Clued In Barcelona – The Concise and Opinionated Guide to the City 2026
This is the year. Barcelona is waiting.
Let us take you there.
Grab the new 2026 full-color edition here.
Pastry obsession solved – Barcelona – January 2026
There’s nothing that can fill a cold, empty feeling in the tummy like pastry… really good pastry. It’s true that our local obsession with it switches around depending on the season, but right now it lies firmly at Bubó Pasteleria in the adorable shopping neighborhood of El Born. Ohhh, those colorful little cakes; ohhh, those artisan-stuffed croissants. It’s almost too much to bear! Mix and match them for the perfect (in hotel room) afternoon tea. You’ll find Bubó near the gorgeous Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral, at 10 Carrer de les Caputxes. Open daily from 10am.
Where to enjoy a festive meal – December 2025
We love having a meal with a gourmet menu around holiday time, and in Barcelona that means La Dama –located just north of the old town in the Eixample neighborhood. They serve impressive fish and meat offerings, and are known for their fresh, raw oyster platters. They are open fairly late on Christmas Eve, and feature beautiful prix-fixe lunch menus and a la carte dinner menus all year long. If you want to feel like you are truly dining somewhere very special, with knock-out cocktails and an amazing wine list, boasting pastries and desserts unlike anywhere else, this is your place. Visit the link above for more information.
Be part of a gourmet food crawl in Barcelona – November 2025
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed expert of Barcelona’s cuisine or just can’t get enough of it, this fun food crawl will fit the bill. Follow an English-speaking, local culinary expert from Devour Tours to tastings at seven different places. Bring your appetite because you’ll be savoring lots of flavors and even a full lunch at the end. With 2000 years of history all around you, some historical context will be given, along with a few hidden spots to discover. You can even upgrade to have complimenting wines and liquors included. This food crawl lasts about three and half hours. Get all the pertinent info at the website above. Yummy!
Join a standing e-scooter tour of Barcelona – October 2025
Be the hero of your family by booking the ‘standing’ electric scooter tour by GetYourGuide. You’ll see more of Barcelona’s famous spots in three hours than most visitors see in three days. Their electric scooters will zip you past the Sagrada Familia basilica, Passeig de Gràcia, Gaudi’s Casa Milà and Casa Batlló, not to mention Ciutadella Park, the Arc of Triomf, the Olympic Port, and the Barceloneta beach front. An expert, English-speaking guide will have something fascinating to say about each place. Helmet and bottled water are included. This fun tour is held on most days and open to anyone age twelve and older. A 24-hour cancellation refund is offered. For more fun experiences, check out our new Bored in Barcelona guide.
Barcelona’s famous dancing waters are coming back! – September 2025
La Font Màgica is returning in October after a years-long renovation. It is no ordinary fountain and you’ll be wildly astounded by its forty-five-minute performance of colorful, musical spray. It attracts thousands of spectators on specially scheduled nights so if you want a good view, get your party over to Plaça de Carles Buïgas at least an hour early. For latecomers, we recommend a spot on one of the elevated walkways reachable by the outdoor escalators. Check the special weblink for the most current schedule of upcoming “choreographies” here. It’s free!
It’s the start of the social season in Barcelona – August 2025
There’s a lot going on in the Catalonian capital this time of year, so if you’re planning to visit soon, snag a ticket to a flamenco performance or jazz concert beforehand. Besides the many local performances, September will bring the city-wide celebration of La Mercè, late in the month. It’s all done in honor of Barcelona’s patron saint and boasts human towers as well as giants, dragons, and big-headed, papier-mâché creatures right in the Plaça Sant Jaume. The main night of the event is the biggest celebration of all and will feature fireworks. Note that the parade through the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) is so popular you’ll need to plan ahead to get a good spot.
Grab our newest [fun] guide to Barcelona! July 2025
Our companion book to Clued In Barcelona is a must-read… get your copy of Bored in Barcelona – Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor before you wrap up your plans and itinerary for that trip to Spain. It’ll change the way you think about how you’re going to use your time while you’re here. And yes, it’s fantastic for first-time visitors as well! We offer it in both paperback or eBook and you can grab one here.
