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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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