travel game barcellona

Sono disponibili diverse date realizzate in collaborazione con la Grimaldi Lines, con partenza da Civitavecchia.

Sono aperte le iscrizioni per prendere parte al progetto culturale Travel Game 2023-2024, che ha visto la partecipazione gli anni passati di migliaia di studenti che, sotto l’occhio vigile dei loro professori, hanno avuto l’opportunità di partecipare ad un evento unico che gli ha permesso di conoscere tantissimi loro coetanei provenienti da tutta Italia e si sono confrontati su domande di cultura generale in un clima di sana competizione.

Il calendario prevede  un pacchetto completo che include fantastiche escursioni in un paese ricco di storia e di fascino; tutte le date hanno itinerario standard con pernottamento a  Lloret de Mar  e la visita di  Barcellona, Girona e Figueras , in autobus con guida italiana, hotel a 4 stelle e l’ingresso al  museo di Dalì. 

Anche per il 2023-2024 sono previsti eventi tematici dedicati ai vari indirizzi di studio. Molto gradite le date che hanno visto la presenza di  Hard Rock Cafe  sul marketing. Tutte le date sono aperte agli istituti nautici e industriali che possono “toccare con mano” una nave in movimento. Uno Show dei Talent valorizzerà’ a bordo le eccellenze scolastiche impegnate non solo in canto, ballo o recitazione ma anche in sfilate di moda, presentazione di prodotti chimici, intagli di frutta e preparazione di piatti freddi o cocktail: i migliori studenti saranno premiati. 

Mete disponibili

Barcellona – Figueras – Girona – Tossa de Mar – Banyoles – Besalú

Barcellona – Girona – Figueras

Scopri come aderire ai travel game, per conoscerci meglio.

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How to Plan the Perfect Visit to Barcelona in Any Season

The beautiful city of Barcelona is perfect for visiting any time of year.

Best Time to Go

Things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

The name of this storied Catalan city, Barcelona, is almost as beautiful as the coastal metropolis itself. Nicknamed Ciudad Condol (once upon a time, the city was the seat of the Count of Barcelona) the destination sticks with anyone who wanders among the remarkable architecture and through the airy plaças. Nestled along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea in northeastern Spain, Barcelona is a colorful melting pot of culture, full of world-renowned cuisine, legendary art, music, and more. Book a trip to this sunny city and you'll spend your days exploring the dynamic barrios , wandering along the beach, strolling through verdant green spaces, and discovering gem after gem — some well known, like Park Güell or Camp Nou, and some hidden, like Santa Caterina.

The architecture alone is worth planning your trip around — from Gothic structures to Gaudí's modern wonders, design lovers could fill weeks exploring the stunning buildings, monuments, and sculptures throughout the city. Ultimately, Barcelona's unwavering energy and cultural elements result in a distinct immensity of spirit unlike any other destination. The temperate climate, too, makes the weather quite pleasant for most of the year.

When vacationing in a new place — especially an historic city — it's easy to get caught up in the I-must-see-everything-as-quickly-as-possible mentality. And while Barça has no shortage of things to see and do, the city imparts a distinct sense of relaxation on those who pass through. Be sure to reserve time to experience life like the locals do, enjoying leisurely lunches followed by siesta, vermuteria hopping on Sundays, and frequenting your neighborhood bar for tapas and wine with friends.

Central European Standard Time

Early summer or autumn are the best times to visit Barcelona, as late summer tends to get hot and humid. Book your trip in May, June, September, or October for the most idyllic weather — you'll encounter plenty of sun and nice temperatures for swimming and walking about the city's stunning streets, parks, and markets.

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, where both Spanish and Catalan are the predominant languages spoken. The city is a transportation hub and one of southwestern Europe's economic centers — also known as Spain's leading biotech city.

Meal times are all generally on the late side in Barcelona. Restaurants are typically open from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for lunch, and from 8:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. for dinner. Many stores close for lunchtime siesta (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), as well as on Sundays and public holidays.

Europe's largest stadium is Camp Nou in Barcelona with a capacity of over 99,000 occupants, and is home to FC Barcelona (one of the most supported fútbol teams in the world).

Metro: The Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) is the main transport system in Barcelona, operating both the metro line and select bus routes. Riders can purchase tickets at metro stations across the city. Single tickets cost €2.40 or you can buy a T-Casual ticket for multi-trip use.

Trains: The main railway station in Barcelona is the Barcelona Sants. The FGC is a network of trains in Barcelona and the surrounding suburbs which connects the city to other towns in Catalonia. The Renfe is an international high-speed railway line that connects Spain and France, allowing travelers to get to cities like Paris, Marseille, and Madrid quickly.

Buses: The TMB operates all throughout the city and travelers can purchase tickets both at stops and on the bus, although you're only able to purchase single rides on the bus. There's also the Aerobús BCN, which connects Barcelona Airport with the city center.

Taxis: Typically affordable, accessible, and all over the city day and night.

Car service: While Uber operates throughout Spain, it is not currently available in Barcelona. Cabify is a favored alternative for ride sharing.

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, Barcelona 08010, Spain Phone: +34 93 545 80 70

Casa Bonay's bread and butter is creating simple, sustainable spaces that impart a sense of local culture and community onto guests. With ample greenery and a simplistic, chic interior decor (made in partnership with local designers), this 19th-century house-turned-hotel's light and airy atmosphere matches that of the city itself. Be sure to grab tapas at the property's rooftop restaurant (open to the public) and sunbathe on the neighboring rooftop terrace, exclusive to guest use.

Cotton House Hotel (Eixample)

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 670, Barcelona 08010, Spain Phone: +34 934 505 045

Cotton House Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is housed in the former headquarters of the Association of Cotton Manufacturers, giving the property's spaces a neoclassical foundation accented by soft, sophisticated designs. In addition to 83 comfortable rooms, the hotel features an elegant library, a restaurant and cocktail bar, a terrace, and a rooftop pool. Be sure to check out the property's unique spiral staircase, built in 1957 — it's the only one of its kind in Europe.

El Palauet Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gracia, 113, Barcelona 08008, Spain Phone: +34 932 180 050

These six luxurious suites (each two-bedroom) epitomize Spanish elegance in hotel form. Located centrally along the famous tourism and shopping hub of Passeig de Gracia, El Palauet is housed in Casa Bonaventura Ferrer, the iconic modernist building built by Pere Falqués i Urpí in 1906.

Address: La Rambla, 109, Barcelona 08001, Spain Phone: +34 935 529 552

Located right along the tree-lined pedestrian stretch of La Rambla, as hinted in its name, Hotel 1898 has a long history. Originally the headquarters of General Philippines Tobacco Company, elements of the property's origins can be seen in the architecture and classical decor style. The comfortable rooms range from classic to deluxe, with two levels of beautifully-appointed suite options available.

Hotel Arts Barcelona (La Barceloneta)

Address: Marina 19-21, Barcelona 08005, Spain Phone: +34 932 211 000

Come for the striking glass design and amazing views, and stay for the property's two-star Michelin restaurant and breathtaking pool. Hotel Arts Barcelona offers five-star accommodations (rooms, suites, and penthouses) in elevated, modern interiors high above the Mediterranean and the city — so the views are as superb as the service and luxury amenities. Designed by architect Bruce Graham, the exterior's steel-and-glass build is one of the most distinct modern buildings in the city.

Hotel Brummell (Poble Sec)

Address: Nou de la Rambla,174, Barcelona 08004, Spain Phone: +34 931 258 622

A stone's throw from the legendary site Montjuïc, Hotel Brummell offers 20 comfortable rooms in the trendy Poble Sec neighborhood. Considered slightly off-the-beaten-path, this property is low-key and intimate with an imaginative, modern design, beautifully mirroring Barcelona's culture of cool. Features include a sunny terrace, an outdoor pool, an on-site sauna, and a restaurant and bar.

Hotel Neri (Gothic Quarter)

Address: Sant Sever Street, 5, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 93 304 06 55

This Relais & Châteaux property is located in two historic buildings — one of which is a restored 12th-century palace — in Barcelona's storied Gothic Quarter. The hotel's moody, chic atmosphere matches the neighborhood it calls home, and proximity to attractions like La Rambla and the Picasso Museum make it an ideal home for those exploring the city for the first time. The 22 hotels and suites feature luxury amenities, some featuring balconies and terraces, others with sweeping views or gilded murals.

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gracia 68 - 70, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 934 881 717

Located in the heart of the Passeig de Gracia, Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is a Neo Classical icon dating back to 1918. Known for an exceptionally detail-oriented staff, the property epitomizes timeless elegance, with light and warm tones accenting the 271 rooms, suites, penthouses, and apartments. Guests will enjoy proximity to many attractions, including Gaudí's architecture, upscale shopping, myriad restaurants, and Gran Teatre del Liceu, and more.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 93 151 88 88

This beloved hotel, situated on the bustling Passeig de Gràcia, is one of the city's most popular luxury hotels. Accommodations feature striking views of the property's immaculate gardens and the nearby Casa Batlló. Guests can expect five-star service, timeless room and suite design, and delicious meals at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant.

Mercer Hotel Barcelona (Gothic Quarter)

Address: Calle dels Lledó, 7, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 933 107 480

A stay at the Mercer Hotel is unlike any other in Barcelona, as the boutique property was built atop a wall of Barcino, the ancient Roman city, in what is now the Gothic Quarter. After a day of exploring the city, the elegant accommodations offer a refuge from the urban bustle, and travelers can look forward to lounging on the property's private terrace or taking a dip in the on-site plunge pool. Modern design enthusiasts and history buffs can anticipate medieval arches, 12th-century frescoes, 18th-century wooden ceilings, sleek furniture, and expressionist art by Agustí Puig.

W Barcelona (La Barceloneta)

Address: Plaça Rosa del Vents, 1, Final Passeig de Joan de Borbó, Barcelona 08039, Spain Phone: +34 932 95 28 00

One of the most iconic buildings in the city, the W Hotel's distinct, curved silhouette sits right where the sand meets the sea. The interiors are just as modern and sleek as the exterior, which was designed by legendary architect Ricardo Bofill. Guests can expect panoramic views of the Mediterannean from each of the 473 five-star rooms and suites.

Bar Cañete (Seafood, Tapas)

Address: Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 703 458

Don't be fooled by this restaurant's low-key exterior — the menu's seafood from local Catalan fish markets and seasonal produce yields some of the freshest tapas in the city. Reservations can be made by phone, required only for parties of 12 or more.

