Barcelona Blog – Tips, culture, things to do, restaurants and much more

August 6, 2021January 18, 2022Natàlia Gibernau

Our Barcelona Blog is here with the complete guide to one of Europe’s most coveted destinations.

We’ve got you covered for your next visit to this wonderful city, with tips about what to do, where to stay, restaurants, and much more. This guide is curated by locals to ensure your stay is simply unforgettable.

So whether you’re planning a city break, a summer getaway, a business trip or a family holiday, here you’ll find everything you need to know, and in one place!

So, let’s dive in!

Barcelona Blog: What to See & Do

We agree that it can be a little overwhelming planning what to see and do in a city that has so much to offer.

Barcelona is steeped in historical heritage. If you’re dying to find out more about the Roman past of Barcino, check out our guide to the city’s old quarter, known as Ciutat Vella.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the masterpiece that is the Sagrada Família. Our Barcelona blog boasts tips about your visit (such as booking in advance), the history of the monument and interesting facts that we’re sure you didn’t know. Read on here!

If you’re a Gaudí fiend, why not explore some of this modernism architect’s lesser-known pieces scattered around the city?

If you have 48 hours or less in the city, we recommend you tick off the city’s top 10 attractions including its famous bustling Les Rambles and Camp Nou – the world’s third largest football stadium.

What’s more, we’re in the midst of one of the best times of the year to visit: it’s summer! This Barcelona blog can recommend a plethora of outdoor plans.

Why not hit one of the city’s nine beaches to cool off and top up your tan? Our other favourite outdoor plans include discovering the Montjuic mountain, relaxing in the natural park Collserola and catching some amazing views of the skyline from the Carmel Bunkers.

Finally, if you love wandering the streets of a new city and taking in hidden delights away from the most popular tourist spots, why not explore our Barcelona blog area guides replete with local tips.

Discover the colourful and cultural Raval, the majestic district of Eixample, and the beautiful Born home to the Picasso museum and the Palau de la Música music hall.

Palau de la Música - Things to do in Gothic Quarter — Barcelona Blog – Palau de la Música Catalana

Barcelona Blog: Where to eat

When on holiday, knowing the best places to eat can often be an odyssey. That’s why our Barcelona blog has got you covered!

If fine dining is something you’d like to try, you’re in luck! With an array of Michelin-star restaurants, you’ll find something for all tastes and budgets. What’s more, thanks to recent food trends, many a new veggie spot has popped up in the city. Our Barcelona blog recommends our favourite vegetarian restaurants from its famous Teresa Carles to its family-run L’Hortet.

Our Barcelona blog also recommends you try Catalan cuisine on your visit here. Discover the best places to order pà amb tomàquet (toasted country loaf with garlic and tomato), springtime calçots (grilled long sweet onion) and butifarra amb mongetes (Catalan sausage with white butter beans) here.

With its all-year-round wonderful climate, outdoor eating in Barcelona is one of its best attractions. Whether you fancy a beer and tapas with friends, a long lunch or to unwind with a book and a coffee, the city has many a beautiful terrace where you can pull up a chair and relax. Discover our top 10 Barcelona terraces here.

LA Panxa del bisbe - barcelona blog — Barcelona Blog. La Planxa del Bisbe Resetaurant

Barcelona Blog: Where to stay

When it comes to finding a place to stay, why not check out our Barcelona blog for our guides to the best areas and information about long-term and short-term rentals in the city’s best locations.

Discover our modernist Dandi apartment with a terrace in the opulent district of la Dreta de l’Eixample – only one block away from Passeig de Gràcia. Or in the upcoming LGTBQI-friendly l’Eixample Esquerre – voted the coolest neighbourhood in the world by Time Out – you’ll find the romantic KissMe apartment.

In the heart of the old quarter find our spacious 3-bedroom MACCA apartment a stone’s throw away from La Rambla. Or if peace and quiet is on your mind, our Jollie penthouse boasts a sun-drenched terrace in the residential area of Les Corts.

