On a hot Thursday, tourists from different countries sat in a two-story sightseeing bus to tour Barcelona while listening to the audio guide. In the area of ​​the Camp Nou stadium, the bus suddenly stopped. Inside, four hooded men threatened the driver with a knife and shouted: “You are not welcome! Go home! " Without physically injuring anyone, the attackers wrote with spray paint: "Tourism is killing areas!" on the windshield of the bus, punctured all the tires and disappeared.

This chilling, one step away from terrorism, attack took place in Barcelona in July. A youth political organization claimed responsibility. Arran is the youth arm of the ultra-left Catalan political party. The abbreviation stands for Candidatura dʼUnitat Popular. The CUP are represented in the Catalan parliament: they have 10 seats out of 135.

Both the CUP and Arran adhere to a radical left-wing political ideology. The party and its youth division are in favor of the independence of Catalonia, against capitalism and patriarchy. One of the slogans of Arran: "Independence, Socialism, Feminism."

Until the summer of 2017, CUP hit all the news when to remove the statue of Christopher Columbus from the city: it's like asking St. Petersburg to remove the Alexander Column. In the interpretation of the CUP, the statue symbolizes imperial colonialism and tyranny. Arran has also hit the newspapers before - for example, when the hotel lobby was destroyed during the May 1 march. The CUP party has expressed support for the activists. In the aftermath of the bus attack, Arran girls and boys punctuated the tires of rental bicycles in Barcelona, ​​while their Mallorca unit bombarded yachts in a local marina with smoke bombs.

What happened? Nothing concrete: dissatisfaction with tourists has been accumulating for years. At the end of June 2017, the Barcelona City Hall results from the latest survey of citizens on the most serious problems. Since 2009, unemployment and low wages have been consistently leading in this survey - which is understandable in a country where 18% of the adult population cannot find a job. In 2017, however, most Barcelona residents (19%) named tourists as the city's main problem.

In Barcelona 2017 it is difficult to walk through popular places without bumping into anti-tourist graffiti and posters: "Tourists, go home!", "Tourists, you are killing our city!" and "Stop Tourism!" The evil old one at Park Guell continues to be redrawn: "If this is the tourist season, why can't you hunt them?" ("Why call it tourist season if we canʼt shoot them?").
The growing irritation also played a role in urban politics: in 2015, the mayoral election was won by a little-known socialist Ada Colau. On her campaign agenda, the first item was the decline in housing prices, and the second - tight control of tourism. To a foreigner, this set may seem strange and random - but for the inhabitants of Barcelona, ​​the connection between these two problems is obvious: one follows from the other, and they must be solved in a comprehensive manner.

Ada Colau partly played by Trump's method and promised the Barcelona people to return the old Barcelona, Catalan Barcelona, Barcelona walking distance and bargain prices. And when Colau spoke out loud about the fight against mass tourism, articles began to appear in the international press that loud English students and burnt-out Russian tour groups in the Catalan capital were not painfully happy.

What do they dislike? It's money!

Catalonia is the richest of the seventeen regions in Spain. It produces 20% of the country's GDP and, in absolute terms, has the highest regional GDP in Spain, surpassing even Madrid. An industrial pioneer in the Iberian Peninsula, Catalonia still receives a third of its income from manufacturing today. Nevertheless, the main money for Catalans in 2017 comes from the tertiary sector of the economy, better known as the service sector - which includes tourism. The service industry contributes 63% of the GDP to Catalonia. The share of tourism in this sector is assessed in different ways - from when only tourism services - museums, hotels, excursions - are considered as income, to if income from tourists in related areas of trade is added to this.

And at this point it becomes especially difficult to understand the nature of the conflict: you make money - well, great, what's the difference, what kind of crowds you have here. The Russian-speaking community of Barcelona almost unanimously hates its mayor, considering her anti-tourism policy is absurd, and Colau herself is stupid. Nevertheless, the Mediterranean outlook on life is very different from the post-Soviet one: a large monthly income in itself is not the main goal for the Spaniards. As local politicians and the talented local urbanist Salvador Rueda are fond of emphasizing, Mediterranean culture is the culture of outdoor living.

In Barcelona, ​​children are legally required to attend a school closest to their home (if they choose a free education) - so native Barcelona grow up and befriend their neighbors. All parents in schools know each other, and this is how the community of the area is formed - or, in Catalan, el barri. El barri is one of the main features of life in Barcelona, ​​the question "What area are you from?" here it never loses its relevance. The residents of the area hold meetings to discuss, for example, taxes or independence. Each district has its own holiday. In some places, residents organize film screenings and lectures on their own in the summer.

And the "classic" Barcelona, ​​which Ada Colau promised to return to one degree or another - or at least not to lose completely - is Barcelona, ​​in which Jose and Maria go downstairs in the morning and drink coffee in a bar held by their friend. Then they go to work by bus with another school friend. They buy bread from Merce, make keys from Juan, and in the evening at Pepe's bar they sit with their friends from school, Nuria, Josep and Montserrat, with a glass of beer or a glass of wine. They know all the locals, and their dogs too. They eat the same ham sandwich for breakfast every day, and the pub clerk knows what and how much to serve. Historically, Barcelona is not a giant metropolis, but a collection of small villages where everyone knows each other and they live with each other comfortably and familiarly.

And now the area is becoming popular; prices are starting to rise. To Pepe, whose bar is decorated with a hamon foot and photographs of funny aunts and nephews, fashionably trimmed Norwegians do not enter. A vegan pub with craft beer opens around the corner at Pepe. Prices are rising; Pepe's lease ends. The owner of the premises raises its cost by 50% - a modest income for which Pepe calmly washed glasses, talking with friends about this and that, now all will be spent on rent. Pepe closes the bar. Following Pepe, Juan gives way to the basement, where he made copies of the keys, to a fashion store. Soon, this life becomes just a memory - and now you drink coffee in a cafe-bakery, which is run by an Argentinean and a Pole, and every day completely new people are sitting next to you at the tables. Young, beautiful, not a bit familiar to you. Not speaking your language.

“I leave the house, and I have to literally break through the crowds:“ Sorry, move over! Can I please go through? " Tourist groups in twenty people people completely block the narrow streets of the Gothic. I ask: "Excuse me, please, could you all stand on one side so that there is a passage?" And the guide answered me: "Hey, what are you!" So many things I have not heard in my address, - says Inma Perez, a resident of the Gothic Quarter, the owner of the Mementos antique trifles and trinkets shop. She is already thinking of moving out of the Gothic Quarter altogether - but she does not know where.

This confusion is quite understandable: for native Barcelona residents and those who have lived in the city for many years, moving to another area is like moving to another city, where they do not know anyone at all. So many people prefer to endure tourists, hear fuck you in their address and pay more and more for rent every year, but stay in an area where you know parents and children and where there is still one bar that is kept by the Galician Mario and in which you can safely drink beer and read the newspaper.

Why are house prices going up?

If in 2014 in the Gothic Quarter a square meter of housing cost a little more than € 2,500 per m², then in the second half of 2016 this figure is already € 3,500. The growth was 40% in just two years. Rental prices have increased proportionally. Needless to say, the incomes of the population of this part of the city have not increased by 40% in two years. Suddenly, it became too expensive for many residents of the area to live in their own apartment.