Caelis (Contemporary)

Address: Via Laietana, 49 (Hotel Ohla Barcelona), Barcelona 08003, Spain Phone: +34 935 101 205

Chef Romain Fornell and his team serve up daring and inspired contemporary dishes on three different tasting menus at this Michelin-starred restaurant inside Hotel Ohla. Reservations are recommended (online or via phone), seating is indoors, and guests must adhere to a smart dress code.

Disfrutar (Contemporary)

Address: Carrer de Villarroel, 163, barcelona 08036, Spain Phone: +34 933 486 896

This Eixample-based restaurant serves up creative Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate space, decorated with ceramics and light hues to honor the city — and was founded by the famous trio of chefs that used to helm El Bullu. Reservations are available online or via phone.

Dos Palillos (Tapas, fusion)

Address: Carrer d'Elisabets, 9, Barcelona 08001, Spain Phone: +34 93 304 05 13

Based on Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisines, the fusion tapas at Dos Palillos are divine, so the tasting menu comes highly recommended (you'll want to make a reservation online or by phone). If you prefer to eat a la carte and try a cocktail, you can sit at the bar, no reservation required.

El Falafel de Shani (Falafel, Kosher, Vegan)

Address: La Rambla, 91 Mercat de la Boqueria, 133-134, 08011 Barcelona Phone: + 34 692 967 297

It might be easy to miss this no-nonsense vegan and kosher falafel stand in La Boqueria, but it's worth seeking out — many consider it to be the best falafel in the city (and very affordable).

El Nacional (Iberian)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 24 bis 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +(34) 93 518 50 53

This spacious eatery has dynamic menu offerings that are just as impressive as the venue's eye-catching, glass-and-steel architecture. Guests can choose from four different cuisines or four different bars throughout the venue.

Llambar (Tapas)

Address: Carrer de la Fusina 5, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 19 62 50

Nestled in El Born, Llambar's menu is meant to be shared, complete with signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and artisanal Spanish tapas. Reservations (not required but recommended, since the atmospheric spot is so popular) can be made online or via phone.

Suculent (Tapas, Mediterranean)

Address: Rambla del Raval, 45, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 443 65 79

Helmed by El Bulli alum Toni Romero, Suculent has become a trendy Raval staple, known for reliably delicious tapas and a lively atmosphere. The culinary team serves up classics and reinvented Spanish and Mediterannean dishes with an emphasis on flavorful broths and sauces.

Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

Address: Carrer Mallorca, 401 Barcelona 08013 Phone: +34 932 080 414

Known worldwide as a symbol of the historic city, the Sagrada Familia is Gaudí's most celebrated work of art and architecture. Design and construction of the church began in 1882 and is ongoing to this day. It's recommended to book tickets online in advance to save time in lines when visiting.

Address: Carrer d'Arístides Maillol, 12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 902 1899 00

Barcelona is home to one of the most beloved futbol teams in the entire world: FC Barcelona. So it is only fitting that Camp Nou is one of the most magnificent sports stadiums in Europe, boasting a seating capacity of 99,354. Do your best to book tickets to a game (bookable via the stadium's website or TicketMaster).

Casa Batlló

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 43, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 216 03 06

With it's distinct marine-inspired façade, Gaudí's famous Casa Batlló (a UNESCO World Heritage site) looms high over Passeig de Gracia. It's one of Europe's best examples of modernist architecture and worth exploring inside and out.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 92, 08008 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 142 576

Nicknamed "La Pedrera" (stone quarry), Casa Milà in Eixample was completed by Gaudí in 1912, and is known as his final civic work. It's striking appearance takes inspiration from nature, and was the famed architect's most advanced approach to a building.

Castell de Montjuïc

Address: Carretera de Montjuïc 66, 08038 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 932 564 440

Many flock to the Montjuïc barrio to explore the 17th-century Castell de Montjuïc or to catch the Magic Fountain light show from the steps of the stately National Museum of Art. Pro tip: don't miss out on the lesser-known but equally striking Jardí Botànic, located on the hillside. The spacious, verdant gardens offer a tranquil outdoor oasis as well as lovely views of the city.

La Boqueria

Address: Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 318 20 17

Arguably the best open market in the word, La Boqueria is a European icon. Though it gets very crowded (especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m) it features incredibly fresh produce, meats, cheeses, sweets, cafes, bars, and more. Pro tip: bring your camera.

Mount Tibidabo

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Address: Tibidabo Square, 08035 Barcelona, Spain

Take the historic funicular up to Barcelona's highest peak, Mount Tibidabo, where in addition to a charming amusement park (the second-oldest in Europe) and Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón, you'll find panoramic views of the entire city, the Mediterranean, and surrounding mountains.

Palau de la Música Catalana

Address: Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 295 7200

Designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner and completed in 1908, Palau de la Música Catalana features one of the most opulent interiors in Spain. Make purchasing tickets for any musical performance a priority while in Barcelona so that you can experience the grande Palau in person.

Address: 08024 Barcelona, Spain

Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, this whimsical masterpiece created by Antoni Gaudí is one of the most iconic parks in the world. It's full of color, dynamic shapes, split ceramics, innovative architecture, and lush gardens — and overlooks a vast swath of the beautiful city.

Picasso Museum

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 256 30 00

One of the primary art attractions in the whole city, the Picasso Museum helps viewers understand the formative years of Pablo Picasso. The permanent collection, made up of 4,251 works from a variety of time periods, helps to convey the artist's early career and special relationship with Barcelona.

Colette Barcelona (Jewelry)

Address: Carrer de les Panses 5, 08003-Barcelona, Spain Phone: +0034.93.170.81.23

You'll find sweet, feminine jewelry at Colette Barcelona, a design house and showroom in El Born that does all the brand's designing, dyeing, mounting, and ironing locally. The pieces have a distinct style, as the jewelry is crafted with mixed materials and textiles.

El Corte Inglés Plaça Catalunya (Department store)

Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 14, Barcelona 08002, Spain Phone: +34 933 06 38 00

This iconic and centrally-located department store at the edge of Plaça Catalunya has everything from clothing and cosmetics to homeware, local delicacies, electronics, and much more — including a food court and supermarket.

Entre Latas (Specialty food)

Address: Torrijos, 16, 08012 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 930 154 725

This gourmet shop is the place to go for canned and preserved foods. Entre Latas carries everything from local delicacies to imported products — think specialty vermouth, rare spices, tinned fish, paté, and preserves. You can even create your own personalized gourmet pack.

Iriarte Iriarte​ (Handbags)

Address: Carrer dels Cotoners 12, 08003 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 198 175

Anyone who adores handbags must visit Iriarte Iriarte. The brand uses traditional techniques and hand-dying to create stylish leather bags, handcrafted in Barcelona since 2009.

La Manual Alpargatera (Espadrilles)

Address: Carrer de Avinyó 7, 08002, Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 933 01 01 72

Since 1940, the design team at La Manual Alpargatera has produced sustainably-crafted, timeless espadrilles, entirely handmade in Barcelona. La Manual is a staple for locals and travelers — in fact, the brand's storefront design is so iconic that it's said a customer addressed a letter to the company using a drawing of the store (rather than the physical address), and it arrived via the post just fine.

Llibreria Altaïr (Books)

Address: Gran Via, 616, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Phone: +34 93 342 71 71

This vast bookstore is one of the very best in the city, known for a specialization in books about travel, language, culture, and exploring the world. A meeting point and lively cultural space, you'll want to spend a good chunk of time exploring the many titles — and be sure to grab a bite at the store's sweet cafe, too.

Santa Eulalia (Designer fashion)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 93, Barcelona 08008, Spain Phone: +34 932 15 06 74

Founded in 1843, this historic and design-forward clothing store features a myriad of high-end labels such as Tom Ford, Dior, Lanvin, and the like. It also boasts its own ready-to-wear collection for women and a bespoke shirt-making service for men.

Zara Flagship (Fashion)

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 16, Barcelona 08007, Spain Phone: +34 933 18 76 75

Spanish-based fashion empire Zara, a wardrobe staple for many across the globe, is housed in a stately flagship store flanked by columns on bustling Passeig de Gràcia. Pop inside to find the latest ready-to-wear, couture-inspired clothing, with styles for men, women, and children ranging from timeless to trendy and everywhere in between.

Eixample: Broad boulevards, courtyards, ample trees, and excellent shopping and dining options make Eixample a wonderful home base when visiting BCN. You'll find Gaudí's classics like Casa Battló, Casa Milà, and the Sagrada Familia in this neighborhood, alongside other great works of both traditional and modern architecture.

El Born: Like the neighboring Gothic Quarter, El Born is known for the narrow, meandering medieval streets, but it's slightly less busy. Here, travelers will discover especially good shopping (think stylish boutiques), artsy vibes, wonderful restaurants and bars, and close proximity to the beach.

El Raval: Located about a 10-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya, El Raval is a vibrant neighborhood known for its character, authentic restaurants and bars, and the impressive Museum of Contemporary Art. Two streets in particular, Carrer dels Tallers and Carrer de La Riera Baixa, are especially good for vintage and second-hand shopping. Those in search of an authentic taste of Barcelona life will enjoy exploring this barrio, but be mindful of your surroundings, as parts of Raval can be a bit shifty (avoid unlit alleys or walking alone at night).

Gothic Quarter: Known by locals as Barri Gòtic, this charming old town neighborhood is full of legendary Gothic architecture nestled along narrow, medieval-era streets. In addition to checking out the trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques, see remains of the old Roman city at the Museu d'Història de Barcelona.

Gràcia: Vila de Gràcia is the epitome of authentic, leisurely life in Barcelona. The neighborhood is a bit quieter than its more centrally-located counterparts, and you'll find it's chock full of beautiful plaças, atmospheric restaurants and bars, eclectic galleries, and independent boutiques. You can easily spend all day in this uncrowded, village-like neighborhood.

La Barceloneta: Nestled right by the sea, La Barceloneta is an energetic and historic beachside neighborhood that offers more than a touristy stretch of sand if you know what to look for. Come for the seafood (ahem, paella ) and stay for the hopping bar scene.

Poble Sec: Bordering scenic Montjuïc, Poble Sec is one of the most lively neighborhoods in Barcelona, adored by locals and thus slightly less touristy. Boasting dozens of small bars, restaurants, and boutiques, this upbeat area has wonderful dancing and theater options, too.

