An ancient past meets a modern present in Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is the second largest city in Spain, following Madrid. The National Geographic decided that Barcelona was the "best beach city in the world" and it was the first city to receive the RIBA Royal Medal for its modern architecture.

Festivals, events and when to visit

Barcelona is great to visit all year round, although the spring and summer peak seasons are particularly busy. Dia de los Reyes falls on the 6th January, which is followed by the Barcelona Carnival in February. You'll love the Fiesta Major de Gracia, also held in February and on the 11th September, Catalonia celebrates La Diada de Catalunya, Independence Day.

Considerations before travelling

Prices in Barcelona are cheaper than London. Pan Tomaca con Jamon Serrano and Crema Catalana are examples of delicious and authentic Catalan cuisine. Barcelona is 1 hour ahead of London.

Travelling to the city and where to stay

El Prat Airport is located around 12 km from central Barcelona and the A1 and A2 Aerobuses provide regular services to Placa de Catalunya, for around 6 euros. An overground train runs from the airport to the city and taxis cost around 20 euros. Hotels in Barcelona start from around 100 euros a night, while hostels cost about 15 euros a night. The metro, trams, buses and overground trains are readily available, and single tickets cost around 3 euros. You can make 10 journeys with a Barcelona Card, which costs around 12 euros and can be used on all public transportation modes. Reductions on admissions to selected museums and attractions are available with the Barcelona Card, although prices will depend upon the duration of your visit.

	Outbound	Return	Airlines	Shop	Baggage	Price
Best option Belfast Barcelona	Outbound 01/03/25 1 Stopover (STN, LGW) RK0130, U28065 23h 15min	Return 18/03/25 1 Stopover (LGW, LTN) VY7832, U20629 22h 10min	Ryanair UK, easyJet		?	£129
Belfast Barcelona Pay attention to transfer at connecting flight	Outbound 01/03/25 1 Stopover (LTN, LGW) U20015, VY7821 09h 00min	Return 18/03/25 2 Stopovers (PMI, MAN) VY3900, U22020, U20707 14h 15min	easyJet, Vueling Airlines			£176

	Outbound	Return	Airlines	Baggage	Price
Best option Birmingham Barcelona	Outbound 08/02/25 direct FR3793 02h 10min	Return 02/03/25 direct FR3792 02h 30min	Ryanair		£56
Birmingham Barcelona	Outbound 08/02/25 direct FR3793 02h 10min	Return 02/03/25 direct FR3792 02h 30min	Ryanair	?	£72
Birmingham Barcelona	Outbound 08/02/25 direct FR3793 02h 10min	Return 02/03/25 direct FR3792 02h 30min	Ryanair		£62
Birmingham Barcelona	Outbound 08/02/25 direct FR3793 02h 10min	Return 02/03/25 direct FR3792 02h 30min	Ryanair	?	£72

	Outbound	Return	Airlines	Baggage	Price
Best option Bristol Barcelona	Outbound 08/02/25 direct U27204 02h 05min	Return 02/03/25 direct FR3160 02h 25min	easyJet		£77
Bristol Barcelona	Outbound 08/02/25 direct U27204 02h 05min	Return 02/03/25 direct FR3160 02h 25min	easyJet	?	£92
Bristol Barcelona	Outbound 08/02/25 direct U27204 02h 05min	Return 02/03/25 direct U22704 02h 20min	easyJet		£81
Bristol Barcelona	Outbound 08/02/25 direct U27204 02h 05min	Return 02/03/25 direct FR3160 02h 25min	easyJet	?	£92

	Outbound	Return	Airlines	Baggage	Price
Edinburgh Barcelona	Outbound 01/03/25 direct FR6274 02h 40min	Return 18/03/25 1 Stopover (LGW, STN) VY7832, U20316 32h 05min	Ryanair	?	£101
Edinburgh Barcelona Pay attention to transfer at connecting flight	Outbound 01/03/25 direct FR6274 02h 40min	Return 18/03/25 1 Stopover (LGW, STN) VY7832, RK1273 10h 10min	Ryanair		£108
Best option Edinburgh Barcelona	Outbound 01/03/25 direct FR6274 02h 40min	Return 18/03/25 direct FR6275 03h 00min	Ryanair	?	£120
Edinburgh Barcelona Pay attention to transfer at connecting flight	Outbound 01/03/25 direct FR6274 02h 40min	Return 18/03/25 1 Stopover (LGW, STN) VY7832, RK1273 10h 10min	Ryanair		£108

	Outbound	Return	Airlines	Shop	Baggage	Price
East Midlands Barcelona Pay attention to transfer at connecting flight	Outbound 01/03/25 1 Stopover (AGP) LS0605, VY2120 09h 10min	Return 18/03/25 1 Stopover (LPA) VY3000, LS0682 11h 40min	Jet2.com, Vueling Airlines			£337
Best option East Midlands Barcelona	Outbound 01/03/25 1 Stopover (CDG) T30249, AF1048 07h 25min	Return 18/03/25 1 Stopover (CDG) AF1649, T30248 07h 05min	Eastern Airways, Air France		?	£751

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Barcelona El Prat

Barcelona travel tips

An ancient past meets a modern present in Barcelona

Festivals, events and when to visit

Considerations before travelling

Travelling to the city and where to stay

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