Handy Tips

Here are some tips on Barcelona that might be helpful!

1. Getting to and from Barcelona Airport to the City Center

Barcelona Airport Express Buses:
Single ticket: €5,90
Return ticket: €10,20

Barcelona Airport only has two terminals – if you are going to the airport from the city center, Aerobus (A1) goes to Terminal 1 and Aerobus (A2) goes to Terminal 2. The city center bus stop location is at Plaça de Catalunya. The buses stop directly outside the El Corte Inglés department store and there are usually staff members around to ask for assistance should you need any. Make sure you end up in the correct queue!

2. Using the Metro/Bus

Barcelona Metro Passes:
Single ride: €2,20
10-ride bundle (T-10): €10,20

BCN metros do not have free transfers so it is much cheaper to buy 10-ride bundles rather than single rides. You can purchase passes inside the metro stations or if you’re taking the bus, pay cash to the driver (try to use exact change). 

BCN metro and train stations also only take chip+pin cards (so debit cards or credit card with pin #). If chip+pin cards are not available, use cash.

3. Be Aware of Pickpockets!

Spain (like Italy) is notorious for pickpockets so make sure to keep your things close to you (but don’t look so obvious that you become a target!). 

Some target zones: La Rambla, Mercat de la Boqueria 

4. Eat When the Locals Eat

Mealtimes:
Lunch hours: 13:00 – 16:00
Dinner hours: 20:00 – 22:00

Mealtimes in Barcelona are later than most people are generally used to when visiting this city. Main lunch times are from 13:00 to 16:00 while dinner is served much later at 20:00. Most locals tend to go out for dinner around 21:00 or even 22:00! Because of the later hours, Barcelona has a very strong nightlife and there are usually tons of people walking around even until 1 in the morning!

5. Cash, Cash, Cash!

A lot of establishments in Barcelona do not accept cards, especially when purchases are under €10, so it’s advised to have cash on you. Try to keep them in small bills as some vendors might not have change.

But above all, ENJOY!