Interested in solo travel in Barcelona, but need help with the planning?
Then you’re in the right place!
With its stunning architecture, mild climate, city beaches, and delicious food, Barcelona is a dream for many solo travelers.
Beyond iconic sights like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, Barcelona showcases art museums, historical sites, and hidden gems perfect for exploring on your own.
If you’re looking to add nature and adventure, the nearby Collserola Mountains and Costa Brava offer scenic hiking trails for solo travelers seeking a break from the city.
After happily visiting Barcelona as a solo traveler for years, I moved to the city two years ago. Living here has helped me uncover its true spirit and best-kept secrets.
Now, I’m excited to share my top tips with you. On that note, let’s dive into the guide. By the end, you’ll not only know where to go but also important tips for having a safe and fun solo trip to Barcelona.
Quick tip: While Barcelona is safe for solo travel, it’s still smart to pack travel safety essentials. One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves.
Additionally, learn how to travel solo with confidence with my free Savvy Solo Traveler email course!
Is Solo Travel In Barcelona Worth It?
Barcelona is a memorable place to visit as a solo traveler for many reasons, one of which is the many things to do.
Do you like exploring historical sites and learning about historic events? Barcelona has you covered with its fascinating medieval Gothic Quarter.
Would you prefer to learn about local cuisine and dig into delicious food? Barcelona offers a wide variety of tapas bars and food tours to learn how to cook classic Spanish and Catalan cuisine at home.
Maybe you are more interested in admiring world-class architecture and art. In Barcelona, you can visit world-famous architectural wonders like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and many art museums.
It is easier to get around Barcelona on foot or with public transportation than to rent a car, which makes visiting Barcelona alone even more convenient.
To sum up, Barcelona is one of the best places for solo travel in Europe with plenty of interesting things to do and easy access around the city.
Barcelona Solo Travel Logistics
Let’s get to know Barcelona a bit more so you can have an amazing Barcelona solo trip!
Where is Barcelona?
Barcelona is located on the northeastern coast of Spain by the Mediterranean Sea, around 466 miles (750 kilometers) from the French border.
Barcelona’s coastal location means that the city offers great urban beaches to add a little beach break to your Barcelona getaway.
Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous region with a rich history and distinct cultural traditions. Catalonia has its own language, Catalan, which is spoken alongside Spanish and widely used throughout the region.
In recent years, the movement for Catalonia’s independence has increased considerably. As a result, you will see many Catalan flags hanging from balconies or in windows around Barcelona.
You will also find that most street signs and shops in Barcelona have descriptions in both Catalan and Spanish—or only in Catalan.
Best time to visit Barcelona
The best time to visit Barcelona is in the spring (May to June) or in the fall (September to November), when you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures ranging from 50 F (10 C) to 77 F (25 C).
Peak tourist season is during the summer months (June through August), when Barcelona gets overcrowded with tourists and temperatures reach well above 86 F (30 C). It can be quite unbearable to walk around the city during the daytime.
If you don’t mind the cooler weather, visiting Barcelona during the winter months (November through March) can also be a great option as you’ll really be able to get away from the crowds.
Getting to Barcelona
Barcelona is well-connected to many main destinations around Europe by train, bus, and plane, with the easiest option for international travelers being via plane.
Barcelona’s El Prat Airport is Spain’s second-largest airport, and it’s connected to the city center with a metro, train, and an Airport shuttle bus, Aerobús Barcelona.
The metro line L9 Sud (Line 9 South) connects airport terminals 1 and 2 with the city center. You need to get a special ticket to use the L9 metro line to the city center which costs 5.50€ one-way.
However, if you plan on using public transportation during your stay in Barcelona, the Hola Barcelona Travel Card might be a better option as it includes the metro ride to the airport.
The regional train line R2 Nord connects terminal 2 in the airport with the central Barcelona Sants train station in Barcelona’s city center. The ticket for the train costs 4.90 € one-way.
Aerobús Barcelona leaves from both terminals and takes you to the city center. The airport shuttle bus costs 7,25 € one-way
You can easily reach Barcelona from other parts of Spain, Portugal, or France by train, or long-distance bus.
