About Barcelona
Barcelona is a city on the northeastern coast of Spain. It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, as well as the second-most populous municipality of Spain after Madrid. With a population of 1.7 million within city limits, its urban area extends to numerous neighbouring municipalities within the province of Barcelona and is home to around 5.7 million people, making it the fifth most populous urban area of the European Union after Paris, the Ruhr area, Madrid, and Milan. It is one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, and bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range.
Cheap flights to Barcelona
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $443 from New York, travelling 12 Feb – 23 Feb. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- JFK New York to Barcelona12 Feb – 23 Feb · BCN from$443
- YTO Toronto to Barcelona16 Jan – 17 Mar · BCN from$640
- MIA Miami to Barcelona2 Nov – 18 Nov · BCN from$880
- LAX Los Angeles to Barcelona2 Mar – 10 Mar · BCN from$886
- SFO San Francisco to Barcelona13 Apr – 21 Apr · BCN from$795
- CHI Chicago to Barcelona3 Nov – 10 Nov · BCN from$801
- BOS Boston to Barcelona4 Nov – 11 Nov · BCN from$727
- WAS Washington to Barcelona2 Mar – 9 Mar · BCN from$804
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Aer Lingus, Austrian Airlines, ITA Airways, Finnair, Air Canada, TAP Air Portugal.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to BarcelonaPlaces to visit in Barcelona
-
Sagrada Familia
Religious · 1 mi from centreGaudi's unfinished basilica, with sculpted facades, soaring towers and an interior of branching columns lit by colored glass. Book timed tickets in advance, especially for the towers.
-
Park Guell
Park · 2 mi from centreA hillside park designed by Gaudi with mosaic-covered benches, the famous salamander fountain and views over the city. Timed tickets are required for the monumental area.
-
Gothic Quarter
NeighborhoodThe medieval center of Barcelona, with narrow streets, hidden squares, Roman remains and the cathedral. Wander without a plan and look up at the gargoyles and bridges.
-
Casa Batllo
LandmarkA Gaudi house on Passeig de Gracia with a facade of bone-like columns and a roof resembling a dragon's back. Inside, flowing shapes and light wells are worth the tour.
-
Casa Mila
LandmarkGaudi's undulating stone apartment building, known as La Pedrera. Visit the attic exhibition and the rooftop, where sculptural chimneys stand like warriors above the city.
-
La Boqueria
MarketA famous covered food market off La Rambla with stalls of fruit, cured ham, seafood and sweets. Small tapas counters inside serve freshly cooked dishes to perch and eat at.
-
Montjuic
Viewpoint · 1 mi from centreA hill above the port with museums, gardens, a castle and the Magic Fountain. Visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia and the Joan Miro Foundation, or take the cable car.
-
Picasso Museum
MuseumA museum in a row of medieval palaces in El Born, focused on Picasso's formative years in Barcelona. Highlights include his series of variations on Las Meninas.
Things to do in Barcelona by type
208 tours, tickets and experiences across 12 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
-
Art & culture 81 experiences ARTICKET: The Passport to Barcelona’s Best Museums -
City tours 71 experiences 360º Barcelona eBike with Montjuic Cable Car and Boat Ride -
Tickets & Attraction Passes 46 experiences ARTICKET: The Passport to Barcelona’s Best Museums -
Day Trips & Excursions 36 experiences A Trio of Cities: Montserrat, Girona and Costa Brava - Full-Day Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 27 experiences Barcelona Art and Tapas with Picasso Museum - Walking Tour -
Cruise & Water Tours 8 experiences Barcelona Chill Out Catamaran Cruise -
Tour & activities 7 experiences Barcelona Morning Food Tour -
Shows, sports and special events 5 experiences Enjoy Tablao Flamenco El Duende by Tablao Cordobes - Ticket -
Amusement Parks 5 experiences Combined ticket: Ferrari Land and PortAventura Park -
Travel Services 3 experiences European eSim Data Card -
Specialist tours 3 experiences 2-day Tour: Explore Montserrat, Girona and Costa Brava -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 3 experiences Barcelona Zoo - Ticket
- 1-3 hours 32
- 3-6 hours 21
- Over 6 hours 18
- Up to 1 hour 5
- Flexible 4
- Youth 22
- Senior 21
- Families 21
- Couples 20
- Families with kids 3
- Adult only 3
- Private 50
- Small group 34
- Skip the line 14
- Wheelchair accessible 2
Top experiences in Barcelona
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 208 available.