Find our Barcelona blog complete guide to the city’s best locations, a low-down on each neighbourhood and the best apartments here.

Apartment-Zona-Alta-Barcelona-Ferran-Batik-Barcelona blog — Ferran Batik Apartment

Barcelona Blog: day trips

Last but not least, Barcelona boasts a prime location perfect for exploring the surrounding region of Catalonia. With sprawling beaches, beautiful mountains and sleepy fishing villages a short journey away, taking a day trip from Barcelona is the perfect complement to your trip.

A few hours from the city lies Cadaqués in the province of Girona. You’ll fall in love with its stunning promenade, whitewashed houses and the cobbled streets of its historic centre.

Another unmissable day trip is to Sitges. Known around the world as a top LGTBQI destination, don’t miss its nightlife, beautiful beaches and museums, all only a 40-minute train journey from the city.

You can discover more of our favourite simple day trips from Barcelona here.

We hope our Barcelona Blog complete guide to the city comes in useful on your next trip! You know where we are.

Day-trip-to-Cadaqués — Cadaqués – Barcelona Blog

Taxis in Barcelona – The best guide step by step

May 25, 2020August 26, 2020Natàlia Gibernau

Taxis in Barcelona are available 24-hours a day thanks to the city’s ample cab network. Getting a taxi can be one of the quickest and simplest ways to get around the city. Prices can be cheaper than other cities throughout Europe and waiting times dramatically lower.

Whether you need to take a taxi from the Barcelona El Prat airport, if you miss the night bus mid-week after an evening of dinner and drinks, or when returning to your apartment after a day sight-seeing, getting a taxi in Barcelona is often an essential part of your stay in Barcelona.

We understand that jumping in a taxi abroad can be a daunting experience if you’re not prepared. That’s why we’ve put together this brief guide to taxis in Barcelona.

Official taxis in Barcelona

You can’t miss the taxis in Barcelona thanks to their black and yellow colours. Keep an eye out for the lights on top of the car: green means available and orange means that the taxi is occupied.

If you’re staying in one of our well-located apartments, you’ll probably only have to wait a few minutes before spotting a taxi to hail down. Remember that some of the central streets in Barcelona are pedestrianised, so you may have a to walk to a main street to get a cab.

Taxi ranks in Barcelona

As in many cities, it is very common to hail a cab down by raising your hand from the side of the road when you see a taxi with a green light. However, there are of course many taxi ranks scattered throughout the city to make finding a taxi that little bit easier.

Bear in mind that the taxi driver can only stop if their car is free and it has not been reserved, and you are currently more than 200 metres away from a taxi rank. What’s more, taxi drivers can refuse to drive passengers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. They are also not obliged to accept animals (with the exception of guide dogs).

There are more than 300 taxi ranks around the city, all which can be consulted here. The city’s biggest ranks can be found at the three airport terminals, the four stations of the Barcelona Port (Moll Adossat) and Estació de Sants.

How much are taxis in Barcelona?

Taxis in Barcelona are more expensive than other forms of public transport in the city such and the bus and metro, however they are affordable and not as expensive as other European cities, as we have mentioned.

All taxis in Barcelona use a meter, so you don’t have to worry about being ripped off. Fares in Barcelona depend on the time of day and if you are travelling on a national holiday. The minimum price for taxis in Barcelona is €2.25 except on Saturdays and holidays between 8 pm and 8 am, when the minimum charge goes up to €3.20.

Remember that the following supplements are added to the final price shown on the meter at the end of the journey:

Airport (origin/destination): €4.30 (see below for more information about getting a taxi to/from the airport)
Port station (Moll Adossat) (origin): €4.30
Main city stations (Sants Station and Fira Exhibition Centre): €2.50
Vehicles for 4–8 passengers: €4.30
Special nights*: €3.10

*23/06 – 24/06, 24/12 – 25/12 and 31/12 – 01/1

Here you can find a breakdown table of the fares and tariffs for taxis in Barcelona. You can also calculate the estimated cost of your route in advance of your journey here or download the official app for your phone to use it on the go.