Upcoming summer events in Barcelona – June 2025
Next month, Barcelona will be alive with music festivals, and jammed-packed with cultural events! In a park located high above the beach, there will be nightly musical events which are part of the ALMA music festival. Its concerts regularly sell-out, so snag tickets online before your trip.
There are three cultural happenings that you should also be on the lookout for: the famous Festa Major del Raval is a street festival that features the multiculturalism of the Raval neighborhood. The best days to go are Friday and Saturday and will feature a parade of Catalan “giants” made of paper mache. Then later in the month is the annual Festa Major del Poble Sec. There you’ll gasp aloud at the incredible Castellers who make human towers with their bodies. Don’t miss the Correfoc, a fire-run which is not for the faint of heart. Your hotel concierge will let you know the best times and streets in which to experience it.
In Focus: the glorious brunch at Citizen Cafe – May 2025
We can’t say enough about Barcelona’s Citizen Cafe, our top spot for the perfect brunch or casual breakfast. Don’t miss their stellar Eggs Benedict, along with a bowl of fresh fruit-topped acai bowl and a creamy cappuccino. Make a reservation online in advance to avoid a wait. Delicious!
Visit something that’s probably off your radar – April 2025
Barcelona’s Casa Vicens is a local sight that you’ve probably never heard of… if you have, then kudos to you! As the newest Gaudi architectural treasure to be opened to the public, Casa Vicens was evidently occupied until 2017 but can now be visited. This incredibly stylish house was Gaudi’s first major project, built one-hundred-thirty years ago in an exotic Orientalist style. It is located a bit farther north than his other famous building, at 20 Carrer de les Carolines (in the neighborhood of Gràcia.) We definitely recommended it for its intricate beauty and detail, but warn our readers that only a handful of rooms there were able to be preserved. For this reason, it is usually quite uncrowded which is a win, of course… we just wish the entry price was lower to reflect this fact.
Announcement – March 2025
The fee and visa-waiver permission (ETIAS) for Americans and Canadians to travel to the European Union has been officially postponed until late-2026 or early-2027… yet another reason to travel this year! We are currently updating the information in our travel books to reflect this change. Visit the link below for more info:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en
The truth about Barcelona’s upcoming apartment ban – March 2025
You may have noticed a recent article on Google claiming that Barcelona will soon begin banning all tourist apartment rentals. This is not true! It was just typical click-bait so they could make money from the advertisers on that page. The truth is, there has been a decision to stop renewing homeowners contracts (for renting out) but it will be so slowly done that most visitors will not notice it. In fact, it will not be complete until the beginning of 2029! We just wanted to set the record straight and point out that this might be a good reason to go to beautiful Catalunya now. By the way, nothing can stop you from staying at one of the wonderful hotels recommended in Clued In Barcelona. Try the Kimpton Vividora, located right in the Gothic Quarter.
Explore your own artistic talent in Barcelona – February 2025
In a city where modern art is so important, it seems very apropos to take an art class. Discover your talent in a fun one-day intensive held by La Terraza Atico Art School. It includes all the materials you’ll need, as well as a catered picnic lunch with wine for the participants. Taught by English-speaking, professional artist Paul, beginners and experts alike will enjoy this highly creative plein-air watercolors workshop. Create your own masterpiece of a Barcelona view in this informative, three hour experience. For more fantastic ideas of what to do in Catalunya, grab a copy of our book, Bored in Barcelona: Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor.
Where to shop the sales – January 2025
Like many stores in the U.S., Spain puts its best designer items on sale after the holidays. If you’re visiting Barcelona in January and have the urge to do some shopping (or just want to come home with one really special item) this is the time. The most famous shopping street in Barcelona is Passeig de Gràcia, also referred to as Paseo de Gràcia, which runs sort of north/south through the Eixample neighborhood. For those who are unfamiliar with Barcelona, this means that the best shopping can be found smack-dab in the city center, just north of the famed Gothic Quarter. This may be helpful to know even if you don’t plan on hitting the boutiques… being aware of this type of location also tells you precisely where a city’s most desirable neighborhood is. That’s usually where you’ll also find some of the best hotels, and some top-notch restaurants too.
