Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Barcelona (BCN)

About Barcelona

Discover Barcelona

Why visit Barcelona?
Barcelona blends Mediterranean energy with striking architecture, from Gaudi landmarks to elegant boulevards. You can wander between beaches, leafy avenues, and characterful neighbourhoods, discovering street life, design, and culture at every turn.

What to expect
The city is compact and walkable, with distinct districts such as the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, and the beachfront area of Barceloneta. You will find tree-lined promenades, outdoor terraces, and a strong focus on art, design, and everyday café culture.

Plan your trip
Barcelona works well for a short city break or as the starting point for a longer journey through Catalonia and the Mediterranean coast. With excellent rail links and regional connections, you can easily pair the city with nearby coastal towns, mountain landscapes, and vineyard regions.

Top sights in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia

Marvel at Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, with soaring facades and intricate interiors unlike any other landmark in the city.

Park Güell

Stroll among colourful mosaics, sculpted terraces, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Barcelona and the sea.

La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter

Walk down the famous boulevard, then explore narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, and historic buildings nearby.

Casa Batlló and Casa Milà

Discover Gaudi's iconic townhouses along Passeig de Gràcia, known for their flowing lines and imaginative details.

Barceloneta Beach

Relax on the city’s urban shoreline, with a lively promenade perfect for walking, cycling, or enjoying a seaside drink.

Montjuïc Hill

Take the cable car or funicular up for gardens, museums, and broad views across the harbour and city skyline.

Camp Nou area

Visit the stadium district to learn about local football culture and explore the surrounding sports-focused neighbourhood.

Ciutadella Park

Unwind in one of Barcelona’s central green spaces, with lakes, monuments, and shaded paths for a peaceful break.

Experience Barcelona's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Barcelona’s metro and bus networks are the quickest way to cover longer distances, connecting major sights and residential areas. For shorter hops, walking and cycling are ideal, especially along the waterfront and central boulevards, with taxis and app-based rides for late evenings.

Local life & culture
Daily life spills onto the streets in Barcelona, with residents gathering on squares, promenades, and pavement terraces. Each neighbourhood has its own feel, from elegant avenues lined with modernist buildings to bohemian corners where independent galleries and small bars cluster together.

Where to unwind
You can slow the pace in the city’s parks, seaside promenades, and hilltop viewpoints, which are especially pleasant in the softer light of late afternoon and early evening. Beaches, gardens, and waterfront walks give you easy access to fresh air and open views within minutes of the centre.

A taste of Barcelona

Street food & local specialties
Barcelona is known for small plates and seafood, with many neighbourhood bars serving regional classics throughout the day. Areas near the old town and the waterfront are dotted with casual spots where you can sample a range of dishes in one relaxed sitting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find contemporary bistros and global flavours across central districts and in many shopping streets and plazas. Portions are often designed for sharing, making it easy to try several dishes among friends or family over an unhurried lunch or evening meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants with rooftop terraces or elevated views across the city and coastline. Hilltop districts and seafront locations offer particularly atmospheric settings, combining thoughtful menus with striking outlooks over Barcelona’s skyline.

Retail therapy in Barcelona

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Barcelona offers large shopping centres and streets where international brands sit alongside local labels. These areas often combine fashion, dining, and entertainment, so you can browse, eat, and relax in the same place between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and district centres host boutiques and independent shops selling design pieces, accessories, and handmade items. Areas such as the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Gràcia are especially good for discovering local designers and distinctive souvenirs.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many main shopping avenues remain lively, with illuminated façades and cafés staying open into the evening. Some neighbourhood markets and streets also host occasional night events, and public transport makes these areas simple to reach and return from.

Best time to visit Barcelona

Spring season (Primavera, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Barcelona brings mild days of around 15–20°C (59–68°F), with more sunshine and blooming parks. It is a pleasant time for walking tours and outdoor terraces, with comfortable temperatures and a steady but not overwhelming flow of visitors.

Summer season (Verano, June to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and bright, with average temperatures of 24–28°C (75–82°F) and many long, sunny days. Beaches, open-air events, and evening strolls along the waterfront are especially popular, creating a lively atmosphere across the city and coastal areas.

Autumn and winter season (Otoño and Invierno, September to February, low season)
From early autumn, temperatures gradually ease to 10–22°C (50–72°F), with cooler but generally comfortable conditions into winter. This time of year is ideal for museums, architecture, and quieter streets, while clear days still offer inviting walks in parks and along the seafront.

Frequently Asked Questions