Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is an exciting city known for its unique architecture, seaport, and the Rambla, a mile-long tree-lined avenue filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. Works by Picasso, Miro, and Dali can be found in the city, but most remarkable are the works by Antoni Gaudi. His Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family) is the most recognizable symbol of this vibrant city, and perhaps all of Spain.
Earn OnePass® bonus miles when you purchase a vacation to this destination. More details›
|
Barcelona, Spain
Truly a diverse European city, Barcelona is a dynamic, energetic metropolis with imaginative treasures and traditional values. This Mediterranean city is alive with a bustling seaport, busy beaches and an even more active cultural population. A city moving into the future, Barcelona also retains a firm grasp on its past, with medieval treasures, gourmet foods, trendy bars and clubs, and traditional designs. Navigating the city is easy, as it is based on an easy to follow grid system. Barcelona has so many venues for art and architecture; it's easy to spend an entire visit meandering the streets, museums, and landmarks and not even scratch the surface. Works by Picasso, Miró, and Dali can be found in the city, but most remarkable are the works by Antoni Gaudí. His Sagrada Família (Church of the Holy Family) is the most recognizable symbol of this vibrant city, and perhaps all of Spain. Package includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Hotel taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Art/Architecture buffs
Works by great artists Picasso, Dalí, and Gaudí are just a few of the notables to see in this veritable cornucopia of art and architecture. The city is bursting with ornate enclaves of architecture, including classic churches, temples, fountains, and castles. There are also myriad museums to explore, the perfect places to take in the fine works of art and National treasures.
Gourmands
The people of Barcelona are serious about their food. A special mixture of sea and mountain dishes will temp the most discriminating taste buds with a delectable sachet of seafood, meat, and aromatic mountain herbs, spices, and other foods. It's important to take note, in Barcelona, people eat late, with lunches served around 2 or 3 in the afternoon and dinners not until 9 or 11 at night.
Families
With beaches, carnivals, shopping, and festivals galore, Barcelona is the perfect destination for a European vacation with the family. Colorful street performers, fantastic food, eye-popping murals and striking edifices are sure to bring joy to the young and old alike.
What's the climate like?
| |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
Autumn |
| Average High |
55° F |
68° F |
81° F |
70° F |
| Average Low |
40° F |
53° F |
66° F |
54° F |
| Average Rainfall |
1.3" |
1.4" |
1.6" |
2.3" |
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers from airport to your hotel are available for purchase with your hotel package.
City Bus
A good way to get to know the city is to take a tourist bus, which passes all the main sights, where riders are at liberty to hop on and off at the different stops.
Metro
Barcelona has a highly efficient metro (subway) system that easily accesses all parts of the city. Metro, rail, and bus tickets are all paid for using the same tickets, which are fairly inexpensive, especially when purchased in blocks of 10.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
Barcelonans are serious about their food, and the menagerie of delectable eateries found throughout the city is solid proof of this. Because lunch and dinners are usually eaten later in the afternoon and dinners not until late evening, a bevy of tapas restaurants can be found to help satiate between-meal hunger strikes.
- Cal Pep
Perhaps one of the best-known tapas restaurants in the city, Cal Pep dishes up everything fresh, from the mouth wateringly delightful seafood, the fun atmosphere, and the friendly service.
- Alkimia
Tucked away behind the Sagrada Familia, Alkimia (Alchemy) serves up a potion of imaginative and colorful foods, blending old world dishes with a flash of modernity, resulting in something truly special.
- Can Majo
Located on the seafront in the Barceloneta area, this restaurant is one of the best fish restaurants in Barcelona. An outdoor terrace makes summertime dining unforgettable with succulent views complementing the freshly caught seafood.
- Cuines Santa-Caterina
From the word 'kitchens' in Catalan, Cuines seamlessly blends Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, and vegetarian foods into a mouth-watering palate of fusion delight. The Scandinavian-inspired architecture alone is worth the trip.
- Gaig
Gaig was founded some 130 years ago by the great grandmother of present owner Carlos Gaig. The restaurant is praised for the freshness of its ingredients. Eggs come from chickens seen wandering on the patio, just off its sleek, luxurious interior.
- Espai Sucre
Perhaps the world's only restaurant that offers a menu made up entirely of luscious desserts. It has a reputation of serving some of the best desserts anywhere.
- La Paradeta
Fresh seafood laid out on bed of ice greets visitors to this fish and chip-style restaurant as they walk in the door. Patrons make their selection then and there, and it arrives a few minutes later, hot, and served in a cardboard box. This restaurant is perfect for families.
Where should I go shopping?
As with most cosmopolitan areas, Barcelona has its fair share of shopping experiences, from high-end couture to quaint boutiques and markets where shoppers are sure to find something to suit any tastes or styles.
