If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, one thing you might be considering is purchasing the Barcelona Card. This card is advertised as a way to save money on attractions and transportation in the city, but is it really worth it? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the Barcelona Card?
The Barcelona Card is a tourist pass that gives you access to over 20 museums and attractions in the city, as well as unlimited use of public transportation (including the airport train) for a set number of days. You can choose from 3, 4, or 5-day cards, and prices range from €47 to €61 (at the time of writing).
What does it include?
Here are some of the main attractions and activities that are included with the Barcelona Card:
- Sagrada Familia
- Park Guell
- Casa Batllo
- Casa Mila
- Picasso Museum
- Mirador de Colom viewpoint
- Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC)
In addition, you’ll get discounts on many other museums and attractions, as well as at certain restaurants and shops.
Is it worth it?
Whether or not the Barcelona Card is worth it for you depends on several factors:
- How many days you’ll be in Barcelona – If you’re only there for a day or two, it may not be worth getting the card.
- Which attractions you plan to visit – If you’re only interested in visiting a couple of museums or sights that aren’t included with the card, it might not be worth it.
- How much you plan to use public transportation – If you’re planning to walk or use ride-sharing services most of the time, the card may not be worth it.
That being said, if you’re planning to visit several of the major attractions that are included with the card and will be using public transportation frequently, it’s likely that the Barcelona Card will save you money compared to buying individual tickets.
Other considerations
Here are a few other things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to get the Barcelona Card:
- You’ll need to pick up your card in person at a tourist office or airport – this can take some time depending on how busy it is.
- The Barcelona Card does not include entrance to popular attractions like the Camp Nou stadium tour or the Gothic Quarter walking tour.
- The card is valid for consecutive days, so make sure you’ll be using it enough to justify the cost.
Conclusion
In general, if you’re planning to visit several of the major attractions included with the Barcelona Card and will be using public transportation frequently, it’s likely that you’ll save money by purchasing the card. However, if you’re only in Barcelona for a short time or aren’t interested in many of the included sights, it may not be worth it. As with any travel decision, weigh your options carefully and choose what makes sense for your specific trip.