The truth about Christmas Day in Barcelona – December 2024
If you had the good taste to choose Barcelona for your Christmas holiday then you might be wondering how to spend your time on Wednesday, December 25 when all of the city’s sights and restaurants will be closed in observance of Christmas Day. These folks are really into Christmas and will be with their loved ones on the big day. The few dining rooms that will be open (inside various upscale hotels) are probably booked up by now. That means you’ll need to plan ahead…
1) If you’re staying in a hotel, buy some lovely sandwiches the night before, along with some sweet treats and beverages because there’s a good chance that it will be your meal. 2) If you’re staying in an apartment rental, go to La Boqueria market in the days before the holiday and get ready to prepare an at-home feast featuring jamón, olives, Asiago cheese, and some good Spanish wine. 3) In the Gothic Quarter, the gorgeous Catedral de Barcelona will have a morning service starting at 10am with music followed by a proper Catholic Mass, but go early to get a seat; all are welcome. 4) If you have a rental car, go for a drive in the countryside or explore the Mediterranean seaside of the region’s Costa Brava –and revel in having the road all to yourself. 5) If no vehicle is at your disposal then go for a leisurely stroll along the beach and boardwalk of Barceloneta. 6) Be out and about after the sunset too; slowly but surely other folks will begin to fill the streets. Merry Christmas!
In Focus: New Year’s Eve Barcelona-style
If you plan on being in Barcelona over the New Year then you should start making plans right now. The main clubs like Shoko, Opium, or Pacha are situated right on the beach and pump the music on the dancefloor until the wee hours of January 1st. Tickets can be purchased online through their websites. If you’re looking for something just as festive but not as fancy (or expensive,) join the locals at either Plaça Catalunya or Plaça d’Espanya. The former is a beautiful, large square where many folks will smash their Cava bottles in the center of it at midnight. We recommend that you do not situate yourself in the center! The latter will have a better view of the city’s official fireworks display. Either way, be sure to take a bunch of grapes with you. (In Spain it’s considered bad luck if you don’t eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Everyone does it.) If you don’t bring grapes and have a sudden fear or onset of superstition, you’ll be forced to buy them from private vendors on the street for a very inflated price.
Try to escape from the Ouija Room – October 2024
Our recommendations for Barcelona in the fall usually include gallery openings or new restaurants, but our series of “Bored In” travel books have inspired us to go in a spookier direction this year. Below is one of the creepy places you can visit that will be included in the upcoming Bored in Barcelona -Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor
If you like to be scared and have never tried an Escape Room before, you’re in for a treat. The city’s most admired (and challenging) one is called the Jigsaw Horror Box, located just a stone’s throw away from the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral. They offer several different experiences, but their Ouija Room is getting a lot of attention by escape-room devotees. Inside, two to six players will be locked in rooms that feature spirits, exorcism, occultism, black magic, and voodoo. Be careful not to open doors that you might not be able to close! Check out their website for more info here.
The Jewel of Barcelona – August 2024
What can we say about Barcelona’s most beautiful concert hall (and declared UNESCO world heritage site,) the Palau de la Musica Catalan? Translating to simply “palace of music,” it was built in 1905 by one of Gaudi’s contemporaries. Located right next to the Gothic Quarter, this theatre posts a performance calendar on its website so that you can see what’s on for the exact dates of your visit.
Since Catalans eat dinner very late, you can easily attend a concert or dance performance and dine right afterward. Boasting everything from Flamenco dancing to Spanish guitar or classical ensembles and famous singers, there’s always something for everyone. For those (like us) who don’t speak Catalan, a musical performance is definitely the way to go in terms of entertainment during your stay. We don’t even care what’s on the calendar as long as it gets us inside this wonderful and highly historic space! Even the lobby area is breathtaking. Check out more about the Palau de la Musica here. If your nights are already full, then be sure to take a guided tour of this incredible jewel of Barcelona.
Have a picnic on the beach – July 2024
A tasty lunch enjoyed just meters from the sparkling Mediterranean Sea is not something you can do just anywhere, and in Barcelona it’s super-easy to put together. In the narrow streets next to Barceloneta beach, you’ll find a fresh bread and pastry shop called Baluard Barceloneta. This authentic Catalonian bakery has everything you need for an inexpensive picnic. They offer sandwiches and pixtos made on their just-baked bread, as well as a hefty assortment of pastries, juices, and coffee. You’ll find them just a stone’s throw from the yachts at 38 Carrer del Baluard. They open early everyday but close early on Sundays in the off-season. This is what great memories are made of. (Note that alcohol is not allowed on the beach in Barcelona!)
