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Barcelona travel guide

Gaudí's masterpieces, Mediterranean beaches and the elegant boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia.

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Photo: Andrew · CC BY-SA 3.0
Best time to visit
May-June and September-October
Flight from the Gulf
About 7 h direct from Dubai and Doha
Airport
Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), 30 min to the centre
Time difference
2 h behind Riyadh in winter, 1 h in summer
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Catalan and Spanish
Visa
Schengen visa (UAE passports visa-free for short stays)

Barcelona is Spain’s city by the sea: the fantastic buildings of Antoni Gaudí, a long sandy beach in the city, and wide avenues full of designer shops. It is lively, colourful and easy to explore on foot and by metro.

Three or four days are enough for the main sights. Book the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló in advance – they sell out weeks ahead in summer. Keep one evening for the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc and one afternoon for the beach at Barceloneta.

The best time to visit is May-June and September-October. July and August are hot, humid and very busy. Barcelona has a serious pickpocket problem: keep phones and bags close, especially on La Rambla and in the metro.

Things to do in Barcelona

The places our guests love most, with the time you need and how to avoid the queues.

Gaudí's unfinished basilica and the symbol of Barcelona. The coloured light through the stained glass inside is unforgettable. Building started in 1882 and still continues.

1.5-2 hours

Gaudí's colourful park with mosaic benches, the famous dragon and views over the whole city to the sea. The monumental area needs a ticket; arrive by…

1.5 hours

Two Gaudí houses on the same avenue, a few minutes apart. Casa Batlló has a wonderful interactive visit that children love; Casa Milà (La Pedrera) has…

1 hour each

The medieval heart of Barcelona, with the cathedral, hidden squares and small shops. Walk from here to the Boqueria market on La Rambla, best visited in…

2 hours

The home of FC Barcelona and the largest stadium in Europe, after a major renovation. The Barça tour and museum show the club's history and trophies.…

1.5 hours

The green hill above the port, with the castle, gardens and the cable car. In the evening the Magic Fountain below the National Palace has a…

Half a day

Hotels in Barcelona

Hotels we know and recommend. Send your dates: we book the best rate for you and confirm on WhatsApp.

Summary

Barcelona ★★★★★

Passeig de Gràcia

Rooftop pool · Spa

Best priceon request
Summary

Barcelona ★★★★★

Port Olímpic, on the beach

Sea views · Outdoor pool

Best priceon request
Summary

Barcelona ★★★★★

Passeig de Gràcia

Rooftop pool · View of the Sagrada Família

Best priceon request
Summary

Barcelona ★★★★★

Gran Via, Eixample

Rooftop pool · Garden

Best priceon request

All hotels in Barcelona

Tours, packages and transfers in Barcelona

Private day trips with your own driver and guide, complete holidays, and airport transfers at a fixed price.

Where to stay in Barcelona

Passeig de Gràcia and EixampleThe elegant heart of the city with luxury shops, Gaudí houses and the best hotels. Our first choice.
Diagonal Mar and Port OlímpicModern seafront area with beach hotels, a shopping centre and calmer evenings. Good for families.
Gothic Quarter and BornNarrow medieval streets full of character. Charming, but busy and not easy with prams.
Pedralbes and SarriàQuiet upmarket residential area near Camp Nou and the Diagonal shopping street.

Halal food and prayer

Asador de Aranda Halal certified Castilian roast lamb · Avinguda del Tibidabo and city centre Famous for lamb slow-roasted in a wood oven. The Tibidabo restaurant is in a beautiful modernist mansion. The restaurants hold official halal…
Jacqueline Halal certified Mediterranean grill · Eixample An elegant 1920s-style restaurant with steaks, fish and tapas, serving halal-certified meat. Good for a special evening.
Marrakech Halal Moroccan · Near Plaça d'Espanya Tagines, couscous, harira and mint tea, a short walk from the Montjuïc fountain - good before the evening show.

Halal status is what the restaurant tells its guests and can change. When you book with us, we check it again before your trip.

Tips for your trip to Barcelona

  1. Book the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló online with a time slot, as early as possible.
  2. Pickpockets are very active on La Rambla, in the metro and on the beach. Never put your phone on a café table.
  3. Stay on Passeig de Gràcia or near the beach rather than on La Rambla, which is noisy at night.
  4. The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc has light and music shows on some evenings only - check the days before you go.
  5. Many shops close on Sundays. La Maquinista and Diagonal Mar shopping centres are good on rainy days.
  6. The Barcelona Card or a T-casual metro ticket makes travel easy, but a private driver saves time with children.

Questions

Is Barcelona safe?

Yes, but petty theft is common in crowded places. Use the hotel safe, carry a copy of your passport and keep bags in front of you.

Can we swim in the sea in Barcelona?

Yes, from June to September. Barceloneta is the busiest beach; Nova Icària and Bogatell are calmer and better for families.

How long do we need for the Gaudí sights?

One full day for the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, and half a day for Casa Batlló and Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia.

Can we visit Barcelona and Madrid on the same trip?

Yes. The high-speed train takes about 2.5 hours between the two cities. We book tickets, hotels and drivers in both.

Plan your trip to Barcelona with us

Hotel, car with driver, tours and restaurants: tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply in Arabic or English with a full plan and one price. No payment until you confirm.

  • Reply within a few hours
  • Family rooms and halal restaurants checked for you
  • Support on WhatsApp during the trip
Travel dates
Travellers

Photo credits

Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licences.