Barcelona is one of those cities I keep returning to, whether it’s for work trips, weddings, milestone birthdays, or just a spontaneous winter weekend escape. In this travel guide, I’ll show you how to get from Barcelona airport to the city centre stress-free and save some pennies. I’ll also share the best affordable hotels in Barcelona aka boujee on a budget to a few fancy and flashy! Plus, I’ve packed in some insider tips and tricks to help you make the most of your visit and hopefully fall in love with this vibrant city as much as I have.
For my recommendations on the best bars and restaurants in Barcelona, including the top rooftop bars for your visit, you can find them here. If you’re craving more rooftop options, check out all 28 rooftop bars I have reviewed. Looking for which tourist attractions you should visit? There are a ton of articles like this one from Trip advisor that will give you up to date tips that will do them justice. It’s been a while since I prioritised a museum over a rooftop bar!
Where to stay in Barcelona and how to get from the airport
- Barcelona Airport Passport Control Queues
- How to get to Barcelona city centre from the airport
- How to get around Barcelona
- Where to stay in Barcelona – The Best Hotels
- How to not get your phone stolen in Barcelona
- Best souvenir to buy in Barcelona or even just in Spain!
- Final thoughts on visiting Barcelona
Barcelona Airport Passport Control Queues
The first thing to note when you arrive into Barcelona airport, are the potential queues – if you are not travelling on a EU passport. I’ve had a mix of experiences recently. I’ve made it through and to my hotel in 90 minutes, another time I was waiting an hour and half just to get my little book stamped – reminding me of the queues at JFK.
But then recently I discovered I was entitled to an Irish passport, and it arrived just in time for my last trip – what a privilege. I breezed through immigration in minutes! So, if you’re meeting friends, heading to a dinner reservation, or have a taxi booked, definitely give yourself some extra time for potential queues.
How to get to Barcelona city centre from the airport
There are plenty of articles out there on how to get from El Prat Airport to Barcelona city centre, but I’m here to share my secret (well, less of a secret and more of a giant green/ blue bus ;). I usually prefer the no stress taxi option but if you’re traveling light (or not) and your hotel is close to the bus stop (or not), then I highly recommend the Aerobús. Whether on a budget or not as this trusty bus runs 24/7, and it’s my go-to option.
If you are coming in to Terminal 1 then just follow the signs in the airport and head down the escalators or lift. Terminal 2 head outside as if to get a taxi and turn left. The service operates every 5-10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes in the early hours. Ideal as you’re never waiting long and ready for you, if you have been caught in the immigration queues.
You can buy your Aerobús ticket directly from the person as you board —no need to prebook. I made that mistake on my first trip and had to get a refund when my barcode wouldn’t scan! But, if you’re traveling at a busy time, buying your ticket in advance means you can hop on without delay.
The Aerobús has four stops in the city and all pretty close to each other: Pl. Espanya, Gran Via Urgell, Pl. Universitat, and finally Pl. Catalunya. If your hotel is a bit further out, you can easily switch to the metro at one of these stops. Over time, I’ve started choosing hotels just a few minutes’ walk from the Pl. Catalunya stop. Whether I have a suitcase or just hand luggage, it makes getting to my hotel super easy and it is central.
When you are returning to the airport you will need the bus that has the same number as your terminal. So, Terminal 1, look for the A1 Aerobús, and if you’re at Terminal 2, catch the A2. Each bus only goes to its designated terminal on the return trip, so make sure you’re getting the right one. (Worse case if this happens, there is a shuttle that can transfer you but watch your time for check in!)
How to get around Barcelona
I love to walk round a city (usually via rooftop bars!) and Barcelona is made for this. But when I do need transport my usual go to is Uber or the local underground. Uber does exist in Barcelona now but I found it wasn’t as reliable as London. Lots of cancelled trips by the drivers. I found local taxi’s were just as cheap and you can just flag them down or go to a rank.
If walking isn’t your thing and taxi’s are over budget then the metro is super cheap and easy to navigate. You will need a physical debit/credit card or cash to buy your tickets. There is no tapping! I’ve only needed individual tickets but if you plan on hopping round then here are the options.
Where to stay in Barcelona – The Best Hotels
Over the years, I’ve stayed in a wide variety of hotels in Barcelona, from fabulously fancy to budget-friendly boujee. I’ve picked my favourites I would return to, starting with the most recent. Whether you’re after a little luxury, a rooftop pool or just need somewhere central as a base, these hotels have you covered.