Summer festivals are almost here – June 2024
Planning a summer visit to Barcelona? It’s festival time and this city knows how to celebrate. In mid- to late-July there are several large, neighborhood festivals like the annual, week-long Festa Major del Poble Sec or the Festa Major del Raval. Be sure to plan your sightseeing and activities around them. That should include attending these street festivals yourself where you might see the incredible Castellers (who make human towers with their bodies) or the correfoc (fire-run) that’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Your hotel concierge will let you know the best times and streets in which to experience all of the daily shows and parades. Festa Major translates to “big party!”
Stay at a really cool hotel – May 2024
We’re not sure what to mention first, the Hotel Ohla Barcelona’s incredible rooftop bar and infinity pool, or its comfortable accommodations. The artsy vibe can be seen both inside and out, and wow what a location! It’s situated in the exact nexus of four amazing (and important) neighborhoods. You can walk to nearly everything from here. Of course, with a pool like that you might not want to leave the place. Three top-notch culinary dining rooms round out the experience. Yes, there are thousands of eyeballs covering the hotel’s exterior.
Enjoy a catered picnic in Barcelona, April 2024
Now that spring has arrived, you might want to experience dining in nature rather than a cramped restaurant. With all the pintxos and tapas bars, its super-easy to put together a finger-food feast here complimented by a nice bottle of wine, a bag of sliced jamon, and some Spanish asiago cheese. (Don’t forget the plastic cups.) But if you want an effortless picnic, perhaps inside the city’s beautiful Ciutadella Park, just order one at Picnic! Picnic! -a full-service picnic caterer who can deliver it to any Barcelona location. Their menus include gourmet foods, beverages, a large tablecloth, and all the necessary utensils you need to enjoy a magnificent meal. Consider it as a perfect surprise for unwitting loved ones. Whether you choose a park, the beach, or the Montjuïc hilltop with a view, you’ll have a truly wonderful outdoor experience. If you’re not sure what location to choose, their website will help you decide. It even has a list of suggestions specifically for rainy days. Here’s just one of their recent menus:
Assorted regional cheeses and artisan bread
A choice of pâté, cod, or confit
Rosemary herbed crackers
French Macarons
Bottle of red wine or Chardonnay,
Lemonade, juices, and mineral water
Small bouquet of flowers and comfy pillows
In Focus: Harlem Jazz Club – March 2024
Sometimes you just need to chill out to some live jazz music and Barcelona boasts a wonderful venue for doing just that. The Harlem Jazz Club in the Gothic Quarter is the best spot in town for some late night toe-tapping. Open since 1987, it’s the oldest jazz joint in Barcelona and hosts international artists. There’s always great music to choose from, including blues, classic jazz, funk, salsa, tango, flamenco, soul and sometimes even rock. Their concert schedule is posted right on their website.
Plan ahead for the trip of a lifetime – January 2024
The more you can plan beforehand, the better your visit to Barcelona will be. At Clued In Travel Books, we are big believers in having reservations at the restaurants we most desire rather than settling for our second or third choices. Restaurants tend to fill up fast, especially around Valentine’s Day (which has become a global holiday.) As for the city’s top sights, book most of them ahead too because everyone else will be doing the same; times have definitely changed. You didn’t come this far only to find the fabulous La Pedrera is sold out. Having reservations and tickets brings about the amazing effect of keeping your sight-seeing on track. No flaking out allowed!
If you are the type of traveler who likes to go to an undiscovered city with no plans (just to see where fate takes you) then we say, “Good luck and bless your heart.” Instead, go ahead and grab one of our travel books and peruse through it to the end. You’ll be shocked at how a place you knew nothing about is suddenly as clear as can be. It’s almost magical.
One of our newest fans recently stated, “I thought I would “dog -ear” a few pages to go back and read later, and I simply could not put the book down. I ended up with over half of the pages with a turned down corner! I am fortunate to have traveled to over 30 countries and have used all of the popular guidebooks; Rick Steves, Frommers, and Lonely Planet… and this one is best of all.”