True to the Mediterranean, Barcelona sees mild temperatures for the majority of the year. August is the city's hottest and most humid month, with temperatures averaging 77 °F, and January is the coldest month, with averages around 49 °F. Precipitation hovers around 25 inches annually, with October being the wettest month.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

January 41 - 57 February 42 - 58 March 46 - 51 April 50 - 65 May 57 - 71 June 63 - 77 July 69 - 83 August 69 - 84 September 64 - 79 October 58 - 72 November 48 - 64 December 43 - 58

TMB: Maps and access to Barcelona's metro, buses, trains, and more.

Renfe Cercanias: Regional and country-wide train maps, tickets, timetables, and more.

Google Translate: Quick and downloadable language translation service.

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Girl about the Globe

Making solo travel easier.

Solo Travel in Barcelona

Types of Girl about the Globe  (GatG) – Architecture GatG, Arty & Museum GatG, Beach GatG, Cultural GatG, Party GatG

Barcelona is an amazing city in  Spain . It's cultural and vibrant with sandy beaches and stunning architecture. After living here for two years, I have put together a Barcelona solo female travel guide. If you're planning to solo travel Barcelona, discover the best hostels in Barcelona for solo female travellers and which hotels are great too, which tour company to use and how to get around Barcelona Spain. 

All recommendations are from both myself and  solo female travellers from our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Happy planning!

N.b. By booking through this page when you solo travel to Barcelona, you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

Is Barcelona safe for solo female travellers? Barcelona is known for pickpockets, especially on the metro and La Rambla. The city is easily walkable but if you choose to wear a day pack hang it from your front instead of your back, or put a padlock on your zip. 

The city is safe at night to walk around with many other people doing the same every night of the week. Be careful in Raval at night and stick to the main roads instead of quiet back streets. La Rambla is one of the busiest tourist areas but if you walk along there after a night out you may be offered drugs by the sellers so just politely say no and they leave you alone. 

Is Barcelona good for solo travel? Yes!  There is so much to see for Barcelona solo travel that you'll need at least 3-5 nights here. Plus, travelling alone in Barcelona is easy thanks to the metro system that connects the city so it doesn't really matter which area you stay in. And there are so many tourists and expats there that it's easy to meet others especially through platforms such as Meet Up. Barcelona is very international and has plenty of events and festivals in the summer months.

Tips for Barcelona – The city now has a Barcelona tourist tax which differs depending on the type of accommodation that you're staying in ( find out more here ) . If you are staying 2, 3, 4 or 5 days you can save money on the attractions with a Barcelona Pass . 

About Barcelona

No visitor to Spain can possibly miss out on Barcelona. The second largest city in Spain, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region of Spain. This beach city has so much to offer that you could easily spend a whole week here and still only have scratched the surface.

As far as art and architecture are concerned, Barcelona is the city of Gaudi, Dali and Miro. You don’t even have to make an effort to find their work as they are everywhere. Especially the distinctive curved and richly decorated buildings by Gaudi , including the famous cathedral Sagrada Familia which is yet to be completed.

Barcelona is flat with the exception of one mountain, Montjuic, which is 173 metres high. You can use the Montjuic cable car but it’s much nicer to walk up to the top and visit the remains of Montjuic castle. The entire area was made famous during the 1992 Olympics and is home to the Olympic stadium.

In addition, there are plenty of parks and a Botanic garden. Art lovers will like the Foundation Juan Miro and the Pavillion Mies van der Rohe as well as the National Museum of Cataluña. The views over the city and the port are outstanding.

The Gothic Quarter is stunning and you could easily spend hours here tumbling upon architectural delights at each corner. Placa Reial is one of the most romantic spots in this city. This gorgeous square and elegant fountain surrounded by palm trees were once home to some of Barcelona’s most important families.

Explore the back streets of El Born, a trendy, historic neighbourhood with boutique shops, inviting bars and cafes and quirky little shops. Here’s where you’ll find the Picasso museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, next to the Fossar de Les Moreres – a curved monument for the fallen during the Siege of Barcelona in the early 18th century.

Shop for artisanal goods or homemade products in the neighbourhood area of Gracia which was once its own village before it became part of Barcelona in the 19th century. Or just stop for a coffee in one of the many coffee shops.

And then there’s the beach. Nine of them to be exact. Visit in the Spring or Autumn and you’ll still be sunning yourself on a sandy stretch of the Mediterranean or eating al fresco overlooking the sea. Stroll along the promenade up to the W Hotel, an iconic part of the beach’s landscape.

Torre Agbar is another one of the city’s landmarks. Only opened in 2005, this tower which resembles the Gherkin in London is illuminated in a blue hue at night as part of Barcelona’s skyline.

There are lots of day trips you can do from here too. Visit the coastal town of Sitges with its seafront promenade, the medieval city of Girona or hike Montserrat mountain and see the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, one of the holiest sites in the region. With unique landmarks, history and beaches, what more could you ask for in a city?

Did you know? Catalan and Spanish are both the official languages in Barcelona.

48 Hours in Barcelona

There are so many things to do in Barcelona alone. Here's a 48-hour itinerary to make the most of your time on a short break.

Start at the Arc de Triomf; a large, beautiful archway which was built as a gateway to the Universal Exhibition held in 1888. Walking along its path you’ll see street performers, buskers and people selling goods. At the end of the pathway is the entrance to Parc de la Ciutadella which was once the city’s only green space. Inside is a huge, magnificent fountain which has some resemblance to the Trevi Fountain in Rome. You can walk up its steps for a lovely view. Walk through the other exit to the Estacio de Franca to admire its interior and its elegant clock.

Then cross to the El Born area to the Centre de Cultura. This archaeological site is in a restored former market. Underneath they have excavated city ruins dating back to the 18th century. The museum is free to enter.

Stop for lunch at one of the many bars and restaurants in El Born. Crepes al Born has a great atmosphere with the friendliest staff (and it serves the best crepes!)

As you meander through Barcelona’s medieval heart with remains of the Roman walls which stretch between The Rambla and Via Laietana, a network of small often cobble-stoned streets which have some of the oldest and quirky shops. The most remarkable are marked with a small plaque on the pavement.

Spend time at the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, and Placa del Fossar de Les Moreres, before exploring more of the back streets of the Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, which dates back to the 13th century. This is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and was named after a young girl called Santa Eulalia, who was said to be murdered because she refused to give up religion.

Stop at the Picasso museum which is home to an extensive collection of artwork by Pablo Picasso, the renowned Spanish artist.

From here head to Plaza del Pi with a church of the same name. On weekends the plaza turns into a fruit, vegetable and art market where local artists display and sell their paintings. You’ll find countless small cafes and restaurants where you can eat and drink at reasonable prices. Look out for the signs which will lead you to Spain’s oldest and smallest Synagogue in the Jewish district Call.

Then to the famous La Rambla. This broad avenue is famous for its flower stalls, cheese stalls and trinkets but it's also a spot for pickpocketing so keep your valuables close.  They also used to keep and sell livestock like chickens, but that’s not allowed anymore so La Rambla has lost some of its originality. You can still find plenty of people buying souvenirs along this famous Rambla.

The Gran Teatre de Liceu – Barcelona’s most famous theatre and opera house are nearby. You can take a guided tour to see the wonderfully decorated theatre with a remarkable history because it burnt down three times. Just past the theatre is Barcelona’s oldest covered market. The art deco building is worth seeing all by itself, but the offer of the freshest and best products from all over Spain is nearly overwhelming. Smells and colours make an experience you cannot miss.

At the end of La Rambla is the Christopher Colombus Monument, a 60-metre-high column which stands tall in homage to the famous explorer.

Then head to the marina to walk past the yachts down to the W Hotel, and along the beach, passing roller skaters, cyclists and joggers along the promenade. Pass the famous beachfront Barcelona clubs such as Pacha and Opium and head to Port Olimpic passing the beaches to stop for dinner. Spend the evening at a flamenco show (see the tours section for recommended companies).

Spend your second day enjoying the architecture that Barcelona has to offer. The three best examples of art deco and Gaudi architecture are the Palacio de la Musica, Casa Milà and Palacio Guell.

Start at Passeig de Gracia for Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera) which has a rippling stone facade and colourful spires to compliment its spiral staircases. Then there is Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia. This fairytale house has a scaly roof and cave interiors and is a kaleidoscope of colours.

From here either walk or take the metro to Park Güell. Home to mosaic dragons and cute cottages, it is not only one of the iconic features in the city but it also offers great views. With forest walks, colourful ceramic walls, and beautifully landscaped trails, this area has been transformed into a garden city and was one of the largest projects of the city. Most of the park is free of charge but you need to buy tickets for the monumental zone. There are escalators which help on the steep climb to the park.

Stop for lunch at one of the cafes along Travessera de Dalt or anywhere else along the way to the Sagrada Familia (again you can walk or take the metro).

This famous Roman Catholic Church designed by Antonio Gaudi is in a neo-gothic style. Work began on the basilica in 1882 and is one of the longest-ever construction projects with work due to be completed in 2030. Because it is still under construction you have to ignore the cranes. If you are on a budget just walk around its exterior and admire the artwork instead of paying to go inside.

Spend the late afternoon at Plaça d’Espanya, admiring the fountain in the middle of the roundabout and window shopping inside Las Arenas, a former bull ring turned shopping centre.

Then to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. The building itself is a work of art and inside you’ll find sculptures amongst Romanesque murals as you are taken on a journey through Catalan art from the 10th century to the 20th century. Hike from here to Montjuic Hill and explore the old Olympic stadium, the castle and the Fundació Joan Miró before admiring views of the city at dusk. Stay in this area for dinner (there are restaurants inside Las Arenas) then watch the Magic Fountain at night which is in Plaça d’Espanya.

Tip – If you are staying in Barcelona for a few nights, consider purchasing the Barcelona Pass. It gives you access to more than 35 top attractions and passes are valid 2 years from when you purchase them in case you have to postpone your trip. *  Buy the Barcelona Pass here

Top Must-Sees for Barcelona Solo Travel

There are so many places to see here that it’s difficult to pick our top 5. You could stay for 5 days and be constantly doing and seeing something.

1. The Gothic Quarter

Barcelona’s medieval heart is so atmospheric, you’ll feel as though you have been transported into a fairytale especially when you see the gothic Barcelona Cathedral in all its towering glory.

