Barcelona Insider Tips

Nicole moved from Hamburg to Barcelona many years ago. Since 2012, she has been writing regularly on her travel blog Freibeuter Reisen, sharing reports and tips about Barcelona.

Who better to share some insider tips about Barcelona than Nicole?

If you're visiting Barcelona for the first time, check out my personal highlights and attractions in Barcelona. I recommend the best travel guides for Barcelona here and all the travel tips for Barcelona in this article.

As far as I know, the 'Forat de la Vergonya' in the La Ribera (Born) neighborhood may not be listed in any travel guide. The 'hole of shame' is, unlike its name suggests, a beautiful square with a small vegetable garden in the heart of La Ribera's old town area in Barcelona. The square was born out of a citizen initiative and has a truly fascinating history.

Near the Mercat Santa Caterina, in the Pou de la Figuera, there was a plan for a large parking garage to be built. Modern designer apartments were supposed to be created here. Longtime residents were to be pushed out of their homes as rents increased (this is also known as gentrification).

The residents fought back and together built a green oasis on the large space that was created. Fruit and vegetable beds and a playground were established here.

Barcelona has so many different smells. However, I particularly enjoy the scent of fish, motor oil, and salty sea air, which is unmistakable near the harbor.

You can recognize a true Catalan by their Barretina, the traditional hat of the Catalans. Of course, not all Catalans wear these hats all the time, but you do see them from time to time, even in the middle of the city, as they are not just headwear but also a sign of cultural identity.

In Barcelona, it's best to get around using the Metro and the bus. You just have to be cautious not to get pickpocketed. But that can probably happen to you in any major city.

You can also rent bicycles in Barcelona now. However, I would only recommend this with caution since drivers are still getting used to cyclists in traffic. Often, they simply don't notice bikes, so it's best to be very alert.

In Barcelona, the best way to get from the "Prat" Airport to the city center is by bus or train. I always take the train that departs directly from the old terminal (2) and takes about 15 minutes to reach the main train station, and 20 minutes to Passeig de Gracia. I'm not sure about the prices at the moment, but they're constantly changing.

If your accommodation is in the city center, it's best to take the airport bus to Plaça Catalunya. From there, you can switch to the Metro. It's best to buy a 10-ride ticket.

Tip: If you don't feel like taking a bus, Metro, or taxi, you can book an airport transfer before your trip.

I love Trinxat, which is a simple dish made from cabbage, potatoes, and bacon. And of course, Pa' amb tomaquet! For this, you rub a tomato on a slice of white bread (!), drizzle it with oil, and salt it - done and very delicious!

There are so many delicious restaurants and bars. It really depends on the individual. I enjoy the hearty Bocadillos and salads at Mme Jasmine on Rambla del Raval, across from the fat Botero cat "El Gat del Raval."

The pub has a pleasant atmosphere and serves very good food (salads, Bocatas, etc.). It's really cozy, has a light retro-alternative style, pleasant music, and is simply small but fine.

At the beach of Barceloneta, in the Ciutadella Park, or in a small café on one of the many squares in Barcelona, I really enjoy unwinding and relaxing.

In the Barrio Born, also known as "El Born," you can be out all night until the early morning. The district is actually called "barri de la Ribera."

This area is not only Nicole's favorite neighborhood but has also become very popular over the past few years: more and more artists and students are moving into this area. Great cafés, pubs, tapas bars, and trendy designer shops abound.

Katrin: I too ended up in El Born during my last trip to Barcelona. We had a lot of tapas, drank wine and gin, and wandered aimlessly through the narrow streets. It's a great neighborhood to lose track of time!

If you're looking for bargains, you should hunt for deals at the 'Encants' market. However, it only takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Arriving at the airport after a long journey. Then I feel much more 'aware' that I get to live here and call it home.

Culinary Catalan specialties include Fuet, Llonganissa, Pa 'amb Tomaquet, Crema Catalana, Botifarra, ...

The Torre de Bellesguard - also known as Casa Figueras - is a country house designed by Antoni Gaudí. You can find it in the Sant Gervasi district. Information on opening hours and ticket prices.

The Port of Barcelona is the fifth largest in the world and one of the largest in Europe. The passenger port is located right at the end of Les Ramblas and directly by Montjuïc.

The port consists of three harbor areas: Port Vell (old harbor), Port Olímpic (Olympic harbor), and Port Franc (industrial harbor - this is where all cruise ships and ferries dock).

My tip: Take a harbor cruise and enjoy a different perspective of the metropolis. Here you can find the most popular harbor cruises in Barcelona.

No tourist can ignore Gaudí's garden when visiting Barcelona.

The view from Tibidabo is stunning. Here you can escape the hustle and heat of the city. The amusement park is a popular destination for families with children and is very popular among locals.

No matter what you buy, there are so many things you can bring back from Barcelona, but please, no Mexican sombreros!!!! I always wonder at the airport who sells these poor tourists such things.

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