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You want to find the right answers, fast.
August 17
In our previous post, we tried to give out some useful tips on how to get the most out of your Summit days. And we haven’t forgotten our promise – we come back to you with more ideas on how to explore the city of Barcelona, if you get the chance.
So one of the first questions always is “How to get there?”. Here is all you need to know.
The Barcelona "El Prat" Airport (BCN) has two terminals. Getting to the city from any of the terminals is quite easy.
You can always get a taxi which costs €30-35 to the city center. But it is even smarter to use the special Aerobuses that will take you quickly downtown for just €5.90 (€10.20 return ticket). If you choose to go back to the airport with the same buses, note that there are numbers A1 and A2 which stop respectively at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Make sure you don't take the wrong one, unless you want to miss your flight on purpose to spend another day in this splendid city.
There are a few more ways of getting to the city and if you want to find more detailed information, browse through the Barcelona Airport Transport.
Barcelona is known for the famous works of the architect Gaudi. His designs are unique because he got his inspiration from nature and religion. You should have in your “to-visit” lists Sagrada Família – the remarkable masterpiece which still stands unfinished. You have to buy your tickets online - even if you go onsite, you'll be asked to use the free WiFi near the building and still buy them online. It's usually very crowded so try to visit it in the early morning. Hope for a sunny weather so you can enjoy the sun rays passing through the colorful glasses inside the church.
Park Güell is another must. Again, you’ll see Gaudi’s work, mostly from his naturalist phase situated in a public park area. Most of the park is free to walk around but there is a section where you require a ticket. The entrance fee is quite affordable (around €8) and you should try to buy your tickets online beforehand. Make sure you check for the restoration constructions they are doing during the time of your visit so you don’t miss any crucial part of the park. Moreover there is a beautiful view of the whole city on the highest point of the park and it’s absolutely free to get there but be prepared for a little bit of hiking.
Casa Battló and Casa Milà, two significant modernist buildings from Gaudi's work. It will cost you between €20 and €30 per each casa but it’s really worth it. Keep in mind that there are usually long queues so better buy the tickets online, it will also save you some money.
If you want to feel the true spirit of old Barcelona, do not miss the Gothic Quarter - a splendid neighborhood with impressive architecture and buildings. There are a number of free walking tours in English that can explain a lot about the history of this place. Furthermore there is a really nice cathedral, Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia, situated on Placa Nova, right next to Via Laietana.
If you are a fan of long city walks, you should definitely pass along the most famous walking street in Barcelona Las Ramblas. Enjoy the nice walk from Plaça de Catalunya to the sea. There are a lot of restaurants and shops along the street. Beware of the pickpockets there - always keep an eye on your belongings and don't put your phone (or anything precious) in your back pocket.
Barcelona has many wonderful city beaches within walking distance. Port Olimpic is a great place to start your journey. You can find a few nice beach bars or just take a stroll on the street, towards the W Hotel, where you can find a bar on one of the top floors with a beautiful view. There are also small beach towns along the seaside that are just a 30-to-60-minute train ride away from the city.
For the football lovers, there is the stadium of one of the world's greatest football clubs - FC Barcelona. In Nou Camp, you can live the emotion of being part of the magic, taking a tour or visiting the museum.
Another great sight you could visit is Castell de Montjuic, situated on top of the Montjuic hill. Medieval castle with a view to remember. From there on one could head straight to Poble Espanyol which is a recreation of an old Spanish village and it’s nice to just walk about and explore. Last but not least on the bottom of the hill you could find the Magic Fountains of Montjuic. Most of the nights there is a spectacular lights, music, water show that anyone can enjoy for free.
If you are a fan of strolling about in parks or just having a nice chill afternoon than Parc de la Cuitadella is just the place for you. It is situated near Arc de Triunf and it is a very relaxing park with a nice fountain with a huge golden statue on top. If one is interested there is even on the premises which could be visited.
To get a real taste of Barcelona, you should try the Spanish food. “Tapas” is the word Spanish people use for all kind of small snacks or appetizers that are usually served with a drink but you can get them anytime. Get at least three kinds of tapas at a different tapas bar around the city. One such bar we recommend is Cerveceria Catalana (Carrer de Mallorca, 236, next to Las Ramblas). It got quite famous throughout the years and there is usually a long waiting time but the food is worth it.
Paella is one of the symbolic dishes in Spain. It's a rice dish that usually comes with seafood but there are different kinds for every taste. You can get one with vegetables, chicken, chorizo and many more.
Barcelona being a marine city, you most probably expect the seafood to be fantastic. And it really is! Everything is always fresh and yummy. A restaurant we propose is Els 4 gats (Carrer de Montsió, 3, near Placa De Catalunya). It is famous because it used to house some of the most famous modernistic artist (Gaudi, Picasso, Casas, etc.) and for the amazing food, they prepare. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand, as it can quickly get full, especially during the summer season.
Don’t leave Barcelona without trying Sangria - the Spanish alcoholic drink that is made up from red wine, fruits, sugar and orange juice. Even if you're not a fan of the red wine, you should try it. Don't forget to eat the fruits after you drink your Sangria, they complement the taste.
Barcelona offers great desserts, don't miss out on the famous creme Catalana (a custard dessert very similar to crème brulee), the fantastic churros (a fried-dough pastry usually consumed with hot chocolate). Pay a visit to the chocolate museum where you can taste different kinds of chocolate and learn something about its history and how it's made.
¡Hola! - Hello!
¿Cuanto cuesta? - How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está el baño? - Where is the bathroom?
La cuenta, por favor! - The bill, please!
No hablo Español. - I don't speak Spanish.
¿Habla usted Inglés? / ¿Hablas Inglés? - Do you speak English? (formal and informal)
Estoy en Barcelona para la conferencia Atlassian Summit. - I'm in Barcelona for the Atlassian Summit conference.
Well, we really hope that all this information was at least interesting, if not useful to you.
Looking forward to seeing you in Barcelona!