Remains of the Roman walls stretch between La Rambla and Via Laietana, a network of small often cobble-stoned streets which have some of the oldest and quirky shops. The most remarkable are marked with a small plaque on the pavement. (Time = 2 hours)

2. La Rambla de Cataluña

This broad avenue is famous for its flower stalls, cheese stalls and trinkets. This 1.2-kilometre boulevard is also the place to find souvenirs with anything and everything stamped with “Barcelona.” They also used to keep and sell livestock like chickens, but that’s not allowed anymore so La Rambla has lost some of its originality. You’ll find painted human statues and overpriced cafes along the route which leads down to the marina. (Time = 1-2 hours)

3. Park Güell

This famous park is an insight into the imagination of the famous Gaudi. Home to mosaic dragons and cute cottages, it is not only one of the iconic features in the city but it also offers great views. With forest walks, colourful ceramic walls, and beautifully landscaped trails, this area has been transformed into a garden city and was one of the largest projects of the city. Most of the park is free of charge but you need to buy tickets into the monumental zone. There are escalators which help on the steep climb to the park. (Time = 2-3 hours)

* Check dates, prices and availability: Park Guell Admission Ticket

4. Sagrada Familia

Barcelona has to be best known for its famous Roman Catholic Church. Designed by Antonio Gaudi, the famous architect, in a neo-gothic style, work began on the basilica in 1882 and is one of the longest-ever construction projects with work due to be completed in 2030. Once finished this amazing work of art will be the highest cathedral in Europe. Because it is still under construction you have to ignore the cranes. (Time = 2-3 hours)

* Check dates, prices and availability: Fast-Track Sagrada Familia Entrance Ticket

5. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia dates back to the 13th century. This is the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona and was named after a young girl called Santa Eulalia, who was said to be murdered because she refused to give up religion. The cathedral is beautiful and so spectacular from both the outside and in. You’ll often find musicians entertaining the crowd outside. (Time = 1-2 hours) 

6. Casa Batlló

This man has definitely put Barcelona on the map as one of the most architectural striking cities. As well as Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia, one of his other famous works is Casa Batlló at Passeig de Gràcia, 43. Known as the of the Dragon (in reference to the legend of Saint George), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fairytale house with cave interiors and a kaleidoscope of colours. (Time = 2-3 hours) * D iscover the other must see Gaudi buildings in Barcelona 

Local’s Tip –   “Granjas are cafes that serve both breakfasts and brunches. They haven’t changed since a century before and the experience of eating in one feels like it did way back when they were originally opened.”

Solo’s Tip – “Plan your itinerary before you get there and get skip-the-line tickets if you can. If you do miss out on the Sagrada Familia you can just admire the cathedral and its artwork from outside by walking around it.”

Things To Do in Barcelona Alone

Escape the crowds

To be honest it’s hard to escape the crowds anywhere in Barcelona but if you go to Bunkers del Carmel early enough, you will have an amazing view all for yourself.

Park Güell is one of the most loved tourist attractions here but just behind the park is a nature area where you can escape the tourists. Here the only people you’ll encounter are locals who walk their dogs.

Lose yourself

In El Born. Wandering through the back streets past the cathedral and coming back around on yourself. Get lost in the romance of the gothic style architecture, historic balconies and alleyways which lead to another historic treasure.

At one of the gardens on Montjuic. Near the pergola, you’ll find beautiful gardens and terraces with a view of part of the city. Take a picnic and hike up to the top to lose yourself amongst the plants and watch the sunset over the city.

Get a great view at

• There are so many places to get a view of the city. Hill Montjuic is a great lookout. Either take the cable car or bus to the top or hike your way up.
• Hike up to Bunkers del Carmel in the district El Carmel to the viewpoint on Rovira’s hill for a great panorama.
• If you prefer to have a view with a glass of cava in your hand, Barceló Raval is a four-star hotel with a 360 Bar, named so because of its 360-degree views. The drinks aren’t cheap but then again you pay for the views.
• Tibidabo is the highest point in Barcelona at 512 metres tall. This amusement park which overlooks the city not only offers the best views but also has a stunning church to venture into. Take the metro L7 to Avenida Tibidabo then Tramvia Blau to Placa Dr Andreu where the funicular leaves from. Check prices, dates and availability

Interact with the locals at

If you’re here during the summer months, any chiringuito on the beach is a good place to sit and strike up a conversation with the locals (or tourists). The Catalans can be a bit closed but just smile and say “Bon dia.”

Places to enjoy the sun

The Catalonians and the Spanish aren’t shy about their beach bodies as you’ll find out on the nudist beaches dotted along the coast. (as they say, “when in Rome…”)

There are several beaches to choose from (nine in fact). The most touristy and closest to the city is Barceloneta up to the W Hotel (the hotel shaped in a curve). If you take the metro Line 4, you can virtually get off at any stop and walk down to one of the beaches. Most of the metro stops aren’t situated right on the beach though so you will need to walk. Marbella is a great beach with a pop-up bar, restaurant and volleyball court. Here anything goes and it’s a good spot to avoid the tourists. Or try Ciutadella – Vila Olimpica, a beach which also gets fewer tourists.

• Mercado de la Boqueria is Barcelona’s oldest covered market. The art deco building is worth seeing all by itself, but the offer of the freshest and best products from all over Spain is nearly overwhelming. Smells and colours make an experience you cannot miss.
• From a touristy market to a more local one. Mercat de la Llibertat is located in Gracia, a more local part of the city. Here you can see how the locals shop.
• Mercat de la Princesa is set in a 15th-century palace. This is one of the city’s best-kept secrets and you can watch the chefs as they cook all types of gastronomic delights from Spanish to Japanese food.

Activities For All Types of Solos

Active GatG

• Take part in a Thai Kickboxing class whilst you’re there. Everest Mindful ThaiBoxing offers classes several times a week and you can just say yes that you’re attending and pay for your class on the day. Classes cost €15 and they have a women’s only class on the first Tuesday morning of each month.
• Hire a bike and cycle along the coastline past the marina and north of Barcelona.
• Go running along the Carretera de Les Aigües which has great views of the city too.

Adventure GatG

• An adventure of a different kind is a midnight walking tour which starts at the Arc de Triomf. A guide leads you through Barcelona’s dimly lit medieval streets all the while telling you stories about supernatural occurrences in the city. It truly gives you goosebumps.
• Being on the beach means that Barcelona is an ideal spot to try water sports. Try stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing or parasailing, or book a session at the surf school to make the most of the waves.

Arty & Museum GatG

• There are so many great museums here to choose from. If you are short on time, here are our favourites.
• One of the most beautiful museums here is the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, which is situated in Placa Espana with an amazing view from the higher levels. The building itself is a work of art and inside you’ll find sculptures amongst Romanesque murals as you are taken on a journey through Catalan art from the 10th century to the 20th century.
• The Picasso Museum is home to an extensive collection of artwork by Pablo Picasso, the renowned Spanish artist who spent time in Barcelona. The museum may be small but its worth visiting to explore the medieval halls and see his early works.
• The Foundation Joan Miró is situated on Montjuic hill and is a museum of modern art founded by Joan Miró, a visionary artist to inspire young artists to explore and experiment with contemporary art. Even the building itself is a giant piece of artwork.

Budget GatG

Just inside the market building in El Born are the remains of an ancient city. Through the glass, you can view this fascinating archaeological discovery. And it’s free!

Chocolate GatG

I ndulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate museum situated in old barracks in El Born. Whether you just want to buy chocolate or become a master chocolatier for the day, it’s a haven for chocolate lovers.

Cultural GatG

There always seems to be a festival or fiesta in the city. Check the Guia Barcelona events page to see if any cultural event is on during your stay. From art events to wine festivals, there is something for any type of solo.

If you’ve ever seen the human towers, this is one of Catalonia’s traditions. It began approx 40 km in the small town of Valls and is still a tradition in Barcelona. The climbers known as Castellers each have their own position in the tower and the climbing is usually accompanied by a flute. Check the website for performances

Gran Teatre de Liceu is Barcelona’s most famous theatre. You can take a guided tour to see the wonderfully decorated theatre with a remarkable history because it burnt down three times.

Gaudi Buildings – All within walking distance from the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla you’ll find the three best examples of art deco and Gaudi architecture. Palacio de la Musica, Casa Mila and Palacio Guell.

The Jardins del Teatre Grec is a Greek theatre on Montjuic mountain which is used during some of the cultural events.

History GatG

Venture into El Born and the Gothic Quarter and history is all around you. Wind through the medieval streets and stumble upon historical churches and beautiful alleyways. Stop at Carrer del Bisbe to admire a neo-Gothic bridge with a skull face, which was constructed in the early 20th century.

El Fossar del Les Moreres was once the site for the fallen during the Siege of Barcelona which took place in 1714. A tall curved monument stands in its place.

Inside El Born Centre de Cultura is an archaeological site in a restored former market. Underneath they have excavated city ruins dating back to the 18th century. The museum is free to enter.

Skip the Line and see inside the Barcelona Palau de la Música to admire the architecture and the rich history of this Art Nouveau icon.

Nature GatG

Montjuic offers some nature respite from the city. You can either take the cable car up or walk up to the top to see this area, which is home to the Olympic Stadium used during the 1992 Olympics. You’ll also find an old military fortress on top.

Ciutadella park was once the city’s only green space. Inside is a huge, magnificent fountain which has some resemblance to the Trevi Fountain in Rome. You can walk up its steps for a lovely view. This park does get popular with locals and tourists so don’t be surprised if you find people doing yoga or playing bongo drums here. Anything goes.

Shopping GatG

• Barcelona has so many shops! From souvenir stalls in La Rambla and El Born to the posh high street shops at Passeig de Gracia, there is plenty to splurge your Euros on. You’ll find shops such as H&M and Zara in Placa Catalunya. For souvenirs of Barcelona or a tourist gift then La Rambla is the place to pick up a ‘Barcelona’ gift.
• Passeig de Gracia is worth window shopping along, even if just for the stunning architecture.
• Head to Placa Espana for the old bull ring which has been converted into a shopping arcade. Inside you’ll find restaurants and shops and a great view of the stunning fountain from the terrace on the top floor.

If you love football, pay a visit to Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Spain and home to FB Barcelona. Either watch a game during your trip here or take a tour around the stadium to see the European Cups and the area dedicated to Messi, one of the most famous football players. Pre-buy a ticket for a football stadium tour and the museum here .

Wellness GatG

You don’t have to go to a spa to enjoy a massage here. If you visit from May to October just lay on the beach and within minutes you will get approached by massage ladies offering you a massage for anything from €10 – €20 (much less than a salon and just as good). The ladies use suntan oil so you can still top up your tan afterwards.

