. Delicious Cuisine

They also enjoy their meals; therefore, out of every colorful city in the world, Barcelona is a food city. Don’t forget to indulge in these local favorites:

Tapas

Spain’s favourite gastronomic delight, tapas are particularly famous in Barcelona. Tapas are small portioned delicious servings of dishes which are enjoyed best when taken together with many other varieties of food from the region. Of the various options in Barcelona you should not miss out on patatas bravas, pan con tomate and jamón ibérico.

Paella

No visit to Barcelona is complete without taking a couple of meals that can be prepared using Spanish dishes such as paella. Typically, this rice dish is accompanied by a piece of meat or fish in which causes interaction of its ingredients to provide great taste. For the best try out an original local restaurant.

Sangria

As a beverage you should take sangria, which is a Spanish wine that is served in a jug. Having been prepared from red wine, fruits and a pinch of sugar, this drink will suit the atmosphere of Barcelona up to perfection.

4. Essential Travel Tips

Learn Some Basic Phrases

Although people in tourist areas understand English it is always preferable to try to speak at least a few words in the local language. Pick up easy words as “Hello,” “Please,” and “Thank you” in order to communicate with the locals.

Be Mindful of Pickpockets

As it is with any tourist attractions across the world, Barcelona has its share of petty criminals – pickpockets. To prevent becoming some criminal’s target, do not display your valuables and personal belongings or keep them with you, wear a money belt or a safe rucksack. Be aware and specially so when in public places and when commuting by bus or train.

Take a Siesta

Learn a thing or two from the locals and relax during the long halt of a siesta. Most shops and general stores are shut during this period and therefore one has to organise him or herself and make necessary arrangements. This is a good chance to take a break and be ready for the evening .