In-Depth Barcelona Guide for Solo Female Travellers

Visiting a city as vibrant as Barcelona can be overwhelming to some, especially if you are going alone — that's why I created this Barcelona guide for solo female travellers.

I know how it feels! My friend said: "If you liked Lisbon, you will fall head over heels in love with Barcelona". "It feels like a warm hug!", she added. I'll admit, after all of the positive things I've heard about the sunny capital of Catalunya, I was more than intrigued.

What is so special about Barcelona city and what can I do there? Is it easy or hard to meet locals? Do most people in Barcelona speak English or will I have to brush up on my Spanish?

Most importantly, is Barcelona safe for solo female travellers? Wonder no more! You'll find all of the answers you're seeking and much more.

Plus, I've included some cool photos to conjure the atmosphere of Barcelona as accurately as I can.

Here is the long-awaited Barcelona guide for solo female travellers you'll want to save for later.

What's the currency in Barcelona?

The currency in Spain is the euro.

What is the Daily Budget in Barcelona?

Depending on where you come from, you may find Spain cheap or super expensive. In my case (I am from a small town in Serbia), Barcelona is not the most budget-friendly place to go.

However, the Spanish lifestyle is known for its simplicity, so you can travel through the entire country relatively cheaply.

Barcelona Pier

If you choose to eat local foods like tapas, use public transport, and stay at hostels, you can easily stick to a daily budget of around 30 to 50 euros per day. If you are really good at budgeting, you may cut costs even more.

On the other hand, if you are going to eat out regularly and splurge on a few Airbnb experiences, you may expect to spend more than 50 euros daily. 

Is Barcelona Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Many locals will likely tell you to be careful with your bags and purses, as pickpockets are everywhere (especially on the metro!). However, this is the case with any large city, not just Barcelona. My advice is to just use your common sense.

Barcelona Views

Be mindful of your surroundings and keep your belongings close. Don't put your phone or your wallet in your back pocket. Personally, I felt very safe in Barcelona as a solo female traveller.

How Can I Get to Barcelona Airport to the City Center?

Getting to the Barcelona city centre from the airport is easy and quick. On average, it will take you around one hour to get to La Rambla.

There is just one main airport in the city called El Prat, but you can also choose to go to Barcelona from two neighbouring airports, Reus and Girona. Most cheap airlines like Wizzair and Ryan air fly to El Prat, but some sources say that you can find even cheaper deals if you fly into the Girona airport (found in the region of Costa Brava).

How can you get from El Prat to the city centre of Barcelona?

It couldn't be more straightforward. All you need to do is to exit El Prat and locate the bus station. From there, you can grab the A1 or A2 (either is fine, as both will take you to the Barcelona centre). I paid around 10 euros each.

Once you get to the city centre, you can catch the metro or walk, depending on where your accommodation is. 

Where to Stay in Barcelona as a Solo Female Traveller?

There are countless hostels and hotels located in Barcelona that I recommend. If you missed my previous post on Barcelona accommodation for solo female travellers, check it out.

In that Barcelona hostel review, I discuss the pros and cons of staying in Barcelona Black Swan and Coimpact Coliving.

Funny Sign in Barcelona Hostel

If you prefer added privacy and comfort, you can also choose an Airbnb accommodation. 

How Can I Get Around Barcelona?

Barcelona is very walkable (compared to the ups and downs of Lisbon!). I recommend walking around, as this is an excellent way to sightsee and explore the city.

Alternatively, you can opt for public transport like the FGC, the tram, and the metro. I recommend all of these options, as they are clean, efficient, and quick to get around the city.

On the downside, I found the metro a bit expensive. The metro ticket is around 2.40 euros, which may be costly for some travellers. Fortunately, you can get a T-casual card for 11.35 euros, which lets you make ten tips on all network lines.

The Best Things to Do as a Solo Female Traveler in Barcelona

One of the main things you'll love about travelling to Barcelona as a solo female is that there is always something going on! Whether festivals, parties, tours, art shows, or other social gatherings, Barcelona offers an activity for anyone, no matter your idea of fun.

Here are some of the many things you can do in Barcelona as a solo female traveller on a budget.