If you do prefer to have an experience inside walls, Aire de Barcelona is a Hamman experience with a thermal bath. Enjoy a massage or scrub as an additional treatment. Located in El Born.

6 Day Yoga Retreat Barcelona  

This 6 day urban yoga retreat in Barcelona is situated in the heart of the city so you can spend your free time exploring Barcelona. The teachers are international and welcome all levels whether you’re a beginner or advanced. Every day there are morning and evening classes on the amazing rooftop as well as a vegetarian brunch. Prices start from €575 for a shared room.  

* Check prices and availability: 6 Day Yoga Retreat Barcelona

There are so many places here to enjoy a glass of vino but El Nacional is a fab place to order a glass or two. This huge industrial building was once a car dealership. It’s hard to imagine inside as it’s now one of the coolest places in Barcelona. Each section has a different speciality and has some of the finest wines, not to mention the best cavas in Spain.

Have a tourist moment

At Tibidabo Park – Brazil has the Christ de Redeemer and Barcelona has a big wheel overlooking the city. It may seem like a strange place to have a theme park but on top of Mount Tibidabo is where all the action is. Relieve your childhood on a big Ferris wheel, scream with the kids on the rollercoaster or just eat as much pink candy floss as you can buy.

Don’t have much time?

If you are short on time and want to see as much of the city as you can, the Barcelona hop on hop-off buses is worth doing. Buy a two-day pass as there is so much to see. Buses run frequently all over the city.

Where to wear your heels

At one of the many rooftop bars. The W Hotel has to be the most famous and the poshest hotel here but head to any hotel with a rooftop, especially at sunset for a glass of Vermouth and a fab view.

Where To Meet Others

At one of the Irish bars especially on Carrer de Ferran where you are guaranteed to meet other travellers or tourists.

Barcelona has more meet-up groups than Gaudi buildings. Whether you are looking to meet others on a language exchange or hiking in the mountains, there is a meet-up group for every type of activity. Just join Meet Up, look at the calendar of events for when you are there and join a group.

Local Tours

The Gothic Quarter is a great place for a walking tour. Instead of exploring Barcelona on your own you can take a walking Barcelona city tour and discover the history of this area and wander past the amazing cathedral.

Sandemans New Europe are a great way to see the city and offers free walking tours (you pay a donation at the end). There are several tours a day so check their site for times.

Artspace Tours – If you’re looking for an art tour Barcelona then look no further than Artspace Tours. If you are planning to visit Barcelona, one of the world’s most exciting cities, you have to try an art tour. Choose from Picasso's Barcelona, a street art tour, or a contemporary art tour.

Runner Bean Tours offers sustainable tours around the city such as The Spanish Inquisition Story, and Dark Legends of the City with tales from the past. These walking tours are a great starting point when you first arrive in the city. You’ll get to know your bearings and also learn about its history, especially in the old part of the city where you can follow the shadow of medieval punishments.

Take a Midnight ghost walking tour which leads you through the city’s dimly lit streets telling you tales of supernatural occurrences in the city. Enough to give any solo goosebumps.

Day Tours – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities including Barcelona tours and day trips from Barcelona.  Choose from a Sagrada Familia fast-track ticket, a Montjuic cable car ride with views of the city, or a flamenco show at Los Tarantos.

Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. With Barcelona being one of the most visited cities, I recommend buying fast-track tickets so you can skip the long queues. * Check rates and availability for all Barcelona Day Tours

Spain Tours From Barcelona

G Adventures – Barcelona is easy to travel to alone but if you are planning on seeing more of Spain and looking for some company to do it with, sustainable companies such a s G Adventures offer tours of Spain from a 4-day La Tomatina Festival to a 15-day Classic Spain tour. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them for solos. Most tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

What To Do in The Evenings

Head to Placa Espana and watch the Magic Fountain in an array of lights and colours as it dances at night.

Listen to a concert at Palau de la Música. This gorgeous hall decorated with colourful mosaics is UNESCO World Heritage.

During the summer months at the Fabra Observatory , you can have dinner under the stars. The evening isn’t that cheap but it combines great cuisine with astronomical observation served at dusk on the terrace. You can also visit the interior of the Observatory to observe more constellations.

If you love rooftop bars, you’re in for a treat. There are so many hotels here with gorgeous rooftops. Our favourite ones are Barceló Raval which has a panoramic bar of 360 degrees. And Hotel Duquesa de Cardona has spectacular views over the marina and also a swimming pool on top.

Wander through the streets of the Gothic Quarter at dusk and listen to the buskers singing opera or playing some of the most atmospheric music.

Barcelona has an Ice Bar which it claims is the first ice bar at the beach in the world! If you can handle hanging around at minus 5 degrees, go inside and shiver the night away (or 45 minutes of it anyway).

Join one of the Barcelona Meet Up groups to attend a nightly event. They also have meet-ups for dancing such as bachata and salsa so that you can experience something different (or that you like) during your visit.

Whichever music you are into you’re guaranteed to find it in Barcelona. Along the beach is the place to be for nightlife. Here you’ll find famous clubs such as Pacha, Opium and Carpe Diem. These beachfront clubs are swanky so you may have to adhere to a dress code to get in. They are generally frequented by tourists so you may even meet a fellow nationality inside.

During the summer months, you can party from day through to night at Brunch in the Park, an electronic festival held every Sunday afternoon/ evening on Montjuic Hill. They have sprinklers for the warm weather and free sunscreen too. It’s a great atmosphere and partying with the cable car going overhead makes it even more special.

If you want to check out the bars of Barcelona with some company in tow, Bar Crawl Barcelona offers exactly what it says – a bar crawl around the city. The bar crawl goes to 3 different bars and finishes at one of the nightclubs. You can save money by booking it online.

Accommodation in Barcelona

Good areas to stay in

There is a good metro system so it’s easy to see all the sights no matter which area you stay in but for walking distance the Gothic Quarter is perfect. This area is close to La Rambla, the port and the beach and is ideal if you are staying for a few nights.

It is the most touristy area so you may prefer to stay near Plaza Catalunya which is at the top of La Rambla or more inland near the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. All of the accommodation below has been recommended by myself and our solo female community. For all other accommodation, click this link. * Check rates and availability for all Barcelona accommodation

St Christopher's Inn

Best Hostels in Barcelona For Solo Female Travellers  

There are so many hostels in Barcelona that it can be a bit overwhelming choosing the right one. I've recommended two of the best hostels in Barcelona below. 

St Christophers Inn

There are countless hostels in Barcelona but this one is one of the better ones. Close enough to La Rambla and near the edgy streets of Raval, it’s situated in a great location to be able to walk to the main sites. What I love about this place is the communal bar area, lounge and courtyard which are ideal to meet others when you are solo. They serve good food and when I was there they gave you 25% off the meals. I stayed in a 12-bed dorm room and had my own curtain for extra privacy. They also have female-only dorm rooms from 6 beds to 16 beds, or you can choose a bed in a mixed 4 dorm instead. * Check rates & availability for St Christophers Inn

Sant Jordi Gracia

Sant Jordi Hostel is in the Gracia neighbourhood. It is a great place to stay, very safe and with great nightlife. Everyone just hangs out in the plazas at night and you get to meet a lot of fun people. The hostel is also good about getting people together for meals to get to know each other and they're super helpful with getting around and what to do in Barcelona. There is a communal terrace and each dorm room has lockers for you to store your stuff. You don’t need to bring a hairdryer either as they have hairdryers in the bathroom. *  Check rates & availability for Sant Jordi Gracia

Bruc & Bruc

This cosy pension is situated in the heart of the city in the Eixample district. The rooms are bright, clean and stylish and come with a flat-screen TV (some with a balcony too). There is access to a gym so you can keep in shape during your travels and it’s really close to La Pedrera (Casa Milà). Because it’s in the heart of the city it’s an idea to take earplugs if you are a light sleeper. Choose from a single room (which is tiny) or opt for a double room for an extra €10 or so. Both rooms have a shared bathroom.

• Prices from €69 per night for a single room 
• To book, check prices or availability for Bruc & Bruc

Blue Barcelona

If you prefer a bit more comfort than a hostel and the privacy of your own room, Blue Barcelona is a lovely bed and breakfast to stay in. In the Gracia district, you’ll find lots of bars, cafes and cosy restaurants on your doorstep. All rooms have a satellite TV and some also have a private bathroom. Breakfast is included in the price and you’ll be welcoming your morning with the relaxing colour blue.

• Prices from €87 for a single room with a shared bathroom
• To book, check prices or availability for Blue Barcelona

Seventy Barcelona

I stayed in this 4-star hotel and loved it! It’s one of the most beautifully designed hotels that I have stayed in. Everything is so well thought out from the comfortable beds to the coffee machine and hair straighteners in your room. The spa is gorgeous and I spent time relaxing in the sauna and steam room before listening to live musicians in the lounge that evening.

The room was very quiet and it really felt like an oasis within Barcelona, yet everything you need in the city is on your doorstep. If you’re going to splurge for a night, I definitely recommend it. Choose from a basic, standard or superior double or twin room, a privilege double room or a deluxe room with a terrace, all with spa access.

• Prices from €163 for a basic double room with spa access
• To book, check prices or availability for Seventy Barcelona

Typical Food and Drink

There are so many places to eat from Tapas restaurants to Walk to Wok. Whatever type of food you’re into you’ll find it here amongst the Peruvian, Italian, and Middle Eastern restaurants.

Some of the restaurants offer a ‘Menu’ during the weekdays where you can buy a 3-course meal for a good price (approx €12). Look for boards advertising the menu as you walk past restaurants.

Find seafood restaurants along Barceloneta and pop-up bars in the summer season. These places are a bit pricey because of the location but eating food right on the beach is worth paying a bit extra. Avoid the tourist restaurants on La Rambla and head to the little side streets for better prices.

For a cheap and extraordinary filling meal make your way to one of Barcelona’s oldest restaurants La Bombeta. Its name is also that of the speciality: a big ball of mashed potatoes mixed with diced mushrooms and ham, breaded and deep fried. It fills you for hours at a price of €5.

Where To Eat

Restaurants.

$$ – SantaGula. Dine with the locals in this modern-looking restaurant which is one of the best in the city. Serving Mediterranean and European cuisine, it also has vegetarian-friendly dishes. All of the food is great and presented well whether you choose tapas such as patatas bravas or tuna tataki. Located in Gracia, you’ll need to get there early to ensure you get a seat. Find at Plaza Narcis Oller, 3.

