Michaelsvida

How to get there, travel time, travel costs, and my top 5 places to visit while there!

Barcelona, or as the locals pronounce it “Barthelona” is a port city located in the northeastern part of Spain. It is also the second most populated city in Spain with approximately 1.6 million people in the metropolitan area.

Barcelona is filled with beaches, delicious affordable cuisine, extraordinary views, stunning unique architecture, and an exciting night life. Whatever you want as a traveller Barcelona has!

How to get there?

Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and it therefore is easily linked with many different airlines. Additionally, Spain’s speed train lines go to nearly every major city in Spain!

Option 1) By Speed Train

Travel Time:

Approximately 2.5 – 3.5 hours one way from Madrid, Spain.

Approximately 3.5 – 4.5 hours one way from Valencia, Spain.

Approximately 4.5 – 7 hours one way from Marseille, France.

Similarly to Airports, try to arrive at least 30 minutes early to either go through security (if applicable) or find your way to the correct platform and train.

Cost:

~ $30CAD – $100CAD One-way for my Canadian audience

~ $23USD – $75USD One-way for my American audience

~ 20€ – 70€ One-way for my European audience

You can buy these tickets through Trianline.com, Spainrail, or Omio.

However, a possible cheaper option if you will be exploring more than one city in Spain or a trip to Europe would be buying a “Eurail Pass” (only available for non-europeans). These prices can vary due to how many days you will use a train, if it is only one country or multiple countries, and if it requires a paid seat reservation or not.

Option 2) Travel by Airplane

Airplanes are probably the most fastest and sometimes even cheapest travel options within countries in Europe or between them.

Travel Time:

~ 1.5 hours from Madrid, Spain

~ 3.5 – 7 hours from Valencia, Spain

~ 4 – 9 hours from Marseille, France

Cost:

~ $100CAD – $180CAD / $75USD – $135 USD / 70€ – 125€ Roundtrip From Madrid or Valencia.

~ $125CAD – $500CAD / $95USD – $375USD / 86€ – 345€ Roundtrip from Marseille, France.

Option 3) Bus

Buses are also a good way to just sit back and enjoy the scenic route. Spain is one of the more mountainous countries in Europe and therefore is a beautiful way to enjoy the views.

Travel Time:

~ 2.5 – 5.5 hours from Perpignan (Border city in France)

Cost:

~ $30CAD – $55CAD / $23USD – $41USD / 21€ – 38€ One-way from Perpignan

The most popular bus company there is Flixbus.

My Top 5 Places to see

1) La Sagrada Familia

One of if not THE MOST beautiful cathedral in the world. Every piece of this spectacular architecture is filled with incredible amount of detail. A must visit when in Barcelona!

2) Park Güell

Park Güell is a must see park in Barcelona! It has stunning architecture, palm trees, and views of the city. It costs about 10€ for an entry ticket. Worth it!

3) Plaça d’Espanya and Palace of Montjuic

So much too see here! The two red towers, the Palace of Montjuic, the stunning views after climbing up its steps, and the my beautiful sunsets in Barcelona! You

4) L’Arc de Triomf and El Castell dels Tres Dragons

These red masterpieces are a must see if you have some extra time. The L’Arc de Triomf is quite amazing as unlike its Paris equivalent, there are no cars and you can simply walk beside it or under it if u choose.

5) Casa Batilló & Casa Milà

Stunning architectural beauties. A must see for architectural photographers.

And lastly, although there a many more beauties in Barcelona these were my top favourite when I visited there. Safe travels!

Marseille is a stunning mediterranean style city in the south of France. A mixture between a large Algerian population, French and Greek Architecture, and a unique vibe.

How to get there, travel time, travel costs, and my top 10 places to visit while there!

Nice, pronounced (niece), is probably my most favourite city in France. It has everything a traveler could ask for. Beaches, delicious food, kind joyful people, and stunning sunsets. Not to mention the incredibly colourful buildings! Additionally, it has extremely affordable train lines that can let you see the French Rivera!

How to get there?

Nice is located in the south eastern region of France, which is quite far from its capital. However, France’s incredibly well connected train and airlines make it simple and easy to travel around France.

Option 1) By Speed Train

Speed trains are probably my favourite option when travelling in a different country. You get to see less tourists, travel through nature and small towns that you just won’t see if you are on an airplane. The most popular speed train companies include TGV and SNCF.

(All prices and travel times indicated below are from Paris to Nice)

Travel Time:

Day trains take approximately 5.5-7 hours one way

Night trains take upwards of 11h hours one way

Similarly to Airports, try to arrive at least 30 minutes early to either go through security (if applicable) or find your way to the correct platform and train.

Cost:

~ $150CAD – $200CAD Roundtrip for my Canadian audience

~$112USD – $150USD Roundtrip for my American audience

~105€ – 140€ Roundtrip for my European audience

You can buy these tickets through Trianline.com

However, a possible cheaper option if you will be exploring more than one city in France or a trip to Europe would be buying a “Eurail Pass” (only available for non-europeans). These prices can vary due to how many days you will use a train, if it is only one country or multiple countries, and if it requires a paid seat reservation or not.

Option 2) Travel by Airplane

Airplanes are probably the most fastest and sometimes even cheapest travel options within countries in Europe or between them.

Travel Time:

1.5 Hours nonstop

Cost:

~ $115CAD – $200CAD Roundtrip

~$85USD – $150USD Roundtrip

~78€ – 140€ Roundtrip

As indicated above these prices are nearly identical to the train option. However, take into consideration that the Eurail pass could possibly be the same cost too but allow you to travel to more places by train.

What to see?

Nice is filled with stunning views, beautiful colourful architecture, and easy to walk to attractions.

1) Place Masséna

Bright red buildings, black and white tiles, small restaurants, and stunning archways Place Masséna is considered the “centre” of Nice.

2) Monument to the Dead of Rauba-Capeù

This monument engraved inside of a beautiful small rocky mountain is a beautiful place to get away from the busy streets of Place Masséna, and enjoy the quiet beauty of this amazing mountain.

3) Ballanda Tower View-Point

Climb up the stairs and enjoy the most beautiful views of Nice. You can see everything from the far hills of afar, the somewhat busy streets, and the beautiful ocean and beaches. My most favourite spot of all of Nice!

4) Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption

The Basilique Notre-Dame of Nice takes many similarities with the Notre-Dame in Paris. However, unlike the one in Paris, this has amazing white stones and can glow up at night too!

5) Chapelle de la Miséricorde

Another one of Nice’s stunning architectural beauties. The bright yellow Chapelle just screams to get its photo taken! Just look at those radiant colours!

6) Cours Saleya

Beside the Chapelle de la Miséricorde there is a fantastic little street filled with outdoor shops, markets, and restaurants. A great place to try delicious food, to see colourful buildings, and buy handmade souvenirs.

7) Opéra Plage

Beautiful bright white buildings, tall lush palm trees, and sparkling blue water at the beach. A must see!

8) Palais Rusca and Palais de Justice

This plaza at night lights up not only in colours, but also in the many joyful souls dancing together. A must see if you would like a local experience and to possibly dance too.

9) Promenade des Anglais

A nice walking path to take in the views of Nice. Palm trees, beach views, and colourful buildings. Perfect place for a quick stroll to take in the small yet beautiful city of Nice.

10) Port de Nice

And lastly, a quick walk away from the beach is Port de Nice. Splendid restaurant’s, bright vibrant buildings, another beautiful church, and tremendously charming views. Port de Nice has it all!