How to prepare for your first trip to Barcelona!
Barcelona is one of the best known travel destinations on the planet. In fact, all the main rankings of the most-visited places on Earth put the Catalan capital in the top 20 in terms of visitor numbers. And not just because of the friendly locals. Barcelona is full of great architecture, endless sunshine and a wonderful culinary, cultural and historical scene.
But planning the perfect trip to Barcelona is no easy task, especially if it’s the first time you’re visiting. Read today’s post for all the best tips for an unforgettable visit. Make sure to take notes!
What to pack for Barcelona?
Depending on the time of year you’re planning your trip to Barcelona, what you need to pack will obviously change. Generally speaking, the weather is pretty warm, but if you’re visiting during the cooler winter months, it’s best to bring a coat or jacket you can put on as the evenings draw in.
Whereas in spring and summer, all you’ll need are light clothes and breathable fabrics. But don’t forget the all-important hat and sunglasses to protect yourself, as well as a pair of light and comfortable shoes for exploring the city on foot. The key with any city break is comfort – you don’t want anything to stand in your way of seeing everything the Catalan capital has to offer – so we always recommend people bring a small backpack with them for the essentials, so you can get around easily, whatever you have in store.
How to get around in Barcelona?
Public transport is by far the best way to get around in Barcelona and there are plenty of connections linking all the main tourist sites you’ll want to see.
The metro is always a firm favourite among those enjoying a trip to Barcelona. It’s certainly the fastest and cheapest way to navigate the city. In total, the metro network includes 180 stations and 12 lines covering 146 kilometres reaching all key parts of the Catalan capital.
Another easy way to get around the city is to use buses and taxis. Bus routes run to and from all the biggest landmarks and tourist attractions to even the most remote parts of Barcelona. In total, there are up to 80 different routes to help you get around. As for taxis, the city has a fleet of more than 10,000 distinctive black vehicles with yellow doors ready to take you wherever you want to make your stay even easier.
If you’re arriving by plane, it’s useful to know that El Prat Airport and Barcelona city centre are very well connected with a world-class public transport network. Discover how to get from the airport to Barcelona city centre.
Unmissable things to see in Barcelona
Barcelona is a popular tourist destination that’s uniquely full of culture, tradition and history. That’s why it can be so hard to plan a trip that takes in everything this popular and busy destination has to offer. We often talk about what to see and do in Barcelona so that you don’t miss a single thing.
But chiefly, the jewel in the city’s crown and something nobody visiting Barcelona should ever miss is the Sagrada Familia Basilica. A masterpiece of modernist architect Antonio Gaudí, even though it’s not completely finished yet, it’s a fantastic way of getting to know the city.
On the other hand, the historic heart of the city is also a must‑see if you’re thinking of going on a trip to Barcelona. It’s made up of four neighbourhoods: the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta, Raval and Born. All the charm of the historic streets will help you lose yourself among the vast array of cultural and architectural treasures you’ll find here, as you discover the rich historical heritage of the city.
Hotels in Barcelona
The most important aspect of finding good accommodation is making your trip as easy as can be, putting yourself in the heart of the city and close to all the action. But you also need to make sure where you’re staying is comfortable so you can rest and recharge at the end of a busy day of sightseeing.
As such, HCC Hotels is pleased to offer everything you could possibly need on your trip to Barcelona. Just off Paseo de Gracia in the heart of the city centre you’ll find HCC St. Moritz, perfect for those looking for all things classic yet comfortable. Whereas just off Rambla de Catalunya, the commercial and cultural heart of Barcelona, you’ll find HCC Taber. Located on Rambla de Catalunya, one of the Catalan capital’s main thoroughfares, you’ll find HCC Regente, while in the oldest and most charming neighbourhood in the city, the Gothic Quarter, you can also stay at the HCC Montblanc.
Now you know all the top tips for organising your trip, you’ll be able to truly make the most of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Barcelona. So, what are you most looking forward to?
Categories: barcelona