Restaurants for typical cuisine

$ – 100 Montaditos. This Spanish restaurant is ideal for the budget solo. With anything on the menu at €1, you can eat like a queen. The menu consists of small plates of tapas, sandwiches, salads and fries so it’s great for a quick bite to eat. It does have an informal atmosphere with a quick turnaround so expect it to get busy. Find at: They have several locations including one on Rambla de Catalunya 11, and Passeig de Sant Joan 77.

$ – Tasca I Vins. For Catalan food visit this family-run business with cooking traditions from decades ago. Although you may feel as though you are sitting in a wine cellar, there are stools at the bar which are perfect for solos. From sirloin steaks to salads, you’ll enjoy authentic food in a friendly environment. Find at Carrer Diputacio, 304.

$$ – El Nacional. This place is just amazing. Once an old car garage, it has been converted into four restaurants and bars with every Spanish dish you could want. Eat oysters at the oyster bar or sit at the bar and wait for the friendly waiter to come around shouting whichever type of tapas he is carrying. Then once you’ve chosen dish by dish, you can soak up the atmosphere before paying at the end. Even going inside and admiring the decor, and the high ceilings are worth a visit. Visit the bathroom for black-and-white pictures of how it used to look in bygone times. A real dining experience. Find at Paseo de Gracia 24.

$$$ – La Cova Fumada . Although this seafood restaurant is in the Barceloneta region of the city, an area known for hoards of tourists, it is mainly frequented by locals. You won’t find the name outside as it’s that hidden! It isn’t cheap though and not really fancy inside but its authentic Spanish food is what makes it so special. Order the bombas if you come here. Find at Calle Baluard, 56.

Vegetarian Restaurants

$ – Veggie Garden. This place basically does what it advertises – vegetarian and vegan dishes. Try a tofu burger or vegetarian samosa or opt for the €10 lunch menu. It offers more Indian dishes than typical Spanish options. Don’t forget to try one of their yummy juices too. Find at Carrrer Dels Angels 3.

$ – Maoz. Cheap, fast and good service, served in a buffet style. Maoz falafel is the best falafel in Barcelona and is really good value. In a self-service style, you can choose your own fillings and there are wholewheat bread options as a healthier option to white pitta. It is small though so it’ll be better to take it away if it’s busy. Find at Carrer de Ferran, 13.

Enjoy a Coffee and Cake

Gracia is a lovely neighbourhood with narrow streets and a village charm. There are plenty of cafes and terraces to enjoy a coffee and a cake or two.

Located in a quieter square in the city, this funky cafe is a great place to enjoy a coffee and a cake. It’s also a popular spot for brunch and serves up a mean eggs benedict and pancakes. They also have a lounge area where you can relax on one of the sofas before planning your next spot to see in the city. Find at Roger de Lluria 23.

Chocolateria Valor Barcelona

You’ll find this chocolateria just steps away from the Gothic Cathedral. Valour is some of Spain’s best hot chocolate. Inside you can find fresh churros for dipping in your chocolate as well as plenty of other chocolate goodies to eat or take home as presents. You can even buy fruit smoothies too if the chocolate gets a bit too much. Find at Carrer de la Tapineria, 10.

Street Food

If you don’t find wagons on the street selling churros or other goodies, then dive into the stalls at the Boqueria Mercat for some cheap eats. You can sit on stools and choose something from the stall of your choice. There are also plenty of bakeries selling bocadillos (sandwiches) and bikinis (mini sandwiches) for a good price.

On the beaches, you’ll see chiringuitos which are kiosks selling savoury snacks such as sandwiches or ice creams.

Where To Drink

Being Spain you’ll find Sangria in most of the bars but if you do order it be prepared to be served it by the litre instead of by the glass. Catalonia produces its own champagne called cava which you can order practically anywhere, along with Vermout (Martini Rosso or Bianco). During the summer you’ll also be able to indulge in a Verano de Tinto (summer red wine) which is red wine mixed with Fanta and is surprisingly refreshing.

Lo Pinyol – This bar/bistro looks the same as it was one century ago and will take you back in time. It is known for its Vermut but the tapas is pretty good too. Find at Torrent de l'Olla, 7.

Creps al Born – This friendly bar has the perfect atmosphere in the evenings. It’s cosy and friendly and the barmen go out of their way to make you feel welcome. You may find yourself singing along to the music with a cocktail in hand as they swing the bar lights for entertainment. Find at Passeig del Born, 12.

Can Paixano – If you get a taste for cava then indulge in the cava bar, also known as La Xampanyeria. Inside are some of the cheapest glasses of cava that you can buy in Barcelona including some pink bubbles. Even though there isn’t a name on the front of this bar it always draws the crowds so be prepared for it to be busy. Find at Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7.

Getting Around

Barcelona is walkable if you have the time. If not just go underground to one of the metro stations. The city has a great metro network. Instead of paying for every single journey, choose a 2,3,4 or 5-day pass. Or buy a T10 which gives you 10 journeys for €10. This allows travel on the buses, metro and tram. Just validate your ticket on the machine whichever mode of transport you choose. Metros run until at least midnight. Night buses run all night but take longer to get around. Use the TMB site to plan your Barcelona journey.

Official taxis are black and have yellow stripes. You can find them at taxi stands or hail a taxi from the side of the road. Some take cards if you don’t have cash. Look for taxis with a green light on top. Unlike other major cities, the taxis here are affordable and shouldn’t cost more than €10. Find a Barcelona taxi through this site.

If you prefer to rent a car you can hire one from Barcelona airport. Once in the city, though it can be slow moving and on-street parking can be difficult. Use Avis to find car hire.

Barcelona is a good city to bike around with many bike lanes. There are several bike rental shops in the city. Green Bikes is located in the Gothic Quarter (one of the main tourist areas) and offer cheap bike hire. For other areas in the city try Barcelona Rent a Bike.

TIP – The Barcelona card offers cheap transport and discounts on admission to museums and attractions. Price from €40.

From El Prat Airport

There is a metro which runs through both terminal 1 and terminal 2. The R2 train runs from terminal 2 to Sants Estacio and takes 25 minutes (look for the Renfe sign). A ticket into the city will cost €5 one way for the train ticket or you can buy a 24/48/72 hour card and take the metro instead. The Aerobus is available from terminals 1 and 2 and runs to Placa Catalunya. It costs €5.75 for a single ticket. Taxis are available but they are the most expensive option costing approx €30 for the 30-minute journey.

Some low-cost airlines from into and out of Girona Airport. Near to the Costa Brava, Girona is approximately an hour away and reachable by bus from Estacio de Nord.

Travelling Onwards

Barcelona is a main hub for transport and the airport is within easy reach for both domestic and international flights. Trains depart Sans Estacio, Passeig de Gràcia, and Estacio de Franca to other destinations in Spain and beyond.

Monbus departs from Plaza Catalunya (and other places in the city) and travels to Sant Pierre de Ribes and other towns outside of Barcelona. Check the timetables along the road as there are several stops.

* Search for flights, trains and buses in Barcelona

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2 thoughts on “ Solo Travel in Barcelona ”

Thank you for this absolutely brilliant guide. It’s been the difference between me cancelling my trip to Barcelona thinking I couldn’t do it alone and actually booking my hotel and flight because I now know that I can. You gave me the confidence!

You’re so welcome Paula! I’m so happy to hear that it’s helped you. Have an amazing time in Barcelona x

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11 Essential Apps for Travellers Visiting Barcelona in 2023

Barcelona, what a radiant tapestry of art and history it is! And boy, can it be overwhelming, right? But don't sweat. I have the digital toolkit that will turn you from tourist to local in no time. Here are my absolute go-to apps - the real deal in 2023 - that help me nail every Barcelona visit. Whether navigating the extensive metro system, hunting down hidden gems, or grabbing those last-minute tickets to a fiery flamenco show, these apps are your Barcelona lifeline.

Our 11 Best Apps for Barcelona in 2023

In no particular order...

2. Citymapper

3. barcelona metro, 5. itranslate, 6. google lens, 7. urbs travel app, 8. medieval bcn.

Keep reading for more info on these top Bracelona apps.

Navigating Barcelona with Ease

Navigating an unfamiliar city can be daunting, but fear not! Moving around Barcelona will be a breeze with the right apps on your mobile device. Here are three awesome apps we use to traverse the city like a local.

So forget about getting lost in translation or being late for that delicious paella reservation; these Barcelona transport apps will be your trusted sidekicks throughout your Barcelona adventure.

The TMB App is your go-to for mastering Barcelona’s public transport system. Developed by Turisme de Barcelona, this fantastic app offers bus and metro times, operating hours, maps, alerts, and promotions. With features like route planning, travel duration, wait times, and personalized services, this app ensures you have all the essential information at your fingertips.

Available on Android and iOS, the TMB App is a great alternative to Google Maps for navigating public transportation in Barcelona using your mobile phone. Plus, it provides push notifications and acoustic warnings when you’re about to arrive at your destination bus or metro stop.

With offline maps included, you’ll never miss a beat, even when you’re off the grid.

Download from Google Play or Apple App store .

Next up, meet Citymapper, your new best friend, for exploring Barcelona like a pro. This fantastic app provides accurate public transport information and route planning, integrating data from all urban means of transport. With timely notifications when you need to get off or switch lines, Citymapper is an essential tool for your Barcelona trip.

To use Citymapper, simply open the app, enter your destination, and voilà! You’ll be provided with the best route to get there, including the estimated arrival time and on-the-ground advice. Whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks like Plaça de Catalunya or the Sagrada Familia, Citymapper has got your back.

Last but not least, in our transportation trio, the Barcelona Metro app guides you through the city’s vast metro network like a true local. This handy app helps travellers navigate the metro system with an interactive map, route planner, and popular points of interest. With transport apps like this one, say goodbye to confusion and hello to smooth journeys around Barcelona.

For an even more immersive experience, check out Barcelona Metro Walks, an official audio guide that offers seven itineraries to discover the city through areas of proximity, combining bus, metro, and tram routes with walks. From exploring the Gothic Quarter to hopping on and off at famous landmarks, the Barcelona Metro app has got you covered.

Discovering Barcelona's Culinary Scene

Ready to tantalize your taste buds with Barcelona’s diverse culinary scene? With restaurant recommendations, discounts, and reviews at your fingertips, you’ll never run out of delicious dining options during your stay in the Catalan capital.

