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!