There is so much to see when visiting the beautiful city of Barcelona, it can be difficult to find the time to do everything that you would like to. However, there are some places you absolutely must visit on your trip to Barcelona, and below we give you our top ten.

 

1. Sagrada Família

Admire Gaudí´s unfinished masterpiece towering over the quaint Eixample streets below. Dedicated to the Holy Family, Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí took over the construction of this incredible church in 1883, radically changing the design. Boasting a modernist style and breath-taking intricate features, the Sagrada Família has yet to be completed to this day. Don´t forget to visit the museum inside to explore some of Gaudí´s most interesting work.

Metro stop: Sagrada Familia (L2 & L5)

 

2. Las Ramblas

An experience you can´t miss is a stroll down Las Ramblas. Actually made up of five distinct boulevards or ´ramblas´, this famous 1.2km avenue in Barcelona is constantly buzzing with musicians, street performers, artists, living statues and stalls. Around halfway down Las Ramblas you will find the most famous market in Barcelona: La Boqueria. This is a fantastic place to visit with its colourful fruit stands and delicious tapas stalls. It is also great for picking up some fresh ingredients to try out some Spanish recipes of your own.

Metro stop: Catalunya, Liceu or Drassanes (L3)

 

3. Montjuïc

Visiting Montjuïc is an absolute must on your Barcelona trip as there are so many fantastic places on and around the hill to experience. For example, the very top you will find the historic Castell de Montjuïc, which was once an old military prison. Also, at the foot of the hill, the Magic Fountain offers you some amazing water acrobatics, which coupled with some bright colours and patterns, creates a stunning view, especially at twilight.

Metro stop for the fountain: Espanya (L3 & L1)

Metro stop for the hill: Paral-lel (L2 & L3) – then take the Funicular de Montjuïc train up the hill

 

4. El Born District

You will find the trendy El Born district on the opposite side of Via Laietana from the Gothic Quarter. Here you will encounter some fantastic museums as well as some of the quirkiest boutiques in Barcelona. The Picasso Museum is located in this vibrant area, as well as the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana, just a short walk away in the neighboring 'barrio' of Sant Pere. This concert hall opened in 1908 and was designed by modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Over the years it has been host to some of the world’s best known orchestras.

Metro stop: Urquinaona (L4)

5. Camp Nou

Whether you are a football fan or not, a trip around the F.C. Barcelona stadium is essential to your visit to Barcelona. Here you can purchase tickets for matches as well as take the ´Camp Nou Experience´ - a tour around the impressive venue and its museum. The tour has an audioguide allowing you to explore the stadium at your own pace. Feel the true Barça passion when you see the most emblematic areas of the Camp Nou.

Metro stop: Collblanc (L5)

 

6. Parc Güell

Next on the list of Barcelona´s best attractions is Parc Güell. Also designed by Gaudí, this gorgeous park is decorated with mosaic-style sculptures and glasswork. Situated on a hill, its lush vegetation and beautiful architectural elements make this a great place to visit when the sun is shining. Plan for a relaxed stroll through the park with a few stops to admire the sculptures, and don’t forget to visit the museum inside the park.

Metro stop: Lesseps (L3)

7. Gothic Quarter

As you turn off Las Ramblas you will find the historic Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. This area is known as the heart of the city and is best explored on foot as its narrow, winding paths lead you to some fabulous Catalan-Gothic architectural sights, including the famous Catedral de Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter was once an ancient Roman village, so look out for some of the ruins that still stand today. Also, don´t forget to make a stop at some of this district´s charming squares including the Plaça Reial, which is home to a beautiful fountain, some lampposts decorated by Gaudí and a few tasty restaurants.

Metro stop: Jaume I (L4)

8. Tibidabo

The mountain of Tibidabo is definitely worth visiting when staying in Barcelona. At night you can see its majestic church lit up against the dark backdrop of the sky and during the day it offers amazing view of the city. Also home to an amusement park, it is a great place to spend a few hours if you are coming to the city with children.

