Park Güell is a stunning natural area found inside Barcelona that was designed by Antoni Gaudí, the principal hero of Catalan modernism.

The fabulous park is a World Heritage Site that offers amazing views over the city and the sea that lies beyond it. It also blends together architecture, nature, and historical heritage. If you’re visiting Barcelona, it’s a must-see location. Add it to your agenda!

You’ll want to make the most of the experience and get to grips with everything that the park has to offer, of course. Here is everything you need to know about Park Güell in Barcelona, and all the secret corners you should visit.

How to Get to Barcelona’s Park Güell

Getting to Park Güell is easy and there are lots of options open to you.

• Bues Güell: The Bus Güell is perhaps the simplest. This bus leaves from the Alfons X metro station and it takes just 15 minutes to get directly to the park. The return trip is included in the price of your ticket to Park Güell’s restricted zone, too.




• H6 and D40 Bus Lines The H6 and D40 bus lines take you to the Travessera de Dalt bus stop and from there it’s just a short ten-minute walk. If you want to use the automatic stairs system to get to the park, make sure to access from the Avinguda del Santuari de Sant Josep de la Muntaya.




• Bus Turístic and Barcelona City Tour buses The Bus Turístic and theBarcelona City Tour buses can also take you to a “Park Güell” official bus stop and you’ll again enjoy a brisk 10-minute walk to the park.




• Metro of Barcelona You can take the Green Line on the metro of Barcelona and stop at the stations of Vallcarca or Lesseps. You will enjoy a brisk 20-minute walk to the Park Güell.




• Other ways to get to the park Taxis or private cars are also an option to get to the Park Güell if you want to enjoy the ride on your own.

How to Access Park Güell

The majority of the park is free to access, but there is a restricted area within the park. This restricted area makes up just 9% of the total surface area and was introduced in 2013 to manage the number of people flowing through the popular section of the park.

Now, a maximum of 800 people is allowed access each hour. These tickets can be purchased up to three months before your visit on the Park Güell website. The tool is simple to use and you can choose a time slot according to your schedule.

How much does it cost a general admission ticket for Park Güell?

• Adult over 65: €7
• Adult: €10
• Children from 7-12: €7
• Children from 0-6: Free

Secret Corners of Park Güell

If you decide to visit Park Güell, you will want to make the most of your experience. This means seeing as much of the park as possible and getting a deeper understanding of what makes Gaudi’s work so incredibly beautiful.

Here are four corners of the park that you should visit.

1. The Sala Hipóstila

This room was built between 1907 and 1909. It provides support to the plaza above it and it was originally intended as a market for the residential neighborhood that Gaudí was creating. Of course, the park did not become the residential area that it was originally intended, so the breathtaking hall stands empty to this day.

The 86 fluted columns are mesmerizing. Gaudi’s famous mosaic technique is on full display here. You may find that when you visit, the hall is occupied by a musician making the most of the amazing acoustics that are on offer.

2. Plaça de la Natura

Translated as “The Nature Square”, this section of the Park Güell was recently restored, guaranteeing its longevity and keeping it looking as beautiful as possible. The winding mosaic bench is both comfortable and enchanting, winding around the balcony in the form of a snake.

From here, you can enjoy amazing views over the city of Barcelona and the horizon beyond. The terrace is a great spot for amazing photographs too, so be sure to have your camera ready!

3. The Surrounding Area

The majority of people are focused on the park itself, but the surrounding area is breathtakingly beautiful. The green areas can offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city below, giving you an opportunity to get in touch with nature.

The amount and diversity of flora here are stunning, and there is a specific walk that guides you through the various species that are on offer. If you are looking to enjoy the sun and marvel upon stunning views of Barcelona, you should be sure to enjoy a walk through the rest of the park.

4. Barcelona’s Green Corridors

Barcelona is a city that is constantly evolving. Explosive growth, however, means that the protection of green spaces is a challenge. The city is doing its best, though, with its re-greening plan.

By 2020, the city is going to have built “a blooming mosaic of plants and leaf cover”. These corridors of greenery are going to run between the various green areas of the city, creating a habitat for urban fauna.

The process is already under way and you can use these to make your way to the park. If you want to blend a walk through the city with your experience in Park Güell, these green corridors can make the experience a wonderful one.

Enjoy Your Visit to Park Güell!
We hope that this closer look at Park Güell helps you to have the most amazing time possible. The park is truly stunning and we are confident that you will love your time there!

Looking to explore another natural marvel just outside Barcelona? Check out our look at the best things to do in Montserrat.

Der Beitrag All About Park Güell and Its Secret Corners erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Even if you’re not celebrating the holiday for religious reasons, Easter is a great time of the year. There is a lot of positive energy in the air and Barcelona is the perfect place to come and enjoy a long weekend break.

Almost half of Barcelona’s residents identify as Catholic and despite a gradual decline in that number over the years, Easter traditions are still a strong part of life in the Catalan capital. This means that there is a lot to enjoy here in Barcelona!

Looking for ideas on what to do on Easter in Barcelona? Here’s a closer look.

How to Celebrate the Easter Holidays in Barcelona

Throughout Spain, the run-up to Easter is celebrated by a lot of the local population. Semana Santa (“Holy Week”) is filled with processions, masses, and delicious feasts. This week falls between 14-20 April.

Here is a look at the key activities and traditions that are just waiting to be enjoyed.

1. Enjoy Traditional Processions

Excited to experience some Spanish culture? You’re in luck: there are a huge number of processions throughout the week, beginning on Palm Sunday. These processions often take place around Barcelona’s Cathedral – not to be confused with the Sagrada Familia.

You will see a huge number of people enjoying the festivities, taking the opportunity to come together and enjoy a special time. If you want to get some unique photographs, you will find a lot of stunning moments to capture forever.

Looking for that perfect angle? Check out our list of Barcelona’s best viewpoints for amazing Instagram shots.

2. Taste Something Sweet: Sample the Mona de Pascua

While you are in Barcelona, you will want to sample the delicious local cuisine. Around Easter, there is a particularly tasty treat that is just waiting to be enjoyed!

