Author: Irina
Planning a trip to Barcelona this year? Let's go through all the points - from tickets and visas to all sorts of things, for example, what you can bring from Spain as a souvenir!
First of all, why Barcelona?
To facilitate the task, we have compiled for you TOP 3 proven sites where you can select a tour yourself, bypassing persistent managers:
- Travelata
- Level.Travel
- Onlinetours
Where is the best vacation in Spain?
Traditionally, adherents of cultural and educational pastime go to the very heart of the country - the city of Madrid; listen in admiration for the architectural heritage of Barcelona; choose as an object of deep study and inspiration calm Cordoba and amazing Granada, still remembering the era of the Reconquista.
Fans of lying on the beach and swaying on the waves are faced with a dilemma, where is the best vacation in Spain by the sea. The "passive" part flies to the islands - Baleoric (Mallorca) or Canary (Tenerife) - and the "active" part moves to the northeastern coast - Costa Brava, Alicante, Costa Dorada.
You must have guessed where those who want to combine the first with the second (cultural and beach holidays) rush. To the most visited city in Spain - Barcelona, where a thousand-year history is combined with the drive of a seaside resort!
Gothic quarter in Barcelona
How to get to Barcelona cheaply on your own?
By plane, of course. Well, only if you are not visiting neighboring Andorra, from where you can take a trip to the capital of Catalonia by car. 🙂
Cheap plane tickets to Barcelona from Moscow, as well as from any other major city, can be found using services that compare airline offers:
- skyscanner.ru
- aviasales.ru
Various additional functions make the search for air tickets even more convenient and fast. For example, using the calendar of low prices, you will find out how much a ticket to Barcelona costs by month, and you will see that the best price for a ticket to Spain, if you take the season, will be in August or September.
Also, consider flying to Spain with low-cost airlines. This is just the option from Ryanair - a direct flight from the Estonian capital to the Spanish possessions at the height of the season for ≈ 2800 rubles. An ideal option for Petersburgers, because in the end a ticket from St. Petersburg to Barcelona will cost 5100 rubles. (including a train ticket to Tallinn) instead of 10,000 rubles.
Tip: think about your airport transfer in advance, as it is not uncommon to try to get to the center of Barcelona with taxi prices for untrained tourists.
For those who are with the company: you can also consider an individual KiwiTaxi transfer - it is beneficial for 4-5 people and saves time.
How long to fly to Barcelona
Direct flight from Moscow - 4.5 hours. It will take about 4 hours to get to Barcelona from St. Petersburg by plane. We also have a detailed article on the flight time to Barcelona from other cities in Russia.
However, if you want to get to Spain in a more budgetary way, you will have to take a connecting flight, because they tend to be cheaper. On average, waiting at the connecting airport (Riga, Istanbul, Chisinau, Warsaw) takes from 2 hours. So, when answering the question of how long to fly to Barcelona with a transfer, we advise you to prepare for a long wait of at least 6 hours. The main airlines flying to the capital of Catalonia are Aeroflot, AirBaltic, Turkish Airlines, LOT, FlyOne.
As for the time difference with Moscow, Barcelona is just an hour behind ours.
Ryanair is the # 1 airline for the budget traveler
Spain tourist visa 2021
Having purchased the cherished tickets, we solve the following question - do Russians need a visa to Spain in 2021? Of course yes. The country is part of the Schengen area, therefore, you need to obtain a Schengen visa.
Everyone can collect documents for a Spanish visa:
- bank card statement
- accommodation reservation
- certificate from the place of work
- flights to spain
- medical insurance
- 2 photographs, copies of Russian and foreign passports.
For a child under 18 years old, you will need: a sponsorship letter, a certificate from the school and consent to leave.
Recently we have already made the third Spanish Schengen - and this time we gave it for two years. Tips, life hacks and all the requirements are described in a separate article >> |
Study in advance a sample application form for a Schengen visa to Spain and, grabbing a package with all the certificates, tickets, go to an accredited visa center. Let's suggest addresses:
- Moscow: st. Kaluzhskaya 1
- St. Petersburg: Liteiny prospect 26, office 106A
- Yekaterinburg: st. Karl Liebknecht 22, office 305
- Novosibirsk: st. Lenin 52, office 406
- Kazan: st. Galaktionova, 6
For Russians, a visa to Spain with fees will cost about 3900 rubles, and registration will take about 5-10 days.