A must-have app for foodies visiting Barcelona is TheFork. This incredible app allows you to easily browse and book amazing dining experiences in restaurants, cafes, and eateries throughout the city. With location services pinpointing your position in Barcelona, you’ll have the nearest dining options available in no time.

TheFork app provides its own descriptions and millions of other foodies’ reviews of restaurants, along with mouthwatering photos of the food served. With so many delicious options at your fingertips, you’ll have a hard time deciding where to eat first!

Breaking down language barriers

Get ready to meet iTranslate and Google Lens. These are my two best friends when it comes to breaking language barriers. iTranslate is the perfect tool for smooth, stress-free communication with locals, while Google Lens acts as your personal translator, decoding written text and uncovering hidden histories with just a point of your camera. Trust me, these two apps will be your lifeline to Barcelona's vibrant local culture. Let's dive into how they work their magic.

Communication is key when travelling, and the iTranslate app ensures you’ll never be lost in translation. This amazing app provides translation and dictionary features, including conversation mode, to help you communicate with locals in Spanish and Catalan.

Whether asking for directions or trying to decipher a menu, iTranslate is your trusted language companion throughout your Barcelona journey. With this app in your arsenal, you’ll feel more confident and connected to the vibrant local culture.

Explore Barcelona with ease using Google Lens, your visual translator and tour guide in one. Point your camera at signs, menus, or products, and Google Lens instantly translates text from Spanish or Catalan. Uncover the history behind landmarks, decipher local dishes, or navigate unfamiliar streets with just a tap. Google Lens takes the guesswork out of travel, immersing you directly in Barcelona's vibrant culture.

Exploring Barcelona's Rich Culture and History

In this section, we're diving into two of my favorite apps that make uncovering Barcelona's secrets a breeze. First, we'll check out the Urbs Travel App, a personal tour guide right in your pocket that shows you the best of Barcelona, from hidden gems to local favorites. Then, we'll travel back in time with the Medieval BCN app, a must-have for exploring the city's rich architectural heritage.

Urbs Travel App is a game-changer for travellers seeking a unique and memorable trip to Barcelona. This app provides personalized travel suggestions based on your preferences and location, allowing you to explore the city like never before. From hidden gems to local favourites, Urbs Travel App will help you create a one-of-a-kind Barcelona itinerary .

The app offers audio descriptions, bespoke routes, and essential travel knowledge for clients, with smart city guides written by cultural experts and performed by professional storytellers. With custom walking tours and ticket booking integration, Urbs Travel App is essential for anyone visiting Barcelona.

Step back in time with the Medieval Barcelona app, an official audio guide that explores the city’s Romanesque and Gothic architecture from its flourishing period as an important commercial center. This app provides a fascinating glimpse into Barcelona's past, from the breathtaking Gothic Quarter to the awe-inspiring city walls.

With detailed audio guides and informative content, Medieval Barcelona is your key to unlocking the city’s rich history. Immerse yourself in the stories and secrets of Barcelona’s storied past as you wander its ancient streets.

Download from Apple App store .

Planning Activities and Events

If you want to join local activities, find cultural events, or book tours in Barcelona, the Meetup, Fever, and GetYourGuide apps have you covered. Connect with locals, uncover hidden gems, and create unforgettable memories in the Catalan capital.

Meetup is a fantastic app that helps you find and join local activities and events, connecting you with like-minded individuals and making your trip more engaging and authentic. From language exchanges to hiking groups, there’s a meetup for any interest you can imagine.

By participating in local activities and meeting new people, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Barcelona’s culture and make lasting connections. So why not step out of your comfort zone and dive into the vibrant local scene with Meetup?

Fever is your ultimate guide to finding exciting plans in Barcelona, including leisure, cultural events, restaurants, and adventure sports. With Fever, you’ll never run out of things to do or places to explore during your stay in the city.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an adrenaline junkie, Fever has something for everyone. Discover the best of Barcelona and create a trip that’s uniquely yours with this versatile app.

Say goodbye to long lines at cultural landmarks with Tiqets, the app that opens doors to culture. With instant ticket delivery and Skip the Line options, you'll never miss out on your dream Barcelona destinations.

The app is your trusted guide, offering a comprehensive list of Barcelona's must-see attractions and hidden gems. From planning your itinerary to flexible booking options, Tiqets ensures your Barcelona trip is hassle-free and enriching. With Tiqets in your pocket, you'll feel more prepared and connected to the vibrant culture of Barcelona​.

Download Tiqets

In conclusion, exploring and enjoying Barcelona has never been easier, thanks to these amazing apps. From navigating public transport to discovering local cuisine and immersing yourself in the city’s rich culture and history to planning exciting activities and events, these apps have got you covered. So pack your bags, download these apps, and get ready for an unforgettable Barcelona adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best app to meet people in barcelona.

Meetup is the perfect app for you if you’re looking to meet people in Barcelona! With a wide range of activities, from salsa lessons to language exchange events, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with so many people around the world using Meetup, it’s easy to connect with like-minded folks and make some new friends!

What transportation app to use in Barcelona?

Experience Barcelona hassle-free with the official TMB App! Enjoy easy access to the Metro, buses, and trams in Barcelona, helping you plan your journey and enjoy your time in this stunning city.

What is the best way to explore Barcelona?

Exploring Barcelona is easy and enjoyable with its efficient public transportation system – from the metro to trams, buses, and FGC trains. Embrace the city’s beauty and discover new cultures in an eco-friendly way! Public transportation in Barcelona is a great way to explore the city and its culture. It is efficient, eco-friendly, and allows you to discover new places and cultures by taking the metro, tram, or bus. Use Urbs Travel App to help you create a personalised itinerary if places of interest to you.

What is the best walking app for Barcelona?

If you plan to explore Barcelona on foot, the Urbs Travel App is an excellent choice! This app offers GPS-guided routes personalized to you and provides enriching audio descriptions about various points of interest, written by local experts and narrated by professional voice-over artists. Simply put on your headphones and let Urbs guide you through Barcelona's streets like a local, or map out your perfect city route from scratch.

What are the best apps for navigating public transport in Barcelona?

Exploring Barcelona’s public transportation network is a breeze with the TMB App, Citymapper, and Barcelona Metro - the best apps to get around! These apps make it easy to plan your route, check schedules, and purchase tickets. They also provide helpful information about the city’s attractions and points of interest.

Related Posts

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There may be affiliate links on this page! That just means if you click on a link, find a ticket you like and buy it, we might make some cash. Don’t worry, you won’t pay any extra – sometimes you might even get a tasty discount. It’s a win for us and a win for you too!

Download the app and start exploring

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Urbs app today and bring your travel dreams to life.

Barcelona escape game, time travel

• In-person guide
• Private transportation
• Plaça de la Mercè, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain We will stay in the middle of the square and you will recognize us by the shirts with the Escape The City logo and by our distinctive pink folders.
• La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain This is the intermediate point of the tour ... we can't tell you more!
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Plaça de la Mercè Plaça de la Mercè, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain We will stay in the middle of the square and you will recognize us by the shirts with the Escape The City logo and by our distinctive pink folders. See address & details
• Pass by La Rambla
• You'll end at La Rambla La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain This is the intermediate point of the tour ... we can't tell you more! See address & details

More to explore in Barcelona

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Game Bars in Barcelona (Online Gaming & Board Games)

Recommendations for afternoons and evenings out in Barcelona tend to revolve around food, drinks, and clubs.

Built around both online gaming and board games, game bars in Barcelona have risen in prominence over the years, and now represent some of the most enjoyable spots in town. It’s difficult to put together an exhaustive list of locations in this category because not all bars advertise whether or not they may have a few board games available.

The Barcelona nightlife is the stuff of legend; the drink and tapas bars are high on many travelers’ lists, and many set out on food and wine tours so as to enjoy as much of the culinary and drink scene as possible in a limited time. Alongside the traditional food, drink, and clubs, however, gaming bars and cafés also make for fun afternoons and evenings out in the city.

Additionally (and sadly), some gaming bars appear to have shut down permanently, possibly due to COVID-19. With that said though, the places we’ll list below undoubtedly represent some of the best online and board gaming bars in the city.

Game Bars in Barcelona

Branded as an “eSports Gamer Bar,” Afterlife makes no secret of the fact that it’s meant as a social gathering spot for lovers of competitive online games.

What it’s not, however, is any sort of eSports arena, as some might picture. Rather, it’s an atmospheric venue combining inventive cocktails, a decadent menu full of comfort food, beer, and an open invitation for gamers to set up on the in-house WiFi.

You may well visit this bar and simply see people enjoying the food and drink and chatting with friends. On the other hand, you may also see them with laptops out and competitive gaming fired up.

For anyone seeking more of a full-fledged eSports venue, Meltdown tends to embody that vibe a little bit more. It’s still a conventional bar as well, and you can certainly go if you’re not involved in or curious about eSports.

It’s a fun, energetic place with a strong reputation for its cocktails. But the gaming setup at Meltdown is a little more of a permanent fixture than at Afterlife, and the atmosphere feels a little bit more like an online gaming den.

Checkpoint Gaming Lounge

Checkpoint is less of an eSports or online gaming center, and more of an old-school gaming lounge.

There’s a small but tasty menu of comfort food (mostly burgers and sandwiches and the like), an appealing beer list, and a selection of well-made cocktails.

But it’s the video game component that supplies most of the fun (and charm). It’s a mixture of consoles, arcade machines, and chalkboards for posting tournament brackets, high scores and the like make for a friendly and almost nostalgic gaming house.

Granted, the atmosphere is somewhat lacking (it’s almost like someone converted a small office space into a bar with a minimal budget), but good times are had by all.

Bingo Laietana

Bingo Laietana is an interesting sort of alternative game lounge in that it’s actually holding onto a form of in-person gaming that’s slowly disappearing around Europe.

Bingo has largely migrated to the internet, where a number of prominent casino platforms offer compelling digital takes on the experience.

In fact, it is even evolving into new forms for online players, most notably through the “Slingo” arcades Foxy Bingo has helped raise to the forefront of online gaming.

These types of bingo arcades simply give players more convenient and often more dynamic ways of enjoying bingo, whereas in-person bingo halls tend to come across as somewhat dull or outdated.

At Bingo Laietana though, players can have a drink together in a somewhat more modern setting, while enjoying live bingo or a handful of video casino games.

It’s not the most unique Barcelona gaming bar, but it’s fun for a certain type of gamer.