The “Mona de Pascua” is a cake that represents the coming of spring and the end of Easter. The tradition is a long one, with many historians believing that it stretches all the way back to 15th century Catalonia.

Originally, the cake was a more savory affair that was topped with boiled eggs to celebrate the passing of lent. After the introduction of cocoa, however, Catalan bakers started to get more creative and today, people enjoy cakes that are topped with all types of colorful and tasty toppings.

If you are here for Easter, you should be sure to participate in this delicious tradition. You will notice that many bakeries across the city compete to present their own “Mona de Pascua” in the most stunning way possible, so it can be fun to take a look at those!

3. Enjoy the Peace and Quiet

There are a lot of bank holidays at this time of the year, and Monday is especially reserved for families to celebrate together. This means that the city is a little quieter than usual, giving you the chance to enjoy a calm time wandering Barcelona’s streets and sampling delicious food and drink.

With the warm weather and relaxed vibes, Barcelona is a perfect place to enjoy the Easter holidays.

4. Have Fun and Relax Under the Sun

Barcelona is all about outdoor living. You will find that just wandering the city, with its wide streets, is an absolute pleasure. There are lots of natural parks and mountains surrounding the city, too. It’s an excellent time to visit the beaches of Barcelona; you will find a lot of locals enjoying the sun and practicing sports at the beach.

By the middle of April, Barcelona is heating up quite nicely. Temperatures average around 20° and it’s definitely possible to enjoy nice strolls and a delicious meal on a terrace. If you are looking to enjoy a relaxing weekend, you should be sure to choose Barcelona.

5. See the City Using Wheels

It is really special to stroll through the Catalan capital, but there are a lot of ways to get up close and personal with the stunning Mediterranean city. You could consider enjoying one of our various Segway tours in Barcelona.

We have six tours on offer, each helping you to explore Barcelona the original way. You will see all of the essential areas of Barcelona and enjoy the insights of a local expert.

6. Get Romantic on the Feast of Sant Jordi

While Saint George’s Day isn’t technically associated with Easter, this unique festival had to make the list. Known as “St Jordi” in Catalonia, the 23 April sees lovers celebrate together by observing a unique tradition.

On this day, couples exchange gifts of roses and books. You will find Barcelona’s streets lined with stalls selling both of these in large numbers. The tradition itself is the result of many smaller ones coming together in order to pay homage to Sant Jordi, the patron saint of lovers in Catalonia.

If you are visiting with a partner, you should be sure to impress them with your knowledge of the festival!

Enjoy Your Easter in Barcelona!

We hope that you have a really amazing Easter Holidays in Barcelona. It is a special time of the year and we are confident that you will love it! If you need any advice or tips, be sure to get in touch with us and it would be our pleasure to help!

Der Beitrag How to Enjoy the Easter Holidays in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Do you have a trip planned to Barcelona and you’re looking to find the perfect place to squeeze in a workout while you’re here?

You’re not alone! This is a common need (Barcelona welcomes thousands of tourists and business travelers for short breaks each year) and if you know where to look, you’ll find a range of gyms in Barcelona that offer day passes.

You’ll want to look and feel your best while you’re here (the beach is waiting!), so here’s a run-down of the best gyms in Barcelona to get a one-day workout.

Top 8 Gyms in Barcelona for tourists

1. Aiguajoc

Where is it? Carrer Comte Borrell 21-33
Facilities: Gym, pool, spa, classes, massages, sports courts, showering facilities, restaurant
Cost: 10 EUR per day
www.aiguajoc.com

At 10 euros per workout, this gym represents good value for money. You’ll find that you have everything you could need available to you too: there’s a fully-equipped gym and pool, as well as a host of other amenities which you can make the most of to get a truly great workout.

Found in the Sant Antoni neighborhood, this gym is really central and accessible using a range of metro and bus lines. If you’re staying anywhere around the center of the city while you’re in Barcelona, you’ll want to give this option some serious consideration.

2. Duet Fit

Where is it? Carrer del Bruc 49
Facilities: Gym, classes, showering facilities, restaurant
Cost: 10 EUR per day
www.duetfit.es

Duet Fit is found not too far from the Arc de Triomf, meaning that it is located not far from the center of Barcelona. The 10 euro cost also includes access to all of the classes which is a nice touch, and there are a lot on offer!

The lunch spaces make this a great gym to get in an afternoon workout – you can make the most of the huge range of weights and classes before locking in your workout with a healthy lunch.

3. CEM Can Felipa

Where is it? Carrer Pillars 277
Facilities: Gym, pool, spa, classes, massages, showering facilities
Cost: 10 EUR per day
www.canfelipa.com

All of the CEM gyms in Barcelona are municipal gyms, meaning that they offer great value for money and attract a wide range of people. It’s worth noting that these gyms have the potential to get quite busy outside of office hours, so watch out!

The price is attractive though, and while you won’t find restaurants or sports courts here, it has everything else that you might need to get a truly great workout and prepare for the beach!

4. BCN Fitness

Where is it? Carrer d’Aragó 322
Facilities: Gym, classes, showering facilities
Cost: 6 EUR per day
www.bcn-fitness.es

The day pass at this gym starts at just 6 euros per day, and you’ll find that there are a huge range of classes on offer here. You can enjoy body pump, stretching, yoga, salsa, and much more… as well as a range of weights and cardio machines, of course.

What makes this option so intriguing are the long opening hours. On weekdays the gym opens up at 6.30am, making it the perfect option if you’re looking to get that early-morning workout in before your big day ahead in Barcelona.

5. Accura Bruc

Where is it? Carrer Bruc 122
Facilities: Gym, pool, spa, classes, showering facilities
Cost: 17 EUR per day
www.clubsaccura.es

Billed as the most cosmopolitan gym in the city, this is reflected in the higher day rate. At 17 euros for a day pass, this is a more premium option but if you enjoy beautiful aesthetics and state-of-the-art materials, this could be the best option for you.

The gym is found just off Diagonal in the Eixample district of the city, so you’ll want to ensure that this gym makes sense to visit from the location that you are staying in.