In Focus: ‘Museu Taurino de la Monumental’ – November 2023
This month we’re featuring local sights that are lesser-known but which are a must-see in our very opinionated view. In Barcelona, that means the old Monumental bullfighting ring at Plaza de Toros. Now before you get upset, please know that the Catalonia region outlawed bullfighting in 2012 so this sight is now a museum dedicated to a sport that was part of the culture here for more than three-hundred years. The city boasted two major rings, one of which is now a circular, covered shopping mall. Ugh. The other, called La Monumental, has been preserved as an almost-living museum. It looks the same today as when the bullfighting ended. (Today the place is sometimes used for concerts.)
Visitors who want to learn more about the sport of bullfighting can enter for a small fee and roam around the place at their own pace. You’re allowed to stand right in the middle of the ring and get the Matador’s perspective, so to speak. There are also a few exhibit rooms of bullfighters’ gear and hats, vintage posters, and even some actual Matador and Toreador costumes dating back to 1693. Go on a weekday and you might just have the entire place to yourself. For more info, check it out in our new 2024 edition of Clued In Barcelona.
Enjoy Barcelona to the fullest – October 2023
If you like to really explore a city without the tourist crowds, head to Barcelona before the end of the year. There’s tons going on right now and you can do it all just like a local. Whether it’s attending an exciting soccer game at their 100,000-seat stadium Camp Nou, experiencing the Sagrada Familia basilica, discovering fabulous music at the annual International Jazz Festival, ice-skating in a huge plaza, or seeing the city’s holiday lights presentation, you’ll be very welcome and might even make a new friend or two at one of their Christmas Markets popping up around town in mid-November. So fun!
Planning ahead for an autumn visit – September 2023
If you’re planning a visit to Barcelona this month, here’s a heads up about one of the city’s major upcoming festivals… From September 22-25, the Festival of La Mercè will once again take place in Catalunya. Crazy human towers will be cheered on, a parade of giants will move through the streets, devils will run around with fiery sparklers at night, and a great deal of alcohol will be consumed. (We can’t make this stuff up.) It’s a fun event to be in town for but may hinder some transportation especially if you happen to be arriving or departing on these dates.
Sometimes you just want a great sandwich – August 2023
We’re finally going to release a bit of information that we’ve been keeping private -our favorite sandwich shop in Barcelona. Since it’s August, many restaurants are closed for their summer holiday so you might need to have a sandwich for dinner. That’s okay because the ones served here at Conesa Entrepans are huge and satisfying and have been since 1951. They serve most of them grilled which makes them hot and crunchy! Located right in the middle of the Gothic Quarter at 1 Carrer de la Llibreteria, it’s conveniently located for most visitors. (Their super delicious but super ugly creations don’t photograph very well.)
Rooftop cocktails at Hotel Serras – July 2023
When a refreshing, expertly-made cocktail is in order, why not choose a place with a drop-dead gorgeous view? The rooftop bar and lounge at Serras means you’ll be overlooking the city’s gleaming white yacht harbor. There’s just something about being there, sipping something cold on a summer’s evening. This lovely hotel is located at 9 Passieg de Colom in the Barceloneta neighborhood. They also serve bar bites and full meals if you get peckish.
Let’s go boating! – June 2023
This is the time of year everyone waits for… Barcelona has warmed up and a summertime vibe is in the air. That means splashing in the blue Mediterranean waters, along with enjoying a super-affordable, one-hour cruise from the marina area at Port Vell in Barceloneta (the city’s gorgeous beach area.) We can’t think of a better -or easier- way to enjoy the sunshine. These boat cruises are centrally located, need no reservations, and can literally be done on the spur of the moment. That’s what we call stress-free. Our favorite ride is on the catamaran but there are usually other boats to choose from as well, even a pirate ship. There’s seating for all, some snacks for sale, and restrooms on board. And the views from the boat are stunning.
Our best clue? Just take whichever boat is leaving next and try to snag a seat on the upper deck right away. If it is already full when you board just wait ten minutes or so. There are always passengers that find it too windy who will vacate their prime seats after you are underway. Happens every time! To get a ticket, head over to the kiosks near the Columbus Column Monument at the south end of La Rambla. (More info can be found in our Clued In Barcelona book.)