If you are unsure whether you should leave a tip or not, check our article here about tipping in Barcelona.

Taxis in Barcelona to/from the airport

When you land at Barcelona El Prat airport, we understand that you want to get to your apartment as soon as possible and start enjoying the city straight away. Getting a taxi from the airport is simple – you’ll find several taxi ranks at both terminals. Simply follow the signs after passport control

The minimum cost of a taxi to and from Barcelona airport is always €20 and generally journeys tend to cost between €30–€35 to and from the city centre.

Getting a taxi in Barcelona during the COVID-19 pandemic – May 2020

It is still possible to take a taxi in Barcelona during the COVID-19 pandemic, however it is mandatory to observe the following rules:

As of 3 May 2020, it is mandatory to wear a mask when using public transport
A maximum of one passenger is allowed per journey, unless you are accompanying a disabled individual or a minor
Open the taxi door using your non-dominant hand
Sit in the back of the taxi and follow social distancing rules
Taxi drivers will issue receipts only on request

Getting a taxis in Barcelona can be a daunting task – but not any more! Remember you can consult the Barcelona official public transport page here to find further information on taxis in Barcelona in English.

Medical Tourism in Barcelona

March 25, 2019September 15, 2021Natàlia Gibernau

Medical tourism in Barcelona is booming and it’s easy to see why.

Catalonia is particularly well equipped with internationally renowned clinics and hospitals, along with being a pioneer in several medical and scientific fields. This includes excelling in technology relating to cancer treatments, heart and circulation diagnosis and bone diagnosis and treatment.

It’s not just locals who benefit from these fantastic services though, as more than 20,000 foreigners per year come to Barcelona for medical attention, with a complete range of public and private healthcare options available.

If this is something that interests you, look no further than our guide to find out which hospital or medical centre would be best suited to your needs.

Hospital Clínic de Barcelona

Probably one of Barcelona’s best known hospitals, Hospital Clínic is the main provider for public healthcare within the region. It has a wide range of services, that include almost all medical and surgical procedures, and as such also works as a tertiary level hospital – meaning patients from all over Spain, and even Europe, are referred there for medical procedures. In particular Hospital Clínic specialises in liver and kidney transplants, with over 20% of all of Spain’s transplants happening there. As well as this, it is well-known for being a pioneer in the treatment of tropical diseases, with the department having run for over 30 years and now having been designated as the national referral unit for tropical diseases in Spain.

Hospital Clínic also partners with other hospitals around the city, such as Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, one of the leading paediatric centres in Europe. In fact, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital is particularly helpful for medical tourism as it has a department that specifically arranges care for international patients.

Hospital Clínic de Barcelona - Medical Tourism in Barcelona — Hospital Clínic de Barcelona – Medical Tourism in Barcelona

Clínica Barraquer

Clínica Barraquer is one of the world’s most renowned eye hospitals. Open by the Barraquer family in 1941, the centre is well known throughout the ophthalmology world as a point of reference for corneal transplants. As well as this, Clínica Barraquer was the first centre in Spain to implement revolutionary eye chips for artificial sight, as well as holding the first eye bank in Europe. With all of these credentials you can be sure you’ll be in good and experienced hands for any sort of eye problems here.

MEDICAL TOURISM BARCELONA -CLINICA BARRAQUER — Clínica Barraquer – Medical Tourisme in Barcelona

Hospital Quirónsalud Barcelona

One of the leading private healthcare providers in Southern Europe, Hospital Quirónsalud continually aims to improve the lives of its patients. With a vast variety of procedures, Hospital Quirónsalud uses the most cutting-edge technology available, as well as priding themselves on the high quality of their doctors and comfort of their whole experience. Along with this, they cater towards medical tourists with their accessibility for foreign visitors.