6. Eurofitness Perill

Where is it? Carrer del Perill 16-22
Facilities: Gym, pool, spa, classes, massages, sports courts, showering facilities, restaurant
Cost: 12 EUR per day
www.perill.eurofitness.com

Located in the heart of Gracia, this gym offers great facilities at a competitive price. It is also open until 11pm, which gives it a nice edge and facilitates for those late-night workouts.

All of the materials are of a high-quality and you’ll find that whether you want to go for a swim, hit the weights, or get in some other type of cardio workout, this gym has you covered. There’s even a healthy restaurant on site, meaning that you can nourish yourself after a tough workout.

7. Esportiu Rocafort

Where is it? Carrer del Floridablanca 41
Facilities: Gym, pool, spa, classes, massages, sports courts, showering facilities, restaurant
Cost: 7 EUR per day
www.esportiurocafort.com

This large sports complex is found in Sant Antoni and it’s open until 11pm. Alongside a range of sports courts for football, squash, and other games, you’ll find a well-equipped gym and a beautifully warmed swimming pool.

At just 7 euros for a day session, this represents great value for money and if you’re staying around the center of Barcelona this could be a great option for your gym session. You may even find that you can enjoy a game of football or another sport if you have the inclination!

8. CEM Jupiter Sport

Where is it? Carrer de la Agricultura 232
Facilities: Gym, pool, classes, showering facilities, restaurant
Cost: 11 EUR per day
www.jupitersport.cat

Another municipal gym, this one is found in Sant Martí and represents a perfect choice if you’re staying to the east of the city in Poble Nou or another neighborhood. The price is accessible once again, and you’ll find that there are a range of awesome facilities.

The gym recently installed a completely new spinning room and it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of this intense form of cardio!

We hope that you’ve found the perfect gym in Barcelona and that you have a great workout. The Catalan capital is a wonderful place and we’re sure that after your fitness session, the city will help you to feel great both mentally and physically.

If you want to explore some alternative methods of exercise, Barcelona is a beautiful city and there is a wide variety of activities that you can enjoy outdoors. If you want to know more, keep reading our blog or visit our website. Surely you will find more than one incredible plan for your stay!

Der Beitrag The Best Gyms in Barcelona Offering Day Passes erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

When the average person thinks of Barcelona, they’ll probably conjure up images of beaches, sangria, tapas and sunshine.

But Barcelona in the winter is by no means boring – there’s still a huge amount to do and see! If you’re looking for some outdoor activities to enjoy during Christmas in Barcelona, here is some inspiration.

Outdoors activities for Christmas in Barcelona

1. Visit Christmas Markets

Barcelona has a unique holiday season. Some people mainly celebrate the 25th December, while others celebrate The Three Kings which sees Melchor, Gaspar and Balthasar arrive in Barcelona by boat on the evening of January 5.

Some lucky kids even celebrate both!

There are a range of traditional markets in Barcelona, as well as a huge procession on January 5. There’s a lot to see and do, so you’ll be sure to get slip into the festive spirit in no time. The weather can become pretty chilly too, so it’s a great idea to wrap up warm and enjoy a hot drink!

Here are some of the key Christmas markets in Barcelona.

• Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Familia

  Looking to enjoy a Christmas market while presided over by the city’s most iconic piece of architecture? This lovely market surrounds the Sagrada Familia and has over 120 stalls. This is a great way to combine sightseeing with shopping and this market runs from the end of November to December 23.




• Gran Via – Three Kings Fair

  This huge market has over 300 stalls packed with Christmas goodies and fun toys. Themed mostly around the Three Kinds, you’ll find a wide range of traditional toys here which make this the perfect place to pick up a typical Spanish gift. This particular market is lovely to walk through, given that it’s a straight line and it’s easy to see a lot of the stuff that’s on offer. Enjoying some warm churros while shopping is lovely, and you can do that here from the 20 December to the 6 January.




• Plaça de Catalunya Christmas Fair

  This is one of the largest Christmas markets in Barcelona and as such, it has a huge range of activities and fun moments. The theme is based around dreams, and you’ll find that there’s a theater, bookshop, sports shop, and an awesome toyshop. If you’re looking to do some shopping while feeling the Christmas spirit, this is a great option. It’s also a fantastic place to pick up a nice memento for your trip!

  This market begins on the 21 December and runs until 4 January – meaning that it spans both of the holiday celebrations here in Barcelona.




• Fira de Nadal de Sants

  This Christmas market takes place at the Plaça de Sants, making it easy to get to. It also runs from the end of November until just before Christmas, so it’s a great option. You’ll find roasted chestnuts and all other sorts of goodies here. Sants is just a little bit outside the city center too, so it’s a great way to see some alternative neighborhoods that Barcelona has on offer.




• Sant Cugat Christmas Market

  While this isn’t technically in the city, it’s just a short train ride away and a fantastic option if you’re looking for German-style markets that come complete with wooden huts, mulled wine and other Christmas market staples. You can catch the train from a number of stations and it’s a great day trip just slightly outside the city.

2. Enjoy an E-Bike Tour

Electronic bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years. It’s little wonder why – they offer a safe and speedy way to get around the city and see all of the best sights. You’ll learn about Gaudi’s architecture and Picasso’s favorite bars while stopping for delicious local snacks.

Barcelona is particularly suited to this type of tour, given that it has wide streets and the necessary infrastructure to help you safely and quickly get around town. You’ll be sure to enjoy zipping around on these bikes during your tour!

It’s possible to fully enjoy e-bike tours in Barcelona even in the winter months, given that the temperature is pretty mild. You’ll probably want to wrap up a little bit though!

3. Take a Segway Tour

Segway tours in Barcelona are another popular outdoor activity to enjoy during Christmas, offering what some might consider a more relaxed alternative to e-bike tours.

Segways are awesome machines. They are a great way to traverse Barcelona’s terrain in style and to get a comfortable view of all the key sights. They are easy to maneuver and operate, and tour guides are great at sharing instructions and information about Barcelona.

The tours pass by the key spots in Barcelona and allow people to stop off for delicious food and snacks along the way… What isn’t to love?

4. Visit Barcelona’s Parks

A truly Mediterranean city Barcelona has mild winters, and this means that you can still enjoy the city’s many beautiful parks in the winter. If you’re at a loose end and looking for things to do in Barcelona, a visit to the park is always a great option.