Admire the Masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi

Gaudi is one of Barcelona's greatest historical figures. In fact, I'd argue that was and remains a celebrity in Barcelona. Gaudi was a famous architect remembered for being the face of Catalan modernism. You can find his works around the city.

Park Güell

For instance, go check out Park Güell, a park that opened to the public in 1926. Once there, you can walk around and unwind, have lunch, enjoy some coffee, and take Insta-worthy pictures.

I paid around 10 euros to enter Park Güell. Make sure to book your ticket online to take advantage of the best deals. 

La Sagrada Familia

Other notable works you must check out when visiting Barcelona for the first time include the legendary La Sagrada Familia, the one and only Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila.

Casa Batllo

Get Lost in the Gothic Quarter

If you are into the eerie atmosphere and the macabre, you will find the Gothic Quarter irresistible. Here, you can marvel at the culture and the rich history of Barcelona.

Go to the heart of the Gothic Quarter and start exploring from the Barcelona Cathedral.

Gothic Quarter

You'll discover lots of museums and art galleries, such as the Museu Frederic Marès and the Barcelona History Museum. 

Get a Tan at the Beach

Once the weather warms up, you'll want to chill out at the stunning city beach, La Barceloneta. Other main beaches include Nova Icaria and Mar Bella. Pack your favourite swimsuit and hit the beach for a relaxing siesta.

Visiting Barceloneta During Winter

But beware — you may accidentally stumble upon the nudist beach. Perhaps that's a good thing!

Where Should I Eat in Barcelona (Healthy Options)

If you are like me, you also believe that one of the best things about travelling is tasting delicious foods. Below, you'll find some health-conscious recommendations in Barcelona I couldn't get enough of!

Flax&Kale

Flax&Kale is a healthy restaurant in Barcelona that offers gluten-free desserts and creative salads to satisfy your cravings and nutritional needs. You can get yummy smoothies, poke avo toasts (classic avocado toast too!), leafy green salads like the unique Alaskan Salmon Bibimbap, and more.

Healthy Food in Barcelona

On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from 10 euros on a dish.

Find Flax&Kale at Carrer dels Tallers, 74b. 

Pros:

• Variety of healthy foods
• Gluten-free and vegan options
• Centrally located

Cons:

• Expensive

Honest Greens Rambla Catalunya

Honest Greens Rambla Catalunya is another fantastic restaurant for travellers who want to stay in shape. The menu is extensive, and they cater to different dietary needs. I highly recommend the avocado salmon toast and the acai smoothie.

The Best Avocado Salmon Toast in Barcelona

Again, the location is fantastic and the food tastes great. The customer service is also very friendly and helpful. The location is Rambla de Catalunya, 3.

Pros:

• Lots of variety
• Best place to get avocado toast (on rustic bread!)
• Refillable water

Cons:

• Relatively small portion size for the price

Cerveseria Catalana

Cerveseria Catalana is the best place to go to indulge in authentic Catalan food. PERIOD. Here, you can get traditional tapas and the most delicious seafood. The menu is very extensive and I'm sure you'll find something that tickles your taste buds.

Cerveseria Catalana

The price point is on the higher-end side, but the quality is superb. The location is C/ de Mallorca, 236.

Pros:

• Mouth-watering, fresh tapas
• Lovely ambience
• Excellent customer service

Cons:

• Feels crowded

Is Visiting Barcelona Solo Worth It?

Absolutely! Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, and it is also regarded as one of the most beloved cities in Europe. It's got it all — a rich history, interesting culture, amazing food, and exciting nightlife. You'll fall in love, I'm sure.

With all of this in mind, I recommend learning some basic Spanish or downloading a translation app on your phone. While Barcelona is very multicultural, many people do not speak English.

Check out my other posts on Barcelona. Without a doubt, I'll be back.

A Solo Traveller's Montserrat Barcelona Guide

Few places evoke feelings of awe and absolute bliss, so when I visited Catalonia's stunning rocky mountain range, I knew that I had to write this Montserrat Barcelona guide — from the perspective of a solo female traveller.

This guide includes my personal experience of the "serrated mountain", what I did there, how to get to Montserrat from Barcelona, and much more. Find out why you too should go there and why anyone (whether you are spiritual or not) will leave Montserrat feeling transformed.