Hospital Quirón - Medical Tourism in Barcelona — Hospital Quirón – Medical Tourism in Barcelona

Hospital Universitari Dexeus

Dexeus Hospital is one of the largest clinics specialising in women’s health in Spain. This clinic is particularly great for those suffering with fertility issues or who are at danger of a risky childbirth, with the clinic having a long history of delivering at-risk babies. Not only this, but Spain’s liberal laws can make this a great place to come for single mothers, or lesbian couples, who will get full access to medical care that they might not be able to find in their home countries.

Hospital Dexeus - Medical Tourism in Barcelona — Hospital Dexeus – Medical Tourism in Barcelona

Centro Médico Teknon

Cancer treatment is just one of the things that Centro Médico Teknon specialises in, particularly for those with blood cancers such as leukemia. This department includes figures like Professor Emili Montserrat who is one of the leading experts in his field backed up by various scientific awards and his work on the World Health Organisation panel.

Along with this, Centro Médico Teknon, covers multiple other specialities and is one of the leading private hospitals within Spain thanks to its use of the latest technology and excellent medical staff. The facility places high importance on comfort, and as a testament to this is often frequented by patients from the world of sports, entertainment and politics – from Spain and abroad.

Clínica Teknon - Medical Tourism in Barcelona — Clínica Teknon – Medical Tourism in Barcelona

Policlínica Barcelona

With over 50 years of experience, Policlínica Barcelona offers a wide variety of procedures to focus on cosmetic and health needs. These can include anything from invasive procedure like plastic surgery and gastric bypasses to non-invasive dermatological and filler-based ones. As well as this, you can be assured that all pre and post-operative tests, or anything else you need, will be performed at the clinic to avoid having to move to other centres.

Best apartments to stay for your medical trip to Barcelona

If you have decided to try medical tourism in Barcelona, staying in a hospital room can feel a little bit lonely, impersonal and not to mention, costly. You may consider renting an apartment for yourself instead for some much need privacy and normality. It also means that if your family members have accompanied you for the trip, you can stay close to them during the recuperation period and have all the support you need. Keep reading for our apartment recommendations:

Dandelion Apartment

Close to Clinica Dexeus, this luxury apartment is filled with flowers and bright colours to keep you in an optimistic and peaceful mood post-surgery. Its great location allows the sun to pour in through the windows, so that you can fill up on Vitamin D and fresh air, helping to ensure your wellbeing.

Where to stay in barcelona - BizFlat Apartment — Where to stay in barcelona – BizFlat Apartment

Ferran Batik Apartment

Located close to Centro Médico Teknon, and Clínica Barraquer, this luxury apartment in Pedralbes area exudes pure and healing energies, and comes with a fully equipped open kitchen to help you nourish your body back to health – the perfect apartment for your stay in Barcelona.

La Mimosa Apartment

This luxury apartment on Passeig de Gràcia has beautiful oil paintings and candles, which create a therapeutic atmosphere – perfect for your recuperation process.

Dandi Apartment

Dandi is perfect you. The unique buildings that surround this charismatic apartment include La Pedrera and La Casa Batlló.

Our Dandi apartment in Barcelona has everything you need:

a) a large overall size, especially the living/dining area and the master bedroom,
b) a terrace in the master bedroom,
c) a construction with very well original Modernist elements,
d) everything being brand new.

Everyone knows that a tranquil resting environment is key to a smooth and speedy recovery, so to find that perfect place for your medical tourism stay in Barcelona, check out our full list of offering on Bizflats.com.

13 Barcelona Apps to enjoy the city

April 26, 2017August 6, 2020Natàlia Gibernau

These Barcelona Apps will give you all the guidance you need. There is no need to wander around the city with your nose buried in a guide book!

Barcelona Apps: Transport

Virtual Bus Touristic App

Plan where you want to hop off by taking a ride on the virtual-reality version of this iconic bus tour first.

Virtual Bus Turistic Barcelona Apps

TMB App

This easy-to-use Barcelona app allows you to plan your route using the city’s combined bus, metro, train and tram network. Simply put in your start and end points and it will give you a list of options, the time each will take and when your first connection is due.