In tourist areas such as the Gothic Quarter, Santa Caterina y Ribera, Born, Barceloneta and Gracia, the rise in housing and rental prices has been particularly noticeable. However, from 2014 to 2017, rentals almost doubled in almost all of Barcelona. Rental contracts in Barcelona are usually signed for three years. Almost everyone who ended these three years in 2016–2017 was in for an unpleasant surprise: homeowners raised their prices by 40–50%. “I live in the Sants area, it’s not a central and not yet a tourist area,” says Catalan Gerardo Santos, a journalist for the independent collective SomAtents. - But even our prices have grown catastrophically. The owner of the apartment demanded to pay him in cash for the 13th month - otherwise he would not have extended our contract. And we paid because there is no choice. " A resident of Barceloneta, Olga Martinez Hernandez, says that many pensioners have left the area, who cannot afford to pay the increased tariffs.

The main culprit of this disproportionate rise in prices is almost unanimously considered by the Barcelonaans to be tourist apartments: during their holidays, tourists are willing to pay very different money than any Catalan. Dozens of ads have appeared on Airbnb, where the description indicates that the owner of the apartment - say, Pablo - has been living in it for five years and is now leaving for the holidays and renting out an apartment. When you arrive, you are not Pablo at all, but an employee who is in Spain without the right to work, and simply shows the apartment to tourists. If you click on Pablo's profile on Airbnb, he will be the owner of five to ten apartments, in each of which, according to the description, he lives. Absolutely everyone opposes this - the authorities, residents of crowded neighborhoods, and even those who themselves rent out their homes on Airbnb, whether legally or not. Nevertheless, in a conversation with me, residents of even the most touristy areas said that they did not see anything criminal in renting their own homes during the holidays and that the townspeople should have such an opportunity.

But it is thanks to tourists that Barcelona flourished so much!

Many Barcelona residents recognize that the economic benefits of tourism to the city are enormous. “Whether we like it or not, we make money with it,” says Martinez Hernandez, resident of Eixample Carme, who works in the hotel business. - The changes that have happened to Barcelona during its time as a tourist capital have been for the better. The structure of the city has become more intelligible, good transport has appeared, houses have been restored and maintained in good condition, bicycle paths have been laid. Barcelona is now more modern and life is more comfortable here than before, ”says the Argentinean chef Guillermo de Las Eras, who has been living in Barcelona for over 20 years, to Carme. At the same time, Guillermo lives in the area covered by every other Barcelona guide - in a square square with fountains, restaurants and nightclubs in the Plaza Real at the end of the Rambla.

In addition, it is thanks to tourism that Barcelona has become one of the gastronomic capitals of the world: thousands of restaurants operate here, and several dozen of them are Michelin stars (these include the super-famous Roca brothers). Nevertheless, for decades on the Rambla and in others tourist spots guests of the city were poured sangria from a bag at three times the price and fried industrial frozen paella. The same conditional Mario did it, or was it done by enterprising emigrants from countries Latin America- it is difficult to establish reliably. But neither locals nor tourists like these conveyor chefs. And the locals' favorite places suffer for various reasons: of the places recommended to me personally by the residents of the Gothic Quarter, one of them is simply not on TripAdvisor, another bar with excellent cuisine works without a sign on purpose so that tourists do not find it order in not very good Spanish), the third cheap bar with excellent tea and cakes was closed due to increased rent - well, an example of the fourth is the Boqueria market or the legendary one, which entered the lists of the best bars in the world, and now it is from sunset to dawn, there are simply catastrophic crowds.

Barcelona has become a tourist city relatively recently - it was widely recognized abroad after the 1992 Olympic Games. This year the city celebrates the 25th anniversary of the performance of the Barcelona recording by Mercury-Caballe at the Lewis Companis Stadium. The changes that have taken place in the Catalan capital over this quarter of a century are colossal: according to data reported by the British The Guardian, Barcelona is now the fourth most visited city in Europe. It is inferior to Rome, Paris and London in popularity, but Barcelona is significantly smaller than these world capitals: only 1.6 million people live in the city on the Mediterranean coast. In 1990, before the Olympics, 1.7 million tourists visited Barcelona a year - and now that figure is a crazy 32 million, of which 16 million stay for at least one night. This is ten times the population of the city; when you look at the numbers, it comes as no surprise that mass tourism is such a concern for residents. The situation is not saved by the fact that, despite the colossal income from tourism, salaries in this area remain the lowest in the city: in 2015, when the average salary in Barcelona was € 28,861 per year, in tourism and hospitality this figure was only € 14,944.

“We need quality tourism. Young people who arrive on € 40 flights, stay in hostels for € 15 a night, do not dine in restaurants, drink a lot, pee in the streets, walk around the city center in shorts and bikinis - such tourists do not bring anything to the city, they only make life less pleasant for the locals, ”says Inma from the antique store, without noticing it herself, repeating almost word for word the complaints of the Patriarchs' residents. Which, however, were frightened by a couple of hundred people, and not the ominous 32 million walking.

Residents don't like crowds, rising prices and vandalism - but tourists don't like them either. For this material, I conducted among 140 representatives of different nationalities who have ever been to Barcelona. To the question "What did you like least about Barcelona?" about 40% of respondents answered “crowds”, “too many people”, “too many tourists”. Among other popular complaints were pickpockets, and about 10% of city visitors felt aggression towards themselves from the locals. A respondent from the UK said that on the street a homeless man shouted after him: "Fuck England!"

Each of the Barcelona people I spoke with for this material also said that he personally does not oppose the newcomers. Moreover, some consider it their duty to help tourists. Living in Barcelona for twenty years, Colombian Eliana Guerrero (her surname literally translates as "Warrior") devotes about six hours a week to patrolling the metro and fighting pickpockets. “I stop at least three thefts every day,” says Eliana. - Once I stopped a theft in the subway on the line to the airport, the girl's pickpocket pulled out the wallet, I saw it and made the thief put it back. She burst into tears, hugged me and sends me postcards ever since. Once a tourist from Holland a year later sent his daughter to my office, she brought an envelope with € 200 inside. But I'm not doing this for the money. When people thank you, your heart is overflowing with joy from the fact that you help people and they appreciate it. "

Timur and his team

Catalan Montse repaired an apartment in Barceloneta, inherited from her mother, and rented it to a twenty-six-year-old man named Timur for € 950 a month. Timur had two passports, Chilean and Russian, he told Montse that he worked for a British company, whose office had been moved from London to Barcelona, ​​and showed a statement of income of £ 3,000 a month. Montse, with peace of mind, signed a contract with him for a year with the possibility of automatic renewal for three years.

Four days later, Montse's husband wrote a WhatsApp message to Timur with a request to meet to reissue contracts for electricity, gas and water. “I’m not in town for work, I don’t know when I’ll return,” Timur wrote back and stopped reading WhatsApp. The alarmed owners went to look at the apartment - and found that there were tourists living in it. Neighbors said that new people had stopped by several times. Montse found an advertisement for renting her own apartment on Airbnb: someone Sergei rented it out every day, from € 200 to € 250 per night. The landlord immediately contacted Airbnb: in the contract she signed with Timur, it was clearly stipulated that the man did not have the right to sublease. The answer from Airbnb Montse was: "If you want, we can act as intermediaries and try to connect you with the host, but beyond that we can do nothing." - "Why does this platform allow people to rent out apartments to people who do not own them?" - The journalist quotes Montse's angry question in this sensational one.

Illegal tourist apartments have become the city's main battleground. In order to rent an apartment on Airbnb, the owners need to obtain a special license worth € 227, and then pay a tourist tax to the treasury, about a euro per day. When Colau became mayor, she imposed a moratorium on these licenses, and then a new system was introduced. “The city is divided into tourist zones of type A, B, C. Zones A are places saturated with tourism, where the task is to reduce the number of apartments and a new license cannot be obtained. Type B zones are areas where the new owner can only get a license if someone else gives up, ”explains rentier Ignasi Raventos Cardus. He himself rents an apartment under a license and believes that the legal registration and payment of all taxes is the duty of anyone who wants to make money on rent.

