Travelling solo to Barcelona

Thinking about travelling solo to Barcelona? Great idea! If you’ve caught the travel bug and want to discover a city at your own pace—without having to compromise on schedules or itineraries—then it’s time to pack your bags. Your solo adventure to Barcelona awaits!

It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, and trust us—the Catalan capital is one of the best places you could choose for a solo adventure. To help you feel right at home from day one, Lugaris offers the best apartments in Barcelona, complete with every comfort and the perfect location to begin your new chapter. Welcome to the Ciudad Condal! 🙂

Why travelling solo to Barcelona is a great idea

Travelling without company doesn’t mean being alone; it means having complete freedom to design your own trip. And Barcelona makes it easy for you. Why is travelling solo to Barcelona such a good idea? Here’s why:

• A walkable city: The centre of Barcelona is perfectly easy to explore on foot. This gives you total independence to wander at your own pace, stopping whenever you like at a flower shop on La Rambla or a bakery in El Born. You can move around stress-free, without depending on anyone.
• Multicultural and full of expats: Barcelona attracts people from all over the world. It’s an open, welcoming city that makes it exceptionally easy to join a free tour, strike up a chat at a tapas bar, or meet other travellers at Park Güell. You’ll never really feel alone!
• Excellent public transport: The metro, bus, and tram network is extensive and easy to use. This means that when night falls—or when you’re loaded down with shopping—you can always get back to your Lugaris apartment quickly and safely.
• Culture and leisure everywhere: Barcelona is an open-air museum. Enjoy Gaudí’s architecture, stroll through the Gothic Quarter, or visit the Picasso Museum at your own pace. Experiencing art this way, without having to negotiate your time, feels deeper and more personal.
• Do things your way: Want to spend three hours in Park Güell or stay reading in a café in Gràcia? The choice is yours! No compromises, just your own rhythm and desires.
• Open to new social connections: When you travel solo, you’re more open to what’s around you. You notice more details, you pay attention to people, and meeting other travellers or locals becomes much easier. Get ready for spontaneous conversations!
• Personal growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone and navigating a new city on your own is a real confidence boost. You’ll come back with plenty of stories and the feeling that you can take on the world.

And for that freedom, there’s nothing better than the perfect home base: our Lugaris apartments. You’ll have your own space, a kitchen, and total independence to recharge after a busy day. We also offer long-stay apartments in Barcelona, so you can organise yourself comfortably during your first weeks in the city.

What to do in Barcelona when travelling solo: must-do plans

Barcelona is full of activities that are perfect to enjoy on your own. Take note!

• Stroll through the Gothic Quarter and El Born: Get deliberately lost in the maze of medieval streets. It’s the perfect time to admire the architecture, browse artisan shops, and sit in a sunny square to enjoy a leisurely coffee.
• Picnic with a view: Pick up something delicious at La Boqueria Market and head up to the Bunkers del Carmel for lunch with the best panoramic views of the city.
• Discover art: Visit the Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló. Take your time to appreciate every detail of Gaudí’s masterpieces. Audio guides will be your best travel companions.
• An afternoon at the beach: If you’re staying in one of our beach apartments, you’ll have unbeatable access for a relaxing walk along Barceloneta—or why not try paddleboarding?
• Theatre and culture: Barcelona is home to countless theatres and cultural venues offering performances and creative shows at affordable prices. Go solo and soak up the city’s artistic energy in all its forms.

Safety tips for travelling solo in Barcelona

Barcelona is a welcoming and safe city, but like any major European metropolis, it’s always good to take a few precautions—especially if you’re travelling alone:

• Keep an eye on your belongings: Tourist areas like La Rambla or the metro can attract pickpockets. Keep your bag or backpack in front of you at all times and don’t leave your phone unattended on café tables.
• Getting around at night: Public transport is generally safe, but if you ever feel uncomfortable, take a taxi or a ride-hailing service. Most of our Lugaris apartments are very well connected, so you can move around the city with peace of mind.
• Let someone know: Share your general itinerary with a family member or friend, and make sure your phone battery is always charged.

The best safety tip is choosing the right location: Stay in a quiet, well-connected area. Our apartments in Poblenou or apartments near the beach in Barcelona offer the perfect combination of peaceful surroundings and easy access to the city centre.

Recommended activities and tours for solo travellers in Barcelona

If you’re travelling solo to Barcelona, one of the best ways to meet people is by joining a group activity:

• Free walking tours: They’re a fantastic way to get an overview of the city and meet other travellers from the very first moment. There are themed tours too—Gaudí, history, street art, and more.
• Cooking classes: Sign up for a paella or tapas workshop. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and best of all, you always end up sharing a meal with your classmates!
• Language exchanges: Look for bars that host these meetups. They’re perfect for practising another language, meeting locals, and having a great time.
• Bike tours: Rent a bike or join a guided ride. It’s a quick and safe way to cover long distances—ideal for solo travellers.