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MyTaxi App

Simply enter your destination and how you want to pay you’ll soon be sent a picture of the driver who is on their way to you.

Barcelona Apps My Taxi App

Barcelona Apps: Sightseeing

The official guide to Barcelona App

A traditional city guide on your phone. Includes all the information you need as a tourist in Barcelona.

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Mapp4all App

This Barcelona app details the accessibility of famous sights and museums as well as the more day to day amenities such as banks, supermarkets and restaurants.

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iBarcelona – Smartour App

The ultimate Barcelona app for the smart phone generation. If you don’t know where to start, follow their recommended itinerary or see what local events are near your apartment.

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GaleriesArt App

Find everything you need to know about the galleries in the Association of Art Galleries of Catalonia (GGAC), from exhibition dates and opening hours to information about featured artists. The geolocation capability helps you find galleries near your apartment.

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Joan Miró App

Scan the code next to the famous works to find out the story behind it. For an artistic spin on sightseeing, you can also walk a mile (or more!) in Miró‘s shoes and take a look at his former residences around Barcelona.

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Barcelona Metro Walks App

This Barcelona app will guide you around Barcelona’s surrounding neighbourhoods by public transport and on foot. The audio guide will show you the real Barcelona by explaining its history and development.

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22@Barcelona App

Jordi, a local architect and interior designer will give you a tour of a former industrial neighbourhood, now a urban hub of innovation.

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Medieval Barcelona App

Be transported back to Barcelona’s golden age with this Barcelona app, admire the Romanesque and Gothic architecture which dominates the old part of the city. If you are interested in this topic also check our guide to 5 Medieval Villages near Barcelona.

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Gaudí’s Barcelona App

This Barcelona app not only gives you practical information about these iconic sights, an architect and interior designer describes them in fascinating detail with music and sound effects.

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Barcelona Apps: Food

Barcelona Restaurants App

Makes choosing a restaurant from the multitude of mouth-watering possibilities easy, listing a selection of the city’s most recommended restaurants near your apartment.

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So step into the 21^st century and step out of your apartment with these helpful Barcelona apps.

Tipping in Barcelona ? How much shall I tip ?

November 13, 2016May 2, 2020Natàlia Gibernau

For visitors to any new city, the issue of tipping often creates some degree of confusion. Tipping in Barcelona, and indeed throughout Spain, isn’t as common as in other countries such as the USA, and in the early part of the 20th century was once deemed inappropriate as it heightened the class divide. Nowadays, tipping is at the customers’ discretion. Keep reading for locals’ advice on the do’s and don’ts of tipping in Barcelona.

Tipping in Bars and cafes in Barcelona

Catalans tend not to tip much in bars or cafes, but if service is particularly good, they might leave some loose change once they’ve paid up, but rarely more than a euro.

Tipping in Barcelona Restaurants

Given that tipping in Barcelona isn’t expected, you are unlikely to receive exceptional service in restaurants. That said, if you wish to show gratitude for good service, you could leave a few euros on top of the bill and slightly more for large groups and in more exclusive restaurants (around 7-10%).

Tipping in a Taxi

If you plan to hop in a taxi to get around the city and want to leave a tip for good service (for example, if your driver has taken you the most direct route), it is common to simply round up the fare. So, if your ride costs €9.50, you may with to pay €10. However, tipping is not expected.

Takeaway/Delivery service

Again, tipping isn’t expected but some people give up to a couple of Euro to the delivery person for efficient, friendly service, particularly if someone has delivered goods to your apartment door and you don’t have an elevator!

Tipping in City Tours

In general, tips are included in the price of the tour, but if you feel that your guide has really looked after you and you’ve enjoyed the tour, you could leave up to €5 per person at the end of the day.

We hope this article gives you a bit of guidance when deciding when and how much to tip.

bizFlats | BCN Confidential

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