The vibrant and cosmopolitan seaside city ofBarcelona is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region – we love it so much, and want to share our best Barcelona tips with you.
Barcelona, famed for amazing tapas, invigorating sangria, football team, architecture, lively bars and restaurants, certainly has its own quirky personality.
This is easily defined by modernistic mansions, Gothic churches, Roman remains and the iconic structures by Antoni Gaudi.
When the summer months arrive, Spain’s beaches (I love the Costa Bravaregion, about an hour’s drive from Barcelona) are packed with tourists eager to soak in the sun’s warm rays.
There’s plenty more to Spain – (Ibiza, Mallorca…), and bright and beautiful Barcelona – than just beaches, however.
In fact, there’s so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming, which is why we’re sharing some of our Barcelona tips here.
Here’s seven top Barcelona tips for travel in this huge metropolis that I’ve put together following my third and most recent excursion to the city during this past summer.
Barcelona tips
Travel – make good use of the Metro
Getting around Barcelona is hassle-free, thanks to its metro (train/subway) system.
It’s similar to London’s underground, and is easy to navigate – simply follow the coloured lines to your destination.
There are stations all around the city, close or near to all major attractions, so a great tip for Barcelona travel is to get familiar with how it works.
Purchase the 10-trip pass, a multi-person card which can be shared with your friends, allowing access to the metro for up to ten trips (around €10).
If you have any problems, the stations have information boxes (push the ‘help’ button) where you can speak to someone in English.
Be mindful though, that some parts of the metro shut down after midnight, so if you’re planning a big one out, ensure you know how you are getting home safely and have a cab number plus your address handy.
Book tour or attract tickets in advance
Barcelona offers a vast range to see and do, and most of the time it’s very, very busy. For this reason, it’s important to remember to take breaks or leave a day to just chill out.
When exploring, to avoid hours waiting in long queues or worse, the disappointment of being locked of out a venue, book your tickets online.
Compare and contrast prices, starting with a Google search, or Barcelona’s official tourism website. We also utilised Get Your Guide.com.
Park Quell (a colourful and impressive park designed by Gaudi), for example, limits how many people can pass through its gates each day, and you have to be there at the time allotted to you, otherwise you’ll miss your window.
Trust me, after a 15-20 minutes uphill walk under the hot sun, the last thing you want is to be turned away.
This also applies to the La Sagrada Familia (Barcelona’s number one tourist attraction).
When you purchase a ticket, you are given an entrance time.
Do not be late, or admission will be refused, and that would be terrible because this is one attraction you definitely do not want to miss.
The Monastery of Montserrat is an easy one hour train ride from Barcelona.
Once you arrive, you are then whisked to the top of the mountain up 1,200 metres by cable car (about €20 for the entire trip – train and cable car inclusive) .
That said, you can also drive (or for the more adventurous, walk) to the top.
Drinking the water in Barcelona
Yes, the tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink, but I didn’t really like the taste.
It’s also okay to drink from the many fountains located around the city.
Just be mindful that because the water is a little different, it may affect your stomach. Although, eating tapas and drinking sangria might also have an impact!
Legend has it, if you drink water from the La Font de Canaletes near the top of Las Ramblas you will always return to Barcelona. Works for me!
Tip: Purchase two litre water bottles (€0.95) from supermarkets and distribute into smaller bottles. In summer you need to hydrate – it’s HOT here!
Dress appropriately and protect your skin
Important Barcelona tips for during the summer months: expect to be hot and sweaty!
The number of people I witnessed wearing denim jeans and shorts, big boots, heels (yes, heels) and no sun protection, surprised me. Dress in comfortable, cool clothing.
Walking to Park Quell (15 to 20 minutes) is up a hill, so expect to sweat and burn.
Also, when it’s 28 plus degrees, please don’t drag your poor dog along for the journey.
Hot footpaths burn their paws, there is no shade or facilities to give your suffering dog a drink of water (excuse the rant, but it disgusted me to see that people can be so thoughtless).
Dining out
Let’s be honest, every major city in the world has its own version of tapas, but none do it better than Barcelona.