Brewdog Barcelona

As of this writing, Brewdog Barcelona is (like so many venues) temporarily shut down. As of now though, we expect it to reopen its doors.

When it does so, it will give visitors to Barcelona access to arguably the best board gaming bar in the city once more. Brewdog is primarily a bar and brewery selling its own, in-house beers in a comfortable, open space made for easy gatherings.

However, the bar also has a selection of board games available to customers. It’s actually something of a rare treat. So many bars with board games around the world are essentially smaller cafés or game-first centers that happen to sell a few beers.

Here though we have a perfectly ordinary (and very nice) bar and brewery that still embraces board gameplay.

Bar Queimada Nivell Q

At Bar Queimada Nivell Q we have the sort of board game café discussed above — where the games (dozens and dozens of them) are the main focus, and the atmosphere and drink menu come next.

It’s not a beautiful place, nor is it one fit for a huge crowd or a casual drink for someone not interested in gaming. But for those who are eager to go out with friends and play games for a few hours over a few bottled beers, it’s just about a perfect option.

There may not be a bar in Barcelona that prioritizes board games quite to this extent.

This list should give you a sense of the gaming bars in town, whether you’re in it for eSports, arcades, bingo, or board games.

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Critic’s Pick

Jenny Holzer Shines New Light in Dark Places

Her signboards predated by a decade the news “crawl.” At the Guggenheim she is still bending the curve: Just read the art, is the message.

By Nancy Princenthal

Thirty-five years after she first set the Guggenheim’s rotunda ablaze with an electronic text racing along its spiral ramp, Jenny Holzer is reprising the installation, and turning up the heat. “Light Line,” a career-spanning exhibition, presents a newly updated LED sign which, together with other recent work, illuminates changes in political language and its modes of delivery unimaginable in 1989.

Her advice to viewers has remained fixed: Just read the art.

The targets of the texts Holzer wrote between the late 1970s and 2001 — variously excerpted and re-sequenced for the new sign — range broadly. Early on, she veered from laconic assessments of everyday injustice (“abuse of power comes as no surprise” is the best known) to puzzling propositions (“being happy is more important than anything else”; “it’s heroic to try to stop time”) and wry laugh lines (“having two or three people in love with you is like money in the bank”). In the newer, non-electronic work in this exhibition, she keeps a viselike grip on threats to democracy.

“Optimism is not my specialty,” Holzer, 73, freely conceded during a recent conversation at her river-facing Brooklyn studio, where one work after another bore witness to extrajudicial incarceration, “enhanced interrogation” and other governmental malfeasance. Her motivating question now, she said, is “how to represent lethal conflict” both in the United States and abroad. Yet her tone is imperturbably chipper. A Midwesterner by birth, born at midcentury, she is self-deprecating, plain-spoken and armed with a wicked gift for irony.

“Truisms, ” Holzer’s first language-based work, emerged amid the Conceptual art of the late 1970s and its backdrop of post-Watergate political fatigue, financial disarray, urban blight and cross-disciplinary punk. The gentrifying Reagan years that followed gave rise to archly analytic work addressing institutional power. Holzer’s early choices reflected — and resisted — all these conditions.

She began to put her texts on electronic signboards in the early 1980s. Often scrolling too fast to read and then stopping for a few blinding beats to flash, they were sometimes installed in sensory-overloading proximity. In her award-winning 1990 Venice Biennale installation, the first solo exhibition by a female artist at the U.S. Pavilion, racks of high-colored signboards were mirrored in the polished stone floors.

For the record, Holzer’s first signboards predated by more than a decade “the crawl” — the scrolling newsfeeds running along the bottom of the screen in cable news coverage of the Sept. 11 attacks, which inaugurated a major shift in journalistic practice. Holzer was way ahead of it.

She is still bending the curve — and, in the present work, favoring legibility over flash. The new LED sign scrolls up all six levels of the museum’s ramp — twice as many levels as in 1989 — and runs for more than six hours without repeating.

In some passages, it mimics its predecessor’s jumpy energy and dot-matrix font. Digitized fire rains down behind the words in one text segment, a liquid mix of bright color pools behind another. But for much of the time, the sign proceeds in clear sans-serif letters and has a smooth, moderately paced, disembodied flow. As the exhibition’s curator, Lauren Hinkson, puts it, the new sign feels “as if you’re drinking the words.”

Elsewhere embodiment takes its revenge, beginning with “Cursed,” a series of small raggedy sheets of various metals, some toxic, that are each stamped with one of the grandiose, grammatically challenged tweets Donald J. Trump began issuing soon after taking office as the country’s 45th president. Hung in a line near the lobby, these curse tablets descend to a poisonous heap on the floor.

The ancient world of bloody empire and fearful superstition to which they allude is evoked a little farther up the ramp in scattered fragments of polished stone slabs bearing fractured epigrams (SEX, BOREDOM MAKES YOU, NATURE’S WAY). These are relics of some of Holzer’s own bench-shaped sculptures, which she shattered (by having a crane drop other benches on them). This portentous graveyard of classicizing form is in part a dark joke at the artist’s expense. But there is no humor in a black granite sarcophagus engraved with a passage from Holzer’s “Laments,” a 1988-89 series addressed to AIDS, that sits across a ramp, blocking passage.

At about midpoint of the exhibition, which is resoundingly and quite radically sparse — many bays are vacant — it shifts to works on canvas. The “Redaction” paintings Holzer undertook in the early aughts reproduce heavily censored documents in which euphemism and brutality mingle in unholy union; the censors’ fields of black ink only highlight the dark sites they conceal.

Comic relief comes with a 2005 painting of an F.B.I. file on the painter Alice Neel (who would have guessed this activist artist had Communist friends?) and a voided dossier on George Orwell, which allows us to see only that on the pages in question, he is not mentioned.

One can’t help wondering what the U.S. Secret Service has on Holzer.

Redaction reaches a kind of apotheosis in nearly wordless paintings such as “Battle Rhythm,” which reproduces a document where blanked out information boxes are arranged in a garland of silvery circles set against a background of rosy gold. Holzer calls it her “af Klint,” after the celebrated Swedish artist Hilma af Klint’s spirit-guided abstractions. When I asked her about the bling, here and in other paintings surfaced in silver and gold leaf, she deadpanned that she was “making the paintings shiny to get attention.” In fact, the challenge for the viewer is tearing oneself away.

Among the inexplicably uncensored government documents Holzer has replicated there is a cropped map of Iraq from the lead-up to the U.S. invasion. It clarifies exactly which of Iraq’s oil fields the U.S. could seize (in a war ostensibly meant only to topple a rogue regime).

Holzer and her studio team have also been experimenting with A.I., prompting it to create geometric abstractions. The almost imperceptibly asymmetrical forms that resulted, in the series “Slaughterbots,” (2024) question AI’s trustworthiness, and, implicitly, where liability falls when its wobbles produce human casualties.

On the museum’s final ramp, seven gold-leafed canvases reveal some of the panicky communications that ricocheted around Trump’s inner circle during the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. One text pleads, “Please have POTUS call this off at the capitol. Urge rioters to disperse. I pray to you.” And, in the exhibition’s penultimate words, his reply: “I got the base FIRED UP.” It closes a bracket that opens with the single work in the museum’s lobby, which bears a handwritten message to Trump before he addressed the Jan. 6 rally: “They are ready for you when you are.”

From the start, Holzer has been committed to bringing art to the streets, and to working collaboratively. Her “Truisms” first appeared as posters wheat-pasted on storefronts in Manhattan. In a nod to that history, her “Inflammatory Essays” (1979-82) paper the walls of the gallery adjoining the Guggenheim ramp’s base, printed on neon-colored sheets that form a bright checkerboard. They are partially obscured by harrowing personal testimony from conflict zones, tagged in black marker by the painter, ex-graffitist and longtime Holzer friend Lee Quiñones.

Her studio practice, too, is collaborative, relying on an administrative staff of eight, a dozen painters, and, she says, “a gazillion researchers.” Arguably democratizing as well is her decision to forgo the door-stopping exhibition catalog in favor of an artist’s book consisting only of her texts, reproduced from rubbings of engraved benches and printed in hushed tones on translucent paper. Art critics are put on notice: Interpretive essays are not needed.

Indeed, Holzer’s steadily tightening focus on politics can leave fans of her early writing’s psychological latitude — I’m one of them — missing its puzzling questions. Skeptics will wonder if raising political awareness is best achieved in shiny, zingy art. But even for news junkies, Holzer delivers information that sharpens and deepens understanding, surely a boon to all.

The most public element of “Light Line” is the nighttime projection on the museum’s facade, from May 16-20, of spare, heartbreaking poetry by writers Holzer has long favored, beginning with Anne Carson’s “If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho” and also featuring Wislawa Syzmborska, Anna Swirszczynska, Henri Cole, Yehuda Amichai and others. (A free outdoor projection appeared on the Guggenheim in 2008.) Holzer has created public signage and projections for anti-gun, anti-violence and get-out-the-vote drives since the mid 1980s.

As Holzer departs ever further from signatory writing and mark-making, her work remains unmistakable. That steadiness of purpose throws into relief the thoroughgoing transformation of her context. Political art can no longer presume solidarity in its audience; activists join forces mainly, it seems, in circular firing squads. Freedom of speech is a virtue hijacked by its enemies. Most unforeseeably in 1989, the government and spy agencies she scrutinizes are now being assailed as much by the right as by the left. It is not Holzer’s job to offer guidance or even hope. But she can be relied on to turn the high beams up on the dark road we’re traveling.

Jenny Holzer: Light Line Opens Friday through Sept. 29, Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan; (212) 423-3500; guggenheim.org .

Nancy Princenthal is a Brooklyn-based writer whose focus is contemporary and 20th-century art. More about Nancy Princenthal

Art and Museums in New York City

A guide to the shows, exhibitions and artists shaping the city’s cultural landscape..

Jenny Holzer signboards predated by a decade the news “crawl.” At the Guggenheim she is still bending the curve: Just read the art, is the message .

The artist-turned-film director Steve McQueen finds new depths in “Bass,”  an immersive environment of light and sound  in Dia Beacon keyed to Black history and “where we can go from here.”

A powerful and overdue exhibition at El Museo del Barrio links Amalia Mesa-Bains’s genre-defying installations  for the first time.

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the immersive “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition features fragile dresses inside airtight vitrines, overcoats growing grass and pat-’n-sniff walls. But does it work ?

Looking for more art in the city? Here are the gallery shows not to miss in May .