Nevertheless, at the moment, about all the apartments that are rented in the city do not have a license. In mid-July, I met with the chairman of the tourism committee of the Barcelona City Hall, Agustin Colom. His department planned to issue a fine for a fine to Airbnb and created a special quasi-police officer to deal with apartments without a license; I was even invited to take part in the raid - as on Friday, July 14th, news broke out that city ​​hall and Airbnb have reached an agreement.

Airbnb has agreed to remove illegal commercial gamblers' apartments, but is fighting for the right to submit proposals from "locals." “More than two-thirds of landlords say they rent out their main house or apartment, while for almost a quarter the renting out helps to avoid eviction or the sale of the house under the hammer. On average, Airbnb hosts have lived in their hometown for twenty-three years, and for many of them hosting is a way of economic survival, ”according to an official statement provided by Airbnb to Afishe. The platform has already removed 1,300 offers from unscrupulous owners and is going to continue to cooperate with the authorities.

The agreement with Airbnb, on the one hand, is a huge achievement for the city authorities: control over licenses will redistribute tourist flows, slightly relieving the center. This, of course, will not return the old Barcelona - but the old Barcelona, ​​in principle, can only be returned by the complete disappearance of the city from the tourist map of Europe.

What's next?

Agusti Colom from the Tourism Committee talks about three main tasks of the mayor's office. The first is to stop promoting the city (and after all, about ten years ago, the Catalan government even gave Woody Allen money to shoot Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and throw the freed up resources on control and administration. The second is to redistribute income from the tourism industry and achieve an increase in catastrophically low salaries in the industry. The third is to get a better and more environmentally friendly tourism.

A more equitable distribution of income from tourism will be invisible to tourists, but, presumably, will reduce the discontent of the townspeople. At the end of July, Barcelona met with regular striking metro workers, and agreed to raise their salaries.

Quality tourism means paying vacationers who live in good hotels, dine in noteworthy restaurants and ceremoniously visit Gaudí's houses. Agusti Colom says the first task of the mayor's office is “to regulate tourist flows on the Rambla and around the Sagrada Familia”; however, how exactly this is going to be done, he does not explain. Another challenge for ecotourism is to evenly distribute the tourist flow throughout the year; here the city hall relies on business tourists and romantic weekends. "Couples that break out of hometown on weekends, could come to Barcelona in winter. We have great weather here, very suitable for a romantic weekend, ”says Mr. Kolom.

In connection with the aggressive actions of Arran, however, the administration will now have to think about the problem from two sides: not only how to satisfy the townspeople, but also how to protect tourists. After the incident of Ada Kolau, that the mayor's office will definitely sue for the attacks. “Protests against tourism should never cross the line beyond which to intimidate people and damage property,” the mayor said.

And the locals are worried about only two problems - the rise in housing prices and civilized behavior: so that without drunken brawlers, vomiting and urine on the streets, segway tours for twenty people. If the agreement with Airbnb helps to stop the rise in prices, and the Colau government really starts raising salaries in the sector, it is likely that the Catalans will relax and be more friendly to the guests of the city. In the end, in reality, Barcelona is still a city that is very pleasant to be in. “The percentage of tourists returning to Barcelona again and again is very high. What does this mean? - Asks the question to Time Out by the architect and former municipal councilor for the Gothic Quarter, Itsiar Gonzalez. “This means that people who come to Barcelona feel great here. Why? Because now - I will emphasize: and now - this is, perhaps, best city Europe for life. And our guests are well aware of this too ”.

Soak up the beach and see the sights - how to combine business with pleasure and save your wallet? We have found out all the secrets and will gladly share them with you.

Where should you start?

Upon arrival, it is most convenient to start your acquaintance with Barcelona, ​​which will be inexpensive, but will help you get a first impression of the city and interesting places which are worth returning to later.

Carrida in Barcelona has been banned by law since 2010, but you can admire the famous one if you buy a ticket in advance.

What can you get for free?

Of course it is beautiful beach Barceloneta is one of the most popular places pilgrimage of tourists. Sun, sea, interesting communication - all this can be found in one place and absolutely free. For money, you can improve the quality of your vacation and rent beach equipment. Everyone can find on their own pocket where and what to eat, just keep an eye on your things if you communicate with beach sellers.

You can save money in Barcelona on museums if you know the right time. For example, every first Sunday they open their doors:

The Museum of the History of Barcelona and its exposition of how the city looked about two thousand years ago;




The Frederic Mares Museum, which displays the works of the renowned Catalan sculptor;




Museum of Natural Sciences, which will delight both children and adults with visual collections of wildlife;




The Picasso Museum, where fans of creativity can enjoy the masterpieces of the master in chronological order;




The National Art Museum of Catalonia amazes with both its external appearance and internal content;




The Museum of the History of Catalonia is ready to receive guests free of charge every last Tuesday of the month and tell the history of the independent region of Spain;




The Maritime Museum can be visited for free after 15:00 every Sunday and view the huge royal galley.

Among the free must-see spots in Barcelona are also churches and cathedrals: Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Maria del Pi, Santa Maria del Mar and Virgen de la Merced.

Also, absolutely free of charge, you can admire the Singing Fountain Show, which takes place every half hour. Lovers of live music can enjoy free concerts in the Parc de la Ciutadella.

Observation Decks

A bird's eye view of Barcelona is offered free of charge observation decks:

at the National Palace




in Bunker El Carmel during the Civil War




on Montjuic




on the last floors shopping malls Arenas de Barcelona and El Corte Ingles

It should be noted that fountains with the inscription “ Drinking water», Which will help us save on water from the store.

Attention Please!

Caution and attentiveness abroad will never hurt and, in order not to get into an unpleasant situation, it is better to be forewarned (and therefore armed). So, here are a few facts to keep in mind:
1) It is considered bad form among the local population to flaunt their worth;

2) You can get a fine for walking around the city in a bathing suit (even after the beach);

3) Local residents advise to choose clothes for going to religious buildings (cathedrals, churches) without deep cutouts, bare shoulders and not too short;

4) Tipping in Barcelona is always welcome and can be 10% of the check amount;

5) You can attract the attention of a pickpocket if: check with a map right on the street, carry a camera around your neck, and a backpack not on your back. Therefore, it is better to keep documents separate from money, to avoid crowds and situations when someone distracts you;
6) Street vendors will gladly sell inexpensive but fake "branded" things to tourists.

Souvenirs

In this report - practical advice for independent travelers who decide to visit Barcelona: where to live, where to eat and buy souvenirs, other little things and tricks. The report does not claim to be complete, as it was created following a trip for three incomplete days of weekends. Therefore, I will be glad to any additions and comments.

The passport control advice in Barcelona will be the same as in all European cities. If you arrive late in the evening, it means that one, maximum two windows will work for non-EU residents, which means there will be a queue. Therefore, try to check-in online a day before departure and select seats at the beginning of the cabin in order to get out faster. True, in Barcelona, ​​the queue goes quite fast: the border guards are friendly, smiling, quickly put stamps, without asking unnecessary questions. The baggage seemed to be handed out very quickly.

Exists different ways in order to get from the airport to the city center. On the personal experience taxis tested. It is very easy to find at the airport: the system for distributing passengers to cars is close to perfection, and it is impossible to make a mistake - immediately after leaving baggage acceptance you find yourself at the ATMs, then follow the sign down the escalator. The car park is represented mainly by hybrid Seat and Prius.