This means it’s time to tantalise the taste buds and indulge in the incredible variety of food.
Realistically, it means loosening the belt buckle and sampling plates and plates of tapas (small entrée size meals) washed down by a cold glass of sangria (Spain’s most famous drink).
Tapas bars, cafes and high-quality restaurants (more than 20 boasting Michelin stars) litter Barcelona, like hundreds and thousands sprinkled over a cake.
Many tapas joints and cafes offer set menus for around €10 to €15. If you explore the many twisting side streets across the city centre, you’ll discover family-run eateries where your dining experience is more authentic and less expensive.
Tip: Visit the La Boquiera, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets along Las Ramblas.
Its grand iron entrance is the gateway to a colourful world of food of all varieties (great for gathering some enviable Instagram snaps too).
Have a go – speak the language
In Barcelona there are two languages spoken, Catalan and Spanish.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya and therefore Catalan is spoken by the people of Barcelona.
However, both Spanish and Catalan is widely spoken. There is nothing more rewarding and exciting than conversing in the native tongue.
Surprisingly, it’s amazing how very little Spanish you actually need to know to get by. Navigating the city, ordering food or simply being courteous, is made easier by understanding a few simply phrases or words.
Furthermore, the locals and hospitality staff appreciate the fact, that you have made the effort to even try.
Tip: It’s fun and there are many apps available to help, so research and add them to your mobile device before heading to Spain.
Be safe
When I passed through customs, I was greeted by a friendly immigration officer who made a point of reminding me to be cautious when carrying bags, wallets, purses and backpacks.
Barcelona is one of the safest cities in the European Union and not once, have I felt unsafe, intimidated or frightened.
But, as with travel anywhere, you need to be cautious and use common sense. Here are a few safety tips for getting around in Barcelona:
Don’t place valuables on tables or under tables (keep on your lap)
Beware of strangers touching or approaching you
Be cautious on the beach and metro
Don’t carry all your money at once
Carry backpacks on your front if possible
When shopping don’t take out your purse/wallet or forage around in your bag; have money already organised prior to purchasing
Be extra careful if you go out drinking – keep your wits about you
Popular crime spots include Las Rambles, Sagara Familia, hotel lobbies and metro stations
As you can see from this list though, it’s nothing you wouldn’t or shouldn’t do in any other city around the world.
There’s a lot of scaremongering that goes on about Barcelona, but there’s nothing to worry about if you use a little common sense.
Barcelona is a wonderful city that intoxicates the senses and leaves you wanting more, especially if you’re a creative! Dump your belongings at the hotel and get in amongst it.
Got a Barcelona travel tip? Share with us in the comments.
Don’t write this lovely little seaside area off, it’s absolutely worth your time. What to do in Hastings? History, creative experiences, shopping and yummy food await.
What to do in Hastings: history
Take a trip through time with us to Hastings, in Sussex, England.
October 14, 1066 − a most famous date that changed the course of English history. The English army, led by King Harold, was deployed on Senlac hill, where the town of Battle and its beautiful abbey presently stand. William (“The Conqueror”), positioned his army strategically, and although it’s understood to have been a close battle, at the end of a very long and bloody day in time, William won the war, bringing Norman rule to England. —click here to read the story
Creative things to do in Hastings
When we think of creative escapes within easy proximity to London, usually somewhere like Brighton or Whitstable come to mind. But, recently we decided to venture further down the coast for the first time, to historic Hastings.
If you want to know what to do in Hastings, stop and chat to the locals. They’ll give you tips on all the ways to experience living history and where to get the creative juices flowing. From castles to caves and ghost tours, this quirky, poignant and pretty seaside stop-over is ideal is brimming with options.
A photographer’s dream
Gardens, ocean and cliff-top landscapes abound, making it simple to find what to do in Hastings that is perfect for you. It’s the colourful maritime heritage that makes this place excellent for discovering unique shots, whether you’re an amateur or pro photographer. Hastings and nearby Rye and Winchelsea belonged to the Cinque Ports Confederation and this heritage is still evident in their fishing trade and medieval experiences.