Montserrat Barcelona Guide: An Introduction

If you are planning an upcoming trip to the sunny capital of Catalunya, Barcelona, then you've likely thought about including Montserrat in your itinerary.

While there are many activities to do in Barcelona and if this is your first time travelling there, you may need more time to include Montserrat in your plans.

However, I strongly encourage you to squeeze it in! But what is Montserrat anyway and why is this place of such vast importance for the people of Catalunya? 

Montserrat or the "serrated mountain" or "saw mountain" is a magnificent rocky mountain range in Northeastern Spain, Catalonia known for its unique, jagged appearance and cultural significance.

Namely, Montserrat is an icon of Catalonia, and a spiritual place visited by around two million people per year.

Climbing the stairs

Some visitors come to the serrated mountain to bask in the beauty of the Spanish countryside — others embark on a pilgrimage to express appreciation to the Santa Maria de Montserrat, a legendary Benedictine monastery, and the Virgin of Montserrat (or La Moreneta), one of Europe's black madonnas. 

What is Montserrat in Barcelona Known For?

If you visit the Montserrat monastery at 13:00, you will also have the chance to listen to the performance of the renowned Basilica choir boys that have recorded more than 100 albums of Gregorian chants and various other religious choral music genres.

These performances can be heard for free in the Basilica every day, except July and Christmas holidays.

Here is an interesting fact about Montserrat in Barcelona. Firstly, it is said that Montserrat is a place of mystery and "visions".

As the story goes, in 880, a group of children witnessed a beam of light plummet from the sky in the mountains of Montserrat. Simultaneously, the children heard the song of angels - the angelic music brought pure joy to their hearts.

At first, the parents weren't buying into these tales. However, when the parents began to witness the same phenomena, a local vicar was rushed to the scene.

It was all set. Religious elders explored the place where the visions are said to have occurred — this was a cave on the mountain.

La Morena

Lo and behold, an image of the madonna was discovered. From there on, the cave was considered a holy sanctuary for pilgrims around the world. 

How Do I Get From Barcelona to Montserrat?

Taking a day trip to Montserrat from Barcelona in Spain is a piece of cake. The monastery is located approximately 60 kilometres from the city of Barcelona.

You are presented with a few transportation options, which include:

• Driving there with a car

• Hopping on a train

• Taking a guided tour and travelling with a bus

If you like to plan out your own trips and have full flexibility, you may want to rent a car and drive to either Monistrol de Montserrat or Aeri de Montserrat. 

Alternatively, buy a train ticket from Barcelona's Plaça Espanya to Aeri de Montserrat. Grab the R5 line which takes you to the town just below the monastery. The trip will take around an hour. Tickets for a round-trip will cost €11.50. After this, you will need to buy a round-trip ticket to get to the monastery up Montserrat via a cable car. This ticket costs €12.

Another thing you can do is to go by train from Barcelona's Plaça Espanya to Monistrol de Montserrat, and this will cost €11.50. Next, you will need to book the cogwheel train or Cremallera to reach the monastery. Tickets for a round-trip add up to €12.

If you value convenience and you want to leave the organization to the professionals, go with a guided tour from Barcelona city to Montserrat. All of the tickets are included. All that's left is to relax and marvel at the spectacular views while enjoying your tour guide's storytelling skills.

My Experience at Montserrat as a Solo Female Traveller

I wanted to write this Montserrat Barcelona guide from the point of view of a solo female traveller because I haven't come across many articles that focus on the same thing. So, here's how my day at Montserrat went down. 

Firstly, I booked a guided half-day tour to Montserrat from Barcelona via the Viator website. The tour included tapas and gourmet wines that I enjoyed with my group after sightseeing. If you are looking for a good guided tour, I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

The tour guide was knowledgeable and super funny — he entertained the entire crew with interesting anecdotes and personal viewpoints about what he believed happened behind the scenes of the legends. Here's a brief overview of what my day looked like.

The trip to Montserrat started from the North train station in Barcelona, early in the morning (if I can recall well, it was around seven in the morning).

After checking in on the first floor (the agency will send you detailed instructions), I went to the parking area where the bus was already waiting.