The city can sometimes get a little hectic so taking some time to relax in a calm, green park is a great way to regroup. Wherever you happen to be staying in the city you won’t be far from a beautiful park. In terms of the ones that are highly recommended, people often mention:

• Park Güell
• Parc de la Ciutadella
• Montjuic Hill
• Parc del Laberint

A quick search on Google Maps will help you to find a park near you. A crisp stroll is a great way to spend a few pleasant hours.

5. Explore Barcelona on Foot

Barcelona is a very popular destination for tourists, receiving an incredible 32 million tourists in 2017. It’s wonderful that so many people get to explore the city and its wonders, but it can get a little crowded in the summer months!

The cooler months in Barcelona offer you an opportunity to enjoy the city at a slower pace and get up close and personal with the city. You can wander the streets comfortably and find new places while enjoying easier access to a range of attractions and buildings.

If you love Barcelona and want to get a real feel for the city, exploring on foot can be very relaxing. You could grab a coffee, wrap up and explore the beautiful city. You could even incorporate one of the Christmas markets into the walk!

We hope that these tips have shown just how much variety is on offer in terms of outdoors activities in Barcelona. We wish you a very happy holiday season and hope you enjoy your trip!

Der Beitrag 5 Outdoor Activities to Enjoy During Christmas in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Barcelona is not a massive city, so it is relatively easy to move through its public transportation network, which is also considered one of the widest and highest in the country.

If this is the first time you visit the Catalan capital, you need to know some characteristic features of this transportation network and what the best options are to move around Barcelona.

What types of transportation exist in Barcelona? How do you get to the Sagrada Familia? How much does the 1-trip ticket cost? Are tickets for bus and metro trips compatible? Are there any discounts? These are questions that you may be asking yourself if you are already in Barcelona or will be soon.

This information we are offering today will be useful for you to make decisions or inquiries about city routes, so keep it available. In addition, we have extended details of the prices and uses of transportation cards, as well as private transportation options available to make your stay in Barcelona as comfortable as possible.

Getting around Barcelona: how to move in the big city

Metro of Barcelona

www.tmb.cat

The first option in this list about how to get around Barcelona is the subway, also called metro. The metro network has 8 very simple lines to use that you can identify by number and color. The price of the subway single ticket is 2.20€ but you can get it cheaper if you are going to use the metro a few times (see the different cards for transportation in this article). It opens from 5 am to 12 midnight, which makes it perfect to move around the city throughout the day. On weekends and holidays, it stays open until 2am, except on Saturday in which it stays open all night, this will allow you to get to know the nightlife in Barcelona and return to the hotel using the metro.

FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya)

www.fgc.cat

In the second place you have the FGC, the city railway network composed of several urban rail lines such as L6, L7 and L8, R5, R6, R50, R60 or lines S1, S2, S33, S4, S5 and 55, and S8. The price is also 2.20€, although if you bought the 10-trips tickets for bus or subway, you can use it for your trips on the FGC too. The Barcelona Railway has a schedule very similar to the metro, which will facilitate the combined use of both modes of transportation if necessary. Although it is important to note that there may be variations depending on the railway line of your need, so we recommend you checking it before starting your journey. The FGC does not work the all night long.

Rodalies RENFE

http://www.renfe.com/

If you need to go from the airport to Barcelona center, move a long distance in the city or even visit other towns next to the Catalan capital, the trains from Rodalies Renfe would be the best option. You can buy tickets in the same station, in cash or with a card. Prices change depending on the distance you travel. Rodalies RENFE covers a big area which is divided into different zones. Those zones indicate the cost of the ticket. You can also buy some integrated tickets so that you can use the train and other means of transport during a determinate time.

TMB buses

www.tmb.cat

The Barcelona bus is a perfect option if you are looking to reach every corner of the city. There are more than 80 lines and 1,000 buses covering virtually any route. On the website you can check them to evaluate if it is better to make your trip by bus, metro or FGC. The price of every single ticket is 2.20€ and the price of the 10-trips ticket is 10.20€. Remember that as with the metro and railroad ticket, the bus ticket is also valid for use in any of these 3 modes of transportation.

NIT Bus

www.amb.cat

Barcelona’s bus service does not stop during the night, although, of course, there are fewer buses available. There are dozens of routes and night bus lines that you can take to return home.

This time we recommend you to access their website to select your destination and discover the schedule of each night route. All the website information for transportation in Barcelona is available in Spanish and English, as well as Catalan.

Tram

www.tram.cat

In addition to the usual metro and bus transportation systems that we see in many cities around the world, Barcelona has incorporated another fast and great travel system: The Tram (the trolley). To use the tram, you must have a valid ticket that allows you to access. On this occasion, and although there are different transportation cards, the simple ticket and the integrated one are the most common options for tourists. The integrated system will allow you to do up to three transfers in an hour and a quarter. Although there are other options that we will explain later in the list of cards.

Taxi, Uber, Cabify and private transport

You can get a taxi directly on the street, through MyTaxi applications or at the reception of your hotel, where they will help you to contact and meet it at the hotel door.

In addition, there are different platforms and applications such as Uber or Cabify. These companies offer a private transportation service like the taxi, with the advantage that you can pay it from your mobile phone, in addition to knowing in advance the price of your trip.

Private bicycle

Barcelona offers also public bicycles for residents. You can access them by purchasing a card. Getting around Barcelona with a bike is an amazing experience, and you can park it at the different bike stations – the city is full of them. In addition, we take the opportunity to remind you that if at any time you can’t continue, you are allowed to travel on Barcelona’s metro, tram and rail network with your bike without any problems. If you are in Barcelona because of your vacation or on a business trip, you can enjoy a guided tour by electric bike through Barcelona by contacting Barcelona eBike Tours.

List of card types for transportation in Barcelona

If you are going to visit Barcelona for several days and want to make the most of your money, we recommend you buy one of the different cards available that are compatible between transportation systems.