Take a free walking tour of the Stade (organised by the Hastings Fishermen’s Museum) or through Hastings’ quaint Old Town (also free, organised by Old Hastings Preservation Society), get your bearings, then explore and image-capture til it’s time for bed. On a sunny day, the light here is divine at sunrise and sunset.
Unique pieces
More of what to do in Hastings? Get amongst the antiques shopping! Interestingly, there’s plenty of delightful vintage shopping here, but not so much that it’s overwhelming (like in some other larger cities).
If you’re seeking one-off trinkets and pieces to make your home stand out, wander the boutique stores of Hastings’ Old Town and be ready to snap up a delicious deal. Wander off to Courthouse Street too, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of surprises that’s been a local secret here for over 30 years − known as Courthouse Mews − ask for Dee or Beverley. The sale space is vast once you move through the front of this vintage shopper and collector’s dream!
Wine and dine
There’s a number of lovely wineries in the area, including award-winning Sedlescombe Organic and Carr Taylor that offer tasting experiences among other events throughout the year.
Or head to Hastings for a unique day, week or month cooking experience with renowned chef and restaurateur, Paul Webbe. Where better to refine your seafood culinary skills than in the town that boasts Europe’s largest beach-launched fishing fleet? Drop the team a line and ask about the Hastings fish and seafood school. bon appétit!
Man’s best friend
We very much loved how dog-friendly Hastings turned out to be, and will return for this reason. Why leave your best mate at home when you can bring them along with you for extra joy and companionship. And, if you’re craving a fix of uplifting dog energy, this place works well too, because there’s plenty on hand who are happy for an extra pat on the head (or bum scratch as the case may be).
Write it out
Wander the alleys, chat in the pubs, meditate on the beach − be inspired, and write or blog til your heart’s content. Hastings is big enough to not get bored, but small enough that you can really relax and take it all in.
Try Black Market in the Old Town, looks like a hole in the wall pub but inside is a surprisingly fun, spacious, prohibition-themed diner complete with toe-tapping house beats and cocktail specials.
Amsterdam is famous the world-over, but often not for the attributes it deserves to be recognised for. Travel television series, Globe Trekker, sums up the city’s wider-known fame as being all about “sex, drugs and bicycles”.
While it is true that this is one of the only places in the world where prostitution and smoking marijuana are both legal, Amsterdam is also one of the most charming cities in Europe, with plenty more on offer!
Additionally, this city − capital of the Netherlands − undoubtedly leads on a world scale when it comes to green living, energy efficiency, and ditching the car in favour of cycling, which equates to no end in benefits for people and our planet.
Just don’t j-walk, or you risk being the recipient of unhappy head-shaking from a highway of cyclists coming at you from all directions (this I know from personal experience).
I’d only very briefly stopped in Amsterdam previously, and this time round − on a crisp and chilly winter’s week − I finally had the chance to properly explore, and wow, am I glad I did!
If you’re longing for a taste of Europe but only have a few days, Amsterdam is your answer. On the practical side, it’s extremely easy to get around; simple to navigate by foot, or catch a ride on one of the trams that scale the main streets branching away from Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal).
Amsterdam is modern, cosmopolitan, reasonably priced compared with other capitals in the region, and by all accounts, safe.
From an adventurer’s perspective, this city is just lovely, no matter what the season.
The medieval centre (where you’ll spend the majority of your time as a visitor) is built upon romantic canals (Amsterdam is often referred to as “Venice of the north”) and features over 1500 bridges.
The old centre boasts glorious cathedrals, as well as colourful warehouse buildings lining the water’s edge, most of which were built a few hundred years ago to accommodate a thriving shipping trade during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century. America’s greatest cities barely existed when this place was humming along back in the day, and in fact, Amsterdam was home to the first stock exchange, paving the way for modern Capitalism.
Today, the Canal Ring (dug during the 1600s) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to a few lucky land-owners who carry on centuries-old traditions of living large in such a posh and picturesque neighbourhood.