Metro stop: Catalunya (L3 & L1) – take the Ferrocarril L7 to Av. Tibidabo station, then take the Tramvia Blau up to the Funicular del Tibidabo, which will then take you the rest of the way to the church and the amusement park

 

9. Passeig de Gràcia

The grand Passeig de Gràcia is known to be the financial and shopping hub of the city. Adorned with tall trees and bright lights, you will find some of the world´s most luxurious designer stores on this wide avenue such as Louis Vuitton and Prada, as well as some high-street names, including Zara and Bershka, a little further along. As you amble down this beautiful street, don´t forget to look out for two more of Gaudí´s finest buildings: La Pedrera and Casa Battló.

Metro stop: Passeig de Gràcia (L3)

 

10. Barceloneta

During the hotter months of the year, you can spend some time cooling down in the sunny Barceloneta area. Hit the beach and soak up the sun or enjoy a couple of cervezas (beers) in true Spanish style! If you are coming to Barcelona outside the summer months, you can still visit this laid-back part of the city as it has some fantastic seafood restaurants as well as many bars and cafés lining the beach.

Metro stop: Barceloneta (L4)

 

Whether you are coming to Barcelona for a short weekend break, a couple of weeks holidays or even a business trip, you can´t miss out on these fantastic attractions. Staying in a Barcelona apartment is a great way to enjoy the city as you can relax in the privacy and comfort of your fully equipped home-away-from-home (with your own living room and kitchen) after a long day of sightseeing!

 

November isn’t always sunny, but it isn’t always cold either. It is a good time to visit Barcelona as you can enjoy not just the pleasant autumn scenery, but also the cooling atmosphere and a great line up of events happening in the city. From Halloween specials to magic shows, here is a sneak preview of some of the most talked about events this month.

International Jazz Festival 2011

This year, Barcelona is hosting the 43^rd edition of the International Jazz Festival. Well underway by November, this concert goes on until December 1^st and boasts of an interesting line up of bands and artists from all over the world. It takes place in 15 different venues in Barcelona with 80 planned concerts. If you are a jazz fan, you will love the opportunity to experience everything jazz from pianos, bass guitars and many reed instruments to foot tapping African melodies. In addition to the musical extravaganza, there will be free prologue concerts, family concerts, exhibitions, fringe events and jazz and gastronomy events, which combine jazz with wine tasting, cocktails and dinners. Stay at an apartment in the center of Barcelona and enjoy some concert hopping and a musical vacation in this wonderful city! For more information visit http://www.theproject.es/en/global/index.php.

 

Halloween at PortAventura

November is the perfect time to visit the theme park PortAventura as it celebrates Halloween with great style and gusto throughout the autumn season. Every year, PortAventura completely transforms in to a Halloween inspired spooky scene with 12,000 pumpkins, and 2011 will be no different as the park introduces 8 new shows. This is a great time to experience PortAventura as fear, screams, horror and, most importantly, a ton of fun awaits you. Only an hour’s train ride from Barcelona, you can plan a fun day trip to PortAventura while you stay in Barcelona, or alternatively you can rent an apartment in Costa Dorada and plan an action packed weekend. For more information on Halloween at PortAventura visit the official website.

 

Salón Náutico – International Boat Show

One of the biggest events of its kind in Spain, the Barcelona International Boat Show will be celebrating a very special event this year – its 50^th anniversary. Attended by visitors from all over the world, this show will be held from November 5^th to November 13^th, and will exhibit the newest products for all things boat and sea-related. Open to everyone, this event covers everything from accessories and nautical clothing to dinghies, mega yachts and motor boats. And there are plenty of fun activities to take part in such as windsurfing. Whether you are a boating enthusiast or simply just a sea lover, this show is for you. Stay in one of the beach apartments in Barcelona and make sure to attend this show!

For more information on the Salón Náutico visit http://www.salonnautico.com.

 

Barcelona Shopping Night 2011

The second edition of this exciting event of gala shopping is organized by the elegant shops lining the grand Passeig de Gràcia. Stores remain open beyond normal closing times until 1am with many special and festive events planned to kick off the Christmas shopping season. Organized in association with Harpers Bazaar, this event is inspired by the Vogue international fashion night out. Scheduled for the 30^th of November this year, the shopping night involves open stores, special offers, concerts on the street, food tasting and other fun on the most chic street of Barcelona. The only thing you need to do to take part is purchase a ‘shopping passport’. Check out our Facebook page for more information on how to pick up a passport, closer to the time.