Bus, Train, Metro and Tram

The Barcelona integrated bus, train and metro tickets offer travelers the possibility of combining their modes of transportation. With this ticket, you can access from one to another without paying an extra during an hour and a quarter since your ticket validation. Here you’ll find the most used ones:

T50-30 card – With 50 integrated trips for 30 days, it has a price that changes depending on the radius of action. 1 zone is 43€.

T-Trimester card – A personalized subscription that will allow you to travel without limits for three months, 90 days, for 145€ if you only use it in one area.

T-mes card – It is the same type of subscription, but to use for a month with a price of 54€ in 1 area.

T-dia card – You can travel unlimited for 24 hours for the price of 8.90€.

T-10 card – This time the number it does not refer to the number of active days, but to the number of integrated trips. 10 trips for 10.20€.

For more information about integrated tickets and multi-journey tickets click here.

Hola BCN

Hola BCN is a tourist-use card that allows you to use unlimited public transportation for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Barcelona. Its price varies according to the number of days you select. The cheapest option is 15€ and the most expensive, 35€. It will allow you to use metro, buses, trains and trams.

Barcelona Card

It is a card available to be used for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. Its price goes from 20€ if you select the two-day option, up to 60€ for a complete option. You can buy them at the Barcelona Information and Tourism Offices or by calling 932 853 832. With this card you will also get discounts on museums, restaurants, shops and services.

Der Beitrag Getting around Barcelona: The Essential Guide erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

1. Visit the Geek Triangle

Among the Passeig Sant Joan and Ausias March Street there is an area known as “The Geek Triangle”, one block that concentrates 80% of the subculture, leisure and geek culture in Barcelona. Shops like Gigamesh, Ingenio or Firefly offer video games, comic-books, sci-fi, DVDs, cards, board games, costumes, anime and so much more. Since the 80s “The Geek Triangle” has been the place in which fans come to make their purchases. It is a must-see for all those visitors who want to enjoy an explosion of freedom, creation, and color. Some of the shops, like Kaburi or Norma Cómics, even have coffee-shops so you can taste a meal or a beverage while enjoying your shopping in Barcelona.

Local tip: If you want to hang out with the rest of the Barcelona geek community, Friday and Saturday afternoon are the best days to pay your visit.

2. Hang out on the Gràcia Squares

Gràcia used to be an independent village that was absorbed by the city of Barcelona at the beginning of the 20th century. Nevertheless, the district still feels proud of its origins and maintains its own personality. You can feel it walking through its narrows streets, talking to its diverse residents and enjoying its originals restaurants. Gràcia it´s also a great area to go out on nights because it´s not as crowded as other centric areas. But above all, Gràcia is great to just hang out in one of its enormous squares. Whether is the Plaza del Diamante, the Plaza de la Virreina or the Plaza del Reloj, the squares of Gracias are full of benches, terraces and places to spend a pleasant time in good company. If you really want to enjoy Barcelona like a local, Gràcia neighborhood is a must visit!

Local tip: For a breakfast, vermouth, lunchtime or dinner, Gracia is always one of the best choices for local citizens, especially around “la Plaça de Sol” where you can find plenty of opportunities to eat and drink.

3. Go to Street Markets and Flea Markets

El Mercat dels Encants is the oldest market in the city. You can find furniture, clothing, and mobile phone accessories. Also books, works of art or mechanical tools. The access to the market is free of charge and it opens every day of the year. On the other hand, there is also itinerant flea markets like The Lost & Found, Fleadonia and many others celebrated throughout the year. They are held on Saturdays and Sundays in different areas of Barcelona and there you can find private exhibitors who sell their old clothing or vintage style stores. If you like to dress original, you have to go there.

Local tip: Don´t forget to bargain!

4. Drink a Vermouth in El Raval

Like Paris, Barcelona also has a literary scent. There are many writers who have been inspired by the deep El Raval, also known as El Barrio Chino (The Chinese Neighborhood). Frequented by all kinds of characters, El Raval is a strangely attractive area to visit, especially to go to enjoy a vermouth. The vermouth is a macerated in herbs type of wine, consumed especially on lunch time. Walk along El Raval on mornings to enjoy Vermouth, it´s one of the favorite activities of the Barcelona people. But El Raval is so much more: It has local commerce, urban culture, music and gastronomy. In El Raval, you will also find museums such as the CCCB (which hosts exhibitions, conferences, etc), the MACBA, the Librería de Cataluña or the Film Library.

Local tip: Vermouth and Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes) is the perfect combination for a Sunday morning with locals after a night out.

5. Visit the Museums on Sunday (are free!!)

Catalonians are known all over Spains for being money savvy. Whether this is true or not, you will probably find out that most of the locals visit museums on Sundays. Why? Because it´s free! So if you want to enjoy Barcelona like a local, you can visit museums on Sunday. In this day of the week there are many museums in Barcelona that won´t charge your visit. Also, If you are a little patient and can wait for the month of May, you can attend “La Nit dels Museus” (the night of the museums). From 19 PM to 1 AM, museums such as the Xocolata Museum, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA), the Museu del Fútbol Club Barcelona, the Museu Egipci and many more are totally free of charge. And not only museums: the Hospital de Sant Pau, La Pedrera or the Monestir de Pedralbes.

Local tip: The free entrance depends on the day of the week or the month, so make sure on their website before going there.

6. Enjoy Open Air Cinema

Enjoying outdoors cinema is a very typical activity in Barcelona. On the Sant Sebastià beach in the Barceloneta district, there are cinema series and short film festivals. They set up big screens on the sand and let people come to enjoy the movies for free. You can bring food, drinks and even your own chair.

One of the most original open-air cinema sessions are celebrated in the Montjuic Castle, in a festival called “Cinema a la Fresca” where you can enjoy classic and contemporary cinema cycles inside a medieval pit. They schedule classic music concerts before the show, the ticket only costs €6 and people usually have a picnic before the movie.

Local tip: Always go early to get a good spot and always bring a jacket, since Barcelona nights can be cold.

7. Go to a Park for a walk

In Barcelona, there are many beautiful parks where you can walk and enjoy nature. The Park Güell is one of the best but the entrance cost money and it´s always very crowded. That´s the reason we recommend you the Laberint d’Horta Park, one of the most romantic and fun parks in Barcelona. Also, it is free of charge on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Palau Reial, located in Diagonal, has a beautiful park too where you can have a quiet moment. And, of course, the Parc de la Ciutadella, one of the biggest parks in the whole city. It´s also full of monuments so it´s the perfect place to walk and get lost in its beauty and history.

