Barcelona Travel Tips

Keep in Mind... Snooze like the Spaniards do Siestas are a daily occurrence -- and while you're in town, you should partake. So go ahead, eat a large, satisfying lunch, and then head back to your hotel for a couple-hour snooze to prepare for a long night on the town. The city shuts down in August Swarms of locals leave in August to catch some relief from the sweltering humidity. Likewise many restaurants and shops are closed until September. Spanish vs. Catalan Many residents will refer to themselves as "Catalan" -- and will speak it rather than Spanish. Many of the words are quite similar, but the pronunciation is different. Barcelona contains both the authentically historic and the wildly bizarre. From the tree-lined Las Ramblas to the narrow alleys of Barri Gòtic; from the beachside nightclubs to the city's dozens of sacred churches and cathedrals, this city by the sea seems to attract all types: the family, the adventurer, the couple, the backpacker, the culture lover -- and more -- with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for a few days, but chances are you'll need a whole week to explore. In Barcelona, even the beach is bustling, but it's really the cosmopolitan city that gets all the attention. Much of the activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, nightclubs and a vibrant pedestrian market. But you should also take an Antoni Gaudí tour -- he’s the Catalan responsible for sites like the Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and Sagrada Familia. And it would also be absurd to miss out on the eclectic shopping scene and the region’s exquisite food and wine. Do you see why we suggest a week vacation?

How To Save Money in Barcelona Buy the Barcelona Card Discounts on top things to do and unlimited use of public transportation make this card worth your money upfront. But be sure to purchase it before you travel, so you can take advantage of the free train ride from the airport to the city center. Stay in an apartment Cut down on food costs by renting an apartment (rather than a hotel), where you can buy groceries and cook your own Catalan feasts. Coincidentally, you can also find affordable souvenirs at local grocers. Gorge at lunch If you eat your big meal at lunch, you can cash in on the Menu del Dia (Menu of the Day), which is usually an affordable and tasty three-course meal. After this midday spread, a few cheap tapas at dinner should tide you over until breakfast.

Barcelona Dining Local dishes are increasingly meat-centered; common dishes include stews filled with chickpeas, greens, and lots of pork or beef. Spanish tapas -- small appetizer-sized dishes usually served with a glass of beer or cava -- are popular choices throughout Spain, and make excellent choices for sampling the national cuisine. Seafood is also a popular dish, with most traditional restaurants offering assorted versions of the celebrated paella, a mix of shellfish, spices and rice. Popular neighborhoods for dining out include Barri Gòtic, Gracia and Eixample.

Travelers highly recommend Cerveceria Catalana and Montiel Restaurante for their tasty (albeit pricey) Catalan menus. For dessert, recent travelers praise Bubo for its pastries, described with adjectives like "beautiful," "gorgeous" and "delicious."