Climbing the funicular (€ 11) to the Montserrat mountain
What to see in Barcelona in 1 day? And what to see in 3 days? 🙂
So, if you only have one day to explore the capital of Catalonia, then it will be ... mega-saturated! You probably wouldn't prefer to spend it on the beach. After all, the sea is the sea, but the city itself cannot be compared with anything else. Therefore, in order to see at least a part of what Barcelona is famous for, we arm ourselves in advance with a city map with sights, and at the same time with a Barcelona metro map in Russian (you cannot figure it out on the spot without this) and mark the following points.
Park Guell... We are impressed by the colossal dimensions of the fantasy of the architect Gaudí, inspired by the concept of a garden city, and admire the panoramic view of the whole of Barcelona.
An important point: tickets are purchased on the official website of the park, the cost is € 10.
Photos from our trip to Barcelona (Park Guell - July 2016)
Temple of the Sagrada Familia, or better known variant - Sagrada Familia... Another creation by Gaudí, from the outside it looks like a fairytale sand castle, but not at all because it has been under construction since 1882 to this day. From the inside, it is a functioning temple in which divine services are held. Ticket price from 17 euros.
Boulevard La Rambla... Always crowded with tourists during the day, at night the city's famous pedestrianized street turns into the center of a frenzied nightlife (which is a significant part of what Barcelona is famous for). The buildings of the 18th century framing it do not see so much. 🙂
Boqueria market... Fruits, jamon, spices, in a word, everything that is brought from Barcelona as a gift, you will find a stone's throw from La Rambla, along with the atmosphere of a truly Spanish bazaar, and since the 19th century.
However, the prices for Boqueria are nowhere higher due to the constant flow of tourists.
Nearby and Gothic Quarter - islet of the Middle Ages in a modern city.
The perfect ending to the mission "What to see in Barcelona in 1 day" would be Singing Fountain Show on a hill Montjuic and a funicular ride for the stunning scenery of the evening city.
Magic Fountain at Montjuic - summer show starts at 21.30
Well, if you decide to explore Barcelona in 3 days, then we supplement the map of attractions with morning promenades on the beach, leisurely walks through gastronomic establishments and day-evening thematic routes, conventionally named:
Gaudi's day. In detail, we are amazed at the flight of the imagination of the Catalan genius of architecture, adding to the Park Guell and Sagrada Familia the houses of Mila and Batlló - peculiar fairy kingdoms - and the Montjuïc park, where it is also worth appreciating the National Museum of Art of Catalonia and the castle-fortress itself.
Day of the Gothic. We indulge in the impressions of the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, at the same time stopping by the Picasso Museum, the King's Square with the Royal Palace and the Four Cats cafe, which was dearly loved by Gaudi and Pablo. Breathing in the fun-filled air of the central street of La Rambla, we head to the Spanish village (again on Montjuic) and observe the whole Spain in miniature.
Tibidabo Day. We rush from the Barcelona lowlands up to Mount Tibidabo, first on the Blue Tram, and then on the funicular through the oldest amusement park in Europe, the Temple of the Sacred Heart and up to the highest point of Barcelona - the television tower Torre de Collserola, where from the 10th floor you can see the city in full view ...
With this route, Barcelona will appear in front of you in all its glory in 3 days. 🙂 Also, if you are flying for 3 days, be sure to remember to spend time on the Mediterranean beach.
Where to go from Barcelona for 1 day?
If you plan on a large scale, then to neighboring Andorra (the Schengen visa is just in your passport), more compactly - to Montserrat or Port Aventura.
Basically, there are many places to get out of Barcelona for a day. Read more in our separate article at the link above!
Mount Montserrat view:
some rocks are said to look like animals - elephant, lion and monkey
Weather in Barcelona
The climate in Catalonia is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and humid hot summers. If you are not a fan of an overly active sun, but at the same time love to sunbathe, then it is better to go to Barcelona at the beginning or end of the beach season, which lasts from June to September.
In May and June, the weather in Barcelona already favors travelers: the air warms up to + 23 ... + 25 ° С, and the sea temperature does not drop below ... + 20 ° С.
The weather in Barcelona in September is the most comfortable for sunbathing and for exploring the city without fear of a burned nose. The heat in the air is at least + 25 ° С, and the temperature of the water in the sea pleases + 22 ° С ... + 24 ° С.