Local tip: The mornings are the best time to visit parks in Barcelona since you won´t find so many people.

Der Beitrag Barcelona like a local: 7 things to do erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Skiing close to Barcelona – Where to go

La Molina and La Masella

The top ski areas close to Barcelona, La Molina (50km pistes) and La Masella (61km pistes), are fantastic for day skiing trips from Barcelona. They are both in the Pre-Pyrenees mountain range and can be reached within two hours by car or bus and it is also possible to get to La Molina by train which also departs from Barcelona.

The Rodalies Renfe transportation offers a package to La Molina, which includes a train and ski-pass (forfeit) and can be bought at all Renfe railway stations in Barcelona. If you want to go skiing close to Barcelona during a weekday, you will enjoy the luxury of empty pistes and no lift lines. During the weekend it’s a bit more crowded but still, nothing compared to the Alps.

Grandvalira

A larger ski area is the resort Grandvalira in Andorra in the Pyrenees, which is a 3 hours bus ride from Barcelona. With more than 210 km of a run, it is the largest skiing area close to Barcelona.

This resort usually offers uncrowded pistes and short lift queues. Moreover, the Eastern Pyrenees have 300 days of sunshine, so the weather is marvelous for skiing. Since the resort has high altitude, there are also several freeride trails and off-piste runs to enjoy.

Vall de Núria

Being the closest station to Barcelona, Vall de Núria has a lot to offer. Not as big as the previously mentioned ones, this ski station offers a total of 7.6 km skiable tracks. The access to this area alone is worth the experience because you have to take a small antique rack railway that lasts about 40min. With an altitude of roughly 2000, you’ll find excellent conditions to get the most out of your small ski adventure near Barcelona. Ideal for 1 day.

The station has 1 Gondola lift, 1 Chairlift, 2 Telescopes, and 1 Ribbon debutantes. It has 11 tracks: 2 black, 3 red, 3 blue, and 3 green. It offers a total of 7.6 km skiable.

Vallter 2000

Vallter 2000 is the most Eastern ski stations in the Catalan Pyrenees, in Girona. At 153 km from Barcelona, Vallter 2000 is a very cozy ski area located between 2,000 meters and 2,500 meters of altitude.

With 14 km of slopes to enjoy the snow with your family or friends, Vallter 2000 is one of the few ski areas with a track for the Skimo.

Boí Taüll

Located in the Natural Park of Aigües Tortes, in the Boí Valley, you will find Boí Taüll.
It is the station with the highest levels of the Pyrenees, up to 2750 meters of altitude.
Boí Taüll offers 10 green tracks, 7 blue, 26 red and 9 black.

There are no accommodations right at the foot of the piste. It is a very small ski station, but it is surrounded by lovely small villages you will surely like to visit. Recently, Boí Taüll has been nominated in the world ski awards as the best ski resort in Spain.

Baqueira Beret

Baqueira Beret is one of the most prestigious but also the most expensive ski stations near Barcelona, as it offers many services in the facilities and its surroundings for the most exclusive clients.

Located in the Vall d’Aran, it enjoys intense snowfall and a high quality of snow.
Baqueira Beret has 157 km of slopes, 7 km of itineraries, 7 km of cross-country skiing and 1010 meters of altitude difference, a real luxury. On the slopes, you will see mountainous peaks that exceed the 3000 meters.

Espot

Espot is a ski area located near Baqueira, next to the National Park of Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici, which is an extra motivation for ski and snowboard lovers.

With this privileged situation, breathtaking views and exceptional snow quality, Espot offers more than 20 km of slopes and 1,000 meters of altitude difference for those who want to ski near Barcelona in a quiet and familiar location.

Port of Comte

The ski station of Port del Comte is 143 km from Barcelona. The station is also very familiar, and a good option for those who want to enjoy the pistes without many people.

With 37 tracks and 16 ski lifts, it is surrounded by a beautiful forest of black pine trees. Apart from skiing in the area, you can practice many activities such as hiking, paragliding, zip line or golf, among others.

Port Ainé

Located in the Pyrenees of Lleida, in the municipality of Rialp, and right at the foot of the Pic de l’Orri (2440 meters), you will find the ski station of Port Ainé. It is considered the ski station with the best snow in the Pyrenees for its orientation to this peak.

One of its main attractions of Port Ainé is the Snowpark, for the enjoyment of all and the practice of freestyle. In this ski resort, you will also find different types of accommodation. Among them, the highest hotel of all the Pyrenees. You can get there by car, but there is also a bus line from Barcelona that will take you directly to the ski station.

The after-ski scene in all these ski stations near Barcelona is much quieter than in Austria or Switzerland, but nevertheless, you will find some nightlife especially in Grandvalira. The most lively nightlife you will probably find in Pas de la Casa in Andorra.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic run and book your trip to the Pyrenees and enjoy great skiing close to Barcelona with a clear, blue sky!

Der Beitrag Ski stations near Barcelona – Enjoy Skiing and Ski Tracks in Catalunya erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

At the end of 2017, Instagram, the most notorious photography-based social network, announced that it had already exceeded 800 million active users per month and 500 million users per day, confirming it as one of the most visited platforms in the world and the fastest growing social network in recent years.

Their biggest contribution was focusing in something that was already part of most people’s lives: the photography. Besides, the use of hashtags is also one of their main strengths. Thanks to these, people can post anything at any time and become popular without the need of having a big audience like in other social networks, without much effort.

The latest study by IAB Spain reveals that the hashtag #Barcelona is the most used by users of this social network with more than 31 million shared photos. And it’s one of the 5 most shared destinations in the world! If you want to have a boost on your Instagram account, check this selection with Barcelona’s best viewpoints for spectacular Instagram shots. You will get surprised of how many likes you get!

