METRO
Barcelona Travel Hacks
Showcasing the popular and unknown attractions in and around Barcelona to enable you to explore like a local
Barcelona Travel Hacks: Your Go-To Guide for Smart, Repeatable Adventures
Barcelona Travel Hacks is more than just a travel blog — it’s your practical companion for exploring Barcelona and Catalonia with confidence. Every guide is built around real-world usability, helping you plan trips that are easy to repeat, budget-friendly, and packed with unforgettable experiences.
What Sets Us Apart
- Repeatable Itineraries: No fluff, no fantasy. Every trip and activity is designed so you can say “Let’s go tomorrow” — not “Maybe someday.” This isn’t a wanderlust gallery or a coffee table dreamscape. It’s a toolkit for real travelers.
- Visual Previews of What to See & Do: Wondering “Is it worth it?” or “What will I actually see?” Each blog includes a full interactive image gallery so you can preview attractions, hikes, museums, and hidden gems before you go.
- Essential Travel Gear & Links: As a seasoned explorer of Catalonia, I share the gear I never leave home without — plus links to relevant products, local resources, and insider tips to make your trip smoother.
- Downloadable Guides & Maps: From train maps to curated restaurant lists, you’ll find practical PDFs and printable documents to take with you. No Wi-Fi? No problem.
- Streamlined Navigation: Every blog follows a consistent layout with clear headings, so you can jump straight to what matters — whether it’s transport, entry fees, or nearby attractions.
- Smart Categorisation: Filter activities by theme (castles, beaches, museums), location (Barcelona zones, Catalan towns), or mood (hiking, relaxing, exploring). Whether you’re chasing sun or history, there’s a guide for that.
Upcoming Events in Barcelona & Catalonia: Festivals, Culture & Local Experiences
Discover the best upcoming events across Barcelona and Catalonia — from vibrant street festivals and cultural celebrations to food markets, concerts, and seasonal traditions. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or building your Barcelona itinerary, this guide keeps you in the loop with what's happening now and what's coming soon. Explore local gems, avoid tourist traps, and experience Catalonia like a savvy traveller.
METRO
METRO
Barcelona La Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas Market
Discover Barcelona’s oldest Christmas market in front of the cathedral, filled with festive decorations, Catalan traditions, and charming nativity scenes
Read more >
METRO
Fira Nadal de Port Vell | Barcelona Port Christmas fair
Festive rides, ice skating, artisan food, and a giant Ferris wheel light up Barcelona’s Port Vell Christmas Fairground by the sea each night
Read more >
METRO
Sagrada Familia Christmas Market | Mercado Nadal
Barcelona's third oldest Christmas market for Christmas decorations and seasonal food in Plaça de Gaudí park, in front of Sagrada Família
Read more >
TRAIN or BUS
Vic Medieval Fair 2025 – Market, Shows & Agenda
Visit Vic this December for Catalonia’s top medieval fair with 300+ artisan stalls, live shows, and family-friendly events in the historic town center
Read more >
METRO
Three Kings & Christmas Artisan Market | Gran Via Barcelona
Celebrate Spanish Christmas traditions at Gran Via’s artisan market. Discover handmade gifts, xurros, and festive street food leading up to Three Kings Day
Read more >
METRO
New Years Eve Plaça España laser show and fireworks display
An honest guide to viewing the Barcelona New years fireworks display. Where to view the fireworks from, timings, traditions and where to go after
Read more >
METRO
Barcelona Three Kings Parade | Reyes Magos 2026 Route & Tips
Celebrate Reyes Magos in Barcelona with floats, sweets, and music. Find the best viewing spots, route map, and parade times for January 5th 2026
Read more >
TRAIN or BUS
Valls Calçotada Festival 2026 | Catalonia’s Onion Feast