Getting around Barcelona as a solo traveler
Barcelona is a safe and walkable city, and you’ll enjoy endless examples of beautiful architecture as you explore.
Additionally, the city has a well-developed public transportation system. The metro connects the main parts of the city through several metro lines that run every 2–5 minutes. In case the metro isn’t running where you need to go, many public buses run throughout the city.
You can buy a local T-usual ticket or a Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which works for both metro and buses in Barcelona.
Taxi, Uber, and Cabify are also great alternatives to get around Barcelona for solo travelers.
Is Barcelona Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
According to Travelsafe-Abroad, travel in Barcelona is safe as long as you keep an eye out for pickpockets—especially in crowded tourist areas like Plaça Catalunya, La Rambla, and the Gothic Quarter.
When dining out, avoid leaving your phone, camera, or wallet on the table or in your pockets. Keep valuables in your bag and secure the straps around your ankles or under your feet.
In crowded areas, wear backpacks in front and cover zippers with your hand when possible. Avoid El Raval and El Born at night, and stay mindful even during the day.
That said, I’ve lived in Barcelona for two years and have never been pickpocketed—I just stay cautious in busy tourist areas!
Where To Stay In Barcelona While Traveling Solo
While many guides will tell you to stay near La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, these areas aren’t the safest for returning home alone at night. For solo female travel in Barcelona, the best neighborhoods (or barrios) are Eixample and Gràcia.
Eixample
Eixample is a safe and clean neighborhood featuring some of Barcelona’s best attractions—like Passeig de Gràcia (avenue), which is home to gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture and Gaudí gems such as Casa Battló and La Pedrera-Casa Milà.
Two top picks for accommodation in Eixample for solo travelers in Barcelona are:
- The Loft Hostel la Pedrera. This stylish hostel, which offers a mix of dorms and private rooms, is just two blocks from Passeig de Gracias and one of Gaudi’s famous landmarks, La Pedrera.
- Pars Tailor’s Hostel. Stay in a 1930s tailor shop, with decor that makes it feel like you’ve stepped back in time and a mix of dorm and private rooms.
Gràcia
Gràcia is the best area to stay in Barcelona as a solo traveler if you want a more local vibe, as it’s located a bit farther from the city center. You can still easily get around by walking or with public transportation.
Here you’ll find one of the best hostels in Barcelona for solo travelers, Casa Gracia, a stylish, clean, and just a short walk to Casa Mila. Plus, they offer dormitory and private rooms depending on your budget and preference.
Other places to stay in Barcelona
Additionally, this map can help you research accommodation options when traveling solo in Barcelona. It’s currently set to Eixample, but you can easily change it to your preferred neighborhood:
Top Things To Do Alone In Barcelona
Barcelona is full of attractions and experiences. Here are some of my favorite things to do during solo travel to Barcelona:
1. Visit Sagrada Familia
No visit to Barcelona is complete without a visit to Sagrada Familia, an impressive basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by world-famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
It is the world’s largest unfinished church and Barcelona’s most famous landmark. The construction of Sagrada Familia started in 1882 and is finally due to be finished in 2026.
Admission includes an audio guide that shares the history of the place and the symbols in the architecture. Just remember to bring your own headphones!
Alternatively, you can sign up for a guided tour of the Sagrada Familia, like this top-rated option.
2. Explore Park Güell
Looking for alternative Barcelona attractions? Located in Gràcia, Park Güell is a unique local park that mixes nature and architecture like nowhere else. Since it’s located on a hillside, the park also offers some amazing panoramic views over the city.
Like Sagrada Familia, Park Güell was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While the main parts of Park Güell—known as the Monumental Zone—get busy during the day, the rest of the 17-hectare (42-acre) park is a perfect spot for wandering around on your own.
How long you spend at Park Güell ultimately depends on how much of the park you want to explore.
If you just want to see the Monumental Zone with the Dragon Stairway and Serpentine Bench, you don’t need more than 30 minutes to 1 hour; however, if you want to explore a bit more you can easily spend 2 to 3 hours at Park Güell.
In terms of itinerary planning, Park Güell is around 30-45 minutes walking from Sagrada Familia, so you can easily combine these two architectural masterpieces into one day.