One of the most famous locations in Barcelona is Las Ramblas, a mile-long pedestrian avenue running out to the sea at Port Vell. Framing the tree-lined promenade, lanes and alleys meet Las Ramblas with various shops, restaurants, and attractions to visit. A busy communications hub, and commercial area, Las Ramblas comes alive with colorful characters, animated street performers; it is the perfect place to people watch in Barcelona.
When are the local events?
Dia de Sant Jordi
April 23. Sant Jordi (Saint George) is the patron saint of Barcelona. Las Ramblas becomes a huge flower market and bookstall. Men give women a rose and women give men a book in tribute to Cervantes, who died on this day in 1616.
Festival de Sonar
Mid-June. Barcelona hosts the annual Sonar festival of "advanced music and multimedia art." The popular event consists of technology fairs during the day and music events by night.
Festival de Sant Joan
June. In the weeks leading up to June 23, there is a rise in the number of fireworks being let off around the city then on the 23rd it's pyromaniac heaven as everyone heads down to the beach to celebrate the start of summer with an explosion of fireworks and bonfires burning on the beaches and all night revelry.
Festes de la Merce
September. This is Barcelona's main annual festival with plenty of events taking place beginning Sept. 22, including competitions where 'castellers' compete to form the highest human tower, and processions involving wooden giants. There are lots of live music events, unbelievable firework displays and consumption of Cava, the national drink of Catalonia.
Travel tidbits
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is the best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax. Here, you will find flower stands, book kiosks, and small market stalls where birds and small animals are sold. You'll also find an endlessly fascinating flowing receptacle of pageant-jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues, and assorted oddballs on parade. Touring Las Ramblas is a Barcelona activity that is well deserving of a top spot in any Barcelona travel guide.
Antoni Gaudí
Barcelona is alive with the distinctive architecture of Antoni Gaudí, considered by many a genius of modernist architecture. Stroll through Güell Park, where the imaginative integration of architectural elements in a natural setting holds in store many visual surprises for visitors. Gaudí's masterwork, La Sagrada Familia's towers pierce the sky as its amazing facade captivates onlookers.
Magic Fountain
Located in breathtaking Montjuïc Park, the Magic Fountain is a stunning spectacle. The water in the fountain performs by dancing through various routines, accompanied by music and color.
Museums
Museu Picasso is located in a medieval palace in the Gothic area. Once inside you will discover a magnificent compilation of early Picasso paintings. Both oils and drawings displayed here are permanent.
Fundació Miró is located in a modern building from famed architect Josep Sert, where several of Joan Miró's works are on display. The gallery houses a large collection of Miró's work, including his trademark primary color sculptures, out on the roof. Concerts are also regularly held here.
Good to Know
Barcelona El Prat International Airport
BCN |
| May - July |
| November - February |
| Euro (EU) |
| Spanish and Catalan - both come from Latin but are different from one another. Everybody can speak Spanish although Catalan is more commonly spoken. |
| Barcelona is 7 hours ahead of Central Standard Time. |
| Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| At a fine dining restaurant with outstanding service, a 10% tip would be correct, but 5% is more customary in less posh surroundings. For a lunch or light meal in a modest place, rounding up the check by 50 cents is polite. The same 5% rule is true for taxi drivers, too. |
| The "dress code" in Barcelona is casual. Jeans and t-shirts are normal attire and you will be able to enter practically all but the very exclusive restaurants with casual wear. The only exception is sleeveless t-shirts, which you will have a few problems getting into bars and clubs. Some of the more expensive nightclubs insist on shoes and will also not allow sleeveless t-shirts. |
|
Barcelona, Spain
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to Barcelona:
Car Rentals
We feature rental cars from both Hertz and Avis, offering you the flexibility and convenience to travel when and where you want. Plus with Avis, you'll earn up to 500 OnePass bonus miles with every qualifying paid rental at participating locations.
|
Private Car Transfers
Relax as you are transferred in a private vehicle between the Barcelona El Prat Airport and your hotel. Vehicle type will generally be a Peugeot 607 for 1-3 passengers, or a VW Caravelle for 4-6 passengers. Rate includes door-to-door service 1 regular piece of luggage per person, 1 carry-on piece of luggage, and taxes. Oversized or additional luggage may have certain restrictions and must be advised at time of booking. Gratuity is not included. Shuttle service operates from 6am to 11pm all year, A child seat is required for children 11 years of age and under (maximum 1 child seat per car) and will have to be booked in advance at an extra charge to be paid locally.
|
Shared Roundtrip Transfers
Relax as you are transferred in a shared-ride vehicle between the Barcelona El Prat Airport and your hotel. Vehicle type will generally be a Ford Transit seating 7-10 passengers. Rate includes door-to-door airport shuttle service (with a maximum of 3 stops), 1 regular piece of luggage per person, 1 carry-on piece of luggage, and taxes. Additional luggage charge is 1 Euro per piece of luggage, and must be advised at time of booking. Gratuity is not included.