Celebrate the Calçotada Festival in Valls on Jan 25, 2026 — street grills, sauce contests, and sweet, smoky calçots in Catalonia’s tastiest winter tradition
Read more >
METRO or TRAM
Llum BCN Festival 2026 | Barcelona’s Light Art Experience
Explore Llum BCN 2025 — Barcelona’s free light art festival with immersive installations, glowing architecture, and top photo spots in Glòries and Poblenou
Read more >
TRAIN
Barcelona to Sitges Classic Car Rally | Vintage Cars & Coastal Views
Since 1959, the Sitges Classic Car Rally has brought vintage cars and period fashion from Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter to the seaside promenade of Sitges
Read more >
TRAIN
Hostalric Medieval Festival & artisan market with castle visit
Easter weekend Medieval festival in walled town with castle. Festival includes a market, street food and displays of arts and crafts
Read more >
TRAIN
Girona Flower Festival 2026 | Temps de Flors in the Historic Centre
Girona’s medieval centre blooms each May during Temps de Flors, a vibrant flower festival with historic sites and floral art
Read more >
METRO
Fiesta Major de Grácia 2025 - Decorated streets with live music
Mid August street festival in the neighbourhood of Gràcia, Barcelona, with multiple streets mounting stages and lavish thematic street decorations
Read more >
METRO
Fiesta Major de Sants 2025 - Decorated streets with live music
End of August street festival in the neighbourhood of sants, Barcelona, with multiple streets mounting stages and lavish thematic street decorations
Read more >
FGC
Fiesta de Miquelets | Musketmen Festival in Olesa de Montserrat
Experience 1714 at the Fiesta de Miquelets in Olesa — musket fire, artisan markets, war horses, and reenactments of Catalonia’s role in the War of Succession
Read more >
Best Day Trips from Barcelona: Montserrat, Sitges, Vic & Roman Tarragona
Explore Catalonia’s most iconic day trips, from the awe-inspiring Montserrat Monastery nestled in dramatic mountain peaks to the sun-drenched charm of Sitges, a coastal town known for its beaches and vibrant culture. Wander the medieval streets of Vic, steeped in history and local flavour, or uncover ancient Roman ruins in Tarragona, where centuries-old amphitheatres meet seaside views. These destinations offer rich culture, easy access from Barcelona, and unforgettable experiences — all in a single day.
FGC
Complete 2024 Montserrat Monastery & Mountain Day Trip Guide
Discover the geologically unique Montserrat mountain range & world famous monastery. Plan a day trip with transport guide, train times, hiking trails, maps & tickets
Read more >
TRAIN
Plan your perfect Tarragona day trip - Explore Roman Ruins
Tàrraco, the Roman Capital of Spain. Discover the largest collection of Roman ruins in Catalonia. An ideal day trip from Barcelona by train
Read more >
TRAIN
Day Trip Guide to visiting Medieval Vic
Large town (population 50,000) 70km inland from Barcelona with medieval historic centre. One of the largest arcaded plazas in Spain, cathedral & several museums
Read more >
TRAIN
Sitges Day Trip 2024 - A Complete Guide
Sitges jewel of the mediterranean 40 minutes from Barcelona - history, museums, beaches, restaurants & shopping plus events calendar for beach town
Read more >
TRAIN
Cavas Codorníu Winery Guided Tours
Famous Cava sparkling wine Factory in Art Nouveau modernist 1895 surface buildings and subterranean tunnels Winery tour. History, tips, info & tickets
Read more >
TRAIN
Exploring Valls town during Calçots Festival
What to do and see in Valls during a winter day trip for the Calçots Festival
Read more >
Explore Barcelona by Neighborhood: Interactive Guide to Every Barrio
Explore Barcelona one barrio at a time finding things to do, places to eat, and local highlights in that neighborhood. From the Gothic Quarter’s historic alleys to the beach-side buzz of Barceloneta and the creative energy of Gràcia, this visual guide helps you discover the city's diverse districts and plan your perfect urban adventure.
