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There are few cities in the world that have as much personality as Barcelona. The city has so much character and so many unique qualities that it is impossible to confuse Barcelona with any other European city. If you have never been, it is hard to comprehend how so much history, charm and beauty can fit into one area, but anyone who has spent time in the city can speak to the unique and unforgettable feeling of touring Barcelona.
Finding Your Way
The second-largest city in Spain, Barcelona can be difficult to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with it. The numerous streets, paths, bus lines, train tracks and various other methods of transports can be overwhelming when first viewed. Especially if you do not speak the language, a travel map of Barcelona can look more like a confusing piece of abstract art than an actual guide.
However, once you spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the system, it becomes clear that Barcelona has one of the more efficient systems of public transportation in all of Europe. It may not always be simple, but once you have mapped out your routes, bought your tickets and planned your tour of the city, you can spend less time worrying about getting around Barcelona and more time taking in the wonderful experience it provides.
Driving in Barcelona
Unlike other European cities that have a few major attractions concentrated into one urban area, Barcelona offers a wider variety of things to see in a larger area. This means more opportunity for independent exploration instead of confined, guided tours. It also means that tourists– especially Americans– will feel the need to rent their own car upon arrival.
Your own car will allow you to reach areas outside the city proper, and it may provide you with more control over your travel. However, it can actually be a hinderance to you inside the city. Traffic in Barcelona can be a nightmare at times, and it is notoriously harsh on newcomers. If you do have your own car, you will almost always be better off parking it immediately upon reaching the city and then taking advantage of the various public transportation options.
Trains
The train system in Barcelona can seem overly complex at first glance. The Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) are the two organizations which provide public transport in the city, and the Rodalies serve the entire metropolitan area. There are 27 train stations within the city, and millions of people use them every year.
The easiest way to simplify your train travel is to purchase an Hola BCN ticket which will allow unlimited travel on all train lines for a specified period. These tickets can be purchased for periods of between two and five days and eliminate most of the hassle from travel. Another option for tourists is the Barcelona Card which allows for unlimited public transportation as well as several discounts and other vacation benefits.
Taxis
“The taxis in Barcelona are much more affordable than other European cities,” says one travel expert from BookTaxiBCN. These will often provide a more reliable, personalized travel method, but you should order your car in advance. Unlike some major cities, it is difficult (and frustrating) to hail a cab inside the city, but they can be procured at stands, online or by phone.
Other Options
Buses and trams can also be good options for travel inside the city, but the routes can be confusing. You can get a map at any station and most stores, and then plan your route in advance using the color-coded system. Bicycles, mopeds and scooters can also be rented and provide a more open, independent technique for exploration in Barcelona.
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