It's a pleasure to ride. The amount on the counter does not change rapidly, as in Austria or Holland, but gradually and measuredly. A trip from the center to the airport will cost 25-30 euros, slightly more expensive than in Moscow on call.

A few words about accommodation in Barcelona. In Spain there is a good chain of hotels "High Tech Hotels and Resorts". V winter time a room at the Petit Palace Museum (in the Eixample, near Plaza Catalunya) cost 80 euros. V summer time hotels of this chain will cost a little more, but within reasonable limits. At the same time, in addition to the main plus (an air conditioner that works both for cold and for heating), some less significant ones were found: a comfortable double bed, a mini-balcony, a normal TV, fast free Wi-Fi and even a bathtub with hydromassage. High Tech Hotels can be a big plus and try to settle there and in Madrid.

There are always a lot of tourists in Barcelona and as a result - a lot of souvenirs. Let's say that you decide to bring gifts from Barcelona to your family and friends. It will be useful to know that the most expensive souvenirs are on the pedestrian part of the main tourist street La Rambla, in the Gothic Quarter they are a little cheaper, even more low prices for the same things can be found in the Barceloneta area. It seemed that the FC Barcelona jerseys at the Camp Nou cost a little more than in the shops of the old town. If you want to bring sangria and Spanish wine to Russia, it is better to buy in ordinary supermarkets - the choice and prices are more attractive than in Dyuti fries.

In general, it is difficult to walk around the old town and not buy anything. The showcases are richly and intricately decorated. Miniatures tune in a romantic mood, which is conducive to easy and quick parting with money. Be careful!

Personal experience suggests that Barcelona has a little shortage of good-quality pubs. One way to find a good pub is by flying the flags of FC Barcelona. Inside, there will probably be a cozy place with a large number of TVs with matches for every taste.

But street cafes are open all year round, there are a lot of them. At the end of the Rambla, near the Columbus monument, there is the free Salvador Dali Museum. But this building can also be interesting because under the museum, on the first floor, there is an excellent cafe: the food is delicious, the portions are huge. You can have a great lunch for 12-15 euros, including a glass of sangria.

When you walk down to Barceloneta Beach, be sure to take some time to sit in a cozy outdoor cafe or bar overlooking the sea. I will not recommend a specific place, it’s everywhere mentally, cheap and the waves are beautiful.

On the mountain Montjuic was not particularly pleasant. Apparently, the reason is a strong cold wind - if the weather were more stable, it would be possible to walk longer. However, there are pleasant views from there. For example, this photo shows a view of the Eurostars Grand Marina (left) with an incredibly high price tag (from 200 euros per night) and a courtyard rolled into concrete.

And in this photo (already from the first terminal of the cable car) - a view of the hotel "W". The difference in location and quality is obvious, with no perceptible difference in price.

For fun, you can ride a cycle rickshaw. The price is negotiable, from five euros, depending on the route and "mutual sympathy". Pictured is a nice student from Mozambique doing a part-time job. All the way he complained about the cold and pretended not to believe how one could exist at sub-zero temperatures. By the way, there are very few Russian tourists in winter, practically none, I admit that he really could have been surprised by the stories about the first snowfall in Moscow.

To get to the Barcelona match at the Camp Nou, you need to buy a ticket on ticketmaster.es and print it out at any self-service office of the Spanish bank la Caixa. Everything is very simple and obvious (especially after doing this for the first time): you need to find a la Caixa ATM, insert the card with which you bought the ticket on the site, select the English menu and follow the instructions of the terminal. At the end of the short journey, the ATM will print your tickets and you will avoid queuing at the stadium. Ticket prices vary depending on the match; tune in to parting with an amount of 50 to 100 euros for good seats in the center.

Study the stadium layout before the match. The fact is that there are several metro stations near the stadium, and from each of them it is convenient to go to a specific tribune and sector. For example, to the east stand - the Les Corts station, to the north - drive two more stations along the same line.

The stadium itself sells excellent hot dogs and surprisingly tasty non-alcoholic beer. The prices are sparing, in contrast to the prices at Russian events: from five euros you get change.

The favorite pastime of many tourists is red buses without tops, which ride around the sights. They all depart from Plaza Catalunya. If you want to take a ride, feel free to go to the square, do not be confused - there is excellent navigation, and there are Russian booklets. It seems to cost a little more than 20 euros. It is more profitable to ride public transport: 10 trips cost less than 10 euros, are issued with one ticket, and then the trips made are printed, as it was in Moscow before.

Figurines of famous people who shit are popular in Barcelona. Here are politicians, the full staff of Barcelona, ​​and historical characters. As a rule, these are the souvenirs that cause the greatest delight. It is a whole industry with its own website caganer.com, which calls these figures "cute characters, typical Catalan tradition".

It was difficult to find a suitable place for dinner on Sunday evening. Many restaurants were closed (as were shops), and those that were open were packed to capacity. As a result, there was a place in some tavern near La Rambla and Plaza Catalunya. I remember that it was quite tasty there, the prices, as elsewhere in Barcelona, ​​were low, and the heaters worked very poorly.

Final advice. If you go through passport control, you may lose access to most Duty Free shops. Therefore, first - shopping (if necessary), then - passport control. I've met this system at some airports, but I don't remember right away where. It seems in Vienna.

There was also a pleasant surprise: for some reason, at the El Prat airport, they gave free access to the business lounge with an Aeroflot silver card, although this service is only available for gold cards. I don't know if they do this to everyone or if this is a one-time action.

Actually, the photo was taken because of the glass of the business hall. From there, there is an excellent view of the shops, which can no longer be reached, and of the signs, where all the inscriptions are duplicated in three languages. Spanish, English and Catalan.

I would be glad if these tips are useful for travelers. And let me remind you that I will be no less happy with any additions and comments from fans of Barcelona.

Thank you for your attention.

Barcelona is one of the most picturesque and unique cities in Spain (may the Catalans forgive us, who do not consider their homeland to be Spain). A independent travel to Barcelona is a real fireworks display vivid impressions... But only if this trip is well planned. In this article you will find useful information and important tips for those who travel to Barcelona on their own. How to organize your trip? How to get there and where to stay? What is the best way to explore the city and get acquainted with its sights? What should be considered as a solo traveler in Barcelona? We share our experience and recommendations. Barcelona has prepared a lot of interesting things for you: masterpieces and ancient Gothic buildings, cozy streets and bustling tourist avenues, a beautiful coastline, a lively port, beautiful mountains, cultural treasures and a lot of entertainment ... Plan your happy trip to Barcelona soon! And we will show you how to do it yourself.

Visa to Spain on your own

As much as the Catalans strive for independence, Barcelona is still part of Spain. Therefore, for a trip to this a beautiful city need a Schengen visa. For short-term tourist and business trips, a category C visa is issued.

The Official Barcelona Visa Service Provider is currently BLS International Services Ltd. You can check the list on the website of the Visa Application Center required documents and the amount of the consular fee. And also sign up for the submission of documents. You can independently apply for a visa to Spain both at the visa center and directly at the Consulate General of Spain.

You can start an independent visa application to Spain at the earliest - three months before the trip, at the latest - five days (but it is better not to delay this, otherwise you risk not being in time, especially during the holiday periods).

Barcelona on your own: how to get there

There are several daily flights to El Prat airport (BCN) from Moscow and other cities. Non-stop flight time will be approximately 4.5-5 hours.