METRO+BUS
2024 guide for visiting Montjuïc mountain in Barcelona
Maps, transport & guides for visiting the 19 attractions in Montjuïc mountain, from cable cars, castle, botanical gardens, art museums & Olympic stadiums
Read more >
FGC+BUS
Mount Tibidabo Barcelona. Amusement Park & City Panoramas
Visiting guide for Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona. Transport options to the top. The amusement park, mountain viewpoints & more attractions
Read more >
METRO
Barcelona Gothic Quarter – 2025 Guide to History & Hidden Gems
Explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter: Roman ruins, medieval streets, boutique shops, cafés, and iconic landmarks. Discover 12 must-see attractions and local tips
Read more >
FGC
Parc Collserola - Hiking & Nature on Barcelona's Doorstep
An 84.65 square Km forested natural park with easy public transport accessible hiking & cycling trails behind the city known as the lungs of Barcelona
Read more >
METRO
Guide of Port Vell Marina Area of Barcelona
Explore Port Vell Barcelona: a historic harbor turned vibrant marina with museums, boat tours, shopping, and seaside views near Barceloneta and Las Ramblas
Read more >
METRO
Things to do in Fòrum, Besòs & Poblenou area of Barcelona
Fòrum & Sant Adrià de Besòs is reclaimed land from heavy industry. Poblenou is an up and coming neighbourhood. Redeveloped for the 1992 Olympics
Read more >
METRO
Eixample Neighborhood Guide & attractions
Grid street layout residential neighbourhood, built late 18th Century to cater to population explosion & location of Catalan Modernist masterpieces
Read more >
METRO
Guide of Gràcia Neighbourhood Barcelona
Gràcia was an independent village outside of Barcelona until absorbed by La Eixampla expansion. Famous for its summer street festival
Read more >
METRO
Things to Do In and Around Barcelona’s Las Ramblas
Explore top attractions near Las Ramblas from markets and monuments to flamenco, Gaudí, and nightlife, all between Port Vell and Plaça Catalunya
Read more >
FGC
Attractions guide for the Sant Gervasi area of Barcelona
This area at the foot of Collserola and Tibidabo was the wealthy part of town with grand houses and gardens away from the bustle of the centre
Read more >
TRAIN
Things to do and see in El prat de Llobregat & Castelldefels
Baix Llobregat is the delta area of the Llobregat river and covers towns such as El prat (airport), Castelldefels beach & town plus a nature reserve
Read more >
METRO
Exploring the Medieval El Born neighbourhood of Barcelona
Art Museums, a Cathedral, Designer boutique shops and tapas bars in a medieval quarter of downtown Barcelona of narrow winding streets
Read more >
METRO
Guide to Barceloneta Beach District in Barcelona
Former fishing village and dock warehouses now a vibrant beach community. What to do and see in Barceloneta & history of the area
Read more >
METRO
Discover the Parc Cuitadella Area of Barcelona
Demolished Citadel fortress was extensively redeveloped into a park for the 1889 world exhibition. Remaining citadel buildings government or museum spaces
Read more >
METRO
Discover the Parc Güell & Horta areas of Barcelona
A guide to the attractions in Parc Güell & Horta areas of Barcelona. Hills that were farmland & shanty towns, anti-aerial gun emplacement during the civil war
Read more >
METRO
A guide to Sants, Les corts & Pedralbes Areas in Barcelona
Sants, Les corts & Pedralbes were villages south of Barcelona but now absorbed by expansion. Diagonal is a large university campus with public gardens
Read more >
Catalonia’s Coastal Journey: From Golden Shores to Rugged Cliffs
Discover the breathtaking Catalonian and French Catalan coastal landscapes, from the cliffside hiking trails of the Camí de Ronda to the golden beaches of the Costa Dorada. Explore the rugged beauty and seaside villages of the Costa Brava, or cross into France to experience the charm of the Côte Vermeille, where Catalan culture meets Mediterranean elegance.
BUS
Hiking the Camí de Ronda GR-92 Coastal Trail
How to follow the Camí de Ronda hiking trail as a series of stunning day hikes. The best bits of the Gr-92 Catalan Coastal trail
Read more >
TRAIN
The best beaches, coastal trails & towns on the Costa Dorada
The best day or weekend trip beaches and Mediterranean coastal towns and villages, served by rail lines, in the Costa Dorada (south) of Barcelona
Read more >
TRAIN
Catalan Côte de Vermeille in southern France
Historic Catalan towns fortresses, and hiking along the Côte Vermeille in France on the border with Spain. Visiting France by train from Barcelona
Read more >
BUS
The best beaches, coastal trails & towns on the Costa Brava
The best day or weekend trip beaches and Mediterranean coastal towns and villages, mostly served by bus, in the Costa Brava (north) of Barcelona
Read more >
Hiking Catalonia’s Mountain Trails: Pyrenees & Pre-Pyrenees Adventures
From the dramatic peaks of the Pyrenees to the gentle slopes of the Pre-Pyrenees, Catalonia offers endless opportunities for mountain exploration. Discover the best hiking routes in each region by clicking on the cards below — your gateway to scenic trails, natural beauty, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
TRAIN or CAR
Ripollés region of the Catalonian Spanish Pyrenees
The Ripollés pre-Pyrenees foothills & Pyrenees mountains are accessible by train for great summer hiking trails & winter ski and snow sports
Read more >
TRAIN+BUS
Montseny Natural Park Autumn Hiking wonderland
Outstanding beauty & spectacular hiking trails to mountain summits, cliffs, rivers, waterfalls, plains & woodlands. The best place for autumn hiking in Catalunya
Read more >
CAR
The Most Spectacular Hiking Routes in Osona around Vic
Osona Region, principal town is Vic, favoured for autumn forest colours hiking & pre-pyrenees climate. Routes from Medieval villages via mountain top castles
Read more >
CAR
Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park Hiking
The ultimate guide to Hiking & mountain sports in the world famous Aigüestortes National Park. The perfect rural escape from the hot Barcelona summer.