 

Magic Internacional 2011

This is your chance to know everything you always wanted to about magic. Held from the 4^th to 6^th of November, the Magic Internacional is a fair involving magicians and mystics. In  the fair, you can expect to experience the world of magic through both the exhibition stands and the interesting services like palmistry, clairvoyance, massage, natural diet and therapy, cleansing and relaxation, tarot readings and much, much more! Tickets for Magic Internacional cost 11 Euros per day and can be purchased at the ticket office on the day you attend. For more information visit http://www.firabcn.es/.

 

Book your apartment in Barcelona now and don’t miss the chance to experience these fantastic events in Barcelona this November, as well as all of the other fabulous attractions this beautiful city has to offer.  

Barcelona is home to some truly inspiring history and culture, and it can often be difficult to see it all at once, especially if you are staying in this beautiful city for just a short time. But, if you are looking to find some mouth-watering food, spectacular clothing and try something new while in the Catalan capital, then visiting Barcelona´s markets is a must, whatever your schedule.

Popular with tourists and locals alike, the markets in Barcelona are open most days from 8am to 8pm, offering a feast for all your senses with their rainbows of colourful food, their bargaining vendors and their freshly prepared dishes. Perfect for picking up some typically Spanish ingredients, tasting some fantastic fish dishes or just finding something unusual - experience real Catalonian culture and visit one (or more!) of the best ´mercados publicos´ in Barcelona.

 

Mercat de Santa Caterina

Barcelona´s newest market is the Mercat de Santa Caterina and it has over 100 different stalls. Inside there is a restaurant renowned as one of the best lunch restaurants in the city - Cuines Santa Caterina. Here you can try a variety of different Catalan meals, tapas, vegetarian food or simply stop for a drink and take in the sights of this beautiful market.

How to get there: Metro L4 - Jaume 1

 

Mercat del Ninot

The Mercat del Ninot can be found a little further outside of the city centre and is known best for its central island dedicated to fish. With over 100 years of history, the market is a great example of some of Barcelona´s most beautiful architecture, even after being reconstructed in 1933.

How to get there: Metro L5 - Hospital Clínic

 

 

La Boqueria

 

El Mercat de Sant Josep de La Boqueria is one of the most well-known markets in Catalonia. Often called ´La Boqueria´ for short, this market is located right on the famous Las Ramblas of Barcelona and has a lively, buzzing atmosphere. The colourful fruit stands and mountains of perfectly arranged sweets are just one of this market´s most striking qualities. Because La Boqueria can become quite busy, it is best to visit earlier in the morning, before the crowds begin to arrive. If you are staying in a city centre Barcelona apartment, this market is incredibly easy to get to by public transport.

How to get there: Metro L3 - Liceu

 

 

 

Mercat del Encants

The Mercat del Encants is Barcelona´s largest flea market. Situated under the Glories roundabout, just outside the centre of Barcelona, the market is home to bits-and-pieces of all kinds, ready to sell on to the next eager customer. For lovers of antiques, there is also an added bonus to visiting the Mercat del Encants as it holds two auctions (one at 7am and another at 12pm) where bargain hunters can battle it out for their favourite items.

How to get there: Metro L1 - Glories

The Holy Father´s visit is generating great expectations from the international media. More than 2,000 journalists from all five continents have been confirmed for the event. It is estimated that over 150 million people will watch the event on television.  Pope Benedict XVI will arrive in Barcelona from Santiago de Compostela on Saturday, November 6.

The next day held the dedication of the church and the altar of Holy Family, and praying the Angelus on the Nativity facade. Executive President, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, will receive the Pope with the Kings in the Holy Family and maintain a brief meeting with him. Deputy Prime Minister Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega noted that although the Pope's pastoral visit, the Government and the King's House will host the Pope for institutional comity and to highlight the good relations between two states, he said currently have no open disputes. De la Vega said that the thorny Religious Freedom Act will be brought forward.