Check out the current flight options to Barcelona:

Best Places to Stay in Barcelona: Areas and Hotels

The question of where to stay in Barcelona is not an idle one. Usually everyone wants to live in the center, but this is not always the case. the best choice... Let's take a look at the most popular tourist areas (called barrios in Barcelona) to understand their features, pros and cons.

Ramblas

The Rambla is the most touristy and therefore the noisiest area of ​​Barcelona. It is very busy both during the day and at night. There are many pickpockets. And on the south side, where the Raval district adjoins the Rambla, at night the “red light district” becomes more active. Hotels in this area are unlikely to be suitable for a relaxing holiday and will delight you with silence, but they will give you the opportunity to live in the very center, within walking distance to the main attractions.

Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter)

Heart Old town... An area that will take you to the Middle Ages, and in some places even to antiquity, and will remind you of the rich history of Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter is full of narrow, small old streets, many of which are pedestrianized and therefore not particularly busy. But when choosing a hotel located in an old building, still check the level of comfort and sound insulation based on reviews. It is also worth considering that older houses usually do not have lifts.

El Raval

Authentic neighborhood next to Rambla and Gothic Quarter, with many shops, cafes, shops, galleries and some interesting sights (we will tell about them in our audio tours). The downside is the slightly dubious reputation of this barrio, formerly known as the "red light district". Unsafe places, especially at night, remain here today. There are many pickpockets.

Sants-Montjuïc (Sants-Montjuic)

This quarter is located on the mountain of the same name. Its main feature is the beautiful views of the city. There are many attractions on the Montjuic itself. Also, this area of ​​Barcelona is distinguished by good transport accessibility.

Eixample

The area is located slightly north of the Ramblas, starting from Plaza Catalunya. It is here that the main architectural masterpieces Barcelona - the famous creations of Antoni Gaudi and other masters of Art Nouveau. And some hotels are located right in the old mansions that have become architectural monuments Barcelona. For example, the luxurious El Palauet or Casa Fuster. But when choosing a hotel in the Eixample district, you should take into account that this is a rather noisy barrio, most of the city's major roads pass through it, and along some avenues (for example, Passeig de Gracia) there are popular tourist routes... Therefore, pay attention to the audibility in the rooms, carefully study the reviews, if possible, try to choose accommodation here away from the main roads.

Barceloneta (Barceloneta)

It is often chosen for beach holiday in Barcelona, ​​as the area is located directly off the coast. At the same time, the city center is only 10 minutes per meter. But until recently, this area was considered not the safest; it is better not to climb deep into its streets at night even today.

There are several other Barcelona beaches close to which you can rent a house: Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella (the latter is popular with nude holiday lovers).

Barcelona on your own: transport

How to get from the airport

The first question that arises before any guest of Barcelona is how to get from the airport to the city? You can get to Barcelona not only from the main airport El Prat, but also from the nearby airports of Girona and the city of Reus. We will tell you how to get to the city from each of them.

The airportAle-Prat (El Prat)

Closest to the Catalan capital (only about 10 km to the city center). It is connected with Barcelona by several types of transport at once: expressway, bus service, metro line and Railway.

Aerobus buses

Dark blue express buses purposefully carry tourists from each of the two airport terminals to the city center, to Plaza Catalunya, with a minimum of stops. Tickets for them can be purchased from the driver or in terminals near the stops. Aerobus runs only from 5.30 to 0.30, passes do not work on them, the cost is € 5.90.

Metro

The L9 Sud metro line connects to Barcelona Airport, the terminal stations of the metro are Aeroport T2 and Aeroport T1.

High-speed suburban train (electric train) RENFE

Departures from Terminal T2, where you can take a free shuttle from Terminal T1. Travel cards are accepted. Schedule and cost can be found on the official website.

The cheapest way is a regular city bus.

In the daytime, it is a city bus from the TMB company, which runs along the route number 46. And at night, the NitiBus buses from the MOHN company run to Plaza Catalunya - route numbers 16 and 17. A trip on a regular bus will save you money, but there are also disadvantages - the lack of a special compartment for luggage and many stops on the way to the city center.

The most comfortable way is by car transfer or taxi

If you do not want to endure the inconvenience of getting around by public transport, choose a taxi or car transfer. You can find a taxi at the airport or use Uber (€ 30-40). And if you want to order a transfer in advance, without the risk of getting lost and additional waiting at the airport, you can use the services (they provide a meeting at the airport).

Car rental in Barcelona

Ideal if you are a confident driver, traveling with your family or with a group. It should only be noted that some roads in Spain are toll. Check rental options:

The airport Girona- Costa– Brava(Aeroport de Girona - Costa Brava) GRO

Located 12 km from Girona and 95 km from Barcelona. This is the main airport for those who arrive to relax on the Costa Brava or Costa del Maresme. It is also popular with tourists heading to the Pyrenees and the ski resorts of Andorra. The Catalan capital has excellent transport links.

Barcelona Bus - direct route

In 1 hour 10 minutes, the bus will take you to Estacio d'Autobusos Barcelona Nord Station, Barcelona's main bus station. A 5-10 minute walk from it is the Arc De Triomf metro station on the red line, from where you can get wherever you want. Opening hours - from morning to late evening, the schedule is timed to the arrival of flights, and it is best to check it on the company's website. The cost is 16 euros.

It is worth considering: buses do not run on December 25. And on December 24, 26, 31 and January 1, the number of flights was reduced. For these cases, there is a railway and car transfers.

High-speed or regular train from Girona train station

Travel time is 70 and 90 minutes, respectively.

Rented car

The road is not difficult at all and quite comfortable, especially if.

Reus airport

To Barcelona from the small airport Reus go 100 km. But - only 10 km to the main resorts of the Costa Dorada, as well as the Port Aventura park.

From Reus Airport to Barcelona, ​​to the main train station Sants Estació, there is bus, the timetable of which is tied to arriving flights. The cost is 15 euros. Travel time - 1.5 hours

Hola BCN Map

Allows unlimited travel by metro, bus, tram, metro from Barcelona airport to city center and vice versa. When buying online - 10% discount. There are options from two to five days. Cost - from € 15 for 2 days. ...

Barcelona Card

This card includes a travel pass, a discounted museum pass, and a discount. Read more about it later in the article.

Buses

Barcelona has an extremely extensive bus network- about 110 routes, the length of which is about 920 km, more than a thousand stops.

Bus stops in Barcelona are a separate topic of conversation. In addition to the usual timetable, some of them have interactive screens where you can not only see useful information for passengers, but even charge your phone, connect to Wi-Fi and download applications that will help you calculate the route to attractions and find out the travel time.

It is customary to enter a bus in Barcelona at the front door, and leave at the back. In order for the bus to stop when you are at a stop, vote with your hand, and when approaching your stop, do not forget to press STOP on the handrails. The board "Sol licitut de parada" (stop on demand) came on - everything is in order. In order to help you find your way, buses often have an information board "Proxima Parada" (next stop)

Barcelona bus fares are € 2.20 within one zone. Bus travel times are from 6.30 am to 11 pm.

Night buses

NitiBus buses from the MOHN company have 17 routes at once, including two from El Prat airport to Plaza Catalunya - numbers 16 and 17. It is easy to recognize them - by the yellow strip and the route number with the letter N.

Trams

Tickets are sold at the terminals at the stops. You can check the timetable in advance and build a route for your trip around Barcelona by tram on the official website.

Barcelona metro

The fastest and most popular transport in the city. Served by two companies - TMB (eight lines) and FGC (three lines). Because of this, the station designations may also differ with the company logos, but there will certainly be a metro map next to the station entrance.