By the way, we have devoted a more detailed article to the temperature at the peak of the beach season in Barcelona and the weather by month. Still, weather conditions also affect the price of the air ticket, because it is cheapest to travel to Spain from mid-October to early March.
How to get to Barcelona from the airport
The question is, of course, more relevant for those who organize a trip to Barcelona on their own.
In general, it depends on which of the three existing airports you land at.
Get there from Barcelona's main airport El Prat to the city center and back, it is most convenient by the Aerobus shuttles running between Plaça de Catalunya (central square) and terminals 1 and 2. At night, NitBus buses numbered N16 and N17 will take you to the city from El Prat airport.
There is also a shuttle service from Barcelona Airport via the L9 metro line, but it does not go through the stations located in the central square area. It is possible to get to the city center from Barcelona Airport by taking the RENFE train to Passeig de Gràcia station and then changing to the metro. Faster ways to get to Barcelona are by renting a car at the airport or ordering a taxi.
In order to get there from Girona airport to Barcelona, take the Barcelona Bus. It stops right at the airport and follows to the main bus station of the city, from where the metro is in 5 minutes. The following transfer options from Girona airport to Barcelona city center are renting a car right after getting off the plane or the RENFE train, but first you need to get to Girona by bus. The most expensive trip is by taxi, however, this option is always available.
How to get there from Reus Airport to Barcelona? Bus company Hispano Igualadina. You will find it at the exit from the arrivals terminal. The flight will take you to Barcelona Sants bus station, located next to the metro. Well, if you get to the center of Reus first, you can go to Barcelona by train.
Accommodation in Barcelona
Our apartment in Barcelona for 10 nights
for two (3 400 / night) - filmed on the Airbnb website
An independent trip to Barcelona will require a separate consideration of the issue of accommodation.
Hotels, hostels, hostels, hastels, apartments, flats - the places to stay in Barcelona are countless. All available offers can be found on the website:
RoomGuru - the entire hotel industry of the city is collected here.
Young people who have come to Barcelona to hang out for 3 days can easily find an inexpensive hostel in the city center near La Rambla and large shopping centers.
Book using the link.
Parents who intend to relax with a child for a week or two will be helped by real reviews and photos on the site to determine the hotel. Sort the results by key requirements - close to the sea, family room and tranquil area - and explore the options in detail. But remember that rooms sell out quickly and prices skyrocket, especially during peak beach season.
Book using the link.
If you are flying with a company, or with a large family, and also for a long period, it makes sense to rent an apartment. In this case, your faithful assistant is Airbnb, where you can rent cheap accommodation in Barcelona without intermediaries, because the hosts themselves offer whole houses, villas, rooms and apartments for your choice. On average, an apartment in Barcelona during the velvet season in September will cost 3500 rubles per day. In July-August, prices are slightly higher.
Tip: worrying about how to navigate in a completely unfamiliar Barcelona? Filter "host language" and Airbnb will suggest accommodation with Russian citizens. We are sure that our compatriots will not refuse a small introductory excursion. 🙂
But still, the answer to the question of where to live in Barcelona also depends on the area. We will briefly tell you about the most popular neighborhoods in the city.
Any guidebook, like us, will start describing the districts of Barcelona with the famous Barceloneta (Barceloneta)... Located next to the sea, more precisely, right by the sea, together with the beach of the same name, it is an object of attention not only for tourists who prefer to spend hours in the sun lying down, but also for perky clubbers. Families with children are better off looking for a different place to stay in Barcelona if they are interested in a restful night's sleep.
Barceloneta beach is the busiest and not very clean.
Much better on neighboring San Sebastia or Bogatel
Close to the coast, but away from its noisy hum is the area El Born... The combination of tranquility and historic sites, trendy boutiques and affordable dining options is the ideal place for shopping and culture enthusiasts to live in Barcelona.
Gothic Quarter - the "heart" of the districts of Barcelona. It is unlikely that it will be possible to rent inexpensive accommodation or book a hotel here, after all, the very center of the city, nevertheless, the narrow streets of Barri Gotic will appeal to any category of tourists.
The best beaches in Barcelona
Mar Bella beach
Traditionally, the most popular places in Barcelona during the summer are the beaches. In the daytime, they are overcrowded with tourists and locals alike, who want to cool off at sea in the summer heat. In the evening, they turn into a 4-kilometer long sandy strip, illuminated by the lights of nightclubs. No wonder, many travelers tend to find hotels near the beach in Barcelona.