The Archbishop prepares an area for about 40,000 people with chairs and screens to enable citizens to follow the event. The cost of this device, as has moved the Cardinal, will be between 500,000 € and 600,000 €, of which about € 300,000 have already joined via donations.

Detailed Itinerary (official)

Saturday, November 6

21:00 Arrival of Pope Prat Airport, from Santiago de Compostela.
21:45 Arrival at the Archbishopric, where the Pope will spend the night.

       

Sunday, November 7

09:00 Departure of the Archbishop in the popemobile
09:30 Meeting with the King and Queen of Spain, the Holy Family
10:00 Mass with the dedication of the church of the Sagrada Familia. Pope's homily.
(At the beginning of the Mass, Cardinal Archbishop of Barcelona pronounce a word of greeting to the Holy Father)
12:00 Angelus on the facade of the Nativity, the Temple of the Sagrada Familia.
12:45 Departure of the Holy Family to the Archbishopric, in the popemobile
13:00 Lunch in the Archdiocese with the cardinals and bishops and the papal entourage.
16:45 Departure of the Archbishop of Barcelona.
17:15 Visit to the Social Work of the Holy Child Benefit in Barcelona. Greetings from the Holy Father.
18:00 Departure to the Airport of El Prat
18:30 Farewell ceremony official Prat Airport. Speeches of the Holy Father and King
19:15 Departure by plane to Rome.
20:55 Arrival at Rome airport

 

Reserve now your apartment in Barcelona for Pope's visit !

Traffic in Barcelona is very dense, so it is difficult to park in the street. Parking places are expensive and most central locations are reserved for residents of the Area Verde (Green Zone Residents Area) This are exclusively reserved for residents 8am  to 8pm (and sometimes 24 hours) Monday through Friday,  and the ones that says "Àrea preferent" it accept all vehicles. Non-residents will pay higher prices and parking will be limited to 1 or 2 hours, from 8 to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

 

The blue squares "Àrea Blaves” are accessible to all vehicles, but with time restrictions (2, 3 or 4 hours) from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. The rates of the green zone ranged between 1.08 euro and 2.94 euros per hour, depending on the area (A, B, C or D). From 8am to 8pm and at the end of the week, the Green Zone is free and open to all vehicles. You should be aware of  the parking signs... As well as the tow truck!! That is on the lookout.

We advice you to be careful with your belongings in crowded places the thieves are on the look out as well.

 

Private parking

 

The easiest and safest way is to park is in a parking garage where you can pay and it will be safe and watched. There is many parking places in all districts. We advise you to allow a portion of your budget to park your vehicle.
Here is a simple way to obtain a map of the area where you will find the location of the nearest parking lots: www.bcn.cat on this site the City Council, you will find all sorts of useful services. Once on the page, under "Cerca” Write the address of the apartment. Then, under "Serveis sobre el PLANOLES" select "Transport i Serveis Relacionats" then "APARC, you will see all the location of the parking garages you may find.. By clicking on the "P" You will get the address and hours for the parking available. This site does not provide prices, which can vary from 25 euros to 45 euros for 24 hours, depending on the area. Most of these parking spaces offer packages where you stay several days in Barcelona.

If you must go to one agency ComeToBarcelona, here is the map of the area with the nearest parking: Rambla dels ComeToBarcelona Caputxins No. 50 or ComeToBarcelona Barceloneta, calle Almirall Cervera No. 6.
Pound

You can come to ComeToBarcelona offices, here is the map of the area with the nearest parking: Rambla dels ComeToBarcelona Caputxins No. 50 or ComeToBarcelona Barceloneta, calle Almirall Cervera No. 6.

Tow truck

 

If by any chance the tow truck, towed your vehicle click on this link: “Grua City” To know in which location your vehicle was brought, you most provide your tag number. You will certainly find a sticker of the tow truck, a yellow triangle on the ground at the spot where your car was parked, registered with the name and telephone number of the tow truck , this are the documents you will need to provide to retrieve your car. (They can be filled out in English if you prefer) After doing the paperwork you must pay a fine to the City Ttowing Services it could be around 174 euros (by credit card or cash) to retrieve your vehicle you may end up with another warning paper on your windshield (That can be easily removed !!!).