Tickets are purchased at ticket terminals (machines) or ticket booths. You need to look for them at train stations, stations, at the entrance to the platform. At the same time, the appearance of the TMB and FGC terminals is different.

Keep in mind - boarding and disembarking from the carriage is carried out from two sides, so there are not two, but three platforms at the stations.

Tourist transport

Tourist buses

One of the popular ways to start exploring the city. Buses pass through the most iconic places of the Catalan capital (several routes per ticket), provided with audio guides. Among the most popular are Barcelona Bus Turistic or Hop On Hop Off Barcelona. Convenient for moving between distant points (for example, from the center to Montjuïc). But on central regions it's better to walk - all the fun is within walking distance!

Vintage tram

It is also called the “blue tram” (Tranvía azul). One of the sights of the city, as it is also called "the last romantic of Barcelona". The first such tram was launched in 1901. Previously, it was green, but after a truck crashed into it in the middle of the 20th century, they decided to repaint it blue in order to better distinguish the tram from the greenery of Barcelona.

It goes from the metro station on Tibidabo Avenue to the station of the funicular of the same name, from where you can climb Mount Tibidabo. Travel passes do not work here. The length of the route is 1276 meters.

It should be noted that romantics like the tram, but the rest - not very much. They complain about the crush, call the trip a waste of money, and think the route can be easily traversed on foot.

Funiculars and cable cars

One of the most romantic and beautiful ways to explore Barcelona. The capital of Catalonia has three funiculars and two cableways.

Montjuïc funicular

Rises to the famous Montjuïc mountain to its no less famous sights. Boarding - at the Parallel metro station. Refers to the TMB metro (and is indicated on the maps). You can check the schedule and prices on the website.

Teleférico de Montjuïc cable car at the Montjuïc fortress

It rises from the previous funicular to the Military Museum, passes do not work here. Open only during the warm season from June to the end of September from 11.15 to 21.00

Cable car Barceloneta - Montjuic (Teleferico del Puerto)

The cable car from the port takes you up from the San Sebastian Tower (Barceloneta metro station) and gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy the stunning views of the city by the sea. Minus - city passes do not work here. The schedule and prices can be found on the website.

Funicular Tibidabo

The oldest funicular in Barcelona, ​​opened in 1901. In addition, it is also the longest - 1130 meters.

City fares do not work here either, you need to buy a separate ticket. The funicular's opening hours are tied to the opening hours of the Tibidabo amusement park. Works from March to December, as well as in holidays February.

Vaividrera funicular

Rises from the area of ​​the same name to Mount Tibidabo. Landing - at railway station Peu de Funicular on the Metro del Vallès line. Regular tickets and passes are valid here.

Note that a much easier way to get to Tibidabo is a special bus T2A (Tibibus), which departs from Plaza Catalunya every day from 10.15 until the park closes. The fare on it is 2.95 euros. If the park has a day off, the bus does not run.

Taxi

The official colors are black and yellow. Payment by meter, depending on the tariff (there are three) and distance.

Barcelona by segway

Convenient modern way explore the city without bothering your feet - Segway, a two-wheeled vehicle powered by electric traction. You can book your favorite tour on the official website of the company.

Bike rental

One of the most democratic and fun ways to explore Barcelona. There are a lot of rental options, prices depend on the bike model and its purpose (for racing, mountain, walking, etc.) You can sign up for a joint sightseeing bike tour with a group.

Barcelona attractions on your own: tips for tourists

How to save on tickets

One of the ways to save money when self visit points of interest - use of tourist maps. It makes sense to take them if you plan to actively visit sights and museums. If you plan to just wander the streets on foot and visit just a couple of places, there won't be much sense in the tourist map. Consider a list of attractions you are interested in and compare the estimated ticket costs with the cost of the card.

There are several types of tourist cards in Barcelona:

Barcelona Card

This is a three-in-one card - a transport pass, a pass (with a discount) to museums, as well as a discount. Gives the opportunity to pass free of charge and without queuing to many Barcelona museums(about 20), as well as receive big discounts in restaurants, shops, nightclubs.

Valid for 3-4-5 days. It is activated at the first use (note that if you activated it, for example, at 20.00, then the first day you will end in 4 hours, at 00.00).

Buy tourist card Barcelona is better in advance, online - this way you will receive a 15% discount. And you can pick it up immediately upon arrival at the airport, as well as in Plaza Catalunya, in tourist centers. Just do not forget to take the voucher with you, which will come to your mail. Buy a card on the official website.

Barcelona Pass

Like the Barcelona Card, this card allows you to save on visits to a number of famous Barcelona attractions (more than 20 are free, others are discounted). In particular, with its help, you will get to the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell for free and without queues, as well as without queues (though not free of charge) to get on an excursion to the Camp Nou stadium (home arena of the legendary FC Barcelona), to the Aquarium and Spanish village.

But there is no free ride on Barcelona public transport like the Barcelona Card.

Issued for a period of 1-3 days. Better to buy online - the site periodically offers discounts of 10%.

Barcelona Art Ticket

Ideal for art lovers: Provides easy access to places of interest such as the Picasso Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Miro Foundation Museum and a number of other museums in Barcelona. Website: http://articketbcn.org/

Arqueo ticket

This map will help archeology lovers travel back centuries. With the Arqueo ticket, you will have access to four museums: Egyptian Art, Historical, Archaeological and Cultural Center El Born. The card can be bought online from the official Barcelona tourism website.

How to avoid queues

The impression of visiting the most important sights of Barcelona can be spoiled by waiting in lines at the box office. To avoid this dubious "pleasure", we recommend buying tickets in advance, online. This will not only save you time, but you will also be able to know the cost in advance and plan your expenses.

Moreover, it is more profitable to buy tickets to some of Barcelona's attractions online. This not only allows you to avoid the queue at the checkout, but also to save money! At the time of buying online tickets in many places are on average 15% cheaper.

Official sites for booking tickets online can be found in ours, as well as on the pages describing excursions:; ; ...

Barcelona Attractions Free

Many museums in Barcelona have open days when the exhibition is free to visit. These include the traditional Museum night and some holidays. Many museums offer free admission to first Sunday of every month.

In addition, on some days of the week there are certain intervals when admission is free. For example, every Thursday from 18.00 to 21.30 you can get to the Picasso Museum for free.

You can check the opening hours of the main attractions in Barcelona in our.

Explore Barcelona with a Free Offline Travel Guide for iPhone

Finding information about the main attractions of Barcelona and planning your own trip is convenient in mobile application Travelry. Barcelona will be closer and more understandable if you use a free guidebook, a catalog of interesting places with useful information and offline map with GPS navigation. All this is available in the application for free. And if you want a deeper and more exciting exploration of the city, download ours and walk around the city with a personal guide who tells interesting stories about the city and at the same time fits in your pocket!

There are currently three Barcelona Audio Tours available in the app:

Exploring Barcelona on your own with an audio guide can help you save a lot on excursions. Instead of fussy running after a noisy group of tourists or paying extra for an individual guide, you can walk at your own pace, along routes that are interesting to you and at the same time listen to fascinating stories about the sights that you pass by. Download Travelry and turn your smartphone into your personal mobile guide!

Currently mobile guide and an audio guide to Barcelona is only available for iPhone, but an Android version is already in development.

Above in the article, you have already mentioned about, as well as about discounts and with. Our guide will help you save money on excursions around Barcelona with thoughtful itineraries, fascinating stories and offline maps with GPS navigation. And here are a couple more tips for budget travelers.