|
|
Tour - Artistic Barcelona Tour
Barcelona is known as the capital of Catalan Art Nouveau, where the famous architect Antonio Gaudi lived and worked. You will see his most emblematic works, such as Casa Milà, also know as "La Pedrera", and Casa Batlló along Passeig de Gràcia. Then you'll visit Parc Güell, a large garden park in which this genius strove to achieve the perfect integration of architectural elements in nature. The park was declared an artistic monument and a human heritage site by UNESCO. You will see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, which is still being built in the same way as the cathedrals of the Middle Ages, with donations and private funds. Finally, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar, the only perfectly finished great Catalan Gothic church. The visit ends near the Picasso Museum (entrance fee not included), which displays works by the famous painter from his blue and pink periods. You can choose between returning to the tour's starting point by coach or visiting the museum on your own. Daily departures, all year at 3:30pm. Duration is 3 ½ hours. No departures on January 1, December 25, 26, 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011. Tour dates are open and the voucher will be included in documents. Please note that one should wear conservative clothing to be admitted into churches. Unacceptable attire would include shorts, sleeveless blouses, mini-skirts, etc.
|
Tour - Barcelona Hop On / Hop Off
If you want to visit Barcelona at your own pace and with no hurry, the double-decker tourist bus is the perfect way to go. You can get on and off all day long and change routes, with the same ticket, while you learn about the history of the city through a comfortable audio system with earphones, in 12 different languages. Buses are adapted for people with limited mobility and have an electric roof for use in the event of rain; they are fitted with ergonomical seats and heating on both decks. They also have a stewardess aboard. You will be receive a map and guide that lists all the stops for each route, and discounts for different establishments in the city. There are 2 routes: East and West. Frequency of buses at the stops varies depending on the season (between 10 and 20 minutes) and each route takes approximately 2 hours. Daily departures, all year. Buses depart every 10 to 20 minutes, from 9am to 8pm. No departures on January 1, December 25, 26, 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011. You may board the bus at any of the stops throughout the city. Tour dates are open and the voucher will be included in documents. Please note that one should wear conservative clothing to be admitted into churches. Unacceptable attire would include shorts, sleeveless blouses, mini-skirts, etc.
|
Tour - Classic Barcelona & Spanish Village Tour
Barcelona is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Spain and this classic tour gives you a quick overview of its main highlights. Explore Plaza de Cataluna, Via Laietana, the Cathedral and its cloister, the Gothic Quarter, and Plaza Sant Jaume (Generalitat and Town Hall). You will continue on to the Villa Olimpica (athletes residential complex during the Olympics) and the Port Olympic (Olimpic harbor). Afterwards you will ascend Montjüic Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the city and harbor. Tour the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant Jordi, and Calatrava Tower. Visit the Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) which reproduces the most typical regional architectural styles in Spain. Here you will also be able to taste Catalan Cava, the renowned local sparkling wine. Daily departures, all year at 9:45am. Duration is 3 ½ hours. No departures on January 1, December 25, 26, 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011. Tour dates are open and the voucher will be included in documents. Please note that one should wear conservative clothing to be admitted into churches. Unacceptable attire would include shorts, sleeveless blouses, mini-skirts, etc.
|
Tour - Girona & Figueres Tour including Dalí Theatre-Museum
This tour takes you to 2 major towns in northern Catalonia: Figueres, with its landmark Dalí Theatre-Museum; and Girona, a monumental city and home to one of Europe's best- preserved Jewish quarters. A guided walking tour of Girona is included plus admission to the Dalí Theatre-Museum and Dalí Joies Gallery in Figueres. In addition, you will receive a guide book with detailed information about the places to visit and discounts to places of interest, restaurants, and shops. A host travels on board the bus to provide you with additional information during your journey. Departs daily, except Monday, from March 17 - November 15, 2010 at 8am. Duration is 11 ½ hours. Tour dates are open and the voucher will be included in documents. Please note that one should wear conservative clothing to be admitted into churches. Unacceptable attire would include shorts, sleeveless blouses, mini-skirts, etc.
|
Tour - Montserrat Tour
Enjoy a spectacular day touring a more-than-spectacular site. Begin by driving through picturesque little villages until you arrive at the incomparable setting of the mountain of Montserrat, which rises majestically to 4,051 feet. Next visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th-century Romanesque carving of Virgin Moreneta, the Black Virgin. The Royal Basilica has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain for hundreds of years. On some days, the children's choir sings in the monastery at midday, and you may be fortunate enough to catch one of their delightful performances. Daily departures, all year at 9:30am. Duration is 5 hours. No departures on January 1, December 25, 26, 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011. Tour dates are open and the voucher will be included in documents. Please note that one should wear conservative clothing to be admitted into churches. Unacceptable attire would include shorts, sleeveless blouses, mini-skirts, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
We're searching for the best prices to
BARCELONA
We are searching for the best prices to Barcelona 
|
|