Here we will describe the best beaches in Barcelona, each of which can be described with the word "the most ...". About the rest (in a word, no worse) places for sunbathing - and there are 10 of them in the city - we will tell in a separate article. In the same place, all the beaches of Barcelona were marked on the map.
By the way, a nice moment: the capital of Catalonia does not know what paid beaches are - access to the coast is absolutely free.
- The longest (which means a lot of space) - Sant Sebastia beach (Sant Sebastià). In addition, it is also the cleanest, although all beach resting places are cleaned of garbage daily. Reviews of tourists say that the sand here is not so fine, there are also pebbles in the sea. Sant Sebastia is dearly loved by young people for the atmosphere of constant fun, and can even compete with another "mecca" of parties - Barceloneta Beach.
- The most organized - Bogatel beach (Bogatell). Separated from both sides by breakwaters, it is a fairly compact, 700 meters long, line of golden sand.Nevertheless, there are safes for storing things, a rescue station, showers with toilets and changing cabins, and land and water entertainment.
- The most popular - barceloneta beach (Barceloneta). In high season, there is literally nowhere for an apple to fall, both in the afternoon and in the evening. Our recommendation: Want to feel the pulse of a Spanish city? Go swimming and sunbathing in Barceloneta!
- The most "frank" - Mar Bella beach (Mar Bella). In the photo it looks like a place equipped for relaxation by the sea, however, be vigilant if you do not want, so to speak, to see too much. Nudist beaches are not uncommon in Barcelona. 🙂
The beaches near Barcelona are also worth mentioning. To the north of the Catalan capital, the Costa del Maresme in the cities of Calella and Pineda de Mar are worth visiting, and of course the sandy lines of the Costa Brava in Lloret de Mar.
Beautiful beaches can be found in the south, especially on the Costa Dorada. The closest beach on the way is Castelldefels beach, which is connected to the city by a direct train. Near Barcelona, there are also the beaches of the province of Tarragona with the especially popular city of Salou, where, in addition to picturesque mounds of sand, tourists will find the PortAventura amusement park.
Almost all of Barcelona's beaches are wide, sandy and fun:
sports grounds, volleyball nets and children's corners
Prices in Barcelona 2021
How much will a vacation in Barcelona cost at 2021 prices?
We have already studied how to get to Barcelona cheaply and where to rent an apartment cheaply (see previous sections). It remains to deal with other costly items of any travel - the prices of food and transport.
Food prices in Barcelona 2021
Let's start with groceries in shops and supermarkets, in case the prices in the restaurants in Barcelona seem too high to you, and there is just a small kitchen in the apartment. 🙂 Well, or you just wanted to cook it yourself or have a snack on the way to the beach.
I must say that food prices Barcelona offers quite acceptable, in comparison with other large cities of its neighbors in the Schengen area.
- Fruit in a glass ≈ 2 €
- Milk (1 l) ≈ 1-2 €
- Local cheese (1 kg) ≈ 17-18 €
- Baguette ≈ 1 €
- Bottle of water (1.5 l) ≈ 0.2-0.8 €
- Fresh fish (1 kg) ≈ from 10 €
- Sangria (1.5 l) ≈ 2 €
- Wine (bottle) ≈ from 5 €
- Cappuccino in a coffee shop ≈ 2-3.5 €
P.S. All food prices are current for 2021.
Another place to eat inexpensively in Barcelona is, of course, the market. Visit one of the oldest in the country - the Boqueria market - and taste those Spanish products that you should definitely bring with you! Jamon, various types of cured and smoked sausages, blue cheese - all can be purchased cheaply near La Rambla.
A glass of sangria in a cafe on the Rambla - € 5
Prices in Barcelona restaurants and cafes
On average, a lunch in a cafe costs ≈ 8-10 € per person without drinks, while for dinner you will have to pay about 15-20 €.
Restaurants are, of course, less priced, especially in touristy places. By modest standards, evening meals start at € 30 per person.
In general, what to try from food in Barcelona? Definitely deserve attention:
- first - cooling gazpacho
- for the second - paella with seafood
- for dessert - churros
- Well, for a drink - sangria, and for a snack - tapas! 🙂
All of these foods and drinks can be found in restaurants and cafes in Barcelona at completely different prices. As a rule, on the menu of tourist-oriented gastronomic establishments, they tend to rise with the approach of high season.