Enjoy freeWiFi

Barcelona has a large and completely free WiFi network. It has nearly 600 hotspots that are located in many public places, including the Aerobus, cultural centers and museums, municipal markets, city parks, some plazas and even residential areas. Access points are identified by signs or special stickers with a white W on a blue background. If you see such a sign nearby, look in the list of available WiFi connections on your mobile device for Barcelona WiFi, then fill out the registration form in your browser and use your health.

Don't eat in tourist spots

Everyone knows what, what more tourists visits this or that institution, the more expensive it is to eat in it, and the worse the quality. Therefore, try to find cafes and restaurants slightly off the main tourist routes.

Also take note of the Spanish tradition of visiting tapas bars. It is customary to serve a small portion of national snacks (for example, sandwiches with ham and cheese) - tapas, in addition to the ordered drink free of charge. By the way, we talk about the history of tapas in some quarters of the Old Town.

But drinking alcohol on the street is definitely not worth it! In Barcelona, ​​this is strictly prohibited and is fraught with a fine of up to 600 euros.

Barcelona on your own: what to see and do

Discover the masterpieces of Catalan Art Nouveau

It is impossible to imagine the appearance of Barcelona without the unique architectural creations of Gaudí and other modernists. , the fantastic Park Guell, the quaint Casa Batlló and Casa Mila are just a few of Gaudí's works that make tourists freeze with delight. And if you want to learn more about these masterpieces, get to know the personality of Gaudi and try to guess some of his architectural mysteries, download ours.

Travel back in time in the Old Town

If the new district of Eixample opens up the world of Catalan Art Nouveau for you, then Old city will take you back to the old days and introduce you to the rich history of Barcelona. Here you can admire ancient Gothic buildings and even ancient ruins. And just wander through the narrow streets, imbued with the unique atmosphere of this area.

The route of our audio tour "" includes the highlights of the Ramblas, El Raval and the Gothic Quarter.

See the city from the height of the observation decks

Being in Barcelona and not seeing it from above is an unforgivable mistake. The best views, of course, come from natural heights. In particular, with Tibidabo mountains, where the Temple of the Sacred Heart stands (with an observation deck). There you can also look at the city from the free tier of the amusement park. And even have a picnic (bring a basket of wine, bread, cheese and ham). In another part of Barcelona rises Mount Montjuic. Also, observation decks are located on the towers of the Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral (in the Gothic Quarter).

Visit the local market

Barcelona's most famous market is located in the Old Town, on the Ramblas - this legendary Boqueria, which has already become a kind of tourist attraction. If you want something less touristy, check out the market. Santa catarina in the Sant Pere quarter (by the way, it is part of ours). It is much quieter, more atmospheric, more locally oriented. Also interesting Sant Antoni market in the eponymous quarter. It has everything from groceries to clothing, shoes, and even old books. And in the New Town, in the Vila de Gracia area, there is an interesting market “for the locals” - Libertat.

And for lovers of antiques will be interested in fairs, which are traditionally held on Thursdays at New Square (Plaza Nova) in the Gothic Quarter.

Enjoy hot chocolate on Petrichol street

This small pedestrianized street Petrichol is one of the coziest in old Barcelona. Ceramic tablets with inscriptions and drawings that illustrate the history of Barcelona give it a special flavor. The lane is filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate, and in local restaurants you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and taste the traditional Barcelona "churros" - a delicacy of choux pastry sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Football lovers - visit the Camp Nou stadium

The Camp Nou stadium is the home arena of the famous FC Barcelona. There is a Museum of the history of the club and its trophies, an interactive tour and even the opportunity to hold and take pictures with the Champions League Cup.

Visit Europe's largest oceanarium

The Old Port area of ​​Barcelona is home to Europe's largest aquarium, which is well worth a look for travelers of all ages. It is a center for the study and preservation marine life, which actually houses more than 3 dozen aquariums with underwater flora and fauna of different climatic zones. There is also one of the largest oceanariums on the continent: an 80-meter tunnel for spectators who want to "plunge" into the life of the sea kingdom is laid right along its bottom.

Immerse yourself in Gaudí's time multimedia center Gaudí Experience

The center is a stone's throw from Park Güell and offers tourists a 4D show dedicated to Antoni Gaudí.

Relax on the beach or take a walk along the promenade

Barcelona is certainly not resort town, but still located on the beautiful coast, and therefore, here, if you wish, here you can taste a little bit of a beach holiday. The easiest way to get from the center to the beaches in the Barceloneta area. True, Barceloneta itself is not ideal for swimming due to its proximity seaport... But there are alternatives nearby, such as the neighboring beaches of Sant Sebastià and Sant Miquel. Also popular in Barcelona are the beaches of Nova Icària and Bogatell. But the Mar Bella beach is popular with nudists and gay people, keep this in mind when planning your vacation.

Take part in folk festivities

Catalans work well and at the same time know how to have a bright and beautiful rest. National Catalan and city holidays are always celebrated here on a grand scale. Several times a year life in Barcelona follows special rules - the city is immersed in festivities that last from two days to a week. These include, first of all, La Merce Festival at the end of September, Barcelona's main holiday. Also, almost every area of ​​Barcelona has its own local holidays and street festivals. For example, in mid-August, they celebrate vigorously for almost a whole week holiday of the Gracia quarter (Fiesta Mayor de Gracia). On this occasion, a vibrant street festival is held here, filling every street in the Gràcia district with a real extravaganza. Indispensable attributes of all these festivities are, of course, local wine, cuisine, traditional round dances in the squares ( sardanes) and unusual sports action castells... Castells is a Catalan national fun. These are multi-level castles, towers, which are built from living people, casteliers.

By the way, on such holidays the metro is often open around the clock.

Go shopping

Sales or Rebajas (discounts) are held in Barcelona twice a year. In winter, this is the period from January 7 to March 6), in summer from July 1 to August 31. At the beginning of the season, discounts are about 20%, by the end they reach 70%, but at the same time the assortment is decreasing.

The main shopping streets of Barcelona:

• La Diagonal- the kingdom of luxury shopping. But there are shops for a less demanding audience as well.
• Carrer de Pela- especially popular with young people due to the large number of young fashion brands.
• Passeig de Gracia in the Eixample area. There are many expensive and high-profile boutiques and shops.
• Rambla de Catalunya- a street parallel to it, de you can find all the famous and popular Spanish brands.
• Trading Village - La Roca Village Outlet: a paradise for shopaholics half an hour from the city.

We hope that your independent trip to Barcelona will be full of vivid impressions and pleasant surprises, despite good planning! We wish you a happy journey!

Explore our tips for awesome Barça and forward!

1. What should you look for in Barcelona?

It is worth going to sunbathe on the Barceloneta beach, take a walk in the parks (for example, "Gaudi" - he is in the photo above), see local architecture, museums, wander the narrow streets in the Old Town, go to the farmers' market, you can have a good rest in bars, eat local I go to cafes and restaurants, visit the zoo, take an excursion to the mountains "Montjuic" and "Tibidabo", and also be sure to try the local street food.

1. What is the best beach in Barcelona?

If you choose a beach for swimming and sunbathing, go outside the city. Gava and Badalona are great options. In Barcelona itself, the most clean beach- near the hotel W: Barceloneta. You can also go to the Mar bella beach.

1. Which SIM card to buy for a trip to Barcelona?

When buying a SIM card Orange mundo you will get 7 Gigabytes of internet at 4G speed for 12.90 €. The price is quoted as of April 20, 2019. The Internet can be distributed via Wi-Fi to other devices.