Image courtesy Amsterdam Tourism
Within the city centre you’ll be blown away by the sheer beauty of the architecture, flowers are everywhere, and thousands of bicycles are hooked up to quaint bridges brimming the canals. The whole place oozes history, and it’s pretty to boot. It’s easy to want to take a picture at every turn, but worth remembering to put the camera down for a moment to simply soak up the scene.
Shopping centres are housed in lavish structures dating back 200 years or more; and the pinnacle for a traveller − Amsterdam Centraal − an absolutely spectacular Neo-Renaissance building which has been open to the public since 1889, should be appreciated under both sun and moonlight.
This spot is a helpful ‘central’ landmark to make your way to and from when exploring the city; of note too, is the tourist information office situated across from the station’s entrance.
Image courtesy Amsterdam Tourism
Unmissable and unique attractions include the Van Gogh Museum, among many, many other extraordinary museums and showcases, depending on your tastes; Anne Frank’s House where she wrote her famous diary during World War II, exhibitions and shows − there really is something for everyone.
The curious among you should veer left off the main strip heading away from Centraal, where you’ll meander into the infamous but not-so-intimidating Red Light District. And if you’re wondering about the “coffee shop” phenomenon here but you’re not into smoking pot, you could always give what’s called a “space cookie” or muffin a go. The staff in coffee shops here are renowned for being helpful and knowledgeable – they want you to have a good experience – so ask any questions you like, and they’re sure to advise on appropriate quantities and any details you should be mindful of. Like anything that involves risk though, if you want to try (and to be fair, “when in Rome”… or Amsterdam), GO EASY, and ensure you are with trustworthy people.
Image courtesy Amsterdam Tourism
Aside from the self-guided wandering (or cycling) and visiting of famous attractions of your choosing, we highly recommend exploring the city via one of the many canal boat options; by day or night, it’s a sublime and interesting way to pass the time and learn more about this dreamy destination.
Foodies can rejoice too, because there is a lot to choose from, and many good meal, happy hour and cocktail specials scheduled around the city. There’s plenty of quirky sweet shops, waffle stands, and hot chips everywhere.
Cheese is a big deal, and rightly so − it’s fantastic! Every few streets you’ll happen upon a cheese specialty store with samples; it would be rude not to try. We thoroughly enjoyed the hour-long Reypenaer Cheese + Wine Tasting.
This mini-workshop provided a nice opportunity to learn about the process of cheese making, why it’s such a prominent industry in the Netherlands; how to match certain types of cheese with wine varieties, and of course, to taste-test. We stocked up on some vintage Reypenaer before leaving too, but it was devoured rather swiftly.
There are three ways Amsterdam should be absorbed − at street level on foot or by bike, water-level on one of the easily accessible canal experiences, and gazing down upon it all from a sky bar, martini in hand.
One of the most popular and easy-to-find (adjacent to Centraal) is SkyLounge at DoubleTree by Hilton, and anyone is free to pop up for a beverage to enjoy as the sun sets across the Northern Hemisphere.
Image courtesy Amsterdam Tourism
Tourist attractions aside, if all you want to do is wander, shop, take photos, eat and drink, that’s ok too, because you’re inevitably going to soak up this beautiful city’s energy anyway.
In Amsterdam, it’s just as enjoyable chilling out as it is filling a day by ticking off a vast list of must-see attractions. Amsterdam offers the traveller a wealth of culture, new experiences, and delights for all the senses. All you need to worry about is the difference between a café and coffee shop… only one sells coffee.
Image courtesy Amsterdam Tourism
Traveller’s tips
Pick yourself up an IAmsterdam City Card for ease of access to all attractions, discounts on dining, inclusive hop-on-hop-off travel on all city transport, and a bonus canal ride. More at iamsterdam.com
Found a fun bar playing 80s and 90s dance music, Big Shots; be mindful, in many bars that advertise you can smoke weed, generally you can NOT smoke tobacco (go figure).
Wok to Walk is found around the city and makes yummy stir fry and noodle dishes for a reasonable price.
