If you’re itching to be released from quarantine, ready to leave the mask and gloves at home, plan a vacation you’ll never forget! Choosing your destination carefully will go a long way towards ensuring that you have a great time even (and especially) when traveling alone. No matter your personality type, choosing a country with lots to see and explore, will serve you best when you’re flying solo!
Barcelona is a beautiful place to travel in the company of family and friends. However, fully immersing yourself in the culture is much more seamless when you go it alone. Interacting with the local customs and people as a solo backpacker means you can take it all in at your own pace.
Barcelona is Budget-Friendly
If you’re looking for a location where you’ll have the ultimate experience without the ultimate expense, Barcelona is the place to visit. From its friendly (and incredibly inexpensive) hostels to the unimaginable array of gourmet-level street food which can be sampled for pennies, Barcelona is definitely a place that a solo traveler can stretch their funds for days on end.
For entertainment, immerse yourself in local culture and in the natural beauty of the area. From coastal regions to open parks such as the Parc de la Ciutadella, in which local musicians routinely serenade visitors to the gorgeous views seen on city hikes — the city is yours for the taking.
The natural art in Barcelona is only rivaled by its plethora of museums and shows. The Picasso Museum and the live music at Palau de la Musica Catalana can be enjoyed for very little out of your pocket.
Barcelona is an Endless Adventure
No matter where you explore in Barcelona, it’s guaranteed that adventure awaits. Traveling alone means you have permission to notice the little details of every shop, hike, and restaurant, and truly immerse yourself in the local culture. Speaking with the people who live there, trying unique cuisine in tiny family-owned cafes, strolling in the sun, or slipping into a glorious mid-afternoon siesta in this beautiful city adoringly referred to as “Barna” by the locals.
If you’re looking for tasty and cost-efficient food, stop by a cafe which offers a menú del día — a daily rotating menu. These are often the meals of choice for those who work in the area, which can allow you to really sample what life is like in Barcelona.
Pack a book with you on your stroll around the city and discover tiny nooks to sit and read in. Barcelona is endlessly friendly to those who just wish to sit and relax. You’ll never truly feel alone if you’re in Barcelona, though. The Spanish and Catalan people who live there are among the friendliest and chattiest in the world. You’ll likely make friends wherever you go!
Barcelona is a Safe City
There may be one concern you have above all others as a solo traveler, and that’s your safety as you lodge alone. In Barcelona, you don’t have to worry! It’s truly a safe city. The locals are friendly and protective of their tourists, and violent crime overall is statistically low. However, there are some simple precautions you can take for extra safety while you’re there:
- The one type of crime that is prevalent in Barcelona is pickpocketing. To keep your things secure, invest in a cross-body strap with a secured opening (like a zipper that locks shut).
- Use common sense when you’re out dining in regards to your bag — don’t hang it on the back of your chair; keep it on your lap or loop it around your foot instead.
- Try not to stand out as an obvious tourist! For example, don’t stand in the middle of the street brandishing a large paper map. If you need to find your way, ask someone!
It’s Easy to Travel Through Barcelona
Barcelona lends itself to easy travel. Traveling around on foot is easy, free, and Barcelona is an intimate enough city that you can easily reach many places by simply walking. However, if you don’t feel like walking, you have options.
The city has an incredibly well-serviced public transportation system; between the Metro and a sleek fleet of buses, you’ll be able to get anywhere you need to go. Lastly, if you’re up for an adventure, you can rent a bike. Barcelona is an incredibly friendly city for bike-riders; you definitely won’t be alone as you cycle around!
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for a great city to explore, where you’ll feel confident traveling as a solo backpacker, Barcelona is the place. From the easy transit to the incredible local cuisine and very accessible fees for entertainment and food and more, Barcelona offers beautiful opportunities for exploration and culture!
Immersing yourself in the local culture and steeping yourself in the gorgeous natural beauty of the area is fun to do with friends, but you can likely appreciate it all the more if you brave it alone.
Megan Glenn