The Perk Report – March 2023
Our readers know that we include a concise but helpful segment in most of our travel books called The Perk Report. Here is an excerpt from our Clued In Barcelona which has an especially unique one…
If go looking for that Seattle-based, green mermaid coffee chain you frequent at home, you will find it; there’s even one that has popped up near the famous Sagrada Familia Basilica. Barcelona does have its own coffee culture however. In case you end up in an authentic café, here are some words to know in order to get exactly what you want:
Cafè Sol A cafè sol (or simply cafè) is a strong “espresso” coffee.
Tallat A tallat is that same espresso with a dash of milk.
Cafè amb Llet (or Café con Leche in Spanish) Cafè amb llet is a creamy coffee drink. It is larger than the ones above and has equal amounts of milk (llet – pronounced yet) mixed with strong coffee. It’s usually enjoyed in the morning. The milk is either added hot or room temperature so don’t be surprised if you’re asked which way you prefer it.
Cafè Bombó Café Bombón is a decadent sweet and creamy coffee. Made with sweetened condensed milk, you’ll need to stir it well before drinking. Some people will find this one to be too rich.
Cafè amb Gel (pronounced zhel) Cafè amb gel is definitely more popular in summer, usually while sitting outside. You receive two glasses, a small hot coffee and a large one with ice cubes. Just sweeten the hot coffee as you like and then pour over the ice into the larger glass. Instant iced coffee!
Cigaló Cigaló is an espresso that is topped off with brandy. Woohoo! It’s usually enjoyed by old men at breakfast-time; you’ll see them sitting at the bar.
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Dean says, “If you casually order a latte because you think you’re cool, they will not know what you are talking about.”
Pro Tip: In Barcelona cafés, just tell the cashier your order, then hand your little receipt to the barista.
Good Clue: Barcelona baristas know what a cappuccino is and may or may not make you one. Sometimes you’ll just receive a cafè amb llet made with hot milk but no foam.
In focus: Lunch at La Plassohla – February 2023
When other websites are touting where to eat on Valentine’s Day, we’ve decided to do exactly that as well, (for our Barcelona page at least.) It’s also our February shout-out to anyone wanting a truly fabulous lunch in a fabulous space, for a very fair price. We are speaking of La Plassohla. This gorgeous restaurant is hiding inside the Ohla Barcelona Hotel right in the Gothic Quarter. They specialize in small plates and tapas and encourage sharing, which we find quite romantic and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Their burger is touched with mystery spices that puts it at the very top of our incredible-burgers-in-Barcelona list. (It comes with the fries but you have to request the ketchup!) You’ll find the Ohla Hotel at 49 Via Laietana. Look for a Neo-classic façade with eyeballs all over it. Yep.
The truth about Christmas Day in Barcelona – December 2022
If you had the good taste to choose Barcelona for your Christmas holiday then you might be wondering how to spend your time on Sunday, December 25 when all of the city’s sights and restaurants will be closed in observance of Christmas Day. These folks are really into Christmas and will be with their loved ones on the big day. The few dining rooms that will be open (inside various upscale hotels) are probably booked up by now. That means you’ll need to plan ahead…
1) If you’re staying in a hotel, buy some lovely sandwiches the night before, along with some sweet treats and beverages because there’s a good chance that it will be your meal. 2) If you’re staying in an apartment rental, go to La Boqueria market in the days before the holiday and get ready to prepare an at-home feast featuring jamón, olives, Asiago cheese, and some good Spanish wine. 3) In the Gothic Quarter, the gorgeous Catedral de Barcelona will have a morning service at 10am but go early to get a seat. 4) If you have a rental car, go for a drive in the countryside or explore the Mediterranean seaside of the region’s Costa Brava –and revel in having the road all to yourself. 5) If no vehicle is at your disposal then go for a leisurely stroll along the beach and boardwalk of Barceloneta. 6) Be out and about after the sunset too; slowly but surely other folks will begin to fill the streets. Merry Christmas!