A tip on where to eat inexpensively in Barcelona: Look out for local restaurants and cafes with a keen eye. Most often, they are located on the offshoots of the main streets. The cost of food is much lower there!
One of these establishments is Macchina,
where you can "collect" a plate of pasta for € 5-9
How much does a taxi cost in Barcelona
Metro, buses, including tourist buses, offering special prices for excursions, trams and even funiculars - public transport in Barcelona is widely represented. The fare on it hovers around 2.5 €, which, however, cannot be compared to a taxi ride.
Nevertheless, you need to have an idea of how much a taxi costs in Barcelona in order not to run into excessively profit-hungry drivers. By the way, you hardly have to call a taxi by phone, because in every district there are so-called taxi stations where cars are waiting. You can just vote on the road. You can recognize taxis in Barcelona by the black and yellow paint of the car and the light at the top, which turns green when the car is free.
For example, taxi prices to Barcelona from the airport are approximately 50 €, and around the city - 9.5 €. There is no Uber in Barcelona.
Car rental in Barcelona - prices
In most cases, tourists rent a car at Barcelona Airport, where the points of the main car rental companies are located - Hertz, Europcar, Avis.
Their offices are located in the city itself, so there is always an opportunity to rent a transport, presenting an international license and a passport. Car rental in Barcelona at prices ranging from 20 to 150 € per day. Do not be intimidated by such a wide spread, the upper limit is indicated in case you decide to rent a convertible, in Barcelona it happens.
Holidays in Barcelona 2021 - reviews of tourists
Who doubts that the many rave reviews from tourists about Barcelona reflect the true picture of a seaside holiday?
However, being carried away by the rhythm of the city and its entertainments, the traveler can easily fall into euphoria and go all out, and in the end be left with an empty wallet. Even if this is not your first time in Barcelona, useful tips and live hacks will not hurt anyone!
So what you need to know if your first time in the Catalan capital based on Barcelona 2021 reviews?
- The tips of experienced tourists say that if a traveler intends to actively use public transport, a T-casual travel card (replaced the T-10 in January 2020) will significantly save his travel expenses. It costs 11.35 euros.
- The question arose, what to visit and what to leave next time, because of the biting prices for the entrance to cultural sites? The Barcelona Card offers discounts on both transportation and sightseeing in the city.
- In order not to pay a commission for converting currency at ATMs in Barcelona, reviews of tourists suggest that you come with cash, at least for the first time.
- Information for your safety - always be on the lookout in crowded places, and especially on La Rambla. This is a favorite place for thieves and bred!
- Despite the millions of flows of visitors, not everyone knows English among the locals, more - young people.
- Spain is a country legally interrupted for a midday siesta, it really is.
If you take into account the above advice from experienced tourists, your feedback on your holiday in Barcelona will be overwhelmingly positive. 🙂
What language is spoken in Barcelona
In case there are misunderstandings with the local population, and attempts to explain themselves in English or the local dialect remain unsuccessful, remember that, unlike the whole of Spain, the official language in Barcelona is not only Spanish, but also Catalan. You can learn a couple of basic phrases. 🙂
Shopping in Barcelona
Be sure to include shopping expenses in your Barcelona holiday 2021 budget. Believe me, you can't resist visiting the local sections of the shopaholic paradise, as this city is one of the fashion capitals of Europe.
And where there is one store, there is another - shopping in Barcelona is addictive!
Shopping centers in Barcelona
The giants, beckoning with a huge neon sign on the outside and hundreds of luxury brands and mass markets from the inside, are scattered throughout the Catalan capital, but strategically clustered in the center, preventing even the sophisticated layman from getting through.
Reviews of shopping in Barcelona are not complete without mentioning the largest and most famous shopping center El Corte Ingles, which has absorbed shoe stores, spans of women's, men's and children's clothing, accessories boutiques, sporting goods departments and huge supermarket areas in its 12 floors. Note: Barcelona's El Corte Inglés has everything from a can of chopped tomatoes to an exclusive handkerchief. So, here for souvenirs from Barcelona!