H10 Cubik Hotel
As a fan of the H10 brand, I chose the H10 Cubik primarily for its convenient location near the Aerobus stop at Pl. Catalunya and its winter-friendly rooftop bar. The room was a ‘Classic Barcelona’ adequate size and equipped with all the expected amenities. It featured a system to connect your iPad or phone to the TV, but unfortunately, it didn’t work for me which was disappointing.
The bathroom was huge, double sinks, robes and again all the amenities needed. It was also private whereas some hotels in Barcelona have open bathrooms or at least sinks in the room.
I had breakfast included and opted for it to be delivered after the amazing experience at the 10 Urquinaona. It wasn’t quite as good as it’s siblings offering as they don’t include a cooked option as ‘it would get cold’.
As with most hotels I book – the rooftop bar plays a big part in the final decision. Being January 2025 many rooftops in Barcelona are open but won’t stay open late. However this hotel haven opened 12 – 12pm. All year round! Of course it meant it was quiet and certainly too cold to use the pool. But for an easy option to enjoy lunch or sunset or pre bed cocktail, then this was ideal. More on the rooftop bar here.
H10 Urquinaona Plaza
Like with the H10 Cubik, I chose the H10 Urquinaona Plaza due to the brand, location to the Areobus and that it has a rooftop bar of course! Plus for this trip I needed a metro stop right outside. The staff seemed extra welcoming and humoured me as I mumbled my poor Spanish with some cava!
Like with all H10 hotels there is an app for all your in stay information. I had breakfast included for my stay and opted for room service which came with a 5 Euro delivery fee and it was worth every penny! It was more than enough for two! They even had gluten free bread for me 🙂
The room itself was bright, modern and a sink in the room! This wasn’t the first time in Barcelona I have experienced this – it didn’t bother me too much but it is odd! At least the bathroom was private – I have stayed in hotels where its very open plan! I had the Superior Room with a lovely little terrace though was a bit cold to use. Great amenities and space and complimentary bottle of water daily.
The rooftop bar was only open set times due to winter, November 2024, and the space is small. There is room for a few diners and sun loungers so grab your spot in the summer or I imagine you will miss out. Bonus is the wine is cheap and staff super lovely you will want to maximise this cute place. The pool was definitely more decorative than practical – though I could see in height of a heatwave needing to plunge in! More on the rooftop bar here. Overall a great affordable option for location, rooftop and clean modern hotel. (BA Holidays had a great deal when I went so do check there if you can bear their dreadful website).
Yurbann Passage Hotel & Spa
Yurbann Passage Hotel & Spa is one of three hotels in Barcelona from this thoughtful brand. The Ramblas is as you would expect, on the Ramblas but mine and the Trafalgar are practically neighbours. Which was confusing why there would be two hotels so close. I found Yurbann Passage to be slightly more upmarket and the reviews were slightly better but they both rank a 5 on Trip advisor! And I am not surprised. These boutique beauties are pretty special.
The attention to detail really made me feel looked after here! Touches like complimentary red wine in the room, quirky messages on clothes and door hangers to the sweets in reception and of course being welcomed with bubbles!
I had booked the basic room to save pennies plus we knew we wouldn’t be in it much. It was small but totally did the job. Though like other hotels, the sink was in the room a little less obvious than some and didn’t bother me too much but did mean disturbing the other person when washing your hands in the night.
We didn’t have breakfast here as ate out but we did make use of the free cheese and wine hour at the their sibling hotel next door. Platters of cheese and wine from a tap in the wall. Genius idea for no clearing up after or running out. The real shame was told we couldn’t take the wine upstairs for sunset on their rooftop. Oh yes, yes both hotels have rooftop bars and pools – of course 😉
Our rooftop pool was perfect for a few lazy hours resting after rooftoping round Barcelona even in October! Towels provided and a bar serving great cocktails. Access was open late at night too so you could enjoy your complimentary red wine undisturbed as there was no bar service. For more on the rooftop click here.
Melia Barcelona Sky
The Melia Barcelona Sky Hotel is located a bit further out in the Sant Marti/ Poblenou area. Close to a big Westfield shopping mall so useful if the weather doesn’t play ball. What drew me to this side of the city was its proximity to the beach and the great deal on offer.
As always with the Melia brand the beds were perfect. The rooftop was enclosed when windy or cold but opened up when the sun put its hat on! We did the ‘level’ due to the 24/7 complimentary bubbles but you couldn’t take them out of the area which was quite a dull room. However it did entitle us to have breakfast on the roof! There is also a pool on lower level to relax on with Bali beds should you be looking for a place to relax. I would stay again though I wish it was slighter closer to the centre. For more on the rooftop bar click here.