3. Enjoy the views from Bunkers del Carmel
Bunkers del Carmel offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view over the city from the top of Turó de la Rovira (hill).
The bunker was used in anti-aircraft warfare during the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939) and is now protected as a historic area by the Museu d ‘Història de la Ciutat (Museum of History of Barcelona).
During the summer months, the viewpoint gets especially busy for sunsets. Locals and tourists gather to enjoy the stunning views of the sun setting over Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.
The attraction is a 20-minute (uphill) walk from Park Güell, or you can take the local bus 119 to get almost to the viewpoint.
4. Wander the Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is a must-visit place for solo travel in Barcelona. It’s one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, dating back to the 15th century, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the historic streets.
It also features important landmarks like Barcelona’s Cathedral, City Hall, the Plaça Reial (Royal Square), and the picturesque Pont del Bisbe, a unique bridge between two buildings.
Note that the Gothic Quarter is one of the most touristy places in Barcelona, so it’s recommended to visit early. As the day goes on, the streets can get very crowded, and you should keep an extra eye on your belongings.
Another great option is joining a Gothic Quarter walking tour to learn more about the area’s fascinating history.
5. Take a day trip from Barcelona
While there are many wonderful things to do in Barcelona, there are also several fantastic day trips you should add to your solo trip itinerary:
- Montserrat Monastery. Uniquely located on the top of Montserrat Mountain, the monastery overlooks the Catalan countryside.
- Costa Brava. North of Barcelona is the Costa Brava coastline with turquoise water, hidden caves, and small coastal towns offering the perfect beach break or solo hiking trip.
- Girona. Located an hour and a half by train from Barcelona, you will find the charming town of Girona, whose historical quarter is known for its appearance in Game of Thrones.
- Penedes DO (wine region). Book a guided tour and enjoy some of Catalonia’s best sparkling wine (cava).
Taking a day trip from Barcelona will allow you to appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of Catalonia outside Barcelona.
6. Visit Barcelona’s museums
One of the best things to do when visiting Barcelona is explore the many interesting museums. A few recommendations for an enjoyable solitary experience include:
- The Picasso Museum. Located in a charming old mansion in the Gothic Quarter, you can view paintings and drawings by the world-famous Spanish painter, Pablo Picasso.
- The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). Located right off Plaza Plaça d’Espanya, this impressive museum showcases the best of Catalan Art from the 12th to the 20th centuries.
- Bansky’s Street Art Museum. This museum features exclusively street art from the British street artist, Bansky.
- The Joan Miró Foundation. Surrounded by nature on top of Mount Montjuïc, you can visit one of Barcelona’s most unique art museums featuring modern art by Catalan artist Joan Miró.
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA). View some of the best modern art in Barcelona’s El Raval neighborhood.
7. Wander Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia is Barcelona’s most famous shopping street with beautiful architecture and top attractions, like:
- Casa Battló. This is Gaudí’s most famous building after Sagrada Familia and an impressive architectural gem in Barcelona with a colorful mosaic facade.
- Casa Lleó Morera. This gorgeous modernist building is located on the same block as Casa Battló.
- La Pedrera – Casa Milà. Visit Gaudí’s last private residence in Barcelona designed with a unique curved stone facade.
- Passatge de la Concepció. Walk this cute sidewalk with restaurants and cocktail bars.
- El Nacional. This is a typical place to go for tapas and is one of the best bars in Barcelona for solo travelers thanks to its social atmosphere.
- Plaça de Catalunya. This central square connects Passeig de Gràcia with La Rambla, Barcelona’s famous pedestrian street.
8. Attend a show at the Palace of Catalan Music
The Palace of Catalan Music, also known as Palau de la Música Catalana in Catalan, is an impressive architectural treasure and concert call in the heart of Barcelona.
During the daytime, you can visit on a guided tour; but to truly experience the building’s magic, you should attend a performance in the evening.
As the sun sets, the rooftop windows of the palace cast a warm glow, coloring the scene inside the concert hall.
The Palace of Catalan Music offers performances ranging from classic music concerts to traditional Spanish flamenco shows.
9. Eat tapas
On your solo trip to Barcelona, make time to eat some tapas and sample dishes that make the city’s food scene one of the best in the world.