At least a dozen other similar brethren (Maremagnum, Diagonal Mar, El Triangle) fall under the definition of a shopping center in Barcelona. By the way, if you want to buy as many different "memorabilia" as possible to the maximum, we have already come up with the best route for you on the Barcelona Shopping Line bus. A ticket costs about 10 €, and from 7 to 10 am you will be transported from one shopping mecca to another, saving time and money on travel.
Boulevard Gràcia, next to Plaza Catalunya
Shopping streets in Barcelona
Are you not satisfied with the Armani boutique located next to Zara? Do you want to be followed by the mini-kingdoms of Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Prada, and at the end you will find showrooms of not so famous but promising Spanish designers? Then head straight to La Diagonal - a kind of high-end shopping district (or street) in the heart of the city.
Shopping streets in Barcelona are most often found in the central area. Passeig de Gracia is a place where elite boutiques and a mass market live together. If you are interested in buying a vintage hat, welcome to Riera Baixa. A good and inexpensive brand for young people will be found at Carrer de Palai.
Outlet in Barcelona
Perhaps, if you went to the thematic forum and glanced at the reviews about shopping in Barcelona, you would have noticed a certain shopping village that is mentioned every other time. Simply put, an outlet.
Outlets Barcelona was discovered not so long ago. They represent the countryside where all the brands available in Spain are represented. What is the difference from shopping malls besides location?
Prices for clothes and footwear of famous brands in such places are significantly lower. And in general, goods are sold at a discount all year round. The fact is that the remnants of past collections, unsold items and items from fashion shows flock to outlets.
An example of a true Spanish suburban fashion village is La Roca Village. How to get there no questions will arise, despite the 40 km separating with the city, a train from Sants station will take you to the outlet in half an hour.
Sales in Barcelona 2021
We think that there is no need for extra words, the largest European sales are known to everyone. Most of what tourists bring from Spain comes from rebajas (Spanish sale), which are held twice a year and boldly declare discounts up to 70%.
The Barcelona 2021 Summer Sale starts in July and lasts until the end of August. In winter, they start in January and end in early March.
How many tax free in Spain - TAX FREE in Barcelona and how to get it back?
Tax Free is best returned at the airport - if you do it at the office in Barcelona, they will withhold a commission and freeze the money on your card
Keep a cool head right until you leave town. The joy of thorough shopping can be multiplied a little more!
You've probably heard about a system that allows you to get back a percentage of the amount of purchases abroad, and not only in Spain. Tax Free is a value added tax (VAT) refund service. Interestingly, the tax itself is 21%, while the tax free is approximately 10-15%. But such rates are also okay, right? Especially if you have a full blast in shopping malls. 🙂
Tax free in Spain is carried out by two companies Global Blue and Premier Tax Free. The shops they work with are easily recognizable by a blue sticker with the name of the company on the windows.
What is the tax refund amount? From any (change took effect in July 2018). Moreover, with Global Blue, they do not have to be one-time. For example, you can drop into a boutique and buy shoes for 60 €, and later in the evening, realizing that they will be sad without that handbag, come back and buy another 50 €. In this case, tax free also remains in force, the main thing is, do not lose your check.
The store employees will give you a Tax Refund Check form, which you must fill out (you will need the data of your passport), attach the check and certify the seller's signature. Remember that tax refunds will not work without receipts for payment of purchases!
As in the whole of Spain, tax free refunds in Barcelona are carried out in several ways - in special centers in the city, upon departure from the country and upon returning home.
There are three offices in the Catalan capital, where you can contact within 10 days of shopping. Have a uniform, a passport and a credit, not a debit, card with you. Here you will be paid a percentage in cash and returned to your hands Tax Refund Check along with an envelope. Do not forget to put a customs stamp on the form at the airport certifying that you are leaving the European Union, enclose it in an envelope and drop it into the mailbox. Otherwise, after 21 days, the money will be debited from your card.
Tax free refunds in Barcelona at the airport are made in cash or by transfer to any bank card. When stamping at customs, please note that employees may be asked to show purchases, so keep all packaging and labels. At the tax-free point at the airport, you will be issued a preferred method of receiving money and the form will be collected here.
Upon arrival from Barcelona, a tax free refund is also possible. Be sure to stamp the check at the airport upon departure, and then send it by mail from Russia to the specified address. The money will come to your card within a month and a half.
Holidays with children in Barcelona
Solving the dilemma of where is the best holiday in Spain with children in a crowded tourist city or on a calm seaside, we would choose the first option, in particular, Barcelona. Why?
