Barcelona Unveiled: tips for a incredible travel experience

Join me on this little guide to get to know my new neighborhood.

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Recently, I relocated from Brazil to Barcelona, arriving at the end of July, and the city immediately captivated me. Only now, a few months later, can I truly begin to comprehend what it’s like to live here.

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time, prompting me to share content about this city that has captured my heart. While I initially ventured into creating videos for TikTok and Instagram, my true passion lies in writing. Despite the challenge of expressing myself in another language, I wish to share some insights from my first five months here.

For fellow travelers, I recommend visiting during the off-season, such as mid-September and October. Additionally, try to be here on the first Sunday of the month to take advantage of free admissions to various places, including the MNAC (National Art Museum of Catalonia) and Montjuïc Castle.

Ceiling of one of the exhibition rooms at the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

If you appreciate the city’s remarkable architecture but prefer avoiding crowds, explore the monasteries, such as the Antiguo Monasterio de San Pau del Campo and the Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Pedralbes — just be mindful of their opening and closing schedules.

One piece of advice often given by influencers, but which I don’t endorse, is purchasing tickets from third-party websites. I prefer buying directly from the official site. For instance, the entrance ticket for the Monasterio de Pedralbes costs 5 euros on the official website, while other websites charges up to 55€. In fact, most places offer significant discounts; simply inquire at the reception.

View of the upper floor of the cloister of the Pedralbes Monastery.

Comfortable shoes are a must. Forget about heels or sandals; opt for good sneakers. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in this city, as it practically beckons you to explore on foot, and the experiences are truly magical. However, if you have limitations or simply prefer not to walk, the public transport system is excellent, providing access to all areas. Tickets are available at metro stations, allowing you to choose the card that best suits your travel needs.

While it’s essential to explore the Gothic Quarter, Raval, and El Born, don’t limit yourself to these areas. The Eixample and Gràcia are must-visit neighborhoods, but make sure to stroll through Sant Antoni, Poblenou, Pedralbes, and, personally, Avinguda Tibidabo. Each neighborhood possesses its unique beauty.

For literature enthusiasts planning a future visit, I recommend reading Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “El Cementerio de los Libros Olvidados” series beforehand. These books will undoubtedly add a touch of magic to your trip. Moreover, you have the opportunity to embark on a guided tour inspired by the book “La Sombra del Viento,” allowing you to follow in the footsteps of Daniel and Fermín as they navigate their captivating adventures.If you’re on a tight budget, explore non-touristic areas for more affordable and better-quality coffee. Additionally, Dia Supermercado sells croissants for 0.40€. Another budget-friendly tip is to visit Sagrada Familia on a Sunday morning. Arrive early for the International Mass and enjoy free entry to this incredible place, albeit without the guided tour.

Lastly, but certainly not least, make an effort to learn some Spanish and Català, as the majority of people here speak both languages, and signs and directions are often written in Català. Beyond practicality, acquiring these linguistic skills demonstrates a respectful acknowledgment of the local culture during your visit.

While there’s much more to share, I’ll save the rest for another time.

It’s been a pleasure to write again!