Update – November 2022
If you’ve never tried a free walking tour and are curious about Barcelona’s enigmatic Gothic Quarter, why not combine the two? November, with its uncrowded streets is the best time of year to enjoy a guided stroll. How can it be free? Well, local freelance guides take pre-booked groups through the medieval section to share the stories of its past. You’ll see the city’s Roman ruins as well and more than a few surprises over the two hour experience. At the end of the tour, simply tip the guide what you feel it was worth. That’s it! No judgment. Click this link to reserve a spot or get more information: Tour Info
In Focus: Brunch & Cake Café / October 2022
In Barcelona, we recommend that you try Brunch & Cake, an usual but tasty café in the vibrant Eixample neighborhood (though they now have opened a second location next to the Port Vell yacht harbor.) With an emphasis on fruits and baked goods, their plates are literally works of art. Their sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, and breakfast choices are so unique that we hardly know how to describe it all. Let’s just say it’s like Grandma food made on a day when Grandma went a bit crazy. And that’s a good thing! The fare will make you feel like it’s summer again, even in the middle of winter.
Attend a fun workshop while you’re on vacation – September 2022
You might not have considered booking a workshop while you’re away from your daily grind but it’s the best way to learn about the culture you’ll be surrounded by. They are always taught in English and will undoubtedly become a cherished memory. In Barcelona, that means learning tango dancing for beginners on a rooftop with a view. Oh, and cocktails are served to help break the ice and stoke your confidence. Details are in our new book, Bored in Barcelona, Awesome Experiences for the Repeat Visitor but here’s a handy link to a class that’s held right in the famed Gothic Quarter. So fun!
Sagrada Familia is totally worth your time – April 2022
There are many “touristy” places to visit in Barcelona and while this may have a negative connotation for some people, please remember that ultra-famous sights are ultra-famous for a reason: it’s because they’re fantastic and highly memorable. The Sagrada Familia Basilica is a must-see, and we can honestly say that it is one of the most unforgettable places we’ve ever been to, is magnificent inside and out, and was chosen for the cover of our Clued In Barcelona travel book for those reasons.
So, is Gaudi’s masterpiece easy to book and visit? Very. Here are some helpful pointers to get your Barcelona travel juices flowing:
Gaudi’s temple basilica of Sagrada Familia (sacred family) is open daily from 9am to 6pm. You can book your timed-tickets up to two months ahead through their official app or website, or in person. With advance tickets you can enter the basilica without queuing or waiting. The entry price ranges from around €21 to €26. They offer guided tours through their website if you prefer to take a deep-dive of the place.
Its immense towers are still under construction but the interior is finished so your visit will not be affected. As a recognized Catholic church, visitors must dress appropriately: no see-through clothing, tops must cover the shoulders, trousers and skirts must come down to at least mid-thigh. Visitors are not allowed to enter wearing promotional clothing or tops with bold statements.
Eat your way through Barcelona – February 2022
February here means fewer crowds and cool weather. We adore it, even if we must don a jacket at night for warmth. Since Barcelona’s beach is basically out of the question, why not spend a few hours on a fabulous Secret Food Tour instead? This town is simply made for foodies so get out there and discover some delicious local gastronomy. As you stroll through our favorite neighborhoods of El Born and the Barceloneta harbor area with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll enjoy a typical Catalan pastry from the city’s oldest bakery, sample traditional tapas, eat authentic paëlla, compare top quality jamóns, cheeses, olive oils, and much much more. There will even be a secret dish waiting for you! Gain an understanding of the local cuisine while satisfying your taste buds.
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Plan ahead for the trip of a lifetime – January 2022
You might not think so right now, but travel will be returning in a big way and those who plan now will reap the benefits. As the pandemic fades, try to be one of the first to make a trip to Barcelona and enjoy it in a blissfully uncrowded way. Try making a detailed yet fluid itinerary without precise dates. Pencil in the days of the week only, noting which of your preferred sights are closed on Sundays or Mondays, etc. This will give you a basic framework on which to build your dream journey.
The more you can plan beforehand, the better it will be. At Clued In Travel Books we are big believers in having reservations at the restaurants we most desire rather than settling for our second or third choices. Dinner reservations are especially likely to fill up if not made in advance. As for the best sights, well, these must be booked ahead (due to the requirements of contactless service.) And with absolutely everyone now booking ahead, these too are more likely to sell out.
Travelers visiting our particular website probably understand this so we won’t beat a dead horse. If you are the type of traveler who likes to go somewhere with no plans or reservations in order to just see where fate takes you, we say, “Good luck and bless your heart.”
