Barcelona
Barcelona is easy to explore on foot and by metro, and the Aerobus drops you right in the middle: Plaça Catalunya sits between the old town and the Modernista Eixample, and Plaça Espanya is at the foot of Montjuïc. These are the places you mustn't miss, with the simplest way to reach each one.
Gaudí's basilica, under construction since 1882, is the most visited monument in Spain. It's well worth going inside: the light pouring through the stained-glass windows is what impresses most. Book your ticket online for a set day and time.
How to get there: From Plaça Universitat, metro L2 to Sagrada Família, with no change.
The park Gaudí designed on Carmel hill, with the famous dragon staircase, the square with its trencadís mosaic benches and views over the whole city. The Monumental Zone requires a timed ticket.
How to get there: From Plaça Catalunya, bus 24; or metro L3 to Lesseps or Vallcarca and a 15-20 minute uphill walk.
Gaudí's two houses on Passeig de Gràcia, a few blocks from each other. Even if you don't go in, their façades are part of the city's best Modernista walk.
How to get there: On foot from Plaça Catalunya: 10 minutes to Casa Batlló and 15 to La Pedrera.
Barcelona's medieval core: narrow alleys, the Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, Plaça Sant Felip Neri and remains of the Roman wall. It's best explored by getting lost at a leisurely pace.
How to get there: On foot from Plaça Catalunya, about 5-10 minutes.
The city's most famous boulevard runs from Plaça Catalunya down to the port. Halfway along is the Boqueria market, perfect for a fresh juice or some tapas at the counter.
How to get there: It starts right at the Plaça Catalunya Aerobus stop.
A neighbourhood of shops, bars and medieval streets with the basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, the Mercat del Born and the Picasso Museum on Carrer Montcada.
How to get there: On foot from Plaça Catalunya, about 15 minutes; or metro L4 to Jaume I.
The old fishermen's quarter and the start of several kilometres of city beach. A good place for paella or fish by the sea.
How to get there: Metro L4 to Barceloneta, or a 30-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya.
The hill beside the port: the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the Magic Fountain, the Poble Espanyol, the Fundació Miró, the Olympic Ring and the castle with sea views.
How to get there: Walk up from the Plaça Espanya Aerobus stop.
What you can walk to from each Aerobus stop: La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter from Plaça Catalunya, Montjuïc from Plaça Espanya and much more.
Got a layover of 6 hours or more at El Prat? How much time you need to leave the airport, what to see in the centre by Aerobus and when to head back.
Practical tips for your trip to Barcelona: travel cards, meal times, booking monuments, pickpockets, tipping and which languages are spoken.
The centre is compact and flat, except towards the hills. For longer distances the metro is fast and frequent; if you'll use it a lot, the Hola Barcelona card, which can be bought combined with the Aerobus, gives you unlimited travel for 2 to 5 days. We explain it in fares and tickets and in practical tips.