One fun way to do this while meeting locals and other travelers is to book a food tour. A few recommendations include:
- Small-Group Barcelona Tapas & Wine Experience
- Barcelona Tapas, Taverns & Gothic Quarter History Tour
- Barcelona Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner
Another option is to do an experience through EatWith, a platform that connects you with locals hosting in-home dinners and food tours.
10. Hike to Tibidabo
If you love outdoor adventure or just want a break from urban life, consider hiking to the top of Mount Tibidabo—the highest point in Collserola Natural Park. As the park surrounds Barcelona, your hard work will be rewarded with epic views over the city.
While it looks as far away, it is easy to reach Tibidabo from Barcelona’s city center. Take the train L7 from Plaça Catalunya to Plaça Kennedy (the stop is Avenida Tibidabo), and start your hike from there.
At the top of Tibidabo, you will find the Tibidabo Amusement Park and the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (church).
You can visit the church for free; however, there is a small charge if you want to climb the church tower for an even more spectacular view.
Barcelona Solo Travel Map
To help give you a lay of the land, here is a Barcelona travel map. It has the above-mentioned points of interest pre-plotted:
Top-Rated Tours For Solo Travelers In Barcelona
One of the top ways to gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit while making new friends when traveling Barcelona alone is to book a guided tour. A few top-rated tours in Barcelona include:
Barcelona in 1 Day: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Old Town
Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour
Paella Market Visit, Tapas, Sangria & Paella Class
Flamenco Casa Sors & Guitar Museum (with Optional Dinner & Cocktail)
Montserrat, Girona & Costa Brava Guided Day Trip
Click here for a full list of Barcelona tours.
Tips For Solo Dining In Barcelona
Dinner times in Barcelona are much later than what you might be used to from back home. Many local restaurants don’t open before around 8 pm, and locals gather for dinner around 9-10 pm, when restaurants can become very busy.
If you want to avoid the busy times, which can also be less awkward for solo travelers, consider arriving shortly after the restaurant opens.
During weekends, many restaurants fill up very quickly, so it’s best to make a reservation.
If you’re dining solo and looking to try a variety of dishes, consider ordering tapas. Many restaurants have bar seating where you can enjoy small plates, making it easy to sample different flavors and engage with the staff or other patrons if you’re open to a bit of conversation. A few must-try tapas include:
- Patatas Bravas. Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli, perfect for a bit of comfort food with a kick.
- Pan con Tomate. Simple yet delicious, this toasted bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil is a Catalan staple.
- Croquetas. Creamy croquettes filled with ingredients like ham, chicken, or mushrooms offering a crispy bite-sized treat.
Spain Travel Insurance
When visiting Spain, or anywhere else in the world, it’s important to get travel insurance.
For this, I have two recommendations:
SafetyWing. If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).
Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.
World Nomads. For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barcelona Solo Female Travel
Now that we’ve gone over where to go and what to do when visiting Barcelona solo, I want to answer some frequently asked questions:
Q) Is Barcelona good for solo travel?
Yes, Barcelona is one of the best places for solo travel in Europe as it’s safe and walkable with many fun things to do.
Q) How long should I spend in Barcelona?
Consider spending no less than 2 to 3 days in the city, though if you can stay 5 days you’ll have plenty to do.
Q) Is it safe to go out at night in Barcelona?
At night, it’s important to be careful about which areas of the city you visit. Avoid the Gothic Quarter, El Raval, and El Born.
Q) Is Barcelona a walkable city?
Yes, Barcelona is a walkable city. You will not need a car when visiting.
Q) Should I go to Barcelona if I only speak English?
You can get around Barcelona by only speaking English, as locals working in tourism and the service industry are used to visitors with limited Spanish; however, locals will appreciate it if you learn a few common phrases in Spanish or Catalan.
Final Thoughts On Solo Travel In Barcelona
Barcelona offers something for every solo traveler—whether you’re into relaxing on the beach, exploring incredible architecture and top-tier museums, or hitting nearby hiking trails.
This variety makes it a top solo travel destination, so don’t hesitate to experience it on your own.
Enjoy your solo trip to Barcelona—you’re in for an amazing time! Also, if you’d like to extend your trip, make sure to check out my ultimate guide to solo travel in Spain.
