Barcelona is famous for its indescribable atmosphere and tranquility. There is the Mediterranean Sea and at the same time beautiful mountain views, and on the other hand, life is in full swing, because the city is never empty. This is one of the best resorts in Europe. Every summer, people from all over the world come here. This is the place where you can simultaneously study history, see the sights and enjoy nature.
By the way, in this city they speak two languages: Spanish, as well as Catalan. But at the same time, most indigenous people choose the second option. It is difficult for tourists without knowledge of one of these languages, since almost no one speaks English. We advise you to learn some basic phrases and words before the trip, so that communication is easier.
Barcelona is the second largest in population in Spain, and the tenth in the European Union. More than a million people live in the city, and there are five million in the suburbs.
July and August are considered the hottest months in this city, and January and February are the coldest months, therefore it is the cheapest to fly to Barcelona in these months. There are no severe winters in the city. The temperature does not fall below +10 ˚.
How to get to the center of Barcelona?
This sets each tourist who arrives in the city. There is only one airport in Barcelona, its name is El Prat. It was founded in 1973, but was completely completed only for the 1992 Olympic Games.
Often flights also arrive in neighboring cities. For example, Girona or Tarragona. From here, getting to the center of Barcelona is much more difficult and more expensive. As you know, low cost airlines land most often at these airports, and if you want to save on flights, you should look for flights from the Irish company Ryanair.
Train: comfort and low cost
This is one of the most budgetary and comfortable options for tourists. The train leaves from the platform, which is located on the territory of El Prat Airport. You can only leave from T2 terminal, but if you arrived at T1, you can use the free bus. It is usually colored green. It goes with an interval of half an hour. You need to get off at Passeig de Gracia station. This is the very center of the city of Barcelona. Ticket price is 3.80 euros. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes.
A regular bus is the most affordable way
Unfortunately, little has been written about this method. Most sites offer a special airbus that travels non-stop and costs a lot of money. If you are in no hurry, you can get by bus number 46 to Plaza de España. If you are going to the airport, be careful. It runs a lot of transport. You need to go from the stop where the airbus is coming from. The ticket price at the moment is 2.15 euros. Travel time is approximately forty minutes.
Airbus is the fastest way
This option can be called one of the fastest and most comfortable. Usually there are no long lines, as the fare is high. You can get to the center in twenty minutes at a price of 5.90 euros. There will be several stops along the way. We advise you to go to the square of Spain. The airbus runs from 6:00 to 00:30.
Metro - the longest
This method became available only at the beginning of 2016. But it can not be called profitable, since the T10 card does not apply to it. You will need to pay 4.50 euros for a ticket to Barcelona Metro Center. Travel time is approximately forty minutes.
Comfortable taxi
If funds allow, and you don’t feel like wasting time, you can use a comfortable taxi. This is the fastest way. Usually its cost is about 20-30 euros. Do not forget that holidays and weekends can affect the price.
Center of Barcelona. sights
The very center of Barcelona is Plaça Catalunya. But it is interesting that in this city most of the attractions are not in the center. Take a look at the map.
But still, if you want to see exactly the very center of Barcelona, you need to be in Plaza Catalunya. This place is visited by millions of tourists every day.
Old city
If you want to find hotels in the center of Barcelona in the old part, then this is definitely not the right place. The area is not suitable for living. Rather, it is saturated with the atmosphere of small bars, shops. Here you can often see noisy companies in the evenings, as well as many emigrants. But on the other hand, this place is saturated with special romance.
La ramble
On the territory of the Old Town is the main street of Barcelona - La Rambla. This place is special for the city. There are many cozy cafes, souvenir shops. Often you can see the performances of street musicians and be inspired by the atmosphere of the city.
Triumphal Arch
Triumphal arches are available in many cities around the world. By the way, this custom appeared in ancient Rome, and it was from there that many countries adopted this tradition.
In Barcelona, the arch was erected at the start of the 1988 World Exhibition. Thus, the authorities wanted to ennoble the Citadel Park. The attraction became the entrance to the event. The architect of the building is the famous Catalan Jusep Vilaseka.
Now this place is a center of tourism. In warm time, you can often see performances by street performers, leisurely strolling locals, as well as visitors. This part of the city can truly be called a source of inspiration.
Guell Palace
The famous building of Antonio Gaudi. This place is breathtaking for almost every tourist. This building stands out from the architectural style of the street.
In order to see the Palace of Guell, you need to turn left from La Rambla, hitting Nou de la Rambla. Recently, the building was restored and now looks very similar to its original appearance.
Shopping centers in Barcelona
Barcelona is famous not only for its many attractions, but also for a large number of shopping centers. We will tell you about the most famous.
El corte ingles
One of the most popular shopping centers of the city. Located at: Plaza de Cataluna, 14, Barcelona. Located at the metro station pl. Catalonia in the center of Barcelona.
Lesglories
If you want to walk around a huge number of shops, then this shopping center is for you. There is a cinema, bars and more. Located at Glories Station. Address: Avinguda Diagonal, 208.
Diagonal mar
One of the newest shopping centers in Barcelona, located at the Maresme metro station at 3 Avinguda Diagonal, Barcelona.
La maquinista
Three-level shopping center with almost 230 stores! You can see designer boutiques, as well as fashionable clothing brands. In addition, there is a large grocery store, a bowling alley and a cinema.
The building is located at the Torras Metro Station at 2 Paseo Potosi, 08030 Barcelona.
L'Illa Diagonal
The shopping center was opened in the nineties. It is nicknamed “Superblock”, as it accommodates about a hundred well-known stores in a small building. The shopping center is located at Maria Cristina Station at Av Diagonal, 557, 08029 Barcelona.
The Center Comercial Maremagnumis
The shopping center is made in the style of a roller coaster. There are many shops, restaurants, as well as several cinemas. Located at Barceloneta Station at: Maremagnum Building, Moll d'Espanya, 5.