Right off the bat, I met some cool people, including a young British guy, a couple from Texas, and the local tourist guide Pol. We exchanged contact numbers (just in case), went through the itinerary for the day, and set off to Montserrat.

The journey to Montserrat from Barcelona was interesting in itself. Pol entertained us with stories and a historical overview of Barcelona, Catalunya's capital.

As we approached the mountain, I could catch a glimpse of the rugged appearance that makes Montserrat so special. I was baffled! Nevertheless, the view from the top is what really left me without words. Check out the photo I took below.

Montserrat

The group continued to follow Pol as he dived deeper into the history of the monastery and the black madonna. He also mentioned that there were supposed "alien sightings" in the area, which made me feel excited and even more interested in the mountain range.

While the person who apparently witnessed the extraterrestrial life force may have just been under the influence of popular drugs, I like to keep an open mind.

Anyway, after the tour of the monastery, Pol presented us with a few options.

We could go check out the museums (there is a lot of impressive artwork), take a hike to the peak of Montserrat, climb the stairs and enter a "forest-like" side of the mountain, or shop for local cheeses and other produce. I decided to go up the stairs.

Well, it was a real workout! Considering that I wasn't dressed for the occasion (wearing boots with heels), I was proud of myself for successfully climbing up.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, the group gathered again.

It was time to visit a nearby winery and head to tapas and wine tasting. How exciting! If you don't already know, I am a major foodie and a wine connoisseur. So, you can imagine how enlivened I felt! The winery we visited was Oller del Mas. 

Beautiful Wine Yard

The Viator tour I went on is perfect for a solo traveller. Since you go with a small group (we were eight), it is easier to meet people.

I also liked that we ended the Montserrat tour with a visit to the winery, as it was the perfect chance to wind down and get to know the group members while tasting delicious wine and tapas.

Spanish tapas

The price is around 100 euros, and it is not the cheapest option available. However, the value you get is well worth it, and I would choose this tour again.

Is Montserrat Worth Visiting from Barcelona?

Yes, absolutely. Just type in “Montserrat in Barcelona” into a search engine, and see for yourself. Hopefully, I will return again.

I hope this Montserrat Barcelona guide convinced you to see the serrated mountain for yourself. Let me know how you liked it.

Top 3 Amazing Things to Do in Istanbul (Non-Touristy and Fun)

There is an abundance of things to do in Istanbul, but you need to do some "digging" to find unique, non-touristy activities. 

Let's face it, while it's virtually impossible to get tired of taking the ferry from the European side to the Asian (and vice versa) and soaking up the beauty of this legendary city, sometimes you desire more. 

Luckily, I've got you covered.

Last year, I've spent two months in Istanbul and I had plenty of time to get to know this city at a slow pace. I was fortunate enough to have made some incredible Turkish friends who were kind enough to include me in all sorts of activities  — the ones that locals actually do! 

If you are a traveller like me who likes to walk the off-beaten path and do as the locals do, then this article on things to do in Istanbul is perfect for you. 

Check out my top 3 recommendations on fun activities for adults in Istanbul you'll want to add to your travel itinerary. 

Summer Fun on the Princes' Islands

Did you know that you can island hop when visiting Istanbul? The Princes' Islands (or "Adalar" in the Turkish language) are an archipelago in the stunning Sea of Marmara. The four main islands worth visiting include Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Büyükada. 

You can visit any of these islands by taking a ferry from Bostancı or Kadıköy from the Asian side or Kabataş, Eminönü, or Beşiktaş from the European side of the city. Whichever one you take, expect to travel for around one hour. 

I warmly suggest Heybeliada or Büyükada (the latter is the largest of them all). 

Heybeliada, one of the Princes' Islands

So, what can you do on the islands? For starters, you can go swimming. Some of the best beaches include Büyükada Aya Nikola Public Beach (Büyükada), Ada Beach Club (Heybeliada), Kalpazankaya (Burgazada), and Kumluk Beach (Kinaliada).

If you are not a fan of swimming, worry not! There are plenty of other summer activities in Istanbul you can enjoy. For instance, you can rent a bike and explore the lush greenery on the islands. 

Büyükada also features some impressive monuments and churches you may be interested in, including Leon Trotsky's former summer house and many other stunning Ottoman-era mansions.