1. Should I take cash with me? Is it possible to pay with a card?

If you're carrying rubles, here you are will not exchange... Cash in euros is simply vital, but in some places you can pay with a card. Vintage bars and restaurants, for example, only accept cash payments. Some grocery stores only accept cards if your purchases are worth more than 6 euros.

1. How is security in Barça?

There are always a lot of tourists in the city, and scammers take advantage of this, stealing everything they can. At the same time, they act carefully, without noise, so as not to arouse suspicion, because no one wants to be prosecuted. So always keep an eye on your bags, or better yet, leave all valuables at the hotel.

1. What is the cost of budget accommodation in Barcelona?

Depending on what season it is and the length of your stay - starting from € 30 per day for a hostel, continuing with about € 80 for and ending with space money of € 500 for a room in W.

Monthly rentals start at 250 euros per month for a room or 700 euros for an apartment. You can find accommodation on Booking.com

1. How does airbnb work?

To be honest, bad. Better to book a hotel on Hotellook.com

1. Where to go from Barcelona for a day?

1. How cheap is it to get around within Spain?

With the help of an international online service BlaBlacar, as well as by trains (although they are decently expensive, if fast. If you want cheap - go by regional trains Renfe).

You can find a cheap train ticket from Barcelona directly on this page. Use the search and purchase of tickets through the website Omio.Ru (formerly GoEuro):

1. How to call a taxi?

Using the app MyTaxi... You can also catch them by putting your hand to the side. There are a lot of cars, and it will not be difficult to catch them. Taxis in yellow and black colors are amazingly combined with the vibrant image of the city. Equipped with meters, there are four types of tariffs. For example, to get to the city from El Prat airport, you will have to pay 35 €. Compare - a comfortable Aerobus will cost you 5.95 €.

1. What's the best way to get around Barcelona?

A bicycle or moped is also great. In the central part of the city there are many rental points with a large selection, where you can take a moped or a bicycle at your discretion. You can also rent electric motorcycles.

1. Is there a hitchhiking?

Yes, but it cannot be used on high-speed routes such as autovía and autopista.

1. Are there vegetarian options?

Barcelona has a wide range of vegetarian options, but most of the food is in demand from outsiders. The locals prefer jamon.

1. Where can you buy fruits and vegetables?

They are sold almost everywhere. One might even get the impression that money is being illegally smuggled with the help of vegetable shops and pastry shops.

1. What are the most popular events in Barcelona?

Sónar & Primavera Sound festivals, Tattoo Expo Barcelona, ​​Salon Erótico, Mobile World Congress, La Mèrce & Llum BCN city festivals, 48 ​​horas open house architectural chaos.

1. What dishes are worth trying in Barcelona?

• Sandwiches with ham and local sausages and cheeses! These products are placed on classic bread topped with tomato.
• Tapas are tiny portioned snacks that are definitely worth trying.
• Pintxos are a type of dish serving - a slice of bread on a stick with the main dish on it.
• Olives in Barcelona can be eaten in large quantities, just like seasonal fruits.
• Paella is best tasted in Valencia.

1. What do the locals smoke?

They do not smoke anything prohibited, but they gather in strictly designated places - in private organizations, which you simply cannot get into. To enter there, you need to provide information about the club member.

1. What drinks do the locals prefer?

Beer, vermouth, cola, wine, cava (local fizzy), cava sangria, ron cremat (somewhat like mulled wine, only the base is from burning rum), clara and tinto de verano (a carbonated drink mixed with beer and wine) on hot days.

1. Can you drink running water?

Yes, you can drink water from local fountains. There is an opinion that in order to come to Barça again, you need to say Font de Canaletes Barça when you drink from the fountain.

1. Do I need to apply for a visa to Barcelona?

Yes, it is. It is possible to stay in the city for up to 3 months every six months on a tourist visa. And don't forget to buy, otherwise you risk losing more money.

1. What dangers lie in wait for you in the city?

Better not to walk around in a miniskirt in neighborhoods like Raval, Zona Franca and Mina.

1. What is the difference between Barcelona and other cities in the state?

Barcelona is strikingly different in contrast and cosmopolitanism, with all kinds of activities and stunning events. No other city in the kingdom has such freedom of morals as here.

1. What are the best attractions and places to see?

• Boqueria market... Be sure to visit the market, which is about 8 centuries old, and taste something delicious. But it doesn't work on Sunday.
• La Rambla street. The Catalans call the Rambla the best street in the world. We have a different impression (a lot of people and beggars), but you must form your own opinion.
• Sagrada Familia. It is worth buying tickets to this place in advance online, and in no case should you be late.
• Barceloneta beach... Once upon a time there was fishing village, and now the most famous beach in the city. It's better not to wallow on the beach itself - it's better to just walk along the seashore.
• Plaza Espana and the Singing Fountain. It is a place with a charming square and an enchanting fountain.
• Citadel Park. The local square, everyone moves at a fast pace, meditates, arranges a noisy picnic, ropes, swims on boats and feeds ducks.

1. Where is the most beautiful view in Barcelona?

Bunkers del Carmel - Be sure to take a picnic basket full of goodies with you. You just have to go there 1.5 km on foot from the El Carmel metro - and all the time uphill! It is possible to shorten the path a little if two stops from the metro are taken by bus # 86.

And also best view opens upon arrival in Barcelona (El Prat) if you board the plane at seat F.

1. How about a second hand market?

There is one in Barcelona. Encants is one of the oldest European markets.

1. What is the situation after the recent strike incidents?

All is well in Barcelona, ​​there are meetings, but they go without incident.

1. Why does everyone rest on Sundays?

Because the unions are doing everything to make Sundays extraordinary. But this does not apply to the tourist areas, there you can always find a place to eat. And the Maremagnum shopping center generally works 365 days a year.

1. What Are the Best Areas? Where is central Barcelona located?

The center of Barcelona is located in the middle of Plaza Catalunya. The most the best areas- those that are located above the Diagonal project. These are dull sleeping quarters with villas. Gracia & Poble Nou is trendy and very modern. Gótico is central, buzzing and crowded. Born is a soul.

1. How much money will I have to spend?

If you have a rest, then the minimum is 80 € per day per person. And if you live, then about 800 € per month.

1. What is Barcelona's attitude towards Russian tourists?

They perceive tourists simply as a wallet with money. And to those who moved there to live - with caution, since our worldview does not fit into their society.

1. What is the most popular language?

Every resident of the city understands Spanish, but as you move away from the city, fewer and fewer people are eager to speak the state language and prefer Catholic to it.

And here they could speak better.

1. Five words you just need to know in Barcelona?

• Hola(Spanish / Cat.) - hello
• molt be(cat.) - very good
• adeu(cat.) - bye
• mañana(Spanish) - tomorrow
• vamos a la playa(Spanish) - let's go to the beach

1. How to go to football in Barcelona and spend as little money as possible?

It's better to visit games to save money Spanish Cup in autumn and winter. The match schedule is easiest to look at on Wikipedia. Tickets for the Barcelona Cup match can be bought for 59 €, but it is not a fact that you will see the strongest Barça squad. And the prices for the championship matches will be no less than 80 euros.

You can be free at the main stadium of Barcelona only in the summer, when the club's newcomer performance is taking place.

1. What souvenir should you buy in Barcelona and bring it home?

Sangria, jamon, cheese, olive oil, supermarket clothes. In general, everything that you like with the inscription flor de barcelona.

That concludes our article on travel tips for Barcelona. Write your questions in the comments, if they remain, share this article with your friends in in social networks and catch cheap tickets to Barcelona!