And here’s a great tip: there’s an app called MeetUp, designed for people who’ve just arrived in a city and want to join activities while meeting new people. Highly recommended if it’s your first time in Barcelona!

Where to eat and meet people when travelling solo in Barcelona

One of the greatest pleasures of travelling is discovering local food—and doing it alone doesn’t have to be boring. On the contrary, it can be the perfect excuse to break the ice! Here are some of the best spots to eat and meet people:

• Markets (La Boqueria, Santa Caterina): Eating at the market bars is always a great plan. Sit elbow to elbow with locals and fellow travellers, order some fresh tapas, and let the conversation flow naturally.
• Traditional tapas bars: Look for small, counter-style bars. Places like Quimet & Quimet (Poble Sec) or El Xampanyet (El Born) are usually packed, and people easily start chatting while enjoying Catalan delicacies.
• Pet-friendly or communal-table restaurants: Some modern restaurants in Gràcia or Poblenou feature large shared tables—perfect for avoiding that “table for one” feeling.
• Book clubs or bohemian cafés: Order a coffee or a glass of wine and take out your book or travel journal. These spots attract like-minded people and are ideal for sparking a conversation.

Lugaris tip: One of the great advantages of our apartments is having your own kitchen. Prepare a quiet dinner for yourself with local ingredients and enjoy it in your dining room. Or, if you’ve made new friends, invite them over! It’s an affordable and personal way to socialise.

Budget and money-saving tips for travelling solo to Barcelona

Travelling solo to Barcelona can actually make budgeting more flexible. Here are a few tricks to make your adventure in the city more affordable than you might think:

• Save on accommodation: Stay in a Lugaris apartment. It may seem like a bigger initial expense, but being able to cook your own meals dramatically cuts down on food costs compared to eating out every day.
• Take advantage of the menú del día in bars and restaurants: In Spain, many restaurants offer a three-course fixed-price lunch menu from Monday to Friday. It’s the most affordable way to eat well. Look for it in less touristy areas like Poblenou or Sants.
• Use public transport: Get a T-Casual travel card. It gives you ten journeys on the metro, bus, or tram and is much cheaper than buying single tickets. Plus, it gives you the freedom to move around the city easily.
• Enjoy free museum days: Plan your visits around free entry times. For example, many museums in Barcelona offer free admission on Sunday afternoons. Check in advance to make the most of it!
• Discover free things to do in Barcelona: The city is full of parks, beaches, and promenades that don’t cost a thing. Take a walk along the seafront, spend an afternoon in Parc de la Ciutadella, or enjoy the views from Montjuïc—all perfect plans that won’t cost you a euro.

Best time of year to visit Barcelona solo

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means mild weather and pleasant temperatures all year round. Still, here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best time to visit the city, depending on your preferences.

Spring (April – June)

This is the ideal season—mild, sunny, and full of life, but without the crowds and summer heat. It’s the best time for walking tours, cycling, and enjoying outdoor terraces without melting in the sun.

La Diada de Sant Jordi is celebrated on April 23rd. Known as the day of the book and the rose, it’s a magical time to experience the unique atmosphere of the Ciudad Condal.

If you stay with us in spring, you’ll have the perfect temperature to enjoy both the beach and the city centre comfortably.

Autumn (September – October)

Also a great time to visit. The intense summer heat fades, but temperatures remain ideal for outdoor activities. The tourist crowds have gone home, meaning shorter queues and more space at major attractions.

La Mercè Festival takes place at the end of September—it’s the city’s biggest celebration, filled with concerts, street performances, and free activities. It’s a wonderful way to experience local culture and meet people.

During this season, accommodation and flight prices are usually more reasonable than in August, which is great news for your budget!

Avoid summer (July and August)

It gets very hot, and the city is crowded. If you visit during these months, make sure your Lugaris apartment has a good pool or is near the beach so you can cool off after your explorations.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect mix of great weather, fewer crowds, and a festive atmosphere, spring and early autumn are the best times for an unforgettable solo experience in Barcelona.Start your new adventure! Don’t think twice—Barcelona is waiting for you with open arms. And remember, the best part of travelling solo is returning to your own peaceful haven at the end of the day. Book your Lugaris apartment and make your solo trip an unforgettable experience, with all the comfort and privacy you deserve. We’ll be waiting for you in Barcelona!