If you don't want to plan the trip yourself, you can always take a guided tour from Istanbul.

Try Out The Game for Big Kids

This is a gem in the heart of the Şişli district where you can bond with your new friends and have hours of fun! The Game for Big Kids or "The Game" is a digital entertainment centre where you can play cool digital games (such as Just Dance XBOX, Band Hero or Guitar Hero, and many more), plus karaoke! 

The Game for Big Kids

If you are an introvert or prefer to keep it "low key", you may be interested in Pro Evolution Soccer, FIFA 14 and 15, or other games. Anyone who wants to have a fun time with friends and get a workout in (the dancing activities will get you sweating) needs to try this indoor activity in Istanbul. 

On top of that, you have access to a sports bar where you can get finger foods or drinks. To find out more, visit the official website.

Have a Picnic at Yıldız Park

Do you want to escape the hustle and bustle of big-city life? Recharge your batteries by heading to Yıldız Parkı, an opulent historical park located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul. You can find this nature grove between the Çırağan and the Yıldız palaces. 

Picnic time in Yıldız Park

Inside, you'll uncover scenic paths, dreamy waterfalls, tree-covered hills, and photogenic gardens. I suggest having an afternoon picnic or even a yummy breakfast with your new hostel friends, or — by yourself. You'll find benches and lots of picnic tables at your disposal. 

All in all, there are many amazing things to do in Istanbul, especially in the spring and summer months. Include these non-touristy activities to ensure that your Instabul travel experience remains unforgettable. Also, share this article and inspire fellow travellers to have an epic vacation in Turkey.

Everything I Ate in Istanbul (Ultimate Istanbul Food Guide)

Since it's already 2023, this Istanbul street food guide is long overdue. But, here it is! In this article, I've gathered up my favourite Istanbul treats and delicacies to help make your belly and your soul happy the next time you end up in this legendary Turkish city. 

You'll find a variety of Turkish foods in this guide, from overwhelmingly sweet desserts that will make even those who don't enjoy sugar drool, as well as more traditional staples everyone visiting Istanbul for the first time MUST try. 

You'll also uncover some of the best food places in Istanbul Turkey and how much you can expect to spend. Bonus money-saving tips are waiting for you at the end.

Keep reading to find out the best Turkish food in Istanbul, from my "foodie" perspective.

Kumpir (or Loaded Jacket Potatoes or Baked Potatoes)

Kumpir is essentially a loaded jacket potato that you can fill with all sorts of goodies. The base is typically butter and cheese. From there, you can customize your toppings and add as many or as few extra ingredients as you wish. 

Kumpir or Baked Potato

In my case, I went for couscous, olives, marinated cabbage, and some orange stuff that seemed ambiguously delicious (and it was!). You can get this same exact kumpir in Taksim Square at a place called Patsosis. 

Kumpir toppings

Better yet, check out the food stalls in Ortaköy for the authentic kumpir. Look for "Kumpir Sokak" (translated to Baked Potato Street) and enjoy this yummy must-eat food in Istanbul. I paid around 100 Turkish liras, or 5 euros.

Lebanese Food

I know, it's not Turkish street food. But, if you are looking for mouthwatering Lebanese food in Istanbul, Arada Cafe is your go-to spot. It's a charming cafe in Beyoğlu that offers falafel, hummus, and other freshly-prepared Lebanese dishes. 

Arada Cafe

You can order a full menu like I did (enough for 3-4 people, depends how hungry you are). 

İçli Köfte (or Turkish Stuffed Meatballs)

İçli köfte or kibbeh is basically a stuffed or filled meatball. The dough balls are created from a blend of fine bulgur, spices, and potato (this is the base of the shell). 

Fried dough balls and Ayran

Some typical fillings include ground lamb or beef mixed with ground nuts such as walnuts or pine nuts, plus tons of spices. The dough balls are fried, hence the signature crispy texture and hard outer shell. I had içli köfte as an appetizer with my favourite Turkish beverage, Ayran.

Lahmacun (or Turkish Pizza)

Ask any Turkish person, and they'll tell you that lahmacun is a gift from above. It's too damn delicious. As you've guessed, this is a Turkish-style pizza or flatbread topped with minced veggies, minced meat, and a variety of herbs such as tomatoes, garlic, onions, parsley, and red peppers. 

