The 1992 summer Olympics brought Barcelona into fore. But my working life for the most profitable Telco in East Central and West Africa catapulted the city to the very top of my bucket list.
Every February – a time of the year when all roads lead to the Mobile World Capital Congress in Barcelona! – my sense of fernweh for Barcelona heightened.
Fernweh for Antoni Gaudí’s fabled architecture. Fernweh for the beaches of Barceloneta. Fernwehc for the tourist Mecca that is the Gothic Quarter. Fernweh for its ultra-modern Mediterranean vibe.
My fascination with Barcelona held me hostage for the longest I can remember.
After so many years sofa- traveling Barça via Google Street View and never ever making it in person, I resigned to my fate. May be one day if I worked hard and earned enough money, I could eventually set foot the city of my dreams. I knew it would happen someday.
I just never imagined it would take that long to finally get to Barcelona, but I’m glad I finally did.
Over the years, Barcelona became one of Europe’s poster children for overtourism in 2017, alongside other cities such as Venice. Not being in a position to visit Barcelona up until 2018 was therefore a blessing in disguise.
The aftermaths of a terrorist attack and an independence referendum led to a slow growth in visitor numbers in 2018, making my time there with limited crowds so much more fun. I spent 3 days in Barcelona, hitting both the usual suspects like La Boqueria market and Gaudi’s playfully quaint buildings as well as chasing street art in the less touristy Poblenou neighborhood.
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WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE
Whether you come to Catalonia’s capital for its architecture, or simply to discover its Mediterranean cuisine, this Barcelona guide will help you plan your trip. I break it all down for you, as well as give you a detailed checklist.
I share with you all of my favorite finds over the 3 days in Barcelona. Including where to stay on a budget and how to get from Barcelona international airport to the city center!
Day 1
I get off on the metro metro Line 2, straight out of the station and I’m right at the entrance of my AirBnB. I’m immediately dumbstruck. The apartment is in a typical Eixample hood where the old and the new co-exist. A showcase for the finest architects of the period, but is also a shopping hub where you find most of the high – fashion boutiques and designer chains.
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Budget Travel Tip: Catch the train from Terminal 2 (if arriving from Terminal 1, catch the free shuttle bus to T1) and stop at Passeig de Gracia station. Go out of Passeig the Gracia station and catch the metro Line 2 to your final destination at Exeimple. The train leaves every 30 minuets.
After settling in, I took a quick shower and hit the road for taste of the city before night. My AirBnB was on Carrer de la Marina. So I started off by familiarizing myself with the area. Fortunately, I found myselfat La Sagrada Familia which was less than 10 minutes walk away. Thereafter, I walked in the area for a bit, passed by Plaza de Toros Monumental before calling it a day.
Day Two
Immediately after breakfast, I found my way to Plaça Catalunya, 21 in front of the entrance
of the Hard Rock Café, the meeting pooing for Gaudi Modernism Free Walking Tour.
The main tour highlights for me was discovering the great history and secrets of the city, little quirks about the neighborhoods and fascinating stories behind each of Gaudí’s works we visited, along the way. The greatest shocker was learning that Gaudi was not the original architect of Sagrada Familia.
What's Covered in This Article
Barcelona: What You Need to Know
Euphoric sentiments hit to Barcelona in 1992 with the Olympic Games. Both the opening and closing ceremonies were out of this world. The effortless success of the Olympics launched the city of Barcelona into new heights, bringing it it closer to its European neighbors. Much of the public infrastructures – the roads, sewer systems, green areas, and even the beaches, were built and restructured in preparation for the Olympics. To quote the then Barcelona’s Deputy Mayor of Quality of Life, Equality and Sports, Maite Fandos: “Barcelona is the inspiration for any city holding an Olympic Games after what happened in 1992.”
Today, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an independent community of Spain (composed of four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona), where 92 per cent voted to secede from Spain in the independence referendum last October. 8 million tourists visit Barcelona, making it Europe’s third most-visited city after London and Paris.
Barcelona, the capital city of the Spanish region of Catalonia is mostly known for two things – its architectural gems and unparalleled art. Well, and maybe also for having claimed the spotlight from Amsterdam as the capital of weed. But this cosmopolitan city offers so much more.
There are winding streets to be explored, tapas to be gobbled, and parks on abundant display. My visit to Barcelona was a literal trip through time. It was quite surreal to see remnants of a 4th century A.D. wall absorbed into the framework of a palace which stood beside a modern cafe.
More info about Barcelona:
- Language: Catalan is understood by 95 percent of Barcelonians. However, Spanish is spoken more frequently.
- Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
- Modes of Payment: Both cash and credit cards are widely accepted too.
- Electricity Info: 230 V, 50 Hz. Power sockets are Type F: also known as “Schuko”. This socket also works with plug C and plug E.
When is the Best Time to Visit Barcelona
Barcelona is favored with a gentle Mediterranean climate. Early summer (May to June) and fall (September to October) are the best times to visit Barcelona. Winter is however not a bad time to visit, though. The sun still shows its lovely face, snow is now is rare, and hotel rates are at rock-bottom prices. Attractions remain open too.
