Our Travel tips for Barcelona keep in mind your travel with family or young ones which help in hassle free travel and ease of travel.
Accommodation:
Opts for Hostels instead of Hotels. Hostels are much cheaper and centrally located with easy access to local transport. Choose Hostels near the Gothic Quarter as it is suitably placed from all attractions. For families one should opt for rooms with private bath.
Local Transport:
The Hola Barcelona card is very helpful for travel within the city. We highly recommend to buy it during your stay in Barcelona.
HOLA Barcelona Card Features:
Unlimited Travel: Use the Barcelona’s public transportation network, including the metro, buses, trams, commuter trains (FGC) within Zone 1 and Montjuïc funicular.
Flexible Durations: Choose from 2, 3, 4 or 5 days card (Namely 48, 72, 96 & 120 hours), depending on your stay.
Convenience: No need to worry about buying separate tickets; one card covers all.
Discounts: The card is often available with a discount when pre-purchased online. Search for discount coupons online.
Airport Connection: Includes metro connections from Barcelona El Prat Airport to the city centre.
Option 1: Buying the card online
- Purchase the card online before you travel. “https://www.holabarcelona.com/tickets/hola-bcn-barcelona-travel-card”.
- Voucher with a reference number issued after payment. Same will be sent to the email ID used during checkout.
- Card Issue at Tourist Office at airport: Handover the voucher with the reference number and they will issue the card.
- Card Issue on a Kiosk any metro station: On the kiosk (generally red in colour), enter the reference number and the card will be through the machine.
- We highly recommend you to buy the card online. You can find 5% discounts coupons on net.
- Please Note that the online card vouchers are valid 90 days from the date of purchase.
Option 2: Buying at Metro Stations
- Find a Kiosk on any metro station
- Select English language
- Select the option for buying HOLA Barcelona Card
- Select the number of passengers and duration of the card
- Payment can be done by cards (VISA or Mastercard)
- After payment is completed, the machine issues the HOLA Barcelona cards.
Using The Card
- Each Traveller must have their own individual card.
- The card is activated the first time it is used and is valid for the selected period.
- It’s perfect for travellers who plan to use public transport frequently during their stay in Barcelona.
- Card validity is the Best Feature: It will be valid for 48, 72, 96 or 120 Hours for 2, 3, 4 & 5 days card respectively.
- We will explain you with an example: So if you buy a 3 days card, It will be valid for 72 Hours from the time it has been activated. So If you use your card for the first time on 2nd Jan 10:00 am, then the card will be valid till 5th Jan 09:59 am.
- When using the card in the public transport. The card machine will show GREEN LED when the card is valid. Once the card is expired, the card machine will show a RED LED
Attractions:
Familia Sagrada:
Book tickets online in advance as long queues await you for on the spot booking. Do not carry eatables and big sacks as baggage screening will take a lot of time.
Park Guell:
Book early morning time slot for entry as sun is mild. It can get pretty hot in the afternoon so better to complete visit by noon. Carry lots of water and snacks as there are no shops inside the park or nearby. Most important start your excursion from the hilltop entrance of the park and walk your way down, trust me its easier.
La Rambla, Placa de Catalunya:
Be careful of your belonging, La Rambla is notorious for pickpockets.
Do keep your kids close by and avoid street clowns and balloon sellers as they are the distraction for pickpockets.
The clowns and hawkers will try to lure kids to take the balloons or some toy and then charge money. Politely let them know that you don’t want to buy the item.
General Tips:
Never keep your valuables in plain sight ie on tables or chairs while you dine, keep them safely secured under the table between your feet, Barcelona is well-known for thefts