Firstly, the very adjective "tourist" already hints that the city is rich not only in cultural and educational activities for adults, but also in entertainment for children. Tibidabo Park, the largest aquarium in Europe, a zoo where you can get around on a children's train, the Singing Fountains show on Montjuïc - there is definitely something to do for a young traveler.
Secondly, a vacation in Barcelona with children will not cause you any inconvenience in terms of moving with a stroller. With a 2-year-old child in your arms, it is not so easy to see the sights of the city. However, Barcelona has fully adapted to the needs of tourists with toddlers, providing ramps, descents from pedestrian crossings, elevators in the metro and platforms in buses.
Thirdly, unlike the beaches near Barcelona, the city's beaches are often more suitable for sunbathing with children. The entrance to the water is shallow, underfoot - the finest sand without debris. Specially organized playgrounds don't let you get bored.
And yet, where is it better with children on vacation in Spain? We will say that well-equipped large cities on the coast are suitable for a comfortable stay with a little tourist. It is better not to go to the islands of Spain.
How much money to take to Spain
First, you need to decide what currency is in Spain now. Do not be surprised, the country only in the 2000s switched to a single monetary standard for Schengen. Earlier, before the euro, Spanish money was denominated in pesetas. 🙂
So, the monetary currency of the kingdom (this is how the official name of the state sounds) is the euro. Exchange rate against the ruble for January 2021:
1 € = 91 rubles.
When calculating how much money to take to Spain, proceed from the calculation of about 50 € for two per day. About 40 € is enough for us. This figure is for a very budget holiday, and on condition that the accommodation has already been paid for (or part of the money has been set aside). Enough for about lunch in a cafe, visiting a paid attraction, taking the subway, shopping at a grocery store. Three meals a day in restaurants, along with global shopping, will require additional investment beyond the specified minimum.
Currency exchange in Spain
Whatever currency in Spain you have with you in addition to euros (rubles or dollars), there may be problems with its exchange, and quite significant.
The bank, in most cases, does not have a cash exchange window for tourists from the street, as in Russia, and the exchange office is unlikely to offer a favorable rate. Rather, it will cause bewilderment how overnight the Spanish currency against the ruble can take off by a dozen percent!
Ideally, it is better to first exchange rubles for euros at home. Another good option is to have part of the money in cash in local currency (i.e. euros), and part of it - to be stored on the card in rubles, and, if necessary, withdrawn from ATMs. Automatic conversion will take place with less losses than using the services of exchange offices.
If suddenly there is a large amount of euros left, in Spain the exchange of currency, of course, is done in the opposite direction - from euros to rubles - but, again, with predatory claims from the exchanger.
Mobile communications in Spain
The question of communication when organizing a trip to Barcelona is quite common. As in all of Spain, mobile operators in Barcelona are represented by three large companies and a dozen small ones. What is the best choice?
In general, based on the advice of tourists about mobile communications in Spain, preference should be given to the main players in the communication services market. Firstly, their salons are more common on the way, and secondly, among the SIM cards there are definitely so-called prepago (prepaid) cards.
Such is the peculiarity of the country that tourists are content with a separate category of "prepaid" SIM cards, which offer less favorable rates. "Contract" SIM card is available only with a Spanish residence permit.
For Russian travelers who want to send a message about themselves to their homeland every day, Vodafone is the right choice. Operating over almost the entire area of the kingdom's land, she offers to communicate with relatives for 50 euro cents per minute. But if you try and connect the tariff "My Country", then the cost can be reduced to 10 euro cents.
Movistar, despite being the most popular operator, offers a limited number of prepaid plans. But those are good either for calls or for Internet access. Unfortunately, there is no successful combination of both services for a reasonable fee.
The most profitable mobile operator in Spain, according to tourist advice, is Orange. Cheap communication is provided by the Mundo tariff, which is focused specifically on intercountry negotiations and messages. An international call from Spain to Russia will cost about 10 eurocents per minute.
Mobile internet in Spain
The above cellular operators also provide mobile internet services in Spain. When connected, all prepaid tariffs come with a basic amount of megabytes, but they will be enough for correspondence in whatsapp during the vacation.
Don't rely on the power of Spanish Wi-Fi. Even though the same Barcelona is adorned with blue signs all over the place "there is wifi here", most likely you will have time to eat twice before the Google page loads. Still, for a reliable Internet in Spain, a SIM card from a local operator is a necessary thing.