How to Get a Visa for Spain
Spain is one of the states in the Schengen territory, so a Schengen Visa is mandatory for Kenyan passport holders to enter Spain. Follow this link for a detailed step-by-step process of applying for a Schengen visa from the French Embassy in Kenya.
Read: Schengen Visa via French Embassy
Barcelona Airport
Barcelona is served by the El Prat Airport, located 14 km southwest of Barcelona city center, lying in the municipalities of El Prat de Llobregat, Viladecans, and Sant Boi.
The airport has two main terminals: T1 and T@. The main terminal, T1 is the newer and busier one of the two. T2 terminal is the older one, and less busy one.
One thing I love about Barcelona airport is that its neither too big nor too small, making it very manageable for a first time international traveler. No pressure looking for check-in counters, departure gates, or baggage claim carousels. I also like that there is a dedicated phone charging station at the baggage collection point. The possibility of bringing your phone back to life is a breadth of fresh air to any traveler who has traveled thousands of miles to make it to Barcelona. There are also lots of dining options both on the Arrival and Departure areas. There’s even a spa on the departures at Terminal T1.
At Barcelona airport you also get 15 minutes of free WiFi. Nothing to write home about but at least enough to put up an Instagram post or check in on Facebook! For €4.50, you can get an extra 30 minutes of WiFi at Barcelona El Prat Airport.
How to Get from Barcelona Airport to the City Center
Barcelona Airport is located about 14 km from Barcelona city center. Travel time to the city center is approximately 30 minutes, depending on your mode of transportation and the traffic situation. You can get to Barcelona city center by either Barcelona airport taxi, by Aerobus – Express Bus Service, by TMB Airport Bus, by Airport Night Bus: NitBus N17, or by the RENFE train service. Simply follow the signs to whatever mode of transport you’d like to use.
What is the best way to get from Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City Center? It depends on several factors such as where your hotel is, number of pieces of luggage you have, your arrival time, and whether or not you’re a solo traveler or are traveling in a group.
If your flight arrives at T2,before 11 pm, and your hotel is next to the metro, by all means take the metro which has a total of 15 different stops.
If your flight arrives at T1, you’re traveling alone, are travelling at night, and don’t have a lot of money to splurge, the public buses are your best bet. But if there’s more of you, a taxi may be the most economical and convenient option.
If your hotel is located near Barcelona Sants, Passeig de Gràcia or Clot stations in the city centre, take the local RENFE train which operates both T1 and T2.
Here’s a brief summary of how to get from Barcelona airport to the city centre using public transport and other options:
How to get from Barcelona airport to city center by metro / underground/ subway
Barcelona El Prat airport is well connected to the city center by metro L9 sud which is available from both T1 and T2. There are a total of 15 stops:
Airport T1, Airport T2, Mas Blau, Parc Nou, Cèntric, El Prat Estació, Les Moreres, Mercabarna, Parc Logístic, Fira, Europa-Fira, Can Tries-Gornal, Torrassa, Collblanc, and Zona Universitaria.
Travel time: Approximately 25 minutes.
Frequency: Runs approximately every 7 minutes
Operating Hours: 06:00 am to 23:00 pm Monday to Thursday; 06: am to 02:00 am Friday; Saturday the metro operates 24 hours
How much does the metro from Barcelona airport to city center?: A one-way ticket costs €4.5 and can be purchased from machines outside the metro station.
Travel Tip: The metro airport ticket is different from the regular subway tickets. Thus, the standard single trip metro tickets and the popular T10 multi-trip travel card CAN NOT be used on the airport metro. However, the HolaBCN! travel card works on the airport metro.
As the The L9 sud metro from Barcelona airport has no direct connection to the city center, you will have to change other lines at either Torrassa (L1) or Collblanc (L5) to get to your final destination.
How do I get to the Metro from Terminal 1 T1? After baggage claim, follow the signs and walk straight ahead towards the taxi rank until you see the red metro sign.
How do I get to the Metro from Terminal 2 T2? After baggage claim, follow the signs and walk straight ahead. The airport metro and train stations are opposite each other.
How to get from Barcelona airport to city center by train – the local RENFE
There is a direct train which connects Barcelona airport (Terminal 2) to the city center. This is great if you’re arriving at T2 (used by low cost arilines such as easyJet and Ryanair), traveling solo, and your hotel is near Clot station, Passeig d statione Gràcia, or B stationarcelona Sants (otherwise known as Sants Estacio). You can also use this the train then change to the Barcelona metro 
underground system if your hotel is not on any of these stops. If you are arriving into Terminal 1 – which you most probably be arriving to if it’s on a regular non-budget airline- the train is a bit of an inconvenience as you can’t walk to the trains station at the airport. However, a shuttle bus is available to take you from outside of the terminal to the train station entrance located in Terminal 2.
Travel time: Approximately 35 minutes.
