Things To Do On Your Own

Bucket List

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling journey filled with unforgettable experiences and cultural exploration? Look no further than our Bucket List! Discover a treasure trove of exciting ideas for cultural events in Barcelona, and get inspired with travel suggestions throughout Spain. Share your incredible moments through photos and you could win an exciting prize!

Barcelona Bucket List

Must Try Foods

• Paella
• Tapas
• Patatas bravas
• Cava
• Vermouth (Vermut)
  

Weekend Trips

Costa Brava

The Costa Brava, a stunning coastline stretching from Blanes to the French border, is a sought-after tourist destination known for its summer climate, stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, rocky beaches, charming fishing villages and delectable seafood.

Discover the best towns along the way, including:

• Cadaqués, where the legendary artist Salvador Dalí used to spend his summers. It is located in the middle of a national park where the Pyrenees Mountains meet the sea, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking. Accommodation options can be pricey during the peak season, but can offer great value during the off-season. Consider alternative options such as hostels or apartments.
• Tossa de Mar, a popular destination for its vibrant beach and nightlife, as well as its ease of access and abundance of hotel options.
• Calella de Palafrugell, known for its breathtaking views and scenic hiking routes along the Caminos de Ronda.
• L'Escala and L'Estartit, both offering unique experiences. L'Escala is a charming town with a rich history, while L'Estartit is a renowned scuba diving spot. The hike between the two towns is a must-see, taking you over towering cliffs and into secluded coves.
• Palamós, with its picturesque town center and important fishing port. The best beach, Platja Castell, is a 45-minute walk from the town.
• Blanes, the starting point of the Costa Brava and the only town accessible by train.

Getting there

The Sarfa bus company operates from the Barcelona Nord station, located near the Arc de Triomf metro station. It is recommended to purchase tickets directly at the station rather than online, as there have been issues with ticket acquisition through the internet. The bus runs several times daily to various destinations, so be sure to check the schedule for departure times. The travel time ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on your destination.

For towns that are accessible by train, the Renfe website provides information on the train lines and schedules. Most of the trains leave from Arc de Triomf and Plaza Catalunya.

Beaches Outside of Barcelona

North of Barcelona

• Badalona is a 20-minute ride away and offers a more local experience compared to the crowded Barcelona. It is cleaner, has fewer tourists, and more locals.
• Ocata beach is a 30-minute train ride away and offers a less crowded experience with plenty of beach bars, facilities, and a larger beach.
• Sant Pol de Mar is another fishing village reachable by the same train ride. Enjoy a paella and siesta by the sea.

South of Barcelona

• Reachable by Renfe train R2 or C2 (from Sants, Passeig de Gracia, and Clot stations) heading south.
• Castelldefels is 20 minutes away with 5 km of beaches, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Although it can still get crowded, there is more space to spread out.
• Garraf is the next stop after Castelldefels and is a quiet beach with a few restaurants and a wine cellar designed by Gaudi.
• Sitges is a 30-minute train ride away, offering a relaxed seaside experience with narrow streets, little houses, and a variety of beaches, including family-friendly and nudist options.
• Tarragona is an hour south of Barcelona and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Spain during Roman times. Explore the well-preserved ruins, shops, and restaurants, and enjoy the best beaches outside of town, reachable by public bus or hiking. A great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
• Tarragona's beaches
• How to get to Tarragona:

Check out this guide for the best beaches outside of BCN and Barcelona Yellow - Beaches around Barcelona

Top Cities to Visit in Spain

Madrid

Madrid is the capital city of Spain, located in the central region of the country. It is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture, showcasing stunning architecture and iconic landmarks, such as the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Puerta del Sol, and the Almudena Cathedral. The city is famous for its cuisine, including delicious tapas and local specialties, and is renowned for its lively nightlife, with countless bars, clubs, and taverns that are open late into the night. Additionally, Madrid is home to several world-class museums and galleries, including the Prado Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of European art in the world. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, Madrid is a must-visit destination in Spain.

Granada

Situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in southern Spain, Granada boasts a mix of traditional culture, lively nightlife, flamenco, and breathtaking attractions, including the renowned Alhambra. This Moorish architectural masterpiece is a symbol of Andalusian history and one of Europe's top sights. Note: Secure Alhambra tickets before booking your transportation. Skipping the Alhambra during your visit to Granada is a missed opportunity, and tickets sell out quickly.

Seville

With its rich offerings of tourist attractions, lively festivals, and bustling nightlife, Seville is one of the top destinations in Southern Spain. The capital of Andalusia, Seville is also the region's cultural and financial hub. Home to numerous stunning historic landmarks, including the grand Cathedral of Seville, where Columbus is said to be buried. We recommend a day trip to Cordoba's Mesquita while here.

Valencia

As one of Spain's largest cities, Valencia is located in the eastern part of the country in the Valencia region. Valencia is famous for its Fallas Festival in March and its City of Arts and Sciences architectural masterpiece. Valencia is also the birthplace of paella.

San Sebastian

The capital of the Gipuzko province, San Sebastian is located in North Spain's Basque country along the Bay of Biscay. This picturesque seaside city is beloved for its beautiful beaches and delectable culinary scene.

Cordoba

The historic center of Cordoba is a maze of narrow medieval streets and whitewashed courtyards surrounding the Mezquita, its star attraction. Initially built as a mosque, the Mezquita is now a stunning cathedral that preserves much of its original architecture.

Toledo

:Set atop a mountaintop in central Spain, Toledo was the Spanish capital until the 16th century. With a rich history of co-existence between Jews, Christians, and Muslims, Toledo is sometimes referred to as the "City of Three Cultures." Today, Toledo draws visitors for its wealth of historic art and architecture dating back to the Roman Empire. The city can be visited on a day trip from Madrid.

Santiago De Compostela

The capital of the Galicia region in northwestern Spain, Santiago de Compostela is renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The city attracts thousands of visitors each year for its religious and historical significance.

Bilbao

Check out gospain.about.com, spain.info and travellinginspain.com for more tips!!