So, grab one of our travel books and peruse through it to the end. You’ll be shocked at how a city you knew nothing about is suddenly as familiar as can be. It’s almost magical.
Taxi Clues for Barcelona – March 2020
Since some travelers are looking to avoid crowds and mass transit this spring, we’re providing at-a-glace info regarding official taxi cabs in Barcelona. While not as inexpensive, a taxi will make you feel more confident and get you where you’re going in style. And if your party is more than a single rider, it can be a great value. We always budget it in!
- Only hire the city’s official, metered, black and yellow taxis. You can hail a taxi from any Barcelona curbside, as long as it’s not too near an official taxi queue. They must be “available” of course, with their green roof light lit up. Don’t worry about the numbers 1 or 2 being lit up as this does not pertain to anything that waiting passengers need to know.
- Most taxi fares within central Barcelona range between €5 to €10 and tipping is not necessary. They do take credit cards, but always have cash on you in case their credit machine isn’t functioning or can’t find a signal.
- Most of the city’s cab drivers resist speaking in English or Spanish, and will express in Catalan that they do not understand the address you’re giving them. Be ready to show them a printed address, either on your phone or on a piece of paper. The meter is already running while you have this often confusing discussion, even though the taxi has not moved.
- Do not play with your smart phone while inside a taxi, unless you’re on Google Maps watching the progress of your ride. If you don’t pay attention, many drivers will complete a long, circular route before finally taking you to your destination and you’ll never even know it. They count on you not seeing the same buildings passing by a second time. They may also try to take a longer route than was needed so be aware.
- Do not expect cab drivers to change a €50 or €100 note; they are not required to, and the more dishonest ones will give you back €20 notes that are merely color copies of euros. These fake bills will not have the required foil strip running through them but you won’t notice when you’re busy getting out of the back of a dark taxi at night.
- If a taxi is called to your hotel or restaurant, it will already have its meter running from when it started to come get you. Don’t be alarmed by this as it’s completely legal and is the norm.
- Official taxi queues can be found near main plazas or sights, so note where they are in your area is case you need one quickly at some point.
- Supplements are imposed on top of the timed fare, such as late night fees, weekend fees, etc. Watch out for meters that seem suspicious in their pricing. For instance, the meter should never show a large supplement fee of €10. See below for specific pricing at the time of publishing. If there’s any confusion regarding your fare, remember that the current rates and surcharges are clearly displayed on window stickers at the back of every cab.
- All of the problems mentioned above can be avoided by telling the cab driver when you first enter his/her taxi that you’ll need a paper machine receipt at the end of the ride. Make sure the driver acknowledges this and does not indicate that the printer is broken. If so, exit the taxi and find another. Keep this receipt in case you have a problem; it identifies the cab and the driver and is in place to actually help keep them honest.
The initial minimum fare is €2.15, plus the price per kilometer as follows:
€1.13 Workdays: Monday to Friday from 8am and 8pm / €1.34 Overnight: Monday to Friday from 8pm and 8am / €1.40 Weekend: Saturdays, Sundays, & public holidays / €2 Wee hours: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & holidays from midnight to 6am / €22.10 is the standard one hour “waiting time” fee.
There are no fixed rates to and from the BCN Airport but there will be minimum of €20 for these rides.
Supplemental fees: €1 each for luggage, €2.10 to and from the BCN Airport, Sants Railway Station, the cruise port, or any trade fair
Enjoy great mixology in the El Born neighborhood – November 2019
Whether you’ll be staying in the city center or not, a visit to the quaint streets of El Born is totally worth your time. Already our favorite area, we now have a new reason to go there. The Collage Art & Social Club bar has some of the best and most unique cocktails in town and its colorful decor will list your spirits as nothing else can. Check it out at the website above, or clickere to see some of their amazing creations. These might just be the best cocktails in Spain!
Festival in Barceloneta, May 2019
Barcelona’s festival called the Cors Muts (mute chorus) will be in full swing with a parade through the streets of the waterfront Barceloneta neighborhood from 8am to noon on Saturday, May 19. Humorous groups in costume carrying excessively large objects will take to dancing in the streets. Confetti adds a festive atmosphere and special events will continue through the weekend.
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