Frequency: Runs approximately every 30 minutes
Operating Hours: 06:00 am to 23:00 pm
How much is the train from Barcelona airport to city center? A one-way ticket costs €4.20 on the local RENFE train service.
Travel tips: Buy a T10 multi-trip ticket (instead of the single-journey ticket) for a combined train and bus journey for €1.02. You won’t have to buy another ticket for the change at Estacio Sants Barcelona Sants. To buy a T10 ticket at the airport, at the Terminal 2 train station or at the tobacco seller in terminal T1.
The single train ticket from the airport to the city center is more expensive and can’t be used on the metro or buses.
A third option is to purchase a Hola BCN! transport pass which grants you unlimited transportation on the metro, buses, trams and commuter trains within zone 1 ( which covers the airport train and metro).
Where do I get can I find the local RENFE train station at the airport? It is located in Terminal 2. Upon exiting arrivals, simply follow the signs.
How to get to city center from Barcelona airport by bus
You can get to Barcelona city center from the El prat Barcelona airport by bus using either of the following 3 options: public bus number 46, the night bus Number 16 or 17 or the Aerobus.
Both Bus number 46 and the Aerobus serve both terminals 1 and 2 of the Barcelona airport. Bus N16 serves T2 only while Bus N17 serves T1 only.
Although Bus number 46 is the cheapest way to reach Barcelona city center centre of the 3 bus alternatives, it is the most inconvenient in terms of luggage storage space and too many stops.
Aerobus is the most expensive of the three buses, but also the most direct bus from Barcelona city and Barcelona aiport – T1 and T2.
Aerobus – Express Bus
This is the most convenient and economic option between Barcelona airport and Plaça de Catalunya. Or if you’re traveling alone, have more than one piece of luggage, your hotel is near Plaça de Catalunya, Plaça de la Universitat or Plaça de Espanya. There are metro connections at all the stops of the Aerobus. The Aerobus also has free WiFi as well as mobile phone charging points on boards. Aerobus has 4 main stops in the city center: Plaça de Espanya, Gran Via, Plaça de la Universitat and Plaça de Catalunya.
Where do I find the Aerobus in Terminal 1 T1? The Aerobus is located just outside arrivals of T1.
Where do I find the Aerobus in Terminal 2 T2? Right out of baggage claim, follow the signs for buses, take the elevator one level down to the basement of T2. You will find an Aerobus stand just where you get off the elevator. Purchase your tickets directly from the bus driver (cash only and in notes below €20 accepted).
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes.
Frequency: Departs every 20 – 30 minutes
Operating Hours: 5:00 am to 1:00 am
How much is the Aerobus from Barcelona airport to city center? Aerobus One-way ticket: 5.90€; Aerobus Round trip ticket: 10.20€.
Travel Tip: Get yourself a Barcelona City Pass which covers you for skip -the- line entry into attractions such as Sagrada Familia, and Park Güell and also on the Hop on Hop off tour buses. Kindly note that you cannot use TMB tickets, T10 multi-trip ticket or Hola Barcelona on the Aerobus!
Night Bus N16
Serves T2 only.and is located at the bus stand on the basement. After baggage claim, follow the taxi and bus signs to the underpass.
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes.
Frequency: Departs every 20 minutes
Operating Hours:11:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
How much is the bus N16 from Barcelona airport to city center? N16 One-way ticket: 2.15€; Round trip ticket: 4.30€
Night Bus N17
Bus N17 serves T1 only and is located at the bus stand outside arrivals of T1. After baggage claim, follow the bus signs.
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes.
Frequency: Departs every 20 minutes
Operating Hours:10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
How much is the bus N16 from Barcelona airport to city center? N16 One-way ticket: 2.15€; Round trip ticket: 4.30€
Travel Tip: The N17 or N16 are the best ways to get from Barcelona airport to city center if you’re on a budget and your hotel is located near Plaça de Catalunya or one of the other stops on the route.
Bus N46
Bus N46 serves both terminals 1 and terminal 2 and operates from Barcelona airport to city, Plaza Espanya. After baggage claim, follow the bus signs.
Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes.
Frequency: Departs every 30 minutes
Operating Hours:6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
How much is the bus N16 from Barcelona airport to city center? €2.20.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Every time I visit a new city or location, I choose where to stay based on how accessible it is to the airport, proximity to public transport, restaurants, and the major attractions I would like to visit during my stay. Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Eixample near Passeig de Gracia, tick all these boxes for me.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL || TICKETS FOR TOURS & ATTRACTIONS ||BOOK CAR TRANSFERS
The best places to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors are the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Eixample because they have good public transport connections, are easily accessible from the airport, and nearly every other tourist attractions. These suburbs also have the whole gamut of accommodation options, from cheapy budget hostels, boutique hotels, apartments, to high-end hotels. There are also lots of restaurants, although most of them are simply overpriced and overrated.
How to Get Around Barcelona
Since many of the key tourist attractions in Barcelona are close to a metro station, you’ll probably be using the metro during your stay. The Barcelona Metro system has about 10 lines:
