Traveling by Van in Barcelona: Routes and Tips

Barcelona – the vibrant Spanish city full of history, culture and beautiful scenery – is an ideal destination to explore by van. With the freedom provided by this vehicle, tourists can tour the city and its surroundings in a comfortable and personalized way.

If you are planning an exciting trip in rental vans in Barcelona, we present a selection of tourist routes to make the most of your visit to Barcelona and some practical tips to do it safely and efficiently.

Tourist routes in Barcelona

1. Modernist Barcelona

This route will take you through Barcelona’s rich modernist architectural heritage. It starts at Plaza de Catalunya and crosses the famous Passeig de Gràcia, where you will find the iconic works of Antoni Gaudí: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (Casa Milà).

Then continue to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s magnificent unfinished masterpiece. Then, head to the Hospital de Sant Pau, another impressive example of Catalan modernism. The tour ends at Park Güell, a park full of colorful structures and mosaics.

2. Montjuïc and the Coast

On this route, you will explore the majesty of Montjuïc, a mountain that is home to numerous attractions. Take the van up to the Castell de Montjuïc, an ancient fortress that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea. Continue to Poble Espanyol, a picturesque open-air museum showcasing the typical architecture of various Spanish regions.

Then, head to the coast, enjoy a stroll along the beach and the relaxed atmosphere of Barceloneta. Finally, visit the Olympic Village, where the athletes who came to the 1992 Olympic Games were housed.

3. Tibidabo and the viewpoints

Embark on an exciting route that will take you to the heights of Barcelona. Drive towards Tibidabo, the highest mountain in the city, via the Carretera de Sant Cugat. From the top, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Don’t miss the Temple of the Sagrat Cor, a neo-Gothic church with an imposing statue of Christ at the top.

The tour continues with a visit to the Tibidabo viewpoint, which also offers magnificent views of the city. If you feel like admiring the city, you can finish the route at the Collserola Tower, which also has a viewpoint with beautiful panoramic views of Barcelona.

Gastronomy and Markets

Delight yourself with the rich gastronomy of Barcelona with this route. Visit the Santa Caterina Market and taste the fresh products of the region. Then, go around the Ciutat Vella to reach the Sant Josep de la Boqueria Market, where you will find a wide variety of typical Catalan delicacies.

Then in the Eixample you can visit the Sant Antoni Market, where you will find els Encants, a well-known municipal clothing and book market.

If you are still hungry, you can finish the walk in the Eixample, a neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife that is full of restaurants and tapas bars.

Renting a van in Barcelona: Important aspects to consider:

License Requirements

If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or a country of the European Economic Area, and you have a valid driver’s license at least 1 year old, you can rent and drive a van in Barcelona without any problems.

If you come from a country with which Spain has an agreement recognizing the driver’s license (Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, El Salvador, Ecuador, among others), then you can drive in our country for a maximum of 90 days.

However, if you are coming from another country, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your original driver’s license and passport.

Advance booking

Barcelona is a very popular destination and rental vans can sell out quickly, especially in high season. To make sure you get the right vehicle for your trip, book well in advance.

Van size

Choose a van that suits your needs. For city driving and easier parking, a small or medium van may be more convenient.

Insurance

Rent a van with full insurance that covers damage and liability. Make sure you understand the insurance conditions and restrictions before signing the rental contract.

Parking rules in the city

The city of Barcelona has strict parking regulations. It is forbidden to park in areas marked in yellow, which are loading and unloading zones.

However, it is allowed in areas such as the green zone or the blue zone; in both cases, you will only be able to park for a maximum of 2 hours.

The ticket issued by the parking meter will accurately indicate the amount of parking time you will have available. This ticket must be placed somewhere visible in the vehicle to avoid being fined by the Guardia Urbana.

Tips for safe and efficient driving in Barcelona

Avoid peak hours

Barcelona can experience heavy traffic, especially during rush hour. Try to plan your trips outside these times to avoid unnecessary delays and frustration.

Use GPS or navigation applications

The city can be labyrinthine for those who don’t know it, so make sure you have an up-to-date GPS or use navigation apps on your phone to make driving easier and avoid getting lost.

Get to know the main tourist routes

Barcelona is full of tourist attractions, and some streets can be narrow or congested. Research and plan your routes to avoid complications and optimize time.

Parking safety

Whenever you park the van, be sure to lock the doors and windows and do not leave valuables in sight. Opt for guarded parking lots for greater security.

Drive with caution

He religiously respects the speed limit – in Barcelona it is 30 km/h – and the traffic signs. Always try to keep a safe distance between your van and other vehicles. Barcelona is a city with narrow streets and frequent pedestrians, so you must be attentive at all times.

 

Exploring Barcelona by van gives you a unique and exciting experience. From the iconic architecture to the picturesque beaches and vibrant neighborhoods, the city has something for everyone. With these practical tips, you will be able to enjoy your van adventure safely and efficiently while discovering all that Barcelona has to offer. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in Barcelona!