 MOVING AROUND BARCELONA
Once your vehicle is parked in a safe area, the Catalan capital offers numerous transports to move around and visit Barcelona and its surroundings.

Bus

Touristic Buses
Metro
Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat et Renfe (trains)
Bicycle
Taxis
Tramvia (trains)
Telepheric

Air Transporter
Boat

 

 

Enjoy your trip and enjoy your stay in Barcelona with ComeToBarcelona! Be aware that some of our apartments have private parking during your search, use the filter characteristics and select "Parking!

Parking in the street

For your information: here are the main telephone numbers that will help you in case of an emergency during your stay in Barcelona. You will also find telephone numbers for specific services or simply for information about the city.

- Emergency numbers

Ambulance, fire brigade, police...: 112

Barcelona Police Station: 93 290 30 00.

For emergencies (Centro de atención primaria):

-Sagrada Familia centre: Còrsega street, 643, 08025 Barcelona‎ 935 072 580

- Gothic area centre : Passatge Pau, 1, 08002 Barcelona   933 425 549‎

ComeToBarcelona : (34) 637 715 428

Medical emergencies 061

National police 091

Local Police 092

Emergencies and road accidents 088

Civil Guards´ Police Force 062

Veterinary (service 24/24-heures) 93 205 31 16

Night pharmacies: 93 481 00 60

Ambulances 93 300 20 20 - 93 329 97 01

Hospital 93 454 60 00 - 93 418 34 00

Dental emergencies  93 227 47 47

 

- Embassies :

General Consulate of Italia - Eixample

Calle Mallorca 270, 08037 Barcelona

+34 93 487 0002 

General consulate of Belgium - Eixample

Calle Diputacio 303, 08009 Barcelona

+34 93 487 7669

Consulate of Germany - Gràcia

Calle Gracia 111, 08012 Barcelona

+34 93 601 2150     

Consulate of Canada  

Calle Catalunya 9, 08002 Barcelona

+34 93 317 0541 

Consulate of Great Britain - Eixample

Avenue Diagonal 477, 08036 Barcelona

+34 93 366 6200

General consulate of France - Eixample

Ronda Universitat 22, 08007 Barcelona

+34 93 270 3000     

General consulate of Russia  - Les Corts

Avenue Pearson 34, 08034 Barcelona

General consulate of United States - Sarrià-Sant Gervasi

Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada 23, 08034 Barcelona

+34 93 280 2227   

- Tourist information:

Tourist information centres of Catalonia:  

Terminal 1: (0034) 93 478 4704
Terminal 2B: (0034) 93 478 0565

The following link will indicate the contact details of all of Barcelona’s tourist centres.

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/sp/general/oficina-de-turismo-barcelona.html

- Other information:  

Taxis for disabled persons : 93 420 80 88

National and international calls:

National calls begin with 9. (With the country code). For the national and international calls, you will have to dial 00 + the country code (0044 for Great Britain) + the telephone number.  

While traveling to another country is an exciting experience, there are many things a tourist needs to know before immersing themselves in the culture. Barcelona is a thrilling place to be year round, but like all major cities, one needs to know how to be safe, especially as a tourist. While there is very little violent crime in Barcelona, because it is a very touristy city pick pocketing is a common problem. However, preventing pick pocketing is easy; just follow these tips and you´ll be sure to enjoy your trip to Barcelona without having to deal with the annoyance of missing things. 

 Keep your belongings close.
Whether you´re taking a stroll down Las Ramblas or just a trip on the Metro, it´s extremely important to watch out for pickpockets. Keep your belongings, especially money and passports in a money belt or bag close to your body, and never walk around with a purse or bag wide open. When on the Metro, be ultra aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your things, especially during rush hour. It is best to leave your most valuable things at your hotel or apartment and not to carry more money than you need in one day. Keep your camera in your bag rather than around your neck, and try not to carry a backpack unless you can keep it turned around so you are always aware of it.

