What to know about Barcelona
Barcelona is a vibrant city located on the northeastern coast of Spain. The city is famous for landmarks such as the magnificent Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and its bustling Gothic Quarter. Barcelona offers beautiful beaches, a lively cultural scene, and a unique blend of modernity and tradition where you can explore centuries-old buildings alongside contemporary art and design.
Booking your much-needed Barcelona time has never been easier with Opodo. We offer access to a vast range of airlines, allowing you to choose from numerous options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. And with our user-friendly interface on their website and mobile app, it’s easier than ever to search for flights, compare prices, and make bookings.
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a flight + hotel package in Barcelona to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you’re only looking for a hotel, you can find it here.
What to do in Barcelona
Barcelona is a culturally rich city with countless attractions and experiences to offer its visitors. While it may seem daunting to explore such a large and diverse place in just three days, it’s doable with the right travel plan. Below, we’ve listed a three-day itinerary for you to make the most out of your time in Barcelona.
Day 1: exploring Barcelona’s cultural heritage
Morning:
- Start your day with a visit to the famous Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece. This is a tourist hot spot, so consider booking tickets in advance to avoid lengthy queues.
- Walk through the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter and immerse yourself in the city’s history. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral and explore the narrow mediaeval streets lined with shops and cafes.
Afternoon:
- Head to Park Guumlell, another Gaudi creation. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park, admiring the unique sculptures, colourful mosaics, and panoramic views of the city.
- Visit the Picasso Museum, home to a vast collection of works by the renowned Andalucian artist. Explore the various periods of Picasso Rsquo’s art and gain insight into his artistic evolution.
Evening:
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of La Rambla, Barcelona’s famous pedestrian boulevard. Take a leisurely walk, browse the street stalls, and enjoy the street performers. Indulge in traditional Spanish dinner at a local restaurant. Try tapas, a variety of small dishes, to savour different flavours of Spanish cuisine.
Day 2: modernist treasures, beach vibes and Barcelona nightlife
Morning:
- Explore the modernist architectural marvels in the Eixample district. Visit Casa Batllo, Casa Mila (La Pedra), and Casa Amatller to appreciate the unique designs of Gaudi and other architects.
- Enjoy a stroll along the luxurious shopping street, Passeig de Gracia, known for its high-end boutiques and elegant buildings. If you have some (well, a lot of) cash to splash, here is definitely the place to do it.
Afternoon:
- Head to the picturesque neighbourhood of Barceloneta and spend the afternoon at the beach. Purchase a sunbed for the day at an affordable rate and take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to keep an eye out for those walking around offering cold cocktails!
- Grab lunch at a beachfront chiringuito (beach bar) to enjoy some of the most delightful seafood freshly caught and traditional paella on offer.
Evening:
- Take a leisurely walk along the Port Vell marina and enjoy the scenic views. Visit the iconic Columbus Monument and take an elevator to the top for panoramic vistas of the city and the sea.
- Venture into the trendy El Raval neighbourhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and enjoy some tapas and drinks at one of its popular bars.
- To see the evening into the early hours of the morning, head to La Rambla for a full immersion into Barcelona’s nightlife. You’ll be quickly greeted by a selection of club promoters offering you the best deals for some of the strip’s best-loved discotecas.
Day 3: art, parks, and local delights
Morning:
- Visit Montijo Hill, home to several cultural attractions. Explore the Montijo Castle, which offers panoramic views of Barcelona. Visit the Fundacio Joan Miro to admire the works of the famous Catalan surrealist artist.
Afternoon:
- Explore the charming neighbourhood of Gracia, known for its bohemian atmosphere. In terms of where to stay in Barcelona, this would be our top pick!
- Visit Barcelona’s green oasis, Park de la Ciutadella. Rent a rowboat on the lake and visit the zoo.
Evening:
- Experience the local culinary scene by visiting a traditional food market such as Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. Sample fresh produce, local cheeses and cured meats.
- End your Barcelona journey with a delightful dinner, trying Catalan specialities such as pa amb tomaquet (bread with tomatoes and oil) at a local restaurant. This dish is like the beans on toast of Spain, and it can be enjoyed at any time of the day!
By planning an itinerary strategically and prioritising must-see attractions, you can make the most of your three days in Barcelona.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Barcelona and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Barcelona
Below we have answered some common questions relating to airport facilities, travel assistance, finding cheap flights, ancillaries, and flight policies.
What facilities does BCN airport have?
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) offers a range of facilities that include shops, restaurants, duty-free stores, currency exchange services, ATMs, luggage storage, loungers, free Wi-Fi access, medical services, children’s play areas, and special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.
What are Barcelona’s airports called?
Barcelona has two main airports; Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) and Girona-Costa Brava (GRO).
Which airlines offer direct flights to Barcelona?
Several major airlines are offering direct flights to Barcelona from various international destinations. Some of the most prominent include Iberia, British Airways, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Air France, easyJet, and Vueling.
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
If you need to request assistance for children travelling alone, you should contact the airline directly. Most airlines have policies in place for unaccompanied minors. Provide them with all the necessary information about your child’s travel details, including flight numbers, departure and arrival times, and any connecting flights.
How can I travel with an assistance dog?
You should contact the airline you’re flying with to let them know about your intention to travel with an assistance dog. Provide all necessary information about your dog, including its breed, size, and any certifications or documentation you have.
How do I find cheap flights to the destination city that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
To find cheap flights with flexible change policies on Opodo, you need to visit the Opodo website and select Flexible Fare Types after conducting your flight search. Look for fare types such as Flexible, Flexible Economy, or Flexible Plus whilst selecting your flights.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in my destination city?
To book cheap hotels on Opodo for your destination city, you need to visit the Opodo website, enter your destination and travel dates, and then filter by price to find the hotels that fit your budget.
What luggage do I need to check on my flight?
The specific baggage allowance and restrictions for your flight depend on the airline you’re flying with and the type of ticket you have purchased. For checked luggage, the common weight limits range from 20-30kg.
How can I check in with Opodo?
Visit the airline you are flying with to check in to your flight. You can find your booking reservation number in your Opodo confirmation email.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from the city departure to the arrival city?
Each airline has its own policies regarding cancellations and associated fees. It’s best to refer to the airline’s terms and conditions or contact the airline directly for further assistance in understanding the fees associated with your booking.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
To determine if you’re eligible for compensation for a flight, it’s recommended to review the relevant regulations applicable to your flight and contact the airline directly. The airline’s customer service or website should provide information on its policies and procedures for submitting a compensation claim.
Best time to visit Barcelona
The most popular time to visit Barcelona is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). In terms of the weather during these months, the city is known to experience milder temperatures, with average highs ranging from 17C to 24C. This makes the weather in Barcelona more bearable for visitors to better enjoy the cultural attractions, as any sightseeing and beach activities are a more comfortable experience.
Similarly, compared to the peak summer months, Barcelona’s low season is generally less crowded, so you can explore the city’s attractions and landmarks with more ease and enjoy shorter queues at popular sites. Popular festivals such as Primavera Sound are held in Barcelona each year in the spring, and anyone who attends this festival would tell anybody who hasn’t been that they’re missing out on something truly amazing.
During these months, you may also be able to find better deals on flights, accommodations, and other tourist services compared to the peak summer season.