Sagrada Familia Tour
From $83 per adult
Barcelona City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off
From $38 per adult
Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Access to Passion Tower
From $108 per adult
Montserrat with Ascent by Cogwheel Train and La Morenita Access - Half-Day Tour
From $56 per adult
City Sightseeing Barcelona Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
From $38 per adult
Dali Museum, Figueres and Cadaqués - Small Group Tour with Hotel Pick-up
From $157 per adult
Sagrada Familia and Montserrat Full Day Tour with Hotel Pick-up
From $140 per adult
Barcelona in One Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and the Old Town - Tour with Hotel Pick-Up
From $152 per adult
A Trio of Cities: Montserrat, Girona and Costa Brava - Full-Day Tour
From $109 per adult
La Pedrera Essential - Ticket
From $32 per adult
Discover the Famous Park Güell with Priority Access – Half-Day Guided Tour
From $39 per adult
Girona and Dali Museum in Figueres - Tour with Hotel Pick-up
From $111 per adult
Where to stay in Barcelona
Popular hotels in Barcelona, out of 1,140 properties you can book.
Hesperia Presidente
From $236 per night
NH Collection Barcelona Podium
From $287 per night
Petit Palace Boquería Garden
From $193 per night
Hesperia Sant Joan
From $88 per night
Ilunion Les Corts Spa
From $150 per night
Vincci Mae
From $213 per night
Hesperia Barri Gòtic
From $164 per night
NH Barcelona Eixample
From $211 per night
NH Barcelona Stadium
From $151 per night
Miiro Borneta Hotel Barcelona
From $516 per night
Vincci Gala
From $250 per night
Petit Palace Museum
From $189 per night
Best time to visit Barcelona
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Barcelona is May to October, when average daytime highs are around 71–86°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Barcelona weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 71° 56° 10%
- Thu 22 Oct 66° 59° 45%
- Fri 23 Oct 69° 63° 1%
- Sat 24 Oct 64° 58° 18%
- Sun 25 Oct 70° 57° 3%
- Mon 26 Oct 72° 55° 8%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +34
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/MadridUTC+2
- Capital
- Madrid
Upcoming public holidays in Spain
- All Saints DayDía de todos los Santos
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Barcelona
These are the airports closest to central Barcelona. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- BCN Josep Tarradellas Airport Barcelona-El Prat8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
Getting around Barcelona
The public transport in the city and the surrounding area managed by Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM) consortium who provide information about services by all operators. The whole area is covered by the Integrated Fare System, which is divided into 6 zones. This system includes the most of the public transport in the area: metro, city and intercity bus, tram and commuter trains. Like most major European cities Barcelona has moved to a rechargeable ticketing system called T-mobilitat..
By metro
The Metro (subway) is an efficient way of getting around town. Operation times are 05:00–24:00 (M–Th), 05:00–02:00 (F), and continuous service from Saturday at 05:00 until Sunday at midnight. Stations are marked with a diagonal "M" () on most maps; every station has a detailed map of exits to the city. Trains are fast, often coming in two minute intervals. However, on holidays and weekends trains only run every 6-8 minutes and can get easily packed.
By tram
There are two main sets of tram lines, Trambaix T1 T2 T3 towards the north west of the city and Trambesòs T4 T5 T6 towards the east of the city near the coast – these are not connected by tram, but plans to connect it are on the immediate radar. There are interchange points with other modes of transport. These lines are run by Tram and all lines are in zone 1.
By train
Regional suburban trains run through Barcelona and share ticketing with the modes of transport above. There are two operators: RENFE and FGC. Wrongly ignored by some tourists, they provide a useful additional mode of transport for getting across the city or connecting with mainline rail services and the airport.
Barcelona travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Barcelona?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Barcelona is May to October, when average daytime highs are around 71–86°F and rain falls on about 8 days a month.
What is the weather like in Barcelona?
August is usually the warmest month in Barcelona, with average highs of 86°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 41°F (5°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 111 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Barcelona?
Josep Tarradellas Airport Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from the centre of Barcelona.
How much are flights to Barcelona?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Barcelona in the last 30 days was $443 from New York, travelling 12 Feb – 23 Feb. February is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $443.
What currency is used in Barcelona?
Barcelona uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Barcelona in?
Barcelona uses the Europe/Madrid time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Barcelona?
The public transport in the city and the surrounding area managed by Autoritat del Transport Metropolità (ATM) consortium who provide information about services by all operators. The whole area is covered by the Integrated Fare System, which is divided into 6 zones.
What are the best places to visit in Barcelona?
Top sights in Barcelona include Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Gothic Quarter and Casa Batllo. Gaudi's unfinished basilica, with sculpted facades, soaring towers and an interior of branching columns lit by colored glass. Book timed tickets in advance, especially for the towers.
What are the top things to do in Barcelona?
Popular experiences you can book in Barcelona include Sagrada Familia Tour, Barcelona City Tour Hop-On Hop-Off and Sagrada Familia Guided Tour with Access to Passion Tower. Destina Holidays offers 208 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Barcelona?
The most popular types of experiences in Barcelona are art & culture (81), city tours (71), tickets & attraction passes (46) and day trips & excursions (36). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Barcelona?
Popular areas for hotels in Barcelona include Eixample, Las Ramblas and Sant Joan Despi. Well-reviewed options include Hesperia Presidente and NH Collection Barcelona Podium.
How many hotels can I book in Barcelona?
Destina Holidays currently lists 1,140 properties in and around Barcelona, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
