Heading to Barcelona for the first time? Lucky you: You’re going to fall in love with this vibrant city known for its quirkily beautiful architecture and coastal culture. A good time is guaranteed, but an even better time can be had if you keep in mind a few important tips. So here’s what you’ll need to know to make your first trip to Barcelona epic.
Find a Good Way to Get Around
See the not-always-easy-to-get-around city like a local by renting a scooter.
Here’s the thing: Barcelona’s public transportation system isn’t super tourist-friendly. And here’s the other thing: Many of the city’s sights aren’t particularly close together. So what’s an out-of-towner to do? Look for alternative modes of transport, that’s what. One ideal option is to go on a Barcelona hop-on hop-off bus tour, which has routes going to all of the city’s top sights, allowing you to stop and explore at your leisure as well as learn as you go — the journey is narrated in a multitude of languages. Or, if you’d rather feel less like a tourist (and possibly get a bit more lost), go on a Barcelona Independent Scooter Tour, which lets you to take to the city on your own moto (as it’s called) just as the locals do.
Learn About Catalonia and Catalan
FC Barcelona — or Barça — the city’s soccer team, plays a key role in local culture.
Have you heard the word? Many people in Barcelona’s region of Catalonia strongly feel it’s a country unto its own. No matter where one stands on Catalan independence, visitors should note that culturally there are many things that make Catalonia unique — from its traditions to its gastronomy and even its language. So, if you feel the urge to declare to locals that you “adore their country, Spain,” just know that you might get a mixed set of reactions; let the locals know how much you love Catalonia instead. And while Spanish is spoken in Barcelona, many prefer the local language of Catalan, which resembles a mixture of Mediterranean tongues. Integrate some small bits of Catalan into your vocabulary, such as bon dia for “good day” and adeu for “goodbye,” and you’ll demonstrate a keen cultural awareness for a first-time visitor.
Optimize Your Sightseeing Experience
Skip-the-line tours are available for the Sagrada Familia.
While you could join the masses during your visit to see the biggest sights, the smart first-time visitor knows there are better ways to experience the top spots. On one hand, you can just plain surpass the big lines by planning in advance with a skip-the-line tour of La Sagrada Familia or skip-the-line audio tour of La Pedrera. Or, if you invest in a Barcelona Card, you can gain special VIP perks such as discounts, transport and more fast-track access opportunities.
Adjust to Late Eating Hours
Get used to eating your meals later during your visit to Barcelona.
You may have heard that Spaniards tend to eat their meals later than you’re used to, and this tradition is no different in Barcelona. Indeed, expect lunches to take place around 2 p.m., and dinner from around 9 p.m. As such, don’t be surprised to find that less touristy restaurants aren’t serving food during the hours that your tummy starts growling. How to combat this? For starters, as you accommodate possible jet lag, consider adjusting your whole schedule: Wake up later, eat later, stay up later. Alternatively, keep an eye out for restaurants whose kitchens are open all day, or just head to a tapas bar, where you can, in all likelihood, find something to eat even if the kitchen isn’t open.
Don’t Expect Everything to Be Open on Sunday
If you’re a fan of visiting local markets, make plans to visit any day but Sunday.
Another important thing to note about the schedules here is that many places close on Sundays. We’re talking small mom-and-pop shops, trendy cafes, even the markets (such as tourist favorite La Boqueria). Indeed, if there’s a stop you have your heart set on, be sure to check its schedule in advance so you don’t miss the opportunity to visit it.
Check Out Museums for Free
Save a little cash by visiting museums during their free hours, usually on Sunday.
But there are some places open on Sundays: many museums. And oftentimes, these museums are free to visit, either all day or during specific hours. Think ultra-popular spots such as the Picasso Museum, which is free every Sunday after 3 p.m. and all day the first Sunday of every month. Or visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, located in the grand, hill-top Palau Nacional, which offers free entry during the same times as the Picasso Museum. And there are several others, too, from the Maritime Museum to the Museu de la Música. Basically, if you have a museum craving, do your homework to find out if you can check it out for it for free on Sunday.
– Contributed by Erin Ridley
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