Also, recently we have been actively using the universal SIM card DrimSim, which changes the operator depending on the country. In many countries, for example, in the same Spain, 1 MB costs 0.01 euros. Follow the link to get 7 euros to your account >>
What tourists bring from Spain
This section is so ambitious that first you need to outline what to take with you to Spain so that there is room for gifts in your suitcase. 🙂
- Documents (passports, insurance, tickets, home reservations) and money
- Clothing: Keep it to a minimum if you go summer! Moreover, you can buy in outlets and sales
- Shoes: sandals, flip-flops and possibly sneakers are enough. Many streets are lined with old paving stones, which presents some difficulties for walking in heels 🙂
- Beach accessories: swimwear, creams, panamas - yes, bulky towels - no. They are provided in hotels or bought for pennies in the markets.
- Think carefully about what to take with you to Spain from medicines. Assemble the optimal first aid kit.
- From personal hygiene products - a toothbrush, moisturizer, deodorant. Soap, gels, pastes, shampoos, again, are in hotels. Or purchase locally.
- The rest is at your request. Better yet, get by with the above while saving space for souvenirs 🙂
So, what to bring from Spain from the products?
These cheeses cost about 5 euros
Extra virgin olive oil: because Spain is ideally suited for the cultivation of the finest olives.
Spices: cinnamon, paprika, nutmeg and, of course, saffron. But for the last one you will have to pay more money, tk. he is considered the king of Spanish spices and condiments.
Jamon: beloved by gourmets around the world, dried pork hams are hung in the country's butchers' shops, luring tourists with their black (Iberico) or white (Serrano) hoof. How much jamon can you bring from Spain? How much will fit in a suitcase or bag. 🙂 It is advisable to take gastronomic cargo in luggage, if only because the average pork leg will go 6-7 kilograms. And take care of the vacuum packing so as not to inadvertently seduce the porters at the airport with the smell.
Manchego and Cabrales cheeses: the first - aged cheese made from sheep's milk - is the country's national pride. The second - with blue mold - is a national treasure.
Fuett: Continuing the mold theme, once you taste thin pork sausages under a layer of white edible mold, you will know that they are definitely worth a place in your luggage.
Spanish wines: fortified sherry, fruity sangria and sparkling Catalan cava.
We found this sangria as one of the best in reviews (sold at Carrefour)
What can you bring back from Spain for a longer memory?
Magnets - to replenish the slim army of these on the fridge or to present to friends and comrades.
Wine wineskin - will come in handy for picnics and out-of-town trips.
Leather products (wallets, gloves, bags, belts) - for their unsurpassed quality.
A lace fan full of local flavor - to fan yourself with a bright souvenir here in Russia, in memories to be transported to hot Spain; and a figurine of a bull - the unofficial symbol of the country, replicated in all shops.
What cosmetics to bring from Spain?
Professional facial care is represented by the brand Natura Bisse, which, oddly enough, is more popular outside the borders of the Kingdom of Spain.
The laurels of the leader in the pharmaceutical segment of cosmetics were given to the Sesderma brand, which successfully competes in the global skin care market.
Lakme products are good for hair. In principle, they are sold in our homeland, but still the country of origin offers a wider assortment at reasonable prices.
For budget Spanish brands, check out Babaria's Natural Care Products and Ninelle's Makeup Products.
What to bring a child from Spain?
Sweets would be a universal option. The most unusual treat in the country is the candied violets, which can be bought in Madrid or near the city.
Girls will love dolls in colorful flamenco dresses, wooden fans, castanets. Boys will be delighted with the ball autographed by Ronaldo, or other football symbols (but also autographed 🙂). You can buy it, as you know, in Madrid.
Throw ideas on what to bring from Barcelona as a gift?
In addition to what we have already described, Barcelona is famous for ... the official store (and at the same time museum) of FC Barcelona. 🙂 All sorts of paraphernalia for fans - scarves, T-shirts, sports uniforms, etc. - snapped up here!
Barcelona Team Museum and Official Store
Wander through the shops and workshops in the back streets of the city, craft fairs and exhibitions in the central squares.There are also many interesting souvenirs from Barcelona to be found here.
In short, dare, plan and implement! A stay in Barcelona is worth it. 🙂