Top places in Barcelona with panoramic views to take a photo

Carmel Bunkers

Located in the Horta neighborhood, this viewpoint is famous for being one of the few where you can see a panoramic view of the entire city. In addition, it is a place surrounded by some of the most tragic, yet interesting, history of the city. In the spot, we find the remains of anti-aerial bunkers that were built in 1937 to protect civilians from bombs during the Spanish Civil War. These bunkers were also known as the anti-aircraft guns of Carmel, and they stayed in the same spot until the fifties, when they were removed. The visit is free and has no schedule, so you can visit them whenever you want. Grasp the opportunity and take a gorgeous photo for your Instagram of the Barcelona magnificent skyline.

Castell de Montjuic

Located a few minutes away from Plaza España, the Castle of Montjuic is one of the most popular places in the city for its beauty and the panoramic views of Barcelona. Its privileged location is the result of military planning since it used to be a fortress from where they were able to control the city, the port and every sea access. The top of the castle allows the visitor to enjoy unbeatable views of the city and its surroundings. The courtyard terrace of the Castle is the best possible viewpoint of Barcelona from where you can see the port, the Mediterranean Sea, the Barcelona beaches and coast, and the Baix Llobregat.

Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens

If you don’t want to go up to the castle, you can also enjoy a views from the Mossèn Costa i Llobera Gardens. These gardens are well known for the variety of cactus and plants, which make up a unique biosphere reserve in Europe. Located in the Montjuic mountain and facing the Mediterranean Sea, the gardens are a great landscaping work of art, perfect for visiting on a sunny day. In addition, the rehabilitation that has been done recently has greatly improved access for visitors. Inspiring and bucolic, the gardens have a unique viewpoint from where you can take incredible pictures of the Barcelona skyline that won’t be unnoticed on your Instagram follower’s timeline.

Tibidabo

The Tibidabo is – with 512 meters above sea level – the highest peak of the Collserola mountain, in Barcelona. From this spot you can enjoy beautiful views and a great landscape to add to your Instagram pics. In addition, you can visit the Tibidabo Amusement Park, a centennial park that combines great new rides like Dididado or the Roller Coaster with the most emblematic, such as the Plane or the Atalaia. And do not forget to take a photo in El Camí del Cel, the promenade with some of the best views of the city, where you will find historical attractions such as the Automaton Museum and others that the whole family would enjoy during your tour in Barcelona.

La Sagrada Familia

The Expiatory Temple of La Sagrada Familia, also known simply as Sagrada Familia, is a Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by the modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. The construction works started in 1882, and even today it’s still a work in progress. It is an impressive work of architecture and one of the most notorious monuments in the Catalan capital, to the point of being the most tagged Instagram monument in Spain. There are amazing viewpoints in the towers of the church, from where you can take awesome pictures of the city to impress your Instagram friends.

Columbus Monument Viewpoint

The monument of Christopher Columbus, located at the end of La Rambla, that has become one of the symbols of the city is as involved in mystery as the explorer itself. Is also one of the most photographed places in the city, but is there a viewpoint on the top of the statue? Yes! There’s not so much space, but the views are awesome, especially on sunny days. Opened every day from 8.30 AM to 8.30 PM, the Columbus statue is a great, relatively-unknown viewpoint of the city. We would recommend you not only take pictures from the top of the statue, but also the escalator ride too. The price is 6€ per adult, 4€ for children with ages between 4 and 12 and free for kids under 4 years old. It is worth it!

Arenas

The Las Arenas Shopping Mall is one of the unique shopping malls you will ever visit in Spain and probably in the world. Why? Well, it is built on an old bullfighting arena. And, if that’s not enough, it has a great viewpoint on its rooftop, from where you can have a great view for taking a cool picture of Barcelona or a fun Instagram story. It has 360 degrees open space, so from this great viewpoint you can see Plaza España, the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya), the Joan Miró Parks with its famous statues and the Puig and Cadafalch four columns, representing the Catalan flag.

Der Beitrag Barcelona’s Best Viewpoints for Amazing Instagram Shots erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Do you love traveling even when it’s cold? Well, Barcelona is not the coldest place in the world, but it changes a little when the winter is coming. Luckily Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunny days, with permanent clear blue skies, and it doesn’t rain very often. It is a fascinating city, very crowded, with so many things to do and even in winter, you will find lots of tourists and locals being entertained and having fun outside.

The city is alive during all year long. You can find a lot of activities in Barcelona to have a great time and places to enjoy by yourself, with your partner, your friends, your family or your company. Check out these things to do in Barcelona during winter and start thinking about your next trip to the Catalan capital. You don’t need to wait until summer!

1. Try Ice Skating and have a lot of fun

Do you love skating on the ice? You can do it in Barcelona every day of the year, but it’s in winter when this practice becomes more frequent in the city! So, if you want to enjoy with some locals in the ice rink, this is the time. Take your skates or rent some in the same ice skating rink. It’s not expensive, and you will have a great time there. Don’t forget to wear gloves; these can protect you if you fall.

What are the top ice skating spots in Barcelona?

• Kaliu Park (24th December until 7th of January)
• Pedralbes Centre (24th November until 7th of January)
• Pista de hielo FC Barcelona (all year)
• Skating Club (all year)

2. Visit Museums in Barcelona

When the weather is cold outside, and you don’t feel like going out, you can have a break and visit the museums. These are an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and the essence of Barcelona. There are so many historical museums in Barcelona that will approach you to what this city has become, but also you can find alternative ones and many others of a specific nature such as science museums or special ones like the Chocolate Museum. Every week you can see new exciting expositions in the city too. So if you like, you can spend some of your time deleting yourself with a different kind of them. Barcelona is full of them!

The top museums to visit in Barcelona:

• Catalan National Art Museum (MNAC)
  The MNAC offers an impressive collection of Art from Medieval Romanesque Art to Photography and Numismatics with a selection of 136.000 coins, there’s something for everyone here.
• MACBA Contemporary Art
  The MACBA collection unites the work of local, national and international artists, especially South-American, eastern countries and recently also added works from North African, Middle East and Arabic artists.
• The Egyptian Museum
  The pharaohs in Barcelona? Yes! An exposition of Egyptian artifacts in Barcelona.
• Picasso Museum
  The Picasso Museum is located next to the cathedral (not the Sagrada Familia) and definitely worth a visit.