Fantasy abounds – check this shop out, I love it! “Fairy shop, Amsterdam” – Chimera
This ‘city by the bay’, known for its famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and cable cars offers an abundance of attractions, dining, shopping, and night life that’s are certainly less pretentious than its Los Angeles counterpart but no less indulgent or exciting. Voted the ‘Best US City by Conde Nast Traveler for 16 years running, the city has recently been named the home of the upcoming Super Bowl 50 in February 2016 for the USA‘s National Football League (NFL).
Whether you’re just passing through heading to the Napa/Sonoma wine country or staying longer in this travel hotspot, here are a few suggestions for keeping yourself entertained while enjoying the ‘fog city’ even if you’re short on time.
48 hours in San Francisco – what to do
Dining and drink
San Francisco has no shortage of culinary treats to please every palate. From slow food to street food, farm-to-fork or caviar to champagne; no matter what your taste, this city has something to match it.
The modern Urban Tavern offers fresh, seasonal produce where 80 per cent of the ingredients are sourced within 100 miles of the Bay Area. Classic items that have previously been featured on the Urban Tavern menu have included spicy beer sausage and house made pretzel, crawfish and wild mushroom turnovers, five spice braised baby back ribs; and more.
The restaurant’s wine list is focused on selections that are organic, bio dynamic and/or made from sustainably farmed grapes. The domestic list includes more than 100 local vintages and even the table water being served is filtered in-house, not obtained from a commercial source.
Step back in timewith thistribute to old San Fran glamour as John’s Grill is an iconic restaurant located near Union Square. Featuring a wall full of photo of the famous diners who’ve enjoyed this eatery over the years, this particular restaurant’s atmosphere was also once made famous by Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon. The menu features a wide variety of steak, seafood and pasta options as well as a heavy serving of nostalgia.
If it’s a tasty drop you’re after, Bluxome Street Winery is the first San Franciscan winery in over a decade. While the city was once long ago full-to-the-brim with wine-makers, unfortunately, most of the wine-making facilities were destroyed due to the 1906 earthquake and its ensuing fires.
Now the Winery offers enthusiasts a way to experience some of what makes the California wine region a favourite without leaving the city. The Winery crushes and ferment its grapes on site to produce small quantities of high quality pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc.
Often the site of special epicurean dinners, tastings and more, it’s well worth the visit.
Things to do
Geographically speaking, the city is small enough to get around in a short period of time which makes it easy to see and do a number of things in just two days, particularly if you take the iconic cable cars.
Among the quintessential San Francisco icons, the Golden Gate Bridge is said to be one of the most photographed structures in the world and still manages to impress visitors with its expansive span over the Bay. Also in the San Francisco Bay is the notorious Alcatraz prison, former home to some of the most famed ‘baddies’ in US history including Al Capone. This prison was closed in the 1960’s and remains a fascinating tour and attraction for exploration.
Fisherman’s Wharf is also home to Pier 39, an area bursting with waterfront shopping, dining and night life options. It’s also home to a large and highly photogenic community of seas lions who have taken up residence on the floats to the west of the pier.
Serious shoppers will adore Union Square with its multiple department stores, designer boutiques any so much more all within a short stroll.
Lastly, and certainly one of the city’s most underrated attractions, Beach Blanket Babylon, is a quirky comedic musical revue that’s stood the test of time for 40 years. The outrageous and elaborate costumes, irreverent humour and high calibre performances are enough to even make the toughest crowds chuckle. While much of the humour is based in American pop culture, even international guests will connect with the jokes. Performances are held at Club Fugazi in the North Beach district and are well worth booking for something out of the box.
Where we stayed
The Taj Campton Place is centrally located in Union Square and offers easy access to most anything in the city. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and in 2010, its restaurant earned one Michelin Star.
For more inspiration on this destination visit The San Francisco Travel Association at www.sanfrancisco.travel
About the author Gwen O’Toole is an accomplished writer focussing on travel, events management and food and wine. She also published a fiction novel while spending the past eight years as a magazine editor and travelling the globe before launching The Ideas Library, a creative services and event management company. She is regularly featured in a variety of travel and leisure publications and blogs.
Have you visited San Francisco recently? Do you have any extraordinary experiences you can share with us in the comments below? We’d love to hear from you!
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