As a Digital Nomad, you find excitement in thrilling locations, and Barcelona is certainly one of them! This vibrant city invites you to explore rather than be tethered to your desk. With its unique artistic, hipster, and revolutionary atmosphere, Barcelona offers activities and attractions for everyone, whether you’re passionate about the outdoors, history, art, or architecture. In this guide, we will highlight must-see attractions and must-do activities for first-time visitors, as well as some of our favorite experiences for locals and returning visitors. Don’t miss our expertly curated tours that showcase the essential aspects of this magnificent city just for you.
Getting Around
Barcelona is a walkable city with an excellent public transportation system that is affordable, efficient, and easy to navigate. The metro will take you anywhere you need to go. A T-Usual metro card for Zone 1 provides you with a month of unlimited rides for about €20 (most destinations will likely be within Zone 1). This card also grants access to the bus system. If you’re planning a short stay, opt for a T-Casual card that allows for 10 rides at a cost of about €10. For train journeys outside the city, use Renfe.
Looking for a ride? The best apps for transportation are FreeNow, Bolt, and Cabify. While Uber operates in Barcelona, wait times can be lengthy, and rides are occasionally canceled.
Barcelona boasts over 200 kilometers of bike lanes. The city’s bike-sharing service, Bicing, is available for only €50 per year if you have a NIE or Foreign Identity Number. Numerous bike and e-bike rental companies are also available, or you can try an app like Donkey.
Getting Oriented
Upon arrival, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the area. Start with our guided walking tour of Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella, also known as the Gothic Quarter. Here, you’ll see a mural by Pablo Picasso, Roman ruins, and the breathtaking Cathedral of Barcelona. You’ll also delve into the history of Plaza del Rei, the Jewish Quarter, Plaza Sant Felip Neri, and Plaza Sant Jaume.
You could also explore our sunset bike tour, which takes you through the Born Neighborhood, Port Vell, Barceloneta Beach, and the joys of cava (Catalan champagne) at Parc de la Ciutadella.
Museums
With a wide array of museums, Barcelona caters to various interests. Take time to visit The Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA), which chronicles the city’s evolution from Roman times to the present day. Don’t overlook the MUHBA’s Refugio 307 located on Montjuïc: a bomb shelter created to protect civilians during the Spanish Civil War. Be sure to stop by the Born Center for Culture and Memory to view archeological ruins dating back to the 1700s.
Art enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice. The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya features Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art. You should also check out the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Museum. For those who cherish art, our Picasso walking tour offers an introspective journey through Picasso’s neighborhood and museum under the guidance of a top-rated expert.
If modern, contemporary, or street art is more your style, make sure to visit the Moco Museum, currently exhibiting several works by Banksy.
Being Outdoors
Parc de la Ciutadella is an essential destination and a lovely spot for a leisurely day of picnicking, strolling through gardens, or taking a boat ride on the pond. Nearby, you will find the remarkable Arc de Triomf, which was constructed as the entrance to the 1888 Universal Exhibition held in Parc de la Ciutadella. Wrap up your tranquil afternoon with a peaceful walk to the beach or indulge in a luxurious spa day at Aire Ancient Baths.
Take a day to explore the neighborhood of Montjuïc, named “Jewish Mountain” due to its historical cemetery and recognized as the birthplace of the city. This region is rich with parks, museums, public spaces, and attractions. Ascend by cable car to the Castle of Montjuïc for breathtaking 360-degree views, wander through the botanical gardens, visit the Olympic stadium, and enjoy a swim in the municipal pool. Don’t forget to witness the magic fountain lighting up at night.
The city is encircled by hills that offer stunning views, with Montjuïc, Park Güell, and Tibidabo all located on elevated ground. Tibidabo features an amusement park and is an excellent spot for hiking, or you can take the funicular to the top.
One of the greatest advantages of Barcelona is that there are plenty of free activities to enjoy. The city’s beaches are must-see locations. Many nomads prefer Bogatell Beach in Poblenou, which tends to be less crowded than Barceloneta Beach and is bordered by the beautiful Parc del Poblenou. Alternatively, see a different side of the city with our private sailing experience.
Weekend Getaway Trips
While Barcelona offers endless exploration opportunities, occasionally stepping outside the city can bring refreshing experiences. Convenient train and bus routes make it easy to visit nearby towns and attractions.
- Montserrat is home to a Benedictine monastery, excellent hiking routes, a funicular ride, and breathtaking mountain views. For a luxurious experience, our Montserrat tour includes local delicacies and wine-tasting in the renowned Penedès vineyards.
- Costa Brava – renowned for its stunning Mediterranean coastline – offers opportunities for scuba diving, delicious paella, and dining at Michelin-star restaurants. Tossa de Mar is the closest destination to Barcelona and a popular choice for a day trip by train. For longer excursions, consider renting a car or taking a bus to explore other coastal gems such as Lloret de Mar, Cadaqués, Blanes, and Peratallada.
- Girona is a captivating medieval town full of charm. Enjoy its historic quarter, beautifully landscaped gardens, and remnants of a Roman fortress. Our guided tour will showcase the stunning 11th-century Tapestry of Creation in the Cathedral of Girona alongside a visit to the illustrious Salvador Dalí Museum.
Barcelona’s diverse range of attractions and activities makes it an ideal city for Digital Nomads. Whether you’re hiking up to Tibidabo, relaxing at Bogatell Beach, or cycling around the city, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in Barcelona’s beauty.
