A fantastic city break, Barcelona is one of those places where you book a weekend with the intention of a few days away, and there is just so much to see that you immediately plan another visit as soon as you come home!
A romantic weekend for two in February celebrating St Valentine´s day in style, wander solo on a Gaudi pilgrimage if you´re an art afficionado, or take the whole family and see the city in style.
But what´s the best way to get around? Well….. choices abound!
The El Prat airport at Barcelona
Getting there
In the first place, you´ll need to arrive! It´s a case of `trains and boats and planes´ as the song goes.
Travelling from other Spanish cities, you´ll catch a train into the south of the city, to Estació Sants, although you can always hop off before then at any of the RENFE train stations as you enter the city.
Messing about on the water? Estació Maritima has ferries arriving reguarly from the Balaeric Islands and also connect with Genoa in Italy….but more than likely you´ll be visiting Barcelona and arriving by plane – so you´ll land at El Prat de Llobregat – the international airport of Barcelona. The airport is situated a handy 13kms south of the city, so it won´t cost you an arm and a leg to hop into a taxi if you find it easier.
Most of the budget airlines serve this magical city, so you should be spoilt for choice if you keep an eye out for the regular offers.
A view of the splendid city at night
Where to stay?
Get on the internet and have a look at the wonderful selection of places to stay offered by Spain Holiday. Choose from a varied and special range of accommodation, from posh penthouse apartments, spacious modern flats in the city, a mansion sleeping no less than 22 for a family celebration, a large comfortable villa for all the family – or if you really want to push the boat out, what about a yacht?! All you need is a handsome sailor! What a selection….!
Visiting all the main sights, do walk, it´s a great city. But if want to explore a little further afield then you might require a little more than a pair of sturdy shoes.
catch that bus! frequent and cheap travel
Bus with us
I love to see a city by bus. You can see exactly where you are going, the many stops allow for quick photo opportunities and you´re really part of it, travelling with the locals. For those on a budget – let´s face it, who isn´t?! – it´s often the cheapest option too.
Regular buses run all day long and are plentiful and cheap – after dark the Nitbuses run – that just means nightbuses, nothing to do with itchy heads! – and you will clearly be able to see the times and fare schedules posted up at the various and plentiful stops all over the city.
TMB is the name of the public bus company, and of course if you are going to use it a lot then grab a multi trip pass and save a little more.
Going underground
If you´re used to travelling by Tube in London then you might like to try the Catalunyan equivalent. the Metro is fast, clean and cheap and again you can buy a multitude of ticket types from a single fare, through to a special card that allows for unlimited travel all day or even to a monthly unlimited ticket if that planned weekend just isn´t enough for you!
If you want more than three single fares then it´s best to purchase the T10 ticket. A zone 1 ticket will cover the areas for all of the tourist attractions. Single fares work out around €1,50 per trip.
The tourist bus - hop on or hop off whenever you want!
Bus Turistic
A different kind of bus!
Like the successful Hop on Hop off bus service in Madrid, the city of Barcelona also runs a service that allows you to travel the tourist route, with all of the must – see buildings and places on your list available to just, well, hop on or off at will – great if you´re short of time and just want to drink in all of the best and well known sights in one go. The open top deck on a sunny day cannot be beaten and the kids will love it.
The buses run every half an hour or so, you can pay on board and an added advantage is the little book of discount vouchers that you will also receive, allowing you to save a little cash on entry to other tourist attractions - a boon if you have children.
Tram lines
Feel like you are in San Francisco and take the tram! A streetcar with desire or just old fashioned charm will take you around for a small charge from the Plaza Dr Andreu to the Plaza Kennedy – but it´s only during the summer months. The more modern Tramvia is available all year round but it isn´t as romantic! There´s a funicular too, on one line you can climb right up to the Castell de Montjuic – remember the camera for that one!
A romantic tram ride in Barcelona
Keeping your options open
Of course you may just wish to hire a car, there´s plenty of competition at the airport so book ahead online and get the best price. Then you also have the choice to discover more of the surrounding countryside and the wonderful rugged Costa Brava.
Taxis are plentiful in the city and reasonably priced. You could choose to hire a bike – but remember to also hire a helmet before venturing into the city´s traffic!! It can get a little hair raising at peak times…. 
Or you might just choose to simply walk.
Book a guided tour and learn all about the city or go under your own steam, guidebook in hand and camera in your pocket, stopping regualrly for tapas and a cold beer from one of the wonderful Barcelona bars. Sounds like a good plan to me!
Stroll this wonderful city of colour and vibrancy – and drink it all in!
Flickr credits for this post go to:DailyM = Differentieel + JeeeM/jose_gonzalvo/ rofi/paul_appleyard/Moyan_Brenn