W Hotel Barcelona
The W Hotel is the iconic sail shaped building holding court on the sea skyline of Barcelona. This is your splurge beach hotel – way out of my budget now but affordable about 10 years ago. With that in mind, as staff then on reception are unlikely to be there now but it felt pretty pretentious, too cool for school vibes at check in.
But the room was worth any attitude – it was huge. A beautiful bay window as a the central focus with a sofa in front and enough room for two to sit opposite and stretch out. This meant we could have tapas and wine sat there staring at the ocean. However we were on floor 22 and were treated to noise until the wee hours from the bar/club that sits at the top of the building. As it was advertised as a rooftop bar but it was enclosed and felt dated. It had a vibe reminiscent of an old-fashioned businessman’s pick up spot, so we decided to leave. On a positive note, 2025 they’re refurbishing it, so I’m excited to see the changes and check out a Wet Deck Sunday summer sessions they put on. Partying at it’s best in Barcelona’s emulating a Ushuaia vibe.
Jazz Hotel
I stayed at the Jazz about 13 years ago and it was on the short list for a 2025 return. But it lost our to the H10 due to its rooftop bar not being open in winter. Which for rooftop fans is a deal breaker! Some of these points back then might not be accurate now but including so you can check – such as no conditioner, tiny towels and no mirror in the bedroom. But I also remember how great the staff were, the rooms were super clean and comfortable. Perfect for a girly weekend less so a romantic stay.
Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel
We are going back now a long time! My first visit to Barcelona was 20 years ago, and this is the only photo of our room with a much younger me! And it doesn’t do the room justice – it was ginormous! Breakfast in the room was set up with tables and chairs and was it was plentiful! Things will have surely changed a lot since then, but I absolutely loved this hotel, despite its distinctly conference-hotel vibe. I often overlook these types of hotels for trips, but this one is definitely worth mentioning to try or at least have as an option.
As this is a city I clearly keep returning to, I will be updating this travel guide as and when I have more hotels to share so keep in touch!
How to not get your phone stolen in Barcelona
Including a couple of extra little travel tips for Barcelona as you are here! Much like my London life, Barcelona is known for pickpockets and speedy phone stealers. And so just like when I am in central London, I take a few precautions to keep my phone safe. I avoid having my phone in my hand as much as possible. If it needs to be, it is always on a lanyard and usually then in a cross body bag. Never in a pocket. If you have to text a friend you are meeting or check GPS, step into a shop, hotel lobby, or somewhere you can keep you can keep your phone close to your body.
Never text and walk, especially when scooters are zipping around at full speed (and at night, they seem to appear out of nowhere!). If you are heading to the tourist spots then be extra vigilant as like many countries, pick pockets are rife there! I was once warned by a metro station attendant to put my phone away while I waited on the platform. I thought I was being careful!
As someone who swapped their DSLR camera for my iPhone camera it can be challenging to keep safe and get the pictures you want. But it is about being mindful and aware of who is around you and where you are. When you’re ready to snap a photo, take a moment to check around you. Use a phone strap for added security and try not to linger too long in one spot. If you’re using an iPhone, turning on Live Photos offers you multiple shot options to choose from. I have never had problem in Barcelona or London nor has anyone I know but I have been asked a lot about it for both cities so including it here.
Best souvenir to buy in Barcelona or even just in Spain!
I thought I would include this section as gifts are my love language. So for those fellow gift givers these little sangria bottles are genius! Not so much if you are on hand luggage only but they are sold at the airport – obviously more expensive airside! If you have checked in luggage then you can find them in corner shops around the city.
Final thoughts on visiting Barcelona
Barcelona is a classic tourist city to visit and revisit. For Brits it’s such a short flight, quick transfer and soon you are sipping Sangria on a rooftop bar basking in sunshine, whatever the season! Barcelona wasn’t always the tourist destination it is now. The 1992 Olympics really put this city on the map offering most of Gaudi’s masterpieces to explore. Now it is the gateway port for many cruises. But rising housing costs and closure of local businesses in favour of tourist shops you can understand locals are having a backlash to tourism but don’t let that put you off. I have never encountered any hostility. Just amazing weather, sensational speak easy bars, so much sangria and tapas and of course some of the worlds best rooftop bars. Read where you need to eat, drink and dance here. Salud!
