Travel
Flight
Getting There
If you are traveling directly to Barcelona, you will fly into BCN Airport. BCN is about 30 minutes drive from the city center. It's very easy to get a cab at the airport. For more information on getting back and forth from the airport, please visit the link below. Traveling within Europe is more convenient and affordable than traveling from the US, so this may be a great time to plan a European vacation and make another stop or two on your way or before heading home!
Travel Note
Travel Documents
Please prepare the following documents in advance for your travel to Spain and any other countries you may wish to visit on your trip. PASSPORT Once you mail your US passport application, it may take 2 weeks to be received by the passport agency. Processing time may take up to 13 weeks. Then it may take 2 weeks to receive your passport in the mail after processing. That could add up to 4.5 months. ETIAS Update - The ETIAS requirement has been postponed to 2025! (US citizens visiting Spain in the future will have to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization prior to traveling.)
Hotel
Gallery Hotel
We do not have a hotel block so that you can have the flexibility that you need. There are many great hotels in Barcelona to fit all needs. You are welcome to stay at any hotel/apartment/Airbnb/lodging of your choice. The below hotels in different neighborhoods of Barcelona have been recommended to us. We will be staying at El Palauet. Gallery Hotel https://www.galleryhotel.com/en The Barcelona Edition https://www.editionhotels.com/barcelona/ Cotton House https://www.hotelcottonhouse.com/es The Hoxton https://thehoxton.com/poblenou/
Travel Note
Barcelona
You'll find great weather, food, and culture in Barcelona! There is much to see and fortunately you can get around conveniently by metro, taxi, or even on foot. Here's a short list of ideas in and around Barcelona to get your planning started. THINGS TO SEE/DO - Basilica de la Sagrada Familia - Camp Nou - Casa Batlló - Mercat de la Boqueria - Montjuic - Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya - Palau de la Música Catalana - Parc de la Ciutadella - Parc Güell - The Paella Club (paella cooking class) - Tibidabo Amusement Park (good for kids) THINGS TO EAT/DRINK Basically everything! Jamón ibérico, fideuà and paella, all the seafood, all the tapas, crema catalana, cava, vermouth… - Mercat de la Boqueria - El Xampanyet - Paradiso
Travel Note
Events
LA MERCÈ September 20-24 If you have the opportunity to come to Barcelona a few days early, you can experience La Mercè! La Mercè is Barcelona's major annual festival honoring Mare de Deu de la Mercè (Lady of the Mercy, the Patron Saint of Barcelona) and marks the ending of summer. Enjoy music, art, dancing, parades, gegants (papier-mâché giants), castellers (human towers), correfocs (fire run), and fireworks. https://www.barcelona.cat/lamerce/en CASA BATLLÓ MAGICAL NIGHTS Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudí's imaginative architectural masterpieces, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon of Barcelona. During the warm season enjoy Magic Nights, a series of romantic concerts that take place on the roof terrace. Explore Casa Batlló after hours and enjoy a glass of cava as the sun sets with live music and views over Barcelona. https://www.casabatllo.es/en/online-tickets/visit-magic-nights/ AMERICA'S CUP RACE The America's Cup Race, a prestigious international sailing competition, will be held in Barcelona in September-October 2024. The Cultural Regatta will be held during this time to feature cultural, artistic, food, science and entertainment activities. Some food/wine-related events during the weeks we will be there include: - Street Food and Market Barceloneta September 27-29, October 4-6 - Pobenou Wine Festival September 28, 29 - Barceloneta Tasting September 27-October 6 - Tapa Fest 2024 September 28, 29 - Fet al Born September 27-end of October - Street Food al Born September 27-29 https://www.barcelona.cat/regatacultural/en/experience-regatta/gastronomy-commerce-and-markets https://www.barcelona.cat/regatacultural/ca