Solo Traveler’s Guide to Barcelona

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Europe, it has a cosmopolitan international vibe but is also a city by the Sea. The city is best known for its landmarks designed by Gaudi, amazing food, and vibrant culture. I had heard amazing things about the city, and finally decided to go on a solo adventure to Barcelona in the fall. Since it was my first time in Barcelona and I was traveling solo, I put together the perfect solo traveler’s guide to the city.

Cost

I was able to fly round trip from NYC to Barcelona in October for $650. Flights in the “off season” are around $500-$700 and in peak can be $900-$1200. Spain’s currency is the Euro and Barcelona seemed a bit more affordable than other major European cities that I’ve been to. Most meals I got were around €10 – €15 and you can find “no frill” hotels for €20, it just depends on what you are looking for.

Safety and Traveling Alone

I am so happy I went to Barcelona alone and would do it 5x again if I could. The city is perfectly safe as any major city in Europe. Many people warn about issues of theft and pick-pocketing being so high in Barcelona, but I did not find the risk to be any higher than any other major city in the world. I walked around late at night obviously alone since I was traveling alone and no one bothered me. I don’t speak Spanish but was perfectly fine being alone and navigating my way through the city. Many people spoke English as it is a major tourist city in Europe.

The people I came across in Barcelona were generally friendly and I am sure many of them were tourists themselves. Going out to eat, or doing activities alone was perfectly normal and no one looked at me twice for doing so.

Getting Around

Overall, I walked the most, took 3 Uber rides, and 2 metro rides. As Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, it was really nice weather when I was there in the Fall. Barcelona is a very walk-able city so you can get around to most of the tourist sights by walking. Uber is available and comparable in price as Uber in the US. I took the metro twice, each ride is €2,20 but I found it to be pretty confusing. I live in a metro area and and take trains pretty often when I travel, but Barcelona’s system was completely in Spanish and I had a hard time figuring it out. If you do plan on depending on the metro, I suggest taking a look at the metro map and trying to figure it out before you get to Barcelona.

Where to Eat

La Cova Fumada

This is one of the most famous restaurants in Barcelona, it offers classic tapas with and old school atmosphere. This is the kind of place where you can interact with local people and get to eat more traditional food.

Quimet & Quimet

Tiny bustling hole in the wall tapas bar, but don’t let looks fool you though, it is delicious. The bar is best known for montaditos which are small, open-faced edibles. I got mine topped with caviar and honey!

El Bosc de Les Fades

A magical forest themed bar, something a little different with light bites.

Mercado de La Boqueria

This popular market in Las Ramblas has the best fresh food that the region has to offer, fresh oysters and cured meats that are a staple of many meals in Catalonia.

7 Portes

Some say this place is very touristy, but I think it is well worth the visit. It is among the 120 oldest restaurants in all of Spain, Picasso and Dali have sat at tables this restaurant. Brilliant ambiance and a unique old fashioned restaurant.

Sightseeing/ What to do

Walk around Las Ramblas and walk to the beach.
Take one of the free walking tours, there are a bunch of different ones in Barcelona. I did the free Barcelona walking tour on the first day and the Gaudí walking tour on the second. If you don’t know, “free walking tours” are free but a tip is highly suggested.
Sagrada Familia – it is absolutely breathtaking. It is a huge tourist attraction so it’s always really busy, I would suggest going really early in the morning. I didn’t go inside but there are guided audio tours if you are interested.
Paella making/Sangria making class. I am a foodie and love to cook so this is right up my ally. Even if you don’t love to cook it is a lot of fun and you get unlimited sangria. There are classes in restaurants with about 20 people which start at about €30 for the class, paella you made, and unlimited sangria. There are more intimate classes in people’s homes for about €70-80.
Telerific de Montjuïc – taking a cable car 750 meters up to enjoy unparalleled views of the city. You wind up at Montjüic Castle which represents the living history of the city.
Go see a Taranto’s Flamenco show which is a flamenco show full of emotion and passion. They usually sell out so you should buy your tickets in advance. The show is €30 for only a half hour but it’s an awesome way to experience the culture.
Casa Batlló Magic Nights – musical performances on Gaudí’s Casa Batlló terrace under the sky of Barcelona.
Park Güell is Barcelona’s most iconic park where all of Gaudí’s architecture is. Many people don’t realize you need tickets to get in which you need to buy in advance online. It is almost always crowded and busy. I suggest going really early in the morning. The park is unlike anything I’ve seen before and is 100% a must see.