Be a savy tourist, not an obvious one.
Nothing is a more obvious target to pickpockets than a tourist blindly walking around Barcelona looking at a map. While exploring the streets, try to be aware of your surroundings and duck into a café or restaurant when looking at a map. Also, be aware of pickpocket scams, and don´t let anyone distract you as they may be working in a group to take your money and belongings.  Even if you don´t know where you´re going, try to look like you do, bag snatchers love tourists that look completely distracted.

Conclusion
Don´t let our safety tips scare you away from coming to Barcelona, just by being aware of your surroundings you can avoid 99% of all petty theft. Barcelona is a great city to visit and knowing how to be a savvy tourist can make your trip that much more enjoyable.

Book your apartment today and come to Barcelona with a knowledge of how to explore the city safely!

Metro, that’s where most of the visitors are! We don´t suggest avoiding these lines, they lead to the best parts of the city, we just suggest being careful. Watch your belongings and be aware of any suspicious persons around you and don´t get distracted by a phone call, IPod or conversation on the train. While areas like the Ramblas, Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia are highly concentrated in most of the pick pocketing, there is little to no crime in the lesser known parts of the city but keep your guard up no matter what.

 

BOOK YOUR APARTMENT CLOS TO RAMBLAS WITH COMETOBARCELONA!

With the sun shining and spring finally here, there´s no better way to get to know Barcelona than with a bike tour of the city. You´ll be able to see and experience parts of the city unseen by bus tours with a guide explaining the deeper insights of Barcelona and the secrets of the different neighborhoods and quarters. The bike tours are great for families and kids of all ages with plenty of stops at the city´s best restaurants and bars to grab a refreshment or snack on the way. The bike tour is a great way to see all the most famous sites in Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Familia and the sunny beaches as well as some lesser known attractions. There are a variety of tour options, varying in length and area, but each one gets you around faster than on foot and more in depth than on a tour bus.  Book your apartment in Barcelona today and sign up for a  tour to get to know the best of this amazing city!

Next time you´re planning a day trip; consider traveling up the coast line of Spain to the picturesque landscape of Costa Brava. Take a one day excursion to the beautiful and secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal clear water. With the weather warming up, the Mediterranean coast of Spain is a great place for a relaxing weekend to swim, snorkel or catch some sunny rays. When you´re nice and relaxed, explore the quaint villages and take the age-old trail that winds between them. You´ll be able to learn a little more about Catalonia´s history while seeing old monastery ruins, olive orchards, and terraced mountain sides, losing yourself in the charming peacefulness of the charming Costa Brava villages. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch by the beach or at a local mountain restaurant, and take in the sea breeze and the sun a little more before heading back to Barcelona. Book your apartment today to enjoy Barcelona and day trips down the coast of Spain.

 

With the weather warming up in Barcelona and along the coast of Spain, it´s the perfect time to take a day trip and see the fantasy Dali-land in Figueres, a small town about two-hours from Barcelona. The museu Dali is filled with some of Dali´s most famous works of art, and the renovated theatre is personally decorated and designed by Salvador Dali himself.  The museum is a surrealistic portrayal of Dali´s life, everything with no logical order and without any sort of audio guide, a request by Dali himself. You´ll be able to look closely into Dali´s personal life, specifically the boat hanging above the tire tower representing his soul mate Gala and the tears representing her death. Look next at the homage Dali paid to Mae West, a room where her face can be seen in the furniture only from a certain vantage point. You can spend hours in the surrealistic museum, looking at how Dali portrayed famous works of art in the most peculiar ways. 

If you haven´t had enough of Salvador Dali yet, take a trip from Figueres to Cadaques, about a 45 minute drive, to see the Dali House, his home where he created most of his bizarre artwork. His home, which he shared with Gala, proves how a person´s creativity can be expressed through all types of medium. His front door, a work of abstract art, was created when he asked the local fishermen to wipe their brushes on it when they finished painting their boats. The house is left almost exactly as it was when Dali moved out in 1982, after the death of Gala.

Dali´s house and museum are both reflections of Dali´s personality, fun and a little bit provocative. Before you leave Barcelona make sure a trip to Figueres or Cadaques is on your list of things to do, and don´t forget to book your Barcelona apartment today!