For the second installment of itinerary references, we’re going to Barcelona! Here’s a great starting point for a trip to this marvelous city. Most of the links should display an auto-translate setting. The prices are as of the date of posting. I hope one day I will do some things on this list myself! 

BCN – Barcelona 

Transportation

• Metro, FGC, Tram
• A day pass is around $16 or $38 for five days, purchasable at the airport at the tourist information desk (tickets sold per trip in addition)
• Pretty walking friendly city

Things to Do

• Sagrada Familia (cathedral) $27.66 per adult 
• Parc Guell (architecture) $11 per adult
• Placa de Catalunya Square, possible skating rink in Winter $10 per adult
• Ancient Roman Bath in the Gothic Quarters called Aire de Barcelona (thermal bath) $85 per adult
• Montserrat – Hiker’s paradise, 1 hr by train
• Sitges, beaches, close to Barcelona by train
• La Monilla skiing (40 euros per adult plus gear rental)
• Flamenco Show at the City Hall Theater $21 per adult
• Paella cooking class $87 per adult
• The Boqueria market
• Catedral de Barcelona $10
• Casa Batlló
• Parc del Laberint d’Horta $2.65
• Picasso Museum $13.50
• Santa Maria del Mar $12
• Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site $12.50
• Parc de la Ciutadella
• Palau de la Música Catalana– beautiful building, has concerts, costs $22 per adult for a tour or a free audio guide 
• Barceloneta beaches
• Palo Market Fest
• Montjuïc $14.50 per adult gondola ride
• Casa Vicens $17 per adult
• The Magic fountain
• Casa Mila $26.92
• Palau Güell $13 per adult
• Gothic Quarter 
• La Rambla

Stay

*Prices vary based on the dates and where you make the reservation, can find better deals in the off season

• $372 Ohla Barcelona (has a Michelin-star restaurant) 
• $254 H 10 Cubik
• $254 Hotel Duquesa de Cardona
• $218 Hotel Barcelona Catedral
• $131 Hotel Denit Barcelona 

(See bookings post for information on booking hotels)

Information

• Speak Catalan but English common 
• Cover knees and shoulders in churches 
• Currency is Euros
• No tipping required 
• Lunch is between 1-4, and dinner is between 8-11
• Cheek kisses common
• Frequent pickpockets, wallets in front, backpacks in front, purses zipped 
• Book tickets for activities online in advance  
• Pay in euros to save money.
• Don’t exchange at the airport, instead use an ATM to get euros 

Eats 

-Eat big lunches, they have a three-course meal menu of the day (much cheaper than at dinner)

-Don’t eat in Las Ramblas, overpriced 

–Foods to try: jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, tortilla española (potato omelet), gazpacho, patatas bravas, paella, botifarras sausage, calçot cookout, Crema catalana, Mel i mató dessert cheese, churros with hot chocolate 

• Disfrutar, 2 michelan star $203 per person $$$$
• Maitea Taberna (typical tapas prices) $$$
• Morro Fi $$, $64 per person tasting menu available 
• Bar Ramon $$
• $64 per person tasting menu Morro Fi
• Morro Fi ice cream $
• Flax and kale $$
• El Chigre 1769 $$
• Bodega La Puntual $$
• El Xampanyet $
• Churrería J. Argilés $
• Can Solé $$$
• Lluritu $$

*There are countless good restaurants. Check prices first and avoid tourist traps 

*post includes affiliate links

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