Lahmacun

You can also get a taste of warming spices like paprika and chilli pepper. Find the best Turkish pizza at Halil Lahmacun in Kadikoy.

Traditional Turkish Breakfast

You can't leave Istanbul without an authentic Turkish breakfast at least once. If you have never heard about a Turkish breakfast before, here's an overview. 

Usually, it includes different bite-sized goodies, such as green and black olives, cured meats, cucumbers, sauces and dips, eggs, fresh tomatoes, fresh cheese, fruit jams and preserves, freshly-baked bread, pastries, honey, and butter. 

Plus, you get an unlimited supply of çay or Turkish black tea. No, this is not a joke.

Turkish breakfast

Where to have the best traditional Turkish breakfast in Istanbul? You can find it almost everywhere in the city. I recommend checking out the Beyoğlu district. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from 10 to 50 liras per individual.

Simit

Hands down, my favourite street food in Istanbul is simit, a circular bread encrusted with sesame, flax, or poppy seeds. While it is not the most nutritious food you can munch on in Istanbul, it's convenient and cheap. 

Fresh Simit in Taksim Square

Grab one or two and go explore the city. You can find simits and other pastries on most streets in Istanbul. Look for street vendors, and go early in the morning to get them fresh.

Pide (Turkish Flatbread Pizza)

Another one of my all-time favs is pide, or Turkish flatbread pizza. I accidentally stumbled on this pide place in Taksim, but unfortunately, I don't remember its name anymore.

Turkish Pide

Again, you can find pide almost everywhere in Istanbul. It's super filling and cheap. Best of all, the toppings are almost endless - including vegetarian and vegan options. According to foodies, you can get the best pide at Hocapasa Pidecisi. Other highly-rated places include Pide Ban and Nizam Pide.

Künefe or Knafeh

Are you craving something sickeningly sweet? If so, try some künefe, a dessert originally from the Middle East. It's created with a spun pastry named "kataifi", drenched in a sugar-based sweet syrup (or attar). 

Usually, there's also a generous layer of cheese and other delicious ingredients on top like clotted cream and nuts. 

Künefe from Asi Künefeleri

Overall, it will make you addicted. The one I tried is from Asi Künefeleri and Keyfeder Künefe Katmer, but I heard that Hadiz Mustafa's is also excellent.

San Sebastian Cheesecake

Here is another intruder on the list of best street foods in Istanbul. While the San Sebastian cheesecake is not Turkish at all, it remains one of the most popular desserts to try in Beyoğlu. 

San Sebastian Cheesecake

Go to Viyana Kahvesi Galata and create an Insta-worthy picture of the cheesecake with the majestic Galata tower in the background. Cons: It's very expensive and the crowds ruin the mood. Nevertheless, if you want to taste this fluffy treat, this is another Istanbul must-eat.

Lokantas

In its basic sense, a lokanta is a restaurant. You'll find these restaurants all over the city, serving delectable home-style casserole dishes for a quick and satisfying meal. 

Lokanta in Istanbul

While the prices will vary depending on the district and the "prestige" of the lokanta, usually, these are one of the most budget-friendly restaurant options for travellers who want to save money. 

My favourite lokanta is located in Kadikoy and it's called Kadi Lokantasi.

3 Money-Saving Tips for Hungry Budget Travelers in Istanbul

Are you feeling hungry, but don't want to splurge in Istanbul? Worry not, you don't have to. Usually, food is very inexpensive there. You can find a wide array of street vendors and cheap restaurants in Istanbul with quality food. 

Nevertheless, it's a good idea to keep these three tips in mind when on a tight budget:

1. Choose restaurants and cafes further away from monuments and landmarks (these are less touristy and more affordable)

2. When in doubt, eat at a lokanta.

3. Indulge in fruits and veggies! You can get fresh vegetables and fruits for a low price. Go shopping in Istanbul's weekly farmers' markets and bazaars.

That wraps up everything I ate in Istanbul last year (besides tons of Turkish ice cream and waffles that I didn't take photos of). Undoubtedly, Istanbul is a foodies paradise, and I'll come back soon!