Overall, Spain is a great choice for solo travel, with great food, many culturally rich places and incredible sights to enjoy without missing anyone's company.
Here are 6 reasons to visit Barcelona alone.
1. A prosperous international city
Barcelona is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with millions of backpackers and people from all over the world keen to explore and learn about Spanish and Catalan culture. Almost every corner is bustling with activity all year round and you will often see many people from different nationalities on the streets. So, if you're not shy, you won't be alone. You'll have plenty of opportunities to talk to fellow travelers along the way and to people in the same situation.
2. Warm and friendly people
The Spanish are very warm and friendly. Whether you are enjoying tapas and sangria at a bar or sitting on public transportation, they are likely to be the first people to start a conversation. Spaniards are curious about foreigners, they love to talk about any topic and appreciate a sense of humor.
As a general rule, it is easy to find English speakers in Barcelona, and most of them will be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have. In addition, interacting with the locals will allow you to better understand yourself and see things from a different perspective.
3. Free travel
The best way to explore the city as a solo traveler is to join one of the free walking tours in Barcelona. There are many companies that offer high quality free walking tours. Basically, a local guide will take you around the city for free and show you the best sights and main attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, Gaudi's fascinating work, the Montauk, etc. Finally, you are free to tip your guide on what you think the tour is worth. The guide will usually offer suggestions and advice on places to eat and things to do. This is a great opportunity to learn interesting facts about the history and culture and gain insider knowledge while meeting other people. We highly recommend that you book these tours online in advance, especially during the high season.
4. Community-centered hotels
Barcelona has many hostels designed specifically for solo travelers with a strong focus on community. Often, these are the best places to meet young, interesting people and make new friends. You can hang out at the hostel bars or participate in the group activities, hikes and nightly events they organize. Conversations will naturally be everywhere, hands down.
5. One person travel safety
Statistics show that Barcelona is one of the safest cities in the world to visit as far as general crime is concerned. In addition, it is one of the top 10 destinations preferred by travelers, according to TripAdvisor and other international sources.
Barcelona's violent crime rate (such as assaults and armed robberies) is very low and anyone walking alone on the streets during the day and night is usually safe. Public transportation and cabs are also considered safe and reliable.
As with many tourist cities, pickpockets near major tourist attractions are the only problem, but they can be easily avoided if you remain cautious and follow simple, common-sense safety guidelines.
6. Many entertainment options
Barcelona has it all: fantastic museums, legendary architecture, beautiful beaches, great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. With joy in the air, it's impossible to get bored.
If you're an art lover, head to the Picasso and Juan Miro museums. Want more? Head to the El Born neighborhood to explore the avant-garde galleries, art cafes and trendy stores. If you want to sample local cuisine, head to the tapas bar at La Boqueria Market. For live music, there are great venues like Sala Apolo, City Hall and more.