3. Enjoy the beaches and the breeze

Yes, you’ve read it right! One of the most amazing things to do in Barcelona is to enjoy its beaches, even in winter. Have a walk, sit on a terrace, go surfing or kitesurfing, or just lay on the sand and read a book, under the sun, feeling the fresh air from the sea.

Paddle surfing has also become very popular in the recent years. But if you are more into a sailing mood, you can do it too in Barcelona.

For the early birds: remember to watch at least one sunrise on the beach of Barcelona. It’s wonderful. You won’t regret it!

4. Hang out on a terrace and relax

In Barcelona, you can take a snack, have a drink or eat outside even when it’s freezing. Most terraces in the city are equipped with very powerful outdoor stoves, so you would surely take off your coat! Forget the cold and enjoy the magical atmosphere in every corner of Barcelona.
Either in restaurants at street level or the attics of some hotels, restaurants or museums you will have a great time.

5. Go Skiing in the mountains

Ok, it’s not really in Barcelona where you can go skiing or snowboarding, but if you love mountains, those are very close to the city. You don’t even need a car to go there. There are so many possibilities to get to the ski slopes: by bus, by train,… If you like, you can wake up early in the morning and come back the same day too.

Where to ski near Barcelona?

The top ski areas near Barcelona are called La Masella and La Molina and are probably the most famous ones here in Barcelona. Those are not too far away by and can be reached by bus as well. During the winter season (until the 2nd of April) there’s a bus leaving at Hard Rock Cafe every Tuesday and Thursday, for example, which you can book with ski tickets, transport and insurance included.

6. Experience Barcelona in the markets

There are so many things to do in Barcelona during winter. One of them is visiting the markets and why not, take the occasion to have breakfast or lunch in there – if possible. Markets like the famous Boquería or El Mercat del Ninot are only some of the choices you could find in the city. But, if you are looking for some antiquities or you want to buy some handmade clothing, Barcelona is the place to be! Here you can take a look at the list of markets in Barcelona to check this winter: food markets and non-food markets. Sure you will find what you are searching.

7. English cinema for everyone

Do you want to feel like home? Choose English Language cinemas in Barcelona and flee the “cold” winter. You would taste the city as locals do. Grab your drink, some sweets, popcorn and relax at your sit. Check out the Movie guide for films showing in English in Barcelona.

Keep in mind that these cinemas are smaller cinemas with a smaller selection of film but therefore offer them in original language version.One of the popular cinemas with original language sound is Yelmo Cines, also check Filmoteca de Catalunya, Cines Renoir and Cinemes Girona.

8. Winter Sales: Shopping in Barcelona

Winter sales start in Barcelona after Christmas time. Although some shops have advanced the discounts this year, is not until the day after the 3 Kings Holiday that stores open with lots of different prices and opportunities to buy all kind of gadgets, clothes, household items, and much more. Visiting the center of Barcelona the first weekend of winter sales would be a risky activity if you love quiet places. But if you are one of those who like a little bit of action, go for it! You could find your favorite pieces at a lower price!

Der Beitrag 8 things to do in Barcelona during winter erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.

Barcelona turned out to be the new hotspot for the “co-working” lifestyle and here we have made our selection of the 4 best co-working cafés in town.

First of all, let’s get the point of it. The idea is simple – independent professionals and those with workplace flexibility work better together than they do alone. Co-working spaces are about community-building and sustainability.

Participants agree to uphold the values set forth by the movement’s founders, as well as interact and share with one another. We are about creating better places to work and as a result, a better way to work.

So there is no doubt, why co-working got so popular and brought to bear by everyone, who loves to get inspired and motivated at beautiful chilling places in Barcelona, which make him or her feeling like working on their own sofa…especially in Barcelona.

Top co-working cafés in Barcelona

1. Alsur Café

Alsur Café, definitely one of the best choices if you are looking for co-working cafés in Barcelona. It is a nice and cozy cafe in the artistic and lazy Born neighborhood, fully equipped with soft sofas and a plenty of pillows.

Most of the people there are working with their PCs for their projects with nice lounge music and view outside to the small peaceful square. In here it seems to be a timeless space: hours run by such as your ideas are increasing.

This cafe is well known for its delicious house-made salads, such as the quinoa salad with vegetables and other delicious snacks. Not to forget the cakes and pastries with traditional receipts: Carrot cakes, chocolate cakes, cookies, and delicious caramel flavored pastries are the perfect coronation for a delicious and productive day.

2. Federal Café

If you are a fan of the Gothic center, then Federal Café is another unique place and dedicated to students and all those, who like to have their office in a more socialized surrounding: Plugs are everywhere and a big working, even a meeting room welcomes all diligent visitors. If you and your computer need fresh air for working, you can also sit in big windows and catch the morning sunlight.

Come here for delicious brunches with all variations of fruit juices and coffee – either black, with soy milk, oat milk or just a classic cappuccino.

3. Taranná

Taranná with its location in Ronda Sant Antoni is a mini co-working place with always smiling staff and good music, which would not distract you too much from your project. Taste their delicious wines and daily soups – house made of course. Certainly, this bar also counts with a big meeting room for team buildings or reunions of any type.

4. Flax&Kale

To name the highlight of all named co-working cafés in Barcelona, Flax&Kale is one of the most upcoming locations in the city and designed in the “New Yorker style”.

Here you will find everything you are looking for: A spacious mix between restaurant and cafe, specialized in terms of “slow food”, “raw food” and organic products.

A perfect meeting point for having brunch for example with tasty coconut yogurt cereals, pancakes, and their special house-made smoothies.

But not to forget lunch and its multiple variations with Mexican fajitas, Indian rice dishes and Arabic hummus and Brazilian Açai as dessert. If vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian or flexitarian – nobody will leave this place hungry and with work pending: Wifi runs way faster than the waiters here. Besides of food and the friendly service, even the restroom is recommendable to visit, since this entire place is thought through with style and good taste in all terms.

Now you know the top co-working cafés in Barcelona… So, let’s get work done!

Der Beitrag Best co-working cafés in Barcelona erschien zuerst auf Barcelona Segway Tours.