Best Time to Visit

Barcelona, the second-largest city in Spain, is the first tourist destination of the country, ahead of its rival Madrid. The city is particularly appreciated for its climate because it enjoys beautiful and sunny days eight months per year. It is popular with tourists from around the world during the two summer months because of its high temperatures, which can reach up to 37°C. The many nearby beaches are perfect for a swim after a long day of sightseeing but expect a busy crowd. Spring and autumn are, therefore, the best time to visit Barcelona. During these seasons, you can enjoy the sun and the beautiful and shining days away from the holidaymakers of July and August. Besides, the prices are more affordable, so it is easier to find a place to eat and sleep. It is also possible to explore the Catalan capital during the winter because the climate is cool, but the temperatures are still mild. You will not find negative temperatures or frosts at this time of the year.

Passport / Visa

Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport, also known as Barcelona Airport or simply El Prat Airport, Barcelona’s main airport, is located 13 km southwest of the city centre. Aerobus serves both terminals every 5 minutes before leaving for the city centre with stops at Plaça Espanya, Plaça Universitat, and Plaça Catalunya. A one-way Aerobus ticket costs 5.90€ (10.20€ for a round trip) and the trip takes about 25 minutes to reach the city centre. Local trains leave for Barcelona every 30 minutes (from the train station next to terminal 2). From terminal 1 to terminal 2 there is a free connecting shuttle bus that takes around 10 minutes. The train takes about 30 minutes to Barcelona's Sants station and the ticket costs 4 €. Taxis are available just outside the terminals. The price depends on traffic, luggage, day of the week and time. Consult the airport website to learn more about other public transport routes servicing the airport.

• Web:

  www.aena.es/en/josep-tarradellas-barcelona-el-prat.html

• Address:

  Aeropuerto Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat

Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO)

Girona airport lies about 100 km from the centre of Barcelona, and there are three ways of getting between the two places. Buses will take you to Estacio d’Autobusos Barcelona Nord. They depart on a schedule based on the flights' arrival times. Prices for a one-way ticket start from 16 €. A taxi to Barcelona city centre may cost around 125 €, so a better option might be to stay overnight at Girona and travel by bus the next day. There are also trains to and from Barcelona from central Girona but you will have to find a solution to get from Girona train station to the airport.

• Web:

  www.aena.es/en/girona-costa-brava.html

• Address:

  Girona-Costa Brava Airport

• Phone:

  +34 913 21 10 00

Public Transport

Tickets for the underground and trams can be bought from travel information booths and from stations. They are valid for one trip. Bus tickets are bought from the driver. There is also a selection of different travel cards to purchase if you know that you will be travelling a lot.

• Web:

  www.tmb.cat/en/home

Taxi

Barcelona’s black and yellow taxis can be hailed on the street, at stations or called by telephone. Standard fares apply between 6am and 10pm from Monday to Friday. At all other times, including public holidays, fares are higher. Remember that drivers often have minimal small change and do not take credit cards. Barnataxi: +34 933 22 22 22 Ràdio Taxi: +34 933 03 30 33 Another option for lower fares is the rideshare company Uber.

• Web:

  radiotaxi033.com