Barcelona

The questions people ask first about Barcelona, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
• SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
• Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
• TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
• SafetyBarcelona is a safe city with a serious pickpocket problem: La Rambla, the metro and the beach are the hot spots.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee (café con leche)€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
• BeerBeer (caña) / glass of wine€2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5)€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 km (3.1 mi)Taxi, 3.1 mi (5 km)€12–16 (≈ US$14–19)
• Metro or bus rideMetro single ride€2.65 (≈ US$4) (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
• Museum or sight ticketSagrada Família / Park Güell entryabout €26 (≈ US$35)€10 (≈ US$12) (check)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
• Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star or apartment, a night, per room€160 (≈ US$190)
• High-end bedDouble room, 3-star or apartment, a night, per room€320 (≈ US$400)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €140 (≈ US$170) · High €260 (≈ US$350)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

BCN Barcelona-El Prat (Metro L9 Sud to both terminals, or the train from Terminal 2; Aerobús to Plaça de Catalunya. See barcelona airport transfer.) · GRO Girona–Costa Brava (About 100 km (62 mi) north; some low-cost flights land here. Bus to Estació del Nord takes about 1 h 10 min.) · REU Reus (About 100 km (62 mi) south; bus from Sants takes 1 h 30 min–1 h 45 min.)BCN Barcelona-El Prat (Metro L9 Sud to both terminals, or the train from Terminal 2; Aerobús to Plaça de Catalunya. See barcelona airport transfer.) · GRO Girona–Costa Brava (About 62 mi (100 km) north; some low-cost flights land here. Bus to Estació del Nord takes about 1 h 10 min.) · REU Reus (About 62 mi (100 km) south; bus from Sants takes 1 h 30 min–1 h 45 min.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

€60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed

Mid

€110–170 (≈ US$130–200) excl. bed

High

€200 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed

• Pickpockets work La Rambla, the metro (especially L3 and Passeig de Gràcia) and the beach; keep phones and wallets zipped and in front.
• Sagrada Família and Park Güell sell timed tickets only and sell out days ahead in season: book on the official sites.
• Restaurants on La Rambla and directly facing the Sagrada Família charge tourist prices for average food; walk two streets inland.
• Beachwear belongs on the beach: cover up for churches, restaurants and shops.
• August: many local shops and restaurants close for holidays, hotel rates peak and the city is at its hottest and busiest.
• Metro runs roughly 05:00–midnight (Fri until 02:00, Sat all night); night buses cover the gap.Metro runs roughly 5:00 AM–midnight (Fri until 2:00 AM, Sat all night); night buses cover the gap.