Read more >
CAR
Weekend Getaway - Aragon Rivers I - Alquézar & Bierge
Weekend Getaway to the rivers of the Huesca province visiting Alquézar village & river Vero, Biege canyon& Adhuesca village for an overnight stay
Read more >
CAR
A Guide for Visiting the French Pyrenees
The Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees in southern France is a nature escape of cultural heritage & breathtaking hiking trails with spa hotels for recovery
Read more >
CAR
Weekend Getaway - Aragon Rivers II - Congost de Mont-rebei
Breathtaking weekend hiking & kayaking the Río Noguera Ribagorçana Congost de Mont-rebei Canyon from La Masieta to Montfalcó stairs via GR1
Read more >
CAR
Berguedà region of the Catalonian Spanish Pyrenees
The Berguedà pre-Pyrenees plains & Pyrenees mountains are accessible by car for great summer and winter hiking trails from the many pituresque villages
Read more >
CAR
Hiking in the Andorran Pyrenees Mountains
Andorra summer hiking routes from ski resorts to the highest peeks with breath-taking views of glacial alpine lake scenery, mountain meadows and rocky peaks
Read more >
CAR
La Garrotxa Natural Park and Volcanic Area Guide
Medieval villages nesting in a wild forested volcano cratered landscape that provides an autumn hiking paradise with culture & mountain cuisine
Read more >
Barcelona & Catalonia Travel Tips: Transport, Services & Local Updates
Stay informed and travel smarter with our collection of practical guides and news updates for Barcelona and Catalonia. From navigating metro, bus, and rail networks to airport transfers, tourist bus routes, and using the Correos postal service, we cover everything you need to move around with ease. Plus, get timely insights on regional issues like drought conditions to help you plan confidently and make the most of your visit.
Barcelona & Catalonia Public Transport Guide 2024
Public transport guide for Barcelona and Catalunya such as TMB Metro, busses & trams | Renfe Rodalies, Regional & Ave Trains | FGC Trains | Nord Bus terminal
Read more >
Free Train Travel in Spain for Habitual Travellers
Free rail travel to remain for all regular users of Renfe's local & medium-distance trains in Spain in 2025. Set up the free travel pass & conditions of use
Read more >
Correos, The Spanish Postal service
Sending letters, registered mail & Parcels from Spain. Receiving mail & Aviso de Llegada notes. The Spanish customs trap & liberating your package from Aduanas
Read more >
Transport Options for El Prat Barcelona Airport City Centre
The pros, cons & costs of the multiple methods for connections between downtown Barcelona and El Prat Barcelona airport terminals 1 and 2 in 2024
Read more >
Wikiloc trail navigation app & Barcelona Travel hacks Routes
What is wikiloc and how does it work? Using wikiloc to navigate hiking trails. Barcelona Travel Hacks city, Coastal and mountain walking trails
Read more >
Barcelona 2024 Drought Emergency | Barcelona Sequía
After over 1000 days of drought what is the impact of the Barcelona water drought for tourists and residents of Catalonia?
Read more >
Spain's New December 2 2024 Tourism Data Collection Law
Controversial new law to collect tourists personal data when renting accommodation (apartments, Airbnb, hotels, hostels) and hire cars
Read more >
Barcelona Covid restrictions & vaccination in Catalunya
A guide to the current COVID-19 mobility and activity restrictions in Barcelona and Catalunya. Status and how to get vaccinated in Catalunya
Read more >
Barcelona Bus Turistic - Hop on hop off tours of the city
Barcelona's official city sightseeing bus offers routes that cover the main tourist attractions in Barcelona. You get on and off to visit attractions
Read more >
Pine Processionary Caterpillar - A Dog's Cautionary Tail
Poisonous for pets and mild to sever skin rashes in humans. Find out what the Spanish Pine Processionary Caterpillar is and how to protect pets and humans
Read more >
The Autumn 2024 Spanish D.A.N.A floods
Information about the Spanish floods in Valencia, how to donate or help, Shutting down fake news & conspiracy theories & how Barcelona was affected by DANA
Read more >
The Spring 2025 Iberian/Spanish Power outage
What actually caused the April 28th 2025 mass Iberian power outage affecting Spain, Portugal & Andorra? Barcelona Travel Hacks Explains why
Read more >